
WOLead |

Title says it all really. We've lost 2 players right before things got really, really interesting. Would like at least one more person. Power level is 8 Refresh, and we currently have a were-lion, a mortal FBI agent, and an old-world satyr. Anyone interested drop me a line.
I'm definitely interested here, just I'll be coming in new to the game. I've been wanting to play a game in this system/setting, but I've haven't had any luck finding one till now.
Tiny Initial thoughts until more details abound.
Template: Sorcerer (Musts: Evocation (-3), Thaumaturgy(-3))
High Concept Aspect: Freelance Sorcerer on the Line.
Trouble Aspect: Always Trying to Encroach On My Freedom

Ryuko |

Hmmm, kinda similar to one we lost. BTW: IC thread is Here in case you'd like to look about and see how we roll. Things have been moving slow recently, mostly to avoid rushing ahead without the people who were waiting. Since they're gone will likely speed up since the ones left are pretty active. If you flesh out the concept a bit, I can work with why you're here, I already dropped a group of sorcerer mercenaries into the game, and haven't fleshed them out entirely yet so I could see you being one. We'll see what we can see.

WOLead |

If you flesh out the concept a bit, I can work with why you're here
Background
Grew up in a family of five, which slowly drifted apart across the US over the years. Said family having a long history of ADD symptoms before it was called such. Learned to focus his attention to an extreme to complete a task while ignoring everything else, rather then always be easily distracted. Learned of magic from his grandfather living nearby in Charleston, SC.(Phase Aspect: Overly-focused ADD)
Rising Conflict
Rising magical ability wrecking things, so sent to live and study with his grandfather Russell Ali to control it since he was a Focused Practitioner. First meeting with the Fey nearly a wreck, barely nulled quick work of his grandfather to avoid John's loss of free-will. First girlfriend turns out to be a White Court Virgin later Vampire, where John's escape from her left the street out front wrecked and a building later claimed condemned.
(Phase Aspect: I Didn't Break It, Dammit!)
Still writing Phase Three, but essentially, its going to deal with his first taste of becoming a "Freelance Sorcerer on the Line" constantly carrying multiple cheap cellphones to keep in contact even if his magic fries the one currently on, by swapping the SIM card into one of the off ones and turning it on. Also in dealing when dealing with the Law, hence "On the Line".
Turned to "For Hire" work, due to how trouble keeps popping up on him from both the Fey that he first met and his ex-girlfriend trying to lure him into her enthrallment/service. It makes for difficulty holding mundane jobs, but being a merc sorcerer gives him some protection, info, and contacts to help against them.
-Needing to know about what jobs the Merc Sorcerers take to write up a first mission for that.
Evocation is specialized in Spirit (Control Bonus). Thaumaturgy's specialization is in Crafting (Strength).

Johnathan Lie Hudson |

WOLead here. Starting on the character alias for setting up. Altered the Trouble Aspect, realizing it was too similar to another's already in the campaign.
Still needing to work on the first story + Aspect, hoping any info on the Merc Sorcerers you may mention will help tie things in to them. Just my initial idea so far. Still trying to figure out how to make a Maneuver Rote as I imagine them.

Zoë Campbell |

Hope this is alright to post this, Ryuko?
Really there isn't that much need to fill every role as with PF; but we have-
Seil - Satyr (covers social [contacts & attacks], good at brawling or inciting emotions)
Thomas Heywood - FBI Agent (human; covering contacts & resources; Investigation, good with guns)
Zoe - Were-lion (good social skills or 1-Vs-1 combat)
Jonathan (Above) - Wizard Merc (seems to be - Lore and Magic)
We could probably do with some more investigation, maybe computer skills or area knowledge(driving) or stealth?

Hu5tru |

Wait, so he's an actual satyr? Like... full on fae that humps dryads and nymphs and stuff?
Hmmm... if he can incite emotions, then the white court virgin might be able to feed off them. Or I can make a red court junkie thing that was a very normal person before. A college student maybe, to give computers and driving. hmmm.

Johnathan Lie Hudson |

Hmmm, I'm likely altering my High Aspect slightly with a thought that just occurred. "Whiterock Sorcerer for Hire" possibly, or whatever the names turns out to be.
If you haven't set those Sorcerer Mercs down just yet, I have begun thinking of them as part Private Military Company similar to Blackwater was and part Security Consultant on US territory. Usually they take goverment contracts, but they'll hire assests out to anyone with enough money, and looking for Wards for their property, plagued/attacked by the supernatural, or hoping for clues via Thaumaturgy.
Essentially, they are Spellcrafters (Sorcerers, some Focused Practioners, and a rare Wizard or two) who are not yet powerful (or noticed) for the White Council's Wardens. They freely advertise their services in various circles, being much easier to contact and more known then trying to hunt down a Warden for the US Government Officials In-the-Know, Rich, and other influential members of society.
Sure, there are problems. Wardens either tend to view these Mercs as Warlocks-waiting-to-Happen, or dismiss them as useless in their superiority. Members of the PMC aren't nearly as well-trained as the Wardens or Military, thus having mistakes or SNAFUs. Lawbreakers due end up occurring, whether by accident or purposeful, just by the nature of the work and risks. Especially for the First Law. All on top of trying to get things done, lacking many of the resources available to the White Council such as training and knowledge.
Its still good money, if you can survive it.
Whiterock Services for a name, possibly?

Ryuko |

Hmmm, I'm likely altering my High Aspect slightly with a thought that just occurred. "Whiterock Sorcerer for Hire" possibly, or whatever the names turns out to be.
If you haven't set those Sorcerer Mercs down just yet, I have begun thinking of them as part Private Military Company similar to Blackwater was and part Security Consultant on US territory. Usually they take goverment contracts, but they'll hire assests out to anyone with enough money, and looking for Wards for their property, plagued/attacked by the supernatural, or hoping for clues via Thaumaturgy.
Essentially, they are Spellcrafters (Sorcerers, some Focused Practioners, and a rare Wizard or two) who are not yet powerful (or noticed) for the White Council's Wardens. They freely advertise their services in various circles, being much easier to contact and more known then trying to hunt down a Warden for the US Government Officials In-the-Know, Rich, and other influential members of society.
Sure, there are problems. Wardens either tend to view these Mercs as Warlocks-waiting-to-Happen, or dismiss them as useless in their superiority. Members of the PMC aren't nearly as well-trained as the Wardens or Military, thus having mistakes or SNAFUs. Lawbreakers due end up occurring, whether by accident or purposeful, just by the nature of the work and risks. Especially for the First Law. All on top of trying to get things done, lacking many of the resources available to the White Council such as training and knowledge.
Its still good money, if you can survive it.
Whiterock Services for a name, possibly?
I actually think that sounds really cool. Perhaps one of your aspects involves your previous connections/issues with them? I was having the thought of a small group, but I like your idea actually. I really like it. However, as I'm looking at them it looks like... well... your character likely wouldn't be still on their payroll. Perhaps he was brought back in for this one job, and now isn't liking how they're operating now that he's back in? Just a few thoughts. Also, I thought it'd be more interesting if your last two Phases (the Guest Stars) were done and decided during play, so as to give your character a more evolving personality. Just a thought.

Hu5tru |

Okay, my "I Love Lucy" reference in the RotRL game got me thinking about the white court virgin. I think I can do it in a non disruptive way, and make it so that her ultimate goal would to become Mortal rather than to become a monster. Although, I guess you can still play a white court vampire as well, from the template pages.
Anyway, high concept would be something like oh... Queen Elanor's White Court - a reference to Elanor of Acquitane who was the woman who basically invented the idea of Courtly Love. The character would be a student of the classics (I've read some stuff, but I ain't gonna lie, it's been over 5 years since I've even looked at an argument by Plato, if that's even important), or literature, something that encourages a romantic mindset.
Possible guest stars would be Zoe, and this Satyr dude, if only because she might like the atmosphere in his bar.
I need to look up skills and what not, so it might take me a while to make, but that's the pitch at least.

Johnathan Lie Hudson |

I actually think that sounds really cool. Perhaps one of your aspects involves your previous connections/issues with them? I was having the thought of a small group, but I like your idea actually. I really like it. However, as I'm looking at them it looks like... well... your character likely wouldn't be still on their payroll. Perhaps he was brought back in for this one job, and now isn't liking how they're operating now that he's back in? Just a few thoughts. Also, I thought it'd be more interesting if your last two Phases (the Guest Stars) were done and decided during play, so as to give your character a more evolving personality. Just a thought.
I'll keep my "Freelance Sorcerer on the Line" aspect up, and write up the first story dealing with the group. He ends up taking a leave of absence due to two others on the team he was in ended up breaking the first law and their quick beheading by the Wardens afterwards. Later, got called in for another job but now is uncomfortable with how the group works at times. Its goal was lofty and idealistic ... just why doesn't how they operate feel the same way?
(Phase Aspect: "Rocky Whiterock Services"Slight Pun on the name, but also about the rough but still existing affiliation between Johnathan and Whiterock. Its meaning can easily change depending how things turn out as well.)
Still listed as employed by Whiterock Services, technically but only because neither side officially quit/let go the other just yet. You could think this recent mission is their test to see if Johnathan plans to stay or go.
Anyways, the Guest Star Phases sounds like a good plan.
I'll finish up typing this First Story with its Phase Aspect listed above after a nap to help settle the influx of ideas on my side here. Also going to rewrite the first two blurbs in my Profile into more of a story then outlines/ideas they are.

Johnathan Lie Hudson |

her ultimate goal would to become Mortal rather than to become a monster.
...Satyr dude, if only because she might like the atmosphere in his bar.
Depends on which "House" of White Court Virgin you decide on. If you go with as a Raith (Lust) emotional vampire, then the Satyr's bar is likely the worst place to be if you are trying to meet the escape clause "true, deep, reciprocated love with another" to become Mortal.
Especially considering the "Feeding Frenzy" that could occur in such places.
Johnathan Lie Hudson |

I think that she'd be the incite by touch house.
White Court Virgins all Incite by Touch. Its the Emotion tied to that they incite, and feed upon (Emotional Vampire) that matters. Canon Houses is Raith(Lust), Malvora(Fear), Skavis(Despair), "Unknown but Hinted"(Fear).
Wikia infoThe fun thing about the White Court? They love their complicated plots over directness. They won't directly try to force you into your character's first kill, but .. they are very likely going to put many tempting obstacles in your way to crossover to a full White Court vampire. Or tempt/lure away the other part of your Courtly Love.
Who knows, introductions to the Satyr could be one of their smaller plots for multiple reasons, said Bar included due to the chance of a feeding frenzy.
I believe its Blood Rights (Book Six of Dresden Files) that deals with most of this, but only with the Raith House. Even including a White Court Virgin, the Escape Clause, and the Houses' attempt to prevent it from occurring with their plots.

Johnathan Lie Hudson |

Seeing as my husband is off on an adventure halfway across the globe, I have a bit of time to create a character this morning. The power level is 8 refresh, what is the skill allotment? Woop, brainfart. Nevermind. Excuse the silly person typing in the text box.
Chest-deep, so 8 Refresh and 30 skill points.
Now to get started on writing that First Story, review/rework what I've got so far, finish up two rotes, take a second look at my Aspects so far, and he should be done! Then its off to other new problems/descriptions/etc.

Hu5tru |

Name: Marisol Guadalupe de la Cruz Raith
Player: Aria
Template: White Court Virigin
High Concept: Queen Elanor’s White Court
Trouble Aspect: Hopeless Romantic
Phase One Aspect: Three Little Maids from School are We”
Marisol is bookish and shy. She is confident when it comes to her studies, and can interact quite well with people within the academic heirarchy
Events
Marisol is raised in a working class, Hispanic and ultra conservative Roman Catholic family, not knowing her Vampire heritage
At a young age, Marisol’s intelligence is quite apparent, but her living situation being chaotic, she and her two sisters are bussed to an all-girl’s catholic school to get the best education possible.
Marisol’s sisters, Isabel and Marta get along far better socially, but drag their awkward sister about.
Learns about sex from those awful diagrams I’m sure everyone remembers how awkward that particular lecture was and is revolted.
To further compound her aversion to the subject, she discovers her eldest sister an active participant in a lesbian relationship, and is horrified.
Phase Two Aspect ”Salad Days”
Save for the obviously chaotic hormonal and physical changes, Marisol’s adolsence is relatively calm and peaceful. She devotes herself to her studies and her faith in the Lord, but her social interaction is sporadic and awkward.
Events
Isabel and Marta do not test well enough to continue with education at Marisol’s school, she is offered a “scholarship” to live closer to the school with a group of likeminded students and leaves her home.
Marisol’s change of life happens with little support save her faith in the Lord to carry her through the ordeal, solidifying her relationship with God and confirming her conservative ideals.
Marisol discovers romance literature, not the trashy paperbacks, but classics like those written by Jane Austen,
She does, on occasion, sneak the horribad romance novels into her rooms, however, and although she finds the description of sexual situations within to be repugnant, continues reading them.
Never particularly a social butterfly, when presented with the opportunity to pursue a romantic relationship, Marisol quickly abandons it in an awkward way, as a teenage romance does not meet her expectations for love.
Phase Three Aspect ”I Want to Break Free”
Marisol discovers passion, and this is where her troubles truly begin. She is easily deceived when it comes to persons praying on her goodly nature to achieve their ends. Her touch seems to dictate emotions, but her faith and her upbringing keep her from consumating any ‘relationship’.
Events
Marisol, whose academics are sterling, applies and is accepted to several east coast universities, decides to enter the Literature program at Columbia University.
She meets a charismatic youth who inflames her passion, a fellow bookworm whose particular swagger meets her requirements to enter in a relationship as an adult.
She begins to notice how she influences her partner with her touch, and begins to feel urges more intently, but her faith keeps her from indulging.
Stress:
Physical (Endurance) [ ] [ ] [ ]
Mental (Conviction) [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
Social (Presence) [ ] [ ] [ ]
Skills
Contacts – Good +3
Conviction - Great +4
Deceit – Fair +2
Discipline – Good + 3
Driving – Fair + 2
Empathy – Good +3
Endurance – Average +1
Intimidation – Fair + 2
Performance – Great + 4
Presence – Average + 1
Scholarship – Great +4
Obviously I need to work on Powers and such, but here's the character, essentially. Figure the Guest Starring adventures can be supplied by current characters.

Johnathan Lie Hudson |

Got my first story done, reworked the aspects and writing for my Background and Rising Conflict. Definitely not my best work so far, and possibly still up for changes, especially if anyone has suggestions (Such as Ryuko possibly?)
Still trying to decide on the last two Rotes. Just not sure what is useful at times, and whats allowed. I'm probably going to pull together a Hyperawareness as one, similar to the example in the book to be able to act in place of alertness or investigations when used. The other is likely going to be a Force Chain Net over a zone to place "Bound in Place" aspect on everything caught.
Actually, that does sound like a good plan. I'll start writing those in after a break.
Things look good on Marisol so far. Just missed listing one of the Average skills.

Johnathan Lie Hudson |

Agreed on looking into Stunts. No need to spend every single Refresh Point on it, but or two stunts wouldn't hurt.
One that immediately pops into mind, is the character's basis on Faith (Conviction). One of examples in the book can be very useful, and easily fits considering the background with how much faith she has.
Blessed Words for allowing you to make use Conviction for a Block in a physical conflict sounds like one option. Strength in faith so great it causes others to pause as they give a prayer, or just simply echoing in her words? Not to mention giving you a way to defend when something ugly rears its head.
Otherwise, look towards getting/making a stunt thats a trick she knows in one of her skills, or something she is good at.

Ryuko |

Looks like everyone's pretty good. I think we can move this forward as soon as we get people to work out a reason they'd go grab Marisol. *Wink*Zoe*Wink*.
Also, Johnathan, may be a little bit before you joint he party, but you will be able to rp with your fellow two sorcs and possibly your employer: A Mr. Cristof Wade, the Red Lord of New York. He's hired you to guard an important ritual taking place in a warehouse, which is where you and your two other partners have been. Partners are Sadie Thorson. a smart, fun and rather charming young wizard whose specialty is controlling the area, and Julio Battiste, an older Geomancer who seems to enjoy causing pain a little too much. There are also four Red Court men who have been working with you, but they've kept to themselves. Last night, you and Sadie worked together on a ritual given by Julio by his superiors that summoned a fear demon to hunt down someone leaking information from Mr. Wade's organization. You know it failed, though not why.

Johnathan Lie Hudson |

Last night, you and Sadie worked together on a ritual given by Julio by his superiors that summoned a fear demon to hunt down someone leaking information from Mr. Wade's organization. You know it failed, though not why.
Mind linking where the RP and OOC forums are here? Its fine to wait a little bit before joining the party.
Also that sounds like a really "nice" bunch. Definitely something I need to RP with, to see how things went and to insure that Johnathan did his dang best to insure the binding so that it wouldn't kill any human during its task. Still a very distasteful task for him, but better to insure its done right then let someone else do with who knows what results.

Zoë Campbell |

How about -
Zoe know Marisol through University. A mutual friend (Sally) introduced them, Sally enjoyed investigating the supernatural before her death (see profile - guest stars). Although, Zoe feels that something is slightly 'off' about Marisol (whether or not see knows what Marisol is is upto you). But Marisol is firstly very knowledgeable and thus may be able to help work out what is going on, secondly can be alot of fun when they let loose.
Lastly and maybe most importantly Zoe feels calm around her (as she 'maybe' leeches off Zoes' emotions). Thus with her current emotional turmoil she will give her a ring to meet up for coffee and discuss. I will get a post up saying this later today.

Zoë Campbell |

That's cool (and correct) & maybe even works better, as Zoe can taste 'black magic' & feels other things. She also is marked by something giving her powers. So perhaps that means that they occassionally share info, or Zoe told her that she was 'different'/ 'tastes strange'.
Marisol can still absorb/leech/incite emotions subconciously, (or maybe conciously), although from the background it seems that she is more of a classic lust style vampire.
Because each court as John says has 1 emotion they feed off. To be bound as a vampire you have to give in for the first time (i think) letting the 'demon' kill, & to be redeemed it's the opposite. Ie. lust = first time as either pure love Vs. pure lust. Fear = frighten to death Vs. Hope

Hu5tru |

Aye. I don't see Marisol as being overly lusty, but like any awkward bookish girl, has the typical interest that just hasn't been expressed because she's odd. As John suggested, her faith has done quite a bit to keep her from consummating and taking that last step.
And yeah, you're not going to have to go far to feed off excess lust in high school and college. Whether or not she recognizes it, however, is up for debate. She is rather studious.

Hu5tru |

Wait, whuuut? Am I supposed to immediately fall in lust with one or more of you because I can't control my impulses? White Court virgins aren't monsters yet, as I understand it. Or are they?
One of the things that attracted me to the "system" when I first started reading the books is that mortals have choice where monsters have nature. Where does the White Court Virgin stand on that spectrum?

Zoë Campbell |

No, i didn't mean that :(
Just that a WCV is more prone to their impulses, but a disciplined character like Marisol will be able to overcome them easier than i wild child would. In the fluff, you have lots of free choice and can do what you want. The 'system' doesn't force you to folow your nature a GM can compel your aspects (gives you a FP), but you can counter it (give them a FP).

Hu5tru |

I am thinking of taking Guide My Hand [-1] to round out Marisol's faith. Is sorta fitting for her character.
There's lots of cathedrals around New York, right?
I'm trying to think of where Marisol would feel comfortable living now. I mean, her mysterious benefactors have given her money, I don't see why she wouldn't be situated in a swank place, other than Ryuko saying "no."

Thomas Heywood |

Wait, whuuut? Am I supposed to immediately fall in lust with one or more of you because I can't control my impulses? White Court virgins aren't monsters yet, as I understand it. Or are they?
One of the things that attracted me to the "system" when I first started reading the books is that mortals have choice where monsters have nature. Where does the White Court Virgin stand on that spectrum?
First off, greetings... Player of Thomas Heywood, your friendly FBI monster hunter here.
If you have the book there is a write up about the White Court Virgin... I can post it if you need.
You can be in the know of what you can become. Maybe you overheard something or the like. Or if you want, in the dark. Up to you there.
You give into your nature at 0 refresh. Anything over that, you are good. That is why many of the monsters, fey, and the like all have the nice negative numbers. They are powerful, but follow their natures. Which can have its positive side if you know what you are dealing with.
A straight up White Court Virgin with no other abilities other than those listed (Emotional Vampire [–1] (page 189) and Incite Emotion (Touch Only) [–1](page 172)) in Ryuko's game would be a 6 = 8 base -2 abilities. So compared to a straight up mortal, you have some interesting 'gifts' but are otherwise quite normal... unless you give into and become a full on White Court vamp, which would be possible and still work... you would only have a refresh of 1, but you have lots of goodies.
Hope that helps?

Hu5tru |

Yeah, I have Your Story and Our Story as well, it's just a matter of clarification, since the entries don't really state either way, although it is likely intentionally left ambiguous so as not to dictate how you create your character.
I will have a look at what is printed about the Raith house in Our Story after some more sleep, I believe. Was sporadic at best last night.
But I will be adding Guide My Hand [-1] to Marisol's list of powers.

Johnathan Lie Hudson |

So compared to a straight up mortal, you have some interesting 'gifts' but are otherwise quite normal... unless you give into and become a full on White Court vamp, which would be possible and still work... you would only have a refresh of 1, but you have lots of goodies.
Don't forget in the comparison between a Pure Mortal and a White Court Virgin, that the White Court Virgin has a very easy way to end up becoming closer to a monster. All they must do is kill another while feeding, and they go full White Court Vampire. All those Supernatural Goodies comes into play, but they loose a lot of refresh too. Possibly even dropping to 0 or lower refresh if things slipped.
Sure, a Pure Mortal can become a monster too. But its harder for one to do so, especially by sheer accident.
Oh and Marisol? When dealing with Supernatural Powers, including "Guide My Hand", it can't exist in a vacuum.
To have that, it must be linked to your High Concept at the very least which in this case means Faith. (Pure Mortals can't take any, that High Concept won't allow it). Ryuko may add another prerequisite if he wishes, but that should be it. (When dealing with Supernatural powers outside of Templates)
It definitely fits the concept when reading over Marisol's background/rising conflict/first story. I just find it hard to link it with the High Concept you currently have.
Also, take a look over Aspects in "Dresden Files RPG: Your Story". Especially the Compelling Aspects portion, if you haven't already.

Johnathan Lie Hudson |

Unsure of my Rote choices, but these are my choices unless someone else offers a suggestion. One standard offensive attack (Weapon: 6 for Ouch), and 4 blocks. One personal shield (Block 5, 2 exchanges), one zone shield for me and allies (Block 4, 1 exchange), one personal veil (in case I'm missing my foci for an odd reason for 4 shift vs. Alertness), and one zone veil for me and allies (4 shift vs. Alertness).
Hoping those will be useful choices for Rotes. My attack still needs the Discipline Roll for hitting a target, but the other 4 are just a 1 Mental Stress hit and no roll required for effect.