Let's Play... Amazing Spider-Man!

[Spatula]

These guys didn't take very long to stat up. They're a pretty ineffectual bunch, and they never pose any sort of real threat to our friendly neighborhood wall-crawler. So it's amusing to see how much they turn up in the early days of Spider-Man. Or it's amusing just to picture these guys as underworld enforcers. "Fear my lasso and cowboy drawl!" But I guess they do make for a handy bunch of recognizable thugs in service to more important villains.

I gave Ox Durability D6, which technically doesn't exist, but he needed something for his reaction rolls. He would also be on the low end of D8 Strength.

Fancy Dan
Affiliations: Solo D4, Buddy D6, Team D8

Distinctions:
Snappy Dresser
Small But Still Dangerous

Judo Black Belt
Reflexes D8, Punch/Kick D6
SFX: Focus. If a pool includes a Judo Black Belt power, you may replace two dice of equal size with one die +1 step larger.
Limit: Exhaustion. Shutdown any Judo Black Belt power to add a D6 to the doom pool. Recover power by activating an opportunity or during a Transition Scene.

Specialties:
Acrobatics Expert D8, Combat Expert D8

Ox
Affiliations: Solo D4, Buddy D6, Team D8

Distinctions:
Dimwit Bruiser
As Big as an Ox

Tough Guy
Durability D6, Strength D8
SFX: Versatile. Split Strength into 2D6 or 3D4.
Limit: Exhaustion. Shutdown any Tough Guy power to add a D6 to the doom pool. Recover power by activating an opportunity or during a Transition Scene.

Specialties:
None

Montana
Affiliations: Solo D4, Buddy D6, Team D8

Distinctions:
Master of the Lariat
Wannabe Cowboy

Lariat
Stretching D6
SFX: Grapple. Add a d6 and step up your effect die by +1 when inflicting lasso-based complications on a target.
SFX: Focus. If a pool includes a Lariat power, you may replace two dice of equal size with one die +1 step larger.
Limit: Gear. Shutdown Lariat and add a D6 to the doom pool. Take an action vs. doom pool to recover.

Specialties:
None

[MidnightBlue]

These guys didn't take very long to stat up. They're a pretty ineffectual bunch, and they never pose any sort of real threat to our friendly neighborhood wall-crawler. So it's amusing to see how much they turn up in the early days of Spider-Man. Or it's amusing just to picture these guys as underworld enforcers. "Fear my lasso and cowboy drawl!" But I guess they do make for a handy bunch of recognizable thugs in service to more important villains.

I've got my Dad's old comics, one of which includes the first appearance of The Kingpin in Amazing Spider-Man (the 1st appearance of The Kingpin ever?).

In that issue, The Kingpin is a match for Spider-Man in strength. He looks, but isn't considered, "fat." It's all muscle and he gets Spidey in some nasty bear hugs.

It's always funny to read some of those old comics and see that one week Spidey is going toe-to-toe with Dr. Doom...and the next week he's having trouble physically fighting The Kingpin. Basically whoever is the main threat in the issue, is a comparable threat to the hero.

It still amazes me that the Vulture was ever considered a menacing foe of Spider-Man. I mean, "webline...yank...street pizza...the end."

But we get what the authors give us.

[Spatula]

It still amazes me that the Vulture was ever considered a menacing foe of Spider-Man. I mean, "webline...yank...street pizza...the end."

But we get what the authors give us.

Too true! I had the same thought regarding the Vulture, who shows up 3 or 4 times during Dikto's time as artist. He can fly and Spider-Man can't - wooo! The funny thing is, after their first meeting, Spider-Man pretty much realizes that he's not a threat and disposes of him without any issues each time.

[Spatula]

Well, I couldn't resist. After looking through ASM #10, at least as far as the first Enforcers vs Spider-Man fight, I noticed that MHR did a pretty good job of representing the action order seen on the page.

Spider-Man has added the Combat Expert specialty and lost the Versatile SFX on his Spider-Powers power set. With his specialties, he doesn't need the SFX any more to fill out his dice pool.

For the villains, I'm using D6 power traits and specialties. It's hard to do such low-power opponents justice, otherwise.

The Big Man
Affiliations: Solo D6, Buddy D4, Team D8

Distinctions:
Masked Mystery
Criminal Mastermind

Tools of the Trade
Gun D6, Helicopter D6, Car D6
SFX: Focus. If a pool includes a Tools of the Trade power, you may replace two dice of equal size with one die +1 step larger.
Limit: Gear. Shutdown Tools of the Trade and add a D6 to the doom pool. Take an action vs. doom pool to recover.

Specialties:
Covert Expert D8, Crime Master D10, Menace Expert D8

Fancy Dan
Affiliations: Solo D4, Buddy D6, Team D8

Distinctions:
Snappy Dresser
Small But Deadly

Judo Black Belt
Reflexes D6, Martial Arts D6
SFX: Focus. If a pool includes a Judo Black Belt power, you may replace two dice of equal size with one die +1 step larger.
Limit: Exhaustion. Shutdown any Judo Black Belt power to add a D6 to the doom pool. Recover power by activating an opportunity or during a Transition Scene.

Specialties:
Acrobatics Expert D8, Combat Expert D8

Ox
Affiliations: Solo D4, Buddy D6, Team D8

Distinctions:
Dimwit Bruiser
As Big as an Ox

Tough Guy
Durable D6, Strength D6
SFX: Focus. If a pool includes a Tough Guy power, you may replace two dice of equal size with one die +1 step larger.
Limit: Exhaustion. Shutdown any Tough Guy power to add a D6 to the doom pool. Recover power by activating an opportunity or during a Transition Scene.

Specialties:
Combat Rookie D6

Montana
Affiliations: Solo D4, Buddy D6, Team D8

Distinctions:
Master of the Lariat
Cowboy

Lariat
Stretching D6
SFX: Grapple. Add a D6 and step up your effect die by +1 when inflicting lasso-based complications on a target.
SFX: Focus. If a pool includes a Lariat power, you may replace two dice of equal size with one die +1 step larger.
Limit: Gear. Shutdown Lariat and add a D6 to the doom pool. Take an action vs. doom pool to recover.

Specialties:
None

Starting Doom Pool: 2D6.

[Spatula]

Act 1, Scene 1: NYC
Doom Pool: 2D6

We find ourselves in some sort of interior area. In the foreground is a man in a suit, wearing gloves, a fedora, a scarf, and a metal mask that looks like a human face. The mask only covers the face; the rest of his head is wrapped in cloth. We know that he’s white because he’s checking his wristwatch, and his wrist is the only bit of exposed skin on him (we also know that he’s white because no non-white folks show up in the book until around #15-20, at which point black people suddenly start appearing as cops and in crowd scenes). This is the Big Man.

Behind the Big Man is Montana, an older white guy in suit, bolo tie, and white cowboy hat. Montana informs his boss that everything is set. The Big Man notes that Spider-Man has been spotted heading their way and should be there soon. “Start Operation Hi-Lift right now!” (was he waiting to commit the robbery until Spider-Man was around? Talk about taking unnecessary risks!)

Outside and very high up, we see a burglar holding a bag of jewels and balancing on a flagpole near an open window. A couple of NY’s finest are in the window, trying to convince the robber to come back where it’s safe. The robber responds, “The Big Man planned this caper, and he never fails!”

The thief is spotted by Spider-Man as the web-spinner swings on by. Spidey figures that he’d better grab the guy before he falls – but the robber suddenly springs up into the air as Spider-Man gets close! “It worked! Spider-Man never suspected I had a cable wrapped around me!” Above the burglar, hidden in the clouds, is a small helicopter that is wheeling him up to safety.

There’s no roll here; Spider-Man had no chance to nab the burglar.

Spider-Man refuses to let the thief get away. He shoots a webline to the flagpole and spins around it rapidly before launching himself at the helicopter! Unfortunately, as he gets close, the helicopter shoots a spray of blinding chemical foam right into his face!

Spider-Man: Solo D8 + Hero D8 + Swingline D8 + Acrobatics D8 = 4D8 (4, 7, 1, 8) = 15 and D8 effect.
Peter gains 1 PP (2 total) for rolling a 1, and the Doom Pool gains a D6 (3D6 total).
Big Man: Team D8 + Criminal Mastermind D8 + Helicopter D6 + Crime Master D10 = D6+2D8+D10 (3, 4, 6, 10) = 16 and D6 effect. The Watcher will spend a D6 from the doom pool (2D6 left) to use the effect die as a D6 Falling complication on Spider-Man.

Spider-Man fails to grab onto the helicopter, which flies off. All Spidey can do is spin a web parachute and float down to his adoring public.

Spider-Man: Solo D8 + Hero D8 + Swingline D8 + Constructs SFX D6 = D6+3D8 (3, 8, 1, 3) = 11 and D8 effect.
Peter gains 1 PP (3 total) for rolling a 1, and the Doom Pool gains a D6 (3D6 total).
Doom Pool: 3D6 + Falling D6 = 4D6 (4, 2, 1, 6) = 10 and D6 effect.
Spider-Man removes the Falling complication.

Man #1: “Boy! He sure goofed that one!”
Man #2: “Some super-hero he is! He’s just a big clown!”
Man #3: “The guy on the flagpole got away scot free!”
Big Man (in the helicopter): “Within minutes, the news will be out and the entire city will know how we made a fool of Spider-Man!”

The Watcher rules Spider-Man’s humiliation as a form of grandstanding, and adds a D8 to the doom pool (3D6+D8 total).

[chaosnet]

So what happens when Montana loses his lariat? Would he just start using his Affiliation + Distinction to create his die pool?

[Spatula]

So what happens when Montana loses his lariat? Would he just start using his Affiliation + Distinction to create his die pool?

Yeah, he's quite the one-note character. Without his lasso, he's pretty much just a cowboy in a suit. Strangely, Spider-Man doesn't think to snap it or take it away from him; at least not in the early days.

[Spatula]

Act 1, Scene 2: Criminal Hideout, NYC
Doom Pool: 3D6+D8

The Big Man has gathered a group of local crime bosses into a smoke-filled room. They are not pleased!

Boss #1: “It’s about time you got here!”
Boss #2: “We’ve got our own gangs to take care of! We’re not used to waitin’ for anyone!”
Big Man: “Silence! I called this meeting to inform you that I’m taking over all the rackets in the city! From now on, the Big Man is head of the crime syndicate! And my Enforcers here will make sure that my orders are carried out! Any questions?”

Behind the Big Man stands the Enforcers: Montana (introduced in the last scene, but twirling a lasso here), Ox (a large, muscular type), and Fancy Dan (a very short fellow in a suit & fedora). The assembled criminals have more protests than questions, and so the Big Man orders his Enforcers to “change their minds!”

Fancy Dan is up first, and he adroitly dodges the bosses’ punches before hitting back and tossing them about. Ox calmly eats an apple as he is being pummeled, and then knocks out several opponents with a single swing. Montana uses his lariat to relieve one criminal of his gun, and then trips several others. The group of crime bosses has been defeated, and the Big Man is now in charge!

[Spatula]

Act 1, Scene 3: Forest Hills Hospital, NYC
Doom Pool: 3D6+D8

Aunt May has just had an operation, and Peter is on his way to see her when he bumps into Liz and Flash. Liz heard about May’s illness, and came to see her, dragging Flash along for company. Inside, the doctor tells Peter than May is doing alright, but that she really needs a blood transfusion. Peter is alarmed – he dares not give her his radioactive spider-blood! When he refuses, Liz is shocked, and Flash labels Peter a coward. Reluctantly, Peter gives in and agrees to the procedure. Afterwards, the Doc tells Peter to take it easy for a few days, “until you get back to normal.”

But meanwhile…

Act 1, Scene 4: NYC
Doom Pool: 3D6+D8

Narrator: “A new crime wave begins to erupt in the city! Under the leadership of the mysterious Big Man, a well-organized and powerful network of underworld mobs seem to strike everywhere at once!”

In addition to scenes of stick-ups and safe-cracking, we see three helicopters lifting a mail car from the middle of a stopped train, and the Enforcers cracking down on criminals who won’t bow to the Big Man. Those criminals that get caught red-handed refuse to rat out the Big Man, and are given legal protection in return.

J. Jonah Jameson happens upon the scene of just such an arrest, and lets the police know that they should be going after Spider-Man instead of small-time hoodlums. Obviously, the wall-crawler must be the one behind the crime wave! A cop tells JJJ that the publisher could do more good using his paper to help catch the Big Man, but JJJ dismisses the mysterious masked crime lord as a myth or distraction invented by Spider-Man.

[Spatula]

Act 1, Scene 5: Daily Bugle, NYC
Doom Pool: 3D6+D8

Over at the Daily Bugle, JJJ is instructing one of his reporters to write a series of articles that will “prove” the Big Man is actually Spider-Man. The reporter is one Fredrick Foswell, a slight, balding white man wearing a bowtie. Foswell points out that the last time JJJ published such accusations*, it didn’t turn out so well. But JJJ isn’t listening.

* In ASM #9, JJJ published photos (fakes supplied by Peter) showing that Spider-Man was also Electro.

As Foswell exits JJJ’s office he runs into Betty Brant, who is leaving for the day. She’s hoping to run into Peter as she reaches the street, but instead she encounters… the Enforcers! A small-timer points her out by name to the group of criminals. Fancy Dan demands the money that she owes, and when Betty claims that she’s already paid it, he informs her that she forgot about the interest. Which the Big Man has just doubled.

Peter comes along and tries to defend Betty, but gets put in a hold by Ox for his troubles. Betty promises to get the money somehow, and the Enforcers leave. Peter understandably wants to know what’s going on, but Betty won’t tell him. When he presses, she runs away. As so begins the Betty Brant saga, ASM’s first multi-issue storyline.

Peter does a quick-change into Spider-Man and snags the small-timer that fingered Betty with a webline. The crook is too scared to talk, so Spidey blindfolds him with some webbing and takes him elsewhere. When the blindfold has been removed, the small-timer finds himself surrounded by spider webs, upon which lurks a man-sized spider.

Spider-Man: “You are in my spider’s web! Now, will you talk, or won’t you?”
Crook: “Th-that thing behind you! D-don’t let it come any closer… please…!!”

The spider is made of webbing thrown over a wooden frame. Spider-Man created a web-related asset…

Spider-Man: Solo D8 + Hero D8 + Durability D8 + Constructs SFX D6 = D6+3D8 (1, 6, 8, 4) = 14 and D8 effect. The effect die is stepped up to D10 because of the Constructs SFX.
Doom Pool: 3D6+D8 (3, 5, 4, 5) = 10 and D6 effect.

…and he uses it against the hapless criminal.

Spider-Man: Solo D8 + Hero D8 + Web-Spider Asset D10 = 2D8+D10 (2, 7, 9) = 16 and D8 effect.
Crook: Solo D4 + Crime Rookie D6 = D4+D6 (3, 6) = 9 and D4 effect.
Spider-Man’s D8 effect is stepped up to D10 by the extraordinary success.
The crook is a D6 specialty character, so the D10 effect die is more than enough to get him to talk.

The crook spills the beans, revealing that the Big Man is at 15 Oak Street (an actual address in Brooklyn, although it looks like it’s a junkyard in real life). Spider-Man immediately heads over there.