ȱ

BY CHAD UNDERKOFFLER
ȱ
ProseȱDescriptiveȱQualitiesȱ(PDQ)ȱSystemȱDesignȱby:ȱChadȱUnderkofflerȱ
Coverȱ&ȱLogoȱby:ȱGregȱHolkanȱȱ
InteriorȱArt:ȱGregȱHolkan,ȱScottȱKane,ȱ&ȱRandyȱMilhollandȱ
Photomanipulations:ȱChadȱUnderkofflerȱ
Editor:ȱTomȱSchoeneȱ
ȱ
Playtestersȱ&ȱPeerȱReviewersȱ
DemiȱBensonȱ TimȱGrayȱ JessȱNevinsȱ WilliamȱStoddardȱ
JasonȱBlairȱ MichaelȱHillȱ BenjaminȱRogersȱ EddyȱWebbȱ
EricȱBurnsȱ AllisonȱKaeseȱ BrianȱRogersȱ RossȱWinnȱ
AndrewȱByersȱ AndyȱKitkowskiȱ GeoffȱSkellamsȱ ȱ
MichaelȱDavisȬWilsonȱ AlexanderȱLamprosȱ MattȱSnyderȱ ȱ
ȱ
MichaelȱBlossȱandȱtheȱcrewȱofȱtheȱgoodȱshipȱFreedom:ȱKellyȱȈCygniȈȱSt.ȱClair,ȱKarrinȱȈAlfonseȱdeȱBourboȱBeaumontȈȱJackson,ȱSusieȱȈHesterȈȱ
Bloss,ȱandȱDeirdreȱȈDeirdreȈȱHuntleyȱ

JeffȱWilsonȱandȱtheȱLostȱBoys:ȱJeff,ȱSteve,ȱRichard,ȱGaron,ȱandȱShaon.ȱ

Widgetȱ &ȱ Zoomȱ Juniorȱ Associates:ȱ Rayȱ ȈPeacemakerȈȱ deȱ laȱ Paz,ȱ Emilyȱ ȈEvieȱ SchrockeȈȱ McDonnell,ȱ Tomȱ ȈFlyboyȈȱ Schoene,ȱ Julieȱ ȈDoctorȱ ElȈȱ
Young,ȱJonȱȈJonȱDoeȈȱZeiglerȱ
ȱ
TheȱProseȱDescriptiveȱQualitiesȱ(PDQ)ȱSystemȱandȱallȱTruthȱ&ȱJusticeȱtextȱisȱ©2005ȱChadȱUnderkofflerȱ–ȱAllȱRightsȱReserved.ȱ
Artworkȱisȱ©2005ȱChadȱUnderkoffler.ȱ–ȱAllȱRightsȱReserved.ȱȱ
Exceptȱforȱpurposesȱofȱreview,ȱnoȱportionsȱofȱthisȱworkȱmayȱbeȱreproducedȱbyȱanyȱmeansȱwithoutȱtheȱpermissionȱofȱtheȱrelevantȱcopyrightȱ
holders.ȱThisȱisȱaȱworkȱofȱfiction.ȱAnyȱsimilarityȱwithȱactualȱpeopleȱorȱevents,ȱpastȱorȱpresent,ȱisȱpurelyȱcoincidentalȱandȱunintentional.ȱAllȱ
mentionsȱofȱcopyrightedȱworksȱwithinȱtheȱtextȱareȱforȱreferenceȱpurposesȱonlyȱandȱareȱnotȱaȱchallengeȱofȱcopyrightȱorȱtrademark.ȱ
ȱ
[2nd PRINTING]

ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ...........................................................................................IV
CHAPTER 1: THE SUPERHERO GENRE
T&J PHILOSOPHY ........................................................................................1
LIES VS. TRUTH .............................................................................................1
INJUSTICE VS. JUSTICE...................................................................................2
HEROISM .......................................................................................................2
MAD, BEAUTIFUL IDEAS ...............................................................................3
SCALE ...........................................................................................................4
STYLE ...........................................................................................................5
Grim ‘n Gritty.........................................................................................6
Cinematic ...............................................................................................7
Four Color..............................................................................................7
Animated.................................................................................................8
Comic Book Tropes ................................................................................9
CHAPTER 2: T&J RULES OVERVIEW
PDQ MASTER CHART .................................................................................15
QUALITIES.....................................................................................................15
QUALITY EXAMPLES .....................................................................................16
Quality Ranks .........................................................................................17
DIFFICULTY RANKS.......................................................................................18
BASIC TIME, RANGE, AND MOVEMENT .........................................................18
Basic Time ..............................................................................................18
Basic Range............................................................................................18
Basic Movement .....................................................................................18
POWERS ........................................................................................................19
QUALITIES, POWERS, AND SCALES ................................................................19
STUNTS .........................................................................................................19
HERO POINTS ................................................................................................19
TASK RESOLUTION.....................................................................................20
SIMPLE SITUATIONS ......................................................................................20
COMPLICATED SITUATIONS ...........................................................................20
CONFLICT SITUATIONS ..................................................................................21
UPSHIFTS & DOWNSHIFTS .............................................................................21
Upshifts (aka Being Badass) ..................................................................21
Downshifts..............................................................................................22
Shift Accumulation .................................................................................22
BEING LAMEASS ...........................................................................................22
Basic Damage ........................................................................................22
THE KEY TO UNDERSTANDING CONFLICT ABSTRACTION .............................23
Zeroing Out ............................................................................................23
Recovering from Damage ......................................................................24
STORY HOOKS...............................................................................................24
CHAPTER 3: CHARACTERS
CHARACTER GENERATION: BUILD A HERO .....................................25
NAME ............................................................................................................25
BACKGROUND ...............................................................................................25
MOTIVATION .................................................................................................26
QUALITIES.....................................................................................................26
ORIGIN ..........................................................................................................27
POWERS ........................................................................................................27
WEAKNESS IS STRENGTH?.............................................................................28
Stunts ......................................................................................................28
HERO POINT POOL ........................................................................................29
CODENAME ...................................................................................................29
UNIFORM.......................................................................................................29
MISCELLANY.................................................................................................30
EXAMPLE CHARACTER 1: JACK PERETTI (AKA AMERICAN RANGER) ............30
ALL ABOUT HERO POINTS .......................................................................30
GAINING HERO POINTS .................................................................................30
EXAMPLE CHARACTER 2: RICK CAAN (AKA MANTICORE) ............................31
Following Motivation.............................................................................31
Heroic Actions........................................................................................31
Revoltin' Developments..........................................................................31
ȱ ii
Affected by a Limitation or Vulnerability ..............................................32
Esprit de Corps ......................................................................................32
USING HERO POINTS .....................................................................................32
HOW MAX GROWS ......................................................................................32
HOW MAX IS USED ......................................................................................33
Digging Down Deep...............................................................................33
Cement Signature Stunts ........................................................................33
T&J Improvement ..................................................................................33
VILLAIN POINTS? ..........................................................................................33
CHAPTER 4: SUPERPOWERS
T&J INTENSITY CHART .............................................................................34
INTENSITY .....................................................................................................35
SUPERHUMAN ABILITIES.........................................................................35
DO-IT-YOURSELF AESTHETIC .......................................................................35
WHAT DOES A POOR [-2] RANKED POWER MEAN? ......................................35
DIY Aesthetic Rules-of-Thumb...............................................................36
POWERS JAZZ ................................................................................................36
Limitations .............................................................................................36
Vulnerabilities........................................................................................37
LIMITATIONS VS. VULNERABILITIES..............................................................37
Intense Training .....................................................................................37
Quasi-Powers.........................................................................................37
Meta-Powers ..........................................................................................38
LIST OF SUPER-ABILITIES .............................................................................38
Cutting-Edge & Super-Technologies.....................................................42
The Effect of Cutting-Edge & Super-Technologies on the World ........42
ARMOR VS. INVULNERABILITY ......................................................................44
OBJECT-BASED POWERS................................................................................49
SUPERHUMAN STUNTS..............................................................................53
SPIN-OFF STUNTS ..........................................................................................54
Example Character 3: Christopher Hyerdahl (aka Snow Owl) ............54
SIGNATURE STUNTS ......................................................................................55
OPTIONAL RULE: Shifty Business.......................................................55
STUNT COSTS ................................................................................................56
Stunt Cost Chart.....................................................................................56
STUNTING IN PLAY ........................................................................................56
CHAPTER 5: SUPER-CONFLICT
TYPES OF CONFLICT..................................................................................57
CONFLICT OUTLINE...................................................................................57
INITIATIVE ....................................................................................................57
Stealing Initiative ...................................................................................58
MOMENT OF TRUTH ......................................................................................58
Using Different Types of Conflict ..........................................................58
Using Multiple Abilities .........................................................................59
Using Abilities Against Multiple Targets...............................................59
Using Offensive Powers for Defensive Reactions .................................59
Using Defensive Powers for Offensive Actions .....................................59
A QUESTION OF SCALE .................................................................................60
DAMAGE DONE .............................................................................................60
Dishing It Out.........................................................................................61
Taking It On the Chin.............................................................................61
Knocked Around and Collateral Damage .............................................62
Out for Blood? .......................................................................................62
Recovering from Damage ......................................................................62
CONFLICT JAZZ .............................................................................................63
Conflict Strategies..................................................................................63
Lamp-posts & Lamborghinis .................................................................63
SUPER-CONFLICT EXAMPLE ..................................................................63
Snow Owl ...............................................................................................63
Joe Thug .................................................................................................63
Bob Brick................................................................................................63
ȱ
 Truth & Justice
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CHAPTER 6: GAMEMASTERING
A HIGH-TRUST RPG .....................................................................................67
T&J CAMPAIGN DESIGN............................................................................67
BASIC SETTING CONCEPTS ............................................................................67
Basic Setting Checklist...........................................................................67
HELPING PLAYERS CREATE CHARACTERS ....................................................67
Helping with Powers ..............................................................................67
Helping with Stunts ................................................................................68
SETTING CREATION .......................................................................................68
SCENERY, PROPS, & NPCS............................................................................69
General Location Advice........................................................................69
General Props Advice ............................................................................69
General NPC Advice ..............................................................................72
MORE EXPERIENCED PCS?............................................................................73
DESIGNING ADVENTURES .............................................................................74
Obstacles & Opportunities.....................................................................74
The Splash Page .....................................................................................75
Clue & Discovery ...................................................................................75
Situation & Response .............................................................................75
The Two-Page Spread ............................................................................76
Issues, Episodes, & Cliffhangers ...........................................................76
Retcon It! ................................................................................................76
Meanwhile. . . .........................................................................................76
Title Character .......................................................................................76
Villain Jazz .............................................................................................77
RUNNING THE GAME .................................................................................77
USING YOUR SENSES .....................................................................................78
DETERMINING DIFFICULTY RANKS ...............................................................78
MAPMAKING AND RAILROADING ..................................................................79
COLLECTING STORY HOOKS .........................................................................79
EXAMPLE NPCS............................................................................................79
CATASTROPHE ..............................................................................................79
DOCTOR WIDGET ..........................................................................................80
JOLLY ROGER ................................................................................................80
REFLEX .........................................................................................................81
ULTRAWOMAN ..............................................................................................81
ZIPZOOM .......................................................................................................81
CHAPTER 7: SECOND-STRING SUPERS
PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE ................................................................................82
SUPERS IN HISTORY ......................................................................................82
SUPERS TODAY .............................................................................................82
SUPER-TECH & THE KLEIN EFFECT ...............................................................82
ALIENS & YOU ..............................................................................................83
DRAKESVILLE, DRAKESVILLE, IT'S A HELLUVA TOWN. . ...........83
GENERAL INFO ..............................................................................................83
NEIGHBORHOODS (& THEIR CRIMES)............................................................83
SECRET INFORMATION ............................................................................84
DO YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC?........................................................................84
SUPERS IN HISTORY: REDUX .........................................................................84
ALIENS: THE TRUTH, OUT THERE .................................................................85
PC OPPORTUNITIES....................................................................................85
WHO?............................................................................................................85
WHAT?..........................................................................................................85
WHEN?..........................................................................................................85
WHERE? ........................................................................................................86
WHY?............................................................................................................86
MAJOR NPCS .................................................................................................86
THE DRAGON KNIGHT ...................................................................................86
RATBURGLAR ................................................................................................87
THE ORANGE OGRE ......................................................................................87
DOKTOR VROBOTNIK ....................................................................................87
ȱ
ȱ iii
SUPPORTING CHARACTERS....................................................................88
POSSIBLE SSS EPISODES ...........................................................................89
Pilot Episode: "Come Together" ...........................................................90
OPTION: VILLAINOUS ORIGIN .....................................................................90
Episode A: "I Smell a Rat. . ."................................................................90
Episode B: "Squared Circle" .................................................................90
Episode C: "I, Vrobot!"..........................................................................90
Episode X: "Attack of the Cyber-Rats" ..................................................90
Episode Y: "Orange You Glad I'm Here?" ............................................91
Episode Z: "A Draconic Opponent" ......................................................91
Episode: "Glass, Darkly".......................................................................91
Episode: "Return to Sender"..................................................................91
Episode: "Behind the Lines" ..................................................................91
RUNNING SECOND-STRING SUPERS ................................................................91
CHAPTER 8: SUPERCORPS
PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE................................................................................92
BEING A SUPERHERO.....................................................................................95
BEING A SUPERCONSULTANT ........................................................................95
BEING A SUPERVILLAIN ................................................................................95
SECRET INFORMATION ............................................................................96
NOTABLE NPCS ............................................................................................96
NOTABLE ORGANIZATIONS ....................................................................97
ESCHENBACH-WHITE-RHODON, INC.............................................................97
EWR Minions .........................................................................................97
LIONHEART INDUSTRIES ...............................................................................97
Lionheart Minions (Guard & Technician).............................................98
POWER PLATOON ..........................................................................................98
Power Platoon Trooper .........................................................................99
SACRED GHOSTS ...........................................................................................100
Sacred Ghost Terrorist ..........................................................................100
RUNNING SUPERCORPS .............................................................................100
INTRO SCENARIO: STAFF MEETING ....................................................101
CHAPTER 9: FANFARE FOR THE AMPLIFIED MAN
A DREAM OF NEXUS .....................................................................................106
PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE................................................................................107
SECRET INFORMATION ............................................................................107
THE AMPLIFIER .............................................................................................107
WHAT IS THE NEXUS? ...................................................................................107
NO, SERIOUSLY: WHAT IS THE NEXUS? ........................................................108
FANFARE. . . MODIFICATIONS TO CHARACTER GENERATION .........................108
Example Character: Bill Fisk ................................................................109
RUNNING FANFARE. . . ...............................................................................109
INTENSELY PLAYER-DRIVEN ........................................................................109
WHAT IF THE PLAYERS DON'T WANT TO DRIVE?..........................................110
What About Reluctant Heroes?..............................................................110
What Can the PCs Do? ..........................................................................110
EVIL AMP-WEILDERS?..................................................................................110
What if PCs Turn Selfish or "Evil"? ......................................................110
Overt or Covert Supers? ........................................................................111
AMP-WIELDERS IN TIGHTS? .........................................................................111
What Does the World Do in Response?.................................................111
CHAPTER 10: BIBLIOGRAPHY .......................................113ȱ
CHAPTER 11: RANDOM-ROLL INSPIRATION & HANDOUTS
.....................................................................................116ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ

Introduction
WelcomeȱtoȱTruthȱ&ȱJustice.ȱ

Iȇveȱalwaysȱlovedȱsuperheroȱcomics,ȱcartoons,ȱmoviesȱandȱgaming.ȱToȱme,ȱtheyȱcelebrateȱvalorȱandȱȈmad,ȱbeautifulȱideasȈȱinȱ
adventurous,ȱstylish,ȱandȱfunȱways.ȱWhatȇsȱnotȱtoȱlove?ȱ

However,ȱIȱthinkȱthatȱtheȱstoryȬbasedȱaspectsȱofȱtheȱgenreȱareȱoftenȱoverlookedȱwhenȱtranslatingȱamazingȱsuperheroȱactionȱtoȱ
gaming;ȱtheȱwargameȬbasedȱinheritanceȱofȱRPGsȱsometimesȱinterferesȱwithȱtheȱvitalȱcharacteristicsȱofȱsuperheroȱstories.ȱTheseȱ
characteristicsȱ include:ȱ theȱ abilityȱ ofȱ dedicated,ȱ highlyȬtrainedȱ butȱ unpoweredȱ heroesȱ toȱ workȱ successfullyȱ alongsideȱ orȱ
againstȱindividualsȱwithȱsuperpowers;ȱtheȱheroismȱinȱtranscendingȱlimitationsȱandȱovercomingȱobstacles;ȱtheȱimportanceȱofȱaȱ
heroȇsȱ motivations,ȱ personalȱ ties,ȱ andȱ behaviorȱ alongsideȱ theirȱ moreȬthanȬhumanȱ talents;ȱ andȱ theȱ senseȱ ofȱ freewheelingȱ
imaginationȱandȱimprovisationȱthatȱsuffusesȱtheȱsourceȱmaterial.ȱTruthȱ&ȱJusticeȱ(T&J)ȱisȱmyȱstabȱatȱencouragingȱgamingȱthatȱ
supportsȱandȱenhancesȱthoseȱqualities.ȱ

IȱhopeȱyouȱenjoyȱreadingȱandȱplayingȱT&JȱasȱmuchȱasȱIȱenjoyedȱwritingȱit.ȱ

ABOUT THE PDQ SYSTEM

TheȱrulesȱinȱthisȱbookȱbuildȱuponȱtheȱProseȱDescriptiveȱQualitiesȱ(PDQ)ȱSystem,ȱsuitablyȱmodifiedȱforȱsuperheroicȱplay.ȱPDQȱ
CoreȱisȱavailableȱasȱaȱfreeȱdownloadȱfromȱtheȱfollowingȱURLs:ȱ
http://www.atomicsockmonkey.com/freebies/di/pdq-core.pdf
http://www.rpgnow.com/product_info.php?products_id=4175&
http://e23.sjgames.com/item.html?id=ASM-000
PDQȱhasȱbeenȱdesignedȱforȱevocativeȱsimplicity,ȱspeed,ȱandȱflexibilityȱinȱplay.ȱItȱcurrentlyȱservesȱasȱtheȱcoreȱgameȱmechanicsȱ
forȱ Deadȱ Inside:ȱ theȱ Roleplayingȱ Gameȱ ofȱ Lossȱ &ȱ Redemptionȱ (DI);ȱ Monkey,ȱ Ninja,ȱ Pirate,ȱ Robot:ȱ theȱ Roleplayingȱ Gameȱ
(MNPR:RPG);ȱandȱTruthȱ&ȱJusticeȱ(T&J).ȱ
ȱ
ȱ

ABOUT ATOMIC SOCK MONKEY PRESS

http://www.atomicsockmonkey.com/ ȱ
AtomicȱSockȱMonkeyȱPressȱisȱdedicatedȱtoȱhighȬquality,ȱoffȬkilter,ȱimaginativeȱfun.ȱCurrently,ȱthatȱmeansȱtabletopȱgamesȱofȱbothȱ
theȱ “beerȱ &ȱ pretzels”ȱ andȱ roleplayingȱ gameȱ (RPG)ȱ varieties.ȱ Inȱ theȱ future,ȱ weȱ mayȱ expandȱ intoȱ otherȱ areas;ȱ butȱ forȱ now,ȱ
AtomicȱSockȱMonkeyȱPressȱisȱconcentratingȱonȱgames.ȱ

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ChadȱUnderkofflerȱisȱanȱeditorȱforȱaȱtelecommunicationsȱstandardsȱbodyȱbyȱdayȱandȱaȱfreelanceȱgameȱwriterȱbyȱnight.ȱHeȇsȱ
beenȱ gamingȱ sinceȱ 1981,ȱ toȱ theȱ confusionȱ ofȱ hisȱ family.ȱ Hisȱ columnȱ ȈCampaignȱ inȱ aȱ BoxȈȱ appearsȱ inȱ Pyramidȱ Onlineȱ atȱ
http://www.sjgames.com/pyramidȱ (Chapterȱ 7,ȱ SecondȬStringȱ Supers,ȱ firstȱ appearedȱ asȱ aȱ CiaBȱ column);ȱ heȱ hasȱ writtenȱ
materialȱforȱGammaȱWorldȱ(Swordȱ&ȱSorcery),ȱGURPSȱ(SteveȱJacksonȱGames),ȱandȱUnknownȱArmiesȱ(AtlasȱGames);ȱandȱheȱisȱ
theȱauthorȱandȱpublisherȱofȱ DeadȱInside:ȱtheȱRoleplayingȱGameȱofȱLossȱ&ȱ Redemptionȱandȱ Monkey,ȱNinja,ȱPirate,ȱRobot:ȱtheȱRPG.ȱ
ChadȱcurrentlyȱlivesȱinȱAlexandria,ȱVA,ȱwithȱhisȱwifeȱBethȱandȱtheirȱtwoȱblackȱcats.ȱ
ȱ

ȱ iv

Chapter 1: The Superhero Genre
ȱ
A man in crazy pajamas atop a skyscraper rains laser
death down on the streets. He's laughing as he does
it.
Below, fires bloom for the news cameras. Reporters
duck debris as they yammer on about demands and
manifestoes and terror. Meanwhile, in the
background, the screams of scorched innocents melt
into the wail of sirens.
It makes me angry. My cheeks burn with it – or that just
might be from the wind.
The madman grows closer and closer, impossibly fast.
His eyes widen as he lifts his weapon in my direction.
He won't make it in time.
My hands tighten into fists as I brace for impact.
I have a set of crazy pajamas of my own.
ȱ
Truthȱ&ȱJusticeȱ(T&J)ȱallowsȱyouȱtoȱplayȱsuperhumanȱ
charactersȱ giftedȱ withȱ extraordinaryȱ talentsȱ andȱ
abilities.ȱ Theseȱ mightyȱ beingsȱ possessȱ staggeringȱ
powerȱ andȱ canȱ performȱ tremendousȱ deeds.ȱ Yetȱ –ȱ
beyondȱ theȱ flashȱ andȱ dazzleȱ –ȱ theyȱ areȱ stillȱ human,ȱ
withȱ theȱ potentialȱ toȱ doȱ greatȱ good,ȱ greatȱ evil,ȱ orȱ
both.ȱ
IfȱyouȱwantȱtoȱreadȱmoreȱonȱT&Jȇsȱtakeȱonȱtheȱsupersȱ
genre,ȱ stickȱ withȱ thisȱ chapter.ȱ Ifȱ youȇreȱ readyȱ andȱ
eagerȱtoȱstartȱreadingȱtheȱT&Jȱrules,ȱturnȱtoȱChapterȱ2.ȱ
T&J Philosophy
Theȱworldȱisȱfullȱofȱliesȱandȱinjustice,ȱandȱtheȱdayȬtoȬ
dayȱfightȱagainstȱthemȱisȱaȱheroicȱstruggleȱweȱallȱface.ȱ
Weȱ haveȱ ourȱ personalȱ victoriesȱ andȱ setbacks,ȱ andȱ
soldierȱ onȱ asȱ bestȱ weȱ can.ȱ Butȱ whenȱ theȱ liesȱ andȱ
injusticesȱofȱtheȱrealȱworldȱgetȱtooȱbigȱforȱanȱaverageȱ
personȱ toȱ check,ȱ andȱ truthȱ andȱ justiceȱ seemȱ toȱ fadeȱ
awayȱ inȱ theȱ faceȱ ofȱ spinȱ orȱ specialȱ agendas,ȱ
sometimesȱ turningȱ toȱ talesȱ ofȱ mightyȱ andȱ nobleȱ
heroesȱthwartingȱvillainsȱcanȱrechargeȱtheȱbatteries.ȱȱ
T&Jȱ andȱ otherȱ superheroȱ gamesȱ dramatizeȱ andȱ
romanticizeȱ theȱ conflictsȱ betweenȱ liesȱ andȱ truth,ȱ
1ȱ
ȱ
injusticeȱ andȱ justice,ȱ harmȱ andȱ help,ȱ leaveningȱ theȱ
mixȱ withȱ wonder,ȱ mystery,ȱ costumes,ȱ andȱ
explosions.ȱWhoȱdoesnȇtȱrelishȱtheȱideaȱofȱpossessingȱ
theȱ powerȱ andȱ gritȱ toȱ pointȱ atȱ somethingȱ obviouslyȱ
wrongȱ andȱ say,ȱ ȈIȇmȱ goingȱ toȱ stopȱ that,Ȉȱ andȱ thenȱ
doingȱ it?ȱ Superheroȱ storiesȱ allowȱ usȱ toȱ imagineȱ
kickingȱ backȱatȱ fate,ȱsettingȱ thingsȱ right,ȱ makingȱ theȱ
worldȱaȱbetterȱplace.ȱTheyȱallowȱusȱtoȱexploreȱdreamsȱ
ofȱ courageȱ withȱ littleȱ personalȱ risk.ȱ Theyȱ areȱ
inspiring,ȱpure,ȱhopeful.ȱȱ
ȱ
Superman: I'm here to fight for truth, and justice,
and the American way.
Lois Lane: You're gonna end up fighting every
elected official in this country!
– Superman
ȱ
LIES VS. TRUTH
Whyȱdoȱpeopleȱlie?ȱUsually,ȱtoȱgainȱsomethingȱorȱtoȱ
protectȱ themselves.ȱ Whileȱ peopleȱ canȱ sayȱ somethingȱ
untrueȱwithoutȱrealizingȱtheyȇreȱdoingȱso,ȱthisȱisȱjustȱ
aȱ mistakeȱ –ȱ aȱ lieȱ isȱ deliberate.ȱ Theȱ liesȱ oneȱ tellsȱ toȱ
oneselfȱareȱoftenȱtheȱmostȱdangerous,ȱstartingȱwithȱȈIȱ
knowȱIȱamȱabsolutely,ȱ100%ȱright,ȱdespiteȱtheȱfacts.Ȉȱ
Lyingȱ isȱ corrosive.ȱ Itȱ breaksȱ downȱ factȱ intoȱ opinion,ȱ
distortsȱ perspective,ȱ andȱ breedsȱ injustice.ȱ Evenȱ theȱ
littleȱwhiteȱliesȱinȱsocialȱconversationȱcanȱleaveȱaȱbadȱ
tasteȱinȱoneȇsȱmouth.ȱWhetherȱitȱisȱaȱchildȱblamingȱaȱ
siblingȱforȱbreakingȱaȱlamp,ȱaȱcompanyȱprevaricatingȱ
overȱ theȱ pollutionȱ theirȱ factoryȱ isȱ spillingȱ intoȱ theȱ
environment,ȱ orȱ theȱ assertionsȱ ofȱ aȱ madmanȱ thatȱ
someȱ otherȱ ethnicȱ groupȱ Ȉisnȇtȱ reallyȱ human,Ȉȱ liesȱ
cloudȱ orȱ twistȱ theȱ facts.ȱ Otherwiseȱ rationalȱ peopleȱ
whoȱ comeȱ intoȱ theȱ conversationȱ lateȱ andȱ acceptȱ liesȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
atȱ faceȱ valueȱ withoutȱ questionȱ canȱ inadvertentlyȱ
performȱtheȱmostȱheinousȱacts.ȱȱ
Truthȱ isȱ theȱ swordȱ thatȱ cutsȱ throughȱ theȱ miasmaȱ ofȱ
lies.ȱTruthȱisȱtheȱbeaconȱthatȱlightsȱtheȱpathȱofȱjustice.ȱȱ
Truthȱcanȱbeȱhardȱandȱunforgiving,ȱbutȱtruthȱisȱsolid:ȱ
aȱgoodȱfoundationȱforȱbuilding.ȱItȱmayȱhurt,ȱbutȱthatȱ
hurtȱ isȱ nothingȱ comparedȱ toȱ theȱ sufferingȱ ofȱ thoseȱ
whoȱareȱsnarledȱinȱlies;ȱconsiderȱaȱshort,ȱsharpȱblowȱ
sideȬbyȬsideȱ withȱ slowȱ strangulation.ȱ Heroesȱ preferȱ
theȱ truth,ȱ forȱ goodȱ orȱ forȱ ill,ȱ becauseȱ theyȱ takeȱ
responsibilityȱ forȱ theirȱ actionsȱ andȱ believeȱ inȱ theȱ
rightnessȱofȱtheirȱcause;ȱifȱtheirȱtruthsȱturnȱoutȱtoȱbeȱ
wrong,ȱtheyȱadmitȱitȱandȱworkȱtoȱrepairȱanyȱdamageȱ
theyȇveȱdone.ȱȱ
INJUSTICE VS. JUSTICE
Injusticeȱisȱthatȱwhichȱisȱunfair,ȱespeciallyȱunfairnessȱ
thatȱ causesȱ harmȱ orȱ violatesȱ anotherȇsȱ rights.ȱ Itȱ isȱ
inequality,ȱtheȱbeliefȱthatȱsomeȱpeopleȱareȱbetterȱthanȱ
orȱ deserveȱ moreȱ considerationȱ thanȱ others.ȱ Itȱ
unbalancesȱ theȱ playingȱ field,ȱ avalanchingȱ intoȱ
institutionalȱ wrongsȱ orȱ biasesȱ thatȱ perpetuallyȱ holdȱ
othersȱback.ȱ
Justiceȱconformsȱtoȱtruth.ȱJusticeȱlooksȱatȱaȱsituation,ȱ
andȱ determinesȱ whatȱ isȱ equitable.ȱ Justiceȱ isȱ higherȱ
thanȱwhatȱisȱsimplyȱlegal,ȱappealingȱtoȱaȱmoralȱright.ȱ
Butȱjusticeȱisȱnotȱsimplyȱrevenge.ȱJusticeȱisȱimpartial,ȱ
unbiased,ȱ fair;ȱ revengeȱ seeksȱ toȱ punish,ȱ toȱ causeȱ
suffering,ȱtoȱstopȱtheȱcriminalȱfromȱeverȱperformingȱaȱ
similarȱ actȱ again.ȱ Often,ȱ avengersȱ misjudgeȱ theȱ
amountȱ ofȱ forceȱ necessaryȱ here,ȱ andȱ sparkȱ anȱ everȬ
increasingȱ spiralȱ ofȱ violenceȱ asȱ theȱ targetȱ orȱ theirȱ
associatesȱ attemptȱ toȱ getȱ revengeȱ forȱ theȱ harmȱ theyȱ
perceiveȱtheȱtargetȱreceived.ȱJusticeȱhasȱlimits.ȱ
Mercyȱisȱoneȱofȱtheȱlimitsȱonȱjustice.ȱItȱisȱtheȱabilityȱtoȱ
showȱcompassion,ȱclemency,ȱorȱlenienceȱtoȱaȱcriminalȱ
deservingȱ ofȱ such.ȱ Itȱ isȱ whatȱ bluntsȱ theȱ forceȱ ofȱ
overwhelmingȱ punishment,ȱ andȱ –ȱ hopefullyȱ –ȱ theȱ
spiralȱ ofȱ revenge.ȱ Shakespeareȱ saidȱ thatȱ Ȉtheȱ qualityȱ
ofȱ mercyȱ isȱ notȱ strainedȈ;ȱ thisȱ meansȱ thatȱ mercyȱ
shouldȱbeȱgivenȱfreely,ȱforȱoneȱdayȱweȱmayȱbeȱbeforeȱ
justiceȱourselves,ȱandȱwouldȱgreatlyȱdesireȱit.ȱ
ȱ mayȱ beȱ aȱ riskyȱ task,ȱ andȱ thusȱ relatedȱ toȱ theȱ
ȱ 2
"A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is
braver five minutes longer."
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
ȱ
HEROISM
Aȱ heroȱ isȱ aȱ manȱ orȱ womanȱ (sometimesȱ calledȱ aȱ
heroine)ȱ whoȱ isȱ theȱ protagonistȱ ofȱ aȱ story.ȱ Aȱ heroȱ
possessesȱabilitiesȱinȱgreaterȱmeasureȱthanȱtheȱtypicalȱ
person,ȱ beȱ theyȱ skills,ȱ talents,ȱ renown,ȱ drives,ȱ
insights,ȱorȱsuperpowers.ȱTheseȱcapabilitiesȱallowȱtheȱ
performanceȱ ofȱ amazingȱ orȱ nobleȱ acts.ȱ Commonȱ
heroicȱ deedsȱ includeȱ rescuingȱ people,ȱ protectingȱ
innocents,ȱ creatingȱ beneficialȱ thingsȱ forȱ society,ȱ
thwartingȱevildoers,ȱandȱslayingȱmonsters.ȱ
Someȱofȱtheȱmostȱcommonȱaspectsȱofȱheroismȱshownȱ
inȱcomicsȱare:ȱ
i Courageȱ&ȱHonor.ȱTheȱpurestȱformȱofȱheroicȱ
actionȱ inȱ comicȱ booksȱ andȱ relatedȱ mediaȱ areȱ
thoseȱȈinȱdefenseȱofȱnobleȱideals,ȈȱȈsavingȱtheȱ
entireȱ world,Ȉȱ orȱ Ȉagainstȱ overwhelmingȱ
odds.ȈȱInȱtheseȱcases,ȱtheȱsuperheroȱisȱatȱgreatȱ
riskȱ toȱ survive,ȱ muchȱ lessȱ prevail.ȱ Thisȱ isȱ
whereȱtheȱrubberȱhitsȱtheȱroad.ȱHeroicȱactionsȱ
inȱ thisȱ veinȱ areȱ theȱ bigȱ climacticȱ typesȱ thatȱ
occurȱ atȱ theȱ endȱ ofȱ aȱ multiȬissueȱ orȱ multiȬ
episodeȱ storyȱ arc,ȱ andȱ mayȱ haveȱ significantȱ
repercussionsȱonȱaȱheroȇsȱcharacterization.ȱȱ
i Expertiseȱ&ȱDrive.ȱThisȱisȱtheȱclassicȱȈaȱbattleȱ
ofȱ witsȱ –ȱ orȱ punchesȱ –ȱ withȱ aȱ matchedȱ foeȈ;ȱ
examplesȱincludeȱchasingȱdownȱaȱserialȱkiller,ȱ
goingȱ manoȱ aȱ manoȱ withȱ aȱ supervillain,ȱ orȱ
redirectingȱ aȱ hordeȱ ofȱ killerȱ robots.ȱ Theseȱ
sortsȱ ofȱ eventsȱ putȱ theȱ heroȱ isȱ someȱ risk,ȱ butȱ
theȱoddsȱareȱusuallyȱ–ȱatȱworstȱ–ȱequal.ȱTheseȱ
heroicȱ actionsȱ areȱ theȱ meatȱ andȱ potatoesȱ ofȱ
superheroȱadventures.ȱ
i Kindnessȱ &ȱ Charity.ȱ Thisȱ isȱ theȱ typicalȱ
ȈretrieveȱaȱcatȱfromȱaȱtreeȈȱorȱȈrescueȱcitizensȱ
fromȱaȱburningȱbuilding,Ȉȱwhereȱtheȱheroȱactsȱ
forȱ thoseȱ whoȱ cannot.ȱ Forȱ someȱ heroes,ȱ thisȱ
actsȱ ofȱ courageȱ andȱ honorȱ notedȱ above.ȱ
However,ȱ someȱ heroesȱ areȱ reallyȱ notȱ inȱ anyȱ
dangerȱorȱtakeȱlittleȱpersonalȱrisk,ȱparticularlyȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
ifȱ theyȱ canȱ flyȱ orȱ areȱ fireproof.ȱ Fromȱ someȱ
perspectives,ȱ anȱ actionȱ takenȱ withoutȱ riskȱ isȱ
notȱ heroic,ȱ butȱ inȱ theseȱ cases,ȱ theȱ exerciseȱ ofȱ
charityȱ canȱ beȱ –ȱ toȱ theȱ beneficiaries.ȱ Theyȱ
donȇtȱcareȱthatȱgettingȱFluffyȱoutȱofȱtheȱtopȱofȱ
theȱ oakȱ treeȱ isȱ easyȱ forȱ Ultrawoman,ȱ orȱ thatȱ
Americanȱ Rangerȱ canȱ walkȱ throughȱ fireȱ
unharmed,ȱ theyȱ appreciateȱ thatȱ theyȇveȱ beenȱ
givenȱhelpȱwhenȱitȱwasȱdesperatelyȱneeded.ȱ
ȱ

It’s about, as Alan Moore put it, "mad and beautiful ideas"; the
sense of wonder, the feeling of marvellous secret things just
beyond our field of vision, and the revelations and splendours
and dangers and bastards tied up in it all...
– Warren Ellis, "Planetary Proposal"

MAD, BEAUTIFUL IDEAS

Superheroȱ storiesȱ areȱ jamȬpackedȱ withȱ Ȉmad,ȱ
beautifulȱ ideasȈ:ȱ conceptsȱ thatȱ grabȱ holdȱ ofȱ theȱ
imaginationȱ andȱ energizeȱ theȱ senseȱ ofȱ wonder.ȱ
Demigodsȱ meetingȱ Atlanteanȱ royaltyȱ atȱ theȱ UN.ȱ
Teenagersȱ wieldingȱ theȱ powerȱ ofȱ theȱ sun.ȱ Magicȱ asȱ
unconsciousȱ manipulationȱ ofȱ environmentalȱ
nanotechȱ leftȱ inȱ theȱ atmosphereȱ byȱ alienȱ spaceȱ
brothers.ȱ Telepathicȱ apesȱ plottingȱ againstȱ theirȱ
furlessȱ geneticȱ cousins.ȱ Radioactiveȱ spaceȱ meteorsȱ
blessingȱ orȱ cursingȱ theȱ curiousȱ withȱ greatȱ power.ȱ
Giantȱ robotsȱ fightingȱ dinosaursȱ inȱ Sheboygan.ȱ
Swingingȱ fromȱ buildingȱ toȱ buildingȱ asȱ aȱ viableȱ
methodȱ ofȱ urbanȱ transportation.ȱ Buriedȱ pyramidsȱ
thatȱ areȱ giganticȱ computers.ȱ Theȱ speedȱ ofȱ lightȱ asȱ
moreȱaȱguidelineȱthanȱaȱrule.ȱȱ
Forgetȱ everythingȱ youȱ knowȱ aboutȱ realisticȱ physicsȱ
andȱrememberȱtheȱwayȱyouȱthoughtȱmatterȱandȱforceȱ
interactedȱ whenȱ youȱ wereȱ eightȱ yearsȱ old.ȱ Weightȱ
andȱ sizeȱ areȱ directlyȱ relatedȱ (whatȇsȱ density?);ȱ aȱ
boulderȱ theȱ sizeȱ ofȱ aȱ carȱ weighsȱ aboutȱ whatȱ aȱ carȱ
does.ȱ Usingȱ strengthȱ whenȱ movingȱ isȱ moreȱ effectiveȱ
thanȱ leverageȱ andȱ solidȱ footing.ȱ Athleticȱ folksȱ canȱ
jumpȱ fartherȱ andȱ higherȱ thanȱ Olympicȱ medalists.ȱ
Lotsȱ ofȱ thingsȱ explodeȱ whenȱ damaged.ȱ Ifȱ somethingȱ
looksȱ coolȱ orȱ soundsȱ neat,ȱ itȱ probablyȱ worksȱ –ȱ noȱ
matterȱ howȱ crazyȱ orȱ unrealisticȱ itȱ is.ȱ Ifȱ theȱ audienceȱ
hasȱ sufficientlyȱ suspendedȱ theirȱ disbelief,ȱ theseȱ
conceptsȱcanȱbeȱbreathtaking.ȱȱ ȱ

ȱ 3
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
However,ȱ ifȱ yourȱ suspensionȱ isȱ unpreparedȱ (orȱ
unwilling),ȱ theyȱ canȱ comeȱ offȱ as,ȱ well,ȱ goofy.ȱ Whyȱ
wouldȱ aȱ galȱ whoȱ canȱ flyȱ wearȱ bright,ȱ primaryȱ colorȱ
longȱ johns?ȱ Howȱ canȱ aȱ guyȱ pickȱ upȱ aȱ battleshipȱ
withoutȱ itȱ collapsingȱ underȱ itsȱ ownȱ weight?ȱ Whyȱ
wouldȱ eitherȱ ofȱ themȱ fightȱ crime,ȱ anyway?ȱ Iȱ wasȱ
willingȱ toȱ giveȱ youȱ theȱ magicȱ lasso,ȱ butȱ anȱ invisibleȱ
jet?ȱComeȱon!ȱ
Despiteȱ theirȱ seemingȱ inherentȱ silliness,ȱ theseȱ mad,ȱ
beautifulȱideasȱareȱpartȱofȱtheȱfurnitureȱofȱsuperheroȱ
storiesȱ andȱ games.ȱ Toȱ complainȱ aboutȱ themȱ
(overmuch,ȱ anyway)ȱ isȱ likeȱ grousingȱ aboutȱ allȱ theȱ
horsesȱ andȱ ghostȱ townsȱ inȱ aȱ Western:ȱ pointless.ȱ Ifȱ
youȇreȱnotȱwillingȱtoȱgrantȱatȱleastȱsomeȱofȱtheseȱbitsȱ
ofȱ aȱ superheroicȱ setting,ȱ maybeȱ youȱ shouldnȇtȱ beȱ
subjectingȱyourselfȱtoȱit.ȱYouȱeitherȱgoȱwithȱtheȱflow,ȱ
orȱ youȱ donȇt.ȱ Thatȱ said,ȱ thereȇsȱ noȱ needȱ forȱ everyȱ
singleȱsuperheroȱmotifȱtoȱappearȱinȱaȱstoryȱorȱsetting,ȱ
andȱ takingȱ aȱ hardȱ lookȱ atȱ someȱ ofȱ theirȱ underlyingȱ
sourcesȱandȱlikelyȱconsequencesȱcanȱleadȱtoȱnewȱandȱ
differentȱ ideasȱ thatȱ catchȱ oneȇsȱ interest.ȱ (Seeȱ alsoȱ
below,ȱComicȱBookȱTropes,ȱp.ȱ9.)ȱ
ȱ Ȉinvulnerable.ȈȱThatȱmeansȱthatȱheȱjustȱplainȱdoesnȇtȱ
Dreamqueen recovered from the gas pellets faster than I
thought she would. She must have been drawing oneiro-
energy from a couple of sleepers stashed away
somewhere in the balcony of the theater. Damn.
As I shooed the hostages out the stage door, she popped
out of the shadows and smashed me with a Nightmare
Punch. The force of her blow sent me flying back through
a half-dozen flats. I managed to grab a curtain rope
before I splattered against the backstage wall.
Momentum carried me in a short arc up to the lighting
catwalk. I dropped heavily onto the walkway. It was a
struggle to stay conscious, to clear my head, to assure
that my weapons were still functional. Only I, with neither
superpowers nor magic, stood between the Sorceress of
Sleep and the sanity of the entire city. Only I could bring
her to justice.
Her glowing eyes pierced the darkness, locking onto
mine. Deadly dream-stuff formed around her hands,
building up enough charge to twist flesh and metal into
pretzels. Her cruel mouth gleamed red as blood. She said
my name in her poisoned-honey voice: "Manticore.
Darling."
I fished a screamer out of my utility belt, armed it, threw it.
With luck, it would wake up the sleepers who gave the
villainess her extra power. But she had to be distracted,
so she wouldn't blast it into pieces before it did its work.
Leaping into space, I fired my swingline, aiming my boots
right at her raven-haired head.
ȱ 4
SCALE
Inȱ superheroȱ stories,ȱ itȱ isȱ importantȱ toȱ realizeȱ thatȱ
occurrencesȱ andȱ effectsȱ areȱ oftenȱ onȱ twoȱ differentȱ
scales:ȱtheȱnormalȱandȱtheȱsuper.ȱȱ
NormalȬscaleȱ isȱ whatȱ youȱ usuallyȱ seeȱ aroundȱ you:ȱ
feathersȱandȱtanksȱandȱnewspapersȱandȱkittycatsȱandȱ
sevenȬstoreyȱ buildingsȱ andȱ algebraȱ problemsȱ –ȱ
ordinaryȱ stuff.ȱ Normalȱ folksȱ haveȱ varyingȱ amountsȱ
ofȱ easeȱ orȱ difficultyȱ inȱ dealingȱ withȱ theseȱ issues.ȱ
SuperȬscaleȱ isȱ theȱ extraordinaryȱ stuff:ȱ giantȱ atomicȱ
monstersȱ andȱ deathȱ meteorsȱ andȱ kungȬfuȱ chiȱ
punchesȱ andȱ eruptingȱ volcanoesȱ andȱ superȬstrongȱ
bankȱ robbersȱ andȱ telepathsȱ andȱ hyperspaceȱ
equationsȱandȱunicornsȱandȱmastermindsȱdemandingȱ
oneȱ billionȱ dollarsȱ orȱ theyȇllȱ unleashȱ theirȱ nanotechȱ
plagueȱ onȱ Washington.ȱ Theȱ superȬscaleȱ alwaysȱ
trumpsȱ theȱ normalȬscaleȱ –ȱ theȱ weakestȱ superȬstrongȱ
guyȱ willȱ beȱ ableȱ toȱ beatȱ theȱ strongestȱ normalȬscaleȱ
guyȱ atȱ armȱ wrestlingȱ (orȱ singing,ȱ forensics,ȱ piloting,ȱ
etc.).ȱ
Lookȱ atȱ oldȱ Actionȱ Comicsȱ issues:ȱ Supermanȱ isȱ
getȱ hurtȱ fromȱ anythingȱ ordinary:ȱ aȱ normalȱ guyȱ
punchingȱ him,ȱ badȱ guysȱ sprayingȱ himȱ withȱ
machinegunȱ fireȱ orȱ napalm,ȱ fallingȱ offȱ ofȱ buildings,ȱ
theȱ heartbreakȱ ofȱ psoriasis,ȱ andȱ soȱ forth.ȱ However,ȱ
extraordinaryȱ circumstancesȱ –ȱ likeȱ beingȱ hitȱ inȱ theȱ
headȱ withȱ aȱ meteor,ȱ gettingȱ zappedȱ withȱ aȱ millionȱ
voltsȱ ofȱ electricity,ȱ beingȱ targetedȱ byȱ fifteenȱ
howitzers,ȱ orȱ beingȱ blindsidedȱ byȱ aȱ giantȱ robotȱ –ȱ
mussȱ himȱ upȱ aȱ little,ȱ evenȱ ifȱ theyȱ don’tȱ reallyȱ hurtȱ
himȱ permanently.ȱ Andȱ beingȱ punchedȱ byȱ anotherȱ
superȬstrongȱ individualȱ hurtsȱ himȱ asȱ muchȱ asȱ aȱ
normalȱpunchȱwouldȱhurtȱaȱnormalȱman.ȱIntuitively,ȱ
invulnerabilityȱ isȱ relativeȱ toȱ superȬstrength:ȱ theseȱ
powersȱcounterȱeachȱother.ȱTheyȇreȱonȱtheȱsameȱscale.ȱ
Nevertheless,ȱ justȱ becauseȱ somethingȱ isȱ onȱ theȱ
normalȱ scaleȱ doesnȇtȱ meanȱ thatȱ itȱ canȇtȱ beȱ aȱ threat.ȱ
Cannyȱ normalȬscaleȱ opponentsȱ willȱ takeȱ advantageȱ
ofȱ aȱ superhumanȇsȱ normalȬscaleȱ aspects.ȱ Evenȱ ifȱ
Invincibleȱ Girlȱ canȇtȱ beȱ physicallyȱ hurt,ȱ sheȱ canȱ beȱ
emotionallyȱ hurtȱ byȱ someoneȱ threateningȱ herȱ
boyfriend.ȱLordȱFeyȱmightȱbeȱableȱtoȱcreateȱincredibleȱ
illusionsȱ withȱ hisȱ magic,ȱ butȱ hisȱ fleshȱ blistersȱ ifȱ youȱ
touchȱ himȱ withȱ iron.ȱ Teamsȱ ofȱ thugsȱ canȱ swarmȱ aȱ
tougherȱ opponentȱ andȱ useȱ leverageȱ andȱ forceȱ ofȱ
numbersȱtoȱimmobilizeȱthem.ȱȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
Thisȱ abilityȱ toȱ avoidȱ theȱ majorityȱ ofȱ theȱ pitfallsȱ ofȱ
normalȬscaleȱ effectsȱ oftenȱ evenȱ holdsȱ trueȱ forȱ
superheroȱcharactersȱwhoȱdonȇtȱhaveȱpowersȱ(unlessȱ
itȇsȱ aȱ specificȱ storyȱ point).ȱ Greenȱ Arrowȱ canȱ getȱ upȱ
fromȱ aȱ fallȱ thatȱ shouldȱ haveȱ realisticallyȱ leftȱ himȱ aȱ
pavementȱ smear.ȱ Tonyȱ Starkȱ somehowȱ managesȱ toȱ
usuallyȱgetȱawayȱfromȱmundaneȱbusinessȱconcernsȱtoȱ
putȱ onȱ hisȱ powerȱ armor.ȱ Whenȱ drivingȱ theȱ
Batmobile,ȱ trafficȱ jamsȱ arenȇtȱ aȱ problemȱ mostȱ ofȱ theȱ
time.ȱȱ
Forȱ thisȱ reason,ȱ T&Jȱ assumesȱ thatȱ allȱ effectsȱ orȱ
consequencesȱareȱonȱoneȱorȱtheȱotherȱofȱtheseȱscales;ȱ
howȱ thisȱ worksȱ inȱ specificȱ situationsȱ (mundaneȱ
abilities,ȱ superpowers,ȱ combat)ȱ willȱ beȱ addressedȱ
throughoutȱtheȱremainderȱofȱtheȱbookȱ(seeȱChapterȱ2,ȱ
Basicȱ Damage,ȱ p.ȱ 22,ȱ forȱ aȱ quickȱ overview).ȱ Theȱ
questionȱofȱhowȱtoȱdetermineȱtheȱlimitsȱofȱeachȱscale,ȱ
andȱ howȱ charactersȱ –ȱ especiallyȱ playerȱ charactersȱ –ȱ
operateȱonȱeachȱisȱrelatedȱtoȱtheȱquestionȱofȱStyleȱ(seeȱ
below).ȱTheȱtwoȱimportantȱthingsȱtoȱrememberȱaboutȱ
Scaleȱ are:ȱ 1)ȱ thatȱ normalȬscaleȱ isȱ ordinary;ȱ andȱ 2)ȱ
superȬscaleȱisȱextraordinary.ȱ
ȱ
Washington, DC.
Everyone said the Jade Turtle was beautiful, a
wonderful representation of T'ang Dynasty sculpture. I
guess that made it inevitable that during its showing at
the Met, Catastrophe would visit.
Baltimore, MD.
I was liaising with General Dickinson at the Pentagon
when I got the call. I excused myself a little hastily, but,
you know. Duty calls.
Havre De Grace, MD.
The wind caresses my face. My legs piston my feet
against the earth. The world is a frozen blur.
Wilmington, DE.
I don't know what Catastrophe has against pretty
things. Statues, paintings, concept cars, architecture,
celebrities, doesn't matter: if something sets her off,
she finds the closest pretty thing and breaks it.
Philadelphia, PA.
She's an attractive girl herself, if you go in for that sort
of willowy brunette type. Too young for me, too skinny
for me, and then there's that whole being a criminal
sociopath thing.
Trenton, NJ.
ȱ 5
Maybe she feels like she's in competition with the
artwork, or something. I don't know, and frankly, I'm
not sure I care. Ultrawoman normally tangles with her.
Woodbridge, NJ.
It's funny. They call me in on this, six minutes ago,
because I have the best chance of getting there
before something tragic happens. It's not like New
York City doesn't have any superheroes.
New York City, NY.
As I approach the city, I slow enough to minimize
property damage. Across the Verrazano-Narrows
Bridge, up 3rd Avenue, Hamilton, Brooklyn Bridge,
Bowery, Broadway, Fifth Avenue, MoMA.
A security guard sprawls on the floor, his weapon in
pieces. She's verbally abusing a museum lecturer.
Grad student age, cute, redhead. I'm not sure if that's
lucky or unlucky. I take the Jade Turtle, put it
somewhere safe, and get back just in time for my
"prop wash" to hit the gallery and the security alarms
to go off. She spins around and gets a load of me
standing in front of the flashing (empty) case. "Stop
right there, Catastrophe!"
I love my job.
ȱ
STYLE
NOTE - This section of the chapter delves into
somewhat dense analytical material that explores the
supers genre and gives a foundation in the ground rules
of different supers game styles. If you want to come
back to it later, you can skip ahead to p. 22.
Styleȱ isȱ theȱ levelȱ ofȱ consequencesȱ theȱ settingȱ reactsȱ
withȱ whenȱ theȱ charactersȱ doȱ something;ȱ inȱ short,ȱ itȱ
determinesȱ theȱ costȱ forȱ actions.ȱ Styleȱ isȱ howȱ
“forgiving”ȱrealityȱisȱofȱstylish,ȱdaredevilȱactions.ȱInȱaȱ
superheroȱsetting,ȱtheȱrelationshipȱofȱeffectsȱtoȱcausesȱ
isȱ differentȱ thanȱ thatȱ inȱ theȱ realȱ world;ȱ thisȱisȱ whereȱ
StyleȱconnectsȱtoȱScaleȱ(seeȱabove).ȱForȱexample,ȱifȱaȱ
characterȱ leapsȱ throughȱ aȱ storefrontȱ window,ȱ isȱ heȱ
cutȱ toȱ pieces,ȱ aȱ littleȱ nickedȱ up,ȱ orȱ basicallyȱ
unharmed?ȱȱ
Oneȱ wayȱ toȱ describeȱ styleȱ isȱ toȱ referȱ backȱ toȱ theȱ
ȈagesȈȱ ofȱ comicȱ booksȱ –ȱ theȱ Goldenȱ Age,ȱ theȱ Silverȱ
Age,ȱ theȱ Bronze/Modern/Ȉwhateverȱ theȱ midȬ
Seventiesȱ toȱ todayȱ isȈȱ Age,ȱ andȱ soȱ forth.ȱ Theseȱ agesȱ
coverȱ periodsȱ ofȱ publicationȱ asȱ wellȱ asȱ issuesȱ ofȱ
history,ȱ tone,ȱ outlook,ȱ andȱ subjectȱ matter.ȱ Thisȱ isȱ
somewhatȱ unfortunate,ȱ becauseȱ eachȱ ofȱ thoseȱ
individualȱelementsȱofȱanȱageȱcanȱbeȱpickedȱoutȱandȱ
utilizedȱforȱaȱstoryȱpublishedȱlastȱweek.ȱAnȱexampleȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
hereȱwouldȱbeȱKurtȱBusiekȇsȱAstroȱCity,ȱoftenȱreferredȱ
toȱ asȱ aȱ ȈNeoȬSilverȱ AgeȈȱ seriesȱ (thatȱ is,ȱ itsȱ styleȱ isȱ
heavilyȱinfluencedȱby,ȱandȱsomewhatȱmimicsȱthatȱof,ȱ
comicsȱ publishedȱ inȱ theȱ Silverȱ Age,ȱ whichȱ wasȱ
roughlyȱmidȬ1950ȱtoȱearlyȱ1970).ȱ
Anotherȱ usefulȱ wayȱ toȱ lookȱ atȱ superheroȱ stylesȱ isȱ toȱ
adaptȱtheȱschemeȱlaidȱoutȱbyȱliteraryȱcriticȱNorthropȱ
Frye,ȱinȱhisȱbookȱAnatomyȱofȱCriticism,ȱforȱdiscussingȱ
theȱ differentȱ modesȱ ofȱ fiction.ȱ Theȱ schemeȱ breaksȱ
fictionȱ downȱ intoȱ modesȱ ofȱ myth,ȱ romance,ȱ mimeticȱ
(highȱandȱlow),ȱandȱironyȱ(donȇtȱworry,ȱdefinitionsȱandȱ
detailsȱ forȱ theseȱ modesȱ willȱ beȱ givenȱ below).ȱ Whileȱ
bothȱ theȱ purelyȱ mythicȱ andȱ theȱ purelyȱ ironicȱ modesȱ
areȱtooȱdirectedȱtoȱreallyȱworkȱwellȱinȱaȱcollaborativeȱ
RPGȱ (tooȱ muchȱ stuffȱ hasȱ toȱ happenȱ toȱ reinforceȱ theȱ
underlyingȱ mode),ȱ mixturesȱ ofȱ theȱ twoȱ areȱ quiteȱ
commonȱinȱsuperheroȱstories.ȱ
T&Jȱusesȱaȱcombinationȱofȱtheseȱtwoȱmethodsȱtoȱboilȱ
theȱ genreȱ downȱ intoȱ fourȱ basicȱ stylesȱ thatȱ canȱ beȱ
interestingȱandȱvaluableȱforȱsuperheroȱgaming.ȱȱ
GRIM ‘N GRITTY
Lifeȱisȱhardȱandȱunforgiving,ȱandȱitȱoftenȱseemsȱlikeȱ
SomeoneȱUpstairsȱisȱjustȱmessingȱwithȱyouȱforȱcheapȱ
laughs.ȱ Badȱ stuffȱ happensȱ toȱ goodȱ peopleȱ allȱ theȱ
time,ȱ becauseȱ that’sȱ theȱ wayȱ itȱ is.ȱ Fallȱ outȱ aȱ secondȱ
storyȱwindow,ȱandȱyou’llȱbreakȱyourȱneckȱandȱdie.ȱȱ
GrimȱȇnȱGrittyȱcombinesȱtheȱflavorȱofȱBronze/Modernȱ
Ageȱcomicsȱwithȱtheȱironicȱandȱmimeticȱmodes.ȱȱ
Bronze/Modernȱ Ageȱ comicsȱ (roughlyȱ midȬ1970sȱ toȱ
today)ȱ haveȱ severalȱ storyȱ characteristicsȱ thatȱ makeȱ
themȱ differentȱ fromȱ theȱ Goldenȱ andȱ Silverȱ Agesȱ ofȱ
comics.ȱ Theseȱ includeȱ theȱ pervasivenessȱ ofȱ troubledȱ
heroesȱ andȱ antiȬheroesȱ asȱ protagonists;ȱ increasedȱ
psychologicalȱ depthȱ andȱ characterization;ȱ theȱ
resurgenceȱ ofȱ horrorȱ andȱ suspenseȱ asȱ elementsȱ ofȱ
superheroȱ stories;ȱ theȱ formalȱ developmentȱ ofȱ
retroactiveȱ continuity,ȱ orȱ retconsȱ (seeȱ Retcons,ȱ p.ȱ 12);ȱ
increasedȱliteraryȱcomplexityȱ(typifiedȱbyȱworksȱsuchȱ
asȱSandman,ȱWatchmen,ȱandȱTheȱDarkȱKnightȱReturns);ȱ
and,ȱ lastly,ȱ theȱ narrativeȱ impactȱ ofȱ franchisingȱ andȱ
Ȉeventȱ publishingȈȱ (anȱ exampleȱ ofȱ thisȱ isȱ inȱ DCȱ
Comicsȇȱ Deathȱ ofȱ Supermanȱ arc:ȱ theȱ characterȱ couldȱ
notȱ trulyȱ beȱ killed,ȱ becauseȱ heȱ isȱ aȱ valuableȱ pieceȱ ofȱ
continuingȱ intellectualȱ propertyȱ forȱ theȱ company,ȱ
andȱ theȱ eventȱ crossedȱ overȱ intoȱ numerousȱ otherȱ
booksȱandȱinfluencedȱtheirȱstorylines).ȱNormally,ȱnotȱ
ȱ 6
allȱ ofȱ theseȱ characteristicsȱ willȱ showȱ upȱ inȱ aȱ singleȱ
GrimȱȇnȱGrittyȱstyleȱcampaignȱatȱonce.ȱ
InȱFryeȇsȱscheme,ȱGrimȱȇnȱGrittyȱisȱaȱmixtureȱofȱironyȱ
andȱ theȱ mimeticȱ (especiallyȱ theȱ lowȱ mimetic).ȱ Inȱ
irony,ȱ theȱ heroȱ isȱ lessȱ thanȱ theȱ averageȱ manȱ –ȱ lessȱ
capability,ȱlessȱbrains,ȱlessȱdriveȱ–ȱandȱisȱtrappedȱbyȱ
hisȱenvironmentȱandȱsociety.ȱInȱtheȱlowȱmimeticȱmode,ȱ
heroesȱ areȱ realisticȱ peopleȱ onȱ theȱ streetȱ likeȱ youȱ orȱ
me;ȱ inȱ theȱ highȱ mimeticȱ mode,ȱ heroesȱ areȱ superiorȱ toȱ
otherȱ people,ȱ butȱ notȱ theȱ environmentȱ orȱ societyȱ –ȱ
heroesȱ areȱ princes,ȱ generals,ȱ prophets,ȱ leadersȱ ofȱ
men.ȱȱ
Ironicȱ superhumansȱ usuallyȱ areȱ eitherȱ comedicȱ (likeȱ
Ambushȱ Bug)ȱ orȱ areȱ totallyȱ debauchedȱ caricaturesȱ
(likeȱRebelȱStudioȇsȱFaust).ȱAtȱtheȱdepthsȱofȱtheȱȈgrimȱ
ȇnȱ grittyȈȱ styleȱ ofȱ theȱ lateȱ Eighties,ȱ manyȱ
ȈsuperheroesȈȱ oftenȱ cameȱ offȱ asȱ nothingȱ moreȱ thanȱ
moodyȱadolescentsȱarmedȱwithȱbigȱguns,ȱwhichȱtheyȱ
usedȱ withoutȱ anyȱ discrimination.ȱ Theseȱ charactersȱ
usuallyȱactedȱ–ȱandȱwereȱspecificallyȱwrittenȱtoȱactȱ–ȱ
much,ȱ muchȱ worseȱ thanȱ theȱ averageȱ guyȱ withȱ
superpowers.ȱ Furthermore,ȱ inȱ irony,ȱ Murphyȇsȱ Lawȱ
trumpsȱ Newtonȇsȱ Laws:ȱ farȱ tooȱ oftenȱ toȱ beȱ
coincidence,ȱ theȱ absoluteȱ worstȱ thingȱ thatȱ couldȱ
possiblyȱ happenȱ usuallyȱ does.ȱ (Intriguingly,ȱ Fryeȱ
tellsȱusȱthatȱirony,ȱpushedȱtoȱextremes,ȱreturnsȱtoȱtheȱ
modeȱofȱmyth.)ȱ
Mimeticȱ superhumansȱ shareȱ allȱ ofȱ theȱ weaknessesȱ
andȱdrivesȱandȱsituationsȱthatȱtheȱrestȱofȱusȱdo.ȱTheyȱ
canȱbeȱgreatȱatȱtheirȱoneȱsuperpoweredȱthing,ȱandȱfailȱ
inȱ everythingȱ else,ȱ butȱ theyȱ soldierȱ onȱ asȱ bestȱ theyȱ
can.ȱ Inȱ theȱ Sixties,ȱ Marvelȱ Comicsȱ builtȱ theirȱ
reputationȱ onȱ theseȱ sortsȱ ofȱ characters,ȱ especiallyȱ
onesȱ thatȱ fluctuatedȱ somewhereȱ betweenȱ theȱ twoȱ
mimeticȱmodes.ȱSpiderȬManȱisȱtheȱposterȬboyȱforȱlowȱ
mimeticȱ superheroesȱ –ȱ heȇsȱ up,ȱ heȇsȱ down,ȱ heȇsȱ anȱ
averageȱJoeȱthatȱcanȱclimbȱwalls.ȱCaptainȱAmericaȱisȱ
anȱexemplarȱofȱtheȱhighȱmimeticȱsuperheroȱ–ȱheȇsȱtheȱ
bestȱofȱtheȱbest,ȱaȱnearlyȱperfectȱhumanȱspecimen,ȱbutȱ
heȇsȱ notȱ superhuman.ȱ Inȱ bothȱ mimeticȱ modes,ȱ theȱ
worldȱ isȱ asȱ weȱ seeȱ itȱ aroundȱ us,ȱ andȱ isȱ boundedȱ
moreȬorȬlessȱ byȱ theȱ probabilitiesȱ ofȱ realityȱ asȱ weȱ
understandȱandȱexperienceȱthem.ȱȱ
Inȱ Grimȱ ȇnȱ Grittyȱ styleȱ games,ȱ liesȱ andȱ injusticeȱ areȱ
strongerȱ thanȱ truthȱ andȱ justice;ȱ heroismȱ isȱ wringingȱ
theȱ smallȱ victoriesȱ youȱ can,ȱ workingȱ forȱ aȱ brighterȱ
tomorrow.ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ

CINEMATIC
Lifeȱisȱhardȱbutȱfair:ȱifȱyouȱputȱtheȱeffortȱin,ȱyouȱcanȱ
getȱ ahead.ȱ Badȱ stuffȱ happensȱ toȱ goodȱ peopleȱ
sometimes,ȱ eitherȱ dueȱ toȱ theȱ luckȱ ofȱ theȱ drawȱ orȱ
gettingȱcaughtȱinȱsomeone’sȱmachinations.ȱFallȱoutȱaȱ
secondȱstoryȱwindow,ȱandȱyouȱmightȱbreakȱyourȱarmȱ
orȱlegȱorȱgetȱtheȱwindȱknockedȱoutȱofȱyou.ȱȱ
Theȱ Cinematicȱ styleȱ isȱ aȱ mixȱ ofȱ romanticȱ andȱ
(especiallyȱhigh)ȱmimeticȱmodes,ȱandȱisȱrelatedȱtoȱtheȱ
GoldenȱAgeȱofȱcomics.ȱ
Theȱ Goldenȱ Ageȱ coveredȱ aȱ periodȱ fromȱ 1938ȱ toȱ theȱ
midȬ1950s.ȱ Theȱ superheroȱ storiesȱ ofȱ thatȱ timeȱ wereȱ
heavilyȱ influencedȱ byȱ pulpȱ magazinesȱ andȱ theirȱ
protagonists,ȱ especiallyȱ theȱ Ȉheroȱ pulpsȈȱ likeȱ Docȱ
Savage,ȱ theȱ Shadow,ȱ andȱ theȱ Spider.ȱ Theirȱ contentȱ
focusedȱonȱadventureȱandȱdetectiveȱfiction,ȱandȱwereȱ
slamȬbang,ȱsensationalȱmelodrama.ȱ
Melodramaȱ impliesȱ aȱ worldȱ ofȱ moralȱ absolutes,ȱ stockȱ
characters,ȱ andȱ formulaicȱ plots.ȱ Theseȱ elementsȱ areȱ
thrilling,ȱ withȱ plentyȱ ofȱ action,ȱ combat,ȱ
confrontations,ȱ detectiveȱ work,ȱ athleticȱ feats,ȱ
explosions,ȱ weirdȱ threats,ȱ andȱ soȱ forth.ȱ Yetȱ
melodramaȱ oftenȱ lacksȱ realism:ȱ everythingȱ isȱ blackȱ
andȱ white,ȱ noȱ shadesȱ ofȱ gray;ȱ charactersȱ haveȱ oneȬ
dimensionalȱ personalitiesȱ andȱ motives;ȱ andȱ mostȱ ofȱ
theȱplotsȱareȱextremelyȱbasicȱ–ȱvillainȱthreatens,ȱheroȱ
responds,ȱ dayȱ isȱ saved.ȱ Ifȱ youȱ canȱ getȱ intoȱ theȱ
mindset,ȱ itȇsȱ aȱ veryȱ satisfyingȱ thrillȬride;ȱ manyȱ
Hollywoodȱ actionȱ moviesȱ todayȱ containȱ theseȱ
elementsȱ (though,ȱ arguably,ȱ withȱ slightlyȱ moreȱ
characterization).ȱ
Melodramaȱ connectsȱ wellȱ withȱ Fryeȇsȱ romanticȱ andȱ
highȱmimeticȱmodes.ȱInȱromance,ȱtheȱheroȱisȱaȱhuman,ȱ
albeitȱanȱextraordinaryȱone,ȱandȱisȱmostlyȱsuperiorȱtoȱ
theȱhumanȱenvironmentȱandȱsociety.ȱWhileȱtheȱlawsȱ
ofȱ natureȱ canȱ beȱ differentȱ thanȱ thoseȱ ofȱ theȱ realȱ
world,ȱ theyȱ areȱ selfȬconsistent.ȱ Theȱ highȱ mimeticȱ
modeȱ focusesȱ onȱ theȱ actions,ȱ personalities,ȱ andȱ
environmentsȱofȱrealȱpeople,ȱjustȱpowerfulȱrealȱpeople.ȱ
Mostȱ Cinematicȱ styleȱ storiesȱ balanceȱ theseȱ twoȱ
modes:ȱdespiteȱtheirȱspecialȱabilitiesȱandȱwiderȱscopeȱ
ofȱaction,ȱsuperhumansȱareȱstill,ȱatȱtheirȱcore,ȱhumanȱ
beingsȱ inȱ aȱ recognizablyȱ humanȱ world.ȱ Clarkȱ Kentȇsȱ
KansasȱupbringingȱbalancesȱhisȱKryptonianȱheritage,ȱ
andȱdespiteȱallȱtheȱamazingȱthingsȱthatȱBruceȱWayneȱ
hasȱ learnedȱ toȱ do,ȱ heȱ stillȱ wakesȱ upȱ inȱ coldȱ sweatsȱ
fromȱnightmares.ȱȱ
Inȱ Cinematicȱ games,ȱ liesȱ andȱ injusticeȱ areȱ equallyȱ
matchedȱ withȱ truthȱ andȱ justice;ȱ heroismȱ isȱ fightingȱ
theȱgoodȱfight,ȱwhichȱcouldȱbeȱeasilyȱlostȱifȱtheȱheroȱ
falters.ȱ
FOUR COLOR
Lifeȱisȱfairȱandȱforgiving:ȱifȱyouȱkeepȱyourȱnoseȱclean,ȱ
youȱ canȱ avoidȱ theȱ worstȱ bits.ȱ Badȱ stuffȱ happensȱ toȱ
goodȱ peopleȱ rarely,ȱ usuallyȱ fromȱ somebodyȱ goingȱ
outȱofȱtheirȱwayȱtoȱmessȱwithȱthem.ȱFallȱoutȱaȱsecondȱ
storyȱ window,ȱ andȱ you’llȱ sprainȱ yourȱ armȱ orȱ leg,ȱ atȱ
worst.ȱȱ
TheȱFourȱColorȱstyle,ȱlikeȱtheȱCinematicȱstyle,ȱdrawsȱ
heavilyȱonȱromance,ȱbutȱinsteadȱofȱbeingȱmixedȱwithȱ
theȱmimeticȱmode,ȱitȇsȱcombinedȱwithȱtheȱmythic;ȱtheȱ
SilverȱAgeȱofȱcomicsȱisȱtheȱbiggestȱexampleȱhere.ȱ
Theȱ Silverȱ Ageȱ isȱ usuallyȱ consideredȱ toȱ beȱ betweenȱ
theȱmidȬ1950sȱandȱtheȱearlyȱ1970s.ȱTheȱstoriesȱofȱthisȱ
periodȱ wereȱ ofȱ greaterȱ complexityȱ thanȱ thoseȱ ofȱ theȱ
Goldenȱ Age,ȱ inȱ bothȱ plotȱ andȱ character.ȱ Scienceȱ
fictionȱ andȱ scienceȱ factȱ becameȱ aȱ bigȱ influenceȱ onȱ
originsȱ andȱ storylines.ȱ Heroesȱ becameȱ moreȱ humanȱ
andȱ troubled.ȱ Characterȱ developmentȱ andȱ personalȱ
conflictsȱ (internalȱ andȱ external)ȱ becameȱ muchȱ moreȱ
important,ȱthoughȱtheirȱexecutionȱwasȱstillȱunrefined:ȱ
earlyȱ examplesȱ ofȱ theseȱ conflictsȱ usuallyȱ revolvedȱ
aroundȱ theȱ needȱ toȱ hideȱ aȱ heroȇsȱ Secretȱ Identityȱ
(ȈLois,ȱwhatȱisȱyourȱproblem?Ȉ),ȱwhileȱlaterȱexamplesȱ
encompassedȱ theȱ heroȇsȱ ownȱ doubtsȱ andȱ
relationships,ȱ insideȱ andȱ outsideȱ ofȱ costumeȱ (ȈIfȱ JJJȱ
doesnȇtȱ buyȱ thatȱ pictureȱ ofȱ SpiderȬman,ȱ Iȇllȱ haveȱ toȱ
hockȱAuntȱMayȇsȱclock!Ȉ).ȱȱ
Lastly,ȱ twoȱ thingsȱ inȱ theȱ realȱ worldȱ hadȱ aȱ narrativeȱ
impactȱ onȱ theȱ styleȱ ofȱ thisȱ time.ȱ Theȱ firstȱ wasȱ aȱ
generationȱofȱnewȱartists,ȱmanyȱformallyȱtrainedȱandȱ
educated,ȱ whoȱ broughtȱ newȱ techniquesȱ andȱ
perspectivesȱ intoȱ comicȱ bookȱ publishing.ȱ Heroesȱ
startedȱ toȱ lookȱ moreȱ realisticȱ –ȱ orȱ surrealisticȱ –ȱ andȱ
theȱartȱoftenȱindirectlyȱ(orȱdirectly,ȱinȱtheȱMarvelȱȱ

ȱ 7
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
styleȱ ofȱ writingȱ comics)ȱ influencedȱ theirȱ stories.ȱ Theȱ
secondȱ thingȱ wasȱ theȱ adoptionȱ ofȱ theȱ Comicsȱ Codeȱ
byȱ theȱ publishersȱ ofȱ theȱ time,ȱ toȱ protectȱ theȱ delicateȱ
mindsȱ ofȱ youngȱ childrenȱ andȱ preventȱ themȱ fromȱ
growingȱupȱtoȱbecomeȱjuvenileȱdelinquents.ȱȱ
Theȱ Codeȱ prohibitedȱ aȱ largeȱ proportionȱ ofȱ theȱ
violence,ȱ sexuality,ȱ corruption,ȱ andȱ goreȱ foundȱ inȱ
comics,ȱ cuttingȱ theȱ legsȱ outȱ fromȱ underȱ theȱ horrorȱ
andȱcrimeȱcomicsȱofȱtheȱtime,ȱandȱfurtherȱshiftingȱtheȱ
spiritȱ ofȱ comicȱ booksȱ awayȱ fromȱ theirȱ pulpȱ roots.ȱ
Thisȱ createdȱ anȱ artificialȱ world,ȱ whereȱ goodȱ mustȱ
alwaysȱ triumphȱ overȱ evilȱ andȱ noȱ authorityȱ figureȱ
couldȱeverȱbeȱshownȱinȱaȱnegativeȱlight.ȱThisȱsortȱofȱ
absolutismȱ increasedȱ theȱ levelȱ ofȱ melodramaȱ (seeȱ
above)ȱ inȱ comics,ȱ butȱ barredȱ manyȱ mimeticȱ
depictionsȱofȱtheȱenvironment.ȱUnableȱtoȱfocusȱonȱtheȱ
socialȱ realities,ȱ comicsȱ turnedȱ inward,ȱ lookingȱ forȱ
psychologicalȱrealitiesȱthatȱcouldȱbeȱportrayedȱunderȱ
thisȱregime:ȱinȱaȱword,ȱmyth.ȱ
Inȱ Fryeȇsȱ mythicȱ mode,ȱ aȱ heroȱ isȱ notȱ justȱ betterȱ than,ȱ
butȱ differentȱ from,ȱ otherȱ menȱ andȱ theirȱ society;ȱ andȱ
theȱlawsȱofȱnatureȱareȱcapricious.ȱHeroesȱareȱgodlike,ȱ
unfetteredȱbyȱpurelyȱhumanȱfrailtiesȱorȱconventions,ȱ
thoughȱ eitherȱ canȱ influenceȱ theirȱ actions.ȱ Mythicȱ
superheroesȱ arenȇtȱ justȱ mythȬbasedȱ heroes,ȱ likeȱ
Marvelȇsȱ Thor;ȱ comicsȱ inȱ thatȱ styleȱ treatȱ theȱ
superhumanȱ asȱ somethingȱ greaterȱ thanȱ human,ȱ
unboundedȱ byȱ humanȱ lawsȱ andȱ experience.ȱ Alanȱ
Mooreȇsȱ Doctorȱ Manhattanȱ (fromȱ Watchmen),ȱ
Miracleman,ȱandȱSwampȱThingȱfitȱtheseȱcategoriesȱ–ȱ
asȱ doȱ theȱ characterizationsȱ inȱ Grantȱ Morrisonȇsȱ runȱ
onȱJLA.ȱ
Inȱ Fourȱ Colorȱ games,ȱ liesȱ andȱ injusticeȱ areȱ weakerȱ
thanȱ truthȱ andȱ justice;ȱ heroismȱ isȱ repellingȱ theȱ
assaultsȱofȱvillainyȱonȱallȱthatȱisȱgoodȱandȱright.ȱ

ANIMATED
Lifeȱisȱexcitingȱandȱmelodramatic:ȱfateȱdolesȱoutȱgreatȱ
rewardsȱ andȱ greatȱ failures,ȱ forȱ purelyȱ dramaticȱ
reasons.ȱ Badȱ stuffȱ –ȱ andȱ goodȱ stuffȱ –ȱ happensȱ toȱ
people,ȱprovidedȱitȱmakesȱaȱgoodȱstory.ȱFallȱoutȱofȱaȱ
secondȱstoryȱwindow,ȱandȱ(dependingȱuponȱhowȱbigȱ
aȱplayerȱinȱtheȱcurrentȱstoryȱyouȱare)ȱyouȱcouldȱdie,ȱ
breakȱ aȱ limb,ȱ getȱ aȱ scrape,ȱ orȱ beȱ essentiallyȱ
unharmed.ȱ
Asȱ aȱ mediumȱ forȱ superheroȱ stories,ȱ animationȱ beenȱ
ȱ aroundȱ sinceȱ theȱ 1941ȱ Fleischerȱ Supermanȱ cartoonsȱ

ȱ 8
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
andȱ becameȱaȱ mainstayȱ ofȱ theȱ genreȱ withȱ theȱ riseȱ ofȱ
television.ȱ Newȱ heroesȱ likeȱ Spaceȱ Ghost,ȱ Birdman,ȱ
theȱMightyȱMyȬTor,ȱandȱtheȱGalaxyȱTrioȱjoinedȱtheirȱ
comicȱ bookȱ brethrenȱ onȱ theȱ screen.ȱ Inȱ theȱ 1970sȱandȱ
1980s,ȱ manyȱ Americanȱ superheroȱ cartoonsȱ sufferedȱ
almostȱ cripplingȱ outsideȱ influences;ȱ inȱ theȱ 70s,ȱ theȱ
storiesȱ wereȱ affectedȱ byȱ televisionȱ standardsȱ andȱ
practicesȱ thatȱ wereȱ evenȱ moreȱ stringentȱ thanȱ theȱ
Comicsȱ Code;ȱ inȱ theȱ 80s,ȱ inȱ additionȱ toȱ theȱ
undercuttingȱ ofȱ actionȱ bequeathedȱ byȱ theȱ previousȱ
decade,ȱtheȱstoriesȱnearlyȱbecameȱnothingȱmoreȱthanȱ
commercialsȱ forȱ licensedȱ toys.ȱ However,ȱ asȱ
superheroȬȱ andȱ scienceȱ fictionȬinfluencedȱ animationȱ
fromȱ otherȱ countriesȱ –ȱ especiallyȱ Japanȱ (withȱ
cartoonsȱ likeȱ Speedȱ Racer,ȱ Scienceȱ Ninjaȱ Teamȱ
Gatchaman/Battleȱ ofȱ theȱ Planets/GȬForce,ȱ andȱ Akira)ȱ –ȱ
startedȱ toȱ beȱ shownȱ inȱ theȱ States,ȱ theirȱ popularityȱ
influencedȱtheȱwayȱAmericanȱsuperheroȱshowsȱwereȱ
constructed.ȱ Overȱ theȱ lastȱ dozenȱ years,ȱ animatedȱ
superheroȱstoriesȱhaveȱbeenȱdevelopingȱinȱleapsȱandȱ
bounds,ȱ leadingȱ toȱ standȬoutȱ examplesȱ ofȱ theȱ
mediumȱ suchȱ asȱ Batman:ȱ theȱ Animatedȱ Seriesȱ (andȱ itsȱ
sequels)ȱandȱTheȱIncredibles.ȱ
Whileȱ animationȱ isȱ aȱ medium,ȱ theȱ mediumȱ hasȱ
affectedȱtheȱmessage,ȱespeciallyȱtheȱmannerȱinȱwhichȱ
itȱisȱtold.ȱȈLimitedȱdetailȱforȱmaximumȱmotionȈȱisȱtheȱ
mantraȱ here;ȱ verbalȱ andȱ visualȱ shorthandsȱ areȱ usedȱ
toȱ keepȱ thingsȱ fastȱ andȱ actionȬpackedȱ –ȱ theȱ quickȱ
sketch,ȱboldȱstroke,ȱorȱsnappyȱphraseȱthatȱsumsȱupȱsoȱ
much,ȱbutȱleavesȱplentyȱforȱtheȱmindȱtoȱfillȱinȱonȱitsȱ
own.ȱ Theȱ Animatedȱ styleȱ drawsȱ onȱ allȱ ofȱ theȱ otherȱ
styles,ȱmixingȱtheȱcomicȱbookȱAges,ȱkeepingȱtheȱbestȱ
stuffȱ –ȱ theȱ actionȬadventureȱ ofȱ theȱ Goldenȱ Age,ȱ theȱ
personalȱdevelopmentȱandȱconflictsȱofȱtheȱSilverȱAge,ȱ
theȱ literaryȱ andȱ psychologicalȱ complexitiesȱ andȱ
reintroductionȱ ofȱ suspenseȱ ofȱ theȱ Bronze/Modernȱ
Ageȱ –ȱ andȱ jettisonsȱ theȱ rest.ȱ Inȱ Fryeȇsȱ scheme,ȱ theȱ
Animatedȱ styleȱ isȱ 91%ȱ pureȱ romanceȱ (withȱ theȱ
panacheȱknobȱturnedȱupȱtoȱeleven),ȱwithȱtheȱmythic,ȱ
mimetic,ȱ andȱ ironicȱ modesȱ eachȱ contributingȱ 3%ȱ ofȱ
flavor.ȱ
Inȱ Animatedȱ games,ȱ liesȱ andȱ injusticeȱ areȱ wellȬ
matchedȱ withȱ truthȱ andȱ justice;ȱ heroismȱ isȱ puttingȱ
yourȱ neckȱ onȱ theȱ lineȱ againstȱ powerfulȱ villainyȱ –ȱ
luckily,ȱ theȱ heroicȱ heartȱ hasȱ anȱ edgeȱ thatȱ cannotȱ beȱ
blunted.ȱ
ȱ paradoxesȱ happen,ȱ andȱ theyȇreȱ eitherȱ repairableȱ orȱ
ȱ 9
Refusing to put their hero in a completely contemporary world.
. . Bruce and Eric fashioned a Gotham City that was stylish
but dangerous. It could be identified as twentieth-century
America, but it was impossible to pinpoint it to an exact
decade. Batman would often be shown working at his super-
sophisticated Batcomputer, but televisions would only
broadcast in black and white. Likewise, Batman might fly the
futuristic Batwing, but Bruce Wayne would drive a Cord.
Tommy guns, VCRs, lasers, and zeppelins all happily coexist
in Batman's technologically unified world. Bruce and Eric did
not want the series to visually date itself, as many cartoons do
when they try to hard to ground themselves in contemporary
culture. Instead, they looked back over sixty years, took what
had endured, and made it their own.
– from Batman Animated
COMIC BOOK TROPES
Superheroȱstories,ȱasȱaȱgenre,ȱhaveȱevolvedȱaȱnumberȱ
ofȱcommonȱmotifs.ȱTheseȱpopulateȱtheȱbackgroundȱofȱ
superheroȱ stories,ȱ andȱ canȱ seemȱ aȱ littleȱ oddȱ whenȱ
lookedȱ atȱ dispassionately.ȱ However,ȱ theyȱ areȱ oftenȱ
belovedȱ elementsȱ ofȱ theȱ superheroȱ experience,ȱ andȱ
shouldȱ beȱ consideredȱ andȱ addressedȱ inȱ superheroȱ
games.ȱ Useȱ ofȱ themȱ wholesaleȱ givesȱ aȱ comicȬbookȱ
flavorȱ toȱ aȱ gameȱ setting.ȱ ReȬexaminationȱ ofȱ theseȱ
tropesȱcanȱgenerateȱinterestingȱsettingsȱandȱstories,ȱasȱ
shownȱinȱnumerousȱexcellentȱcomics.ȱ
Alternateȱ Earths.ȱ Theȱ superheroȱ genreȱ lovesȱ theȱ
ideasȱofȱalternateȱEarths.ȱWhetherȱitȇsȱaȱmirrorȬmirrorȱ
reversalȱ (heroesȱ intoȱ villains,ȱ villainsȱ intoȱ heroes),ȱ
alternativeȱ historyȱ (Nazisȱ wonȱ WWII),ȱ shiftedȱ
timeframesȱ (50ȱ yearsȱ intoȱ theȱ future),ȱ orȱ genreȬ
bendingȱ elseworldsȱ (supersȱ inȱ theȱ Wildȱ West),ȱ
hoppingȱ dimensionsȱ isȱ aȱ hoot.ȱ Theȱ pointȱ ofȱ theseȱ
sortsȱofȱexercisesȱisȱtoȱdramaticallyȱshiftȱperspectives,ȱ
andȱtoȱlookȱintoȱcausesȱandȱeffects.ȱSayȱthatȱonȱEarthȱ
A,ȱ Ultrawomanȱ marriesȱ herȱ sweetheartȱ andȱ doesnȇtȱ
tellȱ himȱ ofȱ herȱ superheroicȱ identity;ȱ theȱ Earthȱ Bȱ
Ultrawomanȱ mayȱ haveȱ marriedȱ theȱ guyȱ andȱ comeȱ
outȱ ofȱ theȱ spandexȱ closet;ȱ theȱ Earthȱ Cȱ Ultrawomanȱ
toldȱherȱbeau,ȱbutȱtheyȱneverȱgotȱhitched;ȱtheȱEarthȱDȱ
Ultrawomanȱ isȱ aȱ criminal,ȱ andȱ killedȱ herȱ boyfriendȱ
whenȱ heȱ discoveredȱ herȱ secretȱ andȱ everybodyȱ
alreadyȱknowsȱwhoȱsheȱis;ȱetc.ȱTheȱȈofficialȱstanceȈȱofȱ
T&Jȱ isȱ thatȱ timeȱ andȱ dimensionalȱ travelȱ works,ȱ
splitȱoffȱnewȱrealities.ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
Capes.ȱRevisionistȱsuperheroȱstoriesȱaside,ȱthereȇsȱanȱ
excellentȱ reasonȱ forȱ someȱ superhumansȱ toȱ wearȱ
capes:ȱtheyȇreȱdamnedȱcool.ȱCapesȱareȱallȱaboutȱstyleȱ–ȱ
andȱStyleȱ(seeȱabove)ȱisȱjustȱtheȱplaceȱforȱplayerȱandȱ
GMsȱ toȱ startȱ atȱ whenȱ theyȇreȱ thinkingȱ aboutȱ
includingȱ capesȱ (andȱ costumes)ȱ inȱ T&Jȱ campaigns.ȱ
Also,ȱ atȱ aȱ roughȱ estimate,ȱ overȱ theȱ historyȱ ofȱ
superheroȱ stories,ȱ aȱ characterȇsȱ capeȱ isȱ explicitlyȱ anȱ
aidȱ toȱ theȱ characterȱ almostȱ twiceȱ asȱ oftenȱ asȱ itȱ isȱ aȱ
hindranceȱ –ȱ byȱ servingȱ asȱ armor,ȱ makeshiftȱ hangȱ
glider,ȱ decoy,ȱ weapon,ȱ etc.ȱ (Seeȱ alsoȱ below,ȱ
Uniforms.)ȱȱ
Changeȱ &ȱ theȱ Statusȱ Quo.ȱ Mostȱ mainstreamȱ
superheroesȱ areȱ reactive,ȱ usingȱ theirȱ superhumanȱ
powersȱ toȱ fightȱ superpoweredȱ threats,ȱ trackȱ downȱ
criminalsȱ whoȱ haveȱ alreadyȱ struck,ȱ minimizeȱ andȱ
repairȱ theȱ damageȱ fromȱ anȱ occurringȱ orȱ imminentȱ
naturalȱdisaster.ȱRarelyȱdoȱsuperheroesȱactivelyȱtryȱtoȱ
makeȱ theȱ worldȱ aȱ betterȱ place.ȱ Thereȇsȱ anȱ excellentȱ
reasonȱforȱthis:ȱtheyȇdȱprobablyȱbeȱableȱtoȱdoȱso,ȱandȱ
causeȱ wideȬrangingȱ changes,ȱ bothȱ subtleȱ andȱ
ostentatious.ȱȱ
Aȱ handfulȱ ofȱ supersȱ couldȱ doȱ thingsȱ thatȱ couldȱ
quicklyȱ changeȱ theȱ worldȱ –ȱ causeȱ naturalȱ disasters,ȱ
stopȱ naturalȱ disasters,ȱ interfereȱ withȱ internationalȱ
diplomacy,ȱthrowȱallȱtheȱMXȱmissilesȱintoȱtheȱSun,ȱgoȱ
intoȱ theȱ pastȱ andȱ saveȱ Abrahamȱ Lincolnȱ (orȱ tellȱ
Nixonȱ toȱ stopȱ tapingȱ meetings).ȱ Butȱ asȱ theȱ comicȱ
bookȱworldȱgotȱbetter,ȱitȱwouldȱbecomeȱlessȱandȱlessȱ
likeȱ whatȱ weȱ thinkȱ ofȱ asȱ ourȱ worldȱ –ȱ alterationsȱ toȱ
laws,ȱdailyȱlife,ȱtechnology,ȱinsuranceȱpremiums,ȱetc.ȱ
Aȱ superheroȱ GMȱ needsȱ toȱ askȱ himselfȱ threeȱ
questions:ȱȱ
1) Haveȱthereȱbeenȱchanges?ȱ
2) Whatȱwereȱthey?ȱ
3) Howȱdoesȱthatȱalterȱtheȱsetting?ȱ
Manyȱ storiesȱ delveȱ intoȱ thisȱ issueȱ ofȱ superhumanȱ
activityȱ –ȱ Miracleman,ȱ Squadronȱ Supremeȱ (andȱ itsȱ
updatedȱ versionȱ inȱ currentȱ publication,ȱ Supremeȱ
Power),ȱWatchmen,ȱandȱtheȱAuthority,ȱtoȱnameȱjustȱfourȱ
–ȱandȱtryȱtoȱextrapolateȱtheȱsortȱofȱworldȱcreatedȱbyȱ
theȱ presenceȱ ofȱ superheroes.ȱ Unfortunately,ȱ theseȱ
attemptsȱgenerallyȱdoȱnotȱendȱwell,ȱeitherȱdueȱtoȱtheȱ
classicȱ dichotomicȱ strugglesȱ (controlȱ andȱ freedom,ȱ
civilizationȱ andȱ barbarism,ȱ securityȱ andȱ liberty,ȱ
stagnationȱandȱgrowth,ȱlawȱandȱlawlessness,ȱetc.),ȱorȱ
ȱ 10
toȱ theȱ inherentȱ humanȱ weaknessesȱ ofȱ superhumansȱ
(greed,ȱlust,ȱpride,ȱcruelty,ȱhypocrisy,ȱetc.).ȱ
Seeȱ Chapterȱ 4,ȱ CuttingȬEdgeȱ &ȱ SuperȬTechnologies,ȱ p.ȱ
42,ȱforȱaȱdiscussionȱonȱhowȱsuperȬscienceȱandȱsuperȬ
technologyȱcanȱchangeȱaȱsetting.ȱ
Crimeȱ &ȱ theȱ Law.ȱ NormalȬscaleȱ crimeȱ isȱ hardȱ
enoughȱ toȱ stop;ȱ superȬhumanȱ crimesȱ areȱ
exponentiallyȱharderȱtoȱdealȱwith.ȱEvenȱifȱcityȱpoliceȱ
departmentsȱ haveȱ superȬSWATȱ squads,ȱ itȇsȱ rareȱ thatȱ
theyȱ canȱ takeȱ downȱ aȱ villainȱ withoutȱ heroicȱ help.ȱ
Comeȱ toȱ thinkȱ ofȱ it,ȱ isȱ possessionȱ ofȱ aȱ superpowerȱ
consideredȱ toȱ beȱ theȱ sameȱ asȱ possessionȱ ofȱ aȱ
concealedȱ weapon?ȱ Isȱ evidenceȱ collectedȱ
telepathicallyȱadmissibleȱinȱcourt?ȱIsȱMindȱControlȱaȱ
justifiableȱ defense,ȱ orȱ areȱ victimsȱ consideredȱ
accessoriesȱtoȱanyȱcrimesȱcommittedȱinȱsuchȱaȱstate?ȱ
Areȱ permitsȱ orȱ licensesȱ requiredȱ toȱ legallyȱ useȱ
powers,ȱ andȱ whoȱ wouldȱ administrateȱ aȱ licensingȱ
body?ȱCanȱaȱmaskedȱsuperheroȱwithȱaȱsecretȱidentityȱ
testifyȱ inȱ court,ȱ orȱ doesȱ thisȱ violateȱ aȱ defendantȇsȱ
rightȱtoȱfaceȱhisȱaccuser?ȱCouldȱcriminalȱsentencesȱforȱ
supervillainsȱ beȱ commutedȱ throughȱ someȱ formȱ ofȱ
publicȱ serviceȱ (seeȱ below,ȱ Massiveȱ Propertyȱ Damage)?ȱ
Canȱsuperheroesȱbeȱsued?ȱIsȱthereȱanyȱwayȱtoȱkeepȱaȱ
superpoweredȱcriminalȱimprisonedȱforȱanyȱlengthȱofȱ
time?ȱ Theȱ simplestȱ solutionȱ forȱ allȱ ofȱ theseȱ sortsȱ ofȱ
questionsȱisȱtoȱdoȱwhatȱmostȱsuperhumanȱstoriesȱdo:ȱ
handwaveȱtheȱsituationȱunlessȱitȇsȱaȱplotȱpointȱforȱtheȱ
currentȱadventure.ȱȱ
Crossovers.ȱ Inȱ superheroȱ stories,ȱ crossoversȱ –ȱ alsoȱ
knownȱasȱȈguestȬstarringȈȱorȱȈteamȬupsȈ–ȱareȱeitherȱaȱ
storyȱ consequenceȱ (ifȱ Zipzoomȱ goesȱ toȱ Drakesville,ȱ
heȇllȱ probablyȱ runȱ intoȱ theȱ Dragonȱ Knight),ȱ aȱ minorȱ
marketingȱ gimmickȱ (theȱ Dragonȱ Knightȱ sellsȱ big,ȱ soȱ
letȇsȱ slapȱ himȱ intoȱ Zipzoomȇsȱ nextȱ adventure!),ȱ orȱ aȱ
majorȱ marketingȱ gimmickȱ (everybodyȱ meetsȱ
everybodyȱ inȱ thisȱ twelveȬissueȱ maxiȬseriesȱ thatȱ
influencesȱ allȱ ofȱ theirȱ individualȱ series).ȱ Inȱ aȱ
superheroȱgame,ȱtheȱPCsȱareȱprobablyȱaȱteamȱofȱtheirȱ
own,ȱ soȱ crossoversȱ wouldȱ normallyȱ happenȱ onlyȱ ifȱ
theyȱ enteredȱ anȱ NPCȱ heroȇsȱ turf,ȱ orȱ thereȱ wasȱ someȱ
massiveȱ worldȬwideȱ threatȱ whereȱ severalȱ teamsȱ
neededȱ toȱ joinȱ forces.ȱ (Seeȱ alsoȱ below,ȱ Hooȇdȱ Win?ȱ
andȱTeams.)ȱ
Deathtraps.ȱ Likeȱ capes,ȱ deathtrapsȱ areȱ allȱ aboutȱ
Style,ȱ butȱ fromȱ theȱ darkȱ sideȱ ofȱ theȱ psyche.ȱ Villainsȱ
setȱ upȱ deathtrapsȱ forȱ twoȱ mainȱ reasons:ȱ sadismȱ andȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
egotism.ȱTheyȱlikeȱseeingȱtheȱheroesȱsuffer,ȱandȱtheyȱ
likeȱshowingȱoff.ȱAdditionally,ȱdeathtrapsȱareȱaȱgreatȱ
wayȱ forȱ heroesȱ toȱ displayȱ howȱ coolȱ orȱ creativeȱ theyȱ
are.ȱ Itȇsȱ aȱ winȬwinȱ situationȱ fromȱ aȱ gamingȱ
perspective.ȱ Dependingȱ uponȱ theȱ campaignȱ style,ȱ aȱ
deathtrapȱ canȱ beȱ allȱ Rubeȱ Goldbergȱ (mostȱ likely,ȱ
Animated)ȱorȱjustȱbeingȱhandcuffedȱtoȱaȱbriefcaseȱfullȱ
ofȱplastiqueȱ(probablyȱGrimȱȇnȱGritty).ȱȱ
Dying.ȱ Whenȱ aȱ characterȱ diesȱ inȱ aȱ mainstreamȱ
superheroȱ comicȱ book,ȱ thisȱ isȱ oftenȱ notȱ aȱ permanentȱ
thing.ȱHeroes,ȱsupportingȱcastȱmembers,ȱandȱvillainsȱ
canȱ comeȱ backȱ fromȱ theȱ deadȱ (sometimesȱ bearingȱ
newȱ knowledgeȱ orȱ powers).ȱ Usually,ȱ theȱ onlyȱ folksȱ
whoȱ remainȱ deceasedȱ areȱ thoseȱ whoȱ haveȱ anȱ
importantȱ offȬpanelȱ presence,ȱ likeȱ beingȱ partȱ ofȱ aȱ
heroȱ orȱ villainȇsȱ originȱ (seeȱ below).ȱ Thatȱ beingȱ said,ȱ
thereȱ areȱ stillȱ plentyȱ ofȱ comicsȱ whereȱ theȱ Grimȱ
Reaperȱisȱstillȱaȱthreat.ȱTheȱpermanenceȱofȱdeathȱisȱanȱ
importantȱ issueȱ inȱ superheroȱ gamingȱ –ȱ oneȱ whichȱ
GMsȱandȱPCsȱshouldȱbeȱclearȱon.ȱ(SeeȱalsoȱKilling.)ȱ
Hooȇdȱ Win?ȱ Aȱ thingȱ thatȱ happensȱ moreȱ oftenȱ thanȱ
notȱ inȱ comicȱ booksȱ isȱ theȱ oldȱ sawȱ ofȱ Ȉwhenȱ twoȱ
heroesȱfirstȱmeet,ȱtheyȱfightȱbeforeȱteamingȱupȱtoȱgoȱ
afterȱ theȱ badȱ guy.Ȉȱ Andȱ thenȱ thereȱ areȱ allȱ theȱ
discussionsȱthatȱcomicȱbookȱfansȱhaveȱlikeȱȈIfȱBatmanȱ
andȱCaptainȱAmericaȱgotȱintoȱaȱfight,ȱwhoȇdȱwin?Ȉȱorȱ
ȈWhoȇsȱ stronger:ȱ theȱ Hulkȱ orȱ Superman?Ȉȱ
(Personally,ȱ Iȇmȱ aȱ fanȱ ofȱ theȱ resolutionȱ inȱ Johnȱ
ByrneȇsȱBatman/CaptainȱAmericaȱ–ȱBatsȱhasȱtheȱedgeȱinȱ
smartsȱandȱCapȱhasȱtheȱedgeȱinȱendurance.)ȱIndeed,ȱ
overȱ theȱ pastȱ decade,ȱ thereȇsȱ nearlyȱ beenȱ aȱ comicsȱ
cottageȱindustryȱinȱansweringȱtheseȱsortsȱofȱquestionsȱ
–ȱseeȱDCȱvs.ȱMarvelȱorȱJLA/Avengers.ȱ(Seeȱalsoȱabove,ȱ
Crossovers.)ȱ
Killing.ȱ Traditionallyȱ (exceptȱ inȱ theȱ Grimȱ ȇnȱ Grittyȱ
style),ȱ superheroesȱ donȇtȱ kill,ȱ orȱ allowȱ peopleȱ toȱ dieȱ
dueȱ toȱ theirȱ lackȱ ofȱ action.ȱ Theyȇllȱ makeȱ everyȱ
attemptȱ toȱ saveȱ theȱ livesȱ ofȱ anyoneȱ andȱ everyone,ȱ
includingȱ psychopathicȱ supervillains.ȱ Forȱ theirȱ part,ȱ
villainsȱ usuallyȱ donȇtȱ killȱ heroesȱ ifȱ theyȇreȱ
unconsciousȱ–ȱtheyȱwantȱtoȱseeȱthemȱsuffer,ȱafterȱall.ȱ
Inȱ T&J,ȱ killingȱ anȱ opponentȱ isȱ aȱ deliberateȱ actȱ thatȱ
mustȱ beȱ takenȱ whenȱ theȱ victimȱ isȱ helplessȱ (seeȱ alsoȱ
above,ȱDeathtrapsȱandȱDying,ȱasȱwellȱasȱChapterȱ5,ȱOutȱ
forȱBlood,ȱp.ȱ62.)ȱ
Legendsȱ &ȱ Mythology.ȱ Sometimes,ȱ heroesȱ orȱ racesȱ
foundȱ inȱ mythȱ andȱ legendȱ getȱ recycledȱ intoȱ
ȱ 11
superheroesȱ (Marvelȇsȱ Thor,ȱ DCȇsȱ Captainȱ Marvel,ȱ
variousȱ Atlanteansȱ andȱ Amazons,ȱ Knightsȱ ofȱ theȱ
Roundȱ Table,ȱ etc.).ȱ Mattȱ Wagnerȇsȱ multipleȱ Mageȱ
seriesȱgetȱexcellentȱmileageȱoutȱofȱthisȱidea;ȱtoȱaȱlesserȱ
extentȱ soȱ didȱ Willinghamȇsȱ Elementals.ȱ Legendaryȱ orȱ
mythicȱ heroesȱ areȱ prefabricatedȱ potentialȱ PCs,ȱ withȱ
powers,ȱ allies,ȱ enemies,ȱ andȱ historiesȱ alreadyȱ
defined.ȱ Ifȱ aȱ playerȱ goesȱ aȱ bitȱ furtherȱ afieldȱ whenȱ
lookingȱ forȱ ideasȱ thanȱ theȱ typicalȱ Asgardians,ȱ
Olympians,ȱ andȱ Atlanteansȱ (orȱ evenȱ selectsȱ lesserȬ
knownȱ figuresȱ fromȱ thoseȱ groups),ȱ theȱ resultingȱ
characterȱcanȱbeȱreallyȱoriginal.ȱSo,ȱgoȱforȱit:ȱraidȱtheȱ
Kalevala,ȱ theȱ epicȱ ofȱ Sundiataȱ Kieta,ȱ orȱ theȱ pantheonȱ
ofȱHawaiianȱgods!ȱ
Massiveȱ Propertyȱ Damage.ȱ Youȱ getȱ someȱ superȬ
strongȱ dudesȱ tossingȱ carsȱ around,ȱ thingsȱ areȱ gonnaȱ
getȱ broken.ȱ Areȱ supersȱ liableȱ forȱ damagesȱ causedȱ inȱ
battle?ȱ Doesȱ insuranceȱ coverȱ suchȱ damage?ȱ Whoȱ
fixesȱ it,ȱ andȱ howȱ longȱ doesȱ itȱ take?ȱ Marvelȱ Comicsȱ
hadȱ aȱ greatȱ miniseriesȱ onȱ thisȱ topicȱ calledȱ Damageȱ
Control,ȱandȱKurtȱBusiekȇsȱAstroȱCity,ȱvolumeȱ2,ȱissueȱ
1,ȱȈWelcomeȱtoȱAstroȱCity,Ȉȱhadȱaȱgreatȱandȱdifferentȱ
takeȱ onȱ it.ȱ (Seeȱ alsoȱ Chapterȱ 5,ȱ Knockedȱ Aroundȱ andȱ
CollateralȱDamage,ȱp.ȱ62.)ȱ
Theȱ Media.ȱ Howȱ muchȱ celebrityȱ doȱ superhumansȱ
haveȱinȱtheȱworld?ȱIsȱitȱofȱaȱdifferentȱnatureȱthanȱthatȱ
ofȱ politicians,ȱ entertainers,ȱ orȱ professionalȱ athletes?ȱ
Doesȱ theȱ mediaȱ hushȱ upȱ reportsȱ ofȱ superpowersȱ
becauseȱ Ȉthatȇsȱ crazyȱ talkȈ?ȱ Orȱ doȱ superhumansȱ
handleȱ theirȱ mediaȱ presenceȱ throughȱ PRȱ firms?ȱ
WhenȱDoctorȱIvylȱthreatensȱtoȱblowȱupȱCityȱHall,ȱdoȱ
reportersȱ swarmȱ theȱ sceneȱ inȱ theȱ hopesȱ ofȱ catchingȱ
theirȱfavoriteȱheroesȱonȱfilm?ȱ
Monologues.ȱ Muchȱ likeȱ deathtraps,ȱ villainsȱ rambleȱ
onȱinȱtheseȱlongȱrantingȱspeechesȱmostlyȱtoȱshowȱoffȱ
orȱ hurtȱ theirȱ (usuallyȱ captive)ȱ audience.ȱ Theyȱ mayȱ
alsoȱ beȱ tryingȱ toȱ persuadeȱ theȱ audienceȱ toȱ followȱ aȱ
particularȱ planȱ ofȱ action.ȱ Heroesȱ arenȇtȱ exemptȱ fromȱ
monologuing,ȱthoughȱgenerallyȱtheyȱuseȱtheȱtacticȱtoȱ
intimidateȱ aȱ foeȱ orȱ whipȱ upȱ theȱ supportȱ ofȱ theȱ
audience;ȱ someȱ fewȱ doȱ orateȱ outȱ ofȱ selfȬ
aggrandizement.ȱȱ
Moralȱ Code.ȱ Superheroesȱ oftenȱ followȱ aȱ strictȱ codeȱ
thatȱincludesȱtheȱwillingnessȱ–ȱwithoutȱexpectationȱofȱ
rewardȱ–ȱtoȱriskȱoneȇsȱownȱlife,ȱliberty,ȱandȱwelfareȱinȱ
theȱ serviceȱ ofȱ whatȱ theyȱ believeȱ isȱ goodȱ andȱ right.ȱ
Thisȱ codeȱ mayȱ haveȱ beenȱ createdȱ byȱ theȱ heroȱ basedȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
onȱ aȱ deepȱ motivation,ȱ aȱ senseȱ ofȱ responsibilityȱ orȱ
guilt,ȱ orȱ aȱ needȱ forȱ justiceȱ orȱ revenge,ȱ andȱ usuallyȱ
includesȱconceptsȱlikeȱȈprotectȱinnocents,ȈȱȈkeepȱyourȱ
word,ȈȱandȱȈdoȱnotȱkill.ȈȱOneȱofȱtheȱthingsȱthatȱmakesȱ
aȱ superheroȱ heroicȱ isȱ theȱ factȱ thatȱ theyȱ stickȱ toȱ theirȱ
codeȱ evenȱ inȱ theȱ mostȱ extremeȱ cases;ȱ mostȱ areȱ evenȱ
willingȱ toȱ dieȱ forȱ it.ȱ Classically,ȱ superheroesȱ areȱ notȱ
hypocrites;ȱ givenȱ time,ȱ angst,ȱ and/orȱ mayhem,ȱ theyȱ
canȱpolarizeȱshadesȱofȱgrayȱdownȱtoȱblackȱorȱwhite.ȱ
OriginȱStories.ȱAllȱmajorȱsuperheroȱandȱsupervillainȱ
charactersȱ haveȱ anȱ originȱstoryȱ thatȱ explainsȱ howȱ orȱ
whyȱ theyȱ gainedȱ theirȱ skillsȱ andȱ powers,ȱ andȱ whyȱ
theyȇveȱ chosenȱ toȱ useȱ themȱ forȱ goodȱ orȱ evil.ȱ Originȱ
storiesȱ areȱ oftenȱ fleshedȱ outȱ overȱ time,ȱ andȱ
sometimesȱinvolveȱretconsȱ(seeȱbelow).ȱMembersȱofȱaȱ
teamȱ (seeȱ below)ȱ mightȱ shareȱ aȱ jointȱ origin.ȱ Inȱ anyȱ
case,ȱ theȱ originȱ storyȱ isȱ whatȱ shiftsȱ theȱ superȱ
characterȱ outȱ ofȱ theȱ commonȱ massȱ ofȱ humanityȱ andȱ
intoȱ thatȱ ofȱ superhumanity.ȱ (Seeȱ alsoȱ Chapterȱ 3,ȱ
OriginȱandȱMotivation).ȱ
Outcastȱ Defenders.ȱ Startingȱ inȱ theȱ Silverȱ Age,ȱ aȱ
differentȱ typeȱ ofȱ superheroȱ showedȱ up:ȱ theȱ outcastȱ
defender.ȱ ȈHatedȱ andȱ fearedȱ byȱ theȱ worldȱ theyȱ
protect.ȱ .ȱ .Ȉȱ andȱ such.ȱ Outcastȱ heroesȱ provideȱ
opportunitiesȱ forȱ questionsȱ ofȱ heroism,ȱ ethics,ȱ andȱ
moralityȱinȱtheȱfaceȱofȱprejudiceȱandȱdistrust.ȱItȇsȱaȱlotȱ
easierȱtoȱsaveȱtheȱworldȱwhenȱtheyȇreȱcheeringȱinȱtheȱ
streets;ȱhowȱhardȱisȱitȱtoȱdefendȱsomeoneȱwhoȱhatesȱ
you?ȱȱ
Theȱ Public.ȱ Whatȱ doesȱ theȱ manȱ orȱ womanȱ onȱ theȱ
streetȱthinkȱaboutȱsuperhumans?ȱDoesȱheȱwriteȱthemȱ
offȱ asȱ Ȉspandexȱ freaksȈ?ȱ Doesȱ sheȱ viewȱ themȱ asȱ
terribleȱ dangersȱ toȱ beȱ avoided?ȱ Doesȱ aȱ religiousȱ
citizenȱseeȱthemȱasȱincarnateȱangels,ȱhereȱtoȱsaveȱus,ȱ
orȱ asȱ demonsȱ toȱ damnȱ us?ȱ Ultimately,ȱ theȱ averageȱ
guyȱandȱgalȱusuallyȱdoesnȇtȱcareȱaboutȱsuperhumansȱ
unlessȱ theirȱ livesȱ haveȱ beenȱ touchedȱ byȱ them.ȱ
Perhapsȱ theyȱ wereȱ savedȱ fromȱ Redȱ Robotȇsȱ bombȱ atȱ
theȱ amusementȱ parkȱ byȱ Ultrawoman,ȱ orȱ wereȱ
inspiredȱ toȱ goȱ intoȱ bombȱ disposalȱ justȱ fromȱ hearingȱ
aboutȱtheȱrescue.ȱOrȱtheȱconstructionȱsiteȱwhereȱtheyȱ
workedȱ gotȱ wreckedȱ inȱ aȱ superȬbattle.ȱ Maybeȱ aȱ
cousinȱ turnedȱ outȱ toȱ haveȱ XȬRayȱ Vision,ȱ andȱ nowȱ
theyȱ reactȱ toȱ superhumansȱ basedȱ onȱ that.ȱ Whatȱ ifȱ
JohnȱDoeȱthinksȱDr.ȱWidgetȱisȱsimplyȱdreamy?ȱȱ
Radiationȱ Accident.ȱ Theȱ traditionalȱ wayȱ toȱ gainȱ
superpowersȱ(orȱincreaseȱtheȱpowerȱofȱexistingȱones)ȱ
ȱ 12
isȱtoȱhaveȱaȱȈradiationȈȱaccident.ȱDependingȱuponȱtheȱ
setting,ȱ style,ȱ andȱ periodȱ ofȱ aȱ superheroȱ campaign,ȱ
ȈradiationȈȱ couldȱ becomeȱ ȈmagicalȈȱ orȱ
ȈnanotechnologicalȈȱorȱȈelectricalȈȱ(seeȱalsoȱChapterȱ3,ȱ
T&JȱImprovement,ȱp.ȱ33).ȱ
Religion.ȱ Whatȱ doesȱ theȱ Popeȱ haveȱ toȱ sayȱ aboutȱ
flyingȱ men?ȱ Whatȱ aboutȱ theȱ Dalaiȱ Lama?ȱ Yourȱ localȱ
imamȱorȱrabbi?ȱThatȱtelevangelistȱonȱTV?ȱWhatȱaboutȱ
superhumansȱwhoȱthemselvesȱascribeȱtoȱaȱparticularȱ
faith?ȱ Willȱ cultsȱ springȱ upȱ aroundȱ superhumans?ȱ
ȈForȱJorȬElȱsoȱlovedȱtheȱEarth,ȱheȱsentȱthemȱhisȱonlyȱ
begottenȱson.ȱ.ȱ.Ȉȱ
Retcons.ȱAȱretconȱ–ȱshortȱforȱȈretroactiveȱcontinuityȈȱ
–ȱisȱwhenȱpreviouslyȱestablishedȱdetailsȱofȱaȱstoryȱareȱ
alteredȱ inȱ theȱ serviceȱ ofȱ aȱ currentȱ story.ȱ Thisȱ
alterationȱ canȱ beȱ forȱ purposesȱ ofȱ additionalȱ
expositionȱ(ȈDoctorȱWidgetȱisȱUltrawomanȇsȱcousin!Ȉ)ȱ
orȱtoȱaddȱaȱnewȱtwistȱorȱperspectiveȱonȱaȱdetailȱthatȱ
drasticallyȱ changesȱ theȱ interpretationȱ ofȱ aȱ pastȱ storyȱ
(ȈDoctorȱ Ivylȱ hasȱ hadȱ youȱ hookedȱ upȱ toȱ thisȱ VRȱ rigȱ
sinceȱ ȇtheȱ Caseȱ ofȱ theȱ Corruptedȱ Calendarȇ!Ȉ).ȱ
Retconningȱ isȱ usedȱ toȱ explainȱ inconsistenciesȱ inȱ plotȱ
orȱ characterizationȱ inȱ longȬrunningȱ serialȱ formatȱ
stories,ȱ toȱ mineȱ pastȱ talesȱ forȱ modernȱ stories,ȱ orȱ toȱ
shiftȱ theȱ perspectiveȱ orȱ agendaȱ ofȱ aȱ corpusȱ ofȱ work.ȱ
Inȱsuperheroȱgaming,ȱitȱisȱaȱtoolȱthatȱcanȱbeȱusedȱforȱ
anyȱofȱtheseȱpurposes.ȱ(SeeȱalsoȱChapterȱ6,ȱRetconȱIt!,ȱ
p.ȱ76,ȱforȱsomeȱideasȱonȱT&Jȱrulesȱforȱthisȱconcept.)ȱ
Roguesȱ Galleries.ȱ Superheroesȱ collectȱ setsȱ ofȱ
enemiesȱ thatȱ theyȱ fightȱ regularly;ȱ theseȱ groupsȱ ofȱ
villainsȱ areȱ calledȱ theȱ heroȇsȱ roguesȱ gallery.ȱ Inȱ
superheroȱ gaming,ȱ aȱ goodȱ setȱ ofȱ recurringȱ foesȱ (asȱ
theyȱescape,ȱbreakȱprison,ȱorȱȈreturnȱfromȱtheȱdeadȈ)ȱ
canȱlendȱanȱexcellentȱcomicȱbookȱfeelȱtoȱaȱcampaign.ȱ
(Seeȱ alsoȱ below,ȱ Supportingȱ Casts,ȱ andȱ Chapterȱ 6,ȱ
VillainȱJazz,ȱp.ȱ77.)ȱ
Secretȱ Identities.ȱ Secretȱ Identitiesȱ existȱ soȱ thatȱ
superheroesȱ canȱ goȱ home,ȱ eatȱ someȱ dinner,ȱ goȱ onȱ
dates,ȱ getȱ someȱ sleep,ȱ makeȱ someȱ money,ȱ andȱ soȱ
forthȱ –ȱ inȱ aȱ word,ȱ privacy.ȱ Additionally,ȱ heroesȱ areȱ
rarelyȱ inconveniencedȱ byȱ theȱ dutiesȱ andȱ
responsibilitiesȱ ofȱ theirȱ dayȬjob,ȱ unlessȱ suchȱ isȱ
specificallyȱaȱStoryȱHook.ȱSomeȱheroesȱgetȱawayȱwithȱ
havingȱ noȱ secretȱ identity,ȱ butȱ thatȱ tendsȱ toȱ makeȱ
themȱ aȱ celebrity,ȱ andȱ thereȇsȱ nothingȱ worseȱ thanȱ
paparazziȱ (seeȱ above,ȱ theȱ Media)ȱ hangingȱ aroundȱ
outsideȱ theȱ Libertyȱ Cave.ȱInȱ aȱ realisticȱworld,ȱ aȱ blueȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
suitȱandȱsomeȱhornrimsȱainȇtȱgonnaȱfoolȱnobody,ȱandȱ
peopleȱareȱgoingȱtoȱtakeȱaȱlookȱunderȱtheȱmaskȱwhenȱ
theȱ heroȱ getsȱ KOȇdȱ (villainȱ orȱ not).ȱ Again,ȱ asȱ withȱ
Crimeȱ andȱ theȱ Lawȱ (seeȱabove),ȱ sometimesȱ itȱ isȱ bestȱ
justȱtoȱrationalizeȱtheȱoversightsȱandȱgetȱonȱwithȱtheȱ
gameȱ –ȱ thoughȱ interestingȱ situationsȱ canȱ occurȱ ifȱ aȱ
gameȱwantsȱtoȱdabbleȱwithȱwhatȇsȱrequiredȱtoȱavoidȱ
theȱ forensicȱ geeksȱ atȱ CSIȱ andȱ internetȬnetworksȱ
ȈsuperȬfans.Ȉȱ
Sidekicks.ȱ Comics:ȱ readerȱ identificationȱ withȱ theȱ
sidekick.ȱ Realȱ world:ȱ childȱ endangerment.ȱ Andȱ
realistically,ȱhowȱmuchȱhelpȱcanȱaȱkidȱinȱshortȱpantsȱ
andȱ aȱ dominoȱ maskȱ beȱ whenȱ beatingȱ upȱ onȱ
gangsters?ȱ Luckily,ȱ mostȱ superheroȱ storiesȱ arenȇtȱ
particularlyȱrealistic.ȱGamingȱbringsȱinȱanotherȱissue,ȱ
howeverȱ –ȱ sidekicksȱ areȱ almostȱ alwaysȱ weakerȱ thanȱ
theirȱheroȬbuddyȱ(forȱsomeȱideasȱonȱdealingȱwithȱthisȱ
inȱT&J,ȱseeȱChapterȱ4,ȱSidekick,ȱp.ȱ47).ȱȱ
Strangeȱ Visitors.ȱ Areȱ thereȱ strandedȱ aliensȱ inȱ
Topeka,ȱ ȈhiddenȈȱ civilizationsȱ withȱ seatsȱ inȱ theȱ UN,ȱ
otherȬdimensionalȱ commutersȱ workingȱ atȱ 7Ȭ11,ȱ
werewolvesȱroamingȱSohoȱalleys,ȱandȱelvesȱlivingȱinȱ
Manhattan?ȱIfȱso,ȱwhoȱknowsȱaboutȱitȱ–ȱandȱwhoȱdoȱ
theyȱ tell?ȱ Doesȱ everybodyȱ know?ȱ Isȱ thereȱ racismȱ orȱ
xenophobiaȱ againstȱ superhumansȱ (inȱ aȱ realisticȱ
world,ȱalmostȱcertainly)?ȱHaveȱtheseȱstrangeȱvisitorsȱ
hadȱ anyȱ effectȱ onȱ pastȱ historyȱ orȱ currentȱ politics?ȱ
Whyȱorȱwhyȱnot?ȱ
Supernormals.ȱ Supernormalsȱ areȱ thoseȱ heroesȱ andȱ
villainsȱ whoȱ areȱ supremelyȱ skilled,ȱ soȱ muchȱ soȱ thatȱ
theyȱ canȱ collaborateȱ andȱ competeȱ withȱ
superpoweredȱindividuals.ȱPerhapsȱtheyȱalsoȱhaveȱaȱ
superȬpowerȱ weaponȱ orȱ deviceȱ thatȱ assistsȱ themȱ inȱ
thisȱ endeavor,ȱ orȱ maybeȱ itȇsȱ justȱ decadesȱ ofȱ trainingȱ
andȱ obsessiveȱ dedicationȱ thatȱ seesȱ themȱ through.ȱ Inȱ
anyȱ case,ȱ supernormalȱ charactersȱ areȱ seenȱ asȱ beingȱ
onȱanȱequalȱfootingȱwithȱsuperhumansȱinȱaȱwayȱthatȱ
normalȱ humansȱ areȱ not.ȱ (Seeȱ alsoȱ Chapterȱ 4,ȱ Intenseȱ
Training,ȱp.ȱ37.)ȱ
Superȱ Worldȱ vs.ȱ theȱ Realȱ World.ȱ Honestly,ȱ theyȱ
arenȇtȱ theȱ sameȱ thing,ȱ andȱ tryingȱ toȱ forceȱ oneȱ toȱ beȱ
theȱ otherȱ isȱ justȱ goingȱ toȱ leaveȱ aȱ mark.ȱ Thatȱ beingȱ
said,ȱtheȱmostȱimportantȱaspectȱofȱthisȱrelationshipȱisȱ
thatȱcharactersȱshouldȱreactȱlikeȱrealȱpeopleȱasȱmuchȱ
asȱpossible,ȱgivenȱtheȱsettingȱtheyȱliveȱin.ȱThisȱmeansȱ
thatȱ inȱ aȱ worldȱ whereȱ Secretȱ Identitiesȱ areȱ kosher,ȱ
theyȱ overlookȱ theȱ smallȱ stuffȱ likeȱ ȈBoy,ȱ heȱ kindȱ ofȱ
ȱ 13
looksȱ likeȱ thatȱ otherȱ guyȱ whenȱ heȱ takesȱ hisȱ glassesȱ
offȈȱ andȱ onlyȱ startȱ askingȱ inconvenientȱ questionsȱ
whenȱ theyȱ seeȱ theȱ big,ȱ obviousȱ stuffȱ likeȱ ȈWhyȱ isȱ
thereȱaȱcapeȱhangingȱoutȱfromȱunderȱhisȱsportscoat?Ȉȱ
(SeeȱalsoȱMad,ȱBeautifulȱIdeas,ȱp.ȱ3.)ȱ
Supportingȱ Casts.ȱ Anȱ importantȱ aspectȱ ofȱ theȱ
superheroȱ genreȱ isȱ aȱ collectionȱ ofȱ supportingȱ castȱ
members:ȱ familyȱ andȱ friends,ȱ loveȱ interests,ȱ policeȱ
commissioners,ȱ crusadingȱ reporters,ȱ variousȱ
informants,ȱ andȱ helpfulȱ assistants.ȱ Someȱ mayȱ knowȱ
theȱheroȱonlyȱinȱcostumedȱidentity,ȱsomeȱmayȱknowȱ
theȱheroȱonlyȱinȱsecretȱidentity,ȱsomeȱmayȱknowȱtheȱ
heroȱ inȱ bothȱ identitiesȱ butȱ beȱ unawareȱ ofȱ hisȱ orȱ herȱ
doubleȬlife,ȱ andȱ someȱ mayȱ beȱ inȱ theȱ know.ȱ
SupportingȱCastsȱaidȱandȱsustainȱtheȱheroȱinȱallȱtheyȱ
do,ȱ andȱ oftenȱ serveȱ asȱ theȱ basisȱ forȱ subplotsȱ orȱ fullȬ
blownȱ plots.ȱ (Seeȱ Roguesȱ Galleriesȱ andȱ Sidekicks,ȱ
above.)ȱ
Teams.ȱSomeȱsuperheroȱteamsȱhaveȱcommonȱoriginsȱ
–ȱorȱevenȱtheȱsameȱoriginȱ–ȱandȱusuallyȱoperateȱasȱaȱ
groupȱ (theȱ Fantasticȱ Four),ȱ whileȱ othersȱ areȱ
assembliesȱ ofȱ separateȱ heroesȱ withȱ uniqueȱ originsȱ
whoȱ usuallyȱ operateȱ individuallyȱ (theȱ Justiceȱ
League).ȱ However,ȱ anȱ interestingȱ conceptȱ wouldȱ beȱ
toȱtreatȱtheȱPCȱgroupȱexplicitlyȱasȱaȱȈteamȬupȈȱbook.ȱ
Thatȱis,ȱtheyȱareȱtheȱheadlinersȱinȱtheirȱownȱtitle,ȱtheȱ
bigȱ cheeseȱ heroȱ ofȱ theirȱ ownȱ city,ȱ yetȱ needȱ toȱ comeȱ
togetherȱ forȱ reallyȱ bigȱ threats.ȱ Theȱ reallyȱ intriguingȱ
bitȱ wouldȱ beȱ theȱ determinationȱ ofȱ whichȱ seriesȱ aȱ
particularȱ gamingȱ sessionȱ happensȱ in:ȱ theȱ teamȬupȱ
book,ȱ aȱ crossoverȱ inȱ Characterȱ Aȇsȱ title,ȱ orȱ aȱ guestȬ
starringȱshotȱinȱCharacterȱBȇsȱseries.ȱAfterȱall,ȱheroesȱ
areȱ usuallyȱ extremelyȱ impressiveȱ inȱ theirȱ ownȱ titles;ȱ
perhapsȱ aȱ PCȱ getsȱ someȱ formȱ ofȱ bonusȱ orȱ benefitȱ ifȱ
theȱ adventureȱ isȱ Ȉhappeningȱ inȱ theirȱ comic.Ȉ(Seeȱ
CrossoversȱandȱOriginȱStories,ȱabove,ȱasȱwellȱasȱChapterȱ
6,ȱ Titleȱ Character,ȱ p.ȱ 76,ȱ forȱ someȱ ideasȱ onȱ T&Jȱ rulesȱ
forȱthisȱconcept.)ȱ
TimeȱTravel.ȱSeeȱAlternateȱEarthsȱabove,ȱandȱChapterȱ
4,ȱTimeȱControl,ȱp.ȱ53.ȱ
Uniform.ȱ Superheroesȱ andȱ supervillainsȱ needȱ
distinctiveȱ looks;ȱ itȇsȱ aȱ mainstayȱ ofȱ theȱ genre.ȱ
However,ȱ theirȱ uniformsȱ couldȱ rangeȱ fromȱ nothingȱ
specialȱ(streetȱclothes,ȱorȱnoȱuniform),ȱaȱfastidiousȱhabitȱ
orȱstyleȱinȱtheirȱclothingȱchoicesȱ(iconizedȱuniform),ȱupȱ
throughȱfullȬblownȱcomicȱbookȱlongȬjohnsȱ(costume).ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
Streetȱ clothesȱ meansȱ charactersȱ wearȱ whateverȱ theyȱ
ownȱthatȱisnȇtȱalreadyȱinȱtheȱlaundryȱbasket.ȱ
Iconizedȱ uniformȱ indicatesȱ thatȱ theȱ charactersȱ optȱ forȱ
consistencyȱ inȱ aȱ particularȱ color,ȱ cut,ȱ orȱ materialȱ
(everythingȱinȱpurpleȱandȱgreenȱsatin!),ȱwhileȱothersȱ
stickȱ toȱ practicalityȱ (cargoȱ pants,ȱ combatȱ boots,ȱ knitȱ
sweater,ȱ trenchcoat,ȱ sunglasses),ȱ andȱ stillȱ othersȱ
incorporateȱ aȱ motifȱ likeȱ aȱ recurringȱ symbolȱ (aȱ Jackȱ
o’Lanternȱmotorcycleȱhelmet,ȱaȱstylizedȱdove,ȱlotsȱofȱ
squareȱ metalȱ studs,ȱ aȱ tȬshirtȱ withȱ theȱ alchemicalȱ
symbolȱ forȱ Mercury)ȱ orȱ anȱ outrageousȱ selectionȱ ofȱ
accessoriesȱ(swordȱcane,ȱSamȱBrowneȱbeltȱofȱstakes,ȱaȱ
suitȱcoveredȱinȱthorns,ȱetc.).ȱPeopleȱwearingȱiconizedȱ
clothingȱ areȱ notȱ necessarilyȱ outsideȱ theȱ boundsȱ ofȱ
“normal”ȱ acceptability,ȱ butȱ theyȱ mayȱ beȱ extremelyȱ
strikingȱandȱmemorable.ȱThinkȱNeoȱandȱMorpheusȱinȱ
Theȱ Matrix,ȱ Mr.ȱ Glassȱ inȱ Unbreakable,ȱ Kevinȱ
Matchstickȱ inȱ Mage:ȱ theȱ Heroȱ Defined,ȱ orȱ theȱ leatherȱ
jumpsuitsȱinȱtheȱXȬMenȱmoviesȱ(onȱtheȱhighȬend).ȱȱ
Costumeȱ meansȱ thatȱ superȬoutfitsȱ areȱ capesȱ andȱ
spandexȱ andȱ bodyȱ armorȱ andȱ utilityȱ beltsȱ –ȱ theȱ
works.ȱ Costumesȱ areȱ yourȱ standard,ȱ mainstreamȱ
comicȱ bookȱ garb.ȱ Theyȱ drawȱ seriousȱ attentionȱ fromȱ
everybodyȱ –ȱ aȱ guyȱ onȱ theȱ Metroȱ inȱ aȱ blueȱ bodysuitȱ
andȱ maskȱ isȱ notȱ somethingȱ youȱ canȱ ignore,ȱ norȱ isȱ aȱ
hugeȱ guyȱ dressedȱ likeȱ Draculaȱ inȱ aȱ darkenedȱ alley.ȱ
ThinkȱBatman,ȱSpiderman,ȱDr.ȱStrange,ȱandȱsoȱforth.ȱ
TheȱoverallȱStyleȱofȱtheȱcampaignȱusuallyȱinfluencesȱ
theȱ typeȱ ofȱ uniformsȱ worn;ȱ asȱ oneȱ movesȱ alongȱ theȱ
spectrumȱ awayȱ fromȱ theȱ realistic,ȱ streetȱ clothesȱ giveȱ
wayȱ toȱ costumes.ȱ Whileȱ thereȇsȱ nothingȱ stoppingȱ aȱ
GMȱ fromȱ runningȱ aȱ Grimȱ ȇnȱ Grittyȱ gameȱ withȱ
costumesȱ (orȱ aȱ Fourȱ Colorȱ gameȱ inȱ streetȱ clothes),ȱ
someȱ playersȱ mayȱ beȱ expectingȱ aȱ certainȱ Ȉaestheticȱ
agreementȈȱ betweenȱ Styleȱ andȱ uniform.ȱ Inȱ mostȱ
mainstreamȱ settings,ȱ iconizedȱ uniformsȱ andȱ
costumesȱ areȱ resistantȱ toȱ theȱ effectsȱ ofȱ aȱ characterȇsȱ
powers,ȱwhileȱstreetȱclothesȱareȱnot.ȱ
Vigilantism.ȱ Areȱ superpoweredȱ doȬgoodersȱ simplyȱ
expandingȱtheȱscopeȱofȱtheȱclassicȱȈcitizenȇsȱarrest,Ȉȱorȱ
areȱtheyȱactuallyȱdescendingȱintoȱvigilantism?ȱCanȱaȱ
superheroȱ beȱ deputizedȱ byȱ theirȱ localȱ policeȱ force?ȱ
Whoȱ bearsȱ theȱ bruntȱ ofȱ wrongfulȱ arrestsȱ andȱ
unfortunateȱ accidents?ȱ Whatȱ givesȱ aȱ soȬcalledȱ
ȈsuperheroȈȱ theȱ rightȱ toȱ setȱ themselvesȱ upȱ asȱ judgeȱ
andȱjuryȱ(andȱsometimes,ȱexecutioner)?ȱ
ȱ 14
Warfare.ȱ Areȱ superhumansȱ aȱ majorȱ partȱ ofȱ nationalȱ
militaryȱforces?ȱIfȱso,ȱwhatȱeffectȱdoȱtheyȱhaveȱonȱtheȱ
battlefield?ȱ Unlessȱ aȱ superhumanȱ isȱ extremelyȱ
powerful,ȱ andȱ unopposedȱ byȱ commensurateȱ force,ȱ
theȱ answerȱ mightȱ be:ȱ notȱ much.ȱ (Philipȱ Wylieȇsȱ
classicȱ novelȱ Gladiatorȱ –ȱ oneȱ ofȱ theȱ inspirationsȱ forȱ
Supermanȱ–ȱdelvesȱintoȱjustȱthisȱissue.)ȱOnȱtheȱotherȱ
hand,ȱaȱsuperhumanȱspecialȱoperativeȱcouldȱdoȱaȱlotȱ
ofȱdamageȱtoȱkeyȱtargets.ȱ
Everybody else was out the day I found the crashed
spaceship in the backyard. It looked like a chrome
shop-vac. The red blobby guys crawling all over it
were hamster-sized.
One of them spoke to me, in my head. Telepathically,
I guess. They needed lead for their engine.
I ran back to the house, panting and wheezing, and
had to take a puff from my asthma inhaler. I gathered
up a lunch sack full of lead shot, fishing line sinkers,
even an old minotaur miniature I never got around to
painting. Then I ran back to the ship, and handed
over the goods.
I had to take another puff after that.
The blobby guy thanked me, and two of the others
carried the bag into the ship. Then, he looked at me –
how, I don't know, he didn't have any eyes – and said
something about "nanomagical symbiotes" and
"increasing the order of the neuro-corporal field" and
shook my hand – well, my finger. It tingled where he
touched me.
He waddled up the little ramp into his little ship,
stopped at the door, and said one word to me:
"Gesundheit." Then the door closed, and the ship went
voom!
Ever since that day, I haven't needed my inhaler. Or
my glasses. And my acne went away.
And last week, my little sister fell off her bike and
gashed her knee pretty bad. When I held her leg to
look at it, I fell something shift in my hands, and then
her wound was sealing up like a movie special effect.
Awesome.
ȱ
Confronted with the realization that his Cold War
assumptions have been a lie, Green Lantern begins to
understand that law and order are less important than truth
and justice.
– Bradford W. Wright, Comic Book Nation
ȱ
 ȱ

Chapter 2: T&J Rules Overview

ȱ
Thisȱ chapterȱgivesȱ theȱ basicsȱ ofȱ theȱ T&Jȱ rules,ȱsoȱ thatȱ playersȱ haveȱ aȱ generalȱunderstandingȱ ofȱ howȱ theȱ systemȱ
worksȱbeforeȱcreatingȱcharacters.ȱFurtherȱdetailsȱandȱrefinementsȱwillȱbeȱofferedȱinȱlaterȱchapters.ȱ
Theȱ coreȱ designȱ conceptȱ ofȱ PDQȬbasedȱ gamesȱ isȱ ofȱ prose,ȱ descriptive,ȱ doȬitȬyourself,ȱ wideȬrangingȱ abilitiesȱ thatȱ
summarizeȱaȱ rangeȱ ofȱattributes,ȱadvantages,ȱ merits,ȱ flaws,ȱ skills,ȱ relationships,ȱ orȱ incapabilities.ȱ Abilitiesȱ areȱaȱ
measureȱ ofȱ storyȬeffectivenessȱ ratherȱ thanȱ realityȱ simulation,ȱ andȱ areȱ intendedȱ toȱ beȱ rankedȱ andȱ comparedȱ
againstȱoneȱanother.ȱȱ
TheȱPDQȱMasterȱChartȱ(seeȱbelow)ȱisȱtheȱfoundationȱofȱthisȱscheme.ȱWhenȱattemptingȱaȱtask,ȱplayersȱrollȱ2d6,ȱplusȱ
theȱModifierȱ–ȱorȱMODȱ–ȱfromȱtheȱRankȱofȱtheȱabilityȱtheyȱareȱusingȱtoȱdetermineȱwhetherȱorȱnotȱtheyȱsucceed.ȱ

PDQ Master Chart

LEVEL AS QUALITY RANKȱ MODIFIER AS DIFFICULTY RANK TARGET
TO 2D6 NUMBER
ROLL
Poorȱ NotablyȱInept.ȱȱ -2 Aȱtrivialȱtask.ȱ 5
Averageȱ Typicalȱhumanȱcapability.ȱ 0 Straightforwardȱtask.ȱ 7
Goodȱ Betterȱthanȱusual;ȱmostȱprofessionalsȱorȱ +2 Complexȱtask,ȱrequiringȱattentionȱtoȱdetail.ȱ 9
talentedȱnewcomers.ȱȱ

Expertȱ Noted/famedȱprofessional;ȱtalentȱwithȱ +4 Intricateȱtask,ȱdifficultȱandȱrequiringȱsharpȱ 11

skillȱtoȱbackȱitȱup.ȱ concentration,ȱhardȱforȱaȱtypicalȱuntrainedȱpersonȱ
(Average).ȱ

Masterȱ Acclaimedȱgenius:ȱtalentȱwithȱ +6 Extremelyȱdifficultȱtask,ȱhardȱforȱmostȱprofessionalsȱinȱ 13

substantialȱskillȱbehindȱit.ȱ theȱfieldȱ(Good).ȱ
NOTE - An expanded table – the T&J Intensity Chart – appears on p. 34, which discusses the Intensity and scope of superpowers.
Both charts are available as a handout found at the end of this book and at the Atomic Sock Monkey Press website.

QUALITIES
Qualitiesȱ describeȱ aȱ character’sȱ noteworthyȱ talents,ȱ
skills,ȱrelationships,ȱresources,ȱandȱflaws.ȱTheȱplayerȱ
selectsȱ aȱ wordȱ orȱ phraseȱ toȱ sumȱ upȱ whatȱ theyȱ wantȱ
theȱcharacterȱtoȱbeȱableȱtoȱdo,ȱandȱtheȱGMȱwillȱthenȱ
agreeȱ toȱ orȱ vetoȱ theȱ Quality.ȱ Aȱ Qualityȱ representsȱ aȱ
broadȱ skill,ȱ fieldȱ ofȱ knowledge,ȱ uniqueȱ perspective,ȱ
personalityȱ trait,ȱ orȱ socialȱ connection:ȱ ifȱ aȱ particularȱ
Qualityȱ isȱ relevantȱ atȱ allȱ toȱ anȱ actionȱ orȱ topic,ȱ theȱ
characterȱ mayȱ applyȱ itȱ whenȱ attemptingȱ thatȱ actionȱ
orȱ understandingȱ thatȱ topic.ȱ Thisȱ isȱ calledȱ theȱ
penumbraȱ (orȱ “shadow”)ȱ ofȱ theȱ Quality.ȱ Therefore,ȱ aȱ
playerȱshouldn’tȱpickȱQualitiesȱthatȱareȱtooȱnarrowȱorȱ
itsȱ penumbraȱ willȱ beȱ tooȱ narrow;ȱ tooȱ broad,ȱ andȱ
identifyingȱ theȱ sortsȱ ofȱ thingsȱ thatȱ shouldȱ fallȱ underȱ
theȱpenumbraȱbecomesȱpointless.ȱProperȱwordȱchoiceȱ
isȱkey.ȱTheȱparametersȱforȱwhat’sȱ“tooȱbroad”ȱorȱ“tooȱ
narrow”ȱareȱupȱtoȱtheȱindividualȱGM.ȱ
Considerȱ aȱ characterȱ whoȱ hasȱ theȱ Qualityȱ ofȱ
“Teacher.”ȱ Forȱ someȱ T&Jȱ games,ȱ thatȱ willȱ beȱ
perfectlyȱ fine;ȱ forȱ others,ȱ tooȱ broad.ȱ Theȱ GMȱ mightȱ
askȱ theȱ playerȱ toȱ refineȱ theȱ Quality,ȱ toȱ giveȱ aȱ betterȱ
ideaȱ ofȱ theȱ sortsȱ ofȱ thingsȱ thatȱ willȱ fallȱ underȱ itsȱ
penumbra.ȱ So:ȱ “Teacher”ȱ couldȱ becomeȱ “Collegeȱ
Historyȱ Prof,”ȱ “Highȱ Schoolȱ Chemistryȱ Teacher,”ȱ orȱ
“Gradeȱ Schoolȱ Teacher.”ȱ Whileȱ allȱ wouldȱ coverȱ theȱ
basicȱconceptȱofȱeducation,ȱeachȱindividualȱchoiceȱȱ

15ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ

QUALITY EXAMPLES i Social.ȱGroupsȱtheȱcharacterȱisȱaȱmemberȱofȱorȱ

associatesȱwith,ȱskillsȱinȱdealingȱwithȱpeople.ȱ
Personality: Thoughtful, Empathic, Obsessive,
Spoilsport, Friendly, Prankster, Perceptive. i Professional.ȱKnowledgeȱandȱskillsȱpickedȱupȱ
Physical: Gunplay, Kung Fu, Roguishly onȱtheȱjob.ȱȱ
Handsome, Weightlifting, Ballroom Dance, i Resources.ȱ Whileȱ aȱ characterȱ isȱ assumedȱ toȱ
Perseverance. haveȱaccessȱtoȱmostȱnormalȬscaleȱ(seeȱChapterȱ
Mental: Oriental Philosophy, Fine Food and 1,ȱ Scale,ȱ p.ȱ 4),ȱ mundaneȱ gearȱ relatedȱ toȱ theirȱ
Drink, Sports Trivia, Speed-reading, Strategy & otherȱ Qualities,ȱ certainȱ rareȱ typesȱ ofȱ
Tactics, Computer Programming. specializedȱ equipmentȱ knownȱ asȱ Gadgetsȱ (seeȱ
Social: Relationship with local Wu-Shen Monks, p.ȱ41)ȱorȱVehiclesȱ(seeȱpȱ53)ȱ–ȱcanȱbeȱconsideredȱ
Friends on the Force, Football Team Booster Club, aȱ separateȱ Quality.ȱ Inȱ someȱ T&Jȱ settings,ȱ
Conversationalist, Intimidating Guy, Charmingly
devicesȱ likeȱ utilityȱ belts,ȱ highȬperformanceȱ
Effusive, Loves Bobbi Sue.
vehicles,ȱ swingȬlineȱ devices,ȱ jetpacks,ȱ etc.,ȱ
Professional: Teacher, Martial Artist, Spy,
willȱ beȱ consideredȱ normalȬscaleȱ Gadgets;ȱ inȱ
Professional Athlete, Freelance Writer, Bounty
others,ȱtheyȱwillȱnot.ȱȱ
Hunter, Mad Scientist.
NOTE - If stuck for ideas for Qualities, please see Chapter 11, ȱ
Random-Roll Inspiration, p. 116. IMPORTANT NOTE – If a PC wants to be particularly
ȱ better at some Quality that might normally fall under
the penumbra of another Quality (for example, taking
bringsȱdifferentȱskillsȱunderȱtheȱpenumbraȱ–ȱnotȱjustȱ “Cop” and “Pistol” separately), it’s perfectly okay to do
theȱ specificȱ fieldȱ ofȱ interest,ȱ butȱ alsoȱ knowledgeȱ so, provided that the player realizes that in exchange
for the benefit of being able to use both Qualities at the
relatedȱ toȱ it.ȱ Forȱ example,ȱ theȱ Collegeȱ Historyȱ Profȱ same time when they shoot a handgun, this character
wouldȱ haveȱ moreȱ experienceȱ withȱ (academic)ȱ generation choice limits the breadth of what the
politics,ȱ theȱ Highȱ Schoolȱ Chemistryȱ Teacherȱ wouldȱ character can do.
knowȱ moreȱ aboutȱ adolescentȱ fads,ȱ andȱ theȱ Gradeȱ ȱ
SchoolȱTeacherȱwouldȱbeȱbetterȱatȱdealingȱwithȱkidsȱ
onȱaȱsugarȱhigh.ȱ
Takeȱ anotherȱ example:ȱ “Gunplay.”ȱ Thisȱ Qualityȱ
wouldȱ beȱ usefulȱ notȱ justȱ inȱ shootingȱ atȱ things,ȱ butȱ
alsoȱ inȱ cleaningȱ andȱ repairingȱ allȱ sortsȱ ofȱ guns,ȱ
discoveringȱ theȱ locationȱ ofȱ nearbyȱ gunȱ dealersȱ andȱ
shootingȱ ranges,ȱ knowingȱ theȱ historyȱ ofȱ firearms,ȱ
andȱ soȱ forth.ȱ Ifȱ theȱ playerȱ hadȱ insteadȱ selectedȱ aȱ
Qualityȱofȱ“.44ȱMagnum,”ȱtheȱQualityȱwouldȱonlyȱbeȱ
usefulȱ inȱ shootingȱ orȱ knowingȱ aboutȱ thatȱ individualȱ
modelȱofȱgun,ȱandȱ(maybe)ȱotherȱpistols.ȱ
Qualitiesȱareȱoftenȱdrawnȱfromȱsixȱgeneralȱareas:ȱ
i Personality.ȱ OverȬarcingȱ traits;ȱ answersȱ theȱ
questionsȱofȱ“whatȱisȱthisȱcharacterȱlike?Ȉȱandȱ
Ȉhowȱ doesȱ theȱ characterȱ thinkȱ aboutȱ orȱ
approachȱ things?”ȱ Personalityȱ Qualitiesȱ alsoȱ
remindȱ theȱ playerȱ ofȱ howȱ heȱ orȱ sheȱ plansȱ toȱ
playȱtheȱcharacter.ȱ
i Physical.ȱ Havingȱ toȱ doȱ withȱ theȱ body,ȱ
athleticism,ȱorȱnaturalȱtalents.ȱ
i Mental.ȱ Areasȱ ofȱ study,ȱ intellectualȱ acuity,ȱ ȱ
education.ȱ ȱ
ȱ 16
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
QUALITY RANKS
Qualitiesȱ haveȱ Ranksȱ thatȱ indicateȱ increasingȱ levelsȱ
ofȱproficiencyȱ(seeȱalsoȱtheȱPDQȱMasterȱChart).ȱFromȱ
lowestȱtoȱhighest,ȱtheȱRanksȱare:ȱȱ
i Poorȱ[Ȭ2];ȱȱ
i Averageȱ[0];ȱȱ
i Goodȱ[+2];ȱȱ
i Expertȱ[+4];ȱandȱȱ
i Masterȱ[+6].ȱȱ
Theȱ numbersȱ inȱ squareȱ bracketsȱ followingȱ theȱ Rankȱ
ofȱ theȱ Qualityȱ showȱ theȱ Rank’sȱ Modifierȱ (orȱ MOD)ȱ –ȱ
howȱmuchȱisȱaddedȱtoȱorȱsubtractedȱfromȱaȱ2d6ȱdiceȱ
rollȱforȱresolvingȱaȱtaskȱ(seeȱbelow).ȱȱ
Charactersȱ haveȱ someȱ thingsȱ goingȱ forȱ themȱ
(Strengths),ȱ whichȱ haveȱ positiveȱ Modifiers,ȱ andȱ atȱ
leastȱ oneȱ thingȱ workingȱ againstȱ themȱ (Weakness),ȱ
whichȱhasȱaȱnegativeȱModifier.ȱȱ
ȱ
IMPORTANT NOTE – At everything else, characters are
neither noteworthy nor inept – that is, they’re Average
[0]. They can attempt a roll for any task, knowledge, or
skill that is not specifically secret, abstruse, technical,
or esoteric with a 2d6 roll. That is, while any character
can attempt to land a jumbo jet if the pilots are sick, it's
doubtful they'll be able to successfully shut down a
nuclear reactor.
ȱ figureȱoutȱtheȱheroȇsȱrealȱnameȱ(orȱquestionȱtheȱheroȇsȱ
Aȱ Strengthȱ isȱ anȱ inherentȱ positiveȱ aspectȱ (benefit,ȱ
skill,ȱ talent,ȱ attribute,ȱ relationship)ȱ ofȱ aȱ character.ȱ
Comeȱ upȱ withȱ aȱ wordȱ orȱ aȱ pithyȱ phraseȱ toȱ sumȱ upȱ
theȱ Strength.ȱ Examplesȱ includeȱ Handsomeȱ Man,ȱ
KungȬFuȱ Fighting,ȱ Observant,ȱ Creditȱ Rating,ȱ RaceȬ
carȱ Driver,ȱ Findȱ Bargains,ȱ aȱ Friendȱ inȱ theȱ Precinct,ȱ
Trueȱ Love,ȱ andȱ Runȱ Away!ȱ Strengthsȱ canȱ beȱ anyȱ
RankȱgreaterȱthanȱAverageȱ[0].ȱ
Aȱ Weaknessȱ isȱ anȱ inherentȱ negativeȱ aspectȱ ofȱ theȱ
character,ȱ stemmingȱ fromȱ ignorance,ȱ flawedȱ
understanding,ȱ physicalȱ orȱ mentalȱ incapability,ȱ aȱ
recurringȱ duty,ȱ orȱ someȱ otherȱ vulnerability.ȱ Aȱ wordȱ
ofȱ advice:ȱ pickȱ somethingȱ thatȱ willȱ beȱ funȱ orȱ
entertainingȱ (forȱ youȱ theȱ player,ȱ notȱ necessarilyȱ youȱ
theȱ character)ȱ toȱ flubȱ at!ȱ Comeȱ upȱ withȱ aȱ wordȱ orȱ aȱ
pithyȱphraseȱtoȱsumȱupȱtheȱWeakness.ȱExamplesȱhereȱ
includeȱ Glassȱ Jaw,ȱ Badȱ Creditȱ Rating,ȱ Slowȱ Asȱ
Molasses,ȱ BedȬriddenȱ Grandmother,ȱ Unluckyȱ inȱ
Love,ȱandȱWallflower.ȱWeaknessesȱareȱalwaysȱPoorȱ[Ȭ
2]ȱRank.ȱ
ȱ 17
Dependingȱ howȱ theȱ Qualityȱ isȱ consideredȱ whenȱ
creatingȱ theȱ character,ȱ anyȱ Qualityȱ couldȱ beȱ eitherȱ aȱ
Strengthȱ orȱ aȱ Weakness.ȱ Forȱ example,ȱ supposeȱ aȱ
characterȱ hasȱ ȈSpoiledȱ BratȈȱ asȱ aȱ Quality.ȱ Ifȱ itȇsȱ
rankedȱ Averageȱ orȱ above,ȱ itȇsȱ aȱ Strength:ȱ theȱ
characterȱalwaysȱgetsȱhisȱownȱway,ȱcanȱwieldȱundueȱ
influenceȱ byȱ threateningȱ toȱ sicȱ theirȱ Mommyȱ orȱ
Daddyȱ onȱ others,ȱ mightȱ possessȱ lotsȱ ofȱ cashȱ orȱ
equipment,ȱandȱpeopleȱmayȱfawnȱoverȱthem,ȱmakingȱ
lifeȱ easy.ȱ Butȱ ifȱ theȱ characterȱ hasȱ ȈSpoiledȱ Bratȱ
(Poor),Ȉȱ thisȱ isȱ aȱ Weakness:ȱ theȱ characterȱ hasȱ ledȱ aȱ
pamperedȱ andȱ shelteredȱ life,ȱ rubsȱ peopleȱ theȱ wrongȱ
way,ȱandȱexpectsȱeveryoneȱtoȱbendȱoverȱbackwardȱtoȱ
fulfillȱ hisȱ mostȱ minorȱ needs.ȱ Orȱ ponderȱ ȈTrueȱ Loveȱ
forȱPatȈ:ȱifȱtheȱcharacterȇsȱpureȱdevotionȱtoȱtheirȱloverȱ
Patȱ helpsȱ themȱ succeedȱ inȱ direȱ situations,ȱ itȇsȱ aȱ
Strength;ȱ ifȱ theȱ characterȇsȱ obsessionȱ withȱ Patȱ
interferesȱregularlyȱwithȱdailyȱlifeȱorȱadventuring,ȱitȇsȱ
aȱWeakness.ȱ
Anȱ importantȱ noteȱ relevantȱ toȱ superheroȱ gaming:ȱasȱ
aȱ player,ȱ youȱ shouldȱ onlyȱ takeȱ aȱ Weaknessȱ forȱ yourȱ
characterȱ thatȱ youȱ willȱ enjoyȱ playing,ȱ andȱ thatȱ youȱ
wantȱ toȱ comeȱ upȱ inȱ play.ȱ Forȱ example,ȱ takingȱ aȱ
Qualityȱ likeȱ ȈSecretȱ IdentityȈȱ (orȱ ȈVigilanteȈ)ȱ asȱ aȱ
WeaknessȱindicatesȱtoȱtheȱGMȱthatȱtheȱplayerȱwishesȱ
toȱ haveȱ situationsȱ comeȱ upȱ inȱ whichȱ peopleȱ tryȱ toȱ
motives,ȱmethods,ȱorȱtheȱlawfulnessȱofȱhisȱactions).ȱȱ
NOTE - Some players may wish to consider taking
"Secret Identity" as a type of Vulnerability rather than a
Weakness (see Chapter 4, p. 37).
Duringȱ characterȱ generation,ȱ playersȱ haveȱ severalȱ
packagesȱ toȱ chooseȱ from,ȱ eachȱ withȱ aȱ differentȱ
numberȱ ofȱ Qualitiesȱ andȱ Ranks.ȱ Theyȱ mayȱ chooseȱ
betweenȱ havingȱ moreȱ Qualitiesȱ atȱ aȱ lowerȱ levelȱ ofȱ
competency,ȱ orȱ havingȱ fewerȱ Qualitiesȱ atȱ aȱ higherȱ
levelȱofȱcompetency.ȱȱ
Examples:ȱ Hereȱ areȱ twoȱ simpleȱ charactersȱ andȱ
theirȱQualities:ȱ
Joe Thug. Good [+2] Brawler, Good [+2] Criminal,
Poor [-2] Ugly.
Mike the Cop. Good [+2] Policeman, Good [+2]
Outdoorsman, Poor [-2] Singer.
Neverȱ fear:ȱ ifȱ afterȱ playȱ begins,ȱ aȱ particularȱ Qualityȱ
seesȱ noȱ useȱ andȱ doesn’tȱ reallyȱ addȱ toȱ theȱ
characterizationȱ ofȱ aȱ PC,ȱ theȱ playerȱ andȱ theȱ GMȱ canȱ
workȱtogetherȱchangeȱitȱtoȱsomethingȱthatȱfitsȱbetter.ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
DIFFICULTY RANKS
Difficultyȱ Ranksȱ areȱ likeȱ Qualityȱ Ranksȱ forȱ things,ȱ
tasks,ȱ andȱ situations,ȱ andȱ showȱ howȱ challengingȱ aȱ
thing,ȱ task,ȱ orȱ situationȱ is.ȱ Aȱ wallȱ thatȱ needsȱ toȱ beȱ
climbed,ȱaȱlockȱthatȱmustȱbeȱpicked,ȱaȱswayingȱropeȱ
bridgeȱ thatȱ mustȱ beȱ crossed,ȱ aȱ trapȱ whichȱ mustȱ beȱ
disarmed,ȱ andȱ soȱ forth.ȱ Theȱ GMȱ looksȱ atȱ theȱ Masterȱ
Chartȱ(seeȱabove),ȱandȱdeterminesȱtheȱDifficultyȱRankȱ
ofȱtheȱtask.ȱSomeȱDifficultyȱRanksȱwillȱbeȱfiguredȱoutȱ
inȱ advance,ȱ butȱ theȱ simplicityȱ ofȱ theȱ PDQȱ Masterȱ
Chartȱhelpsȱmakeȱitȱeasyȱtoȱdetermineȱcomplexityȱonȱ
theȱfly.ȱȱ
Difficultyȱ Ranksȱ showȱ increasingȱ levelsȱ ofȱ intricacyȱ
(seeȱ alsoȱ theȱ PDQȱ Masterȱ Chart).ȱ Fromȱ lowestȱ toȱ
highest,ȱtheȱRanksȱare:ȱȱ
i Poorȱ[5];ȱȱ
i Averageȱ[7];ȱȱ
i Goodȱ[9];ȱȱ
i Expertȱ[11];ȱandȱȱ
i Masterȱ[13].ȱȱ
Theȱ numbersȱ inȱ squareȱ bracketsȱ followingȱ theȱ
DifficultyȱRankȱshowȱitsȱTargetȱNumberȱ(orȱTN)ȱ–ȱtheȱ
numberȱ aȱ characterȱ mustȱ rollȱ onȱ 2d6ȱ (plusȱ anyȱ
Modifiers)ȱtoȱsucceedȱorȱconquerȱtheȱtask.ȱ
NOTE - Some GMs may wish to include Difficulty Ranks
of Improbable [19] and Impossible [25+] for really
challenging tasks that only the "best of the best" (under
optimum conditions) and the super-gifted have a chance
of succeeding at. However, this is purely optional.
ȱ Whileȱ T&Jȱ tendsȱ toȱ leaveȱ normalȬscaleȱ movementȱ
BASIC TIME, RANGE, AND MOVEMENT
Forȱ mostȱ thingsȱ onȱ theȱ normalȬscaleȱ (seeȱ Chapterȱ 1,ȱ
Scale,ȱ p.ȱ 4),ȱ theȱ followingȱ informationȱ isȱ adequateȱ
whenȱ runningȱ aȱ T&Jȱ game.ȱ Whenȱ talkingȱ aboutȱ
Powersȱ andȱ otherȱ thingsȱ onȱ theȱ superȬscale,ȱ pleaseȱ
referȱtoȱtheȱT&JȱIntensityȱChartȱonȱp.ȱ34.ȱ
BASIC TIME
Forȱ mostȱ purposes,ȱ timeȱ measurementsȱ areȱ asȱ
normal:ȱ seconds,ȱ minutes,ȱ hours,ȱ days,ȱ weeks,ȱ etc.ȱ
However,ȱ theȱ termsȱ usedȱ inȱ T&Jȱ forȱ identifyingȱ theȱ
passageȱ ofȱ Ȉgameȱ timeȈȱ are:ȱ Scenes,ȱ Turns,ȱ actions,ȱ
andȱreactions.ȱ
Scenesȱareȱ howeverȱ longȱitȱ takesȱforȱaȱ distinctȱ actionȱ
orȱsetȱofȱactionsȱ(combat,ȱlibraryȱresearch,ȱdefusingȱaȱ
bomb,ȱaȱbusinessȱmeeting,ȱtravelingȱacrossȱtown,ȱetc.)ȱ
ȱ 18
toȱ happen.ȱ Scenesȱ canȱ beȱ longȱ orȱ short,ȱ andȱ canȱ
collapseȱorȱextendȱtimeȱasȱnecessary.ȱ
Aȱ Turnȱ meansȱ Ȉtheȱ setȱ ofȱ allȱ charactersȇȱ nextȱ actionsȱ
andȱ reactions.Ȉȱ Eachȱ characterȱ takesȱ anȱ individualȱ
action:ȱ that’sȱ whenȱ theyȱ makeȱ theirȱ move,ȱ sayȱ theirȱ
piece,ȱ throwȱ aȱ punch,ȱ etc.ȱ Otherȱ charactersȱ reactȱ
duringȱ aȱ character’sȱ actionȱ –ȱ sayingȱ somethingȱ backȱ
orȱ performingȱ aȱ defense,ȱ usuallyȱ –ȱ butȱ reactionsȱ canȱ
onlyȱ beȱ inȱ responseȱ toȱ theȱ actionsȱ ofȱ theȱ characterȱ
whoseȱturnȱitȱcurrentlyȱis.ȱTheyȱcannotȱinitiateȱmovesȱ
ofȱtheirȱownȱuntilȱtheirȱaction.ȱTheȱTurnȱisȱoverȱwhenȱ
eachȱ character’sȱ actionȱ andȱ anyȱ resultingȱ reactionsȱ
haveȱbeenȱresolved.ȱ
HowȱtheȱScenesȱandȱTurnsȱofȱgameȱtimeȱrelateȱtoȱtheȱ
seconds,ȱminutes,ȱhours,ȱetc.ȱofȱrealȱtimeȱisȱvariable.ȱ
BASIC RANGE
Forȱ mostȱ purposes,ȱ GMsȱ canȱ beȱ reallyȱ flexibleȱ withȱ
distanceȱ inȱ aȱ T&Jȱ game.ȱ Rangesȱ areȱ eitherȱ Nearȱ (canȱ
punchȱ it),ȱ Middlingȱ (canȱ runȱ upȱ andȱ punchȱ it),ȱ Farȱ
(canȱthrowȱorȱshootȱatȱit),ȱorȱTooȱFarȱ(outȱofȱrange).ȱIfȱ
oneȱ reallyȱ wantsȱ toȱ connectȱ numbersȱ toȱ this,ȱ Nearȱ
wouldȱbeȱanyȱdistanceȱupȱtoȱaȱyard,ȱMiddlingȱwouldȱ
beȱ betweenȱ 1ȱ andȱ 3ȱ yards,ȱ Farȱ wouldȱ beȱ betweenȱ 3ȱ
andȱ60ȱyards,ȱandȱTooȱFarȱisȱanythingȱoverȱ60ȱyards.ȱ
Ifȱ oneȱ wantsȱ toȱ connectȱ Difficultyȱ Ranksȱ toȱ theseȱ
Ranges,ȱ Nearȱ isȱ equivalentȱ toȱ Averageȱ [7],ȱ Middlingȱ
isȱequivalentȱtoȱGoodȱ[9],ȱandȱsoȱforth.ȱ
BASIC MOVEMENT
ratesȱ forȱ charactersȱ abstractȱ andȱ upȱ toȱ theȱ discretionȱ
ofȱ theȱ GMȱ (likeȱ byȱ requiringȱ aȱ characterȱ toȱ makeȱ aȱ
rollȱ usingȱ aȱ speedȱ orȱ movementȱ Qualityȱ vs.ȱ aȱ
reasonableȱDifficultyȱRank),ȱsomeȱfolksȱlikeȱhavingȱaȱ
concreteȱmovementȱrate.ȱSoȱhereȱitȱis:ȱcharactersȱhaveȱ
aȱmovementȱrateȱequalȱtoȱ4ȱyardsȱplusȱtheȱsumȱofȱallȱ
involvedȱ Qualityȱ Modifiersȱ perȱ Turn.ȱ Halfȱ ofȱ thisȱ
(i.e.,ȱ theȱ sumȱ ofȱ theirȱ Qualitiesȱ beingȱ used)ȱ isȱ takenȱ
onȱ theirȱ action,ȱ andȱ theȱ otherȱ halfȱ isȱ takenȱ duringȱ
theirȱreactions.ȱȱ
Example:ȱ Thisȱ meansȱ thatȱ aȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Joggerȱ
wouldȱhaveȱaȱmovementȱrateȱofȱ6ȱyardsȱperȱTurnȱ
–ȱ baseȱ 4,ȱ plusȱ 2;ȱ theyȱ canȱ moveȱ upȱ toȱ 3ȱ yardsȱ onȱ
theirȱactionȱandȱ3ȱyardsȱonȱtheirȱreactions.ȱȱ
Aȱ skierȱ withȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Fast!ȱ andȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ
Skiingȱonȱaȱdownhillȱrunȱwouldȱhaveȱaȱmovementȱ
rateȱofȱ10ȱyardsȱperȱTurnȱ–ȱbaseȱ4,ȱplusȱ(2+4);ȱtheyȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
canȱmoveȱupȱtoȱ5ȱyardsȱonȱtheirȱactionȱandȱ5ȱyardsȱ
onȱtheirȱreactions.ȱ
POWERS
Powersȱ areȱ theȱ superhumanȱ abilitiesȱ thatȱ aȱ characterȱ
possesses.ȱAȱcharacterȱmayȱuseȱthemȱasȱoftenȱasȱtheyȱ
wish.ȱ Likeȱ withȱ Qualities,ȱ whateverȱ aȱ playerȱ canȱ
thinkȱupȱandȱthatȱtheȱGMȱagreesȱtoȱcanȱbeȱaȱPower.ȱ
Powersȱ areȱ Rankedȱ similarlyȱ toȱ Qualities,ȱ haveȱ
penumbrasȱ (aȱ characterȱ withȱ Fireȱ Blastȱ canȱ easilyȱ
lightȱ hisȱ cigarette),ȱ andȱ theirȱ Modifiersȱ addȱ toȱ aȱ 2d6ȱ
rollȱwhenȱtheȱcharacterȱattemptsȱtoȱuseȱtheȱPowerȱtoȱ
doȱsomethingȱ(blastȱanȱenemy,ȱliftȱaȱtank,ȱoutrunȱanȱ
explosion,ȱ etc.).ȱ Unlikeȱ Qualitiesȱ (seeȱ above),ȱ
charactersȱmustȱhaveȱaȱPowerȱlistedȱonȱtheirȱcharacterȱ
sheetȱ toȱ attemptȱ toȱ useȱ it.ȱ Theȱ scopeȱ ofȱ aȱ Powerȇsȱ
effectȱ–ȱduration,ȱrange,ȱspeed,ȱetc.ȱ–ȱisȱknownȱasȱitsȱ
IntensityȱandȱisȱshownȱonȱtheȱT&JȱIntensityȱChartȱonȱp.ȱ
34.ȱ
Example:ȱ Optikonȱ hasȱ anȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ Laserȱ Eyesȱ
Power.ȱ Toȱ blastȱ oneȱ ofȱ Dr.ȱ Vrobotnikȇsȱ evilȱ
vrobots,ȱheȱrollsȱ2d6+4.ȱȱ
ȱ window;ȱ thereȱ areȱ covertȱ listeningȱ devicesȱ thatȱ
QUALITIES, POWERS, AND SCALES
A simple rule of thumb is that Qualities are
normal-scale and Powers are super-scale.
ȱ HeroȱPointsȱtoȱdoȱso.ȱ
STUNTS
Theȱ dynamicȱ andȱ imaginativeȱ useȱ ofȱ charactersȇȱ
abilitiesȱpermitsȱthemȱtoȱachieveȱusefulȱeffectsȱcalledȱ
Stunts.ȱ Onlyȱ Powersȱ (anyȱ Rank)ȱ andȱ Masterȱ [+6]ȱ
Qualitiesȱ canȱ serveȱ asȱ theȱ baseȱ abilityȱ forȱ aȱ Stunt.ȱ
Stuntsȱ eitherȱ lieȱ outsideȱ ofȱ anȱ abilityȇsȱ normalȱ
penumbra,ȱ butȱ canȱ beȱ justifiedȱ toȱ theȱ GMȱ byȱ theȱ
playerȱ withinȱ theȱ contextȱ ofȱ theȱ characterȇsȱ abilitiesȱ
(SpinȬoffȱStunts),ȱorȱexpressȱaȱspecificȱfocusȱorȱȈspecialȱ
moveȈȱ (Signatureȱ Stunts).ȱ Soȱ longȱ asȱ theȱ GMȱ agreesȱ
thatȱaȱStuntȱfitsȱwithinȱorȱlogicallyȱextendsȱtheȱidiomȱ
ofȱ aȱ Power,ȱ itȱ isȱ possible.ȱ SpinȬoffȱ Stuntsȱ canȱ beȱ
attemptedȱ atȱ anyȱ timeȱ duringȱ play,ȱ thoughȱ itȱ isȱ
suggestedȱ thatȱ anyȱ thatȱ aȱ characterȱ usesȱ regularlyȱ
shouldȱ beȱ notedȱ onȱ theirȱ characterȱ sheet.ȱ Signatureȱ
Stuntsȱ requireȱ theȱ agreementȱ ofȱ theȱ GMȱ aheadȱ ofȱ
time,ȱ andȱ shouldȱ beȱ writtenȱ downȱ onȱ theȱ characterȱ
sheet.ȱ
ȱ 19
TheȱeffectiveȱRankȱofȱaȱStuntȱisȱfiguredȱfromȱitsȱbaseȱ
ability;ȱandȱsomeȱStuntsȱmayȱrequireȱtheȱexpenditureȱ
ofȱ Heroȱ Pointsȱ (seeȱ below)ȱ toȱ perform,ȱ givenȱ theirȱ
complexityȱ orȱ theȱ Intensityȱ desiredȱ forȱ theȱ Stunt.ȱ
Chapterȱ 4,ȱ Superhumanȱ Stuntsȱ (p.ȱ 53)ȱ goesȱ intoȱ detailȱ
onȱhowȱtoȱfigureȱoutȱeffectiveȱStuntȱRanksȱandȱHeroȱ
Pointȱcosts,ȱbutȱtheȱsimpleȱruleȱofȱthumbȱisȱthatȱmostȱ
StuntsȱhaveȱanȱeffectiveȱRankȱtwoȱstepsȱbelowȱthatȱofȱ
theirȱ baseȱ abilityȱ withȱ noȱ Heroȱ Pointȱ costȱ (e.g.,ȱ anȱ
Expertȱ [+4]ȱ Powerȱ meansȱ thatȱ aȱ characterȱ canȱ doȱ
Averageȱ [0]ȱ Rankȱ Stunts).ȱ Toȱ achieveȱ higherȱ Stuntȱ
Ranks,ȱ andȱ thusȱ Intensities,ȱ Heroȱ Pointsȱ mustȱ beȱ
spent.ȱȱ
WhenȱusingȱaȱSpinȬoffȱStunt,ȱtheȱcharacterȱrollsȱ2d6,ȱ
plusȱ theȱ Stuntȇsȱ effectiveȱ Modifierȱ only;ȱ aȱ Signatureȱ
Stuntȱusesȱ2d6,ȱplusȱtheȱStuntȇsȱeffectiveȱModifierȱandȱ
theȱModifierȱofȱtheȱbaseȱability.ȱAȱSpinȬoffȱStuntȱcanȱ
beȱturnedȱintoȱaȱSignatureȱStuntȱthroughȱspendingȱaȱ
pointȱofȱMAXȱ(seeȱbelow).ȱ
Examples:ȱ Optikonȱ wishesȱ toȱ useȱ hisȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ
Laserȱ Eyesȱ toȱ eavesdropȱ onȱ aȱ conversationȱ inȱ aȱ
hotelȱ roomȱ byȱ bouncingȱ aȱ beamȱ offȱ theȱ roomȇsȱ
workȱ thisȱ wayȱ inȱ theȱ realȱ world.ȱ Theȱ GMȱ agreesȱ
thatȱ thisȱ isȱ aȱ viableȱ SpinȬoffȱ Stunt,ȱ andȱ tellsȱ
Optikonȱ heȱ canȱ rollȱ withȱ anȱ effectiveȱ Rankȱ ofȱ
Averageȱ[0]ȱ–ȱthatȱis,ȱ2d6ȱ–ȱtoȱlistenȱin.ȱIfȱOptikonȱ
wantsȱtoȱimproveȱhisȱeffectiveȱRank,ȱheȱcanȱspendȱ
Crouchingȱ Dragonȱ (Masterȱ [+6]ȱ Kungȱ Fu)ȱ isȱ
fightingȱ aȱ toughȱ alienȱ warrior.ȱ Heȱ wantsȱ toȱ hitȱ itȱ
hard,ȱ andȱ figuresȱ thatȱ hisȱ Signatureȱ Stuntȱ calledȱ
ȈBurningȱ Talonȱ RakeȈȱ –ȱ alreadyȱ writtenȱ downȱ onȱ
hisȱcharacterȱsheetȱ–ȱisȱtheȱwayȱtoȱdoȱit.ȱSinceȱtheȱ
GMȱhasȱalreadyȱsignedȱoffȱonȱthisȱSignatureȱStunt,ȱ
theȱheroȱdeclaresȱthatȱheȇsȱusingȱhisȱspecialȱmoveȱ
andȱ rollsȱ 2d6,ȱ plusȱ 6ȱ (forȱ Kungȱ Fu),ȱ plusȱ 2ȱ (forȱ
Burningȱ Talonȱ Rake)ȱ –ȱ orȱ 2d6+8ȱ –ȱ toȱ punchȱ theȱ
alien.ȱIfȱCrouchingȱTigerȱwantsȱtoȱboostȱhisȱpunchȱ
evenȱfurther,ȱheȱcanȱspendȱHeroȱPointsȱtoȱdoȱso.ȱ
ȱ
HERO POINTS
HeroȱPointsȱareȱaȱquantificationȱofȱtheȱheroicȱenergy,ȱ
fortune,ȱ indomitableȱ will,ȱ andȱ pluckyȱ attitudeȱ thatȱ
makesȱ aȱ characterȱ largerȬthanȬlife.ȱ Mostȱ normalȱ
peopleȱ rarelyȱ accessȱ theseȱ hidden,ȱ potentȱ reservesȱ
withinȱthemselvesȱtoȱexceedȱtheirȱnormalȱboundaries;ȱ
heroesȱ doȱ soȱ regularly.ȱ Byȱ spendingȱ Heroȱ Points,ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
charactersȱ canȱ shiftȱ theȱ oddsȱ inȱ theirȱ favor,ȱ getȱ upȱ
whenȱaȱnormalȱpersonȱwouldȱbeȱdownȱforȱtheȱcount,ȱ
temporarilyȱ surpassȱ theirȱ limitations,ȱ andȱ persevereȱ
throughȱadversity.ȱȱ
Simply,ȱ theȱ moreȱ heroicȱ aȱ characterȱ acts,ȱ theȱ moreȱ
Heroȱ Pointsȱ accrued.ȱ PCsȱ alsoȱ gainȱ Heroȱ Pointsȱ forȱ
followingȱtheirȱMotivationsȱ(seeȱChapterȱ3,ȱMotivation,ȱ
p.ȱ 26),ȱ agreeingȱ toȱ letȱ theȱ GMȱ hoseȱ themȱ withȱ aȱ
Revoltinȇȱ Developmentȱ (seeȱ Chapterȱ 3,ȱ Allȱ Aboutȱ Heroȱ
Points,ȱp.ȱ30),ȱorȱbeingȱaffectedȱbyȱaȱVulnerabilityȱ(seeȱ
Chapterȱ 4,ȱ p.ȱ 37)ȱ theyȱ possess.ȱ Heroȱ Pointsȱ canȱ beȱ
usedȱtoȱincreaseȱtheȱIntensityȱofȱStunts,ȱrecoverȱfromȱ
combatȱ injuries,ȱ alterȱ theȱ oddsȱ inȱ theȱ heroȇsȱ favor,ȱ
andȱsoȱforth.ȱȱ
Theȱ moreȱ oftenȱ aȱ characterȱ actsȱ heroically,ȱ theȱ largerȱ
theȱmaximumȱamountȱofȱHeroȱPointsȱheȱcanȱholdȱatȱ
oneȱtimeȱ–ȱcalledȱMAXȱ–ȱbecomes.ȱMAXȱisȱalsoȱusedȱ
toȱhelpȱcharactersȱgetȱbetterȱwithȱtheirȱQualitiesȱandȱ
Powersȱ (seeȱ Chapterȱ 3,ȱ Improvement,ȱ p.ȱ 33),ȱ andȱ toȱ
turnȱ (orȱ ȈcementȈ)ȱ SpinȬoffȱ Stuntsȱ intoȱ Signatureȱ
Stunts.ȱ
ȱ 61),ȱandȱmayȱorȱmayȱnotȱbeȱableȱtoȱtryȱtheȱtaskȱagain,ȱ
Task Resolution
Whenȱaȱcharacterȱtriesȱtoȱdoȱsomething,ȱtheȱGMȱwillȱ
determineȱifȱtheȱtaskȱisȱaȱsimpleȱsituation,ȱaȱcomplicatedȱ
situation,ȱorȱaȱconflictȱsituation.ȱLet’sȱtakeȱeachȱinȱturn.ȱ
SIMPLE SITUATIONS
Inȱ simpleȱ situations,ȱ theȱ taskȱ isȱ clearȬcut,ȱ thereȱ areȱ noȱ
outstandingȱ issuesȱ interferingȱ withȱ theȱ attemptedȱ
action,ȱthereȱisȱplentyȱofȱtimeȱtoȱattemptȱtheȱtask,ȱorȱ
randomnessȱwouldȱbogȱdownȱtheȱgame.ȱInȱaȱsimpleȱ
situation,ȱtheȱGMȱlooksȱatȱtheȱPDQȱMasterȱChartȱ(seeȱ
above,ȱ p.ȱ 15),ȱ andȱ determinesȱ theȱ Difficultyȱ Rankȱ ofȱ
theȱtask.ȱThen,ȱtheȱGMȱcomparesȱthatȱDifficultyȱRankȱ
toȱtheȱcharacter’sȱmostȱappropriateȱabilityȱ(Qualityȱorȱ
Power)ȱ Rank.ȱ Ifȱ theȱ characterȇsȱ abilityȱ isȱ higherȱ thanȱ
theȱ Difficultyȱ Rank,ȱ theȱ characterȱ succeeds.ȱ
Otherwise,ȱ theȱ taskȱ becomesȱ aȱ complicatedȱ situationȱ
(seeȱbelow).ȱ
ȱ 20
Examples:ȱWhileȱinvestigatingȱaȱreportȱofȱstrangeȱ
noisesȱatȱanȱabandonedȱhouse,ȱMikeȱtheȱCopȱ(seeȱ
above,ȱ p.ȱ 17)ȱ needsȱ toȱ climbȱ aȱ treeȱ toȱ lookȱ intoȱ aȱ
window.ȱ Heȱ convincesȱ theȱ GMȱ thatȱ heȱshouldȱ beȱ
ableȱ toȱ useȱ hisȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Outdoorsmanȱ Quality.ȱ
Mikeȱ automaticallyȱ succeedsȱ inȱ scalingȱ Poorȱ [5]ȱ
andȱAverageȱ[7]ȱDifficultyȱtrees;ȱforȱhim,ȱtheseȱareȱ
simpleȱsituations.ȱIfȱaȱtreeȱisȱGoodȱ[9]ȱDifficulty,ȱitȱ
becomesȱaȱcomplicatedȱsituation.ȱ
Ifȱ Joeȱ Thugȱ wantedȱ toȱ climbȱ aȱ tree,ȱ heȱ hasȱ noȱ
applicableȱ Quality,ȱ andȱ soȱ wouldȱ haveȱ toȱ useȱ hisȱ
ȈdefaultȈȱQualityȱRankȱofȱAverageȱ[0].ȱThisȱmeansȱ
heȱ canȱ onlyȱ automaticallyȱ succeedȱ inȱ climbingȱ
Poorȱ [5]ȱ Difficultyȱ treesȱ –ȱ allȱ othersȱ areȱ
complicatedȱsituationsȱforȱhim.ȱ
COMPLICATED SITUATIONS
Diceȱ rollsȱ areȱ madeȱ inȱ complicatedȱ situations:ȱ whereȱ
comparisonsȱ ofȱ Rankȱ areȱ inconclusive,ȱ orȱ whenȱ
randomnessȱ isȱ desired.ȱ Complicatedȱ situationsȱ areȱ
whenȱQualityȱandȱDifficultyȱRanksȱareȱtied,ȱorȱwhenȱ
abilityȱ Rankȱ isȱ lowerȱ thanȱ Difficultyȱ Rank.ȱ Toȱ
attemptȱ aȱ complicatedȱ situation,ȱ theȱ PCȱ rollsȱ twoȱ
regularȱ sixȬsidedȱ diceȱ (2d6),ȱ andȱ addsȱ theȱ Modifierȱ
forȱtheirȱabilityȱRank.ȱToȱsucceed,ȱtheȱPCȱmustȱmatchȱ
orȱ beatȱ theȱ Targetȱ Numberȱ ofȱ theȱ task’sȱ Difficultyȱ
Rank.ȱIfȱtheȱPCȱfails,ȱtheyȱmayȱorȱmayȱnotȱgetȱhurtȱorȱ
discouragedȱinȱtheȱattemptȱ(seeȱbelow,ȱBasicȱDamage,ȱ
p.ȱ 22,ȱ andȱ alsoȱ Chapterȱ 5,ȱ Environmentalȱ Damage,ȱ p.ȱ
asȱtheȱGMȱdictates.ȱ
Examples:ȱ Theȱ treeȱ thatȱ Mikeȱ needsȱ toȱ climbȱ is,ȱ
unfortunately,ȱ Goodȱ [9]ȱ Difficulty.ȱ Comparingȱ
thisȱ toȱ Mikeȇsȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Outdoorsmanȱ Qualityȱ
makesȱ thisȱ aȱ complicatedȱ situation.ȱ Mikeȱ rollsȱ
2d6+2ȱ andȱ mustȱ matchȱ orȱ beatȱ theȱ treeȇsȱ Targetȱ
Numberȱ ofȱ 9.ȱ Heȱ rollsȱ aȱ 3ȱ andȱ aȱ 5,ȱ plusȱ 2,ȱ forȱ aȱ
totalȱofȱ10.ȱMikeȱclimbsȱtheȱtreeȱsuccessfully.ȱ
Somewhereȱelse,ȱJoeȱisȱtryingȱtoȱclimbȱaȱGoodȱ[9]ȱ
Difficultyȱ treeȱ himself.ȱ Sinceȱ heȱ doesnȇtȱ haveȱ anyȱ
applicableȱQuality,ȱthisȱisȱdefinitelyȱaȱcomplicatedȱ
situationȱforȱhim.ȱJoeȱrollsȱ2d6ȱandȱmustȱmatchȱorȱ
beatȱ theȱ treeȇsȱ Targetȱ Numberȱ ofȱ 9.ȱ Heȱ rollsȱ aȱ 3ȱ
andȱaȱ5,ȱforȱaȱtotalȱofȱ8.ȱJoeȱfailsȱtoȱclimbȱtheȱtree,ȱ
butȱtheȱGMȱdecidesȱheȱdidnȇtȱfallȱfarȱenoughȱtoȱgetȱ
hurt.ȱ
Whenȱ aȱ character’sȱ Qualitiesȱ areȱ setȱ againstȱ theȱ
Qualitiesȱ ofȱ otherȱ characters,ȱ thisȱ isn’tȱ justȱ
complicated,ȱit’sȱaȱconflictȱsituationȱ(seeȱbelow).ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
ȱ [-2] Singer.
CONFLICT SITUATIONS
NOTE - This is just a basic overview of conflict
situations. There are several details of conflict that
require closer attention; these fine points are addressed
in Chapter 5.
Conflictȱ situationsȱ involveȱ activeȱ resistanceȱ toȱ aȱ
character’sȱ attemptsȱ toȱ performȱ aȱ task:ȱ tryingȱ toȱ
punchȱaȱguyȱinȱtheȱface,ȱoutȬthinkingȱaȱchessȱplayer,ȱ
seducingȱaȱhottie,ȱrunningȱaȱrace,ȱorȱconvincingȱaȱcopȱ
thatȱ youȱ weren’tȱ reallyȱ speeding.ȱ Conflictȱ situationsȱ
inȱT&Jȱincludeȱmoreȱthanȱjustȱtheȱimmediateȱsuccessȱ
orȱ failureȱ ofȱ anȱ attemptedȱ action;ȱ here,ȱ conflictȱ
includesȱtheȱbackȱandȱforthȱofȱanȱactiveȱcontest,ȱoutȬ
maneuveringȱtheȱcompetition,ȱandȱwearingȱdownȱanȱ
opponent’sȱresistance.ȱExamplesȱofȱconflictȱsituationsȱ
includeȱ combat,ȱ seduction,ȱ haggling,ȱ debating,ȱ andȱ
soȱ forth.ȱ (Noteȱ thatȱ someȱ gamingȱ groupsȱ won’tȱ
necessarilyȱ wantȱ toȱ useȱ theȱ conflictȱ situationȱ
mechanicsȱ toȱ resolveȱ socialȱ interactions,ȱ andȱ mayȱ
wantȱtoȱrelyȱonȱpureȱroleplayingȱorȱaȱcombinationȱofȱ
roleplayingȱ andȱ rulesȱ instead;ȱ butȱ theȱ methodologyȱ
existsȱifȱaȱgroupȱwishesȱtoȱuseȱit.)ȱȱ
Inȱ abstractȱ conflictȱ situationsȱ thatȱ wouldȱ beȱ dullȱ toȱ
playȱ outȱ inȱ turnsȱ orȱ needȱ toȱ beȱ resolvedȱ quicklyȱ
(racingȱtoȱdodgeȱunderȱaȱclosingȱgarageȱdoor,ȱpickingȱ
aȱ lock,ȱ playingȱ chess),ȱ theȱ charactersȱ involvedȱ
compareȱ theȱ resultsȱ ofȱ 2d6ȱ plusȱ Modifierȱ rolls;ȱ theȱ
ȱ 21
highestȱ successfulȱ resultȱ wins.ȱ Theȱ loserȱ ofȱ theȱ
conflictȱ takesȱ temporaryȱ Ranksȱ ofȱ damageȱ (seeȱ
below,ȱ Basicȱ Damage,ȱ p.ȱ 22),ȱ whichȱ mayȱ beȱ physicalȱ
injuryȱ orȱ mentalȱ confusion,ȱ equalȱ toȱ theȱ differenceȱ
betweenȱtheȱhigherȱrollȱandȱtheȱlowerȱroll.ȱIfȱtheȱrollsȱ
areȱtied,ȱeachȱparticipantȱtakesȱsomeȱdamage.ȱRepeatȱ
asȱ manyȱ timesȱ asȱ necessaryȱ toȱ determineȱ overallȱ
victory.ȱ
Forȱdetailedȱconflictsȱthatȱwouldȱbeȱfunȱtoȱplayȱoutȱinȱ
turnsȱ (combat,ȱ carȱ chases,ȱ pokerȱ games),ȱ onlyȱ theȱ
defenderȱ takesȱ damageȱ ifȱ heȱ losesȱ theȱ conflictȱ rollȱ ȬȬȱ
seeȱChapterȱ5,ȱSuperȬConflict,ȱforȱfurtherȱdetails.ȱ
Theȱ determinationȱ ofȱ Ȉwhatȱ wouldȱ beȱ dullȈȱ andȱ
Ȉwhatȱ wouldȱ beȱ funȈȱ is,ȱ ofȱ course,ȱ totallyȱ upȱ toȱ theȱ
individualȱGM,ȱandȱcanȱchangeȱonȱanȱadȱhocȱbasis.ȱ
Exampleȱ1:ȱJoeȱandȱMikeȱ(offȬduty,ȱinȱcivvies)ȱareȱbothȱinȱ
aȱbar,ȱandȱgetȱintoȱaȱfight.ȱHereȱareȱtheirȱQualitiesȱagain:ȱȱ
Joe Thug. Good [+2] Brawler, Good [+2] Criminal, Poor [-2] Ugly.
Mike the Cop. Good [+2] Policeman, Good [+2] Outdoorsman, Poor
JoeȱtakesȱaȱpokeȱatȱMike.ȱHeȱrollsȱ2d6,ȱplusȱtheȱModifierȱ
forȱ Brawler,ȱ forȱ hisȱ attackȱ action.ȱ Mikeȱ reactsȱ
defensively,ȱ rollingȱ 2d6,ȱ plusȱ theȱ Modifierȱ forȱ
Policeman.ȱȱ
Joeȱrollsȱaȱ4ȱandȱaȱ5,ȱplusȱ2,ȱforȱaȱtotalȱofȱ11.ȱMikeȱrollsȱ
twoȱ3s,ȱplusȱ2,ȱforȱaȱtotalȱofȱ8.ȱMikeȱwouldȱtakeȱ11ȱȬȱ8,ȱorȱ
3,ȱDamageȱRanks.ȱ
Exampleȱ 2:ȱ Joeȱ andȱ Mikeȱ areȱ playingȱ chess;ȱ neitherȱ hasȱ
anyȱ Qualityȱ thatȱ couldȱ contributeȱ toȱ playingȱ theȱ game.ȱ
Joeȱ rollsȱ 2d6,ȱ whileȱ Mikeȱ rollsȱ 2d6.ȱ Joeȱ getsȱ aȱ totalȱ ofȱ 4ȱ
whileȱ Mikeȱ getsȱ aȱ totalȱ ofȱ 6.ȱ Joeȱ takesȱ 2ȱ Failureȱ Ranks,ȱ
andȱMikeȱisȱcloserȱtoȱwinningȱtheȱmatch.ȱ
UPSHIFTS & DOWNSHIFTS
UPSHIFTS (AKA BEING BADASS)
Thisȱ isȱ howȱ PCsȱ getȱ moreȱ bangȱ forȱ theirȱ buckȱ
throughȱgood,ȱentertainingȱroleplaying.ȱIfȱtheȱplayerȱ
describesȱhisȱcharacter’sȱattemptȱtoȱperformȱanȱactionȱ
inȱaȱgraphic,ȱflavorful,ȱandȱamusingȱway,ȱtheȱGMȱcanȱ
giveȱthemȱanȱUpshift.ȱAnȱUpshiftȱmeansȱthatȱforȱthatȱ
particularȱ action,ȱ theȱ PCȱ rollsȱ asȱ ifȱ theirȱ Qualityȱ orȱ
Powerȱ wereȱ oneȱ levelȱ higherȱ (essentiallyȱ givingȱ anȱ
additionalȱ +2ȱ toȱ theirȱ roll).ȱ So,ȱ ratherȱ thanȱ “Iȱ hitȱ theȱ
sailor”ȱ(orȱ“Iȱhaggle”),ȱtheȱplayerȱsaysȱsomethingȱlikeȱ
“Iȱgrabȱtheȱsailor’sȱshirtȱwithȱoneȱhandȱandȱpullȱhimȱ
closerȱ toȱ punchȱ himȱ inȱ theȱ faceȱ withȱ myȱ otherȱ fist!”ȱ
(orȱsays,ȱinȱcharacter,ȱ“Mayȱtheȱfleasȱfromȱaȱthousandȱ
camelsȱ infestȱ theȱ bedsȱ ofȱ yourȱ childrenȱ ifȱ youȱ tryȱ toȱ
robȱ meȱ inȱ thisȱ way!”).ȱ Ifȱ theȱ PCȱ hadȱ aȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
Brawlingȱ(orȱBargaining)ȱQuality,ȱthisȱwouldȱchangeȱ
hisȱrollȱinȱattemptingȱtoȱhitȱtheȱsailorȱ(orȱhaggleȱwithȱ
theȱ merchant)ȱ fromȱ 2d6+2ȱ toȱ 2d6+4,ȱ asȱ ifȱ heȱ wereȱ
Expertȱ[+4]ȱRank.ȱȱ
NOTE - Each Upshift above Master Rank adds an extra
die to the character’s roll (i.e., instead of rolling 2d6+6+2,
the character rolls 3d6+6 for 1 Upshift, 4d6+6 for 2
Upshifts, and so forth).
DOWNSHIFTS
Whileȱ functionallyȱ theȱ sameȱ thingȱ asȱ aȱ temporaryȱ
Weaknessȱ (aȱ Ȭ2ȱ toȱ aȱ 2d6ȱ plusȱ Modifiersȱ roll),ȱ theȱ
reasonsȱ behindȱ havingȱ aȱ Weaknessȱ orȱ incurringȱ
Downshiftsȱareȱdifferent.ȱȱ
Forȱexample,ȱJoeȱhasȱaȱWeaknessȱofȱPoorȱ[Ȭ2]ȱUgly.ȱIfȱ
heȱ triesȱ toȱ charmȱ theȱ womanȱ sittingȱ onȱ theȱ barstoolȱ
nextȱ toȱ his,ȱ heȇllȱ rollȱ 2d6Ȭ2.ȱ That’sȱ justȱ parȱ forȱ theȱ
course,ȱ hisȱ Weaknessȱ affectingȱ inȱ thatȱ particularȱ
situation.ȱȱ
AȱDownshiftȱmeansȱthatȱforȱtheȱactionȱinȱquestion,ȱtheȱ
PCȱ rollsȱ asȱ ifȱ hisȱ abilityȱ wereȱ oneȱ Rankȱ lowerȱ
(essentiallyȱ givingȱ himȱ aȱ Ȭ2ȱ toȱ hisȱ roll).ȱ Downshiftsȱ
canȱ comeȱ fromȱ aȱ numberȱ ofȱ sourcesȱ determinedȱ byȱ
theȱGM.ȱȱ
WhileȱjudiciousȱuseȱofȱDownshiftsȱtoȱreflectȱaȱsuddenȱ
orȱunexpectedȱchangeȱinȱtheȱcomplexityȱofȱaȱsituationȱ
canȱ workȱ veryȱ well,ȱ GMsȱ shouldȱ resistȱ theȱ
temptationȱ toȱ overuseȱ Downshiftsȱ asȱ situationalȱ
modifiers.ȱ T&Jȱ gamesȱ tendȱ toȱ runȱ moreȱ smoothlyȱ ifȱ
theȱ GMȱ simplyȱ setsȱ theȱ Difficultyȱ Rankȱ (andȱ thus,ȱ
TargetȱNumber)ȱofȱaȱtaskȱappropriately.ȱForȱexample,ȱ
ifȱ theȱ PCsȱ areȱ attemptingȱ toȱ climbȱ anȱ Averageȱ [7]ȱ
Difficultyȱ wallȱ andȱ itȱ beginsȱ toȱ rain,ȱ aȱ Downshiftȱ toȱ
relevantȱ abilitiesȱ makesȱ sense.ȱ However,ȱ ifȱ it’sȱ
alreadyȱ rainingȱ whenȱ theyȱ beginȱ theirȱ attempt,ȱ
simplyȱ makeȱ theȱ wallȱ Goodȱ [9]ȱ difficultyȱ fromȱ theȱ
getȬgo.ȱȱ
NOTE - Abilities Downshifted below Poor Rank mean
automatic failure in the use of that ability.
SHIFT ACCUMULATION
Inȱ T&J,ȱallȱ Upshifts,ȱ Downshifts,ȱandȱbonusȱ diceȱareȱ
cumulative.ȱThatȱmeansȱthatȱifȱaȱcharacterȱinȱaȱfightȱisȱ
BeingȱBadassȱandȱusingȱHeroȱPointsȱsimultaneously,ȱ
heȱmightȱhaveȱ2ȱUpshiftsȱ(orȱaȱModifierȱofȱ+4)ȱonȱtheȱ
attackȱandȱdamage.ȱThisȱmeansȱifȱtheȱstartingȱQualityȱ
wasȱofȱAverageȱ[0]ȱRankȱ(2d6),ȱitȱwouldȱtemporarilyȱ
becomeȱExpertȱRankȱ(2d6+4);ȱifȱtheȱQualityȱwasȱGoodȱ
[+2],ȱtheȱrollȱwouldȱbeȱ2d6+6,ȱandȱifȱtheȱQualityȱwasȱ
ȱ 22
Expertȱ [+4],ȱ theȱ rollȱ wouldȱ beȱ 3d6+6,ȱ becauseȱ oneȱ ofȱ
theȱUpshiftsȱwouldȱmoveȱtheȱRankȱaboveȱMasterȱandȱ
translateȱintoȱanȱextraȱdieȱtoȱroll.ȱȱ
Alternatively,ȱconsiderȱaȱcharacterȱwhoȱisȱclimbingȱaȱ
wallȱ whileȱ Beingȱ Badass,ȱ butȱ itȱ startsȱ toȱ rain.ȱ Theȱ
Upshiftȱ ofȱ Beingȱ Badassȱ isȱ counteredȱ byȱ theȱ
Downshiftȱ forȱ theȱ suddenȱ storm.ȱ Heȱ willȱ rollȱ atȱ hisȱ
ȈunshiftedȈȱabilityȱlevelȱtoȱscaleȱtheȱwall.ȱ
ȱ
BEING LAMEASS
Being Lameass is – in some ways – the opposite of Being
Badass. After all, the point of roleplaying is to have a good time,
and contrary, uncharacteristic, or disruptive roleplaying can
ruin everybody else’s fun. If a player is reading, refusing to pay
attention, watching TV, pedantically rules-lawyering, utterly
ignoring the characterization of their PC, being pointlessly
abusive or distracting to other players, or – saints preserve us!
– sleeping at the gaming table, they are working against the
overall good time. In these cases, the GM could give the
offending PC a Downshift based on the player’s behavior. . . but
what’s the point? If the player’s not interested enough in the
game to even pay attention, penalizing his character will
probably have little effect on his behavior around the gaming
table.
Try to discover the cause of the player’s Being Lameass. Maybe
it’s something about the focus or subject matter of the
campaign, a difference of roleplaying style, or even an unrelated
personal issue that’s bugging the player. The answer to Being
Lameass is to discuss the situation outside of the game – either
by taking a break or talking between sessions – and try to work
through it like grown-ups. A little bit of open communication
can do wonders for these sorts of issues.
ȱ
BASIC DAMAGE
Damageȱ(beȱitȱphysical,ȱmental,ȱemotional,ȱorȱsocial)ȱisȱ
theȱlossȱofȱcapability.ȱAsȱaȱcharacterȱtakesȱdamage,ȱheȱ
isȱlessȱlikelyȱtoȱbeȱableȱtoȱperformȱatȱpeakȱefficiency.ȱ
Thisȱ isȱ shownȱ byȱ aȱ temporaryȱ Downshiftȱ appliedȱ toȱ
theȱ character’sȱ listedȱ abilitiesȱ calledȱ eitherȱ aȱ Failureȱ
Rankȱ orȱ aȱ Damageȱ Rank,ȱ dependingȱ uponȱ theȱ natureȱ
ofȱ theȱ conflict.ȱ Theȱ playerȱ selectsȱ whichȱ ofȱ hisȱ
Qualitiesȱ orȱ Powersȱ takesȱ theȱ damage/Downshift(s),ȱ
andȱ canȱ spreadȱ outȱ theȱ damageȱ acrossȱ severalȱ
abilitiesȱ atȱ once.ȱ Whicheverȱ abilityȱ ofȱ theȱ characterȱ
thatȱtheȱplayerȱdecidesȱtakesȱtheȱfirstȱhitȱofȱdamageȱinȱ
aȱconflictȱgeneratesȱaȱStoryȱHookȱ(seeȱbelow).ȱ
Inȱ mental,ȱ social,ȱ andȱ someȱ physicalȱ conflicts,ȱ thisȱ
lossȱ ofȱ capabilityȱ isȱ usuallyȱ temporary,ȱ andȱ isȱ
representedȱ byȱ Failureȱ Ranks.ȱ Examplesȱ includeȱ aȱ
chessȱ match,ȱ wittyȱ repartee,ȱ orȱ runningȱ aȱ race.ȱ
Failureȱ Ranksȱ areȱ almostȱ alwaysȱ completelyȱ
recoveredȱatȱtheȱendȱofȱaȱScene.ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
Inȱmanyȱphysicalȱconflicts,ȱlossȱofȱcapabilityȱisȱmoreȱ
enduring,ȱ andȱ isȱ representedȱ byȱ Damageȱ Ranks.ȱ
Examplesȱ hereȱ includeȱ notȱ justȱ combat,ȱ butȱ alsoȱ
environmentalȱ damageȱ takenȱ byȱ runningȱ throughȱ fire,ȱ
fallingȱ offȱ aȱ roof,ȱ orȱ startingȱ toȱ drown.ȱ Someȱ orȱ allȱ
DamageȱRanksȱareȱrecoveredȱatȱtheȱendȱofȱaȱScene.ȱȱ
Example:ȱJoeȱhitȱMikeȱforȱ3ȱDamageȱRanksȱabove.ȱ
MikeȱtakesȱoneȱofȱtheȱRanksȱonȱhisȱOutdoorsmanȱ
Quality,ȱ temporarilyȱ droppingȱ itȱ fromȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ
toȱ Averageȱ [0].ȱ Thisȱ generatesȱ aȱ Storyȱ Hookȱ forȱ
theȱGMȱ(seeȱbelow).ȱ
Thereȱ areȱ stillȱ 2ȱ Damageȱ Ranksȱ toȱ accountȱ for.ȱ
Mikeȱ dropsȱ hisȱ Policemanȱ fromȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ toȱ
Averageȱ[0].ȱ
Oneȱ Rankȱ ofȱ damageȱ toȱ go,ȱ andȱ Mikeȇsȱ inȱ aȱ
situation.ȱ Heȱ cannotȱ dropȱ hisȱ Poorȱ [Ȭ2]ȱ Singingȱ aȱ
Rankȱ becauseȱ thisȱ wouldȱ meanȱ heȱ Ȉzeroedȱ outȈȱ
(seeȱ below)ȱ andȱ lostȱ theȱ overallȱ conflict.ȱ Heȱ mustȱ
dropȱ eitherȱ Policemanȱ orȱ Outdoorsmanȱ fromȱ
Averageȱ[0]ȱtoȱPoorȱ[Ȭ2];ȱheȱchoosesȱOutdoorsman.ȱ
Joeȱ gotȱ Mikeȱ prettyȱ goodȱ withȱ thatȱ rightȱ toȱ theȱ
jaw!ȱ
SUPER-SCALE DAMAGE
Againstȱlivingȱtargets,ȱmostȱQualitiesȱandȱPowersȱdoȱ
normalȬscaleȱdamage,ȱbutȱsomeȱdoȱsuperȬscaleȱdamage.ȱ
SuperȬscaleȱdamageȱindicatesȱthatȱonȱaȱsuccessfulȱhit,ȱ
aȱnumberȱofȱextraȱRanksȱofȱdamageȱequalȱtoȱtheȱTargetȱ
Numberȱ ofȱ theȱ Powerȱ usedȱ isȱ addedȱ toȱ theȱ normalȬ
scaleȱ damage.ȱ Nearlyȱ allȱ Powersȱ canȱ doȱ superȬscaleȱ
damageȱ toȱ nonȬcharacterȱ normalȬscaleȱ targetsȱ likeȱ
mailboxes,ȱ trucks,ȱ trees,ȱ buildings,ȱ etc.ȱ So,ȱ whileȱ
Laserȱ Womanȱ cannotȱ instantlyȱ fryȱ Frogboyȱ inȱ oneȱ
shot,ȱsheȱcanȱblowȱupȱpoliceȱcarsȱallȱtheȱlivelongȱday.ȱ
(TheȱmajorȱexceptionȱtoȱthisȱruleȱisȱtheȱSuperȬStrengthȱ
Power;ȱseeȱp.ȱ51.)ȱ
Example:ȱToȱshowȱtheȱdifferenceȱbetweenȱnormalȬ
scaleȱ damageȱ andȱ superȬscaleȱ damage,ȱ letȇsȱ useȱ
theȱ exactȱ sameȱ situationȱ asȱ above,ȱ onlyȱ thisȱ time,ȱ
letȇsȱ pretendȱ thatȱ Joeȱ hasȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ SuperȬ
Strength.ȱ Joeȱ hitȱ Mikeȱ successfullyȱ forȱ 3ȱ Damageȱ
Ranks,ȱsoȱtoȱthisȱ3ȱisȱaddedȱtheȱTNȱofȱAverageȱ[0]ȱ
SuperȬStrength,ȱorȱ7ȱadditionalȱDamageȱRanks,ȱforȱ
aȱtotalȱofȱ10ȱDamageȱRanksȱtoȱMike!ȱThisȱwillȱzeroȱ
ourȱ policemanȱ friendȱ outȱ inȱ aȱ singleȱ blow,ȱ butȱ
Mikeȱ stillȱ needsȱ toȱ selectȱ whichȱ Qualityȱ takesȱ theȱ
firstȱhitȱforȱStoryȱHookȱpurposes.ȱ
ȱ p.ȱ62).ȱAnȱOpponentȱhasȱtoȱspecificallyȱchooseȱtoȱkillȱ
ȱ 23
THE KEY TO UNDERSTANDING
CONFLICT ABSTRACTION
Basically, in any T&J conflict situation, some of a
character’s Qualities and Powers can be thought of as
useful for either “attack,” “defense,” or “absorption.” The
player has to make choices about what to sacrifice for
their character's well-being and effectiveness. It’s
resource management at a basic level. The player must
make a decision on which abilities will be most useful for
the remainder of the conflict scene.
As an example, say a character has Good [+2] Rank in
Kung Fu, Debating, and Accountant Qualities, and a
Good [+2] Rank in the Laser Vision Power.
In combat (a physical conflict), the character will
probably opt to keep Kung Fu and Laser Vision at Good
[+2] as long as possible, and apply Damage Ranks to
Debating and Accountant. In an argument (a social
conflict), the character will want to keep Debating high
for as long as possible, and take Failure Ranks on Kung
Fu and Laser Vision first. If being audited by the IRS
(could be a mental, a social, or even a professional
conflict, depending on how the GM spins the situation),
the character would protect Accountant, try to keep
Debating at Good [+2] as long as he could, and sacrifice
Kung Fu and Laser Vision.
Additionally (and importantly!), a player’s selection of
which Qualities or Powers takes the first hit of in conflict
gives the GM a powerful tool for generating Story Hooks
(see p. 24) for future Scenes and sessions.
The abstraction of how Failure or Damage Ranks are
applied isn’t meant to be a one-to-one relation (“Hey,
why does getting punched in the face lower
Accountant?”), but amusing justifications can be made
up anyway (“Well, your black eye makes it hard to see
your spreadsheets...”), which could become fully-fledged
Story Hooks. Though the player decides upon which
ability the damage affects, either the player or the GM
can come up with a rationale.
ȱ
ZEROING OUT
Superhumanȱ conflictsȱ takeȱ aȱ lotȱ ofȱ time,ȱ sinceȱ
superhumansȱ haveȱ bothȱ Qualitiesȱ andȱ Powersȱ toȱ
absorbȱDamageȱRanks,ȱasȱwellȱasȱHeroȱPointsȱtoȱburnȱ
toȱ obviateȱ orȱ reduceȱ theȱ effectsȱ ofȱ beingȱ hurt.ȱ Still,ȱ
charactersȱ eventuallyȱ hitȱ bottomȱ inȱ oneȱ ofȱ theirȱ
QualitiesȱorȱPowersȱandȱȈzeroȱout.ȈȱThisȱmeansȱtheyȱ
loseȱtheȱconflictȱtheyȇreȱin,ȱorȱareȱatȱleastȱuninvolvedȱ
withȱtheȱrestȱofȱtheȱScene.ȱȱ
Inȱ T&Jȱ games,ȱ justȱ becauseȱ aȱ characterȱ zeroesȱ outȱ
doesnȇtȱ meanȱ theyȱ dieȱ (seeȱ Chapterȱ 5,ȱ Outȱ forȱ Blood?,ȱ
aȱ fallenȱ foe.ȱ Inȱ aȱ T&Jȱ game,ȱ zeroingȱ outȱ isȱ oftenȱ justȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
theȱ preludeȱ toȱ aȱ characterȱ beingȱ shovedȱ intoȱ aȱ
villainȇsȱdeathtrap!ȱ
Examples:ȱLetȇsȱsayȱthatȱJoeȱhitsȱMikeȱagainȱforȱ2ȱ
moreȱDamageȱRanks.ȱMikeȱtakesȱoneȱofȱtheȱRanksȱ
onȱhisȱPolicemanȱQuality,ȱtemporarilyȱdroppingȱitȱ
fromȱAverageȱ[0]ȱtoȱPoorȱ[Ȭ2].ȱAllȱofȱhisȱQualitiesȱ
areȱ nowȱ atȱ Poorȱ [Ȭ2],ȱ andȱ heȱ stillȱ hasȱ toȱ takeȱ
anotherȱ Rankȱ ofȱ Damageȱ somewhere.ȱ Heȱ takesȱ itȱ
onȱ Policeman,ȱ whichȱ generatesȱ anotherȱ Storyȱ
HookȱforȱtheȱGMȱ(seeȱbelow).ȱ
RECOVERING FROM DAMAGE
ThisȱisȱexplainedȱinȱdetailȱinȱChapterȱ5ȱonȱp.ȱ62,ȱbutȱ–ȱ
inȱ generalȱ –ȱ Ranksȱ temporarilyȱ Downshiftedȱ byȱ
damageȱareȱrecoveredȱinȱtheȱtimeȱbetweenȱtheȱScenesȱ
ofȱtheȱgame.ȱȱ
STORY HOOKS
Severalȱ elementsȱ ofȱ T&Jȱ helpȱ theȱ playersȱ andȱ GMȱ
comeȱ upȱ withȱ Storyȱ Hooks:ȱ excitingȱ orȱ interestingȱ
subplots,ȱ complications,ȱ andȱ eventsȱ forȱ theirȱ
characters.ȱ
Inȱ conflictȱ situations,ȱ whicheverȱ abilityȱ theȱ playerȱ
selectsȱ toȱ takeȱ theȱ firstȱ hitȱ ofȱ damageȱ generatesȱ aȱ
Storyȱ Hook.ȱ Someȱ GMsȱ mayȱ alsoȱ wishȱ toȱ useȱ theȱ
abilityȱ thatȱ theȱ PCȱ choosesȱ whenȱ zeroingȱ outȱ ofȱ aȱ
conflictȱ (thatȱ is,ȱ whenȱ anyȱ oneȱ ofȱ theȱ character’sȱ
QualitiesȱorȱPowersȱdropsȱbelowȱPoorȱ[Ȭ2]ȱRank)ȱasȱaȱ
sourceȱofȱtheseȱsortsȱofȱStoryȱHooks,ȱtoo.ȱ
ȱ
ȱ 24
Whenȱtheȱabilityȱisȱannounced,ȱtheȱGMȱshouldȱmakeȱ
aȱ noteȱ ofȱ whatȱ itȱ is,ȱ andȱ comeȱ upȱ withȱ somethingȱ
interestingȱ aboutȱ thatȱ traitȱ –ȱ thisȱ “somethingȱ
interesting”ȱ canȱ beȱ good,ȱ bad,ȱ orȱ indifferent,ȱ butȱ itȱ
shouldȱ addȱ aȱ littleȱ textureȱ toȱ theȱ PC’sȱ day.ȱ Theȱ GMȱ
canȱ simplyȱ makeȱ quietȱ notes,ȱ orȱ sayȱ somethingȱ likeȱ
“Meanwhile,ȱ acrossȱ town,ȱ oneȱ ofȱ Professorȱ F8’sȱ
henchmenȱ isȱ talkingȱ toȱ yourȱ receptionistȱ aboutȱ
settingȱupȱaȱRothȱIRA.ȱ.ȱ.”ȱ
OPTIONAL RULE - If there are only one or two players
when a Story Hook pops up, the group can
Scheherazade the situation. To Scheherazade, the Story
Hook is roleplayed out immediately as a flashback, flash-
forward, or "cut-scene" with the GM and players
temporarily taking over any involved NPCs. These
characters interact until they hit a point of crisis, then the
action returns to the original conflict.
Imagineȱ that,ȱ underȱ theȱ T&Jȱ rules,ȱ theȱ reasonȱ
ArachnidȬGirlȱ alwaysȱ hasȱ aȱ crappyȱ homeȱ lifeȱ isȱ thatȱ
sheȱ consistentlyȱ usesȱ herȱ Ȉsecretȱ identityȈȱ Qualitiesȱ
(TrueȱLoveȱforȱGaryȱShane;ȱSupportedȱbyȱUncleȱRay;ȱ
andȱPhotojournalist)ȱtoȱabsorbȱtheȱfirstȱhitȱwhenȱshe’sȱ
takingȱonȱtheȱOchreȱOrcȱorȱNurseȱSquid.ȱȱ
Additionally,ȱ aȱ characterȇsȱ Weaknessȱ (seeȱ above,ȱ p.ȱ
17)ȱ orȱ hisȱ Background,ȱ Origin,ȱ andȱ Motivationȱ (seeȱ
Chapterȱ 3)ȱ orȱ Limitationsȱ orȱ Vulnerabilitiesȱ (seeȱ
Chapterȱ4)ȱcanȱsparkȱStoryȱHooks.ȱ
ȱ
 ȱ

Chapter 3: Characters
ȱ
Weȇllȱ createȱ twoȱ exampleȱ charactersȱ stepȬbyȬstepȱ inȱ
Where have all the good men gone,
boxedȱtextȱtoȱillustrateȱtheȱprocess.ȱLetȇsȱbegin.ȱ
And where are all the gods?
NAME
Where’s the street-wise Hercules
Selectȱaȱnameȱforȱyourȱcharacterȱ(or,ȱifȱyouȱpreferȱtoȱ
To fight the rising odds? thinkȱofȱitȱinȱanotherȱway,ȱforȱyourȱcharacterȇsȱȈsecretȱ
identityȈ).ȱ Noteȱ thatȱ aȱ goodȱ nameȱ canȱ helpȱ inspireȱ
– Bonnie Tyler, "Holding Out for a Hero"
interestingȱ elementsȱ forȱ aȱ characterȇsȱ Backgroundȱ orȱ
ȱ Qualitiesȱ –ȱ likeȱ ethnicity,ȱ illustriousȱ ancestors,ȱ
childhoodȱ nicknamesȱ (andȱ associatedȱ traumas),ȱ orȱ
Truthȱ&ȱJusticeȱ(T&J)ȱallowsȱyouȱtoȱplayȱsuperhumanȱ evenȱotherȱcharacterȱtraits.ȱ
charactersȱ giftedȱ withȱ extraordinaryȱ talentsȱ andȱ
abilities.ȱ Theseȱ mightyȱ beingsȱ possessȱ staggeringȱ ȱ
powerȱ andȱ canȱ performȱ tremendousȱ deeds.ȱ Yetȱ –ȱ EXAMPLE CHARACTER 1: JACK PERETTI
beyondȱ theȱ flashȱ andȱ dazzleȱ –ȱ theyȱ areȱ stillȱ human,ȱ
Jack Peretti sounds like an energetic name, doesn't it? A
withȱ theȱ potentialȱ toȱ doȱ greatȱ good,ȱ greatȱ evil,ȱ orȱ little bouncy, a little South Side Little Italy, a little
both.ȱȱ Golden Gloves action, eh? Also, according to Google
Language Tools, "peretti" means "rubber syringes" in
Italian. Howzabout that?
Character Generation: EXAMPLE CHARACTER 2: RICK CAAN
Build a Hero I really like the brutal intensity James Caan brought to
the character of Sonny in The Godfather. That's about it.
AȱT&Jȱcharacterȱisȱmadeȱupȱofȱseveralȱelements:ȱȱ
ȱ
1. Nameȱ
2. Backgroundȱ BACKGROUND
3. Qualitiesȱ
Aȱ character’sȱ Backgroundȱ explainsȱ thingsȱ likeȱ whatȱ
4. Originȱ
theȱ characterȱ hasȱ doneȱ withȱ hisȱ life,ȱ whereȱ heȱ wasȱ
5. Powersȱ
born,ȱ whatȱ hisȱ familyȱ isȱ like,ȱ whereȱ heȇsȱ been,ȱ andȱ
6. HeroȱPointȱPoolȱ
whoȱ heȱ metȱ alongȱ theȱ way.ȱ Whatȱ doesȱ heȱ doȱ forȱ aȱ
7. Codenameȱ
living?ȱ Doesȱ heȱ haveȱ moreȱ acquaintancesȱ thanȱ
8. Uniformȱ
friendsȱ andȱ moreȱ enemiesȱ thanȱ both?ȱ Doesȱ heȱ haveȱ
9. Miscellanyȱ
anyȱhobbies?ȱWhatȱareȱhisȱhopes,ȱdreams,ȱandȱfears?ȱȱ
Youȱ donȇtȱ haveȱ toȱ decideȱ theseȱ elementsȱ inȱ anyȱ
particularȱorder,ȱthoughȱeachȱcouldȱprovideȱideasȱforȱ Youȱ don’tȱ needȱ toȱ condenseȱ thisȱ partȱ intoȱ aȱ singleȱ
theȱ others.ȱ Forȱ example,ȱ Backgroundȱ canȱ provideȱ aȱ wordȱorȱphraseȱlikeȱyouȱwillȱwithȱQualities.ȱSpendȱasȱ
foundationȱ forȱ determiningȱ aȱ character’sȱ Qualities,ȱ manyȱ orȱ asȱ fewȱ wordsȱ onȱ describingȱ theȱ character’sȱ
QualitiesȱmightȱserveȱasȱaȱbaseȱforȱPowersȱandȱStunts,ȱ experiencesȱasȱ youȱfeelȱ comfortableȱ with.ȱ Whetherȱ aȱ
Codenameȱ mayȱ influenceȱ bothȱ Qualitiesȱ andȱ Uniform,ȱ singleȱsentenceȱorȱfourȱpages,ȱit’sȱallȱfine.ȱ
andȱ soȱ forth.ȱ (Specificȱ campaignȱ settingsȱ mayȱ addȱ Tiedȱ toȱ theȱ Backgroundȱ isȱ theȱ selectionȱ ofȱ theȱ
additionalȱ elementsȱ orȱ requirementsȱ onȱ thisȱ basicȱ character’sȱQualitiesȱandȱhisȱMotivation.ȱȱ
structure,ȱofȱcourse.)ȱ

25ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
BackgroundȱRules.ȱAȱgoodȱBackgroundȱprovidesȱtheȱ
GMȱ withȱ continuingȱ Storyȱ Hooksȱ (seeȱ Chapterȱ 2,ȱ p.ȱ
24)ȱforȱtheȱcharacter.ȱ
ȱ beenȱ triggered,ȱ heȱ shouldȱ tellȱ theȱ GM.ȱ Ifȱ theȱ GMȱ
EXAMPLE CHARACTER 1: JACK PERETTI
Jack grew up in Little Italy, then the suburbs. He
worked hard and played hard. A solid B student in High
School, he wrestled, played football, lifted weights, and
performed as part of the Drama Club. His well-rounded
extracurriculars and patriotism helped him get an Army
ROTC scholarship to the state university, where he
majored in American History. After college, he entered
the military, and became a U.S. Army Ranger.
EXAMPLE CHARACTER 2: RICK CAAN
As a young child, Rick's district attorney mother was
killed by dirty cops in the pay of a Mob defendant; the
murder was ruled an accident by the court of inquest.
But Rick knew the truth – unknown to the triggermen
and the Mafia, he had witnessed the whole thing. He
swore to hunt down all who evade justice, and has
dedicated his life to honing himself as a weapon to make
them all face the music.
ȱ
"With great power comes great responsibility."
– Ben Parker, Spider-Man
ȱ
MOTIVATION
AȱcharacterȇsȱMotivationȱisȱwhatȱmovesȱhimȱtoȱact,ȱanȱ
internalȱ spurȱ inȱ situationsȱ thatȱ demandȱ immediateȱ
response.ȱ Aȱ Motivationȱ shouldnȇtȱ beȱ tooȱ broadȱ
(protectȱ everyone)ȱ orȱ tooȱ narrowȱ (protectȱ old,ȱ deafȱ
Sicilianȱ women),ȱ butȱ aȱ nicelyȬtargetedȱ circumstanceȱ
(protectȱ theȱ elderly;ȱ healȱ theȱ sick;ȱ educateȱ theȱ
ignorant;ȱdefendȱwomen;ȱrescueȱtheȱinnocent;ȱshieldȱ
bystanders;ȱ etc.).ȱ Normallyȱ forȱ heroicȱ PCȱ typesȱ inȱ
T&J,ȱ Motivationsȱ shouldȱ beȱ noble,ȱ butȱ thereȇsȱ noȱ
reasonȱ thatȱ theyȱ canȇtȱ beȱ somewhatȱ selfȬinterestedȱ
(makeȱ moneyȱ usingȱ myȱ powers;ȱ lookȱ goodȱ forȱ theȱ
public;ȱ findȱ trueȱ love)ȱ –ȱ orȱ outrightȱ nasty,ȱ forȱ
villainousȱ sortsȱ (destroyȱ myȱ archenemy;ȱ stealȱ
jewelry;ȱruleȱtheȱworld).ȱ
Motivationȱ Rules.ȱ Wheneverȱ aȱ situationȱ triggersȱ aȱ
characterȇsȱMotivation,ȱheȱhasȱaȱchoiceȱtoȱeither:ȱ
i SpendȱaȱHeroȱPointȱtoȱnotȱimmediatelyȱreact;ȱ
orȱ
ȱ 26
i Springȱintoȱactionȱandȱcollectȱ1d6ȱHeroȱPointsȱ
immediatelyȱ(ifȱGMȱagrees,ȱseeȱbelow).ȱ
IfȱtheȱplayerȱfeelsȱthatȱhisȱcharacterȇsȱMotivationȱhasȱ
agreesȱ theȱ situationȱ warrantsȱ it,ȱ theȱ characterȱ
immediatelyȱ gainsȱ 1d6ȱ Heroȱ Points.ȱ Ifȱ theȱ GMȱ
disagrees,ȱtheȱcharacterȱunfortunatelyȱdoesnȇtȱgetȱtheȱ
points.ȱ .ȱ .ȱ butȱ doesnȇtȱ loseȱ any,ȱ either.ȱ Additionally,ȱ
Motivationsȱ provideȱ GMsȱ withȱ Storyȱ Hooksȱ forȱ
futureȱadventures.ȱ
ȱ
EXAMPLE CHARACTER 1: JACK PERETTI
Jack's Motivation is "protecting people under his
command."
EXAMPLE CHARACTER 2: RICK CAAN
Rick's Motivation is finding – or creating – "justice for
the wronged."
ȱ
QUALITIES
QualitiesȱareȱdiscussedȱinȱChapterȱ2,ȱstartingȱonȱp.ȱ15.ȱ
Toȱ brieflyȱ recap:ȱ aȱ Qualityȱ isȱ aȱ wordȱ orȱ phraseȱ
representingȱ broadȱ nonȬsuperȱ skillȱ orȱ fieldȱ ofȱ
knowledge.ȱ T&Jȱ charactersȱ mustȱ chooseȱ betweenȱ
havingȱ moreȱ Qualitiesȱ atȱ aȱ lowerȱ levelȱ ofȱ
competency,ȱ orȱ havingȱ fewerȱ Qualitiesȱ atȱ aȱ higherȱ
levelȱofȱcompetency.ȱȱ
Chooseȱbetweenȱtheȱfollowingȱpackages:ȱ
A. 5ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱStrengthsȱandȱ1ȱPoorȱ[Ȭ2]ȱWeakness.ȱ
B. 1ȱExpertȱ[+4]ȱStrength,ȱ3ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱStrengths,ȱandȱ
1ȱPoorȱ[Ȭ2]ȱWeakness.ȱ
C. 2ȱExpertȱ[+4]ȱStrengths,ȱ1ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱStrength,ȱandȱ
1ȱPoorȱ[Ȭ2]ȱWeakness.ȱ
D. 1ȱMasterȱ[+6]ȱStrength,ȱ2ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱStrengths,ȱandȱ
1ȱPoorȱ[Ȭ2]ȱWeakness.ȱ
E. 1ȱMasterȱ[+6]ȱStrength,ȱ1ȱExpertȱ[+4]ȱStrength,ȱandȱ
1ȱPoorȱ[Ȭ2]ȱWeakness.ȱ
ȱ
QualityȱRules.ȱSeeȱChapterȱ2ȱandȱChapterȱ5.ȱȱ
NOTE - If the idea of set packages is hard for players to
puzzle out, another way to explain the scheme above is
to say that characters have a total of 10 Modifier points
to be split up between Strength Qualities, using even
numbers. Characters must also take a Weakness
Quality, which is has a -2 Modifier.
NOTE - If stuck for ideas for Qualities, please see
Chapter 11, Random-Roll Inspiration, p. 116.
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
ȱ i Serendipityȱ (ȈAsȱ Iȱ foughtȱ myȱ wayȱ freeȱ ofȱ theȱ
EXAMPLE CHARACTER 1: JACK PERETTI
Jack goes with package C. He is an Expert [+4] Army
Ranger and rather (Expert [+4]) Athletic. He is also
Good [+2] at American History. On the downside, he's a
bit too Obedient (Poor [-2]) with regard to his superiors,
and must roll at a penalty to act against a direct order
from them.
EXAMPLE CHARACTER 2: RICK CAAN
Rick decides on package B. He is an Expert [+4] Tiger
Claw Wushu practitioner, a Good [+2] Detective, a Good
[+2] Gymnast, possesses Good [+2] Wealth, and has a
Poor [-2] Obsession (Cannot Countenance Injustice) – to
control himself when he's a witness to an act of injustice,
he must roll at a penalty or automatically become
involved.
ȱ superpowers, retrieved the weapon, and blew up the
"Down these mean streets a man must go who is not himself
mean, who is neither tarnished nor afraid. . . He is the hero, he
is everything. He must be a complete man and a common man
and yet an unusual man. He must be, to use a rather weathered
phrase, a man of honor, by instinct, by inevitability, without
thought of it, and certainly without saying it. He must be the
best man in his world and a good enough man for any world."
– Raymond Chandler, "The Simple Art of Murder"
ȱ Powersȱ areȱ theȱ superhumanȱ abilitiesȱ thatȱ aȱ characterȱ
ORIGIN
Howȱ didȱ theȱ characterȱ getȱ hisȱ powers?ȱ Originȱ tellsȱ
theȱ tale,ȱ howeverȱ long,ȱ short,ȱ plain,ȱ orȱ mysteriousȱ itȱ
is.ȱHereȱareȱsomeȱquickȱsuggestions:ȱ
i Heirloomȱ (ȈMyȱ granddadȱ gaveȱ hisȱ Ghostȱ
Revolverȱ toȱ meȱ onȱ hisȱ deathbedȈȱ orȱ
ȈInvisibilityȱrunsȱinȱtheȱfamilyȈ)ȱ
i MadeȱItȱMyselfȱ(ȈIȱbuiltȱtheȱprototypeȱforȱtheȱ
StarȱArmorȱoutȱofȱsillyȱputtyȱandȱsoupȱcans!Ȉ)ȱ
i Mutantȱ(ȈIȱwasȱbornȱthisȱway,ȱtoȱunsuspectingȱ
parents.ȱ.ȱ.Ȉ)ȱ
i Mysteriousȱ Strangerȱ (ȈTheȱ cloakedȱ manȱ
taughtȱmeȱaȱmagicȱword!Ȉ)ȱ
i ȈRadiationȈȱ Accidentȱ (ȈTheȱ nanotechȱ bondedȱ
toȱmyȱskinȱandȱnowȱIȱcanȱfly!Ȉ)ȱ
i Secretȱ Experimentȱ (ȈDrinkȱ theȱ damnȱ serum,ȱ
Private,ȱ orȱ youȇllȱ beȱ cleaningȱ latrinesȱ untilȱ
Doomsday!Ȉ)ȱ
ȱ 27
seaweed,ȱmyȱfingersȱgrabbedȱtheȱwristwatch.ȱ
Then,ȱtimeȱseemedȱtoȱstop.ȱ.ȱ.Ȉ)ȱ
i WeirdȬAssȱ Wayȱ (ȈBigfootȱ gaveȱ itȱ toȱ meȱ forȱ
savingȱhisȱAlienȱloveȬchild!Ȉ)ȱ
ȱ
OriginȱRules.ȱLikeȱBackgrounds,ȱOriginȱprovidesȱtheȱ
GMȱadventureȱideasȱandȱStoryȱHooks.ȱȱ
ȱ
EXAMPLE CHARACTER 1: JACK PERETTI
Jack's platoon parachuted into a mad scientist's lair to
liberate a weapon prototype stolen from DARPA. The
evil scientists captured them and subjected the soldiers
to weird science experiments. Jack was the only one to
survive. Under Weird Science Torture, he gained
base.
EXAMPLE CHARACTER 2: RICK CAAN
Rick began a regime of intense training while very
young, honing himself into a weapon of justice.
Insurance money and inheriting his mother's estate
(paid at his majority) permitted him to roam the world,
seeking useful skills for his mission.
ȱ
POWERS
possesses;ȱtheyȱareȱdiscussedȱextensivelyȱinȱChapterȱ4.ȱȱ
Ifȱaȱplayerȱwishesȱtoȱcreateȱanȱunpoweredȱheroȱthatȱcanȱ
stillȱ competeȱ withȱ superhumans,ȱ pleaseȱ seeȱ theȱ
Intenseȱ Trainingȱ ȈpowerȈ:ȱ itȱ allowsȱ theȱ tradingȱ ofȱ
Powerȱ Ranksȱ forȱ additionalȱ Qualityȱ Ranksȱ (seeȱ
Chapterȱ4,ȱp.ȱ37).ȱ
ChooseȱbetweenȱtheȱfollowingȱpackagesȱofȱPowers:ȱ
F. 6ȱAverageȱ[0]ȱRankȱPowers.ȱ
G. 1ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Rankȱ Powerȱ andȱ 4ȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ Rankȱ
Powers.ȱ
H. 3ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱRankȱPowers.ȱ
I. 2ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱRankȱPowersȱandȱ2ȱAverageȱ[0]ȱRankȱ
Powers.ȱ
J. 1ȱExpertȱ[+4]ȱRankȱPowerȱandȱ2ȱAverageȱ[0]ȱRankȱ
Powers.ȱ
K. 1ȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ Rankȱ Powerȱ andȱ 1ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Rankȱ
Power.ȱ
L. 1ȱMasterȱ[+6]ȱPower.ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
NOTE - If the idea of set options is hard for players to
puzzle out, another way to explain the scheme above is
to say that characters have a total of 6 Modifier points to
be split up between Powers, using even numbers, and
Average [0] Powers count as 1 point.
NOTE - If stuck for ideas for Powers, please see
Chapter 11, Random-Roll Inspiration, p. 116.
OPTIONAL RULE - A character can trade in
one Average [0] Rank power for two Poor [-2]
Rank powers, with the GM's permission.
However, Poor [-2] Ranked Powers are often
more trouble than they're worth; see Chapter
4, What Does a Poor [-2] Ranked Power Mean?,
p. 35.
PowersȱRules.ȱSeeȱChapterȱ4.ȱȱ
ȱ
WEAKNESS IS STRENGTH?
"Can I take a weakness or limit my powers in some
way to become more powerful?"
Not exactly.
In most comic books, a weakness or some
restriction on a power doesn't make a superhuman
more powerful; instead, it offers opportunities for
adversaries to threaten, control, harm, challenge,
or bind powerful characters. These obstacles also
encourage the superhuman to do cooler stuff in
order to get around it; they are narrative
opportunities to be exploited.
In T&J, this is represented by such obstacles and
opportunities giving the character more Hero
Points if the situation or event comes up during a
session. T&J characters are rewarded in play – not
at character generation – for making these
potential obstacles possible. So, Fire Girl doesn't
get a benefit up-front for being Vulnerable to Ice,
but only when she gets zapped with a Freeze Ray,
or tied up in an igloo, or when she tries to kiss
Freezerator through his icy forcefield.
See also Limitations, p. 36, Vulnerability, p. 37,
and OPTIONAL RULE: Shifty Business, p. 55.
ȱ However,ȱ becauseȱ Stuntsȱ areȱ extremelyȱ freeȬformȱ
ȱ
ȱ canȱdo)ȱbenefitȱmostȱfromȱthisȱsortȱofȱthinkingȱahead;ȱ
ȱ 28
EXAMPLE CHARACTER 1: JACK PERETTI
Jack selects option I. His Powers are Good [+2] Super-
Strength, Good [+2] Adaptation, Average [0] Super-
Armor, and Average [0] Invulnerability. Adaptation is
Jack's ability to adjust quickly to any environment –
underwater, poison gas, hard vacuum, etc. – or situation
– lack of food, water, or sleep; constant noise; complete
darkness; etc. If he can successfully make a roll against
the Target Number of the Intensity of a dangerous
environment, he no longer suffers problems from that
environment or situation. Once out of a dangerous
environment or situation, his adaptations quickly fade
away. Additionally, the layering of Super-Armor and
Invulnerability, even at just the Average Rank for each,
makes him a really tough customer.
EXAMPLE CHARACTER 2: RICK CAAN
Rick picks option F, and takes the Intense Training
"power" (see Chapter 4, p. 37) for each of his slots. This
generates 24 points (12 Ranks) to apply to Qualities. He
boosts Tiger Claw Wushu (2 points) and Gymnast (4
points) to Master [+6]. He raises Detective and Wealth to
Expert [+4] (2 points each), and buys four new Qualities:
Expert [+4] Armored Costume (4 points), Expert [+4]
Gadget: Scorpion Gauntlets (4 points), Expert [+4] Scary
Bastard (4 points), and Good [+2] Gadget: Utility Belt (2
points). Total, 24 points.
Rick's Gadgets are cutting-edge technology (see Chapter
4, p. 42): Utility Belt possesses a host of common or
handy tools; a successful roll against a GM-determined
TN allows him to pull out any small, reasonable item
from it; Scorpion Gauntlets are forearm guards that can
shoot out thin and strong cables that Rick can use as
swing-lines or whips. Scary Bastard is a
personality/social Quality used for intimidation of the
unjust (or, really, anybody).
ȱ
STUNTS
StuntsȱareȱdiscussedȱbrieflyȱinȱChapterȱ2,ȱonȱp.ȱ19,ȱandȱ
inȱ greaterȱ detailȱ inȱ Chapterȱ 4,ȱ onȱ p.ȱ 53.ȱ Onlyȱ Powersȱ
andȱ Masterȱ [+6]ȱ Qualitiesȱ canȱ beȱ usedȱ asȱ theȱ baseȱ
abilityȱforȱStuntsȱ
Normally,ȱ Stuntsȱ areȱ attemptedȱ duringȱ play.ȱ
andȱ dynamic,ȱ itȇsȱ notȱ aȱ badȱ ideaȱ forȱ theȱ playersȱ andȱ
GMȱ toȱ comeȱ upȱ withȱ aȱ fewȱ routineȱ applications,ȱ
effectiveȱ Ranksȱ andȱ Targetȱ Numbers,ȱ andȱ (ifȱ
necessary)ȱ Heroȱ Pointȱ costsȱ forȱ easyȱ reference,ȱ
especiallyȱ ifȱ theȱ characterȱ hasȱ aȱ veryȱ broadȱ Powerȱ
likeȱTelekinesisȱorȱWeatherȱControl.ȱSignatureȱStuntsȱ
(theȱspecial,ȱadvancedȱtechniquesȱsomeȱsuperhumansȱ
itȱ isȱ suggestedȱ thatȱ charactersȱ shouldȱ probablyȱ onlyȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
haveȱ oneȱ (orȱ possiblyȱ two)ȱ Signatureȱ Stuntsȱ perȱ
abilityȱatȱtheȱstartȱofȱplay.ȱ
StuntsȱRules.ȱSeeȱChapterȱ4,ȱp.ȱ34.ȱ
ȱ numberȱofȱHeroȱPointsȱ(MAX)ȱthatȱtheȱcharacterȱcanȱ
EXAMPLE CHARACTER 1: JACK PERETTI
During a discussion with his GM and fellow players,
Jack's player came up with a Spin-off Stunt based on one
of his powers that might come up fairly often in play.
Shockwave is when he slams his fists or feet on the
ground with Super-Strength to knock a foe over or off-
balance; the GM determines that its Stunt Rank gives
the Difficulty Rank a targeted combatant must beat to
keep his footing on the quivering surface. The base
ability of Shockwave would be Super-Strength, which
Jack has at Good [+2] Power Rank, this makes the
Stunt's effective Rank Poor [-2], unless Jack wants to
spend Hero Points when he tries it. This Stunt is written
on his character sheet as "Shockwave (Super-Strength
Spin-off, Poor [-2], opponent must beat a Poor [5]
Difficulty Rank to keep his footing)."
EXAMPLE CHARACTER 2: RICK CAAN
In discussing his Wushu and Gymnast Qualities with
the GM, Rick mentions that he'd like to have some cool
wuxia moves like a muscle-lock to temporarily paralyze
opponents and a really powerful attack, and the comic
book abilities to travel around town using his swing-line
and incredible acrobatic dodges. The GM thinks that two
of these Stunts (paralysis and swing-line travel) are a bit
more over-the-top for his game, and may not exactly fit
under the Qualities' penumbras; thus, they'd have to be
Spin-off Stunts. The other two (powerful attack and
incredible dodge) sound more like Signature Stunts,
since they're supposed to be extra-effective.
Rick agrees, and lists the following Stunts: Acrobatic
Dodge (Gymnast Signature, Expert [+4], 1 HP, adds to
defensive rolls when used); Scorpion's Sting (Wushu
Spin-off, Good [+2], temporarily paralyzes foes who must
beat a Good [9] Target Number to un-paralyze); Swing-
line Travel (Gymnast Spin-off, Good [+2], 4 yards per
Turn movement); and Tiger Claw (Wushu Signature,
Expert [+4], 1 HP, adds to attack rolls when used). The
effective Ranks of all of these Stunts can be improved
with the expenditure of Hero Points.
ȱ
HERO POINT POOL
TheȱHeroȱPointȱPoolȱshowsȱtwoȱthings:ȱ
1. CurrentȱPoints.ȱHowȱmanyȱHeroȱPointsȱ(seeȱ
below)ȱtheȱcharacterȱhasȱatȱtheȱmoment;ȱandȱ
2. MAXȱ Points.ȱ Howȱ manyȱ Heroȱ Pointsȱ theȱ
characterȱcanȱpossiblyȱhold.ȱ
ȱ 29
Heroȱ Pointȱ Poolsȱ areȱ notedȱ asȱ twoȱ numbersȱ
separatedȱbyȱaȱslashȱ(say,ȱ5/10);ȱtheȱfirstȱnumberȱ(5)ȱisȱ
theȱCurrentȱnumberȱofȱHeroȱPointsȱtheȱcharacterȱhas,ȱ
whileȱ theȱ secondȱ numberȱ (10)ȱ isȱ theȱ Maximumȱ
haveȱatȱoneȱtime.ȱȱ
Heroȱ Pointȱ Poolȱ Rules.ȱ Superheroȱ charactersȱ startȱ
withȱ aȱ Heroȱ Pointȱ Poolȱ ofȱ 5/10.ȱ Toȱ seeȱ whatȱ Heroȱ
PointsȱandȱMAXȱareȱgoodȱfor,ȱseeȱbelow.ȱ
ȱ
EXAMPLE CHARACTER 1: JACK PERETTI
Jack's Hero Point Pool is 5/10.
EXAMPLE CHARACTER 2: RICK CAAN
Rick's Hero Point Pool is 5/10.
ȱ
CODENAME
Aȱ characterȇsȱ Codenameȱ shouldȱ reflectȱ somethingȱ
aboutȱtheirȱBackground,ȱQualities,ȱOrigin,ȱorȱPowers.ȱ
Itȱcanȱbeȱironic,ȱiconic,ȱthematic.ȱItȱdoesnȇtȱhaveȱtoȱbeȱ
publicȱorȱbandiedȬabout,ȱbutȱaȱshort,ȱpunchyȱhandleȱ
isȱpartȱofȱtheȱfunȱofȱaȱsuperheroȱgame.ȱ
ȱ
EXAMPLE CHARACTER 1: JACK PERETTI
Jack's Codename is American Ranger, based on his
patriotism and his military training.
EXAMPLE CHARACTER 2: RICK CAAN
Rick's Codename is Manticore, a scary, mythological
man-monster.
ȱ
UNIFORM
AȱT&Jȱcharacterȱusuallyȱneedsȱaȱdistinctiveȱlook;ȱthisȱ
isȱ calledȱ hisȱ Uniformȱ (seeȱ Chapterȱ 1,ȱ p.ȱ 13,ȱ forȱ moreȱ
discussionȱ ofȱ thisȱ topic).ȱ Theȱ GMȱ shouldȱ tellȱ theȱ
playersȱ whatȱ theȱ usualȱ typeȱ ofȱ Uniformȱ styleȱ isȱ
commonȱinȱtheȱcampaign.ȱ
Uniformȱ Rules.ȱ Reallyȱ wackyȱ Uniformsȱ mayȱ drawȱ
ȈcivilianȈȱ interest.ȱ Theyȱ canȱ hideȱ –ȱ orȱ expressȱ –ȱ theȱ
characterȇsȱ identity.ȱ Theyȱ canȱ alsoȱ beȱ theȱ basisȱ ofȱ
StoryȱHooksȱforȱtheȱGM.ȱ
ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
EXAMPLE CHARACTER 1: JACK PERETTI
Jack's Uniform has been designed by military psyops
specialists, drawing on decades of propaganda research.
Hunter green fatigue pants, same color jersey with large,
faintly glowing white star in a white pentagon (star can
be dimmed for stealth), black jump boots, gloves, web-
belts and gear, a stylish cowl that disguises his true
features, and his Ranger beret. For dress occasions, he
wears Class As and cowl. He looks like a cross between
Captain America and Snake-Eyes, in green.
ȱ Qualities: Expert [+4] Army Ranger, Expert [+4] Athletic,
EXAMPLE CHARACTER 2: RICK CAAN
Rick's costume is composed of a white Guy Fawkes-ish
mask; a red hood/mantle suggestive of a lion's mane; a
black bodysuit with red stripes (Armor); black boots,
belt, and gloves; and metal Scorpion Gauntlets (Gadget).
ȱ
MISCELLANY
Andȱ that’sȱ aboutȱ itȱ forȱ generatingȱ aȱ T&Jȱ character.ȱ
Playersȱ shouldȱ feelȱ freeȱ toȱ describeȱ theȱ character’sȱ
physicalȱ appearance,ȱ evenȱ ifȱ it’sȱ aȱ quickȱ thumbnailȱ
likeȱ “youngȱ Harrisonȱ Ford,ȱ onlyȱ Indian”ȱ orȱ “tall,ȱ
blonde,ȱ andȱ stacked.”ȱ Backgroundsȱ canȱ beȱ fleshedȱ
outȱ further,ȱ namesȱ ofȱ friendsȱ andȱ enemiesȱ filledȱ in,ȱ
detailedȱ characterȱ histories,ȱ aȱ listȱ ofȱ turnȬonsȱ andȱ
turnȬoffs,ȱ whateverȱ floatsȱ yourȱ boat.ȱ Butȱ theȱ
character’sȱ gotȱ everythingȱ nowȱ thatȇsȱ necessaryȱ forȱ
youȱtoȱstartȱplaying.ȱ
ȱ fists or feet on the ground with Super-Strength to knock a foe
ȱ
ȱ 30
EXAMPLE CHARACTER 1: JACK PERETTI
(AKA AMERICAN RANGER)
Background: Jack grew up in Little Italy, then the suburbs.
He worked hard and played hard. A solid B student in High
School, he wrestled, played football, lifted weights, and
performed as part of the Drama Club. His well-rounded
extracurriculars and patriotism helped him get an Army ROTC
scholarship to the state university, where he majored in
American History. After college, he entered the military, and
became a U.S. Army Ranger.
Motivation: Protecting people under his command.
Good [+2] American History, and Poor [-2] Obedient to
Superiors.
Origin: Strange experiments by evil mad scientist.
Powers: Good [+2] Super-Strength, Good [+2] Adaptation,
Average [0] Invulnerability, and Average [0] Super-Armor.
Stunts: Shockwave (Super-Strength Spin-off, Poor [-2],
opponent must beat a Poor [5] Difficulty Rank to keep his
footing).
Hero Point Pool: 5/10
Codename: American Ranger
Uniform: Hunter green fatigue pants, same color jersey with
large, faintly glowing white star in a white pentagon (star can
be dimmed for stealth), black jump boots, gloves, web-belts and
gear, a stylish cowl that disguises his true features, and his
Ranger beret.
Miscellany: Jack looks like a young, black-haired, swarthy
Brian Dennehy. Adaptation is Jack's ability to adjust quickly to
any environment (underwater, poison gas, hard vacuum, etc.) or
situation (lack of food, water, or sleep; constant noise; complete
darkness; etc.). If he can successfully make a roll against the
Target Number of the Intensity of a dangerous environment, he
no longer suffers problems from that environment or situation.
Once out of a dangerous environment or situation, his
adaptations quickly fade away. Shockwave is when he slams his
over or off-balance; the GM determines that its Stunt Rank
gives the Difficulty Rank a targeted combatant must beat to
keep his footing on the quivering surface.
All About Hero Points
GAINING HERO POINTS
Heroȱ Pointsȱ (alsoȱ HP,ȱ especiallyȱ inȱ characterȱ writeȬ
ups)ȱareȱgainedȱinȱsixȱmainȱways:ȱ
1. FollowingȱMotivation.ȱȱ
2. PerformingȱHeroicȱActions.ȱ
3. AcceptingȱaȱRevoltinȇȱDevelopment.ȱ
4. BeingȱAffectedȱbyȱaȱLimitationȱorȱVulnerability.ȱ
5. ShowingȱEspritȱdeȱCorps.ȱ
6. ByȱconvertingȱaȱMAXȱpointȱintoȱaȱHeroȱPoint.ȱ
ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ

EXAMPLE CHARACTER 2: RICK CAAN

(AKA MANTICORE)
Background: As a young child, Rick's district attorney mother
was killed by dirty cops in the pay of a Mob defendant; the
murder was ruled an accident by the court of inquest. But Rick
knew the truth – unknown to the triggermen and the Mafia, he
had witnessed the whole thing. He swore to hunt down all who
evade justice, and has dedicated his life to honing himself as a
weapon to make them all face the music.
Motivation: Finding – or creating – "justice for the wronged."
Qualities: Master [+6] Tiger Claw Wushu, Master [+6]
Gymnast, Expert [+4] Detective, Expert [+4] Wealth, Expert
[+4] Armored Costume, Expert [+4] Gadget: Scorpion
Gauntlets, Expert [+4] Scary Bastard, Good [+2] Gadget: Utility
Belt, and Poor [-2] Obsession (Cannot Countenance Injustice).
Origin: Lifetime dedicated to training.
Powers: None (three Good [+2] Powers all taken as Intense
training; 18 points for Qualities).
Stunts: Acrobatic Dodge (Gymnast Signature, Expert [+4], 1
Hero Point, adds to defensive rolls when used); Scorpion's Sting
(Wushu Spin-off, Good [+2], temporarily paralyzes foes who
must beat a Good [9] Target Number to un-paralyze); Swing-
line Travel (Gymnast Spin-off, Good [+2], 4 yards per Turn
movement); and Tiger Claw (Wushu Signature, Expert [+4], 1
Hero Point, adds to attack rolls when used).
ȱ
Hero Point Pool: 5/10
Codename: Manticore ȱ
Uniform: Rick's costume is composed of a white Guy Fawkes- i Protectȱ theȱ innocentȱ orȱ weakȱ fromȱ thoseȱ
ish mask; a red hood/mantle suggestive of a lion's mane; a black
bodysuit with red stripes (Armor); black boots, belt, and gloves;
seekingȱtoȱharmȱorȱtakeȱadvantageȱofȱthem.ȱ
and metal Scorpion Gauntlets (Gadget). i Stop/preventȱaȱcrime.ȱ
Miscellany: 5'8"; 150#; brown hair; blue eyes; olive skin.
i Rescueȱsomeoneȱfromȱdanger.ȱ
Driven and intense. Obsession (Cannot Countenance Injustice)
means that to control himself when he's a witness to an act of i Inspireȱhopeȱinȱsomeone.ȱ
injustice, Rick must roll against a GM-determined TN (at a
penalty!) or automatically become involved. Rick's Gadgets are i Revealȱanȱimportantȱtruthȱtoȱsomeone.ȱ
cutting-edge technology. Utility Belt means that with a i Bringȱjusticeȱtoȱaȱsituation.ȱ
successful roll against a GM-determined TN, it contains any
small, reasonable tool. Scorpion Gauntlets are forearm guards i Showȱ notableȱ charity,ȱ kindness,ȱ orȱ mercyȱ
that can shoot out thin and strong cables used for swing-lines or towardsȱsomeone.ȱ
whips. Scary Bastard is used for intimidation.
i Exerciseȱ restraintȱ inȱ situationsȱ whereȱ forceȱ
ȱ
isnȇtȱwarrantedȱorȱwise.ȱ
Ifȱ aȱ characterȇsȱ Heroȱ Pointȱ Poolȱ isȱ fullȱ (thatȱ is,ȱ atȱ i Actȱwithȱgreatȱintegrity,ȱloyalty,ȱorȱmodesty.ȱ
maximum),ȱ theȱ characterȱ hasȱ oneȱ Turnȱ inȱ whichȱ toȱ
i Makeȱaȱsacrificeȱforȱanother.ȱ
spendȱ thoseȱ pointsȱ beforeȱ theȱ excessȱ pointsȱ simplyȱ
evaporate.ȱ i Takeȱaȱsignificantȱrisk.ȱ
i Displayȱcourageȱunderȱfire.ȱ
FOLLOWING MOTIVATION
GMsȱ mayȱ awardȱ Heroȱ Pointsȱ immediatelyȱ afterȱ theȱ
WhenȱaȱcharacterȱleapsȱfullȬboreȱintoȱaȱsituationȱthatȱ heroicȱ action,ȱ orȱ waitȱ untilȱ theȱ endȱ ofȱ theȱ currentȱ
touchesȱ onȱ hisȱ mainȱ hotȬbuttonȱ issueȱ forȱ being,ȱ thisȱ Scene,ȱatȱtheirȱoption.ȱ
garnersȱ himȱ 1d6ȱ Heroȱ Points.ȱ Seeȱ above,ȱ Motivation,ȱ
p.ȱ26,ȱforȱmoreȱdiscussion.ȱ REVOLTIN' DEVELOPMENTS
Ifȱ theȱ GMȱ hosesȱ aȱ characterȱ (viaȱ Mindȱ Control,ȱ
HEROIC ACTIONS knockoutȱ gas,ȱ orȱ otherwiseȱ springsȱ anȱ unavoidableȱ
EachȱofȱtheȱactionsȱbelowȱisȱworthȱoneȱorȱmoreȱHeroȱ trap)ȱ forȱ plotȱ purposes,ȱ theȱ characterȱ instantlyȱ gainsȱ
Points,ȱdependingȱuponȱtheȱIntensity,ȱspecificity,ȱandȱ
numberȱofȱpeopleȱaffectedȱbyȱtheȱsituation.ȱ
ȱ 31
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
2d6ȱHeroȱPoints,ȱtoȱeaseȱtheȱpain.ȱ(SeeȱalsoȱChapterȱ6,ȱ
MapmakingȱandȱRailroading,ȱp.ȱ79.)ȱ
AFFECTED BY A LIMITATION OR VULNERABILITY
Aȱ characterȱ affectedȱ byȱ aȱ Limitationȱ (seeȱ p.ȱ 36)ȱ orȱ
Vulnerabilityȱ (seeȱ p.ȱ 37)ȱ willȱ gainȱ Heroȱ Pointsȱ whenȱ
theȱLimitationȱorȱVulnerabilityȱcomesȱintoȱplay.ȱ
ESPRIT DE CORPS
Theȱ GMȱ canȱ rewardȱ anyȱ playerȇsȱ characterȱ ifȱ theȱ
playerȱ addsȱ toȱ theȱ spiritȱ ofȱ theȱ gameȱ byȱ showingȱ
camaraderieȱ withȱ teammates;ȱ impressingȱ theȱ GMȱ orȱ
otherȱplayersȱbyȱdoingȱsomethingȱcool,ȱfun,ȱorȱcomicȱ
booky;ȱ advancingȱ theȱ mainȱ plotȱ ofȱ theȱ adventure;ȱ
advancingȱ anotherȱ characterȇsȱ subplot;ȱ sayingȱ
somethingȱ funnyȱ thatȱ amusesȱ everybody.ȱ Eachȱ
instanceȱ ofȱ Espritȱ deȱ Corpsȱ thatȱ makesȱ theȱ gamingȱ
experienceȱ moreȱ enjoyableȱ canȱ beȱ rewardedȱ withȱ aȱ
HeroȱPoint.ȱ
USING HERO POINTS
BelowȱareȱsomeȱofȱtheȱmethodsȱinȱwhichȱHeroȱPointsȱ
canȱbeȱused:ȱ
Detectȱ &ȱ Discover.ȱ Dictateȱ aȱ newȱ factȱ aboutȱ theȱ
situationȱ atȱ handȱ (ȈWhatȱ mostȱ peopleȱ donȇtȱ knowȱ isȱ
thatȱ theȱ Pranksterȱ attendedȱ thisȱ gradeȱ schoolȱ asȱ aȱ
child!ȈȱorȱȈIȱknowȱtheȱlastȱtimeȱIȱwasȱinȱthisȱbar,ȱthereȱ
wasȱ aȱ backdoorȱ leadingȱ outȱ intoȱ anȱ alleyȈ);ȱ 1ȱ Heroȱ
Pointȱ perȱ minorȱ detail,ȱ 2ȱ Heroȱ Pointsȱ perȱ significantȱ
detail,ȱorȱ4ȱHeroȱPointsȱperȱmajorȱdetail;ȱsubjectȱtoȱGMȱ
veto.ȱ
Energizeȱ Stunts.ȱ Activateȱ aȱ Signatureȱ Stuntȱ orȱ
increaseȱtheȱeffectiveȱRankȱofȱaȱStunt;ȱvariableȱcostȱ(seeȱ
Chapterȱ4,ȱp.ȱ53).ȱ
Haymaker.ȱ Afterȱ aȱ successfulȱ attack,ȱ addȱ anȱ Upshiftȱ
toȱDamage;ȱ1ȱHeroȱPointȱperȱUpshift.ȱ
Iȱ Knowȱ aȱ Guy.ȱ Rememberȱ aȱ contactȱ withȱ possibleȱ
usefulȱinformationȱonȱcurrentȱsituation;ȱ2ȱHeroȱPointsȱ
andȱaȱSceneȱtoȱgetȱtheȱinfo;ȱsubjectȱtoȱGMȱveto.ȱ
Luckȱ Beȱ aȱ Lady.ȱ ȈAsȱ Iȱ fallȱ offȱ ofȱ theȱ zeppelinȱ toȱ
certainȱ doom,ȱ Iȱ luckilyȱ manageȱ toȱ grabȱ ontoȱ aȱ guyȱ
lineȱ hangingȱfromȱ theȱ gondola.ȱ .ȱ.Ȉ;ȱ2ȱ Heroȱ Pointsȱperȱ
plausibleȱ coincidence,ȱ orȱ 4ȱ Heroȱ Pointsȱ perȱ implausibleȱ
coincidence.ȱ
MakeȱItȱCount.ȱGainȱanȱadditionalȱ1d6ȱonȱnextȱroll;ȱ3ȱ
HeroȱPointsȱperȱdie.ȱ
Offenseȱ forȱ Defense,ȱ Defenseȱ forȱ Offense.ȱ Usingȱ
primarilyȱ offensiveȱ abilitiesȱ forȱ defensiveȱ reactions,ȱ
ȱ 32
orȱ primarilyȱ defensiveȱ abilitiesȱ forȱ offensiveȱ actions;ȱ
variableȱcostȱ(seeȱChapterȱ5,ȱp.ȱ59).ȱ
Pullȱ Yourselfȱ Together.ȱ Regainȱ 1d6ȱ lostȱ Failureȱ
Ranks;ȱ1ȱHeroȱPointȱandȱoneȱactionȱorȱreaction.ȱ
Pushȱ aȱ Qualityȱ orȱ Power.ȱ Gainȱ anȱ Upshiftȱ toȱ Rankȱ
forȱnextȱroll;ȱ2ȱHeroȱPointsȱperȱUpshift.ȱ
Resistȱ Motivation.ȱ Throughȱ willpowerȱ andȱ selfȬ
control,ȱ notȱ automaticallyȱ reactingȱ toȱ oneȇsȱ
Motivationȱ (usefulȱ whenȱ infiltratingȱ orȱ goingȱ
undercover);ȱ1ȱHeroȱPoint.ȱ
SecondȱWind.ȱRegainȱ1d6ȱlostȱDamageȱRanks;ȱ2ȱHeroȱ
PointsȱandȱoneȱTurnȱperȱdieȱofȱrecovery.ȱ
UseȱaȱTrophy.ȱRetrieveȱandȱuseȱanȱapplicableȱTrophyȱ
(seeȱChapterȱ6,ȱMacGuffins,ȱPlotȱDevices,ȱ&ȱTrophies,ȱp.ȱ
69)ȱ fromȱ aȱ previousȱ adventure.ȱ 1ȱ orȱ 2ȱ Heroȱ Points,ȱ atȱ
GMȇsȱdiscretion.ȱ
HeroȱPointsȱcanȱbeȱusedȱasȱmanyȱtimesȱasȱdesired,ȱasȱ
longȱ asȱ theȱ characterȱ hasȱ pointsȱ leftȱ toȱ burn.ȱ Ifȱ aȱ
characterȱ wishesȱ toȱ spendȱ 4ȱ HPȱ forȱ twoȱ Upshiftsȱ toȱ
anȱ action,ȱ orȱ toȱ regainȱ 4ȱ Failureȱ Ranks,ȱ orȱ dictateȱ 4ȱ
minorȱdetailsȱaboutȱaȱScene,ȱthatȇsȱfine.ȱȱ
FeelȱfreeȱtoȱcomeȱupȱwithȱnewȱusesȱforȱHeroȱPoints!ȱ
HOW MAX GROWS
Everyȱ timeȱ aȱ characterȱ earnsȱ Heroȱ Points,ȱ theȱ GMȱ
shouldȱmakeȱaȱlittleȱtickȱnextȱtoȱtheȱcharacterȇsȱnameȱ
inȱ theirȱ notes.ȱ Whenȱ aȱ characterȇsȱ numberȱ ofȱ ticksȱ
equalsȱtheirȱMAX,ȱMAXȱgrowsȱbyȱoneȱpointȱandȱtheȱ
tickmarksȱ areȱ resetȱ toȱ zero.ȱ Forȱ example,ȱ sayȱ aȱ
characterȱwithȱaȱMAXȱofȱ9ȱhasȱearnedȱ8ȱHeroȱPointsȱ
soȱ far.ȱ Theȱ nextȱ timeȱ heȱ getsȱ aȱ Heroȱ Point,ȱ hisȱ MAXȱ
becomesȱ10,ȱandȱtheȱGMȱstartsȱtallyingȱupȱaȱnewȱsetȱ
ofȱticks.ȱȱ
Thereȱ areȱ twoȱ waysȱ forȱ aȱ GMȱ toȱ accrueȱ theseȱ MAXȱ
ticks:ȱ fastȱ andȱ slow.ȱ Fastȱ tickingȱ meansȱ thatȱ everyȱ
singleȱ HPȱ gainedȱ isȱ countedȱ towardsȱ MAXȱ increase,ȱ
andȱ slowȱ tickingȱ meansȱ thatȱ onlyȱ distinctȱ HPȱ awardsȱ
areȱcounted.ȱForȱexample,ȱsayȱthatȱoverȱtheȱcourseȱofȱ
anȱ adventure,ȱ aȱ characterȱ preventsȱ aȱ crimeȱ (1ȱ HP),ȱ
suffersȱ aȱ Revoltinȇȱ Developmentȱ (2d6ȱ HP,ȱ whichȱ
endedȱ upȱ beingȱ 4ȱ HP),ȱ andȱ hasȱ theirȱ Motivationȱ
triggeredȱ (1d6ȱ HP,ȱ whichȱ endedȱ upȱ beingȱ 5ȱ HP).ȱ
Underȱ fastȱ ticking,ȱ thisȱ characterȱ wouldȱ haveȱ 10ȱ
MAXȱticks;ȱunderȱslowȱticking,ȱthisȱcharacterȱwouldȱ
haveȱ 3ȱ MAXȱ ticks.ȱ Theȱ speedȱ ofȱ tickingȱ –ȱ andȱ thusȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
theȱ rateȱ ofȱ increaseȱ ofȱ MAXȱ –ȱ influencesȱ characterȱ
Improvementȱ(seeȱbelow).ȱ
GMsȱ mayȱ informȱ playersȱ ofȱ MAXȱ increasesȱ
immediatelyȱ orȱ waitȱ untilȱ theȱ endȱ ofȱ theȱ currentȱ
Sceneȱorȱsession,ȱasȱtheyȱchoose.ȱ
HOW MAX IS USED
MAXȱ isȱ sacrificedȱ inȱ direȱ straitsȱ forȱ Heroȱ Pointsȱ byȱ
Diggingȱ Downȱ Deep,ȱ inȱ trainingȱ toȱ Cementȱ Signatureȱ
Stunts,ȱ andȱ usedȱ forȱ theȱ permanentȱ Improvementȱ ofȱ
theȱRanksȱofȱabilitiesȱ(andȱtoȱpurchaseȱnewȱones).ȱ
However,ȱ ifȱ aȱ PCȇsȱ MAXȱ everȱ dropsȱ toȱ zero,ȱ heȱ
becomesȱ anȱ NPCȱ orȱ dies,ȱ accordingȱ toȱ theȱ playerȇsȱ
preference.ȱ Eitherȱ canȱ beȱ quiteȱ thrilling,ȱ inȱ theȱ rightȱ
circumstances.ȱ
DIGGING DOWN DEEP
IfȱaȱcharacterȱisȱinȱTroubleȱwithȱaȱcapitalȱTȱandȱneedsȱ
moreȱHeroȱPointsȱnow,ȱheȱmayȱȈdigȱdownȱdeepȈȱandȱ
summonȱ upȱ someȱ heroicȱ energyȱ atȱ theȱ costȱ ofȱ
reducingȱ theȱ MAXȱ ofȱ hisȱ Heroȱ Pointȱ Pool.ȱ
Unfortunately,ȱtheȱtradeȬinȱvalueȱsucksȱ–ȱoneȱtoȱone.ȱ
Forȱexample,ȱsayȱaȱcharacterȱwithȱaȱMAXȱofȱ10ȱneedsȱ
toȱ digȱ deepȱ forȱ justȱ aȱ littleȱ moreȱ oomph!ȱ Heȱ canȱ
reduceȱhisȱMAXȱtoȱ9ȱandȱgainȱaȱsingleȱHeroȱPoint.ȱ
CEMENT SIGNATURE STUNTS
Afterȱ theȱ firstȱ sessionȱ ofȱ play,ȱ aȱ characterȱ canȱ spendȱ
oneȱ pointȱ ofȱ MAXȱ toȱ convertȱ aȱ SpinȬoffȱ Stuntȱ intoȱ aȱ
SignatureȱStunt.ȱ
T&J IMPROVEMENT
Overȱtime,ȱcharactersȱgainȱskill,ȱexperience,ȱandȱevenȱ
newȱPowers;ȱthisȱisȱcalledȱImprovement.ȱ
TO INCREASE A QUALITY RANK
Spendingȱ 4ȱ MAXȱ permitsȱ aȱ characterȱ toȱ raiseȱ oneȱ
Qualityȱ oneȱ Rank,ȱ toȱ aȱ maximumȱ ofȱ Masterȱ [+6].ȱ Toȱ
raiseȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Housekeepingȱ toȱ Masterȱ [+6]ȱ
Housekeepingȱ wouldȱ requireȱ 8ȱ MAXȱ (4ȱ MAXȱ toȱ goȱ
fromȱGoodȱtoȱExpertȱandȱ4ȱmoreȱtoȱgoȱforȱExpertȱtoȱ
Master).ȱ
TO INCREASE A POWER RANK
Spendingȱ8ȱMAXȱduringȱaȱrelevantȱSceneȱinȱaȱT&Jȱgameȱ
(GMȇsȱ vetoȱ applies)ȱ permitsȱ aȱ characterȱ toȱ raiseȱ oneȱ
Powerȱ oneȱ Rank,ȱ toȱ aȱ maximumȱ ofȱ Masterȱ [+6].ȱ
Therefore,ȱ toȱ raiseȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Flightȱ toȱ Masterȱ [+6]ȱ
ȱ 33
Flightȱ wouldȱ requireȱ 16ȱ MAXȱ (8ȱ MAXȱ forȱ Goodȱ toȱ
Expert;ȱ 8ȱ MAXȱ forȱ Expertȱ toȱ Master)ȱ andȱ forȱ aȱ
relevantȱorȱevocativeȱSceneȱtoȱbeȱgoingȱonȱthatȱcouldȱ
justifyȱthisȱincreaseȱofȱability.ȱ
TO PURCHASE A NEW QUALITY
Spendingȱ 4ȱ MAXȱ andȱ creatingȱ aȱ relatedȱ Storyȱ Hookȱ forȱ
theȱ GMȱ (GMȇsȱ vetoȱ applies)ȱ permitsȱ aȱ characterȱ toȱ
gainȱ oneȱ newȱ Qualityȱ atȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Rank.ȱ Ifȱ aȱ
characterȱwishedȱtoȱlearnȱAccounting,ȱheȱwouldȱhaveȱ
toȱ spendȱ theȱ pointsȱ ofȱ MAXȱ andȱ provideȱ theȱ GMȱ
withȱ aȱ relevantȱ seedȱ forȱ aȱ futureȱ plot,ȱ subplot,ȱ orȱ
adventureȱ thatȱ isȱ tiedȱ toȱ Accountingȱ (Ȉhey,ȱ maybeȱ
oneȱ ofȱ theȱ guysȱ inȱ myȱ classȱ isȱ theȱ sonȱ ofȱ Captainȱ
Omega...Ȉ).ȱ
TO PURCHASE A NEW POWER
Spendingȱ 8ȱ MAXȱ andȱ creatingȱ aȱ relatedȱ Storyȱ Hookȱ forȱ
theȱGMȱduringȱaȱrelevantȱSceneȱinȱaȱT&Jȱgameȱ(GMȇsȱ
vetoȱ applies)ȱ permitsȱ aȱ characterȱ toȱ gainȱ oneȱ newȱ
Powerȱ atȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ Rank.ȱ Ifȱ aȱ characterȱ wishedȱ toȱ
developȱ SuperȬSpeed,ȱ heȱ wouldȱ haveȱ toȱ spendȱ theȱ
pointsȱofȱMAX,ȱprovideȱtheȱGMȱwithȱaȱrelevantȱseedȱ
forȱaȱfutureȱplot,ȱsubplot,ȱorȱadventureȱthatȱisȱtiedȱtoȱ
gainingȱtheȱnewȱPower,ȱwhileȱaȱrelevantȱorȱevocativeȱ
Sceneȱhappensȱtoȱbeȱgoingȱon.ȱ(ȈOkay,ȱIȱwantȱSuperȬ
Speed.ȱ Sinceȱ weȇreȱ fightingȱ theȱ Sacredȱ Ghostsȱ rightȱ
nowȱ atȱ CERN,ȱ maybeȱ Iȱ accidentallyȱ fallȱ intoȱ theȱ
cyclotron,ȱ whichȱ getsȱ switchedȱ on.ȱ Thisȱ givesȱ meȱ
SuperȬSpeed,ȱbutȱaȱbeamȱofȱenergyȱgetsȱdeflectedȱoutȱ
ofȱ theȱ machineȱ andȱ zapsȱ acrossȱ theȱ oceanȱ toȱ
superchargeȱ oneȱ ofȱ Doctorȱ Defenestratorȇsȱ
experiments!Ȉ).ȱ
VILLAIN POINTS?
Bad guys' mojo is called – appropriately – Villain Points rather
than Hero Points. They use them in much the same way, but
especially for things like impossible escapes, setting up
Revoltin' Developments (see above), overwhelming off-panel
sneak attacks, summoning more minions, "really" being a robot
double when captured, etc.
Villains should rarely be given Villain Points during an
adventure, only after adventures. Partly this is so that GMs
aren't rewarding themselves. They start with a bunch and
whittle them down while Heroes are building their own points
up; this is one reason the good guys usually win. Any Villain
Points gained from following Motivations or being affected by
Vulnerabilities should be saved for the next adventure they
appear in. (This also neatly explains why bad guys are masters
at jail-breaking; somehow, their Villain Point Pool refreshed,
and then it's freedom, baby!)
ȱ
 ȱ

Chapter 4: Superpowers
ȱ
ȱ

"Faster than a speeding bullet.

More powerful than a locomotive.
Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound.
Look! Up in the sky.
It's a bird. It's a plane. It's Superman!"
– Adventures of Superman opening narration ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
Thisȱ chapterȱ discussesȱ howȱ toȱ makeȱ theȱ Qualities,ȱ Powers,ȱ andȱ Stuntsȱ thatȱ typicallyȱ playȱ aȱ partȱ inȱ superheroȱ
storiesȱandȱgamesȱworkȱunderȱtheȱT&Jȱgameȱsystem.ȱItȱisȱvitallyȱimportantȱforȱallȱparticipantsȱinȱtheȱgroupȱtoȱbeȱ
onȱtheȱsameȱpageȱaboutȱtheȱscope,ȱcapabilities,ȱlimitations,ȱandȱscalabilityȱofȱabilitiesȱlikeȱtheseȱ(seeȱbelow).ȱTheseȱ
areȱtheȱsortsȱofȱquestionsȱplayersȱandȱGMsȱhaveȱtoȱthrashȱoutȱtoȱaȱcommonlyȬunderstoodȱlevelȱbeforeȱplayȱstarts.ȱ
ȱ

T&J Intensity Chart

POWER RANK DIFFICULTY RANK TIME* RANGE* SPEED* AREA WEIGHT FORCE ENERGY MONEY
& & (DURATION**)
MODIFIER TARGET NUMBER

Poor [-2] Poor [5] 1ȱaction/reactionȱ Touchȱ Runningȱ Closetȱ Heavyȱpersonȱȱ Knockoutȱ Candleȱ $1ȱ
(5ȱminutes)ȱ (12ȱin.)ȱ (20ȱmph)ȱ (1ȱsq.ȱyard)ȱ (250ȱlbs.)ȱ Punchȱ

Average [0] Average [7] 1ȱTurnȱ Nearȱ Racecarȱ Roomȱ Motorcycleȱȱ FullȬtiltȱ Campfireȱ $100ȱ
(30ȱminutes)ȱ (10ȱyards)ȱ (150ȱmph)ȱ (25ȱsq.ȱyards)ȱ (500ȱlbs.)ȱ Bodyȱcheckȱ

Good [+2] Good [9] 1ȱSceneȱ Middlingȱ Jetȱ Footballȱfieldȱ Carȱ Baseballȱbatȱ Bonfireȱ $10,000ȱ
(1ȱhour)ȱ (100ȱyards)ȱ (500ȱmph)ȱ (6,400ȱsq.ȱyards)ȱ (1.5ȱtons)ȱ

Expert [+4] Expert [11] 2ȱScenesȱ Farȱ Supersonicȱ Squareȱmileȱ Tankȱ Ramȱw/ȱcarȱ Forestȱ $1ȱ
(6ȱhours)ȱ (1,000ȱyds.)ȱ (2,200ȱmph;ȱ (3ȱmil.ȱsq.ȱyds.)ȱ (75ȱtons)ȱ fireȱ millionȱ
Machȱ3)ȱ

Master [+6] Master [13] 4ȱScenesȱ TooȱFarȱ Hypersonicȱ U.S.ȱTownshipȱ Battleshipȱȱ Cannonballȱ Volcanoȱ $1ȱbillionȱ
(24ȱhours)ȱ (5ȱmiles)ȱ (7,700ȱmph;ȱ (112ȱmil.ȱsq.ȱyds.)ȱ (50,000ȱtons)ȱ
Machȱ10)ȱ

*ȱExpandedȱfromȱtheȱbasicȱconceptsȱonȱTime,ȱRange,ȱandȱMovementȱfoundȱinȱChapterȱ2,ȱp.ȱ18.ȱ
**ȱDurationȱisȱforȱlongerȱmeasuresȱofȱTimeȱthatȱdoȱnotȱadequatelyȱfitȱwithinȱtheȱ(re)action/Turn/Sceneȱstructureȱ–ȱenduranceȱflying,ȱ
vacuumȱsupport,ȱmaintainingȱaȱnonȬcombatȱpower,ȱetc.ȱMakingȱanȱPowerȱeffectȱpermanentȱ(petrification,ȱdisintegrations,ȱetc.)ȱisȱupȱ
toȱtheȱGMȇsȱVeto.ȱ
ȱ
ȱ

34ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
Intensity
Whileȱ everyȱ potentialȱ Powerȱ isȱ different,ȱ andȱ itsȱ
capabilitiesȱ andȱ limitationsȱ judgedȱ accordingȱ toȱ itsȱ
idiom,ȱsomeȱgeneralȱbenchmarksȱforȱIntensityȱcanȱbeȱ
handyȱforȱplayersȱandȱGMsȱtoȱvisualizeȱhowȱeffectiveȱ
aȱ powerȱ isȱ atȱ differentȱ Ranks.ȱ Theseȱ rankingsȱ areȱ
dramatic,ȱ notȱ mathematic;ȱ theyȱ mimicȱ theȱ
effectivenessȱofȱaȱPowerȱinȱtheȱcontextȱofȱaȱsuperheroȱ
story.ȱ Theȱ T&Jȱ Intensityȱ Chartȱ canȱ beȱ usedȱ asȱ
guidelinesȱ forȱ theȱ scopeȱ ofȱ Powers,ȱ orȱ ignoredȱ –ȱ
whicheverȱ worksȱ bestȱ inȱ theȱ campaignȱ atȱ thatȱ
moment.ȱȱ
Sometimes,ȱ GMsȱ mayȱ needȱ toȱ comeȱ upȱ withȱ aȱ newȱ
columnȱforȱtheȱT&JȱIntensityȱChart.ȱȱ
Example:ȱ Sayȱ theȱ GMȱ needsȱ toȱ knowȱ howȱ manyȱ
peopleȱ canȱ beȱ affectedȱ byȱ aȱ Powerȱ atȱ once.ȱ Thisȱ
newȱ columnȱ mightȱ beȱ calledȱ ȈTargetsȱ Affected.Ȉȱ
Theȱ GMȱ shouldȱ comeȱ upȱ withȱ genericȱ
benchmarks,ȱ eyeballingȱ it,ȱ comparingȱ scopeȱ withȱ
theȱ otherȱ columns.ȱ Aȱ decentȱ comparisonȱ withȱ
whatȇsȱ alreadyȱ onȱ theȱ chartȱ mightȱ beȱ somethingȱ
like:ȱ Poorȱ [Ȭ2]ȱ isȱ 1ȱ person,ȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ isȱ aȱ dozenȱ
people,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ isȱ aȱ roomfulȱ ofȱ victims,ȱ Expertȱ
[+4]ȱisȱaȱstadiumȱorȱauditoriumȱfullȱofȱpeople,ȱandȱ
Masterȱ[+6]ȱisȱanȱentireȱcity.ȱForȱotherȱGMs,ȱtheseȱ
numbersȱ mayȱ beȱ tooȱ low,ȱ orȱ tooȱ high.ȱ Goȱ withȱ
whatȱfeelsȱrightȱforȱyourȱcampaignȇsȱStyle.ȱ
Superhuman Abilities
DO-IT-YOURSELF AESTHETIC
InȱT&J,ȱplayersȱandȱGMsȱhaveȱaȱlotȱofȱlatitudeȱwhenȱ
comingȱupȱ withȱ superhumanȱabilitiesȱforȱ characters.ȱ
There’sȱnothingȱtoȱsayȱthatȱGiantȱHumanoidȱCockroach,ȱ
Fieryȱ Blast,ȱ PowerȬArmor,ȱ Controlȱ Water,ȱ Stretchy,ȱ JetȬ
Pack,ȱ orȱ SuperȬStrengthȱ aren’tȱ perfectlyȱ valid.ȱ Anyȱ
PowerȱtheȱplayerȱcanȱconceiveȱofȱandȱtheȱGMȱacceptsȱ
isȱ permitted.ȱ Mostȱ sortsȱ ofȱ Powersȱ areȱ prettyȱ
straightforwardȱ –ȱ theyȱ haveȱ aȱ specificȱ setȱ ofȱ
expectationsȱandȱpossibleȱresultsȱ–ȱandȱcanȱeasilyȱbeȱ
extrapolatedȱfromȱtheȱPDQȱMasterȱChartȱandȱtheȱT&Jȱ
IntensityȱChart.ȱUsingȱaȱbitȱofȱcommonȱsenseȱwithȱtheȱ
charts,ȱ theȱ relativeȱ factorsȱ (complexity,ȱ scope,ȱ
intensity,ȱ range,ȱ duration,ȱ etc.)ȱ ofȱ Fireȱ Balls,ȱ Iceȱ
Beams,ȱLightningȱBolts,ȱParalysisȱRays,ȱStretching,ȱȱ
ȱ ȱ
35ȱ
WHAT DOES A POOR [-2] RANKED
POWER MEAN?
A superhuman character with Poor [-2] Super-
Strength would be somewhat stronger than a
normal human with Master [+6] Strength.
However, the fact that the superhuman's Rank is
Poor [-2] means that he has trouble dealing with
his Super-Strength: he'll rip doorknobs off of doors,
injure people when he tries to shake hands, crush
small or delicate objects, etc. But what if you want
a character who is clumsy, but can lift a tank
(Expert [+4] Rank Intensity)?
Given the way the T&J system works (the
association between the effectiveness, skill, or
number of uses per Scene for the ability, as well as
the overall Intensity of the ability, which is often
represented by the Rank Modifier), characters that
are very mighty yet still unskilled with their
Powers cannot be summed up in this way. There
are two main ways to map this under the rules,
however:
1) If the lack of capability is endemic to all of the
character's abilities, this lack should be the
character's Weakness: a Poor [-2] Clumsy Quality.
2) If the lack of capability only affects the Power, it
should be taken as a Limitation (see p. 36) on that
Power: Expert [+4] Super-Strength (Limitation:
Clumsy in using it; roll vs. Poor [-2] for success in
nimble or precise tasks).
Players who choose the OPTIONAL RULE under
Powers (see Chapter 3) of trading in an Average [0]
Power for two Poor [-2] ones should be aware of
this when creating their characters.
ȱ
Telekinesis,ȱ Regeneration,ȱ Flight,ȱ SuperȬPerceptions,ȱ
andȱsoȱforthȱcanȱbeȱdetermined.ȱ
Example:ȱ Sayȱaȱ characterȱ hasȱ twoȱ Powers:ȱExpertȱ
[+4]ȱ Fireȱ Boltȱ andȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Flight.ȱ Thisȱ meansȱ
thatȱ theȱ characterȱ rollsȱ 2d6+4ȱ whenȱ usingȱ theirȱ
Fireȱ Boltȱ toȱ doȱ somethingȱ (attack,ȱ defendȱ againstȱ
Waterȱ Jets,ȱ meltȱ anȱ iceberg,ȱ etc.)ȱ andȱ rollsȱ 2d6+2ȱ
whenȱ doingȱ somethingȱ interestingȱ withȱ Flightȱ
(competingȱ inȱ aȱ race,ȱ doingȱ complicatedȱ
aerobatics,ȱ usingȱ Flightȱ toȱ helpȱ liftȱ somethingȱ
heavy,ȱetc.).ȱLookingȱatȱtheȱT&JȱIntensityȱChart,ȱweȱ
canȱgetȱaȱroughȱideaȱofȱwhatȱtheseȱPowersȱmeanȱ–ȱ
anȱExpertȱ[+4]ȱFireȱBoltȱhasȱaȱRangeȱofȱaboutȱ1,000ȱ
yardsȱandȱisȱasȱhotȱasȱaȱforestȱfire,ȱandȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱ
Flightȱisȱaboutȱasȱfastȱasȱaȱjet,ȱ500ȱmph.ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
DIY AESTHETIC RULES-OF-THUMB
WhatȱifȱaȱplayerȱmakesȱupȱaȱnewȱPowerȱnotȱlistedȱinȱ
theȱchapter?ȱTheȱGMȱwillȱneedȱtoȱcomeȱupȱwithȱsomeȱ
numbersȱ toȱ quantifyȱ theȱ effectsȱ ofȱ aȱ Power.ȱ Hereȇsȱ
someȱ reallyȱ quiteȱ simpleȱ methodsȱ usedȱ laterȱ inȱ thisȱ
chapter:ȱ
i Inȱ figuringȱ effectsȱ suchȱ asȱ theȱ numberȱ ofȱ extraȱ
actions,ȱdurations,ȱorȱtargetsȱ,ȱitȇsȱrecommendedȱ
toȱ treatȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ Rankȱ asȱ beingȱ worthȱ
Ȉminimumȱ 1Ȉȱ forȱ reckoningȱ purposes;ȱ someȱ
GMsȱwillȱwantȱtoȱextendȱtheȱcourtesyȱtoȱPoorȱ
[Ȭ2]ȱRankedȱPowersȱasȱwell.ȱ
i Ifȱveryȱsmallȱnumbersȱareȱneeded,ȱbaseȱeffectsȱonȱ
theȱ Powerȇsȱ Modifierȱ (however,ȱ thisȱ mayȱ
generateȱ numbersȱ thatȱ areȱ tooȱ smallȱ toȱ beȱ
worthwhile).ȱ
i Ifȱ smallȱ numbersȱ areȱ needed,ȱ baseȱ effectsȱ offȱ ofȱ
theȱ Powerȇsȱ Targetȱ Numberȱ orȱ twiceȱ theȱ
Powerȇsȱ Modifierȱ (stillȱ relativelyȱ conservativeȱ
numbers,ȱbutȱgoodȱforȱlowȬpoweredȱgames).ȱ
i IfȱmediumȬsizedȱnumbersȱareȱneeded,ȱbaseȱeffectsȱ
offȱofȱdoubleȱtheȱPowerȇsȱTargetȱNumber.ȱ
i Ifȱ largerȱ numbersȱ areȱ needed,ȱ adaptȱ oneȱ ofȱ theȱ
existingȱ columnsȱ fromȱ –ȱ orȱ createȱ aȱ newȱ
columnȱforȱ–ȱtheȱT&JȱIntensityȱChart.ȱ
i Ifȱ relevant,ȱ includeȱ theȱ TNȬbonusȱ toȱ damageȱ
forȱ superȬscaleȱ abilitiesȱ workingȱ againstȱ
normalȬscale,ȱ unlivingȱ targetsȱ (seeȱ Chapterȱ 2,ȱ
SuperȬscaleȱDamage,ȱp.ȱ23).ȱ
i Ifȱrelevant,ȱuseȱtheȱPowerȇsȱModifierȱtoȱgrantȱaȱ
numberȱofȱUpshiftsȱorȱDownshiftsȱperȱScene.ȱ
i Ifȱrelevant,ȱpermitȱtheȱcharacterȱtoȱtreatȱconflictȱ
situationsȱinvolvingȱtheȱPowerȱasȱcomplicatedȱ
situationsȱ(seeȱChapterȱ5,ȱAȱQuestionȱofȱScale,ȱp.ȱ
60).ȱ
ȱ yuckyȱ brown;ȱ sheȱ blastsȱ theȱ handcuffȱ offȱ andȱ
POWERS JAZZ
LIMITATIONS
Asȱ notedȱ inȱ Weaknessȱ isȱ Strength?ȱ (textbox,ȱ p.ȱ 28),ȱ
restrictingȱ aȱ Powerȱ duringȱ characterȱ generationȱ
doesnȇtȱgiveȱanyȱsortȱofȱȈboostȈȱtoȱRanksȱorȱanythingȱ
likeȱthat.ȱHowever,ȱtheseȱconstraintsȱcanȱgiveȱaȱslightȱ
bonusȱduringȱplay.ȱȱ
ȱ 36
Aȱ Limitationȱ isȱ aȱ ȈholeȈȱ inȱ aȱ Powerȇsȱ penumbra;ȱ itȱ
blocksȱoffȱpotentialȱusesȱofȱtheȱPower,ȱmakingȱitȱlessȱ
useful.ȱTakingȱaȱLimitationȱonȱaȱPowerȱisȱtheȱplayerȱ
paintingȱȈPleaseȱkickȱmeȈȱonȱtheȱcharacterȇsȱforeheadȱ
forȱ theȱ GMȱ toȱ read;ȱ inȱ essence,ȱ itȇsȱ theȱ mostȱ minorȱ
formȱ ofȱ Revoltinȇȱ Developmentȱ (seeȱ p.ȱ 31).ȱ Aȱ
characterȱ canȱ affectȱ anyȱ orȱ allȱ ofȱ hisȱ Powersȱ withȱ aȱ
singleȱLimitationȱeach.ȱȱ
Theȱfirstȱtimeȱtheȱcharacterȱisȱdirectlyȱpresentedȱwithȱ
hisȱLimitationȱduringȱaȱgameȱsession,ȱheȱgainsȱaȱHeroȱ
Point.ȱIfȱtheȱcharacterȱisȱindirectlyȱpresentedȱwithȱtheȱ
Limitation,ȱheȱonlyȱgainsȱaȱHeroȱPointȱifȱthereȇsȱsomeȱ
roleplayingȱ involvedȱ (seeȱ below,ȱ Exampleȱ 2).ȱ Ifȱ heȱ
thenȱfiguresȱoutȱaȱwayȱaroundȱitȱ(solutionȱsubjectȱtoȱ
GMȱveto),ȱheȱgainsȱanotherȱHeroȱPointȱtheȱfirstȱtimeȱ
heȱ usesȱ thatȱ method.ȱ (Ifȱ theȱ characterȇsȱ playerȱ isȱ
feelingȱuncreativeȱandȱreallyȱwantsȱtoȱgetȱaroundȱtheȱ
Limitation,ȱtheȱcharacterȱcanȱspendȱ2ȱHeroȱPointsȱtoȱ
haveȱ theȱ GMȱ describeȱ howȱ theȱ characterȱ surpassesȱ
theȱ Limitation;ȱ this,ȱ ofȱ course,ȱ leavesȱ theȱ characterȱ
downȱaȱHeroȱPoint,ȱbutȱthemȇsȱtheȱbreaks!)ȱ
Theȱ scopeȱ ofȱ theȱ Limitationȱ affectingȱ theȱ powerȱ
makesȱ noȱ difference,ȱ becauseȱ inȱ superheroȱ stories,ȱ
theȱ characterȱ willȱ eventuallyȱ beȱ confrontedȱ withȱ itȱ
anyway.ȱTheȱonlyȱreasonsȱtoȱtakeȱaȱLimitationȱinȱT&Jȱ
are:ȱ 1)ȱ forȱ theȱ funȱ ofȱ it;ȱ 2)ȱ toȱ giveȱ theȱ GMȱ Storyȱ
Hooks;ȱandȱ3)ȱtoȱpickȱupȱaȱfewȱextraȱHeroȱPointsȱforȱ
roleplayingȱcreativeȱthought.ȱ
Exampleȱ 1:ȱ Barnswallowȱ hasȱ theȱ Powerȱ ofȱ Sonicȱ
Blast,ȱ whichȱ hasȱ theȱ Limitation:ȱ Doesnȇtȱ affectȱ
anythingȱ coloredȱ green.ȱ Surprisedȱ inȱ anȱ
automotiveȱrepairȱgarage,ȱCaptainȱChartreuseȱhasȱ
slappedȱ someȱ jadeȱ handcuffsȱ onȱ herȱ wrists,ȱ
chainingȱ herȱ toȱ aȱ tickingȱ bomb.ȱ Sheȱ gainsȱ aȱ Heroȱ
Pointȱforȱsufferingȱthisȱgreenȱindignity.ȱȱ
Barnswallowȱ goesȱ overȱ toȱ theȱ nearestȱ wasteȱ oilȱ
container,ȱ wrenchesȱ offȱ theȱ top,ȱ andȱ dunksȱ herȱ
handcuffedȱ wristȱ intoȱ theȱ gunk.ȱ Itȱ comesȱ upȱ aȱ
earnsȱanotherȱHeroȱPoint.ȱȱ
Exampleȱ 2:ȱ Barnswallowȱ hasȱ anotherȱ Power,ȱ
Flight,ȱwithȱtheȱLimitation:ȱAltitudeȱceilingȱofȱ6ȇ.ȱIfȱ
facedȱ withȱ Captainȱ Chartreuseȱ floatingȱ nearȱ aȱ
secondȱ storyȱ windowȱ ofȱ aȱ building,ȱ Barnswallowȱ
isȱ outȱ ofȱ luckȱ –ȱ sheȱ canȇtȱ flyȱ thatȱ highȱ dueȱ toȱ herȱ
Limitation.ȱUnlessȱtheȱsupervillainȱisȱactivelyȱandȱ
directlyȱ attackingȱ her,ȱ sheȱ shouldnȇtȱ reallyȱ getȱ aȱ
HeroȱPointȱforȱherȱLimitation,ȱunlessȱsheȱangstsȱaȱ
bitȱoverȱitȱinȬcharacter.ȱȈAlas!ȱOnlyȱIȱcanȱstopȱtheȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
fiendȱ inȱ time!ȱ Butȱ –ȱ heȇsȱ wayȱ aboveȱ myȱ altitude!ȱ
WhatȱcanȱIȱdo?ȱMust.ȱ.ȱ.ȱthink.ȱ.ȱ.ȈȱHeroȱPoint,ȱrightȱ
there.ȱ
Tryingȱ toȱ surpassȱ theȱ Limitation,ȱ Barnswallowȇsȱ
playerȱasksȱtheȱGMȱifȱtheȱaltitudeȱmustȱbeȱfiguredȱ
fromȱtheȱgroundȱ–ȱwhyȱnotȱaȱbuildingȇsȱwall?ȱSheȱ
canȱstillȱonlyȱbeȱ6ȇȱorȱlessȱawayȱfromȱaȱsurface,ȱbutȱ
thisȱwouldȱgiveȱherȱaȱchanceȱtoȱreachȱtheȱbadȱguy.ȱ
TheȱGMȱmightȱacceptȱthis,ȱandȱgiveȱBarnswallowȱ
aȱ Heroȱ Pointȱ forȱ theȱ solution.ȱ Orȱ heȱ mayȱ suggestȱ
thatȱthisȱsortȱofȱthingȱisȱbetterȱconsideredȱaȱStunt.ȱ
Orȱheȱmayȱevenȱdenyȱthisȱjustificationȱoutright.ȱ
VULNERABILITIES
OneȱȈpowerȈȱthatȱaȱcharacterȱmightȱselectȱisȱactuallyȱ
anȱ Achillesȱ heelȱ –ȱ aȱ flaw.ȱ Whyȱ wouldȱ thisȱ beȱ
consideredȱ aȱ Power?ȱ Byȱ havingȱ anȱ explicit,ȱ
identifiableȱVulnerability,ȱtheȱcharacterȱmakesȱitȱeasierȱ
forȱ foesȱ toȱ harmȱ him;ȱ butȱ thisȱ isȱ rewardedȱ byȱ luckȱ
smilingȱ moreȱ favorablyȱ onȱ theȱ characterȱ –ȱ thatȱ is,ȱ
moreȱHeroȱPoints.ȱ
Vulnerabilitiesȱ canȱ beȱ physicalȱ (Centauriteȱ causesȱ
injuryȱtoȱCentaurans),ȱmentalȱ(strongȱmagneticȱfieldsȱ
confuseȱ Robotronȱ 7),ȱ socialȱ (threateningȱ Peggyȱ Sueȱ
causesȱ BugȬBoyȱ emotionalȱ trauma),ȱ professionalȱ
(everyȱ timeȱ theȱ Rescuerȱ approachesȱ withinȱ 100ȇȱ ofȱ aȱ
SpeedyMedȱ franchise,ȱ theyȱ sueȱ himȱ onȱ theȱ basisȱ ofȱ
hisȱrestrainingȱorder),ȱandȱsoȱon.ȱ
IfȱaȱVulnerabilityȱcomesȱintoȱplay,ȱtheȱcharacter:ȱ
1. Losesȱhisȱnextȱaction.ȱ
2. Takesȱ Damageȱ Ranksȱ equalȱ toȱ theȱ Modifierȱ
(minimumȱ 1)ȱ ofȱ theirȱ Vulnerabilityȱ perȱ Turnȱ
(forȱ physicalȱ Vulnerabilities)ȱ orȱ perȱ Sceneȱ
(fromȱ mental,ȱ social,ȱ orȱ otherȱ suchȱ
Vulnerabilities)ȱ fromȱ theȱ sourceȱ ofȱ theȱ
Vulnerability.ȱ Thisȱ damageȱ isȱ takenȱ evenȱ
throughȱ defensiveȱ powersȱ likeȱ SuperȬArmorȱ
orȱ Invulnerabilityȱ (thoughȱ Qualitiesȱ likeȱ
Armor,ȱ Ironȱ Will,ȱ orȱ Higherȱ Purposeȱ mightȱ
momentarilyȱhelp;ȱseeȱChapterȱ5,ȱp.ȱ61).ȱȱ
3. Gainsȱ 1d6+Modifierȱ (minimumȱ 1)ȱ Heroȱ
Pointsȱ instantly.ȱ (Noteȱ thatȱ thisȱ Heroȱ Pointȱ
Gainȱ happensȱ onlyȱ onceȱ perȱ Sceneȱ theȱ
Vulnerabilityȱisȱemployed.)ȱȱ
Seeȱ alsoȱ theȱ nearbyȱ textbox,ȱ Limitationsȱ vs.ȱ
Vulnerabilities.ȱ
ȱ
ȱ 37
LIMITATIONS VS. VULNERABILITIES
Limitations annoy or restrict; Vulnerabilities hurt
or impair.
Limitations provide 1 Hero Point when they have
an effect, and 1 Hero Point if surpassed;
Vulnerabilities cause the sufferer to lose their next
action, take Damage Ranks equal to the
Vulnerability Modifier, and provides 1d6+MOD
Hero Points.
Limitations are directly tied to Powers;
Vulnerabilities are separate "abilities" in and of
themselves, though they may be related to Powers.
ȱ
INTENSE TRAINING
Thisȱ ȈpowerȈȱ isȱ intendedȱ toȱ helpȱ generateȱ PCsȱ thatȱ
areȱ highlyȬskilled,ȱ butȱ haveȱ fewȱ Powers.ȱ Intenseȱ
Trainingȱ transformsȱ Powersȱ intoȱ ȈpointsȈȱ usingȱ aȱ
baseȱofȱ+2ȱplusȱtwiceȱtheȱsacrificedȱPowerȇsȱModifier.ȱ
(Averageȱ [0]ȱ countsȱ asȱ 1ȱ forȱ thisȱ purpose;ȱ Poorȱ [Ȭ2]ȱ
Powersȱ cannotȱ beȱ usedȱ forȱ Intenseȱ Training.)ȱ Theseȱ
pointsȱ canȱ beȱ usedȱ toȱ improveȱ existingȱ Qualitiesȱ –ȱ
includingȱ personalities,ȱ relationships,ȱ equipment,ȱ
andȱ soȱ forthȱ –ȱ orȱ purchaseȱ newȱ onesȱ atȱ aȱ costȱ ofȱ 2ȱ
pointsȱ perȱ Rank.ȱ Thatȱ is,ȱ givingȱ upȱ anȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ
RankȱPowerȱviaȱIntenseȱTrainingȱgeneratesȱ+4ȱpoints,ȱ
whichȱcanȱbeȱusedȱtoȱraiseȱexistingȱQualityȱRanksȱinȱ
severalȱways,ȱlike:ȱȱ
i Boostingȱ aȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Qualityȱ toȱ Masterȱ [+6]ȱ
Rank;ȱȱ
i Increasingȱ twoȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Qualitiesȱ intoȱ twoȱ
Expertȱ[+4]ȱRanks;ȱorȱȱ
i Takingȱ newȱ Qualitiesȱ (oneȱ newȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ
QualityȱorȱtwoȱnewȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱQualities).ȱ
Forȱ anȱ exampleȱ ofȱ howȱ Intenseȱ Trainingȱ worksȱ inȱ
practice,ȱseeȱtheȱwriteȬupȱofȱManticoreȱinȱChapterȱ3.ȱ
QUASI-POWERS
Withȱ properȱ justification,ȱ someȱ GMsȱ mayȱ permitȱ
theirȱplayersȱtoȱbuyȱoneȱorȱtwoȱsuperȬabilitiesȱinȱtheȱ
formȱ ofȱ Qualitiesȱ ratherȱ thanȱ Powers.ȱ Thisȱ isȱ
especiallyȱappropriateȱwhenȱconsideringȱPowersȱthatȱ
canȱ beȱ mimickedȱ byȱ cuttingȬedgeȱ technologies,ȱ
Gadgets,ȱ orȱ Vehicles.ȱ Theseȱ QuasiȬPowersȱ areȱ onȱ theȱ
normalȬscaleȱ ratherȱ thanȱ theȱ superȬscale,ȱ andȱ areȱ
muchȱ weakerȱ thanȱ theȱ Powerȱ versionȱ ofȱ theȱ ability.ȱ
QuasiȬPowersȱuseȱtheȱBasicȱTime,ȱRange,ȱandȱSpeedȱ
fromȱ Chapterȱ 2ȱ insteadȱ ofȱ theȱ T&Jȱ Intensityȱ Chart,ȱ doȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
notȱ getȱ theȱ superȬscaleȱ damageȱ bonusȱ againstȱ nonȬ
livingȱ normalȬscaleȱ targets,ȱ andȱ mustȱ takeȱ aȱ
mandatoryȱ Limitation.ȱ Limitedȱ numbersȱ ofȱ useȱ perȱ
Sceneȱorȱsession,ȱlimitedȱoperationalȱendurance,ȱextraȱ
stepsȱ toȱ prepareȱ orȱ controlȱ theȱ ability,ȱ orȱ expensiveȱ
componentsȱthatȱareȱconsumedȱtoȱactivateȱtheȱQuasiȬ
Powerȱareȱallȱappropriate.ȱTheȱclassicȱexampleȱhereȱisȱ
Flight,ȱwhichȱcouldȱbeȱaȱjetpackȱ(Limitation:ȱRequiresȱ
refuelingȱafterȱ2ȱScenes)ȱorȱaȱgliderȱcapeȱ(Limitation:ȱ
Unpoweredȱflightȱonly).ȱȱ
ȱ allȱ separately.ȱ Asȱ anȱ alternative,ȱ however,ȱ theȱ GMȱ
Spider-man, Spider-man,
Does whatever a spider can.
Spins a web, any size,
Catches thieves just like flies.
Look out! Here comes the Spider-man!
– Spider-man theme song
ȱ
META-POWERS
AȱMetaȬPowerȱisȱaȱPowerȱwithȱanȱextremelyȱbroadȱorȱ
idiosyncraticȱ penumbra,ȱ pullingȱ numerousȱ
seeminglyȱunrelatedȱPowersȱunderȱitsȱaegis,ȱwhichȱisȱ
permittedȱ byȱ priorȱ artȱ inȱ superheroȱ orȱ otherȱ
adventureȱ stories.ȱ Theȱ GMȱ mustȱ explicitlyȱ decideȱ
whetherȱtoȱpermitȱanyȱMetaȬPowersȱinȱaȱT&Jȱgame.ȱ
Forȱ example,ȱ letȱ usȱ considerȱ theȱ Weatherȱ Controlȱ
Power.ȱ Flyingȱ duringȱ aȱ tornado,ȱ callingȱ downȱ
lightningȱ whileȱ aȱ thunderstormȱ isȱ goingȱ on,ȱ orȱ
intensifyingȱtheȱfreezingȱrainȱfallingȱontoȱaȱroadwayȱ
allȱfitȱunderȱtheȱWeatherȱControlȱumbrella,ȱasȱStunts,ȱ
ifȱ nothingȱ else.ȱ However,ȱ numerousȱ comicȱ bookȱ
charactersȱ withȱ Weatherȱ Controlȱ useȱ itȱ toȱ flyȱ onȱ theȱ
windsȱ anytime,ȱ shootȱ lightningȱ boltsȱ fromȱ theirȱ
hands,ȱorȱcreateȱiceȱslicksȱfromȱthinȱair.ȱThatȇsȱkindȱofȱ
outsideȱ theȱ penumbraȱ ofȱ Ȉcontrolȱ theȱ localȱ weatherȱ
conditions,ȈȱifȱtheȱPowerȱwereȱinterpretedȱstrictly.ȱȱ
Now,ȱ aȱ GMȱ couldȱ askȱ thatȱ theȱ PCȱ buyȱ allȱ ofȱ thoseȱ
Powersȱseparately.ȱButȱthatȱdoesnȇtȱseemȱquiteȱfairȱ–ȱ
theȱ wayȱ itȱ worksȱ inȱ comicȱ booksȱ isȱ toȱ justȱ haveȱ
Weatherȱ Control.ȱ Obviously,ȱ somethingȱ isȱ differentȱ
aboutȱ it:ȱ itȇsȱ aȱ MetaȬPower.ȱ (Indeed,ȱ GMsȱ shouldȱ
suggestȱtoȱplayersȱduringȱcharacterȱgenerationȱwhenȱ
ȱ 38
theirȱ selectedȱ setȱ ofȱ Powersȱ worksȱ betterȱ asȱ aȱ singleȱ
MetaȬPower.)ȱ
Anotherȱexample:ȱletȇsȱsayȱthatȱthereȇsȱaȱsapientȱraceȱ
onȱ Alphaȱ Centauriȱ 3.ȱ Oneȱ ofȱ theseȱ Centauransȱ hasȱ
comeȱtoȱEarth,ȱandȱfoundȱthatȱtheȱstrongerȱmagneticȱ
fieldsȱ aroundȱ thisȱ planetȱ interactsȱ withȱ hisȱ alienȱ
biologyȱ andȱ grantsȱ himȱ theȱ Powersȱ ofȱ
Invulnerability,ȱ SuperȬStrength,ȱ Flight,ȱ Magneticȱ
Vision,ȱ andȱ Magneticȱ Telekinesis.ȱ Thatȇsȱ aȱ wholeȱ lotȱ
ofȱ Powers!ȱ Sure,ȱ theȱ GMȱcouldȱ makeȱhimȱ takeȱ themȱ
couldȱagreeȱthatȱȈCentauranȈȱisȱaȱviableȱMetaȬPower.ȱ
Aȱ MetaȬPowerȱ permitsȱ numerous,ȱ disparate,ȱ
predefinedȱPowersȱtoȱbeȱtakenȱasȱStuntsȱofȱtheȱMetaȬ
PowerȱratherȱthanȱseparateȱPowers.ȱȈButȱwait!Ȉȱotherȱ
playersȱ mayȱcry,ȱ Ȉwhyȱ doesȱ yourȱ oneȱPowerȱletȱ youȱ
doȱ likeȱ sixȱ extraȱ Powers?ȱ Howȱ isȱ thatȱ fair?Ȉȱ Becauseȱ
thereȱareȱthreeȱcatchesȱtoȱMetaȬPowers:ȱ
1. TheȱGMȱmustȱacceptȱtheȱMetaȬPowerȱ(ȈSure,ȱ
CentauransȱcanȱdoȱallȱthatȈ).ȱ
2. Theȱ GMȱ writesȱ upȱ theȱ MetaȬPower,ȱ
includingȱ anyȱ Limitationsȱ (p.ȱ 36)ȱ orȱ
Vulnerabilitiesȱ (p.ȱ37)ȱ heȱseesȱ fitȱ toȱ includeȱ inȱ
theȱ packageȱ (ȈCentauranȱ Magneticȱ Visionȱ isȱ
blockedȱ byȱ woodȈ).ȱ Theȱ moreȱ potentȱ theȱ
MetaȬPower,ȱ theȱ moreȱ potentȱ anyȱ
Limitationsȱ orȱ Vulnerabilitiesȱ shouldȱ beȱ forȱ
it.ȱ
3. Theȱ GMȱ canȱ thenȱ useȱ theȱ writtenȬupȱ MetaȬ
PowerȱforȱanȱNPCȱatȱanyȱtimeȱ(ȈAȱCentauranȱ
criminalȱhasȱescapedȱtheȱMesmericȱZoneȱandȱ
isȱnowȱhidingȱoutȱonȱEarth!Ȉ).ȱ
Someȱ examplesȱ ofȱ MetaȬPowersȱ seenȱ inȱ comicsȱ
includeȱAtlantean,ȱsomeȱtypesȱofȱBattlesuitȱorȱPowerȬ
Armor,ȱ (Something)ȱ Elemental,ȱ Sorcery,ȱ Telekinesis,ȱ
andȱVampire.ȱHeroesȱthatȱchangeȱintoȱaȱheroicȱformȱ
couldȱalsoȱbeȱseenȱasȱhavingȱaȱMetaȬPowerȱwithȱtwoȱ
Limitationsȱ–ȱȈmustȱsayȱmagicȱwordȱ(orȱwhatever)ȱtoȱ
transformȈȱandȱȈcanȱonlyȱuseȱPowersȱinȱtransformedȱ
body.Ȉȱ
LIST SUPER-ABILITIES
OF
Inȱthisȱsectionȱisȱaȱlistȱofȱabilitiesȱ–ȱbothȱQualitiesȱandȱ
Powersȱ –ȱ oftenȱ seenȱ inȱ superheroȱ comics.ȱ Whileȱ itȱ
expandsȱonȱtheȱinformationȱinȱChapterȱ2ȱonȱQualitiesȱ
andȱ Powers,ȱ itȱ isȱ notȱ exhaustiveȱ –ȱ thereȇsȱ plentyȱ ofȱ
opportunitiesȱ forȱ playersȱ andȱ GMsȱ toȱ fillȱ inȱ andȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
adaptȱforȱtheirȱownȱcampaigns.ȱFeelȱfreeȱtoȱuse,ȱalter,ȱ
orȱeraseȱtheseȱwriteȬupsȱasȱyouȱseeȱfit.ȱȱ
Powersȱ appearȱ inȱ REGULAR TEXT HEADINGSȱ andȱ
Qualitiesȱappearȱinȱ ITALIC, UNDERLINED HEADINGSȱ
forȱeasyȱreference.ȱȱ
ADAPTATION
Adaptationȱ isȱ theȱ Powerȱ toȱ adjustȱ quicklyȱ toȱ anyȱ
ongoingȱ environmentȱ (underwater,ȱ poisonȱ gas,ȱ hardȱ
vacuum,ȱ etc.)ȱ orȱ situationȱ (lackȱ ofȱ food,ȱ water,ȱ orȱ
sleep;ȱ constantȱ noise;ȱ completeȱ darkness;ȱ etc.).ȱ Thisȱ
Powerȱ doesȱ notȱ directlyȱ counterȱ damageȱ takenȱ inȱ
conflictȱ (butȱ itȇsȱ possibleȱ thatȱ Stuntsȱ basedȱ offȱ ofȱ itȱ
could).ȱ Ifȱ theȱ characterȱ canȱ successfullyȱ makeȱ aȱ rollȱ
againstȱ theȱ intensityȱ ofȱ aȱ dangerousȱ environmentȱ orȱ
situationȱ(TargetȱNumberȱdeterminedȱbyȱtheȱGM),ȱheȱ
noȱ longerȱ suffersȱ problemsȱ (Damageȱ Ranks,ȱ Failureȱ
Ranks,ȱsuffocation,ȱtheȱbends,ȱetc.)ȱfromȱit.ȱOnceȱoutȱ
ofȱ theȱ dangerousȱ environmentȱ orȱ situation,ȱ
adaptationsȱmeltȱaway,ȱreturningȱtheȱcharacterȱtoȱhisȱ
baseȱstate.ȱ
Example:ȱ EvolvoȬLadȱ (Expertȱ [+4]ȱ Adaptation)ȱ
fallsȱ intoȱ anȱ activeȱ volcanoȇsȱ caldera.ȱ Lookingȱ atȱ
theȱ Intensityȱ Chart,ȱ aȱ volcanoȱ hasȱ Masterȱ [13]ȱ
Energyȱ Intensity.ȱ EvolvoȬLadȱ mustȱ rollȱ aȱ 13ȱ orȱ
betterȱonȱaȱ2d6+4ȱtoȱperfectlyȱadaptȱtoȱtheȱmoltenȱ
lava.ȱHeȱrollsȱaȱ3ȱandȱaȱ4,ȱplusȱ4ȱforȱaȱtotalȱofȱ11.ȱ
EvolvoȬLadȱ takesȱ 2ȱ Damageȱ Ranksȱ fromȱ hisȱ
imperfectȱadaptation.ȱHeȱcanȱtryȱagainȱonȱhisȱnextȱ
action.ȱ
ARMOR
Armorȱ isȱ aȱ Qualityȱ thatȱ allowsȱ aȱ characterȱ toȱ ignoreȱ
orȱ resistȱ normalȬscaleȱ damage.ȱ Flakȱ Jackets,ȱ
Uniforms,ȱ orȱ toughȱ skinȱ canȱ allȱ beȱ formsȱ ofȱ Armor.ȱ
Theȱ characterȱ addsȱ hisȱ MODȱ toȱ hisȱ reactionȱ rollsȱ(toȱ
dodge,ȱ parry,ȱ block,ȱ evade,ȱ etc.)ȱ againstȱ relevantȱ
attacks,ȱ butȱ heȱ canȱ chooseȱ toȱ sacrificeȱ aȱRankȱ ofȱ thisȱ
protectionȱ inȱ orderȱ toȱ ignoreȱ Failureȱ orȱ Damageȱ
Ranks.ȱWhenȱ aȱ characterȱwithȱ Armorȱ takesȱ damage,ȱ
heȱcanȱvoluntarilyȱDownshiftȱtheȱRankȱofȱhisȱArmor,ȱ
permittingȱhimȱtoȱignoreȱallȱDamageȱRanksȱfromȱoneȱ
attack.ȱ Theȱ playerȱ choosesȱ ifȱ andȱ whenȱ toȱ useȱ thisȱ
ability.ȱ However,ȱ onceȱ aȱ Qualityȱ reachesȱ Poorȱ [Ȭ2]ȱ
Rankȱ (throughȱ Downshiftingȱ toȱ ignoreȱ orȱ resistȱ orȱ
fromȱ takingȱ Failureȱ orȱ Damageȱ Ranks),ȱ itȱ canȱ noȱ
longerȱbeȱusedȱinȱthisȱfashion.ȱIndeed,ȱattemptingȱtoȱ
useȱanȱArmorȱQualityȱatȱPoorȱ[Ȭ2]ȱRankȱisȱactuallyȱaȱ
Weaknessȱinȱcombat!ȱ
ȱ 39
WithȱregardȱtoȱsuperȬscaleȱdamage,ȱifȱArmorȱisȱusedȱ
toȱ ignoreȱ aȱ numberȱ ofȱ Damageȱ Ranksȱ equalȱ orȱ
greaterȱ thanȱ itȇsȱ Rankȇsȱ Targetȱ Number,ȱ itȱ isȱ
automaticallyȱDownshiftedȱallȱtheȱwayȱtoȱPoorȱ[Ȭ2].ȱ
Exampleȱ1:ȱMikeȱtheȱCopȱ(Goodȱ[+2]ȱPoliceman)ȱisȱ
wearingȱaȱFlakȱJacketȱ(Goodȱ[+2]ȱArmor)ȱwhenȱheȱ
getsȱintoȱaȱgunfightȱwithȱsomeȱbankȱrobbers.ȱOneȱ
ofȱ themȱ shootsȱ atȱ him,ȱ withȱ aȱ rollȱ ofȱ 10.ȱ Mikeȱ
dodges;ȱheȱcanȱuseȱbothȱhisȱPolicemanȱandȱArmorȱ
Qualities,ȱgivingȱhimȱaȱ2d6+4.ȱHeȱrollsȱaȱ1ȱandȱaȱ2,ȱ
plusȱ 4,ȱ forȱ aȱ totalȱ ofȱ 7ȱ –ȱ meaningȱ heȇllȱ takeȱ 3ȱ
Damageȱ Ranks.ȱ Heȱ decidesȱ toȱ sacrificeȱ aȱ Rankȱ ofȱ
hisȱ Armor:ȱ itȱ isȱ nowȱ Averageȱ [0].ȱ Itȱ willȱ notȱ
provideȱ furtherȱ advantageȱ onȱ hisȱ defensiveȱ rolls,ȱ
butȱheȱcanȱDownshiftȱitȱoneȱmoreȱtimeȱtoȱavoidȱaȱ
bigȱ hit.ȱ Atȱ leastȱ heȱ didnȇtȱ takeȱ thoseȱ 3ȱ Damageȱ
Ranks!ȱ
Exampleȱ2:ȱMikeȱhasȱaȱnewȱFlakȱJacketȱ(Goodȱ[+2]ȱ
Armor)ȱ onȱ whenȱ anȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ SuperȬStrongȱ
criminalȱpunchesȱhim,ȱwithȱaȱrollȱofȱ12.ȱMikeȱrollsȱ
hisȱ 2d6+4ȱ andȱ getsȱ anȱ 11.ȱ Theȱ superȬcriminalȱ hitsȱ
himȱ forȱ 1ȱ Damageȱ Rank,ȱ plusȱ 11ȱ fromȱ hisȱ SuperȬ
Strengthȱ (seeȱ below),ȱ forȱ aȱ totalȱ ofȱ 12ȱ Damageȱ
Ranks.ȱMikeȱmustȱsacrificeȱaȱRankȱtoȱavoidȱgettingȱ
pulped!ȱBecauseȱ12ȱDamageȱ Ranksȱisȱbiggerȱthanȱ
hisȱ Flakȱ Jacketȇsȱ TNȱ ofȱ 9,ȱ itȇsȱ automaticallyȱ
trashed.ȱ
NOTE - Although Armor is usually seen as purely a
physical defense, variants could also exist for mental
("Iron Will"), social ("True Love for Peggy Sue"),
professional ("Ethical"), and other types of conflict. See
also Super-Armor, p. 48, and Chapter 5, "Armor-like"
Abilities in Conflict, p. 61.
BATTLESUIT
Aȱ Battlesuitȱ isȱ aȱ cuttingȬedgeȱ techȱ suitȱ thatȱ mayȱ
includeȱ weapons,ȱ armor,ȱ transportationȱ systems,ȱ
sensoryȱapparatus,ȱandȱequipment.ȱItȱisȱessentiallyȱaȱ
GadgetȱthatȱȈcontainsȈȱaȱfewȱotherȱQualitiesȱbuiltȱintoȱ
it.ȱ Aȱ Battlesuitȱ isȱ aȱ formȱ ofȱ Armorȱ (seeȱ above)ȱ thatȱ
alsoȱ hasȱ aȱ numberȱ ofȱ ȈslotsȈȱ forȱ Qualitiesȱ (orȱ QuasiȬ
Powers,ȱ seeȱ above)ȱ equalȱ toȱ theȱ Battlesuitȇsȱ Rankȱ
Modifierȱ(minimumȱ1);ȱQualitiesȱinȱtheȱslotsȱhaveȱanȱ
effectiveȱRankȱtwoȱstepsȱlessȱthanȱtheȱBattlesuitȱRank.ȱȱ
Example:ȱ Mikeȱ theȱ Copȱ isȱ checkingȱ outȱ theȱ threeȱ
BattlesuitsȱtheȱDepartmentȱrecentlyȱpurchasedȱforȱ
theȱ SuperȬSWATȱ team.ȱ Allȱ areȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ
Battlesuits,ȱbutȱeachȱhasȱhadȱtheirȱslotsȱoptimizedȱ
forȱaȱdifferentȱpurpose:ȱ
Patrolȱ Suit:ȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ Armor,ȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ HeliȬ
packȱ (Flightȱ QuasiȬPower;ȱ Limitation:ȱ Downshiftȱ
toȱallȱphysicalȱactionsȱdueȱtoȱbulkinessȱofȱsystem),ȱ
 Truth & Justice
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Averageȱ [0]ȱ Nightvision,ȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ Parabolicȱ spent.ȱBeamsȱimplyȱtheȱabilityȱgeneratesȱaȱȈthreadȈȱofȱ
Hearing,ȱandȱAverageȱ[0]ȱRadarȱGun.ȱ energy,ȱ whichȱ canȱ beȱ usedȱ toȱ ȈcutȈȱ orȱ Ȉconstantlyȱ
BombȱDisposalȱSuit:ȱExpertȱ[+4]ȱArmor,ȱAverageȱ[0]ȱ pushȈȱ aȱ target.ȱ Beamsȱ canȱ beȱ blocked,ȱ reflected,ȱ orȱ
Retractableȱ Waldoesȱ (withȱ drills,ȱ cameras,ȱ pliers,ȱ dodged,ȱ butȱ notȱ parried.ȱ Compareȱ thisȱ toȱ Boltȱ
etc.),ȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ Gyroscopicȱ Stabilization,ȱ (below).ȱ
Averageȱ [0]ȱ Chemicalȱ Sensor,ȱ andȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ
CompressedȱWaterȱCannon.ȱ BLAST (OF SOMETHING)
SuperhumanȱCaptureȱandȱRestraintȱSuit:ȱExpertȱ[+4]ȱ
SeeȱBolt.ȱ
Armor,ȱAverageȱ[0]ȱAirȱSupply,ȱAverageȱ[0]ȱTearȱ
Gasȱ Grenadeȱ Launcher,ȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ Sonicȱ Painȱ
BODY OF (SOMETHING)
Inducerȱ(BoltȱQuasiȬPower;ȱLimitation:ȱ1ȱshotȱperȱ
scene),ȱAverageȱ[0]ȱEntanglingȱNet.ȱ Alsoȱ calledȱ (Something)ȱ Form.ȱ Theȱ characterȱ
transformsȱ intoȱ orȱ sheathesȱ hisȱ bodyȱ withinȱ
Theȱ thingsȱ toȱ rememberȱ areȱ thatȱ Battlesuitsȱ areȱ
Somethingȱ (Fire,ȱ Ice,ȱ Fog,ȱ Insects,ȱ etc.),ȱ offeringȱ
cuttingȬedgeȱ technology,ȱ andȱ thusȱ operateȱ onȱ theȱ
protectionȱ atȱ theȱ Powerȇsȱ Rankȱ (Modifierȱ addsȱ toȱ
normalȬscale;ȱ theyȱ canȱ onlyȱ grantȱ Qualitiesȱ –ȱ or,ȱ atȱ
defensiveȱ reactions).ȱ Unlikeȱ Armorȱ orȱ SuperȬArmor,ȱ
best,ȱ QuasiȬPowers.ȱ Theyȱ requireȱ theȱ Qualityȱ ofȱ
thisȱprotectionȱcannotȱbeȱvoluntarilyȱDownshiftedȱtoȱ
Battlesuitȱ Pilotȱ toȱ operate.ȱ Forȱ suitsȱ thatȱ includeȱ
avoidȱ damage;ȱ Armorȱ orȱ SuperȬArmorȱ shouldȱ beȱ
superpowers,ȱseeȱPowerȬArmorȱbelow.ȱ
purchasedȱ separately.ȱ Bodyȱ ofȱ Somethingȱ permitsȱ
BEAM (OF SOMETHING) thematicȱ attack,ȱ defense,ȱ andȱ movementȱ Stunts,ȱ asȱ
Alsoȱ calledȱ aȱ (Something)ȱRay.ȱ Aȱ Beamȱ ofȱ Somethingȱ wellȱasȱanythingȱthatȱfitsȱtheȱidiomȱofȱtheȱSomethingȱ
(Sound,ȱ Laser,ȱ Gravity,ȱ etc.)ȱ isȱ aȱ rangedȱ attack,ȱ andȱ (i.e.,ȱ aȱ characterȱ withȱ Bodyȱ ofȱ Lightȱ couldȱ passȱ
usesȱ theȱ Rangeȱ columnȱ onȱ theȱ T&Jȱ Intensityȱ Chart.ȱ throughȱtransparentȱobjectsȱasȱifȱheȱhadȱPhasing).ȱSeeȱ
Beamsȱ oftenȱ doȱ superȬscaleȱ damageȱ toȱ normalȬscaleȱ alsoȱShapeshiftingȱandȱTransformation.ȱ
unlivingȱobjects,ȱandȱthusȱaddȱtheirȱPowerȱRankȱTNȱ
ȱ
toȱ damageȱ onȱ aȱ successfulȱ attack.ȱ Toȱ applyȱ superȬ
scaleȱdamageȱtoȱlivingȱtargets,ȱaȱHeroȱPointȱmustȱbeȱȱ

ȱ 40
 Truth & Justice
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BOLT (OF SOMETHING)
Alsoȱ calledȱ aȱ (Something)ȱ Blast.ȱ Aȱ Boltȱ ofȱ Somethingȱ
(Lightning,ȱ Force,ȱ Energy,ȱ etc.)ȱ isȱ aȱ rangedȱ attack,ȱ
andȱ usesȱ theȱ Rangeȱ columnȱ onȱ theȱ T&Jȱ Intensityȱ
Chart.ȱ Boltsȱ oftenȱ doȱ superȬscaleȱ damageȱ toȱ normalȬ
scaleȱunlivingȱobjects,ȱandȱthusȱaddȱtheirȱPowerȱRankȱ
TNȱtoȱdamageȱonȱaȱsuccessfulȱattack.ȱToȱapplyȱsuperȬ
scaleȱdamageȱtoȱlivingȱtargets,ȱaȱHeroȱPointȱmustȱbeȱ
spent.ȱ Boltsȱ implyȱ theȱ abilityȱ launchesȱ discreteȱ
ȈprojectilesȈȱofȱenergy,ȱwhichȱcanȱbeȱusedȱtoȱȈexplodeȱ
onȈȱorȱȈpunchȈȱaȱtarget.ȱBoltsȱcanȱbeȱblocked,ȱparried,ȱ
orȱ dodged,ȱ butȱ notȱ reflected.ȱ Compareȱ thisȱ toȱ Beamȱ
(above).ȱ
CONTROL (SOMETHING)
Alsoȱcalledȱ(Something)ȱControl,ȱthisȱabilityȱallowsȱtheȱ
characterȱ toȱ communicateȱ withȱ andȱ commandȱ
Somethingȱ(Animals,ȱPlants,ȱShadows,ȱFire,ȱetc.).ȱTheȱ
characterȇsȱ Powerȱ Modifierȱ aidsȱ attemptsȱ toȱ
successfullyȱ controlȱ Something,ȱ MODȱ orȱ TNȱ mightȱ
giveȱ theȱ maximumȱ numberȱ orȱ instancesȱ ofȱ
Somethingsȱ thatȱ canȱ beȱ controlledȱ atȱ onceȱ (or,ȱ
alternatively,ȱ useȱ theȱ ȈTargetsȱ AffectedȈȱ schemeȱ
developedȱinȱtheȱExampleȱunderȱIntensityȱabove),ȱtheȱ
Rangeȱ columnȱ ofȱ theȱ T&Jȱ Intensityȱ Chartȱ canȱ giveȱ
guidelinesȱ onȱ theȱ effectiveȱ Rangeȱ ofȱ thisȱ talent,ȱ andȱ
soȱforth.ȱSeeȱalsoȱ(Something)ȱPowersȱandȱTimeȱControl.ȱ
DUPLICATION
Theȱabilityȱtoȱcreateȱcopiesȱofȱoneselfȱorȱotherȱthings.ȱ
Aȱ cannyȱ characterȱ withȱ Duplicationȱ canȱ takeȱ greatȱ
advantageȱ ofȱ Usingȱ Multipleȱ Qualitiesȱ (seeȱ Chapterȱ 5,ȱ
p.ȱ 59).ȱ Someȱ suggestionsȱ forȱ GMsȱ andȱ playersȱ inȱ
dealingȱwithȱthisȱabilityȱinclude:ȱ
i Theȱ Rankȱ ofȱ theȱ Duplicationȱ Powerȱ indicatesȱ
theȱDurationȱofȱexistenceȱforȱtheseȱcopies.ȱ
i Theȱ Targetȱ Numberȱ ofȱ theȱ Difficultȱ Rankȱ ofȱ
theȱ Duplicationȱ Powerȱ givesȱ theȱ maximumȱ
numberȱofȱduplicatesȱaȱcharacterȱcanȱgenerateȱ
atȱoneȱtime.ȱ
i Duplicatesȱ probablyȱ doȱ notȱ possessȱ theȱ
DuplicationȱPowerȱthemselves.ȱ
FLIGHT
Theȱabilityȱtoȱfly.ȱFlyersȱuseȱtheȱSpeedȱcolumnȱonȱtheȱ
T&JȱIntensityȱChartȱtoȱdetermineȱmaximumȱairspeed.ȱ
Mostȱ flyersȱ cannotȱ flyȱ aboveȱ 14,000ȱ feetȱ becauseȱ theȱ
airȱ getsȱ tooȱ thinȱ toȱ breatheȱ unlessȱ theyȱ alsoȱ haveȱ
Adaptation,ȱArmor,ȱInvulnerability,ȱSuperȬArmor,ȱorȱ
41ȱ
someȱ otherȱ protectiveȱ abilityȱ orȱ gear.ȱ Toȱ achieveȱ
orbit,ȱaȱcharacterȱwithȱFlightȱalsoȱneedsȱSuperȬSpeedȱ
ofȱAverageȱ[0]ȱRankȱorȱbetter.ȱ
FTL TRAVEL
Forȱ FasterȬthanȬLightȱ (FTL)ȱ movement,ȱ considerȱ
usingȱ theȱ Powersȱ ofȱ Teleportationȱ orȱ Timeȱ Travel;ȱ
otherwise,ȱtheȱeffectiveȱȈmilesȱperȱhourȈȱofȱthisȱabilityȱ
isȱ dependentȱ onȱ theȱ GMȇsȱ fiat,ȱ withȱ theȱ
understandingȱ thatȱ higherȱ Ranksȱ ofȱ FTLȱ Travelȱ areȱ
ȈfasterȈȱorȱȈbetterȈȱorȱȈsaferȈȱthanȱlowerȱRanks.ȱ
GADGETS
Theȱ characterȱ possessesȱ cuttingȬedgeȱ technologyȱ
devicesȱknownȱasȱGadgetsȱ(seeȱtextbox,ȱCuttingȬȱEdgeȱ
&ȱ SuperȬTechnologies,ȱ forȱ theȱ distinctionȱ betweenȱ theȱ
two).ȱ Gadgetsȱ canȱ beȱ takenȱ asȱ Qualitiesȱ orȱ QuasiȬ
Powers;ȱ forȱ Powers,ȱ seeȱ SuperȬGadgetsȱ below.ȱ
Gadgetsȱcanȱbeȱlostȱorȱbroken,ȱandȱprobablyȱrequireȱ
ȈfuelȈȱ orȱ ȈenergyȈȱ toȱ function.ȱ (GMsȱ shouldȱ alsoȱ seeȱ
Chapterȱ6,ȱMacGuffins,ȱPlotȱDevices,ȱ&ȱTrophies,ȱp.ȱ69.)ȱ
Someȱ exampleȱ Gadgetsȱ canȱ beȱ foundȱ inȱ theȱ
Manticoreȱ writeȬupȱ inȱ Chapterȱ 3ȱ (p.ȱ 31).ȱ Anyoneȱ canȱ
useȱaȱGadget,ȱwithȱgreaterȱorȱlesserȱamountsȱofȱskill.ȱ
Also,ȱGadgetsȱcanȱbeȱQuasiȬPowersȱ(seeȱabove).ȱ
Gadgetsȱ areȱ notȱ ȈoffȬtheȬshelfȈȱ technology.ȱ Ifȱ aȱ
characterȱ wantsȱ aȱ cellȱ phone,ȱ heȱ doesnȇtȱ haveȱ toȱ
purchaseȱitȱduringȱcharacterȱgenerationȱasȱaȱGadget.ȱ
However,ȱaȱcellȱphoneȱwithȱcuttingȬedgeȱfeaturesȱfarȱ
beyondȱ theȱ standardȱ (e.g.,ȱ DNAȱ sequencing)ȱ wouldȱ
beȱ aȱ Gadget,ȱ andȱ aȱ cellȱ phoneȱ thatȱ grantedȱ actualȱ
Powersȱ (e.g.,ȱ MindȬscanning)ȱ wouldȱ beȱ aȱ SuperȬ
Gadget.ȱ Ifȱ aȱ characterȱ wantsȱ accessȱ toȱ numerousȱ
Gadgets,ȱ theȱ GMȱ shouldȱ suggestȱ thatȱ theȱ playerȱ useȱ
oneȱofȱhisȱQualitiesȱtoȱrepresentȱsomethingȱlikeȱȈHasȱ
aȱGadgeteerȱbuddyȈȱ–ȱthereȇsȱaȱpotentialȱkidnappingȱ
StoryȱHookȱrightȱthere.ȱȱ
GADGETEERING
Theȱ Qualityȱ ofȱ fiddlingȱ withȱ machinesȱ toȱ repair,ȱ
modify,ȱ orȱ rebuildȱ them,ȱ asȱ wellȱ asȱ creatingȱ theȱ
cuttingȬedgeȱtechnologyȱ(seeȱtextbox)ȱdevicesȱknownȱ
asȱ Gadgets.ȱ Inȱ creatingȱ Gadgets,ȱ aȱ Gadgeteerȱ putsȱ
Qualitiesȱ intoȱ tangibleȱ form,ȱ andȱ canȱ pushȱ theȱ
boundariesȱ ofȱ whatȱ isȱ possibleȱ inȱ scienceȱ andȱ
engineering.ȱ Ifȱ aȱ similarȱ technologyȱ orȱ machineȱ
alreadyȱ existsȱ –ȱ orȱ couldȱ existȱ –ȱ inȱ theȱ realȱ world,ȱ aȱ
Gadgeteerȱcanȱmakeȱitȱbetter,ȱfaster,ȱsmaller,ȱshinier,ȱ
moreȱreliable,ȱetc.ȱ(Toȱjumpȱoverȱtheȱboundariesȱofȱȱ
 Truth & Justice
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CUTTING-EDGE & SUPER-TECHNOLOGIES
Cutting-edge technologies are improvements and
extrapolations on current technologies; they are normal-
scale and associated with Qualities (Gadgets,
Gadgeteering, and Quasi-Powers).Cutting-edge tech can
be generally used by anybody, and can eventually –
given sufficient time, money, and R&D – be back-
engineered by mundane scientists and engineers, and
can then be mass-produced.
Super-technologies are fantastic technologies that may
never be possible; they are super-scale and associated
with Powers (Super-Gadgets and Super-
Gadgeteering).Super-tech can only be used by an owner
or designated pilot/user, Gadgeteers, Super-Gadgeteers,
and Super-Intellects. Mundane scientists and engineers
will not even be able to understand the processes
involved in operating it, much less duplicating it. They
will never be reverse-engineered by normal-scale
technicians, and thus will never be mass-produced.
For example, take the idea of camera cell phones. A
Gadgeteer could invent full streaming-video cell phones,
or camera cell phones the size of a dime, but only a
Super-Gadgeteer could rig a cell phone so that it
broadcasts on a "telepathic wave" instead of radio, takes
detailed enough images of a subject for later synthetic
replication, or permits teleportation over the public
telephone network.
THE EFFECT OF CUTTING-EDGE &
SUPER-TECHNOLOGIES ON THE WORLD
Since super-technology only works for a small number of
people and cannot be back-engineered, this curtails the
effects it has on normal-scale technology. So, even
though the Super-Gadgeteer hero Doctor Widget can
build a Super-Strength glove, it's not going to change the
world.
However, cutting-edge technology works for everybody,
once they learn how to operate it. If the Gadgeteer
refines the scientific and engineering issues involved in
its construction, or a dedicated team of specialist works
out all the details, an industrial concern could build such
a device. The effects of even a simple Gadget – say,
Gadgeteer Guy Vermack's Jetpack – on normal-scale
technology will be considerable. Not merely when used
as intended, but also after specialists rip apart the
subsystems and tweak them for other, unrelated
applications: the efficiency of the energy collection and
storage elements of the solar cell used in the Jetpack
would certainly change the face of the planet. GMs and
players should have fun with coming up with new
applications and spin-off technologies if they want to
make this sort of thing part of their campaign. Be
warned, since Gadgets are a quantum leap forward
beyond current technologies, those who wish to fully
exploit such cutting-edge technologies will have to do a
lot of infrastructure and R&D work to eventually make
it pay off ("building the tools to build the tools").
ȱ
ȱ 42
scienceȱ andȱ engineering,ȱ aȱ characterȱ shouldȱ takeȱ
SuperȬGadgeteering;ȱseeȱbelow.)ȱ
ToȱbuildȱaȱGadget,ȱtheȱGadgeteerȱpaysȱaȱbaseȱcostȱofȱ1ȱ
HeroȱPoint,ȱplusȱHeroȱPointsȱequalȱtoȱtheȱModifierȱofȱ
Qualityȇsȱ Rank;ȱ 1ȱ Heroȱ Pointȱ perȱ alterationȱ (smaller,ȱ
bigger,ȱ stronger,ȱ faster,ȱ safer,ȱ longerȱ runningȱ time,ȱ
greaterȱ storageȱ capacity,ȱ etc.);ȱ andȱ anyȱ additionalȱ
HeroȱPointȱorȱinȬgameȱcostsȱ(money,ȱmaterials,ȱtime)ȱ
thatȱtheȱGMȱdetermines.ȱ
Gadgeteeringȱ canȱ beȱ consideredȱ aȱ MetaȬPowerȱ (seeȱ
above).ȱ
Example:ȱ Guyȱ Vermack,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Gadgeteer,ȱ
wishesȱtoȱconstructȱaȱJetpackȱGadget.ȱJetȱpacksȱdoȱ
existȱinȱreality,ȱdespiteȱbeingȱratherȱimpractical.ȱItȱ
wouldȱ needȱ aȱ greaterȱ endurance,ȱ moreȱ effectiveȱ
fuelȱ system,ȱ extraȱ safetyȱ features,ȱ andȱ beȱ aȱ littleȱ
smallerȱtoȱgetȱthatȱclassicȱRocketeerȱeffect.ȱForȱanȱ
Averageȱ [0]ȱ Rankȱ Gadget,ȱ theȱ Heroȱ wouldȱ thenȱ
haveȱ toȱ payȱ 5ȱ Heroȱ Pointsȱ (baseȱ costȱ ofȱ 1,ȱ plusȱ 0ȱ
forȱAverageȱRank,ȱplusȱ4ȱforȱalterations),ȱplusȱanyȱ
requirementsȱ theȱ GMȱ hasȱ inȱ termsȱ ofȱ capitalȱ
outlayȱorȱlabor.ȱ
NOTE - In some settings, Gadgeteer can be a Stunt off
of the Super-Gadgeteer or Super-Intellect Powers.
Ifȱdesired,ȱaȱGadgeteerȱcanȱstartȱaȱT&Jȱcampaignȱwithȱ
upȱ toȱ fourȱ Gadgetsȱ thatȱ wouldȱ haveȱ costȱ noȱ moreȱ
thanȱ 6ȱ Heroȱ Pointsȱ each,ȱ ifȱ heȱ wereȱ buildingȱ themȱ
new.ȱSeeȱalsoȱbelow,ȱSuperȬGadgeteering.ȱ
HEALING
Theȱ characterȱ hasȱ theȱ abilityȱ toȱ healȱ others.ȱ Healingȱ
restoresȱ aȱ totalȱ ofȱ upȱ toȱ theirȱ Powerȇsȱ Modifierȱ inȱ
DamageȱRanksȱ(minimumȱ1ȱforȱAverageȱ[0]ȱRank)ȱtoȱ
aȱsingleȱtargetȱatȱNearȱrangeȱ(seeȱChapterȱ2,ȱp.ȱ18)ȱperȱ
action.ȱ Forȱ targetsȱ atȱ Middlingȱ range,ȱ theȱ characterȱ
canȱ healȱ upȱ toȱ theȱ Modifierȱ ofȱ oneȱ Rankȱ lowerȱ thanȱ
theirȱ Power;ȱ atȱ Farȱ range,ȱ twoȱ Ranksȱ lower.ȱ Targetsȱ
atȱ Tooȱ Farȱ rangeȱ cannotȱ beȱ healed.ȱ Ifȱ theȱ effectiveȱ
Rankȱ ofȱ Healingȱ isȱ lowerȱ thanȱ Averageȱ [0],ȱ noȱ
healingȱoccurs.ȱ
Example:ȱ Inȱ theȱ middleȱ ofȱ aȱ ganglandȱ crossfire,ȱ
Nightingaleȱ Angelȱ (Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Healing)ȱ canȱ healȱ
upȱ toȱ 2ȱ Damageȱ Ranksȱ perȱ actionȱ toȱ someoneȱ
withinȱreach,ȱorȱ1ȱDamageȱRankȱtoȱsomeoneȱaȱfewȱ
pacesȱaway.ȱFurtherȱthanȱthat,ȱherȱHealingȱabilityȱ
willȱ notȱ work.ȱ However,ȱ ifȱ sheȱ hadȱ Healingȱ atȱ
Expertȱ [+4],ȱ sheȱ couldȱ restoreȱ upȱ toȱ 4ȱ Damageȱ
Ranksȱ perȱ actionȱ toȱ someoneȱ Near,ȱ 2ȱ Damageȱ
Ranksȱ toȱ someoneȱ atȱ aȱ Middlingȱ distance,ȱ andȱ 1ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
DamageȱRankȱtoȱsomeoneȱwhoȱwasȱFarȱoff.ȱIfȱsheȱ
hadȱ Masterȱ [+6]ȱ Healing,ȱ itȱ wouldȱ endȱ upȱ atȱ 6ȱ
Damageȱ Ranksȱ forȱ Near,ȱ 4ȱ Damageȱ Ranksȱ forȱ
Middling,ȱ 2ȱ Damageȱ Ranksȱ forȱ Far,ȱ andȱ sheȱ stillȱ
couldnȇtȱhealȱsomeoneȱwhoȱwasȱTooȱFarȱaway.ȱ
Ifȱ aȱ characterȱ wishesȱ toȱ healȱ themselves,ȱ seeȱ
Regenerationȱbelow,ȱorȱUsingȱHeroȱPointsȱ(Chapterȱ3,ȱp.ȱ
32).ȱ
IMMORTALITY
Theȱ abilityȱ ofȱ beingȱ exemptȱ fromȱ death.ȱ Simply,ȱ theȱ
characterȱ cannotȱ die.ȱ Theȱ Rankȱ ofȱ theȱ Powerȱ mayȱ
reflectȱ theȱ speedȱ ofȱ howȱ quicklyȱ theȱ characterȱ Ȉgetsȱ
better,Ȉȱ aȱ specificȱ numberȱ ofȱ Ȉextraȱ livesȈȱ (basedȱ onȱ
eitherȱModifierȱorȱTargetȱNumber),ȱorȱnothingȱotherȱ
thanȱ Ȉcannotȱ beȱ killedȈ–ȱ dependingȱ uponȱ whatȱ
definitionȱ ofȱ ȈimmortalȈȱ theȱ playerȱ andȱ GMȱ agreeȱ
upon.ȱȱ
INTENSE TRAINING
Seeȱabove,ȱIntenseȱTraining,ȱp.ȱ37.ȱ
INVISIBILITY
Theȱ abilityȱ toȱ vanishȱ fromȱ sightȱ andȱ beȱ unseen.ȱ
InvisibilityȱtreatsȱtheȱPowerȇsȱModifierȱasȱtheȱnumberȱ
ofȱ Downshiftsȱ (minimumȱ 1)ȱ opponentsȱ takeȱ whenȱ
tryingȱ toȱ attackȱ theȱ invisibleȱ character,ȱ andȱ theȱ
numberȱ ofȱ Upshiftsȱ heȱ gainsȱ whenȱ tryingȱ toȱ hitȱ
opponents.ȱ Theȱ Targetȱ Numberȱ ofȱ theȱ Invisibilityȱ
Rankȱ canȱ alsoȱ beȱ usedȱ ifȱ someoneȇsȱ tryingȱ toȱ detectȱ
theȱinvisibleȱcharacter.ȱ
Example:ȱPhadeȱisȱusingȱherȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱInvisibilityȱ
toȱ sneakȱ intoȱ aȱ villainȇsȱ compound.ȱ Forȱ aȱ
henchmanȱ toȱ detectȱ her,ȱ heȇdȱ haveȱ toȱ matchȱ orȱ
beatȱ aȱ TNȱ ofȱ 9.ȱ Ifȱ theȱ henchmanȱ isȱ alertedȱ toȱ herȱ
presence,ȱheȱtakesȱ2ȱDownshiftsȱtoȱanyȱattacksȱheȱ
makesȱagainstȱher,ȱwhileȱsheȱhasȱ2ȱUpshiftsȱwhenȱ
attackingȱhim.ȱ
INVULNERABILITY
Incapableȱ ofȱ beingȱ wounded,ȱ injured,ȱ orȱ harmedȱ byȱ
normalȬscaleȱ damage.ȱ Itȱ isȱ distinctȱ fromȱ Armorȱ andȱ
SuperȬArmor.ȱȱ
Inȱ T&J,ȱ Invulnerabilityȱ meansȱ thatȱ ordinaryȱ normalȬ
scaleȱ physicalȱ traumaȱ simplyȱ hasȱ zeroȱ effectȱ onȱ theȱ
character:ȱ Invulnerableȱ charactersȱ doȱ notȱ takeȱ anyȱ
Damageȱ Ranksȱ inȱ normalȬscaleȱ physicalȱ conflicts.ȱ
However,ȱ extraordinaryȱ normalȬscaleȱ physicalȱ
traumaȱ(inflictedȱbyȱhowitzers,ȱlightningȱstrikes,ȱfallsȱ
fromȱ orbit,ȱ etc.)ȱ willȱ affectȱ themȱ byȱ beingȱ translatedȱ
intoȱ Failureȱ Ranks;ȱ charactersȱ canȱ addȱ theirȱ
ȱ 43
Invulnerabilityȱ Rankȱ Modifierȱ toȱ defenseȱ rollsȱ
involvingȱtheseȱtrulyȱmassiveȱamountsȱofȱforce.ȱ
Charactersȱ whoȱ areȱ Invulnerableȱ stillȱ takeȱ Failureȱ
RanksȱinȱnonȬphysicalȱandȱindirectȱphysicalȱconflicts,ȱ
whichȱ canȱ reflectȱ beingȱ tripped,ȱ entangled,ȱ knockedȱ
offȱ theirȱ feet,ȱ taunted,ȱ tricked,ȱ blinded,ȱ distracted,ȱ
befuddled,ȱetc.ȱȱ
Onȱ theȱ superȬscale,ȱ Invulnerabilityȱ merelyȱ addsȱ toȱ
defenseȱ rollsȱ againstȱ physicalȱ threats;ȱ itȱ essentiallyȱ
setsȱ theȱ possessorȱ onȱ theȱ superȬscale,ȱ meaningȱ thatȱ
theȱ extraȱ Ranksȱ ofȱ damageȱ fromȱ SuperȬStrengthȱ doȱ
notȱ affectȱ himȱ orȱ her.ȱ Invulnerabilityȱ isȱ notȱ
consideredȱ anȱ ȈArmorȬlikeȈȱ abilityȱ (seeȱ p.ȱ 61);ȱ itȱ
cannotȱ beȱ Downshiftedȱ likeȱ Armorȱ orȱ SuperȬArmorȱ
toȱnullifyȱdamageȱfromȱanȱattack.ȱ
Atȱ theȱ endȱ ofȱ aȱ conflictȱ Scene,ȱ allȱ Failureȱ Ranksȱ willȱ
beȱeliminatedȱforȱtheȱInvulnerableȱcharacter.ȱ
Exampleȱ 1:ȱ Captainȱ Indestructibleȱ (Expertȱ [+4]ȱ
Invulnerability)ȱ getsȱ caughtȱ byȱ surpriseȱ andȱ aȱ
thugȱemptiesȱhisȱrevolverȱatȱtheȱhero.ȱTheȱCaptainȱ
yawnsȱandȱtakesȱnoȱdamage.ȱȱ
Exampleȱ 2:ȱ Captainȱ Indestructibleȱ getsȱ hitȱ byȱ aȱ
meteorȱ pulledȱ outȱ ofȱ spaceȱ byȱ Magneticȱ Masterȇsȱ
spaceȬmagnet.ȱ Sinceȱ thisȱ isȱ potentiallyȱ massiveȱ
(albeitȱnormalȬscale)ȱdamage,ȱtheȱGMȱrollsȱ2d6ȱforȱ
theȱ meteorȱ andȱ getsȱ aȱ 12;ȱ theȱ Captainȱ rollsȱ 2d6+4ȱ
andȱ getsȱ anȱ 8.ȱ Heȱ takesȱ 4ȱ Failureȱ Ranksȱ asȱ theȱ
meteorȱknocksȱhimȱaȱlittleȱsilly.ȱ
Exampleȱ3:ȱCaptainȱIndestructibleȱfacesȱoffȱagainstȱ
Manticore,ȱinȱaȱclassicȱmistakenȱidentityȱsituation.ȱ
Manticore,ȱ knowingȱ thatȱ theȱ Captainȱ isȱ
Invulnerable,ȱ optsȱ forȱ throws,ȱ judoȱ flips,ȱ holds,ȱ
andȱ tripȱ attacksȱ againstȱ him,ȱ asȱ wellȱ asȱ playingȱ
mindgamesȱwithȱintimidationȱandȱtauntsȱ(ȈIȱknowȱ
yourȱ secretȱ identity,ȱ Captain!Ȉ).ȱ Evenȱ thoughȱ heȱ
mayȱ notȱ everȱ ȈhurtȈȱ Captainȱ Indestructible,ȱ
Manticoreȱ mightȱ stillȱ winȱ theȱ conflictȱ (seeȱ
Chapterȱ2,ȱZeroingȱOut,ȱp.ȱ23).ȱ
Exampleȱ 4:ȱ Captainȱ Indestructibleȱ attemptsȱ toȱ
stopȱ Hyperboyȱ (Expertȱ [+4]ȱ SuperȬStrength)ȱ fromȱ
runningȱ amuck.ȱ Hyperboyȱ takesȱ aȱ pokeȱ atȱ theȱ
Captain;ȱheȱrollsȱ2d6+4ȱandȱgetsȱaȱ13.ȱTheȱCaptainȱ
rollsȱ 2d6+4ȱ andȱ getsȱ anȱ 11;ȱ heȱ takesȱ 2ȱ Damageȱ
Ranks.ȱ (Ifȱ Hyperboyȇsȱ attackȱ hadȱ beenȱ againstȱ aȱ
normalȬscaleȱ target,ȱ itȱ wouldȱ haveȱ doneȱ 13ȱ
DamageȱRanks;ȱseeȱbelow,ȱSuperȬStrength).ȱ
ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
ARMOR VS. INVULNERABILITY
Armor and Super-Armor block a certain amount damage
on either scale, Invulnerability ignores the majority of
normal-scale damage (but leaves the character open to
super-scale damage). They are not versions of the same
power – they're different powers entirely.
To make a truly tough character, layer Super-Armor and
Invulnerability. This would grant greater benefit in
defense rolls (from combining two defensive powers),
total resistance to 99% of all normal-scale damage, the
ability to ignore some superhuman damage, and the
potential to Downshift Super-Armor to ignore all
damage in a Turn.
Another option might be to permit a character
possessing one of these Powers to take the other as a
Power Stunt, if the GM agrees. However, it's highly
recommended that GMs should look closely at this
situation and levy whatever restrictions (minimum
Rank, extra Hero Point cost, detailed description, etc.)
they deem necessary to keep everything fair.
ȱ theȱTNȱofȱtheȱPowerȱRankȱgivesȱtheȱtotalȱnumberȱofȱ
LIMITATION
Seeȱabove,ȱLimitations,ȱp.ȱ36.ȱ
LUCK CONTROL
Theȱ abilityȱ toȱ alterȱ oneȇsȱ ownȱ (orȱ evenȱ anotherȱ
characterȇs)ȱfortuneȱforȱbetterȱorȱworse.ȱLuckȱControlȱ
permitsȱ aȱ numberȱ ofȱ probabilityȱ changesȱ perȱ Sceneȱ
equalȱ toȱ MOD.ȱ Aȱ probabilityȱ changeȱ canȱ beȱ
representedȱ mechanicallyȱ byȱ anȱ Upshiftȱ orȱ aȱ
Downshift,ȱ orȱ narrativelyȱ byȱ aȱ serendipitousȱ orȱ
calamitousȱ effect,ȱ withȱ minimumȱ ofȱ oneȱ useȱ forȱ
Averageȱ[0]ȱLuckȱControl.ȱȱ
Example:ȱRedȱRabbitȱhasȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱLuckȱControl,ȱ
andȱ hasȱ beenȱ trappedȱ byȱ Doctorȱ Ivylȱ inȱ aȱ prisonȱ
cell.ȱ Heȱ invokesȱ Goodȱ Luckȱ asȱ aȱ serendipitousȱ
eventȱtoȱfindȱaȱwireȱhangerȱunderȱtheȱbed,ȱwhichȱ
heȱusesȱwithȱhisȱLockpickingȱQualityȱtoȱpopȱopenȱ
theȱ door.ȱ Whenȱ oneȱ ofȱ Ivylȇsȱ henchmenȱ comesȱ toȱ
investigateȱ theȱ creakingȱ soundȱ ofȱ theȱ openingȱ
door,ȱ Redȱ Rabbitȱ invokesȱ Badȱ Luckȱ onȱ theȱ
henchmanȱ asȱ aȱ Downshiftȱ onȱ theȱ minionȇsȱ
GunplayȱQuality.ȱTheȱhenchmanȇsȱshotsȱgoȱwide,ȱ
andȱ Redȱ Rabbitȱ easilyȱ knocksȱ himȱ out.ȱ Theȱ heroȱ
cannotȱmanipulateȱfortuneȱuntilȱtheȱnextȱScene.ȱ
META-POWER
Seeȱabove,ȱMetaȬPowers,ȱp.ȱ38.ȱ
MIND CONTROL
Theȱabilityȱtoȱmanipulateȱotherȱbeingsȱmentally.ȱTheȱ
scaleȱofȱtheȱtargetȱofȱtheȱMindȱControllingȱattemptȱisȱ
important:ȱwithinȱtheȱgenre,ȱmostȱnormalȬscaleȱNPCȱ
ȱ 44
victimsȱhaveȱlimitedȱresistanceȱtoȱmentalȱdomination.ȱ
Treatingȱ Mindȱ Controlȱ againstȱ theseȱ targetsȱ asȱ aȱ
complicatedȱsituationȱisȱprobablyȱacceptableȱ(seeȱalsoȱ
Chapterȱ5,ȱAȱQuestionȱofȱScale,ȱp.ȱ60).ȱȱ
However,ȱagainstȱPCsȱofȱeitherȱscale,ȱassertingȱMindȱ
Controlȱshouldȱalwaysȱbeȱaȱconflictȱsituation,ȱandȱtheȱ
PCȱtargetȱisȱableȱtoȱuseȱHeroȱPointsȱtoȱdefendȱagainstȱ
orȱ throwȱ offȱ theȱ effectsȱ ofȱ Mindȱ Control.ȱ Useȱ theȱ
Durationȱ columnȱ ofȱ theȱ T&Jȱ Intensityȱ Chartȱ toȱ showȱ
theȱdurationȱthatȱaȱMindȱControllerȱhasȱcontrolȱoverȱ
NPCs,ȱwhileȱusingȱtheȱPowerȱRankȱModifierȱasȱequalȱ
toȱ theȱ numberȱ ofȱ distinctȱ actionsȱ theȱ characterȱ canȱ
commandȱaȱPCȱtargetȱtoȱperform.ȱ
MINIONS
Theȱ characterȱ hasȱ aȱ numberȱ ofȱ henchmenȱ orȱ
assistantsȱ toȱ carryȱ outȱ hisȱ orders.ȱ Thisȱ abilityȱ canȱ beȱ
takenȱasȱaȱQualityȱorȱaȱPower.ȱIfȱtakenȱasȱaȱQuality,ȱ
Minionsȱtheȱcharacterȱpossesses;ȱifȱtakenȱasȱaȱPower,ȱ
theȱ TNȱ ofȱ theȱ Powerȱ Rankȱ givesȱ theȱ numberȱ ofȱ
Ȉnamedȱ lieutenantsȈȱ owingȱ loyaltyȱ toȱ theȱ character,ȱ
plusȱaȱlargeȱnumberȱ(GMȇsȱoption)ȱofȱfacelessȱdrones.ȱȱ
However,ȱinȱeitherȱcase,ȱtheȱGMȱwillȱdesignȱandȱplayȱ
theseȱMinionsȱasȱNPCs.ȱWhenȱtheȱcharacterȱgivesȱanȱ
orderȱ toȱ hisȱ Minionsȱ toȱ carryȱ out,ȱ theȱ GMȱ willȱ
determineȱ aȱ Difficultyȱ Rankȱ forȱ theȱ command.ȱ Theȱ
characterȱ thenȱ rollsȱ 2d6,ȱ plusȱ theȱ Modifierȱ ofȱ hisȱ
Rank,ȱtoȱdetermineȱhowȱwellȱtheȱMinionsȱfollowȱtheȱ
edictȱ (GMsȱ shouldȱ readȱ Chapterȱ 6,ȱ Generalȱ NPCȱ
Advice,ȱ p.ȱ 72,ȱ forȱ moreȱ details).ȱ Seeȱ alsoȱ Sidekickȱ andȱ
SuperȬSidekick,ȱandȱVulnerability.ȱ
PHASING
Theȱabilityȱtoȱpassȱthroughȱsolidȱmatter.ȱAȱkeyȱpoint:ȱ
playersȱandȱGMsȱwillȱneedȱtoȱdetermineȱifȱanythingȱ–ȱ
energyȱpowers,ȱforceȱfields,ȱpsychicȱpowers,ȱSorceryȱ
–ȱ canȱ affectȱ aȱ characterȱ whileȱ Phasing;ȱ thisȱ canȱ beȱ aȱ
campaignȬwideȱ decisionȱ (Ȉstrongȱ magneticȱ fieldsȱ
makeȱitȱharderȱtoȱPhaseȈ)ȱorȱtheȱcharacterȱcanȱtakeȱaȱ
specificȱLimitationȱ(ȈIȱcannotȱPhaseȱthroughȱanythingȱ
coloredȱblueȈ).ȱȱ
Theȱ twoȱ biggestȱ ȈabusesȈȱ withȱ aȱ Phasingȱ Powerȱ
generallyȱ centerȱ aroundȱ combat.ȱ Theȱ firstȱ isȱ theȱ
ȈflickerȬeffectȈȱ whereȱ theȱ characterȱ startsȱ solid,ȱ takesȱ
aȱ swingȱ atȱ aȱ foe,ȱ connects,ȱ Phasesȱ outȱ duringȱ theȱ
opponentȇsȱ attack,ȱ andȱ thenȱ Phasesȱ backȱ inȱ toȱ strikeȱ
again.ȱ Someȱ GMsȱ willȱ seeȱ thisȱ asȱ aȱ perfectlyȱ validȱ
Powerȱ Stunt,ȱ whileȱ othersȱ mayȱ findȱ itȱ annoying;ȱ theȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
bestȱ solutionȱ isȱ toȱ setȱ theȱ Difficultyȱ Rankȱ ofȱ suchȱ aȱ
Stuntȱatȱanȱappropriateȱlevel.ȱȱ
Theȱ secondȱ possibleȱ abuseȱ involvesȱ theȱ questionȱ ofȱ
whatȱ happensȱ whenȱ anȱ objectȱ heldȱ byȱ aȱ Phasedȱ outȱ
characterȱisȱdropped:ȱdoesȱitȱPhaseȱbackȱin,ȱorȱdoesȱitȱ
remainȱPhasedȱforever?ȱȱ
Inȱ theȱ formerȱ case,ȱ aȱ characterȱ canȱ thenȱ doȱ ȈPhaseȬ
snipingȈȱ whereȱ heȱ sitsȱ back,ȱ PhasedȬout,ȱ
untouchable,ȱ allȱ theȱ whileȱ throwingȱ rocksȱ (powerȱ
beams,ȱ knives,ȱ etc.)ȱ atȱ enemies.ȱ Oneȱ wayȱ toȱ counterȱ
thisȱ wouldȱ beȱ toȱ haveȱ aȱ Ȉrefractionȱ indexȈȱ betweenȱ
theȱtwoȱstates,ȱasȱifȱoneȱwereȱlookingȱdownȱthroughȱ
water;ȱstrikingȱaȱsolidȱobjectȱfromȱoutȱofȱPhaseȱwouldȱ
themȱbecomeȱmoreȱdifficult.ȱȱ
Inȱ theȱ latterȱ case,ȱ aȱ characterȱ canȱ grabȱ anȱ enemy,ȱ
Phaseȱout,ȱreleaseȱtheȱenemy,ȱandȱPhaseȱbackȱin.ȱTheȱ
enemyȱisȱthenȱpermanentlyȱPhased,ȱaȱghost.ȱAȱdecentȱ
restrictionȱhereȱisȱthatȱwheneverȱaȱcharacterȱwithȱtheȱ
PhasingȱPowerȱchangesȱPhase,ȱeverythingȱheȇsȱtakenȱ
withȱhimȱonȱthatȱtripȱchangesȱPhaseȱtoo.ȱ
Lastly,ȱcanȱaȱcharacterȱpartiallyȱorȱtotallyȱPhaseȱbackȱ
intoȱaȱsolidȱobject?ȱWhatȱhappensȱthen?ȱSoundsȱlikeȱaȱ
powerfulȱ attack,ȱ butȱ oneȱ thatȱ isȱ limitedȱ toȱ Touchȱ
Rangeȱthatȱhasȱtheȱpotentialȱtoȱdoȱtheȱattackerȱdamageȱ
asȱwell.ȱȱ
Theȱ Rankȱ ofȱ Phasingȱ isȱ mostȱ importantȱ forȱ figuringȱ
theȱmaximumȱweightȱofȱthingsȱthatȱtheȱcharacterȱcanȱ
Phaseȱ withȱ (onȱ theȱ T&Jȱ Intensityȱ Chart)ȱ andȱ forȱ rollsȱ
toȱPhaseȱthroughȱȈdenseȈȱorȱȈdifficultȈȱuseȱPhasingȱinȱ
conflictȱsituations.ȱ
Example:ȱ Theȱ Funkyȱ Phantasmȱ hasȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ
Phasing,ȱinȱaȱsettingȱwhereȱstrongȱmagneticȱfieldsȱ
impairȱtheȱabilityȱtoȱpassȱthroughȱobjects.ȱHeȱcanȱ
Phaseȱ upȱ toȱ 500ȱ poundsȱ ofȱ materialȱ alongȱ withȱ
him,ȱandȱrollsȱ2d6+2ȱwhenȱtryingȱtoȱovercomeȱtheȱ
resistanceȱ ofȱ magneticȱ fields,ȱ orȱ toȱ ȈflickerȈȱ inȱ
physicalȱcombatȱasȱaȱdefensiveȱreaction..ȱ
POWER-ARMOR
PowerȬArmorȱ isȱ aȱ superȬtechȱ suitȱ thatȱ includesȱ
weapons,ȱ armor,ȱ transportationȱ systems,ȱ sensoryȱ
apparatus,ȱ andȱ equipment.ȱ Itȱ isȱ essentiallyȱ aȱ SuperȬ
Gadgetȱ(seeȱbelow)ȱorȱMetaȬPowerȱ(seeȱabove,ȱp.ȱ38)ȱ
thatȱgivesȱaccessȱtoȱotherȱQualitiesȱorȱPowers.ȱPowerȬ
Armorȱ isȱ aȱ formȱ ofȱ SuperȬArmorȱ (seeȱ below)ȱ thatȱ
permitsȱtheȱwearerȱtoȱperformȱStuntsȱthatȱfallȱunderȱ
theȱ penumbraȱ ofȱ howȱ itsȱ intendedȱ functionȱ isȱ
described.ȱ Aȱ characterȱ withȱ PowerȬArmorȱ shouldȱ
ȱ 45
probablyȱ noteȱ threeȱ orȱ fourȱ routineȱ SpinȬoffȱ Stuntsȱ
forȱtheȱdevice.ȱȱ
Also,ȱ ifȱ aȱ characterȱ hasȱ otherȱ Powers,ȱ theyȱ canȱ beȱ
describedȱasȱbeingȱ Ȉpartȱ ofȈȱ theȱPowerȬArmorȱinȱ theȱ
contextȱ ofȱ theȱ gameȱ setting,ȱ evenȱ thoughȱ theyȱ areȱ
actuallyȱ separateȱ Powersȱ inȱ theȱ contextȱ ofȱ theȱ T&Jȱ
rules.ȱIfȱthisȱoptionȱisȱchosen,ȱanyȱpilotȱofȱthatȱsuitȱofȱ
PowerȬArmorȱ willȱ getȱ thoseȱ extraȱ Powersȱ (andȱ theȱ
originalȱcharacterȱcan’tȱuseȱthemȱwithoutȱtheȱsuit).ȱ
Example:ȱ Theȱ Rescuerȱ usedȱ packageȱ Jȱ duringȱ
characterȱgeneration,ȱwhichȱgivesȱoneȱExpertȱ[+4]ȱ
andȱ twoȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ Powers.ȱ Hisȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ
PowerȱisȱaȱsuitȱofȱPowerȬArmorȱthatȱwasȱintendedȱ
toȱbeȱusedȱbyȱEMTsȱandȱfirefighters.ȱTheȱsuitȱcanȱ
performȱStuntsȱrelatedȱtoȱthisȱfunctionȱlikeȱSuperȬ
Strength,ȱ Extinguishȱ Fire,ȱ Healing,ȱ Lifeȱ Support,ȱ
SealedȱEnvironment,ȱetc.,ȱallȱatȱAverageȱ[0]ȱRank.ȱ
Forȱ theȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ Powersȱ inȱ packageȱ J,ȱ theȱ
RescuerȱtakesȱPrecognitionȱandȱFlight.ȱDependingȱ
uponȱ howȱ hisȱ playerȱ decides,ȱ theseȱ twoȱ Powersȱ
couldȱ beȱ Ȉpartȱ ofȈȱ theȱ PowerȬArmor,ȱ orȱ abilitiesȱ
uniqueȱtoȱhisȱcharacter,ȱtheȱpilotȱofȱtheȱsuit.ȱ
PowerȬArmorȱ isȱ superȬtechnology,ȱ onȱ theȱ superȬ
scale,ȱ andȱ allowsȱ Stuntsȱ thatȱ fitsȱ itsȱ idiom.ȱ Theyȱ
requireȱtheȱQualityȱofȱBattlesuitȱPilotȱtoȱoperate.ȱForȱ
suitsȱ thatȱ areȱ limitedȱ toȱ Qualitiesȱ andȱ cuttingȬedgeȱ
techȱonly,ȱseeȱBattlesuitȱabove.ȱ
POWER NEUTRALIZATION
Theȱ abilityȱ toȱ dampenȱ orȱ restrictȱ theȱ useȱ ofȱ otherȱ
Powersȱ (andȱ theirȱ Stunts);ȱ itȱ hasȱ noȱ effectȱ onȱ
Qualitiesȱ(orȱtheirȱStunts).ȱTheȱcharacterȱmustȱmakeȱaȱ
successfulȱ attackȱ thatȱ doesȱ atȱ leastȱ oneȱ Damageȱ orȱ
FailureȱRankȱtoȱtheȱvictim.ȱAfterȱthat,ȱtoȱsuccessfullyȱ
useȱoneȱofȱtheirȱownȱPowersȱorȱStunts,ȱvictimsȱmustȱ
rollȱ higherȱ thanȱ theȱ Targetȱ Numberȱ ofȱ theȱ
Neutralizerȇsȱ Rank.ȱ Rollsȱ lowerȱ thanȱ theȱ Targetȱ
Numberȱ haveȱ noȱ effect;ȱ rollsȱ ofȱ exactlyȱ theȱ Targetȱ
Numberȱ overloadsȱ theȱ Neutralization,ȱ Downshiftingȱ
itȱoneȱRank.ȱDurationȱforȱtheȱdampeningȱeffectȱisȱperȱ
theȱTimeȱcolumnȱofȱtheȱT&JȱIntensityȱChart,ȱp.ȱ34.ȱ
Example:ȱ Effectȱ Zeroȱ hasȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Powerȱ
Neutralization,ȱ andȱ successfullyȱ tagsȱ Phade.ȱ Forȱ
PhadeȱtoȱuseȱherȱInvisibility,ȱsheȱmustȱrollȱhigherȱ
thanȱaȱ9ȱforȱitȱtoȱactivate.ȱ
POWER THEFT
TheȱabilityȱofȱtemporarilyȱstealingȱPowerȱRanksȱfromȱ
otherȱcharacters.ȱOnȱaȱsuccessfulȱPowerȱTheftȱattack,ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
insteadȱ ofȱ takingȱ Damageȱ orȱ Failureȱ Ranks,ȱ theȱ Averageȱ[0]ȱFlightȱasȱoneȱofȱhisȱPowers,ȱthisȱtheftȱ
targetedȱ Powerȱ Rankȱ ofȱ theȱ victimȱ isȱ Downshifted.ȱ wouldȱgiveȱhimȱaȱRankȱofȱExpertȱ[+4].ȱ
Meanwhile,ȱ theȱ attackerȱ gainsȱ theȱ Powerȱ Ranks;ȱ aȱ Seeȱalsoȱbelow,ȱQualityȱTheft.ȱ
characterȱ canȱ stealȱ aȱ maximumȱ numberȱ ofȱ Ranksȱ
PRECOGNITION
equalȱ toȱ theirȱ Modifierȱ (minimumȱ 1)ȱ fromȱ anyȱ oneȱ
Theȱ abilityȱ toȱ seeȱ intoȱ theȱ future.ȱ ȈPassiveȈȱ useȱ ofȱ
targetȱ perȱ Scene.ȱ Oneȱ Rankȱ ofȱ aȱ stolenȱ Powerȱ
Precognitionȱisȱfreeȱ(andȱGMȬcontrolled),ȱbutȱactivelyȱ
temporarilyȱ grantsȱ Poorȱ [Ȭ2]ȱ Rankȱ inȱ thatȱ Powerȱ toȱ
callingȱ uponȱ itȱ requiresȱ aȱ complicatedȱ situationȱ roll,ȱ
theȱ thief;ȱ moreȱ Ranksȱ stolenȱ Upshiftsȱ thatȱ Rank.ȱ Aȱ
withȱ GMȱ determiningȱ relevantȱ Targetȱ Numbersȱ forȱ
stolenȱPowerȱcanȱneverȱhaveȱaȱgreaterȱRankȱthanȱtheȱ
theȱdifficultyȱofȱtheȱinformationȱsought.ȱPrecognitionȱ
startingȱ Powerȱ Rankȱ ofȱ theȱ targetȱ unlessȱ theȱ thiefȱ
isȱalsoȱoftenȱlimitedȱinȱthatȱrepeatedȱuseȱofȱtheȱPowerȱ
alreadyȱpossessesȱtheȱsameȱPower.ȱȱ
“muddiesȱ theȱ waters”ȱ ofȱ theȱ future,ȱ leadingȱ toȱ
TheȱGMȱmustȱdetermineȱtheȱeffectȱofȱhavingȱaȱPowerȱ escalationȱ ofȱ Difficultyȱ Rank.ȱ Aȱ possibleȱ Stuntȱ forȱ
zeroedȱ byȱ Powerȱ Theft.ȱ Isȱ itȱ limitedȱ toȱ droppingȱ theȱ Precogsȱ isȱ ȈCombatȱ Sense,Ȉȱ whichȱ allowsȱ theȱ
victimȱtoȱaȱminimumȱofȱPoorȱ[Ȭ2]ȱRank?ȱCanȱaȱPowerȱ characterȱtoȱanticipateȱanȱopponentȇsȱmoves,ȱgrantingȱ
beȱ totallyȱ stolen?ȱ Ifȱ so,ȱ doesȱ thatȱ zeroȱ theȱ victim,ȱ aȱ numberȱ ofȱ Upshiftsȱ equalȱ toȱ theȱ Powerȱ Rankȱ
knockingȱ himȱ outȱ ofȱ theȱ Scene,ȱ orȱ doesȱ itȱ justȱ makeȱ ModifierȱperȱSceneȱinȱconflictȱsituations.ȱ
theȱ Powerȱ unavailableȱ toȱ him?ȱ Furthermore,ȱ doȱ
ȱ
stolenȱ Powersȱ returnȱ onȱ theirȱ own,ȱ orȱ mustȱ theyȱ beȱ
releasedȱ byȱ theȱ thief?ȱ Canȱ Powersȱ beȱ stolenȱ
permanently?ȱ
TheȱT&JȱȈofficialȱstanceȈȱonȱtheseȱissuesȱisȱthatȱPowerȱ
Ranksȱ mayȱ beȱ totallyȱ stolenȱ fromȱ aȱ target;ȱ totalȱ theftȱ
doesȱnotȱcauseȱtheȱvictimȱtoȱzeroȱoutȱofȱaȱconflictȱ(thisȱ
specificȱ exceptionȱ permitsȱ themȱ toȱ fightȱ onȱ ifȱ theirȱ
Powersȱareȱforciblyȱstolen);ȱstolenȱRanksȱreturnȱatȱtheȱ
endȱofȱaȱScene;ȱandȱPowerȱRanksȱcanȱonlyȱbeȱstolenȱ
permanentlyȱ ifȱ theȱ targetȱ isȱ murderedȱ atȱ theȱ endȱ ofȱ
conflictȱ andȱ onlyȱ ifȱ theȱ stealingȱ characterȱ hasȱ theȱ
necessaryȱ MAXȱ toȱ payȱ forȱ theȱ newȱ Powersȱ (aȱ lowerȱ
RankȱversionȱofȱtheȱPowerȱcanȱbeȱbought).ȱ ȱ
Example:ȱ Hijackerȱ (Expertȱ [+4]ȱ Powerȱ Theft)ȱ ȱ
attemptsȱ toȱ stealȱ Snowȱ Owlȇsȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Flightȱ
QUALITY THEFT
Power:ȱ
Theȱ abilityȱ toȱ temporarilyȱ stealȱ Qualityȱ Ranksȱ fromȱ
Hijackerȱ makesȱ aȱ successfulȱ Powerȱ Theftȱ attack,ȱ
andȱ doesȱ 1ȱ ȈDamageȱ Rank.Ȉȱ Thisȱ Downshiftsȱ otherȱcharacters.ȱOnȱaȱsuccessfulȱQualityȱTheftȱattack,ȱ
Snowȱ Owlȇsȱ Flightȱ toȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ andȱ givesȱ insteadȱ ofȱ takingȱ Damageȱ orȱ Failureȱ Ranks,ȱ theȱ
Hijackerȱ Poorȱ [Ȭ2]ȱ Flight.ȱ Ifȱ Hijackerȱ alreadyȱ hadȱ targetedȱ Qualityȱ Rankȱ ofȱ theȱ victimȱ isȱ Downshifted.ȱ
Averageȱ[0]ȱFlightȱasȱoneȱofȱhisȱPowers,ȱthisȱtheftȱ Meanwhile,ȱ theȱ attackerȱ gainsȱ theȱ Qualityȱ Ranks;ȱ aȱ
wouldȱgiveȱhimȱaȱRankȱofȱGoodȱ[+2].ȱ characterȱ canȱ stealȱ aȱ maximumȱ numberȱ ofȱ Ranksȱ
Hijackerȱ makesȱ aȱ successfulȱ Powerȱ Theftȱ attack,ȱ equalȱ toȱ theirȱ Modifierȱ (minimumȱ 1)ȱ fromȱ anyȱ oneȱ
andȱ doesȱ 5ȱ ȈDamageȱ Ranks.Ȉȱ However,ȱ sinceȱ hisȱ targetȱ perȱ Scene.ȱ Oneȱ Rankȱ ofȱ aȱ stolenȱ Qualityȱ
RankȱisȱExpert,ȱheȱcanȱonlyȱstealȱaȱmaximumȱofȱ4ȱ temporarilyȱ grantsȱ Poorȱ [Ȭ2]ȱ Rankȱ inȱ thatȱ Qualityȱ toȱ
RanksȱofȱaȱPower.ȱHowever,ȱthisȱisȱenoughȱtoȱzeroȱ theȱ thief;ȱ moreȱ Ranksȱ stolenȱ Upshiftsȱ thatȱ Rank.ȱ
Snowȱ Owlȇsȱ Flightȱ (Good,ȱ Average,ȱ Poor,ȱ none)ȱ
Unlikeȱ stealingȱ Powersȱ (seeȱ above,ȱ Powerȱ Theft),ȱ aȱ
andȱ giveȱ Hijackerȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Flightȱ (Poor,ȱ
QualityȱThiefȱcanȱexceedȱtheȱtargetȇsȱstartingȱQualityȱ
Average,ȱ Good;ȱ lastȱ pointȱ ofȱ effectȱ isȱ ȈlostȈȱ
becauseȱtheȱstolenȱPowerȱRankȱcannotȱexceedȱtheȱ
Rank,ȱwithȱaȱmaximumȱRankȱofȱMasterȱ[+6]!ȱȱ
targetȇsȱ startingȱ Rank).ȱ Ifȱ Hijackerȱ alreadyȱ hadȱ Theȱ GMȱ mustȱ determineȱ theȱ effectȱ ofȱ havingȱ aȱ
Qualityȱ zeroedȱ byȱ Qualityȱ Theft.ȱ Isȱ itȱ limitedȱ toȱ

ȱ 46
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
droppingȱtheȱvictimȱtoȱaȱminimumȱofȱPoorȱ[Ȭ2]ȱRank?ȱ
Canȱ aȱ Qualityȱ beȱ totallyȱ stolen?ȱ Ifȱ so,ȱdoesȱ thatȱ zeroȱ
theȱvictim,ȱknockingȱhimȱoutȱofȱtheȱScene,ȱorȱdoesȱitȱ
justȱ makeȱ theȱ Qualityȱ unavailableȱ toȱ him?ȱ
Furthermore,ȱdoȱstolenȱQualitiesȱreturnȱonȱtheirȱown,ȱ
orȱ mustȱ theyȱ beȱ releasedȱ byȱ theȱ thief?ȱ Canȱ Qualitiesȱ
beȱstolenȱpermanently?ȱ
TheȱT&JȱȈofficialȱstanceȈȱisȱthatȱQualityȱRanksȱmayȱbeȱ
totallyȱ stolenȱ fromȱaȱ target;ȱ totalȱ theftȱdoesȱnotȱ forceȱ
theȱvictimȱtoȱzeroȱoutȱofȱaȱconflictȱ(theyȱcanȱfightȱon);ȱ
stolenȱRanksȱreturnȱatȱtheȱendȱofȱaȱScene;ȱandȱQualityȱ
Ranksȱcanȱonlyȱbeȱstolenȱpermanentlyȱifȱtheȱtargetȱisȱ
murderedȱatȱtheȱendȱofȱconflictȱandȱonlyȱifȱtheȱstealingȱ
characterȱhasȱtheȱnecessaryȱMAXȱtoȱpayȱforȱtheȱnewȱ
Qualities.ȱ
Example:ȱ Hijackerȱ (Expertȱ [+4]ȱ Qualityȱ Theft)ȱ
attemptsȱ toȱ stealȱ Mikeȱ theȱ Copȇsȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ
PolicemanȱQuality:ȱ
Hijackerȱ makesȱ aȱ successfulȱ Qualityȱ Theftȱ attack,ȱ
andȱ doesȱ 1ȱ ȈDamageȱ Rank.Ȉȱ Thisȱ Downshiftsȱ
Mikeȇsȱ Policemanȱ toȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ andȱ givesȱ
Hijackerȱ Poorȱ [Ȭ2]ȱ Policeman.ȱ Ifȱ Hijackerȱ alreadyȱ
hadȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Policemanȱ asȱ oneȱ ofȱ hisȱ Qualities,ȱ
thisȱtheftȱwouldȱgiveȱhimȱaȱRankȱofȱExpertȱ[+4].ȱ
Hijackerȱ makesȱ aȱ successfulȱ Qualityȱ Theftȱ attack,ȱ
andȱ doesȱ 5ȱ ȈDamageȱ Ranks.Ȉȱ However,ȱ sinceȱ hisȱ
RankȱisȱExpert,ȱheȱcanȱonlyȱstealȱaȱmaximumȱofȱ4ȱ
Ranksȱ ofȱ aȱ Quality.ȱ However,ȱ thisȱ isȱ enoughȱ toȱ
zeroȱ Mikeȇsȱ Policemanȱ Qualityȱ (Good,ȱ Average,ȱ
Poor,ȱ none)ȱ andȱ giveȱ Hijackerȱ Expertȱ [+6]ȱ
Policemanȱ (Poor,ȱ Average,ȱ Good,ȱ Expert).ȱ Ifȱ
HijackerȱalreadyȱhadȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱPolicemanȱasȱoneȱ
ofȱhisȱQualities,ȱthisȱtheftȱwouldȱgiveȱhimȱaȱRankȱ
ofȱMasterȱ[+6].ȱ
QUASI-POWER
Seeȱabove,ȱQuasiȬPowers,ȱp.ȱ37.ȱ
RAY (OF SOMETHING)
SeeȱBeamȱ(ofȱSomething),ȱp.ȱ40.ȱ
REGENERATION
Theȱ characterȱ healsȱ quickly.ȱ Regenerationȱ restoresȱ aȱ
totalȱ ofȱ upȱ toȱ MODȱ Damageȱ Ranksȱ perȱ Turn;ȱ
however,ȱ theȱ characterȱ cannotȱ makeȱ anyȱ offensiveȱ
actionsȱ duringȱ thatȱ Turn.ȱ (Heȱ canȱ takeȱ defensiveȱ
reactionsȱorȱmove).ȱȱ
Example:ȱ Sergeantȱ Starfishȱ hasȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ
Regeneration.ȱ Duringȱ aȱ fightȱ withȱ Reflex,ȱ takesȱ aȱ
nastyȱkickȱtoȱtheȱribs.ȱHeȱdodgesȱtheȱnextȱpunch,ȱ
andȱ eschewsȱ attackingȱ theȱ mercenaryȱ onȱ hisȱ
ȱ 47
action,ȱ inȱ orderȱ toȱ regenerateȱ upȱ toȱ 4ȱ Damageȱ
Ranks.ȱȱ
Ifȱaȱcharacterȱwishesȱtoȱhealȱothers,ȱseeȱHealingȱabove;ȱ
alternativeȱ methodsȱ ofȱselfȬhealingȱ areȱalsoȱ foundȱinȱ
UsingȱHeroȱPointsȱ(Chapterȱ3,ȱp.ȱ32).ȱ
SHAPESHIFTING
Theȱ abilityȱ toȱ changeȱ intoȱ theȱ formȱ ofȱ anotherȱ beingȱ
orȱ thing;ȱ animalsȱ andȱ elementsȱ areȱ traditional.ȱ (Thisȱ
Powerȱisȱusedȱonȱoneself;ȱtoȱchangeȱotherȱtargets,ȱuseȱ
Transformation.)ȱ Theȱ characterȱ gainsȱ aȱ temporaryȱ
Quality,ȱ QuasiȬPower,ȱ orȱ Powerȱ reflectingȱ theȱ formȱ
shiftedȱ into,ȱ atȱ theȱ sameȱ Rankȱ asȱ hisȱ Shapeshiftingȱ
Power.ȱThatȱis,ȱifȱaȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱShapeshifterȱturnsȱintoȱ
aȱ bear,ȱ heȱ temporarilyȱ exchangesȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ
ShapeshiftingȱforȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱBear.ȱTheȱcharacterȱgainsȱ
allȱ ofȱ theȱ typicalȱ capabilitiesȱ ofȱ theȱ shapeȱ (gills,ȱ fireȬ
breathing,ȱ wingedȱ flight,ȱ etc.)ȱ asȱ appropriate,ȱ
permittingȱ permitsȱ thematicȱ attack,ȱ defense,ȱ andȱ
movementȱ Stunts,ȱ asȱ wellȱ asȱ anythingȱ thatȱ fitsȱ theȱ
idiomȱ ofȱ theȱ Shape.ȱ Lookȱ atȱ Bodyȱ ofȱ (Something)ȱ andȱ
Duplicationȱabove,ȱandȱSizeshiftingȱandȱTransformationȱ
below,ȱ forȱ someȱ basicȱ approachesȱ toȱ dealingȱ withȱ
differentȱ aspectsȱ ofȱ changingȱ oneȇsȱ body.ȱ T&Jȱ ideasȱ
onȱ runningȱanimalsȱ canȱ beȱ foundȱinȱ Chapterȱ 6,ȱ onȱ p.ȱ
74.ȱ
PlayersȱandȱGMsȱcanȱfeelȱfreeȱtoȱrequireȱLimitationsȱ
onȱ theȱ Shapeshiftingȱ Powerȱ ifȱ theyȱ choose,ȱ suchȱ asȱ
restrictingȱ itȱ toȱ onlyȱ oneȱ otherȱ shapeȱ orȱ oneȱ classȱ ofȱ
shapeȱ (birds,ȱ males,ȱ plants,ȱ etc.),ȱ aȱ restrictionȱ onȱ
repeatingȱaȱshapeȱmoreȱthanȱonceȱinȱtheȱsameȱday,ȱaȱ
timeȱ limitȱ beforeȱ humanȱ memoriesȱ beginȱ toȱ beȱ lost,ȱ
allȱ shapesȱ shareȱ theȱ sameȱ distinctiveȱ (anȱ unnatural)ȱ
color,ȱandȱsoȱforth.ȱȈPartialȱShapeshiftingȈȱ(justȱclaws,ȱ
eagleȱ eyes,ȱ viperȇsȱ heatȱ sense,ȱ etc.)ȱ isȱ alsoȱ aȱ usefulȱ
ideaȱforȱStuntsȱbasedȱonȱthisȱPower.ȱ
SIDEKICK
Theȱ characterȱ hasȱ aȱ normalȬscaleȱ assistantȱ (human,ȱ
animal,ȱ orȱ robot)ȱ toȱ helpȱ himȱ inȱ hisȱ adventuring;ȱ inȱ
essence,ȱ itȱ givesȱ aȱ playerȱ twoȱ charactersȱ toȱ designȱ
andȱplay.ȱHowever,ȱatȱanyȱtime,ȱtheȱGMȱcanȱinvokeȱaȱ
Revoltinȇȱ Developmentȱ (seeȱ Chapterȱ 3,ȱ p.ȱ 31)ȱ toȱ takeȱ
controlȱ ofȱ theȱ Sidekick.ȱ Aȱ Sidekickȱ hasȱ aȱ numberȱ ofȱ
pointsȱ equalȱ toȱ theȱ TNȱ ofȱ theȱ Qualityȱ Rankȱ minusȱ 1ȱ
forȱtheȱplayerȱtoȱpurchaseȱQualitiesȱwithȱ(ifȱaȱplayerȱ
takesȱ aȱ highȱ Rankȱ inȱ Sidekick,ȱ heȱ couldȱ endȱ upȱ anȱ
assistantȱ moreȱ powerfulȱ thanȱ heȱ is!);ȱ theȱ Sidekickȱ
mustȱ alsoȱ takeȱ oneȱ Poorȱ [Ȭ2]ȱ Weakness.ȱ Seeȱ alsoȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
above,ȱ Minion,ȱ below,ȱ SuperȬSidekick,ȱ andȱ
Vulnerability,ȱp.ȱ37.ȱ
Example:ȱSnowȱOwlȱhasȱaȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱSidekick:ȱhisȱ
littleȱsisterȱKatie,ȱwhoȱwhenȱtheȱneedȱarises,ȱdonsȱ
herȱ costumeȱ andȱ becomesȱ Owlette,ȱ theȱ Teenȱ
Huntress!ȱTheȱTNȱofȱGoodȱisȱ9,ȱminusȱ1,ȱforȱaȱtotalȱ
ofȱ8ȱpointsȱforȱKatie/OwletteȇsȱQualities.ȱSheȱendsȱ
upȱ withȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Armoredȱ Costume,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ
Computerȱ Nerd,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Scrappy,ȱ andȱ Goodȱ
[+2]ȱGadget:ȱTaserȱGlove;ȱherȱWeaknessȱisȱPoorȱ[Ȭ
2]ȱTeenageȱAngst.ȱ
SIZESHIFTING
Theȱ abilityȱ toȱ growȱ veryȱ largeȱand/orȱ toȱ shrinkȱ veryȱ
small.ȱ
i Growth.ȱCharactersȱwhoȱgetȱbiggerȱgetȱstrongerȱ
andȱ tougher.ȱ Anyȱ actionȱ theyȱ takeȱ whileȱ usingȱ
thisȱ Powerȱ thatȱ wouldȱ benefitȱ fromȱ increasedȱ
size,ȱ reach,ȱ orȱ strengthȱ –ȱ resistingȱ damage,ȱ
liftingȱ aȱ truck,ȱ catchingȱ aȱ fallingȱ personȱ –ȱ
permitsȱhimȱtoȱaddȱaȱnumberȱofȱUpshiftsȱequalȱ
toȱhisȱPowerȇsȱModifierȱ(minimumȱ1)ȱtoȱtheȱroll.ȱȱ
Whileȱ bigȱ thingsȱ areȱ easierȱ toȱ hit,ȱ theȱ increasedȱ
toughnessȱ ofȱ aȱGrowingȱcharacterȱ usuallyȱmoreȱ
thanȱ balancesȱ thisȱ out.ȱ Butȱ thereȱ mayȱ beȱ someȱ
casesȱ whereȱ largeȱ sizeȱ willȱ beȱ aȱ detriment:ȱ
sneakingȱ around,ȱ avoidingȱ traps,ȱ crossingȱ
creakyȱ bridges,ȱ andȱ soȱ forth.ȱ Inȱ theseȱ cases,ȱ
eitherȱopponentsȱorȱtaskȱDifficultyȱRanksȱgainȱtheȱ
Upshiftsȱ againstȱ theȱ bigȱ character,ȱ orȱ heȱ takesȱ
Downshifts.ȱ
i Shrinking.ȱ Charactersȱ whoȱ getȱ smallerȱ getȱ
harderȱtoȱseeȱandȱharderȱtoȱhit.ȱAnyȱactionȱtheyȱ
takeȱ whileȱ usingȱ thisȱ Powerȱ thatȱ wouldȱ benefitȱ
fromȱ decreasedȱ sizeȱ orȱ weightȱ –ȱ sneakingȱ
around,ȱ fallingȱ longȱ distances,ȱ breakingȱ andȱ
entering,ȱdodgingȱattacksȱ–ȱpermitsȱhimȱtoȱaddȱaȱ
numberȱ ofȱ Upshiftsȱ equalȱ toȱ hisȱ Powerȇsȱ
Modifierȱ(minimumȱ1)ȱtoȱtheȱroll.ȱȱ
Whileȱsmallȱthingsȱareȱharderȱtoȱhit,ȱtheyȱtendȱtoȱ
getȱ knockedȱ aroundȱ aȱ bitȱ moreȱ whenȱ aȱ foeȱ
actuallyȱ doesȱ connect.ȱ Inȱ someȱ casesȱ whereȱ
smallȱ sizeȱ isȱ aȱ handicapȱ (breakingȱ freeȱ ofȱ aȱ
normalȬsizedȱ opponentȇsȱ grasp,ȱ liftingȱ heavyȱ
things,ȱ attractingȱ attention,ȱ resistingȱ heavyȱ
winds,ȱ etc.),ȱ eitherȱ opponentsȱ orȱ taskȱ Difficultyȱ
Ranksȱ gainȱ theȱ Upshiftsȱ againstȱ theȱ smallȱ
character,ȱorȱheȱtakesȱDownshifts.ȱ
ȱ 48
(SOMETHING) POWERS
Ifȱ theȱ characterȱ hasȱ Ȉtheȱ powersȱ ofȈȱ somethingȱ
(scorpions,ȱ steel,ȱ poetry,ȱ dolphins,ȱ shadows,ȱ etc.),ȱ
thisȱisȱoftenȱbestȱhandledȱasȱaȱMetaȬPowerȱ(seeȱp.ȱ38);ȱ
seeȱalsoȱControlȱ(Something)ȱabove.ȱ
SORCERY
Theȱabilityȱtoȱdoȱmagic.ȱInȱmanyȱcomicȱbooks,ȱsomeȱ
charactersȱ withȱ Sorceryȱ tendȱ toȱ doȱ onlyȱ aȱ limitedȱ
selectionȱ ofȱ spellsȱ thatȱ areȱ basicallyȱ Powersȱ (eldritchȱ
blasts,ȱ sorcerousȱ shields,ȱ dimensionalȱ portals,ȱ
levitation,ȱ etc.),ȱ whileȱ othersȱ canȱ essentiallyȱ doȱ
absolutelyȱ anything,ȱ providedȱ itȱ possessȱ aȱ magicalȱ
patina.ȱAȱveryȱsimpleȱwayȱtoȱimplementȱSorceryȱisȱtoȱ
makeȱ itȱ aȱ MetaȬPowerȱ (seeȱ p.ȱ 38)ȱ andȱ permitȱ anyȱ
Powerȱ toȱ beȱ takenȱ asȱ aȱ Stuntȱ ifȱ itȱ canȱ beȱ justifiedȱ asȱ
fittingȱ theȱ idiomȱ ofȱ theȱ typeȱ ofȱ magicȱ theȱ characterȱ
uses.ȱȱ
NOTE - Magic is often seen as something that can short-
circuit normal defenses like Invulnerability and Super-
Armor; the GM must decide if this is true for Sorcery in
the campaign.
Compareȱ aȱ characterȱ withȱ Fireȱ Powersȱ versusȱ aȱ
characterȱwithȱFireȱMagic.ȱBothȱcanȱflingȱfireballsȱandȱ
goutȱ jetsȱ ofȱ flame.ȱ Butȱ theȱ Sorcererȱ hasȱ aȱ betterȱ
chanceȱthanȱtheȱnonȬmagicalȱFireȱPowersȱcharacterȱofȱ
beingȱableȱtoȱconvinceȱtheȱGMȱthatȱanȱunusualȱStuntȱ
–ȱ walkingȱ intoȱ oneȱ fireȱ andȱ walkingȱ outȱ ofȱ anotherȱ
acrossȱtownȱ–ȱfitsȱwithinȱtheȱlimitsȱofȱSorcery.ȱ
Thereȱ are,ȱ ofȱ course,ȱ downsidesȱ toȱ Sorcery.ȱ Often,ȱ
magicȱ spellsȱ requireȱ somethingȱ extraȱ toȱ activate,ȱ
unlikeȱ energizingȱ Powers.ȱ Theseȱ extraȱ ritualsȱ areȱ
essentiallyȱLimitationsȱ(seeȱp.ȱ36),ȱandȱcouldȱincludeȱ
incantations,ȱ theȱ useȱ ofȱ esotericȱ ingredients,ȱ pactsȱ
withȱ strangeȱ interȬdimensionalȱ beings,ȱ burntȱ
offerings,ȱ heartfeltȱ prayers,ȱ bloodȱ sacrifice,ȱ longȱ
researchȱ inȱ theȱ libraryȱ overȱ forgottenȱ tomesȱ ofȱ lore,ȱ
purityȱ ofȱ mindȱ andȱ body,ȱ memorizationȱ andȱ
meditation,ȱ andȱ soȱ forth.ȱ Ifȱ somethingȱ stopsȱ orȱ
interruptsȱ aȱ Sorcererȇsȱ ritualȱ evenȱ forȱ aȱ moment,ȱ theȱ
summonedȱmagicȱtendsȱtoȱgoȱawry,ȱinȱtheȱmostȱfickleȱ
andȱ unluckyȱ wayȱ possible.ȱ So,ȱ whileȱ Sorceryȱ canȱ
haveȱgreatȱrewards,ȱitȱalsoȱentailsȱgreatȱrisks.ȱ
SUPER-ARMOR
SuperȬArmorȱisȱaȱPowerȱthatȱpermitsȱtheȱcharacterȱtoȱ
resistȱ substantialȱ amountsȱ ofȱ damage.ȱ Itȱ isȱ distinctȱ
fromȱ Invulnerabilityȱ (seeȱ above).ȱ Aȱ characterȱ withȱ
SuperȬArmorȱgetsȱthreeȱmainȱbenefits:ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
1. Theȱ Modifierȱ ofȱ theȱ Powerȱ isȱ addedȱ toȱ allȱ
defensiveȱreactions.ȱȱ
2. Canȱignoreȱsomeȱharmȱfromȱattacks:ȱȱ
i Onȱ theȱ normalȬscale,ȱ Damageȱ Ranksȱ equalȱ
toȱ orȱ lowerȱ thanȱ theȱ Targetȱ Numberȱ areȱ
ignored.ȱ
i OnȱtheȱsuperȬscale,ȱDamageȱRanksȱequalȱtoȱ
orȱlowerȱthanȱtheȱModifierȱareȱignored.ȱȱ
Ifȱ anȱ attackȱ doesȱ moreȱ damageȱ thanȱ canȱ beȱ
ignored,ȱitȱallȱgetsȱthrough.ȱȱ
3. Luckily,ȱ SuperȬArmorȱ canȱ beȱ voluntarilyȱ
DownshiftedȱlikeȱArmorȱtoȱavoidȱallȱdamageȱ
doneȱbyȱanȱattack.ȱȱ
Example:ȱ Theȱ Stormyȱ Knightȱ hasȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ SuperȬ
Armor,ȱandȱaddsȱthatȱ+2ȱtoȱhisȱdefensiveȱreactionȱrolls.ȱ
Ifȱ heȇsȱ hitȱ byȱ aȱ normalȬscaleȱ attackȱ forȱ 5ȱ Damageȱ
Ranks,ȱ heȱ takesȱ noȱ damageȱ (5ȱ isȱ lessȱ thanȱ Goodȇsȱ
TargetȱNumberȱofȱ9);ȱifȱheȇsȱhitȱforȱ10ȱDamageȱRanks,ȱ
heȱtakesȱallȱ10.ȱIfȱheȇsȱhitȱbyȱaȱsuperȬscaleȱattackȱforȱ5ȱ
DamageȱRanks,ȱheȱtakesȱallȱofȱitȱ(5ȱisȱmoreȱthanȱGoodȇsȱ
Modifierȱ ofȱ 2).ȱ However,ȱ heȱ mayȱ sacrificeȱ aȱ rank,ȱ
Downshiftingȱ hisȱ SuperȬArmorȱ toȱ Averageȱ [0],ȱ toȱ
ignoreȱallȱthatȱdamage.ȱ
Seeȱalsoȱabove,ȱArmor,ȱp.ȱ39,ȱPowerȬArmor,ȱp.ȱ45,ȱandȱ
Chapterȱ5,ȱȈArmorȬlikeȈȱAbilitiesȱinȱConflict,ȱp.ȱ61.ȱ
ȱ
OBJECT-BASED POWERS
Normally, if a superhuman's raison d'etre is bound up
with a special item (cosmic rod, power ring, magic
sword), there are three possible ways to stat it up:
1. As separate Powers that all have the same Limitation
of "Requires magical or technological whatsis."
2. As a single Meta-Power with the Limitation of
"Requires magical or technological whatsis", which is in
addition to the required Limitation or Vulnerability for a
Meta-Power.
3. As a Super-Gadget.
Whichever solution works best for player and GM is fine.
ȱ allowsȱherȱtoȱliftȱthingsȱandȱpunchȱpeopleȱasȱifȱsheȱ
SUPER-GADGETS
Theȱ characterȱ possessesȱ superȬtechnologyȱ devicesȱ
knownȱ asȱ SuperȬGadgetsȱ (seeȱ CuttingȬEdgeȱ &ȱ SuperȬ
Technologies,ȱtextbox,ȱp.ȱ42).ȱWhileȱSuperȬGadgetsȱcanȱ
beȱlostȱorȱbroken,ȱtheyȱareȱgenerallyȱrepairableȱorȱgetȱ
backȱ intoȱ aȱ characterȇsȱ hands,ȱ eitherȱ duringȱ anȱ
adventureȱ orȱ afterȱ itȇsȱ over;ȱ theyȱ onlyȱ sometimesȱ
requireȱ ȈfuelȈȱ orȱ ȈenergyȈȱ toȱ function.ȱ (GMsȱ shouldȱ
ȱ 49
alsoȱ seeȱ Chapterȱ 6,ȱ MacGuffins,ȱ Plotȱ Devices,ȱ &ȱ
Trophies,ȱp.ȱ69.)ȱOnlyȱcertainȱpeopleȱcanȱuseȱaȱSuperȬ
Gadget:ȱtheȱownerȱorȱpilot,ȱtheȱcreator,ȱaȱGadgeteer,ȱ
aȱ SuperȬGadgeteer,ȱ orȱ aȱ SuperȬIntellect.ȱ Theȱ SuperȬ
GadgetȱPowerȱcanȱalsoȱbeȱusedȱforȱmagicalȱitemsȱorȱ
psionicȱfoci.ȱ
SUPER-GADGETEERING
Theȱ Powerȱ ofȱ constructingȱ superȬtechnologyȱ devicesȱ
(seeȱCuttingȬEdgeȱ&ȱSuperȬTechnologies,ȱtextbox,ȱp.ȱ42)ȱ
knownȱ asȱ SuperȬGadgetsȱ (seeȱ above);ȱ SuperȬ
Gadgeteersȱ canȱ alsoȱ modifyȱ andȱ repairȱ normalȱ andȱ
cuttingȬedgeȱtechnologies.ȱInȱcreatingȱSuperȬGadgets,ȱ
aȱ SuperȬGadgeteerȱ putsȱ Powersȱ intoȱ tangibleȱ form,ȱ
goingȱfarȱoutsideȱtheȱenvelopeȱofȱwhatȱisȱpossibleȱinȱ
scienceȱ andȱ engineeringȱ forȱ thingsȱ likeȱ psionicȱ
shields,ȱmindȬtransferenceȱhelmets,ȱpetrificationȱrays,ȱ
hyperspaceȱ drives,ȱ etc.ȱ Theȱ scopeȱ ofȱ SuperȬ
Gadgeteeringȱ encompassesȱ normalȬscaleȱ
Gadgeteering;ȱ aȱ SuperȬGadgeteerȱ characterȱ doesȱ notȱ
haveȱ toȱ takeȱ Gadgeteeringȱ asȱ oneȱ ofȱ hisȱ Qualitiesȱ
(thoughȱanȱinterestingȱcharacterȱideaȱwouldȱbeȱforȱaȱ
characterȱwhoȱtakesȱaȱȈCannotȱGadgeteerȈȱLimitationȱ
onȱ SuperȬGadgeteering,ȱ meaningȱ heȱ canȱ onlyȱ createȱ
wacky,ȱ superȬtechnologyȱ devicesȱ andȱ canȇtȱ fixȱ hisȱ
toaster).ȱȱ
Toȱ createȱ Gadgetsȱ (seeȱ above,ȱ p.ȱ 41),ȱ useȱ theȱ rulesȱ
foundȱunderȱGadgeteeringȱ(alsoȱp.ȱ41).ȱ
Toȱ buildȱ aȱ SuperȬGadget,ȱ theȱ Gadgeteerȱ paysȱ aȱ baseȱ
costȱofȱ2ȱHeroȱPoints,ȱplusȱaȱHeroȱPointȱcostȱequalȱtoȱ
whatȱitȱwouldȱcostȱifȱtheȱSuperȬGadgetȱwereȱaȱStuntȱ
offȱofȱSuperȬGadgeteering,ȱplusȱHeroȱPointsȱequalȱtoȱ
twiceȱ theȱ Modifierȱ (rememberȱ thatȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ Rankȱ
countsȱ asȱ 1)ȱ ofȱ theȱ desiredȱ SuperȬGadgetȇsȱ Rank,ȱ asȱ
wellȱ asȱ anyȱ additionalȱ Heroȱ Pointȱ orȱ inȬgameȱ costsȱ
(money,ȱmaterials,ȱtime)ȱthatȱtheȱGMȱdetermines.ȱ
Example:ȱ Ms.ȱ Gizmatic,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ SuperȬ
Gadgeteer,ȱ wishesȱ toȱ constructȱ aȱ gauntletȱ thatȱ
hadȱ SuperȬStrength.ȱ Forȱ anȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ Rankȱ
SuperȬStrengthȱ SuperȬGadget,ȱ sheȱ wouldȱ thenȱ
haveȱ toȱ payȱ 5ȱ Heroȱ Pointsȱ (baseȱ costȱ ofȱ 2,ȱ plusȱ 1ȱ
forȱanȱAverageȱRankȱStuntȱoffȱofȱSuperȬGadgeteer,ȱ
plusȱ 2ȱ forȱ twiceȱ Averageȇsȱ Modifierȱ ofȱ [0],ȱ whichȱ
countsȱasȱ1),ȱplusȱanyȱrequirementsȱtheȱGMȱhasȱinȱ
termsȱofȱcapitalȱoutlayȱorȱlabor.ȱ
Ifȱ desired,ȱ aȱ SuperȬGadgeteerȱ canȱ startȱ aȱ T&Jȱ
campaignȱ withȱ twoȱ SuperȬGadgets,ȱ fourȱ Gadgetsȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
(thatȱ wouldȱ haveȱ aȱ Heroȱ Pointȱ costȱ ofȱ 6ȱ eachȱ ifȱ heȱ
wereȱbuildingȱitȱnew),ȱorȱoneȱSuperȬGadgetȱandȱtwoȱ
Gadgetsȱ.ȱSeeȱalsoȱabove,ȱGadgeteering.ȱ
SUPER-INTELLIGENCE
Mentalȱ capabilityȱ farȱ beyondȱ normalȱ humanȱ
maximum.ȱ SuperȬIntellectsȱ gainȱ aȱ numberȱ ofȱ
UpshiftsȱequalȱtoȱtheirȱRankȱModifierȱperȱSceneȱthatȱ
canȱbeȱusedȱonȱmentalȱtasksȱorȱconflictsȱonly.ȱ
Sinceȱ aȱ SuperȬIntelligentȱ characterȱ isȱ byȱ definitionȱ
smarterȱthanȱanyȱofȱtheȱplayersȱorȱGM,ȱoneȱfairȱ(andȱ
fun)ȱwayȱtoȱplayȱthisȱtypeȱofȱcharacterȱisȱthatȱanyoneȱ
aroundȱtheȱtableȱcanȱhelpȱtheȱSuperȬIntellectȇsȱplayerȱ
inȱcomingȱupȱwithȱplansȱandȱknowledge.ȱAȱdifferentȱ
wayȱ toȱ doȱ itȱ wouldȱ toȱ permitȱ theȱ SuperȬIntelligentȱ
characterȱ toȱ instantlyȱ createȱ MODȱ numberȱ ofȱ
Ȉcontingencyȱ plansȈȱ onȱ theȱ flyȱ perȱ session.ȱ (ȈIȱ
suspectedȱ youȇdȱ useȱ yourȱ Freezeȱ Ray,ȱ Dr.ȱ
Malevolent,ȱ thatȇsȱ whyȱ Iȱ preparedȱ byȱ wearingȱ
AntarcticȬgradeȱthermalȱgear.Ȉ)ȱThisȱcouldȱbeȱseenȱasȱ
aȱ versionȱ ofȱ Detectȱ &ȱ Discoverȱ (seeȱ Chapterȱ 3,ȱ p.ȱ 32)ȱ
thatȱdoesnȇtȱcostȱtheȱcharacterȱHeroȱPoints.ȱ
WhileȱaȱSuperȬIntelligentȱcharacterȱcanȱuseȱtheirȱvastȱ
amountȱ ofȱ brainsȱ toȱ comeȱ upȱ withȱ cuttingȬedgeȱ
advancesȱ onȱ extantȱ theoriesȱ andȱ technologiesȱ asȱ
Gadgeteersȱ do,ȱ theyȱ donȇtȱ necessarilyȱ haveȱ theȱ
technicalȱskillsȱtoȱbringȱthemȱintoȱbeing.ȱBuildingȱtrueȱ
superȬtechnologyȱ isȱ theȱ provinceȱ ofȱ SuperȬ
Gadgeteersȱ (seeȱ textbox,ȱ CuttingȬEdgeȱ &ȱ SuperȬ
Technologies).ȱ
NOTE - In some settings, Gadgeteering is a Stunt of
Super-Intellect.
SUPER-QUALITY
Whileȱdancingȱcloseȱtoȱtheȱedgeȱofȱsilliness,ȱaȱSuperȬ
Qualityȱ canȱ beȱ aȱ perfectlyȱ viableȱ Power.ȱ SuperȬ
QualitiesȱwouldȱbeȱliterallyȱmoreȬthanȬhumanȱabilityȱ
inȱ aȱ mundaneȱ skillȱ orȱ areaȱ ofȱ knowledge.ȱ Butȱ howȱ
wouldȱitȱworkȱinȱaȱgame?ȱ
First,ȱ theȱ playerȱ andȱ theȱ GMȱ mustȱ decideȱ ifȱ theȱ
SuperȬQualityȱ isȱ orȱ isȱ notȱ betterȱ summedȱ upȱ asȱ aȱ
versionȱ ofȱ anotherȱ Power.ȱ Ifȱ itȱ isnȇt,ȱ consultȱ theȱ DIYȱ
Aestheticȱ RuleȬofȬThumbȱ sectionȱ aboveȱ (onȱ p.ȱ 36),ȱ andȱ
startȱcomingȱupȱwithȱconceptsȱonȱhowȱtheȱabilityȱwillȱ
work.ȱ Onceȱ bothȱ partiesȱ areȱ happyȱ withȱ theȱ SuperȬ
Quality,ȱ writeȱ itsȱ descriptionȱ down,ȱ toȱ forestallȱ
extensive,ȱ pointlessȱ debatesȱ later:ȱ ifȱ thereȇsȱ textȱ toȱ
referȱ to,ȱ thereȇsȱ aȱ basisȱ forȱ discussion;ȱ ifȱ thereȇsȱ noȱ
commonȱgroundȱtoȱreferȱto,ȱarguingȱwouldȱbeȱworseȱ
ȱ 50
thanȱuseless,ȱandȱpossiblyȱBeingȱLameassȱ(seeȱp.ȱ22)ȱonȱ
bothȱpartiesȇȱparts.ȱWhenȱaȱwriteȬupȱisȱagreedȱupon,ȱ
charactersȱcanȱtakeȱitȱasȱaȱPower.ȱ
Example:ȱ Considerȱ aȱ ȈSuperȬArcheryȈȱ Power.ȱ
Hereȇsȱ anȱ exampleȱ ofȱ aȱ viableȱ writeȬupȱ forȱ thatȱ
Power:ȱ
Super-Archery. This ability permits the character to do
super-scale damage to targets that are non-living and
normal scale, treat conflicts with normal-scale opponents
as complicated situations when using Super-Archery
(see also Chapter 5, A Question of Scale, p. 60), and
grants Upshifts equal to Modifier for doing difficult "trick
shots."
SUPER-SENSES
HyperȬacuteȱ orȱ otherwiseȱ supernaturalȱ perceptions.ȱ
Incredibleȱ versionsȱ ofȱ theȱ normalȱ humanȱ sensesȱ areȱ
fairlyȱstraightforward:ȱtheirȱModifierȱaidsȱattemptsȱtoȱ
successfullyȱperceiveȱthingsȱatȱhighȱDifficultyȱRanks,ȱ
andȱ –ȱ forȱ someȱ –ȱ theȱ Rangeȱ columnȱ ofȱ theȱ T&Jȱ
Intensityȱ Chartȱ canȱ giveȱ guidelinesȱ onȱ theȱ effectiveȱ
distancesȱtheirȱabilityȱfunctionsȱat.ȱ
However,ȱthereȱareȱplentyȱofȱtypesȱofȱSuperȬSensesȱ–ȱ
likeȱ Penetratingȱ Vision,ȱ Truthȱ Sense,ȱ Dangerȱ Sense,ȱ
TrackingȱSense,ȱetc.ȱ–ȱthatȱneedȱaȱlittleȱextraȱthought.ȱ
Utilizingȱ theȱ DIYȱ Aestheticȱ RulesȬofȬThumbȱ (p.ȱ 36)ȱ isȱ
theȱbestȱstrategy.ȱPerhapsȱPenetratingȱVisionȱcanȱseeȱ
throughȱaȱnumberȱofȱinchesȱequalȱtoȱTNȱorȱaȱnumberȱ
ofȱ feetȱ equalȱ toȱ MOD;ȱ Truthȱ Senseȱ isȱ probablyȱ aȱ
limitedȱ variantȱ ofȱ Telepathyȱ (seeȱ below),ȱ andȱ Dangerȱ
SenseȱisȱalmostȱcertainlyȱaȱvariantȱofȱPrecognitionȱ(seeȱ
above);ȱTrackingȱSenseȱcouldȱpermitȱtheȱtrackingȱofȱaȱ
numberȱ ofȱ differentȱ targetsȱ equalȱ toȱ MODȱ atȱ upȱ toȱ
T&JȱIntensityȱChartȱRange,ȱandȱsoȱforth.ȱ
SUPER-SIDEKICK
Theȱ characterȱ hasȱ aȱ superhumanȱ assistantȱ (human,ȱ
animal,ȱ orȱ robot)ȱ toȱ helpȱ himȱ inȱ hisȱ adventuring;ȱ inȱ
essence,ȱ itȱ givesȱ aȱ playerȱ twoȱ charactersȱ toȱ designȱ
andȱplay.ȱHowever,ȱatȱanyȱtime,ȱtheȱGMȱcanȱinvokeȱaȱ
Revoltinȇȱ Developmentȱ (seeȱ Chapterȱ 3,ȱ p.ȱ 31)ȱ toȱ takeȱ
controlȱofȱtheȱSuperȬSidekick.ȱAȱSuperȬSidekickȱhasȱaȱ
numberȱofȱpointsȱequalȱtoȱtheȱTNȱofȱtheȱPowerȱRankȱ
minusȱ 1ȱ forȱ theȱ playerȱ toȱ purchaseȱ Qualitiesȱ with,ȱ
andȱ aȱ numberȱ ofȱ pointsȱ equalȱ toȱ theȱ Modifierȱ toȱ
purchaseȱPowersȱ–ȱAverageȱ[0]ȱRankȱPowersȱcountȱasȱ
1ȱ point.ȱ (Ifȱ aȱ playerȱ takesȱ aȱ highȱ Rankȱ inȱ SuperȬ
Sidekick,ȱ heȱ couldȱ endȱ upȱ withȱ anȱ assistantȱ moreȱ
powerfulȱthanȱheȱis!).ȱAlso,ȱtheȱSuperȬSidekickȱmustȱ
takeȱoneȱPoorȱ[Ȭ2]ȱWeakness.ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
Example:ȱ Gwenȱ Darlingȱ hasȱ aȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ SuperȬ
Sidekick:ȱ aȱ robotȱ namedȱ PTRȬ1ȱ thatȱ followsȱ herȱ
everyȱ command.ȱ .ȱ .ȱ mostȱ ofȱ theȱ time.ȱ Theȱ TNȱ ofȱ
Goodȱisȱ9,ȱminusȱ1,ȱforȱaȱtotalȱofȱ8ȱpointsȱforȱPTRȬ
1ȇsȱQualities;ȱtheȱMODȱofȱGoodȱisȱ2,ȱforȱ2ȱpointsȱofȱ
Powers.ȱItsȱwriteȬupȱlooksȱlikeȱthis:ȱ
PTR-1, Super-Sidekick Robot
Qualities: Expert [+4] Flight (Quasi-Power; Limitation:
Needs "fuel dust" every 4 Scenes), Good [+2] Armor,
Good [+2] Fighting, and Poor [-2] Takes Everything
Literally.
Powers: Good [+2] Super-Strength.
SeeȱalsoȱMinionȱandȱSidekick,ȱabove,ȱandȱVulnerability,ȱ
p.ȱ37.ȱ
SUPER-SPEED
Theȱ abilityȱ grantsȱ speedȱ andȱ reactionȱ timesȱ farȱ
beyondȱnormal;ȱtheȱcharacterȱoperatesȱonȱtheȱsuperȬ
scaleȱ onȱ theseȱ terms.ȱ SuperȬSpeedstersȱ getȱ extraȱ
actionsȱ perȱ Turnȱ equalȱ toȱ theirȱ MODȱ (minimumȱ 1);ȱ
thisȱ meansȱ thatȱ aȱ characterȱ withȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ SuperȬ
SpeedȱhasȱthreeȱactionsȱeachȱTurn.ȱCombineȱthisȱwithȱ
theseȱ elementsȱ fromȱ Chapterȱ 5ȱ likeȱ Usingȱ Multipleȱ
Abilitiesȱ(p.ȱ59);ȱUsingȱAbilitiesȱAgainstȱMultipleȱTargetsȱ ȱ
(p.ȱ 59);ȱ andȱ theȱ potentialȱ toȱ treatȱ conflictȱ situationsȱ ȱ
involvingȱ Powersȱ asȱ complicatedȱ situationsȱ (Aȱ
SUPER-STRENGTH
QuestionȱofȱScale,ȱp.ȱ60).ȱ
Theȱ characterȱ hasȱ muscleȬpowerȱ farȱ beyondȱ thatȱ ofȱ
Example:ȱ Victorȱ Vectorȱ (Expertȱ [+4]ȱ SuperȬSpeed)ȱ isȱ
evenȱ theȱ strongestȱ normalȱ humans;ȱ theȱ characterȱ
takingȱ onȱ aȱ scoreȱ ofȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ Thugs.ȱ Victorȱ hasȱ 5ȱ
actionsȱ perȱ Turn.ȱ Sinceȱ heȇsȱ aȱ superȬscaleȱ characterȱ operatesȱ onȱ theȱ superȬscaleȱ onȱ theseȱ terms.ȱ SuperȬ
versusȱ normalȬscaleȱ foes,ȱ heȱ canȱ defeatȱ aȱ thugȱ withȱ aȱ StrongȱcharactersȱaddȱtheȱTNȱofȱtheirȱPowerȱRankȱtoȱ
singleȱ complicatedȱ situationȱ rollȱ –ȱ providedȱ heȱ beatsȱ damageȱ uponȱ successfulȱ attacks;ȱ ifȱ theyȱ wishȱ toȱ
theirȱDifficultyȱRankȱofȱ7.ȱHeȱwillȱbeȱrollingȱaȱ2d6+4.ȱȱ punchȱ anȱ enemyȱ withoutȱ pulpingȱ them,ȱ theyȱ canȱ
Victorȱ couldȱ attackȱ oneȱ atȱ aȱ time,ȱ andȱ haveȱ aȱ goodȱ Ȉpullȱ theirȱ punchȈȱ andȱ notȱ applyȱ theȱ TNȱ bonus.ȱ Inȱ
chanceȱofȱtakingȱoutȱ5ȱthugsȱeveryȱTurn,ȱoneȱforȱeachȱ someȱ cases,ȱ SuperȬStrongȱ charactersȱ canȱ treatȱ
ofȱhisȱactions.ȱFourȱTurnsȱlater,ȱallȱofȱtheȱthugsȱwouldȱ physicalȱ conflictȱ situationsȱ asȱ complicatedȱ situationsȱ
beȱatȱhisȱmercy.ȱ (seeȱ Chapterȱ 5,ȱ Aȱ Questionȱ ofȱ Scale,ȱ p.ȱ 60).Theȱ Weightȱ
Or,ȱheȱcouldȱsplitȱhisȱattacksȱbetweenȱmultipleȱtargetsȱ columnȱ onȱ theȱ T&Jȱ Intensityȱ Chartȱ providesȱ aȱ
–ȱ aȱ bitȱ riskier,ȱ butȱ withȱ aȱ bigȱ payoff.ȱ Sayȱ heȱ attacksȱ 2ȱ guidelineȱforȱhowȱmuchȱaȱSuperȬStrongȱcharacterȱcanȱ
thugsȱatȱaȱtime.ȱThisȱtakesȱVictorȱȇsȱRankȱofȱExpertȱ[+4]ȱ lift.ȱȱ
downȱtoȱanȱeffectiveȱRankȱofȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱagainstȱeachȱofȱ
NOTE - Important issues of realism come up regarding
theȱpair.ȱStill,ȱbeatingȱaȱ7ȱonȱaȱ2d6+2ȱisȱgoodȱodds.ȱHeȱ Super-Strength. Realistically, the punch of a character
couldȱtakeȱoutȱupȱtoȱ10ȱthugsȱaȱTurn,ȱtwoȱforȱeachȱofȱ that can lift a battleship would turn a normal human's
head to paste. A building lifted by one corner would
hisȱ actions.ȱ Twoȱ Turnsȱ later,ȱallȱ ofȱ theȱ thugsȱ couldȱ beȱ
crumble under the stresses of its own weight. Lifting a
atȱhisȱmercy.ȱ heavy object would drive a Super-Strong character's feet
Or,ȱ heȱ couldȱ splitȱ hisȱ attacksȱ evenȱ further.ȱ Sayȱ heȱ deep into the ground. But within the majority of the genre
of comics, normal-scale characters get slapped around
attacksȱ 4ȱ thugsȱ atȱ aȱ time,ȱ withȱ anȱ effectiveȱ Rankȱ ofȱ by those with Super-Strength and live to tell the tale,
Poorȱ[Ȭ2].ȱIfȱheȇsȱveryȱlucky,ȱVictorȱcouldȱKOȱallȱofȱtheȱ houses get hefted, and heroes don't get buried to their
thugsȱinȱaȱsingleȱTurn!ȱ ankles in the ground when lifting a tank. If a GM wants to
start dragging in realistic physics here, he should really
ȱ warn his players first. (See also Chapter 1, Style, p. 5,
and Mad, Beautiful Ideas, p. 3, as well as Chapter 2, The
Key to Understanding Conflict Abstraction, p. 23.)

ȱ 51
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
SUPER-VEHICLE
SuperȬVehicleȱisȱaȱPower,ȱandȱrepresentsȱaȱsuperȬscale,ȱ
superȬtechȱ modeȱ ofȱ transportation.ȱ Itȇsȱ somewhereȱ
betweenȱ aȱ SuperȬGadgetȱ andȱ aȱ SuperȬSidekick.ȱ Whileȱ
SuperȬGadgetsȱ canȱ beȱ lostȱ orȱ broken,ȱ theyȱ areȱ
generallyȱ repairableȱ orȱ getȱ backȱ intoȱ aȱ characterȇsȱ
handsȱbeforeȱtheȱendȱofȱ(orȱafter)ȱanȱadventure;ȱtheyȱ
onlyȱsometimesȱrequireȱȈfuelȈȱorȱȈenergyȈȱtoȱfunction.ȱ
Onceȱ perȱ session,ȱ theȱ GMȱ hasȱ theȱ rightȱ toȱ invokeȱ aȱ
Revoltinȇȱ Developmentȱ (seeȱ Chapterȱ 3,ȱ p.ȱ 31)ȱ toȱ doȱ
somethingȱbadȱtoȱtheȱSuperȬVehicle.ȱAȱSuperȬVehicleȱ
hasȱ aȱ basicȱ Qualityȱ Rankȱ equalȱ toȱ theȱ Rankȱ ofȱ theȱ
Powerȱslotȱtheȱcharacterȱusesȱforȱit,ȱforȱwhateverȱtypeȱ
ofȱ vehicleȱ itȱ isȱ (Luxuryȱ Car,ȱ Speedȱ Boat,ȱ Minivan,ȱ
Lightȱ Plane,ȱ Vespaȱ Scooter,ȱ etc.),ȱ plusȱ aȱ numberȱ ofȱ
pointsȱ equalȱ toȱ twiceȱ theȱ MODȱ ofȱ theȱ Powerȱ Rankȱ
(minimumȱ 1)ȱ forȱ theȱ playerȱ toȱ purchaseȱ extraȱ
Qualitiesȱ forȱ it,ȱ andȱ aȱ numberȱ ofȱ pointsȱ equalȱ toȱ theȱ
Modifierȱ toȱ purchaseȱ Powersȱ withȱ –ȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ
Rankȱ Powersȱ countȱ asȱ 1ȱ point.ȱ Seeȱ alsoȱ Vehicle,ȱ andȱ
Chapterȱ6,ȱVehicles,ȱp.ȱ71.ȱ
Example:ȱPhadeȱneedsȱaȱwayȱtoȱgetȱaroundȱtown,ȱsoȱ
sheȱusesȱoneȱofȱherȱAverageȱ[0]ȱPowerȱslotsȱtoȱwhipȱ
upȱ somethingȱ appropriate.ȱ Theȱ Invisibleȱ Motorcycleȱ
startsȱasȱanȱAverageȱ[0]ȱMotorcycle,ȱwithȱ2ȱpointsȱtoȱ
buyȱ Qualitiesȱ andȱ 1ȱ pointȱ toȱ buyȱ Powers.ȱ Phadeȱ
decidesȱ thatȱ sheȱ wantsȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Silentȱ forȱ theȱ
Qualityȱ andȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ Invisibilityȱ forȱ theȱ Power.ȱ
Voilaȱ(orȱnot)!ȱ
ȱ thoughtȱ areȱ theȱ questionsȱ ofȱ whatȱ interferesȱ withȱ
ȱ 52
TELEPATHY
Theȱ abilityȱ toȱ readȱ mindsȱandȱ communicateȱsilently.ȱ
Theȱ characterȇsȱ Telepathyȱ Powerȱ Modifierȱ aidsȱ
attemptsȱ toȱ successfullyȱ readȱ thoughtsȱ (GMȱ setsȱ theȱ
Difficultyȱ Ranksȱ forȱ particularȱ thoughtsȱ basedȱ onȱ
importanceȱ andȱ such,ȱ ofȱ course),ȱ andȱ theȱ Rangeȱ
columnȱofȱtheȱT&JȱIntensityȱChartȱcanȱgiveȱguidelinesȱ
onȱtheȱeffectiveȱRangeȱofȱthisȱtalent.ȱȱ
LikeȱMindȱControlȱ(seeȱabove),ȱnormalȬscaleȱNPCsȱareȱ
rarelyȱableȱtoȱwardȱoffȱattemptsȱforȱaȱTelepathȱtoȱreadȱ
theirȱmindsȱ(seeȱChapterȱ5,ȱAȱQuestionȱofȱScale,ȱp.ȱ60),ȱ
whileȱ PCsȱ ofȱ eitherȱ scaleȱ atȱ leastȱ haveȱ aȱ fightingȱ
chance.ȱ Useȱ theȱ Mindȱ Controlȱ adviceȱ aboveȱ asȱ aȱ
guide:ȱ Telepathyȱ shouldȱ usuallyȱ beȱ aȱ complicatedȱ
situationȱ againstȱ NPCȱ minds,ȱ withȱ weakȬmindedȱ
NPCsȱ orȱ trivialȱ mindȬreadingȱ beingȱ simpleȱ
situations,ȱandȱstrongȬwilledȱNPCsȱorȱdeepȱtelepathicȱ
probesȱbeingȱconflictȱsituations.ȱ
InȱsettingsȱwhereȱTelepathyȱisȱknownȱtoȱexist,ȱcannyȱ
villainsȱwillȱadjustȱforȱit.ȱPerhapsȱtheyȱonlyȱprovidedȱ
limitedȱ informationȱ toȱ theirȱ Minionsȱ andȱ associates,ȱ
soȱthatȱaȱmindȬreadingȱheroȱcannotȱlearnȱtheirȱentireȱ
schemeȱ withȱ aȱ singleȱ roll.ȱ Maybeȱ theȱ comicȬbookȱ
tropeȱ ofȱ Ȉtheȱ villainȇsȱ monologueȈȱ isȱ reallyȱ aȱ verbalȱ
smokescreen:ȱifȱtheȱvillainȱisȱseeminglyȱtellingȱaȱheroȱ
hisȱ planȱ outright,ȱ whyȱ wouldȱ theȱ heroȱ feelȱ theȱ needȱ
toȱ telepathicallyȱ verifyȱ it?ȱ Lastly,ȱ memoryȱ isȱ tricky:ȱ
perhapsȱ aȱ Minionȱ wasnȇtȱ reallyȱ payingȱ attentionȱ toȱ
theirȱ gloriousȱ leaderȇsȱ speechȱ duringȱ theȱ lastȱ staffȱ
meeting,ȱ insteadȱ lettingȱ hisȱ mindȱ wanderȱ aroundȱ
topicsȱ likeȱ Ȉgeez,ȱ thisȱ snakeȬuniformȱ itches,Ȉȱ Ȉgosh,ȱ
theȱleaderȱisȱawesome,ȈȱorȱȈIȱwonderȱifȱSpecialistȱSueȱ
willȱdanceȱwithȱmeȱatȱtheȱMinionȱMixer?Ȉȱ
TELEPORTATION
Theȱ abilityȱ toȱ travelȱ orȱ appearȱ somewhereȱ elseȱ –ȱ orȱ
causeȱ otherȱ targetsȱ toȱ travelȱ orȱ appearȱ –ȱ withoutȱ
movingȱ throughȱ theȱ interveningȱ space.ȱ Teleportersȱ
useȱtheȱRangeȱcolumnȱonȱtheȱT&JȱIntensityȱChart;ȱtheȱ
numberȱ ofȱ targetsȱ ableȱ toȱ beȱ affectedȱ isȱ equalȱ toȱ
Modifierȱ (minimumȱ 1).ȱ Someȱ GMsȱ mayȱ wishȱ toȱ
tweakȱtheseȱnumbersȱtoȱbetterȱfitȱtheirȱcampaigns,ȱofȱ
course.ȱ
Someȱ ofȱ theȱ discussionȱ aboveȱ onȱ Phasingȱ canȱ beȱ justȱ
asȱ usefulȱ forȱ Teleportation,ȱ sinceȱ aȱ numberȱ ofȱ issuesȱ
withȱ theseȱ Powersȱ areȱ similar.ȱ Especiallyȱ worthyȱ ofȱ
Teleportation,ȱcanȱaȱȈflickerȈȱorȱȈblinkȈȱeffectȱbeȱusedȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
inȱ conflict,ȱ andȱ whatȱ happensȱ whenȱ somethingȱ
Teleportsȱ intoȱ aȱ solidȱ object.ȱ Ultimately,ȱ
TeleportationȱlivesȱandȱdiesȱonȱDifficultyȱRanksȱandȱ
Intensity,ȱ andȱ Upshiftsȱ andȱ Downshiftsȱ forȱ
appropriateȱ situationsȱ canȱ coverȱ mostȱ outstandingȱ
concerns.ȱ Anȱ importantȱ thingȱ specificȱ toȱ consider,ȱ
however,ȱisȱaboutȱTeleportingȱintoȱanȱunknownȱandȱ
unobservedȱarea:ȱthisȱshouldȱalmostȱalwaysȱbeȱhardȱ–ȱ
perhapsȱitȱcausesȱanȱUpshiftȱtoȱDifficultyȱRank,ȱorȱaȱ
Downshiftȱ onȱ Powerȱ Rank,ȱ orȱ theȱ lossȱ ofȱ aȱ Turn,ȱ orȱ
somethingȱinȱthatȱvein.ȱ
TIME CONTROL
Theȱabilityȱtoȱspeedȱorȱslowȱtime;ȱitȱmayȱalsoȱincludeȱ
travelingȱtoȱtheȱfutureȱorȱpast.ȱTimeȱControlȱPowersȱ
areȱ generallyȱ usedȱ forȱ aȱ setȱ menuȱ ofȱ tricksȱ –ȱ gettingȱ
extraȱactionsȱbyȱslowingȱtimeȱaroundȱtheȱcharacterȱorȱ
speedingȱ upȱ theirȱ personalȱ timeflow,ȱ ȈfreezingȈȱ anȱ
enemyȱ byȱ stoppingȱ time,ȱ attackingȱ foesȱ andȱ objectsȱ
byȱ acceleratingȱ (orȱ reversing)ȱ timeȇsȱ effectȱ onȱ them,ȱ
pullingȱ pastȱ orȱ futureȱ versionsȱ ofȱ oneselfȱ toȱ theȱ
presentȱ toȱ aidȱ efforts,ȱ etc.ȱ Playersȱ andȱ GMsȱ canȱ useȱ
DuplicationȱandȱSuperȬSpeedȱ(seeȱabove)ȱasȱaȱguideȱforȱ
manyȱofȱtheseȱissues.ȱȱ
Travelingȱ inȱ timeȱ isȱ aȱ moreȱ complicatedȱ affair,ȱ andȱ
oneȱ thatȱ isȱ moreȱ inȱ theȱ bailiwickȱ ofȱ GMȱ fiat.ȱ Entireȱ
booksȱ haveȱ beenȱ writtenȱ aboutȱ timeȱ travel,ȱ theȱ
Observerȱ effect,ȱ plasticȱ time,ȱ
quantum/parallel/branchingȱ universes,ȱ andȱ
paradoxes,ȱ etc.ȱ Frankly,ȱ hammeringȱ outȱ theȱ
potentialsȱ andȱ limitationsȱ ofȱ suchȱ jauntsȱ betweenȱ
playerȱandȱGMȱisȱkey.ȱToȱrestateȱtheȱȈofficialȱstanceȈȱ
onȱ timeȬtravelȱ inȱ T&Jȱ (seeȱ Chapterȱ 1,ȱ Comicȱ Bookȱ
Tropes,ȱ Alternateȱ Earths,ȱ p.ȱ 9),ȱ timeȱ travelȱ works,ȱ
paradoxesȱ happen,ȱ andȱ theyȇreȱ eitherȱ repairableȱ orȱ
splitȱ offȱ newȱ realities.ȱ Ifȱ necessary,ȱ GMsȱ shouldȱ
constructȱ aȱ newȱ columnȱ forȱ theȱ T&Jȱ Intensityȱ Chartȱ
specificallyȱforȱtheȱȈtemporalȱrangeȈȱofȱTimeȱControlȱ
Powersȱinȱhisȱsetting.ȱ
TRANSFORMATION
Theȱ abilityȱ toȱ changeȱ theȱ natureȱ orȱ compositionȱ ofȱ
somethingȱ orȱ someoneȱ intoȱ thatȱ ofȱ anotherȱ thing.ȱ
Thisȱ Powerȱ isȱ usedȱ onȱ otherȱ targets;ȱ toȱ changeȱ
oneself,ȱ useȱ Shapeshiftingȱ orȱ Bodyȱ ofȱ (Something).ȱ
Judgingȱtheseȱsortsȱofȱtransmogrificationsȱisȱprobablyȱ
bestȱ handledȱ byȱ Difficultyȱ Ranksȱ andȱ Targetȱ
Numbers,ȱ withȱ Upshiftsȱ toȱ theȱ difficultyȱ relatedȱ toȱ
changesȱ inȱ stateȱ (solid,ȱ liquid,ȱ gas),ȱ changesȱ inȱ
ȱ 53
kingdomȱ (animal,ȱ vegetable,ȱ mineral),ȱ changesȱ inȱ
sizeȱ(seeȱabove,ȱSizeshifting),ȱandȱchangesȱinȱintricacyȱ
(simple,ȱ complex,ȱ convoluted).ȱ Theȱ permanencyȱ ofȱ
suchȱ changesȱ mustȱ alsoȱ beȱ addressed,ȱ butȱ typically,ȱ
lengthȱofȱtheȱeffectȱisȱfiguredȱfromȱDurationȱcolumnȱ
onȱtheȱT&JȱIntensityȱChart.ȱ
VEHICLE
Vehicleȱ isȱ aȱ Quality,ȱ representingȱ aȱ cuttingȬedgeȱ
technology,ȱnormalȬscaleȱmodeȱofȱtransportation.ȱItȇsȱ
somewhereȱbetweenȱaȱGadgetȱandȱaȱSidekick.ȱVehiclesȱ
canȱbeȱlostȱorȱbroken,ȱandȱprobablyȱrequireȱȈfuelȈȱorȱ
ȈenergyȈȱ toȱ function.ȱ Onceȱ perȱ session,ȱ theȱ GMȱ hasȱ
theȱ rightȱ toȱ invokeȱ aȱ Revoltinȇȱ Developmentȱ (seeȱ
Chapterȱ3,ȱp.ȱ31)ȱtoȱdoȱsomethingȱbadȱtoȱtheȱVehicle.ȱ
AȱVehicleȱhasȱaȱbasicȱQualityȱRankȱequalȱtoȱtheȱRankȱ
ofȱ theȱ Powerȱ slotȱ theȱ characterȱ usesȱ forȱ it,ȱ forȱ
whateverȱ typeȱ ofȱ vehicleȱ itȱ isȱ (Luxuryȱ Car,ȱ Speedȱ
Boat,ȱMinivan,ȱLightȱPlane,ȱVespaȱScooter,ȱetc.),ȱplusȱ
aȱnumberȱofȱpointsȱequalȱtoȱtwiceȱtheȱModifierȱofȱtheȱ
QualityȱRankȱ(minimumȱ1)ȱforȱtheȱplayerȱtoȱpurchaseȱ
extraȱ Qualitiesȱ forȱ it.ȱ Seeȱ alsoȱ SuperȬVehicle,ȱ andȱ
Chapterȱ6,ȱVehicles,ȱp.ȱ71.ȱ
Example:ȱ Theȱ Flamingȱ Skullȱ hasȱ aȱ newȱ ride:ȱ theȱ
Skullmobile!ȱTheȱSkullmobileȱisȱaȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱSportsȱ
Car;ȱ theȱ Flamingȱ Skullȱ hasȱ 4ȱ pointsȱ toȱ purchaseȱ
extraȱQualities.ȱHeȱputsȱthemȱintoȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱFastȱ
andȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Armorȱ –ȱ meaningȱ thatȱ whenȱ heȱ
needsȱtoȱoutrunȱtheȱcops,ȱheȇllȱbeȱrollingȱ2d6+2+2ȱ
(+2ȱ fromȱ Sportsȱ Car,ȱ +2ȱ fromȱ Fast),ȱ orȱ 2d6+4,ȱ andȱ
whenȱ heȇsȱ patrollingȱ Murderȱ Alley,ȱ heȇllȱ haveȱ aȱ
littleȱprotectionȱfromȱgangȬbangerȱbullets.ȱ
VULNERABILITY
Seeȱabove,ȱVulnerabilities,ȱp.ȱ37.ȱ
Superhuman Stunts
Thisȱ sectionȱ expandsȱ onȱ theȱ informationȱ onȱ Stuntsȱ
foundȱ inȱ Chapterȱ 2.ȱ Stuntsȱ areȱ theȱ creativeȱ
applications,ȱtricks,ȱandȱstratagemsȱthatȱsuperhumanȱ
charactersȱ useȱ whenȱ theirȱ moreȱ straightforwardȱ
abilitiesȱ wonȇtȱ solveȱ aȱ situation.ȱ Whenȱ livesȱ areȱ inȱ
danger,ȱorȱtheȱworldȱliesȱinȱtheȱbalance,ȱheroesȱmustȱ
pushȱthemselvesȱbeyondȱtheirȱlimits.ȱȱ
NOTE - Spending Hero Points to increase the Intensity
of an ability via Upshifts is not considered a Stunt – it's
just being superheroic. However, the effective Rank of
Stunts can be figured from an Upshifted base ability (see
textbox, Stunting in Play, p. 56).
ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
ȱ
Comicȱ booksȱ areȱ fullȱ ofȱ superheroesȱ andȱ
supervillainsȱ usingȱ theirȱ powersȱ inȱ newȱ andȱ
unexpectedȱways.ȱObviously,ȱifȱPhadeȱcomesȱupȱwithȱ
aȱnewȱandȱsuccessfulȱwayȱtoȱuseȱherȱPhasingȱPowerȱ
everyȱ issue,ȱ performingȱ Stuntsȱ mustȱ notȱ beȱ allȱ thatȱ
difficult.ȱ T&Jȱ encouragesȱ experimentationȱ withȱ itsȱ
Stuntȱsystem.ȱ
GivenȱthatȱtheȱpenumbraȱconceptȱofȱT&JȱforȱQualitiesȱ
andȱ Powersȱ (seeȱ p.ȱ 15)ȱ isȱ ratherȱ wide,ȱ Stuntsȱ
representȱinventiveȱattemptsȱtoȱgetȱaroundȱorȱoutsideȱ
ofȱ theȱ generousȱ boundariesȱ ofȱ theseȱ abilities.ȱ Onlyȱ
PowersȱandȱMasterȱ[+6]ȱQualitiesȱcanȱserveȱasȱaȱbaseȱ
abilityȱforȱȈStunting.Ȉȱȱ
Theȱ twoȱ typesȱ ofȱ Stuntsȱ areȱ SpinȬoffȱ Stuntsȱ andȱ
SignatureȱStunts.ȱ
SPIN-OFF STUNTS
SpinȬoffȱ Stuntsȱ lieȱ outsideȱ ofȱ anȱ abilityȇsȱ normalȱ
penumbra,ȱ eitherȱ inȱ functionȱ (whatȱ itȱ does)ȱ orȱ formȱ
(howȱitȱdoesȱit).ȱSoȱlongȱasȱtheȱconceivedȱapplicationȱ
isȱrelatedȱtoȱtheȱbaseȱabilityȱinȱeitherȱfunctionȱorȱform,ȱ
itȱ canȱ beȱ aȱ SpinȬoffȱ Stunt.ȱ Thus,ȱ usingȱ anȱ attackȱ
Powerȱforȱinformationȱpurposesȱ(differentȱfunction),ȱ
ȱ 54
EXAMPLE CHARACTER 3: CHRISTOPHER
HYERDAHL (AKA SNOW OWL)
Background: Chris is just a regular guy: above average
student in high school, went to college for a business degree,
graduated without distinction. After working in a number of
entry-level and supervisory positions in a handful of
industries, he opened up his own camping and sporting
goods store. Chris likes to hang out with his friends,
especially if camping and outdoor activities are involved.
He's devoted to his little sister, Katie.
Motivation: Helping people who are forgotten or
overlooked.
Qualities: Expert [+4] Businessman, Good [+2]
Conversationalist, Good [+2] Outdoorsman, Good [+2]
Sidekick: Kid Sister Katie, and Poor [-2] Impulsive.
Origin: While skiing one winter, Chris tripped and struck
his head. Hidden under a snowdrift, he remained
unconscious in subzero temperatures overnight, but woke
up unharmed – but not unchanged. Now, he has
superpowers and memories that don't fit reality as he
knows it. He remembers "previous incarnations," events
that didn't happen, and intimately knows the details of
people who have been long dead. He's decided to put on a
costume and do the superhero thing – and see if he can
make his new need to aid the underdog pay off.
Powers: Good [+2] Freeze Beam, Average [0] Flight,
Average [0] Memories of Previous Incarnations, Average [0]
Super-Senses: Darkvision, and Average [0] Super-Stealth.
Stunts: Frost Manacles (Freeze Beam Spin-off; Good [+2]; 2
HP; beat a TN of 9 to break free); Icy Fist (Freeze Beam
Shifty Business; 1 HP; Average [0] to hit and Expert [+4]
damage).
Hero Point Pool: 5/10
Codename: Snow Owl
Uniform: Costume. White bodysuit; black belt; "fuzzy"
white gloves and boots with black accents; white cowled
cape with mask and accent scalloping, and a "bird-feather"
hem.
Miscellany: 6'1", 185 lbs.; blond hair and mustache; blue
eyes.
Memories of Previous Incarnations permits Snow Owl to
access memories of other individuals who have had "the
power of the ice owl"; these memories are generally
confused and vague, but usual provide decent information.
Super-Senses: Darkvision allows Snow Owl to see in total
darkness. Super-Stealth is Snow Owl's ability to sneak up
(or away from) on people unseen and unheard, so long as
they aren't already looking at him; treat this as a limited
form of Invisibility. Frost Manacles temporarily holds the
target bound or entangled in one place – usually feet to a
floor, arm to a wall – by a quick coating of ice upon the
target. For Icy Fist, see Shifty Business, p. 55.
Christopher's kid sister Katie sometimes dresses up in a
costume of her own as his Sidekick, Owlette:
Katie Hyerdahl (aka Owlette, the Teen Huntress)
Qualities: Good [+2] Armored Costume, Good [+2]
Computer Nerd, Good [+2] Scrappy, Good [+2] Gadget: Taser
Glove, and Poor [-2] Teenage Angst.
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
aȱ controlȱ Powerȱ forȱ attackȱ purposesȱ (differentȱ
function),ȱ aȱ Powerȱ definedȱ asȱ affectingȱ oneȱ
Somethingȱ toȱ affectȱ aȱ differentȱ Somethingȱ (differentȱ
form),ȱalteringȱaȱBoltȱtoȱaȱBeamȱ(differentȱform),ȱandȱ
soȱforth,ȱareȱallȱacceptableȱSpinȬoffȱStunts.ȱȱ
Usingȱ Telepathyȱ toȱ fryȱ someoneȇsȱ brains,ȱ SuperȬ
Speedȱ toȱ runȱ onȱ waterȱ orȱ upȱ walls,ȱ orȱ Weatherȱ
ControlȱtoȱflyȱviaȱȈcyclonicȱwindsȈȱareȱallȱexamplesȱofȱ
SpinȬoffȱStunts.ȱ
TheȱeffectiveȱRankȱofȱaȱSpinȬoffȱStuntȱisȱfiguredȱfromȱ
theȱ baseȱ abilityȱ usingȱ theȱ Stuntȱ Costȱ Chartȱ (p.ȱ 56).ȱ
Whenȱ usingȱ aȱ SpinȬoffȱ Stuntȱ inȱ play,ȱ theȱ characterȱ
rollsȱ 2d6,ȱ plusȱ theȱ Stuntȇsȱ effectiveȱ Rankȱ Modifier.ȱ
Whileȱ aȱ SpinȬoffȱ Stuntȱ doesȱ notȱ requireȱ Heroȱ Pointȱ
expenditureȱ toȱ operateȱ (unlessȱ itsȱ effectiveȱ Rankȱ
wouldȱ beȱ lessȱ thanȱ Poorȱ [Ȭ2]ȱ Rank),ȱ spendingȱ Heroȱ
PointsȱcanȱmakeȱaȱSpinȬoffȱStuntȱmoreȱformidable.ȱ
SIGNATURE STUNTS
Signatureȱ Stuntsȱ areȱ Ȉspecialȱ movesȈȱ orȱ maneuversȱ
thatȱaȱcharacterȱhasȱasȱpartȱofȱtheirȱbagȱofȱtricks.ȱTheyȱ
areȱ theȱ resultȱ ofȱ trainingȱ withȱ theȱ ability,ȱ
extraordinaryȱfocus,ȱandȱpersonality.ȱTheȱmysteriousȱ
strikesȱ ofȱ martialȱ artists,ȱ magicȱ spellsȱ ofȱ wizards,ȱ
secretȱ techniquesȱ ofȱ madȱ scientists,ȱ theȱ specialȱ
Ȉnamedȱ attacksȈȱ ofȱ animeȱ warriors,ȱ orȱ theȱ patentedȱ
movesȱ ofȱ proȬwrestlersȱ allȱ areȱ formsȱ ofȱ Signatureȱ
Stunt.ȱȱ
SignatureȱStuntsȱusuallyȱlieȱwithinȱanȱabilityȇsȱnormalȱ
penumbra,ȱ inȱ functionȱ andȱ formȱ –ȱ itȇsȱ justȱ anȱ
advanced,ȱ powerful,ȱ focusedȱ usageȱ ofȱ theȱ ability.ȱ
However,ȱ ifȱ aȱ characterȱ consistentlyȱ usesȱ theȱ sameȱ
SpinȬoffȱ Stuntȱ overȱ andȱ overȱ inȱ play,ȱ thatȱ particularȱ
moveȱ canȱ beȱ redefinedȱ specificallyȱ asȱ partȱ ofȱ theȱ
characterȇsȱ penumbra,ȱ andȱ thusȱ canȱ becomeȱ aȱ
Signatureȱ Stunt.ȱ Atȱ leastȱ threeȱ usesȱ inȱ playȱ andȱ
spendingȱ oneȱ MAXȱ toȱ cementȱ theȱ Stuntȱ (seeȱ Chapterȱ
3,ȱ p.ȱ 33)ȱ isȱ enoughȱ toȱ justifyȱ takingȱ itȱ asȱ aȱ Signatureȱ
Stunt.ȱ
Usingȱ Telepathyȱ toȱ mindȬlinkȱ withȱ teammates,ȱ
SuperȬSpeedȱ toȱ unleashȱ aȱ jackhammerȬlikeȱ flurryȱ ofȱ
punches,ȱ orȱ Weatherȱ Controlȱ toȱ launchȱ projectilesȱ
withȱ galeȱ forceȱ windsȱ areȱ allȱ techniquesȱ thatȱ canȱ beȱ
madeȱmoreȱeffectiveȱifȱtheyȱareȱSignatureȱStunts.ȱ
Theȱ effectiveȱ Rankȱ ofȱ aȱ Signatureȱ Stuntȱ isȱ figuredȱ
fromȱtheȱbaseȱabilityȱusingȱtheȱStuntȱCostȱChartȱ(seeȱp.ȱ
ȱ 55
56).ȱ Whenȱ usingȱ aȱ Signatureȱ Stuntȱ inȱ play,ȱ theȱ
characterȱ rollsȱ 2d6,ȱ plusȱ theȱ Stuntȇsȱ effectiveȱ Rankȱ
Modifierȱ andȱ theȱ Modifierȱ ofȱ theȱ baseȱ ability.ȱ
Signatureȱ Stuntsȱ requireȱ anȱ expenditureȱ ofȱ atȱ leastȱ 1ȱ
Heroȱ Pointȱ toȱ operate;ȱ spendingȱ additionalȱ Heroȱ
Pointsȱ canȱ makeȱ aȱ Signatureȱ Stuntȱ evenȱ moreȱ
astounding.ȱȱ
NOTE - This means that 1 Hero Point Signature Stunts
are most cost-effective for abilities with a starting Rank
of Expert [+4] or better.
ȱ
OPTIONAL RULE: SHIFTY BUSINESS
Players and GMs who like playing around with
game systems may want to use this Optional Rule.
If a character wants to pump up the bass while
turning down the treble (for example, boosting the
Damage of an attack while reducing the Range,
increasing the Area while decreasing the Range,
and suchlike), this is essentially a Stunt involving
simultaneous Upshifts and Downshifts. Any Shifty
Business must have the GM's approval and costs 1
Hero Point per "Shifty," and may require the
"splitting" up of aspects of power use that are
typically covered by a single Rank. Let's walk
through an example.
Snow Owl has Freeze Beam at Good [+2] Rank. He
wants to hit a bad guy really, really hard and do a
lot of damage with it. He asks the GM if he can be
Shifty with Range and Damage; the GM assents,
and says that the hero will be rolling against
whatever the "Range Rank" ends up being. Snow
Owl Downshifts the range of Freeze Beam to
Average [0] and Upshifts the damage to Expert
[+4] for 1 Hero Point; he'll be rolling using 2d6 to
hit his foe, but on a successful hit, the attack adds
the MOD from Expert [+4] for damage-
determination. If he chose to spend 2 Hero Points,
he could drop the Range to Poor [-2] (that'd be
touch) to do Master [+6] damage... but he'd have to
attack his foe in hand-to-hand, rolling a 2d6-2.
Is it worth it?
(Note that using Shifty Business is an interesting
way to come up with Signature Stunts.)
 Truth & Justice
ȱ

STUNT COSTS STUNT COST CHART

EFFECTIVE RANK HERO POINT
TheȱeffectiveȱRankȱofȱaȱStuntȱisȱfiguredȱfromȱitsȱbaseȱ (FROM BASE ABILITY) COST
ability;ȱandȱsomeȱStuntsȱmayȱrequireȱtheȱexpenditureȱ
2ȱDownshiftsȱ Zeroȱ
ofȱHeroȱPointsȱtoȱperform,ȱgivenȱtheirȱcomplexityȱorȱ
1ȱDownshiftȱ 1ȱ
theȱIntensityȱdesiredȱforȱtheȱStunt.ȱ
AtȱRankȱ 2ȱ
TheȱchartȱbelowȱshowsȱtheȱHeroȱPointȱcostȱofȱStuntsȱ
1ȱUpshiftȱ 4ȱ
atȱ differentȱ effectiveȱ Ranks,ȱ asȱ calculatedȱ fromȱ theȱ
2ȱUpshiftsȱ 8ȱ
baseȱ abilityȱ Rank.ȱ Playersȱ andȱ GMsȱ shouldȱ consultȱ
3ȱUpshiftsȱ 16ȱ
theȱPDQȱMasterȱChartȱ(seeȱChapterȱ2,ȱp.ȱ15)ȱasȱwellȱasȱ
theȱ T&Jȱ Intensityȱ Chartȱ (seeȱ above,ȱ p.ȱ 34)ȱ whenȱ .ȱ.ȱ.etc.ȱ xȱ2ȱ

figuringȱ outȱ whatȱ Rankȱ isȱ neededȱ forȱ aȱ Stuntȱ toȱ ȱ

performȱaȱspecificȱtask.ȱȱ NOTE - Be warned: Stunting off of an Average [0] Rank – or lower
– Power is really expensive for little benefit.

ȱ
ȱ
STUNTING IN PLAY
For example, Snow Owl has Freeze Beam, a ray that does "cold energy" damage, at Good [+2] Rank. While
fighting a pair of burglars, he decides to use it to create some sort of ice-based entanglement to bind one of them.
This is a change of function (attack to binding), and would be a Spin-off Stunt. For no Hero Points, he can create
"Frost Manacles" with an effective Rank of Poor [-2], which would trap enemies. To break free, the victim would
have to roll successfully against the Stunt's TN of 5 – that's not particularly difficult, even for normal people. Also,
it would be difficult for him to successfully hit with it, since he's rolling at a Poor [-2] Rank, or 2d6-2.
However, if Snow Owl spends 1 Hero Point, the Stunt Rank would be Average [0], with a TN of 7 and a roll of 2d6.
Better still would be a Stunt Rank of Good [+2], with a TN of 9, a roll of 2d6+2, and a Hero Point cost of 2. He can
go for higher Ranks (and Hero Point expenditures) whenever he chooses.
After a few sessions of using Frost Manacles, Snow Owl could make it a Signature Stunt buy spending a point of
MAX, but with Freeze Beam at Good [+2], there would be little benefit from being able to add the Modifiers of the
base ability (+2) and the Stunt (0) together. However, if Snow Owl raised his Freeze Beam to Expert [+4] Rank,
getting Frost Manacles as a Signature Stunt would be a better deal. As a Spin-off Stunt, Snow Owl would be using
Frost Manacles at an effective Rank of Good [+2] (rolling 2d6+2) for a cost of 1 Hero Point; as a Signature Stunt,
he'd be rolling against 2d6+4+2 to successfully hit an enemy with them for the same HP cost.
Take another example, this time comparing Stunt Rank to Difficulty Rank: Victor Vector, a speedster (Expert [+4]
Super-Speed) needs to get an antidote to the hospital, and the only way he'll be able to do it in time is by running
directly across Lake Ontario. The GM informs Victor's player that in this setting, running across water would not
fall under the penumbra of Super-Speed, and would thus need to be a Spin-off Stunt.(Another GM might rule that
water-running is completely within the penumbra of Super-Speed in her setting; Victor would then simply roll
against Super-Speed.)
Victor's player asks the GM what the Difficulty Rank is to run across water. The GM decides that it sounds like
Good [9]. If Victor feels like gambling, he could try it without spending Hero Points, giving him an effective Rank
of Average [0], which means he'd be rolling a 2d6. If he wanted to play it a bit safer, he could spend 1 Hero Point
on the Stunt, giving him an effective Rank of Good [+2] and rolling 2d6+2 – better odds. Or he could spend 2 Hero
Points for Expert [+4] Rank, and the GM might decide Victor doesn't need to roll at all, since Victor's effective
Stunt Rank exceeds the Difficulty Rank of the situation.
Even if the GM in this case decides that running across water is still a complicated situation (which he may,
especially if running a Grim 'n Gritty Style campaign), Victor will be rolling 2d6+4 versus a 9. Or Victor can spend
4 Hero Points for Master effective [+6] Rank, which will have only the slimmest chance of failure in the attempt.

ȱ 56

Chapter 5: Super-Conflict
ȱ
It's clobberin' time!
– Ben Grimm, aka the Thing, Fantastic Four
ȱ
Conflictȱsituationsȱ(seeȱChapterȱ2,ȱp.ȱ21)ȱareȱtheȱcoreȱofȱ
mostȱ adventureȱ fictionȱ andȱ gaming.ȱ Theȱ superheroȱ
genreȱ isȱ noȱ exception!ȱ Indeed,ȱ superheroesȱ areȱ theȱ
posterȬchildrenȱforȱresolutionȱthroughȱconflict.ȱȱ
Thisȱchapterȱtakesȱaȱcloserȱlookȱatȱimportantȱelementsȱ
ofȱconflictȱsituations,ȱbothȱinȱtheȱsourceȱmaterial,ȱandȱ
underȱtheȱT&Jȱgameȱsystem.ȱ
Types of Conflict
Thereȱ areȱ severalȱ typesȱ ofȱ conflictȱ situationȱ thatȱ canȱ
arise,ȱwhichȱcanȱbeȱassociatedȱwithȱtheȱdifferentȱsortsȱ
ofȱT&Jȱabilities.ȱPhysicalȱconflictsȱincludeȱcombatȱandȱ
nonȬfightingȱ contestsȱ ofȱ strengthȱ orȱ skill.ȱ Mentalȱ
conflictsȱ couldȱ representȱ puzzles,ȱ analyzingȱ clues,ȱ
argumentativeȱ debate,ȱ andȱ battlesȱ ofȱ wit.ȱ Emotionalȱ
conflictsȱ canȱ involveȱ psychologicalȱ issuesȱ internalȱ orȱ
external.ȱSocialȱconflictsȱareȱconnectedȱtoȱrelationshipsȱ
withȱ otherȱ people,ȱ groups,ȱ andȱ societyȱ atȱ large.ȱ
Professionalȱ conflictsȱ involveȱ businessȱ dealingsȱ andȱ
corporateȱ skullduggery.ȱ Superhumanȱ conflictsȱ involveȱ
theȱ useȱ ofȱ moreȬthanȬhumanȱ powers,ȱ skills,ȱ orȱ
devices.ȱ
ȱ
57ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
Conflict Outline
Conflictȱ situationsȱ followȱ aȱ straightforwardȱ outlineȱ
(eachȱisȱdescribedȱinȱgreaterȱdetailȱbelow):ȱ
1. Initiativeȱ
2. TheȱMomentȱofȱTruthȱ
3. TheȱDamageȱDoneȱ
Repeatȱasȱnecessaryȱtoȱresolveȱtheȱsituation.ȱ
INITIATIVE
Initiativeȱdeterminesȱwhoȱactsȱfirstȱinȱaȱconflict.ȱMostȱ
ofȱ theȱ time,ȱ theȱ flowȱ ofȱ theȱ situationȱ indicatesȱ whoȱ
actsȱfirst,ȱbutȱinȱsomeȱcases,ȱthisȱorderȱmayȱneedȱtoȱbeȱ
determined.ȱHere’sȱhowȱtoȱdoȱit:ȱ
A. Charactersȱ whoȱ surpriseȱ opponentsȱ
automaticallyȱ gainȱ initiativeȱ andȱ oneȱ freeȱ
actionȱ whereȱ theȱ opponentȱ orȱ opponentsȱ
cannotȱreact.ȱ
B. Usually,ȱ charactersȱ whoȱ declareȱ ȈIȇmȱ
attacking!Ȉȱ firstȱ haveȱ initiativeȱ (ifȱ multipleȱ
charactersȱ declareȱ simultaneously,ȱ well,ȱ
thatȇsȱ aȱ tie).ȱ However,ȱ ifȱ anyȱ ofȱ theirȱ targetsȱ
haveȱanyȱlevelȱofȱSuperȬSpeed,ȱPrecognition,ȱ
Dangerȱ Sense,ȱ anyȱ sortȱ ofȱ superhumanȱ
reactionsȱorȱrelatedȱPowers,ȱorȱaȱMasterȱ[+6]ȱ
levelȱ inȱ aȱ fightingȱ Quality,ȱ goȱ toȱ theȱ nextȱ
step.ȱ
C. Inȱ casesȱ whereȱ charactersȱ areȱ evenlyȱ
matched,ȱequallyȱsurprised,ȱorȱtheȱtargetȱhasȱ
someȱ sortȱ ofȱ edge,ȱ rollȱ 1d6,ȱ plusȱ theȱ
Modifiersȱ ofȱ anyȱ relevantȱ abilitiesȱ forȱ theȱ
situationȱ (Drivingȱ forȱ anȱ automobileȱ race,ȱ
Brawlingȱ forȱ aȱ barȬfight,ȱ QuickȬWittedȱ forȱ aȱ
debate,ȱetc.).ȱHighestȱrollȱgoesȱfirst,ȱfollowedȱ
byȱnextȱhighest,ȱandȱsoȱforth.ȱ
NOTE - This scheme holds true for multiple characters on two
(or more) sides as well.
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
Onceȱ Initiativeȱ isȱdetermined,ȱ conflictȱ resolutionȱ canȱ
proceed.ȱ Charactersȱ withȱ aȱ higherȱ Initiativeȱ mayȱ
“holdȱ theirȱ actions”ȱ forȱ asȱ longȱ asȱ theyȱ want,ȱ butȱ
afterȱ theȱ lastȱ characterȱ hasȱ doneȱ something,ȱ
charactersȱ holdingȱ actionsȱ needȱ toȱ takeȱ themȱ orȱ loseȱ
them.ȱ Afterȱ everyoneȱ involvedȱ inȱ theȱ conflictȱ
situationȱhasȱtakenȱanȱactionȱ(orȱchosenȱnotȱto),ȱaȱnewȱ
Turnȱ startsȱ (seeȱ p.ȱ 18),ȱ andȱ theȱ charactersȱ canȱ actȱ
again,ȱinȱtheȱsameȱorder.ȱLather,ȱrinse,ȱrepeat.ȱ
Example:ȱ Alephȱ isȱ atȱ hisȱ favoriteȱ fastȬfoodȱ
restaurantȱwhenȱhisȱenemyȱBetaȱwalksȱin.ȱ
A. AlephȱisȱunawareȱthatȱBetaȱisȱthere:ȱBetaȱhasȱ
surprise,ȱwhichȱgetsȱherȱinitiativeȱforȱtheȱ
conflictȱSceneȱandȱaȱfreeȱaction.ȱȱ
B. Ifȱ Alephȱ hadȱ noticedȱ Betaȱ walkingȱ inȱ andȱ
Betaȱ stillȱ attackedȱ first:ȱ Betaȱ wouldȱ haveȱ
initiativeȱforȱtheȱconflictȱScene.ȱ
C. Ifȱ Alephȱ andȱ Betaȱ areȱ unawareȱ ofȱ eachȱ otherȱ
andȱbumpȱintoȱeachȱotherȱinȱline:ȱTheyȱeachȱ
rollȱ 1d6.ȱ Alephȱ rollsȱ aȱ 5,ȱ Betaȱ rollsȱ aȱ 3ȱ –ȱ
Alephȱhasȱinitiative.ȱ
STEALING INITIATIVE
Initiativeȱ canȱ beȱ ȈstolenȈȱ duringȱ aȱ conflict.ȱ Byȱ
moving,ȱ causingȱ aȱ distraction,ȱ strikingȱ aȱ pose,ȱ orȱ
mysteriouslyȱ vanishingȱ andȱ reappearing,ȱ theȱ
characterȱlackingȱinitiativeȱcanȱȈrestartȈȱtheȱsequenceȱ
–ȱ atȱ worst,ȱ forcingȱ aȱ reȬrollȱ ofȱ initiative;ȱ atȱ best,ȱ
gainingȱ surpriseȱ orȱ aȱ freeȱ action.ȱ Theȱ GMȱ decidesȱ
whetherȱ aȱ characterȇsȱ actionȱ isȱ enoughȱ toȱ stealȱ
initiative.ȱ
Example:ȱ Inȱ aȱ buildingȱ site,ȱ Bobȱ Brickȱ hasȱ
initiative,ȱ andȱ punchesȱ Greenȱ Grasshopperȱ
throughȱ someȱ drywall.ȱ Insteadȱ ofȱ immediatelyȱ
returningȱ toȱ theȱ frayȱ throughȱ theȱ hole,ȱ Greenȱ
Grasshopperȱleapsȱtoȱtheȱrafters,ȱthenȱdownȱuponȱ
hisȱ foeȱ –ȱ andȱ unexpectedȱ moveȱ whichȱ mayȱ catchȱ
Bobȱ byȱ surpriseȱ (theȱ GMȱ determinesȱ ifȱ initiativeȱ
shiftsȱorȱrestartsȱinȱthisȱway).ȱ
MOMENT OF TRUTH
Theȱ attackerȱ explainsȱ whatȱ hisȱ attemptedȱ actionȱ is,ȱ
andȱ theȱ defenderȱ explainsȱ howȱ he’dȱ tryȱ toȱ counterȱ
thatȱaction.ȱȱ
NOTE - A defensive reaction is simply how the defender
wishes to counter the attacker's action; it is not a free
attack. If Bob Brick throws a car at Telekinetic Kid, the
Kid can deflect or grab the car, but he cannot throw it
back at Bob – that has to wait for the Kid's action. If you
choose not to decide (i.e., "stand there and hope he
ȱ 58
misses"), you still have made a choice – and get to roll
2d6 (no modifiers).
Theȱ attackerȱ rollsȱ 2d6ȱ forȱ hisȱ relevantȱ abilityȱ (orȱ
abilities,ȱ seeȱ below)ȱ andȱ addsȱ theȱ appropriateȱ
Modifierȱ forȱ Rank;ȱ theȱ defenderȱ doesȱ theȱ same.ȱ Theȱ
characterȱwithȱtheȱhigherȱtotalȱwins.ȱȱ
Ifȱ theȱ attackerȱ isȱ successful,ȱ damageȱ (seeȱ below)ȱ isȱ
appliedȱ toȱ theȱ defender;ȱ ifȱ theȱ attackerȱ fails,ȱ noȱ
damageȱ isȱ done.ȱ Aȱ tieȱ isȱ justȱ thatȱ –ȱ nobodyȱ wins,ȱ
nobodyȱloses.ȱ.ȱ.ȱbutȱtheyȱbothȱmussȱeachȱotherȱupȱaȱ
little,ȱtakingȱ1ȱFailureȱRankȱeach.ȱ
Example:ȱ Alephȱ isȱ goingȱ toȱ kickȱ atȱ Betaȇsȱ head;ȱ
Betaȱdecidesȱtoȱblockȱwithȱaȱkickȱofȱherȱown.ȱȱ
A. Alephȱ winsȱ theȱ roll:ȱ Alphaȱ successfullyȱ
attacks,ȱBetaȱtakesȱdamage.ȱȱ
B. Betaȱ winsȱ theȱ roll:ȱ Betaȱ successfullyȱ
defends,ȱBetaȱtakesȱnoȱdamage.ȱ
C. Alephȱ andȱ Betaȱ rollȱ aȱ tie:ȱ Alephȱ andȱ Betaȱ
bothȱtakeȱdamage.ȱ
USING DIFFERENT TYPES OF CONFLICT
Whileȱmanyȱfictionalȱorȱgamingȱstrugglesȱfocusȱonȱaȱ
singleȱtypeȱofȱconflict,ȱoftenȱdifferentȱtypesȱofȱconflictȱ
getȱ thrownȱ intoȱ theȱ mixȱ inȱ superheroȱ storiesȱ andȱ
games.ȱ Inȱ T&J,ȱ thereȱ isȱ aȱ goodȱ reasonȱ forȱ aȱ darkȱ
avengerȱ toȱ pauseȱ andȱ castȱ aȱ dramaticȱ shadow,ȱ aȱ
tricksterȱ heroȱ toȱ tauntȱ andȱ goadȱ hisȱ enemies,ȱ aȱ
superhumanȱ toȱ allowȱ hisȱ lightningȱ boltȱ toȱ crackleȱ
aroundȱhisȱfistȱforȱaȱmomentȱbeforeȱfiring,ȱorȱaȱvillainȱ
toȱ threatenȱ anȱ innocentȱ bystander:ȱ allȱ canȱ beȱ usedȱ
duringȱ aȱ conflictȱ Sceneȱ toȱ helpȱ whittleȱ downȱ anȱ
opponentȱorȱopponents.ȱThisȱisȱvaluableȱwhenȱfacingȱ
superhumanȱfoes,ȱespeciallyȱthoseȱwhoȱareȱtooȱtoughȱ
toȱbeatȱinȱhandȬtoȬhandȱ(seeȱalso,ȱAȱQuestionȱofȱScale,ȱ
p.ȱ60).ȱ
Smartȱcombatantsȱpickȱtheirȱattacksȱtoȱgetȱaroundȱtheȱ
defensesȱ ofȱ theirȱ opponents.ȱ Anȱ invulnerableȱ foeȱ
mightȱ beȱ mentallyȬdenseȱ asȱ well,ȱ andȱ susceptibleȱ toȱ
trickery.ȱ Aȱ speedyȱ enemyȱ canȱ beȱ tripped.ȱ Anȱ
opponentȱwithȱfireȱPowersȱcouldȱbeȱdissuadedȱfromȱ
burningȱ upȱ aȱ carȱ ifȱ heȱ thinksȱ itȇsȱ fullȱ ofȱ theȱ ransomȱ
moneyȱ heȱ demanded.ȱ Aȱ laserȱ cannonȱ heldȱ toȱ theȱ
headȱ ofȱ aȱ mastermindȇsȱ belovedȱ Persianȱ catȱ mightȱ
giveȱhimȱpause.ȱ
Differentȱtypesȱofȱattackȱdoȱdifferentȱtypesȱofȱdamageȱ
dependingȱuponȱtheȱactionȱtakenȱ(seeȱbelow,ȱDamageȱ
Done).ȱȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
USING MULTIPLE ABILITIES
IfȱtheȱGMȱagreesȱthatȱmoreȱthanȱoneȱabilityȱ–ȱthatȱis,ȱ
multipleȱ Qualities,ȱ Powers,ȱ orȱ evenȱ Stuntsȱ –ȱ canȱ beȱ
broughtȱ toȱ bearȱ onȱ aȱ task,ȱ theȱ characterȱ simplyȱ
combinesȱtheȱModifiersȱforȱallȱofȱtheȱrelevantȱabilitiesȱ
whenȱrolling.ȱȱ
IMPORTANT NOTE - The potential to use multiple
abilities to perform a task is not limited to conflict
situations; simple and complicated situations can
benefit from it as well.
Exampleȱ1:ȱGreenȱGrasshopperȱreallyȱwantsȱtoȱhitȱ
Bobȱ Brick.ȱ Heȱ wantsȱ toȱ useȱ bothȱ hisȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ
Karateȱ Qualityȱ alongsideȱ hisȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ SuperȬ
JumpingȱPowerȱtoȱwallopȱtheȱsuperȬthug.ȱTheȱGMȱ
assents,ȱ soȱ Greenȱ Grasshopperȱ willȱ beȱ rollingȱ
2d6+2+4,ȱorȱ2d6+6ȱinȱhisȱattackȱonȱBob.ȱ
Exampleȱ2:ȱWhileȱquestioningȱaȱcriminal,ȱTigergirlȱ
unsheathesȱ herȱ clawsȱ andȱ lightlyȱ drawsȱ themȱ
acrossȱtheȱcrookȇsȱcheek.ȱThisȱwouldȱallowȱherȱtoȱ
addȱherȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱClawsȱPowerȱtoȱherȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱ
Interrogateȱ Quality.ȱ Sheȇllȱ beȱ rollingȱ 2d6+2+2,ȱ orȱ
2d6+4,ȱ toȱ findȱ outȱ whatȱ sheȱ wantsȱ toȱ knowȱ fromȱ
him.ȱ
Furthermore,ȱ combiningȱ multipleȱ abilitiesȱ worksȱ ifȱ
multipleȱcharactersȱwishȱtoȱteamȬupȱtoȱperformȱaȱtask.ȱ
Ifȱ severalȱ charactersȱ areȱ joiningȱ forces,ȱ onlyȱ oneȱ ofȱ
themȱ needsȱ toȱ roll;ȱ usually,ȱ that’sȱ theȱ characterȱ withȱ
theȱhighestȱInitiative,ȱbutȱGMsȱcanȱdetermineȱthisȱasȱ
appropriate.ȱȱ
Exampleȱ1:ȱElectromanȱ(Masterȱ[+6]ȱElectricȱJudo)ȱ
andȱ Dynaladȱ (Expertȱ [+4]ȱ Spinningȱ Powerȱ Fu)ȱ
wishȱ toȱ punchȱ Doctorȱ Ivylȱ simultaneously,ȱ
becauseȱtheȱBadȱDoctorȱisȱheppedȱupȱonȱsomeȱsortȱ
ofȱ performanceȬenhancingȱ SuperȬGadgetȱ
pharmaceutical.ȱ Electromanȱ willȱ beȱ rollingȱ forȱ
bothȱofȱthem,ȱatȱ2d6+6+4,ȱorȱ2d6+10!ȱ
Exampleȱ 2:ȱ Againstȱ aȱ toweringȱ Deathbot,ȱ
Comradeȱ Cobaltȱ (Goodȱ [+2]ȱ SuperȬStrength)ȱ andȱ
theȱHedgehogȱ(Expertȱ[+4]ȱMithrilȱQuills)ȱcombineȱ
forces.ȱ Cobaltȱ wishesȱ toȱ throwȱ theȱ Hedgehogȱ atȱ
theȱDeathbotȱusingȱhisȱmetalȱmuscles,ȱaddingȱthatȱ
forceȱ toȱ theȱ Spinyȱ Wonderȇsȱ superȬsharpȱ quills.ȱ
Theȱ GMȱ couldȱ haveȱ eitherȱ Cobaltȱ orȱ theȱ
Hedgehogȱ rollȱ forȱ success,ȱ orȱ couldȱ haveȱ eachȱ ofȱ
themȱrollȱ1d6ȱplusȱtheirȱModifier,ȱorȱwhatever.ȱ
USING ABILITIES AGAINST MULTIPLE TARGETS
Ifȱ characterȱ wantsȱ toȱ takeȱ onȱ multipleȱ targetsȱ
simultaneouslyȱ inȱ aȱ singleȱ action,ȱ heȱ canȱ splitȱ hisȱ
attentionsȱ(andȱrelevantȱabilityȱRanks)ȱbetweenȱthem.ȱ
ȱ 59
Ofȱ course,ȱ thisȱ dividingȱ ofȱ attentionȱ leadsȱ toȱ aȱ
commensurateȱ decreaseȱ inȱ effectiveȱ skillȱ –ȱ thatȱ is,ȱ aȱ
Downshift.ȱForȱeachȱadditionalȱtargetȱselected,ȱapplyȱ
aȱDownshiftȱtoȱtheȱQualityȱRank.ȱ
Example:ȱ Threeȱ alienȱ Xenobugsȱ areȱ attackingȱ aȱ
schoolbus!ȱ Fireballȱ (Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Flameȱ Bolt)ȱ isȱ theȱ
onlyȱ heroȱ onȱ theȱ sceneȱ atȱ theȱ moment.ȱ Heȱ couldȱ
shootȱ aȱ fireȬblastȱ atȱ twoȱ ofȱ theȱ Xenobugsȱ
simultaneouslyȱ atȱ anȱ effectiveȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ Rankȱ
forȱbothȱshots,ȱorȱheȱcouldȱtryȱtoȱattackȱallȱthreeȱatȱ
onceȱwithȱanȱeffectiveȱPoorȱ[Ȭ2]ȱRank.ȱ
USING OFFENSIVE POWERS FOR DEFENSIVE
REACTIONS
Givenȱaȱdecentȱjustification,ȱthereȇsȱnoȱreasonȱthatȱanȱ
offensiveȱ Powerȱ (likeȱ Laserȱ Bolt)ȱ cannotȱ beȱ usedȱ asȱ
partȱ ofȱ aȱ characterȇsȱ defensiveȱ reactionȱ inȱ conflictȱ (ȈIȱ
vaporizeȱtheȱbulletsȱwithȱsomeȱLaserȱBolts!Ȉ).ȱIndeed,ȱ
forȱsomeȱcharacters,ȱthisȱisȱentirelyȱaproposȱ–ȱthinkȱofȱ
anȱiceȬbasedȱcharacterȇsȱFreezeȱBeamȱandȱaȱfireȬbasedȱ
characterȇsȱFlameȱJetȱcancelingȱeachȱotherȱout.ȱ
However,ȱtheȱGMȱhasȱfinalȱvetoȱoverȱwhetherȱorȱnotȱ
suchȱ aȱ usageȱ isȱ possible,ȱ andȱ canȱ feelȱ freeȱ toȱ chargeȱ
theȱcharacterȱaȱHeroȱPointȱ(ifȱheȱthinksȱtheȱuseȱofȱthatȱ
Powerȱ inȱ thatȱ wayȱ isȱ sketchy).ȱ Ifȱ theȱ characterȱ paysȱ
Heroȱ Pointsȱ toȱ useȱ aȱ powerȱ inȱ thisȱ fashionȱ duringȱ aȱ
Scene,ȱheȱneedȱnotȱspendȱanyȱfurtherȱpointsȱtoȱdoȱsoȱ
forȱtheȱrestȱofȱtheȱScene.ȱ
USING DEFENSIVE POWERS FOR OFFENSIVE
ACTIONS
Likewise,ȱgivenȱaȱcleverȱjustification,ȱthereȇsȱnoȱreasonȱ
whyȱaȱdefensiveȱpowerȱ(likeȱSuperȬArmor)ȱcannotȱbeȱ
usedȱasȱpartȱofȱaȱcharacterȇsȱattackȱactionȱ(ȈIȱbashȱtheȱ
thugȱ withȱ myȱ superȬshield!Ȉ).ȱ Again,ȱ theȱ GMȱ hasȱ
finalȱ vetoȱ overȱ whetherȱ orȱ notȱ suchȱ aȱ usageȱ isȱ
possible,ȱ butȱ inȱ thisȱ caseȱ shouldȱ chargeȱ theȱ characterȱ
atȱ leastȱ oneȱ Heroȱ Pointȱ (orȱ evenȱ two)ȱ forȱ thisȱ offensiveȱ
useȱ ofȱ aȱ defensiveȱ ability.ȱ Dependingȱ uponȱ theȱ
circumstancesȱ ofȱ theȱ Sceneȱ andȱ atȱ hisȱ discretion,ȱ theȱ
GMȱ mayȱ eitherȱ permitȱ furtherȱ useȱ ofȱ theȱ Powerȱ inȱ
thisȱ methodȱ forȱ theȱ restȱ ofȱ theȱ Sceneȱ withoutȱ
additionalȱ cost,ȱ orȱ chargeȱ theȱ characterȱ Heroȱ Pointsȱ
forȱeveryȱinstanceȱofȱthisȱsortȱofȱuse.ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ

A QUESTION OF SCALE
Qualities are assumed to be on the normal-scale, and
Powers are on the super-scale. Some Powers do super-
scale damage to living targets; this means that if they
successfully hit the target, a number of extra Ranks of
damage equal to the Target Number of the Power used is
added to the normal-scale damage. Nearly all Powers
can do super-scale damage to normal-scale objects
(mailboxes, cars, trees, buildings, etc.), provided they're
not characters.
Mundane thugs are probably not going to threaten a
superhuman character much; a Super-Strong character
who lands a punch on a regular joe is going to easily
clean the normal dude's clock. For this reason, for some
situations (usually involving Master [+6] Rank
Qualities, Super-Strength, Super-Speed, or Minions),
treating the conflict situation as a complicated situation
is recommended. If the super-scale character beats the
Difficulty Rank of the normal-scale character's relevant
Quality, he wins. From the normal-scale character's
perspective, however, he's still participating in a conflict
situation, with all its give and take.
However, to reflect the ability of normal-scale PCs (that
is, unpowered but highly-trained humans) to take on
superhumans and fight fairly, this redefining of a
conflict situation into a complicated situation is best ȱ
used only on a PC's behalf, or purely between NPCs.
That is: DAMAGE DONE
* A powered NPC takes on unpowered NPCs: Damageȱ isȱ theȱ generalȱ termȱ forȱ theȱ lossȱ ofȱ
Complicated situation. wherewithalȱtoȱ continueȱ aȱ conflict.ȱ Duringȱaȱ conflictȱ
* An unpowered PC takes on a powered NPC: Usually a situation,ȱtheȱparticipantsȱloseȱresources,ȱuntilȱoneȱorȱ
conflict situation.
anotherȱ cannotȱ continue.ȱ Inȱ T&J,ȱ thisȱ holdsȱ trueȱ
* An unpowered PC takes on an unpowered NPC:
acrossȱallȱtypesȱofȱconflicts;ȱallȱdamageȱisȱrepresentedȱ
Usually a conflict situation, unless the PC has Master
[+6] Rank and the NPC has Average [0] or worse Rank byȱaȱtemporaryȱDownshiftȱappliedȱtoȱtheȱcharacter’sȱ
in the relevant ability. listedȱ abilities.ȱ Theseȱ temporaryȱ Downshiftsȱ areȱ
* A powered PC takes on an unpowered NPC: Sometimes eitherȱ Damageȱ Ranksȱ orȱ Failureȱ Ranksȱ (seeȱ alsoȱ
can be a complicated situation (depending upon abilities Chapterȱ2,ȱp.ȱ22).ȱ
and characters involved; GM's call).
Nevertheless, just because a character is superhuman Mostȱ thingsȱ thatȱ doȱ physicalȱ injuryȱ toȱ aȱ characterȱ
doesn't mean that humans can't be a threat. Teams of (accidents,ȱ longȱ falls,ȱ combat,ȱ etc.)ȱ causeȱ himȱ toȱ
thugs can swarm a tougher opponent, and take accrueȱDamageȱRanks.ȱHowever,ȱmartialȱartsȱattacksȱ
advantage of the Using Multiple Abilities (see maintext) aimedȱ atȱ delaying,ȱ tripping,ȱ entangling,ȱ grappling,ȱ
rules. A normal-scale opponent could aim for causing
Failure Ranks rather than Damage Ranks by pushing,ȱ pulling,ȱ flipping,ȱ throwing,ȱ tiring,ȱ etc.,ȱ anȱ
threatening an innocent, goading the superhuman into opponentȱcouldȱbeȱseenȱasȱFailureȱRanks.ȱȱ
making mistakes, judo-flipping or tripping the
superhuman, scaring the superhuman silly, etc. Canny Mostȱ ofȱ theȱ otherȱ typesȱ ofȱ conflictsȱ causeȱ Failureȱ
normal-scale opponents will take advantage of a Ranks.ȱ Inȱ mentalȱ contests,ȱ peopleȱ getȱ confusedȱ orȱ
superhuman's Weaknesses and Vulnerabilities (if exhaustȱtheirȱarguments.ȱInȱsocialȱconflicts,ȱthreatsȱtoȱ
known). A smart normal-scale foe will definitely try to
lovedȱonesȱcanȱsapȱtheȱwillȱtoȱfightȱon,ȱorȱaȱpersonȇsȱ
arrange as many Downshifts for the superhuman and as
many Upshifts for himself as possible. resistanceȱ toȱ seductionȱ canȱ beȱ wornȱ down.ȱ Inȱ
businessȱ conflicts,ȱ aȱ characterȇsȱ stratagemsȱ canȱ beȱ
ȱ
outmaneuveredȱorȱtheirȱassetsȱcanȱbeȱliquidated,ȱandȱ
soȱon.ȱ

ȱ 60
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
Aȱ characterȱ canȱ sufferȱ bothȱ Damageȱ Ranksȱ andȱ
Failureȱ Ranksȱ inȱ theȱ courseȱ ofȱ aȱ conflictȱ situation.ȱ
Theyȱareȱfunctionallyȱtheȱsameȱthingȱduringȱaȱconflict,ȱ
butȱ areȱ regainedȱ byȱ theȱ characterȱ atȱ differentȱ ratesȱ
afterwardȱ(seeȱbelow,ȱRecoveringȱfromȱDamage).ȱ
DISHING IT OUT
Asȱ notedȱ underȱ Momentȱ ofȱ Truth,ȱ ifȱ anȱ attackȱ isȱ
successful,ȱ theȱ differenceȱ betweenȱ theȱ attackingȱ andȱ
defendingȱ rollsȱ determinesȱ howȱ muchȱ damageȱ
(Damageȱ Ranksȱ orȱ Failureȱ Ranks)ȱ isȱ doneȱ toȱ theȱ
defender.ȱ Ifȱ theȱ rollȱ resultsȱ areȱ tied,ȱ bothȱ charactersȱ
takeȱaȱsingleȱDownshift.ȱȱ
Example:ȱTheȱShrikeȱ(rolledȱ11ȱonȱherȱattack)ȱhasȱ
successfullyȱpunchedȱMs.ȱSparkleȱ(rolledȱ6ȱonȱherȱ
defenseȱ reaction)ȱ inȱ theȱ face.ȱ Ms.ȱ Sparkleȱ takesȱ 5ȱ
DamageȱRanks.ȱ
NOTE - Environmental damage – like that taken from
falling, jumping through a fire, drowning, exhaustion from
all night hacking, or from other complicated situations –
works by comparing the Target Number of the task
against the total of the character’s failed roll. The
difference between roll and Target Number is the Ranks
of damage taken.
TAKING IT ON THE CHIN
Onȱtheȱpositiveȱside,ȱtheȱplayerȱofȱtheȱdefendingȱPCȱ
decidesȱwhereȱtoȱapplyȱtheȱdamageȱ(seeȱtheȱChapterȱ2ȱ
textbox,ȱTheȱKeyȱtoȱUnderstandingȱConflictȱAbstraction,ȱ
p.ȱ23).ȱItȱmayȱonlyȱbeȱappliedȱtoȱthoseȱabilitiesȱlistedȱ
onȱ theȱ character’sȱ sheetȱ (thatȱ is,ȱ notȱ anyȱ oneȱ ofȱ theȱ
character’sȱ infiniteȱ numberȱ ofȱ “default”ȱ Averageȱ
Qualities).ȱ Superhumansȱ haveȱ aȱ benefitȱ hereȱ inȱ thatȱ
theyȱ haveȱ manyȱ moreȱ extraȱ Ranksȱ ofȱ Powersȱ (or,ȱ inȱ
theȱ caseȱ ofȱ Intenseȱ Training,ȱ Ranksȱ ofȱ Qualities)ȱ toȱ
absorbȱ damage.ȱ Asȱ notedȱ inȱ Chapterȱ 2ȱ (p.ȱ 24),ȱ theȱ
abilityȱ thatȱ takesȱ theȱ firstȱ hitȱ inȱ conflictȱ generatesȱ aȱ
Storyȱ Hook,ȱ aȱ complicationȱ forȱ theȱ characterȇsȱ life.ȱ
Preferably,ȱ theȱ playerȱ describesȱ theȱ natureȱ orȱ
rationaleȱ behindȱ theȱ lostȱ Ranks;ȱ ifȱ unableȱ orȱ
unwilling,ȱ theȱ GMȱ canȱ provideȱ descriptionȱ (indeed,ȱ
someȱ stylesȱ ofȱ playȱ leaveȱ thisȱ resolutionȱ completelyȱ
upȱtoȱtheȱGM).ȱ
Whenȱ anyȱ oneȱ ofȱ aȱ character’sȱ abilitiesȱ dropsȱ belowȱ
Poorȱ Rank,ȱ theȱ characterȱ isȱ outȱ ofȱ theȱ Scene.ȱ Zeroingȱ
outȱ likeȱ thisȱ couldȱ meanȱ theȱ characterȱ hasȱ totallyȱ
flubbedȱ theȱ seductionȱ attempt,ȱ beenȱ knockedȱ
unconsciousȱinȱcombat,ȱorȱrunȱoutȱofȱtestȬtakingȱtimeȱ
andȱ mustȱ putȱ downȱ hisȱ #2ȱ pencil.ȱ Ifȱ possible,ȱ theȱ
playerȱ describesȱ howȱ andȱ whyȱ theȱ PCȱ isȱ outȱ ofȱ theȱ
ȱ 61
Scene;ȱifȱunableȱorȱunwilling,ȱtheȱGMȱcanȱdepictȱtheȱ
lossȱ ofȱ theȱ conflict.ȱ Ifȱ theȱ Sceneȱ continuesȱ afterȱ theȱ
characterȱ fallsȱ (say,ȱ ifȱ thereȱ areȱ otherȱ heroesȱ yetȱ
fightingȱ on),ȱ theȱ GMȱ letsȱ theȱ playerȱ knowȱ if/whenȱ
theyȱ canȱ returnȱ toȱ theȱ Sceneȱ (seeȱ below,ȱ Recoveringȱ
fromȱDamage).ȱ
"ARMOR-LIKE" ABILITIES IN CONFLICT
InȱadditionȱtoȱbeingȱableȱtoȱaddȱanȱabilityȇsȱModifierȱ
toȱ defensiveȱ reactionȱ rollsȱ (forȱ dodging,ȱ parrying,ȱ
blocking,ȱevading,ȱetc.),ȱsomeȱabilitiesȱactȱlikeȱArmorȱ
(seeȱChapterȱ4,ȱp.ȱ39)ȱinȱparticularȱtypesȱofȱconflict.ȱInȱ
eachȱSceneȱ(notȱperȱTurnȱorȱreaction;ȱseeȱboxedȱtext,ȱ
TimeȱinȱConflict),ȱaȱcharacterȱcanȱchooseȱtoȱDownshiftȱ
theȱ ȈArmorȬlikeȈȱ abilityȱ once;ȱ byȱ sacrificingȱ aȱ Rank,ȱ
theȱcharacterȱcanȱignoreȱallȱFailureȱorȱDamageȱRanksȱ
fromȱ oneȱ action.ȱ Anȱ abilityȱ mustȱ beȱ ofȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ
Rankȱorȱbetterȱtoȱbeȱusedȱinȱthisȱway.ȱTheȱtrueȱArmorȱ
andȱSuperȬArmorȱabilitiesȱareȱmoreȱflexible,ȱtheyȱcanȱ
beȱDownshiftedȱmultipleȱtimesȱinȱaȱsingleȱScene.ȱ
Ranksȱsacrificedȱinȱthisȱwayȱareȱrecoveredȱatȱtheȱendȱ
ofȱ theȱ Sceneȱ theȱ sameȱ wayȱ asȱ otherȱ Ranksȱ (seeȱ
below).ȱ
Examples:ȱ Ironȱ Willȱ Qualityȱ couldȱ beȱ treatedȱ likeȱ
Armorȱ ifȱ aȱ mindȱ controllingȱ villainȱ isȱ attemptingȱ
toȱ puppeteerȱ them,ȱ Trueȱ Loveȱ forȱ Garyȱ Shaneȱ
Qualityȱ isȱ ȈArmorȬlikeȈȱ ifȱ someoneȱ isȱ tryingȱ toȱ
seduceȱ theȱ character,ȱ Thriftyȱ Qualityȱ couldȱ aidȱ
resistanceȱ ifȱ someoneȱ isȱ tryingȱ toȱ pryȱ aȱ donationȱ
outȱofȱtheȱcharacter,ȱorȱSuperȬAgilityȱPowerȱcouldȱ
beȱ usedȱ ifȱ theȱ characterȱ isȱ successfullyȱ bodyȬ
checkedȱoffȱofȱtheȱroofȱofȱaȱskyscraper.ȱȱ
WEAKNESSES IN CONFLICT
IfȱtheȱcharacterȱhasȱaȱWeaknessȱrelatedȱtoȱtheȱtypeȱofȱ
conflictȱ (forȱ example,ȱ Glassȱ Jawȱ inȱ aȱ handȬtoȬhandȱ
combat,ȱMathȱisȱHard!ȱinȱanȱarithmeticȱtest,ȱorȱCan’tȱ
Sayȱ Noȱ toȱ aȱ Prettyȱ Faceȱ inȱ aȱ seductionȱ attempt),ȱ heȱ
willȱ haveȱ toȱ takeȱ twoȱ extraȱ Damageȱ Ranksȱ theȱ firstȱ
timeȱ–ȱandȱonlyȱtheȱfirstȱtimeȱ–ȱheȱgetsȱtaggedȱinȱtheȱ
relevantȱ situation.ȱ (That’sȱ whyȱ it’sȱ aȱ Weakness;ȱ ifȱ
theyȱ haveȱ anȱ offsettingȱ Strengthȱ thatȱ allowsȱ themȱ toȱ
ignoreȱ orȱ resistȱ asȱ above,ȱ theyȱ canȱ useȱ thatȱ toȱ
ameliorateȱ theȱ badness.)ȱ Anyȱ Storyȱ Hookȱ generatedȱ
fromȱ theȱ influenceȱ ofȱ aȱ Weaknessȱ shouldȱ beȱ moreȱ
intenseȱthanȱaȱtypicalȱStoryȱHook.ȱ
NOTE - Qualities or Powers reduced to Poor [-2] Rank
during a conflict situation by Failure or Damage Ranks
are not Weaknesses; Weaknesses are character flaws
decided upon at character generation. There’s a
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
difference between a Weakness of Poor [-2] Unathletic
(the character’s never been that into sports) versus
someone in a race who is normally a Good [+2] Athlete
but has been temporarily reduced to Poor [-2] Rank by
accumulating Failure Ranks (he’s out of breath and
feeling the burn).
KNOCKED AROUND AND COLLATERAL DAMAGE
Whileȱ theȱ playerȱ ofȱ aȱ characterȱ describesȱ theȱ actionsȱ
andȱreactionsȱtheirȱcharactersȱtakeȱinȱconflict,ȱdecidesȱ
whereȱ onȱ theirȱ listedȱ abilitiesȱ toȱ takeȱ Damageȱ orȱ
Failureȱ Ranks,ȱ itȇsȱ theȱ GMȇsȱ jobȱ toȱ helpȱ connectȱ theȱ
playerȇsȱ choicesȱ hereȱ toȱ theȱ settingȱ ofȱ theȱ campaign,ȱ
toȱ theȱ responsesȱ ofȱ NPCs,ȱ andȱ toȱ helpȱ weaveȱ allȱ ofȱ
themȱ intoȱ aȱ narrativeȱ ofȱ theȱ storyȱ ofȱ theȱ comicȱ bookȱ
issueȱorȱcartoonȱepisodeȱthatȱisȱunfoldingȱduringȱtheȱ
game.ȱȱ
Theȱ effectsȱ ofȱ superhumanȱ conflictȱ areȱ theȱ preȬ
eminentȱplacesȱwhereȱtheȱplayersȱandȱGMȱcanȱinjectȱ
aȱlotȱofȱcomicȱbookȱflavorȱintoȱthisȱongoingȱstory.ȱInȱ
superheroȱstories,ȱpeopleȱareȱalwaysȱgettingȱknockedȱ
backȱ severalȱ yards,ȱ punchedȱ throughȱ walls,ȱ tackledȱ
offȱ ofȱ halfȬconstructedȱ buildings,ȱ slammedȱ hipȱ deepȱ
intoȱ mud,ȱ smashedȱ intoȱ cars,ȱ andȱ soȱ forth.ȱ Thingsȱ
explodeȱ violently,ȱ volcanoesȱ erupt,ȱ mansionsȱ
crumble,ȱ massiveȱ propertyȱ damageȱ happensȱ (seeȱ
Chapterȱ1,ȱComicȱBookȱTropes,ȱp.ȱ11).ȱPlayersȱandȱGMsȱ
shouldȱuseȱtheseȱimagesȱandȱmotifsȱwhenȱcomingȱupȱ
withȱ theȱ effectȱ ofȱ Damageȱ Ranksȱ andȱ Failureȱ Ranksȱ
onȱtheirȱcharactersȱandȱtheȱnearbyȱenvironment.ȱȱ
Example:ȱȈTheȱDamageȱRankȱIȱtookȱtoȱmyȱJoggingȱ
Qualityȱ meansȱ thatȱ afterȱ Bobȱ Brickȱ threwȱ meȱ atȱ
theȱ car,ȱ Iȱ wentȱ throughȱ theȱ windshieldȱ feetȱ firstȈȱ
orȱ ȈTheȱ Damageȱ Rankȱ Iȱ tookȱ toȱ myȱ Joggingȱ
QualityȱmeansȱIȱtwistedȱmyȱankleȱbecauseȱDoctorȱ
IvylȇsȱBlasterȱtoreȱupȱtheȱsidewalkȈȱorȱȈtheȱFailureȱ
Rankȱ Iȱ tookȱ onȱ Laserȱ Beamȱ isȱ becauseȱ myȱ handȱ
temporarilyȱ gotȱ trappedȱ underȱ aȱ fallenȱ telephoneȱ
pole,ȱandȱisȱaȱlittleȱnumb,ȱthrowingȱoffȱmyȱaim.Ȉȱ
Aȱ goodȱ ruleȱ ofȱ thumbȱ isȱ thatȱ anyȱ attackȱ thatȱ doesȱ
moreȱ thanȱ 3ȱ Ranksȱ ofȱ damageȱ causesȱ ȈknockbackȈȱ
whereȱ theȱ characterȱ goesȱ sprawlingȱ orȱ tripsȱ orȱ
bouncesȱ offȱ ofȱ aȱ wall.ȱ Normally,ȱ thisȱ doesȱ noȱ extraȱ
Damage,ȱ butȱ canȱ beȱ amusingȱ orȱ provideȱ charactersȱ
forȱ ideasȱ inȱ interactingȱ withȱ theȱ locationȱ ofȱ theȱ
conflict,ȱ orȱ –ȱ evenȱ betterȱ –ȱ provideȱ opportunitiesȱ toȱ
directlyȱaffectȱtheȱenvironmentȱwithȱanȱability,ȱwhichȱ
canȱhelpȱcharactersȱinȱconflictȱ(seeȱbelow,ȱLampȬpostsȱ
&ȱLamborghinis.)ȱ
ȱ 62
OUT FOR BLOOD?
Forȱphysicalȱconflicts,ȱtheȱdefaultȱassumptionȱinȱT&Jȱ
isȱ thatȱ charactersȱ canȱ onlyȱ beȱ killedȱ onceȱ theyȱ areȱ
unconsciousȱ orȱ otherwiseȱ helpless.ȱ Thisȱ requiresȱ noȱ
roll,ȱ check,ȱ orȱ action,ȱ simplyȱ aȱ statementȱ onȱ theȱ
attacker’sȱ nextȱ actionȱ thatȱ theȱ heȱ wishesȱ toȱ killȱ theȱ
victim.ȱ Andȱ onlyȱ theȱ mostȱ thuggishȱ ofȱ supervillainsȱ
(orȱtheȱdarkestȱofȱheroes)ȱwillȱoptȱtoȱdoȱthisȱ–ȱmanyȱ
haveȱcodesȱofȱhonorȱorȱrampantȱegotismȱthatȱrefutesȱ
killingȱaȱhelplessȱfoe.ȱ
(GMsȱ shouldȱ feelȱ freeȱ toȱ changeȱ thisȱ ruleȱ ifȱ theyȱ
desire.ȱ Perhapsȱ charactersȱ pickȱ whetherȱ theyȱ areȱ
doingȱ“bruising”ȱdamageȱorȱ“killing”ȱdamageȱatȱtheȱ
beginningȱofȱaȱconflictȱsituation.)ȱȱ
Andȱremember:ȱespeciallyȱinȱsuperheroȱstories,ȱdeathȱ
isnȇtȱ alwaysȱ permanentȱ forȱ aȱ majorȱ character.ȱ Often,ȱ
itȇsȱjustȱanȱOriginȱforȱaȱnewȱandȱimprovedȱcharacter.ȱ
RECOVERING FROM DAMAGE
OnceȱaȱSceneȱends,ȱtheȱinjuredȱcharacterȱwillȱbeginȱtoȱ
recoverȱlostȱRanks.ȱHowȱmanyȱheȱgetsȱbackȱdependsȱ
uponȱwhetherȱheȱwasȱinȱmomentaryȱdangerȱorȱisȱstillȱinȱ
continuingȱdanger.ȱ
MOMENTARY DANGER
Ifȱ nothingȱ elseȱ isȱ goingȱ on,ȱ andȱ theȱ characterȱ isȱ
otherwiseȱ safe,ȱ relaxed,ȱ andȱ lackingȱ anyȱ timeȱ
constraintsȱ(likeȱhavingȱaȱsupervillainȱbreakingȱdownȱ
theȱ doorȱ orȱaȱ bombȱ timerȱcountdown),ȱtheȱ characterȱ
wasȱinȱmomentaryȱdanger.ȱAtȱtheȱendȱofȱtheȱScene,ȱallȱ
Damageȱ Ranksȱ andȱ Failureȱ Ranksȱ areȱ removed,ȱ
restoringȱabilitiesȱtoȱtheirȱappropriateȱlevels.ȱ
CONTINUING DANGER
Ifȱ theȱ overarchingȱ situationȱ thatȱ theȱ conflictȱ
happenedȱ inȱ isȱ risky,ȱ stressful,ȱ orȱ underȱ deadlineȱ (aȱ
raceȱ toȱ getȱ anȱ organȱ transplantȱ toȱ theȱ hospital,ȱ
chasingȱ downȱ aȱ faultyȱ warbot,ȱ assaultingȱ aȱ villainȇsȱ
secretȱ volcanoȱ base),ȱ theȱ characterȱ isȱ inȱ continuingȱ
danger.ȱ Atȱ theȱ endȱ ofȱ theȱ conflictȱ Scene,ȱ charactersȱ
recoverȱ allȱ lostȱ Failureȱ Ranks,ȱ butȱ onlyȱ 2d6ȱ lostȱ
Damageȱ Ranksȱ ofȱ abilities.ȱ Theȱ playerȱ selectsȱ whichȱ
abilityȱ Ranksȱ areȱ restored.ȱ However,ȱ theȱ characterȱ
willȱnotȱrecoverȱanyȱmoreȱRanksȱuntilȱtheȱendȱofȱtheȱ
nextȱScene,ȱGMȱtellsȱthemȱtoȱrollȱagain,ȱaȱQualityȱorȱ
Powerȱcomesȱintoȱplay,ȱorȱtheȱcharacterȱspendsȱHeroȱ
Pointsȱtoȱhealȱ(seeȱp.ȱ32).ȱ
NOTE - A Strength like “Quick Healer” should allow the
character to gain back the standard 2d6 roll, plus their
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
Modifier. A Weakness like “Slow Healer” would mean that the
character rolls 2d6-2 (the Modifier for Poor), with a minimum
of zero Ranks regained.
CONFLICT JAZZ
Hereȱ areȱ someȱ methodsȱ toȱ getȱ evenȱ moreȱ ofȱ yourȱ
tacticalȱ orȱ strategicȱ yaȬyasȱ out.ȱ Anyȱ characterȱ canȱ
chooseȱtoȱuseȱthemȱinȱtheȱcourseȱofȱtheirȱconflicts.ȱȱ
CONFLICT STRATEGIES
Charactersȱ haveȱ twoȱ additionalȱ strategiesȱ thatȱ theyȱ
canȱuseȱinȱconflicts,ȱdependingȱuponȱifȱtheyȱwantȱtoȱ
specificallyȱconcentrateȱonȱattackȱorȱdefense.ȱOneȱcanȱ
onlyȱ beȱ usedȱ byȱ anȱ attackerȱ andȱ theȱ otherȱ onlyȱ byȱ aȱ
defender.ȱ Ifȱ aȱ PCȱ wishesȱ toȱ useȱ eitherȱ ofȱ theseȱ
strategies,ȱtheyȱmustȱannounceȱitȱatȱtheȱbeginningȱofȱ
theȱTurn.ȱTheyȱcannotȱbeȱusedȱonȱtheȱsameȱTurn.ȱ
FLIP OUT
Theȱ attackerȱ flipsȱ outȱ againstȱ theȱ target,ȱ makingȱ
strongȱ attacksȱ (physical,ȱ mental,ȱ orȱ social)ȱ withoutȱ
muchȱ heedȱ toȱ defense.ȱ Aȱ FlipȬOutȱ grantsȱ anȱ Upshiftȱ
forȱ theȱ attackȱ (andȱ anyȱ subsequentȱ damage)ȱ andȱ aȱ
Downshiftȱ onȱ allȱ defensiveȱ reactionsȱ andȱ otherȱ nonȬ
conflictȬrelatedȱactionsȱuntilȱhisȱnextȱaction.ȱ
PLAY IT CAGEY
Theȱdefenderȱplaysȱitȱcagey,ȱoptingȱforȱsafetyȱbyȱnotȱ
takingȱ anyȱ chances,ȱ holdingȱ backȱ inȱ theȱ conflict.ȱ
Playingȱ Itȱ Cageyȱ grantsȱ anȱ Upshiftȱ forȱ allȱ defensiveȱ
reactionsȱandȱaȱDownshiftȱonȱallȱtheȱcharacter’sȱnonȬ
conflictȬrelatedȱ actionsȱ forȱ theȱ Turn;ȱ unfortunately,ȱ
Playingȱ Itȱ Cageyȱ meansȱ thatȱ theȱ character’sȱ nextȱ
attackȱactionȱwillȱalsoȱsufferȱfromȱthisȱDownshift.ȱ
LAMP-POSTS & LAMBORGHINIS
Onȱ theȱ normalȬscale,ȱ T&Jȱ assumesȱ theȱ useȱ ofȱ
appropriateȱtoolsȱalongsideȱaȱQualityȱ–ȱaȱspreadsheetȱ
programȱ withȱ Accounting,ȱ aȱ pistolȱ withȱ Gunplay,ȱ aȱ
littleȱblackȱdressȱwithȱSeduction,ȱetc.ȱȱ
Onȱ theȱ superȬscale,ȱ however,ȱ thereȇsȱ aȱ grandȱ
traditionȱ ofȱ SuperȬStrongȱ supersȱ grabbingȱ piecesȱ ofȱ
theȱ sceneryȱ toȱ whompȱ onȱ eachȱ otherȱ with.ȱ Thisȱ isȱ
usuallyȱ seenȱ fromȱ withinȱ aȱ superheroȱ contextȱ asȱ aȱ
reasonableȱ thingȱ toȱ try.ȱ Toȱ encourageȱ thisȱ massiveȱ
propertyȱ damageȱ andȱ relatedȱ amusingȱ descriptions,ȱ
hereȇsȱaȱsimpleȱmethodȱtoȱmapȱthisȱcomicȱbookȱtropeȱ
inȱT&J:ȱusingȱaȱȈtoolȈȱlikeȱaȱcar,ȱlamppost,ȱorȱmanholeȱ
coverȱ grantsȱ oneȱ Upshiftȱ toȱ theȱ characterȇsȱ nextȱ
attack.ȱ Mostȱ ȈtoolsȈȱ usedȱ inȱ thisȱ fashionȱ cannotȱ
ȱ 63
handleȱ moreȱ thanȱ oneȱ orȱ twoȱ exchangesȱ ofȱ attackȱ
actionȱandȱdefensiveȱreactionȱbeforeȱbeingȱdestroyed.ȱ
Example:ȱ Bobȱ Brickȱ (Averageȱ [0]ȱ SuperȬStrength)ȱ
ripsȱ aȱ lampȬpostȱ outȱ ofȱ theȱ ground,ȱ andȱ startsȱ
beatingȱ onȱ Americanȱ Ranger.ȱ Bobȱ isȱ usingȱ theȱ
reachȱ andȱ sweepȱ ofȱ theȱ lampȬpostȱ toȱ betterȱ
connectȱ withȱ hisȱ foe.ȱ Heȱ rollsȱ withȱ anȱ Upshiftȱ
whenȱ tryingȱ toȱ hitȱ theȱ hero.ȱ Heȱ rollsȱ 2d6+2ȱ andȱ
getsȱaȱ9;ȱAmericanȱRangerȱ getsȱanȱ8.ȱBobȱhitsȱtheȱ
heroȱ forȱ 1ȱ Damageȱ Rank;ȱ ifȱ heȱ hadȱ notȱ usedȱ theȱ
lampȬpost,ȱheȱwouldȱhaveȱmissedȱwithȱhisȱattack.ȱ
Super-Conflict Example
Hereȇsȱ anȱ extensiveȱ exampleȱ ofȱ superȬconflict,ȱ
involvingȱ Joeȱ Thugȱ (seeȱ p.ȱ 17),ȱ Bobȱ Brickȱ (seeȱ below),ȱ
andȱ Snowȱ Owlȱ (seeȱ p.ȱ 54).ȱ Theȱ relevantȱ portionsȱ ofȱ
eachȱcharacterȇsȱwriteȬupȱappearȱbelow.ȱ
NOTE - A version of this super-conflict example appeared in the
Spring 2005 issue of Daedalus at:
< http://www.chimera.info/daedalus/articles/spring2005/truthandjustice.html >.
The version below is significantly different than that earlier one,
since the issue appeared during the T&J playtest, and elements of
the system changed. Also please note that the GM is explaining
the rules in extreme detail, because Snow Owl's player is new to
the game.
SNOW OWL
Qualities: Expert [+4] Businessman, Good [+2]
Conversationalist, Good [+2] Outdoorsman, Good [+2] Sidekick:
Kid Sister Katie, and Poor [-2] Impulsive.
Powers: Good [+2] Freeze Beam, Average [0] Flight, Average
[0] Memories of Previous Incarnations, Average [0] Super-
Senses: Darkvision, and Average [0] Super-Stealth.
Stunts: Frost Manacles (Freeze Beam Spin-off; Good [+2]; 2
HP; beat a TN of 9 to break free); Icy Fist (Freeze Beam Shifty
Business; 1 HP; Average [0] to hit and Expert [+4] damage).
Hero Point Pool: 5/10
JOE THUG
Qualities: Good [+2] Brawler, Good [+2] Criminal, Poor [-2]
Ugly.
BOB BRICK
Qualities: Good [+2] Athletics, Average [0] Criminal.
Powers: Good [+2] Stoneskin (Super-Armor), Average [0]
Super-Strength.
ȱ
GAMEMASTER (GM): While flying your nightly
patrol, you see (courtesy of your Darkvision) two
people on the roof of the Museum of Expensive
Antiquities, apparently trying to open a door.
SNOW OWL (SO): What do they look like?
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
GM: The smaller one is dressed all in black, with a ski-
mask on. The larger one seems just to be wearing black
pants – and from his shirtless condition and stony, red
skin, you recognize him as Bob Brick, a minor
supervillain.
SO: They must be trying to break in – I'll stop them!
GM: How?
SO: Well, I'll swoop down silently and start busting
heads before they know what hit them.
GM: Which one first?
SO: Brick.
GM: Okay, you've got your Super-Stealth going for you,
but they're criminals performing an illegal act, so I'm
sure they're probably keeping a lookout for any
interference. If neither of them manages to beat the
Target Number of your Super-Stealth, I'll give you
surprise. If one of them twigs, you'll have initiative for
the Scene, but you don't get a free Turn to wail on them
like you would if you had surprise, okay?
SO: Sure, sounds fair.
GM: The TN of Average Super-Stealth is 7. The little
guy gets a (rolls) 6, and Brick gets a (rolls) – damn – 10.
Brick sees you hurtling down on them at the last minute
and yells "Look out!" to his partner. Now what?
SO: I'll fly down and punch him.
GM: Are you going to land and then punch him, or
punch him on the fly?
SO: I'll do the second one. I increase my flight speed,
my cape sweeps out like a owl's wings on the hunt. I
grit my teeth and wind up for a hard right to his jaw!
GM: Very cool. Take an Upshift on your attack for that
great description! Brick will try to jump out of your way
as his defensive reaction. Roll!
SO: (rolls) A 4 and a 6 plus 2 for the Upshift gets me a
12.
GM: Pretty good! (rolls) A 2 and a 3 plus 2 for Athletics
and 2 for Stoneskin gets Brick a 9 – 12 minus 9 would be
3 Damage Ranks, normally. However, Brick's Stoneskin
is a form of Super-Armor. It totally blocks normal-scale
Damage Ranks lower than its current TN – that'd be 9.
So nothing gets through.
SO: Crap! What if I Freeze Beamed him? Don't I get to
add my TN to damage?
GM: Only to non-living targets.
SO: I see. Damn, that was a good roll, too! (grumbles
under breath for a second) Hey! Since I used my Flight
ȱ 64
Power as part of the attack, does that count as a super-
scale attack?
GM: (thinks) Hmm. Interesting. I could go either way
on that. (thinks a bit more) Listen, let's not bog down
the session in debate. I'll just say "no" for now, but we
should talk about it after the session, okay?
SO: All right. (hmpf)
GM: You swoop in and sock the criminal with a hard
right across the jaw, but it barely seems to faze him.
"That tickled!" he quips. Your hand stings a little.
SO: "Caught you red-handed, Brick!" I say.
GM: (laughs) That's mighty funny. Give yourself a Hero
Point for that. (GM makes a tick mark against Snow
Owl’s MAX; when enough are collected, the size of his
MAX will increase.)
SO: Awesome. (scribbles on sheet; his 5 HP become 6
HP) I think I'm gonna need it.
GM: Now it's his little buddy's action. Joe Thug tries to
punch you right in the breadbasket. What do you do?
SO: Can I use Flight to dodge backwards?
GM: Sure. It's only Average Rank, so you're not getting
any big benefit from it.
SO: It'd look cool.
GM: True! Roll. (rolls) 2 and 2 plus 2 for Brawling is 6
for Joe's attack.
SO: (rolls) 4 and 3 is 7.
GM: You zip back far enough that Joe's punch never
connects. Now it's Brick's action. He's gonna swing at
your face, to return your little face slap. What's your
reaction?
SO: Fly away again.
GM: Let's roll. (rolls) 3 and 4 plus 2 for Super-Strength
is a 9.
SO: (rolls) Two 3's, plus 2 is an 8. He gets me.
GM: You take 1 Damage Rank for the roll, plus 7 Ranks
from his Super-Strength, for a total of 8.
SO: Damn! (studying his sheet) I'll drop Businessman
from Expert to Good to Average to Poor, that's 3.
Conversationalist from Good to Average to Poor, that's
2. Outdoorsman from Good to Average to Poor, 2 more.
And Sidekick from Good to Average for the last one.
Geez.
GM: Brick's Super-Strength punch slams into your face.
You reap the benefit of being superhuman; that hit
probably would have knocked Joe there into next week.
You see stars and dollar signs.
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
Okay, that’s the first hit in combat, which will give a
Story Hook for later. Let’s see: Businessman,
Businessman – Got it! “Meanwhile, across town, at City
Mall, the lights in the store next to yours flick on.” (GM
scribbles notes about one of Snow Owl’s neighbor
retailers burning the midnight oil for mysterious
purposes; if the GM had gotten stuck for an idea, he
could have just made a note saying "Snow Owl's Story
Book = Businessman" to think about later.)
Okay, new Turn; you go first.
SO: I'm going to hit Brick with Frozen Manacles and
slow him up, so I don't have to deal with two opponents
at once. I thought taking on the tougher guy was
smarter, but I can't concentrate on him with Joe
whittling away at me at the same time.
GM: You sure? He does have Super-Strength, and he'll
probably be able to break the Manacles just by
stretching his arms.
SO: Good point. I'll freeze Joe's wrists to the access
door, so I can work on Brick.
GM: Okay, you're spending 2 Hero Points and rolling
Frozen Manacles.
SO: I'm planning to use this often.
GM: Do it a couple times over the next couple sessions
and spend a MAX point, and you can justify taking it as
a Signature Stunt. That way it'll be more effective than a
regular Spin-off Stunt.
SO: Okay, sounds good. (rolls) 3 and 5 plus 2 is 10.
(drops his 6 HP to 4 HP)
GM: (rolls) Joe gets a 2 and a 4, and I'll let him use his
Brawling here to twist out of the way. . .
SO: Can he do that? I mean, my Frozen Manacles is a
sort of jet of ice, ranged attack thing that solidifies on
contact.
GM: I figure a dodge is kosher; people throw stuff at
each other during a brawl. Bottles, paving stones, trash
cans.
SO: Well, alright.
GM: So, 2 and 4 and a 2 is 8, and he's frozen to the door.
Brick's action. He rips an HVAC unit from the roof and
wings it at you. (considers giving Brick an Upshift for
the improvised weapon, but decides against doing so in
order to give the Owl a fighting chance)
SO: I'll do the flying dodge thing.
GM: Roll for defense. (rolls) 2 and 4 plus 2 for Brick's
Athletics and 2 for his Super-Strength is 10.
SO: (rolls) 6 and 4 is 10. It's a tie!
ȱ 65
GM: That means you both take a Damage Rank. Uh. . .
The HVAC unit slams into the wall behind you and just
explodes, sending a shower of sharp metal pieces
everywhere, at high velocity. A bunch of screws graze
your hip, and one big piece spangs hard off of Brick's
chest. What are you taking the damage to?
SO: I'll drop my Memories of Past Incarnations from
Average to Poor. I don't think I'll have time to commune
with the Ice Owl Spirit in the middle of this fight.
GM: Brick utterly ignores the 1 Damage Rank. Next
Turn.
SO: He's really tough. I'd use Icy Fist with some extra
HP behind it, but that has to hit first, and I'm not sure
how that'll work through his Stoneskin. He's too tough.
GM: Well, physically, at least. Instead of going for
physical Damage Ranks, you should try to give Brick
some mental or social Failure Ranks. Think of Spidey
fighting the Rhino.
SO: (looks at sheet) I shouldn't have dropped
Conversationalist. I could have taunted him with that.
Hey, if I put an ice-slick down so he loses his footing,
would that be Failure Ranks?
GM: Sure! That'd be a new Spin-off Stunt. With your
Freeze Beam of Good, you can do a Poor slippery slick
(TN of 5) for free, an Average one (TN of 7) for 1 Hero
Point, a Good one (TN of 9) for 2 Hero Points, and so on.
SO: I'll do it at Good.
GM: Spend 2 HP and roll at Good.
SO: (drops his 4 HP to 2 HP) A 5 and a 6 plus 2 is 13!
GM: Brick tries to jump out of the way; he rolls a 2 and
a 4 and a 2 for Athletics –I won't give him the MOD for
Stoneskin because you're not aiming directly at him –
for a total of 8. That's 5 Failure Ranks, and Super-Armor
does not protect. (looks at Brick's sheet) He'll drop Good
Athlete to Poor, that's 2. Average Criminal to Poor for 1.
Average Super-Strength to Poor for another 1. And he'll
drop Good Stoneskin to Average for the last. He's
slipping and sliding all over the roof! (Brick is two
Ranks away from losing the conflict.)
SO: Awesome!
GM: Smart thinking. Joe attempts to break free from the
Frozen Manacles. 2d6 vs. the Manacles' TN of 9. (rolls) 3
and 4 is 7; Joe's still stuck.
For his part, Brick will try to get off of the slick area. It's
a TN of 9, he's rolling 2d6, minus 2 because of his
Downshifted Athletics. A 5 and a 6 less 2 is 9, and he
manages to get off of the icy spot.
SO: Darn it!
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
GM: New Turn, your action. Good Freeze Beam to Average to Poor, that's 2. I take
one more hit, and I'm out.
SO: Well, if I'm understanding the combat system here,
that softened him up, right? GM: New Turn, your action. Now what? You're both
nearly dead on your feet.
GM: More or less. He still has Average Stoneskin.
SO: I should do the ice slick again.
SO: I'm going to try Icy Fist this guy right in the face,
since it does more damage if I hit. (spends 1 HP, GM: With your Freeze Beam at Poor, that's gonna take 2
dropping from 2 to 1, then rolls) A 6 and a 2 gives me 8. Hero Points to do at all.
GM: Brick's gonna stand there and take it, if he tried to SO: I only have the 1 HP left. Can I Freeze Beam him to
dodge, the minus from his Athletics would hurt him. He knock him back onto the existing ice slick? Not to do
rolls a 1 and a 3, for 4. That's 4 damage, which is below any damage, just to push him onto it so he can get
the TN of his currently Average Stoneskin of 7. No himself another Failure Rank?
effect.
GM: Sounds like a decent idea. Brick's just gonna stand
SO: Wait a second – I take no bonus on the chance to hit there and hope you miss, because if he does anything –
with Icy Fist in return for more damage if I do! try to resist it with Stoneskin or dodge it with Athletics,
he's worse off. Go ahead and roll.
GM: Oh, yeah, you're right. I forgot. What was that,
again? SO: 3 and 6 minus 2 is 7.
SO: (looks at his character sheet) On a successful hit, I GM: 3 and 3 is 6. You hit for one Failure Rank, which is
do Expert damage. enough knock him back. What happens?
GM: So let's add 4 to that damage, it becomes 8. Okay, SO: Huh?
that beats his Stoneskin's TN, which means he'd take all
GM: You knocked him onto the ice slick. What happens
8 Ranks. Cold, bluish energy crackles around your fist
then? Tell me.
as you deal Bob Brick a mighty uppercut!
SO: Uh, well, Brick slips and slides all over the melting
SO: Yeah!
ice slick. He waves his big, stony arms around trying to
GM: Not so fast, bucko! Since his Stoneskin is still at catch his balance. Then he trips and falls down again.
Average, he can voluntarily Downshift it to Poor to
GM: Excellent. In fact, he knocks himself silly. He's
ignore all damage. So that's what he's gonna do.
unconscious.
SO: (curses under his breath)
SO: Yeah! Damn, that was close. Is the other guy still
GM: Hey, the bright side is that he can't do that again. there?
Also, he's swaying on his feet pretty badly. (All of
GM: (rolls 5 and 6 for 11) Nope. Looks like Joe got
Brick's abilities are at Poor Rank.)
away.
Joe's still trying to get unstuck from the door you froze
SO: Only for now. And I got the big one. I call Owlette
him to. (rolls) 1 and 3 is 4; still stuck.
and tell her to contact the cops while I catch my breath.
Brick's gonna take another poke at you. He rolls two 4s,
GM: That'll end this Scene. Give yourself 2 Hero Points
minus 2 for Poor Super-Strength, for 6.
for capturing a dangerous super-criminal.
SO: Shouldn't he have another minus 2 for Poor
SO: Thanks.
Athletics?
GM: If you're done patrolling for the night, you get all
GM: I just used that when was dodging or throwing
of your lost Damage Ranks back. If you want to chase
stuff at you. I'm not counting hand-to-hand fighting as
after Joe, roll 2d6 for lost Ranks and we'll take it from
part of Athletics.
there. . .
SO: Okay. (rolls) A 2 and a 3, for 5. Crap.
GM: That's 1 Damage Rank, plus 5 for Brick's current
Super-Strength of Poor, or 6 Damage Ranks.
SO: I'll drop Average Sidekick to Poor, that's 1. Average
Darkvision to Poor, that's 1. Average Super-Stealth to ȱ
Poor, that's 1. Average Flight to Poor, that's 1. And
ȱ
ȱ 66

Chapter 6: Gamemastering
ȱ
A HIGH-TRUST RPG
The most important part of T&J is that it's high-
trust. Players have to be convinced that the GM
isn't going to try and screw them over, and GMs
have to believe that the players will have some
faith in the game, setting, campaign tone, gaming
group, and his or her fairness. One way that this
trust can be built is by having the GM and players
cooperate in generating characters, as well as some
of the details of the setting.
T&J Campaign Design
BASIC SETTING CONCEPTS
Beforeȱ sittingȱ downȱ withȱ playersȱ toȱ comeȱ upȱ withȱ
theirȱ characters,ȱ itȇsȱ aȱ goodȱ ideaȱ forȱ GMsȱ toȱ haveȱ atȱ
leastȱ someȱ basicȱ settingȱ conceptsȱ inȱ mind.ȱ ȈThisȱ isȱ aȱ
settingȱwithȱsupervillains,ȱbutȱnoȱsuperheroes,ȈȱȈThisȱ
isȱanȱalienȱworldȱthatȱbasedȱtheirȱcultureȱoffȱofȱcomicȱ
books,Ȉȱ orȱ ȈThisȱ isȱ aȱ pulpȬsupersȱ campaignȱ takingȱ
placeȱ inȱ theȱ ThirtiesȈȱ –ȱ plusȱ aȱ jottedȱ listȱ ofȱ notesȱ onȱ
Styleȱ andȱ Tropesȱ –ȱ areȱ allȱ aȱ GMȱ needsȱ toȱ startȱ theȱ
discussionȱ withȱ players.ȱ Heȱ mayȱ haveȱ moreȱ orȱ lessȱ
thanȱ thisȱ downȱ onȱ paperȱ (orȱ mayȱ beȱ usingȱ aȱ settingȱ
rightȱȈoutȱofȱtheȱboxȈȱlikeȱthoseȱinȱChaptersȱ7,ȱ8,ȱandȱ
9),ȱ butȱ theȱ keywordȱ atȱ thisȱ stageȱ isȱ Ȉbeȱ flexibleȈ:ȱ noȱ
planȱ survivesȱ contactȱ withȱ players,ȱ andȱ thatȇsȱ notȱ
necessarilyȱaȱbadȱthing.ȱȱ
BASIC SETTING CHECKLIST
i Styleȱ (Grimȱ ȇnȱ Gritty,ȱ Cinematic,ȱ Fourȱ Color,ȱ orȱ
Animated)ȱ
i Periodȱ(WhenȱandȱWhere)ȱ
i Additionalȱ Genreȱ Inclusionsȱ (Western,ȱ
Swashbuckler,ȱSpace,ȱetc.)ȱ
i RulesȱChangesȱfromȱT&Jȱ
i Comicȱbookȱtropesȱtoȱemphasize(seeȱChapterȱ1)ȱ
i Comicȱbookȱtropesȱtoȱavoidȱ(seeȱChapterȱ1)ȱ
Inȱcommunicatingȱwithȱplayers,ȱtheȱGMȱcanȱdiscoverȱ
whereȱ theirȱ interestȱ lies,ȱ whatȱ sortȱ ofȱ charactersȱ
67ȱ
ȱ
theyȇllȱwantȱtoȱplay,ȱwhatȱsortsȱofȱfoesȱandȱchallengesȱ
theyȇdȱ likeȱ toȱ meet,ȱ whatȱ sortȱ ofȱ adventuresȱ theyȇdȱ
likeȱ toȱ have.ȱ Thereȇsȱ noȱ needȱ toȱ fullyȬdevelopȱ aȱ
settingȱ untilȱ theȱ potentialȱ PCsȱ areȱ underwayȱ –ȱ thatȱ
way,ȱtheȱGMȱcanȱtailorȱtheȱsettingȱtoȱbothȱtheȱplayersȱ
andȱtheirȱcharacters,ȱrevisingȱwhereȱnecessary.ȱ
HELPING PLAYERS CREATE CHARACTERS
Itȱ isȱ imperativeȱ forȱ theȱ GMȱ toȱ beȱ involvedȱ inȱ
characterȱgenerationȱofȱPCs.ȱHeȱcanȱanswerȱquestionsȱ
aboutȱ theȱ rules,ȱ offerȱ suggestionsȱ orȱ refinementsȱ toȱ
playerȱ ideas,ȱ throwȱ outȱ bitsȱ ofȱ provisionalȱ settingȱ toȱ
connectȱ toȱ aȱ PCȇsȱ Background,ȱ orȱ swipeȱ ideasȱ fromȱ
theȱ playersȇȱ Backgroundsȱ toȱ weaveȱ intoȱ theȱ setting.ȱ
Itȇsȱhelpfulȱforȱbothȱsidesȱofȱtheȱgamingȱtable.ȱ
Someȱ GMsȱ enjoyȱ havingȱ allȱ theȱ playersȱ generatingȱ
charactersȱ atȱ theȱ sameȱ time;ȱ othersȱ preferȱ moreȱ
private,ȱ oneȬonȬoneȱ interactionsȱ withȱ individualȱ
players.ȱ Theȱ formerȱ wayȱ isȱ reallyȱ handyȱ whenȱ
buildingȱaȱteamȱofȱheroes,ȱsoȱthatȱeveryȱcharacterȱhasȱ
aȱ role,ȱ commonȱ Originsȱ getȱ thrashedȱ out,ȱ andȱ preȬ
existingȱ relationshipsȱ orȱ connectionsȱ canȱ beȱ created.ȱ
Theȱ latterȱ wayȱ isȱ betterȱforȱ gamesȱ thatȱwillȱ haveȱ theȱ
charactersȱ meetingȱ forȱ theȱ firstȱ time,ȱ orȱ ifȱ theyȱ haveȱ
secretsȱ thatȱ theȱ otherȱ charactersȱ andȱ playersȱ
shouldnȇtȱ know.ȱ Whileȱ someȱ playersȱ areȱ excellentȱ atȱ
keepingȱ playerȱ andȱ characterȱ knowledgeȱ separate,ȱ
othersȱ areȱ lessȱ skillfulȱ atȱ it.ȱ Manyȱ groupsȱ followȱ aȱ
middleȱ path,ȱ talkingȱ outȱ generalȱ ideasȱ inȱ aȱ group,ȱ
thenȱworkingȱoutȱtheȱspecificȱideasȱinȱprivate.ȱ
Thisȱ debateȱ isȱ aȱ perennialȱ gamingȱ topic,ȱ andȱ isnȇtȱ
goingȱ toȱ beȱ decidedȱ here;ȱ theȱ bestȱ wayȱ isȱ toȱ simplyȱ
knowȱyourȱplayers.ȱ
HELPING WITH POWERS
SinceȱtheȱGMȱwillȱbeȱadjudicatingȱtheȱuseȱofȱPowersȱ
inȱ theȱ campaign,ȱ itȇsȱ alwaysȱ aȱ goodȱ ideaȱ toȱ
understandȱwhatȱplayersȱwantȱtheirȱcharactersȱtoȱbeȱ
ableȱ toȱ do,ȱ andȱ helpȱ theȱ playersȱ refineȱ andȱ modifyȱ
theirȱ Powerȱ choicesȱ toȱ matchȱ theirȱ expectations.ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
Furthermore,ȱ theȱ GMȱ willȱ beȱ intimatelyȱ privyȱ toȱ
whichȱ optionalȱ rules,ȱ systemȱ tweaks,ȱ andȱ settingȱ
informationȱwillȱbeȱusedȱfromȱthisȱbook.ȱȱ
IfȱaȱplayerȱwantsȱaȱPowerȱthatȇsȱtooȱnarrowȱ(e.g.,ȱTalkȱ
toȱ Fish),ȱ theȱ GMȱ mayȱ suggestȱ thatȱ suchȱ aȱ
concentratedȱ abilityȱ mayȱ notȱ beȱ usefulȱ enoughȱ toȱ
keepȱ theȱ playerȱ interested;ȱ ifȱ theȱ Powerȱ isȱ tooȱ broadȱ
(Makeȱaȱ Wish),ȱ theȱ GMȱ couldȱsayȱ thatȱ itȱ needsȱaȱ bitȱ
moreȱ focusȱ orȱ aȱ Limitation.ȱ Ifȱ aȱ playerȱ neglectsȱ toȱ
pickȱanyȱfightingȬrelatedȱPowersȱinȱaȱgameȱthatȱwillȱ
beȱmostlyȱbeatingȱupȱbadȱguys,ȱtheȱGMȱshouldȱpointȱ
thisȱout.ȱLikewise,ȱinȱaȱmoreȱnuancedȱgame,ȱifȱeveryȱ
Powerȱ aȱ playerȱ takesȱ isȱ justȱ forȱ assȬkicking,ȱ theȱ GMȱ
needsȱtoȱtellȱtheȱplayerȱthatȱtheyȱmightȱnotȱbeȱableȱtoȱ
spendȱaȱlotȱofȱtimeȱinȱtheȱspotlight.ȱIfȱplayersȱareȱjustȱ
stuckȱ forȱ ideas,ȱ suggestȱ aȱ fewȱ rollsȱ onȱ theȱ tablesȱ inȱ
Chapterȱ11.ȱ
MinorȱsuperpowersȱmayȱworkȱbetterȱasȱStuntsȱratherȱ
thanȱ Powersȱ –ȱ forȱ example,ȱ Talkȱ toȱ Fishȱ couldȱ beȱ aȱ
Stuntȱ offȱ ofȱ Aquatic,ȱ whichȱ wouldȱ haveȱ aȱ lotȱ moreȱ
generalȱ applicability.ȱ Constrainingȱ broaderȱ
superpowersȱ withȱ entertainingȱ limitationsȱ canȱ beȱ
moreȱfunȱinȱplayȱ–ȱforȱexample,ȱsayȱthatȱMakeȱaȱWishȱ
requiresȱ theȱ possessionȱ ofȱ aȱ magicalȱ lampȱ SuperȬ
Gadgetȱ(thatȱcanȱbeȱstolen)ȱandȱaȱLimitationȱofȱȈmustȱ
giveȱ verbalȱ ordersȱ toȱ theȱ djinniȈȱ (whichȱ canȱ beȱ
stoppedȱorȱpervertedȱinȱnumerousȱamusingȱways).ȱȱ
Theȱ GMȱ shouldȱ alwaysȱ suggestȱ aȱ MetaȬPowerȱ (seeȱ
Chapterȱ 4,ȱ p.ȱ 38)ȱ ifȱ heȱ seesȱ aȱ simpleȱ organizingȱ
principleȱforȱaȱplayerȇsȱdesiredȱPowersȱforȱhisȱPC.ȱHeȱ
shouldȱ alsoȱ alwaysȱ takeȱ anyȱ playerȬdesignedȱ MetaȬ
PowersȱandȱmakeȱupȱanȱNPCȱwithȱtheȱsameȱPower.ȱ
HELPING WITH STUNTS
Withȱ luck,ȱ playersȱ willȱ exploreȱ theȱ neatȱ applicationsȱ
ofȱ theirȱ abilitiesȱ withȱ lotsȱ ofȱ Stuntsȱ inȱ play.ȱ Theȱ
creativityȱ ofȱ theȱ playerȱ isȱ theȱ onlyȱ limitation.ȱ
However,ȱsomeȱplayersȱhaveȱaȱhardȱtimeȱcomingȱupȱ
withȱneatȱstuffȱwhenȱstartingȱatȱzero.ȱThisȱisȱanȱareaȱ
whereȱ theȱ GMȱ canȱ encourageȱ theȱ playerȱ toȱ thinkȱ
outsideȱ theȱ box,ȱ andȱ suggestȱ anyȱ niftyȱ ideasȱ thatȱ
comeȱtoȱmind.ȱȱ
Whenȱ decidingȱ ifȱ aȱ Stuntȱ isȱ possible,ȱ thereȱ areȱ threeȱ
waysȱforȱaȱGMȱtoȱanswer:ȱ
1. Yes.ȱ
2. Yes,ȱbut.ȱ.ȱ.ȱ
3. No,ȱbut.ȱ.ȱ.ȱȱ
ȱ 68
Yesȱ meansȱ theȱ Stuntȱ willȱ workȱ justȱ asȱ theȱ playerȱ
intends.ȱYes,ȱbut.ȱ.ȱ.ȱpointsȱoutȱflawsȱandȱotherȱissuesȱ
thatȱ willȱ cropȱ upȱ whenȱ theȱ Stuntȱ isȱ attempted.ȱ No,ȱ
but.ȱ.ȱ.ȱsaysȱthatȱtheȱStuntȱcanȇtȱbeȱattempted,ȱbutȱtheȱ
GMȱmustȱofferȱaȱmethod,ȱsuggestion,ȱorȱhintȱforȱtheȱ
playerȱthatȱseemsȱmoreȱappropriate.ȱ
Oneȱ importantȱ rulesȱ considerationȱ forȱ T&Jȱ GMsȱ toȱ
keepȱ inȱ mind:ȱ effectiveȱ Stuntingȱ offȱ ofȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ orȱ
lowerȱRankedȱPowersȱisȱexpensiveȱinȱHeroȱPoints.ȱIfȱ
aȱ playerȱ isȱ ofȱ aȱ particularlyȱ creativeȱ mindset,ȱ heȱ
mightȱ beȱ doingȱ aȱ lotȱ ofȱ Stunts,ȱ soȱ GMsȱ shouldȱ
suggestȱ thatȱ theȱ playerȱ takeȱ anȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ Rankȱ orȱ
betterȱ MetaȬPower,ȱ enablingȱ plentyȱ ofȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ
Stunts.ȱOnȱtheȱotherȱhand,ȱifȱaȱplayerȱprefersȱtoȱstickȱ
withȱ aȱ basicȱ setȱ ofȱ straightforwardȱ Powersȱ thatȱ heȱ
wonȇtȱ beȱ Stunting,ȱ theȱ GMȱ shouldȱ suggestȱ theȱ bestȱ
waysȱ toȱ takeȱ advantageȱ ofȱ theȱ Powerȱ optionsȱ inȱ
characterȱgeneration.ȱ
SETTING CREATION
OnceȱtheȱPCsȱhaveȱbeenȱcreated,ȱtheȱGMȱcanȱtakeȱupȱ
theȱ workȱ ofȱ fullȬblownȱ settingȱ creation.ȱ Oneȱ ofȱ theȱ
bestȱ waysȱ toȱ startȱ thisȱ processȱ isȱ toȱ takeȱ theȱ PCsȇȱ
Backgroundsȱandȱjudiciouslyȱselectȱbitsȱtoȱemphasizeȱ
inȱ theȱ overallȱ setting.ȱ Lookingȱ forȱ commonȱ causesȱ
andȱ effectsȱ canȱ beȱ handy,ȱ asȱ canȱ playingȱ aȱ littleȱ
ȈconnectȬtheȬdots.Ȉȱ Ifȱ Conflagrationȇsȱ Backgroundȱ
saysȱthatȱheȱcomesȱfromȱtheȱMidwest,ȱandȱAviatrixȇsȱ
Originȱ happenedȱ inȱ Omaha,ȱ maybeȱ thereȇsȱ aȱ
connectionȱ there.ȱ Perhapsȱ theȱ manȱ whoȱ killedȱ Snowȱ
Owlȇsȱ lastȱ incarnationȱ isȱ theȱ criminalȱ grandfatherȱ ofȱ
Violetȱ Avenger.ȱ Maybeȱ Doctorȱ Viciousȱ ȈarrangedȈȱ
theȱOriginsȱofȱallȱtheȱcharacters.ȱ
Anotherȱ stepȱ isȱ toȱ divideȱ whatȇsȱ publicȱ (knownȱ toȱ
everyone)ȱ andȱ whatȇsȱ secretȱ (notȱ widelyȱ known,ȱ
probablyȱ evenȱ toȱ PCs).ȱ GMsȱ mightȱ evenȱ includeȱ aȱ
middleȱ categoryȱ ofȱ semiȬsecretȱ stuff,ȱ knownȱ toȱ PCsȱ
butȱnotȱtoȱeveryoneȱatȱlarge.ȱȱ
Afterȱthat,ȱtheȱcomicȱbookȱtropesȱshouldȱbeȱconsideredȱ
(seeȱ Chapterȱ 1),ȱ someȱ recurringȱ NPCsȱ generatedȱ (theȱ
policeȱ commissioner,ȱ supervillains,ȱ aȱ selectionȱ ofȱ
minions,ȱ etc.),ȱ andȱ locationsȱ plannedȱ (describedȱ andȱ
mapped),ȱ specificallyȱ theȱ onesȱ thatȱ wouldȱ likelyȱ
comeȱ upȱ inȱ theȱ firstȱ fewȱ gameȱ sessionsȱ –ȱ seeȱ below,ȱ
Scenery,ȱProps,ȱ&ȱNPCs.ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
Lastly,ȱ anȱ adventureȱ orȱ twoȱ shouldȱ beȱ designed:ȱ anȱ
introductoryȱ sessionȱ isȱ usuallyȱ useful.ȱ Seeȱ Designingȱ
Adventures,ȱp.ȱ74,ȱforȱideas.ȱ
SCENERY, PROPS, & NPCS
Basicȱ Technique:ȱ Describeȱ thingsȱ byȱ payingȱ
attentionȱ toȱ whatȱ allȱ fiveȱ sensesȱ couldȱ tellȱ PCsȱ
aboutȱtheȱlocationȱorȱtheȱcharacterȱencountered.ȱȱ
GENERAL LOCATION ADVICE
Aȱfewȱquick,ȱpunchyȱsenseȱimpressionsȱareȱallȱthat’sȱ
reallyȱ necessaryȱ toȱ setȱ theȱ sceneȱ forȱ manyȱ players.ȱ
“Theȱ basementȱ roomȱ isȱ aboutȱ theȱ sizeȱ ofȱ aȱ handballȱ
court,ȱ andȱlitȱ byȱ aȱ yellowingȱ 60ȱ wattȱ lightȱ bulbȱ onȱ aȱ
cord.ȱ It’sȱ dankȱ andȱ smelly,ȱ asȱ ifȱ aȱ sewerȱ pipeȱ hadȱ
burstȱ inȱ hereȱ aȱ coupleȱ monthsȱ agoȱ andȱ theyȱ neverȱ
quiteȱ gotȱ theȱ stenchȱ out.ȱ Someȱ stainsȱ downȱ theȱ
cinderblockȱwallsȱattestȱtoȱthisȱpossibility.”ȱ
Fullȱ architecturalȱ drawingsȱ ofȱ everyȱ buildingȱ aȱ GMȱ
plansȱtoȱuseȱinȱaȱcampaignȱareȱprobablyȱunnecessary.ȱ
However,ȱ mapsȱ andȱ floorȱ plansȱ areȱ handyȱ thingsȱ toȱ
haveȱ around,ȱ ifȱ onlyȱ toȱ serveȱ asȱ remindersȱ forȱ
descriptions.ȱAsȱaȱGM,ȱyouȱcanȱuseȱrulersȱandȱgraphȱ
paperȱ (andȱ makeȱ oneȱ “PC”ȱ mapȱ andȱ anotherȱ “GM”ȱ
mapȱ withȱ allȱ theȱ secretsȱ onȱ it)ȱ orȱ aȱ crayonȱ andȱ theȱ
backȱofȱaȱplacematȱ–ȱwhateverȱitȱtakesȱtoȱhelpȱaȱGMȱ
andȱhisȱplayersȱvisualizeȱtheȱarea.ȱȱ
HEADQUARTERS (HQS)
Manyȱ superhumansȱ andȱ supernormalsȱ haveȱ aȱ
sanctumȱ sanctorum,ȱ aȱ hiddenȱ base,ȱ aȱ secretȱ cave,ȱ orȱ
otherȱ formȱ ofȱ Headquartersȱ (HQ)ȱ inȱ whichȱ toȱ plot,ȱ
plan,ȱ prepareȱ for,ȱ andȱ recoverȱ fromȱ theirȱ fantasticȱ
adventures.ȱ Examplesȱ includeȱ theȱ Batcave,ȱ theȱ
Fortressȱ ofȱ Solitudeȱ (eitherȱ Supermanȇsȱ orȱ Docȱ
Savageȇsȱ version),ȱ theȱ JLAȱ Watchtower,ȱ Avengersȱ
Mansion,ȱandȱtheȱupperȱfloorsȱofȱtheȱBaxterȱBuilding.ȱȱ
Theseȱ specialȱ commandȱ centersȱ canȱ actȱ asȱ aȱ formȱ ofȱ
limitedȱcharacterȱinȱthatȱtheyȱmayȱpossessȱQualitiesȱ–ȱ
likeȱ aȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Securityȱ System,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Trophyȱ
Room,ȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ Secretȱ Escapeȱ Tunnel,ȱ orȱ evenȱ
Poorȱ [Ȭ2]ȱ Backȱ Doorȱ Won’tȱ Lock.ȱ Readingȱ acrossȱ theȱ
PDQȱ Masterȱ Chartȱ (seeȱ p.ȱ 15),ȱ theȱ GMȱ canȱ useȱ theseȱ
Qualitiesȱ toȱ generateȱ Difficultyȱ Ranksȱ (andȱ Targetȱ
Numbers)ȱ forȱ theirȱ inȬgameȱ effects:ȱ forȱ example,ȱ
bestingȱaȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱSecurityȱSystemȱwouldȱbeȱGoodȱ
[9]ȱ Difficultyȱ Rankȱ task.ȱ Someȱ Qualitiesȱ mayȱ alsoȱ
comeȱ inȱ handyȱ inȱ otherȱ ways:ȱ anȱ HQȱ withȱ aȱ Goodȱ
ȱ 69
[+2]ȱ Dangerȱ Roomȱ couldȱ provideȱ plentyȱ ofȱ inȬgameȱ
Ȉscreenȱ timeȈȱ withȱ whichȱ toȱ refineȱ abilitiesȱ (seeȱ
Chapterȱ 3,ȱ Improvement,ȱ p.ȱ 33)ȱ orȱ anȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ
Sickbayȱ couldȱ addȱ itsȱ Modifierȱ toȱ Ranksȱ recoveredȱ
whenȱcharactersȱuseȱitȱtoȱhealȱfromȱdamageȱwhenȱinȱ
ContinuingȱDanger.ȱ
GMsȱ canȱ addȱ interestȱ toȱ theȱ PCȱ groupȇsȱ HQȱ byȱ
allowingȱtheȱplayersȱtoȱhelpȱselectȱtheȱHQȇsȱQualities.ȱ
Eachȱ playerȱ assignsȱ twoȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Qualitiesȱ toȱ theȱ
HQ;ȱ theseȱ canȱ beȱ combinedȱ withȱ otherȱ playersȇȱ
choicesȱtoȱUpshiftȱtheȱRankȱ–ȱforȱexample,ȱifȱtwoȱPCsȱ
pickȱȈSecurityȱSystem,ȈȱtheȱHQȱwouldȱhaveȱanȱExpertȱ
[+4]ȱone.ȱTheȱGMȱthenȱselectsȱanȱadditionalȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱ
Qualityȱ–ȱandȱmaybeȱevenȱaȱPoorȱ[Ȭ2]ȱWeakness!ȱ–ȱforȱ
theȱHQ.ȱ
WithȱGMȱpermission,ȱPCsȱcanȱbuildȱnewȱQualitiesȱ–ȱ
orȱ evenȱ Powersȱ –ȱ intoȱ anȱ HQȱ byȱ spendingȱ earnedȱ
HeroȱPointsȱasȱifȱforȱImprovement.ȱ
GENERAL PROPS ADVICE
InȱT&J,ȱmostȱusesȱofȱaȱQualityȱareȱassumedȱtoȱincludeȱ
theȱ useȱ ofȱ anyȱ usualȱ tools.ȱ Instrumentsȱ thatȱ areȱ theȱ
usualȱ gearȱ ofȱ aȱ characterȱ (powerȱ rings,ȱ cosmicȱ rods,ȱ
battleȬarmor,ȱetc.)ȱareȱpartȱofȱtheȱcharacter,ȱandȱshouldȱ
beȱ purchasedȱ asȱ eitherȱ Gadgets,ȱ SuperȬGadgets,ȱ orȱ
Powersȱ withȱ suitableȱ Limitations.ȱ Butȱ thenȱ thereȱ areȱ
theȱ reallyȱ unusualȱ toolsȱ thatȱ adventuresȱ revolveȱ
around:ȱtheȱsecretȱplans,ȱtheȱweatherȱcontrolȱsatellite,ȱ
theȱrobotȱdinosaur,ȱtheȱdimensionalȱgates,ȱetc.ȱ–ȱinȱaȱ
word,ȱtheȱProps.ȱ
MACGUFFINS, PLOT DEVICES, & TROPHIES
Coinedȱ byȱ directorȱ Alfredȱ Hitchcock,ȱ aȱ MacGuffinȱ isȱ
theȱcommonȱtermȱforȱaȱthingȱinȱaȱstoryȱthatȱexistsȱtoȱ
motivateȱ charactersȱ toȱ chaseȱ it,ȱ captureȱ it,ȱ notȱ useȱ it,ȱ
orȱ destroyȱ it.ȱ Marcellusȱ Wallaceȇsȱ briefcaseȱ inȱ Pulpȱ
Fiction,ȱtheȱUltimateȱNullifierȱfromȱTheȱFantasticȱFour,ȱ
theȱ Malteseȱ Falcon,ȱ theȱ mysteriousȱ boxȱ inȱ Kissȱ Meȱ
Deadlyȱ areȱ examples.ȱ MacGuffinsȱ areȱ plotȱ attractors,ȱ
whichȱ snagȱ Storyȱ Hooksȱ likeȱ thereȇsȱ noȱ tomorrowȱ
(seeȱ Chapterȱ 2,ȱ p.ȱ 24,ȱ andȱ below,ȱ Collectingȱ Storyȱ
Hooks,ȱp.ȱ79).ȱ
Thenȱ thereȱ areȱ Plotȱ Devices.ȱ Unlikeȱ MacGuffins,ȱ
whichȱcauseȱhavocȱsimplyȱbyȱexisting,ȱaȱPlotȱDeviceȱ
actuallyȱdoesȱsomethingȱimpressive.ȱTheȱOneȱRingȱinȱ
Theȱ Lordȱ ofȱ theȱ Rings,ȱ theȱ magicalȱ fieldȱ ofȱ poppiesȱ inȱ
theȱ Wizardȱ ofȱ Oz,ȱ orȱ Lexȱ Luthorȇsȱ greenȱ kryptoniteȱ
ringȱ inȱ Superman.ȱ Plotȱ Devicesȱ oftenȱ haveȱ amazing,ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
nighȬirresistibleȱcapabilities,ȱandȱareȱalsoȱmagnetsȱforȱ
StoryȱHooks.ȱ
Ifȱ PCsȱ gainȱ controlȱ ofȱ aȱ MacGuffinȱ orȱ Plotȱ Device,ȱ
theyȱ canȱ useȱ itsȱ abilitiesȱ withoutȱ restraintȱ inȱ theȱ
currentȱadventure.ȱHowever,ȱafterȱthat,ȱitȱbecomesȱaȱ
Trophy.ȱ Ifȱ theȱ PCsȱ haveȱ aȱ Trophyȱ Roomȱ inȱ theirȱ HQ,ȱ
theyȱ canȱ storeȱ anyȱ Trophiesȱ theyȱ getȱ onȱ adventures,ȱ
andȱ–ȱwithȱaȱHeroȱPointȱexpenditureȱ(seeȱChapterȱ3,ȱp.ȱ
32)ȱ–ȱcanȱgoȱbackȱandȱuseȱtheȱTrophyȱinȱsubsequentȱ
adventures.ȱ Aȱ Trophyȱ Roomȱ canȱ holdȱ aȱ numberȱ ofȱ
Trophiesȱ equalȱ toȱ theȱ Targetȱ Numberȱ ofȱ theȱ Trophyȱ
Roomȱ Rank.ȱ Trophiesȱ doȱ notȱ necessarilyȱ haveȱ toȱ beȱ
definedȱ beforeȱ useȱ–ȱ thatȱway,ȱaȱ characterȱ canȱsay,ȱ ȈIȱ
useȱ Dr.ȱ Photonȇsȱ InvisoȬCapeȱ fromȱ theȱ Trophyȱ
Room!Ȉȱ evenȱ ifȱ theȱ playersȱ neverȱ ranȱ throughȱ aȱ
sessionȱ involvingȱ Dr.ȱ Photon.ȱ Additionally,ȱ whileȱ
theirȱ magneticȱ powerȱ overȱ Storyȱ Hooksȱ asȱ Trophiesȱ
isȱmuchȱweakerȱthanȱwhenȱtheyȱwereȱMacGuffinsȱorȱ
PlotȱDevices,ȱtheyȱcanȱstillȱattractȱadventure:ȱvillainsȱ
bustingȱ inȱ toȱ reclaimȱ theirȱ potentȱ gear,ȱ stealingȱ theȱ
equipmentȱ ofȱ theirȱ criminalȱ rivalsȱ toȱ completeȱ theirȱ
latestȱ nefariousȱ scheme,ȱ orȱ ȈrescuingȈȱ aȱ deactivatedȱ
orȱimprisonedȱteamȬmember.ȱ
ȱ theirȱ commȬsystems.ȱ Furthermore,ȱ theȱ completeȱ
ȱ
ȱ Theȱweaponȱcanȱfireȱtwice,ȱthenȱtakesȱseveralȱdaysȱtoȱ
ȱ 70
However,ȱ ifȱ playersȱ continuallyȱ Ȉraidȱ theȱ Trophyȱ
RoomȈȱ (especiallyȱ forȱ theȱ sameȱ Trophy),ȱ itȱ wouldȱ
probablyȱbeȱwiseȱforȱtheȱGMȱtoȱeitherȱaskȱaȱplayerȱtoȱ
takeȱtheȱTrophyȱasȱoneȱofȱtheirȱPowers,ȱorȱarrangeȱanȱ
adventureȱorȱeventȱthatȱtakesȱitȱoutȱofȱtheȱPCsȇȱhands.ȱ
Belowȱ areȱ someȱ exampleȱ writeȬupsȱ forȱ MacGuffins,ȱ
PlotȱDevices,ȱandȱTrophies:ȱ
Apocalypseȱ Ants.ȱ Containedȱ withinȱ aȱ tripleȬlayerȱ
glassȱ globe,ȱ theseȱ devilishȱ nanomachinesȱ combineȱ
intoȱȈunitsȈȱwithȱtheȱsizeȱandȱgeneralȱshapeȱofȱarmyȱ
ants.ȱ Eachȱ AntȬunitȱ containsȱ theȱ appropriateȱ
numbersȱandȱtypesȱofȱnanobotȱtoȱcompletelyȱdestroyȱ
anȱ Earthlikeȱ world.ȱ .ȱ .ȱ eventually.ȱ Theyȱ canȱ eatȱ
throughȱanȱinchȱofȱsteelȱinȱseconds,ȱreplicatingȱallȱtheȱ
while.ȱ Theyȇreȱ extremelyȱ durable,ȱ andȱ –ȱ enȱ masseȱ –ȱ
exceedinglyȱ strong.ȱ Ifȱ communicatedȱ withȱ atȱ theȱ
rightȱ frequencyȱ andȱ inȱ theȱ correctȱ language/code,ȱ
theyȱcanȱperformȱsimpleȱtasksȱinȱrelativeȱsafety.ȱ
Luckily,ȱtheyȇreȱdumbȱasȱhell,ȱandȱcannotȱeatȱglassȱ–ȱ
everythingȱelseȱisȱfairȱgame.ȱTheirȱcommȬsystemsȱcanȱ
beȱ jammedȱ byȱ floodingȱ theȱ areaȱ withȱ microwaves.ȱ
Unfortunately,ȱȈtheȱrightȱfrequencyȈȱtoȱcommandȱtheȱ
Antsȱ changesȱ regularlyȱ asȱ theyȱ attemptȱ toȱ unjamȱ
codeȬlanguageȱ isȱ unknown,ȱ onlyȱ aȱ fewȱ commandsȱ
haveȱ beenȱ learned.ȱ Forȱ thisȱ reason,ȱ theȱ Apocalypseȱ
Antsȱareȱtooȱdangerousȱtoȱuseȱindiscriminately.ȱ
Theȱ Bigȱ Shoe.ȱ Thisȱ titanicȱ shoeȱ isȱ madeȱ ofȱ aȱ
completelyȱ invulnerableȱ materialȱ –ȱ itȱ ignoresȱ allȱ
damageȱ onȱ theȱ normalȬscaleȱ andȱ theȱ superȬscale.ȱ
Furthermore,ȱ itȱ appearsȱ toȱ beȱ opaqueȱ toȱ allȱ sensoryȱ
wavelengths.ȱ Itȱ isȱ unknownȱ whatȱ thisȱ materialȱ isȱ orȱ
whereȱitȱcameȱfromȱ(andȱlotsȱofȱpeopleȱwouldȱlikeȱtoȱ
know).ȱWornȱbyȱtheȱgiantȱandroidȱAȬKILLȬXȱduringȱ
itsȱattackȱonȱWashington,ȱDCȱ(inȱorderȱtoȱprotectȱtheȱ
androidȇsȱ singleȱ weakȱ spot),ȱ theȱ Bigȱ Shoeȱ wasȱ
removedȱ throughȱ heroicȱ trickery.ȱ Itȱ nowȱ gracesȱ theȱ
TrophyȱRoomȱofȱoneȱofȱtheȱsuperȬgroupsȱthatȱfoughtȱ
offȱAȬKILLȬXȇsȱattack.ȱ
Lunarȱ Laser.ȱ Yourȱ basicȱ doomsdayȱ device:ȱ aȱ hugeȱ
laserȱ cannon,ȱ twoȱ storiesȱ tall,ȱ withȱ aȱ builtȬinȱ fusionȱ
reactor.ȱ Theȱ beamȱ canȱ vaporizeȱ anythingȱ itȱ hitsȱ inȱ
lineȱ ofȱ sightȱ atȱ upȱ toȱ aȱ quarterȱ ofȱ anȱ Astronomicalȱ
Unitȱaway.ȱTheȱcannonȱwasȱremovedȱfromȱtheȱMoonȱ
afterȱitsȱMadȱScientistȱcreatorȱfellȱintoȱitsȱreactorȱcore.ȱ
recharge.ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
MetaȬDetector.ȱ Lookingȱ likeȱ anȱ MRIȱ machineȱ onȱ
crack,ȱthisȱdeviceȱcanȱbeȱusedȱbyȱaȱskilledȱoperatorȱtoȱ
findȱsuperhumansȱandȱanalyzeȱPowersȱatȱaȱdistance.ȱ
Itȱ canȱ alsoȱ beȱ usedȱ toȱ homeȱ inȱ onȱ specificȱ metaȬ
wavelengthsȱ (i.e.,ȱ superpowers).ȱ Unfortunately,ȱ theȱ
machineȱ isȱ difficultȱ toȱ use,ȱ requiresȱ carefulȱ
adjustmentȱforȱbestȱresults,ȱandȱtendsȱtoȱblowȱoutȱitsȱ
vacuumȱ tubesȱ (yes,ȱ vacuumȱ tubes)ȱ ifȱ usedȱ forȱ tooȱ
longȱinȱoneȱsession.ȱ
Powerȱ Neutralizerȱ Igloo.ȱ Aȱ contraptionȱ thatȱ looksȱ
likeȱ nothingȱ moreȱ thanȱ anȱ iglooȱ constructedȱ ofȱ
greenishȱLucite.ȱThisȱprototypeȱȈsupervillainȱholdingȱ
cellȈȱ wouldȱ haveȱ madeȱ itsȱ inventorȱ aȱ billionȱ dollarsȱ
fromȱ municipalitiesȱ andȱ researchȱ labsȱ –ȱ ifȱ itȱ wasnȇtȱ
superȬtechnologyȱ andȱ impossibleȱ toȱ massȬproduceȱ
(seeȱ Chapterȱ 2,ȱ Gadgeteering,ȱ p.ȱ 41).ȱ Itȱ isȱ invulnerableȱ
toȱ normalȬscaleȱ damage,ȱ canȱ holdȱ aȱ superhumanȱ
powerlessȱ indefinitely,ȱ andȱ neverȱ overloadsȱ (seeȱ
Chapterȱ 4,ȱ PowerȬNeutralization,ȱ p.ȱ 45).ȱ Itȱ canȱ beȱ
operatedȱbyȱanyȱGadgeteer,ȱSuperȬIntellect,ȱorȱSuperȬ
Gadgeteer,ȱ butȱ onlyȱ canȱ beȱ repairedȱ byȱ aȱ characterȱ
withȱ SuperȬGadgeteeringȱ atȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ Rankȱ orȱ
better.ȱ
Theȱ Sorcererȇsȱ Staff.ȱ Thisȱ potentȱ deviceȱ wasȱ leftȱ onȱ
thisȱplaneȱbyȱaȱpowerful,ȱheroic,ȱdimensionȬtravelingȱ
mageȱnamedȱRakenȬZur.ȱȈKeepȱthisȱsafe,ȱhere,ȱinȱthisȱ
place,ȱ untilȱ Iȱ passȱ thisȱ wayȱ again,Ȉȱ heȱ toldȱ theȱ
guardians,ȱ andȱ vanished.ȱ Onlyȱ charactersȱ withȱ
Sorceryȱ canȱ useȱ theȱ Staffȱ atȱ all,ȱ andȱ thenȱ inȱ onlyȱ aȱ
limitedȱfashionȱ(theȱStaffȇsȱpowersȱareȱlimitedȱbyȱtheȱ
Sorceryȱ Rankȱ ofȱ theȱ wielder).ȱ Theȱ Staffȱ canȱ generateȱ
anȱutterlyȱimpenetrableȱforceȱfieldȱforȱaȱshortȱperiodȱ
ofȱtime,ȱwillȱgrantȱprecognitiveȱvisionsȱforȱaȱspanȱofȱ
daysȱ equalȱ toȱ theȱ characterȇsȱ Sorceryȱ MODȱ toȱ anyȱ
mageȱ thatȱ touchesȱ it,ȱ andȱ willȱ provideȱ Flightȱ (atȱ
Sorceryȱ Rank)ȱ toȱ theȱ wielder.ȱ Unfortunately,ȱ
removingȱtheȱSorcererȇsȱStaffȱfromȱwhereverȱȈhere,ȱinȱ
thisȱ placeȈȱ happenedȱ toȱ beȱ whenȱ RakenȬZurȱ leftȱ isȱ aȱ
mistake:ȱ theȱ Staffȱ summonsȱ anȱ extraplanarȱ entityȱ toȱ
collectȱ andȱ returnȱ it.ȱ Ifȱ theȱ firstȱ entityȱ isȱ dispatched,ȱ
twoȱentitiesȱshowȱupȱafterȱanȱhour.ȱThenȱthree.ȱThenȱ
four.ȱThenȱfive.ȱAndȱsoȱon,ȱuntilȱtheȱStaffȱisȱputȱbackȱ
intoȱtheȱoriginalȱplace.ȱ
VEHICLES
Essentially,ȱ Vehiclesȱ inȱ T&Jȱ actȱ asȱ aȱ limitedȱ typeȱ ofȱ
character,ȱ andȱ asȱ such,ȱ areȱ streamlinedȱ forȱ storyȬ
purposesȱ ratherȱ thanȱ realityȱ simulation.ȱ Allȱ vehiclesȱ
ȱ 71
haveȱaȱbasicȱ(Vehicle)ȱQualityȱdescribingȱwhatȱtypeȱofȱ
conveyanceȱ theyȱ areȱ –ȱ likeȱ Car,ȱ Boat,ȱ Plane,ȱ
Helicopter,ȱ Motorcycle,ȱ Spaceȱ Shuttle,ȱ etc.ȱ –ȱ atȱ
Averageȱ [0]ȱ Rank;ȱ theȱ penumbraȱ forȱ thisȱ (Vehicle)ȱ
Qualityȱ coversȱ thingsȱ likeȱ basicȱ handling,ȱ speed,ȱ
cargoȱspace,ȱfuelȱefficiency,ȱandȱsturdiness.ȱ
CharactersȱcanȱtakeȱVehicleȱ(seeȱp.ȱ53)ȱasȱaȱQualityȱorȱ
SuperȬVehicleȱ (seeȱ p.ȱ 52)ȱ asȱ aȱ Power.ȱ Ifȱ aȱ characterȱ
hasȱtheȱVehicleȱQualityȱorȱSuperȬVehicleȱPower,ȱtheyȱ
haveȱ aȱ certainȱ numberȱ ofȱ extraȱ pointsȱ toȱ purchaseȱ
additionalȱ abilitiesȱ forȱ theȱ vehicle.ȱ Vehiclesȱ haveȱ
twiceȱ theirȱ MODȱ inȱ pointsȱ toȱ purchaseȱ extraȱ
Qualities;ȱ SuperȬVehiclesȱ haveȱ twiceȱ theirȱ MODȱ
pointsȱtoȱpurchaseȱextraȱQualitiesȱandȱMODȱpointsȱtoȱ
purchaseȱextraȱPowersȱ(minimumȱ1).ȱ
Alternatively,ȱtheȱGMȱcanȱgiveȱaȱgroupȱofȱcharactersȱ
accessȱtoȱaȱcommonȱTeamȱVehicle,ȱmuchȱasȱtheyȱhaveȱ
accessȱ toȱ aȱ commonȱ HQȱ (seeȱ above).ȱ Teamȱ Vehiclesȱ
getȱ oneȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Qualityȱ andȱ oneȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ
Powerȱ perȱ player;ȱ theyȱ canȱ combinedȱ theirȱ
assignmentsȱ withȱ otherȱ playersȇȱ choicesȱ toȱ Upshiftȱ
theȱRankȱofȱaȱsingleȱabilityȱ–ȱforȱexample,ȱifȱtwoȱPCsȱ
pickȱ ȈFTLȱ DriveȈȱ Power,ȱ theȱ Teamȱ Vehicleȱ wouldȱ
haveȱaȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱFTLȱDrive.ȱLastly,ȱonceȱperȱsession,ȱ
theȱ GMȱ hasȱ theȱ rightȱ toȱ invokeȱ aȱ Revoltinȇȱ
Developmentȱ (seeȱ Chapterȱ 3,ȱ p.ȱ 31)ȱ toȱ doȱ somethingȱ
badȱtoȱtheȱvehicle.ȱ
Someȱpossibleȱvehicleȱabilitiesȱinclude:ȱ
i ArmorȬPlated.ȱWorksȱlikeȱtheȱSuperȬArmorȱPowerȱ
(seeȱp.ȱ48)ȱforȱtheȱvehicleȱandȱitsȱpassengers.ȱ
i Big.ȱTheȱvehicleȱisȱbiggerȱthanȱtheȱusualȱofȱitsȱtype.ȱ
i Cargoȱ Space.ȱ Howȱ muchȱ additionalȱ stuffȱ itȱ canȱ
carry,ȱinȱcubicȱyardsȱequalȱtoȱtheȱRankȇsȱTN.ȱ
i Economy.ȱIncreasedȱfuelȱefficiency.ȱ
i Fast.ȱAddsȱtoȱvehicleȇsȱspeedȱforȱracesȱandȱcontests;ȱ
itȱisȱfasterȱthanȱotherȱvehiclesȱofȱitsȱtype.ȱ
i HighȬPerformance.ȱHowȱnimbleȱitȱis,ȱandȱaddsȱtheȱ
RankȇsȱModifierȱtoȱpilotingȱrollsȱforȱacrobaticsȱandȱ
crashȬlandingsȱandȱsuch.ȱ
i Passengerȱ Space.ȱ Howȱ manyȱ charactersȱ itȱ canȱ
carry,ȱ withȱ aȱ numberȱ ofȱ seatsȱ equalȱ toȱ theȱ Rankȇsȱ
TN.ȱ
i Spaceworthy.ȱ Theȱ vehicleȱ hasȱ lifeȬsupportȱ andȱ
otherȱsystemsȱsufficientȱtoȱleaveȱtheȱatmosphere.ȱ
i Stealth.ȱ Observersȱ mustȱ rollȱ vs.ȱ Rankȇsȱ TNȱ toȱ
detectȱvehicle.ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
i Submersible.ȱ Theȱ vehicleȱ hasȱ lifeȬsupportȱ andȱ
otherȱsystemsȱsufficientȱtoȱtravelȱunderwater.ȱ
i Tough.ȱ Worksȱ likeȱ theȱ Armorȱ Qualityȱ (seeȱ p.ȱ 39)ȱ
forȱtheȱvehicleȱandȱitsȱpassengers.ȱ
i Weaponryȱ (basic).ȱ Providesȱ oneȱ orȱ moreȱ normalȬ
scaleȱweaponȱQualities.ȱ
i Weaponryȱ (advanced).ȱ Providesȱ oneȱ orȱ moreȱ
superȬscaleȱweaponȱPowers.ȱ
Thisȱlistȱisȱnotȱexhaustive;ȱasȱwithȱcharacterȱabilities,ȱ
anythingȱcanȱbeȱaȱVehicleȱQualityȱorȱPower.ȱ
Treatingȱ Vehiclesȱ asȱ charactersȱ meansȱ thatȱ aȱ Vehicleȱ
addsȱ itsȱ applicableȱ Modifierȱ toȱ theȱ pilot’sȱ rollȱ whenȱ
theȱ pilotȱ triesȱ toȱ doȱ somethingȱ trickyȱ withȱ itȱ (seeȱ
Usingȱ Multipleȱ Abilities,ȱ p.ȱ 59).ȱ Toȱ goȱ fast,ȱ forȱ
example,ȱaȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱSailorȱinȱaȱspeedboatȱ(Averageȱ
[0]ȱ Boat,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Fast)ȱ rollsȱ againstȱ aȱ 2d6+2+2,ȱ orȱ
2d6+4.ȱ
Vehiclesȱ gainȱ Failureȱ andȱ Damageȱ Ranksȱ inȱ conflictȱ
justȱ asȱ charactersȱ do.ȱ However,ȱ whenȱ Damageȱ orȱ
Failureȱ Ranksȱ areȱ takenȱ inȱ vehicularȱ situations,ȱ theȱ
pilotȱ (orȱ relevantȱ crewȱ member)ȱ dictatesȱ ifȱ theȱ
Downshiftsȱ areȱ appliedȱ toȱ theȱ vehicleȱ orȱ toȱ theȱ
characterȱhimself.ȱForȱexample,ȱsayȱaȱpilotȱinȱfighterȱAȱ
shootsȱbomberȱB’sȱgunȱturret.ȱBomberȱB’sȱgunnerȱcanȱ
splitȱ upȱ theȱ damageȱ betweenȱ hisȱ Qualitiesȱ andȱ planeȱ
B’sȱ Planeȱ Qualityȱ –ȱ orȱ anyȱ specificȱ Qualityȱ thatȱ
bomberȱBȱhasȱ–ȱasȱheȱseesȱfit.ȱ
Lookingȱ atȱ thisȱ system,ȱ oneȱ canȱ seeȱ thatȱ aȱ characterȱ
couldȱgoȱheadȬtoȬheadȱwithȱaȱVehicleȱandȱdefeatȱitȱinȱ
conflict.ȱ Aȱ powerfulȱ superhumanȱ couldȱ shrugȱ offȱ
cannonȬfireȱandȱsmashȱpickupȱtrucks;ȱaȱsuperȬnormalȱ
canȱ takeȱ outȱ aȱ villainȇsȱ roadsterȱ withȱ aȱ wellȬthrownȱ
Catarang.ȱInȱT&J,ȱthisȱsortȱofȱthingȱisȱaȱfeature,ȱnotȱaȱ
bug.ȱȱ
Belowȱ areȱ someȱ exampleȱ writeȬupsȱ forȱ vehiclesȱ thatȱ
erstwhileȱ charactersȱ couldȱ runȱ intoȱ inȱ theirȱ
adventuresȱ (feelȱ freeȱ toȱ slapȱ extraȱ weaponȱ orȱ armorȱ
abilitiesȱonȱtheseȱconveyances,ȱifȱappropriate):ȱ
i Carȱ (economy).ȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ Car;ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ FuelȬ
efficiency.ȱ
i Carȱ (luxury).ȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ Car;ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Rich,ȱ
Corinthianȱleatherȱinterior.ȱ
i Carȱ(upperȬendȱsports).ȱAverageȱ[0]ȱCar;ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱ
HighȬPerformance,ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱFast.ȱ
i Motorcycle.ȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ Motorcycle;ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ
Handling,ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱGoȱWhereȱCarsȱCan’t.ȱ
ȱ 72
i Planeȱ(prop).ȱAverageȱ[0]ȱPlane;ȱPoorȱ[Ȭ2]ȱNoisy.ȱ
i Planeȱ (jet).Averageȱ [0]ȱ Plane;ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Highȱ
Performance,ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱFast.ȱ
i Saucerȱ(alien,ȱshortȬrange).ȱAverageȱ[0]ȱSpacecraft;ȱ
Masterȱ [+6]ȱ HighȬPerformance,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Fast,ȱ
Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Spaceworthy,ȱ Poorȱ [Ȭ2]ȱ Alienȱ Controlȱ
Panel.ȱ
i Speedboat.ȱAverageȱ[0]ȱBoat;ȱExpertȱ[+4]ȱFast.ȱ
i Tank.ȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ Tank;ȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ Cannonȱ
Quality,ȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ Machineȱ Guns,ȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ
SuperȬArmor,ȱPoorȱ[Ȭ2]ȱRequiresȱAdditionalȱCrew.ȱ
GENERAL NPC ADVICE
Aȱquickȱdescription,ȱatȱtheȱsameȱlevelȱofȱdetailȱasȱtheȱ
oneȱ forȱ theȱ basementȱ roomȱ mentionedȱ aboveȱ underȱ
GeneralȱLocationȱAdviceȱworksȱwellȱforȱNPCs,ȱtoo.ȱ“Aȱ
short,ȱ chubbyȱ figureȱ crouchesȱ inȱ theȱ shadows,ȱ andȱ
evenȱinȱtheȱfaintȱilluminationȱcastȱbyȱyourȱflashlights,ȱ
itȱ gleamsȱ wetly.ȱ Itsȱ huge,ȱ protrudingȱ eyesȱ reflectȱ
greenȱ inȱ theȱ dimȱ light,ȱ andȱ inȱ aȱ croakingȱ voice,ȱ theȱ
alienȱsays,ȱȇHelpȱme.’ȱWhatȱdoȱyouȱdo?”ȱ
Remember,ȱ inȱ T&J,ȱ everybodyȱ canȱ doȱ justȱ aboutȱ
anythingȱ atȱ Averageȱ Rank;ȱ youȱ onlyȱ needȱ toȱ
concentrateȱ onȱ whereȱ they’reȱ betterȱ orȱ worseȱ thanȱ
average.ȱAȱcharacterȱwithoutȱanyȱQualitiesȱisȱutterlyȱ
withoutȱdistinction,ȱhasȱnoȱpenumbrasȱofȱknowledge,ȱ
talent,ȱ skills,ȱ orȱ relationships,ȱ andȱ zeroȱ capacityȱ toȱ
absorbȱ damage.ȱ Theyȇdȱ beȱ oneȬhitȱ victims,ȱ extrasȱ inȱ
theȱ background,ȱ moreȱ orȱ lessȱ dramaticallyȱ
unimportant.ȱ
Inȱ T&J,ȱ everyoneȱ shouldȱ beȱ aȱ preciousȱ andȱ uniqueȱ
snowflakeȱ –ȱ evenȱ ifȱ heȱ orȱ sheȱ isȱ aȱ veryȱ smallȱ
snowflake.ȱYouȱdonȇtȱhaveȱtoȱmakeȱupȱfullȱcharacterȱ
sheetsȱforȱeveryȱTom,ȱDick,ȱandȱHarrietȱtheȱPCsȱwillȱ
meet.ȱ Justȱ listȱ aȱ singleȱ Qualityȱ orȱ twoȱ thatȱ wouldȱ beȱ
importantȱ forȱ theȱ NPCȱ whenȱ theyȱ interactȱ withȱ theȱ
PCs.ȱ Ifȱ theȱ NPCȱ isȱ anȱ encyclopediaȱ salesman,ȱ heȱ
mightȱhaveȱonlyȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱSalesmanȱandȱaȱname.ȱȱ
Examples:ȱAȱtypicalȱbystanderȱisȱprobablyȱjustȱanȱ
Averageȱ [0]ȱ Citizen.ȱ Aȱ beatȱ copȱ probablyȱ doesnȇtȱ
needȱ anyȱ moreȱ thanȱ anȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ orȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ
PolicemanȱQuality;ȱwhileȱdetectivesȱmightȱrateȱanȱ
extraȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Detectiveȱ inȱ additionȱ toȱ that.ȱ Aȱ
typicalȱ pettyȱ criminalȱ mayȱ onlyȱ haveȱ anȱ Averageȱ
[0]ȱ orȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ inȱ Criminal;ȱ toughȱ guysȱ likeȱ
Mafiaȱ enforcersȱ mightȱ addȱ aȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ inȱ Toughȱ
orȱ Gunplay.ȱ Aȱ soldierȱ couldȱ haveȱ anȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ
orȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱSoldierȱQuality.ȱAndȱsoȱforth.ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
However,ȱ thereȱ areȱ someȱ specificȱ NPCȱ typesȱ inȱ T&Jȱ
gamesȱthatȱrequireȱaȱlittleȱmoreȱdiscussion.ȱ
SPECIFIC NPC TYPES
Minions.ȱTheȱhenchmenȱofȱvillains,ȱtheȱrankȱandȱfileȱ
ofȱ criminalȱ organizations,ȱ theȱ swarmsȱ ofȱ robotsȱ thatȱ
areȱsentȱtoȱdispatchȱtheȱenemiesȱofȱtheirȱmastersȱ–ȱinȱ
aȱword:ȱcannonȬfodder.ȱGenerally,ȱMinionsȱmakeȱupȱ
forȱ whatȱ theyȱ lackȱ inȱ Qualityȱ byȱ whatȱ theyȱ bringȱ inȱ
Quantity.ȱ Aȱ typicalȱ minionȱ shouldȱ haveȱ fewerȱ
Qualitiesȱ thanȱ aȱ standardȱ character:ȱ atȱ most,ȱ oneȱ orȱ
twoȱGoods,ȱoneȱorȱtwoȱAveragesȱ[0],ȱandȱatȱleastȱoneȱ
Poorȱ(ȈFanaticallyȱDevotedȱtoȱLeaderȈȱisȱpopular).ȱToȱ
makeȱ thingsȱ easierȱ whenȱ GMing,ȱ itȇsȱ alsoȱ aȱ handyȱ
ideaȱtoȱuseȱtheȱsameȱwriteȬupȱforȱallȱMinions.ȱȱ
MinionsȱareȱalsoȱperfectȱNPCȱtypeȱtoȱapplyȱtheȱrulesȱ
inȱ Chapterȱ 5ȱ (seeȱ p.ȱ 60)ȱ forȱ convertingȱ conflictȱ
situationsȱ intoȱ complicatedȱ onesȱ forȱ PCs.ȱ Seeȱ alsoȱ
Chapterȱ4,ȱ p.ȱ44,ȱ forȱ takingȱ Minionsȱasȱaȱ Quality;ȱseeȱ
Jollyȱ Rogerȇsȱ writeȬupȱ (p.ȱ 80)ȱ andȱ Chapterȱ 8ȱ forȱ
examplesȱofȱMinions.ȱ
Sidekicksȱ andȱ Superȱ Sidekicks.ȱ Subcharactersȱ ofȱ aȱ
playerȇsȱmainȱcharacter.ȱSeeȱChapterȱ4,ȱp.ȱ47ȱandȱp.ȱ50.ȱ
PCȬGradeȱ NPCs.ȱ Charactersȱ thatȱ areȱ generallyȱ
equivalentȱ toȱ playerȱ charactersȱ –ȱ theȱ villainsȱ ofȱ aȱ
heroȇsȱ roguesȱ gallery,ȱ orȱ superheroesȱ fromȱ otherȱ
citiesȱ(orȱworlds).ȱTheyȱcanȱstandȱtoeȬtoȬtoeȱwithȱtheȱ
averageȱPC.ȱNoȱmysteryȱthere:ȱtheyȇreȱbuiltȱusingȱtheȱ
sameȱ characterȱ generationȱ processȱ asȱ PCs.ȱ Seeȱ theȱ
endȱofȱthisȱchapterȱandȱChaptersȱ7,ȱ8,ȱandȱ9ȱforȱsomeȱ
exampleȱ PCȬGradeȱ heroesȱ andȱ villains.ȱ GMsȱ shouldȱ
feelȱ freeȱ toȱ fiddleȱ withȱ anyȱ ofȱ them,ȱ alteringȱ heroȱ toȱ
villainȱ orȱ viceȬversa,ȱ tweakingȱ Backgroundsȱ andȱ
Motivations,ȱandȱincreasingȱorȱdecreasingȱabilitiesȱtoȱ
customizeȱthemȱforȱtheirȱparticularȱcampaigns.ȱ
Veterans.ȱSomeȱcharactersȱareȱsomewhatȱbetterȱthanȱ
theȱ averageȱ startingȱ PC,ȱ usuallyȱ dueȱ toȱ greaterȱ
experience.ȱ Heroesȱ andȱ villainsȱ withȱ aȱ longȱ history,ȱ
orȱthoseȱwhoȱareȱableȱtoȱtakeȱonȱaȱhandfulȱofȱfoesȱallȱ
byȱ theirȱ lonesome,ȱ areȱ bestȱ modeledȱ asȱ Veterans.ȱ
GMsȱshouldȱuseȱtheȱsameȱbasicȱcharacterȱgenerationȱ
processȱ asȱ forȱ PCs,ȱ butȱ feelȱ freeȱ toȱ giveȱ themȱ 4ȱ
additionalȱMODȱpointsȱofȱQualitiesȱandȱ2ȱadditionalȱ
MODȱpointsȱofȱPowers,ȱbrokenȱoutȱintoȱRanksȱasȱtheȱ
GMȱ desires.ȱ Theseȱ extraȱ pointsȱ canȱ boostȱ theȱ
standardȱoptionsȱgivenȱinȱChapterȱ3,ȱorȱcanȱbeȱusedȱtoȱ
openȱ upȱ newȱ ȈslotsȈȱ forȱ Qualitiesȱ andȱ Powersȱ (oneȱ
ȱ 73
pointȱ wouldȱ Averageȱ [0],ȱ twoȱ wouldȱ beȱ Goodȱ [+2],ȱ
etc.).ȱ
WorldȬClass.ȱ Someȱ NPCsȱ areȱ theȱ bigȱ boysȱ andȱ girlsȱ
ofȱtheȱsetting,ȱtheȱonesȱthatȱmakeȱtheȱearthȱquakeȱandȱ
giveȱevenȱtheȱmostȱstalwartȱheroȱpause.ȱArchvillainsȱ
andȱ rampagingȱ monstersȱ fitȱ intoȱ thisȱ category.ȱ
WorldȬClassȱ charactersȱ areȱ builtȱ likeȱ Veterans,ȱ onlyȱ
theyȱgetȱ8ȱextraȱMODȱpointsȱofȱQualitiesȱandȱ4ȱextraȱ
MODȱ pointsȱ ofȱ Powersȱ (orȱ more),ȱ brokenȱ outȱ intoȱ
RanksȱasȱtheȱGMȱdesires.ȱ(Thereȱshouldȱonlyȱbeȱoneȱ
orȱ twoȱ WorldȬClassȱ heroesȱ inȱ aȱ setting,ȱ soȱ asȱ notȱ toȱ
stealȱtheȱPCsȇȱthunder;ȱbutȱthreeȱorȱfourȱWorldȬClassȱ
villainsȱmakeȱchallengingȱfoesȱforȱaȱwholeȱPCȱgroup.)ȱ
ȱ
MORE EXPERIENCED PCS?
Can the Specific NPC Types rules suggestions be used to
generate older, wiser PCs?
The "official stance" on this for T&J is "no" – these rules
are intended to provide credible NPC mentors and
archfoes for PCs and PC groups.
However, once you've purchased this game, you can do
what you wish. If it adds to your fun, go for it. However,
if you do adopt these adaptations for PCs, have all the
PCs share in the bounty.
ȱ
SUPERHUMAN COMMUNITIES
Likeȱ anyȱ community,ȱ aȱ collectionȱ ofȱ superhumansȱ
willȱ haveȱ plentyȱ ofȱ connectionsȱ withȱ eachȱ other.ȱ
Friendships,ȱ romances,ȱ rivalries,ȱ enemies,ȱ commonȱ
hangouts,ȱ theirȱ ownȱ slang.ȱ GMsȱ shouldȱ spendȱ someȱ
timeȱconsideringȱtheȱinteractionsȱbetweenȱtheȱheroesȱ
andȱ villainsȱ inȱ theirȱ settings.ȱ Isȱ Phadeȱ friendlyȱ withȱ
theȱ Vixen,ȱ dueȱ toȱ aȱ longȬagoȱ adventure?ȱ Isȱ Guyȱ
Vermackȱ jealousȱ ofȱ Doctorȱ Widgetȇsȱ superȬ
technology?ȱIsȱDrakesvilleȱtheȱplaceȱȈtoȱbeȱseenȈȱasȱaȱ
superhero?ȱHasȱStormȱKnightȱeverȱtangledȱwithȱJollyȱ
Roger,ȱorȱhasȱheȱeverȱhadȱaȱbeerȱwithȱtheȱRescuer?ȱIfȱ
supervillainsȱ callȱ normalȱ peopleȱ Ȉpatheticȱ groundȬ
huggersȈȱ orȱ Ȉtheȱ monkeymassȈȱ orȱ Ȉtheȱ Johnnyȱ
Paychecks,ȈȱwhatȱdoesȱeachȱwordȬchoiceȱindicate?ȱȱ
Theȱ webȱ ofȱ associationsȱ betweenȱ superhumansȱ
changesȱ theȱ settingȱ fromȱ flatȱ descriptionsȱ onȱ aȱ pageȱ
toȱaȱvibrantȱtapestryȱofȱaȱworld.ȱDoȱnotȱneglectȱit!ȱ
ROGUES GALLERIES
Asȱ superheroesȱ wageȱ battleȱ withȱ supervillains,ȱ theyȱ
willȱ beginȱ toȱ accrueȱ aȱ setȱ ofȱ foesȱ thatȱ consistentlyȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
return.ȱ Theseȱ enemiesȱ areȱ calledȱ theȱ heroȇsȱ Roguesȱ
Gallery,ȱ andȱ areȱ seenȱ asȱ significantȱ threatsȱ (seeȱ
Chapterȱ 1,ȱ p.ȱ 12).ȱ Justȱ likeȱ withȱ moreȱ lawȬabidingȱ
superhumanȱ communities,ȱ aȱ Roguesȱ Galleryȱ hasȱ itsȱ
amitiesȱ andȱ enmities.ȱ However,ȱ itȱ isȱ importantȱ thatȱ
theȱ oneȱ thingȱ theyȱ allȱ haveȱ asȱ aȱ foundationȱ isȱ theirȱ
oppositionȱ toȱ theȱ particularȱ heroȱ orȱ heroesȱ –ȱ andȱ
commonȱgroundȱsometimesȱleadsȱtoȱcommonȱcause.ȱ
WhenȱtheȱJester,ȱtheȱPuffin,ȱtheȱPuzzler,ȱandȱVixenȱallȱ
teamȬupȱ togetherȱ againstȱ theȱ Flamingȱ Skullȱ andȱ
Craniumȱ(theȱBoyȱBrainiac),ȱyouȱknowȱyouȇreȱinȱforȱaȱ
crazyȱride.ȱ
ANIMALS
Essentially,ȱanimalsȱinȱT&Jȱactȱasȱtypesȱofȱcharacters.ȱ
Asȱ such,ȱ theyȱ areȱ streamlinedȱ forȱ storyȬpurposesȱ
ratherȱ thanȱ realityȱ simulation.ȱ Allȱ animalsȱ haveȱ aȱ
Goodȱ [+2]ȱ (Animal)ȱ Qualityȱ thatȱ isȱ usedȱ forȱ theȱ
animalȇsȱ basicȱ abilities;ȱ itsȱ penumbraȱ coversȱ
perception,ȱ survival,ȱ fleeing,ȱ fighting,ȱ andȱ allȱ otherȱ
inherentȱcapabilitiesȱthatȱparticularȱanimalȱpossesses.ȱȱ
Theȱ powersȱ ofȱ Shapeshiftingȱ (p.ȱ 47)ȱ andȱ
Transformationȱ (seeȱ p.ȱ 53)ȱ oftenȱ involveȱ animals.ȱ
Also,ȱ charactersȱ canȱ takeȱ animalsȱ asȱ Minionsȱ orȱ
Sidekicksȱ (seeȱ p.ȱ 47)ȱ orȱ asȱ aȱ SuperȬSidekickȱ (seeȱ p.ȱ
50).ȱInȱtheȱlatterȱcases,ȱtheȱextraȱpointsȱcanȱbeȱusedȱtoȱ
purchaseȱ additionalȱ abilitiesȱ forȱ theȱ Animal.ȱ Forȱ
extremeȱanimalsȱ(whales,ȱdinosaurs,ȱwarȬlions),ȱextraȱ
abilitiesȱprobablyȱshouldȱbeȱpurchased.ȱ
Someȱpossibleȱextraȱanimalȱabilitiesȱinclude:ȱ
i Armored.ȱ Worksȱ likeȱ theȱ Armorȱ Qualityȱ (seeȱ
p.ȱ 39)ȱ toȱ reflectȱ aȱ toughȱ shell,ȱ thickȱ hide,ȱ orȱ
protectiveȱscales.ȱ
i Big.ȱ Theȱ animalȱ isȱ largerȱ thanȱ anȱ adultȱ
human.ȱ
i Fast.ȱ Theȱ animalȱ isȱ generallyȱ fast,ȱ orȱ fasterȱ
thanȱothersȱofȱitsȱtype.ȱ
i Hunter.ȱ Theȱ animalȱ isȱ skilledȱ inȱ hunting,ȱ
tracking,ȱandȱstealth.ȱ
i Small.ȱ Theȱ animalȱ isȱ smallerȱ thanȱ aȱ humanȱ
child.ȱ
i Strong.ȱ Theȱ animalȱ isȱ generallyȱ strong,ȱ orȱ
strongerȱthanȱothersȱofȱitsȱtype.ȱ
i WarȬTrained.ȱ Theȱ animalȱ hasȱ beenȱ taughtȱ toȱ
fightȱhumanȱcombatants.ȱ
ȱ 74
Belowȱ areȱ someȱ exampleȱ writeȬupsȱ forȱ Animalsȱ thatȱ
charactersȱ couldȱ runȱ intoȱ (orȱ changeȱ into)ȱ duringȱ
theirȱadventures:ȱ
i Crocodile.ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Crocodile,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ
ArmoredȱHide.ȱ
i Dinosaurȱ (genericȱ BȬmovie).ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Dinosaur,ȱ
Masterȱ [+6]ȱ Big,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Scalyȱ Hide,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ
Strong.ȱ
i Dragon.ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Dragon,ȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ Armor,ȱ
Expertȱ[+4]ȱBig,ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱFlight,ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱBreathȱ
Weapon.ȱ
i Elephant.ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Elephant,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ
PrehensileȱTrunk,ȱExpertȱ[+4]ȱBig,ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱThickȱ
Hide.ȱ
i Griffin.ȱ Goodȱ[+2]ȱ Griffin,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Flight,ȱ Goodȱ
[+2]ȱTalons/Claws.ȱ
i Horse.ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱHorse,ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱFast,ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱ
Strong.ȱ
i Lion.ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Lion,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Bite,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ
Sprint.ȱ
i Mouse.ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱMouse,ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱSmall.ȱ
i Octopusȱ(giant).ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱOctopus,ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱBig,ȱ
Goodȱ[+2]ȱTentacles,ȱAverageȱ[0]ȱInkȱCloud.ȱ
i Shark.ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱShark,ȱExpertȱ[+4]ȱBite,ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱ
Swim.ȱ
i Tiger.ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Tiger,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Bite,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ
Hunter.ȱ
i Unicorn.ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Unicorn,ȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ Fast,ȱ
Goodȱ[+2]ȱStrong,ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱMagicȱHorn.ȱ
i Wolf.ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Wolf,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Fast,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ
Bite,ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱSmart.ȱ
i Xenobugȱ (alienȱ giantȱ insect).ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Insect,ȱ
Goodȱ[+2]ȱBig,ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱChitinȱArmor,ȱandȱeitherȱ
Goodȱ[+2]ȱVenomȱorȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱClawsȱorȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱ
Flight.ȱ
DESIGNING ADVENTURES
Almostȱallȱgameȱbooksȱhaveȱadviceȱonȱhowȱtoȱdesignȱ
adventures,ȱ andȱ thisȱ oneȱ isȱ noȱ different.ȱ However,ȱ
theȱdiscussionȱbelowȱwillȱattemptȱtoȱboilȱitȱdownȱforȱ
supersȱgenreȱRPGs.ȱȱ
OBSTACLES & OPPORTUNITIES
Goodȱ adventuresȱ –ȱ andȱ manyȱ Scenesȱ withinȱ thoseȱ
adventuresȱ –ȱ shouldȱ encourageȱ PCȱ characterizationȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
andȱ interplayȱ throughȱ action.ȱ Onceȱ theȱ GMȱ andȱ theȱ
playerȱ haveȱ aȱ basicȱ handleȱ onȱ theȱ natureȱ andȱ
personalityȱ ofȱ aȱ character,ȱ theȱ GMȱ shouldȱ arrangeȱ
situationsȱ whereȱ thisȱ natureȱ andȱ personalityȱ canȱ beȱ
expressedȱthroughȱtasksȱandȱdialogue.ȱ
Obstaclesȱ areȱ thoseȱ thingsȱ thatȱ getȱ inȱ aȱ characterȇsȱ
way:ȱ villains,ȱ rivals,ȱ mysteries,ȱ traps,ȱ locks,ȱ walls,ȱ
lawyers,ȱinnocentsȱplungingȱtoȱtheirȱdeaths,ȱthatȱsortȱ
ofȱthing.ȱOpportunitiesȱareȱsituationsȱthatȱ(withȱsomeȱ
effort)ȱcouldȱpayȱoffȱdownȱtheȱroad:ȱschmoozingȱwithȱ
theȱmayor,ȱshowingȱoffȱforȱtheȱcrowd,ȱdoingȱcharityȱ
work,ȱ helpingȱ outȱ anotherȱ hero,ȱ attendingȱ publicȱ
events,ȱ bondingȱ withȱ theȱ teammates,ȱ andȱ soȱ on.ȱ Aȱ
basicȱ Sceneȱ needsȱ eitherȱ anȱ Obstacleȱ orȱ anȱ
Opportunity;ȱaȱmoreȱcomplexȱSceneȱmayȱhaveȱtwoȱofȱ
either;ȱ reallyȱ intricateȱ Scenesȱ shouldȱ includeȱ severalȱ
ofȱbothȱtypes.ȱ
Obstaclesȱ andȱ Opportunitiesȱ provideȱ waysȱ forȱ
charactersȱ toȱ displayȱ their,ȱ well,ȱ character.ȱ Theȱ wayȱ
MegagirlȱreactsȱtoȱaȱgiantȱrobotȱattackingȱSanȱRafaelȱ
isȱ goingȱ toȱ beȱ differentȱ fromȱ howȱ Inspectorȱ Specterȱ
does;ȱ theȱ methodȱ inȱ whichȱ Inspectorȱ Specterȱ chasesȱ
downȱtheȱserialȱkillerȱSpringhillȱJaneȱwillȱbeȱcertainlyȱ
differentȱ fromȱ howȱ Megagirlȱ doesȱ theȱ sameȱ thing;ȱ
andȱ theirȱ mannerȱ ofȱ communicatingȱ throughȱ
dialogueȱwillȱbeȱdifferent.ȱȱ
THE SPLASH PAGE
Alsoȱ knownȱ asȱ theȱ Teaser,ȱ thisȱ isȱ anȱ imageȱ orȱ
situationȱ thatȱ setsȱ theȱ scene.ȱ Itȱ startsȱ theȱ adventureȱ
offȱwithȱaȱbang.ȱItȱmightȱbeȱaȱbroodingȱimageȱofȱtheȱ
heroȱ gargoylingȱ overȱ theȱ rainyȱ city,ȱ aȱ happyȱ teamȱ
picnickingȱinȱcivilianȱclothes,ȱanȱoldȱmanȱwalkingȱoutȱ
ofȱ aȱ barȱ andȱ fallingȱ downȱ deadȱ withȱ aȱ knifeȱ inȱ hisȱ
back,ȱ aȱ scientistȱ typeȱ sayingȱ somethingȱ ominous,ȱ orȱ
anyȱshockingȱeventȱthatȱmustȱbeȱbackedȬupȱfromȱandȱ
thenȱ explained.ȱ Theȱ Splashȱ Pageȱ setsȱ theȱ moodȱ andȱ
toneȱ forȱ theȱ adventureȱ –ȱ andȱ mayȱ orȱ mayȱ notȱ evenȱ
involveȱtheȱPCsȱimmediately.ȱ
CLUE & DISCOVERY
Clueȱ andȱ Discoveryȱ isȱ theȱ typicalȱ catȬandȬmouseȱ
methodȱ ofȱ comicȱ bookȱ orȱ cartoonȱ superȬcriminals.ȱ
Theirȱescapadesȱoftenȱfollowȱthisȱroughȱoutline:ȱ
1. Villain does (or prepares to do) something.
2. Hero finds out about #1 (before or after the
fact).
ȱ 75
3. Hero does research, sets alarms, maps patrol
routes, etc.
4. Villain does something else; this time Hero is
alerted, and races to the scene.
5. Hero-Villain confrontation.
6. Villain escapes (with or without his target),
but has left a clue of some sort in word or
deed.
7. Either:
i Repeat steps #3 through #6 (at least once,
but sometimes multiple times); or
i Villain captures Hero and puts him in a
deathtrap.
8. Whereupon Hero finally susses out the
problem, lays just the right trap for the
villain, the stars come right, digs down deep
inside to triumph, whatever, and. . .
9. . . . the Villain is captured (or escapes by the
skin of his teeth).
Lather,ȱrinse,ȱrepeat.ȱȱ
ȱ
The way I look at it, comic book superhero stories are pretty
simple. There's one guy who's got one set of powers and he's
got to fight another guy who's got another set of powers, or
else he's got to deal with a natural disaster or something. But
instead of seeing that as a limitation, I looked at it as if you're a
blues musician and you've just got three chords: C, G, and D.
That's it. But if you add two minor chords, you've got every
Beatles song. So you go in there and you start to really
improvise, add in those minor chords. . . what I have to do is
disguise that enough so the readers don't realize that they've
been reading the same story all their life. That's where the
creativity comes in.
– Grant Morrison interview, Writers on Comics Scriptwriting
ȱ
SITUATION & RESPONSE
Situationȱ andȱ Responseȱ isȱ anotherȱ interestingȱ
adventureȱ pattern,ȱ whereȱ somethingȱ badȱ isȱ
happeningȱ orȱ threateningȱ toȱ happen,ȱ andȱ theȱ heroesȱ
haveȱtoȱstopȱit.ȱMeteorsȱcrashingȱtowardsȱEarth,ȱalienȱ
invasionȱ fleets,ȱ naturalȱ disasters,ȱ apocalypses,ȱ thatȱ
sortȱofȱthing.ȱAlwaysȱgoodȱforȱanȱadventureȱheavyȱonȱ
theȱplanningȱandȱresourcesȬutilization.ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ

THE TWO-PAGE SPREAD MEANWHILE. . .

Everyȱ adventureȱ shouldȱ haveȱ atȱ leastȱ oneȱ incrediblyȱ
visual,ȱ exciting,ȱ actionȬorientedȱ Ȉsetȱ piece.Ȉȱ
Somethingȱ toȱ catchȱ theȱ eyeȱ andȱ memory;ȱ somethingȱ
toȱmakeȱtheȱplayersȱcomeȱbackȱforȱmore.ȱWeȱcallȱthisȱ
theȱTwoȬPageȱSpread.ȱWhileȱmostȱRPGsȱuseȱcombatȱinȱ
thisȱ role,ȱ thereȱ areȱ plentyȱ ofȱ otherȱ actionȱ tasksȱ thatȱ
canȱalsoȱfillȱthisȱrequirement.ȱAȱfewȱexamplesȱwouldȱ
beȱ aȱ pulseȬpoundingȱ raceȱ alongȱ theȱ rooftops,ȱ anȱ
escapeȱ fromȱ plummetingȱ airplane,ȱ infiltrationȱ ofȱ aȱ
villainȇsȱ stronghold,ȱ escapes,ȱ convincingȱ theȱ alienȱ
overlordȱ thatȱ invadingȱ Earthȱ isȱ aȱ prettyȱ stupidȱ idea,ȱ
discoveringȱ thatȱ theȱ teamȇsȱ faithfulȱ butlerȱ isȱ secretlyȱ
oneȱofȱtheirȱarchvillainsȱ–ȱitȇsȱallȱgood.ȱ
ISSUES, EPISODES, & CLIFFHANGERS
Forȱ theȱ biggestȱ bangȱ inȱ todayȇsȱ hurlyȬburlyȱ world,ȱ
adventuresȱshouldȱbeȱplannedȱtoȱbeȱcontainedȱwithinȱ
aȱ singleȱ issueȱ ofȱ aȱ comicȱ bookȱ orȱ televisionȱ episodeȱ
(read:ȱ sessions),ȱ withȱ theȱ occasionalȱ twoȬparter,ȱ
weekȬlongȱ miniȬseries,ȱ orȱ twelveȱ issueȱ maxiȬseries.ȱ
Thatȱ way,ȱ eachȱ sessionȱ isȱ aȱ distinctȱ event.ȱ Useȱ theȱ
Clueȱ&ȱDiscoveryȱadviceȱaboveȱforȱroughȱideaȱonȱhowȱ
toȱ structureȱ adventures,ȱ butȱ onlyȱ practiceȱ andȱ
knowledgeȱofȱtheȱgamingȱgroupȱwillȱhelpȱGMsȱrefineȱ
theirȱplottingȱandȱtimingȱskills.ȱ
Ifȱ anȱadventureȱ needsȱ toȱstretchȱ overȱ moreȱ thanȱ oneȱ
session,ȱ leaveȱ someȱ orȱ allȱ ofȱ theȱ PCsȱ inȱ aȱ dangerousȱ
situationȱ –ȱ aȱ cliffhanger.ȱ Thisȱ canȱ increaseȱ interestȱ toȱ
comeȱ backȱ andȱ seeȱ whatȱ happensȱ next.ȱ Cliffhangersȱ
canȱalsoȱbeȱusedȱinȱtheȱmiddleȱofȱaȱsingleȱadventureȱ
session,ȱ precedingȱ aȱ shortȱ breakȱ orȱ intermission,ȱ toȱ
ratchetȱupȱtheȱsuspense.ȱ
Meanwhile.ȱ .ȱ .ȱ (alsoȱ calledȱ CutȬScenes)ȱ isȱ aȱ greatȱ
methodȱ toȱ pauseȱ theȱ actionȱ forȱ characters,ȱ whileȱ
showingȱotherȱeventsȱofȱinterestȱ–ȱlikeȱStoryȱHooksȱorȱ
unfoldingȱ plotȱ pointsȱ –ȱ thatȱ areȱ goingȱ on.ȱ Ifȱ theȱ PCȱ
groupȱhasȱsplitȱup,ȱitȇsȱaȱvitalȱtechnique,ȱespeciallyȱifȱ
theȱactiveȱPCsȱareȱleftȱinȱaȱsmallȱcliffhangerȱwhenȱtheȱ
cutȬoverȱtoȱtheȱinactiveȱPCsȱhappens.ȱ
TITLE CHARACTER
Aȱ cuteȱ conceitȱ thatȱ someȱ groupsȱ mightȱ wantȱ toȱ
exploreȱisȱthatȱofȱtheȱTitleȱCharacter.ȱAȱsimpleȱwayȱtoȱ
sumȱitȱupȱisȱwithȱaȱreferenceȱtoȱtheȱcomicȱbookȱtropeȱ
ofȱ Hooȇdȱ Win?ȱ (seeȱ Chapterȱ 1,ȱ p.ȱ 11).ȱ Ifȱ Ultrawomanȱ
andȱ Hypermanȱ getȱ intoȱ aȱ fight,ȱ whoȱ wins?ȱ Well,ȱ itȱ
dependsȱ greatlyȱ onȱ whichȱ comicȱ bookȱ orȱ cartoonȱ
showȱtheȱfightȱhappensȱupon.ȱUsually,ȱtheȱheadlinerȱ
willȱwinȱinȱtheseȱcasesȱ(evenȱifȱitȱappearsȱthatȱheȱlosesȱ
–ȱ heȱ gainsȱ vitalȱ info,ȱ delaysȱ theȱ opponent,ȱ orȱ
somesuch).ȱȱ
Adoptingȱthisȱconceitȱcouldȱmeanȱthatȱeachȱsessionȱofȱ
aȱ campaignȱ ȈhappensȈȱ inȱ aȱ differentȱ PCȇsȱ Ȉtitle.Ȉȱ Theȱ
headlinerȱ forȱ theȱ sessionȱ mightȱ getȱ aȱ freeȱ Upshiftȱ orȱ
theȱ abilityȱ toȱ dictateȱ aȱ singleȱ plot,ȱ setting,ȱ orȱ NPCȱ
pointȱduringȱtheȱsession.ȱInȱtheȱnextȱsession,ȱitȱtakesȱ
placeȱ inȱ theȱ nextȱ PCȇsȱ series,ȱ andȱ thatȱ PCȱ gainsȱ theȱ
freebie.ȱAndȱsoȱforth.ȱ

RETCON IT!
Anotherȱ wayȱ toȱ addȱ interestȱ orȱ generateȱ adventureȱ
ideasȱisȱtoȱrevisitȱwhatȱhasȱgoneȱbeforeȱandȱputȱaȱnewȱ
interpretationȱ orȱ spinȱ onȱ it,ȱ fillȱ inȱ missingȱ gaps,ȱ orȱ
evenȱ justȱ observeȱ itȱ fromȱ aȱ differentȱ perspective:ȱ
ȈDoctorȱ Devilishȱ gotȱ hisȱ powersȱ fromȱ theȱ sameȱ
meteorȱ thatȱ gaveȱ meȱ myȱ powers?Ȉȱ Thisȱ isȱ retconningȱ
(seeȱChapterȱ1,ȱp.ȱ12).ȱ
Flashbacksȱ andȱ shortȱ ȈoriginȬretellingsȈȱ areȱ greatȱ forȱ
thisȱ sortȱ ofȱ thing.ȱ Whenȱ usedȱ withȱ aȱ deftȱ hand,ȱ
retconningȱ canȱ addȱ toȱ theȱ depthȱ andȱ textureȱ ofȱ aȱ
setting.ȱWhenȱusedȱclumsily,ȱitȱcanȱbeȱutterȱcrap,ȱandȱ
dragȱ downȱ thingsȱ thatȱ wereȱ formerlyȱ funȱ orȱ ȱ
interesting.ȱBeȱwarned!ȱ
ȱ 76
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
VILLAIN JAZZ
Things to keep in mind when running supervillains:
Most villains are of equal power to the heroes, or
weaker. Otherwise, they wouldn't need to escape:
they'd just beat the tar out of any do-gooders that
stand in their way. An interesting thing here is that in
superhero stories, villains scale to their opponents.
Ifȱ Manticoreȱ takesȱ onȱ Kingȱ Viperȱ andȱ hisȱ Snakemenȱ
inȱ hisȱ ownȱ titleȱ ofȱ Manticoreȱ theȱ Manhunter,ȱ heȱ canȱ
regularlyȱbeatȱtheȱreptileȱoverlord.ȱHowever,ȱifȱKingȱ
Viperȱ takesȱ onȱ theȱ Justiceȱ Allianceȱ –ȱ Manticoreȱ andȱ
fiveȱ ofȱ hisȱ superheroȱ friendsȱ –ȱ inȱ theȱ teamȬupȱ comicȱ
Justiceȱ Allianceȱ Adventures,ȱ theȱ villainousȱ snakeȱ
becomesȱ aȱ moreȱ dangerousȱ adversary.ȱ Noȱ oneȱ heroȱ
canȱ beatȱ him,ȱ evenȱ thoughȱ Manticoreȱ cleanedȱ hisȱ
clockȱ justȱ lastȱ monthȱ allȱ byȱ hisȱ lonesome.ȱ Villainsȱ
scaleȱ toȱ matchȱ theirȱ heroicȱ adversariesȱ duȱ jour,ȱ andȱ
thisȱisȱjustȱpartȱofȱtheȱgenre.ȱ
Deathtraps.ȱWhenȱyouȱspendȱaȱlotȱofȱtimeȱfixatingȱonȱ
aȱheroȱwhoȱthwartsȱyouȱregularly,ȱyouȱtendȱtoȱdreamȱ
upȱ ridiculouslyȱ baroqueȱ waysȱ toȱ humble,ȱ torture,ȱ orȱ
killȱthem.ȱPlus,ȱitȱpassesȱtheȱtime.ȱ
Monologuing.ȱ Thoseȱ foolsȱ atȱ theȱ Universityȱ mayȱ
neverȱ haveȱ listenedȱ toȱ theȱ villain,ȱ butȱ byȱ Godȱ inȱ
Heaven,ȱ someoneȱ willȱ (preferablyȱ whenȱ stuckȱ
helplesslyȱ inȱ aȱ Deathtrap).ȱ Whenȱ aȱ villainȱ startsȱ
monologuing,ȱ thatȇsȱ aȱ dramaticȱ Sceneȱ break,ȱ
permittingȱheroesȱtoȱrecoverȱtheirȱwindȱandȱsummonȱ
upȱ theȱ reservesȱ toȱ returnȱ toȱ theȱ fray,ȱ summonȱ
reinforcements,ȱorȱescape.ȱ
Getaways.ȱ Whenȱ theyȇreȱ losingȱ aȱ conflict,ȱ villainsȱ
generallyȱ runȱ awayȱ beforeȱ theȱ bitterȱ end.ȱ Theyȱ tendȱ
toȱ escapeȱ throughȱ twoȱ mainȱ methods:ȱ 1)ȱ diversionsȱ
(tricks,ȱtraps,ȱthreatenȱorȱendangerȱinnocents);ȱandȱ2)ȱ
temporaryȱ outperformanceȱ (physicalȱ orȱ mental).ȱ The
sudden, unheralded appearance of escape pods,
backpack helicopters, smoke bombs, secret passages,
self-destruct systems, or other Plan Bs are all
implementations of these mechanics in action.ȱ
EscapeȬproofȱprisons.ȱ.ȱ.ȱArenȇt.ȱ(SeeȱVillainȱPoints,ȱp.ȱ
33.)ȱ
Hideouts.ȱVillainsȱseemȱtoȱsinkȱsubstantialȱresourcesȱ
intoȱmanyȱsmallȱhideoutsȱscatteredȱaroundȱtheirȱareaȱ
ofȱ operation.ȱ Thisȱ way,ȱ ifȱ somethingȱ goesȱ wrong,ȱ
theyȱ canȱ rest,ȱ recuperate,ȱ andȱ reȬequip.ȱ Theyȱ alsoȱ
spendȱ aȱ remarkableȱ amountȱ ofȱ timeȱ lookingȱ forȱ
ȱ 77
locationsȱ forȱ theirȱ nextȱ escapadeȱ thatȱ fitsȱ theirȱ motifȱ
andȱmotivesȱ–ȱabandonedȱorȱisolatedȱpropertiesȱareȱaȱ
bigȱplus.ȱ
Opinionsȱofȱhero(es).ȱRemember,ȱvillainsȱspendȱaȱlotȱ
ofȱ timeȱ interactingȱ withȱ theirȱ heroȱ orȱ heroes.ȱ Howȱ
doesȱtheȱvillainȱconsiderȱtheȱhero?ȱIsȱheȱorȱsheȱseenȱasȱ
anȱ equalȱ foe,ȱ anȱ annoyingȱ insect,ȱ anȱ obstacleȱ toȱ beȱ
overcome,ȱ aȱ misguidedȱ fool,ȱ aȱ potentialȱ romanticȱ
partner,ȱwhat?ȱȱ
Noȱbody.ȱ.ȱ.ȱNotȱdead.ȱ(SeeȱVillainȱPoints,ȱp.ȱ33.)ȱ
Snipingȱ isȱ rare.ȱ Whileȱ pullingȱ aȱ trickȱ onȱ aȱ heroȱ toȱ
weakenȱ himȱ forȱ theȱ eventualȱ conflictȱ isȱ typical,ȱ orȱ aȱ
warningȱ shotȱ canȱ beȱ firedȱ nearbyȱ toȱ drawȱ theȱ heroȱ
out,ȱ snipingȱ fromȱ hidingȱ withȱ overwhelmingȱ
firepowerȱgenerallyȱisnȇtȱdone.ȱNoȱmatterȱhowȱmuchȱ
senseȱitȱwouldȱmakeȱrealistically.ȱ
RoguesȱGalleryȱRivalries.ȱHowȱdoesȱtheȱvillainȱlookȱ
atȱhisȱorȱherȱfellowsȱinȱtheȱlocalȱRoguesȱGallery?ȱAreȱ
theyȱseenȱasȱequals,ȱallies,ȱusurpers,ȱmutualȱenemies,ȱ
catspawsȱtoȱbeȱused,ȱaȱdatingȱpool,ȱaȱkoffeeȱklatch,ȱaȱ
bunchȱ ofȱ folksȱ toȱ playȱ pokerȱ with?ȱ Remember,ȱ theyȱ
mightȱspendȱaȱlotȱofȱtimeȱsideȬbyȬsideȱinȱcellsȱatȱtheȱ
penitentiaryȱ orȱ theȱ asylum.ȱ Howȱ doȱ theyȱ allȱ getȱ
along?ȱ (Theȱ Batman:ȱ theȱ Animatedȱ Seriesȱ episodeȱ –ȱ
ȈAlmostȱ Gotȱ ȇimȈȱ –ȱ showsȱ aȱ littleȱ ofȱ this,ȱ whereȱ
severalȱ BatȬvillainsȱ areȱ playingȱ pokerȱ andȱ tradingȱ
storiesȱaboutȱtheȱDarkȱKnight.)ȱ
Running the Game
BeingȱtheȱGMȱforȱanȱRPGȱisȱtoughȱwork:ȱyou’veȱgotȱ
toȱ setȱ theȱ Scene,ȱ portrayȱ theȱ NPCs,ȱ adjudicateȱ theȱ
rulesȱ (especiallyȱ thoseȱ involvingȱ Powersȱ andȱ Powerȱ
Stunts),ȱ createȱ situationsȱ toȱ beȱ resolved,ȱ helpȱ shapeȱ
theȱ storyȱ ofȱ theȱ gameȱ withȱ theȱ players,ȱ andȱ
encourageȱ themȱ toȱ roleȬplayȱ forȱ theirȱ entertainmentȱ
andȱeverybodyȱelse’s.ȱIt’sȱaȱroughȱ–ȱbutȱrewardingȱ–ȱ
gig.ȱȱ
GMsȱ areȱ funȬenablersȱ forȱ theirȱ players,ȱ providingȱ aȱ
backdropȱ forȱ theȱ PCsȱ toȱ goȱ andȱ adventure.ȱ Theyȱ
shouldȱ suggest,ȱ encourage,ȱ andȱ challengeȱ playersȱ inȱ
waysȱ suchȱ thatȱ theirȱ PCsȱ areȱ asȱ coolȱ andȱ asȱ
interestingȱasȱpossible.ȱThisȱmeansȱthatȱGMsȱshould:ȱ
i Pointȱ outȱ whenȱ theȱ playerȱ isȱ misinterpreting,ȱ
misunderstanding,ȱ orȱ honestlyȱ doesnȇtȱ knowȱ
aȱparticularȱT&Jȱrule.ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
i MakeȱsuggestionsȱtoȱtheȱplayerȱonȱhowȱaȱPCȇsȱ
chosenȱ actionȱ couldȱ beȱ moreȱ effectiveȱ underȱ
theȱ rulesȱ orȱ theirȱ characterȱ writeȬup.ȱ (Withinȱ
limits,ȱ ofȱ course:ȱ itȇsȱ theȱ playerȇsȱ characterȱ toȱ
play,ȱafterȱall.)ȱ
i Drawȱ outȱ moreȱ informationȱ fromȱ theȱ playersȱ
aboutȱtheirȱcharactersȇȱpersonalities,ȱhistories,ȱ
orȱactions.ȱ
i Encourageȱ theȱ playersȱ toȱ tryȱ thingsȱ thatȱ areȱ
outȱ ofȱ theȱ ordinaryȱ (likeȱ tryingȱ toȱ
communicateȱ withȱ theȱ alienȱ robotȱ armyȱ
attackingȱ Earth,ȱ orȱ combiningȱ Powersȱ inȱ
unexpectedȱways).ȱ
i Buildȱ onȱ whatȱ theȱ playersȱ giveȱ themȱ –ȱ
weavingȱ abilities,ȱ personalities,ȱ Backgrounds,ȱ
Origins,ȱ actionsȱ takenȱ inȱ pastȱ sessionsȱ byȱ
characters,ȱ hintsȱ droppedȱ byȱ playersȱ inȱ
conversationȱ –ȱ toȱ createȱ interestingȱ sessionsȱ
forȱthem.ȱ
USING YOUR SENSES
InȱaȱT&Jȱgame,ȱtheȱmainȱtoolsȱtoȱuseȱforȱgoodȱGMingȱ
likeȱ thisȱ areȱ yourȱ Commonȱ Sense,ȱ Gameȱ Sense,ȱ andȱ
ComicsȱSense:ȱ
Commonȱ Sense:ȱ Evaluateȱ characters,ȱ abilities,ȱ
scenery,ȱandȱsituationsȱinȱtermsȱofȱ“Isȱthisȱreasonableȱ
orȱ fair,ȱ givenȱ theȱ situation?”ȱ Dependingȱ uponȱ theseȱ
elements,ȱ whatȱ isȱ “reasonable”ȱ orȱ ȈfairȈȱ mayȱ changeȱ
drastically,ȱ however.ȱ Forȱ example,ȱ whileȱ someȱ
familiesȱ haveȱ aȱ basicȱ securityȱ systemȱ inȱ theirȱ houseȱ
(reasonable),ȱ thatȱ systemȱ probablyȱ doesȱ notȱ includeȱ
lethalȱ weaponry.ȱ Onȱ theȱ otherȱ hand,ȱ theȱ homeȱ ofȱ aȱ
paranoidȱ mightȱ veryȱ wellȱ haveȱ aȱ sophisticatedȱ
securityȱ systemȱ withȱ manȬtrapsȱ andȱ semiȬlethalȱ
defenses.ȱȱ
Gameȱ Sense.ȱ Evaluateȱ characters,ȱ Powers,ȱ scenery,ȱ
andȱ situationsȱ inȱ termsȱ ofȱ “Shouldȱ Iȱ makeȱ theȱ PC(s)ȱ
rollȱ forȱ this?”ȱ Dependingȱ uponȱ whatȱ yourȱ players’ȱ
charactersȱareȱ upȱ to,ȱandȱtheȱ styleȱinȱwhichȱ youȱ runȱ
yourȱ gameȱ (seeȱ Style,ȱ p.ȱ 5),ȱ thisȱ canȱ varyȱ wildly.ȱ
Surprisingly,ȱmoreȱoftenȱthanȱnot,ȱtheȱanswerȱisȱno.ȱAȱ
randomizerȱ–ȱlikeȱaȱdiceȱrollȱ–ȱshouldȱonlyȱbeȱusedȱifȱ
theȱsituationȱisȱreallyȱandȱtrulyȱanȱimportantȱrisk.ȱForȱ
example,ȱ takeȱ aȱ copȱ pursuingȱ aȱ crookȱ inȱ aȱ rooftopȱ
chase.ȱ Theȱ crookȱ jumpsȱ aȱ narrowȱ gapȱ ontoȱ theȱ nextȱ
roof.ȱ Inȱ aȱ grittyȱ game,ȱ theȱ dangerousȱ natureȱ ofȱ suchȱ
acrobaticȱ shenanigansȱ mayȱ beȱ consideredȱ bothȱ
ȱ 78
importantȱ andȱ aȱ risk;ȱ thus,ȱ theȱ GMȱ shouldȱ callȱ forȱ
someȱ sortȱ ofȱ roll.ȱ However,ȱ ifȱ theȱ gameȱ isȱ highlyȬ
cinematic,ȱ theȱ copȱ probablyȱ needsȱ noȱ rollȱ toȱ followȱ
hisȱ targetȱ acrossȱ aȱ genericȱ gap:ȱ heȇsȱ anȱ actionȱ hero,ȱ
andȱ thatȱ sortȱ ofȱ thingȱ isȱ deȱ rigueur.ȱ Knowȱ whenȱ toȱ
applyȱ rulesȱ andȱ whenȱ toȱ abstractȱ themȱ forȱ theȱ
comfortȱofȱyourȱplayers.ȱ
Additionally,ȱ T&Jȱ abstractsȱ mostȱ ofȱ theȱ Ȉfiddlyȱ bitsȈȱ
anyway.ȱ Insteadȱ ofȱ laboringȱ toȱ comeȱ upȱ withȱ aȱ
particularȱwayȱtoȱmapȱanȱeffectȱintoȱgameȱrules,ȱjustȱ
pickȱwhatȱseemsȱbestȱandȱrunȱwithȱit.ȱUseȱModifiersȱ
forȱ aȱ smallȱ rangeȱ ofȱ effectsȱ (Ȭ2ȱ toȱ +6)ȱ andȱ Targetȱ
Numbersȱ forȱ aȱ widerȱ rangeȱ (5ȱ toȱ 13),ȱ theȱ Powerȱ
Intensitiesȱ whenȱ comparingȱ thingsȱ toȱ realisticȱ
benchmarks,ȱ andȱ applyȱ Upshiftsȱ orȱ Downshiftsȱ inȱ
extremeȱsituationsȱ–ȱnowȱyouȇreȱgoodȱtoȱgo.ȱ
Comicsȱ Sense.ȱ Evaluateȱ characters,ȱ Powers,ȱ Stunts,ȱ
scenery,ȱandȱsituationsȱinȱtermsȱofȱ“Wouldȱthisȱthingȱ
work,ȱifȱthisȱgameȱwereȱaȱcomicȱbookȱIȱwasȱreading?”ȱ
Inȱmanyȱways,ȱhavingȱgoodȱComicsȱSenseȱallowsȱyouȱ
toȱchuckȱtheȱrulesȱandȱflyȱbyȱtheȱseatȱofȱyourȱpantsȱ–ȱ
thisȱ isȱ especiallyȱ importantȱ whenȱ theȱ playersȱ comeȱ
upȱwithȱsomethingȱcoolȱtoȱdoȱwithȱtheirȱpowersȱthatȱ
fitsȱ theirȱ idiomȱ andȱ iconography.ȱ Forȱ example,ȱ sayȱ
thatȱ aȱ PCȱ wantsȱ toȱ useȱ hisȱ Telekinesisȱ asȱ anȱ areaȱ
effect,ȱtoȱȈfeelȈȱhisȱwayȱthroughȱaȱdarkȱroom.ȱWouldȱ
thatȱ workȱ inȱ aȱ comicȱ bookȱ withȱ aȱ telekineticȱ hero?ȱ
Probably,ȱsoȱtheȱPCȱcanȱprobablyȱattemptȱitȱasȱaȱSpinȬ
offȱ Stunt.ȱ Comicsȱ Senseȱ meansȱ beingȱ ableȱ toȱ judgeȱ
imaginativeȱ applicationsȱ ofȱ superhumanȱ ideasȱ
honestlyȱasȱregardsȱtheȱgenre.ȱȱ
DETERMINING DIFFICULTY RANKS
Oneȱ ofȱ theȱ importantȱ jobsȱ ofȱ theȱ GMȱ isȱ settingȱ
Difficultyȱ Ranksȱ forȱ tasks.ȱ Oneȱ thingȱ toȱ takeȱ intoȱ
seriousȱ considerationȱ whenȱ doingȱ thisȱ howȱ theȱ
overallȱ campaignȱ Styleȱ (seeȱ Chapterȱ 1,ȱ p.ȱ 5)ȱ affectsȱ
howȱ hardȱ itȱ isȱ toȱ doȱ thingsȱ –ȱ whatȱ mightȱ beȱ easyȱ inȱ
oneȱStyleȱmayȱbeȱimpossibleȱinȱanother.ȱ
Example:ȱ Dr.ȱ Ivylȱ hasȱ setȱ upȱ someȱ bigassȱ
DoomsdayȱDeviceȱthatȱreliesȱonȱtheȱwaterȱsystemȱ
ofȱ theȱ City.ȱ Theȱ PCsȱ needȱ toȱ convinceȱ theȱ Mayorȱ
toȱshutȱtheȱwaterworksȱdownȱtemporarily.ȱȱ
InȱGrimȱȇnȱGrittyȱStyle,ȱthisȱcouldȱbeȱanȱExpertȱ[11]ȱ
Difficultyȱ–ȱandȱmayȱrequireȱUpshiftsȱgainedȱfromȱ
compromisingȱ photosȱ orȱ otherȱ blackmailȱ orȱ dealȬ
cutting;ȱ thisȱ mayȱ entailȱ severalȱ Scenesȱ worthȱ ofȱ
work.ȱȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
InȱCinematicȱStyle,ȱthisȱisȱprobablyȱaȱGoodȱ[9]ȱtask,ȱ Hereȇsȱ aȱ shortȱ listȱ ofȱ thingsȱ thatȱ GMsȱ shouldȱ reviewȱ
andȱ definitelyȱ aȱ Sceneȱ toȱ itself,ȱ whereȱ theȱ PCsȱ whenȱsearchingȱforȱStoryȱHooks:ȱ
mustȱconvinceȱtheȱMayorȱtoȱpullȱtheȱswitch.ȱȱ
i Backgroundsȱ
Inȱ FourȬColorȱ Style,ȱ convincingȱ theȱ Mayorȱ mightȱ
beȱjustȱanȱAverageȱ[7]ȱtask,ȱandȱnotȱevenȱaȱSceneȱ–ȱ i FirstȱHitȱinȱConflictȱ
itȱ couldȱ beȱ anȱ actionȱ takenȱ withinȱ anotherȱ Scene,ȱ i HQsȱ
orȱsimplyȱhappenȱȈoffȬpanel.Ȉȱȱ i Limitationsȱ
Inȱ Animatedȱ Style,ȱ itȱ willȱ probablyȱ beȱ aȱ Goodȱ [9]ȱ i MacGuffinsȱ&ȱPlotȱDevicesȱ
task,ȱ butȱ canȱ beȱ aȱ Scene,ȱ action,ȱ orȱ offȬpanelȱ asȱ i Minionsȱ
drama,ȱ groupȱ tastes,ȱ andȱ runningȱ timeȱ ofȱ sessionȱ i Motivationsȱ
dictates.ȱ i Originsȱ

MAPMAKING AND RAILROADING i

GMing,ȱasȱ aȱskill,ȱ usuallyȱinvolvesȱ bothȱ mapmakingȱ
andȱrailroading.ȱMapmakingȱisȱwhenȱtheȱGMȱlaysȱoutȱ
potentialȱ clues,ȱ NPCs,ȱ places,ȱ plots,ȱ MacGuffins,ȱ
events,ȱandȱsoȱforthȱforȱtheȱPCsȱtoȱwanderȱacrossȱasȱ
theyȱ will.ȱ Railroadingȱ isȱ whenȱ aȱ GMȱ feedsȱ specificȱ
clues,ȱ NPCs,ȱ places,ȱ etc.,ȱ toȱ theȱ playersȱ soȱ theyȱ canȱ
onlyȱfollowȱaȱsingleȱspecifiedȱpath.ȱȱ
Usedȱ withȱ moderationȱ andȱ commonȱ sense,ȱ bothȱ
aspectsȱ contributeȱ toȱ theȱ RPGȱ experience;ȱ atȱ
extremes,ȱ eitherȱ canȱ seriouslyȱ detractȱ fromȱ theȱ fun.ȱ
Mapmakingȱ laysȱ anȱ entireȱ worldȱ atȱ theȱ PCsȇȱ feet.ȱ .ȱ .ȱ
butȱ ifȱ theȱ playerȱ orȱ charactersȱ areȱ currentlyȱ lackingȱ
initiativeȱ orȱ clarity,ȱ theyȱ mightȱ justȱ wanderȱ aroundȱ
withoutȱ followingȱ anyȱ adventureȱ hooks.ȱ Someȱ
railroadingȱ –ȱ likeȱ aȱ callȱ fromȱ theȱ commissioner,ȱ aȱ
supervillainȇsȱ escape,ȱ theȱ introductionȱ ofȱ aȱ powerfulȱ
NPC,ȱ orȱ Ȉyouȇreȱ allȱ overcomeȱ withȱ knockoutȱ gasȈȱ soȱ
asȱ toȱ getȱ theȱ heroesȱ intoȱ theȱ deathtrapȱ –ȱ canȱ beȱ
helpfulȱtoȱhelpȱhookȱPCsȱtoȱexperienceȱaȱspecificȱsetȬ
pieceȱ orȱ getȱ themȱ moving.ȱ (Butȱ GMsȱ mustȱ letȱ knowȱ
theȱ playersȱ thatȱ suchȱ thingsȱ areȱ possible;ȱ seeȱ alsoȱ
RevoltinȇȱDevelopments,ȱp.ȱ31,ȱasȱoneȱmethodȱofȱeasingȱ
theȱ sting.)ȱ However,ȱ ifȱ overused,ȱ PCsȱ mayȱ feelȱ
impotent,ȱ powerlessȱ toȱ makeȱ theirȱ storyȱ theirȱ own,ȱ
passengersȱonȱtheȱadventure.ȱ
Allȱ thatȱ beingȱ said,ȱ itȇsȱ probablyȱ bestȱ toȱ errȱ onȱ theȱ
sideȱ ofȱ mapmakingȱ withȱ confident,ȱ experiencedȱ
players,ȱ andȱ onȱ theȱ sideȱ ofȱ (mild)ȱ railroadingȱ whenȱ
dealingȱwithȱtentative,ȱinexperiencedȱplayers.ȱ
i
RoguesȱGalleriesȱ
SecretȱIdentitiesȱ
i Sidekicksȱ&ȱSuperȬSidekicksȱ
i SupportingȱCastsȱ
i Vehiclesȱ&ȱSuperȬVehiclesȱ
i Vulnerabilitiesȱ
i Weaknessesȱ
i ZeroingȱHitȱinȱConflictȱ
Example NPCs
Seeȱ alsoȱ Americanȱ Rangerȱ (p.ȱ 30),ȱ Manticoreȱ (p.ȱ 31),ȱ
andȱSnowȱOwlȱ(p.ȱ54),ȱasȱwellȱasȱtheȱNPCsȱmentionedȱ
inȱ Chaptersȱ 7,ȱ 8,ȱ andȱ 9.ȱ Allȱ areȱ createdȱ asȱ PCȬGradeȱ
types.ȱ Seeȱ alsoȱ theȱ freeȱ downloadableȱ supplementȱ
DialȱSȱforȱSuperhumans,ȱavailableȱonȱtheȱAtomicȱSockȱ
MonkeyȱPressȱwebsiteȱatȱ< http://www.atomicsockmonkey.com >.ȱ
ȱ
CATASTROPHE
Name:ȱVeronicaȱMarksȱ
Background:ȱOneȱwouldȱthinkȱthatȱVeronicaȱMarks,ȱdebutanteȱ
andȱ heirȱ toȱ theȱ Marksȱ Coutureȱ fortune,ȱ wouldȱ appreciateȱ theȱ
finerȱthingsȱinȱlife.ȱWell,ȱsheȱdoesȱ–ȱifȱonlyȱbecauseȱtheyȱtinkleȱ
soȱprettilyȱwhenȱsheȱshattersȱthem.ȱThisȱpoorȱlittleȱrichȱgirlȱwasȱ
bornȱwithȱaȱsilverȱspoonȱinȱherȱmouth,ȱbutȱitȱquicklyȱtarnished.ȱ
SheȱspendsȱherȱdaysȱinȱParis,ȱMilan,ȱNewȱYork,ȱgossipingȱandȱ
causingȱ dramaȱ whereverȱ sheȱ goes.ȱ Noȱ oneȱ knowsȱ thatȱ sheȇsȱ
secretlyȱtheȱsuperȬvillainȱknownȱasȱCatastrophe.ȱ
Motivation:ȱ Ruinȱ thingsȱ (especiallyȱ ifȱ beautiful,ȱ expensive,ȱ orȱ
representativeȱofȱhardȱwork).ȱ
Qualities:ȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ Wealth,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Jetȱ Setter,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ
Beauty,ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱPopȱCulture,ȱPoorȱ[Ȭ2]ȱSecretȱ(Supervillain).ȱ

COLLECTING STORY HOOKS
WhenȱcomingȱupȱwithȱadventureȱsessionsȱorȱScenes,ȱ
aȱ goodȱ GMȱ shouldȱ rememberȱ toȱ alwaysȱ checkȱ hisȱ
ȈStoryȱHookȈȱtrapsȱtoȱseeȱifȱanythingȱwillȱgetȱcaught.ȱ
Origin:ȱ Gainedȱ herȱ powersȱ afterȱ destroyingȱ herȱ exȬfiancéȇsȱ
chemistryȱlabȱinȱaȱfitȱofȱpique.ȱ
Powers:ȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ Weaken,ȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ Causeȱ Opportuneȱ
Malfunction,ȱAverageȱ[0]ȱTeleport.ȱ
Stunts:ȱ Shakeȱ ȇnȱ Quakeȱ (Weakenȱ Signature;ȱ Goodȱ [+2],ȱ 1ȱ VP;ȱ
localizedȱ earthquakeȱ inȱ 100ȱ yardȱ radius)ȱ andȱ Rainȱ ofȱ Debrisȱ

ȱ 79
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
(TeleportȱSignature;ȱPoorȱ[Ȭ2],ȱ1ȱVP;ȱcollectsȱandȱdropsȱselectedȱ
materialsȱonȱtarget).ȱ
VillainȱPointȱPool:ȱ5/10ȱ
Uniform:ȱ Usuallyȱ wearsȱ aȱ Ȉhighȱ fashionȈȱ redȱ hoodedȱ jerseyȱ
withȱ whiteȱ cursiveȱ C;ȱ redȱ dominoȱ mask;ȱ longȱ blackȱ eveningȱ
gloves;ȱblackȱboots,ȱandȱblackȱCapriȱpants.ȱ
Miscellany:ȱ 5ȇ6Ȉ;ȱ 100ȱ lbs.;ȱ bobbedȱ blackȱ hair;ȱ greenȱ eyes;ȱ paleȱ
skin.ȱȈSociopathyȱforȱtheȱfunȱofȱit.Ȉȱ
ȱ ȱ
ȱ (Averageȱ [0]ȱ Armorȱ Gadget),ȱ hisȱ Cosmicȱ Cutlassȱ (Goodȱ [+2]ȱ
DOCTOR WIDGET
Name:ȱEllenȱWidgeonȱ
Background:ȱ Ellieȱ Widgeonȱ alwaysȱ hadȱ aȱ knackȱ withȱ
technology:ȱsheȇdȱalwaysȱwinȱtheȱcountyȱScienceȱFairsȱbackȱinȱ
Topeka.ȱThen,ȱwhenȱsheȱturnedȱ13,ȱsomethingȱswitchedȱonȱinȱ
herȱ head,ȱ andȱ suddenlyȱ sheȱ wasȱ buildingȱ machinesȱ thatȱ didȱ
stuffȱ sheȱ couldnȇtȱ rationallyȱ explain.ȱ Sheȱ ranȱ withȱ it,ȱ andȱ
eventuallyȱturnedȱtoȱsuperheroingȱ(asȱȈMs.ȱGizmaticȈ)ȱthroughȱ
highȱ schoolȱ andȱ college.ȱ Whenȱ sheȱ gotȱ herȱ secondȱ doctorate,ȱ
sheȱwentȱpublicȱwithȱherȱsecretȱidentity,ȱbutȱisȱstillȱbestȱknownȱ
asȱ ȈDoctorȱ Widget.Ȉȱ (Sheȇsȱ aȱ skilledȱ materialsȱ scientistȱ andȱ
engineer.)ȱ
Motivation:ȱFiguringȱoutȱhowȱaȱthingȱworks.ȱ
Qualities:ȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ Scientist,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Dancer,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ
Gambler,ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱWealth,ȱPoorȱ[Ȭ2]ȱChubby.ȱ
Origin:ȱPowersȱactivatedȱwhenȱsheȱenteredȱpuberty.ȱ
Powers:ȱExpertȱ[+4]ȱSuperȬGadgeteer,ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱRegeneration.ȱ
Stunts:ȱDoctorȱWidgetȱhasȱthreeȱmainȱpiecesȱofȱequipmentȱthatȱ
sheȱ usesȱ allȱ theȱ time:ȱ herȱ Jetpackȱ (Averageȱ [0]ȱ Flightȱ Gadget),ȱ
ȱ 80
herȱ OmniȬwrenchȱ (Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Toolkitȱ Gadget),ȱ andȱ herȱ
Thundergloveȱ(Averageȱ[0]ȱSuperȬStrengthȱSuperȬGadget).ȱ
HeroȱPointȱPool:ȱ5/10ȱ
Uniform:ȱ PowderȬblueȱ bodysuitȱ ofȱ sturdyȱ yetȱ comfortableȱ
cotton,ȱoftenȱaccessorizedȱbyȱaȱheavyȱleatherȱtoolȱbelt,ȱgoggles,ȱ
andȱaȱwhiteȱlabȱcoat.ȱ
Miscellany:ȱ5ȇ1Ȉ,ȱ200ȱlbs.;ȱshort,ȱdarkȱredȱhair,ȱwhiteȱskin,ȱblueȱ
eyes.ȱRoundȱface;ȱcute.ȱGoodȱsenseȱofȱhumor.ȱ
JOLLY ROGER
Name:ȱMichaelȱRogerȱRackhamȱ
Background:ȱ Asȱ aȱ kid,ȱ Mikeȱ Rackhamȱ lovedȱ piratesȱ andȱ
swashbucklingȱ movies.ȱ Heȱ identifiedȱ (tooȱ much)ȱ withȱ theȱ
dashing,ȱ romanticȱ outlawsȱ heȱ sawȱ onȱ theȱ screen.ȱ Despiteȱ hisȱ
pettyȱ theftȱ andȱ penchantȱ forȱ gettingȱ intoȱ trouble,ȱ heȱ ledȱ aȱ
charmedȱ life.ȱ Thatȱ is,ȱ untilȱ ageȱ 16,ȱ whenȱ heȱ gotȱ caughtȱ
boostingȱaȱcar.ȱSentȱtoȱjuvie,ȱhisȱPowersȱ(andȱhisȱGadgeteering)ȱ
manifestedȱ afterȱ aȱ brutalȱ beatingȱ fromȱ otherȱ delinquents.ȱ Heȱ
wentȱ aȱ littleȱ nutty,ȱ keelhauledȱ theȱ bastards,ȱ andȱ madeȱ hisȱ
dramaticȱescape.ȱHeȇsȱlivedȱaȱlifeȱofȱsuperȬpiracyȱeverȱsince.ȱ.ȱ.ȱ
andȱgatheredȱothersȱtoȱhisȱblackȱflag.ȱ
Motivation:ȱ Stealȱ things,ȱ andȱ lookȱ goodȱ orȱ beȱ flashyȱ whileȱ
doingȱit.ȱ
Qualities:ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Gadgeteer,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Leader,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ
Minions:ȱ theȱ Seaȱ Dogsȱ (seeȱ below),ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Swashbuckler,ȱ
Goodȱ[+2]ȱThief,ȱPoorȱ[Ȭ2]ȱTwistedȱSenseȱofȱHonor.ȱ
Origin:ȱ Powersȱ manifestedȱ asȱ aȱ resultȱ ofȱ trauma;ȱ seeȱ
Background.ȱ
Powers:ȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ Luckȱ Control,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ SuperȬVehicle:ȱ
Plunderȱ(seeȱbelow).ȱ
Stunts:ȱJollyȱRogerȱhasȱthreeȱmainȱGadgets:ȱhisȱPirateȱCostumeȱ
ȈenergizedȈȱ Swordȱ Gadget),ȱ andȱ hisȱ Laserȱ Pistolȱ (Averageȱ [0]ȱ
LaserȱGadget).ȱ
VillainȱPointȱPool:ȱ5/10ȱ
Uniform:ȱ Pirateȱ captainȱ outfit,ȱ longȱ coat,ȱ cravat,ȱ skullȬmask,ȱ
hat.ȱ
Miscellany:ȱ 6ȇ,ȱ 185ȱ lbs;ȱ Americanȱ ofȱ Britishȱ andȱ Spanishȱ
descent.ȱ (Seeȱ p.ȱ 95.)ȱ Despiteȱ beingȱ aȱ supervillain,ȱ Jollyȱ Rogerȱ
hasȱȈfoughtȱtheȱgoodȱfightȈȱonȱmoreȱthanȱoneȱoccasion,ȱdueȱtoȱ
hisȱ twistedȱ senseȱ ofȱ honor.ȱ Heȇsȱ alsoȱ beenȱ capturedȱ manyȱ
times,ȱonlyȱtoȱescapeȱorȱbeȱbrokenȱfreeȱbyȱhisȱSeaȱDogs.ȱȱ
Seaȱ Dogs:ȱ Theȱ nineȱ Seaȱ Dogsȱ allȱ haveȱ theȱ followingȱ
Qualities:ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ (Criminalȱ orȱ Crewȱ Specialty),ȱ
Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Fighting,ȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ Airshipȱ Operations,ȱ
Averageȱ[0]ȱPirate,ȱPoorȱ[Ȭ2]ȱObedientȱtoȱJollyȱRoger.ȱ
Theȱ onlyȱ Seaȱ Dogsȱ currentlyȱ knownȱ byȱ nameȱ areȱ
JollyȱRogerȇsȱFirstȱMate,ȱMistressȱMischiefȱ(Goodȱ[+2]ȱ
Smart)ȱandȱMr.ȱHamishȱ(Goodȱ[+2]ȱHelmsman).ȱ
Plunder:ȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ Zeppelin,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Fast,ȱ
Averageȱ[0]ȱArmor,ȱAverageȱ[0]ȱCannon,ȱAverageȱ[0]ȱ
SelfȬRepair,ȱAverageȱ[0]ȱInvisibilityȱField.ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
REFLEX
Name:ȱUnknownȱ
Background:ȱ Littleȱ isȱ knownȱ aboutȱ theȱ mercenaryȬassassinȱ
knownȱ asȱ Reflex.ȱ Heȱ appearedȱ severalȱ yearsȱ ago,ȱ killingȱ hisȱ
wayȱ throughȱ Africa,ȱ theȱ Balkans,ȱ andȱ theȱ Middleȱ East.ȱ Heȱ isȱ
knownȱtoȱhaveȱȈhistoryȈȱwithȱZipzoomȱ(seeȱbelow).ȱ
Motivation:ȱAllȱaboutȱtheȱBenjamins:ȱmoney,ȱplainȱandȱsimple.ȱ
Qualities:ȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ Gunman,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Mercenary,ȱ Goodȱ
[+2]ȱ Contactsȱ inȱ Criminalȱ Underworld,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Contactsȱ inȱ
theȱEspionageȱWorld,ȱPoorȱ[Ȭ2]ȱExpensiveȱTastes.ȱ
Origin:ȱUnknown.ȱ
Powers:ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Dangerȱ Sense,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Magicȱ Bulletsȱ
(Limitation:ȱNoȱautomaticȱsuperȬscaleȱdamageȱforȱMagicȱBulletȱ
attacks;ȱmustȱbeȱspecificallyȱimbued),ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱSuperȬAgility.ȱ
Stunts:ȱ Combatȱ Senseȱ (Dangerȱ Senseȱ SpinȬoff;ȱ Averageȱ [0];ȱ 1ȱ
VP;ȱ grantsȱ oneȱ Upshiftȱ perȱ conflictȱ Scene),ȱ Homingȱ Bulletȱ
(Magicȱ Bulletsȱ Signature;ȱ Averageȱ [0];ȱ 1ȱ VP;ȱ bulletȱ Ȉcontinuesȱ
attackingȈȱ untilȱ characterȱ beatsȱ itsȱ TNȱ ofȱ 7ȱ onȱ aȱ dodge),ȱ
Entanglingȱ Bulletȱ (Magicȱ Bulletsȱ Signature;ȱ Goodȱ [+2];ȱ 2ȱ VP;ȱ
doesȱ noȱ damage,ȱ butȱ onȱ aȱ successfulȱ hit,ȱ theȱ bulletȱ expandsȱ
intoȱ stickyȱ gooȱ thatȱ holdsȱ theȱ targetȱ untilȱ heȱ breaksȱ freeȱ vs.ȱ aȱ
TNȱ ofȱ 9ȱ +ȱ marginȱ ofȱ victory),ȱ andȱ SuperȬBulletȱ (Magicȱ Bulletsȱ
Signature;ȱGoodȱ[+2];ȱ2ȱVP;ȱdoesȱsuperȬscaleȱdamage).ȱȱ
VillainȱPointȱPool:ȱ5/10ȱ
Uniform:ȱ Blackȱ leatherȱ bodysuit,ȱ darkȱ greenȱ vestȱ andȱ strapsȱ
andȱ beltsȱ andȱ stuff.ȱ Lotsȱ ofȱ weaponsȱ (guns,ȱ knives,ȱ shuriken,ȱ
grenades,ȱetc.).ȱOvalȱsunglasses.ȱ(Seeȱp.ȱ16.)ȱ
Miscellany:ȱ 5ȇ10Ȉ,ȱ 185ȱ lbs;ȱ spikyȱ blackȱ hairȱ andȱ goatee;ȱ
nationalityȱindeterminate.ȱDangerȱSenseȱisȱPrecognition,ȱlimitedȱ
toȱ personalȱ dangerȱ toȱ Reflex.ȱ Magicȱ Bulletsȱ isȱ aȱ MetaȬPowerȱ
permittingȱReflexȱtoȱimbueȱupȱtoȱtwoȱbulletsȱatȱaȱtimeȱwithȱ aȱ
oneȬuseȱ Powerȱ (orȱ oneȱ bulletȱ withȱ twoȱ oneȬuseȱ Powers),ȱ inȱ
orderȱ toȱ shootȱ aroundȱ corners,ȱ throughȱ walls,ȱ causeȱ
explosions,ȱandȱsoȱforth.ȱSuperȬAgilityȱgivesȱReflexȱsuperȬscaleȱ
reactionȱtimesȱ(asȱperȱSuperȬSpeed)ȱandȱdexterity.ȱ
NOTE - When using a gun, Reflex rolls against his
Expert [+4] Gunman Quality, Good [+2] Mercenary
Quality, and Good [+2] Super-Agility Power, or
2d6+8. If using a random Magic Bullet (no VP spent
on the Spin-off Stunt), this becomes 2d6+10. If using
Entangling Bullet, it's 2d6+12. If using Super-Bullet,
it's also 2d6+12, and furthermore does super-scale
damage (that is, an additional 9 Damage Ranks).
ȱ glovesȱandȱshoes,ȱandȱdarkȱovalȱsunglasses.ȱ(Seeȱp.ȱ51.)ȱ
ULTRAWOMAN
Name:ȱChristineȱPostȱ
Background:ȱ Aȱ kindergartenȱ teacherȱ whoȱ lovesȱ kidsȱ (evenȱ
whenȱ theyȇreȱ atȱ theirȱ mostȱ annoying).ȱ Christineȱ isȱ fairlyȱ
athletic,ȱ andȱ especiallyȱ enjoysȱ swimming.ȱ Aȱ dabȱ handȱ atȱ
watercolorȱpainting,ȱsheȱalsoȱhasȱaȱgeneralȱinterestȱinȱtheȱfineȱ
arts.ȱOnlyȱherȱfatherȱknowsȱofȱherȱsuperheroicȱidentity.ȱ
ȱ
ȱ 81
Motivation:ȱProtectȱchildren.ȱ
Qualities:ȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ Teacher,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Artist,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ
Charisma,ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱSwimmer,ȱPoorȱ[Ȭ2]ȱTasteȱinȱMen.ȱ
Origin:ȱ Duringȱ herȱ collegeȱ years,ȱ Christineȇsȱ superpowersȱ
simplyȱappeared.ȱ
Powers:ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ SuperȬStrength,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Invulnerability,ȱ
Averageȱ[0]ȱFlight,ȱAverageȱ[0]ȱPrecognition.ȱ
Stunts:ȱ Clearsightȱ (Precognitionȱ SpinȬoff;ȱ Poorȱ [Ȭ2],ȱ 1ȱ HP;ȱ seeȱ
throughȱobjects).ȱ
HeroȱPointȱPool:ȱ5/10ȱ
Uniform:ȱYellowȱmilitaryȱtunicȱwithȱsideȱbuttonsȱandȱstylizedȱ
blueȱUȱsymbol;ȱyellowȱpants;ȱblueȱgloves,ȱboots,ȱandȱcape.ȱ
Miscellany:ȱ 5ȇ11Ȉ;ȱ 140ȱ lbs.;ȱ mediumȱ lengthȱ strawberryȬblondeȱ
hair;ȱ brownȱ eyes;ȱ lightlyȱ tannedȱ skin.ȱ (Seeȱ cover,ȱ p.ȱ 3,ȱ andȱ p.ȱ
99.)ȱ
ȱ
ZIPZOOM
Name:ȱȈPeterȱMacGregorȈȱ(thatȇsȱwhatȱheȇsȱcallingȱhimself)ȱ
Background:ȱ Notȱ muchȱ isȱ knownȱ aboutȱ theȱ pastȱ ofȱ theȱ heroȱ
knownȱasȱZipzoom.ȱHeȱapparentlyȱwasȱaȱsoldierȱonce,ȱbutȱitȇsȱ
unclearȱ ifȱ itȱ wasȱ forȱ theȱ Unitedȱ Statesȱ orȱ Canada.ȱ Somethingȱ
happened,ȱandȱheȱgainedȱsuperpowers.ȱHeȱapparentlyȱsecretlyȱ
usedȱ themȱ inȱ theȱ serviceȱ ofȱ hisȱ governmentȱ forȱ severalȱ yearsȱ
untilȱstrikingȱoffȱonȱhisȱown.ȱHeȱhasȱȈhistoryȈȱwithȱReflexȱ(seeȱ
above).ȱ
Motivation:ȱ Helpȱ thoseȱ attemptingȱ toȱ riseȱ aboveȱ theirȱ
limitationsȱ(internalȱorȱexternal).ȱ
Qualities:ȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ Soldier,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Karate,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ
Mechanic,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ WorldȬTraveler,ȱ Poorȱ [Ȭ2]ȱ Hauntedȱ byȱ
PastȱActions.ȱ
Origin:ȱȈYouȱhaveȱinsufficientȱclearanceȱforȱthisȱfile.Ȉȱ
Powers:ȱExpertȱ[+4]ȱSuperȬSpeed,ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱSoundȱControl.ȱ
Stunts:ȱ Runȱ onȱ Waterȱ (SuperȬSpeedȱ SpinȬoff;ȱ Averageȱ [0];ȱ 0ȱ
HP),ȱ Runȱ upȱ Wallsȱ (SuperȬSpeedȱ SpinȬoff;ȱ Averageȱ [0];ȱ 0ȱ HP),ȱ
RunȱSilentȱ(SoundȱControlȱSignature;ȱAverageȱ[0];ȱ1ȱHP),ȱSonicȱ
Punchȱ (Soundȱ Controlȱ Signature;ȱ Goodȱ [+2];ȱ 2ȱ HP),ȱ andȱ
VelocityȬshieldȱ (SuperȬSpeedȱSpinȬoff;ȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ Armor,ȱ onlyȱ
whileȱmoving;ȱ0ȱHP).ȱȱ
HeroȱPointȱPool:ȱ5/10ȱ
Uniform:ȱBlackȱspandexȱshirt,ȱsilverȱspandexȱbikeȱshorts,ȱblackȱ
Miscellany:ȱ 5ȇ8Ȉ,ȱ 180ȱ lbs.;ȱ bald,ȱ blondeȱ goatee,ȱ tanned,ȱ
relativelyȱ buff;ȱ nationalityȱ indeterminate.ȱ Laconic.ȱ Lovesȱ toȱ
tinkerȱwithȱclassicȱautomobiles.ȱ
ȱ
ȱ

Chapter 7: Second-String Supers
ȱ
Style: Animated
Theme(s): Filling Some Big Shoes; Rising to Meet Challenges; Claiming Own Identity.
ȱ
ȱ Public Knowledge
The Dragon Knight crouched on a gargoyle, surveying
his city, as he spoke to his friend on the nearby
rooftop. "I hate this, Galsworthy. Abandoning her. I'm
supposed to protect her from harm."
The mage looked up from the dossier he was reading.
"You will be protecting her, DK. You're not abandoning
her, just. . . expanding the perimeter." Galsworthy's
eyes flicked back towards the file in his hands. "This
one has potential."
The Dragon Knight scratched his chin with mail-
covered fingers. "But no real experience." He sighed. "I
have to leave her in the hands of retirees, tyros, and
second-raters. Present company excepted, of
course."
Galsworthy waved the comment away. "We both
know I can't dedicate the time to doing what you do,
given my" – the words turned venomous – "Grand
Destiny."
"Speaking of that, I've been wondering: any one of
those look likely to be your future student?"
Shuffling the files in his hands, Galsworthy shrugged.
"Reply hazy, try again. Provided you can help the
Justice Alliance keep the front lines as far away from
Earth as possible for as long as possible, there is a
chance one of these potential heroes may become
my pupil. A slim chance."
The Dragon Knight looked back out to the skyline.
"That'll have to do."
ȱ
Theȱ mightyȱ heroȱ Dragonȱ Knightȱ hasȱ joinedȱ theȱ
Justiceȱ Allianceȱ andȱ willȱ beȱ concentratingȱ onȱ moreȱ
distantȱ(read:ȱinterstellar)ȱproblems.ȱWhoȱwillȱprotectȱ
theȱ citizensȱ ofȱ Drakesvilleȱ duringȱ hisȱabsence?ȱ Why,ȱ
theȱ PCs,ȱ ofȱ course:ȱ aȱ teamȱ ofȱ lessȬpowerfulȱ
substitutesȱ whoȱ may,ȱ together,ȱ beȱ ableȱ toȱ meetȱ theȱ
challenge.ȱ
ȱ However,ȱ sometimesȱ thisȱ isȱ proportionalȱ (ifȱ youȱ
82ȱ
ȱ
SUPERS IN HISTORY
Asideȱfromȱtheȱheroesȱofȱmyth,ȱandȱscatteredȱrumorsȱ
throughoutȱ history,ȱ theȱ firstȱ verifiableȱ superhumansȱ
wereȱrecordedȱonlyȱafterȱWWI.ȱInȱtheȱyearsȱbetweenȱ
theȱ Worldȱ Wars,ȱ theȱ amazingȱ exploitsȱ ofȱ theseȱ newȱ
ȈsuperheroesȈȱ andȱ ȈsupervillainsȈȱ beganȱ toȱ fillȱ theȱ
papers,ȱradioȱbroadcasts,ȱandȱnewsreels.ȱTheirȱdeedsȱ
–ȱ nobleȱ andȱ dastardly,ȱ onȱ theȱ battlefieldȱ andȱ theȱ
homeȱfrontȱ–ȱhaveȱmadeȱtheȱworldȱasȱitȱisȱtoday.ȱ
SUPERS TODAY
Theȱ earliestȱ superhumansȇȱ powersȱ wereȱ usuallyȱ
limitedȱ toȱ aȱ singleȱ powerȱ farȱ beyondȱ humanȱ
capabilitiesȱ orȱ aȱ smallȱ relatedȱ setȱ ofȱ powersȱ onlyȱ
mildlyȱbeyondȱhumanȱcapabilities.ȱOverȱtheȱpassageȱ
ofȱ decades,ȱ however,ȱ superhumansȱ haveȱ becomeȱ
moreȱ super:ȱ theȱ strongestȱ superȱ ofȱ theȱ WWIIȱ eraȱ
couldȱ probablyȱ liftȱ aȱ tank,ȱ whileȱ theȱ strongestȱ superȱ
todayȱcanȱprobablyȱliftȱaȱbattleship.ȱ
Furthermore,ȱthereȱwereȱfarȱfewerȱsuperhumansȱthenȱ
comparedȱ toȱ now:ȱ onlyȱ tenȱ verifiedȱ superhumansȱ
existedȱinȱ1945,ȱcomparedȱtoȱtwoȱhundredȱtoday.ȱ
Superhumansȱ areȱ seenȱ asȱ aȱ crossȱ betweenȱ naturalȱ
disasters,ȱ miracles,ȱ volunteerȱ activists,ȱ andȱ
celebrities.ȱ Aȱ smallȱ handfulȱ haveȱ tradedȱ onȱ theirȱ
fameȱ orȱ notorietyȱ toȱ makeȱ aȱ buck,ȱ ofȱ course.ȱ Theyȱ
haveȱ theirȱ supportersȱ andȱ detractors.ȱ Butȱ forȱ theȱ
mostȱpart,ȱtheyȇreȱjustȱthere.ȱ
SUPER-TECH & THE KLEIN EFFECT
TheȱKleinȱEffectȱ–ȱdiscoveredȱinȱ1959ȱ–ȱstatesȱthatȱtheȱ
capabilityȱ ofȱ aȱ superȬtechnologyȱ deviceȱ isȱ inverselyȬ
relatedȱtoȱtheȱnumberȱofȱsimilarȱdevicesȱinȱoperation.ȱ
makeȱ duplicatesȱ ofȱ Captainȱ Armorȇsȱ powersuit,ȱ allȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
suchȱ suitsȱ builtȱ toȱ thatȱ specificationȱ becomeȱ weaker.ȱ
Noȱmoreȱthanȱaȱdozenȱwillȱworkȱatȱall,ȱusually,ȱandȱ
sometimesȱthisȱisȱallȬorȬnothingȱ(onlyȱoneȱofȱCaptainȱ
Armorȇsȱpowersuitsȱcanȱoperateȱatȱaȱtime).ȱȱ
Researchȱ continues.ȱ Meanwhile,ȱ superȬinventorsȱ canȱ
makeȱ anȱ excellentȱ livingȱ asȱ craftsmenȱ turningȱ outȱ
Ȉlimitedȱ runsȈȱ ofȱ usefulȱ devicesȱ likeȱ powerȬ
neutralizers,ȱunbreakableȱrestraints,ȱandȱsuperpowerȱ
analyzersȱ forȱ localȱ industry,ȱ researchȱ facilities,ȱ andȱ
lawȱenforcement.ȱOfȱcourse,ȱaȱdifferentȱdesignȱneedsȱ
toȱbeȱworkedȱoutȱforȱeachȱtypeȱofȱitem;ȱallȱhaveȱtoȱbeȱ
handcraftedȱ byȱ theȱ superȬinventorȱ himself;ȱ andȱ theȱ
largerȱ theȱ run,ȱ theȱ weakerȱ eachȱ itemȱ inȱ theȱ setȱ
becomes.ȱ
ALIENS & YOU
Aliensȱ exist.ȱ Atȱ leastȱ onceȱ everyȱ threeȱ yearsȱ orȱ so,ȱ
someȱalienȱwarriorȱ(orȱanȱentireȱextraterrestrialȱcrew)ȱ
touchesȱ downȱ andȱ causesȱ trouble.ȱ Generally,ȱ theȱ
superhumansȱ driveȱ themȱ off.ȱ Byȱ allȱ accounts,ȱ
interstellarȱ travelȱ andȱ communicationȱ isnȇtȱ easy,ȱ soȱ
whileȱ theȱ peopleȱ ofȱ Earthȱ knowȱ forȱ aȱ factȱ
extraterrestrialȱ lifeȱ exists,ȱ theyȱ donȇtȱ knowȱ muchȱ
aboutȱ theseȱ lifeȱ forms,ȱ usuallyȱ havenȇtȱ beenȱ ableȱ toȱ
findȱoutȱmore,ȱandȱhavenȇtȱbeenȱableȱtoȱtakeȱstepsȱtoȱ
stopȱ theseȱ strangeȱ visitorsȱ fromȱ showingȱ up.ȱ Mostȱ
folksȱjustȱshrugȱtheirȱshouldersȱandȱsay,ȱȈSoȱwhat?Ȉȱ–ȱ
butȱ aȱ powerfulȱ minorityȱ hasȱ becomeȱ quiteȱ
xenophobic.ȱ
ȱ jewelry.ȱTheȱDiamondȱExchangeȱisȱlocatedȱhere,ȱasȱisȱ
Drakesville, Drakesville,
It's a Helluva Town. . .
GENERAL INFO
DrakesvilleȱisȱaȱvaguelyȬlocatedȱEastȱCoastȱcity.ȱOnceȱ
aȱ powerfulȱ industrialȱ center,ȱ theȱ weakeningȱ dollarȱ
andȱ foreignȱ competitionȱ twentyȱ yearsȱ agoȱ causedȱ itȱ
toȱ slideȱ intoȱ decayȱ andȱ crime.ȱ Now,ȱ boostedȱ byȱ
cuttingȬedgeȱ communicationsȱ industriesȱ (andȱ theȱ
effortsȱofȱitsȱsmallȱpopulationȱofȱcivicȬmindedȱsupers,ȱ
mostȱ notablyȱ theȱ Dragonȱ Knight),ȱ Drakesvilleȱ isȱ
beginningȱtoȱclimbȱoutȱofȱitsȱtwoȱdecadeȱslump.ȱ
ȱ 83
Asȱ protectorȱ ofȱ theȱ cityȱ fromȱ threatsȱ withoutȱ andȱ
within,ȱ theȱ Dragonȱ Knightȱ enjoysȱ notȱ merelyȱ theȱ
supportȱ ofȱ theȱ Drakesvilleȱ policeȱ department,ȱ butȱ
alsoȱ mildȱ idolizationȱ fromȱ theȱ citizenryȱ (thoughȱ heȱ
doesȱhaveȱhisȱstridentȱcritics).ȱ
NEIGHBORHOODS (& THEIR CRIMES)
Bankhouse:ȱ Thisȱ isȱ theȱ bankingȱ andȱ financialȱ sectorȱ
ofȱ town,ȱ homeȱ toȱ theȱ Firstȱ Nationalȱ Bank,ȱ theȱ
Drakesvilleȱ Stockȱ Market,ȱ andȱ theȱ headquartersȱ ofȱ aȱ
fewȱ risingȱ telecomȱ corporations.ȱ (Usuallyȱ whiteȬ
collarȱ crimesȱ likeȱ insiderȱ trading,ȱ corporateȱ
espionage,ȱ andȱ computer/telecomȱ hacking;ȱ blueȬ
collarȱ crimesȱ involveȱ rareȱ muggingsȱ andȱ bankȱ
robberies.)ȱ
Bayside:ȱThisȱisȱtheȱartistsȇȱcolonyȱofȱDrakesville:ȱtheȱ
theaterȱ district,ȱ theȱ smallȱ galleries,ȱ theȱ jazzȱ clubs,ȱ
plentyȱofȱalternativeȱlifestylesȱ–ȱeverythingȱyouȱneedȱ
forȱ aȱ funkyȱ littleȱ neighborhood.ȱ Cool,ȱ man.ȱ
(Muggings,ȱ burglaries,ȱ drugs,ȱ prostitution,ȱ andȱ hateȱ
crimes.)ȱ
Centerȱ City:ȱ Thisȱ neighborhoodȱ isȱ aȱ mixȱ ofȱ olderȱ
singleȬfamilyȱ homesȱ (mostlyȱ successfulȱ supervisorsȱ
ofȱ Stillmillȱ –ȱ seeȱ belowȱ –ȱ andȱ returningȱ GIsȱ afterȱ
WWII)ȱandȱmomȬandȬpopȱbusinesses.ȱWhileȱmanyȱofȱ
theȱ latterȱ areȱ nowȱ boardedȱ up,ȱ newȱ proprietorsȱ andȱ
franchisersȱ areȱ movingȱ inȱ toȱ theseȱ abandonedȱ
storefrontsȱ andȱ revivingȱ theȱ area.ȱ (LowȬendȱ
burglaries,ȱrobberies,ȱdomesticȱabuse,ȱmuggings.)ȱ
Fairmarket:ȱ Theȱ renownedȱ shoppingȱ districtȱ ofȱ
Drakesville,ȱ thisȱ isȱ whereȱ youȱ goȱ forȱ theȱ hauteȱ
couture,ȱ theȱ snazzyȱ furnishings,ȱ andȱ theȱ overpricedȱ
theȱ Cityȱ Arenaȱ sportsȱ multiplexȱ –ȱ homeȱ ofȱ theȱ
Drakesvilleȱ athleticȱ teams:ȱ theȱ Ducksȱ (football),ȱ
Dukesȱ (baseball),ȱ theȱ Dragonsȱ (basketball),ȱ andȱ theȱ
Dogsȱ(soccer).ȱ
GovernorȇsȱPoint:ȱTheȱheartȱofȱtheȱlocalȱgovernmentȱ
isȱ locatedȱ onȱ Governorȇsȱ Point:ȱ Cityȱ Hall,ȱ Policeȱ
Headquarters,ȱ theȱ DMV,ȱ andȱ theȱ cityȱ andȱ federalȱ
circuitȱcourts.ȱAdditionally,ȱtheȱneighborhoodȱisȱalsoȱ
homeȱ toȱ numerousȱ highȬartȱ museums,ȱ concertȱ halls,ȱ
andȱparks.ȱ(Espionage,ȱbribery,ȱgraft,ȱcorruption.)ȱ
Theȱ Jetty:ȱ Aȱ commercialȱ structureȱ ofȱ vastȱ
proportionsȱ thatȱ jutsȱ intoȱ theȱ Bay.ȱ Builtȱ byȱ Herbertȱ
Enterprises,ȱtheȱJettyȱisȱaȱprototypeȱarcology.ȱWithinȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
itsȱ geodesicȱ wallsȱ areȱ apartments,ȱ restaurants,ȱ andȱ aȱ
giganticȱshoppingȱmallȱ(openȱtoȱtheȱpublic).ȱRentȱonȱ
theȱ squareȱ footageȱ withinȱ isȱ quiteȱ expensive,ȱ
however.ȱ Aȱ vastȱ fieldȱ ofȱ solarȱ panelsȱ onȱ theȱ roofȱ ofȱ
theȱstructureȱandȱanȱexperimentalȱȈtideȬwheelȈȱbelowȱ
helpȱsupplementȱtheȱJettyȇsȱpowerȱneeds;ȱthereȱisȱanȱ
entireȱ levelȱ dedicatedȱ toȱ hydroponicȱ farmingȱ
research,ȱ andȱ twoȱ levelsȱ ofȱ Ȉindustrialȱ parkȈȱ forȱ
manufacturingȱandȱresearch.ȱItȱisȱaȱsafe,ȱsecure,ȱcleanȱ
neighborhood,ȱ caredȱ forȱ byȱ theȱ watchfulȱ eyesȱ ofȱ
Herbertȱ Enterprises.ȱ (Officially,ȱ thereȱ isȱ noȱ crimeȱ onȱ
theȱ Jetty;ȱ unofficially,ȱ theȱprivateȱ securityȱ forceȱ doesȱ
runȱ aȱ tightȱ ship,ȱ withȱ onlyȱ minorȱ shopliftingȱ andȱ
purseȬsnatchingȱ happening.ȱ Butȱ rumorsȱ persistȱ thatȱ
theȱ biggestȱ crimesȱ areȱ beingȱ coveredȱ upȱ byȱ theirȱ
corporateȱmasters.ȱ.ȱ.).ȱ
Northȱ End:ȱ Longtimeȱ neighborhoodȱ ofȱ theȱ factoryȱ
workersȱ ofȱ Stillmill.ȱ Aroundȱ theȱ turnȱ ofȱ theȱ
Twentiethȱ Century,ȱ theȱ Northȱ Endȱ receivedȱ aȱ vastȱ
influxȱ ofȱ immigrantsȱ fromȱ allȱ overȱ Europe;ȱ aroundȱ
1980,ȱitȱreceivedȱanotherȱinjectionȱofȱimmigrantsȱfromȱ
Asia.ȱInȱbetweenȱtheȱtwoȱperiods,ȱthisȱneighborhoodȱ
wasȱ knownȱ asȱ ȈMurdertownȈ;ȱ whenȱ theȱ industryȱ ofȱ
Stillmillȱwithered,ȱcrimeȱbloomed.ȱWhileȱsaferȱtoday,ȱ
manyȱvisitorsȱtoȱtheȱareaȱareȱnervousȱandȱparanoid.ȱ.ȱ
.ȱ perhapsȱ rightlyȱ so.ȱ (Drugs,ȱ gangȱ warfare,ȱ
prostitution,ȱ violentȱ crimes,ȱ carȬjackings,ȱ domesticȱ
abuse,ȱrobberies,ȱriots,ȱetc.)ȱ
Oldȱ Wharf:ȱ Whenȱ theȱ factoriesȱ ofȱ Stillmillȱ stoppedȱ
working,ȱ theȱ Oldȱ Wharfȱ neighborhoodȱ beganȱ toȱ
collapseȱ intoȱ corruptionȱ andȱ disuse.ȱ Theȱ shippingȱ
companies,ȱ import/export,ȱ seedyȱ diveȱ bars,ȱ andȱ
warehousesȱ–ȱbothȱinȬuseȱandȱabandonedȱ–ȱalmostȱallȱ
haveȱ aȱ connectionȱ toȱ theȱ criminalȱ underworld.ȱ
However,ȱ asȱ theȱ heartȱ ofȱ industryȱ beginsȱ toȱ pumpȱ
onceȱmore,ȱtheȱlifeȱbloodȱofȱcommerceȱisȱbeginningȱtoȱ
weaklyȱ trickleȱ again.ȱ (Violentȱ crimes,ȱ gangȱ warfare,ȱ
waterȱaccidents,ȱandȱsmuggling.)ȱ
Southȱ End:ȱ Theȱ ritzyȱ suburbȱ ofȱ townȱ forȱ overȱ oneȱ
hundredȱandȱfiftyȱyears,ȱtheȱhousesȱofȱSouthȱEndȱareȱ
hugeȱ andȱ expensive.ȱ Theyȱ –ȱ andȱ theirȱ moneyedȱ
inhabitantsȱ–ȱareȱaȱsittingȱtargetȱforȱaȱcertainȱclassȱofȱ
criminal.ȱ Additionally,ȱ whereȱ vastȱ wealthȱ
congregates,ȱmanyȱdarkȱimpulsesȱbecomeȱpalatable.ȱ.ȱ
.ȱsoȱlongȱasȱnoȱoneȱfindsȱout.ȱ(Burglary,ȱkidnapping,ȱ
murder,ȱvariousȱtypesȱofȱabuseȱandȱassault,ȱdrugȱuse,ȱ
andȱsoȱforth.)ȱ
ȱ 84
Stillmill:ȱ Theȱ manufacturingȱ centerȱ ofȱ Drakesville,ȱ
theȱ industrialȱ plantsȱ andȱ assemblyȱ linesȱ ofȱ Stillmillȱ
(corruptionȱ ofȱ Ȉsteelȱ millȈ)ȱ turnedȱ outȱ notȱ onlyȱ
refinedȱ materialsȱ butȱ alsoȱ finishedȱ goods.ȱ Whenȱ theȱ
marketsȱdriedȱup,ȱmanyȱplantsȱwereȱshutȱdownȱandȱ
theirȱmachineryȱleftȱtoȱrust.ȱAȱnumberȱofȱoldȱfactoriesȱ
haveȱ beenȱ purchasedȱ byȱ foreignȱ investors,ȱ whileȱ
othersȱ haveȱ beenȱ repurposedȱ andȱ renovatedȱ asȱ
shoppingȱ centers,ȱ offices,ȱ apartmentȱ units,ȱ andȱ soȱ
forth.ȱAndȱaȱfewȱnewȱcompaniesȱhaveȱtakenȱoverȱoldȱ
plants,ȱ andȱ startedȱ theȱ millsȱ rollingȱ again.ȱ (Theft,ȱ
sabotage,ȱindustrialȱaccidents,ȱespionage.)ȱ
Stockȱ Isle:ȱ Thisȱ islandȱ isȱ theȱ siteȱ ofȱ Drakesvilleȇsȱ
maximumȱsecurityȱfacilityȱforȱcriminalsȱ–ȱtheȱJoshuaȱ
Crippenȱ Prisonȱ (alsoȱ calledȱ Ȉtheȱ CryptsȈ).ȱ Asȱ oneȱ ofȱ
theȱ fewȱ institutionsȱ inȱ theȱ regionȱ capableȱ ofȱ longȬ
termȱ superhumanȱ restraint,ȱ itȱ oftenȱ acceptsȱ superȬ
prisonersȱ fromȱ otherȱ jurisdictions.ȱ Becauseȱ ofȱ thisȱ
substantialȱpopulationȱofȱsuperhumansȱinȱoneȱplace,ȱ
itȱ alsoȱ boastsȱ oneȱ ofȱ theȱ stateȇsȱ mostȱ thoroughȱ
superhumanȱ observationȱ andȱ testingȱ facilitiesȱ (realȱ
researchȱ isȱ doneȱ onȱ theȱ mainland,ȱ however),ȱasȱ wellȱ
asȱ topȬnotchȱ psychiatricȱ wards.ȱ (Jailbreaks,ȱ guardȱ
corruption,ȱillicitȱexperimentation,ȱetc.)ȱ
Secret Information
DO YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC?
SuperȬpowersȱ justȱ seemȱ toȱ work,ȱ somehow.ȱ Someȱ
folksȱ callȱ itȱ psionics,ȱ othersȱ callȱ itȱ paraphysics,ȱ stillȱ
othersȱ justȱ callȱ itȱ magic,ȱ butȱ superpowersȱ tendȱ toȱ
comeȱ fromȱ aȱ mysticalȱ source(s).ȱ Aboutȱ theȱ onlyȱ realȱ
stepȱ forwardȱ inȱ superpowerȱ researchȱ hasȱ beenȱ theȱ
initialȱformulationȱofȱtheȱKleinȱEffectȱ(seeȱabove),ȱandȱ
thatȇsȱ becauseȱ theȱ researchersȱ hadȱ physicalȱ
componentsȱ –ȱ superȬtechnologyȱ devicesȱ –ȱ toȱ playȱ
with.ȱȱ
SUPERS IN HISTORY: REDUX
Toȱ anȱ observerȱ fromȱ aȱ parallelȱ dimension,ȱ thisȱ
universeȇsȱ timelineȱ isȱ exceptionallyȱ odd.ȱ Theȱ
existenceȱ ofȱ superhumansȱ hasȱ hadȱ remarkablyȱ littleȱ
effectȱonȱtheȱmainȱthreadsȱofȱhowȱȈitȱactuallyȱturnedȱ
outȈ:ȱ theȱ Bombȱ wasȱ dropped;ȱ disastersȱ haveȱ
happened;ȱ leadersȱ haveȱ beenȱ assassinated.ȱ Whileȱ
someȱ minorȱ perturbationsȱ haveȱ happenedȱ –ȱ aȱ fewȱ
livesȱsavedȱhereȱorȱlostȱthereȱ–ȱforȱtheȱmostȱpart,ȱtheȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
dayȬtoȬdayȱ eventsȱ ofȱ thisȱ universeȱ matchȱ Ȉrealȱ
history.Ȉȱ
Partȱ ofȱ thisȱ hasȱ toȱ doȱ withȱ theȱ numbersȱ ofȱ
superhumans:ȱ probablyȱ lessȱ thanȱ 300ȱ knownȱ andȱ
unknownȱworldȬwide,ȱofȱvaryingȱpowerȱlevels.ȱAlso,ȱ
theȱ magicalȱ natureȱ ofȱ superpowersȱ (seeȱ above)ȱ mayȱ
meanȱ thatȱ theȱ negativeȱ effectsȱ ofȱ superȬvillainyȱ areȱ
counteredȱ byȱ theȱ positiveȱ effectsȱ ofȱ superȬheroism,ȱ
andȱ viceȬversa.ȱ Furthermore,ȱ theȱ Kleinȱ Effectȱ (seeȱ
above)ȱ limitsȱ theȱ widespreadȱ effectsȱ ofȱ superȬ
technology.ȱ
Indeed,ȱ theȱ strongestȱ consequencesȱ superhumansȱ
haveȱ hadȱ onȱ theȱ worldȱ mostlyȱ involveȱ fashionȱ andȱ
style,ȱaȱfewȱesotericȱfieldsȱofȱpureȱscientificȱresearch,ȱ
andȱ exceptionallyȱ subtleȱ socialȱ effectsȱ (oneȱ exampleȱ
couldȱ beȱ aȱ polarizationȱ ofȱ theȱ publicȇsȱ viewȱ ofȱ theȱ
effectivenessȱofȱtheȱpolice:ȱsomeȱpeopleȱthinkȱtheyȇreȱ
totallyȱ incompetentȱ andȱ needȱ theȱ supersȱ toȱ pickȱ upȱ
afterȱ them,ȱ othersȱ lionizeȱ themȱ asȱ Davidsȱ facingȱ
supervillainȱGoliaths).ȱ
ALIENS: THE TRUTH, OUT THERE
Marsȱwantsȱmana!ȱWhateverȱitȱisȱinȱtheȱairȱorȱwaterȱ
orȱ landȱ orȱ collectiveȱ unconsciousȱ ofȱ Earthȇsȱ
inhabitantsȱthatȱgivesȱriseȱtoȱsuperpowers,ȱaȱnumberȱ
ofȱ extraterrestrialȱ racesȱ wantȱ it,ȱ bad.ȱ Thatȇsȱ whyȱ allȱ
thoseȱ tinpotȱ alienȱ warlordsȱ makeȱ raidsȱ inȱ theȱ Solȱ
Systemȱeveryȱcoupleȱyears,ȱdespiteȱtheȱdifficultiesȱofȱ
interstellarȱtravel.ȱ
Indeed,ȱ theȱ greatestȱ threatȱ toȱ Earthȱ wouldȱ beȱ ifȱ theȱ
differentȱalienȱracesȱjoinedȱtogetherȱinȱanȱextraȬsolarȱ
militaryȱallianceȱtoȱstealȱourȱpreciousȱmysticalȱfluids.ȱ
Which,ȱ coincidentallyȱ enough,ȱ theyȱ have.ȱ Luckily,ȱ
theȱ Justiceȱ Allianceȱ hasȱ hadȱ goodȱ interstellarȱ intel,ȱ
andȱ hasȱ swelledȱ theirȱ ranksȱ withȱ Earthȇsȱ bestȱ andȱ
brightestȱ toȱ drawȱ theȱ lineȱ asȱ farȱawayȱ fromȱ Earthȱ asȱ
possible.ȱThisȱisȱwhyȱtheȱSecondȬStringȱHeroesȱhaveȱ
beenȱcalledȱup,ȱwhetherȱtheyȱknowȱitȱorȱnot.ȱ
PC Opportunities
PCsȱinȱthisȱsettingȱareȱotherȱmaskedȱadventurerȱtypesȱ
thatȱ theȱ Dragonȱ Knightȱ hasȱ recruitedȱ toȱ keepȱ
Drakesvilleȱ safeȱ whileȱ heȱ focusesȱ onȱ hisȱ workȱ withȱ
theȱ Justiceȱ Alliance.ȱ Playersȱ shouldȱ considerȱ theȱ
guidelinesȱ belowȱ whenȱ comingȱ upȱ withȱ theirȱ
characters.ȱ
ȱ 85
WHO?
Whoȱ isȱ yourȱ character?ȱ Thisȱ isȱ theȱ basicȱ questionȱ ofȱ
characterȱ generation,ȱ ofȱ course.ȱ Someȱ interestingȱ
optionsȱcanȱbeȱspunȱoffȱfromȱtheȱcentralȱconceitȱofȱtheȱ
campaign.ȱ PCsȱ couldȱ beȱ grownȬupȱ kidȱ sidekicks,ȱ
heroesȱ inspiredȱ byȱ theȱ Dragonȱ Knight,ȱ heroesȱ whoȱ
inspiredȱ orȱ mentoredȱ theȱ Dragonȱ Knight,ȱ reformedȱ
villains,ȱ orȱ theȱ children/inheritorsȱ ofȱ theȱ Dragonȱ
Knightȇsȱsuperpoweredȱfriendsȱandȱenemies.ȱȱ
Thisȱ mostȱ oftenȱ influencesȱ Backgroundȱ inȱ characterȱ
creation.ȱ
WHAT?
Whatȱsortȱofȱheroȱisȱtheȱcharacter?ȱThisȱquestionȱgoesȱ
furtherȱthanȱsimplyȱdecidingȱifȱaȱPCȱisȱaȱBlasterȱorȱaȱ
Brick,ȱ thoughȱ thatȱ isȱ aȱ partȱ ofȱ thisȱ step.ȱ Rememberȱ
thatȱ theȱ PCsȱ areȱ lessȱ powerfulȱ thanȱ theȱ Dragonȱ
Knightȱ byȱ definitionȱ inȱ thisȱ setting.ȱ Whatȱ roleȱ haveȱ
theyȱtakenȱinȱhisȱpreviousȱadventures?ȱ
Oneȱ interestingȱ wayȱ toȱ reflectȱ thisȱ isȱ toȱ haveȱ
experienceȱ andȱ superpowersȱ inverselyȱ proportionalȱ
toȱ oneȱ another.ȱ Thatȱ is,ȱ ifȱ aȱ characterȱ hasȱ aȱ lotȱ ofȱ
powersȱ (orȱ evenȱ justȱ aȱ singleȱ veryȱ strongȱ one),ȱ thenȱ
theyȱmightȱnotȱhaveȱhadȱmuchȱofȱaȱsuperheroȱcareerȱ
priorȱ toȱ theȱ startȱ ofȱ theȱ campaign.ȱ Ifȱ aȱ characterȱ hasȱ
tremendousȱ experience,ȱ thenȱ theyȱ shouldnȇtȱ haveȱ
manyȱ (orȱ evenȱ any)ȱ Powers,ȱ tradingȱ themȱ inȱ forȱ
Intenseȱ Trainingȱ (seeȱ p.ȱ 37).ȱ Thus,ȱ aȱ superheroȱ withȱ
minorȱ powersȱ (orȱ aȱ singleȱ moderateȱ one)ȱ probablyȱ
hasȱaȱmoderateȱamountȱofȱexperience.ȱ
Thisȱ canȱ reallyȱ workȱ wellȱ toȱ helpȱ ȈbalanceȈȱ normalȬ
scaleȱ heroesȱ withȱ theȱ superȬscaledȱ ones:ȱ theȱ actionȬ
adventureȱ typesȱ haveȱ theȱ experience,ȱ knowledge,ȱ
contacts,ȱ andȱ respect,ȱ whileȱ theȱ superhumansȱ haveȱ
theȱsheerȱoomph!ȱtoȱgetȱthingsȱdone.ȱThisȱmeansȱthatȱ
aȱdecentȱsuperȱteamȱcouldȱbeȱconstructedȱofȱanȱagingȱ
(butȱstillȱscrappy)ȱpulpȱhero,ȱaȱminorȬleagueȱheroineȱ
withȱ aȱ decentȱ adventuringȱ career,ȱ andȱ aȱ kidȱ withȱ
majorȱleagueȱtalentȱbutȱnoȱrealȱtrackȱrecord.ȱ
ThisȱelementȱshouldȱaffectȱBackgroundȱandȱQualitiesȱ–ȱ
andȱpossiblyȱOriginȱ–ȱinȱcharacterȱgeneration.ȱ
WHEN?
Directlyȱ relatedȱ toȱ What?ȱ areȱ twoȱ When?s:ȱ 1)ȱ whenȱ
didȱtheȱPCȱfirstȱstartȱsuperȬheroing?;ȱandȱ2)ȱwhenȱdidȱ
theȱ PCȱ firstȱ meetȱ theȱ Dragonȱ Knight?ȱ Duringȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
characterȱ creation,ȱ thisȱ aspectȱ shouldȱ probablyȱ
influenceȱBackgroundȱandȱOrigin.ȱ
WHERE?
PCsȱ shouldȱ pickȱ oneȱ ofȱ theȱ districtsȱ ofȱ Drakesvilleȱ
(seeȱabove)ȱtoȱbeȱtheirȱȈturf.ȈȱWhileȱtheȱbigȱboysȱlikeȱ
theȱDragonȱKnightȱprotectȱentireȱcities,ȱlesserȱheroesȱ
patrolȱaȱsingleȱneighborhood.ȱWhileȱtheyȱwonȇtȱknowȱ
theȱ otherȱ partsȱ ofȱ townȱ likeȱ theyȱ doȱ theirȱ ownȱ area,ȱ
hopefullyȱ oneȱ ofȱ theirȱ teamȬmatesȱ will.ȱ Thus,ȱ itȇsȱ
probablyȱ notȱ aȱ greatȱ ideaȱ toȱ haveȱ multipleȱ PCsȱ hailȱ
fromȱ theȱ sameȱ neighborhood,ȱ butȱ thisȱ canȱ stillȱ workȱ
andȱ provideȱ opportunitiesȱ forȱ Ȉlikeȱ theȱ backȱ ofȱ myȱ
handȈ/Ȉfishȱ outȱ ofȱ waterȈȱ scenes.ȱ Definitelyȱ anȱ
importantȱ partȱ ofȱ Miscellany;ȱ mayȱ affectȱ Background,ȱ
Motivation,ȱQualities,ȱandȱOrigin.ȱ
Also,ȱ inȱ theȱ introductoryȱ adventureȱ forȱ thisȱ settingȱ
(seeȱbelow,ȱPilotȱEpisode,ȱp.ȱ90),ȱtheȱPCȱgroupȱwillȱbeȱ
givenȱaȱsecretȱbaseȱofȱoperations,ȱwithȱtheȱfollowingȱ
Qualitiesȱ allȱ atȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Rank:ȱ Hiddenȱ Location,ȱ
Computerȱ Casefiles,ȱ andȱ Communicationȱ Linksȱ toȱ
Policeȱ Department.ȱ Theȱ playersȱ mayȱ thenȱ customizeȱ
theȱbaseȱasȱperȱtheȱrulesȱunderȱHQsȱonȱp.ȱ69.ȱ
ȱ Qualities:ȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ Archeologist,ȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ Brawler,ȱ
ȱ 86
ȱ
WHY?
EachȱplayerȱshouldȱworkȱwithȱtheȱGMȱ(andȱpossiblyȱ
theȱ otherȱ players)ȱ toȱ determineȱ exactlyȱ whyȱ theȱ
Dragonȱ Knightȱ askedȱ theȱ PCȱ toȱ helpȱ pickȱ upȱ hisȱ
slack.ȱWhatȱisȱtheȱconnectionȱbetweenȱtheȱcharacters?ȱ
ThisȱquestionȱwillȱbeȱtiedȱupȱcloselyȱwithȱWho?ȱandȱ
When?,ȱwithȱaȱsideȬorderȱofȱWhat?,ȱandȱmaybeȱevenȱ
someȱ Where?ȱ forȱ dessert.ȱ Anȱ importantȱ partȱ ofȱ
Background,ȱMiscellany,ȱandȱpossiblyȱPowers.ȱ
ȱ
Major NPCs
THE DRAGON KNIGHT
Name:ȱAbnerȱJonesȱ
Background:ȱ Abnerȱ Jones,ȱ anȱ archeologyȱ professorȱ atȱ
Drakesvilleȱ University,ȱ isȱ wellȱ regardedȱ byȱ hisȱ peers,ȱ hisȱ
departmentȱhead,ȱandȱhisȱstudents.ȱHeȇsȱalwaysȱhadȱaȱtasteȱforȱ
theȱmoreȱoccultȱandȱarcaneȱartifactsȱofȱhumanȱcivilization,ȱandȱ
isȱaȱnotedȱspecialistȱinȱtheȱfield.ȱȱ
Motivation:ȱDefendȱhisȱcityȱ(Drakesville)ȱfromȱattack.ȱ
Expertȱ[+4]ȱOccultist,ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱAthlete,ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱRespectȱofȱ
Drakesvilleȱ Citizenry,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Policeȱ Contacts,ȱ Poorȱ [Ȭ2]ȱ
Arrogant.ȱ
Origin:ȱ Onȱ aȱ digȱ onȱ aȱ remoteȱ islandȱ inȱ theȱ Northȱ Atlantic,ȱ
Abnerȱdiscoveredȱaȱsuitȱofȱmysticalȱarmor.ȱȱ
Powers:ȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ Mysticȱ Flameȱ Breath,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ
Invulnerability,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Metalȱ Wings,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ SuperȬ
Armor,ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱSuperȬStrength.ȱ
Stunts:ȱCleanseȱ Poisonȱ (MysticȱFlameȱ BreathȱSpinȬoff;ȱ Averageȱ
[0];ȱ usedȱ toȱ removeȱ toxinsȱ orȱ drugsȱ fromȱ victim),ȱ Fireȱ Cageȱ
(MysticȱFlameȱBreathȱSignature;ȱExpertȱ[+4];ȱ2ȱHP;ȱcreatesȱaȱTNȱ
13ȱ enclosureȱ ofȱ magicȱ fire),ȱ andȱ WingȬSliceȱ (Metalȱ Wingsȱ
Signature;ȱGoodȱ[+2];ȱ2ȱHP;ȱaȱpowerfulȱcuttingȱattack).ȱ
HeroȱPointȱPool:ȱ5/10ȱ
Uniform:ȱ Aȱ suitȱ ofȱ black,ȱ slightlyȱ iridescentȱ armorȱ inȱ noȱ
recognizableȱancientȱstyle.ȱ
Miscellany:ȱ 5ȇ10Ȉ,ȱ 170ȱ lbs.;ȱ brownȱ hair,ȱ blueȱ eyes,ȱ oliveȱ skin.ȱ
Theȱ Dragonȱ Knightȱ hasȱ helpedȱ defendȱ andȱ strengthenȱ
Drakesvilleȱ forȱ theȱ lastȱ eightȱ years,ȱ andȱ theȱ peopleȱ ofȱ theȱ cityȱ
respectȱ him.ȱ Metalȱ Wingsȱ permitȱ Flightȱ andȱ canȱ beȱ usedȱ asȱ
weapons.ȱ Mysticȱ Flameȱ Breathȱ isȱ aȱ MetaȬPower,ȱ permittingȱ
severalȱmysticalȱSpinȬoffȱStunts.ȱ
NOTE - The Dragon Knight is a World-Class character
(see p. 73), and this write-up reflects that fact.
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
RATBURGLAR
Name:ȱJuliusȱAlamedaȱ
Background:ȱ Bornȱ inȱ Northȱ Endȱ duringȱ itsȱ ȈMurdertownȈȱ
days,ȱ Juliusȱ –ȱ likeȱ soȱ manyȱ ofȱ hisȱ friendsȱ –ȱ turnedȱ toȱ crime.ȱ
Pickȱ onȱ becauseȱ ofȱ hisȱ lackȱ ofȱ height,ȱ heȱ becameȱ tough,ȱ hard,ȱ
arrogant,ȱ outȱ toȱ proveȱ theȱ worldȱ wrongȱ aboutȱ him.ȱ Heȱ grewȱ
upȱtoȱbeȱaȱrelativelyȱsuccessfulȱburglar,ȱspecializingȱinȱstealingȱ
theȱ rarestȱ andȱmostȱ wellȬprotectedȱ treasuresȱ (bothȱ forȱhimselfȱ
andȱasȱaȱcontractorȱforȱothers),ȱuntilȱoneȱjobȱwentȱawry.ȱ.ȱ.ȱ
Motivation:ȱDiscoverȱmoreȱaboutȱȈtheȱRatȱGod.Ȉȱ
Qualities:ȱMasterȱ[+6]ȱBurglar,ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱCunning,ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱ
Wealth,ȱPoorȱ[Ȭ2]ȱNapoleonȱComplex.ȱ
Origin:ȱ Bittenȱ byȱ oneȱ ofȱ theȱ mysticalȱ Giantȱ Ratsȱ ofȱ Sumatraȱ
whenȱburglingȱanȱeccentricȱSouthȱEnderȇsȱmenagerie,ȱAlamedaȱ
becameȱ aȱ wererat.ȱ Thisȱ hasȱ madeȱ himȱ evenȱ betterȱ atȱ beingȱ aȱ
sneakyȱlittleȱbastard.ȱȱ
Powers:ȱMasterȱ[+6]ȱWererat.ȱ
Stunts:ȱ(allȱatȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱRank;ȱnoȱVPȱcost,ȱbutȱmustȱmentallyȱ
Ȉturnȱ onȈȱ forȱ theȱ Scene)ȱ Collapsibleȱ Skeleton,ȱ Partialȱ Shapeshiftȱ
whileȱ Humanȱ (Claws,ȱ Teeth,ȱ orȱ Tail),ȱ Prehensileȱ Tail,ȱ Ratȱ
Communicationȱ&ȱ Control,ȱRegeneration,ȱ Resistȱ Poisonȱ &ȱ Disease,ȱ
SuperȬAgility,ȱSuperȬGnawing,ȱSuperȬSenses,ȱSuperȬStrength.ȱ
VillainȱPointȱPool:ȱ5/10ȱ
Uniform:ȱUsuallyȱinȱhisȱ4ȱfootȱȈratmanȈȱshapeȱwhenȱonȱtheȱjob,ȱ
butȱ evenȱ soȱ heȱ wearsȱ aȱ blackȱ leatherȱ outfit,ȱ webȱ beltȱ fullȱ ofȱ
tools,ȱ aȱ blackȱ cap,ȱ andȱ aȱ mask.ȱ (Yes,ȱ aȱ mask.ȱ Overȱ hisȱ rattyȱ
face.ȱWhat?).ȱ
Miscellany:ȱ 4ȇ10Ȉ,ȱ 135ȱ lbs;ȱ blackȱ hair,ȱ brownȱ eyes,ȱ oliveȱ skin.ȱ
Wereratȱ isȱ aȱ Shapeshiftingȱ MetaȬPower,ȱ whichȱ coversȱ aȱ wideȬ
rangeȱ ofȱ lycanthropyȬbasedȱ abilitiesȱ (seeȱ Stunts);ȱ Ratburglarȱ
hasȱ 3ȱ mainȱ shapesȱ –ȱ rat,ȱ ratman,ȱ andȱ human.ȱ Silverȱ isȱ theȱ
overallȱLimitationȱforȱWereratȱ–ȱwoundsȱfromȱsilverȱweaponsȱ
arenȇtȱ affectedȱ byȱ Regeneration,ȱ andȱ silverȱ bondsȱ canȱ holdȱ
RatburglarȱdespiteȱhisȱSuperȬStrength.ȱThoughȱhisȱmostȱrecentȱ
stompingȱ groundsȱ wereȱ inȱ California,ȱ heȇsȱ comeȱ backȱ toȱ
Drakesvilleȱ afterȱ learningȱ thatȱ theȱ Dragonȱ Knightȇsȱ flownȱ theȱ
coop.ȱHeȇsȱ alsoȱbeenȱhavingȱ aȱ seriesȱ ofȱ oddȱ dreamsȱ involvingȱ
ȈtheȱRatȱGod.Ȉȱ
THE ORANGE OGRE
Name:ȱIsaacȱLeonardȱ
Background:ȱ Asȱ aȱ professionalȱ wrestler,ȱ Isaacȱ Ȉtheȱ OgreȈȱ
Leonardȱtookȱoneȱtooȱmanyȱfoldingȱchairsȱacrossȱtheȱskullȱthatȱ
fatefulȱ night.ȱ Somethingȱ inȱ hisȱ concussedȱ brainȱ reactedȱ
powerfully,ȱcausingȱhimȱtoȱgrowȱpermanentlyȱhugeȱ(heȇsȱnowȱ
7ȇȱ 2Ȉȱ tallȱ andȱ weighsȱ overȱ 400ȱ pounds)ȱ andȱ orange.ȱ
Furthermore,ȱhisȱmindȱhasȱbeenȱaffected:ȱȈkayfabeȈȱ(theȱfakeȱorȱ
showbizȱ realityȱ ofȱ proȱ wrestling)ȱ hasȱ bledȱ intoȱ realityȱ andȱ
meshedȱwithȱsuperhumanity.ȱȱ
Motivation:ȱBeatȱtheȱDragonȱKnightȱinȱaȱfairȱfight.ȱ
ȱ 87
Qualities:ȱExpertȱ[+4]ȱWrestler,ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱGambler,ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱ
Partyȱ Animal,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Shockingȱ Appearance,ȱ Poorȱ [Ȭ2]ȱ
Delusional.ȱ
Origin:ȱPhysicalȱtraumaȱsparkedȱhisȱmutationȱandȱsuperpowerȱ
expression.ȱ
Powers:ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱInvulnerability,ȱExpertȱ[+4]ȱSuperȬStrength.ȱ
Stunts:ȱSuperȬLeapȱ(SuperȬStrengthȱSignature;ȱGoodȱ[+2];ȱ1ȱVP).ȱ
VillainȱPointȱPool:ȱ5/10ȱ
Uniform:ȱBlueȱwrestlingȱsinglet,ȱbrownȱbuckledȱboots,ȱbigȱandȱ
gaudyȱȈchampionshipȈȱbelt.ȱ(Seeȱp.ȱ57.)ȱ
Miscellany:ȱ 7ȇ2Ȉ;ȱ 400+ȱ lbs.;ȱ orangeȱ hair,ȱ orangeȱ skin,ȱ orangeȱ
eyes.ȱ
DelusionalȱreflectsȱLeonardȇsȱconvictionȱthatȱheȇsȱbeenȱassignedȱ
toȱ beȱ aȱ heel:ȱ wheneverȱ heȇsȱ inȱ publicȱ andȱ inȱ costume,ȱ heȱ actsȱ
likeȱaȱsuperȬvillain.ȱOutȱofȱcostume,ȱheȇsȱactuallyȱaȱlikeableȱandȱ
agreeableȱ guy,ȱ gentleȱ andȱ docile,ȱ evenȱ whenȱ incarceratedȱ inȱ
theȱ Crypts.ȱ .ȱ .ȱ untilȱ heȱ goesȱ toȱ ȈworkȈȱ –ȱ whichȱ generallyȱ
happensȱ everyȱ 30ȱ toȱ 90ȱ days.ȱ Interestingly,ȱ Leonardȱ believesȱ
thatȱifȱheȱeverȱbeatsȱtheȱDragonȱKnightȱinȱaȱfairȱfight,ȱtheȱȈheadȱ
officeȈȱ willȱ letȱ himȱ undergoȱ aȱ Ȉfaceȱ turnȈȱ andȱ becomeȱ aȱ goodȱ
guy.ȱUnfortunately,ȱheȇsȱneverȱbeenȱableȱtoȱbeatȱtheȱheroȱfairly.ȱ
(However,ȱoneȱtimeȱtheȱDragonȱKnightȱtookȱaȱdiveȱandȱcausedȱ
Leonardȇsȱ personalityȱ toȱ immediatelyȱ shiftȱ toȱ face.ȱ .ȱ .ȱ untilȱ heȱ
discoveredȱtheȱdeceptionȱandȱsufferedȱanotherȱheelȱturn.)ȱ
DOKTOR VROBOTNIK
Name:ȱDoctorȱArthurȱVroboȱ
Background:ȱ Arthurȱ Vrobo,ȱ oneȱ ofȱ theȱ worldȇsȱ greatestȱ
scientists,ȱ workedȱ forȱ Herbertȱ Enterprisesȱ forȱ manyȱ years.ȱ
Indeed,ȱ aȱ substantialȱ amountȱ ofȱ theȱ technologyȱ behindȱ theȱ
Jettyȱ (seeȱ above)ȱ isȱ basedȱ onȱ hisȱ designs.ȱ Heȱ isȱ theȱ sortȱ ofȱ
intellectȱthatȱoffhandedlyȱwhipsȱupȱaȱtelepathicallyȬcontrolledȱ
robotȱtoȱhelpȱhimȱwithȱanȱunrelatedȱexperiment.ȱVroboȱmerrilyȱ
workedȱ inȱ theȱ companyȇsȱ laboratoriesȱ duringȱ theȱ day,ȱ andȱ atȱ
nightȱ repairedȱ toȱ aȱ privateȱ workshopȱ forȱ hisȱ ownȱ projects.ȱ
Indeed,ȱ theȱ contractȱ heȱ hadȱ withȱ Zebȱ Herbertȱ wasȱ veryȱ clearȱ
thatȱ Vroboȱ wouldȱ alwaysȱ andȱ foreverȱ retainȱ theȱ rightsȱ andȱ
patentsȱtoȱhisȱpersonalȱwork:ȱ9ȱoutȱofȱ10ȱlawyersȱwouldȱswearȱ
thatȱtheȱagreementȱwasȱironclad.ȱȱ
ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
Well,ȱȈironcladȈȱonlyȱifȱtheȱpartyȱofȱtheȱfirstȱpartȱandȱtheȱpartyȱ
ofȱ theȱ secondȱ partȱ bothȱ stickȱ toȱ theȱ termsȱ ofȱ theȱ contract.ȱ
Unfortunately,ȱ Vroboȱ discoveredȱ thatȱ theȱ partyȱ ofȱ theȱ secondȱ
partȱ –ȱ Herbertȱ –ȱ wasȱ aȱ bitȱ looserȱ inȱ hisȱ interpretationsȱ ofȱ theȱ
agreement,ȱtoȱtheȱpointȱofȱhavingȱtheȱscientistȇsȱprivateȱlabȱandȱ
residenceȱ withinȱ theȱ Jettyȱ extensivelyȱ bugged.ȱ Justȱ asȱ Vroboȱ
rippedȱaȱcameraȱoutȱofȱhisȱwall,ȱhisȱparanoiaȱcrystallizingȱintoȱ
anger,ȱ aȱ tremendousȱ explosionȱ rockedȱ theȱ Jetty!ȱ Shardsȱ ofȱ
flyingȱ debrisȱ cutȱ hisȱ faceȱ andȱ throatȱ deeply,ȱ andȱ knockedȱ theȱ
scientistȱout.ȱLuckily,ȱtheȱJettyȇsȱemergencyȱresponseȱsquadȱgotȱ
himȱtoȱtheȱinternalȱhospitalȱinȱtimeȱtoȱsaveȱhisȱlifeȱ–ȱbutȱnotȱhisȱ
voice:ȱ theȱ damageȱ toȱ Vroboȇsȱ larynxȱ wasȱ tooȱ extensiveȱ toȱ
repair.ȱȱ
AfterȱaȱhorrificallyȬmisunderstoodȱvisitingȱhourȱmeetingȱwithȱ
Herbert,ȱ Vroboȱ becameȱ convincedȱ thatȱ Herbertȱ hadȱ alwaysȱ
fullyȱintendedȱtoȱstealȱhisȱworkȱandȱbumpȱhimȱoff.ȱTerrifiedȱatȱ
beingȱinȱhisȱenemyȇsȱpower,ȱtheȱscientistȱfledȱtheȱhospitalȱthatȱ
night.ȱ Butȱ asȱ heȱ wasȱ noȱ fool,ȱ Vroboȱ stoppedȱ byȱ hisȱ ruinedȱ
quartersȱandȱbrokeȱintoȱcompanyȱlabsȱforȱequipmentȱandȱgear.ȱ
DoktorȱVrobotikȱnowȱwagesȱaȱwarȱagainstȱHerbertȱEnterprisesȱ
usingȱhisȱ remarkableȱ mind,ȱ seekingȱ toȱ wipeȱ it,ȱ itsȱ works,ȱ andȱ
itsȱfounderȱfromȱtheȱfaceȱofȱtheȱEarth.ȱWoeȱtoȱanyȱwhoȱgetȱinȱ
hisȱway!ȱ
Motivation:ȱDestroyȱZebȱHerbertȱandȱHerbertȱEnterprises.ȱ
Qualities:ȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ Engineer,ȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ Scientist,ȱ Goodȱ
[+2]ȱMinions:ȱVrobotsȱ(seeȱbelow).ȱ
Origin:ȱ Whileȱ hisȱ SuperȬGadgeteeringȱ expressedȱ itselfȱ inȱ aȱ
lowȬkeyȱfashionȱduringȱhisȱyouth,ȱtheȱexplosionȱkickedȱitȱintoȱ
highȱgear.ȱ
Powers:ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱSuperȬGadgeteer,ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱCyberȬThroat,ȱ
Goodȱ[+2]ȱSuperȬSidekick:ȱ(VrobotȱofȱtheȱWeek;ȱseeȱbelow).ȱ
Stunts:ȱ Rocketȱ Pistolȱ (Goodȱ [+2]ȱ SuperȬGadget)ȱ –ȱ hisȱ twoȱ freeȱ
Gadgetsȱ areȱ leftȱ undefined,ȱ toȱ beȱ determinedȱ inȱ playȱ –ȱ andȱ
SonicȱBlastȱ(CyberȬThroatȱSignature;ȱGoodȱ[+2];ȱ2ȱVP).ȱ
VillainȱPointȱPool:ȱ5/10ȱ
Uniform:ȱ CyberȬThroat,ȱ blackȱ knitȱ sweater,ȱ blackȱ pantsȱ withȱ
greenȱpiping,ȱgreenishȬgrayȱlabcoat.ȱ
Miscellany:ȱ 6ȇ2Ȉ,ȱ 180ȱ lbs.;ȱ bald,ȱ blackȱ bushyȱ eyebrows,ȱ brownȱ
eyes,ȱ fairȱ skin.ȱ Vroboȇsȱ CyberȬThroatȱ allowsȱ himȱ toȱ Controlȱ
ElectronicȱMachinesȱwithȱtheȱsoundȱofȱhisȱvoiceȱ(Limitation);ȱitȱ
canȱ alsoȱ emitȱ aȱ Sonicȱ Blast.ȱ However,ȱ currently,ȱ Vroboȱ cannotȱ
makeȱitȱsoundȱlikeȱanythingȱotherȱthatȱaȱbadȱvoiceȱsynthesizer;ȱ
heȱisȱworkingȱonȱdevelopingȱsoundȱandȱmimicryȬbasedȱStuntsȱ
andȱPowersȱforȱit.ȱIfȱtheȱCyberȬThroatȱisȱremoved,ȱheȱgainsȱtheȱ
WeaknessȱofȱPoorȱ[Ȭ2]ȱMute.ȱ
Vrobots:ȱ Theȱ nineȱ Vrobotsȱ allȱ haveȱ theȱ followingȱ
Qualities:ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Armor,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Strong,ȱ Averageȱ
[0]ȱDisguise,ȱandȱAverageȱ[0]ȱIntegralȱPistol.ȱ
SuperȬSidekick:ȱ (Vrobotȱ ofȱ theȱ Week).ȱ Everyȱ timeȱ heȱ
showsȱup,ȱDoktorȱVrobotnikȱhasȱaȱnewȱSuperȬRobotȱforȱ
theȱheroesȱtoȱpummel.ȱBasicȱtypeȱhasȱExpertȱ[+4]ȱArmor,ȱ
Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Strong,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Laserȱ Gunȱ (normalȬscale),ȱ
andȱanyȱoneȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱPower.ȱ
ȱ 88
Supporting Characters
NOTE - Each of these NPCs is given a short-form write-
up in the interests of space and GM customization.ȱȱ
Captainȱ Kayeȱ Artaud:ȱ Captainȱ Artaudȱ isȱ inȱ chargeȱ ofȱ theȱ
Drakesvilleȱ Policeȱ Departmentȇsȱ Superhumanȱ Crimesȱ
Division.ȱ Sheȱ forgedȱ aȱ decentȱ workingȱ relationshipȱ withȱ
theȱ Dragonȱ Knight,ȱ thoughȱ thereȱ wereȱ strongȱ elementsȱ ofȱ
rivalry:ȱsheȱbelievesȱthatȱherȱSCDȱofficersȱcouldȇveȱhandledȱ
atȱ leastȱ threeȬquartersȱ ofȱ theȱ problemsȱ thatȱ theȱ heroȱ did.ȱ
Sheȇllȱ beȱ insultedȱ byȱ theȱ presenceȱ ofȱ anyȱ SecondȬStringersȱ
thatȱ theȱ Dragonȱ Knightȱ recruits,ȱ andȱ willȱ beȱ waryȱ inȱ
dealingȱ withȱ themȱ untilȱ theyȱ proveȱ themselves.ȱ .ȱ .ȱ andȱ ifȱ
theyȱ crossȱ theȱ line,ȱ sheȇllȱ haveȱ noȱ compunctionsȱ aboutȱ
bringingȱthemȱin.ȱ
GalsworthyȱtheȱGreat:ȱAȱfortuneȬtellingȱconȬmanȱwhoȱwasȱ
grantedȱ trueȱ sorcerousȱ mightȱ duringȱ Ȉtheȱ Djinniȱ Event,Ȉȱ
Galsworthyȱ hasȱ inȱ recentȱ yearsȱ beenȱ partȱ ofȱ theȱ Dragonȱ
Knightȇsȱ resourcesȱ whenȱ dealingȱ withȱ magicalȱ situations.ȱ
Unknownȱ toȱ anyoneȱ butȱ theȱ Dragonȱ Knightȱ andȱ
Galsworthy,ȱtheȱformerȱgrifterȱisȱdestinedȱtoȱbeȱtheȱmentorȱ
ofȱ Earthȇsȱ nextȱ ȈAbsoluteȱ AdeptȈȱ –ȱ guardianȱ ofȱ theȱ worldȱ
againstȱ allȱ Unspeakableȱ Horrorsȱ Fromȱ Beyondȱ Space.ȱ
Therefore,ȱ outȱ ofȱ aȱ strictȱ senseȱ ofȱ selfȬpreservation,ȱ
Galsworthyȱ hasȱ begunȱ studyingȱ allȱ formsȱ ofȱ magicȱ likeȱ aȱ
madman,ȱinȱorderȱtoȱbeȱtheȱbestȱdamnȱteacherȱheȱcanȱbe.ȱ
Powers:ȱ Galsworthyȱ isȱ anȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ ConȬManȱ andȱ
Expertȱ [+4]ȱ Mage,ȱ aȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Occultist,ȱ andȱ possessesȱ
anȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ Physique.ȱ Additionally,ȱ heȱ possessesȱ aȱ
Grandȱ Destinyȱ (Poorȱ [Ȭ2]),ȱ whichȱ moreȱ oftenȱ thanȱ notȱ
putsȱhimȱinȱdangerousȱ–ȱorȱjustȱplainȱweirdȱ–ȱsituationsȱ
somehowȱ relatedȱ toȱ hisȱ futureȱ charge.ȱ Heȱ resentsȱ this,ȱ
butȱnoȱmatterȱwhatȱheȱdoesȱorȱhowȱheȱresists,ȱtheȱdayȱisȱ
comingȱwhenȱheȱwillȱhaveȱtoȱpassȱonȱhisȱknowledge.ȱ
ZebediahȱHerbert:ȱSkinny,ȱdapper,ȱinsanelyȱwealthyȱ–ȱZebȱ
Herbertȱ isȱ theȱ toastȱ ofȱ theȱ town.ȱ Hisȱ company,ȱ Herbertȱ
Enterprises,ȱ isȱ theȱ largestȱ employerȱ andȱ corporateȱ taxȬ
payerȱ inȱ Drakesville,ȱ andȱ heȱ himselfȱ isȱ aȱ majorȱ
philanthropist,ȱ donatingȱ toȱ hundredsȱ ofȱ charitiesȱ cityȬ,ȱ
nationȬ,ȱandȱworldȬwide.ȱHeȇsȱalsoȱaȱcoldȬheartedȱsnakeȱinȱ
theȱ boardroom:ȱ utterlyȱ ruthless,ȱ heȱ seeksȱ toȱ maximizeȱ hisȱ
longȬtermȱ personalȱ powerȱ throughȱ anyȱ meansȱ necessary.ȱ
Surprisingly,ȱ whatȱ isȱ goodȱ forȱ Zebȱ Herbertȱ tendsȱ toȱ beȱ
goodȱ forȱ someȱ ofȱ theȱ peopleȱ inȱ Drakesville.ȱ .ȱ .ȱ orȱ atȱ leastȱ
thoseȱ thatȱ ȈcountȈȱ (i.e.,ȱ theȱ rich).ȱ Thoseȱ thatȱ hisȱ
machinationsȱ harmȱ mustȱ waitȱ forȱ hisȱ philanthropicȱ
largesse.ȱȱ
NOTE - Whether Zeb is a "super-villain in a power tie" or
not is left up to the individual GM.
ProfessorȱHypnos:ȱMinorȱsuperȬvillain,ȱincarceratedȱinȱtheȱ
Cryptsȱ afterȱ aȱ foolishȱ attemptȱ toȱ gatherȱ aȱ haremȱ ofȱ
Drakesvilleȇsȱ topȱ supermodels.ȱ Withȱ hisȱ counselorȇsȱ help,ȱ
Hypnosȱ isȱ wellȱ onȱ hisȱ wayȱ toȱ beingȱ rehabilitated,ȱ andȱ hasȱ
bigȱplansȱforȱstartingȱanȱexpensiveȱȈselfȬhelpȱsalonȈȱ(weightȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
loss,ȱ smokingȱ cessation,ȱ assertivenessȱ training,ȱ memoryȱ
retrieval)ȱwhenȱheȱgetsȱoutȱonȱparole.ȱ
Powers:ȱ Professorȱ Marvinȱ Hypnosȱ isȱ anȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ atȱ
Hypnoticȱ Mindȱ Control,ȱ thoughȱ hisȱ commandsȱ usuallyȱ
wearȱ offȱ withinȱ aȱ weekȱ (theȱ moreȱ extremeȱ hisȱ
commands,ȱ theȱ shorterȱ theȱ duration).ȱ Heȱ isȱ alsoȱ anȱ
Averageȱ [0]ȱ Telepath,ȱ butȱ noȱ oneȱ elseȱ knowsȱ this.ȱ
Hypnosȱ believesȱ thatȱ ifȱ theȱ superhumanȱ specialistsȱ
detectȱhisȱpower,ȱheȱwillȱneverȱbeȱletȱoutȱonȱparole;ȱcallȱ
thisȱaȱPoorȱ[Ȭ2]ȱSecret.ȱ
TheȱPhilatelist:ȱGwendolynȱPriceȱterrorizedȱDrakesvilleȱforȱ
weeksȱ asȱ theȱ mysteriousȱ Philatelistȱ withȱ herȱ stampȬȱ andȱ
mailȬbasedȱ puzzles,ȱ beforeȱ beingȱ capturedȱ byȱ theȱ Dragonȱ
Knight.ȱMostlyȱinterestedȱinȱstealingȱrareȱstampȱandȱpostalȱ
paraphernalia,ȱ sheȇsȱ aȱ loonyȬtunesȱ thief,ȱ givenȱ toȱ preȬ
braggingȱaboutȱherȱcrimes.ȱCurrentlyȱatȱlarge.ȱ
Powers:ȱ Theȱ Philatelistȱ hasȱ oneȱ ofȱ theȱ weirdestȱ
superpowersȱ everȱ recorded:ȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ ȈStampȱ &ȱ Mailȱ
SchticksȈȱ(Limitation:ȱMustȱconsumeȱstampsȱtoȱenergizeȱ
Power;ȱ rareȱ orȱ valuableȱ stampsȱ giveȱ massiveȱ Upshifts).ȱ
Sheȱ canȱ literallyȱ doȱ anythingȱ ifȱ itȱ isȱ relatedȱ toȱ stamps,ȱ
stampȬcollecting,ȱorȱtheȱmailȱsystem.ȱSheȇsȱpulledȱrocketȱ
launchersȱoutȱofȱmailboxes,ȱmailedȱherselfȱoutȱofȱprisonȱ
inȱaȱ#10ȱbusinessȱenvelope,ȱcausedȱallȱtheȱstampsȱinȱ100ȱ
yardsȱ toȱ burstȱ intoȱ flame,ȱ andȱ soȱ forth.ȱ Herȱ biggestȱ
weaknessȱ isȱ herȱ Poorȱ [Ȭ2]ȱ Needȱ toȱ Challengeȱ Heroesȱ
throughȱPuzzlesȱ&ȱRiddles.ȱ
Redȱ X:ȱ Thisȱ mercenaryȱ isȱ aȱ superȬspeedster,ȱ andȱ aȱ
dangerousȱ foe.ȱ Heȱ isȱ aȱ thugȱ forȱ hire,ȱ usuallyȱ workingȱ forȱ
anotherȱsupervillain,ȱandȱheȱdonȇtȱcomeȱcheap.ȱWhileȱnotȱaȱ
particularlyȱbrilliantȱfoe,ȱheȱisȱexceptionallyȱorganizedȱandȱ
practical.ȱȱ
Powers:ȱRedȱXȱpossessesȱSuperȬSpeedȱatȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱRankȱ
normally,ȱbutȱcanȱpushȱhimselfȱtoȱExpertȱ[+4]ȱorȱMasterȱ
[+6]ȱ levelsȱ forȱ briefȱ periods.ȱ Exertingȱ himselfȱ likeȱ thisȱ
involvesȱaȱprice:ȱheȱmustȱ spendȱ timeȱutterlyȱmotionlessȱ
afterwardsȱ –ȱ anȱ equalȱ periodȱ forȱ Expertȱ boosting,ȱ andȱ
doubleȱtheȱamountȱforȱMasterȱboosting.ȱNeedlessȱtoȱsay,ȱ
RedȱXȱtriesȱtoȱstayȱunderȱhisȱspeedȱlimit,ȱunlessȱheȱisȱinȱ
dangerȱ orȱ theȱ moneyȱ isȱ tooȱ damnȱ goodȱ toȱ refuse.ȱ Heȱ isȱ
alsoȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ inȱ Karate,ȱ andȱ hasȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ SuperȬ
Armor.ȱ
Theȱ Justiceȱ Alliance:ȱ Theȱ Earthȇsȱ premiereȱ superȬteam.ȱ
Madeȱ upȱ ofȱ aȱ dozenȱ ofȱ theȱ globeȇsȱ mightiestȱ heroes,ȱ theyȱ
protectȱ theȱ worldȱ againstȱ theȱ mostȱ powerfulȱ archȬvillains,ȱ
whetherȱ theyȱ beȱ fromȱ thisȱ planetȱ orȱ beyond.ȱ Membersȱ
includeȱ Hyperwoman;ȱ Fuȱ Dawg;ȱ Justiceȱ Jackaroo;ȱ
Belisarius,ȱ theȱ Absoluteȱ Adept;ȱ Croatoan;ȱ andȱ now,ȱ theȱ
DragonȱKnight.ȱAllȱareȱWorldȬClassȱheroesȱ(seeȱp.ȱ73);ȱGMsȱ
shouldȱfeelȱfreeȱtoȱstatȱtheseȱcharactersȱupȱasȱtheyȱdesire,ȱorȱ
modifyȱ theȱ exampleȱ NPCsȱ foundȱ elsewhereȱ inȱ thisȱ bookȱ
(Ultrawomanȱ forȱ Hyperwoman,ȱ Manticoreȱ forȱ Fuȱ Dawg,ȱ
AmericanȱRangerȱforȱJusticeȱJackaroo,ȱandȱsoȱon).ȱ
ȱ 89
Kaye Artaud watched her Superhuman Crimes
Division officers escort the power-cuffed supervillain
into the Chrome Maria. She heard footsteps coming
up behind her. She turned to find a young woman in
business casual dress, carrying a mini-recorder, a
steno pad, and a press pass.
"Captain Artaud? I'm Penelope Black from the
Drakesville Courier."
Artaud waved at the scene before them. "We've
captured the Cockroach Prince, who's suspected in
the Herbert Museum Heist. That's all you get. You want
more, you talk to Lieutenant Stevens, the
communications officer, okay, Ms. Black?"
"Actually, you can call me 'Penny.'" She smiled. "We
had an appointment for earlier this afternoon?"
The policewoman blinked. "For what?"
The reporter brushed an errant strand of hair behind
her ear. "The Sunday supplement piece on the SCD,
and – well – you."
Artaud flushed. "Oh, I'm so sorry. All this came up
rather quickly, and my team had to scramble."
"Oh, as a long time resident of this city, I understand
how supervillains can muck schedules up." Black
grinned as she said this.
"Let's start over." Artaud stuck out her hand towards
the reporter. "Kaye Artaud."
Black reached her own hand forward. "Penny Black."
They shook.
As their hands separated, Artaud looked down at her
palm. Something was stuck there. Something a bit
blurry. Fuzzy. Square. A stamp.
Her eyes whipped up – while her numbing hands
scrabbled for her weapon – to see the malevolent
look on the face of the reporter. "'Penny Black'? You're
the Philatelist!" she croaked, as her vision swam.
"I understand how supervillains can muck schedules
up, indeed, Captain. Nighty-night."
Possible SSS Episodes
SomeȱideasȱforȱsingleȬsessionȱadventuresȱorȱȈepisodesȈȱareȱ
providedȱ below;ȱ theȱ overallȱ campaignȱ canȱ beȱ furtherȱ
constructedȱ asȱ aȱ televisionȱ seasonȱ (orȱ entireȱ series)ȱ asȱ theȱ
playersȱ andȱ GMȱ seeȱ fit.ȱ Theȱ Pilotȱ Episodeȱ shouldȱ comeȱ
first,ȱ ofȱ course,ȱ bringingȱ theȱ PCsȱ togetherȱ andȱ startingȱ theȱ
showȱoffȱwithȱaȱbang.ȱEpisodesȱA,ȱB,ȱandȱCȱshouldȱhappenȱ
earlyȱinȱtheȱcampaignȱandȱfocusȱonȱtheȱthemeȱofȱFillingȱtheȱ
Reallyȱ Bigȱ Shoesȱ ofȱ theȱ Dragonȱ Knight,ȱ thoughȱ theyȱ canȱ
happenȱinȱanyȱorder.ȱEpisodesȱX,ȱY,ȱandȱZȱshouldȱhappenȱ
lateȱ inȱ theȱ campaign,ȱ andȱ focusȱ onȱ theȱ themeȱ ofȱ theȱ PCsȱ
Claimingȱ theirȱ Ownȱ Identity.ȱ Theȱ remainingȱ episodesȱ areȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
modular,ȱandȱcanȱbeȱfitȱintoȱtheȱearly,ȱmiddle,ȱorȱlateȱbitsȱofȱ
theȱ campaign.ȱ Noȱ Finalȱ Episodeȱ isȱ provided,ȱ asȱ someȱ
groupsȱ mayȱ wishȱ toȱ runȱ aȱ ȈseasonalȈȱ campaignȱ versusȱ aȱ
Ȉcompleteȱ seriesȈȱ campaign.ȱ However,ȱ promotionȱ toȱ theȱ
firstȬstringȱ heroesȱ ofȱ theȱ Justiceȱ Allianceȱ andȱ theȱ
intergalacticȱconflictȱworksȱwellȱasȱaȱcampaignȱfinale.ȱ(Seeȱ
Chapterȱ5ȱforȱmoreȱdetailsȱonȱadventureȱplotting.)ȱ
EachȱEpisodeȱbelowȱcontainsȱtheȱVillainȱofȱtheȱWeek,ȱaȱshortȱ
Synopsisȱofȱtheȱplotȇsȱmajorȱpoints,ȱsomeȱNeatȱIdeasȱtoȱinsertȱ
orȱnot,ȱandȱPossibleȱOutcomes;ȱhowever,ȱactualȱconstructionȱ
ofȱeachȱadventureȱisȱleftȱupȱtoȱtheȱindividualȱGM.ȱ
PILOT EPISODE: "COME TOGETHER"
VillainȱofȱtheȱWeek:ȱNone.ȱ
Synopsis:ȱ Theȱ Dragonȱ Knightȱ assemblesȱ theȱ PCsȱ toȱ guardȱ
Drakesvilleȱ inȱ hisȱ absence.ȱ Heȱ presentsȱ themȱ withȱ theȱ
foundationsȱ ofȱaȱ secretȱ headquartersȱ (seeȱ above,ȱ Where?),ȱ andȱ
hasȱarrangedȱmeetingsȱwithȱGalsworthyȱtheȱGreatȱandȱCaptainȱ
Artaud,ȱ butȱ isȱ calledȱ awayȱ onȱ Justiceȱ Allianceȱ priorityȱ alertȱ
beforeȱ heȱ canȱ introduceȱ theȱ PCsȱ toȱ hisȱ allies.ȱ Then,ȱ aȱ disasterȱ
strikesȱ –ȱ aȱ buildingȱ fire,ȱ aȱ hostageȱ situation,ȱ anȱ earthquake,ȱ aȱ
bombȱthreat,ȱorȱaȱgiganticȱtrafficȱaccidentȱ–ȱandȱtheȱPCsȱmustȱ
leapȱintoȱtheȱfray.ȱ
NeatȱIdeas:ȱTheȱDragonȱKnightȱneverȱexplainsȱtheȱintergalacticȱ
situation.ȱPCsȱmayȱalreadyȱhaveȱtiesȱtoȱSupportingȱCastȱalliesȱ
orȱenemies.ȱȱ
Possibleȱ Outcomes:ȱ Theȱ PCsȱ missȱ theirȱ meetingȱ withȱ oneȱ ofȱ
theȱ Dragonȱ Knightȇsȱ allies,ȱ possiblyȱ antagonizingȱ himȱ orȱ her.ȱ
Theȱ mediaȱ focusesȱ onȱ theȱ PCsȱ dealingȱ withȱ theȱ disaster,ȱ andȱ
comparingȱ theirȱ effortsȱ (negatively)ȱ toȱ theȱ Dragonȱ Knightȇs.ȱ
TheȱPCsȇȱnewȱsecretȱHQȱgetsȱtrashedȱinȱtheȱchaos.ȱȱ
ȱ studyȱit!ȱ
OPTION: VILLAINOUS ORIGIN
An interesting subplot might be to bring together the
events of the Pilot Episode and Doktor Vrobotnik's
Origin (see p. 87) by having whatever disaster that
happens occur at the Jetty in the pilot adventure.
Perhaps the PCs save the Doctor from death, or
accidentally cause the explosion that changes him.
Over a few episodes, Vrobo can heal and go crazy, and
then the GM can hit the PCs with Episode C. Vrobotnik
can be set-up as the group's first villain of their own,
rather than a hand-me-down from the Dragon Knight.
EPISODE A: "I SMELL A RAT. . ."
VillainȱofȱtheȱWeek:ȱRatburglar.ȱ
Synopsis:ȱRatburglarȱisȱinȱtownȱtoȱcollectȱtheȱtwoȱrubyȱEyesȱofȱ
theȱRatȬGod,ȱwhichȱwillȱincreaseȱhisȱpowersȱdramatically!ȱ
NeatȱIdeas:ȱRobbingȱaȱmuseumȱforȱanȱEye.ȱRobbingȱanȱoccultȱ
libraryȱforȱtheȱenergizingȱspell.ȱOneȱofȱtheȱEyesȱisȱnotȱknownȱ
asȱ such,ȱ butȱ underȱ aȱ differentȱ name:ȱ Ȉtheȱ Heartȱ ofȱ Fire.Ȉȱ Aȱ
superchargedȱ Ratburglar,ȱ creatingȱ giantȱ servitorsȱ composedȱ
entirelyȱ ofȱ squirmingȱ ratsȱ –ȱ orȱ mutatingȱ normalȱ ratsȱ intoȱ
ȱ 90
ratmenȱlikeȱhim.ȱOrȱmaybeȱtheȱRatȬGodȱhimselfȱisȱbroughtȱtoȱ
Earthȱtoȱwreakȱhavoc.ȱ
Possibleȱ Outcomes:ȱ Aȱ moreȱ powerfulȱ Ratburglarȱ orȱ aȱ
RatburglarȱangryȱatȱtheȱPCs,ȱeitherȱatȱlargeȱorȱincarcerated.ȱAȱ
newȱpairȱofȱmagicalȱartifactsȱ–ȱtheȱEyesȱ–ȱoutȱthereȱforȱanyoneȱ
toȱuse.ȱRefugeeȱratmenȱroamingȱtheȱsewers.ȱ
EPISODE B: "SQUARED CIRCLE"
VillainȱofȱtheȱWeek:ȱtheȱOrangeȱOgre.ȱ
Synopsis:ȱ Theȱ Ogreȱ challengesȱ theȱ toughestȱ PCȱ heroȱ toȱ aȱ
throwȬdown;ȱifȱtheȱheroȱrefuses,ȱtheȱheelȱsmashesȱupȱtheȱcity.ȱ
Neatȱ Ideas:ȱ Aȱ decreeȱ fromȱ theȱ Mayorȱ (orȱ Captainȱ Artaud)ȱ
ordersȱtheȱPCsȱagainstȱanyȱsuchȱofficialȱȈmatch,Ȉȱbutȱdemandsȱ
thatȱtheyȱcatchȱtheȱOgre.ȱGamblingȱdensȱrunȱoddsȱonȱtheȱfight.ȱ
PerhapsȱsomeȱofȱtheȱcitizenryȱwantȱtoȱseeȱtheȱPCsȱgoȱdown,ȱforȱ
tryingȱtoȱtakeȱtheȱDragonȱKnightȇsȱplaceȱasȱtheȱcityȇsȱprotector.ȱ
Theȱadulationȱorȱdisparagementȱofȱtheȱmedia.ȱ
Possibleȱ Outcomes:ȱ Possibleȱ minorȱ faceȬturnȱ forȱ theȱ Ogre.ȱ
Massiveȱpropertyȱdamage.ȱAȱchangeȱinȱtheȱwayȱtheȱcityȱviewsȱ
theȱPCs.ȱOgreȱincarcerated.ȱȱ
EPISODE C: "I, VROBOT!"
VillainȱofȱtheȱWeek:ȱDoktorȱVrobotik.ȱ
Synopsis:ȱ Theȱ Madȱ Doktorȱ isȱ collectingȱ highȬtechȱ toȱ buildȱ aȱ
Giantȱ SuperȬVrobotȱ (GSV).ȱ Onceȱ completed,ȱ heȱ stompsȱ fromȱ
StillmillȱtoȱFairmarketȱ–ȱtoȱdestroyȱtheȱJetty!ȱ
NeatȱIdeas:ȱTheȱexpertiseȱorȱhistoryȱofȱaȱPCȱisȱvitalȱinȱfiguringȱ
outȱ orȱ stoppingȱ theȱ menace.ȱ Damageȱ causedȱ byȱ theȱ GSVȱ
permitsȱ severalȱ criminalsȱ fromȱ holdingȱ facilitiesȱ nearsȱ theȱ
courthouseȱ orȱ theȱ policeȱ dockȱ toȱ escapeȱ beforeȱ beingȱ
transferredȱtoȱtheȱCrypts.ȱZebȱHerbertȱdemandingȱthatȱtheȱPCsȱ
stopȱtheȱGSVȱwithoutȱdamagingȱit,ȱsoȱHerbertȱEnterprisesȱcanȱ
PossibleȱOutcomes:ȱMassiveȱpropertyȱdamage.ȱTheȱsupportȱorȱ
antagonismȱofȱZebȱHerbert.ȱEscapedȱcriminals.ȱIncarceratedȱorȱ
escapedȱDoktor.ȱNewȱsuperȬtechȱonȱtheȱmarket,ȱauctionedȱoffȱ
toȱtheȱhighestȱbidder!ȱ
EPISODE X: "ATTACK OF THE CYBER-RATS"
VillainȱofȱtheȱWeek:ȱRatburglarȱandȱDoktorȱVrobotik.ȱ
Synopsis:ȱ MicroȬminiaturizedȱ technologyȱ beingȱ stolenȱ fromȱ
topȱ labsȱ byȱ Ratburglar,ȱ whoseȱ escapesȱ areȱ beingȱ coveredȱ byȱ
vrobots!ȱ Theȱ villainsȱ haveȱ teamedȱ upȱ toȱ createȱ aȱ tinyȱ cyborgȬ
ratȱ armyȱ whichȱ theyȱ willȱ useȱ toȱ takeȱ overȱ theȱ Jettyȱ fromȱ theȱ
inside,ȱandȱholdȱZebȱHerbertȱforȱaȱsubstantialȱransom.ȱ
NeatȱIdeas:ȱSneakingȱintoȱtheȱJettyȱpastȱbothȱtheȱJettyȱdefensesȱ
andȱ theȱ cyberȬratȱ invaderȱ patrols.ȱ Swarmsȱ ofȱ laserȬmounted,ȱ
chromeȬarmoredȱrodents.ȱ
Possibleȱ Outcomes:ȱ Minorȱ propertyȱ damage.ȱ Theȱ supportȱ orȱ
antagonismȱ ofȱ Zebȱ Herbert.ȱ Renegadeȱ cyberȬratsȱ roamingȱ theȱ
streetsȱandȱsewers.ȱ
ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
EPISODE Y: "ORANGE YOU GLAD I'M HERE?"
VillainȱofȱtheȱWeek:ȱRatburglarȱandȱtheȱOrangeȱOgre.ȱ
Synopsis:ȱTheȱOrangeȱOgreȱstopsȱtheȱRatburglarȱinȱtheȱmiddleȱ
ofȱaȱcrime!ȱNowȱwhat?ȱ
NeatȱIdeas:ȱActualȱfaceȬturnȱforȱtheȱOgre;ȱmediaȱaccoladesȱforȱ
theȱ newȱ heroȱ onȱ theȱ block.ȱ Fakeȱ faceȬturn,ȱ asȱ partȱ ofȱ aȱ plotȱ
cookedȱupȱbyȱtheȱpair.ȱȱ
Possibleȱ Outcomes:ȱ Bothȱ ofȱ theȱ villainsȱ inȱ prison,ȱ bothȱ
escaped,ȱorȱoneȱofȱeach.ȱȱ
EPISODE Z: "A DRACONIC OPPONENT"
Villainȱ ofȱ theȱ Week:ȱ Dragonȱ Knight?ȱ (Theȱ Orangeȱ Ogreȱ andȱ
DoktorȱVrobotik.)ȱ
Synopsis:ȱ Theȱ Dragonȱ Knightȱ isȱ smashingȱ upȱ downtown.ȱ .ȱ .ȱ
untilȱtheȱOrangeȱOgreȱappearsȱtoȱstopȱhim!ȱWhatȇsȱgoingȱon?ȱ
Neatȱ Ideas:ȱ Vroboticȱ duplicateȱ ofȱ theȱ heroȱ madeȱ byȱ theȱ Madȱ
Doktorȱ asȱ aȱ sparringȱ partnerȱ forȱ theȱ Ogre,ȱ nothingȱ more.ȱ
MaybeȱpartȱofȱaȱplanȱbyȱsomeoneȱelseȱtoȱfaceȬturnȱtheȱOgreȱforȱ
onceȱandȱforȱallȱ(Herbert?ȱWhy?).ȱOrȱmaybeȱitȇsȱaȱdeviousȱplotȱ
byȱtheȱMadȱDoktor,ȱusingȱtheȱDragonȱKnightȱvrobotȱtoȱsicȱtheȱ
OgreȱonȱspecificȱHerbertȱEnterprisesȱholdings.ȱ
PossibleȱOutcomes:ȱMassiveȱpropertyȱdamage.ȱAȱpossibleȱfaceȱ
Ogreȱatȱtheȱend,ȱorȱanȱevenȱdarkerȱheel.ȱBadȱpublicityȱforȱtheȱ
DragonȱKnight;ȱgoodȱpublicityȱforȱtheȱheroesȱ–ȱifȱtheyȱcanȱstopȱ
theȱvrobot.ȱ
EPISODE: "GLASS, DARKLY"
VillainȱofȱtheȱWeek:ȱEvilȱmirrorȬversionsȱofȱtheȱHeroes.ȱ
Synopsis:ȱ Galsworthyȱ theȱ Greatȱ comesȱ intoȱ possessionȱ ofȱ theȱ
Mirrorȱ Rorrim,ȱ whichȱ promptlyȱ makesȱ evilȱ duplicatesȱ ofȱ theȱ
PCs.ȱ Theȱ PCsȱ mustȱ defeatȱ themselvesȱ andȱ helpȱ Galsworthyȱ
figureȱoutȱhowȱtoȱturnȱtheȱdamnedȱthingȱoff.ȱ
NeatȱIdeas:ȱManyȱpeopleȱseeȱtheȱfightsȱbetweenȱtheȱheroesȱandȱ
theirȱ villainousȱ mirrorȬversionsȱ andȱ couldȱ catchȱ cluesȱ toȱ theirȱ
identitiesȱ andȱ weaknesses.ȱ Goodȱ namesȱ beingȱ draggedȱ
throughȱ theȱ mud.ȱ Secret,ȱ darkȱ desiresȱ actedȱ upon.ȱ Mysteryȱ
whetherȱPCȱisȱbeingȱmindȬcontrolled,ȱorȱisȱaȱmirrorȬduplicate.ȱ
Transportationȱ intoȱ theȱ ȈMirrorȱ ZoneȈȱ –ȱ whereȱ theȱ heroesȱ areȱ
villainsȱandȱtheȱvillainsȱareȱheroes.ȱ
Possibleȱ Outcomes:ȱ Escapedȱ evilȬversionsȱ ofȱ heroesȱ leftȱ outȱ
there.ȱȱȱ
EPISODE: "RETURN TO SENDER"
VillainȱofȱtheȱWeek:ȱTheȱPhilatelist.ȱ
Synopsis:ȱ Afterȱ somehowȱ gettingȱ theȱ dropȱ onȱ theȱ heroes,ȱ theȱ
crazyȱcriminalȱusesȱaȱmagicalȱstampȱtoȱmailȱthemȱtoȱaȱfictionalȱ
otherworldȱ(Oz,ȱWonderland,ȱtheȱShire,ȱDiscworld,ȱToontown,ȱ
etc.).ȱTheȱPCsȱmustȱfigureȱoutȱaȱwayȱtoȱcoȬoptȱtheȱpowerȱofȱtheȱ
ȱ
ȱ 91
magicalȱ stampȱ toȱ navigateȱ theȱ Postalȱ Dimensionsȱ andȱ returnȱ
home.ȱ
NeatȱIdeas:ȱUseȱofȱtheȱpowersȱfoundȱinȱotherworldsȱtoȱcontrolȱ
theȱ stampȱ mayȱ beȱ necessaryȱ toȱ getȱ aȱ freshȱ pickȬup,ȱ orȱ maybeȱ
simplyȱwritingȱaȱnewȱaddressȱonȱtheȱenvelopeȱwillȱworkȱ(butȱitȱ
shouldȱtakeȱatȱleastȱ2ȱtriesȱorȱworldsȱtoȱgetȱhome).ȱȱ
Possibleȱ Outcomes:ȱ Theȱ Philatelistȱ escapesȱ orȱ getsȱ thrownȱ
backȱ inȱ theȱ boobyȱ hatch.ȱ SuperȬtech,ȱ magicalȱ artifacts,ȱ orȱ
intriguingȱ informationȱ mightȱ beȱ broughtȱ backȱ fromȱ theȱ
otherworlds.ȱȱ
EPISODE: "BEHIND THE LINES"
Villainȱ ofȱ theȱ Week:ȱ Aliensȱ (withȱ specialȱ guestȱ star:ȱ theȱ
DragonȱKnight)!ȱ
Synopsis:ȱ Oneȱ ofȱ theȱ alienȱ saucersȱ breaksȱ throughȱ theȱ Justiceȱ
Allianceȇsȱ defensesȱ andȱ headsȱ forȱ Drakesville.ȱ Theȱ Dragonȱ
Knightȱreturnsȱtoȱquietlyȱlocateȱandȱcaptureȱtheȱinvadersȱfromȱ
spaceȱalone.ȱ
Neatȱ Ideas:ȱ Theȱ Dragonȱ Knightȱ beingȱ reallyȱ closeȬlippedȱ
beforeȱ spillingȱ theȱ beansȱ aboutȱ theȱ intergalacticȱ war.ȱ Frictionȱ
betweenȱtheȱoldȱheroȱandȱtheȱnewȱheroes.ȱStealthyȱoperations.ȱ
Theȱ Dragonȱ Knightȱ hasȱ aȱ warȬwound,ȱ makingȱ himȱ lessȱ
effective.ȱKeepingȱtheȱmediaȱdistracted.ȱȱ
Possibleȱ Outcomes:ȱ AlienȬtech!ȱ Blowingȱ theȱ secretȱ ofȱ aliensȱ
wantingȱ toȱ invadeȱ usȱ andȱ subsequentȱ chaos.ȱ Theȱ Dragonȱ
Knightȱcouldȱdieȱfromȱhisȱinjuries!ȱ(Aȱdefiniteȱfinale!)ȱ
RUNNING SECOND-STRING SUPERS
AnimatedȱStyle.ȱReviewȱtheȱinformationȱinȱChapterȱ1.ȱ
Remember:ȱȈLimitedȱdetailȱforȱmaximumȱmotion.Ȉȱ
Popularȱ Opinion.ȱ Aȱ bigȱ partȱ ofȱ hittingȱ theȱ Themesȱ
mentionedȱ atȱ theȱ topȱ ofȱ thisȱ chapterȱ willȱ haveȱ toȱ doȱ
withȱhowȱtheȱcitizensȱofȱDrakesvilleȱreactȱtoȱwhatȱtheȱ
PCsȱ do.ȱ Theyȱ willȱ beȱ minorȱ celebrities,ȱ ofȱ aȱ sortȱ (atȱ
leastȱ whileȱ theyȇreȱ inȱ costume),ȱ andȱ everyoneȱ willȱ
haveȱ anȱ opinionȱ onȱ them.ȱ Comparisonsȱ withȱ theȱ
DragonȱKnightȱareȱinevitable.ȱȱ
Episodicȱ Nature.ȱ Thisȱ campaignȱ structureȱ reallyȱ
worksȱ wellȱ withȱ anȱ episode/issueȱ structure.ȱ Tryȱ toȱ
haveȱ mainȱ plotsȱ resolveȱ inȱ aȱ singleȱ session,ȱ whileȱ
encouragingȱ subplotsȱ toȱ stretchȱ overȱ several.ȱ Itȇllȱ beȱ
compelling,ȱbringȱpeopleȱbackȱforȱmore,ȱandȱeasyȱtoȱ
fitȱ intoȱ theȱ playingȱ groupȇsȱ individualȱ busyȱ
schedules.ȱ
ȱ

Chapter 8: SuperCorps
ȱ
Style: Cinematic
Theme(s): Mercenary/Consultant Superhumans; Big Multinational Corporations; "20 minutes into the
future."
Apathy. Greed. Corruption. Power. Hope. Courage. Honor.
Justice.
– Opening credit interstitial titles, Batman Beyond
ȱ
The hotline buzzed. Jill looked at the display before
clicking on her headset. "Widget & Zoom, LLP. How
can we help you today, Mr. Mayor?"
As she listened, her fingers danced over her keyboard.
"I see. Yes, I believe that a Sacred Ghost threat
against City Hall does fall under our contract with you
for urban security. Hmmmm."
She sketched a line across her monitor with one
crimson fingernail. "I see that your office hasn't yet
paid our invoice for the bodyguard detail during the
Governor's Ball. However, you are still within the 90
days permitted for payment, so our team will be
dispatched momentarily, at the contracted rate.
Thank you, and have a pleasant day!"
ȱ SuperȬCelebrity.ȱ Theȱrelativeȱ rarityȱ ofȱ superhumansȱ
Public Knowledge
TheseȱareȱtheȱthingsȱthatȱmostȱwellȬinformedȱpeopleȱ
inȱtheȱworldȱofȱSuperCorpsȱknow:ȱ
Superhumansȱ firstȱ appearedȱ inȱ theȱ 1980s,ȱ andȱ
slowlyȱ increasedȱ inȱ numbersȱ overȱ theȱ nextȱ 25ȱ years.ȱ
Today,ȱ thereȱ areȱ roughlyȱ 300ȱ superhumansȱ
worldwide,ȱdistributedȱmoreȱorȱlessȱequallyȱonȱeachȱ
ofȱtheȱinhabitedȱcontinents.ȱ(Interestingly,ȱthisȱmeansȱ
thatȱAustraliaȱhasȱaȱsubstantialȱnumberȱofȱperȱcapitaȱ
supers.)ȱ Ofȱ those,ȱ aboutȱ aȱ fifthȱ areȱ altruisticȱ
superheroes,ȱaȱfifthȱareȱselfishȱsupervillains,ȱandȱtheȱrestȱ
legallyȱ workȱ forȱ anotherȱ entityȱ (university,ȱ multiȬ
nationalȱ corporation,ȱ consultancyȱ firm,ȱ theȱ
government/military,ȱ etc.)ȱ andȱ areȱ calledȱ eitherȱ
superconsultantsȱorȱmetaȬspecialists.ȱ
92ȱ
ȱ
Thereȱareȱaroundȱ150ȱsupernormalsȱ–ȱnormalȱhumansȱ
who,ȱ thanksȱtoȱ exceptionalȱ training,ȱ canȱ competeȱ onȱ
aȱ relativelyȱ equalȱ footingȱ withȱ superhumansȱ –ȱ
worldwide,ȱ distributedȱ moreȱ inȱ favorȱ ofȱ Firstȱ Worldȱ
countries.ȱ Again,ȱ aroundȱ oneȬfifthȱ areȱ superheroes;ȱ
oneȬfifthȱ areȱ supervillains,ȱ andȱ theȱ restȱ areȱ
superconsultants.ȱ Someȱ nationalȱ militariesȱ haveȱ
smallȱ powerȬarmorȱ cadres;ȱ theseȱ superȬtroopersȱ
(usually)ȱcountȱasȱsupernormals.ȱ
SuperȬLaw.ȱAsȱyet,ȱtheȱworldȇsȱlegalȱsystemsȱhavenȇtȱ
perfectlyȱ adaptedȱ toȱ theȱ existenceȱ ofȱ superhumans.ȱ
Generally,ȱ Powersȱ areȱ consideredȱ Ȉdeadlyȱ weaponsȈȱ
ifȱusedȱinȱcommittingȱaȱcrime.ȱTelepathicȱinvasionȱisȱ
aȱformȱofȱassault,ȱbutȱPrecognitionȱisȱnotȱcountedȱasȱ
Ȉinsiderȱ tradingȈȱ orȱ fraud.ȱ Whileȱ thereȱ haveȱ beenȱ
manyȱ attemptsȱ toȱ createȱ Powersȱ licensureȱ orȱ
registration,ȱ theseȱ effortsȱ haveȱ beenȱ consistentlyȱ
blocked.ȱ
meansȱ thatȱ mostȱ peopleȱ neverȱ seeȱ themȱ unlessȱ
somethingȱ veryȱ badȱ happensȱ inȱ theirȱ hometown;ȱ
evenȱthen,ȱtheyȱmightȱnotȱevenȱnoticeȱaȱsuperhumanȱ
whenȱ passingȱ oneȱ onȱ theȱ street,ȱ sinceȱ onlyȱ aȱ fewȱ ofȱ
superhumansȱ wearȱ distinctiveȱ costumesȱ (mostȱ optȱ
forȱ Iconizedȱ butȱ normalȱ clothing).ȱ Someȱ conspiracyȱ
theoristsȱ evenȱ doubtȱ theirȱ existence,ȱ chalkingȱ theȱ
wholeȱ thingȱ upȱ toȱ multicorpȱ (seeȱ below)ȱ PR,ȱ
Hollywoodȱspecialȱeffects,ȱandȱfuturisticȱtechnology.ȱ
Whileȱ someȱ mediaȱ outletsȱ caterȱ toȱ heroȬwatchers,ȱ
multicorpsȱ preferȱ toȱ pushȱ mundaneȱ celebritiesȱ thatȱ
theyȱhaveȱaȱfinancialȱinterestȱin,ȱdownplayingȱsuperȬ
reportageȱ –ȱ unlessȱ theyȱ haveȱ aȱ photogenicȱ metaȬ
specialistȱonȱtheȱpayroll.ȱStill,ȱaȱsuperheroȱsavingȱtheȱ
cityȱ orȱ aȱ supervillainȱ threateningȱ theȱ UNȱ isȱ alwaysȱ
goingȱtoȱcommandȱheadlines.ȱȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
MultiȬnationalȱ corporationsȱ (orȱ multicorps)ȱ areȱ theyȇreȱ forcedȱ toȱ contractȱ withȱ independentȱ supersȱ
muchȱ moreȱ powerfulȱ hereȱ thanȱ inȱ ourȱ world.ȱ forȱtheirȱservices.ȱ
Multicorpsȱ areȱ usuallyȱ huge,ȱ dabblingȱ inȱ marketsȱ
Onȱ theȱ whole,ȱ unemploymentȱ isȱ down.ȱ .ȱ .ȱ butȱ soȱ isȱ
worldwide,ȱ withȱ offices,ȱ factories,ȱ andȱ concernsȱ inȱ
jobȱ satisfaction.ȱ Employeesȱ consumeȱ aȱ wideȱ varietyȱ
manyȱ differentȱ countries.ȱ Mostȱ haveȱ revenuesȱ thatȱ
ofȱ productsȱ (food,ȱ drink,ȱ entertainment)ȱ createdȱ byȱ
exceedȱ theȱ Grossȱ Nationalȱ Productȱ ofȱ someȱ Firstȱ
theirȱ multicorpȱ orȱ itsȱ approvedȱ subsidiariesȱ orȱ
Worldȱcountries.ȱEachȱhasȱaȱheadȱoffice,ȱwhereȱtheȱbigȱ
corporateȱallies,ȱandȱavoidȱtheȱproductsȱofȱcorporateȱ
mucketyȬmucksȱ makeȱ theȱ globalȱ decisions;ȱ smallerȱ
enemies.ȱ ȈCompanyȱ menȈȱ callȱ itȱ corporateȱ patriotism,ȱ
mucketyȬmucksȱ runȱ theȱ regionalȱ orȱ continentalȱ
butȱcriticsȱcallȱitȱcorporateȱjingoism.ȱȱ
divisions.ȱ AntiȬtrustȱ lawsȱ haveȱ beenȱ relaxed,ȱ soȱ
corporationsȱ canȱ gainȱ strangleholdsȱ onȱ wholeȱ Mostȱ peopleȱ areȱ caughtȱ betweenȱ theseȱ competingȱ
markets.ȱ Brandingȱ isȱ everywhere.ȱ Itȇsȱ aȱ darwinisticȱ loyaltiesȱ (notȱ toȱ mentionȱ loyaltiesȱ betweenȱ friends,ȱ
worldȱofȱspinoffs,ȱdivestitures,ȱsubsidiaries,ȱmergers,ȱ families,ȱ nonȬworkȱ organizations,ȱ andȱ personalȱ
shellȱ corporations,ȱ consolidationsȱ–ȱaȱ constantȱ churnȱ ethics).ȱ Doȱ Iȱ missȱ Juniorȇsȱ soccerȱ gameȱ toȱ attendȱ theȱ
ofȱmoneyȱandȱpower.ȱȱ bossȇsȱ sonȇsȱ trackȱ meet?ȱ Howȱ doȱ Iȱ handleȱ myȱ
relationshipȱ withȱ myȱ collegeȱ roommateȱ whoȱ nowȱ
Multicorpsȱ dominateȱ thisȱ settingȱ farȱ moreȱ thanȱ
worksȱ forȱ aȱ corporateȱ enemy?ȱ Ifȱ myȱ divisionȱ headȱ
corporationsȱ doȱ inȱ ourȱ ownȱ universe.ȱ ȱ Multicorpsȱ
tellsȱ meȱ toȱ violateȱ aȱ cityȱ ordinance,ȱ doȱ Iȱ doȱ it?ȱ Eachȱ
formȱverticalȱmonopoliesȱ—ȱowningȱeverythingȱfromȱ
dayȱ isȱ rifeȱ withȱ potentialȱ conflict(s)ȱ ofȱ interest.ȱ Ifȱ
theȱ farmsȱ thatȱ growȱ theȱ soybeansȱ toȱ theȱ processingȱ
employeesȱareȱfoundȱdisloyalȱtoȱtheirȱmulticorp,ȱtheyȱ
plantsȱthatȱchangeȱtheȱpotatoesȱintoȱTofuȱTreatsȱandȱ
riskȱ everythingȱ fromȱ demotionȱ toȱ beingȱ firedȱ forȱ
packageȱ theȱ snackȱ inȱ colorfulȱ plastic,ȱ toȱ theȱ
corporateȱtreasonȱ–ȱandȱaȱcorporateȱtraitorȱhasȱaȱreallyȱ
transportationȱ companiesȱ thatȱ shipȱ theȱ cratesȱ ofȱ
hardȱtimeȱgettingȱaȱnewȱjob.ȱ
product,ȱ toȱ theȱ supermarketsȱ thatȱ sellȱ allȱ sixȱ flavorsȱ
ofȱTofuȱTreatsȱ—ȱtoȱcontrolȱwholeȱbusinessȱprocessesȱ Governmentsȱ haveȱ beenȱsomewhatȱ sidelinedȱ dueȱ toȱ
fromȱ beginningȱ toȱ end.ȱ ȱ Theyȱ formȱ horizontalȱ theȱ riseȱ toȱ powerȱ ofȱ theȱ multicorps.ȱ Inȱ theory,ȱ theyȱ
monopolies,ȱ withȱ singleȱ multicorpsȱ dominatingȱ areȱ stillȱ theȱ lawȱ ofȱ theȱ land.ȱ Inȱ practice,ȱ theyȇreȱ
entireȱ categoriesȱ ofȱ products;ȱ oneȱ multicorpȱ mayȱ heavilyȱbeholdenȱtoȱmulticorpȱinterests.ȱTheȱmajorityȱ
produceȱabsolutelyȱallȱofȱtheȱwidelyȬavailableȱbrandsȱ ofȱgovernmentalȱactivityȱinȱtheȱworldȱofȱSuperCorpsȱ
ofȱ soda.ȱ Severalȱ smallerȱ firmsȱ fromȱ unrelatedȱ isȱ inȱ theȱ publicȱ interestȱ –ȱ nationalȱ defense,ȱ workerȱ
industriesȱ mayȱ mergeȱ intoȱ aȱ singleȱ multicorpȱ relations,ȱpublicȱsafety,ȱandȱenvironmentalȱconcerns.ȱ
conglomerate.ȱSeveralȱmulticorpsȱmayȱcomeȱtogetherȱ Theȱ conflictȱ betweenȱ nationalȱ loyaltyȱ andȱ corporateȱ
asȱalliesȱinȱaȱcartelȱtoȱlimitȱcompetition,ȱfixȱprices,ȱandȱ loyaltyȱ isȱ aȱ growingȱ concern,ȱ asȱ isȱ theȱ perniciousȱ
controlȱsupply.ȱȱ influenceȱ ofȱ theȱ multicorpsȱ onȱ theȱ workingsȱ ofȱ
politics.ȱ
Multicorpsȱareȱbecomingȱsomethingȱlikeȱsmallȱcities,ȱ
withȱ theirȱ ownȱ legalȱ systemsȱ (basedȱ onȱ aȱ corporateȱ ȱ
handbookȱ andȱ codeȱ ofȱ conduct),ȱ securityȱ forcesȱ
(dressedȱinȱcompanyȱlivery),ȱsovereignȱrightsȱwithinȱ
theirȱ officeȱ buildings,ȱ andȱ soȱ forth.ȱ Mostȱ multicorpsȱ
runȱ plannedȱ townshipsȱ forȱ theirȱ employeesȱ (theȱ
Ȉcompanyȱ townȈȱ takenȱ toȱ extremes),ȱ manyȱ haveȱ
discreetȱ officesȱ orȱ factoriesȱ outsideȱ ofȱ theseȱ
townships,ȱ andȱ aȱ handfulȱ evenȱ haveȱ smallȱ spaceȱ
stationsȱ inȱ orbit.ȱ Multicorpsȱ spendȱ theirȱ timeȱ doingȱ
business,ȱ wagingȱ corporateȱ war,ȱ andȱ manipulatingȱ
politicsȱ –ȱ andȱ notȱ necessarilyȱ inȱ thatȱ order.ȱ Aȱ fewȱ
luckyȱ multicorpsȱ haveȱ superhumansȱ orȱ
ȱ
supernormalsȱ onȱ theȱ payroll,ȱ butȱ mostȱ ofȱ theȱ time,ȱ

ȱ 93
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
TheȱworldȱisȱȈtwentyȱminutesȱintoȱtheȱfuture.ȈȱSomeȱ
ofȱ theȱ cuttingȬedgeȱ technologiesȱ (seeȱ Chapterȱ 2,ȱ
Gadgeteering)ȱ fromȱ theȱ mindsȱ andȱ handsȱ ofȱ
superhumansȱhaveȱbegunȱspreadingȱoutȱintoȱgeneralȱ
use.ȱ Cellȱ phonesȱ andȱ computersȱ areȱ smallerȱ andȱ
moreȱ powerful,ȱ technologyȱ integrationȱ (especiallyȱ
homeȱ andȱ personalȱ networks)ȱ areȱ startingȱ toȱ reallyȱ
develop,ȱ materialsȱ areȱ slightlyȱ strongerȱ andȱ lighter,ȱ
medicalȱ techniquesȱ areȱ quickerȱ andȱ better,ȱ aȱ largeȱ
numberȱ ofȱ carsȱ onȱ theȱ roadȱ areȱ hybridsȱ orȱ pureȱ
electricsȱ (withȱ someȱ topȬofȬtheȬlineȱ hoverȱ carsȱ
comingȱoffȱofȱtheȱassemblyȱline),ȱsolarȱpowerȱisȱmoreȱ
efficient,ȱandȱsoȱforth.ȱTheȱtechnologyȱandȱsocietyȱofȱ
theȱ SuperCorpsȱ worldȱ isȱ muchȱ likeȱ ourȱ own,ȱ onlyȱ
shinierȱandȱmoreȱuserȬfriendly.ȱ
ShangriȬLa,ȱ Atlantis,ȱ Mars,ȱ Fairyland?ȱ Soȱ farȱ asȱ theȱ
publicȱ knows,ȱ thereȱ areȱ noȱ hiddenȱ orȱ lostȱ
civilizations,ȱ alienȱ invaders,ȱ orȱ extraȬdimensionalȱ
entitiesȱ onȱ Earth.ȱ Thereȇsȱ noȱ evidenceȱ forȱ anyȱ ofȱ
them,ȱ evenȱ thoughȱ someȱ superhumansȱ andȱ
conspiracyȱ theoristsȱ makeȱ claims.ȱ Theȱ majorityȱ ofȱ
peopleȱdonȇtȱbuyȱintoȱtheseȱideas.ȱ
Someȱ superhumansȱ findȱ employmentȱ asȱ
superconsultants.ȱ Often,ȱ aȱ handfulȱ ofȱ likeȬmindedȱ
individualsȱ formȱ smallȱ consultingȱ corporations,ȱ orȱ
superconsultancies.ȱ Theseȱ superconsultanciesȱ areȱ
contractedȱ byȱ multicorpsȱ forȱ variousȱ specializedȱ
tasks,ȱ whichȱ canȱ includeȱ surveying,ȱ research,ȱ
corporateȱ training,ȱ hazardousȱ materialȱ transport,ȱ
courierȱ service,ȱ corporateȱ espionage,ȱ corporateȱ
warfare,ȱ marketingȱ needs,ȱ searchȱ andȱ recovery,ȱ
bodyguardȱservices,ȱsalvageȱoperations,ȱandȱsoȱforth.ȱ
Dependingȱuponȱtheȱskillsȱofȱtheirȱmembersȱandȱtheȱ
needsȱofȱtheirȱclients,ȱtheyȱcanȱusuallyȱsetȱtheirȱownȱ
priceȱforȱaȱcontract.ȱȱ
Superconsultanciesȱ areȱ oftenȱ structuredȱ alongȱ theȱ
linesȱofȱaȱlawȱfirm,ȱasȱaȱLimitedȱLiabilityȱPartnershipȱ
(LLP)ȱorȱLimitedȱLiabilityȱCorporationȱ(LLC)ȱ–ȱthinkȱ
ofȱLAȱLawȱorȱAllyȱMcBeal.ȱPartnersȱinvestȱinȱandȱprofitȱ
offȱ ofȱ theȱ firm,ȱ seekȱ outȱ newȱ clientsȱ andȱ manageȱ
existingȱ ones,ȱ administerȱ theȱ firm,ȱ doȱ fieldworkȱ asȱ
theyȱchoose,ȱandȱareȱprojectȱleadsȱforȱteamsȱofȱseniorȱ
associatesȱandȱassociates.ȱSeniorȱassociatesȱdoȱassignedȱ
fieldworkȱ forȱ theȱ firmȱ andȱ itsȱ clientsȱ underȱ theȱ
directionȱofȱpartners,ȱseekȱoutȱtheirȱownȱclients,ȱandȱ
mentorȱ youngerȱ associates.ȱ Associatesȱ doȱ fieldworkȱ
forȱtheȱcompanyȱandȱitsȱclientsȱasȱassigned,ȱunderȱtheȱ
ȱ 94
directionȱ ofȱ aȱ seniorȱ associateȱ orȱ aȱ partner.ȱ
Administrativeȱ staffȱ supportȱ allȱ ofȱ theȱ aboveȱ asȱ
secretaries,ȱmechanics,ȱITȱspecialists,ȱpublicȱrelations,ȱ
etc.ȱ Someȱ superconsultanciesȱ enforceȱ aȱ standardȱ
uniform,ȱothersȱdoȱnot;ȱsomeȱurgeȱtheirȱsuperhumanȱ
membersȱ toȱ doȱ proȱ bonoȱ workȱ asȱ altruisticȱ
superheroes,ȱothersȱdoȱnot.ȱ
Whileȱ manyȱ superconsultantsȱ haveȱ onlyȱ oneȱ publicȱ
identity,ȱ aȱ superconsultancyȱ canȱ legallyȱ –ȱ withȱ theȱ
permissionȱ ofȱ theȱ employeeȱ –ȱ holdȱ theȱ identityȱ ofȱ
theirȱsuperhumanȱemployeesȱconfidential,ȱasȱaȱȈtradeȱ
secret.Ȉȱ Inȱ anyȱ case,ȱ mostȱ superconsultantsȱ areȱ
usuallyȱ referredȱ toȱ byȱ codename,ȱ andȱ mayȱ collectȱ aȱ
reputationȱ inȱ theȱ businessȱ worldȱ regardingȱ theirȱ
personality,ȱnormalȱfee,ȱandȱqualityȱofȱwork.ȱȱȱ
ȱ
Mr. White gestured, and the EWR Elite guards left him alone in
the interrogation room with the thief, pinioned and chained
on the table.
The malefactor wore black, as burglars often did. White
thought he could just barely detect the off-black threads of
hyperweave in the fabric. That would explain the guards'
reports of his shrugging off of blaster fire. A bluish symbol –
some sort of bird – spread its wings over the criminal's heart.
No one he knew. He grinned to himself. Any thief that
contracted for Eschenbach-White-Rhodon's shadier dealings
knew better than to turn against the multicorp.
"Listen, my friend," White said. "Let us be as civilized as
possible. Tell me who you are working for."
"I work for myself," said the thief, fear audible in his voice.
"That's unfortunate. The corporation takes rather a dim view
of independents. If you happened to be an operative of
another concern, well, that's another matter. Again: are
you?"
"When are you going to call the cops?"
Ah, machismo. Or is it a thief's honor? "You are laboring
under a misapprehension, my friend. This corporate
installation is effectively a sovereign land, separate from the
laws of the fair city it stands in. As my name is one of the
three upon the sign outside this skyscraper, this means, in
short, that I am the law here. . . and I am of a definite
Hammurabian bent. Eye for an eye, and such."
He extracted a vibro-saw from his briefcase. "I will ask you
once more, but before I do, let me make something clear. If
you are working alone, you have hurt us alone, and bear the
consequences alone. If you are but the agent of another
multicorp, they bear the majority of the fault. Indeed, most
standard mercenary contracts explicitly wave the loyalty
clause when torture is involved."
White flicked the switch, and the sawblade began to whine
dangerously. He walked to the table and held the vibro-saw
over the burglar's wrist. "Now, are you quite sure you were
working independently?"
ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ

BEING A SUPERHERO supervillainsȱstandȱagainstȱthem.ȱStill,ȱpain,ȱfear,ȱandȱ

controlȱareȱaȱrushȱtoȱtheseȱsorts,ȱandȱsomeȱfolksȱjustȱ
Someȱ few,ȱ nobleȱ soulsȱ whoȱ findȱ themselvesȱ inȱ enjoyȱ beingȱ theȱ badȱ guy.ȱ Mostȱ supervillainsȱ keepȱ
possessionȱ ofȱ superhumanȱ powersȱ (orȱ supernormalȱ theirȱidentitiesȱsecretȱforȱasȱlongȱasȱpossibleȱandȱwearȱ
skills)ȱ altruisticallyȱ dedicateȱ themselvesȱ toȱ truthȱ andȱ aȱ costume;ȱ afterȱ captureȱ byȱ theȱ authorities,ȱ theirȱ
justice,ȱ inȱ aȱ worldȱ thatȱ oftenȱ seemsȱ lackingȱ inȱ thoseȱ identitiesȱ areȱ public.ȱ Supervillainsȱ tendȱ toȱ recruitȱ
qualities.ȱ Beingȱ aȱ superheroȱ inȱ theȱ SuperCorpsȱ Minions,ȱ andȱ pursueȱ theirȱ criminalȱ activitiesȱ onȱ anȱ
settingȱ oftenȱ meansȱ standingȱ againstȱ derangedȱ opportunisticȱbasis.ȱ
supervillains,ȱnaturalȱdisasters,ȱpowerfulȱmulticorps,ȱ
ineffectualȱ governments,ȱ andȱ –ȱ sometimesȱ –ȱ publicȱ ȱ
opinion.ȱMostȱsuperheroesȱkeepȱtheirȱidentitiesȱsecretȱ In the midst of the booming of its grappling cannons,
andȱ wearȱ aȱ costume,ȱ workȱ alone,ȱ andȱ performȱ theirȱ the pirate airship Plunder dropped its invisibility field.
superȬdeedsȱonȱaȱpartȬtimeȱbasis.ȱ "We are grappled onto City Hall, Cap'n!" the Sea Dog
helmsman reported.
BEING A SUPERCONSULTANT Jolly Roger stood up, his cape swirling dramatically, his
Mostȱ superhumansȱ andȱ supernormalsȱ inȱ theȱ laughter booming along the deck. "Well done, Mr.
SuperCorpsȱ settingȱ have,ȱ unsurprisingly,ȱ decidedȱ toȱ Hamish! All hands: prepare to board! Cutlasses and
laser-muskets at the ready! And remember: no harm
useȱ theirȱ powersȱ toȱ theȱ bestȱ ofȱ theirȱ abilityȱ –ȱ andȱ
must come to our target, the landlubberly Mayor
makeȱaȱbuckȱinȱtheȱprocess.ȱBeingȱaȱsuperconsultantȱ Jenkins, or I'll have your guts for garters! Mistress
meansȱ thatȱ theȱ characterȱ isȱ workingȱ forȱ someoneȱ orȱ Mischief, bring me my jet-pack!"
someȱorganization.ȱLuckily,ȱtheyȱhaveȱtheȱfreedomȱtoȱ
ȱ
pickȱ andȱ chooseȱ whoȱ theyȇllȱ workȱ forȱ andȱ forȱ howȱ
long.ȱStill,ȱoperatingȱasȱaȱsuperconsultantȱopensȱyouȱ
upȱtoȱlegalȱissuesȱthatȱotherȱsuperhumansȱmayȱneverȱ
haveȱtoȱdealȱwith.ȱSomeȱsuperconsultantsȱkeepȱtheirȱ
identitiesȱ secret,ȱ othersȱ goȱ public.ȱ Someȱ wearȱ
costumes,ȱ othersȱ stickȱ toȱ iconicȱ outfits,ȱ aȱ fewȱ wearȱ
multicorpȱ livery,ȱ andȱ someȱ justȱ wearȱ streetȱ clothes.ȱ
Theyȱ tendȱ toȱ eitherȱ workȱpurelyȱ freelanceȱ orȱ asȱ partȱ
ofȱ aȱ superconsultancy,ȱ thoughȱ someȱ haveȱ joinedȱ
multicorpsȱ permanently.ȱ Theyȱ doȱ theirȱ superȬdeedsȱ
fromȱ 9ȬtoȬ5ȱ (orȱ onȱ schedulesȱ determinedȱ byȱ theirȱ
clients).ȱ

BEING A SUPERVILLAIN
Aȱ handfulȱ ofȱ superhumansȱ areȱ justȱ inȱ itȱ forȱ theȱ
money,ȱtheȱmayhem,ȱtheȱmanipulation,ȱorȱtheȱmassȬ
murder.ȱTheyȱare,ȱinȱaȱword,ȱsupervillains.ȱWhetherȱ
robbingȱ aȱ bank,ȱ blowingȱ upȱ anȱ orphanage,ȱ orȱ
attemptingȱ worldȱ domination,ȱ theyȱ displayȱ allȱ theȱ
worstȱ qualitiesȱ ofȱ humanity,ȱ magnifiedȱ throughȱ aȱ
lensȱ ofȱ greatȱ power.ȱ Beingȱ aȱ supervillainȱ inȱ theȱ
SuperCorpsȱ settingȱ indicatesȱ tremendousȱ ego,ȱ sinceȱ
theȱ potentialsȱ forȱ gainfulȱ andȱ extremelyȱ rewardingȱ
employmentȱ areȱ everywhere.ȱ Mostȱ peopleȱ considerȱ
themȱ derangedȱ –ȱ andȱ aȱ numberȱ areȱ completelyȱ
insane.ȱ Superheroes,ȱ governments,ȱ mostȱ multicorpsȱ
(openly,ȱ atȱ least),ȱ theȱ media,ȱ theȱ public,ȱ andȱ otherȱ
ȱ
ȱ 95
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
Secret Information
Theseȱareȱtheȱthingsȱthatȱmostȱpeopleȱinȱtheȱworldȱofȱ
SuperCorpsȱdonȇtȱknow:ȱ
MulticorpȱSovereignty.ȱForȱallȱintentsȱandȱpurposes,ȱ
multicorpsȱ areȱ small,ȱ distributedȱ nations.ȱ Theirȱ
wealthȱ andȱ influenceȱ isȱ suchȱ thatȱ outsideȱ
governmentalȱ forcesȱ oftenȱ haveȱ noȱ reachȱ intoȱ theirȱ
corporateȱ halls.ȱ Manyȱ politiciansȱ worldȬwideȱ haveȱ
beenȱ compromisedȱ byȱ corporateȱ interests.ȱ Someȱ
conspiracyȱ theoristsȱ claimȱ thatȱ overȱ oneȬthirdȱ haveȱ
beenȱ utterlyȱ boughtȱ andȱ paidȱ forȱ byȱ aȱ multicorps,ȱ
oneȬthirdȱ attemptȱ toȱ balanceȱ theirȱ responsibilitiesȱ toȱ
theirȱ campaignȱ contributorsȱ andȱ theirȱ constituentsȱ
withȱtheirȱmulticorpȱmarchingȱorders,ȱandȱoneȬthirdȱ
areȱessentiallyȱfreeȱofȱdirectȱinfluence,ȱorȱboundȱinȱaȱ
webȱ ofȱ counterbalancedȱ obligationsȱ toȱ severalȱ
multicorps.ȱ (Indeed,ȱ theȱ competitionȱ ofȱ rivalȱ
multicorpsȱ preventsȱ anyȱ oneȱ corporationȱ orȱ
consortiumȱ fromȱ takingȱ overȱ majorȱ countriesȱ
entirely;ȱhowever,ȱthereȱareȱbananaȱrepublicsȱthatȱareȱ
solelyȱunderȱmulticorpȱcontrol.)ȱ
Throughȱ theirȱ controlȱ ofȱ theȱ lawmakers,ȱ andȱ theirȱ
abilityȱ toȱ outspendȱ anyȱ justifiedȱ legalȱ entanglement,ȱ
multicorpsȱ canȱ doȱ nearlyȱ anythingȱ theyȱ please.ȱ
However.ȱ.ȱ.ȱ
TheȱRedȱTapeȱResistance.ȱOneȱofȱtheȱgreatestȱgroupsȱ
ofȱ opponentsȱ multicorpsȱ faceȱ isȱ aȱ nationȇsȱ civilȱ
servants.ȱ Theseȱ unsung,ȱ unappointedȱ paperȬpushersȱ
useȱ copiousȱ bureaucraticȱ hoodooȱ toȱ slowȱ andȱ
interfereȱwithȱcorporateȱrapacity.ȱFollowingȱtheȱletterȱ
orȱ spiritȱ ofȱ theȱ lawsȱ inȱ questionȱ asȱ convenient,ȱ
diggingȱ upȱ oldȱ andȱ asȬyetȱ stillȱ inȱ forceȱ ordinances,ȱ
scrupulouslyȱ watchingȱ forȱ anyȱ regulatoryȱ misstep,ȱ
theseȱ civilȱ serviceȱ heroesȱ fightȱ theirȱ losingȱ battleȱ
againstȱbigȱbusiness.ȱ
ShangriȬLa,ȱ Atlantis,ȱ Mars,ȱ Fairyland!ȱ Asȱ notedȱ
above,ȱtheȱpublicȱhasȱnoȱfirmȱevidenceȱthatȱhiddenȱorȱ
lostȱ civilizationsȱ orȱ thatȱ extraȬterrestrialȱ orȱ extraȬ
dimensionalȱ lifeȱ exists.ȱ Butȱ thereȱ areȱ hintsȱ thatȱ suchȱ
thingsȱ mayȱ veryȱ wellȱ beȱ realȱ afterȱ all.ȱ Whileȱ theȱ
originsȱofȱtheȱsuperhumansȱandȱsupernormalsȱinȱthisȱ
coreȱ rulebookȱ areȱ allȱ relatedȱ toȱ superȬtechnology,ȱ
magic,ȱ Ȉmutation,Ȉȱ extensiveȱ training,ȱ orȱ utterȱ
mystery,ȱ nothingȱ saysȱ thatȱ theȱ PCsȱ ofȱ aȱ gamingȱ
groupȱ cannotȱ haveȱ originsȱ orȱ adventuresȱ inȱ suchȱ
places.ȱ (Laterȱ T&Jȱ supplementsȱ mayȱ veryȱ wellȱ
ȱ 96
introduceȱ specificȱ implementationsȱ ofȱ theseȱ locales;ȱ
oneȱ ofȱ themȱ willȱ beȱ aȱ hiddenȱ cityȱ ofȱ magicȬusingȱ
monkeys.)ȱ
ȈWhiteȬCapeȈȱ Crime.ȱ Whileȱ notȱ muchȱ bandiedȱ
about,ȱsuperhumanȱemployeesȱandȱsuperconsultantsȱ
oftenȱturnȱagainstȱtheirȱcorporateȱmasters.ȱSomeȱdoȱitȱ
forȱ money,ȱ someȱ forȱ revenge,ȱ othersȱ forȱ aȱ nobleȱ
cause.ȱTheȱmostȱminorȱofȱtheseȱinfractionsȱisȱbreakingȱ
oneȇsȱcontractȱ–ȱandȱthisȱcanȱleadȱtoȱbeingȱtaggedȱasȱaȱ
corporateȱ traitor,ȱ makingȱ futureȱ workȱ hardȱ toȱ comeȱ
by.ȱ Ifȱ aȱ superhumanȱ stealsȱ hisȱ employerȇsȱ
informationȱ orȱ equipmentȱ (especiallyȱ superȬ
technology),ȱ engagesȱ inȱ corporateȱ espionageȱ orȱ
sabotage,ȱ usesȱ hisȱ knowledgeȱ forȱ insiderȱ trading,ȱ
acceptsȱ bribesȱ (fromȱ outsideȱ theȱ company),ȱ orȱ
embezzlesȱ funds,ȱ theȱ multicorpsȱ tendȱ notȱ toȱ lookȱ
kindlyȱ uponȱ that.ȱ And,ȱ givenȱ manyȱ multicorpȱ
activities,ȱ theyȱ probablyȱ wonȇtȱ tryȱ toȱ pullȱ theȱ
characterȱintoȱcourtȱforȱanyȱbutȱtheȱmostȱmundaneȱofȱ
theseȱchargesȱ–ȱtheyȇllȱjustȱtryȱtoȱkillȱhim.ȱ
Notable NPCs
Theseȱ areȱ someȱ ofȱ theȱ superȬdenizensȱ ofȱ theȱ
SuperCorpsȱsetting;ȱNPCsȱmarkedȱwithȱanȱasteriskȱ(*)ȱ
mayȱ appearȱ inȱ T&Jȱ supplements,ȱ andȱ areȱ thereforeȱ
leftȱasȱbriefȱthumbnailsȱhere.ȱGMsȱshouldȱfeelȱfreeȱtoȱ
statȱthemȱupȱasȱtheyȱseeȱfit.ȱ
AmericanȱRanger:ȱSuperȱforȱtheȱU.S.ȱgovernmentȱandȱleaderȱofȱtheȱ
Powerȱ Platoon.ȱ Possiblyȱ theȱ firstȱ superhumanȱ inȱ thisȱ setting.ȱ Useȱ
theȱ statsȱ fromȱ Chapterȱ 3,ȱ p.ȱ 31,ȱ butȱ alterȱ themȱ usingȱ theȱ rulesȱ forȱ
Veteranȱ charactersȱ fromȱ Chapterȱ 6,ȱ Specificȱ NPCȱ Types,ȱ p.ȱ 73,ȱ toȱ
reflectȱhisȱlongȱcareer.ȱ
Catastrophe:ȱSeeȱChapterȱ6,ȱp.ȱ79.ȱ
Doctorȱ Widget:ȱ Seeȱ Chapterȱ 6,ȱ p.ȱ 80,ȱ withȱ theȱ followingȱ changes:ȱ
sheȱisȱmarriedȱtoȱZipzoom,ȱisȱpregnantȱwithȱtheirȱchild,ȱandȱoneȱofȱ
theȱ foundingȱ partnersȱ ofȱ Widgetȱ &ȱ Zoom,ȱ LLP.ȱ (Seeȱ below,ȱ Introȱ
Scenario:ȱStaffȱMeeting,ȱp.ȱ101.)ȱ
Dragonȱ Knight.ȱ Seeȱ Chapterȱ 7,ȱ p.ȱ 86,ȱ withȱ theȱ followingȱ changes:ȱ
theȱarmorȱisȱsuperȬtechȱratherȱthanȱmysticalȱinȱorigin,ȱitsȱwearerȱisȱ
aȱChineseȱsuperȬtrooperȱinsteadȱofȱanȱAmericanȱarcheologist,ȱandȱ
Dragonȱ Knightȱ isȱ theȱ leaderȱ ofȱ theȱ Chineseȱ versionȱ ofȱ theȱ USAȇsȱ
PowerȱPlatoon.ȱ
*Fantom:ȱ Mysterious,ȱ uncatchableȱ leaderȱ ofȱ theȱ Sacredȱ Ghostsȱ
terroristȱ group;ȱ hasȱ phasingȱ technologyȱ withȱ whichȱ heȱ armsȱ hisȱ
minions.ȱ
JollyȱRoger:ȱSeeȱChapterȱ6,ȱp.ȱ80.ȱFreelanceȱsupervillain,ȱandȱseemsȱ
toȱdislikeȱtheȱOdonataȱSecuritiesȱmulticorp.ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
*Laserȱ Rayȱ Lassiter.ȱ LightȬbasedȱ corporateȱ superȱ workingȱ forȱ theȱ
CommSixȱmulticorp.ȱ
Manticore,ȱtheȱManhunter:ȱSeeȱChapterȱ3,ȱp.ȱ31.ȱ
*Theȱ Neutronicȱ Man.ȱ Shrinkingȱ corporateȱ superȱ workingȱ forȱ theȱ
KoandoȱMicrotechȱmulticorp.ȱ
Reflex:ȱ Seeȱ Chapterȱ 6,ȱ p.ȱ 81.ȱ Heȱ hasȱ workedȱ extensivelyȱ forȱ theȱ
EWRȱandȱSRȱWeissȱmulticorpsȱinȱthisȱsetting.ȱ
Snowȱ Owl:ȱ Flyingȱ iceȱ master;ȱ freelanceȱ superȬconsultantȱ (seeȱ
Chapterȱ4,ȱp.ȱ54).ȱ
*Sundiata.ȱ SuperȬStrong,ȱ withȱ Invulnerabilityȱ andȱ SuperȬArmor,ȱ
thisȱ altruisticȱ superheroȱ protectsȱ Westernȱ Africa.ȱ Heȱ hasȱ
surprisinglyȱ goodȱ relationsȱ withȱ severalȱ multicorps.ȱ Heȱ isȱ oneȱ ofȱ
theȱ moreȱ powerfulȱ superhumansȱ onȱ theȱ planet,ȱ andȱ shouldȱ beȱ
createdȱ usingȱ theȱ rulesȱ forȱ Veteranȱ charactersȱ fromȱ Chapterȱ 6,ȱ
Specificȱ NPCȱ Types,ȱ p.ȱ 73.ȱ Heȱ hasȱ beenȱ romanticallyȱ linkedȱ toȱ
Ultrawomanȱ(seeȱbelow).ȱȱ
*Turtlezilla:ȱ Gigantic,ȱ rampagingȱ mutatedȱ turtle;ȱ humanȬlevelȱ orȱ
higherȱintellect;ȱatomicȱlaserȱeyes.ȱ
Ultrawoman:ȱ Theȱ topȱ gunȱ ofȱ theȱ setting;ȱ aȱ trueȱ altruisticȱ
superheroine.ȱ Useȱ theȱ statsȱ fromȱ Chapterȱ 6,ȱ p.ȱ 81,ȱ butȱ alterȱ themȱ
usingȱ theȱ rulesȱ forȱ WorldȬClassȱ charactersȱ fromȱ Chapterȱ 6,ȱ Specificȱ
NPCȱ Types,ȱ p.ȱ 73,ȱ toȱ reflectȱ herȱ preȬeminentȱ status.ȱ Sheȱ hasȱ beenȱ
romanticallyȱlinkedȱwithȱSundiataȱ(seeȱabove).ȱ
*Whiteȱ Monkey.ȱ Mysteriousȱ vigilanteȱ wagingȱ aȱ oneȬmanȱ (or,ȱ
maybe,ȱȈoneȬwomanȈ)ȱwarȱagainstȱtheȱSRȱWeissȱmulticorpȱinȱIndia.ȱ
Zipzoom:ȱ Seeȱ Chapterȱ 6,ȱ p.ȱ 81,ȱ withȱ theȱ followingȱ changes:ȱ heȱ isȱ
marriedȱ toȱ Doctorȱ Widget,ȱ andȱ oneȱ ofȱ theȱ foundingȱ partnersȱ ofȱ
Widgetȱ &ȱ Zoom,ȱ LLP.ȱ (Seeȱ below,ȱ Introȱ Scenario:ȱ Staffȱ Meeting,ȱ p.ȱ
101.)ȱ
ȱ isȱtheȱcompanyȱtown.ȱȱ
Ultrawoman sped like an arrow through the late
afternoon skies, searching the forest below.
There! Exactly as her precognitive vision had foretold:
a wisp of smoke. She swooped in for a landing,
alighting in front of the fire of the small campsite. She
walked over to the nylon pup tent, and cleared her
throat.
"Who's there?" A middle-aged man's head popped
out through the flap. Behind his glasses, his eyes
widened as he realized who his visitor was. "Oh... It's
you!"
"Dr. Emil Lagenstrasse?" she asked. "The world-
renowned neurologist?"
The man blinked twice, then nodded. "That's me. How
did you know? Why are you here?"
"You need to come with me, Doctor. Now. A little
boy's life is at stake."
ȱ
ȱ 97
Notable Organizations
Theseȱ areȱ someȱ ofȱ theȱ powerhouseȱ groupsȱ ofȱ theȱ
SuperCorpsȱsetting:ȱ
ESCHENBACH-WHITE-RHODON, INC.
Inȱ theȱ dogȬeatȬdogȱ worldȱ ofȱ multicorps,ȱ EschenbachȬ
WhiteȬRhodon,ȱInc.ȱ(EWR)ȱisȱaȱwolf.ȱItȱhasȱitsȱsnoutȱinȱ
allȱsortsȱofȱpies,ȱprincesȱandȱpoliticiansȱatȱitsȱbeckȱandȱ
call,ȱandȱaȱcompleteȱlackȱofȱscruples.ȱVeryȱrich,ȱveryȱ
powerful,ȱveryȱwellȱorganized,ȱandȱknownȱtoȱbeȱoneȱ
ofȱ theȱ fewȱ nonȬsuperȬconsultancyȱ corporationsȱ toȱ
haveȱ atȱ leastȱ oneȱ superhumanȱ onȱ theȱ payrollȱ (Mr.ȱ
Eschenbach,ȱ founder;ȱ hasȱ fireȱ powers).ȱ Whileȱ
primarilyȱ knownȱ forȱ industrialȱ roboticsȱ andȱ otherȱ
manufacturingȱconcerns,ȱEWRȱisȱaȱtrueȱconglomerateȱ
–ȱ itȱ eitherȱ openlyȱ orȱ covertlyȱ ownsȱ andȱ controls:ȱ theȱ
EWRȱ Networkȱ (cable,ȱ broadcast,ȱ print),ȱ Sonikobishiȱ
Componentsȱ (recordingȱ labels,ȱ entertainmentȱ artists,ȱ
electronicȱ devices),ȱ theȱ Texasȱ Friedȱ Turkeyȱ chainȱ ofȱ
fastȬfoodȱ restaurants,ȱ Parzifalȱ Toys,ȱ Immaculataȱ
Motors,ȱandȱRoseȱFilmsȱStudios.ȱ
AȱtypicalȱbranchȱofficeȱofȱEWRȱisȱunderȱtheȱironȱfistȱ
ofȱaȱseniorȱpartnerȱViceȬPresident,ȱwithȱseveralȱjuniorȱ
partners,ȱ associates,ȱ andȱ minionsȱ atȱ hisȱ command.ȱ
AnȱEWRȱbranchȱoftenȱtakesȱupȱanȱentireȱskyscraper,ȱ
usuallyȱdesignedȱalongȱarcologyȱlinesȱ–ȱtheȱbuildingȱ
EWRȱ Minionsȱ comeȱ inȱ threeȱ types:ȱ Typicals,ȱ whoȱ
eitherȱ provideȱ basicȱ securityȱ servicesȱ orȱ labȱ
assistance;ȱ Specialists,ȱ whoȱ leadȱ teamsȱ ofȱ Typicals;ȱ
andȱElites,ȱwhoȱareȱcombatȬorientedȱstormtroopers.ȱ
EWR MINIONS
QUALITIES:ȱ Typical:ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Securityȱ Guardȱ orȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ
Technician,ȱ andȱ Poorȱ [Ȭ2]ȱ Scaredȱ ofȱ Crossingȱ Company;ȱ Specialist:ȱ
Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Securityȱ Guard,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ (Specificȱ Areaȱ ofȱ
Specialization),ȱ andȱ Poorȱ [Ȭ2]ȱ Companyȱ Man;ȱ Elite:ȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ
Soldier,ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱArmor,ȱandȱPoorȱ[Ȭ2]ȱBully.ȱ
SIDEARMSȱ (normalȬscale):ȱ Typical:ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Stunȱ Pistol;ȱ
Specialist:ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱStunȱPistol;ȱElite:ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱBlasterȱPistol.ȱ
LIVERY:ȱ Blackȱ jumpsuitsȱ withȱ silverȱ pipingȱ andȱ logo;ȱ Minionȱ
ranksȱinȱsilverȱbraidȱonȱsleevesȱ(rings)ȱandȱshouldersȱ(letters).ȱ
LIONHEART INDUSTRIES
Lionheartȱ Industriesȱ isȱ aȱ wellȬregardedȱ multicorpȱ thatȱ
specializesȱ inȱ aerospaceȱ andȱ medicalȱ technologies.ȱ Itȱ
doesnȇtȱhaveȱmanyȱsubsidiaries.ȱInstead,ȱitȇsȱgoneȱforȱ
aȱ verticalȱ structure.ȱ Whileȱ onlyȱ middlingȱ wealthyȱ asȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
multicorpsȱ go,ȱ itȱ isȱ theȱ majorȱ playerȱ inȱ spaceȱ
transportation.ȱ Lionheartȱ ownsȱ companiesȱ thatȱ
produceȱ jetȱ andȱ rocketȱ fuels,ȱ designȱ andȱ buildȱ
aerospaceȱ enginesȱ andȱ vehicleȱ frames,ȱ airȱ andȱ spaceȱ
combatȱ weaponry,ȱ pilotȱ trainingȱ schools,ȱ specializedȱ
hospitals,ȱ medicalȱ nanotech,ȱ livableȱ orbitalȱ
environments,ȱandȱspaceȱscienceȱandȱmanufacturing.ȱ
Lionheartȱ builtȱ itsȱ reputationȱ onȱ stealthȱ jetsȱ forȱ
nationalȱmilitariesȱandȱonȱtheȱfirstȱsuccessfulȱcivilianȱ
spaceȱstationȱ(LionheartȱOne,ȱinȱLowȱEarthȱOrbit).ȱȱ
Currently,ȱ thisȱ multicorpȱ isȱ aȱ bitȱ shakyȱ afterȱ theȱ
mysteriousȱ accidentalȱ andȱ untimelyȱ deathȱ ofȱ
foundingȱ geniusȱ andȱ CEOȱ Brantȱ Richardsȱ inȱ anȱ
unscheduledȱ visitȱ toȱ hisȱ newȱ facility,ȱ Lionheartȱ Fiveȱ
(locatedȱinȱLagrangeȱpointȱL5).ȱEmployeeȱmoraleȱisȱinȱ
theȱ toiletȱ sinceȱ theȱ demiseȱ ofȱ theȱ belovedȱ andȱ
youthfulȱ Richards.ȱ Twoȱ membersȱ ofȱ theȱ Executiveȱ
Boardȱ –ȱ composedȱ ofȱ theȱ Viceȱ Presidentsȱ ofȱ
subsidiaryȱ companiesȱ –ȱ areȱ fightingȱ outȱ whoȱ getsȱ toȱ
beȱ topȱ dogȱ inȱ theȱ wakeȱ ofȱ thisȱ tragedy.ȱ Johnȱ Brutȱ
(Prideȱ Aerodyne)ȱ isȱ theȱ topȱ contenderȱ toȱ takeȱ overȱ
theȱ reins,ȱ butȱ facesȱ stiffȱ competitionȱ fromȱ Cleoȱ
Mahfouzȱ(NanoDoc,ȱInc.).ȱ
Aȱ typicalȱ subsidiaryȱ ofȱ Lionheartȱ isȱ runȱ byȱ aȱ ViceȬ
President,ȱ whoȱ wasȱ usuallyȱ theȱ founderȱ orȱ CEOȱ ofȱ
theȱ companyȱ beforeȱ Richardsȱ tookȱ themȱ over.ȱ
Lionheartȱtendsȱtoȱuseȱexistingȱsubsidiaryȱofficesȱandȱ
factories;ȱ replaceȱ orȱ coȬoptȱ existingȱ Humanȱ
Resources,ȱ IT,ȱ andȱ Executiveȱ staffȱ intoȱ theȱ centralȱ
Lionheartȱ structure;ȱ andȱ standardizeȱ salariesȱ andȱ
benefitsȱacrossȱallȱsubsidiaries.ȱInȱthisȱway,ȱLionheartȱ
rarelyȱmakesȱanyȱsubstantiveȱchangesȱtoȱcompaniesȱitȱ
acquires.ȱ Unfortunately,ȱ thisȱ practiceȱ hasȱ ledȱ toȱ aȱ
somewhatȱ lacklusterȱ senseȱ ofȱ loyaltyȱ amongȱ
employeesȱ inȱ theseȱ daysȱ ofȱ corporateȱ patriotism,ȱ
balancedȱ byȱ aȱ relativeȱ freedomȱ fromȱ theȱ nastierȱ
aspectsȱ andȱ stricturesȱ ofȱ multicorpȱ life.ȱ Thisȱ
collegialityȱ wasȱ aȱ strengthȱ underȱ Richards,ȱ butȱ
withoutȱhim,ȱtheȱoverallȱstructureȱisȱstartingȱtoȱfray.ȱ
Lionheartȱ Minionsȱ areȱ eitherȱ securityȱ Guardsȱ orȱ
scientificȱTechnicians.ȱ
LIONHEART MINIONS (GUARD & TECHNICIAN)
QUALITIES:ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Securityȱ Guardȱ orȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Technician,ȱ
andȱPoorȱ[Ȭ2]ȱMorale.ȱ
LIVERY:ȱGoldȱcoverallsȱwithȱblackȱlionȱcrest.ȱ
ȱ 98
POWER PLATOON
TheȱU.S.ȱgovernmentȱmaintainsȱaȱsmallȱmilitaryȱunitȱ
calledȱ Powerȱ Platoon.ȱ Thisȱ superȬforceȱ respondsȱ toȱ
superhumanȱ attacksȱ againstȱ theȱ Americanȱ citizenry,ȱ
aidsȱ inȱ disasterȱ recovery,ȱ defendsȱ againstȱ superȬ
terrorism,ȱandȱperformsȱhighȬintensityȱstrikesȱagainstȱ
foreignȱ targets.ȱ Powerȱ Platoonȱ cannotȱ beȱ calledȱ inȱ
againstȱAmericanȱcitizensȱonȱAmericanȱsoilȱunlessȱtheȱ
individual(s)ȱ areȱ deemedȱ toȱ beȱ participatingȱ inȱ
terroristȱactivities.ȱ(AndȱȈsupervillainȱ=ȱterroristȈȱisȱaȱ
prettyȱeasyȱlinkȱtoȱmake.)ȱ
Ledȱ byȱ Americanȱ Rangerȱ (seeȱ above),ȱ theȱ forceȱ isȱ
composedȱofȱaroundȱfortyȱsoldiersȱ–ȱ4ȱsuperhumansȱ
andȱ 36ȱ supernormalȱ superȬtroopersȱ –ȱ plusȱ Americanȱ
Ranger.ȱ Theȱ divisionȱ betweenȱ theȱ sexesȱ isȱ roughlyȱ
70%ȱmaleȱandȱ30%ȱfemale,ȱbutȱcurrently,ȱthreeȱofȱtheȱ
fourȱ otherȱ superhumansȱ inȱ theȱ unitȱ happenȱ toȱ beȱ
women.ȱ Theȱ Powerȱ Platoonȱ hasȱ twoȱ squadsȱ ofȱ 20ȱ
ȈmetalheadsȈȱ eachȱ (Redȱ andȱ Blue);ȱ eachȱ squadȱ
possessesȱ 4ȱ fireȱ teamsȱ ofȱ 5ȱ soldiersȱ (Alpha,ȱ Beta,ȱ
Gamma,ȱ andȱ Delta).ȱ Theseȱ differentȱ subgroupsȱ
competeȱ againstȱ oneȱ anotherȱ forȱ superhumanȬ
responseȱtrainingȱpurposes.ȱTheȱrivalryȱbetweenȱBlueȱ
Alphaȱ andȱ Redȱ Gammaȱ isȱ particularlyȱ wellȬknownȱ
amongȱ aficionados.ȱ Theyȱ areȱ underȱ theȱ directȱ
commandȱ ofȱ theȱ Chairmanȱ ofȱ theȱ Jointȱ Chiefs;ȱ theirȱ
budgetȱ andȱ administrationȱ isȱ handledȱ byȱ theȱ U.S.ȱ
Specialȱ Operationsȱ Commandȱ (withȱ someȱ budgetȱ
contributionsȱfromȱDARPA,ȱtheȱArmy,ȱtheȱAirȱForce,ȱ
andȱ theȱ Departmentȱ ofȱ Homelandȱ Security).ȱ Blueȱ
Squadȱ isȱ basedȱ atȱ Fortȱ Indiantownȱ Gap,ȱ PA;ȱ Redȱ
SquadȱisȱheadquarteredȱatȱFortȱHuachuca,ȱAZ.ȱȱ
Anyȱmemberȱofȱtheȱregularȱmilitaryȱwhoȱdisplaysȱorȱ
manifestsȱsuperpowersȱwhileȱinȱserviceȱisȱeligibleȱforȱ
transferȱ toȱ Powerȱ Platoon.ȱ Potentialȱ superȬtroopersȱ
areȱ recruitedȱ fromȱ theȱ crèmeȱ deȱ laȱ crèmeȱ ofȱ theȱ
specialȱforcesȱofȱeachȱbranch,ȱandȱundergoȱevenȱmoreȱ
gruelingȱ trainingȱ inȱ orderȱ toȱ Ȉearnȱ theirȱ bucketsȈȱ –ȱ
i.e.,ȱ powerȬarmor.ȱ (Theȱ SuperȬTrooperȱ Qualityȱ thusȱ
includesȱ militaryȱ specialȱ opsȱ capabilitiesȱ underȱ itsȱ
penumbraȱ–ȱseeȱChapterȱ2,ȱp.ȱ15ȱ–ȱasȱwellȱasȱprovidingȱ
additionalȱ trainingȱ relatedȱ toȱ superhumanȱ combatȱ
andȱinformation.)ȱ
Theȱ powerȬarmorȱ itselfȱ isȱ composedȱ completelyȱ ofȱ
cuttingȬedgeȱ technologyȱ ratherȱ thanȱ superȬ
technologyȱ andȱ isȱ effectivelyȱ aȱ QuasiȬPowerȱ (seeȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
Chapterȱ 4,ȱ p.ȱ 37)ȱ versionȱ ofȱ theȱ standardȱ PowerȬ
Armorȱ Power.ȱ So,ȱ whileȱ itȱ isȱ possibleȱ toȱ massȬ
produceȱ them,ȱ theyȱ haveȱ aȱ massiveȱ Limitation:ȱ
complexity.ȱ Theȱ fabrication,ȱ maintenance,ȱ operation,ȱ
andȱ repairȱ ofȱ aȱ ȈbucketȈȱ isȱ hideouslyȱ expensiveȱ –ȱ
everyȱ singleȱ manȬsizedȱ suitȱ isȱ equivalentȱ toȱ theȱ costȱ
ofȱaȱstealthȱbomber.ȱAdditionally,ȱtheȱunitȱisȱusuallyȱ
downȱ aȱ quarterȱ ofȱ itsȱ strengthȱ atȱ allȱ timesȱ dueȱ toȱ
injuredȱmetalheadsȱorȱequipmentȱinȱneedȱofȱrepair.ȱ
ȱ
ȱ 99
POWER PLATOON TROOPER
QUALITIES:ȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ SuperȬtrooper,ȱ andȱ Poorȱ [Ȭ2]ȱ Underȱ
Orders.ȱ
QUASIȬPOWERS:ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Invulnerability;ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ SuperȬ
Jump;ȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ SuperȬStrength;ȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ Lifeȱ Support.ȱ
(Limitation:ȱ Cannotȱ beȱ usedȱ byȱ someoneȱ withoutȱ training;ȱ
expensiveȱtoȱoperate;ȱDamageȱRanksȱtakenȱwillȱnotȱȈhealȈȱbetweenȱ
Scenesȱwithoutȱrepairsȱatȱbase.)ȱ
LIVERY:ȱOliveȬdrabȱpowerȬarmorȱ(and,ȱinȱcombatȱsituations,ȱeachȱ
Trooperȱ carriesȱ aȱ Gaussȱ Carbineȱ weapon,ȱ usedȱ asȱ partȱ ofȱ theȱ
SuperȬtrooperȱQuality).ȱ
ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
SACRED GHOSTS
TheȱSacredȱGhostsȱareȱmoreȱthanȱjustȱaȱterroristȱgroup,ȱ
theyȱareȱanȱapocalypticȱreligiousȱcult.ȱTheȱenigmaticȱ
FantomȱisȱtheirȱDeityȬonȬEarth,ȱtheȱagentȱandȱavatarȱ
ofȱ theȱ Majesticȱ Ancestorȱ Spirits.ȱ Theȱ creedȱ ofȱ theirȱ
faithȱ isȱ simple:ȱ theȱ peoplesȱ ofȱ Earthȱ haveȱ turnedȱ
awayȱ fromȱ theȱ Holyȱ Pathȱ blazedȱ byȱ theirȱ illustriousȱ
forbearers.ȱ Forȱ most,ȱ onlyȱ inȱ deathȱ willȱ theyȱ reuniteȱ
withȱ theȱ Majesticȱ Ancestorȱ Spirits,ȱ andȱ awakenȱ toȱ
theirȱ teachings.ȱ Unfortunately,ȱ theȱ traumaȱ ofȱ birthȱ
erasesȱthisȱwisdom,ȱandȱtheȱnecessitiesȱofȱlifeȱdistractȱ
fromȱ personalȱ understanding,ȱ leadingȱ toȱ allȱ theȱ
problemsȱofȱtheȱworld.ȱTheȱFantomȱandȱhisȱfollowersȱ
haveȱbeenȱblessedȱwithȱknowledgeȱfromȱbeyondȱtheȱ
grave,ȱ showingȱ themȱ theȱ truth,ȱ andȱ grantingȱ themȱ
power.ȱAllȱothersȱmustȱbeȱshownȱthisȱtruth,ȱoneȱwayȱ
orȱanother.ȱ
Toȱ anȱ unenlightenedȱ outsider,ȱ theȱ beliefsȱ ofȱ theȱ
SacredȱGhostsȱseemsȱtoȱpartakeȱofȱelementsȱofȱShinto,ȱ
theȱ Paiuteȱ Ghostȱ Danceȱ faith,ȱ Objectivism,ȱ andȱ
Theosophy,ȱallȱtwistedȱtoȱevilȱends.ȱTheyȱbelieveȱthatȱ
allȱ humanȱ endeavorȱ postdatingȱ theȱ eraȱ ofȱ theȱ
Majesticȱ Ancestorsȱ isȱ flawedȱ andȱ wicked.ȱ Theirȱ
teachingsȱ paradoxicallyȱ encourageȱ empowermentȱ
throughȱ liberationȱ fromȱ humanȱ mores,ȱ laws,ȱ andȱ
restraints,ȱ yetȱ demandȱ unswervingȱ obedienceȱ toȱ theȱ
DeityȬOnȬEarth.ȱ Theyȱ areȱ chargedȱ toȱ destroyȱ theȱ
worksȱ ofȱ man,ȱ forȱ theirȱ rewardȱ willȱ beȱ inȱ theȱ Spiritȱ
Heaven,ȱ whereȱ theyȱ willȱ holdȱ commandȱ overȱ allȱ
thoseȱtheyȱhaveȱȈledȱtoȱtheȱtruth.Ȉȱ
Theȱ Sacredȱ Ghostsȱ maintainȱ aȱ covertȱ networkȱ ofȱ
outreachȱ andȱ recruitmentȱ programs,ȱ disguisedȱ
throughȱ layersȱ andȱ layersȱ ofȱ shellȱ companies.ȱ Theyȱ
runȱsoupȱkitchens,ȱNewȱAgeȱshops,ȱpseudoȬMasonicȱ
occultȱfellowships,ȱseveralȱsmallȱspiritualistȱpresses,ȱaȱ
Gospelȱ musicȱ recordȱ label,ȱ anȱ environmentalȱ
activismȱ group,ȱ severalȱ gunȱ clubsȱ andȱ militiaȱ
movements,ȱ suicideȱ hotlines,ȱ tentȱ churches,ȱ aȱ
carnival,ȱ aȱ homeȬschoolingȱ counselingȱ service,ȱ andȱ
severalȱ Ȉjuniorȱ businessmenȈȱ groups.ȱ Theyȱ seekȱ theȱ
disaffectedȱ andȱ theȱ downȬandȬoutȱ toȱ turnȱ toȱ theirȱ
perniciousȱ beliefs,ȱ playingȱ onȱ theȱ targetsȇȱ particularȱ
interestsȱandȱissues.ȱThen,ȱtheyȱbrainwashȱtheȱtargetȱ
usingȱ standardȱ cultȱ recruitmentȱ methods:ȱ limitingȱ
theȱ scopeȱ ofȱdiscussions,ȱ ȈswitchingȈȱ theȱ meaningȱ ofȱ
wordsȱ toȱ createȱ agreement,ȱ confusingȱ doctrine,ȱ
alternatingȱ betweenȱ rejectionȱ andȱ validation,ȱ peerȱ
ȱ 100
pressure,ȱ isolationȱ fromȱ friendsȱ andȱ family,ȱ proteinȬ
poorȱ diets,ȱ repetitiveȱ andȱ laboriousȱ tasks,ȱ sleepȱ
deprivation,ȱ confessionalȱ outbursts,ȱ aȱ standardȱ
mannerȱofȱdressȱandȱdeportment,ȱetc.ȱ
Thoseȱ fewȱ victimsȱ possessingȱ theȱ rightȱ combinationȱ
ofȱ physicalȱ prowessȱ andȱ utterȱ fanaticismȱ areȱ
promotedȱ upȱ throughȱ theȱ layersȱ toȱ theȱ actualȱ coreȱ
organization,ȱ toȱ becomeȱ theȱ eliteȱ minionsȱ ofȱ theȱ
Fantomȱ himselfȱ –ȱ theȱ Ȉholyȱ deadȬinȬlifeȈȱ operativesȱ
knownȱ asȱ Sacredȱ Ghosts.ȱ Newȱ recruitsȱ toȱ theȱ coreȱ
organizationȱ areȱ trainedȱ inȱ theȱ waysȱ ofȱ terrorȱ andȱ
personalȱcombat,ȱandȱgivenȱtheirȱholyȱvestmentsȱ–ȱaȱ
whiteȱjumpsuitȱpackedȱwithȱphasingȱtechnologyȱandȱ
explosives.ȱ Afterȱ that,ȱ theyȱ liveȱ andȱ dieȱ byȱ theȱ
Fantomȇsȱcommand.ȱ
NOTE - Apparently, the Ghost Suits are a form of Super-
Gadget or Power-Armor created specifically for the
individual Sacred Ghost by the Fantom himself.
SACRED GHOST TERRORIST
QUALITIES:ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱTerrorist,ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱKarate,ȱandȱPoorȱ[Ȭ2]ȱ
FanaticallyȱLoyalȱtoȱtheȱFantom.ȱ
POWERS:ȱGhostȱSuitȱ(Averageȱ[0]ȱPhasing,ȱPoorȱ[Ȭ2]ȱWalkȱonȱAir,ȱ
andȱoneȬtimeȱExpertȱ[+4]ȱSuperȬExplosion,ȱwhichȱaffectsȱwearerȱtoo!).ȱ
LIVERY:ȱ PureȬwhiteȱ jumpsuitȱ (coversȱ face),ȱ withȱ blueȱ goggles,ȱ
gloves,ȱ andȱ bootsȱ (allȱ Sacredȱ Ghostsȱ carryȱ conventionalȱ pistols,ȱ
knives,ȱandȱgrenades,ȱusedȱasȱpartȱofȱtheȱTerroristȱQuality)ȱ
Running SuperCorps
Impossibleȱ Tasks.ȱ Ifȱ someoneȱ couldȱ doȱ itȱ
themselves,ȱtheyȱwouldnȇtȱhaveȱtoȱhireȱsuperhumansȱ
toȱ doȱ it.ȱ Superconsultanciesȱ andȱ multicorpȱ superȬ
employeesȱareȱoftenȱcalledȱuponȱtoȱdoȱtheȱimpossibleȱ
onȱ aȱ regularȱ basis.ȱ Thatȇsȱ justȱ partȱ ofȱ theȱ job.ȱ Oneȱ
interestingȱwayȱtoȱgameȱthisȱisȱforȱtheȱGMȱtoȱposeȱaȱ
problemȱ forȱ whichȱ heȱ hasȱ consideredȱ noȱ solution,ȱ
lettingȱ theȱ PCsȱ comeȱ upȱ withȱ waysȱ toȱ attackȱ it.ȱ Theȱ
GMȱthenȱreactsȱtoȱtheȱPCsȇȱactions,ȱforȱgoodȱandȱforȱ
ill.ȱ However,ȱ GMsȱ shouldȱ beȱ cautionedȱ notȱ toȱ shutȱ
downȱ everyȱ ideaȱ theȱ PCsȱ comeȱ upȱ withȱ –ȱ thatȱ isnȇtȱ
fun.ȱ Instead,ȱ introducingȱ aȱ complicationȱ isȱ moreȱ
interesting.ȱ Ifȱ theȱ PCsȱ cutȱ aȱ newȱ riverȱ tributaryȱ toȱ
waterȱ aȱ city,ȱ possibleȱ complicationsȱ couldȱ beȱ theȱ
discoveryȱofȱanȱarcheologicalȱtreasure,ȱorȱtheȱcollapseȱ
ofȱaȱrelatedȱecosystemȱdownstreamȱofȱtheȱcut,ȱorȱtheȱ
developmentȱ ofȱ aȱ newȱ ecosystemȱ alongȱ theȱ cut.ȱ Allȱ
couldȱbeȱveryȱinterestingȱtoȱexplore.ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
Corporateȱ Resources.ȱ Ifȱ charactersȱ workȱ forȱ aȱ
multicorpȱ (orȱ aȱ largeȱ superconsultancy),ȱ inȱ theory,ȱ
moneyȱ isȱ noȱ object.ȱ Inȱ practice,ȱ however,ȱ theyȱ areȱ
dependentȱ uponȱ theȱ stateȱ ofȱ fundsȱ inȱ theirȱ
departmentalȱbudget.ȱStill,ȱcompanyȱcars,ȱhoverȬcars,ȱ
jets,ȱandȱbasicȱequipmentȱshouldȱbeȱeasilyȱavailable.ȱ
Additionally,ȱ someȱ organizationsȱ –ȱ especiallyȱ
superconsultanciesȱ–ȱmayȱbeȱbuiltȱasȱHQsȱ(seeȱp.ȱ69),ȱ
whichȱ couldȱ giveȱ charactersȱ accessȱ toȱ inȬdepthȱ
informationȱnotȱgenerallyȱknown,ȱasȱwellȱasȱTrophiesȱ
(seeȱp.ȱ69)ȱandȱTeamȱVehiclesȱ(seeȱp.ȱ71).ȱ
Hiredȱ Gunsȱ &ȱ Subcontractors.ȱ Sometimes,ȱ youȱ justȱ
needȱ aȱ teleporter,ȱ aȱ telepath,ȱ aȱ Gammaȱ Waveȱ
Neutralizationȱ Device,ȱ orȱ someoneȱ whoȱ canȱ surviveȱ
oceanicȱpressures.ȱButȱnoȱcharacterȱonȱyourȱteamȱhasȱ
theȱ relevantȱ Power.ȱ Whatȱ doȱ youȱ do?ȱ Hireȱ aȱ
specialist.ȱ Someȱ superhumansȱ workingȱ forȱ
multicorpsȱ haveȱ theȱ abilityȱ toȱ ȈmoonlightȈȱ forȱ briefȱ
periodsȱwrittenȱintoȱtheirȱcontracts;ȱmostȱdonȇt,ȱsinceȱ
theȱ multicorpsȱ loveȱ nonȬcompeteȱ clauses.ȱ Still,ȱ itȇsȱ
worthȱ aȱ shot,ȱ especiallyȱ withȱ oneȇsȱ corporateȱ allies.ȱ
Expectȱ someȱ conferenceȱ roomȱ (orȱ backdoor)ȱ
wheelingȱandȱdealing.ȱ.ȱ.ȱespeciallyȱifȱtheȱhiredȱgunȱisȱ
technicallyȱviolatingȱtheirȱcontract.ȱ
Personalȱ Days,ȱ Temps,ȱ &ȱ Interns.ȱ Theȱ SuperCorpsȱ
settingȱ hasȱ aȱ great,ȱ builtȬinȱ methodȱ forȱ handlingȱ
thoseȱtimesȱwhenȱaȱplayerȱcanȇtȱmakeȱaȱsession:ȱtheyȱ
takeȱ aȱ personalȱ day.ȱ Theȱ characterȱ calledȱ inȱ sick,ȱ orȱ
hadȱ toȱ goȱ toȱ theȱ DMV,ȱ orȱ attendȱ aȱ weddingȱ orȱ
something.ȱAndȱforȱthoseȱtimesȱwhenȱsomeoneȱwantsȱ
toȱsitȱinȱonȱaȱsession,ȱtheyȱcanȱplayȱaȱhiredȱgunȱ(seeȱ
above)ȱ orȱ anȱ internȱ temporarilyȱ assignedȱ toȱ theȱ
projectȱ(read:ȱadventure).ȱ
Salaryȱ Issues.ȱ Sinceȱ superhumansȱ andȱ
superconsultantsȱ areȱ soȱ rareȱ inȱ thisȱ setting,ȱ suchȱ
charactersȱ shouldȱ notȱ haveȱ aȱ wealthȬrelatedȱ
Weaknessȱ –ȱ theȱ moneyȱ usuallyȱ existsȱ toȱ secureȱ theirȱ
talents.ȱButȱwhatȇsȱtoȱstopȱthemȱfromȱsimplyȱbuyingȱ
theirȱwayȱoutȱofȱaȱsituation?ȱWell,ȱnothingȱ–ȱitȇsȱtheirȱ
money.ȱ Note,ȱ however,ȱ thatȱ unlessȱ aȱ characterȱ hasȱ
Wealthȱ asȱ oneȱ ofȱ theirȱ Qualities,ȱ theyȇreȱ unusedȱ toȱ
beingȱbigȱspenders,ȱandȱonlyȱgetȱtheȱnormalȱAverageȱ
[0]ȱ rollȱ toȱ utilizeȱ allȱ thoseȱ greenbacks.ȱ Ifȱ youȱ donȇtȱ
knowȱwhereȱtoȱspendȱtheȱdough,ȱwhatȱgoodȱcanȱyouȱ
reallyȱdo?ȱ
ȱ 101
Corporateȱ Ethics.ȱ Mostȱ organizationsȱ willȱ haveȱ aȱ
codeȱofȱconductȱforȱitsȱemployeesȱtoȱfollow.ȱTheyȱcanȱ
serveȱasȱinterestingȱWeaknessesȱforȱcharacters,ȱorȱ–ȱifȱ
violatedȱ –ȱ waysȱ forȱ NPCsȱ toȱ threatenȱ theȱ characterȱ
withȱ corporateȱ disloyalty.ȱ Corporateȱ conductȱ isȱ
usuallyȱ summedȱ upȱ inȱ aȱ sentenceȱ orȱ two;ȱ itȱ canȱ beȱ
anythingȱ fromȱ Ȉneverȱ surrenderȈȱ toȱ Ȉtheȱ safetyȱ ofȱ
innocentsȱ comeȱ beforeȱ theȱ jobȈȱ toȱ Ȉtheȱ jobȱ comesȱ
first.Ȉȱ Usually,ȱ theȱ corporateȱ codeȱ ofȱ conductȱ alsoȱ
determinesȱ theȱ percentageȱ breakdownȱ ofȱ proȱ bonoȱ
workȱthatȱshouldȱbeȱdone,ȱifȱany.ȱ
Secretȱ Identities.ȱ Manyȱ organizationsȱ haveȱ setȱ upȱ
specificȱ proceduresȱ toȱ protectȱ aȱ characterȇsȱ secretȱ
identity,ȱ ifȱ theyȱ chooseȱ toȱ maintainȱ one.ȱ Theseȱ
proceduresȱ generallyȱ dealȱ withȱ thingsȱ likeȱ bonding,ȱ
assertionȱ ofȱ secretȱ identityȱ asȱ aȱ tradeȱ secret,ȱ doubleȬ
blindȱ HRȱ entries,ȱ legalȱ injunctions,ȱ nonȬdisclosureȱ
agreements,ȱ tripleȬencryptionȱ personnelȱ files,ȱ andȱ
otherȱ corporateȬbabble.ȱ Theȱ upshotȱ isȱ thatȱ aȱ
characterȇsȱsecretȱisȱgenerallyȱsafeȱwithȱtheirȱemployer.ȱ
Thisȱ doesnȇtȱ precludeȱ theȱ possibilityȱ ofȱ aȱ rivalȱ
multicorpȱ stealingȱ theȱ lockedȱ databaseȱ orȱ abusingȱ
theirȱknowledgeȱofȱtheȱcharacterȇsȱsecret,ȱbutȱtoȱkeepȱ
paranoiaȱinȱtheȱgameȱdownȱtoȱaȱdullȱroar,ȱthisȱsafetyȱ
shouldȱjustȱbeȱconsideredȱaȱtropeȱofȱtheȱsetting.ȱ
ȱ
Intro Scenario: Staff
Meeting
ȱ
WANTED – Meta-talented or highly skilled individuals sought by
WIDGET & ZOOM, LLP, to grow its superconsulting
practice. The W&Z super-consultant will collect appropriate data,
structure and analyze information, and develop response plans to
high-risk situations. Successful super-consultants will have a
track record of successful adventurous activities and a
commitment to high-quality performance in the public interest.
Typical consulting projects include extreme environment
surveying, research and development of cutting-edge and super-
technologies, hazardous material transport, search and recovery
operations, and others.
Minimum Requirements: Exceptional mundane proficiencies or
superhuman abilities. Keen problem-solving and analytical skills.
Must work well in teams; strong interpersonal skills desired.
Absolutely must function at peak ability in dangerous
environments.
PLEASE, if you do not meet these minimum requirements, do not
apply. Your resume will not be considered.
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
ȱ FIRST STAFF MEETING: AGENDA
WIDGET & ZOOM, LLP
Widget & Zoom is a small superconsultancy specializing
in super-technology research, courier, and materiel
recovery projects. It was formed over six months ago by
married superheroes Doctor Widget and Zipzoom upon
their semi-retirement from altruistic superhero work
(due to Doc's pregnancy).
W&Z is located in a small, older office building (4 floors)
in the City. The roof has a small landing pad, hover-van
hangar, and observation deck. The fourth floor is
composed of the conference room, the executive
kitchenette, the R&D Lab (opens to roof), and the senior
partner offices. The third floor has employee and
visitor dorm rooms, a rec room, and a small first aid
station. The second floor has associate offices,
secretarial pool, office supplies closet, IT department,
and a small library. The first floor consists of the
reception area, client meeting rooms, and lunchroom.
The basement is for underground parking (street
access). There is one sub-basement level composed of
the Training Room, Control Room, and Locker-room.
There are restrooms, elevator access, and stair access on
every floor; however, the security system permits only
employees to go anywhere but the first floor. Security,
maintenance, HVAC, and janitorial services are handled
by a small number of non-sapient robots constructed by
Doc.
W&Z is financially supported by a combination of patent
licensure and consulting fees; in six months, they've
proven to be an up and coming superconsultancy.
Associates make $500,000 per year, plus bonuses; Senior
Associates make $1 million dollars per year, plus
bonuses; and partners share in overall corporate profits,
thus making an undisclosed amount of money. The
benefits packages – including health/dental/vision, life
insurance, AD&D (accidental death and
dismemberment), and 401K – are very solid. The
company pays travel costs and per diems for fieldwork,
but limited hazard pay. W&Z can provide most off-the-
shelf equipment (if given sufficient time to acquire it)
and some specialized gear; it also has two high-altitude
hover-vans and a couple of land and sea vehicles for
company use.
PCs will start as Associates, which requires no Quality
Rank to be taken during character generation. If a PC
wishes to start as a Senior Associate, they must take
that as one of their Qualities (improving this Quality to
Master level, good performance, and time with the
company is how to reach partner status).
As an HQ, the Widget & Zoom building has the following
Qualities: Good [+2] Gadget Lab, Good [+2] Company
Vehicles, Good [+2] Security Systems, Average [0] Trophy
Room (Trophies undefined; character must give a
description of past project in addition to Hero Point
expenditure to use).
ȱ
ȱ 102
Theȱ staffȱ meetingȱ takesȱ placeȱ inȱ theȱ fourthȱ floorȱ
conferenceȱ room,ȱ withȱ itsȱ panoramicȱ viewȱ ofȱ theȱ
City.ȱDoctorȱWidgetȱsitsȱatȱtheȱheadȱofȱtheȱconferenceȱ
table,ȱ withȱ Zipzoomȱ onȱ herȱ rightȱ andȱ Susanȱ
Harringtonȱ onȱ herȱ left.ȱ Theȱ Seniorȱ Associatesȱ areȱ allȱ
scatteredȱ aboutȱ theȱ tableȱ inȱ noȱ particularȱ order,ȱ andȱ
Garyȱ Whiteȱ isȱ wanderingȱ aroundȱ withȱ printouts,ȱ
coffee,ȱwater,ȱandȱotherȱstuffȱlikeȱthat.ȱ
NOTE - GMs may wish to reproduce copies of the Staff
Meeting: Agenda handout for the players.
ȱ
A. DOCTOR WIDGET'S REMARKS
1. WELCOME.
Description: Doctor Widget is a late 40's female, short,
chubby, cute, and vastly pregnant. She wears a white
labcoat over a sensible blue tunic and stretch pants; on
one hand is her famous Thunderglove, and on the other
is a gold wedding band. She is capable and has a dark-
yet-whimsical sense of humor.
ȈItȇsȱ goodȱ toȱ seeȱ newȱ facesȱ aroundȱ thisȱ table.ȱ Iȇmȱ
DoctorȱWidget,ȱyourȱboss.ȱW&Zȱhasȱbeenȱgrowingȱbyȱ
leapsȱandȱboundsȱoverȱtheȱpastȱfewȱmonths,ȱandȱweȱ
haveȱplentyȱofȱworkȱtoȱgoȱaround.ȱThatȇsȱwhyȱyouȇreȱ
here.ȱLetȇsȱgrowȱtogether.Ȉȱ
2. SALARY & BENEFITS REVIEW
ȈLetȱmeȱquicklyȱremindȱallȱofȱyouȱofȱtheȱwayȱsalariesȱ
areȱhandledȱhereȱatȱW&Z.ȱNewȱAssociatesȱgetȱ$500ȱKȱ
aȱ year,ȱ Seniorȱ Associatesȱ aȱ coolȱ $1ȱ million.ȱ Partnersȱ
shareȱ inȱ companyȱ profits.ȱTheȱ benefitsȱpackageȱisȱ asȱ
good,ȱ ifȱ notȱ better,ȱ thanȱ thatȱ offeredȱ atȱ manyȱ
multicorps.ȱStaffȱhousingȱisȱavailableȱhereȱforȱanyoneȱ
whoȱwantsȱitȱ–ȱroomȱandȱboardȱisȱaȱbenefitȱweȱoffer;ȱ
youȱ alsoȱ haveȱ accessȱ toȱ stateȱ ofȱ theȱ artȱ labȱ andȱ
computerȱfacilities.ȱAnyȱquestions?Ȉȱ
3. AUTONOMY & CODE OF CONDUCT
ȈOneȱofȱtheȱotherȱbenefitsȱthatȱyouȱhaveȱhereȱatȱW&Zȱ
isȱthatȱyou,ȱevenȱasȱAssociates,ȱwillȱhaveȱmuchȱmoreȱ
autonomyȱ thanȱ youȱ wouldȱ workingȱ forȱ aȱ typicalȱ
multicorp.ȱ Youȱ willȱ haveȱ aȱ voiceȱ inȱ decisionsȱ onȱ
whichȱprojectsȱ–ȱbothȱpaidȱandȱproȱbonoȱ–ȱtoȱpursue,ȱ
consultedȱ onȱ changesȱ inȱ theȱ physicalȱ plant,ȱ andȱ
offeredȱ theȱ choiceȱ toȱ doȱ specializedȱ researchȱ solelyȱ
forȱthisȱpartnership.ȱȱȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
ȈHowever,ȱ thisȱ autonomyȱ comesȱ withȱ aȱ price:ȱ ourȱ
codeȱ ofȱ conduct.ȱ Garyȱ isȱ handingȱ outȱ ourȱ
partnershipȇsȱhandbookȱnow.Ȉȱ
Description: Gary White, an early 20's male, skinny,
medium height, brown hair and sideburns. He wears
khakis and a plain black t-shirt. He's effervescent, and
pleased as punch to be of service. He's handing out
slim, digest-sized books.
ȈForȱallȱtheȱverbiageȱinȱthoseȱbooks,ȱitȇsȱprettyȱbasic:ȱ
weȱ donȇtȱ breakȱ theȱ lawȱ (withoutȱ approvalȱ fromȱ aȱ
seniorȱpartner),ȱweȱdoȱwhatȇsȱright,ȱandȱtheȱsafetyȱofȱ
innocentsȱ alwaysȱ comesȱ beforeȱ theȱ job.ȱ Additionally,ȱ
youȱ areȱ requiredȱ toȱ doȱ atȱ leastȱ oneȱ weekȱ –ȱ thatȇsȱ 40ȱ
hoursȱ –ȱ ofȱ proȱ bonoȱ workȱ perȱ year.ȱ Thatȱ meansȱ onȱ
theȱclock,ȱbutȱyouȱwonȇtȱbeȱbillingȱtheȱclient.Ȉȱ
4. TEAMWORK
ȈSusan,ȱifȱyouȱwould?ȱThankȱyou.Ȉȱ
Description: Susan Harrington, a mid-50s female,
medium height and weight, white hair. She wears a gray
suit-dress, white shirt, red-rimmed glasses, and gray
pumps. She is serious and businesslike, and passing out
quarter-sized electronic devices.
ȈItȱisȱvitallyȱimportantȱthatȱweȱhereȱatȱW&Zȱthinkȱofȱ
ourselvesȱasȱaȱteam.ȱTrustȱisȱaȱprimaryȱissue.ȱWeȱwillȱ
beȱ doingȱ dangerousȱ andȱ wonderfulȱ things,ȱ weȱ needȱ
toȱ watchȱ eachȱ othersȇȱ backs.ȱ Weȇreȱ planningȱ aȱ teamȬ
buildingȱgetawayȱsometimeȱsoon;ȱattendanceȱwillȱbeȱ
required.ȱSusanȱisȱhandingȱoutȱyourȱcommunicators;ȱ
theyȱhaveȱfullȱaudiovisualȱandȱdataȱtransmissionȱandȱ
reception,ȱ linkȱ intoȱ ourȱ GPSȱ system,ȱ andȱ shouldnȇtȱ
needȱ toȱ haveȱ theirȱ batteriesȱ changedȱ forȱ aboutȱ aȱ
decade.ȱ Theȱ unitȱ mayȱ lookȱ slightlyȱ familiar,ȱ itȇsȱ anȱ
improvedȱ versionȱ ofȱ theȱ latestȱ CommSixȱ cellȱ phone,ȱ
whichȱIȱdesigned.ȱThisȱversionȱusesȱtechnologyȱthatȇsȱ
hardȱ toȱ reproduce,ȱ orȱ weȇdȱ beȱ inȱ theȱ telecomȱ
manufacturingȱ businessȱ rightȱ now.ȱ Theseȱ unitsȱ canȱ
beȱ fittedȱ forȱ watchband,ȱ beltȱ buckle,ȱ earring,ȱ
whateverȱ youȱ want,ȱ talkȱ toȱ Susanȱ andȱ seeȱ whatȱ weȱ
haveȱinȱstock.ȱ
ȈAllȱ ofȱ youȱ haveȱ trustedȱ theȱ partnershipȱ withȱ yourȱ
identities;ȱ asȱ youȱ know,ȱ weȱ areȱ bonded,ȱ andȱ thatȱ
informationȱ isȱ tripleȬencrypted,ȱ onȱ aȱ standaloneȱ
system.ȱ Butȱ theȱ questionȱ isȱ doȱ youȱ trustȱ yourȱ coȬ
workersȱ withȱ yourȱ identityȱ andȱ history?ȱ Howȱ muchȱ
doȱyouȱwishȱtoȱtell?ȱItȇsȱupȱtoȱyou.ȱJustȱknowȱthatȱyouȱ
wouldnȇtȱbeȱinȱthisȱroomȱifȱtheȱSeniorȱPartnersȱdidnȇtȱ
trustȱyou.Ȉȱ
ȱ 103
B. INTRODUCTIONS
ȈLetȇsȱ goȱ aroundȱ theȱ room.ȱ Weȇllȱ tellȱ eachȱ otherȱ ourȱ
codenames,ȱ majorȱ powersȱ andȱ skills,ȱ asȱ muchȱ aboutȱ
ourȱoriginsȱandȱhistoriesȱasȱweȱfeelȱcomfortableȱwith,ȱ
andȱendȱwithȱwhatȱweȱdoȱforȱfun.ȱRemember,ȱtellȱusȱ
whatȱyouȱwishȱusȱtoȱknow,ȱandȱweȇllȱrespectȱthat.ȱIȇllȱ
goȱfirst.Ȉȱ
GM NOTE: After Doctor Widget and Zipzoom go, feel
free to pick a PC to go next. Then another NPC. Then
another PC. And so on.
ELLEN WIDGEON, AKA DOCTOR WIDGET
ȈIȇmȱ whatȱ youȱ callȱ aȱ SuperȬGadgeteer;ȱ Iȱ makeȱ stuff.ȱ
Iȇmȱalsoȱgoodȱatȱscienceȱandȱengineeringȱ–ȱIȱwasȱbornȱ
thisȱway.ȱDidȱtheȱsuperheroȱthingȱforȱawhileȱasȱsomeȱ
ofȱ youȱ mayȱ remember,ȱ thenȱ metȱ Peter.ȱ Weȱ gotȱ
married.ȱ Asȱ youȱ canȱ see,ȱ Iȱ canȇtȱ reallyȱ flyȱ aroundȱ
townȱ inȱ myȱ condition,ȱ soȱ weȱ formedȱ thisȱ company.ȱ
Whenȱ Iȇmȱ notȱ greatȱ withȱ child,ȱ Iȇmȱ aȱ prettyȱ goodȱ
dancer.Ȉȱ
PETER MCGREGOR, AKA ZIPZOOM
Description: Zipzoom is in his late 30s, medium-short in
height, relatively buff, bald, tanned, and goateed. He
speaks with an odd drawl, slow but abrupt. . . somewhat
rude, in fact. (But it's just his way.)
ȈYouȱ canȱ callȱ meȱ Mr.ȱ McGregorȱ orȱ Zipzoom.ȱ Iȇmȱ
fairlyȱfastȱandȱtough.ȱPrettyȱgoodȱinȱaȱscrap,ȱtoo.ȱMyȱ
secretȱ originȱ isȱ justȱ that:ȱ secret.ȱ Sameȱ goesȱ forȱ myȱ
history,ȱotherȱthanȱwhatȱElȱmentioned.ȱIȱlikeȱtoȱtinkerȱ
withȱ classicȱ cars,ȱ andȱ haveȱ aȱ ȇ57ȱ Thunderbirdȱ inȱ theȱ
northȱcornerȱofȱtheȱparkingȱlevel.ȱDoȱnotȱmessȱwithȱit.ȱ
Youȱdonȇtȱcrossȱmeȱandȱmine,ȱandȱweȇllȱgetȱalongȱlikeȱ
peasȱinȱaȱpod.Ȉȱȱ
SUSAN HARRINGTON, OFFICE MANAGER
ȈIȇmȱ theȱ executiveȱ assistantȱ forȱ theȱ partners,ȱ asȱ wellȱ
asȱ theȱ headȱ ofȱ HRȱ andȱ theȱ officeȱ manager.ȱ Allȱ youȱ
needȱtoȱknowȱaboutȱmeȱisȱthatȱIȱhaveȱoverȱaȱcenturyȱ
ofȱexperienceȱatȱeachȱofȱthoseȱjobsȱdueȱtoȱaȱtimeȬwarpȱ
episode.ȱ Anyȱ problemsȱ withȱ officeȱ matters,ȱ letȱ meȱ
know.ȱIȱknitȱonȱmyȱlunchȱhour.Ȉȱ
THEODORE PAPADOPULOS, AKA OCTOPOPOLIS
Description: Ted Papadopulos is a mid-30s male, fat,
medium height, with curly black hair and square wire-rim
glasses. He wears a rumpled tan business suit with a
beige waistcoat. While he seems to be constantly
harried and often gets flustered almost to the point of
stuttering, he's really quite capable and rather sweet.
ȈIȇmȱ aȱ Seniorȱ Associate.ȱ Myȱ identityȱ isȱ public,ȱ moreȱ
orȱ less.ȱ Justȱ callȱ meȱ ȇTed,ȇȱ orȱ ȇOcto,ȇȱ whatever.ȱ Iȱ canȱ
turnȱ intoȱ thisȱ octopusȱ forceȬfieldȱ thing.ȱ Iȱ hadȱ aȱ (GMȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
NOTE:ȱphysicallyȱmakeȱairȬquotes)ȱȇtroubledȇȱyouth,ȱbutȱ
myȱfirstȱrealȱrunȬinȱwithȱtheȱlawȱstraightenedȱmeȱout.ȱ
Myȱ originȱ isȱ wayȱ tooȱ complicatedȱ toȱ getȱ intoȱ here;ȱ
letȇsȱ justȱ sayȱ itȱ wasȱ ȇallȱ ofȱ theȱ above.ȇȱ Myȱ hobbyȱ isȱ
losingȱmoneyȱtoȱDoctorȱWidgetȱonȱPokerȱnight.Ȉȱ
Qualities:ȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ Smart,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ ExȬJuvenileȱ Deliquent,ȱ
Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Quietlyȱ Capable,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Seniorȱ Associate,ȱ Poorȱ [Ȭ2]ȱ
NeedsȱGlasses.ȱ
Powers:ȱAverageȱ[0]ȱAquatic,ȱAverageȱ[0]ȱChameleon,ȱAverageȱ[0]ȱ
Inkȱ Cloud,ȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ Stretchy,ȱ Averageȱ [0]ȱ SuperȬArmor,ȱ
Averageȱ[0]ȱTentacles.ȱ
PowerȱStunts:ȱSwinging,ȱClinging,ȱJetȬSwimming.ȱ
WILLIAM FERROL, AKA TEFLON
Description: William Ferrol is a handsome, early-30s
man. Tall, impressive build, impeccably groomed, sharp
suit, nice shoes, perfect hair, baby blue eyes. While
charming, something seems a bit plastic about him.
ȈIȇmȱ aȱ Seniorȱ Associateȱ asȱ wellȱ asȱ theȱ firmȇsȱ generalȱ
counsel.ȱHowever,ȱasȱfarȱasȱtheȱpublicȱknows,ȱTeflonȱ
andȱ Williamȱ Ferrolȱ areȱ twoȱ differentȱ guys,ȱ andȱ Iȇdȱ
preferȱ weȱ keepȱ itȱ thatȱ way.ȱ Iȇmȱ somewhatȱ
Invulnerable,ȱhaveȱsomeȱSuperȬStrength,ȱandȱcanȱdoȱ
someȱ otherȱ slickȱ tricks.ȱ (hehȱ heh)ȱ Origin?ȱ Bestȱ asȱ Iȱ
canȱtell:ȱrays.ȱMeteorȱrays.ȱYouȱknowȱhowȱitȱis,ȱright?ȱ
Anyway,ȱIȱlikeȱtoȱplayȱgolfȱandȱgoȱdancing.Ȉȱ
Qualities:ȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ Attorney,ȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ Charming,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ
Businessȱ Contacts,ȱ Averageȱ [0],ȱ Seniorȱ Associate,ȱ Poorȱ [Ȭ2]ȱ
Hedonist.ȱ
Primaryȱ Powers:ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Invulnerability,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Frictionȱ
Control,ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱSuperȬStrength.ȱ
PowerȱStunts:ȱHotfoot,ȱSlicknessȱ
SEQUOIA JONES, AKA SEQUOIA
Description: Sequoia Jones is a cute, early-20s Native
American woman. She's short, with tanned skin and long
black hair with a blue stripe. She wears a conservative
blue pantsuit with some Oriental-themed jewelry
accents. She's young, slightly geeky, with a good sense
of humor.
ȈMyȱcodenameȱisȱtheȱsameȱasȱmyȱrealȱname:ȱSequoia.ȱ
Anȱ amazingȱ amountȱ ofȱ creativityȱ there,ȱ right?ȱ Myȱ
identityȱ isȱ fullyȱ public.ȱ Iȇmȱ goodȱ withȱ languages.ȱ
Reallyȱ good.ȱ Iȱ canȱ makeȱ languagesȱ sitȱ upȱ andȱ bark.ȱ
Fricativesȱorȱplosives,ȱglyphsȱorȱletters,ȱyouȱnameȱit,ȱIȱ
canȱ playȱ it.ȱ Iȱ canȱ alsoȱ increaseȱ myȱ sizeȱ aȱ bit,ȱ andȱ
please,ȱ noȱ ȇApacheȱ Chiefȇȱ cracksȱ –ȱ Iȇmȱ Cherokee.ȱ
Honestlyȱ donȇtȱ knowȱ whereȱ myȱ powersȱ cameȱ from;ȱ
wokeȱ upȱ oneȱ day,ȱ andȱ thereȱ theyȱ were.ȱ Iȱ playȱ
Classicalȱ Fluteȱ withȱ aȱ chamberȱ musicȱ groupȱ onȱ theȱ
weekends.ȱOh,ȱIȇmȱaȱSeniorȱAssociate.Ȉȱ
ȱ 104
Qualities:ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Activist,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Linguist,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ
Academic,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Flute,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Seniorȱ Associate,ȱ Poorȱ [Ȭ2]ȱ
Workaholicȱȱ
Powers:ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Universalȱ Translator,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Sizeshifting,ȱ
Goodȱ[+2]ȱȈUnknownȱPowerȈȱ
Stunts:ȱSpeakȱtoȱAnimals,ȱTroubleshootȱMachinesȱ
GARY WHITE, ADMIN ASSISTANT.
ȈIȇmȱtheȱAAȱforȱallȱtheȱassociates.ȱIȇmȱgoodȱatȱtypingȱ
andȱ filing,ȱ Iȱ guess.ȱ Iȱ doȱ aȱ littleȱ lightȱ maintenanceȱ onȱ
theȱrobots,ȱifȱneeded.ȱIȱlikeȱtoȱgoȱoutȱandȱpartyȱwithȱ
myȱfriends,ȱusuallyȱclubbingȱorȱcamping.Ȉȱ
C. PICK 2 PROJECTS
(Dr.ȱWidgetȱspeakingȱagain)ȱȈIȱmentionedȱȇautonomyȇȱ
aȱ bitȱ earlier.ȱ Well,ȱ hereȇsȱ whereȱ Iȱ putȱ myȱ moneyȱ
whereȱ myȱ mouthȱ is.ȱ Weȱ haveȱ nineȱ newȱ projectsȱ toȱ
selectȱ from.ȱ Whichȱ shouldȱ itȱ be?ȱ Pickȱ anyȱ two.ȱ
Whicheverȱtwoȱprojectsȱgetȱtheȱmostȱvotes,ȱweȇllȱtakeȱ
onȱ immediately.ȱ Theȱ othersȱ mayȱ eitherȱ haveȱ toȱ waitȱ
orȱbeȱturnedȱdown.Ȉȱ
1.ȱ Cityȱ University.ȱ Cityȱ Universityȱ wantsȱ usȱ toȱ trackȱ downȱ
Turtlezillaȱ andȱ placeȱ aȱ scientificȱ packageȱ onȱ hisȱ shell.ȱ Tagȱ andȱ
release.ȱ
2.ȱ Lockbox.ȱ Theȱ Cityȱ wantsȱ toȱ contractȱ withȱ usȱ forȱ supervillainȱ
transferalsȱtoȱtheȱsecureȱLockboxȱfacility.ȱȱ
3.ȱ CommSixȱ #1.ȱ Theȱ CommSixȱ Corporationȱ hasȱ lostȱ aȱ telecomȱ
satellite;ȱitȱwasȱpulledȱfromȱorbitȱandȱsplashedȱdownȱinȱtheȱPacific.ȱ
SearchȱandȱRecoveryȱmission.ȱȱ
4.ȱ Koandoȱ Microtech.ȱ Koandoȱ Microtechȱ wantsȱ usȱ toȱ consultȱ onȱ
HAZMATȱcontainmentȱforȱtheirȱnewȱlaboratory.ȱ
5.ȱSRȱWeiss.ȱSRȱWeissȱwantsȱtoȱputȱusȱonȱretainerȱforȱsuperhumanȱ
securityȱsituations.ȱ
6.ȱ Morrisonȱ Biotechnology.ȱ Morrisonȱ Biotechnologyȱ hasȱ aȱ
nanotechȱlabȱunderȱcompleteȱlockdownȱinȱTexas.ȱTheyȱwantȱusȱtoȱ
studyȱ theȱ situation,ȱ discoverȱ whatȇsȱ goingȱ onȱ inside,ȱ andȱ adviseȱ
themȱwhatȱtoȱdo.ȱ
7.ȱOdonataȱSecurities.ȱOdonataȱSecuritiesȱhasȱapparentlyȱstolenȱaȱ
KoandoȱMicrotechȱprototypeȱgadget.ȱLiberationȱmission.ȱ
8.ȱCommSixȱ#2.ȱCommSixȱwantsȱusȱtoȱsecretlyȱdestroyȱaȱMorrisonȱ
industrialȱ compoundȱ inȱ Newȱ York.ȱ However,ȱ noȱ oneȱ canȱ dieȱ inȱ
thisȱattackȱ–ȱpropertyȱdamageȱonly.ȱ
9.ȱPowerȱPlatoon.ȱTheȱU.S.ȱMilitaryȱwantsȱtoȱputȱusȱonȱretainerȱforȱ
PowerȱPlatoonȱextractionȱmissions.ȱ
ȈEveryone,ȱpleaseȱselectȱtwoȱofȱtheseȱprojects.ȱSusan,ȱ
keepȱaȱtally.ȱWhenȱweȱgetȱtheȱresults,ȱweȇllȱassignȱoneȱ
ofȱtheȱSeniorȱAssociatesȱasȱProjectȱLeadsȱtoȱeach,ȱandȱ
youȱAssociatesȱwillȱreportȱtoȱthem.Ȉȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ

D. OPEN FLOOR: material;ȱgrayȱwallsȱreachȱ20ȇȱhighȱandȱareȱcomposedȱ

1. DO YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS OR QUESTIONS?
Docȱ willȱ takeȱ timeȱ toȱ answerȱ anyȱ questionsȱ theȱ newȱ
Associatesȱhave,ȱwithinȱreason.ȱ
2. DOES ANYONE HAVE LEADS ON NEW PROJECTS?
TedȱmentionsȱthatȱStrangȱAquatechȱhasȱbeenȱfeelingȱ
himȱ outȱ aboutȱ something,ȱ butȱ nothingȱ solidȱ yet.ȱ
Williamȱ mentionsȱ thatȱ aȱ newȱ contractȱ proposalȱ
shouldȱ beȱ comingȱ fromȱ Lionheartȱ Industriesȱ inȱ theȱ
nextȱweekȱorȱso.ȱ
3. DOES ANYONE HAVE LEADS ON NEW PRO BONO
WORK?
ofȱExpertȱ[11]ȱmaterial.ȱ
Thereȱ shouldȱ beȱ oneȱ orȱ twoȱ Redȱ robotsȱ perȱ PC,ȱ twoȱ
Yellowsȱ(plusȱanȱadditionalȱYellowȱforȱeveryȱPCȱthatȱ
canȱ fly),ȱ andȱ oneȱ Blueȱ perȱ sixȱ otherȱ robots.ȱ Robotsȱ
startȱfromȱeitherȱcornerȱAȱorȱcornerȱB.ȱȱ
ȱ
MARK I ROBOT (RED)
Qualities:ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱRobot,ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱArmor,ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱBlaster.ȱ
MARK II ROBOT (YELLOW)
Qualities:ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Robot,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Flightȱ (Limitation:ȱ 1d6+2ȱ
Turnȱflightȱendurance),ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱBlaster.ȱ

Zipzoomȱ talksȱ aboutȱ makingȱ highȬspeedȱ medicalȱ MARK III ROBOT (BLUE)
supplyȱ dropsȱ inȱ Africa,ȱ inȱ associationȱ withȱ theȱ Qualities:ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱRobot,ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱBlaster.ȱ
InternationalȱRedȱCross,ȱdueȱtoȱaȱresurgenceȱofȱNewȱ Power:ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱSuperȬArmor.ȱ
ZealandȱFlu.ȱ ȱ
Sequoiaȱ mentionsȱ herȱ desireȱ toȱ spendȱ someȱ timeȱ
studyingȱ Linearȱ Aȱ forȱ translationȱ purposesȱ inȱ theȱ
comingȱ month,ȱ andȱ wantsȱ toȱ seeȱ ifȱitȇsȱethicalȱ toȱuseȱ
thisȱ endeavorȱ asȱ publicȱ relationsȱ forȱ theȱ firm.ȱ Docȱ
invitesȱgeneralȱdebateȱamongȱtheȱnewȱhires;ȱWilliamȱ
willȱ serveȱ asȱ theȱ corporateȱ decisionȬmakerȱ onȱ theȱ
dealȱ (heȇsȱ tentativelyȱ againstȱ it,ȱ butȱ couldȱ beȱ
convincedȱwithȱaȱgoodȱcostȬbenefitȱbreakdown).ȱ

E. ROBO-TESTING:
ȈWeȇreȱ workingȱ onȱ someȱ securityȱ robotsȱ forȱ Koandoȱ
Microtech,ȱbasicallyȱironingȱoutȱbugsȱinȱtheirȱdesign.ȱ
Workingȱ withinȱ theirȱ technologyȱ needsȱ isȱ aȱ bitȱ ofȱ aȱ
hassleȱ forȱ me;ȱ givenȱ myȱ druthers,ȱ Iȇdȱ rheostatȱ theȱ
SiemensȱBridgeȱandȱcrossȬwireȱthe.ȱ.ȱ.ȱNeverȱmind.ȱȱ
ȈTheȱupshotȱhereȱisȱthatȱIȱneedȱyouȱtoȱtryȱandȱbreakȱ ȱ
them.ȱ Iȇveȱ preppedȱ theȱ latestȱ batchȱ inȱ ourȱ subȬ
III. DEBRIEFING
basementȱtrainingȱroom.ȱIȱneedȱyouȱguysȱtoȱgoȱdownȱ
DoctorȱWidget,ȱZipzoom,ȱandȱatȱleastȱoneȱSeniorȱAssociateȱ
thereȱandȱbeatȱonȱthem.ȱWhileȱtheirȱweaponsȱareȱsetȱ
willȱ discussȱ theȱ PCsȱ performanceȱ againstȱ theȱ robotsȱ withȱ
toȱ heavyȱ stun,ȱ beȱ careful,ȱ okay?ȱ Alright,ȱ seeȱ youȱ atȱ them.ȱ Theyȱ willȱ firstȱ askȱ theȱ teamȇsȱ impressionsȱ ofȱ theȱ
theȱdebrief.Ȉȱ exercise:ȱ whatȱ wentȱ right,ȱ whatȱ wentȱ wrong,ȱ andȱ whatȱ
couldȱbeȱbetter.ȱThen,ȱtheyȇllȱeachȱofferȱaȱsingleȱobservationȱ
II. ROBOT SMASHING! orȱpieceȱofȱadvice,ȱlikeȱȈYouȱlookedȱlikeȱyouȱwereȱholdingȱ
UsingȱtheȱTrainingȱRoomȱMapȱ(seeȱbelow),ȱhaveȱtheȱ back,ȱ thereȈȱ orȱ ȈMaybeȱ youȱ andȱ sheȱ shouldȱtryȱ combiningȱ
PCsȱ fightȱ aȱ bunchȱ ofȱ robots.ȱ Ifȱ youȱ wishȱ toȱ hideȱ yourȱ PowersȈȱ orȱ ȈWhyȱ notȱ tryȱ usingȱ yourȱ Powerȱ toȱ doȱ Xȱ
insteadȱofȱY?ȈȱThenȱtheȱPCsȱwillȱbeȱtoldȱtoȱhitȱtheȱshowers,ȱ
sectionsȱ ofȱ theȱ map,ȱ placingȱ stickyȱ notesȱ overȱ areasȱ
grabȱ somethingȱ toȱ eat,ȱ getȱ aȱ goodȱ nightȇsȱ sleep,ȱ andȱ beȱ
thatȱareȱnotȱvisibleȱworksȱfairlyȱwell.ȱTheȱroomȱisȱ25ȱ
readyȱtoȱstartȱtheirȱfirstȱprojectȱinȱtheȱmorning.ȱ
feetȱwide,ȱ30ȱfeetȱlong,ȱandȱ40ȱfeetȱhigh.ȱBlackȱwallsȱ
ȱ
reachȱtoȱtheȱceilingȱandȱareȱcomposedȱofȱMasterȱ[13]ȱ
ȱ
ȱ 105

Chapter 9: Fanfare for the Amplified Man
ȱ
Style: Grim 'n Gritty
Theme(s): With Great Power, Comes What?
ȱ
My ring sings secret songs to me.
It tells me I can fly.
In dreams I soar through puffy clouds,
Trackless 'cross the sky.
But my eyes are clear and open now,
My mind is wide awake.
I speed above quilt-like fields,
And a churchly birthday cake.
My ring sings secret songs to me,
And shines its burning glow
Across the hearts once closed to hope
To help them bloom and grow.
ȱ people land around the perimeter, neither too close nor
InȱFanfareȱforȱtheȱAmplifiedȱMan,ȱplayersȱtakeȱtheȱroleȱ
ofȱ charactersȱ whoȱ areȱ onȱ someȱ levelȱ heroes:ȱ giftedȱ
doctors,ȱ braveȱ firefighters,ȱ selflessȱ volunteers,ȱ
dedicatedȱ EMTs,ȱ ultraȬcompetentȱ superȬmomsȱ orȱ
superȬdads,ȱ crusadingȱ lawyers,ȱ longȬsufferingȱ beatȱ
cops,ȱ andȱ soȱ forth.ȱ Lastly,ȱ theȱ charactersȱ haveȱ alsoȱ
eachȱdoneȱatȱleastȱoneȱgreatlyȱheroicȱthingȱrecently.ȱȱ
Mysteriously,ȱ theȱ charactersȱ haveȱ eachȱ comeȱ intoȱ
possessionȱ ofȱ aȱ strangeȱ pieceȱ ofȱ jewelry.ȱ Thisȱ itemȱ –ȱ
theȱ Amplifierȱ orȱ ȈAmpȈȱ –ȱ hasȱ grantedȱ themȱ
superhumanȱ abilities.ȱ They,ȱ ofȱ allȱ theȱ peopleȱ onȱ theȱ
Earth,ȱhaveȱbeenȱarmedȱwithȱstaggeringȱpower.ȱTheyȱ
canȱchangeȱtheȱworld.ȱ
Nowȱwhat?ȱ
ȱ excellent thing you've done.
According to the Talmud, there are 36 righteous men in the
world, for whose sake the world escapes destruction: the
Tzaddikim, the hidden saints. They hide their powers,
unrecognized by the community, usually following a humble
vocation, denying any special nature. They can be anyone.
However, at times of great peril, they appear dramatically,
using their special powers to save lives, protect the innocent,
and defeat evildoers.
106ȱ
ȱ
A DREAM OF NEXUS
You are floating in a blue sky filled with puffy clouds
and twinkling stars. There is no ground anywhere in
sight. You are not falling or flying, just drifting on a
wind. It's a comfortable temperature.
You drift over to one of the clouds in the center of the
sky. It has a flat top. Some stars are drifting towards the
same cloud. Wait: not stars, but star-people. That's when
you realize that you are glowing, too, with a faint light.
Hey, it's your favorite color!
You land upon the cloud, which is about the size of a
tennis court. It is solid to your feet. The other star-
too far.
Something is hovering at chest-height in the middle of
the flattened surface. It is a multitude of colors all at
once – sort of like an opaque soap bubble.
A melodious voice comes from the bubble; its words seem
to sing in your ears. "You have each been chosen. Chosen
to be Amplified. Amplified, your power increased.
Increased, because of what you have done."
A single color passes over the face of the bubble: it
matches the color of one of the other star-people. Then,
the bubble grows transparent, and a scene plays within.
You see the star-person doing something – something
brave and wonderful and right.
The bubble dims, and changes color to match another
star-person. Another scene of courage and hope.
The bubble dims, and this time, the color matches your
own. You see yourself inside, replaying that one, best
When all the star-peoples' stories have been shown, the
bubble goes opaque, and speaks again. "I am Nexus.
Nexus is the repository. Repository of knowledge and
power. Power you have been given."
Images flood your mind, of yourself doing magical
things.
The dream begins to fade. You are waking. The bubble
speaks one last time, saying, "The Power is with you to
do with as you will."
You are awake.
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
Public Knowledge
Asȱ farȱ asȱ theȱ charactersȱ know,ȱ theȱ worldȱ isȱ exactlyȱ
whatȱ theȱ playersȱ seeȱ outsideȱ theirȱ windows,ȱ 2005.ȱ
Thereȱareȱnoȱ(openly)ȱsuperhumanȱpeopleȱoutȱthere.ȱ
Itȱseemsȱtoȱbeȱtheȱrealȱworldȱasȱweȱknowȱit,ȱwithȱallȱ
theȱcrapȱthatȱweȱseeȱonȱCNNȱorȱreadȱinȱtheȱpaper.ȱȱ
ȱ
Secret Information
Amplified.ȱ Severalȱ peopleȱ –ȱ theȱ PCsȱ –ȱ haveȱ gainedȱ
superpowers,ȱthroughȱreceivingȱAmpsȱinȱtheȱformȱofȱ
commonȱ piecesȱ ofȱ jewelryȱ (rings,ȱ bracelets,ȱ watches,ȱ
earrings,ȱ brooches,ȱ amulets,ȱ etc.).ȱ Theyȱ donȇtȱ knowȱ
whereȱ theȱ jewelryȱ cameȱ from;ȱ theyȱ justȱ appeared,ȱ
andȱ eachȱ ofȱ theȱ charactersȱ feltȱ anȱ urgeȱ toȱ putȱ theȱ
jewelryȱon.ȱ
Thenȱ Whatȱ Happened?ȱ Asȱ soonȱ asȱ theyȱ putȱ onȱ theȱ
Amp,ȱ theyȱ felt.ȱ .ȱ .ȱ better.ȱ Moreȱ relaxed.ȱ Moreȱ inȱ
control.ȱMoreȱhopeful.ȱCheeredȱthemȱrightȱup,ȱifȱtheyȱ
wereȱ sad.ȱ Theȱ generalȱ feelingȱ ofȱ wellȬbeingȱ lastedȱ
untilȱtheyȱwentȱtoȱsleepȱthatȱnight.ȱ
WhatȱHappenedȱThen?ȱTheyȱhadȱaȱdreamȱ–ȱAȱDreamȱ
ofȱNexusȱ(seeȱboxedȱtext;ȱtheȱGMȱshouldȱreadȱitȱtoȱtheȱ
players).ȱ
AndȱWhenȱTheyȱWokeȱUp?ȱTheȱAmpȱwasȱstillȱthere,ȱ
andȱdidȱeverythingȱtheyȱhadȱdreamedȱitȱwould.ȱ
NowȱWhat?ȱWell,ȱitȇsȱreallyȱupȱtoȱtheȱPCsȱnow,ȱisnȇtȱ
it?ȱ
THE AMPLIFIER
TheȱAmplifierȱgrantsȱseveralȱabilitiesȱtoȱtheȱwearerȱ–ȱ
or,ȱmoreȱproperlyȱ–ȱwielder:ȱ
i Permitsȱ accrualȱ andȱ spendingȱ ofȱ Heroȱ Pointsȱ
whileȱworn.ȱȱ
ȱ 107
i Grantsȱ Powers.ȱ Ifȱ theȱ Ampȱ isȱ separatedȱ fromȱ
theȱwielder,ȱtheȱwielderȱcanȱstillȱuseȱhisȱorȱherȱ
Powersȱatȱ2ȱDownshiftsȱ(butȱcannotȱuseȱHeroȱ
Points).ȱ
i Grantsȱ abilityȱ toȱ communicateȱ inȱ anyȱ
languageȱ currentlyȱ usedȱ byȱ moreȱ thanȱ 1ȱ
millionȱpeople;ȱthisȱincludesȱsignȱlanguages.ȱȱ
i Grantsȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Telepathicȱ Communicationȱ
withȱotherȱAmpȬwieldersȱandȱtheȱNexus;ȱthisȱ
alsoȱ permitsȱ AmpȬwieldersȱ toȱ recognizeȱ oneȱ
anotherȱ uponȱ sightȱ withȱ aȱ successfulȱ rollȱ
versusȱanȱAverageȱ[7]ȱDifficultyȱRank.ȱ
i Cannotȱ beȱ takenȱ fromȱ theȱ wielderȱ againstȱ
theirȱ willȱ whileȱ conscious;ȱ isȱ aȱ difficultȱ taskȱ
(Expertȱ[11])ȱtoȱdoȱsoȱifȱtheyȱareȱunconscious.ȱ
i ȈEvaporatesȈȱuponȱtheȱdeathȱofȱtheȱwielder.ȱ
ȱ
WHAT IS THE NEXUS?
Well,ȱ itȇsȱ damnedȱ mysterious,ȱ forȱ oneȱ thing.ȱ Otherȱ
thanȱ that.ȱ .ȱ .ȱ evenȱ theȱ Ampȱ wieldersȱ don’tȱ knowȱ
much.ȱFromȱwhatȱwasȱsaidȱinȱAȱDreamȱofȱNexus,ȱonlyȱ
fourȱfactsȱcanȱbeȱteasedȱout:ȱ
Repositoryȱ ofȱ Knowledge.ȱ Nexusȱ knowsȱ things:ȱ
thingsȱ thatȱ happened,ȱ thingsȱ thatȱ areȱ happening,ȱ
thingsȱthatȱmayȱhappen.ȱSometimes,ȱthisȱknowledgeȱ
canȱ beȱ accessedȱ byȱ anȱ AmpȬwielder,ȱ sometimesȱ itȱ
cannot,ȱ andȱ sometimesȱ knowledgeȱ isȱ bestowedȱ
withoutȱ asking.ȱ Thisȱ connectionȱ toȱ Nexusȇȱ
knowledgeȱ mayȱ explainȱ howȱ wieldersȱ recognizeȱ
otherȱ wieldersȱ onȱ sightȱ andȱ communicateȱ
telepathically.ȱ Sometimes,ȱ Nexusȱ tellsȱ wieldersȱ thatȱ
anȱ importantȱ eventȱ isȱ aboutȱ toȱ happen,ȱ andȱ theyȱ
shouldȱ doȱ somethingȱ –ȱ butȱ Nexusȱ neverȱ indicatesȱ
whatȱthatȱsomethingȱshouldȱbe.ȱ
Repositoryȱ ofȱ Power.ȱ Nexusȱ energizesȱ theȱ Amps,ȱ
whichȱ enhanceȱ theȱ wielder.ȱ Itȱ isȱ unclearȱ ifȱ moreȱ
powerȱcanȱbeȱdrawn,ȱorȱifȱpowerȱcanȱbeȱsentȱback.ȱ
Selectorȱ ofȱ Wielders.ȱ Nexusȱ selectsȱ newȱ AmpȬ
wieldersȱwhenȱoldȱonesȱdie.ȱ
NotȱHuman.ȱNexusȱisnȇtȱexactlyȱaȱpersonȱ–ȱitȇsȱprettyȱ
definitelyȱaȱthing.ȱȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
NO, SERIOUSLY: WHAT IS THE NEXUS?
IMPORTANT NOTE - The textbox is for GM's eyes only.
Players reading this are only hurting their own sense of
mystery.
Here are some options for what the Nexus really is:
Alien Technology: The Nexus is performing a
test upon the human species for alien masters.
They are trying to determine what happens if
humans are given immense power with no external
restrictions. This is a great way to pull in the
Lensman, Babylon 5, Star Trek, or Green Lantern
vibe, including its discussion on the nature and
potential of humanity.
Planetary Spirit: The Nexus is the planetary
spirit or "guardian angel" of Earth. It empowers
wielders to protect the web of life upon it. Going
with this concept encourages some of the concepts
brought up in the Authority, Planetary, and the
folk tales of the Tzaddikim or the Nine Righteous
Men.
Mass-Mind: The Nexus is the focus of the unified
mental gestalt of humanity. The PCs are the first
sparks in the collective unconscious tinder. The are
the next stage of humanity, in many ways, and
issues from transhuman science fiction,
Unbreakable, and the Uncanny X-Men lend
themselves to exploration.
Cosmic Subroutine: In the computer simulation
that is the universe, the Nexus is a subroutine that
hands out power-ups and cheat codes. Surpassing
limitations and fighting for freedom are the most
worthy of pursuits. The Matrix and its sequels are
the most visible exemplars here, of course.
ȱ Fanfare.ȱ.ȱ.ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ 108
FANFARE. . . MODIFICATIONS TO
CHARACTER GENERATION
Theȱ Fanfare.ȱ .ȱ .ȱ settingȱ requiresȱ aȱ fewȱ tweaksȱ toȱ theȱ
standardȱ T&Jȱ characterȱ generationȱ process,ȱ detailedȱ
below.ȱ
Motivation.ȱTheȱcharacterȱshouldȱbeȱmotivatedȱbyȱaȱ
ȈpositiveȈȱurgeȱ(create,ȱprotect,ȱeducate)ȱratherȱthanȱaȱ
ȈnegativeȈȱurgeȱorȱemotionȱ(greed,ȱanger,ȱfear).ȱ
Qualities.ȱ Theȱ followingȱ Qualitiesȱ areȱ disallowedȱ inȱ
thisȱ setting:ȱ Battlesuit,ȱ Gadgets,ȱ Gadgeteering,ȱ Minions,ȱ
Sidekick,ȱandȱVehicle.ȱȱ
Origin.ȱTheȱcharacterȇsȱOriginȱisȱtheȱheroicȱactionȱheȱ
orȱsheȱperformedȱatȱsomeȱpointȱinȱtheirȱpast.ȱ
Powers.ȱFirst:ȱtheȱfollowingȱPowersȱareȱdisallowedȱinȱ
thisȱ setting:ȱ Intenseȱ Training,ȱ PowerȬArmor,ȱ SuperȬ
Sidekick,ȱ SuperȬVehicle;ȱ SuperȬGadgeteeringȱ mayȱ beȱ
taken,ȱbutȱtheȱcharacterȱdoesȱnotȱstartȱwithȱanyȱȈfreeȈȱ
GadgetsȱorȱSuperȬGadgets.ȱ
Second:ȱAllȱPowersȱmustȱtakeȱaȱLimitation.ȱ
Third:ȱ Atȱ leastȱ oneȱ Powerȱ thatȱ theȱ characterȱ takesȱ
shouldȱ reflectȱ someȱ aspectȱ ofȱ theirȱ Background,ȱ
Qualities,ȱ orȱ Origin.ȱ Forȱ example,ȱ aȱ characterȱ whoȱ
grewȱ upȱ onȱ aȱ farmȱ mightȱ haveȱ Animalȱ orȱ Plantȱ
Powers;ȱ aȱ characterȱ whoȱ isȱ anȱ EMTȱ mayȱ haveȱ theȱ
HealingȱPower,ȱorȱaȱcharacterȱwhoȱsavedȱaȱbabyȱfromȱ
aȱburningȱhouseȱmayȱhaveȱtheȱFireȱControlȱPower.ȱ
Stunts.ȱCharactersȱshouldȱnotȱstartȱwithȱanyȱStuntsȱinȱ
Codename.ȱ Codenamesȱ couldȱ beȱ theȱ iconicȱ
ȈshorthandȈȱusedȱtoȱidentifyȱcharactersȱtoȱtheȱNexusȱ
andȱ otherȱ AmpȬwielders.ȱ Ifȱ not,ȱ playersȱ shouldȱ
realizeȱ thatȱ ifȱ theyȱ donȇtȱ pickȱ aȱ Codenameȱ forȱ theirȱ
character,ȱtheȱmediaȱ(read:ȱtheȱGM)ȱprobablyȱwill.ȱ
Amplifierȱ Appearance.ȱ Whatȱ doesȱ theȱ PCȇsȱ Ampȱ
lookȱ like?ȱ Itȱ mustȱ beȱ aȱ pieceȱ ofȱ jewelry:ȱ aȱ ring,ȱ aȱ
bracelet,ȱ aȱ necklace,ȱ anȱ earring,ȱ etc.ȱ Itȱ canȱ beȱ
unadornedȱ orȱ crazilyȱ baroque.ȱ Itȱ canȱ haveȱ aȱ bigȱ
glowingȱ gemȱ onȱ it,ȱ beȱ glitteringȱ chrome,ȱ lookȱ likeȱ
polishedȱwood.ȱWhateverȱfeelsȱright.ȱ
ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ

EXAMPLE CHARACTER: BILL FISK
Background:ȱ Billȱ Fiskȱ isȱ 45ȱ yearsȱ old,ȱ aȱ 26Ȭyearȱ truckerȱ (andȱ
Teamsterȱshopȱsteward)ȱforȱaȱlargeȱmovingȱandȱstorageȱcompany.ȱ
Heȱisȱamicablyȱdivorced;ȱhisȱexȬwifeȱlivesȱwithȱtheirȱtwoȱchildrenȱ
inȱ Sanȱ Diego.ȱ Theȱ exȱ isȱ aȱ dentalȱ hygienist,ȱ theȱ childrenȱ areȱ bothȱ
girls,ȱageȱ11ȱandȱ15.ȱȱ
talentsȱ somehow.ȱ However,ȱ thisȱ isȱ notȱ necessarilyȱ aȱ
commonȱ styleȱ ofȱ playȱ inȱ RPGs.ȱ Whileȱ someȱ gamersȱ
mayȱbeȱfamiliarȱwithȱit,ȱotherȱmayȱneverȱhaveȱseenȱ–ȱ
orȱ evenȱ conceivedȱ ofȱ –ȱ itȱ asȱ aȱ viableȱ methodȱ ofȱ
roleplaying.ȱȱ

Motivation:ȱStopȱthingsȱthatȱȈainȇtȱright.Ȉȱ Oneȱ wayȱ toȱ encourageȱ playersȱ toȱ tryȱ andȱ

conceptualizeȱ thisȱ flavorȱ ofȱ playȱ isȱ to,ȱ ironically,ȱ
Qualities:ȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ Trucker,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Dad,ȱ Goodȱ [+2]ȱ Unionȱ
Representative,ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱPlayedȱaȱLittleȱFootballȱinȱHighȱSchool,ȱ
drawȱ aȱ comparisonȱ toȱ boardȱ games.ȱ Afterȱ all,ȱ oneȱ
Poorȱ[Ȭ2]ȱBitesȱOffȱMoreȱthanȱHeȱCanȱChew.ȱ doesnȇtȱ leaveȱ theȱ littleȱ raceȬcarȱ onȱ Goȱ inȱ Monopolyȱ
Origin:ȱWhileȱdrivingȱonȱaȱlateȬnightȱrun,ȱBillȱobservedȱaȱgroupȱofȱ
untilȱ somethingȱ happensȱ toȱ it,ȱ right?ȱ No,ȱ theȱ raceȬ
sixȱmenȱattemptingȱtoȱisolateȱaȱpairȱofȱyoungȱwomenȱinȱaȱdarkenedȱ carȇsȱplayerȱpicksȱupȱtheȱdice,ȱrolls,ȱlandsȱonȱVermontȱ
truckȱ stopȱ parkingȱ lot,ȱ possiblyȱ toȱ robȱ themȱ –ȱ orȱ worse.ȱ Byȱ Avenue,ȱandȱdecidesȱwhetherȱorȱnotȱtoȱbuyȱitȱorȱkeepȱ
shoutingȱ andȱ throwingȱ rocks,ȱ Billȱ managedȱ toȱ distractȱ theȱ menȇsȱ moving.ȱ Theȱ playersȱ needȱ toȱ jumpȱ inȱ thatȱ raceȬcarȱ
attentionȱ longȱ enoughȱ forȱ theȱ womenȱ toȱ escape.ȱ Theȱ menȱ didnȇtȱ
likeȱthat.ȱGreatlyȱoutnumbered,ȱheȱwasȱalmostȱfatallyȱbludgeonedȱ
andȱhitȱtheȱgasȱtoȱreallyȱbringȱFanfare.ȱ.ȱ.ȱtoȱlife.ȱ
byȱ theȱ wouldȬbeȱ attackers.ȱ Heȱ layȱ unconsciousȱ onȱ theȱ frozenȱ Oneȱ bigȱ benefitȱ ofȱ playerȬdrivenȱ gamesȱ isȱ thatȱ theȱ
asphalt,ȱandȱhadȱaȱDreamȱofȱNexus.ȱ
gameȱcannotȱbeȱȈbrokenȈȱifȱtheȱplayersȱdoȱsomethingȱ
Powers:ȱ Expertȱ [+4]ȱ Invulnerabilityȱ (Limitation:ȱ Allȱ normalȬscaleȱ Ȉunexpected.Ȉȱ Sinceȱ theȱ GMȱ isȱ onlyȱ reactingȱ toȱ theirȱ
DamageȱRanksȱtaken–ȱnotȱjustȱtheȱextraordinaryȱsorts,ȱasȱisȱtypicalȱ
forȱInvulnerabilityȱ–ȱareȱtransformedȱintoȱFailureȱRanks)ȱandȱGoodȱ
actions,ȱ thereȇsȱ noȱ loomingȱ plotȱ toȱ worryȱ about.ȱ Itȇsȱ
[+2]ȱPacificationȱ(Limitation:ȱTouchȱrangeȱonly).ȱ ratherȱ freeing,ȱ actually.ȱ PCsȱ healȱ theȱ dyingȱ CEO?ȱ
Great.ȱPCsȱrobȱFortȱKnox?ȱGoodȱonȱya.ȱPCsȱstopȱtheȱ
HeroȱPointȱPool:ȱ5/10ȱ
terrorists?ȱ Super.ȱ PCsȱ killȱ theȱ Generalissimoȱ whoȇsȱ
Uniform:ȱ Washingtonȱ Nationalsȱ ballȱ cap,ȱ pulledȱ lowȱ overȱ eyes;ȱ
beenȱtheirȱallyȱforȱmonths?ȱFine.ȱȱ
blueȱtȬshirtȱunderȱaȱredȱplaidȱflannelȱshirt,ȱblueȱjeans,ȱworkȱboots.ȱ

Amplifierȱ Appearance:ȱ Twoȱ rings;ȱ plainȱ bandsȱ madeȱ ofȱ anȱ TheȱGMȱjustȱhasȱtoȱfigureȱoutȱwhatȱhappensȱnext.ȱ
unfamiliar,ȱgreyishȬblueȱmetal.ȱȱ
ȱ
Miscellany:ȱ6ȇ1Ȉ,ȱ280ȱlbs.;ȱbalding,ȱbrownȱhair,ȱblueȱeyes,ȱfairȱskin.ȱ
PacificationȱisȱBillȇsȱabilityȱtoȱdrainȱhostileȱandȱaggressiveȱemotionsȱ
outȱ ofȱ aȱ personȱ temporarily,ȱ leavingȱ themȱ calm,ȱ collected,ȱ andȱ
rational.ȱ Ifȱ theȱ targetȇsȱ aggressiveȱ behaviorȱ isȱ theȱ resultȱ ofȱ
psychologicalȱ stressors,ȱ thisȱ couldȱ leadȱ toȱ aȱ minorȱ breakdownȱ forȱ
theȱsubject,ȱasȱtheirȱanxietiesȱfinallyȱcatchȱupȱtoȱthemȱwithoutȱtheȱ
ȈescapeȱvalveȈȱofȱhostility.ȱȱ

Running Fanfare. . .
INTENSELY PLAYER-DRIVEN
Preferably,ȱ inȱ aȱ playerȬdrivenȱ campaign,ȱ theȱ GMȱ
doesnȇtȱ setȱ theȱ agendaȱ forȱ whatȱ happens,ȱ heȱ leavesȱ
thatȱ upȱ toȱ theȱ players.ȱ Theȱ GMȱ doesnȇtȱ act,ȱ butȱ
insteadȱreactsȱtoȱplayerȱactions.ȱTheȱplayerȱsaysȱȈwhatȱ
if?Ȉȱ andȱ theȱ GMȱ saysȱ Ȉprobablyȱ this.Ȉȱ Sure,ȱ everyȱ soȱ
oftenȱ (especiallyȱ atȱ theȱ beginning),ȱ theȱ GMȱ shouldȱ
throwȱ outȱ aȱ seedȱ orȱ aȱ conceptȱ orȱ aȱ questionȱ toȱ beȱ
answeredȱ –ȱ butȱ thenȱ stepȱ back,ȱ andȱ letȱ theȱ playersȱ
takeȱtheȱhelm.ȱ
Theȱ Fanfare.ȱ .ȱ .ȱ settingȱ worksȱ bestȱ ifȱ theȱ PCsȱ tryȱ toȱ
makeȱ changesȱ inȱ theȱ world,ȱ ifȱ theyȱ pursueȱ theirȱ ȱ
Motivationsȱandȱgoals,ȱconfrontȱtheirȱfears,ȱuseȱtheirȱ
ȱ 109
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
ȱ overlookedȱ orȱ glossed.ȱ Inȱ aȱ realisticȱ setting,ȱ aȱ
WHAT IF THE PLAYERS DON'T WANT
TO DRIVE?
If presented with too many choices ("you can do
anything!), some people do nothing. If the lure of making
big changes in the world doesn't appeal to players, the
GM can run a more traditional sort of game.
Sometimes the carrot doesn't work, and you need the
stick. A selection of sticks:
Accidents & Natural Disasters. Feel free to roll on
the Origin table in Chapter 11 for inspiration for such
things.
Media Missions. Pick up a local newspaper. See what's
going on. Pick some event or issue to make the
centerpiece of a session – maybe someone asks the
character to help in a purely mundane way. But, if the
character can do so much more to resolve the issue using
Powers, should he?
Nexus Missions. The old "Do X or stop Y, or something
horrible will happen" mode familiar from stories like
Back to the Future, The Dead Zone, Quantum Leap, or
Voyagers.
WHAT ABOUT RELUCTANT HEROES?
That's pure angst right there, ready to be mainlined. So
long as the player is having fun with the character
angsting out all over the place, and it doesn't interfere
with the enjoyment of the other players, go nuts.
ȱ EVIL AMP-WIELDERS?
WHAT CAN THE PCS DO?
Whateverȱ theyȱ want.ȱ Andȱ itȱ willȱ beȱ difficultȱ toȱ stopȱ
them,ȱbecauseȱtheyȱhaveȱsuperȬfreakingȬpowers.ȱ
Thatȱ beingȱ said,ȱ variousȱ pursuitsȱ areȱ probable,ȱ
possible,ȱorȱimprobable.ȱHereȇsȱhowȱitȱbreaksȱdown:ȱ
Activism.ȱProbable.ȱAȱsingleȱsuperhumanȱinȱtheȱrightȱ
placeȱ canȱ doȱ aȱ lotȱ forȱ aȱ chosenȱ cause.ȱ Whetherȱ itȇsȱ
environmentalismȱ orȱ freeȱ trade,ȱ firearmsȱ educationȱ
orȱ gunȱ control,ȱ cleanȱ waterȱ orȱ nuclearȱ power,ȱ
whateverȱ theȱ message,ȱ aȱ superhumanȱ canȱ makeȱ itȱ
ringȱloudly.ȱ
Crimefighting.ȱImprobable.ȱUnlessȱtheȱcharacterȱlivesȱ
inȱaȱcrimeȬriddenȱareaȱorȱhasȱaȱpersonalȱconnectionȱtoȱ
criminalȱ activity,ȱ findingȱ misdeedsȱ inȱ progressȱ isȱ aȱ
toughȱgig.ȱEvenȱifȱtheȱcharacterȱinvestsȱtheȱtimeȱandȱ
moneyȱ intoȱ gettingȱ aȱ policeȱ scannerȱ andȱ learningȱ
responseȱ codes,ȱ whoȇsȱ toȱ sayȱ theyȇllȱ beȱcloseȱ enoughȱ
toȱinfluenceȱevents?ȱAlso,ȱinȱaȱGrimȱȇnȱGrittyȱsetting,ȱ
thereȇsȱ littleȱ chanceȱ thatȱ vigilanteȱ activitiesȱ willȱ beȱ
ȱ 110
characterȱcouldȱbeȱlookingȱatȱchargesȱandȱlawsuits.ȱ
Fameȱ&ȱFortune.ȱProbable.ȱNoȱbrainer.ȱIfȱaȱverifiableȱ
superhumanȱ appeared,ȱ heȱ orȱ sheȱ wouldȱ beȱ anȱ
overnightȱ celebrity.ȱ Endorsementȱ offers,ȱ tȬshirts,ȱ
personalȱ andȱ televisionȱ appearances,ȱ theȱ inevitableȱ
bookȱandȱmovieȱdealsȱ–ȱPowersȱwouldȱequalȱinstantȱ
fame.ȱ Ofȱ course,ȱ fameȱ drawsȱ paparazziȱ likeȱ spilledȱ
sugarȱ attractsȱ ants;ȱ someȱ playersȱ mayȱ notȱ wantȱ theȱ
eyesȱofȱtheȱworldȱconstantlyȱwatchingȱthem.ȱ
Militaryȱ&ȱPoliticalȱChange.ȱPossible.ȱGivenȱtheȱrightȱ
setȱ ofȱ Powers,ȱ aȱ singleȱ superhumanȱ couldȱ carryȱ outȱ
smallȬscaleȱ militaryȱ operationsȱ fairlyȱ easily.ȱ Suchȱ aȱ
personȱ wouldȱ beȱ aȱ militaryȱ andȱ politicalȱ assetȱ ifȱ
workingȱ withȱ aȱ recognizedȱ government,ȱ orȱ aȱ
dangerousȱ terroristȱ ifȱ workingȱ aloneȱ orȱ withȱ anȱ
unrecognizedȱ leadership.ȱ Eitherȱ way,ȱ thisȱ willȱ putȱ
theȱsuperhumanȱrightȱinȱtheȱrifleȱsights.ȱ
Socialȱ Change.ȱ Possible.ȱ Drawingȱ onȱ allȱ ofȱ theȱ otherȱ
aboveȱ elements,ȱ aȱ superhumanȱ couldȱ beȱ aȱ potentȱ
agentȱofȱsocialȱorȱculturalȱchange,ȱsimplyȱbyȱvirtueȱofȱ
theirȱvisibilityȱandȱtalents.ȱȱ
ȱ
The official stance of this setting is "no, there are no evil
Amp-wielders currently": the PCs are the only
superhumans on Earth. While they can be selfish or
even outright "evil," they were chosen to receive an Amp
due to an act of heroism.
However, GMs should feel free to have "Dark Amp-
Wielders" running around, chosen due to their acts of
villainy. If so, there should be the exact same number of
these sorts as there are PCs. Dark Amp-wielders will not
be on the "Light Amp" telepathic frequency; instead,
they'll have access to a "Dark Nexus" and each other.
Amp-wielders, Light or Dark, can recognize one on the
opposite side at a Good [9] Difficulty Rank. Doubtless
Dark Amp-wielders will try to use their Powers for their
own gain and goals, and in probably a more violent or
cruel manner than the "Light Amp" PCs.
WHAT IF PCS TURN SELFISH OR "EVIL"?
This is most likely to only be an issue in the Planetary
Spirit and Mass-mind options for Nexus (see above); if a
PC becomes "unworthy," the Amp could melt away and
be given to a new wielder, or could "go Dark" instead. In
the Cosmic Subroutine option, they can do whatever
they wish with the power and Nexus will not interfere.
In the Alien Technology option, it's the whole purpose of
the test: "Does power corrupt humans?"
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
OVERT OR COVERT SUPERS?
Itȇsȱ reallyȱ upȱ toȱ theȱ PCsȱ whetherȱ theyȱ wantȱ toȱ beȱ
noisyȱorȱquietȱaboutȱtheirȱabilities.ȱDoȱtheyȱfearȱbeingȱ
dissectedȱ inȱ aȱ lab?ȱ Doȱ theyȱ needȱ toȱ beȱ celebritiesȱ toȱ
achieveȱ theirȱ mission?ȱ Willȱ havingȱ anȱ entourageȱ
makeȱitȱdifficultȱtoȱtrackȱdownȱtheȱserialȱkiller?ȱȱ
HowȱlongȱwillȱitȱtakeȱforȱsuperhumansȱtoȱbeȱȈoutedȈ?ȱ
Well,ȱ dependsȱ onȱ whoȱ theȱ superhumanȱ isȱ (publicȱ
figure/celebrityȱ vs.ȱ John/Janeȱ Doe),ȱ whatȱ sortȱ ofȱ
disguiseȱ–ȱifȱanyȱ–ȱtheȱsuperhumanȱwearsȱ(maskȱorȱnoȱ
mask),ȱ whatȱ theyȱ do,ȱ howȱ oftenȱ theyȱ doȱ it,ȱ howȱ manyȱ
peopleȱwitnessȱit,ȱwhatȱevidenceȱisȱleftȱbehind,ȱandȱwhoȱ
reportsȱ itȱ (Boondocksȱ Dailyȱ vs.ȱ Nightline).ȱ Theȱ timeȱ
couldȱrangeȱfromȱoneȱsecondȱtoȱseveralȱmonths,ȱwithȱ
sixȱ months,ȱ tops,ȱ asȱ aȱ roughȱ estimateȱ forȱ outingȱ
superhumanȱ characterȱ whoȱ takesȱ reasonableȱ
precautionsȱ inȱ theirȱ PowersȬuse.ȱ Afterȱ all,ȱ thereȱ willȱ
beȱ rewards,ȱ tipȱ lines,ȱ feelingsȱ ofȱ goodȱ citizenship,ȱ
andȱtheȱfameȱresultingȱfromȱbreakingȱtheȱstory,ȱallȱofȱ
whichȱcanȱtemptȱanyoneȱwhoȱknowsȱanythingȱ(orȱjustȱ
thinksȱtheyȱknowȱsomething)ȱaboutȱtheȱsuperhumanȱ
toȱspillȱtheirȱgutsȱonȱnationalȱtelevision.ȱ
Beingȱ overtȱ andȱ beingȱ covertȱ bothȱ haveȱ advantagesȱ
andȱdisadvantages;ȱitȇsȱupȱtoȱtheȱplayersȱtoȱargueȱandȱ
determineȱwhatȱtheyȱwantȱtoȱdo.ȱ
ȱ
AMP-WIELDERS IN TIGHTS?
Maybe, if they want. They'll probably get laughed at a
bit. A realistic world will have issues with taking folks in
spandex seriously. It will seem contrived.
However, a costume will make a superhuman more
noticeable, while also slightly obscuring their actual
identity (with masks and tights and capes and the glow
of fame). While it won't be a huge hurdle to jump, a
flashy outfit and cowl might make it more-likely that the
superhuman won't be recognized when he or she hits the
supermarket. Also, since people have been primed by
superhero comics, cartoons, and movies for more than
half a century, there's a lot of preconceptions (for good
and for ill) that a costumed superhuman can hitch their
star to.
ȱ
"Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely."
– Lord Acton
"Power corrupts. Absolute power is kind of neat."
– John Lehman
ȱ 111
WHAT DOES THE WORLD DO IN RESPONSE?
Whateverȱ theȱ PCsȱ doȱ willȱ haveȱ ramifications,ȱ
sendingȱrippleȱeffectsȱfarȱandȱwide.ȱAnyȱchangeȱthatȱ
theȱcharactersȱmakeȱinȱtheȱworldȱwillȱbeȱretainedȱandȱ
elaboratedȱon,ȱseparatingȱitȱfromȱtheȱȈrealȱworldȈȱweȱ
seeȱinȱtheȱpapersȱeveryȱday.ȱThisȱisȱaȱgoodȱthing.ȱȱ
Ifȱ aȱ PCȱ SuperȬGadgeteerȱ comesȱ upȱ withȱ aȱ battlesuit,ȱ
NPCȱ industriesȱ willȱ beȱ knockingȱ atȱ theȱ frontȱ doorȱ
lookingȱtoȱlicenseȱtheȱpatent.ȱIfȱWashington,ȱDC,ȱgetsȱ
destroyedȱinȱaȱsuperhumanȱbattle,ȱitȇsȱnotȱgonnaȱjustȱ
popȱ backȱ intoȱ existenceȱ nextȱ session;ȱ rebuildingȱ willȱ
goȱonȱforȱyears.ȱIfȱaȱPCȱcuresȱcancer,ȱthatȇllȱbeȱaȱhugeȱ
deal.ȱ Ifȱ theȱ PCsȇȱ destroyȱ aȱ factoryȱ producingȱ toxicȱ
waste,ȱpeopleȱareȱgonnaȱrememberȱthatȱforȱgoodȱandȱ
ill.ȱ Ifȱ theȱ Presidentȱ losesȱ anȱ armȱ inȱ theȱ ruckus,ȱ
withoutȱ outsideȱ help,ȱ itȱ wonȇtȱ growȱ backȱ .ȱ .ȱ .ȱ butȱ heȱ
mightȱ getȱ aȱ cyberȬarmȱ basedȱ onȱ battlesuitȱ spinȬoffȱ
technologies.ȱ
Variousȱ groupsȱ inȱ theȱ realȱ worldȱ willȱ followȱ someȱ
basicȱ responsesȱ toȱ actualȱ superhumans,ȱ likeȱ
attemptingȱ toȱ recruitȱ theȱ superhumanȱ toȱ theirȱ causeȱ
(orȱ otherwiseȱ coȬoptingȱ hisȱ orȱ herȱ endorsement);ȱ
adulation,ȱ whereȱ theȱ superhumanȱ isȱ aȱ powerfulȱ andȱ
fascinatingȱ celebrity;ȱ lionization,ȱ whereȱ theȱ
superhumanȱ isȱ praisedȱ effusivelyȱ forȱ whatȱ theyȱ doȱ
(oftenȱoutȱofȱallȱproportionȱtoȱtheirȱactions);ȱblameȱorȱ
hatred,ȱ theȱ reverseȱ ofȱ lionization,ȱ whereȱ allȱ theȱ
worldȇsȱillsȱareȱlaidȱatȱtheȱsuperhumanȇsȱfeet;ȱrejection,ȱ
whereȱ theȱ superhumanȱ isȱ treatedȱ asȱ aȱ freakȱ andȱ aȱ
monster;ȱ capture/containment,ȱ whereȱ theȱ superhumanȱ
isȱ seenȱ asȱ tooȱ dangerousȱ toȱ beȱ allowedȱ toȱ interfereȱ
withȱtheȱgroup,ȱandȱmustȱbeȱcontrolledȱinȱsomeȱway;ȱ
andȱ elimination,ȱ whereȱ theȱ superhumanȱ mustȱ beȱ
destroyed,ȱ becauseȱ itȱ cannotȱ beȱ controlled.ȱ Differentȱ
groupsȱ willȱ haveȱ differentȱ thresholdsȱ ofȱ howȱ farȱ
theyȇllȱgoȱinȱtheȱpursuitȱofȱtheseȱresponses,ȱofȱcourse.ȱ
Hereȱ followȱ someȱ specificȱ ideasȱ forȱ theȱ responsesȱ ofȱ
particularȱtypesȱofȱgroups:ȱ
ȈBlackȱOpsȈȱOrganization.ȱSeriously,ȱinȱtheȱrealȱworld,ȱitȇsȱ
doubtfulȱ thatȱ anyȱ government,ȱ intelligence,ȱ orȱ militaryȱ
groupȱ hasȱ aȱ clandestineȱ forceȱ withȱ theȱ properȱ manpower,ȱ
equipment,ȱ information,ȱ orȱ resourcesȱ toȱ recruit,ȱ coȬopt,ȱ
capture/contain,ȱorȱeliminateȱaȱsuperhuman.ȱAtȱleast,ȱnotȱatȱ
theȱpointȱwhenȱtheȱsuperhumanȱfirstȱshowsȱup.ȱ(Thatȱmayȱ
beȱ anȱ interestingȱ conceptȱ toȱ playȱ aroundȱ with:ȱ thatȱ thereȱ
wasȱ noȱ realȱ needȱ forȱ anȱ XȬFilesȬyȱ conspiracyȱ untilȱ theȱ
superhumansȱappeared.ȱ.ȱ.)ȱȱȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
TheȱCorporateȱWorld.ȱAȱrealȬliveȱsuperhumanȱisȱaȱmoneyȬ
makingȱ opportunity.ȱ Sponsorshipȱ orȱ endorsementsȱ ofȱ
productsȱwouldȱcomeȱfastȱandȱfurious,ȱasȱwellȱasȱtheȱcashȱ
toȱ beȱ madeȱ fromȱ publishingȱ orȱ producingȱ aȱ massȬmediaȱ
versionȱ ofȱ theȱ superhumanȇsȱ lifeȱ story.ȱ Researchȱ andȱ
developmentȱ intoȱ backȬengineeringȱ theȱ superhumanȇsȱ
Powersȱ wouldȱ alsoȱ beȱ anȱ areaȱ ofȱ corporateȱ interest,ȱ butȱ
probablyȱaȱsecondaryȱone,ȱuntilȱmoreȱinformationȱappears.ȱ
Theȱ Criminalȱ Underworld.ȱ Unlessȱ organizedȱ criminalsȇȱ
operationsȱ areȱ interferedȱ withȱ byȱ aȱ superhuman,ȱ theyȱ
probablyȱwonȇtȱcareȱaboutȱthem.ȱNotȱunlessȱtheyȱcanȱgainȱaȱ
superhumanȱassetȱofȱtheirȱown,ȱtoȱuseȱinȱvariousȱactivities.ȱ
Theȱ Government.ȱ Importantȱ pointȱ toȱ remember:ȱ
bureaucraciesȱ areȱ notȱ nimble.ȱ Unlessȱ theȱ superhumanȱ isȱ aȱ
publicȱdangerȱorȱaȱdirectȱthreatȱtoȱnationalȱsecurity,ȱitȱwillȱ
takeȱseveralȱmonthsȱforȱanythingȱsubstantialȱtoȱhappenȱonȱ
theȱ governmentȱ front.ȱ Sure,ȱ anȱ investigativeȱ committeeȱ
mayȱ beȱ formedȱ quickly,ȱ orȱ aȱ branchȱ ofȱ theȱ governmentȱ
taskedȱ withȱ findingȱ outȱ moreȱ aboutȱ theȱ being,ȱ collectingȱ
information,ȱanalyzingȱtheȱregulatoryȱissues,ȱandȱsuch,ȱbutȱ
itȱwillȱtakeȱsomeȱtimeȱtoȱgetȱupȱtoȱhighȱgear.ȱGovernmentȱ
officialsȱofȱvariousȱlevelsȱwill,ȱhowever,ȱnoȱdoubtȱtalkȱaȱlotȱ
aboutȱ superhumansȱ andȱ theȱ governmentȇsȱ responsesȱ toȱ
them,ȱifȱtheyȱthinkȱtheȱpublicȱcares.ȱ
InȱtheȱUnitedȱStates,ȱifȱaȱsuperhumanȱdisplaysȱanyȱcriminalȱ
activity,ȱ theȱ FBIȱ willȱ probablyȱ getȱ involved.ȱ Ifȱ theȱ
superhumanȱisnȇtȱaȱcitizen,ȱtheȱCIAȱandȱtheȱNSAȱwillȱlookȱ
intoȱthem.ȱIfȱaȱsuperhumanȱcausesȱaȱmajorȱdisaster,ȱFEMAȱ
couldȱbeȱchargedȱwithȱarrangingȱresponseȱprotocols.ȱIfȱtheȱ
superhumanȱ appearsȱ toȱ beȱ aȱ threatȱ toȱ theȱ publicȱ (safety,ȱ
security,ȱ orȱ health)ȱ orȱ theȱ workingȱ ofȱ theȱ government,ȱ theȱ
CDC,ȱ NIH,ȱ andȱ Homelandȱ Securityȱ willȱ definitelyȱ beȱ
involved.ȱ
IntelligenceȱAgencies.ȱStraightȬupȱrecruitment,ȱcapture,ȱorȱ
elimination,ȱwithȱrecruitmentȱbyȱfarȱtheȱmostȱlikelyȱchoice.ȱ
Theȱ Powersȱ thatȱ aȱ superhumanȱ operativeȱ couldȱ bringȱ toȱ
theȱ tableȱ forȱ intelligenceȱ gatheringȱ makesȱ themȱ veryȱ
appealing.ȱSeeȱalsoȱabove,ȱȈBlackȱOpsȈȱOrganizations.ȱ
KingȱMob.ȱTheȱPublicȱisȱfickleȱandȱfractured.ȱTheȱcheersȱofȱ
MondayȱcanȱeasilyȱturnȱintoȱtheȱjeersȱofȱTuesdayȱandȱthenȱ
intoȱ theȱ fearsȱ ofȱ Wednesday.ȱ Someȱ peopleȱ willȱ loveȱ theȱ
supers,ȱ othersȱ willȱ hateȱ andȱ fearȱ them,ȱ manyȱ wonȇtȱ care,ȱ
mostȱ willȱ beȱ somewhereȱ inȱ betweenȱ theseȱ extremes,ȱ andȱ
mayȱshiftȱopinionsȱinȱaȱheartbeat.ȱ
Lawȱ Enforcement.ȱ Ifȱ aȱ superhumanȱ commitsȱ aȱ crime,ȱ theȱ
policeȱ willȱ beȱ lookingȱ forȱ himȱ orȱ her;ȱ pleaseȱ noteȱ thatȱ
vigilantismȱisȱaȱcrime.ȱGettingȱdeputizedȱisȱhighlyȱunlikelyȱ
outsideȱofȱtheȱsmallestȱcommunities.ȱ
Theȱ Media.ȱ Theȱ mainstreamȱ mediaȱ willȱ probablyȱ ignoreȱ
anyȱreportsȱofȱsuperhumansȱuntilȱtheyȱhaveȱtapedȱevidenceȱ
ȱ
ȱ 112
thatȱ looksȱ damnedȱ convincing,ȱ orȱ severalȱ reputableȱ
eyewitnessȱ accounts.ȱ Then,ȱ aȱ mediaȱ circusȱ willȱ start:ȱ
normalȱ programmingȱ preȬempted,ȱ soȬcalledȱ expertsȱ calledȱ
in,ȱ rootingȱ outȱ ofȱ witnesses,ȱ tipȱ hotlines,ȱ rewardsȱ forȱ
informationȱ orȱ homeȬmovieȱ videotapes,ȱ theȱ works.ȱ
Differentȱmediaȱcompaniesȱwillȱgoȱtoȱwarȱforȱtheȱrightȱtoȱbeȱ
theȱ firstȱ toȱ interviewȱ theȱ superhuman.ȱ Smallerȱ publishers,ȱ
freelanceȱ journalists,ȱ andȱ bloggersȱ willȱ reportȱ allȱ theyȱcan,ȱ
andȱ more.ȱ Tabloidȱ journalsȱ willȱ haveȱ aȱ fieldȱ day,ȱ oftenȱ
makingȱstuffȱupȱjustȱforȱkicks.ȱ
Theȱ Military.ȱ Militaryȱ forcesȱ willȱ assessȱ theȱ combatȱ
potentialsȱ ofȱ anyȱ superhuman,ȱ andȱ willȱ liaiseȱ withȱ theȱ
governmentȱ inȱ termsȱ ofȱ nationalȱ security.ȱ Theyȱ mayȱ
attemptȱ recruitmentȱ orȱ coȬoptingȱ ofȱ superhumansȱ forȱ
armedȱ forcesȱ purposes.ȱ Otherwise,ȱ theyȇllȱ simplyȱ startȱ
havingȱ someoneȱ inȱ theȱ structureȱ startȱ planningȱ waysȱ toȱ
takeȱoutȱsuperhumanȱthreats.ȱ
Religiousȱ Leaders.ȱ Mostȱ leadersȱ ofȱ largeȱ establishedȱ
religionsȱwillȱprobablyȱcallȱforȱprayerȱandȱreflectionȱwhenȱaȱ
reputableȱ superhumanȱ appears.ȱ Itȱ mayȱ beȱ partȱ ofȱ theȱ
DivineȱPlan,ȱafterȱallȱ–ȱtooȱsoonȱtoȱsay.ȱȱ
Expectȱ aȱ fiveȱ toȱ tenȱ yearȱ delayȱ inȱ anyȱ commentȱ fromȱ theȱ
Vatican.ȱ Extremelyȱ popularȱ orȱ noisyȱ religiousȱ leadersȱ –ȱ
especiallyȱ Americanȱ televangelistsȱ –ȱ willȱ probablyȱ claimȱ
thatȱ theȱ superhumansȱ areȱ angelicallyȬȱ orȱ demonicallyȬ
giftedȱ(dependingȱuponȱtheȱactionsȱofȱtheȱsuperhumanȱandȱ
theȱ particularȱ bentȱ ofȱ theȱ leader),ȱ andȱ useȱ themȱ asȱ
promises,ȱthreats,ȱorȱobjectȱlessonsȱinȱtheirȱsermons.ȱȱ
Theȱ Scientificȱ Establishment.ȱ Theȱ firstȱ responseȱ isȱ
skepticismȱ borderingȱ onȱ denial.ȱ Asȱ evidenceȱ mounts,ȱ
tentativeȱ interestȱ inȱ actualȱ researchȱ andȱ studyȱ willȱ begin,ȱ
butȱ theȱ moreȱ stridentȱ endȱ ofȱ theȱ skepticalȱ spectrumȱ willȱ
heightenȱ inȱ pitchȱ toȱ blatantȱ repudiation.ȱ Ifȱ severalȱ solidȱ
scientificȱstudiesȱareȱdone,ȱwithȱ–ȱandȱthisȱisȱkeyȱ–ȱreplicableȱ
superȬeffectsȱ inȱ otherȱ laboratoriesȱ –ȱ theȱ floodgatesȱ willȱ
openȱ forȱ exploringȱ superhumanity.ȱ Withoutȱ replicableȱ
experimentsȱ (i.e.,ȱ theȱ particularȱ superhumanȱ hasȱ toȱ beȱ
involvedȱinȱtheȱresearch,ȱorȱtheȱtestsȱdonȇtȱwork),ȱthereȱwillȱ
alwaysȱ beȱ aȱ nuggetȱ ofȱ scientistsȱ whoȱ doȱ notȱ acceptȱ theȱ
existenceȱ ofȱ superhumans.ȱ However,ȱ scienceȱ willȱ pursueȱ
theȱ source,ȱ limits,ȱ andȱ effectsȱ ofȱ superpowersȱ untilȱ theyȱ
discoverȱallȱthatȱtheyȱcan.ȱThenȱtheyȇllȱdevelopȱideasȱoffȱofȱ
whatȱtheyȇveȱlearned,ȱandȱgoȱbackȱandȱdoȱitȱagain.ȱ
ȱ
The goal of life is not to possess power but to radiate it.
– Henry Miller
ȱ

Chapter 10: Bibliography
ȱ
Inȱ additionȱ toȱ theȱ obviousȱ influenceȱ ofȱ theȱ Atomicȱ Sockȱ Monkeyȱ
PressȱgamesȱofȱDeadȱInsideȱandȱMonkey,ȱNinja,ȱPirate,ȱRobot:ȱtheȱ
RPG,ȱ T&Jȱ hasȱ beenȱ influencedȱ byȱ aȱ numberȱ ofȱ worksȱ inȱ variousȱ
media.ȱ Hereȱ followȱ noteworthyȱ sourcesȱ forȱ superheroȱ andȱ
superpoweredȱ entertainmentȱ thatȱ contributedȱ toȱ thisȱ game.ȱ Theȱ
differentȱiconsȱindicateȱtheȱmediaȱtheȱsourceȱappearsȱin:ȱȱ
Šȱ Booksȱ ‰ȱ Gamesȱ
ȱ Comicsȱ ™ȱ Moviesȱ&ȱTVȱ
™ȱTheȱ4400ȱ(2004).ȱ(USAȱNetwork)ȱAnȱinterestingȱtelevisionȱseriesȱ
aboutȱ averageȱ peopleȱ abductedȱ byȱ aliensȱ andȱ returnedȱ withȱ
mysteriousȱ powers.ȱ Couldȱ beȱ usefulȱ forȱ T&Jȱ campaignsȱ inȱ theȱ
Fanfare.ȱ.ȱ.ȱsettingȱfoundȱinȱChapterȱ9.ȱ
‰ȱAdventure!,ȱbyȱAndrewȱBates,ȱBruceȱBaugh,ȱetȱal.ȱ(WhiteȱWolf)ȱ
RPGȱfocusingȱonȱtheȱheroȱpulpȱera;ȱplentyȱofȱgoodȱstuff,ȱincludingȱ
theȱgreatȱDramaticȱEditingȱrules.ȱIfȱyouȱlikeȱStorytellerȱgames,ȱDocȱ
Savage,ȱ andȱ theȱ Shadow,ȱ youȇllȱ digȱ this;ȱ ifȱ youȇreȱ notȱ aȱ fanȱ ofȱ
WhiteȱWolfȇsȱsystem,ȱnotȱsoȱmuch.ȱ
ȱ Animalȱ Manȱ [Grantȱ Morrisonȱ run].ȱ (DCȱ Comics)ȱ Morrisonȱ
takesȱaȱthirdȬstringerȱandȱbringsȱhimȱalive,ȱstoppingȱmeanwhileȱtoȱ
discussȱ theȱ formȱ andȱ functionȱ ofȱ comicsȱ Ȉinȱ theȱ guttersȈȱ (asȱ itȱ
were).ȱ Superheroȱ asȱ familyȱ man;ȱ superheroȱ asȱ adventurer;ȱ
superheroȱ gettingȱ screwedȱ andȱ doingȱ theȱ bestȱ heȱ can.ȱ Highlyȱ
recommended.ȱ
ȱTheȱAuthorityȱ[WarrenȱEllisȱrun].ȱ(DC/Wildstorm)ȱWarrenȱEllisȱ
doesȱwidescreenȱfightȱcomics.ȱStylish,ȱinteresting,ȱbrutal.ȱ.ȱ.ȱbutȱtheȱ
seriesȱseemsȱtoȱraiseȱaȱlotȱofȱpointsȱthenȱignoreȱthem.ȱȱ
™ȱ Batmanȱ (1989),ȱ andȱ sequels.ȱ (Warnerȱ Bros.)ȱ Whileȱ Iȇmȱ aȱ hugeȱ
fanȱofȱtheȱBatmanȱcharacter,ȱandȱIȱlikeȱbigȱchunksȱofȱtheȱmoviesȱ(Iȱ
likeȱ Michaelȱ Keatonȇsȱ Bruceȱ Wayne,ȱ hisȱ Batmanȱ lessȬso;ȱ likedȱ Valȱ
Kilmerȇsȱmixȱofȱidentities;ȱtheȱȈNeonȱGangȈȱfightȱinȱBatmanȱForeverȱ
isȱ aboutȱ theȱ onlyȱ watchableȱ partȱ ofȱ thatȱ flick;ȱ someȱ ofȱ Clooneyȇsȱ
BruceȱWayneȱandȱSchwarzeneggerȇsȱMr.ȱFreezeȱareȱneat),ȱtheseȱareȱ
unfortunatelyȱ balancedȱ byȱ lotsȱ ofȱ dumbȱ (preciousȱ littleȱ detectiveȱ
workȱinȱtheȱfirstȱmovie;ȱtheȱPenguinȱasȱaȱmutant;ȱBatsuitȱnipples;ȱ
Carreyȇsȱ Riddlerȱ andȱ Jonesȇȱ pointlessȱ TwoȬFace;ȱ Thurmanȇsȱ
craptasticȱ Poisonȱ Ivyȱ andȱ Silverstoneȇsȱ ȈwhateverȈȱ Batgirl;ȱ etc.).ȱ
Watchȱtheȱfilmsȱforȱtheȱlookȱandȱtheȱstyle:ȱeverybodyȱelseȱdid.ȱ
™ȱ Batman:ȱ theȱ Animatedȱ Series.ȱ (Warnerȱ Bros.)ȱ Theȱ Darkȱ Decoȱ
remixingȱ ofȱ oneȱ ofȱ theȱ mostȱ recognizedȱ charactersȱ worldȬwide.ȱ
Doesȱeverythingȱright.ȱHighlyȱrecommended.ȱ
™ȱ Batmanȱ Beginsȱ (2005).ȱ Awesome.ȱ Justȱ freakingȱ awesome.ȱ
Essentially,ȱ Millerȇsȱ Batman:ȱ Yearȱ Oneȱ getsȱ theȱ sameȱ treatmentȱ atȱ
Christopherȱ Nolanȇsȱ handsȱ thatȱ Theȱ Lordȱ ofȱ theȱ Ringsȱ gotȱ atȱ Peterȱ
Jacksonȇs.ȱ Theȱ bestȱ damnȱ Batmanȱ originȱ storyȱ ever,ȱ andȱ aȱ
contenderȱforȱtheȱbestȱsuperheroȱmovieȱever.ȱHighlyȱrecommended.ȱ
™ȱ Batmanȱ Beyond.ȱ (Warnerȱ Bros.)ȱ Now,ȱ asȱ aȱ Batfanȱ fromȱ wayȱ
back,ȱwhenȱIȱfirstȱheardȱofȱ thisȱseries,ȱIȱthoughtȱitȇdȱbeȱtotalȱcrap.ȱ
SomebodyȱotherȱthanȱBruceȱWayneȱasȱBatman?ȱPuhȬleeze.ȱThisȱisȱ
113ȱ
ȱ
oneȱ ofȱ theȱ timesȱ Iȇveȱ beenȱ wrong.ȱ Batmanȱ Beyondȱ isȱ aȱ wonderful,ȱ
semiȬfuturisticȱtakeȱonȱBatman,ȱdrawingȱdeeplyȱonȱtheȱmythosȱandȱ
existingȱcharacters,ȱandȱgreatȱfun.ȱBitsȱofȱitȱcertainlyȱinfluencedȱtheȱ
SuperCorpsȱsettingȱinȱChapterȱ8.ȱEspeciallyȱcheckȱoutȱtheȱmovieȱTheȱ
Returnȱ ofȱ theȱ Jokerȱ –ȱ itȇsȱ sharpȱ andȱ frighteningȱ andȱ ohȱ soȱ stylish.ȱ
Highlyȱrecommended.ȱ
™ȱBatman:ȱtheȱMovieȱ(1966).ȱTheȱbigȬscreenȱversionȱofȱTVȇsȱwackyȱ
showȱ starringȱ Adamȱ West,ȱ Burtȱ Ward,ȱ Cesarȱ Romero,ȱ Burgessȱ
Meredith,ȱ Frankȱ Gorshin,ȱ andȱ Leeȱ Meriwether.ȱ Silly,ȱ butȱ superȬ
fun.ȱAȱpersonalȱfavorite.ȱRecommended.ȱ
™ȱ Theȱ Batman/Supermanȱ Movieȱ [ȈWorldȇsȱ FinestȈ].ȱ (Warnerȱ
Bros.)ȱ Yetȱ anotherȱ Animatedȱ styleȱ movie,ȱ thisȱ oneȱ dealsȱ withȱ aȱ
teamȬupȱbetweenȱtheȱDarkȱKnightȱandȱtheȱManȱofȱTomorrow.ȱTheȱ
firstȱ confrontationȱ betweenȱ Batmanȱ andȱ Supermanȱ isȱ aȱ greatȱ
exampleȱ ofȱ howȱ supernormalsȱ canȱ interactȱ withȱ superhumansȱ inȱ
conflict.ȱAndȱitȇsȱdamnȱfunȱtoȱwatch.ȱHighlyȱrecommended.ȱ
‰ȱCapes,ȱbyȱAnthonyȱLowerȬBasch.ȱReadȱduringȱtheȱfinalȱdaysȱofȱ
theȱT&Jȱedit,ȱthisȱgameȱhasȱplentyȱofȱgreatȱideas,ȱgreatȱgraphicsȱforȱ
illustratingȱ rules,ȱ anȱ intriguingȱ tradeȬoffȱ conceptȱ forȱ superheroesȇȱ
powerȱ usage,ȱ andȱ theȱ stokeȬofȬgeniusȱ Clickȱ andȱ Lockȱ systemȱ forȱ
characterȱ generation.ȱ However,ȱ theȱ gameȇsȱ GMȬlessȱ andȱ Ȉnoȱ setȱ
characterȈȱplaystyleȱmayȱnotȱappealȱtoȱsomeȱgamers.ȱȱ
‰ȱ Castleȱ Falkenstein:ȱ Highȱ Adventureȱ inȱ theȱ Steamȱ Age,ȱ byȱ
Michaelȱ Pondsmith.ȱ (R.ȱ Talsorianȱ Games)ȱ Aȱ hugeȱ systemȬ
influenceȱ onȱ PDQ,ȱ andȱ aȱ damnȱ fineȱ gameȱ ofȱ fantasyȱ steampunkȱ
Victorian/Edwardianȱadventureȱtoȱboot.ȱ
‰ȱ Theȱ Codeȱ andȱ theȱ Codeȱ 2,ȱ byȱ Jaredȱ Sorensen.ȱ Seeȱ <ȱ
http://mementoȬmori.com/games/code/ȱ >ȱ andȱ <ȱ http://mementoȬ
mori.com/games/code/code2.htmlȱ>ȱJaredȇsȱfreeȱtakesȱonȱsuperheroȱ
gaming.ȱ Ifȱ T&Jȱ isnȇtȱ yourȱ bag,ȱ youȱ mayȱ wantȱ toȱ checkȱ outȱ theseȱ
games.ȱ
Šȱ Comicȱ Bookȱ Nation:ȱ Theȱ Transformationȱ ofȱ Youthȱ Cultureȱ inȱ
America,ȱbyȱBradfordȱW.ȱWright.ȱAnȱexcellentȱculturalȱstudyȱandȱ
historyȱ ofȱ comicȱ books,ȱ fromȱ 1939ȱ toȱ theȱ earlyȱ 1990s,ȱ withȱ aȱ briefȱ
chapterȱ discussingȱ superheroesȱ postȱ 9Ȭ11.ȱ Plentyȱ ofȱ goodȱ basicȱ
informationȱonȱtheȱupsȱandȱdownsȱofȱtheȱcomicȱbook,ȱincludingȱaȱ
substantialȱ amountȱ onȱ howȱ theyȱ connectȱ toȱ Americanȱ culturalȱ
movements.ȱ
ȱTheȱDarkȱKnightȱReturns.ȱ(DCȱComics)ȱFrankȱMillerȱgivesȱusȱanȱ
agingȱ Batmanȱ inȱ aȱ worldȱ thatȇsȱ darkenedȱ sinceȱ hisȱ gloryȱ days.ȱ
Wonderfulȱ characterizationsȱ throughout.ȱ Alongȱ withȱ Watchmen,ȱ
sparkedȱaȱregrettableȱȈgrimȱandȱgrittyȈȱmovementȱthatȱfocusedȱonȱ
theȱflashȱmoreȱthanȱtheȱgutsȱofȱtheȱstory.ȱAndȱifȱyouȱwantȱtoȱseeȱaȱ
noirȬesque,ȱ streetȬlevelȱ Maskedȱ Manhunter,ȱ youȱ canȇtȱ goȱ wrongȱ
withȱBatman:ȱYearȱOne.ȱHighlyȱrecommended.ȱ
‰ȱ darkpages,ȱ byȱ Jaredȱ Sorensen.ȱ Thisȱ gameȱ wasȱ inȱ developmentȱ
atȱtheȱsameȱtimeȱthatȱT&Jȱwas,ȱappearingȱwithȱitȱinȱtheȱSpringȱ2005ȱ
issueȱ ofȱ Daedalusȱ <ȱ http://www.chimera.info/daedalus/articles/spring2005/truthandjustice.html >.ȱ
Iȱhadȱtheȱhonorȱofȱreadingȱearlyȱdraftsȱofȱtheȱmanuscript,ȱandȱIȇmȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
sureȱthatȱbitsȱofȱitȱinfluencedȱhowȱIȱdealtȱwithȱsomeȱissuesȱinȱthisȱ
game.ȱ
ȱ Dr.ȱ Blink,ȱ Superheroȱ Shrink,ȱ byȱ Johnȱ Kovalicȱ andȱ Christopherȱ
Jones.ȱ (Dorkȱ Stormȱ Press)ȱ Humorousȱ comicȱ aboutȱ aȱ psychologistȱ
whoȱ specializesȱ inȱ supraȬhumanȱ psychoses.ȱ Fun!ȱ Wonderfullyȱ
drawn,ȱtoo!ȱ
ȱDoomȱPatrolȱ[GrantȱMorrisonȱrun].ȱ(DCȱComics;ȱVertigo)ȱTheȱ
reȬenvisioningȱtheȱWorldȇsȱStrangestȱHeroesȱbyȱaȱskilledȱmadman.ȱ
MorrisonȇsȱDPȱtakesȱonȱtheȱfoesȱthatȱtheȱusualȱsuperheroesȱhaveȱnoȱ
clueȱ howȱ toȱ dealȱ with;ȱ jamȬpackedȱ fullȱ ofȱ Borgesianȱ andȱ
BurroughsȬesqeȱ weirdness,ȱ alchemy,ȱ conspiracies,ȱ nuttyȱ bugȬ
people,ȱandȱtransvestiteȱstreets.ȱ Pickȱupȱtheȱfirstȱtradeȱpaperback,ȱ
Crawlingȱ fromȱ theȱ Wreckage,ȱ soȱ theyȇllȱ collectȱ theȱ restȱ ofȱ theȱ run.ȱ
Highlyȱrecommended.ȱ
ȱ Elementalsȱ [Willinghamȱ run].ȱ (Comico)ȱ Howȱ doȱ youȱ getȱ
superpowers?ȱ Die,ȱ preferablyȱ inȱ aȱ reallyȱ oddȱ way.ȱ Willinghamȇsȱ
magicȬthemedȱ superheroȱ seriesȱ wasȱ muchȱ fun,ȱ wellȬwritten,ȱ
bloody,ȱ andȱ odd.ȱ Theȱ firstȱ teamȱ theȱ Elementalsȱ takeȱ onȱ –ȱ theȱ
Destroyersȱ–ȱheadlinedȱinȱtheȱoldȱV&Vȱadventure,ȱDeathȱDuelȱwithȱ
theȱ Destroyers,ȱ too.ȱ Plus,ȱ aȱ vampireȱ namedȱ Captainȱ Cadaverȱ andȱ
oneȱ ofȱ theȱ coolestȱ originsȱ forȱ theȱ mainȱ supervillainȱ ever.ȱ Highlyȱ
recommended.ȱ
‰ȱ FATE:ȱ Fantasticȱ Adventuresȱ inȱ Tabletopȱ Entertainment,ȱ byȱ
Fredȱ Hicksȱ andȱ Robȱ Donoghue.ȱ (Evilȱ Hatȱ Productions)ȱ
Wonderful,ȱ free,ȱ FUDGEȬbasedȱ systemȱ fromȱ aȱ pairȱ ofȱ greatȱ guys.ȱ
Whileȱdevelopedȱindependentlyȱfromȱ(andȱinȱparallelȱto)ȱtheȱPDQȱ
System,ȱIȱdidȱreadȱFATEȱduringȱtheȱdevelopmentȱofȱT&J.ȱIȇmȱsureȱ
thatȱthereȱwasȱsomeȱcrossȬpollination,ȱmostȱprobablyȱaroundȱHeroȱ
Pointȱaspects.ȱ
Šȱ Firestarter,ȱ byȱ Stephenȱ King.ȱ Charlieȱ McGeeȱ –ȱ andȱ herȱ dadȱ –ȱ
haveȱ superpowers.ȱ Hereȇsȱ aȱ horrorȬthemedȱ workȱ ofȱ psychicȱ
talents;ȱfolksȱinterestedȱinȱmoreȱȈrealisticȈȱsupersȱinȱtheȱrealȱworldȱ
mightȱwantȱtoȱcheckȱitȱout.ȱ
Šȱ Gladiator,ȱ byȱ Philipȱ Wylie.ȱ Oneȱ ofȱ theȱ inspirationsȱ forȱ
Superman,ȱ Wylieȇsȱ Hugoȱ Dannerȱ isȱ superȬstrongȱ andȱ superȬ
tough...ȱ andȱ findsȱ outȱ whatȱ thatȱ meansȱ inȱ dealingȱ withȱ otherȱ
people.ȱFascinating.ȱ
ȱ Globalȱ Frequency.ȱ (DC/Wildstorm)ȱ Aȱ semiȬrealisticȱ takeȱ onȱ anȱ
organizationȱ peopledȱ entirelyȱ byȱ supernormalsȱ (inȱ oneȱ wayȱ orȱ
another).ȱIȱmean,ȱyouȱcanȱlookȱatȱitȱthatȱway.ȱPartȱspyȬstory,ȱpartȬ
rescueȱ story,ȱ highlyȱ episodic,ȱ twelveȱ issueȱ miniseriesȱ –ȱ GFȱ canȱ beȱ
hitȱorȱmiss,ȱbutȱtheȱhitsȱareȱworthȱit.ȱ
ȱ Greenȱ Lantern/Greenȱ Arrow.ȱ (DCȱ Comics)ȱ Heȇsȱ aȱ spaceȱ
policemanȱwithȱtheȱmostȱpowerfulȱweaponȱinȱtheȱuniverse,ȱandȱhisȱ
buddyȱisȱaȱguyȱwhoȱshootsȱpointyȱsticksȱatȱpeople:ȱtheyȱfightȱcrimeȱ
(andȱ racism,ȱ andȱ ethicalȱ questions,ȱ andȱ drugȱ addiction).ȱ Seminalȱ
workȱ inȱ theȱ lateȱ Silverȱ Ageȱ ofȱ comics.ȱ Beingȱ collectedȱ now;ȱ wellȱ
worthȱtheȱprice.ȱHighlyȱrecommended.ȱȱ
‰ȱHeartsȱandȱSouls,ȱbyȱTimȱKirk.ȱThisȱgameȱwasȱinȱdevelopmentȱ
atȱtheȱsameȱtimeȱthatȱthisȱoneȱwas,ȱandȱhasȱsomeȱinterestingȱthingsȱ
toȱ sayȱ aboutȱ heroicȱ motivation;ȱ readingȱ theȱ manuscriptȱ probablyȱ
influencedȱT&JȇsȱMotivationȱmechanics.ȱ
Šȱ Howȱ toȱ Readȱ Superheroȱ Comicsȱ andȱ Why,ȱ byȱ Geoffȱ Klock.ȱ
Fantasticȱ workȱ ofȱ literaryȱ criticism,ȱ informedȱ byȱ Haroldȱ Bloomȇsȱ
Theȱ Anxietyȱ ofȱ Influence,ȱ focusingȱ onȱ theȱ superheroȱ worksȱ ofȱ Ellis,ȱ
Miller,ȱ Moore,ȱ andȱ Morrison.ȱ Ifȱ theȱ briefȱ discussionȱ ofȱ Northropȱ
Fryeȱ inȱ Chapterȱ 1ȱ interestedȱ you,ȱ thisȱ bookȱ isȱ recommended;ȱ ifȱ itȱ
boredȱyou,ȱyouȱcanȱskipȱthisȱbook.ȱ
ȱ 114
™ȱ Theȱ Incredibles.ȱ (Disney/Pixar)ȱ Simply,ȱ theȱ bestȱ superheroȱ
movieȱyetȱmade.ȱHighlyȱrecommended.ȱ
ȱ Invincible,ȱ byȱ Robertȱ Kirkman.ȱ (Image)ȱ Yourȱ averageȱ allȬ
Americanȱteenagerȱdevelopsȱsuperpowers;ȱitȱmakesȱsense,ȱbecauseȱ
heȇsȱ theȱ sonȱ ofȱ theȱ mostȱ powerfulȱ superhumanȱ onȱ theȱ planet.ȱ
Highlyȱrecommended.ȱ
Šȱ Jumper,ȱ byȱ Stevenȱ Gould.ȱ Wonderfulȱ scienceȱ fictionȱ novelȱ
aboutȱaȱteenagerȱwhoȱdiscoversȱheȱcanȱteleport.ȱUsefulȱforȱFanfare.ȱ
.ȱ.ȱsettings,ȱespecially.ȱ
ȱTheȱJusticeȱLeagueȱofȱAmericaȱ[akaȱJLA;ȱGrantȱMorrisonȱrun].ȱ
(DCȱ Comics)ȱ Justȱ goȱ andȱ buyȱ theȱ firstȱ fourȱ orȱ soȱ volumesȱ ofȱ theȱ
tradeȱpaperbacks.ȱMorrisonȱgotȱtheȱJLAȱinȱaȱwayȱnobodyȱelseȱeverȱ
did.ȱHighlyȱrecommended.ȱ
™ȱ Justiceȱ Leagueȱ (beginningȱ inȱ 2001)ȱ cartoons.ȱ (Warnerȱ Bros.)ȱ
Animatedȱstyleȱcartoonsȱaboutȱtheȱsuperstarȱsuperheroȱteamȱofȱtheȱ
DCȱ Universe.ȱ Toȱ myȱ everlastingȱ shame,ȱ Iȱ haveȱ yetȱ toȱ seeȱ anyȱ
JusticeȱLeagueȱUnlimited,ȱtheȱadventuresȱofȱtheȱexpandedȱversionȱofȱ
theȱteam.ȱRecommended.ȱ
ȱKurtȱBusiekȇsȱAstroȱCity.ȱ(DC/Wildstorm/Homage)ȱWhereȱlotsȱ
ofȱ booksȱ claimȱ toȱ doȱ Ȉsuperpeopleȱ inȱ theȱ realȱ world,Ȉȱ Astroȱ Cityȱ
dealsȱ withȱ Ȉrealȱ peopleȱ inȱ aȱ superworld.Ȉȱ Thatȇsȱ simplyȱ theȱ bestȱ
wayȱ toȱ summarizeȱ thisȱ series.ȱ Touching,ȱ heartwarming/heartȱ
wrenchingȱ stories,ȱ inȱ aȱ worldȱ fullȱ ofȱ brightlyȬcoloredȱ costumes,ȱ
aliens,ȱrobots,ȱandȱextradimensionalȱbeings.ȱHighlyȱrecommended.ȱ
ȱ Mage:ȱ theȱ Heroȱ Discoveredȱ andȱ Mage:ȱ theȱ Heroȱ Defined.ȱ
(Comicoȱ andȱ Image)ȱ So,ȱ whileȱ theȱ firstȱ seriesȱ dealsȱ moreȱ withȱ
legends,ȱtheȱsecondȱseriesȱstartsȱplayingȱaroundȱmoreȱwithȱmythsȱ
–ȱandȱincludesȱtheȱmodernȱmythȱofȱsuperheroes.ȱCheckȱoutȱtheȱTȬ
shirtȱ symbolsȱ wornȱ byȱ theȱ heroes,ȱ andȱ compareȱ themȱ toȱ comicȱ
bookȱicons.ȱMatchstickȱasȱCaptainȱMarvelȱ–ȱveryȱapt:ȱheȱisȱnotȱtheȱ
power,ȱtheȱpowerȱworksȱthroughȱhim.ȱKirbyȇsȱNemeanȱlionȱhead.ȱ
Joeȇsȱflashȱofȱlightning.ȱBrilliant.ȱHighlyȱrecommended.ȱ
‰ȱ Marvelȱ Superȱ Heroesȱ Advancedȱ Set,ȱ byȱ Jeffȱ Grubb,ȱ Steveȱ
Winter,ȱ etȱ al.ȱ (TSR)ȱ PoundȬforȬpound,ȱ theȱ bestȱ superheroȱ RPGȱ
ever.ȱ Theȱ synergyȱ ofȱ system,ȱ setting,ȱ writing,ȱ art,ȱ andȱ killerȱ IPȱ
makeȱ thisȱ anȱ unbeatableȱ combo.ȱ Myȱ onlyȱ complaintȱ isȱ thatȱ Iȇmȱ
moreȱofȱaȱDCȱfan,ȱandȱtheȱDCȬbasedȱRPGsȱneverȱdidȱmuchȱforȱme.ȱ
.ȱ.ȱStill,ȱitȱwasȱdeadȱsimpleȱtoȱstatȱupȱ myȱ favoriteȱcharactersȱfromȱ
theȱ competitionȱ inȱ thisȱ easyȱ toȱ learnȱ andȱ useȱ system.ȱ Hugeȱ
influenceȱonȱT&Jȱ–ȱUniversalȱChart,ȱColumnȱShifts,ȱKarmaȱPoints:ȱ
allȱ goodȱ stuff.ȱ (Theȱ Marvelȱ Superȱ Heroesȱ Adventureȱ Game,ȱ usingȱ
cardȬbasedȱ rulesȱ derivedȱ fromȱ Wizardsȱ ofȱ theȱ Coastȇsȱ SAGAȱ
system,ȱisȱalsoȱworthȱcheckingȱout.)ȱHighlyȱrecommended.ȱ
™ȱ Theȱ Matrixȱ (andȱ sequels).ȱ (Warnerȱ Bros.)ȱ Ifȱ youȱ donȇtȱ thinkȱ
theseȱ areȱ superheroȱ movies,ȱ youȱ reallyȱ needȱ toȱ watchȱ atȱ leastȱ theȱ
firstȱoneȱagain.ȱIȱpersonallyȱenjoyȱtheȱsecondȱone,ȱbutȱnotȱtheȱthird;ȱ
andȱthisȱfactȱmayȱcolorȱtheȱrestȱofȱtheȱcommentsȱinȱthisȱsectionȱforȱ
someȱreaders.ȱCaveatȱlector!ȱȱ
ȱMiraclemanȱ(akaȱMarvelman),ȱbyȱAlanȱMoore.ȱ(Eclipse)ȱMooreȱ
achievedȱwhatȱEllisȱtriedȱtoȱdoȱwithȱTheȱAuthority:ȱaȱsmallȱgroupȱofȱ
superhumansȱ changeȱ theȱ world.ȱ Fascinatingȱ storytelling,ȱ wellȱ
worthȱtrackingȱdown.ȱWithȱluck,ȱthisȱwillȱbeȱreprintedȱsoonȱinȱtheȱ
wakeȱofȱconvolutedȱlegalȱissuesȱaroundȱtheȱIP.ȱ
‰ȱNobilis,ȱbyȱR.ȱSeanȱBorgstrom.ȱ(HogsheadȱGames/Guardiansȱofȱ
Order)ȱ Beautiful,ȱ intriguing,ȱ andȱ aȱ bitȱ tooȱ opaqueȱ andȱ baroque,ȱ
Nobilisȱ isȱ aȱ fascinatingȱ read.ȱ Theȱ physicalȱ bookȱ itselfȱ isȱ aȱ pieceȱ ofȱ
art.ȱ Someȱ ofȱ theȱ diceless,ȱ resourceȬmanagementȱ elementsȱ ofȱ thisȱ
gameȱ influencedȱ howȱ Iȱ constructedȱ PDQ,ȱ andȱ itȱ inarguablyȱ dealsȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ
withȱ theȱ issuesȱ andȱ challengesȱ ofȱ superpowered,ȱ mythicȱ
characters.ȱȱ
ȱ Nobleȱ Causes,ȱ byȱ Jayȱ Faerber.ȱ (Image)ȱ Superheroȱ soapȱ opera.ȱ
Hasȱitsȱupsȱandȱdownsȱinȱquality,ȱbutȱwellȱworthȱtheȱride.ȱ
‰ȱ Overȱ theȱ Edge:ȱ Theȱ RoleȬPlayingȱ Gameȱ ofȱ Surrealȱ Danger,ȱ byȱ
Jonathanȱ Tweetȱ withȱ Robinȱ D.ȱ Laws.ȱ (Atlasȱ Games)ȱ RulesȬlightȱ
systemȱ (anotherȱ PDQȱ influence),ȱ wackyȱ setting.ȱ Greatȱ readingȱ byȱ
itself,ȱandȱaȱpowerfullyȬpackedȱideaȱmine.ȱ
ȱ Planetary,ȱ byȱ Warrenȱ Ellis.ȱ (DC/Wildstorm)ȱ NeoȬpulpȱ
ȈArcheologistsȱ ofȱ theȱ UnknownȈȱ dedicatedȱ toȱ diggingȱ upȱ theȱ
buriedȱsuperheroicȱhistoryȱofȱtheirȱworld.ȱProbablyȱEllisȇȱbestȱworkȱ
ever,ȱhandsȱdown.ȱAsȱofȱthisȱwriting,ȱtheȱseriesȱwillȱsupposedlyȱbeȱ
wrappingȱ upȱ soon,ȱ andȱ myȱ suspicionȱ isȱ thatȱ itȱ willȱ rockȱ prettyȱ
damnȱhard,ȱbecauseȱ theȱrestȱofȱtheȱseriesȱ hasȱrockedȱconsistently.ȱ
Highlyȱrecommended.ȱ
ȱTheȱPowerȱCompany.ȱ(DCȱComics)ȱAnotherȱBusiekȱentryȱinȱtheȱ
Biblioȱ–ȱthisȱone,ȱdealingȱwithȱaȱcompanyȱofȱsuperheroesȱarrangedȱ
alongȱtheȱlinesȱofȱaȱlawȱfirm;ȱthisȱwasȱaȱbigȱinfluenceȱonȱChapterȱ8,ȱ
SuperCorps.ȱFascinatingȱideaȱtoȱexplore,ȱbutȱneverȱreallyȱseemedȱtoȱ
catchȱ fire.ȱ Endedȱ abruptly,ȱ inȱ myȱ opinion.ȱ Likeȱ Busiekȇsȱ
Thunderbolts,ȱ aȱ seriesȱ ofȱ tremendousȱ potentialȱ thatȱ almostȬbutȬ
notȬquiteȱ livedȱ upȱ toȱ theȱ hype.ȱ .ȱ .ȱ Iȱ suspectȱ dueȱ toȱ theȱ bigȱ comicȱ
companyȇsȱneedȱtoȱhitȱȈtheȱresetȱbuttonȈȱtoȱprotectȱtheirȱIP.ȱȱ
ȱ P.S.ȱ 238,ȱ byȱ Aaronȱ Williams.ȱ (Henchmanȱ Publishing/Dorkȱ
Stormȱ Press)ȱ Aȱ publicȱschoolȱfullȱofȱȈmetaȬprodigyȱchildren.ȈȱNotȱ
exactlyȱHogwarts,ȱbutȱtwiceȱasȱnifty!ȱ
‰ȱ RISUS,ȱ byȱ S.ȱ Johnȱ Ross.ȱ (Cumberlandȱ Games)ȱ Aȱ niceȱ hyperȬ
lightȱgameȱsystemȱwithȱelementsȱthatȱinfluencedȱPDQ.ȱ
‰ȱ Simplyȱ Superhuman!,ȱ byȱ Bobȱ Portnellȱ andȱ Guyȱ McLimore.ȱ
(Microtactix;ȱcurrentlyȱunpublished)ȱThisȱisȱaȱgreatȱgenreȱbookȱforȱ
theȱ PlainLabelȱ RPGȱ system,ȱ forȱ whichȱ Iȱ haveȱ hadȱ theȱ honorȱ ofȱ
writingȱ anȱ asȬyetȬunpublishedȱ worldbook.ȱ Iȱ believeȱ thatȱ T&Jȇsȱ
IntenseȱTrainingȱȈpowerȈȱwasȱinfluencedȱbyȱelementsȱofȱthisȱwork,ȱ
andȱ Iȇmȱ sureȱ thereȇsȱ aȱ coupleȱ otherȱ influences.ȱ Withȱ luck,ȱ itȇllȱ seeȱ
printȱsoon.ȱ
™ȱSpiderȬManȱandȱSpiderȬManȱ2.ȱ(Sony)ȱUntilȱTheȱIncrediblesȱcameȱ
out,ȱ theseȱ wereȱ theȱ bestȱ superȬheroȱ cinemaȱ outȱ there.ȱ Stillȱ
extremelyȱ worthwhileȱ watching.ȱ Iȇdȱ giveȱ aȱ slightȱ edgeȱ toȱ theȱ
sequel,ȱ asȱ theȱ originȇsȱ alreadyȱ beenȱ handledȱ andȱ theȱ kinksȱ haveȱ
beenȱworkedȱout.ȱPlus,ȱhey,ȱFredȱMolina.ȱEverythingȇsȱbetterȱwithȱ
Fred.ȱȱ
ȱStarman.ȱ(DCȱComics)ȱJamesȱRobinsonȱtakesȱtheȱson(s)ȱofȱaȱJSAȱ
legend,ȱ andȱ craftsȱ aȱ real,ȱ heartȬpoundingȱ storyȱ ofȱ aȱ regularȱ guyȱ
becomingȱaȱhero.ȱRemarkablyȱreal,ȱthoughȱhipȬdeepȱinȱaȱsuperheroȱ
world.ȱItȇsȱallȱinȱtradeȱpaperbackȱnow.ȱHighlyȱrecommended.ȱ
™ȱ Supermanȱ (beginningȱ inȱ 1941)ȱ cartoons.ȱ (Maxȱ Fleischer)ȱ
Wonderfulȱ –ȱ albeitȱ somewhatȱ datedȱ –ȱ cartoonsȱ aboutȱ theȱ Manȱ ofȱ
Steel.ȱMajorȱinspirationȱforȱtheȱAnimatedȱstyleȱnowȱcurrentȱforȱDCȱ
ComicsȬbasedȱcartoons.ȱ
™ȱSupermanȱ(1978),ȱandȱsequels.ȱ(WarnerȱBros.)ȱYouȱwillȱbelieveȱaȱ
manȱ canȱ flyȱ afterȱ watchingȱ theȱ firstȱ movie.ȱ Youȱ willȱ enjoyȱ
Kryptonianȱ villainyȱ inȱ theȱ secondȱ movie.ȱ Youȱ willȱ shrugȱ atȱ
everythingȱ inȱ theȱ thirdȱ movieȱ exceptȱ theȱ toothsomeȱ Annetteȱ
OȇTooleȱ asȱ Lanaȱ Lang.ȱ Theyȱ didnȇtȱ makeȱ aȱ fourthȱ one.ȱ No,ȱ theyȱ
didnȇt.ȱNo,ȱthatȱwasȱaȱdream.ȱ(IȱlikeȱBatmanȱbetterȱanyway.)ȱ
‰ȱ Storyboard,ȱ byȱ Matthewȱ C.ȱ Gastonȱ andȱ Richȱ Taylor.ȱ (Magusȱ
Creativeȱ Games)ȱ Likeȱ RISUS,ȱ anotherȱ interestingȱ hyperȬlightȱ
ȱ
ȱ 115
systemȱ thatȱ influencedȱ theȱ constructionȱ ofȱ PDQ.ȱ Thisȱ isȱ aȱ ȈnanoȬ
pressȈȱ book,ȱ soȱ goodȱ luckȱ findingȱ aȱ copy.ȱ Withȱ luck,ȱ theȱ secondȱ
editionȱwillȱbeȱavailableȱinȱwiderȱrelease.ȱ
ȱ Ultra:ȱ Sevenȱ Days,ȱ byȱ theȱ Lunaȱ Brothers.ȱ (Image)ȱ Fantasticȱ
tradeȱpaperbackȱonȱtheȱrelationshipȱbetweenȱpersonalȱlives,ȱsuperȬ
lives,ȱ celebrity,ȱ andȱ love.ȱ Discoveredȱ afterȱ T&Jȇsȱ firstȱ roundȱ ofȱ
playtesting;ȱ whileȱ theȱ Lunaȱ Brotherȇsȱ Ultraȱ andȱ thisȱ gameȇsȱ
Ultrawomanȱsortȱofȱhaveȱaȱnameȱandȱsomeȱpowersȱinȱcommon,ȱitȇsȱ
parallelȱ development,ȱ andȱ theyȇreȱ veryȱ differentȱ characters.ȱ (Butȱ
theȱcoincidenceȱisȱannoying.)ȱHighlyȱrecommended.ȱ
™ȱ Unbreakable.ȱ (Touchstone)ȱ Remixedȱ superheroing,ȱ withȱ
overtonesȱ ofȱ horror.ȱ Iȱ keepȱ watchingȱ andȱ rewatchingȱ thisȱ movie.ȱ
Someȱdays,ȱIȱthinkȱitȇsȱperfect;ȱotherȱdays,ȱIȱbeatȱmyselfȱupsideȱmyȱ
headȱimaginingȱsequels.ȱAȱsuperhumanȱinȱaȱgrimȱworld,ȱandȱwhatȱ
thatȱmeans.ȱHighlyȱrecommended.ȱ
‰ȱ Unknownȱ Armies:ȱ Aȱ Roleplayingȱ Gameȱ ofȱ Powerȱ andȱ
Consequences,ȱ Secondȱ Edition,ȱ byȱ Gregȱ Stolzeȱ &ȱ Johnȱ Tynes.ȱ
(AtlasȱGames)ȱOneȱofȱmyȱfavoriteȱRPGs,ȱpossiblyȱmyȱtopȱfavoriteȱ
(narrowlyȱbeatingȱoutȱMSHASȱandȱGURPS),ȱatȱleastȱuntilȱIȱstartedȱ
workingȱonȱmyȱownȱgames.ȱStylish,ȱsmart,ȱandȱaboveȱall,ȱhuman.ȱIȱ
haveȱ usedȱ theȱ coreȱ systemȱ inȱ theȱ pastȱ toȱ runȱ fantasyȱ andȱ pulpȱ
games;ȱaȱbigȱPDQȱinfluence.ȱȱ
ȱ Vȱ forȱ Vendetta.ȱ (DCȱ Comics)ȱ Moreȱ (Alan)ȱ Moore.ȱ
Supernormal/mildlyȱ superhumanȱ rebelȱ attacksȱ theȱ powerȱ centersȱ
ofȱaȱfascisticȱBritain.ȱChallenging.ȱDisturbing.ȱWorthȱit.ȱAlongȱwithȱ
Watchmenȱ (andȱ theȱ previouslyȱ unmentionedȱ Swampȱ Thing,ȱ Leagueȱ
ofȱ Extraordinaryȱ Gentlemen,ȱ Promethea,ȱ Tomȱ Strong,ȱ etȱ cetera),ȱ allȱ ofȱ
Mooreȇsȱ superheroicȱ oeuvreȱ isȱ damnedȱ goodȱ stuff.ȱ Highlyȱ
recommended.ȱ
™ȱ Theȱ Ventureȱ Brothers.ȱ (Noodlesoupȱ Productions/Astrobaseȱ
Go!/Cartoonȱ Network)ȱ Jonnyȱ Questȱ onȱ crack,ȱ plusȱ superheroesȱ
andȱrelatedȱmedia,ȱinȱaȱblender.ȱHysterical,ȱwithȱsomeȱreallyȱniftyȱ
ideas.ȱ Theȱ Guildȱ ofȱ Calamitousȱ Intentȱ (andȱ theirȱ bylaws)ȱ andȱ theȱ
haplessȱMonarchȱareȱprobablyȱmyȱfavoriteȱbits.ȱ
‰ȱ Villainsȱ &ȱ Vigilantes,ȱ byȱ Jeffȱ Deeȱ andȱ Jackȱ Herman.ȱ (Fantasyȱ
Gamesȱ Unlimited)ȱ Enticedȱ byȱ adsȱ inȱ Dragonȱ Magazine,ȱ thisȱ isȱ theȱ
firstȱRPGȱbookȱIȱboughtȱforȱmyself.ȱTheȱcalculatorȬheavyȱsystemȱisȱ
clunkyȱ asȱ hell,ȱ theȱ randomȱ superpowerȱ generationȱ systemȱ isȱ
hysterical,ȱ andȱ theȱ combatȱ systemȱ isȱ AD&DȬesque.ȱ Stillȱ –ȱ thereȇsȱ
theȱ differingȱ defenseȱ valuesȱ forȱ opposedȱ powers,ȱ aȱ wonderfulȱ
sectionȱ onȱ lawȱ andȱ theȱ Superheroȇsȱ Code,ȱ andȱ scadsȱ ofȱ niftiness.ȱ
Recommended,ȱbutȱonlyȱtoȱpeopleȱwithȱanȱinterestȱinȱtheȱhistoryȱandȱ
developmentȱofȱRPGs.ȱ
ȱ Watchmen.ȱ (DCȱ Comics)ȱ Alanȱ Moore.ȱ Oneȱ ofȱ theȱ mostȱ multiȬ
layeredȱ andȱ intriguingȱ comicsȱ thatȱ thisȱ geniusȱ produced.ȱ
Everythingȱ tiedȱ together.ȱ Everythingȱ meansȱ something.ȱ
Everythingȱtouchesȱsomethingȱelse.ȱItȇsȱregrettableȱthatȱWatchmenȱ–ȱ
alongȱ withȱ Millerȇsȱ Darkȱ Knightȱ Returnsȱ –ȱ kickstartedȱ aȱ Ȉgrimȱ andȱ
grittyȈȱmovementȱthatȱ–ȱinȱtheȱhandsȱofȱlesserȱtalentsȱ–ȱkindȱofȱgotȱ
outȱ ofȱ control.ȱ Butȱ withȱ regardȱ toȱ Watchmen,ȱ youȱ canȱ readȱ itȱ andȱ
readȱ itȱ andȱ stillȱ getȱ newȱ stuffȱ outȱ ofȱ itȱ everyȱ time.ȱ Highlyȱ
recommended.ȱ
™ȱXȬMenȱandȱXȬMenȱUnited.ȱ(20thȱCenturyȱFox)ȱUntilȱtheȱSpiderȬ
Manȱ moviesȱ cameȱ out,ȱ theseȱ flicksȱ wereȱ someȱ ofȱ theȱ bestȱ superȬ
heroȱ cinemaȱ outȱ thereȱ (despiteȱ aȱ fewȱ lamentableȱ pointsȱ ofȱ lineȬ
reading)ȱ sinceȱ 1978ȇsȱ Supermanȱ andȱ 1989ȇsȱ Batman.ȱ Stillȱ worthȱ
watching;ȱ itȇsȱ aȱ tossȬupȱ forȱ meȱ onȱ whichȱ isȱ better.ȱ Alas,ȱ noȱ Fredȱ
Molina.ȱ
 ȱ

Chapter 11: Random-Roll Inspiration & Handouts

ȱ
Theseȱ chartsȱ areȱ toȱ beȱ usedȱ toȱ gatherȱ inspirationȱ forȱ characterȱ abilities.ȱ Thereȱ areȱ tablesȱ belowȱ forȱ Personality,ȱ
Occupation,ȱHobby,ȱOrigin,ȱPowers,ȱandȱ(Something)ȱPowers.ȱ

PERSONALITY (ROLL 2 DICE) OCCUPATION (ROLL 2 DICE)

DIEȱ1ȱ DIEȱ2ȱ PERSONALITYȱ DIEȱ1ȱ DIEȱ2ȱ OCCUPATIONȱ

1ȱ 1ȱ Trustworthyȱ 1ȱ 1ȱ IndependentlyȱWealthyȱ

1ȱ 2ȱ Mischievousȱ 1ȱ 2ȱ BlueȬcollarȱLaborerȱorȱȱ
WhiteȬcollarȱAdministrativeȱstaffȱ
1ȱ 3ȱ Obsessiveȱ
1ȱ 3ȱ WhiteȬcollarȱManager/BlueȬcollarȱForemanȱ
1ȱ 4ȱ Loyalȱ
1ȱ 4ȱ Athleteȱ
1ȱ 5ȱ ShowȬoffȱ
1ȱ 5ȱ Doctor/Surgeon/Dentistȱ
1ȱ 6ȱ Anxiousȱ
1ȱ 6ȱ Lawyerȱ
2ȱ 1ȱ Helpfulȱ
2ȱ 1ȱ Clergyȱ
2ȱ 2ȱ Cautiousȱ
2ȱ 2ȱ Teacher/Professor/Academic/Librarianȱ
2ȱ 3ȱ Creativeȱ
2ȱ 3ȱ Accountant/Brokerȱ
2ȱ 4ȱ Friendlyȱ
2ȱ 4ȱ ComputerȱSpecialistȱ
2ȱ 5ȱ Spendthriftȱ
2ȱ 5ȱ PoliceȱOfficerȱ
2ȱ 6ȱ Bouncy/Optimisticȱ
2ȱ 6ȱ MedicalȱorȱScientificȱTechnicianȱ
3ȱ 1ȱ Courteousȱ
3ȱ 1ȱ Mechanicȱ
3ȱ 2ȱ Depressed/Gloomy/Pessimistȱ
3ȱ 2ȱ Service/HospitalityȱIndustryȱȱ
3ȱ 3ȱ Workaholicȱ
3ȱ 3ȱ Firefighterȱ
3ȱ 4ȱ Kindȱ
3ȱ 4ȱ Architectȱ
3ȱ 5ȱ Rebelliousȱ
3ȱ 5ȱ Journalist/Writerȱ
3ȱ 6ȱ Calmȱ
3ȱ 6ȱ CollegeȱStudent/HighȱSchoolȱStudentȱ
4ȱ 1ȱ Obedientȱ
4ȱ 1ȱ Artistȱ(sculptor,ȱpainter,ȱphotographer,ȱetc.)ȱ
4ȱ 2ȱ Harshȱ
4ȱ 2ȱ Farmerȱ
4ȱ 3ȱ Contemplativeȱ
4ȱ 3ȱ EmergencyȱMedicalȱTechnicianȱ(EMT)ȱ
4ȱ 4ȱ Cheerfulȱ
4ȱ 4ȱ Musician/Entertainerȱ
4ȱ 5ȱ Rudeȱ
4ȱ 5ȱ Criminalȱ
4ȱ 6ȱ Empathicȱ
4ȱ 6ȱ WhiteȬcollarȱExecutiveȱ
5ȱ 1ȱ Thriftyȱ
5ȱ 1ȱ SelfȬEmployed/Contractorȱ
5ȱ 2ȱ Surlyȱ
5ȱ 2ȱ Salesmanȱ
5ȱ 3ȱ Perceptiveȱ
5ȱ 3ȱ Activist/Politicianȱ
5ȱ 4ȱ Braveȱ
5ȱ 4ȱ Electricianȱ
5ȱ 5ȱ Contrary/Skepticalȱ
5ȱ 5ȱ SecurityȱGuardȱ
5ȱ 6ȱ Curiousȱ
5ȱ 6ȱ Scientistȱ
6ȱ 1ȱ Cleanȱ
6ȱ 1ȱ CabȱDriver/BusȱDriverȱ
6ȱ 2ȱ Cynicalȱ
6ȱ 2ȱ Plumberȱ
6ȱ 3ȱ Dorky/Nerdyȱ
6ȱ 3ȱ CityȱWorkerȱ
6ȱ 4ȱ Reverentȱ
6ȱ 4ȱ Pilotȱ
6ȱ 5ȱ Flirtyȱ
6ȱ 5ȱ Engineerȱ
6ȱ 6ȱ Coolȱ
6ȱ 6ȱ Militaryȱȱ
ȱ

116ȱ
 Truth & Justice
ȱ

HOBBY (ROLL 2 DICE) ȱ

DIEȱ1ȱ DIEȱ2ȱ OCCUPATIONȱ
1ȱ 1ȱ RoleȬplayingȱGamerȱ
1ȱ 2ȱ Musician/GarageȱBandȱ
1ȱ 3ȱ RockȬClimbingȱ
1ȱ 4ȱ Birdwatchingȱ
1ȱ 5ȱ MartialȱArtsȱ
1ȱ 6ȱ FineȱFoodȱandȱWinesȱ
2ȱ 1ȱ ComicȱBookȱCollectorȱȱ
2ȱ 2ȱ Opera/ClassicalȱMusicȱ
2ȱ 3ȱ Hikingȱ
2ȱ 4ȱ Gardeningȱ
2ȱ 5ȱ CoinȱCollectingȱȱ
2ȱ 6ȱ Boating/Sailingȱ
3ȱ 1ȱ ComputerȱGamerȱ
3ȱ 2ȱ Dancing/Clubbingȱ
3ȱ 3ȱ AutomotiveȱHobbyistȱ
3ȱ 4ȱ Swimmingȱ
3ȱ 5ȱ Actingȱ
3ȱ 6ȱ HistoricalȱPeriodȱ
4ȱ 1ȱ ScienceȱFictionȱFanȱ
4ȱ 2ȱ Photographyȱ
4ȱ 3ȱ Joggingȱ
4ȱ 4ȱ Skiingȱ
ȱ
4ȱ 5ȱ Huntingȱ
4ȱ 6ȱ Carpentryȱ ȱ

ORIGIN (ROLL 2 DICE)

5ȱ 1ȱ FantasyȱFanȱ
5ȱ 2ȱ Cookingȱ
5ȱ 3ȱ StampȱCollectingȱ DIEȱ1ȱ DIEȱ2ȱ SPARKȱ
5ȱ 4ȱ Skating/Rollerbladingȱ 1Ȭ2ȱ 1ȱ Earthquake/Floodingȱ
5ȱ 5ȱ Writing/Poetryȱ 1Ȭ2ȱ 2ȱ InterfereȱinȱaȱViolentȱCrimeȱ
5ȱ 6ȱ Potteryȱ 1Ȭ2ȱ 3ȱ BuildingȱorȱForestȱFireȱ
6ȱ 1ȱ Fishingȱ 1Ȭ2ȱ 4ȱ ActȱofȱGenerosityȱ
6ȱ 2ȱ Painting/Drawingȱ 1Ȭ2ȱ 5ȱ Tornado/Hurricaneȱ
6ȱ 3ȱ Sculpture/Metalworkȱ 1Ȭ2ȱ 6ȱ ActȱofȱCourageȱorȱDaringȱ
6ȱ 4ȱ Knitting/Sewingȱ 3Ȭ4ȱ 1ȱ VehicleȱCrashȱ
6ȱ 5ȱ RaisingȱPetsȱ 3Ȭ4ȱ 2ȱ Volcanoȱ
6ȱ 6ȱ Meditationȱ 3Ȭ4ȱ 3ȱ CorporateȱWhistleblowingȱ
3Ȭ4ȱ 4ȱ ActȱofȱMercyȱ
ȱ
3Ȭ4ȱ 5ȱ DeathȱorȱNearȬDeathȱExperienceȱ
3Ȭ4ȱ 6ȱ Landslide/Mudslide/Avalancheȱ
5Ȭ6ȱ 1ȱ Famineȱ
5Ȭ6ȱ 2ȱ ActȱofȱIntegrityȱ
5Ȭ6ȱ 3ȱ War/ArmedȱConflictȱ
5Ȭ6ȱ 4ȱ Blizzardȱ
5Ȭ6ȱ 5ȱ Pestilence/Diseaseȱ
5Ȭ6ȱ 6ȱ ActȱofȱHopeȱ

ȱ 117
 Truth & Justice
ȱ

POWERS (ROLL 2 DICE) (SOMETHING) POWERS* (ROLL 2 DICE)

DIEȱ1ȱ DIEȱ2ȱ PRIMARYȱPOWERSȱ DIEȱ1ȱ DIEȱ2ȱ THEMEȱPOWERSȱ
1ȱ 1ȱ Armorȱ 1ȱ 1ȱ Insect/Arachnidȱ
1ȱ 2ȱ Precognitionȱ 1ȱ 2ȱ Shadowȱ
1ȱ 3ȱ Transformationȱ 1ȱ 3ȱ Air/Weatherȱ
1ȱ 4ȱ EnergyȱBlastȱ 1ȱ 4ȱ Canineȱ
1ȱ 5ȱ SuperȬAgilityȱ 1ȱ 5ȱ Luckȱ
1ȱ 6ȱ Phasingȱ 1ȱ 6ȱ Earth/Stoneȱ
2ȱ 1ȱ Immortalityȱ 2ȱ 1ȱ Magnetismȱ
2ȱ 2ȱ RubberyȱFormȱ 2ȱ 2ȱ Angelȱ
2ȱ 3ȱ ForceȬFieldsȱ 2ȱ 3ȱ Felineȱ
2ȱ 4ȱ (Something)ȱPowersȱ(seeȱtableȱbelow)ȱ 2ȱ 4ȱ Iceȱ
2ȱ 5ȱ Invisibilityȱ 2ȱ 5ȱ Metalȱ
2ȱ 6ȱ Flightȱ 2ȱ 6ȱ Ghostȱ
3ȱ 1ȱ SuperȬWeaponryȱ 3ȱ 1ȱ Ursineȱ
3ȱ 2ȱ Invulnerabilityȱ 3ȱ 2ȱ Pirateȱ
3ȱ 3ȱ Shapeshiftingȱ 3ȱ 3ȱ Gravityȱ
3ȱ 4ȱ SuperȬLeap/SuperȬTunnelȱ 3ȱ 4ȱ Fishȱ
3ȱ 5ȱ Gadgeteeringȱ 3ȱ 5ȱ Plantȱ
3ȱ 6ȱ SuperȬIntellectȱ 3ȱ 6ȱ Werewolfȱ
4ȱ 1ȱ Regenerationȱ 4ȱ 1ȱ Hunterȱ
4ȱ 2ȱ Sizeshiftingȱ 4ȱ 2ȱ Monkeyȱ
4ȱ 3ȱ (Something)ȱControl*ȱ(seeȱtableȱbelow)ȱ 4ȱ 3ȱ AllȱAnimalsȱ
4ȱ 4ȱ Telepathyȱ 4ȱ 4ȱ Knightȱ
4ȱ 5ȱ SuperȬStrengthȱ 4ȱ 5ȱ Fireȱ
4ȱ 6ȱ Healingȱ 4ȱ 6ȱ Amphibianȱ
5ȱ 1ȱ AquaticȱPowersȱ 5ȱ 1ȱ Robotȱ
5ȱ 2ȱ SuperȬSpeedȱ 5ȱ 2ȱ Lightȱ
5ȱ 3ȱ TimeȱTravelȱ 5ȱ 3ȱ Waterȱ
5ȱ 4ȱ Sorceryȱ 5ȱ 4ȱ Rodentȱ
5ȱ 5ȱ SuperȬSensesȱ 5ȱ 5ȱ Vampireȱ
5ȱ 6ȱ Duplicationȱ 5ȱ 6ȱ Reptileȱ
6ȱ 1ȱ Teleportationȱ 6ȱ 1ȱ Cowboyȱ
6ȱ 2ȱ EntanglingȱAttackȱ 6ȱ 2ȱ Woodȱ
6ȱ 3ȱ SpaceȱTravelȱ 6ȱ 3ȱ Mammalȱ
6ȱ 4ȱ Transmutationȱ 6ȱ 4ȱ Ninjaȱȱ
6ȱ 5ȱ ExtraȱLimbsȱ 6ȱ 5ȱ Timeȱ
6ȱ 6ȱ Adaptationȱ 6ȱ 6ȱ Soundȱ
*ȱ(Something)ȱControlȱmeansȱtheȱcharacterȱhasȱȈmentalȱcommandȈȱoverȱtheȱ(Something).ȱ *ȱ(Something)ȱPowersȱmeansȱtheȱcharacterȱhasȱȈtheȱpowersȱofȈȱtheȱ(Something).ȱ

ȱ ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ

Theȱpagesȱfollowingȱareȱhandoutsȱandȱworksheetsȱthatȱcanȱbeȱduplicatedȱforȱpersonalȱuse.ȱTheyȱincludeȱaȱChartsȱ
&ȱ Referenceȱ sheet,ȱ theȱ Characterȱ Generationȱ Worksheet,ȱ aȱ Characterȱ Sheet,ȱ aȱ GMȱ Sheet,ȱ andȱ theȱ Widgetȱ &ȱ Zoomȱ Staffȱ
MeetingȱAgendaȱusedȱinȱChapterȱ8.ȱ

ȱ 118
 Charts & Reference
ȱ ©2005ȱChadȱUnderkofflerȱ
ATOMIC SOCK MONKEY PRESS

ȱ
< http://www.atomicsockmonkey.com > ȱ
PDQ MASTER CHART
LEVEL AS QUALITY RANKȱ MODIFIER AS DIFFICULTY RANK TARGET
TO 2D6 NUMBER
ROLL

Poorȱ NotablyȱInept.ȱȱ -2 Aȱtrivialȱtask.ȱ 5

Averageȱ Typicalȱhumanȱcapability.ȱ 0 Straightforwardȱtask.ȱ 7
Goodȱ Betterȱthanȱusual;ȱmostȱprofessionalsȱorȱ +2 Complexȱtask,ȱrequiringȱattentionȱtoȱdetail.ȱ 9
talentedȱnewcomers.ȱȱ
Expertȱ Noted/famedȱprofessional;ȱtalentȱwithȱ +4 Intricateȱtask,ȱdifficultȱandȱrequiringȱsharpȱ 1
skillȱtoȱbackȱitȱup.ȱ concentration,ȱhardȱforȱaȱtypicalȱuntrainedȱpersonȱ
(Average).ȱ
Masterȱ Acclaimedȱgenius:ȱtalentȱwithȱ +6 Extremelyȱdifficultȱtask,ȱhardȱforȱmostȱprofessionalsȱinȱ 1
3
substantialȱskillȱbehindȱit.ȱ theȱfieldȱ(Good).ȱ
ȱ
T&J INTENSITY CHART
POWER RANK DIFFICULTY RANK TIME* RANGE* SPEED* AREA WEIGHT FORCE ENERGY MONEY
& & (DURATION**)
MODIFIER TARGET NUMBER

Poor [-2] Poor [5] 1ȱaction/reactionȱ Touchȱ Runningȱ Closetȱ Heavyȱpersonȱȱ Knockoutȱ Candleȱ $1ȱ
(5ȱminutes)ȱ (12ȱin.)ȱ (20ȱmph)ȱ (1ȱsq.ȱyard)ȱ (250ȱlbs.)ȱ Punchȱ

Average [0] Average [7] 1ȱTurnȱ Nearȱ Racecarȱ Roomȱ Motorcycleȱȱ FullȬtiltȱ Campfireȱ $100ȱ
(30ȱminutes)ȱ (10ȱyards)ȱ (150ȱmph)ȱ (25ȱsq.ȱyards)ȱ (500ȱlbs.)ȱ Bodyȱcheckȱ

Good [+2] Good [9] 1ȱSceneȱ Middlingȱ Jetȱ Footballȱfieldȱ Carȱ Baseballȱbatȱ Bonfireȱ $10,000ȱ
(1ȱhour)ȱ (100ȱyards)ȱ (500ȱmph)ȱ (6,400ȱsq.ȱyards)ȱ (1.5ȱtons)ȱ

Expert [+4] Expert [11] 2ȱScenesȱ Farȱ Supersonicȱ Squareȱmileȱ Tankȱ Ramȱw/ȱcarȱ Forestȱ $1ȱmillionȱ
(6ȱhours)ȱ (1,000ȱyds.)ȱ (2,200ȱmph;ȱ (3ȱmil.ȱsq.ȱyds.)ȱ (75ȱtons)ȱ fireȱ
Machȱ3)ȱ

Master [+6] Master [13] 4ȱScenesȱ TooȱFarȱ Hypersonicȱ USȱTownshipȱ Battleshipȱȱ Cannonballȱ Volcanoȱ $1ȱbillionȱ
(24ȱhours)ȱ (5ȱmiles)ȱ (7,700ȱmph;ȱ (112ȱmil.ȱsq.ȱyds.)ȱ (50,000ȱtons)ȱ
Machȱ10)ȱ

*ȱExpandedȱfromȱtheȱbasicȱconceptsȱonȱTime,ȱRange,ȱandȱMovementȱfoundȱinȱChapterȱ2,ȱp.ȱ18.ȱ
**ȱDurationȱisȱforȱlongerȱmeasuresȱofȱTimeȱthatȱdoȱnotȱadequatelyȱfitȱwithinȱtheȱ(re)action/Turn/SceneȱstructureȱȬȬȱenduranceȱflying,ȱvacuumȱsupport,ȱ
maintainingȱaȱnonȬcombatȱpower,ȱetc.ȱMakingȱanȱPowerȱeffectȱpermanentȱ(petrification,ȱdisintegrations,ȱetc.)ȱisȱupȱtoȱtheȱGMȇsȱVeto.ȱ
ȱ
STUNT COST CHART USING HERO POINTS
EFFECTIVE RANK HERO POINT i Detectȱ&ȱDiscover.ȱDictateȱaȱnewȱfactȱaboutȱtheȱsituationȱatȱhand;ȱ1ȱHeroȱPointȱperȱminorȱdetail,ȱ2ȱHeroȱ
Pointsȱperȱsignificantȱdetail,ȱorȱ4ȱHeroȱPointsȱperȱmajorȱdetail;ȱsubjectȱtoȱGMȱVeto.ȱ
(FROM BASE ABILITY) COST
i EnergizeȱStunts.ȱIncreaseȱtheȱeffectiveȱRankȱofȱaȱStunt.ȱVariableȱcost.ȱ
2ȱDownshiftsȱ Zeroȱ i Haymaker.ȱAfterȱaȱsuccessfulȱattack,ȱaddȱanȱUpshiftȱtoȱDamage;ȱ1ȱHeroȱPointȱperȱUpshift.ȱ
1ȱDownshiftȱ 1ȱ i IȱKnowȱaȱGuy.ȱRememberȱaȱcontactȱwithȱpossibleȱusefulȱinformationȱonȱcurrentȱsituation;ȱ2ȱHeroȱPointsȱ
andȱaȱSceneȱtoȱgetȱtheȱinfo;ȱsubjectȱtoȱGMȱVeto.ȱ
AtȱRankȱ 2ȱ
i LuckȱBeȱaȱLady.ȱȈAsȱIȱfallȱoffȱofȱtheȱzeppelinȱtoȱcertainȱdoom,ȱIȱluckilyȱmanageȱtoȱgrabȱontoȱaȱguyȱlineȱ
1ȱUpshiftȱ 4ȱ hangingȱfromȱtheȱgondola.ȱ.ȱ.Ȉ;ȱ2ȱHeroȱPointsȱperȱplausibleȱcoincidence,ȱorȱ4ȱHeroȱPointsȱperȱimplausibleȱ
2ȱUpshiftsȱ 8ȱ coincidence.ȱ
i MakeȱItȱCount.ȱGainȱanȱadditionalȱ1d6ȱonȱnextȱroll;ȱ3ȱHeroȱPointsȱperȱdie.ȱ
3ȱUpshiftsȱ 16ȱ
i PullȱYourselfȱTogether.ȱRegainȱ1d6ȱlostȱFailureȱRanks;ȱ1ȱHeroȱPointȱandȱoneȱactionȱorȱreaction.ȱ
.ȱ.ȱ.etc.ȱ xȱ2ȱ i PushȱaȱQualityȱorȱPower.ȱGainȱanȱUpshiftȱtoȱRankȱforȱnextȱroll;ȱ2ȱHeroȱPointsȱperȱUpshift.ȱ
i SecondȱWind.ȱRegainȱ1d6ȱlostȱDamageȱRanks;ȱ2ȱHeroȱPoinstȱandȱoneȱTurnȱperȱdieȱofȱrecovery.ȱ
GAINING HERO POINTS i UseȱaȱTrophy.ȱRetrieveȱandȱuseȱanȱapplicableȱTrophyȱ(seeȱChapterȱ6,ȱMacGuffins,ȱPlotȱDevices,ȱ&ȱTrophies,ȱ
1. FollowingȱMotivationȱ(1d6ȱHP).ȱȱ p.ȱ69)ȱfromȱaȱpreviousȱadventure.ȱ1ȱorȱ2ȱHeroȱPoints,ȱatȱGMȇsȱdiscretion.ȱ
2. PerformingȱHeroicȱActionsȱ(1ȱorȱmoreȱHP).ȱ USING MAX FOR IMPROVEMENT
3. AcceptingȱaȱRevoltinȇȱDevelopmentȱ(2d6ȱHP).ȱ i ToȱIncreaseȱaȱQualityȱRank:ȱ4ȱMAXȱperȱQualityȱRank.ȱ
4. AffectedȱbyȱaȱLimitationȱ(1ȱHPȱeffect;ȱ1ȱHPȱ i ToȱIncreaseȱaȱPowerȱRank:ȱ8ȱMAXȱduringȱaȱrelevantȱSceneȱperȱPowerȱRank.ȱ
surpassed)ȱorȱVulnerabilityȱ(loseȱnextȱaction;ȱ i ToȱPurchaseȱaȱNewȱQuality:ȱ4ȱMAXȱandȱrelatedȱStoryȱHookȱforȱnewȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱQuality.ȱ
DamageȱRanksȱ=ȱMOD;ȱ1d6+MODȱHP).ȱ i ToȱPurchaseȱaȱNewȱPower:ȱ8ȱMAXȱandȱrelatedȱStoryȱHookȱduringȱaȱrelevantȱSceneȱforȱnewȱAverageȱ[0]ȱ
5. EspritȱdeȱCorpsȱ(1ȱorȱmore).ȱ Power.ȱȱ
 Character
Generation
ȱ Worksheet
ATOMIC SOCK MONKEY PRESS

ȱ
< http://www.atomicsockmonkey.com > ȱ ©2005ȱChadȱUnderkofflerȱ

0 PlayerȇsȱName:ȱ ȱ
ȱ
1 SelectȱaȱName/SecretȱIdentityȱforȱyourȱcharacter:ȱ ȱ
ȱ
2 Brieflyȱ describeȱ yourȱ characterȇsȱ Backgroundȱ ȱ
(family,ȱ history,ȱ hometown,ȱ education,ȱ occupation,ȱ
hobbies,ȱetc.):ȱ
ȱ
3 SelectȱaȱMotivationȱ(whatȱmovesȱtheȱcharacterȱtoȱaction?):ȱ ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
4 SelectȱtheȱcharacterȇsȱQualities.ȱEither:ȱ ȱ
5ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱStrengthsȱandȱ1ȱPoorȱ[Ȭ2]ȱWeakness.ȱ
1ȱExpertȱ[+4]ȱStrength,ȱ3ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱStrengths,ȱandȱ1ȱPoorȱ[Ȭ2]ȱWeakness.ȱ
2ȱExpertȱ[+4]ȱStrengths,ȱ1ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱStrength,ȱandȱ1ȱPoorȱ[Ȭ2]ȱWeakness.ȱ
1ȱMasterȱ[+6]ȱStrength,ȱ2ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱStrengths,ȱandȱ1ȱPoorȱ[Ȭ2]ȱWeakness.ȱ
1ȱMasterȱ[+6]ȱStrength,ȱ1ȱExpertȱ[+4]ȱStrength,ȱandȱ1ȱPoorȱ[Ȭ2]ȱWeakness.ȱ

ȱ
5 Brieflyȱ describeȱ theȱ characterȇsȱ Originȱ (howȱ orȱ whyȱ didȱ ȱ
theȱcharacterȱgainȱPowers)?ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
6 SelectȱtheȱcharacterȇsȱPowers.ȱEither:ȱ ȱ
6ȱAverageȱ[0]ȱRankȱPowers.ȱ
1ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱRankȱPowerȱandȱ4ȱAverageȱ[0]ȱRankȱPowers.ȱ
3ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱRankȱPowers.ȱ
2ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱRankȱPowersȱandȱ2ȱAverageȱ[0]ȱRankȱPowers.ȱ
1ȱExpertȱ[+4]ȱRankȱPowerȱandȱ2ȱAverageȱ[0]ȱRankȱPowers.ȱ
1ȱExpertȱ[+4]ȱRankȱPowerȱandȱ1ȱGoodȱ[+2]ȱRankȱPower.ȱ
1ȱMasterȱ[+6]ȱPower.ȱ

ȱ
7 Pickȱ oneȱ orȱ twoȱ Signatureȱ Stuntsȱ forȱ chosenȱ abilities;ȱ ȱ
alsoȱconsiderȱSpinȬoffȱStunts:ȱ
ȱ
8 HeroȱPointȱPool/MAX:ȱ 5/10ȱ
9 SelectȱaȱsuperheroicȱCodenameȱforȱtheȱcharacter:ȱ ȱ
ȱ
0
1 BrieflyȱDescribeȱtheȱcharacterȇsȱUniform:ȱȱ ȱ
ȱ
1 Miscellanyȱ ȬȬȱ anythingȱ elseȱ youȱ wantȱ toȱ rememberȱ aboutȱ ȱ
thisȱ characterȱ (height,ȱ weight,ȱ hairȱ color,ȱ eyeȱ color,ȱ skinȱ
color,ȱfavoriteȱmovie,ȱetc.)?ȱ
ȱ

ȱ
 Character Sheet
©2005 Chad Underkoffler
ATOMIC SOCK MONKEY PRESS
< http://www.atomicsockmonkey.com >

Character Name Player Name

Background Motivation

Codename Hero Point Pool

current MAX
Origin Uniform

QUALITIES MASTER [+6] EXPERT [+4] GOOD [+2] AVERAGE [0] POOR [-2] GONE
QUALITY Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage
QUALITY Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage
QUALITY Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage
QUALITY Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage
QUALITY Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage
QUALITY Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage
QUALITY Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage

POWERS MASTER [+6] EXPERT [+4] GOOD [+2] AVERAGE [0] POOR [-2] GONE
POWER Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage
POWER Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage
POWER Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage
POWER Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage
POWER Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage
POWER Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage

STUNTS Base Ability Stunt Type Stunt Rank HP Cost Stunt Notes
STUNT ABILITY Spin-off Signature

STUNT ABILITY Spin-off Signature

STUNT ABILITY Spin-off Signature

STUNT ABILITY Spin-off Signature

STUNT ABILITY Spin-off Signature

STUNT ABILITY Spin-off Signature

STUNT ABILITY Spin-off Signature

STUNT ABILITY Spin-off Signature

STUNT ABILITY Spin-off Signature

Miscellany
 GM Sheet
ȱ ©2005ȱChadȱUnderkofflerȱ
ATOMIC SOCK MONKEY PRESS
< http://www.atomicsockmonkey.com > ȱ
ȱ

HEROIC ACTIONS HOW THE HERO POINT POOL GROWS

i Protectȱ theȱ innocentȱ orȱ weakȱ fromȱ thoseȱ seekingȱ toȱ harmȱ orȱ takeȱ EveryȱtimeȱaȱcharacterȱearnsȱaȱHeroȱPoint,ȱtheȱGMȱshouldȱmakeȱaȱlittleȱtickȱ
advantageȱofȱthem.ȱ nextȱ toȱ theȱ characterȇsȱ nameȱ inȱ theirȱ notes.ȱ Whenȱ aȱ characterȇsȱ numberȱ ofȱ
i Stop/preventȱaȱcrime.ȱ ticksȱ equalsȱ theirȱ MAX,ȱ MAXȱ growsȱ byȱ oneȱ point.ȱ Forȱ example,ȱ sayȱ aȱ
i Rescueȱsomeoneȱfromȱdanger.ȱ characterȱwithȱaȱMAXȱofȱ10ȱhasȱearnedȱ9ȱHeroȱPointsȱsoȱfar.ȱTheȱnextȱtimeȱ
i Inspireȱhopeȱinȱsomeone.ȱ heȱgetsȱaȱHeroȱPoint,ȱhisȱMAXȱbecomesȱ11.ȱȱ
i Revealȱanȱimportantȱtruthȱtoȱsomeone.ȱ
i Bringȱjusticeȱtoȱaȱsituation.ȱ GMsȱ mayȱ informȱ playersȱ ofȱ MAXȱ increasesȱ immediatelyȱorȱ waitȱuntilȱ theȱ
i Showȱnotableȱcharity,ȱkindness,ȱmercyȱtoȱsomeone.ȱ endȱofȱtheȱcurrentȱSceneȱorȱsession,ȱasȱtheyȱchoose.ȱ
i Actȱwithȱgreatȱintegrity,ȱloyalty,ȱorȱmodesty.ȱ
i Makeȱaȱsacrificeȱforȱanother.ȱ ȱ
i Takeȱaȱrisk.ȱ
i Displayȱcourageȱunderȱfire.ȱ
ȱ

CHARACTER NAME MAX
ȱ ȱ
ȱ ȱ
ȱ ȱ
ȱ ȱ
ȱ ȱ
ȱ ȱ
ȱ
HP AWARD TICKS FIRST HIT & LAST HIT STORY HOOKS
ȱ ȱ
ȱ ȱ
ȱ ȱ
ȱ ȱ
ȱ ȱ
ȱ ȱ

NPC NAME ABILITY MASTER [+6] EXPERT [+4] GOOD [+2] AVERAGE [0] POOR [-2] GONE
ABILITY Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage
ABILITY Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage
ABILITY Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage
ABILITY Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage
ABILITY Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage
ABILITY Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage
ABILITY Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage
ABILITY Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage
ABILITY Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage
ABILITY Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage
ABILITY Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage
ABILITY Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage
ABILITY Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage
ABILITY Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage
ABILITY Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage
ABILITY Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage
ABILITY Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage
ABILITY Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage
ABILITY Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage Failure O Damage
ȱ
 WIDGET & ZOOM, LLP
12358 HEXAGON AVENUE, CITY CENTER, 10101 phone 800.555.3147 hyperweb wxw.widget+zoom.scon

STA FF M EETIN G A G EN D A

A. Doctor Widget's Remarks

1. Welcome!
2. Salary & Benefits Review.
3. Autonomy & Code of Conduct
4. Teamwork

B. Introductions

C. Pick 2 Projects:
1. CommSix #1
2. Lockbox
3. City University
4. Koando Microtech
5. SR Weiss
6. Morrison Biotechnology
7. Odonata Securities
8. CommSix #2
9. Power Platoon

D. Open Floor

E. Robo-Testing

A djourn to Sub-basem ent.

A man in crazy pajamas atop a skyscraper rains laser
death down on the streets. He's laughing as he does
it.
Below, fires bloom for the news cameras. Reporters
duck debris as they yammer on about demands and
manifestoes and terror. Meanwhile, in the
background, the screams of scorched innocents
melt into the wail of sirens.
It makes me angry. My cheeks burn with it -- or that
just might be from the wind.
The madman grows closer and closer, impossibly fast.
His eyes widen as he lifts his weapon in my direction.
He won't make it in time.
My hands tighten into fists as I brace for impact.
I have a set of crazy pajamas of my own.

Superheroȱ storiesȱ celebrateȱ heroismȱ andȱ Ȉmad,ȱ beautifulȱ

ideasȈȱ inȱ adventurous,ȱ stylish,ȱ andȱ funȱ ways;ȱ Truthȱ &ȱ
Justiceȱ(T&J)ȱisȱtheȱnewȱsuperheroȱRPGȱfromȱAtomicȱSockȱ
Monkeyȱ Pressȱ dedicatedȱ toȱ justȱ that.ȱ Fast,ȱ fun,ȱ andȱ
streamlined,ȱT&Jȱcontains:ȱȱ
i Anȱ explorationȱ ofȱ superheroȱ tropes.ȱ Howȱ toȱ
approachȱ themȱ toȱ helpȱ getȱ whatȱ youȱ wantȱ outȱ ofȱ
superheroȱ roleplaying,ȱ whetherȱ youȇreȱ aȱ playerȱ orȱ aȱ
GM,ȱandȱadviceȱforȱusingȱthemȱinsideȱaȱgame.ȱȱ
i Aȱ completeȱ gameȱ system.ȱ Theȱ Proseȱ Descriptiveȱ
Qualitiesȱ(PDQ)ȱSystemȱfromȱDeadȱInsideȱandȱMonkey,ȱ
Ninja,ȱPirate,ȱRobot:ȱtheȱRPGȱhasȱbeenȱrefinedȱforȱT&J,ȱ
streamlinedȱ andȱ chromedȬupȱ forȱ superheroicȱ
flexibility,ȱ simplicity,ȱ andȱ speed.ȱ Differentȱ levelsȱ ofȱ
taskȱ resolution,ȱ suitableȱ forȱ anyȱ typeȱ ofȱ situation,ȱ letȱ
youȱdetailȱtheȱencountersȱthatȱreallyȱmatter.ȱ
i Threeȱ sampleȱ settings.ȱ Becomeȱ theȱ championsȱ ofȱ
Drakesvilleȱwhenȱitsȱsignatureȱheroȱgetsȱpromotedȱtoȱ
theȱmajorsȱinȱSecondȬStringȱSupers.ȱNavigateȱtheȱtwistyȱ
pathȱ betweenȱ altruismȱ andȱ greedȱ inȱ theȱ futuristicȱ
worldȱofȱSuperCorps.ȱDiscoverȱwhoȱyouȱtrulyȱareȱandȱ
changeȱtheȱworldȱinȱFanfareȱforȱtheȱAmplifiedȱMan.ȱEachȱ
settingȱcomesȱwithȱadventureȱseedsȱandȱintroductoryȱ
scenarios.ȱȱ
ȱ
Areȱ youȱ readyȱ forȱ someȱ truthȱ &ȱ justice?ȱ Grabȱ yourȱ cape,ȱ
cowl,ȱandȱutilityȱbeltȱandȱgo!ȱȱ ȱ
ȱ

ATOMIC SOCK MONKEY PRESS

$25.00ȱ