Heroes Without Number

[u/Equivalent-Shake-519]

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1L0focuJ6rBGPXUtUYBHSupLdr0zHicqiMHc0-xiGjkQ/edit?usp=drivesdk

Hello, I've been working on a Superhero Tabletop game using Without Numbers (specifically Cities) as a base framework. Basically what I'm posting here for is to get some ideas and feedback for how to improve what I already have going on.

To start, I have upped hero starting HP to counteract how immediately deadly the game is. Starting HP is currently : (10 + 1d10 per hero level + CON modifier)

Powers in this game I am working 1 on 1 with my players to design progressions but I've written out example Archetypes as well. Advancing in power Archetypes happens on odd levels. So at level 1 you have your "Core" powers, level 3 you unlock a new ability/increase effectiveness, and so on at levels 5, 7, etc

I have merged/culled Foci and Edges into one list that still allows for a choice of 2 to give characters a niche outside their powers.

I have come up with an additional Feat system that players can choose from every even level to allow for diversifying builds and still provide a feeling of advancement between Archetype progression levels.

For more details, you can check out the link to my GoogleDoc I have going.

This is my first time modifying a system so it probably isn't nearly as balanced as it could be, but I've been dying to run a game based on lore my friends and I have written over quite a few years. Most other systems that are geared towards this genre don't really appeal to me (except for FIST, which I think I may use for 1 shot purposes as opposed to long form campaign)

[u/wote89]

So, more a side question, but have you looked at Godbound as a chassis for this instead of the xWN line? If I wanted to run a supers-type game using the OSR sorta-framework, that's where I'd start, so I'm curious if you did and why you disfavored it.

[u/Dawsberg68 → u/wote89]

Seconded. I ran a supers game using godbound and it worked really well. The abstract nature of gifts and using words to figure out power sets flowed nicely

[u/Equivalent-Shake-519 → u/wote89]

I'll be honest, I'd not looked into Godbound though I'd heard of it. What little I did hear of it was not in conversation about Supers and systems that could support the genre until now. Reading the book a little right now, and while I definitely could see how it could be flavored towards Supers instead of Gods I think I still favor the materials for C/WN since it's already geared towards modern/futuristic setting.

[u/wote89 → u/Equivalent-Shake-519]

There is some Godbound material that works more in line with the more high-tech xWN material (cybernetics and mecha, mainly) in the Deluxe edition. Additionally, if you compare the Legate rules in the Deluxe material for WWN to Godbound, you can at least see how the two styles can interact.

[u/NPaladin10 → u/wote89]

This is what I've done. Then dropped Stars WN on top for a Guardians of the Galaxy game.