Children of the Empire

Game Master Talmonis

Not a problem. Just understand that, just as you should absolutely get into the character, they can die. You can all die. I will still want the same players, so don't run off if they do (unless you don't want to do it anymore, just let me know in that case and I'll grab a replacement or make one). If you die, I'll want you to make a new character.

Understood. And making new characters isn't difficult for me. In the past, I suffered from New Characteritis (although I'm mostly over that these days). :)

Melgora Kormanthul wrote:

Oh, yeah? Well, this former Hutt dancer has a great big pair of 15 CHA whoppers, so let's go, lady!

*commence cat fight noises* :)

Hmph. Size matters not. :)

Pfft. Jealousy. I find your lack of faith disturbing. :P

It is at this point in time, that I must warn you all. I'm going to put a lot into this. This campaign is going to be about war. All aspects of it. It's going to get mean. It's going to get lethal. Most of all, it's going to get personal. Make a character you will care about. One that you'll have fun playing, and will enjoy taking them through trials and situations that I hope and pray that not one of you will ever have to go through. If I make your character question themselves? Question their commanders? Question their homes, their nations and their very loyalties? Good. Then I'll have done my job. Strap in kiddoes, it's going to be a bumpy ride.

Sounds very interesting, indeed. I love this character, and hope to have fun playing through all those very interesting scenarios. I only hope I don't disappoint!

Same here! This sounds really awesome. I only hope that this game has good longevity and keeps going for a nice long while.

Same here! This sounds really awesome. I only hope that this game has good longevity and keeps going for a nice long while.

You and I both.

Melgora Kormanthul wrote:

Same here! This sounds really awesome. I only hope that this game has good longevity and keeps going for a nice long while.

You and I both.

Feel free to add me to that sentiment. :)

Most PbPs I've been a part of have a nasty habit of dying off after a few weeks or months. Fingers crossed that this one is different. Since there are two squads, I assume that means more open positions? I have a few real-life friends that I played Saga with before I got my full-time job. Mind if I give them a poke and encourage them to apply? Or are you nearly at maximum capacity as it is?

BTW: I was looking through the Rebellion Era Campaign Guide, and I saw a bubble talking about Military Sign as a language. For this kind of campaign, I think it'd be appropriate for us to take that language.

What do other people think?

EDIT: Here it is for those who don't have that book:

Military Sign

Though not a language in the traditional sense, many military and paramilitary units use hand signals to communicate silently with one another. Favored by Alliance SpecForce, military sign allows beings who understand the signals to communicate with each other in basic terms. You can take military sign as a language just like any other language, although to use it, you must have line of sight to the person or people you are attempting to communicate with. Military sign makes no noise, but it can express only simple concepts. Examples include: halt, attention, danger, surround the target, move to a certain location, proceed with caution, trap ahead, ambush ahead, sensors ahead, bypass the hazard ahead, and execute orders.

Feel free to invite whoever to apply. Just so long as nobody gets steamed if they're not picked =)

So far we're looking at 10 finished characters. I've already picked 6 of you (though might have you on seperate squads). Keep making those characters people!

**Edit** 9 characters finished. 9-11 players interested.

So who has been picked?

Got to bow out. Wife's orders. Something about too many games already and not enough we time. =P Sorry.

MMM...equipment wishlists. I made up one for starters while notepadding my build, and of course it's incomplete, but heh. Fun times. Let's just say the rifle and the arm take up a fair portion of the list.

Background: Enslaved

At some point in your past, you lost your freedom and became a slave. As a result of your slavery, you refuse to submit to such a state again, and you resist all attempts to seize you. You gain a +2 competence bonus to grapple checks.

Added Class Skill: Jump

I've been digging through the books I have, but I'm not finding Backgrounds. Where might I find them?

It's in the Rebellion Era sourcebook.

Ok folks, it would seem that we only have enough for one full group. If at some point enough players (as in 3 or 4 more) want to join in, i'll create the second group. As such, I'll leave recruitment open.

However, Alpha group will be the following players/characters:

Melgora
Perallus
Ianthe
Helrun
Kira
Harry

I'll have the campaign thread up sometime this week folks. Gotta make an opening crawl and such.

Ready and eager!

EDIT: How do I subscribe to a thread? Or favorite? Or something?

Ready and eager!

Well, I guess that explains the 15 CHA that Mel has ;-)

Melgora:

Once the gamethread and discussion thread are open it will be in your campaigns under your account, so you can see only the games you are in.

But once you post in those open thread it is automatic!

Melgora Kormanthul wrote:

Ready and eager!

Well, I guess that explains the 15 CHA that Mel has ;-)

Because charismatic people are always eager?

Because charismatic people are always eager?

Something like that, I guess. It seemed funnier in my head at the time.

But on the plus side, I took the liberty of updating Kira with gear. Whether any of that is considered standard Imperial equipment, well I guess I'll find out.

Other than the customized and modified gear, it's fine. When we start, you'll literally be getting off of a Lambda class shuttle onto your new assignment to the navy. You will eventually have ample opportunity (and funding) to modify gear and weaponry after you've passed your first "trial run".

Of the posted equipment list you put up earlier, which of those can we claim and put down on our sheets as inventory?

Other than the customized and modified gear, it's fine. When we start, you'll literally be getting off of a Lambda class shuttle onto your new assignment to the navy. You will eventually have ample opportunity (and funding) to modify gear and weaponry after you've passed your first "trial run".

Noted. Updated Kira accordingly. :)

Of the posted equipment list you put up earlier, which of those can we claim and put down on our sheets as inventory?

Non mission specific gear. In other words, you're not walking around the deck with a blaster cannon, Rain poncho and Explosives strapped to your back.

Sure, walking around with a freaking armory on your back is out of the question, but what about standard issue arms and sidearms? How's this for Melgora:

Also, I assume we get Armor Proficiency (Light) for free, yes?

Yes, you get AP Light for free. Also, your list sounds fine.

The reason behind scout armor being less protective than TIE Pilot suits is mobility. You're not going to be turning your head all that much in a TIE spacesuit. It's pretty heavy stuff, with air tanks and all that jazz.

Now that I'm actually home and can look through my sourcebooks, I'd like to add a few other things to Raya's equipment if it's all right. So, now I present a revised equipment list.

Edit: Wow, there are some REALLY nice guns in here! I'll save those for my Long-Term Wish List.

All fine.

Just found an awesome gun. Any chance I can swap the basic E-11 Blaster Rifle for a BlasTech DLT-20A? "This weapon was commonly used by the stormtroopers of the Galactic Empire when other standard issue blasters proved ineffective at long-range accuracy. "

Stats: 3d10 damage, Single/Autofire, has a built-in Targeting Scope, magnetic grip provides +1 Reflex vs Disarm attempts.

oh wait, what? free AP light too? hang on, need to revise my feats then. again. lol. I shall update my equipment with a suitable kit for now, and I can't wait to get to the juicy bits.

Added Riflemaster from the galaxy at war guide (various benefits to rifle use, depending on type; regular rifles are treated as accurate at short range, no need for a scope!) to replace the free, now-redundant AP light feat.

also added some rudimentary stuff to equipment until anything more definitive is listed. Other than that, ready to go.

Just noticed the paizo store has a set of chocolate dice. omg. Do want.

Good call on Riflemaster, Perallus. However, the biggest shortcoming of Riflemaster/Pistoleer/etc is that it ONLY works with specifically those 3 or 4 weapons listed and NONE others. At least, that's always the our GM has looked at it.

For example, Riflemaster applies to the generic "Blaster Rifle" or "Blaster Carbine" in the Core Book, but it doesn't work with a more speficic weapon like a DXR-6 Disruptor Rifle from Force Unleashed (aka the Tenloss from Jedi Academy), or an ARC-9965 Blaster Rifle from Legacy Era (whose only difference from the Core Blaster Rifle is higher accuracy and less ammo).

So yeah, those feats are great, but they're absurdly limited given how many awesome guns that Saga has out there in its splatbooks.

A rifle is a rifle. Riflemaster will apply. I'm more interested in folks having fun then in R.A.W.

And yes, a DLT-20A is perfectly fine for Melgora.

Made a simple gear list for most of the time carrying.

No rifle, just a heavy blaster....

Updated my sheet with the DLT-20A, swapped my Scope over onto my Heavy Blaster Pistol, and added detailed descriptions of all feats and talents so that I don't have to look up any additional rules when posting.

Considered swapping out Assured Attack for Riflemaster, but getting to reroll that lowest damage die is pretty sweet when it's a whopping d10. Besides, with Far Shot and the built-in Targeting Scope, my DLT-20A can shoot up to 150sq away with no penalty at all. Adding Riflemaster would let me shoot all the way out to the maximum Long range (300sq) with no penalty, but really, how often will encounters be taking place that far away?

Besides, by plunking down with my Bipod and taking the time to Aim with Sniper Shot, I get a +3 attack bonus which more than negates my existing -2 penalty when shooting out to Long range. So if I take my time and set up a shot, I can still operate as a crazy long-range sniper with no problem. Hence, Riflemaster would be nice, but it's not crucial to have right out the gate.

At this point, I think I can say Melgora is ready for deployment! Now to just wait for the 20th to arrive so recruitment closes and we can get out in the field....

Edit: Hmmm. Looking at my sheet again, I'm realizing that Sneak Attack is limited to 6sq, period. Since Melgora's sniping style is based around shooting from a really long long way away, Sneak Attack is going to be less useful than I thought. I might end up swapping that out for something else.

Any suggestions for good Scoundrel talents for a sniper?

Any suggestions for good Scoundrel talents for a sniper?

Most of the Scoundrel talents seem lackluster to me, personally.

However, you could always consider Dastardly Strike. As long as the enemy is denied it's Dex bonus to Reflex, they move -1 step down the condition track. *shrug*

I also added the Personal Translator from The Unknown Regions (basically a Pocket Protocol Droid). Hopefully that's ok. (It solves the dilemma I had about wanting Binary and High Galactic but having to choose between the two)

EDIT: I forgot about this Scoundrel talent:

Advantageous Opening: When an enemy or ally in your line of sight rolls a natural 1 on an attack roll, you can make a melee or ranged attack against a single target within range.

With 5 allies and several enemies, and your long range, could give you a couple of extra attacks. Although since it's from the Clone Wars Campaign Guide, may not be allowed.

Adding Riflemaster would let me shoot all the way out to the maximum Long range (300sq) with no penalty, but really, how often will encounters be taking place that far away?

Ho Ho Ho.

"We're pinned down trying to cross the chasm bridge. Need immediate counter sniper fire or air support. Hurry, we're getting chopped up down here!"

"That's right son, let me see that pretty face..."*Kakow*"Target down. Request evac, I think his mates saw me."

Etc.

Melgora Kormanthul wrote:

Adding Riflemaster would let me shoot all the way out to the maximum Long range (300sq) with no penalty, but really, how often will encounters be taking place that far away?

Ho Ho Ho.

"We're pinned down trying to cross the chasm bridge. Need immediate counter sniper fire or air support. Hurry, we're getting chopped up down here!"

"That's right son, let me see that pretty face..."*Kakow*"Target down. Request evac, I think his mates saw me."

Etc.

"....I think his mate saw me...."

pew pew

"--Yes, yes he did!"
---------------------

Fair enough, Sir GM. I'll just pick up Riflemaster next level as a Scout bonus feat, and in the meantime I'll just take the time to set up properly if I need to provide fire support at those extreme ranges.

Question: If I took Advantageous Opening as Kira suggested, would the attack just be a basic attack, or would I be able to Aim beforehand as a swift action? Also, is there a limit to how often I can do it?

I'm not familiar with Advantageous Opening's wording, so I'll have to look it up when I get home.

And huzzah for someone getting the TF2 Reference.

Found a server where someone hosted all the PDF books online. This will help out a LOT if I need to post away from home or during the week.

Advantageous Opening: When an enemy or ally within your line of sight rolls a natural 1 on an attack roll, you can make a melee or ranged attack against a single target within range.

That's the exact verbatim text. No limitation on how often it can occur, or what kind of action it takes.

Personally, given that it only triggers on a nat 1 (a 5% chance), I don't think it's too much. The main thing that makes it great for a sniper is that it affects all units "within your line of sight", and I can target any unit "within range".

Given that my range technically extends all the way up to 300 squares away, if I just set up with a nice line-of-sight over a battlefield like any good sniper should…Well...Sure it's only a 5% chance per roll, but with every ally and enemy making that 5% roll every single turn….that adds up fast.

Great find, Kira! I'll double-check through all my Saga books when I get home tonight, but for right now this sounds like a fantastic pick.

EDIT: Also, the other talents in this "Opportunist" tree are equally delicious for my setup.
Retribution gives me +2 to revenge-attack an enemy who moves one of my allies within LoS down the condition track.
Thrive on Chaos gives me 8 bonus HP when an enemy or ally within 20 squares is reduced to 0 HP.
Vindication gives me +1 die of damage on my next attack when an enemy I've damaged is reduced to 0 HP.

Since all of these trigger on line-of-sight, I'll be a VERY effective "overwatch" sniper. once I start leveling further down this track. Vindication is particularly glorious. Mwahahaha…..

Personally, given that it only triggers on a nat 1 (a 5% chance), I don't think it's too much. The main thing that makes it great for a sniper is that it affects all units "within your line of sight", and I can target any unit "within range".

Given that my range technically extends all the way up to 300 squares away, if I just set up with a nice line-of-sight over a battlefield like any good sniper should…Well...Sure it's only a 5% chance per roll, but with every ally and enemy making that 5% roll every single turn….that adds up fast.

Yeah, the more I think on it, the more that's a pretty sweet talent. Assuming 5 allies and 5 enemies on the field of battle, the chances to use this talent at least once per round (and assuming each combatant only gets 1 attack per round) is 1 - (0.95)^10 ~= 40%. Pretty damn good.

If I had to assign a type of action, it'd be a reaction, and probably wouldn't allow any other actions with it (such as Aiming), but I'm not the GM, so meh.

And you're welcome. :)

Sneaky GM opened the discussion thread without saying anything, I dotted it.

It sounds like one hell of a talent. Get your snipe on.

And yes, as it sounds like a reaction, you won't get to aim beforehand.

Hmmm...kinda felt like my guy was a semi-sniper, but I think mel's going to end up my upperclassman on that one. We'll be one hell of a duo, though. If you're seen, you're dead. Leave the doors and stubborn computers to me, though. I'm like an electronic 007. No machine can resist my charms.

<_<

>_>

That sounded much more awkward after the thought...

If you're going to be slicing doors and terminals, you might want to consider a closer ranged blaster with heavy firepower, as you'll be up close in the action. A shotgun type, or repeater weapon perhaps. I think I remember seeing one somewhere.

If you are still open for recruitment, I would like to apply. I only have the saga core book and have never played star wars before. I am thinking about a human male career officer going officer or ace pilot.

Go for it OM.

If you're going to be slicing doors and terminals, you might want to consider a closer ranged blaster with heavy firepower, as you'll be up close in the action. A shotgun type, or repeater weapon perhaps. I think I remember seeing one somewhere.

Scattergun (shotgun essentially-- I believe galaxy at War or Unknown Regions, it was the one with Zygerrians...)

Don't know about the DEW equiv. but there is one-- Decksweeper, I believe it is called.

Here is my first pitch, let me know if the crunch is okay and the story isn't breaking canon.