[HOE] New Mundane Background: Action Hero

[Matt and Teresa Steflik <grifflik@stny.rr.com>]

Theo McGuckin wrote:

> Those not familiar with the rules for mundane backgrounds check out
> the
> Gimme Shelter website. Sorry, don't have the URL handy.

http://www.geocities.com/grifflik/Shelter-Powers-Mundanes.html

> 2. If the Action Hero does not have the Martial Arts Training edge,
> then
> he can learn maneuvers just as if he did. He gets a number of them
> equal
> to his highest fightin' skill. These manuevers tend to be a bit more
> straight-forward though. A Flying Kick migh be a simple Tackle
> instead,
> for example.

Hmm.  I don't know about this.  A simple tackle involves grappling and
such, and is quite a bit different than a flying kick...but that's
neither here nor there.  I think I see your intent. IMO, it just needs
to be toned down a tad and clarified.  What about this:

"If the Action Hero does not have the "Martial Arts Training" edge or
even the  "fightin': marshal arts" aptitude, he can learn a few
manuevers as if he did.  He gets a number of them equal to half of his
"fightin': brawlin'" aptitude, rounded down. Whenever one of these
manuevers references the Action Hero's "fightin': martial arts",
substitute his "fightin': brawling".  Note that all damage inflicted
using manuevers in this way is considered brawling (and not lethal)
damage."


> The Action Hero also gets the following edges/hinderances:
> Level-Headed, Heroic (naturally) and Curious (really more implusive,
> but
> there's no hinderance for that that I can find. Basically this
> represents
> the Action Heroes tendancy to go in guns blazing over making a
> carefully
> orchestrated plan).

I agree with Heroic, but instead of Level Headed, how about Insane
Bravado (edge listed in the Deadlands Dispatch in the back of The
Junkman Cometh), Quick Thinker (edge from Waste Warriors, pg. 84) and
Brave.  Then instead of Curious, I'd say that Big Britches for
impulsivity and "outta my way, I can do it!" factor fits the bill
nicely.  This way, the point breakdown is:

For 3 points in Action Hero you get:

1. Insane Bravado (+3)
2. Quick Thinker (+2)
3. Brave (+2)
4.  Heroic (-5)
5.  Big Britches (-3)

For a total -4 point balance (3 for the background, 1 left over from
hindrances), meaning that the other bonuses are equal to approximately 4
points in edges, which sounds reasonable...perhaps broken down like so:

5. no movement penalties to actions (+2)
6. martial arts manuver bonuses (whether a martial artist or not) (+2)

The Mein requirement doesn't really count as a "hindrance" - simply a
limiting factor to purchasing the edge.

How's that - what do you think?  Overall, it makes up a really nice
background package.  I like this one, Theo!  Wanna home for it?

Matt Steflik
Gimme Shelter - http://www.geocities.com/grifflik
(Bookmark me - it's fun!)