Hard to Classify Power Category.

[Pepsi Jedi]

With out being too specific, I've been looking at the books lately and I'm finding it hard to choose a power category for a 'type' of super hero. I'm not "Converting" or anything like that. Just trying to make my own version of the 'type'.

The character would act largely at night. largely urban, and possesses both gimmicky weapons/equipment, as well as martial arts and detective skills. No "super powers" (( As in lasers from the eyes, or turning into metal or anything.)) But highly trained in these aspects, swooping down out of the night to pass out justice.

The "Super Detective" category in HU is way way too weak and doesn't incorporate the 'gimmicky weapons/equipment' or the martial arts. So I discounted that.

The "hunter vigilantie" Didn't fit at all as this char wouldn't use guns. And the hunter is all about hunting and shooting and the skills just don't fit the type at all.

Hardware Mechanical Genius, can "Build" the "Super car" or the gimmicky spring loaded equipment. Like grapple guns or the like. I guess if you take the "Doctorate/ PHD" Skill level that gives you 4 skill programs and 10 secondaries. You drop one skill program ffor the hardware category, and use the other skills to pour onto your detective skills, but it skill kinda leaves out the martial arts.

Thing is, the hero 'Uses' The car and the weapons but isn't necessarily the guy with the wrench putting them together.

Hardware Analytical Genius: Could be some what the same, but again I'm not sure, as "Using" and "Creating" are different.

N&SS says you can upgrade the Hardware categories with stuff from that book and that would even let them take in the martial arts... but I'm not sure if it's the proper fit.

Like wise there's a couple of the spy OOC's in N&SS that might work, but the ones that MIGHT fit, are part of governmental organizations...

So what power category would you guys used for this "Type" of hero?

[Damian Magecraft]

With out being too specific, I've been looking at the books lately and I'm finding it hard to choose a power category for a 'type' of super hero. I'm not "Converting" or anything like that. Just trying to make my own version of the 'type'.

The character would act largely at night. largely urban, and possesses both gimmicky weapons/equipment, as well as martial arts and detective skills. No "super powers" (( As in lasers from the eyes, or turning into metal or anything.)) But highly trained in these aspects, swooping down out of the night to pass out justice.

The "Super Detective" category in HU is way way too weak and doesn't incorporate the 'gimmicky weapons/equipment' or the martial arts. So I discounted that.

The "hunter vigilantie" Didn't fit at all as this char wouldn't use guns. And the hunter is all about hunting and shooting and the skills just don't fit the type at all.

Hardware Mechanical Genius, can "Build" the "Super car" or the gimmicky spring loaded equipment. Like grapple guns or the like. I guess if you take the "Doctorate/ PHD" Skill level that gives you 4 skill programs and 10 secondaries. You drop one skill program ffor the hardware category, and use the other skills to pour onto your detective skills, but it skill kinda leaves out the martial arts.

Thing is, the hero 'Uses' The car and the weapons but isn't necessarily the guy with the wrench putting them together.

Hardware Analytical Genius: Could be some what the same, but again I'm not sure, as "Using" and "Creating" are different.

N&SS says you can upgrade the Hardware categories with stuff from that book and that would even let them take in the martial arts... but I'm not sure if it's the proper fit.

Like wise there's a couple of the spy OOC's in N&SS that might work, but the ones that MIGHT fit, are part of governmental organizations...

So what power category would you guys used for this "Type" of hero?

PU2... Mega hero: Natural/Genius

[Pepsi Jedi]

With out being too specific, I've been looking at the books lately and I'm finding it hard to choose a power category for a 'type' of super hero. I'm not "Converting" or anything like that. Just trying to make my own version of the 'type'.

The character would act largely at night. largely urban, and possesses both gimmicky weapons/equipment, as well as martial arts and detective skills. No "super powers" (( As in lasers from the eyes, or turning into metal or anything.)) But highly trained in these aspects, swooping down out of the night to pass out justice.

The "Super Detective" category in HU is way way too weak and doesn't incorporate the 'gimmicky weapons/equipment' or the martial arts. So I discounted that.

The "hunter vigilantie" Didn't fit at all as this char wouldn't use guns. And the hunter is all about hunting and shooting and the skills just don't fit the type at all.

Hardware Mechanical Genius, can "Build" the "Super car" or the gimmicky spring loaded equipment. Like grapple guns or the like. I guess if you take the "Doctorate/ PHD" Skill level that gives you 4 skill programs and 10 secondaries. You drop one skill program ffor the hardware category, and use the other skills to pour onto your detective skills, but it skill kinda leaves out the martial arts.

Thing is, the hero 'Uses' The car and the weapons but isn't necessarily the guy with the wrench putting them together.

Hardware Analytical Genius: Could be some what the same, but again I'm not sure, as "Using" and "Creating" are different.

N&SS says you can upgrade the Hardware categories with stuff from that book and that would even let them take in the martial arts... but I'm not sure if it's the proper fit.

Like wise there's a couple of the spy OOC's in N&SS that might work, but the ones that MIGHT fit, are part of governmental organizations...

So what power category would you guys used for this "Type" of hero?

PU2... Mega hero: Natural/Genius

It's got aspects I like. Alot of the brain ability would really fit, but then you slam up against the "Can only take a few physical skills" Which would cut out half of the character's ... use. The "Type" are awesome detectives and very skilled, but then, they swoop down out of the night and lay the smack down. The Natural Genius is great for the first half but very much not for the second. You can only take 4 physicals, a couple military or rogue.

And they don't have the gimmicky weapons/equipment at all.

[Damian Magecraft]

With out being too specific, I've been looking at the books lately and I'm finding it hard to choose a power category for a 'type' of super hero. I'm not "Converting" or anything like that. Just trying to make my own version of the 'type'.

The character would act largely at night. largely urban, and possesses both gimmicky weapons/equipment, as well as martial arts and detective skills. No "super powers" (( As in lasers from the eyes, or turning into metal or anything.)) But highly trained in these aspects, swooping down out of the night to pass out justice.

The "Super Detective" category in HU is way way too weak and doesn't incorporate the 'gimmicky weapons/equipment' or the martial arts. So I discounted that.

The "hunter vigilantie" Didn't fit at all as this char wouldn't use guns. And the hunter is all about hunting and shooting and the skills just don't fit the type at all.

Hardware Mechanical Genius, can "Build" the "Super car" or the gimmicky spring loaded equipment. Like grapple guns or the like. I guess if you take the "Doctorate/ PHD" Skill level that gives you 4 skill programs and 10 secondaries. You drop one skill program ffor the hardware category, and use the other skills to pour onto your detective skills, but it skill kinda leaves out the martial arts.

Thing is, the hero 'Uses' The car and the weapons but isn't necessarily the guy with the wrench putting them together.

Hardware Analytical Genius: Could be some what the same, but again I'm not sure, as "Using" and "Creating" are different.

N&SS says you can upgrade the Hardware categories with stuff from that book and that would even let them take in the martial arts... but I'm not sure if it's the proper fit.

Like wise there's a couple of the spy OOC's in N&SS that might work, but the ones that MIGHT fit, are part of governmental organizations...

So what power category would you guys used for this "Type" of hero?

PU2... Mega hero: Natural/Genius

It's got aspects I like. Alot of the brain ability would really fit, but then you slam up against the "Can only take a few physical skills" Which would cut out half of the character's ... use. The "Type" are awesome detectives and very skilled, but then, they swoop down out of the night and lay the smack down. The Natural Genius is great for the first half but very much not for the second. You can only take 4 physicals, a couple military or rogue.

And they don't have the gimmicky weapons/equipment at all.

why would they need more than 4 physicals?
as to equipment...
their geniuses... they cant figure out how to buy the gear?
nothing in the rules precludes the use of gear or the genius building it...
Plus if I understand the type you are after: many of the "disciplines" the genius is allowed to select fit the type to a T.

Also.. as to which class(es) you use is dependent on how closely you play to the books and the type.
I can with just the core HU2 book make a case for 3 different approaches to the type.

[drewkitty ~..~]

PU2... Mega hero: Natural/Genius

My 1st through was a hardware char with a N&S MAFBut the above is good too.
For a N&S answer to the question would be the Dreamer Gizmoteer or Gadgeteer Agent.

However, if the char has a builder supporting NPC then the options go further open up. Staying in N&S and other then the above OCC's, I would be looking at the Free agent OCC: privet eye or the Merc. OCC: commando or vet. grunt.

[Anthar]

The best fit for what you are looking for is in N&SS. Heroes Unlimited has aspects of what you are looking for but not under one label. OR you could use the extra skills rule from Heroes Unlimited to take extra skills to rould out one of the categories.

[Pepsi Jedi]

With out being too specific, I've been looking at the books lately and I'm finding it hard to choose a power category for a 'type' of super hero. I'm not "Converting" or anything like that. Just trying to make my own version of the 'type'.

The character would act largely at night. largely urban, and possesses both gimmicky weapons/equipment, as well as martial arts and detective skills. No "super powers" (( As in lasers from the eyes, or turning into metal or anything.)) But highly trained in these aspects, swooping down out of the night to pass out justice.

The "Super Detective" category in HU is way way too weak and doesn't incorporate the 'gimmicky weapons/equipment' or the martial arts. So I discounted that.

The "hunter vigilantie" Didn't fit at all as this char wouldn't use guns. And the hunter is all about hunting and shooting and the skills just don't fit the type at all.

Hardware Mechanical Genius, can "Build" the "Super car" or the gimmicky spring loaded equipment. Like grapple guns or the like. I guess if you take the "Doctorate/ PHD" Skill level that gives you 4 skill programs and 10 secondaries. You drop one skill program ffor the hardware category, and use the other skills to pour onto your detective skills, but it skill kinda leaves out the martial arts.

Thing is, the hero 'Uses' The car and the weapons but isn't necessarily the guy with the wrench putting them together.

Hardware Analytical Genius: Could be some what the same, but again I'm not sure, as "Using" and "Creating" are different.

N&SS says you can upgrade the Hardware categories with stuff from that book and that would even let them take in the martial arts... but I'm not sure if it's the proper fit.

Like wise there's a couple of the spy OOC's in N&SS that might work, but the ones that MIGHT fit, are part of governmental organizations...

So what power category would you guys used for this "Type" of hero?

PU2... Mega hero: Natural/Genius

It's got aspects I like. Alot of the brain ability would really fit, but then you slam up against the "Can only take a few physical skills" Which would cut out half of the character's ... use. The "Type" are awesome detectives and very skilled, but then, they swoop down out of the night and lay the smack down. The Natural Genius is great for the first half but very much not for the second. You can only take 4 physicals, a couple military or rogue.

And they don't have the gimmicky weapons/equipment at all.

why would they need more than 4 physicals?
as to equipment...
their geniuses... they cant figure out how to buy the gear?
nothing in the rules precludes the use of gear or the genius building it...
Plus if I understand the type you are after: many of the "disciplines" the genius is allowed to select fit the type to a T.

Also.. as to which class(es) you use is dependent on how closely you play to the books and the type.
I can with just the core HU2 book make a case for 3 different approaches to the type.

Yeah, many of the disciplines of the genius do fit to a T. I'm just trying to see where this rather 'Iconic type" Hero would fit. You can 'buy and use' the specialty equipment. But does that take you "out of class"? If it's that easy, loads of other categories could/would, wouldn't they?

I guess the best way to describe it is "I'm trying to make this iconic hero type, with out having to twink out and combine categories and the like."

We can make many of the iconic types via catagory. Mega Hero Alien for one "Type" or the vast array of "Mutants" with the other. Thunder gods or the like with the Immortals catagory, ect. This one very very Iconic type, seems hard to nail down. And there's more than one hero that falls into this type. Infact the 'Original' of this type has a whole family of off shoots that all are variations on the theme.

I'm looking at the hardware, and while the Analytical genius might pass first blush, they are not like the other hardware catagories where they roll education and then add on the hardware.

So I'm thinking....

Hardware Mechanical Genius: this would let him build his "Hero-mobile" and his gadgets. Grapple gun. Ect. and you 'roll' for normal education. For the sake of getting where we're going, this iconic 'Type' of hero is extreamly well trained. So we'll rate him at the doctorate phd level of education (( in a very selected field.)) That allows for the subtraction of 1 program, and leaves 3 programs and 10 secondry skills. 4 of those secondary skills will go for the N&SS martial art. Your other 3 skill programs will go for all your 'Detective" stuff and the other 6 secondary can help with the physical stuff needed for the swoopin' out of the dark ( climbing, acrobatics, ect).

[Regularguy]

I'd probably just fake it with a Psionicist.

Helps along PhD-level detective work by using object read at the crime scene, or telepathy to read surface thoughts of the unsuspecting during interrogation -- or clairvoyance to play profiler, when deducing where a serial offender will strike next.

Helps along martial artistry (and PhD-level athleticism) likewise; he might pull off a terrific parry thanks to sixth sense before trading a couple of blows and then stepping back as you slump to the ground from what he'll claim was a tricky nerve strike. (Or maybe you just stay down once he's hit you, since you're swiftly convinced it's the course of action least likely to get you killed.)

And, since you want him to be the guy who can get his hands on nifty gimmicks but (a) isn't the one turning the wrench and (b) doesn't have a government sponsor -- well, shucks, he can get people for that; he builds a retinue, they build stuff for him to use; a little hypnotic suggestion here, or an inserted memory there, or whatever, and retinue ensues. (Though if you want him to have a cool gimmick or two in his own right, just have him whip out a device and fiddle with it when overriding electronics or whatever.)

[Incriptus]

If your looking for that kind of "Iconic" character I suspect you're looking for you want to make a MEGA HERO. Quite honestly if you star in a comic book you're likely to be a Mega hero in one aspect or another. The other thing of note is that "Iconic" characters are not level 1! While the simple hand to hand martial arts doesn't sound that impressive with N&SS options out there, at level 15 it still stacks up really well.

One of the Rifters [57 maybe] has a good article for Mega Heroes who rely on equipment [and are still human].

[Damian Magecraft]

I'd probably just fake it with a Psionicist.

Helps along PhD-level detective work by using object read at the crime scene, or telepathy to read surface thoughts of the unsuspecting during interrogation -- or clairvoyance to play profiler, when deducing where a serial offender will strike next.

Helps along martial artistry (and PhD-level athleticism) likewise; he might pull off a terrific parry thanks to sixth sense before trading a couple of blows and then stepping back as you slump to the ground from what he'll claim was a tricky nerve strike. (Or maybe you just stay down once he's hit you, since you're swiftly convinced it's the course of action least likely to get you killed.)

And, since you want him to be the guy who can get his hands on nifty gimmicks but (a) isn't the one turning the wrench and (b) doesn't have a government sponsor -- well, shucks, he can get people for that; he builds a retinue, they build stuff for him to use; a little hypnotic suggestion here, or an inserted memory there, or whatever, and retinue ensues. (Though if you want him to have a cool gimmick or two in his own right, just have him whip out a device and fiddle with it when overriding electronics or whatever.)

He is after emulating a very specific Iconic Type of hero... one he feels is not addressed by the game as such...


As I said I can "by the book" make a case for the type to be a Physical Training, a Super Sleuth, a Hardware, or a mega hero and thats without leaving the core book (benefits of an old school Rules Lawyer/GM education) once we leave the Core behind I can (and have) make a case for any non-powered class based on precedents made in the books.

[Pepsi Jedi]

If your looking for that kind of "Iconic" character I suspect you're looking for you want to make a MEGA HERO. Quite honestly if you star in a comic book you're likely to be a Mega hero in one aspect or another. The other thing of note is that "Iconic" characters are not level 1! While the simple hand to hand martial arts doesn't sound that impressive with N&SS options out there, at level 15 it still stacks up really well.

One of the Rifters [57 maybe] has a good article for Mega Heroes who rely on equipment [and are still human].

Hurm... we're only on 55 now... 56 ships in a week or two. Are you saying it's coming in a future article or perhaps misremembering the number?

Do you remember the name of the article or even just what was on the cover? I've got pretty much all the rifters (( give or take a hand full))

[Regularguy]

As I said I can "by the book" make a case for the type to be a Physical Training, a Super Sleuth, a Hardware, or a mega hero and thats without leaving the core book (benefits of an old school Rules Lawyer/GM education) once we leave the Core behind I can (and have) make a case for any non-powered class based on precedents made in the books.

Ah, but my proposed build likewise doesn't involve "leaving the core book" at all: PhD-level skills -- and object read at the crime scene à la the Super Sleuth, and clairvoyance and telepathy, and sixth sense and bio-manipulation, and so on for empathic transmission and hypnotic suggestion and the rest -- are all available "by the book" for a character who can draw on inner strength during a fistfight in between drawing on total recall to show off what he learned during long stretches of speed reading. I'm not proposing we "leave the core behind"; that's the category as written.

[Pepsi Jedi]

If your looking for that kind of "Iconic" character I suspect you're looking for you want to make a MEGA HERO. Quite honestly if you star in a comic book you're likely to be a Mega hero in one aspect or another. The other thing of note is that "Iconic" characters are not level 1! While the simple hand to hand martial arts doesn't sound that impressive with N&SS options out there, at level 15 it still stacks up really well.

One of the Rifters [57 maybe] has a good article for Mega Heroes who rely on equipment [and are still human].

Found it. 37. Reading now to see if it fits. Thank you Sir/Ma'am.

[Damian Magecraft]

As I said I can "by the book" make a case for the type to be a Physical Training, a Super Sleuth, a Hardware, or a mega hero and thats without leaving the core book (benefits of an old school Rules Lawyer/GM education) once we leave the Core behind I can (and have) make a case for any non-powered class based on precedents made in the books.

Ah, but my proposed build likewise doesn't involve "leaving the core book" at all: PhD-level skills -- and object read at the crime scene à la the Super Sleuth, and clairvoyance and telepathy, and sixth sense and bio-manipulation, and so on for empathic transmission and hypnotic suggestion and the rest -- are all available "by the book" for a character who can draw on inner strength during a fistfight in between drawing on total recall to show off what he learned during long stretches of speed reading. I'm not proposing we "leave the core behind"; that's the category as written.

true your suggestion would work but...
it violates the parameters set by PJ.

No "super powers" (( As in lasers from the eyes, or turning into metal or anything.)) But highly trained in these aspects, swooping down out of the night to pass out justice.

(Emphasis mine) I take that to mean no powers (psi counts as a power in my view). Hence the choices I offered up.

[Pepsi Jedi]

As I said I can "by the book" make a case for the type to be a Physical Training, a Super Sleuth, a Hardware, or a mega hero and thats without leaving the core book (benefits of an old school Rules Lawyer/GM education) once we leave the Core behind I can (and have) make a case for any non-powered class based on precedents made in the books.

Ah, but my proposed build likewise doesn't involve "leaving the core book" at all: PhD-level skills -- and object read at the crime scene à la the Super Sleuth, and clairvoyance and telepathy, and sixth sense and bio-manipulation, and so on for empathic transmission and hypnotic suggestion and the rest -- are all available "by the book" for a character who can draw on inner strength during a fistfight in between drawing on total recall to show off what he learned during long stretches of speed reading. I'm not proposing we "leave the core behind"; that's the category as written.

true your suggestion would work but...
it violates the parameters set by PJ.

No "super powers" (( As in lasers from the eyes, or turning into metal or anything.)) But highly trained in these aspects, swooping down out of the night to pass out justice.

(Emphasis mine) I take that to mean no powers (psi counts as a power in my view). Hence the choices I offered up.

Yeah. This hero doesn't have any super powers himself, but is defiantly a super hero. So are the 'family' that has out grown from him. And his type could defiantly rank as a mega hero. He's stood up to some real 'supermen' in the past, using his mind and his gadgets to do so.

I'm reading the rules for Mega Hero Hardware ect rules that Incriptus pointed me to. Looks like I'll find what I'm looking for if I go this way. I hadn't really thought about upgrading him to a mega hero till it was pointed out, and with rules to do so for "non "Superpowers" groups, but this "Iconic type" would clearly make mega hero status. (( Though some of his/her sidekicks would take a while before they made that cut.))

[Regularguy]

true your suggestion would work but...
it violates the parameters set by PJ.

No "super powers" (( As in lasers from the eyes, or turning into metal or anything.)) But highly trained in these aspects, swooping down out of the night to pass out justice.

(Emphasis mine) I take that to mean no powers (psi counts as a power in my view). Hence the choices I offered up.

The question is, does psi count as a power in PJ's view?

It's not "lasers from the eyes or turning into metal" -- and, since the guy's abilities are unaffected by Negate Super Powers, it's arguably not "anything" with regard to the underlined part about "super powers" -- especially given the flavor text for the category, about tapping into the latent potential ordinary people already have without being mutated or experimented on. (And doesn't the Super Sleuth you mentioned further establish that mere special training suffices to manifest three or four of those psi effects?)

[Damian Magecraft]

As I said I can "by the book" make a case for the type to be a Physical Training, a Super Sleuth, a Hardware, or a mega hero and thats without leaving the core book (benefits of an old school Rules Lawyer/GM education) once we leave the Core behind I can (and have) make a case for any non-powered class based on precedents made in the books.

Ah, but my proposed build likewise doesn't involve "leaving the core book" at all: PhD-level skills -- and object read at the crime scene à la the Super Sleuth, and clairvoyance and telepathy, and sixth sense and bio-manipulation, and so on for empathic transmission and hypnotic suggestion and the rest -- are all available "by the book" for a character who can draw on inner strength during a fistfight in between drawing on total recall to show off what he learned during long stretches of speed reading. I'm not proposing we "leave the core behind"; that's the category as written.

true your suggestion would work but...
it violates the parameters set by PJ.

No "super powers" (( As in lasers from the eyes, or turning into metal or anything.)) But highly trained in these aspects, swooping down out of the night to pass out justice.

(Emphasis mine) I take that to mean no powers (psi counts as a power in my view). Hence the choices I offered up.

Yeah. This hero doesn't have any super powers himself, but is defiantly a super hero. So are the 'family' that has out grown from him. And his type could defiantly rank as a mega hero. He's stood up to some real 'supermen' in the past, using his mind and his gadgets to do so.

I'm reading the rules for Mega Hero Hardware ect rules that Incriptus pointed me to. Looks like I'll find what I'm looking for if I go this way. I hadn't really thought about upgrading him to a mega hero till it was pointed out, and with rules to do so for "non "Superpowers" groups, but this "Iconic type" would clearly make mega hero status. (( Though some of his/her sidekicks would take a while before they made that cut.))

been a while since I read R37 but I believe there was some "new" Mega powers listed in that book as well... I seem to recall a "filthy rich/richer than god" type mega power listed one Rifter or another.

[Damian Magecraft]

true your suggestion would work but...
it violates the parameters set by PJ.

No "super powers" (( As in lasers from the eyes, or turning into metal or anything.)) But highly trained in these aspects, swooping down out of the night to pass out justice.

(Emphasis mine) I take that to mean no powers (psi counts as a power in my view). Hence the choices I offered up.

The question is, does psi count as a power in PJ's view?

It's not "lasers from the eyes or turning into metal" -- and, since the guy's abilities are unaffected by Negate Super Powers, it's arguably not "anything" with regard to the underlined part about "super powers" -- especially given the flavor text for the category, about tapping into the latent potential ordinary people already have without being mutated or experimented on. (And doesn't the Super Sleuth you mentioned further establish that mere special training suffices to manifest three or four of those psi effects?)

Apparently so... see his post just above yours.

[Pepsi Jedi]

I think with the help of Incriptus pointing me to it, and Greg Giaczyk (Nice name. Very super hero soundy) For writing it. I can build my char "by the book"

I start with
Hardware Mechanical Genius, Mega Hero.
From the "Equipment based Mega Hero" rules, that gives him

Increased range by 50% (( Applying to the gadgets))
Increased SDC by 50% (( Applying to the gadgets))
Inceased budget by 50%

By these rules, The hero would get 1 to 3 "Mega hero powers", Each one coming with it's own Achilles Heel.

1: Wealth. This ___VERY MUCH___ Fits the iconic hero type. One of his key foundations was that he and his type are extreamly wealthy and uses that wealth to auugment his crime fighting. The "Often have spare gadgets/super cars/ect, also fits in this iconic type.

2: Super Genius Inventor: This fits, not because the char is going for 'Super powers' but that the stuff he uses could be replicated here by such. Instead of "Swing line" from one of the power unlimited books. The Super Genius Inventor megal ability would let him develop his grapple gun which does the same thing. Instead of "Super Sight: Night vision" his gadget could build that automatically into his suit. Yes you can do this with the normal creation rules, but this one lets it fit and also lets you add up to get packages. Which is nice

3: Super powered Gadget: Battle Suit: This gives him the base battle suit of AR 13 SDC 440. And allows much of the same as above. The suit, though it's technological gadgetry could give bonous' in the nature of ... Night stalking... the cape on the suit could be made to go ridgid and give the technological equivilent of 'flight glide'.

(( Yes, 2 and 3 "Can" be done alone with the hardware category and creation rolls, but as pointed out by someone above, this would allow him to start with such at 'level 1". These two mega powers lets him start out with his "Hero-suit" and some of the gadgets and stuff to start, and the Hardware abilitys, and what not adding onto them as needed.

Each one needs an Achilles Heel, and I'd think

1) Major Character defining Insanity: Obsession.. this type of hero IS obsessed with the job of being a hero often to his/her own detriment. This has been a major driving force his entire life since a tragedy in his youth.
2) Loss of Humanity: Not the "i'm a robot" type but the more "Has seen such depravity and such, that he ends up distancing himself from others and thus becomes more and more distant and ... obsessed. Relationships end badly (( Pesky villains kidnapping and killing girlfriends and stuff too))
3) Obsession: "Refuses to use firearms to hurt others" To the point where the char very well might die, or others might die, due to this obsession. (( Another very iconic part of this 'Type' of hero.

The normal "Hardware Mechanical Genius" Stuff.

"Doctorate/Phd" level of training, with the skills (( 3 skill programs)) mostly geared towards the 'detective' side of the char. Secondary skills going to augment his physical side. Climbing. Acrobatics, ect

Dropping the 4 secondary skills to pick up the Martial art to finish out the character's training.

[Pepsi Jedi]

As I said I can "by the book" make a case for the type to be a Physical Training, a Super Sleuth, a Hardware, or a mega hero and thats without leaving the core book (benefits of an old school Rules Lawyer/GM education) once we leave the Core behind I can (and have) make a case for any non-powered class based on precedents made in the books.

Ah, but my proposed build likewise doesn't involve "leaving the core book" at all: PhD-level skills -- and object read at the crime scene à la the Super Sleuth, and clairvoyance and telepathy, and sixth sense and bio-manipulation, and so on for empathic transmission and hypnotic suggestion and the rest -- are all available "by the book" for a character who can draw on inner strength during a fistfight in between drawing on total recall to show off what he learned during long stretches of speed reading. I'm not proposing we "leave the core behind"; that's the category as written.

true your suggestion would work but...
it violates the parameters set by PJ.

No "super powers" (( As in lasers from the eyes, or turning into metal or anything.)) But highly trained in these aspects, swooping down out of the night to pass out justice.

(Emphasis mine) I take that to mean no powers (psi counts as a power in my view). Hence the choices I offered up.

Yeah. This hero doesn't have any super powers himself, but is defiantly a super hero. So are the 'family' that has out grown from him. And his type could defiantly rank as a mega hero. He's stood up to some real 'supermen' in the past, using his mind and his gadgets to do so.

I'm reading the rules for Mega Hero Hardware ect rules that Incriptus pointed me to. Looks like I'll find what I'm looking for if I go this way. I hadn't really thought about upgrading him to a mega hero till it was pointed out, and with rules to do so for "non "Superpowers" groups, but this "Iconic type" would clearly make mega hero status. (( Though some of his/her sidekicks would take a while before they made that cut.))

been a while since I read R37 but I believe there was some "new" Mega powers listed in that book as well... I seem to recall a "filthy rich/richer than god" type mega power listed one Rifter or another.

Yep it was there and your right. it fits in with this iconic type.

While I'm pretty sure people have figured out the type, it should be pointed out that "he" isn't the only one like this. He's spawned a good 8 to 10 heroes out of the same --exact-- mold. So looking for the 'category' that fits was beyond just recreating one guy.

[Genhuman]

I have found that the secret operative has made a pretty good version of this.

I mean, they are used to using various gadgets. (And you can simulate the issued gadgets per mission to, gadgets currently carried, etc) They have a great set of skills that help to investigate the non-supered way. Just makes sense to me.

I have done my version of this iconic type in the past, and have found that secret operative worked the best. That's just my opinion, but hey, you asked for options.

[Pepsi Jedi]

Yeah. I looked at it, but a large part of the 'Agent" and "operative" catagories is that they work for a government or large company or the like.

The type I'm trying to make works for himself, and funds himself. So he's his own boss.

But thank you.

[Genhuman]

Yeah. I looked at it, but a large part of the 'Agent" and "operative" catagories is that they work for a government or large company or the like.

The type I'm trying to make works for himself, and funds himself. So he's his own boss.

But thank you.

Understood. I just had him working for his own bank account. lol

[Damian Magecraft]

Yeah. I looked at it, but a large part of the 'Agent" and "operative" catagories is that they work for a government or large company or the like.

The type I'm trying to make works for himself, and funds himself. So he's his own boss.

But thank you.

technically so does the icon...
Heroname inc... (as shown in "recent" issues of one such icons books).
And often the rich do incorporate themselves (for the lower tax bracket)... but thats stretching it in a Rules Lawyerey way...

[Pepsi Jedi]

Yeah. I looked at it, but a large part of the 'Agent" and "operative" catagories is that they work for a government or large company or the like.

The type I'm trying to make works for himself, and funds himself. So he's his own boss.

But thank you.

technically so does the icon...
Heroname inc... (as shown in "recent" issues of one such icons books).
And often the rich do incorporate themselves (for the lower tax bracket)... but thats stretching it in a Rules Lawyerey way...

That is true. Hadn't really swung around and looked at it from that angle but yes, you're right. You could come at it from that way.

[Damian Magecraft]

Yeah. I looked at it, but a large part of the 'Agent" and "operative" catagories is that they work for a government or large company or the like.

The type I'm trying to make works for himself, and funds himself. So he's his own boss.

But thank you.

technically so does the icon...
Heroname inc... (as shown in "recent" issues of one such icons books).
And often the rich do incorporate themselves (for the lower tax bracket)... but thats stretching it in a Rules Lawyerey way...

That is true. Hadn't really swung around and looked at it from that angle but yes, you're right. You could come at it from that way.

game with the min/maxing Rules Lawyers I have (one actually became a RL Lawyer) and you learn to look at things in the most loop-holey way possible first...

[Regularguy]

Apparently so... see his post just above yours.

Still, as far as I can tell my view is the book's view: "it is believed that all or most humans have some degree of psionic ability ... In strict game terms, the power categories which receive classic super abilities are Aliens (if rolled on the sub-table), Experiments, Magic (if rolled on the sub-tables under Mystically Bestowed and Enchanted Object) and Mutants ... only Aliens, Experiments, Mega-Beings, and Mutants, all denoted with an asterisk, are the primary categories that offer so-called 'superpowers.' The Magic category van also offer super abilities under certain conditions ... This ability only affects so-called 'super abilities' and is powerless against psionics ... Meditation is not so much a psi-power as it is a mental discipline that enables the psychic to concentrate deeply and focus one's abilities and thoughts."

If you want a guy who doesn't need his gadgets to shine as a detective and martial artist in ways that outstrip a Hardware character -- but who can draw up schematics like an Analytical Genius, and create weapons capable of wounding otherwise invulnerable supers -- then I'd use the category in question: a type so iconic it made the core book. If you're both happier with your way, you're welcome to it.

[DtMK]

One of the Rifters has a section about Heroes through the Ages. It sounds like a modern version of the Crimebuster class is right up your alley!

[NMI]

Yeah, I dont see the obvious conversion attempt here. Nope, not at all.

Locked.