kcw | dc heroes
<< Previous Page | Next Page >>
[1] Come up with a hero concept. In the DC Universe there are a number of archetypes, including...

Normal Humans

[1a] Power Suit: a normal, probably physically and mentally fit person in a suit that provides your super powers. You got the suit from an alien, secret government program, powerful benefactor, built it yourself, the future, your dad, etc.

Examples:
(DC) Booster Gold, Rocket Red
(Marvel) Iron Man, Doctor Doom
(Other) The Knight Sabres of "Bubblegum Crisis", Samus Aran of "Metroid/Metroid II/Super Metroid"

[1b] Artifact Wielder: again a normal -- though this time doesn't even have to be fit -- person who has an item that gives them superpowers. This item is an ancient magical artifact, an advanced technological super-gun, the crown of an alien king, a device from another dimension, etc.

Examples:
(DC) Green Lantern, Starman (one of them)
(Marvel) The Black Knight, Swordsman, The Mandarin
(Other) Lensman, Thundarr the Barbarian
[1c] Skilled Crimefighter: physically honed to the nth degree, this hero relies on his vast array of skills and knowledge, plus a few low-level gadgets. All this requires is years of training and study, being raised in a hidden Shaolin monastery, years of experience in an elite army or government agency, etc.

Examples:
(DC) Batman, Green Arrow
(Marvel) Captain America, Nick Fury
(Other) Lara Croft, Sydney Bristow of "Alias", GI Joe

[1d] Gadgeteer: really, this is just a modifier to one of the above. Most gadgeteers have one or a few main items that they use all the time (in which case they appear to be 1a-1c archetypes) and occasionally they make items for special adventures.

Super Heroes

The majority of heroes have Powers (or inhumanly high attributes) that put them far above the mortal ken. Whether you are an alien, a natural meta-human, were involved in a lab accident, imbued by a magical artifact, ate from the Tree of Life, built by an advanced civilization, or however you have those powers, the crunchy bits are the same as far as the DCH game is concerned. The following archetypes are taken from Champions.
Copyright (c) 2003 Kevin C. Wong
Page Created: December 2, 2003 Page Last Updated: December 2, 2003