upcoming game - Age of Apocalypse

[hoopsguy]

Since my game appears to be coming up pretty soon (although I will not be able to run it until 9/22, at the soonest, based on work schedule), I figured that I would see if I can get the ball rolling on this one. This is not intended as an official sign-up thread, since I don't know what the date is going to be for when the game is going to run, but it is intended to gauge interest.

For those who recall the last game, Apocalypse Awakens, characters selected their hero/villain prior to the start of the game. Tyrith (my co-moderator) and I created unique roles for each player, based on their comic book choice. We'll be doing the same thing this time around, but with a twist. We'll also be creating OperationSports accounts named for the hero/villain that you should use for posting in the thread. So here is your chance to play outside of the boundaries of your FOFC/OS rep, if you want to change things up.

I'll ask that people interested in playing post in the thread that they are interested, but do not include the hero/villain name. After signing up, please send a PM to both me and Tyrith with the names of two characters you want to play. For those who don't know Marvel comics, I'm including links for info on Marvel heroes/villains. Or just PM/IM me and we can figure out what kind of existing characters meet the type of person you would like to play.

First come, first served on character selections (sorry if you are the second person requesting Wolverine, for example). You have the right to change your mind on who to play right up to the time that you receive your role (and password to the in-game account) at the start of the game.

I'll also list the rules when we have them finalized - I'm expecting this to happen somewhere in the next two weeks. I would expect them to be similar in complexity to the ones from the last Apocalypse game (linked below):
Werewolf XLI - Apocalypse Awakens - Game over! - Front Office Football Central (http://operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=56193)

[hoopsguy]

Main Page - Marvel Universe: The definitive online source for Marvel super hero bios. (http://www.marvel.com/universe)
- Category:Age of Apocalypse - Marvel Universe: The definitive online source for Marvel super hero bios. (http://www.marvel.com/universe/Category:Age_of_Apocalypse) (theme roughly based on this story arc)

Category:Characters - Marvel Database (http://en.marveldatabase.com/Category:Characters)

Marvel Heroes Classic Roleplaying Game - Marvel RPG (http://www.classicmarvel.com/cast_list/all.htm) (relied on heavily for last game)

Master List Guide (http://www.marvunapp.com/master/mastguid.htm)

Wikipedia has a ton of entries as well (relied on heavily for last game) - do you really need the link for Wikipedia?

[hoopsguy]

Also, I would love to see new characters introduced to this game rather than repeats from last game. I'm not going to say "no" to someone who wants to play their favorite character, but if all things are equal then I would ask you to pick someone who was not in the last game.

[hoopsguy]

Rules post:

Versions:
0.1 initial rules post (8/23)

This is very much subject to change as we further implement the guts of the rules. But this initial posting should give you at least the flavor of the game we intend to create. Expect there to be a number of additions here to provide the framework for day/night actions, as well as elements that will be unique to this game.

Moderator Source Note #1 - There were a pair of superhero games on BoardGameGeek (BGG), one involving Thanos and another that was an X-Men based game, that got me looking at comics as source material.
- The Werewolf Gauntlet: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/thread/112679 (http://www.boardgamegeek.com/thread/112679)
- X-Man: The Cure: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/thread/117348/page/1 (http://www.boardgamegeek.com/thread/117348/page/1)

From there I ran a game here and read one more comic game at BGG. This game draws upon elements from all of the BGG stories, while continuing the story from my first Apocalypse game.
- Apocalypse Awakens: http://operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=56193 (http://operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=56193)
- End of Forever: http://boardgamegeek.com/thread/151897 (http://boardgamegeek.com/thread/151897)

Moderator Source Note #2 - this game will be based very loosely upon the X-Men story "The Age of Apocalypse". This was a story written in 1995 where Professor Xavier is killed, thus creating an alternate timeline where Apocalypse comes to rule. A number of familiar characters are cast in new roles in the harsh "survival of the fittest" regime. In our story, Apocalypse defeated the heroes in "Apocalypse Awakens" and has broadened his power base over the past two years.

Here is a summary of the original story in the comics. Note that I will be quite liberal with my adaptation to werewolf and that events are likely to deviate substantially from the comic version.
- http://www.uncannyxmen.net/db/time/showfaq.asp?fldAuto=13 (http://www.uncannyxmen.net/db/time/showfaq.asp?fldAuto=13)

Moderator Source Note #3 - anyone who reads all of the links I provide probably has too much time on their hands.

Background:
Apocalypse has established dominion over the Americas and is looking to extend his power across the globe. The primary enforcers of his will are a high council of Prelates. Although there have been sporadic uprisings over the years, but none have had required resources and leadership necessary to effect a disrupt Apocalypse's rule. However, that may be changing as the Hounds have identified a traitorous Prelate. If this wasn't enough of a concern, there is the little matter of the arrival of Galactus, Eater of Worlds, sizing up earth.

Players: 25 (not a fixed #)
Evil/Werewolves: rebellion against Apocalypse
Good/Villagers: Apocalypse, his Prelates, and those loyal to him
Undetermined: those who don't neatly fit under the other two categories

During sign-ups, each player selects a Marvel comics hero or villain that they would like to play during this game. The moderator has the right to refuse a selection (Galactus can not be selected) but will try to accomodate any reasonable selection. The moderator will assign roles/powers prior to the start of the game.

The game begins with an established ruling hierarchy under Apocalypse. This is well known to all players - these are public roles. Not all players will have a public role. Each player has a private role that includes powers, health, energy, and win conditions (if different from overall group)

Win Conditions:
Evil: Overthrow the tyrant, assume majority of seats on ruling council. Don't let Galactus eat the planet.
Good: Squash the rebellion - eliminate all evil. Don't let Galactus eat the planet.

Characters:
Each character will be assigned a set of powers, as well as ratings for Health and Energy.
Health - how much damage a character can sustain before they are killed
Energy - the currency for taking actions. All powers cost at least one point of energy
Powers - these will differ from character to character. As you would expect with a comic book theme, some characters will be inherently more powerful than others

[DaddyTorgo]

IN

[Barkeep49]

In.

[hoopsguy]

Also, if you have questions about the rules, comments on what worked/didn't work from last game, or want to talk about what you think should be in the game to make it better, this would be a good place to do it. As noted earlier, the rules are moving towards completion, but I'm very willing to get feedback and/or wish list stuff now and try to incorporate it into the game.

[Schmidty]

You know I'm in like sin.

[Crim]

Depending on my work schedule outlook when the game comes around, I'm your huckleberry.

[The Jackal]

I'm definitely in, I'll draft up a PM in a minute here.

[PurdueBrad]

IN, working on PM

[hoopsguy]

I've got about a 50/50 mix of character requests that are repeats/new so far. Which is fine. Just a word to the wise - if you end up playing someone who was in the last game expect that there will be some substantial changes in powers, health, energy, etc. I don't want people to be able to have perfect knowledge of what the special roles will entail.

I'm excited about a couple of the new selections. One was a character that I would have expected to see last game, while another was a very cool pick that is a little more obscure.

I'll probably post a few of the character requests - along with a couple of dummy ones mixed in for disguise purposes - when I've gotten a couple more. That should help avoid repeat requests, while giving people an idea of what to expect when the game comes around.

[hoopsguy]

Depending on my work schedule outlook when the game comes around, I'm your huckleberry.

Feel free to make a character request anytime - it certainly is not binding in terms of participating.

I would hate for you to have your heart set on Longshot, only to have him snapped up before you enter your request. I'm using Longshot as the example because there were multiple requests for him last time around (who knew???) and as a result I wasn't able to bring in a first-time WW player.

[Narcizo]

Boo! What happened to "Apocalypse lounges around in bed for a bit and then has a spot of breakfast"?

[hoopsguy]

Apocalypse is a man of action. He who "lounges around in bed for a bit and then has a spot of breakfast" is probably weak and would not survive in his harsh regime.

On a semi-related note, Apocalypse (NTN) and Silver Surfer (Path12) have the option to come back as those characters this time around, with the understanding that they will be automatic selections for the leadership group (Apoc + Prelate #1). Or they can opt to take different characters that may not be Prelates. But if NTN isn't able to play, or just wants to play someone new, then the Apocalypse role would be open.

[ntndeacon]

in

[hoopsguy]

Random note - creating the characters is a heck of a lot of fun. Time consuming, but fun.

[claphamsa]

this sounds good... dunno if i can play! but why not try :)

[Schmidty]

PM sent!!!!!

[PackerFanatic]

I will probably be in - I am not very well versed in the land of Marvel Comics, so I will have to dig around and see if I can pick out someone fun :)

[hoopsguy]

FYI - for those of you who don't know the Marvel universe all that well, I'll be creating a bunch of extra characters leading up to the game. Basically, when people submit three names, I'm going to create all three of them in advance. During the sign-up week, I'll post a list of "pre-generated" hero/villain options. If you decide you want one of those, just let me know (by PM) and I'll match you up with that character.

This should make the pre-game a little less research intensive, if that is not appealing to you. But if you want to have the ability to, more or less, determine the type of character you are playing then it makes sense to do some homework with the Marvel links or talk with someone who knows comics. Based on the last game, there are several WW posters who could probably help with this.

[RendeR]

Count me in, PM to follow shortly.

[hoopsguy]

So far I've got about 20 or so characters that have been submitted. I did 8 of them last night. Only had one duplicate request so far, and I'm pretty surprised at who the duplicate is - not one of the big comic book names.

At the end of the week, I'll post the first list of names I've received, along with create status (done or not done). I figure it will be big enough at that point that there won't be any real advantage in terms of figuring out who might be who.

[PackerFanatic]

So do you want us to be submitting character requests or not? I was just under the impression that this was an interest gauge and that you would open formal character requests when the sign-up is out. Doesn't matter much to me, just making sure I get in a request if I need to!

[hoopsguy]

Packer, it is definitely helpful if you PM me now with the character requests. It is not binding - you have the right to change your mind, or not play when the game comes around.

Giving me the characters now - via PM - helps me with pre-creating the characters. In a game where every character has powers/abilities, that is a huge part of creating the game balance. So being able to do it ahead of time is very helpful for me.

Also, please include Tyrith as well on the PM as he is working with me on the game creation, even if I'm the one doing all the talking about it in this thread :)

[hoopsguy]

Dola - each character takes me about 15-45 minutes to create. So if I had to create 25 of them at the start of the game, in a short time window, and then make sure that the rules balance held up, then I would be working non-stop for two days just to get the game launched. I want to get as much of that as possible out of the way now, while understanding that I'll still have to do some of that for late requests, changes, etc.

[PackerFanatic]

That makes total sense now, gotcha. I will take a look and send you something by tonight :)

[Autumn]

As you know, I'd like to play. It will be dicey, depending on when it starts. We're planning on moving around the beginning of October, so I may or may not be able to jump in. I'll PM you a couple of ideas though just in case.

[Crim]

Are Marvel characters from the past/or deceased characters allowed?

[claphamsa]

no you cant be JFK!

[hoopsguy]

Crim, if they can come back in the real comics then they can make an appearance in this game.

In the comic book spirit, I would love to see an explanation for how the character survived, or came back to life, within the game thread at some point.

[Crim]

Alrighty then, PM sent.

You tell 'em I'm coming... and hell's coming with me, you hear?...
Hell's coming with me!

[Schmidty]

Don't forget that hoops is giving us new accounts with our characters names, so don't tell everyone who you are.

[Barkeep49]

Don't forget that hoops is giving us new accounts with our characters names, so don't tell everyone who you are.
Yeah cause when there is a character who turns green and has anger issues we'll all want to be guessing who it is :).

[DaddyTorgo]

Don't forget that hoops is giving us new accounts with our characters names, so don't tell everyone who you are.

oooh we're doing that for this game???

NIFTY

[hoopsguy]

Yep, that is the whole idea behind not saying who you are requesting in the thread.

I'm looking forward to cackling along when Alan decides to adopt a SnDvls-style of posting with his temporary handle :)

[Schmidty]

Yeah cause when there is a character who turns green and has anger issues we'll all want to be guessing who it is :).

You think I'm That PREDICTABLE?!?!?!?!?

You don't know me, damnit. :mad:

[claphamsa]

HULK SMASH

[DaddyTorgo]

HULK SMASH!!!

[Barkeep49]

You think I'm That PREDICTABLE?!?!?!?!?

You don't know me, damnit. :mad:
I told hoops that if you weren't going to be allowed to play the Hulk, to me the single most memorable role playing we've ever had, that I woudl be very disappointed. I understand if you don't want the role, but still.

[hoopsguy]

So far I've got about 20 or so characters that have been submitted. I did 8 of them last night. Only had one duplicate request so far, and I'm pretty surprised at who the duplicate is - not one of the big comic book names.

At the end of the week, I'll post the first list of names I've received, along with create status (done or not done). I figure it will be big enough at that point that there won't be any real advantage in terms of figuring out who might be who.

Update - 12 done out of 28 total character requests. Still only the one duplicate, and it is not a first request for both people. So all initial requests are still in line to be honored.

BK, if your brother was amused by the character requests in the first game wait until he gets a load of these :eek:


:popcorn:

[Narcizo]

OK couple of balancing issues that you've probably thought of.
1) Last game the bad guys could basically sit around accumulating EPs which came in useful when there was a lynch/fight at the end, as they could power up their attacks. Meanwhile the good guys with "night" powers had to use up most of their EPs on those powers.
2) Given the connection between names and powers, the baddies have a good shot at targeting the seer-types.

[hoopsguy]

1.) We're going to be putting caps on the vast majority of players, in terms of max damage that can be delivered on a given day
1a.) The intent right now is that the minority team (wolves) will have to use energy with their night kills. Still working on this one, it is a challenging one to implement within the health/energy model without just throwing all kinds of extra energy to the bad guys
2.) From post #4, However, that may be changing as the Hounds have identified a traitorous Prelate
This isn't a throw-away line. The Hounds act as the primary "seer" in the game, although there may be additional seer type roles (much like last game). But there is definitely going to be a variation on the standard seer dynamic tihs time out.

I would expect that Tyrith and I will publish full rules for the game somewhere in the week of Sept 8th. We've really got two main issues to work through at the moment - once we have those nailed down we'll just be putting finishing touches on some "nice to have" elements.

Also, up to 16 characters created. The influx of new requests has dried up so I'll just go ahead and put out the list now, along with a couple of additional characters we are planning to create in case someone decides to pick them.

[hoopsguy]

Returning from last game, by virtue of victory:
Apocalypse (created)
Silver Surfer (created)
Moon Knight (created)

I've extended offers to NTN and Path to play Apoc/Surfer again if they are so inclined. However, if these roles are not filled then I'll look for someone else to take up the mantle one these guys. Surfer and Moon Knight will be the top two prelates (order to be determined).

Back, by popular demand (player request) from last game:
Daredevil (created)
Dr. Doom (created)
Hulk (created)
Mandarin (created)
Mr. Sinister (created)
Professor X (created)
Spiderman (created)

And here are character requests that were not present in the last game:
Annihilus (created)
Banshee
Colossus (created)
Conan (created)
Cyclops
Douglock
Elixir (created)
Fin Fang Foom (created)
Firebird (created)
Forge
Gargoyle (created)
Genesis (created)
Hell Rider (created)
Henry Pym
Invisible Woman (created)
Jean Grey (created)
Kang the Conqueror (created)
Kingpin
Madrox
Maelstrom
Mimic (created)
Mr. Fantastic (created)
Mr. Sinister
Nightcrawler (created)
Puck (created)
Quicksilver (created)
Rogue (created)
Sage (created)
Scarlet Witch (created)
Shadowcat (created)
Shadow King (created)
Silver Samurai (created)
Spiral
Stilt Man (created)
Trevor Fitzroy
Union Jack (created)
White Queen (created)


8/31 Updated create status. New characters to be added mid-week.
9/6 Updated create status, new characters

[ntndeacon]

Like I said earlier, I am in, but I don't think I shall reprise my role of Apocolypse. It would be fun, but it will also be fun to try another role as well.

[Schmidty]

HULK SMASH!!!

That is trademarked. I must ask you to refrain from further use, or our legal team will be forced to take the appropriate actions.

[Thomkal]

gotta play in this despite the werewolf rustiness. Perhaps I should play someone a little less obscure than Cannonball this time around. :)

[Crim]

Okay, so I'm reading through the original Apocolypse thread and this retort by RA gave me giggleshits:

You shall die.


ATTACK DEADPOOL(Mystic)

IT TICKLES (Armpits)


lol

[Thomkal]

yeah there's a lot of good roleplaying and funny lines in that game.

[Danny]

Hoops, can I sign up and then potentially drop before the game starts if I don't have enough time to commit?

[Talgian]

I'm in.

[hoopsguy]

Hoops, can I sign up and then potentially drop before the game starts if I don't have enough time to commit?

Sure, this is not an official sign-up, since I don't know when the actual date will be and you don't have a complete set of rules to help make the decision. It is more intended as a gauge of interest - I'm hoping to get 25 or so players, and will size the game based on interest. Also, if you are interested then please consider a couple of character options and PM those to Tyrith and me. Thanks.

[hoopsguy]

Dola - I've had a couple of others who have expressed interest, while knowing that there are specific periods of time that aren't going to work. No worries ... nothing binding in expressing interest.

As it sits right now, I'm 3rd in the queue - assuming both of the people in front of me run their games rather than moving down the list I'll probably be starting on 9/29 or the following Monday. I could potentially run it as early as 9/22 (depending on work schedule) but there is no way that I'll be running this game before then. Hope this helps a little for people who are concerned about schedules.

[path12]

I'm going to be in, but you can surprise me with a character.

[hoopsguy]

For those who are interested in playing, let Tyrith and me know (by PM) if you would be interested in playing Apocalypse, Silver Surfer, or Moon Knight.

These characters will be at the top of the "public roles" food chain, meaning that they will have the ability to issue orders in a manner similar to that found in the Spawn games.

[hoopsguy]

Post #44 has been updated to show create status of player requests, as well as the full list of player requests (plus some GM-created dummy requests).

Also, I'm hoping to have an updated set of rules - probably 80-90% complete - posted by the end of the week. Just a matter of finishing the typing at this point, as well as the inevitable small tweaks as I put the ideas on my head onto paper (well, Notepad doc).

[hoopsguy]

For those who have not submitted a name, take a look at the names in Post #44 and let me (and Tyrith) know five candidates that would be appealing to you. I'm guessing that you'll find a name in that submitted list that remains available for you to play.

This is equally applicable for anyone who may have submitted names but is experiencing "buyers remorse" after seeing the other requests.

[Narcizo]

Stiltman FTW!

[hoopsguy]

Stiltman FTW!

Heh - suffice it to say that I've been surprised by a few of the requests.

[Autumn]

I really hope I'll be able to play. Unfortunately our move to Maine will be happening right around the turn of hte month so it seems I may end up missing out.

[hoopsguy]

Autumn, it looks like start date for this one is going to be 10/6.

Also, I'm considering having the sign-ups for this game be "in the dark" as well. I'm putting out invites to a couple of old timers that would like to completely bush-whack the current regulars while playing under assumed (hero/villain) names. So not only wouldn't you be able to associate them with the name, but you wouldn't have any idea that SkyDog was playing the game.

Oops - did I just type that?

Anyway, I don't want to give too big an advantage here, so I'm going to do one of two things:
1.) Keep a couple of "moderator exceptions" that will be signed up as "Player X", "Player Y", "Player Z"
2.) Allow all players to just PM me with their intent to play once the official sign-up thread goes up, likely near end of next week

I do recognize that there is a slight disadvantage to the 15 or so people who have expressed interest in the thread already, but there are no assuranaces that the schedule is going to work for you, that you are going to like the ruleset, etc. So even if you were intent on playing earlier, who knows if you would make it into the game now that we are looking at 10/6 for the start date.

If people have strong thoughts on these options, now is the time to share them with me.

[DaddyTorgo]

why is there a disadvantage? you going to put a hard cap on the game?

[hoopsguy]

No hard cap on game. Slight disadvantage would be "hmm, of the 25 players in the game, I saw DT sign up in the original thread. Odds are he is one of the 25 players, so what hero/villain would he be?"

This is compared to "hmm, of the 25 players in the game, 15 of them signed up in the pre-game thread, so who the heck are those other 10+ players, let alone what name are they using?"

I think the disadvantage is very, very small but I wanted to talk through my thought process on it and give people time to chime in now, if they felt strongly one way or the other.

[Barkeep49]

Honestly I think certain players have distinctive playing habbits so I think that's the best identifier.

[hoopsguy]

I'm just glad I get to be moderator, otherwise I would be an easy one to pick out :)

[hoopsguy]

Also, I'm wondering what kind of signature files we are going to see with the heroes? :)

[claphamsa]

i like cheese?

[ntndeacon]

SMASH ?

[Narcizo]

Sucks if Autumn can't play. He kicked arse in the Rome game.

Anyone who fails to spot me within a day clearly won't have been paying attention, or, *shock* won't know who I am.

[Autumn]

Aw, shucks. If it starts around the 6th I'm going to try to play. I'll have been in the new house for a week, so while it will still be crazy to try, it might be doable.

[Schmidty]

SMASH ?

:(

[RendeR]

You people will never figure out who I am. It won't happen. in fact I'll start a pool. Select the post number that nails me (announces this person is RendeR) and the closes player wins a prize. (prizes based on winner and funds available at the time)

;)


PM me with your picks =)

[ntndeacon]

I meant that for you Schmidty. :) I would NEVER steal such a renowned line.

[hoopsguy]

Rules are done, submitted for co-moderator review. Looking to post sign-ups on Friday/Saturday of this week.

Since it is a fairly intense ruleset, I want to have that week leading up as an opportunity for people to ask questions - either in thread or via PM/IM/e-mail.

[The Jackal]

I'm so excited for this game.

[hoopsguy]

I'm so excited for this game.

Me too. Here is a new concept I'm introducing that I haven't discussed publicly yet. I've been working on the details of these tonight and having a blast doing it.

Mission Action:<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
- as a general rule, there will be one mission per day
- participation in "mission action" precludes use of other "special actions" during day/night cycle
- players who participate on a mission will PM the moderator the amount of energy they want to use to help make the mission a "success"
- missions may involve competition between factions, or a pre-set amount of energy needed to complete a mission
- each mission will involve either rewards for the winners or some sort of penalty for failure

More to come later this week :popcorn:

[DaddyTorgo]

ooh! that's cool!!! me likey!