Many characters in comics and science fiction have a distinctly unconventional appearance that doesn't help them in any discernable way--and doesn't hinder them much either.

With that in mind, here's an option I now use with randomly generated characters with Body Power.

If the players don't want living hair or blaster eyes or suction cup tentacles, etc., they can pick another power--so long as they give themselves a physical distinction (unconnected with the power) that makes them stand out in a crowd yet isn't severe enough to count as a physical handicap or prejudice.

A great example from comics is Doc Samson. When originally conceived, there was the perception that his long, green hair was tied to his strength. But as it turned out that's just not the case. Rather, the green hair is a side effect of the gamma radiation that also gave him his strength.

polarboy wrote on Sep 10^th, 2009 at 12:07am:


The first edition rules had a "physical mutation" power that basically did exactly what you describe. The character's body was altered in some way (a tail, fur, whatever), but the mutation also provided them a power.

Actually, I remember them saying that Logan's hair wont stay cut and it grows back to that length rather fast due to his rapid healing.

That sounds like it would be a cool looking visual as well.

G7

Guardian7 wrote on Sep 15^th, 2009 at 9:43pm:


It is, courtesy of mighty Mike Allred!

http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix/smokeeee.htm

Smog is from Blackwyrm Game's Algernon Files. Even though you may not play M&M or Champions, I'd suggest you check out the books, as they've got very cool characters.

It was renamed the "Drawing Board" section, and moved here - http://www.atomicthinktank.com/viewforum.php?f=19&sid=39cf66a9b4f44a2a4f5bd25a96...

Doctor Foom wrote on Sep 17^th, 2009 at 10:05am:


Quite a lot actually, as I learn new things regularly. As far as M&M, and Blackwyrm Games in particular goes, I've got an inside scoop, as I've done playtesting for several of their products. They're a good group of guys, very supportive of their fan base, and a couple of them are former V&V gamers (they've currently got a long running Champions campaign going).

If you get the chance, swing over to their website, and take a look, as they've got some good products on the market. I can't recommended The Algernon Files Vol. I and II enough. Some really good material to be mined.

Here's a minor ability I've seen on film often enough to give it a V&V write-up.

Body Power: Disguise Voice
The character has an extraordinary ability to imitate the accents and speech patterns of others. PR = 0.

When using this power to impersonate others over the telephone or somewhere out of sight, only those who are very familiar with the person being imitated receive a det. hidden roll to discern that the speaker is an impostor (GM's discretion). Otherwise the disguised voice will sound authentic.

Passing a voice-recognition scan when impersonating someone else may require the character to save vs. Intelligence (d20).

The character may have other speech-based abilities as well, such as ventriloquism (others require a det. hidden roll to see the character's lips/throat move if they try discreetly "throwing their voice" ).