The Book of Ursa

[Griffin]

The Book of Ursa

C3G DC WAVE 13
THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN

Comic PDF

Comic PDF

The figure used for this unit is a Heroclix figure from the Superman set.
Its model number and name are #044 / Ursa.​

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Character Bio - Long ago on Krypton, Ursa was a proud young commander, leading the elite Black Zero unit. When the Kryptonian Science Council discovered that two of their most revered scientists, Jor-El and Non, had determined that in a short matter of time, Krypton would suffer geothermic upheaval that would destroy the entire planet, they branded the two as heretics and sent General Zod and his militants to Jor-El's laboratory to arrest he and Non. Ursa was in charge of placing the two scientists under arrest and handing them over to the council. The Science Council administered a stern warning to them, and set them free. But when Zod and Ursa learned that the scientists were correct, they left the military to join Non's mission to alert the people of Krypton to the impending doom. Soon, the Council ordered that Non be lobotomized to silence his stirring of the people. This drove Zod and Ursa to begin a rebellion and overthrow the Council. The three were eventually caught and sentenced to death, but Jor-El defended them, and instead had them sent to the Phantom Zone.
Eventually, with the freeing of the bottled city of Kandor, Zod, Ursa, and Non were pardoned for their crimes and were set free. But it wasn't long before Zod took military control of the surviving Kryptonians and waged a war against Earth. With Ursa as his mate and most trusted agent, they nearly brought Earth to its destruction. And were it not for Superman, Earth would have certainly become a New Krypton.
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-Rulings and Clarifications-

• N/A

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-Combinations and Synergies-

Incoming Synergy:

• As a Kryptonian Spy, Ursa has these
  • Kryptonian Synergies and
  • may allow General Zod to roll an unblockable attack die with his General of New Krypton special power.
• As a Sadistic figure, Ursa has these Sadistic Synergies.

Outgoing Synergy:

• N/A

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-Immunities, Benefits, and Weaknesses-

Immunities

• As a figure with the Flying special power, Ursa 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, Ursa cannot be affected by aspects of certain special powers. Current Special Powers that Interact Differently with the Super Strength special power.

Benefits

• Kryptonians roll 2 fewer defense dice when defending against Ursa’s Kryptonite Dagger Special Attack. Current Kryptonians.
• As a Kryptonian, Ursa interacts differently with certain special powers. Current Special Powers that Interacts Differently with Kryptonians.
• As a figure with the Super Strength special power, Ursa interacts differently with certain special powers. Current Special Powers that Interact Differently with the Super Strength special power.

Weaknesses

• As a Kryptonian, Ursa interacts differently with certain special powers. Current Special Powers that Interacts Differently with Kryptonians.
• Kryptonian figures can bypass Ursa's Kryptonian Defense special power. Current Kryptonians.
• As a figure with the Flying special power, Ursa interacts differently with certain special powers. Current Special Powers that Interact Differently with the Flying special power.
• As a figure with a Special Attack, Ursa interacts differently with certain special powers. Current Special Powers that Interact Differently with Special Attacks.

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-Strategy, Tactics and Tips-

• Kryptonian figures have a number of specific counters to look out for: beware memories of their homeworld, as a Glyph of Green Kryptonite, a Kryptonite Blast Special Attack from Lex Luthor, or other Kryptonians, who ignore Kryptonian Defense. Current Kryptonians include: Cyborg Superman, Doomsday, Eradicator, General Zod, Kryptonian Soldier, Kryptonian Infiltrator, Non, Superboy (Kal-El), Superboy (Kon-El), Supergirl, Superman, Superman (II), and Ursa. (Note that Ursa is also effective against many of your opponents' Kryptonian figures.)

-Heroscapers Community Contributions-

• Initial playtest: (Griff)
• Second playtest: (ScapeMage)
• Third playtest: (WarlordOfTheWolves)
• Art: Comic Art, Figure Pics, Backgrounds
• Art by Scapemage

 

[Griffin]

Re: The Book of Ursa - Designing

NAME = URSA

SPECIES = KRYPTONIAN
UNIQUENESS = UNIQUE HERO
CLASS = SPY
PERSONALITY = SADISTIC

SIZE/HEIGHT = MEDIUM 4

LIFE = 5

MOVE = 6
RANGE = 1
ATTACK = 5
DEFENSE = 5

POINTS = 230

KRYPTONITE DAGGER SPECIAL ATTACK
Range 1. Attack 5.
Kryptonians roll 2 fewer defense dice against this special attack. After using this special attack, you must roll 1 unblockable attack die against Ursa.

KRYPTONIAN DEFENSE
When rolling defense dice against a normal attack from a figure that is not a Kryptonian, if at least one shield is rolled, all blanks rolled count as extra shields.

SUPER STRENGTH

FLYING

 

[Hahma]

Re: The Book of Ursa - Designing

She'll be nasty with Metallo and some Lex Corp Security vs. Kryptonians.

I don't know her, but she seems pretty solid. I take it she receives a wound for being exposed to the kryponite in the dagger? Likes to get pain when giving pain?

 

[Griffin]

Re: The Book of Ursa - Designing

Yep. You got it.

 

[SirGalahad]

Re: The Book of Ursa - Designing

SA should probably go first (attack > defense), and the same change here to Kryptonian Defense.

And I'll have you know I had to widen the Personality column in the Index for her.

 

[Griffin]

Re: The Book of Ursa - Designing

&

 

[Margloth]

Re: The Book of Ursa - Designing

Nothing really to add here other than she could possibly have Stealth Flying as a Spy.

 

[Griffin]

Re: The Book of Ursa - Designing

Thanks.

Ursa

If she was promoted to Major in the Army, she'd be Ursa Major! Get it? She's a Big Dipper! (crickets) Working on these jokes is such a bear. Get it? (louder crickets)

A-hem!

Should the special attack be listed before Kryptonian Defense?

The Kryptonite Dagger is pretty nasty.

Non

I suppose if you're going to start killing, you should pull out all the stops and have fun with it. Very nasty, indeed!

Final Thoughts

I know this ERB is more abbreviated from what I usually submit, but time is a bit short at the moment, and these two are strait-forward. I also had to Google these names, as they sounded familiar. They are, indeed, two of the three on trial at the beginning of the first Christopher Reeves Superman movie that I saw as a teen. Good stuff!

 

[Griffin]

Re: The Book of Ursa - Designing

Nothing really to add here other than she could possibly have Stealth Flying as a Spy.

Technically all Kryptonians could have that, and though I see your point about her being a spy, I feel the character is already summed up at this point with a reused power and a special attack, and I like that. I don't think she needs a third power.

 

[IAmBatman]

Re: The Book of Ursa - Designing

A tad early on the ERB trigger there, eh? I think A3n's on to something with this "premature" stuff.

Solid looking write up. For what it's worth, I understand the theme of the "sadomasochistic" personality, but I think I'd prefer just "sadistic" as it's a little shorter and more elegant. Does it leave out her wanting to hurt herself? Yeah. But that doesn't feel like a huge loss to me in exchange for what I think will be more visually appealing on the card.

 

[Griffin]

Re: The Book of Ursa - Designing

Is there a time table on ERB that I am not aware of? I figure they can help with the direction of the design too, and if it changes I could run it by them again. ERB is a tool for us use when we feel it is appropriate, and I did.

 

[IAmBatman]

Re: The Book of Ursa - Designing

I'm pretty sure we specified that ERB and the initial playtesting were both for after the Breathing Period that we voted in place as a guild and you're on the record as not believing in anyway, so I'm not sure why I'm bothering ... The idea being that the heroes get to weigh in on the design first before any outside influence comes in.

I'm just letting you know what the group discussed and decided, though, not my personal viewpoint. Take it as you will.

 

[Griffin]

Re: The Book of Ursa - Designing

No, I don't think that view was formalized. It certainly wasn't added in the rules when you updated them. Is getting an early opinion of a simple design really a big f****ing deal? I think you are wasting your breath.

 

[Griffin]

Re: The Book of Ursa - Designing

Thanks man.

Thanks you gentlemen for all of your insight and help.

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URSA

KRYPTONIAN
UNIQUE HERO
SPY
SADOMASOCHISTIC
MEDIUM 4

LIFE = 5
MOVE = 6
RANGE = 1
ATTACK = 5
DEFENSE = 5
POINTS = 240

KRYPTONIAN DEFENSE
When Ursa rolls defense dice against a normal attack from a figure that is not a Kryptonian, if at least one shield is rolled, all blanks rolled count as extra shields.

KRYPTONITE DAGGER SPECIAL ATTACK
Range 1. Attack 4.
Kryptonians roll two fewer defense dice against this special attack. After using Kryptonite Dagger Special Attack, you must place one wound marker on this card.

[Wicked. Nice to see the price attached. One option to consider is a "Must roll one unblockable die" as the price instead of it just being an autowound, if the autowound starts to look too pricey in further testing.]

FLYING

SUPERSTRENGTH

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NON

KRYPTONIAN
UNIQUE HERO
SCIENTIST
MUTE
MEDIUM 6

LIFE = 6
MOVE = 6
RANGE = 1
ATTACK = 8
DEFENSE = 6
POINTS = 320

KILL CRAZY
When Non destroys an Opponent's figure with his normal attack, he may attack again rolling 1 additional attack die for each figure he destroyed this turn. Non may continue attacking with his normal attack until he does not destroy a figure.

[Wow--that's a beastly power! Don't engage him with more than one person (or keep your guys close together), that's for sure--ouch!]

KRYPTONIAN DEFENSE
When Non rolls defense dice against a normal attack from a figure that is not a Kryptonian, if at least one shield is rolled, all blanks rolled count as extra shields.

FLYING

SUPERSTRENGTH

Have to run off to a meeting, but these looks solid. I like that they have one unique (and very thematic) power--straight-forward and fun. Smart, restrained designing.

I'd say more, but I have to go and, honestly, these look clean. Nice powers, balanced, ways to get around them (or prices to them). Look smart.

Best, V

 

[Griffin]

Re: The Book of Ursa - Designing

C3G INITIAL PLAYTEST FEEDBACK FORM

NAME OF THE TEST UNIT Ursa

- 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.
Pass

- 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.
Pass

- 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.
Pass

- 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 too powerful or too weak.
Pass

- 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.
Pass

- FUN TEST/ Consider whether or not the design was fun to play.
Pass, considering when or when not to risk the SA is fun, though most of the time it isn't even considered an option unless there is a special defense to bring down or a Kryptonian to bring down.

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

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

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

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

Heavy Hitter or Mid-Level Hero Test
- Does it pass, Yes or No? Yes.
- What should be the unit's point value? 240.
- Give a brief overview. She is a bruiser with a SA that is useful at breaking down special defenses and specifically Kryptonians.

Spoiler Alert!

TEST 1
Map: Negative Zone.
Units: Ursa - VS - Superman II (just looking for a bench mark).
Ursa used her SA and though she didn't take any wounds from it, she only managed to hit Superman for two total wounds. Basically, the SA is a throw in power that is really best reserved for Kryptonians and special defenses. So, I am bumping it up to Attack 5 to make it more valuable and worth the risk.
Who won and how many wounds did they have? Superman wins with 2 wounds.

TEST 2
Map: Negative Zone.
Units: Ursa - VS - Superman II (just looking for a bench mark).
Much better. She attacked with the SA of 5 twice this game, and put 5 wounds on Superman and killed herself with the last attack. That means she checked out just after doing 250 points, which is right about where I want her to be, cost wise.
Who won and how many wounds did they have? Superman wins with 5 wounds.

TEST 3
Map: Negative Zone.
Units: Ursa - VS - Superboy
Ursa used her SA all game and I felt that she rolled slightly below average.
Who won and how many wounds did they have? Superboy wins with 3 wounds.

TEST 4
Map: Negative Zone.
Units: Ursa - VS - Superboy
Ursa almost beat Superboy this time with that SA, but then she killed herself it.
Who won and how many wounds did they have? Superboy wins with 4 wounds.

TEST 5
Map: Negative Zone.
Units: Ursa - VS - Parasite
Ursa just attacked normally and Parasite did the same along with some Life Drain.
Who won and how many wounds did they have? Ursa wins with 3 wounds.

TEST 6
Map: Negative Zone.
Units: Ursa - VS - Parasite
Parasite couldn't ever punch Ursa, but he did get some nasty Life Drains in.
Who won and how many wounds did they have? Parasite wins with 3 wounds.

TEST 7
Map: Negative Zone.
Units: Ursa - VS - Lady Deathstrike
Lady D healed between rounds once, and came back with a vengeance.
Who won and how many wounds did they have? Lady Deathstrike wins with 3 wounds.

TEST 8
Map: Negative Zone.
Units: Ursa - VS - Lady Deathstrike
Ursa knocked her out when Lady D had just 3 prior wounds.
Who won and how many wounds did they have? Ursa wins with 3 wounds.

TEST 9
Map: Negative Zone.
Units: Ursa - VS - Iron Man
Though Iron Man had height, Ursa put a wound on him, then when he whiffed on Defense, it killed him.
Who won and how many wounds did they have? Ursa wins with 4 wounds.

TEST 10
Map: Negative Zone.
Units: Ursa - VS -
IM got height and kept it, and from there just kept rolling big defense to hold Ursa off while he widdled away at Kryptonian Defense.
Who won and how many wounds did they have? Iron Man wins with 2 wounds.

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Squad Test
- Does it pass, Yes or No? Yes.
- What should be the unit's point value? 240.
- Give a brief overview. She has no multi attacks or area affects, yet her K-Defense helped her to survive all the attacks.
Map: Negative Zone.
Units: Ursa - VS - Moloids x24.

Spoiler Alert!

It doesn't take long for the Moloids to pile up on Ursa, as she is also a melee attacker. She really stood her ground though as K-Defense worked swimmingly. Eventually though, attrition always wins.
Who won and how many wounds did they have? Moloids win with 6 men left.

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Squad Test
- Does it pass, Yes or No? Yes.
- What should be the unit's point value? 240.
- Give a brief overview. She held her own as best as she could against ranged attacks from height, but eventually, she was gonna fall, so she ended up risking everything and killed herself in the end.
Map: Negative Zone.
Units: Luthor Corps x2.

Spoiler Alert!

Luthor and Ursa seemed on par, except that they have range which gives them height advantage, and she has a SA that allows her to bypass their defenses. It came down to a single Corps and a badly wounded Ursa (one away from death). She risked it and attacked with her SA and yet the Corpsman blocked it and then she gave herself the last wound.
Who won and how many wounds did they have? Luthor Corps win with 1 man left.

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Army Test
- Does it pass, Yes or No? Yes.
- What should be the unit's point value? 230.
- Give a brief overview. She isn't all that wowing, but she is a decently priced figure that can stand up for a good while unless she is being attacked by SAs, but at least she has her own to fight back with. Still, not having multiple attacks this game really hurt, and I think her cost can come down 10 points for sure.
Map: Negative Zone.
Units: Ursa, Superman I, Eradicator, and Lex Luthor I - VS Professor X, Beast, Angel, Cyclops, Jean Grey, and Iceman.

Spoiler Alert!

Team Krypton knew that they needed to deal with Jean Grey early on, so Superman went in head first like a moron and jacked up by Cyclops and Iceman, but Superman did take Jean and Cyclops with him just before Iceman put Superman on permanent freeze. Lex and Ursa marched in and were met by Beast and Iceman. Lex hurt Beast and had Ursa get him close to death, but then Beast jumped in and clawed at them both with height on Lex, and hurt Ursa and killed Lex. Ursa killed Beast, but Angel picked up Iceman and they both engaged her to hold her down. Eradicator came swooshing in to help but was too late. Eradicator killed Iceman and Angel, though Iceman did Eradicator bleeding a bit. It came down to Professor X and Eradicator who were now engaged and dancing back and forth with them Professor X slowing taking wounds when he couldn't use Psychic Defense, and Eradicator slowy taking wounds from Professor X's special attack. Eventually, it was Eradicator who would fall.
Who won and how many wounds did they have? Professor X wins with 3 wounds.

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Army Test
- Does it pass, Yes or No? Yes.
- What should be the unit's point value? 230.
- Give a brief overview. Ursa probably got a bit lucky in avoiding Batman's E-strike. That SA of hers was great for pushing Superman over the edge though.
Map: Negative Zone.
Units: Ursa and Hulk - VS - Superman and Batman.

Spoiler Alert!

Other than Batman, this was a slug fest. Superman and Hulk nearly killed each other, when Ursa came in and took Superman out. When Hulk tried killing Batman, Batman only need to E-strike once and kill him in return. Ursa and Batman tangled, and not another E-strike was seen this day, so Ursa prevailed with big attacks and knock back.
Who won and how many wounds did they have? Ursa wins with 2 wounds, 1 of which was from her own SA.

 

[Griffin]

Re: The Book of Ursa - Designing

All done, and 230 looks good.

Taking pre-yeas now.

 

[Hahma]

Re: The Book of Ursa - Designing

Pre - Yea

 

[tcglkn]

Re: The Book of Ursa - Designing

Pre-Yea

 

[Margloth]

Re: The Book of Ursa - Designing

pre-yea, I expected that SA to come up a little.

 

[IAmBatman]

Re: The Book of Ursa - Designing

pre-yea

 

[Griffin]

Re: The Book of Ursa - Designing

 

[A3n]

Re: The Book of Ursa - Designing

Yea

 

[Griffin]

Re: The Book of Ursa - Designing

I propose we move to Playtesting.

 

[SirGalahad]

Re: The Book of Ursa - VOTE for playtesting

yea

 

[tcglkn]

Re: The Book of Ursa - VOTE for playtesting

This passes