This is the Discussion thread. Put a dot in here, make the character alias if you haven't already. I got some questions to ask each individual.
Also, feel free to ask any questions about the game you may have.
dot
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I'm here, kids.
Hey, also here.
Huh, I was wondering when the first criminal background would show up. I hope you can make an accent for Artemiy. ...Why is his nickname, "Mister Jingles"?
I'll do my best (assuming the link is something you do want, not something you don't, in which case I'll avoid doing it if possible. I don't speak Russian at all myself, so any time it comes up is guaranteed to be individual words or really broken Google Translate stuff). As far as the nickname, it's the sort of innocuously cute name that often get slapped on underspoken tough-guys, even in real life. I imagine it got attributed to him because he carries a large keyring with lots of keys on it, and it tends to jingle as he walks--at least when he isn't trying to be sneaky, at which point it goes strangely silent. Nobody's seen him use most of the keys.
I'll just let myself in then...
Hey, also here.
Huh, I was wondering when the first criminal background would show up. I hope you can make an accent for Artemiy. ...Why is his nickname, "Mister Jingles"?I'll do my best (assuming the link is something you do want, not something you don't, in which case I'll avoid doing it if possible. I don't speak Russian at all myself, so any time it comes up is guaranteed to be individual words or really broken Google Translate stuff). As far as the nickname, it's the sort of innocuously cute name that often get slapped on underspoken tough-guys, even in real life. I imagine it got attributed to him because he carries a large keyring with lots of keys on it, and it tends to jingle as he walks--at least when he isn't trying to be sneaky, at which point it goes strangely silent. Nobody's seen him use most of the keys.
Eto ne ostanovit menya. Nezavisimo ot togo, kak slomana ona yest'.
Can we have a post in the gameplay? it's for the purpose of dotting and that it appears in "my campaign" page.
Can we have a post in the gameplay? it's for the purpose of dotting and that it appears in "my campaign" page.
Done. Leave a dot, but don't post anything else there just yet.
Okay, now that everyone's here, we move onto the questions. Here's how it's going to go:
I have 2 personal questions for everyone, which I ask here in public. That means the information you give in your response is not a secret. The other PCs and some NPCs may know about that stuff, if it makes sense in in-game context.
I also have a set of 5 questions, which are related to the setting. Each of you choose one question to answer.
Finally, I send a PM to each of you, containing 1 or 2 personal questions. The information you give in your response to these private questions is and will remain a secret for other characters unless something brings them up in-game.
Understood? Here are the questions.
Malcolm:
- Where do you live in Roshburg? With your debt, one would expect you to live in a cheap condo. Or did your father ensure that his foolish son would at least get a good house?
- Are you single, or is there someone in your life right now? Or is it complicated?
Artemiy:
- It is no big secret that you have some connections to criminal organizations. But the criminal underworld is at constant war with itself. With biker gangs going against radical groups, Italian mafia going against the Russian Bratva, and God-knows how many other sides there are to this conflict. Where do you stand in all this? Are you loyal to your Bratva family, do you stay as neutral as possible, or do you take another approach?
- No matter your affiliation, you still have enemies. Anyone in the criminal underworld does. Name two NPCs: one of them is in the law enforcement who's been on your trail for half a year now; the other is a member of a hostile biker gang who you wronged somehow, and they are after you.
Adrien:
- So young, and so far in life. Once, a student in the institute asked you what your goals for life are. Surely it must be something grand. What did you say to that student?
- Even a loner has people around him. Name the two NPCs who are your Phd students. One of them looks up to you, while the other has doubts about your methods and personality.
Jake:
- Old men are dangerous: they have nothing to fear. And you don't fear your vices. What is your worst trait, personality not accounted? Perhaps you are a heavy smoker, or drink away your problems, or maybe you keep losing money in the weekly poker game with a group of so-called friends.
- A special agent for 25 years, that'll get you to know some useful people. Name three NPCs who have assisted your investigations in the past, and who you might call in a time of need to ask for a favor. But remember, you're retired, and they may not treat you the way they did before.
Will:
- What do you spend your money on? Do you have hobbies? Are you saving for something, something big? Is that what justifies you staying in your current job? Because that job may not be the most exciting one available to you.
- Hey, you're hard-working, well-earning, good-looking. You're a 10 in the eyes of the opposite sex. Are you married? If so, name the NPC who liked it and put a ring on it. If not, name two NPCs (one from work, one from your hobbies) that you suspect would ask you out at a good opportunity.
And the setting questions. Choose one and answer that.
- People don't drink Coca-Cola, they drink ____. When a cellphone rings, it's not Nokia or Samsung, it's ____ or ____. People don't search using Google, they use ____.
- What is this world's equivalent of September 11 attacks?
- Who are the most influential people in Roshburg?
- What is this world's equivalent of John F. Kennedy and his assassination?
- What's the political climate in Roshburg, currently? The United States has a two-party system, what does Roshburg lean on?
I'll send the private questions later, I have stuff to do now.
Answers spoilered for shortness, not for secrecy.
Since then he's remained a steadfast member of the organization; maybe it's because they're thicker than water, a lot of it has to do with a system that rewards loyalty and strong performance amongst members. As a Brigadier, Artemiy is in nominal control of a handful of the Bratva's street thugs and soldiers, and so recently he's taken a step back from active duty out in the streets. Everyone knows that he's a tough customer when he is in the thick of things, though.
Of course, what side of the law you're on doesn't determine who your friends and enemies are: plenty of criminals dislike Artemiy as well. The man who most wants the Russian dead at the moment is a biker who goes by Big John Harrison, a man who really should be dead, in Artemiy's mind. Big John's hate began years ago, when Artemiy was still just a street-level member of the Bratva; his brigadier at the time sent them on a mission directly for the city's Pakhan (Godfather). The group hit the bikers at a drug deal to perform some sugar banditry: stealing the cash to keep, and flushing or otherwise destroying the drugs. Big John was one of the few bikers who was able to resist the Russian ambush, but Artemiy surprised him from behind and forced him to his knees at gunpoint. Artemiy would have killed him there, but the Brigadier said they were on a mission to send a message, and so Big John was merely shot through the knees. The act sent a message, left a sour taste in Artemiy's mouth, and left Big John's hatred to fester and grow in the years ahead.
I don't have something finished for the world-building question just yet, so I'll post back in when I have a good idea.
Maybe that Sam DeWitt? She was at the last two tourney's Will went to, so they have a hobby in common at least. They hit it off after they ended up on the same team, which is weird, Will was never the kind to flirt. But hey, not every day you meet someone who learns the same second language as you.
Same for the world history lesson. What happens if two people pick the same one and think of different answers?
How about: "People don't drink Coca-Cola, they drink Oppi-cola. When a cellphone rings, it's not Nokia or Samsung, it's Wookia or Hansun. People don't search using Google, they use Moogle." (can't help it, I liked that last one.)
So young, and so far in life. Once, a student in the institute asked you what your goals for life are. Surely it must be something grand. What did you say to that student?
Adrien's answer was a joke to redirect the conversation. Beyond taking very seriously his research, Adrein's personal goals are a mystery to anyone who would be interested in them as the young mathematician seems distant at personal level.
Even a loner has people around him. Name the two NPCs who are your Phd students. One of them looks up to you, while the other has doubts about your methods and personality
- Anne-Marie Gaumond: anne marie is a 26 years old American-french is woman. Anne-Marie specialize programming and numerical analyses. She is a newcomer to Adrien's team and so far have been very excited with her role.
- Matthew Miller: An impetuous and self-centered young talent, Matthew is a mathematician expert in complex dynamics who lately is pushing hard to redirect Adrien's methods to the ones of his own field. Matthew's pushiness and stubbornness have caused some friction within the group.
Samantha DeWitt: British-born. 29. She's been to America repeatedly to tour, bringing her tongue-in-cheek sense of nationalism and drum set with her. She's also a fan of Pool, as Will got to find out when they placed third in the second tournament they joined with out a partner.
Malcom lives in a brownstone which has been converted into several apartments. It located close to a trendy portion of town that has recently benefited from the city’s urban renewal efforts. Malcolm rents the apartment and it is one of the reasons he couldn't afford a car even if he wanted one.
Malcom is currently single and a serial dater. He has several reoccurring woman in his life that he maintains friendships with.
Still working on setting questions.
Couple of questions tht will help me with my answers:
How closely does the history of the campaign mirror our own?
Where does it begin to diverge?
I'm liking the answers so far. I'll try to find time to send the PM questions later today.
How closely does the history of the campaign mirror our own?
Where does it begin to diverge?
As closely as possible, but. I'll elaborate.
If this were a fantasy or sci-fi or whatever, we'd look those questions up from a rulebook and call it a day. We wouldn't do that if there was a person sitting on the table who actually knew the answers.
(Another example. The home group I play with consists of intellectuals and me. One is the next Einstein in physics, another knows entire human history by heart, third has read every philosopher. The only thing keeping game mechanics and suspension of disbelief together is the fact that the characters are in a magical fantasy land. If it weren't for that, we'd spend all session talking about real world economics and politics and physics, and we do that too much anyway to waste any of it on our game sessions.)
Basically what I mean by this is, we don't want to be in a situation where someone (be it a player or the GM) would have a say in rules-questions because of their out-of-game knowledge.
When the setting is close-but-not-exactly-Earth, we can have both the modern setting and the fact that anything is even more possible. Now, instead of asking "does anyone know if X is possible?" we can ask "hey GM, I want to do X. Is it possible?" and I can tell you what skill to roll.
Long story short: as much as necessary and as little as possible. The setting is, for most intents and purposes, our Earth, except when plot wishes it was a little different.
The world diverges where "how you want not-Earth to be" and "how Earth is" meet.
The rule of thumb is that (1) assume everything is as in our Earth, except for the name-changes; (2) when something should be realistic (in a modern world) but you're not sure whether it's possible, override 1.
And then there's Occultism. The fact that a skill like Occultism exists has some implications about the world.
Oh right, some other things.
Adrien and Jake, you need to decide your Occupation Skill. Jake, finish the rest of the character profile.
Adrien, you need to finish working on your other Talent, Analytical Mind.
Artemiy, I'm buffing the Die Hard talent. It gives a +6 bonus on Endurance skill rolls, instead of +5.
Done for the occupation skill. I think I will go with something like the sherlock holmes movies but instead of giving me bonuses can I give it to others? like giving advices or something. Would it be ok?
hey guy's i'll be your 6th Milo Halden
Cyber crime investigator (I hack computers for the fbi and cops).
Just wanted to let you guys know I'm still around, and will be finishing up soon. Was really busy on the Thur-Sun stretch and just had no will to post much yesterday, though I pushed myself to update the games I'm running.
Sorry about the wait - the private questions are now sent. The aforementioned stuff was nothing time-consuming, but I had some game-related things going on in the background. Anyway, the five of you should have gotten the PM. Milo's, on the other hand, has to wait until I hear his backstory.
Done for the occupation skill. I think I will go with something like the sherlock holmes movies but instead of giving me bonuses can I give it to others? like giving advices or something. Would it be ok?
Make a prototype and we'll fine-tune it.
Where should i post the backstory? here or pm?
I'll just go by the pm and post it in here. This contains both a backstory and a general personality as well as appearance. It leaves out things involving the secret talent. Though our benevolent gm knows what secrets i hold
Background
Milo grew up in a rich family, his parent's Maria and Nicolas Halden being the CEO's of a large banking company. One day they were accused of Embezzlement and convicted.
The vice president of the company Michael Massimo took over the company and Milo was left with whatever his parent's left him. He refused to believe that his parent's would do such a thing and got involved with police work and Cyber Crimes there he learned to hack computers. Milo also believes that Somehow Michael Was involved though he can't prove anything.
Personality and Appearance
Milo tends to dress for the occasion, generally however he prefers wearing simple things versus tuxedos and more dressy clothing. He has an odd collection of costumes, cloaks and masks.
He's very much a child at heart and enjoys watching cartoons and such.
A pale young man, fit despite his diet of junk food. Short brown hair. Rough 5'11 .
Milo can be a tad prideful, though he's no better at talking than the next person he thinks he is good at it. His hobbies include Video games and night time walks or drives (He has a motor cycle).
He can be a bit of a show off as he likes to impress people, though he is a good person and he doesn't show off or abuse the fact that he has money .
Noted. I'll post your questions in some time, once I've had a good chance to think about them. Same for your private question.
In the meantime, there are still 4 setting-building questions left unanswered. Take your pick, fellas.
Finished up Jake's character sheet, tell me if I need to re-send my pick of Secret Talent.
I'll get the personal questions up later tonight.
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Setting question...thinking the 9/11 equivalent is the Silent Night. Christmas Eve day, 2002, massive chemical attack in several major travel centers (Grand Central in New York, Chicago O'Hare, etc.) killing thousands. Came out they were Russian extremists, wanted to go back to the Soviet days when people like them had power. Reignited the Cold War, and even became hot for a while in scattered territories like the Ukraine, barely avoiding escalation to all-out war.
Sorry for the delay. I will answer the questions tomorrow.
What is this world's equivalent of John F. Kennedy and his assassination?
In 1969, just a week before his investment, the first black person elected president, Elijah Johnson, died by radioactive poisoning. The soviets were blamed first, but it was discovered that the poisoning was planned by members of his own party that didn't accepted a black president. The incident lead to the disparition of the party, and since then the U.S is a two party system.
Analytical Mind
This talent allow the user to make a skill check to examine a given situation and propose a way maximize the chances of success of a given course of action. If the skill check succeed, the roll for the intended action receives a +4 bonus.
Sorry suffering from writers block and normal lack of imagination.
Jake:
Old men are dangerous: they have nothing to fear. And you don't fear your vices. What is your worst trait, personality not accounted? Perhaps you are a heavy smoker, or drink away your problems, or maybe you keep losing money in the weekly poker game with a group of so-called friends.
Can't resist a good cigar, never could. Used to smoke them just for celebration, but now I think I do it just because everyone expects me to have one when they see me.
Least I have a lifetime supply, or near it, on hand. Few of my buddies in the Bureau gave me a whole bunch of contraband as a retirement gift, and a crate of the good Cubans was part of the deal. Might be runnin' through 'em a bit faster than they expected, though.
A special agent for 25 years, that'll get you to know some useful people. Name three NPCs who have assisted your investigations in the past, and who you might call in a time of need to ask for a favor. But remember, you're retired, and they may not treat you the way they did before.
Sylvester "Sly" Fitzpatrick: My usual snitch. Works as a bookie, ties to the Italian mob. We've had an understanding, friendly terms as you could expect between an agent and his informant. Still, never taking him up on that offer to play poker...
John Smith: My boss at the Bureau. I'm retired, but we go out to drink and play golf every now and then. Might be able to call in a favor, for old times' sake.
Dana Carter: Newspaper reporter, and witness in the Bay Slasher case. Helped us bring that bastard in, though he nearly got to her first. We dated for a while, but it never worked out. She could tell I still wasn't over my wife, and Sara really never got on with her. Still, we parted nicely enough. Maybe she wouldn't mind seeing this mug again.
Analytical Mind
This talent allow the user to make a skill check to examine a given situation and propose a way maximize the chances of success of a given course of action. If the skill check succeed, the roll for the intended action receives a +4 bonus.
So, what it comes down to is that it just gives a bonus to any skill? I'm starting to think that you should just reflavor an existing talent instead, like Jack-of-all-trades. So how about this instead?
Analytical Mind: Your advanced intellect allows you to find the logic behind each action. You gain a +1 bonus on all skill rolls except Agility, Endurance, Melee, and Shooting. Once per in-game day you can consult the GM: tell what you plan to do, and the GM will tell you whether it's a good idea or a bad idea (or both or neither), and the reasons why.
Currently, I'm doing finishing touches to the NPCs, and carefully choosing the Agenda and Challenges for you PCs. I know this has been a slow progress, but I'm sure it'll be worth it.
At some point I should also come up with clever questions for Milo.
Analytical Mind
This talent allow the user to make a skill check to examine a given situation and propose a way maximize the chances of success of a given course of action. If the skill check succeed, the roll for the intended action receives a +4 bonus.
So, what it comes down to is that it just gives a bonus to any skill? I'm starting to think that you should just reflavor an existing talent instead, like Jack-of-all-trades. So how about this instead?
Analytical Mind: Your advanced intellect allows you to find the logic behind each action. You gain a +1 bonus on all skill rolls except Agility, Endurance, Melee, and Shooting. Once per in-game day you can consult the GM: tell what you plan to do, and the GM will tell you whether it's a good idea or a bad idea (or both or neither), and the reasons why.
Uhm, Ok.
Milo:
- What kind of apartment do you live in, and at what part of the city? Do you live alone, or do you share it with someone?
- A child at heart may find unexpected camaraderie. What is your favorite "cartoon"? Also, name two other works that you consider yourself a fan of: one of them is really popular, the other is a bit more obscure and has a smaller fanbase.
By the way, Jake, Malcolm, and Milo: there are still two setting-related questions unanswered. The "most influential people" one and the "Roshburg's politics" one.
For future knowledge, i'm really bad at naming things
"My apartment? well it's pretty big, cozy, in the heart of the city . I live alone just me and my cat, Jasmine. The place is pretty empty, other than my computer set up. It's a nice loft, right near the station "
"Favorite cartoon, well that's a hard one but if i had to pick i'd say Avatar the last airbender. if i had to pick two other things i'd say Samurai jack was amazing, too bad it never finished still had a big group of people though. As for a lesser known cartoon i'd say Code Lyoko, it bridged the gap between anime and cartoons rather nicely.
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Milo, don't you mean Exemplar: The Last Skylord, Ronin Dave, and Code Tokyo? (All pretty good choices, if I say so myself.)
I was originally working on an answer to the JFK question, but I wasn't coming up with anything solid--and certainly not as good as Adrien came up with. Now I'm thinking on the influential figures one, and I've got a growing list of a few big names, so hopefully I'll have that finished and up soon. It's been slow going coming up with neat stuff for world-building this game, but it's been fun, and I like our ability to influence the setting.
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Samurai Mack (Which I choose to interpret as the same thing, but put together with Megas XLR)
Cowboy Roy
Knight Ni
Ninja Brian
Spartan John
Spy James
Shaolin Tim
Can you tell I like this trope?
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Ninja Brian
"Have I mentioned today that I have a PhD in theoretical physics?"
I was really surprised to find that out. He never talks about it.
Edit: If no-ones got any plans for it, I could think up an answer to the Roshburg political climate question. I feel like I took the easy one anyway.
i have none for it go ahead
When do you think we can start DM?
Looking back there wasn't a specific start date. I'm interested in knowing too.
Loading, please wait. I should be able to get the Agenda/Challenge PMs going in near future.
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Agenda/Challenge PMs are now sent! (If you didn't get one, or got a faulty one, or had some other problems with the PM, let me know.)
Once at least 5 out of 6 players have confirmed their Challenge, I'll open the gameplay and we can get this show on the roll.
I would also like to say that starting now, everyone are free to talk OOC about their Agenda and Challenge, keeping in mind the rules. Also, remember that you are allowed to send PMs to other players. IC character interactions will have to wait a few days for the gameplay, though!
By the way, I'm kind of excited. Whee!
Consider that PM answered.
Everyone like that?
Looks good