Woodclaw's 2E - Hercules, Iolaus, Xena, Gabrielle

[Woodclaw]

Nice build. I was fascinated by the use of Gestalt for his Duplicating, since Gestalt is a Summon power that is by description, the reverse of Duplication...multiple entities forming one more powerful whole, like the Forever People becoming the Infinity man (or whatever he's called) or Firestorm. Was there a reasoning behind using the Gestalt set up instead of Duplication? I'm always curious to see what goes on in a designers' head.

The reason was double, first of all the clayface doubles usually display a reduced amount of abilities, second because these duplicates can sometimes develop their own separate personalities and goal, as Annie demonstrated.
Still you have a point and I might have to revise that part of the build.

[Horsenhero]

Actually, that sounds like a perfectly good line of reasoning. Especially since, if a Gestalt keeps beyond a certain distance, it can't be reabsorbed back into the whole...I'm not really certain how that would effect Clayface in toto, but, I'm certain it could be dealt with by temporary complications and temporary drawbacks.

Nice build.

[Woodclaw]

Actually, that sounds like a perfectly good line of reasoning. Especially since, if a Gestalt keeps beyond a certain distance, it can't be reabsorbed back into the whole...I'm not really certain how that would effect Clayface in toto, but, I'm certain it could be dealt with by temporary complications and temporary drawbacks.

Nice build.

Based on "Growing Pains" it seem that he lose some of his powers and memories until he reabsorbs all of his parts, plus there is one extra consideration I forgot, as long as the components are separated the original Clayface no longer exists for all the intents and purposes. So I think that this is more a case of Gestalt than Duplication (which will leave the original body alive and perfectly sane).

[Woodclaw]

Another ARKHAM FILES build, this time with a transfer inamte from Blackgate Penitentiary


Sorry about the intrusion, sir, but at least you were ransacked by a man of impeccable taste.

The Penguin
Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot

Power Level: 8 (124pp)

Abilities: STR: 14 (+2), DEX: 14 (+2), CON: 14 (+2), INT: 16 (+3), WIS: 16 (+3), CHA: 14 (+2)

Skills: Bluff 7 (+9), Craft (mechanical) 4 (+7), Diplomacy 8 (+10), Disable Device 5 (+8), Drive 3 (+5), Gather Information 8 (+10), Handle Animal 6 (+8/+11 [birds]), Intimidate 6 (+8), Knowledge (art) 5 (+8), Knowledge (business) 4 (+7), Knowledge (civics) 4 (+7), Knowledge (current events) 4 (+7), Knowledge (streetwise) 5 (+8), Language 1 (Italian; Native: English), Notice 3 (+6), Perform (singing) 2 (+4), Pilot 4 (+6), Profession (businessman) 5 (+8), Search 3 (+6), Sense Motive 5 (+8), Stealth 4 (+6), Swim 4 (+6)

Feats: Animal Empathy, Attack Specialization 1 (Trick Umbrella), Benefit 1 (Clean), Benefit 2 (wealth), Connected, Contacts, Defensive Roll 2, Dodge Focus 3, Improved Aim, Improved Critical 1 (Trick Umbrella), Quick Draw 1, Skill Mastery 1 (Bluff, Diplomacy, Gather Informations, Handle Animal), Task Focus 1, (Handle Animal, Birds), Well-Informed

Fencing (Fighting Style): Accurate Attack, Defensive Attack, Improved Block 1, Improved Disarm 1, Improved Initiative 1, Power Attack, Sneak Attack 1, Weapon Bind

Powers:

Trick Umbrella (Device 4 [easy to lose]; PF: Disguised; 13pp)

Devices:

Trick Umbrella (20pp of effects)
- Array 8 (PF: Alternate power 3, Precise)
Choose Four powers from the following list or make some extra:
-- Acid shot (Acid 5; Extra: Range 1 [ranged]; Drawbacks: Full Power, Lethal Only, Reduced Range 2)
-- Cutting Torch (Corrosion 5; Flaw: Action 1 [full round])
-- Helicopter Propeller (Flight 3 [50 mph])
-- Machine Gun (Blast 5, Autofire; Drawbacks: Full Power, Lethal Only)
-- Razor Blade (Strike 3; PF: Mighty, Improved Critical 2)
-- Sleep Gas Pellets (Fatigue 4; PF: Sedation; Extra: Area [cloud, targeted], Sleep; Drawbacks: Full Power)
-- Taser (Stun 5; PF: Extended Reach 4, Sedation)

Equipment: Lined Clothes (Protection 2 [Subtle 1])

Holdout pistol (+3 ballistic damage; crit 20; 20'; Conceable)

HQ: Iceberg Lounge (Large; TOU: +10; Features: Animal Pens, Cover Facility [night club], Fire Prevention System, Garage, Living Space, Pool, Security System 2)

Combat: Attack +7 (+9 Trick Umbrella); Damage +2 (Unarmed), or by weapon of choice; Defense +8 (+3 Flat-footed); Initiative +6

Saves: Toughness +6/+4 without armor (+4/+2 Flat-footed), Fortitude +5, Reflex +4, Will +6

Abilities 28 + Skills 25 (100 ranks) + Feats 26 + Powers 13 + Combat 24 + Saves 8 + Drawbacks 0 = 124

Complications:

• Obsession (getting respect): since his childhood Cobblepot has been obsessed with the idea of gettting some respect
• Reputation (once a crook...): despite his current position as one of Gotham's most successful club owner, he was once a notorious criminal
• Secret (not that legit): behind the facade of legit the Penguin is still one of the major forces in Gotham's underground

our verbous friend mr Cobblepot is an old favourite of mine among Batman's overcrowded rogue gallery, for two simple reasons: first he's practicly sane, aside from his notorious ornitological obsession; second, he really has style

while he's no physical threat to the Dark Knight, he isn't a slouch and his interaction skills are generally better than those of many of his fellow miscreants

all the Penguin's umbrellas looks similar and almost impossible to tell from a normal one, but he rarely use more than two or three functions any given time, so at the beginning of each confrontation the GM should decide which function the current umbrella packs

combat-wise I took a big liberty, all the Wiki I examined listed the Penguin as an expert judoka, which is something I really don't like, given his weapon of choice and his old style attitude I think that fencing suits him a lot better than judo

somewhere I found a note that Penguin learn some Italian as part of his fondness for the opera

[luketheduke86]

I really like that Clayface build especially since he's only 2 power points from playable level and would like to play him in a villain or Thunderbolt-esque campaign .

Oh and Penguin knowing judo is kind of weird. Though someone whose short knowing a martial arts about using a person's own strength against them is understandable, him knowing fencing is 10x better and definitely more appropriate.

[Woodclaw]

I really like that Clayface build especially since he's only 2 power points from playable level and would like to play him in a villain or Thunderbolt-esque campaign .

Feel free to use it if you like. I was quite surprised with Clayface cost/PL ratio myself, but as I said given that he didn't have the full versatility of a true shapeshifter that's understandable.

Oh and Penguin knowing judo is kind of weird. Though someone whose short knowing a martial arts about using a person's own strength against them is understandable, him knowing fencing is 10x better and definitely more appropriate.

Problem is that modern day judo is less of a martial art and more of a sport, the old "use opponents weight and strength against himself" no longer applies. If you take a look to the last judo world championships you can see that today the larger and heavier is usually the winner. Anyway my personal problem to have Penguin as an judoka is more of aestetic than rules, generally judo seem too brutal and close for a guy like him.

[Woodclaw]

The ARKHAM FILES continue, with another inmate from Blackgate.


Poison Ivy: It's been a long time, Harvey. You're still looking... halfway decent.
Two-Face: Half of me wants to strangle you.
Poison Ivy: And what does the other half want?
Two-Face: To hit you with a truck!
Poison Ivy: We used to date.
The Joker & The Penguin: Ahhhh...

Two-Face
Harvey Dent

Power Level: 8 (121pp)

Abilities: STR: 16 (+3), DEX: 14 (+2), CON: 16 (+3), INT: 16 (+3), WIS: 14 (+2), CHA: 16 (+3)

Skills: Bluff 6 (+9), Diplomacy 6 (+9), Disguise 2 (+5), Drive 6 (+8), Gather Information 5 (+8), Intimidate 8 (+11), Knowledge (behavioural science) 4 (+7), Knowledge (civics) 8 (+11), Knowledge (current events) 5 (+8), Knowledge (streetwise) 5 (+8), Language 1 (Latin; Native: English), Notice 4 (+6), Perform (oratory) 7 (+10), Profession (lawyer) 8 (+10), Search 3 (+6), Sense Motive 6 (+8/+11 [interrogation]), Stealth 4 (+6)

Feats: Ambidexterity, Assessment, Attack Focus 2 (ranged), Attack Specialization 1 (unarmed), Connected, Contacts, Dodge Focus 3, Equipment 6, Fascinate (Intimidate), Favored Environment 2 (Gotham), Fearsome Presence 4, Improved Initiative 1, Power Attack, Precise Shot 1, Quick Draw 1, Rage 1 [5 rounds], Skill Mastery 1 (Intimidate, Knowledge [civics], Perform [oratory], Sense Motive), Sneak Attack 1, Startle, Task Focus 1 (Sense Motive, Interrogation), Teamwork 1, Tough 1, Twin Weapon Strike, Two-Handed Attack

Challenges: Mass Intimidation 3, Read Situation 1

Equipment: Double headed silver dollar (0ep), Undercover Shirt (Protection 2 [Subtle 1]; 3ep)

Arsenal (array; 13ep)
- Twin Automatic Pistols (+3 ballistic damage; crit 20; 30'; Stun Ammo, Full Power)
- Tommy Gun (+4 ballistic damage; crit 20; 40'; Stun Ammo, Full Power)
- Brass Knuckles (+1 blungeon damage; crit 20; Mighty)

Vehicle: Getaway Car (Huge; STR: 30; TOU: +9; Speed 5 [250 mph]; Features: Hidden compartments 1, Oil slick or Smokescreen at GM choice; 10ep)

4ep in temporary equipment

Combat: Attack +6 (+8 unarmed or ranged); Damage +3 (Unarmed), or by weapon of choice; Defense +8 (+3 Flat-footed); Initiative +6

Saves: Toughness +6/+4 without armor, Fortitude +6, Reflex +4, Will +6

Drawbacks: Weakness (losing the coin [Common, successful Will save to do anything but looking for the coin]; -4pp)

Abilities 32 + Skills 22 (88 ranks) + Feats 40 + Powers 0 + Combat 22 + Saves 9 - Drawbacks 4 = 121

Complications:

• Compulsion (the coin): except in few extraordinary occasions Harvey always follows the result of the coin toss
• Love (Grace Lamont): despite his scares and psychological breakdown Harvey is still madly in love with his former fianceé Grace Lamont, which in turn is one of the few person who see the man behind the monster
• Enemy (Rupert Thorne): Harvey tried to bring down Thorne when he was Gotham's D.A., now he's going into an all out gang war
• Split Personality: do I have to explain this one?

as many people noted Two-Face is just a very gllorified crime lord, he doesn't have any superhuman trait or skill, all his charm came from his characterization

overall Harvey is on the same level as Penguin - PL7 with a twist - in Penguin's case was his skill with the umbrella, in Harvey's case his it's knowledge of Gotham City, which allows him to boost to PL8 on offensive or defense (PL7.5 at the same time)

under the skill profile, he is still a very capable lawyer, close the the benchmarks I gave to Daredevil and She-Hulk, just a little more rusty, due to his mental imbalance

I gave the Stun Ammo feature (which in my current setting buy off the Lethal only drawback for firearms) to all of Two-Face guns to add an extra layer of duality, when the coin lands on the good side he will most likely switch the clips

the Coin Drawback is a little off, I included it for two reasons, first to have Harvey at a playable PL/Cost ratio, second, because Batman stopped him several times by removing the coin from the equation

speaking of Bats, the only reason Tow-Face is a real effective threat for the Dark Knight is because he is the only criminal that Batman never gives up on. While he's more than happy to simply file many of his rogues gallery under the "once a crook, always a crook" label, Bruce can't help but seeing his old friend and ally under the monster (something that the last movie completly missed) and consequently pulling his punches

[JoshuaDunlow]

I don't reply much, and haven't in a while on your thread. But i ahve to say, i rather like your Penguin build. Simply cause it's been hard to imagine much more than what i have been exposed to from let's say like Scooby Doo cartoons (you know the ones, where they meet the Dynamic Duo). And some of the old DC cartoon shows, and of course the infamous Batman movies. I think you did a wonderful job, in putting the Penguin into a more serious perspective for myself.

[Woodclaw]

I don't reply much, and haven't in a while on your thread. But i ahve to say, i rather like your Penguin build. Simply cause it's been hard to imagine much more than what i have been exposed to from let's say like Scooby Doo cartoons (you know the ones, where they meet the Dynamic Duo). And some of the old DC cartoon shows, and of course the infamous Batman movies. I think you did a wonderful job, in putting the Penguin into a more serious perspective for myself.

Thanks, I really didn't know about a Batman/Scooby Doo crossover (althought after reading the Archie/Punisher crossover I'm not that surprised). Penguin is a bit of a mixed bag among the Bat-foes, he lacks the sheer madness of the Joker, the genius of Ra's al-Ghul or the simple physical power of Clayface, he's a classic enemy, but a utterly normal one, just very capable crime lord. His appearence doesn't help either, few people find a short, plucky man in a tuxedo a credible threat. I'm very happy to have improved your opinion of mr Cobblepot.

By the way I have commented on your thread either for quite a while now, sorry.

[Woodclaw]

ARKHAM FILES continues with the "man who (almost) broke the bat"


I WILL BREAK YOU!

Bane
Real Name Unknown

Power Level: 10 (160pp)

Abilities: STR: 22/28 (+6/+9), DEX: 16 (+3), CON: 22/28 (+6/+9), INT: 18 (+4), WIS: 16 (+3), CHA: 14 (+2)

Skills: Acrobatics 3 (+6), Bluff 6 (+8), Climb 3 (+9/+12 [with Venom]), Concentration 4 (+7), Craft (chemical) 2 (+6), Craft (mechanical) 2 (+6), Diplomacy 5 (+7), Disable Device 4 (+8), Gather Information 6 (+8), Intimidate 9 (+11), Investigate 2 (+6), Knowledge (current events) 5 (+9), Knowledge (history) 5 (+9), Knowledge (tactics) 7 (+11), Language 6 (English, Portuguese, Russian, 4 at GM choice; Native: Spanish), Medicine 3 (+6), Notice 5 (+8), Profession (hired killer) 7 (+10), Search 3 (+7), Sense Motive 6 (+9/+12 [Assessment]), Stealth 6 (+9), Survival 6 (+9), Swim 3 (+9/+12 [with Venom])

Feats: Assessment, Attack Focus 3 (melee), Diehard, Distract (Intimidate), Dodge Focus 2, Eidetic Memory, Fearsome Presence 5, Improved Initiative 1, Lionheart 1, Master Plan, Power Attack, Powerhouse (heavy load: 1040 lbs/1.1 ton [with Venom]), Rage 1 (5 rounds), Skill Mastery 1 (Disable Device, Intimidate, Knowledge [tactics], Sense Motive), Startle, Task Focus 1 (Sense Motive, Assessment), Ultimate Grapple

Wrestling-like Street Fighting (fighting style): Accurate Attack, Chokehold, Crushing Pin, Grappling Block, Improved Block 1, Improved Critical 1 (Unarmed Attack), Improved Grab, Improved Pin, Reversal, Stunning Attack, Veteran Fighter

Powers:

Venom Pump (Device 3 [hard to lose]; 12pp)

Devices:

Venom Pump (14pp of effects)
- Adrenal Surge 6 (PF: Alternate power 1, Slow Fade 1 [1 minute]; Extra: Total Fade)
-- AP: Painkiller (Healing 4; PF: Slow Fade 2 [5 minutes]; Extra: Energizing; Flaw: Personal, Temporary)

Equipment:

Combat: Attack +8 (+11 Melee); Damage +6/+9 (Unarmed), or by weapon of choice; Defense +11 (+5 Flat-footed); Initiative +7

Saves: Toughness +6/+9 with Venom, Fortitude +8/+11, Reflex +6, Will +7/+11 [Lionheart]

Drawbacks: Weakness (if the Venom Pump is disabled or overloaded [uncommon, -1 STR per round]; -5pp)

Abilities 48 + Skills 27 (108 ranks) + Feats 35 + Powers 12 + Combat 34 + Saves 9 - Drawbacks 5 = 160

Complications:

• Addiction (Venom): Bane is addicted to Venom, while he is usually able to control himself a prolonged abstinence miht cause various side-effects
• Obsession (breaking Batman): since his prison days Bane showed an obsession for the Dark Knight, considering him a sort of polar opposite

Bane has very few appearences in the DCAU since he was considered more of a gimmick villain than anything else, plus he couldn't, like his comic book counterpart, "broke the Bat" on screen, so my build draw some elements from his comic book version

while I can picture Bane as an anti-Batman, I really don't like the idea of him being equal (or better) to Bats in every given field, so I left some elements behind (like his supposed mastery of escapology) and downplayed is CHA a little

even without the Venom pump Bane is a PL8.5 menace, with a physical prowness close to Captain America, so I don't really think that he could classify for a Normal Identity drawback

speaking of the Venom I saw a lot of different constructions around, but none using Adrenal Surge, which in my opinion is the most simple way to build it. I also included another function from the comics, Bane can inject a more carefully controlled amount of Venom to act as a painkiller. Both functions works for about 14-15 minutes

on a more personal note there is one thing that always bothered me about Bane, while I understand that his mass makes him utterly terrifying how can people consider him a serious menace even before seeing him in action, I mean he wears a luchador mask for crying out loud

[Horsenhero]

Well, in the comics, his mask is more spidey-esque (covered nose and mouth), but, I never liked Bane as a villain visually. I mean even his precursor, the horribly named, KGBeast had a better look. I just feel as an "arch-nemesis" he leaves much to be desired.

That all said, that's a pretty nice build. One of the best interpretations of the venom harness I've seen written up.

[Woodclaw]

Well, in the comics, his mask is more spidey-esque (covered nose and mouth), but, I never liked Bane as a villain visually. I mean even his precursor, the horribly named, KGBeast had a better look. I just feel as an "arch-nemesis" he leaves much to be desired.

I agree with the general sentiment, a friend of mine theorized that Bane kept the stupid look to make his opponents underestimate him (whihc is entirely possible given his BG). Given that Bane was probably something put together in hurry to gave Bats a new more powerful villain capable of matching him and crippling him just to start the whole Knightfall affair. I mean, everything given and considered the DC already had a perfectly viable villain to match Batman: Deathstroke, but he was problably rules out because the two had too much backstory and confrontations.

That all said, that's a pretty nice build. One of the best interpretations of the venom harness I've seen written up.

Thanks, the pump was really something I wanted to be optional, in my eyes Bane should be a legitimate menace even without it.

[Horsenhero]

I agree to a point. Batman has a couple villains in his own rogues gallery that would have served better than Deathstroke. First and foremost would be Professor Hugo Strange. He'd already beaten and impersonated Batman before. He knows his secret identity and he's both bugnuts and brilliant. Second would be Killer Croc... as first introduced in the comics (the same story that originally introduced Jason Todd). He was portrayed as intelligent, ruthless and able to take Bats in a fight one on one. As time has gone by, he's gotten dumber and less competent. The new villain shine just wore off. Finally, Black Spider, Night Slayer or Anarky would've been viable, since they've all been shown to be pretty good matches for Bruce and with the right plans, any might manage a win.

I generally think of Deathstroke as a Teen Titans villain, just because that title featured his first appearances and established him, moreso than Brother Blood (imo) as their arch-nemesis.

Regardless, Bane I agree, seems like something of a last minute idea...especially visually. In comics, exciting villains always have some visual "pop" and Bane has almost zero.

[Woodclaw]

I agree to a point. Batman has a couple villains in his own rogues gallery that would have served better than Deathstroke. First and foremost would be Professor Hugo Strange. He'd already beaten and impersonated Batman before. He knows his secret identity and he's both bugnuts and brilliant. Second would be Killer Croc... as first introduced in the comics (the same story that originally introduced Jason Todd). He was portrayed as intelligent, ruthless and able to take Bats in a fight one on one. As time has gone by, he's gotten dumber and less competent. The new villain shine just wore off. Finally, Black Spider, Night Slayer or Anarky would've been viable, since they've all been shown to be pretty good matches for Bruce and with the right plans, any might manage a win.

I generally think of Deathstroke as a Teen Titans villain, just because that title featured his first appearances and established him, moreso than Brother Blood (imo) as their arch-nemesis.

I refered to Deathstroke only because he is usually referred as the Anti-Batman, about the others, Hugo Strange is surely mental match (if not a superior) but lacks the physical threat, Killer Croc is a physical match, but he isn't that smart (at the time of Knightfall some authors had already portraied him as a dumb bruiser). I'm blantaly ignorant about the others.

Regardless, Bane I agree, seems like something of a last minute idea...especially visually. In comics, exciting villains always have some visual "pop" and Bane has almost zero.

I partially disagree, Bane's apppearence is pretty unique, even lacking any visual "pop".

[Arthur Eld]

The 'anti-Batman' thing has a lot of candidates-from the aforementioned characters to guys like Wrath and the more recent but very similar Promethous (who's more like anti-batgod)-but the funny thing about Bane (who I've always liked as a character, especially lately in Secret Six) is that he was originally supposed to be more of an anti-Doc Savage.

Seeing as how the Doc and Batman have a lot of similarities, though, the point is kind of moot.