Fans & Groupies

[Silverback]

This thread is aimed at discussing the popularity of superheroes and how the general public react to them. It will specifically look at the 'fan base' of a hero and/or supergroup and detail the types of character(s) that they may attract. Eventually the thread will become an article, to be hosted on the main site, and will detail the guidelines for implementing the discussions deatiled within the article.

First of all I'd like to list the various 'types' of fan that might be encountered.

The Child Fan
Usually between the ages of six and twelve this NPC will be seen playing with superhero merchandise (costumes, models, toys, games, etc.). They will primarily be encountered near, or at, home but can also be encountered on any high street.

The main worry for their parents is keeping the 'imitation' under control and within the realms of realism. Many heroes will make public safety films ensuring that children understand they cannot fly, climb walls, breathe underwater, etc.

Autograph Hunter
Dedicated Fan
Super Fan
Obsessive Fan
Groupie
Hero Worshipper
Impersonator (Look-a-like)
Imposter
Stalker

To be continued . . .

[Silverback]

Each month the superhero should make a roll against Popularity, Charisma, Standing, etc. Whichever is most appropriate to the gaming rules being used. The result of this roll will determine the 'major' event/encounter during that month. This does not preclude other encounters with the superheros fan base.

As can be seen from the guidelines below the more 'popular' a character becomes the higher the likelihood that they will encounter a non-benevolent member of their circle of fans.

Well the theory I'm using is that the more popular a character is, the more attention they draw to themselves, the more attention they get, the more exposure they receive, as they become more exposed i.e. identified by the public, the greater the risk is that they attract some kind of 'nutter'.

Marvel Super Heroes
Make a FEAT Roll once per game month against their Popularity rating to determine the fan encounter they experience during that period.

White Result
The Child Fan
Autograph Hunter

Minor Event

Green Result
Dedicated Fan
Super Fan

Major Event

Yellow Result
Obsessive Fan
Groupie
Hero Worshipper
Impersonator (Look-a-like)

Serious Event

Red Result
Imposter
Stalker

Critical Event

Mutants & Masterminds
Make a DC10 Roll once per game month against their Charisma to determine the fan encounter they experience during that period.

M&M uses a Loyalty score for minions and sidekicks. Maybe this can be adapted instead!

Note: May be better to 'create' a popularity/reputation system that uses Charisma.

Fail Result
The Child Fan
Autograph Hunter

Minor Event

Pass
Dedicated Fan
Super Fan

Major Event

Pass by more than 5
Obsessive Fan
Groupie
Hero Worshipper
Impersonator (Look-a-like)

Serious Event

Pass by more than 10
Imposter
Stalker

Critical Event

To be continued . . .

[Silverback]

Minor Events
Overenthusiastic fan
Fan invites hero to attend conference
Fan website launched in honour of the superhero
Fanzine/Comic/Article published about the hero
Fan(s) ask for autograph

Major Events
Disgruntled fan
Minor injury of a fan
Mobbed by fans
Fan discovers secret identity and tells the hero
Fan makes complaint to the authorities
Fans place themselves in danger by accident
Fan makes emotional advances

Serious Events
Enraged fan
Serious injury of a fan
Attacked by a fan
Fan discovers Nemesis to one power
Fan discovers location of secret base
Fan discovers secret identity and tells their friends
Fan(s) held hostage
Fan starts legal proceedings against the hero
Fan successfully publishes smear campaign
Fan deliberately places themself in danger
Fan makes sexual advances

Critical Events
Fan attacks hero
Death of a fan
Fan becomes Arch Enemy
Fan discovers Nemesis to all powers
Fan gains entry to secret base
Fan discovers secret identity and tells the authorities/media/villain(s)
Fan commits crime whilst impersonating the superhero
Fan believes they're in a relationship with the hero