Dr. MID-Nite Posted October 3, 2009 Report Share Posted October 3, 2009 Has anyone used The Algernon Files or have the book and care to comment on it? I've thought about picking it up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greywind Posted October 3, 2009 Report Share Posted October 3, 2009 Re: The Algernon Files Yes, I do. Yes, I have. The quality is top-notch. The world-logic is internally consistent. As for using it, I've pulled two characters out for use in my world. Magog was a throw down for the team that was playing. He stood up well to their abuse long enough for my purposes. I don't recall the other character I was using. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghost-angel Posted October 3, 2009 Report Share Posted October 3, 2009 Re: The Algernon Files Here's my review of the book. It's good, bunches of characters to work with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. MID-Nite Posted October 3, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 3, 2009 Re: The Algernon Files Here's my review of the book. It's good, bunches of characters to work with. Thanks for the info. I appreciate it. I'm vaguely interested in the Serpent Queen character...who might be a good foil for the Egyptian based PC in my campaign. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quozaxx Posted October 3, 2009 Report Share Posted October 3, 2009 Re: The Algernon Files I have used Blut from Algernon Files, Vol II: The Golden Age in a modern Champions setting. Most of the characters from the Algernon Files are 500 points or above. I don't know if that is a consideration from you or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Liaden Posted October 3, 2009 Report Share Posted October 3, 2009 Re: The Algernon Files Has anyone used The Algernon Files or have the book and care to comment on it? I've thought about picking it up. I have it, and I love it. It's a very fine collection of diverse characters of all motivations and power levels, with rich and interesting backgrounds. They embrace many common archetypes, but often feature a distinctive twist. While I find most of them quite usable with Hero Games published characters, their design priorities are different from HG's -- Active Points in Power constructs are often high with lots of Modifiers, and the characters tend to have lots of Skills. The world these characters exist in isn't laid out in so many words, but the interconnections between them in their write-ups makes their continuity clear. OTOH most of them fall within the spectrum of mainstream comic conventions, so almost any comic-inspired campaign world would accomodate them. I usually run a modified version of the Champions Universe, and I've easily inserted a number of Algernon heroes and villains into the setting. For example, I made Dr. Prometheus's "children," the Prometheans, creations of Teleios; used the master villain Praetorian as a general for Istvatha V'han, and his followers augmenting her forces; and substituted the Covenant from AF for the Trismegistus Council -- they're very similar organizations, but the Covenant is more detailed and can provide more combat backup for PCs. I also used the superpowered all-female goth/punk rock band Hell's Belles, just because they're cool. Also: I'm vaguely interested in the Serpent Queen character...who might be a good foil for the Egyptian based PC in my campaign. Serpent Queen is an ancient and powerful master villain, who comes with her own serpent-men cultists as backup. I used her as a template for VIPER's immortal patron Nama and his kindred. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Metaphysician Posted October 3, 2009 Report Share Posted October 3, 2009 Re: The Algernon Files I've used them in my Vanguard campaign. Notably, the Covenant. They served as the primary mystic guardian organization in the setting. . . and were a royal pain in the ass in Nox's backstory. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubba smith Posted October 3, 2009 Report Share Posted October 3, 2009 Re: The Algernon Files i own a copy of both books as noted the stats may need adjusting to HERO levels but otherwise the books are well done Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egyptoid Posted October 3, 2009 Report Share Posted October 3, 2009 Re: The Algernon Files highly recommend the book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DusterBoy Posted October 3, 2009 Report Share Posted October 3, 2009 Re: The Algernon Files I've got it and I really like it in the "can't stop browsing through it" sense, even the background is not entirely to my liking. But hey, it is an awesome setting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheQuestionMan Posted October 4, 2009 Report Share Posted October 4, 2009 Re: The Algernon Files The Algernon Files 2.0 (Hero Edition) Greetings Herophiles, I picked up The Algernon Files 2.0 (Hero Edition) about 1758hrs just before my FLAGS closed and here is what I have learned so far. Art: (4 out of 5) - The Front Cover Art was well selected a group picture of the Sentinels, TAF's version of the JLA and Avengers. The Back Cover Art contains a selection of Supervillains. While not my what I'd pick they do make you curious enough to seek them out and check out their write ups. The Interior Art is consistent and thought provoking. Personally I like the style and hope they maintain it. Layout: (4 out of 5) - I think it would be better to section it out. 1. Table of Contentions - Its clear and easy to reference. Not too small and clear separations. 2. Introduction & How to use this Book - Short and sweet. Lets you jump right into TAF Universe in an amusing style. 3. Appendix 1 - Timeline of the TAF Universe is great and really brings the reader into the setting. 4. Appendix 2 - Adventures, Plots, and more... Writing: (4 out of 5) - The Staff and Playtesters did a great job making sure that TAF was well written and organized. Content: (4 out of 5) - Again it is better to section it out. 1. High Powered Superheroes and Supervillains galore. Great backgrounds and Character Sub Plots. The Write-Ups are logical and creative without being abusive. I have not picked a favorite yet, but I like the Hell's Belles 2. Maps, Drawings, and the BAR!!! What would our lives be like without the proper maps. Summary: (4 out of 5) - I need more time to absorb it, but I have to say it is... Fracking Awesome! The quality of the production and content make it more than worth the price (Canadian). My only complaint is the speed it took to get into my hot little hands and that's not their fault. If your looking to run a High Powered Campaign without suffering from excessive Power Gaming this is the Allies/Enemies book for you. If your looking for some cool Maps and ideas you will be referencing TAF 2.0 for the next 25yrs. I kid you not. Great work folks. Make mine Hero by Blackwyrm Games! QM P.S.: Sentinels Base Staff - Stan Kirby (Director of Facilities) and Darren Long (Chief Legal Counsel) .... ... ROFLOL!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DusterBoy Posted October 4, 2009 Report Share Posted October 4, 2009 Re: The Algernon Files Sentinels Base Staff - Stan Kirby (Director of Facilities) and Darren Long (Chief Legal Counsel) .... Yeah, you aren't the only one to have spotted those two homages, tips o' the hat, whatever. Now we need a Steve Watts in there, somewhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Liaden Posted October 4, 2009 Report Share Posted October 4, 2009 Re: The Algernon Files Algernon Files and Fires of War are both tricked out with sly homages to characters and backgrounds from many sources. The history of Dr. Prometheus is my personal favorite from AF, and Rex Mundi from FOW. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. MID-Nite Posted October 5, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 5, 2009 Re: The Algernon Files Thanks for the comments everyone. It was most helpful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.