2010 Hero Game Sneak Peak
“Magic in the Future”
As previously established in the 2009 game, humanity gains its supernatural abilities through the connection with its astrological symbols. However, due the events of the previous game, the constellations becoming weakened with the destruction of the 13th symbol, normal humans are no longer able to manifest supernatural abilities. This happens to be true of the player characters as well; however as humanity pressed on, ways to supplement and stimulate the latent supernatural powers within humans have been discovered.
More than simply discovered, it has been harnessed, and implemented to specialized fields such as the military. This has been done through the use of specialized dyes used through the ancient art of body modification known as tattoos. It is believed the those who trained in eastern philosophies and engaged in that style of martial arts through their discipline, were able to tap into their astrological power source; and many times tattoos were a symbols of those who had done so.
In particular, the military requires that all soldiers have this procedure done to them half way through their basic training, which in the future, is a year long course. The first half of the training involves making sure the individual is strong enough to cope with the harsh requirements of military life, as well as making sure their mind is sharp enough to handle complex decisions in the field. After the six months, each soldiers is given a tattoo.
Tattoo details
This tattoo does not need to be a single one, but could be several smaller ones spread across the body. Each tattoo should be somewhat unique, and are often designed by the individual for a strong sense of authenticity. Within the military specifically, when soldiers are designing their tattoo, they are left alone in a holo-chamber set to mimic the old wilderness of earth in a search of spiritual clarity for three days. Studies have shown this process increases the likelihood of a strong tattoo bond.
Once the tattoo design is chosen, the procedure to administer it takes a day, and requires three days of limited physical activity before the ink of the tattoo is fully set. While the ink is setting, using astrological powers is stressful can be dangerous. Once it is sets, the individual is able to use the powers as freely as they see fit.
Game Mechanics:
Astrological Powers will use the “Technique” system from last year. There will again be a limit of 3 types of powers per individual, one attack, defense, and support. I may change this to let players have more freedom; but I haven’t decided on the matter as of yet. I want players to be balanced, but considering last year some players never developed powers outside of a single ability… I’ll think about it more. The Tech Endurance pool will carry over form last year as well, and this years game will most likely eliminate standard endurance from the game since it seems to be mostly pointless. (This is a Hero 6th edition option mentioned in the book.)
Tattoo ink is usually black. When the powers manifest, the tattoos however begin to glow a color based upon the Zodiac Symbol of the user which relates to element. Fire = Red, Water = Blue, Earth = Yellow, Wind = Green. In situation where the “Variable Special Effects” is in place, the color will change to the substituted element.
Outside of that, start thinking up what powers your characters will have and, if you are so inclined, a tattoo pattern. The tattoo will serve as a distinctive feature, and thus replace the points for “Distinctive Feature: Zodiac Symbol” from last years game.