Re: [BNW] First Move Question

[Theo McGuckin <tsm@jlab.org>]

> 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.

Well I always assumed that the speedster had heightened reactions to go
along with his speed (hence the init/dodge bonus). When he turns that
corner he may be moving 90mph but it's no different than you turning a
corner at a run (not a sprint mind you, 90mph is the speedster's BASE
speed). People run through crowded cities all the time (just look at any
cop show) and they dodge between people and around cars and just keep
going. The speedster has an advantage 'cause everyone else is practically
standing still compared to him.
The speedster's powers do require rolls, they have to make running checks
and such. The blaster's powers are more directly powerful so there are
more rolls required.
If you want someone who's power works all the time at maximum effeciency
look to the flyer. Near as I can tell they can keep going forever and
never get tired (they don't have to make flying checks every ten minutes
like a speedster).
I'm not averse to making the speedster make a roll, but I would be sure
that I wasn't singling him out because he was using his power effectively.
Again, if the rest of the group is running (not sprinting) do you make
them make a speed roll everytime they turn a corner? It seems only fair
that you would.

> 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!  

Again, bare in mind that they've had at most 5 sec. and say 8" of
movement. So they may be able to dodge behind cover or something, have
them make a stealth roll and the speedster has to make a search to find
them (if they were able to hide). He could always play it smart and just
stop at the corner and peer around to see where the guy is and wait for
him to make a move.
As for the defender I guess a smart speedster would take the corner just a
little wide so he could see what was happening before charging into it
(just like you would if you were running around a corner, or a race car
driver would on a blind turn).

> 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.

Actually the campaign got dropped :(
I did like the char. a lot though. He really was useful in most all
situations (I worked hard to up his low stats so after a handful of
adventures he had a 2d6 sm, 3d6 spirit, 5d6 speed, and 4d6 str. He was
fairly versatile and I was looking to up his smarts next when the campaign
died. The only problem I had with him is that he didn't always feel like a
superhero. I people around me who could blast, float things, and bounce
bullets of their chests. My abilities were more subtle.

Right now I'm running a one-on-one campaign with a guy playing a scapper.
I hope to maybe bring the rest of my usual group in at some point.

 Theo McGuckin -
	"It's not worth it"