The Book of Superman (II)

[Griffin]

The Book of Superman (II)​

C3G DC WAVE 13
THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN​

Comic PDF​

Mini PDF​

The figure used for this unit is a Heroclix figure from the Collateral Damage set.
Its model number and name are #218 / Superman.
Its model number and name are #222 / Man of Steel.​

_________________________________________________________________
Character Bio - Rocketed to Earth as a small infant by his parents on the distant and dying planet of Krypton, little Kal-El would be found and raised by Martha and Jonathan Kent; who were local Smallville, Kansas farmers who had tried but could not have any children of their own. Kal-El, now known as Clark Kent, was raised as a mild mannered man, though he is not truly a man. He is the last of the dead alien race called Kryptonians. While he is exposed to the yellow rays of our Sun, he is granted god-like powers such as flight, super strength, invulnerability, speed, enhanced lung capacity, and the ability to fire beams of intense heat from his eyes. To his dead parents he was known as Kal-El, to his adoptive parents and closest friends he is known as Clark Kent, but to the rest of the world, we have come to simply call him SUPERMAN!
_________________________________________________________________

-Rulings and Clarifications-

• N/A

_________________________________________________________________

-Combinations and Synergies-

Incoming Synergy:

• As a Kal-El, Superman has these Kal-El Synergies.
• As a Kryptonian, Superman has these Kryptonian Synergies.
• As a Champion, Superman has these Champion Synergies.

Outgoing Synergy:

• N/A

_________________________________________________________________

-Immunities, Benefits, and Weaknesses-

Immunities

• As a figure with the Valiant personality, Superman cannot be affected by Meteorite's Manipulation special power.
• As a figure with the Flying special power, Superman cannot be affected by aspects of certain special powers. Current Special Powers that Interact Differently with the Flying special power.
• As a figure with the Super Strength special power, Superman cannot be affected by aspects of certain special powers. Current Special Powers that Interact Differently with the Super Strength special power.

Benefits

• Superman may roll an additional attack die when attacking an Android with his Heat Vision Special Attack. Current Androids.
• As a Kryptonian, Superman interacts differently with certain special powers. Current Special Powers that Interacts Differently with Kryptonians.
• As a figure with the Super Strength special power, Superman interacts differently with certain special powers. Current Special Powers that Interact Differently with the Super Strength special power.

Weaknesses

• As a figure with the Flying special power, Superman interacts differently with certain special powers. Current Special Powers that Interact Differently with the Flying special power.
• As a Kryptonian, Superman interacts differently with certain special powers. Current Special Powers that Interacts Differently with Kryptonians.
• Kryptonians and figures with Special Attacks can bypass Superman's Man of Steel special power. Current Kryptonians and figures with Special Attacks.
• As a Champion, an opponent's Allen the Alien rolls 1 additional attack die against Superman due to Allen the Alien's Champion's Challenge special power.
• As a figure with the Valiant personality, Superman adds 4 to Loki's God of Evil roll if he is the chosen figure.
• As a figure with a Special Attack, Superman interacts differently with certain special powers. Current Special Powers the Interact Differently with Special Attacks.

_________________________________________________________________

-Strategy, Tactics and Tips-

• N/A

-Heroscapers Community Contributions-

• Initial playtest: Griff
• Second playtest: Johnny
• Third playtest: Hidicul
• Fourth playtest: Marv Art
• Art by: tcglkn

 

[Griffin]

Re: The Book of Superman

NAME = SUPERMAN
SECRET IDENTITY = KAL-EL

SPECIES = KRYPTONIAN
UNIQUENESS = UNIQUE HERO
CLASS = CHAMPION
PERSONALITY = VALIANT

SIZE/HEIGHT = MEDIUM 5

LIFE = 8

MOVE = 10
RANGE = 1
ATTACK = 8
DEFENSE = 7

POINTS = 450

SUPER BREATH
Instead of taking a turn with Superman, you may choose 2 spaces in a straight line from Superman. All figures on the chosen spaces, and all figures other than Superman within 1 space of the chosen spaces, may be placed on any empty space within 2 spaces of their original placement. Figures moved by Super Breath never take any leaving engagement attacks. A non-flying figure moved lower can receive any falling damage that may apply. Superman can only use Super Breath once per round.

HEAT VISION SPECIAL ATTACK
Range 4. Attack 2 + Special.
Choose a figure to attack and roll 2 attack dice, or 3 attack dice if the chosen figure is an Android or Destructible Object. For each skull rolled, roll one additional attack die. Continue rolling an additional attack die for each additional skull rolled until no skulls are rolled. The defending figure rolls defense normally.

MAN OF STEEL
When rolling defense against a normal attack from a figure that is not a Kryptonian, all blanks rolled count as extra shields.

SUPER STRENGTH

FLYING

 

[A3n]

Re: The Book of Superman

Looks good, I got nothing more to add at this stage

 

[tcglkn]

Re: The Book of Superman

I like it, but when did you decide to reduce to line of spaces in Super Breath to 2. Last we talked it was at 3 if I recall correctly. I'd just like to know why.

 

[Good Pig]

Re: The Book of Superman

Nice. Love the write-up.

My gaming group will be really happy to see a new design for Superman. They've been complaining about the power level and lack of Heat Vision for some time now.

 

[IAmBatman]

Re: The Book of Superman

Good stuff! I know a lot of us have been wanting a Superman with heat vision and super breath for a while now.
Comments in red below.

NAME = Superman

SECRET IDENTITY = KAL EL


SPECIES = KRYPTONIAN
UNIQUENESS = UNIQUE HERO
CLASS = CHAMPION
PERSONALITY = VALIANT

SIZE/HEIGHT = MEDIUM 5

LIFE = 8

MOVE = 10 I like the other stat boosts, but move of 10 just seems too high for me ... 10 move is something we're likely to give those Super Speeders who aren't quite Flash, like Impulse, for instance. I'm not sure if we want a Superman overlapping on that territory, necessarily. 9 move would put him on par with a fully charged Hal Jordan. Would we consider going 9 move here?
RANGE = 1
ATTACK = 8 Easily the best stat change - it'll be nice to get a Superman who hits hard!
DEFENSE = 7

POINTS = 450

SUPER BREATH
Instead of taking a turn with Superman, choose 2 spaces in a straight line. You may place any figures on those 2 spaces and any figures adjacent to those 2 spaces on any empty space within 2 spaces of their original placements. Figures moved by Super Breath never take any leaving engagement attacks. A non-flying figure moved lower can receive any falling damage that may apply.

HEAT VISION SPECIAL ATTACK
Range 4. Attack 2+ Special.
Choose a figure to attack and roll 2 attack dice, or 3 attack dice if the chosen figure is an Android or Destructible Object. For each skull rolled, roll one additional attack die. Continue rolling attack dice for each additional skull rolled until no skulls are rolled. The defending figure rolls defense normally.

MAN OF STEEL
When rolling defense against a normal attack from a figure that is not a Kryptonian, all blanks rolled count as extra shields.

FLYING

SUPER STRENGTH

Great stuff!

 

[tcglkn]

Re: The Book of Superman

Should Superman be able to blow people he cannot see?

 

[IAmBatman]

Re: The Book of Superman

Should Superman be able to blow people he cannot see?

I don't think you're asking what you want to ask here ...

 

[tcglkn]

Re: The Book of Superman

Should Superman be able to blow people he cannot see?

I don't think you're asking what you want to ask here ...

Pervert. You know what I mean.

 

[Griffin]

Re: The Book of Superman

Bats, I think that if we are gonna go Event Level Light Superman (which is what I am hoping we are going for), I think we should embrace the fact that Superman really is that fast. In a race, Flash always beats him, but Superman is close on heels for a bit.

Tcglkn, I think that Black Canary has a fantastic range on her Canary Cry, and I just don't think that Superman needs that extra power level. I also kinda like how she specializes in her scream, where Superman can do it, but it isn't his bread and butter.

Should Superman be able to blow people he cannot see?

Probably not. I will see what I can do along with the grammar corrections Bats pointed out.

 

[IAmBatman]

Re: The Book of Superman

OK, well the move's not a deal breaker for me, but I figured it was worth discussing.

 

[tcglkn]

Re: The Book of Superman

Alright, an instead of taking a turn power like this won't see much play unless I really need to take height or get a cheerleader out of position. I just figured his breath would have a bit more oomph since he's sacrificing a turn to do it.

Could we make it an instead of attack power and still let him move on his turn?

Edit: I'd be fine with a move of 9 or 10. 11 or higher is a theme fail for me because that's Supergirl's top speed and she can easily out fly him in the comics.

 

[Griffin]

Re: The Book of Superman

Should Superman be able to blow people he cannot see?

Now I remember why I didn't give it that restriction; Martian Manhunter, Mass Master, Ant Man, Wasp, etc. should be affected by it.

For examples where someone is behind a wall or whatever, just chalk it up to being SUPER. There are plenty of powers that already "break" that theme, like bouncing people through walls and whatnot.

 

[Griffin]

Re: The Book of Superman

Alright, an instead of taking a turn power like this won't see much play unless I really need to take height or get a cheerleader out of position. I just figured his breath would have a bit more oomph since he's sacrificing a turn to do it.

I think it already has a lot of oomph though. This past year has given us a lot of tests where not so easy to kill Heroes can move a lot of people around; Graviton, Beyonder, etc. I think those tests have proven that those powers are EXTREMELY powerful in the right conditions, and this one can inflict falling damage.

Could we make it an instead of attack power and still let him move on his turn?

I thought of that too, but I don't want it to be too too powerful, and I don't want him using it all that often, in fact, I am wondering if a D20 roll needs to be involved or even a Once Per Round restriction, because on a map like Platforms 5 and 6, ground pounders have 0 chance against him.

Edit: I'd be fine with a move of 9 or 10. 11 or higher is a theme fail for me because that's Supergirl's top speed and she can easily out fly him in the comics.

 

[IAmBatman]

Re: The Book of Superman

Hmm, yeah, good point about maps like Platforms 5 and 6. I think a once per round might be the way to go in that case.

 

[Spidey'tilIDie]

Re: The Book of Superman

Superman is looking really good to me. I can see positives and negatives for both 9 and 10 for Movement. I mean Hal at TOP move can move 9, is Supes a little faster? Yeah, but he ALWAYS can move 9, I think that covers the faster part. Superman currently has 10 Movement with Flight. Isn't that technically faster than Flash's 12? That's a theme break to me.

 

[Griffin]

Re: The Book of Superman

Superman is looking really good to me. I can see positives and negatives for both 9 and 10 for Movement. I mean Hal at TOP move can move 9, is Supes a little faster? Yeah, but he ALWAYS can move 9, I think that covers the faster part. Superman currently has 10 Movement with Flight. Isn't that technically faster than Flash's 12? That's a theme break to me.

See, in a true flight contest, Superman beats Hal, until Hal uses the ring's wormhole capabilities which is no longer about speed (time) as much as it is about space.

In a true foot race against Flash, Superman NEVER beats Flash. But in an all out "anything goes" race, Superman has a chance, but Flash will usually find a way to win. So consider Flash's move of 12 PLUS the additional 4 for Superspeed and Flash's move of 16 wins out. Oh, and Speed Dodge also gives him a movement edge.

I really think it is all there and works for me, but if others feel that a move of 10 is a problem for 450 point Superman, we can lower it.

 

[Spidey'tilIDie]

Re: The Book of Superman

I wouldn't say a problem, just that 10 isn't necessary.

 

[A3n]

Re: The Book of Superman

I'm happy with 10 .

 

[Good Pig]

Re: The Book of Superman

9 or 10 is fine with me. Whatever the LD is happy with is cool with me.

 

[Spidey'tilIDie]

Re: The Book of Superman

I have pics of him here, at the bottom of the page.

 

[Griffin]

Re: The Book of Superman

C3G INITIAL PLAYTEST FEEDBACK FORM

NAME OF THE TEST UNIT Superman (II)

- THEME TEST/ Check to see if there are any powers or stats on the test unit card that does not accurately reflect the theme or likeness of what the character would and could do. Also consider destructible objects, and whether or not this characters powers should affect them.
?

- MIRROR TEST/ Check to see if the unit were played against itself, if there would be any loops that would upset the balance of the Game.
?

- BONDING TEST/ Compare the unit card with all possible currently existing Bonding abilities to make sure there are no continual Bonding possibilities that do not stop appropriately or do not stop at all. This is to prevent loops in Bonding.
?

- SYNERGIES TEST/ Compare the unit card with all possible currently existing synergies to make sure there are no factors that could break the game by making any unit to powerful or too weak.
?

- POWER CHECK/ Consider the test unit and all existing units and all glyphs to compare to and check for any powers that could be over amplified and break the game. Each power must define when it takes place, who or what it affects, and What are the stipulations on the power if there are any.
?

- FUN TEST/ Consider whether or not the design was fun to play.
?

- FUN COMPETITIVE TEST/ Consider whether or not the design was fun to play against.
?

- DRAFTING TEST/ Consider whether or not this design is worth drafting.
?

- USAGE TEST/ Consider whether or not all of the powers on this card were used or at least usable.
?

- STRATEGY TEST/ Consider whether or not the design offers any real strategy or interesting tactics to the overall game.
?

Heavy Hitter or Mid-Level Hero Test
- Does it pass, Yes or No? YES.
- What should be the unit's point value? 450 points.
- Give a brief overview. These tests were all done to hopefully establish that Superman II is worth more than 400 or even 430 points, and I think that they prove that. The last tests however have him up against 450 points and those were the only two VERY CLOSE AND FAIR games.

Spoiler Alert!

TEST 1
Map: Custom.
Units: Superman (II) VS Superman (I).
SII has a much better punch, and that helped. The fact that both are Kryptonians means that Man of Steel is useless, so the Special Attack was never really all that necessary except for the opening attack.
Who won and how many wounds did they have? Superman (II) wins with 6 wounds.

TEST 2
Map: Custom.
Units: Superman (II) VS Superman (I).
Superman (II) had height advantage and the two had an epic brawl, but with an attack of 8 on height for 9, Superman (I) had little chance of winning.
Who won and how many wounds did they have? Superman (II) wins with 6 wounds.

TEST 3
Map: Custom.
Units: Superman (II) VS Thor.
A slug fest, but Man of Steel gives Supes (I) the edge.
Who won and how many wounds did they have? Superman (II) wins with 5 wounds.

TEST 4
Map: Custom.
Units: Superman (II) VS Thor.
Again, a slug fest, and Man of Steel wins the day. God of Thunder Strike was attempted towards the end, but failed.
Who won and how many wounds did they have? Superman (II) wins with 6 wounds.

TEST 5
Map: Custom.
Units: Superman (II) VS Darkseid.
Heat Vision and failed once and Omega Effect failed once, then it was a slug fest. Superman's extra life point saved him here.
Who won and how many wounds did they have? Superman (II) wins with 7 wounds.

TEST 6
Map: Custom.
Units: Superman (II) VS Darkseid.
Slug fest again. This time though, Superman got a HUGE hit in on Darkseid early on for 4 wounds.
Who won and how many wounds did they have? Superman (II) wins with 5 wounds.

TEST 7
Map: Custom.
Units: Superman (II) VS Graviton.
When Superman couldn't move, that SA really helped out. Graviton only used his throws for attacks.
Who won and how many wounds did they have? Superman (II) wins with 6 wounds.

TEST 8
Map: Custom.
Units: Superman (II) VS Graviton.
Graviton's rolls were hot, and Superman had a hard time, but a couple of Heat Vision SAs saved the day.
Who won and how many wounds did they have? Superman wins with 7 wounds.

TEST 9
Map: Custom.
Units: Superman (II) VS Hawkman and Hawkgirl.
A very close game. HG started things out, but only got in like 2 wounds. However, Hawkman closed and hit Supes real hard several times and ended it for him. This is Superman II's first lost, because this is his first match against 450 points.
Who won and how many wounds did they have? Hawkman wins with 4 wounds.

TEST 10
Map: Custom.
Units: Superman (II) VS Hawkman and Hawkgirl.
Another close one, but Superman was able to get height all game and keep it.
Who won and how many wounds did they have? Sueprman wins with 7 wounds.

_____________________________________________________________​

Squad Test
- Does it pass, Yes or No? Yes, though only because I know how well Man of Steel is countered by soooo many units. That power is amazing effective against small armed normal attacks.
- What should be the unit's point value? 450.
- Give a brief overview. This is what Superman's Man of Steel was really created for; to completely own gunmen who rely on multiple small normal attacks. Kryptonians will pretty much always handle these situations like a beast.
Map: Custom.
Units: Superman II VS S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents x4.

Spoiler Alert!

Man, this is the type of test that Superman REALLY shows off in, whether is this version of him or the first. Agents just had way too hard of a time getting him to basically whiff on defense. Also, his Super Breath was used once to completely undo the work the Agents had made at taking a hill.
Who won and how many wounds did they have? Superman II wins with 4 wounds.

_____________________________________________________________​

Squad Test
- Does it pass, Yes or No? Yes.
- What should be the unit's point value? 450.
- Give a brief overview. That was a fun battle, and it was fun to see Superman beat up the bad guys but still sweat a little bit.
Map: Custom.
Units: Superman II VS Parademon Shock Troopers x5 +1.

Spoiler Alert!

Apok-Weapons worked great on Superman. 4 hits were because of Apok-Weapons, and two hits were because of normal defense whiffs. Still, Superman's continual destructive attacks and his great defense makes him the clear winner.
Who won and how many wounds did they have? Superman wins with 6 wounds.

_____________________________________________________________​

Army Test
- Does it pass, Yes or No? Yes.
- What should be the unit's point value? 450.
- Give a brief overview. Fun and well plaid out. This game was a living comic book. Superman is very powerful, but he isn't unstoppable.
Map: Custom.
Units: Superman II and Green Arrow (Oliver) VS Mr Mxyzptlk and Captain Marvel.

Spoiler Alert!

What a fun game this was. Mxy set out to annoy the hell out of Superman and inflicted 4 wounds with just Antagonizing Trickster, he also kept him from taking ANY turns until the third round. Green Arrow really shined by sneaking in hits here and there on CM while staying out of the fight between CM and Superman. But CM's hopes of winning came skreetching to a hault when GA rolled a 20 for skill shot and then 4 skulls. It came down to Mxy and Supes fighting on a hill, but Mxy couldn't (or wouldn't ) hurt Superman and Superman couldn't hurt him.... so all that was left was for Superman to trick Mxy, and he did.
Who won and how many wounds did they have? Superman wins with 7 wounds.

_____________________________________________________________​

Army Test
- Does it pass, Yes or No? YES.
- What should be the unit's point value? 450.
- Give a brief overview. Very balanced and competitive. Superman and his team of 3 went toe to toe with the X-Men, and it felt like an up hill battle for him, but one that could go either way for sure.
Map: Custom.
Units: Superman II, Supergirl, and Aquaman VS Professor X, Ice Man, Beast, Angel, Jean Grey, and Cyclops.

Spoiler Alert!

Professor gave the orders for half of the game until he was taken out after saving Jean Grey from a huge attack from Superman, then Superman rushed over taking a leaving engagement attack and killing the professor. All the while, Beast was taking orders from Superman and then whirlwind assaulting Aquaman and Supergirl. Iceman and Aquaman battled over control for the snowy lake side, but Aquaman held his own once in water. AC was able to kill Iceman, heal himself some and Superman as well. It came down to a bloody Superman VS a bloody team of Cyclops, Angel, and Jean. Jean held him off for a while, but Superman killed Angel and Cyclops with one hit each (as they were already bloody). Then Superman was frustrated by not being able to move, so he unleashed his Heat Vision but failed. Then Jean threw him for the win.
Who won and how many wounds did they have? Jean Grey wins with 3 wounds.

 

[Good Pig]

Re: The Book of Superman

Quite the beatstick so far.

 

[Griffin]

Re: The Book of Superman

Superman is an absolute powerhouse. He feels like the TRUE Man of Steel now. I would pass this design to playtesting at 450.

 

[tcglkn]

Re: The Book of Superman

He looks great. I am very happy with this design.