Fractal & Eddy – PART 1

Game: Mutants & Masterminds

More Info: RPG Geek Entry

 

I used the Mutants & Masterminds 3rd edition Basic Hero’s Handbook to randomly roll up two superheroes. After watching this video, I decided it would be the best chance I had at using a robust superhero RPG system and actually getting past the character creation step. The other options I had considered were Champions Complete and Worlds in Peril.

Using the Archetype system in the Basic Handbook (the Mutants & Masterminds Third Edition Deluxe Hero’s Handbook uses a complex points system), I randomized all choices and created the following two heroes:

 

HERO 1

Archetype: SPEEDSTER
Str 2
Sta 2
Agl 4
Dex 3
Fgt 4
Int 1
Awe 3
Pre 3

Type: High-Spirited Str +1, Awe +1, Pre +1 (already added above)

Tough +0
Dodge +11
Parry +10
Fortitude +7
Will +6
Close Combat (Unarmed or Weapon) 4

Skill Areas
CHARM Persuasion 8, Insight 6
SWASHBUCKLING Acrobatic 8, Close Combat (weapon) 6

Advantages:
Default SPEEDSTER Advantages – Defensive Roll 3, Evasion, Improved Initiative 2
Team Player – Set-Up, Teamwork
Relentless – Favored Foe (human minions), Takedown

POWER SUITE: Courser
Super-Speed: Immunity 2 (Friction Effects), Movement 3 (Wall-Crawling 2, Water Walking, Limited to while moving), Quickness 10, Speed 15

Super-Speed Attacks (Array)
• Full-Speed Punch: Damage 4 (Penetrating 6, Strength-Based)
• Punch Everyone: Damage 4 (Burst Area, Selective, Strength-Based)
• Tornado: Move Object 7 (Close Range, Cone Area)

COMPLICATION: FAME

 

HERO 2

Archetype: GADGETEER
Str 2
Sta 2
Agl 2
Dex 2
Fgt 4
Int 4
Awe 5
Pre 2

Type: Thrillseeker Str +1, Fgt +1, Awe +2, Pre +1 (already added above)

Tough +0
Dodge +6
Parry +4
Fortitude +7
Will +5
Close Combat (Unarmed or Gadget) 6
Ranged Combat (Gadget) 8
Technology 4

Skill Areas
BUSINESS – Expertise (business) 8, Persuasion 8
MYSTICISM – Expertise (magic) 10, Insight 6
*INVESTIGATION – Insight 6, Investigation 6, Perception 4

Advantages:
Inspiring – Connected, Luck, Teamwork
Tactical – Accurate Attack, Fascinate, Set-Up
Loyal – Defensive Attack, Improved Defense, Interpose

POWER SUITE: Gimmicks
Ranged Combat (Gadget) +2, Add another area of study (*added above)
Armored Costume (Removable): Protection 6 (Impervious)
Gimmick Boots (Removable): Choose one: [Flight 6] or Leaping 6, Speed 6
Gimmick Gun (Removable): Choose one: Blast 10 or Snare 10 or [Stun 10]
Gimmick Mask (Removable): Enhanced Dodge 4, Enhanced Parry 4, Immunity 2 (suffocation), Senses 5 (Darkvision, Distance Sense, Radio, Ultravision)

COMPLICATION: DISABILITY

 

SETUP

I decided to make HERO 2, the GADGETEER, my primary PC. Inspired by the MYSTICISM Skill Area, I decided her Gimmicks were mystical in nature. Looking at her BUSINESS and INVESTIGATION Skill Areas, my first thought was a museum curator that had stumbled upon a powerful artifact, but since I had already run a superhero museum caper, I went with Art Gallery Owner.

Since her mask gives her Darkvision and Ultravision, I decided her DISABILITY was blindness.

 

Inspired by Michael Lawing’s Insane Cop : A B-Movie Slasher Solo RPG Campaign, I decided to keep the GM emulation simple and to use the 2dFATE Oracle:

 

SCENE 1

Eloise Gamble is investigating the new artist Edward Kac, whose guerilla street art has a buzz unseen since Banksy. What sets him apart is the location of his art and how prolific he is. No one should be able to magically make art appear at the top of skyscrapers all over the country in a single day. Some think he is leading a massive team of artists working together with incredible logistical support. But when he personally negotiated a moderate contract with her gallery, he sure didn’t act like a guy that had access to that level of resources. He has a secret, and she’s going to find out what it is.

Eloise has her own secret. She is a wealthy and successful art gallery owner and operator that first gained attention for being blind. Why go into this business if you can’t even see the art you are displaying? The secret is that she CAN see, but only when wearing the magical suit she dons as the crimefighter FRACTAL.

Investigation 6 + Intelligence 4 + d20 = 28. Success.

She succeeds in following his trail with the help of her Ultraviolet vision after adding some fluorescent additives to the floor wax used at her gallery, The Mandelbrot Setpiece, just before he had left “to work on a new exhibition.” He is at the top of the Murphy Building, working on a roof graffiti mural that he obviously plans to only be seen from above, which is where she is. The suit also gives her that power, as well as many others.

She flies closer and observes Edward moving at ridiculous speeds along the roof. When he stops long enough to be clearly visible, like a hummingbird stopping to drink nectar, he pulls a can of spray paint and quickly goes to work. With one hand he is spraying paint while the other hand spins with such speed that he is able to capture the airborne paint. Edward then swings the spinning hand like a maestro conducting an orchestra, laying it along the ground with perfect precision.

 

“So this is your secret, Eddie. Can I call you ‘Eddie’?” she yells down from about 30 feet above him.

NOTE: 30 feet = Rank 0 for DISTANCE

Does he try to attack? -,- No, and… (need more info)
Does he recognize her voice? +,- Yes, but… he’s not surprised she’s here.

“Sure, Eloise,” he responds without stopping his work.
“Wait! How did you–”
“I was hoping I was right about you.”

Are his intentions virtuous? +,- Yes, but… he wants her to make him famous, as well as fight crime together.

“How did you figure it out?” FRACTAL asks as she lands next to him in an unpainted spot on the roof.
“C’mon, lady. FRACTAL… Mandlebrot Setpiece… The woman that runs it is blind… FRACTAL wears a mask with no eyeholes…” He laughs, mockingly, “Even I found it easy to put 2 and 2 together. And I am NOT good with numbers. Just ask my high school algebra teacher. Or my banker, for that matter.”
“So you set me up?”
“Well… yeah,” says Edward, disarmingly. “And speaking of my banker, which I don’t have one, you are NOT paying me enough for my showing. Now that I’ve got some leverage–know your secret–you’re going to make me famous.”
“Am I now?” responds FRACTAL, with attitude. “What’s preventing me from telling everyone YOU have powers.”
“Cause I’m going to tell them myself,” he laughs, shaking a can of red spray paint. “A supe artist? Oh, I’m going to be SO rich.”
“But… aren’t you afraid–” she stops when she realizes he’s gone.
“Fear is for people that CAN’T run 30 miles a second. Give or take. I don’t need a secret identity,” FRACTAL jumps at the voice now coming directly behind her.

Before FRACTAL can respond, they are interrupted by…