Re: [BNW] First Move Question

[MKirk2112@aol.com]

In a message dated 8/23/2000 10:18:04 AM Eastern Daylight Time, tsm@jlab.org 
writes:

<< True, for Speedsters First Move is a bit better than for others because of 
 > their movement, but your example assumes 1) that the Speedster only has to 
 > worry about one opponent (which is rarely the case), and 2) that there are 
no 
 > flying characters who can get line of sight pretty easily regardless of 
how 
 > many corners he is around ... oh those pesky Armorgeddon Suit pilots!  
Plus, 
 > do you not have your Speedster make some rolls (like a Speed roll) when he 
 > rounds a corner at such high speed when he doesn't know what is on the 
other 
 > side in the "clutter" of the city to keep from running into that guy 
walking 
 > or that newspaper vending machine or whatever?  Also, if the Speedster is 
 > around two corners and out of LOS, how does he know where the target is to 
 > run back around the second time and attack him?  He knows the general area 
of 
 > course, but how can he be sure the guy is still there?  If that target 
hides 
 > and holds his action after the Speedster does his little run-by maneuver, 
and 
 > then the Speedster runs back around the corner to get him ... oops!
 
 Well I kept the example fairly simple. If there were multiple opponents
 then I would just have him wait and go late in the round so that they all
 have to used held actions. He makes one dodge roll (don't forget any
 penalties for shooting at a fast moving target) and then does his thing.
 He MAY have to make speed rolls for going around the corner, but do you
 commonly make everyone make rolls when they turn a corner? The speedster
 shouldn't be penalized just because he's faster, do you make the blaster's
 target number to shoot higher than everyone else's?
 He can always dodge into a building, or run 80" away. That'll keep him
 clear of any bad guys and he can always run back next round and attack the
 round after that.
 Assuming that he attacks every round then unless the bad guy is able to
 hide someplace pretty near by then it's reasonable to assume that the
 speedster knows his general location (he's had, at max 5 seconds to move
 somewhere and can only move 8" or so).
 
 > I must say, however, that my Speedster player hasn't been as creative with 
 > his First Move trick as you are being in your example.  Bravo!
 
 Yeah, a speedster is definitely up there with my favorite PP. I chose a
 bouncer, but it was a close decision.
 
  Theo McGuckin -
    "It's not worth it" >>

I don't make the Speedster roll a Speed check when he is running 90 mph in a 
straight line where he can see exactly where he is going and what is in the 
way, but you better believe I make him roll when he is rounding a blind 
corner at 90 mph.  He usually makes it because he has +5 to the roll because 
of his delta power (evading stuff in the way while moving I just say is close 
to a dodge so I give him the +5).  But, I actually have a different opinion 
on your Blaster example as compared to the Speedster.  I certainly don't make 
the TN higher for a Blaster as compared to other types of characters, but I 
raise the TN for the Blaster when he is shooting blindly or doing anything 
that is not "status quo" when it comes to his power.  By not having the 
Speedster make a roll in situations where he is running blindly, or running 
through rough terrain, or other such challenging situations, I think it sets 
up a situation that would be similar to not making a Blaster roll to hit at 
all.  Why should the Speedster have a power that works all the time at 
maximum efficiency regardless of the situation (I can run 110" all the time 
without need for any roll both on the salt flats of Utah and inside the 
cramped confines of a large building) just because there is no "to hit" or 
other roll attached to it?  By allowing the Speedster's power to work this 
well all the time, this in my opinion penalizes the Blaster and other 
characters who just happen to have a built in game mechanic for their powers. 
 But, again, this is just my opinion.

The Speedster may know where the general location of the enemy is, but if the 
enemy is hidden, what does the Speedster do when he gets there and can't 
locate the enemy?  It could be argued that since the Speedster "left the 
scene" that this is a possible surprise attack situation.  Or, what if the 
hidden character is a Defender ... put that force shield up just around the 
corner that the Speedster is running around and splat!  

Actually, we've found in our game that the movement powered characters have a 
major double-edged sword, because of these types of situations, but this is 
especially true if there is an enemy Snuffer.  There is nothing quite like 
getting up to top running speed and having your powers snuffed.  Ouch!  Road 
rash!!!  Or flying very high in the case of the Flyer and having them 
snuffed.  Ahhhh!

I think you made a very wise choice in choosing the Bouncer.  That is such a 
versatile package!  The Bouncer in my group kicks butt because she can do 
something effective in almost any situation.  I'm sure you are having a blast 
playing him or her.

Guide Matt