HERO System (5th Edition)
History History (Alternative) Fantasy Generic / Universal Action / Adventure Science Fiction Fantasy (High Fantasy) Mythology / Folklore Action / Adventure (Pulp) Action / Adventure (Gangsters / Mafia) Adult / Mature Crime Crime (Criminal / Law Enforcement) Crime (Mystery / Detective / Noir) Modern Modern (Urban) Science Fiction (Time / Dimension Travel) Fantasy (Modern Urban Fantasy) Horror Occult Animation / Comics Fantasy (Low Fantasy) Science Fiction (Space Opera) Multiverse Action / Adventure (Superheroes)
Attribute/Stat Based (STR, CON, PER, etc) Dice (Primarily d6) Hex-based (uses hex terrain for move/combat) Point Based (allocate points to get skills, powers, etc) Skill Based (buy or gain skills)
The Hero System (or HERO System) is a generic role-playing game system that developed from the superhero RPG Champions. It is used as the underlying mechanics of other Hero Games role-playing games such as Dark Champions, Fantasy Hero, Star Hero, and Pulp Hero. It is characterized by point-based character creation and the rigor with which it measures character abilities. It was one of the first RPG systems to forgo the use of non-cubical dice.
The HERO System character creation system is entirely points-based with no random elements. Players are given a pool of points, the size of which varies depending on the campaign type, with which to buy Characteristics, Skills, Talents and Powers. They can gain additional points by taking Disadvantages that hamper their character in play.
