I'm a semi-experienced D&D DM (2nd and 3rd edition) in my late 30s who is looking to start a superhero game using a system that I'm new to (Mutants and Masterminds 3rd Edition). I'm also new to Roll20, so there would be a lot of me figuring out both the rules and the platform and probably getting a bunch wrong in the early going. I'm looking for two players who form a crime-fighting duo, whether that means as equals or hero and sidekick. Since it seems that one of the major problems with tabletop RPGs is scheduling, I figure having two players and a DM/GM will be a lot more manageable than 4 or more, and it also fits within the superhero genre to have a dynamic duo taking on crime. 18+ only for mature themes/content matter. Rules: Mutants and Masterminds 3rd Edition (no experience necessary) Some house rules (particularly relating to investigating) You can get an overview of Mutants and Masterminds by searching for Mutants and Masterminds srd You'll eventually need the Basic Hero's Handbook or the Deluxe Hero's Handbook (starting at about $27) Times: Tentative Starting Date: Sunday, March 22nd. Sunday mornings, twice a month (Eastern Standard), 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.. Depending on how it goes, might expand it to 8 a.m. to 12. Chat? No voice; only chatting using Roll20's text chat. This is a combination of personal preference and a feeling that text chatting helps keep the immersion in a way that can be harder when you're talking. Setting: Mason City (homebrew world): The campaign world is our own world in 20**, with some striking differences. Startling developments in genetic engineering and nanotechnology have led to, in the last two years or so, the emergence of what some have labeled “superhumans” or “paranormals.” The government has a team of superpowered individuals (Safeguard) who now battle threats to the country; you, however, will be playing street-level heroes (think Batman, Jessica Jones, Daredevil, Luke Cage, etc.) protecting the booming metropolis of Mason City. Mason City has been the epicenter of a major tech boom in the last decade and a half or so. Huge corporations such as consumer electronics giant Intellitech, defense technology titan Forefront Systems, and advanced energy research pioneers Glyph have led the way, fostering the aforementioned genetic engineering and nanotechnology breakthroughs. The era of the "Paranormal" or "Superhuman," however, really began roughly 18 months ago, when a strange wave of energy struck the city. No one knows what caused the event, now known as the Halo, but it’s suspected that the company Glyph played a role in it. Mason City is now the tech capital of the United States, and, by extension, the globe. However, there are striking disparities in wealth in the city which have led to poverty and crime increasing dramatically. Many argue that the police have abandoned their duties to the average citizen and instead only protect the interests of elites. Heroes are needed to turn the tide of violence and corruption sweeping the streets. Other Setting Notes: Magic isn't a thing (as of yet...) in Mason City. Characters' powers and origins should be grounded in comic book sci-fi and derived from one of the sources mentioned above (genetic engineering, nanotech, other high tech, the Halo), or from training. Tone: In terms of grimness and grittiness, the tone will be on par with (using TV shows and movies since more people are familiar with them) the Nolan Batman movies, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and the Netflix Defenders shows, but borrowing some of the melodrama and unashamed comic bookiness of the Arrowverse shows. Characters should still strive to be heroic and value both human life (no Punishers, please), though they may at times be pushed to the breaking point with their moral codes. Playstyle: Roleplay-heavy, rules light. Players should be as interested (if not more interested) in playing their characters out of costume in non-combat situations and interacting with friends, family, romantic partners, coworkers, rivals, and other members of their supporting casts. I'm striving for a game that has a significant emotional impact like any good narrative. Also, I'm a firm believer that the game rules, while important, shouldn't get in the way of a good story. Rather than spending half an hour figuring out a rule and slowing everything down, I'm in favor of making the best call that I can and going forward. Investigation-heavy . Most stories will involve investigations, whether that means hacking into police files, tracking down and interrogating informants, or using science to analyze data. Note that I haven't run too many games centered on mysteries and heard that they're tough to do well, so I cannot say with any confidence that they'll be great, but I'm trying and hopefully will learn quickly. Embrace Failure: In comic books and comic book movies, heroes face setbacks all the time, whether it's the bad guy getting away, getting captured by a villain, or some other calamity, so players should be used to occasionally failing. While it's great to feel kickass and powerful in an RPG, often, an early failure can heighten the drama in a compelling way (for example, a hero defeated by a bad guy triumphing over them later on using some new knowledge they've acquired). Mutants and Masterminds actually has a game mechanic that rewards players for suffering a setback and then later overcoming it, so players should be able to take such challenges in stride. Plus, these moments make for great roleplaying opportunities. Theater of the Mind/No Frills: I wish I did, but I don't have the time (nor, frankly, the talent) to produce elaborate maps or props. We'll be using the Roll20 grid maps but it'll literally be just me hand-scrawling some lines to indicate where, say, a wall is or where a tree is to determine distance, cover, and positioning. If you need a map that doesn't look like it was drawn by a slightly drunken third-grader for immersion, this game won't be for you. I'll be trying to immerse you in the campaign through a rich, detailed city setting and interesting supporting characters, along with the opportunity to roleplay. Character Creation: More details on this if you're interested, but characters should have at least some capability with stealth, skills relating to investigation (not only the Investigation skill but skills like Persuade, Intimidate, Expertise: Science), and some way to get quickly from place to place within a large city. If it sounds like you'd be a good fit for the game, I would also (eventually) ask you to submit backstory for the character of at least a paragraph in length, along with a list of 3-4 prominent members of your supporting cast. It's up to you whether the characters have only recently met or have known each other for a while. Also, consider whether you want to have shared resources (such as a headquarters or vehicle) that you can pool your Power Points toward. Ideal Players: Ideal players for this game will be laid-back, friendly, interested in character development and narrative over combat or the perfect point build. Ideally, you'll be fans of novels and movies beyond the typical "geek" genres (sci-fi, fantasy). New-ish RPG fans as opposed to seasoned veterans might be best (unless you're a veteran player with a lot of patience) because I'll still be figuring things out as I go along and will, no doubt, make plenty of mistakes. Players should also be willing to share the spotlight with others and not feel an urge to be the most powerful or the best at ev erything. About me: I want everyone to get along and have a good time, and I want the game to be challenging enough but fair. I've got a health condition that could occasionally impact play sessions but I will strive to be as consistent as possible. If You're Interested: Please "Apply" by replying to this post, answering the following questions: 1. What's your favorite novel (non-genre)? 2. What's your favorite novel that fits into a particular genre (i.e. fantasy, horror, sci-fi, romance, comedy, thriller, etc.)? 3. What's your favorite movie (non-genre)? 4. What's your favorite movie that fits into a particular genre? 5. Who's your favorite superhero and why? I don't now whether I'll get 2 or 20 replies to this, so my tentative plan is to consider the first 5 applicants and then choose 2 based on compatibility, gut feelings, and whether your avatar makes me laugh. If you don't get chosen, it's not because you're a terrible human being (though you may well be, it's not for me to judge), but just because I think someone might make a slightly better fit. You'll be considered if anyone drops out if you still have interest.
