I've been trying to make a character for the last three hours, and I'm just not getting it. I have no idea what the difference between stunts and skill stunts are, and I don't know how to spend my skill points. How the hell does this work?
Stunts don't have to be related to skills; the ME book uses the term "skill stunts" for those which are. Example: My DF character has a stunt "Armed and Dangerous" or something similar which says she's always got a weapon concealed somewhere. So if she's out and about without preparing for trouble, she can always whip out a knife or pistol, something small and concealable. It's not at all related to skills. Another stunt is jump trained, with +2 to Athletics for jumps/falls from high places. ME would call that a skill stunt.
Anybody playing a turian? I might prefer that to krogan.
No, I do not have a thing for Garrus!
That's an unfounded rumor.
I don't know a single woman who has played the game seriously who DIDN'T have a thing for garrus. He's just that hot.
I've been trying to make a character for the last three hours, and I'm just not getting it. I have no idea what the difference between stunts and skill stunts are, and I don't know how to spend my skill points. How the hell does this work?
I would suggest focusing on the stunts presented in the book as opposed to making up your own, despite the encouragement in the stunt chapter. There are going to be stunts associated with your race and some associated with your skills. Focus on the race based ones first and then the skill based ones, because it's going to he easier to make a character that's a bit of a stereotype in this game than someone who goes against the grain. Don't be afraid to take skill stunts that are all associated with what your character is good at.
Anybody playing a turian? I might prefer that to krogan.
No, I do not have a thing for Garrus!
That's an unfounded rumor.
Yeah my first character ended up with Garrus after her breakup with that douche Kayden. He is SO awkward it's cute. And the date shooting bottles off a rooftop on the Citadel was awesome.
Oh and yes my Asari Naval Intelligence Officer will be a Biotic.
as soon as I decipher these rules...
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You get two free stunts and two free skill stunts. I would say, choose the two free skill stunts (they cannot be traded up) and then look at the free stunts. For the stunts, you can choose powers instead if you are tech or biotic. It also appears you can drop a refresh to buy one or more stunts beyond the two free ones.
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I sent Kayden to his death. Now that's how you break up with a guy.
I will admit every new play through Kayden gets to be the sacrifice. His doucheness makes it really easy to pick.
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Is there any option to kill them both?
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I killed off Ashley because she is a bigot.
She starts that way but on one of my paragon playthroughs where I used her as my tank I caught her defending alien rights, so maybe you rub off on her as you travel together.
I will admit every new play through Kayden gets to be the sacrifice. His doucheness makes it really easy to pick.
He turned down the Shepard-Liara Relationship. He could have been right there in the middle, living the dream. But no.
For that, he had to die.
Funny, but seriously he treats you like it's your fault you were in a coma for two years without calling him as if dead people typically make calls and treats you like dirt even though the first thing you did when you got out of the lab was bee line straight to his side.
This is an immensely entertaining if confusing conversation to observe as someone who has never played the game =)
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I killed off Ashley because she is a bigot.She starts that way but on one of my paragon playthroughs where I used her as my tank I caught her defending alien rights, so maybe you rub off on her as you travel together.
As a paragon who romanced her, you very much do. I kinda felt bad for her.... right up until the second game.
Funny, but seriously he treats you like it's your fault you were in a coma for two years without calling him as if dead people typically make calls and treats you like dirt even though the first thing you did when you got out of the lab was bee line straight to his side.
She does the exact same on the other side. Screw the both of them.
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I killed off Kayden the first time, because I started a romance with Ashley. Then I finished the second game and had to go back to correct history.
My first playthrough, I let Ashley die because I was playing a soldier, and wanted to have a sentinel available as a party member. In subsequent playthroughs, I've let Kaidan die because I wasn't playing as a soldier, and needed a soldier available as a party member. Squad balance is important, guys.
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Soundtrack put together! Some songs are less serious than others, but I hope everyone enjoys. If necessary, close your eyes/play in background- these are chosen for musical value, not the graphics where available.
url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yRvVyMuWbpM]SPACE JESUS: FAWTL MASS EFFECT OPENING SCREEN CRAWL[/URL]
SALARIAN(note: reflects attitude towards rest of galaxy)
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Soundtrack put together! Some songs are less serious than others, but I hope everyone enjoys. If necessary, close your eyes/play in background- these are chosen for musical value, not the graphics where available.
SPACE JESUS: FAWTL MASS EFFECT OPENING SCREEN CRAWL
SALARIAN(note: reflects attitude towards rest of galaxy)
Not sure if intended, but the Turian and Valluvian Priests have the same song. Also, awesome, and thank you. :)
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Fixed!
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I've been mulling over some possible first adventures for my guy, Gir'Rimas nar Mesa, and I'm looking for some feedback. What do you guys think of these:
Obviously, I can only go with one, so my main concerns are fitting in/not stepping on toes (do we all know each other already? Any xeno-haters? :P) and interesting story potential. I like all of them for different reasons, so just wondering what you lot might think. :)
Also, for those more experienced with FATE, what's a good refresh rate to aim for at the end of character creation? I'm really tempted by quite a few of the suggested skill stunts, and plan on using my free stunts to purchase Tech powers.
Soundtrack put together! Some songs are less serious than others, but I hope everyone enjoys.
This song always had a Mass Effect sort of feel for me.
Important question: where in the galaxy is this all starting off?
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Like all mass effect games, the bulk of the adventure will start at the citadel. Plan for the PCs roads to cross there.
Guys:
I've come up with a character concept that adds to the ME mythos. WitMD(M) asked me to run the changes and character past the group to see if you had any objections, suggestions, feedback, possible interactions, etc. If there's any huge objection to this tiny branch of ME myth, let me know.
Cereberus ran experiments to both produce biotic children and train them. Both were brutal and haphazard, exploratory. It seems to me these would have been followed up with more refined and targeted efforts with new generations of lab rats, so...
Character background/addition to ME mythos: Once the first data on creating and training human biotics were analyzed, the Illusive Man decided to use the results in a more refined and controlled eugenics experiment, independent of Cerberus. He decided to start a dynasty of his own in case his Reaper implants didn't work and make him immortal. If he couldn't live forever, at least his children would follow and complete his work. He didn't want them to be raving psychotics like Jack, but he didn't want them to be wimpy, either.
He sired children on several different (carefully selected) mothers, all of whom were exposed to controlled levels of E0 during their pregnancies. In addition, he had the children implanted with Reaper tech so they could develop and use their biotics as naturally as any asari. The strength of the children varied by their mother's exposure and their adaptation to the Reaper tech. The children were trained hard and raised with humanocentric ideals. If they were going to rule, they had to earn that place by virtue of their strength and will. I somehow don't think Illusive Man would want it to be obvious that he was siring a dynasty, so might have kept the kids undercover. I can see them not even knowing he was their father or that they had siblings - very small-cell operation.
This girl was strong, but when Shepard destroyed synth life, it destroyed her internal Reaper AI. She still has the ability to use biotics without an amp, thanks to non-AI nanotech, but she had to relearn how to use and control her powers. She's no longer as strong as she once was, and her friend inside her head is dead (the Reaper AI she always talked to).
I picture her as young enough to not be responsible for any of the Cerberus activities, but to have that inherent human-superiority bias she was taught, that humanity is rightfully the highest power in the galaxy. However, travels and experience since then (as well as the diminishing of her own power) have shown her that individuals of other species have some admirable --useful? -- traits.
She could have had brushes with anti-Cerberus forces (Sons of Shephard, etc) after synth AI was destroyed, but no rational actor could hold her responsible for anything that happened, given her age. That's pretty much the point of having her relatively young, 16-18ish. I was thinking of giving her the Illusive Man eyes, possibly part of the Reaper Implant Package (available on late-model humans for a nominal fee). Since the Illusive Man was a shadowy figure in galactic history, there shouldn't be anything glaringly obvious about such a character. I mean, really, she should be able to go to a coffee shop without some random layabout jumping up and screaming "Illusive Offspring! Screeeeeeeeech!".
So, whaddya think? Too hokey? Don't like the mythos addition? Is there a canonical error somewhere in there? Don't like a mini-Ashley xenopobe running around? Zis something you could work an adventure backstory with? Anyone? Bueller?
This character could be fun with Lord Synos' third story and all you aliens are gonna make her skin crawl.
Possible canon error detection alert:
Reaper Tech wasn't a thing till after Mass Effect 1... and the Illusive Man died less than 3 years later? It's pretty clear he didn't start understanding how to actually use reaper tech till ME3 which is over very quickly ending in his death. While it sure sounds like him to run such experiments, she would have had to have been conceived during ME3, making her age equal to the amount of time after the ending we are at. And she likely would have never known about any reaper tech she had only while an infant.
feedback:
Was this all just a setup to steal Asari uniqueness for another race? Why give yourself extra powers in your background?
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Here is a simple over view of what I am working on:
Lonari T'Pel: Daughter of an Asari commando and a Krogan warmaster.
Her youth was spent around weapons and she learned tactics from the best. Much to her parents dismay however she wanted to know the big picture and had little desire to enter the fray directly. Her Biotic gifts are trained to shield others and alter the battlefield in her unit's favor. If necessary she will fire into the fray from the rear with a sniper rifle.
She doesn't like to get her hands dirty at all. She sees herself above the petty concerns of fighting or building and would prefer to stand above it all deciding the fate of others. This can make her seem cold to those she doesn't care for but overly involved to those she does care for.
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Guys:
I've come up with a character concept that adds to the ME mythos. WitMD(M) asked me to run the changes and character past the group to see if you had any objections, suggestions, feedback, possible interactions, etc. If there's any huge objection to this tiny branch of ME myth, let me know.
The Illusive Dynasty:Cereberus ran experiments to both produce biotic children and train them. Both were brutal and haphazard, exploratory. It seems to me these would have been followed up with more refined and targeted efforts with new generations of lab rats, so...Character background/addition to ME mythos: Once the first data on creating and training human biotics were analyzed, the Illusive Man decided to use the results in a more refined and controlled eugenics experiment, independent of Cerberus. He decided to start a dynasty of his own in case his Reaper implants didn't work and make him immortal. If he couldn't live forever, at least his children would follow and complete his work. He didn't want them to be raving psychotics like Jack, but he didn't want them to be wimpy, either.
He sired children on several different (carefully selected) mothers, all of whom were exposed to controlled levels of E0 during their pregnancies. In addition, he had the children implanted with Reaper tech so they could develop and use their biotics as naturally as any asari. The strength of the children varied by their mother's exposure and their adaptation to the Reaper tech. The children were trained hard and raised with humanocentric ideals. If they were going to rule, they had to earn that place by virtue of their strength and will. I somehow don't think Illusive Man would want it to be obvious that he was siring a dynasty, so might have kept the kids undercover. I can see them not even knowing he was their father or that they had siblings - very small-cell operation.
This girl was strong, but when Shepard destroyed synth life, it destroyed her internal Reaper AI. She still has the ability to use biotics without an amp, thanks to non-AI nanotech, but she had to relearn how to use and control her powers. She's no longer as strong as she once was, and her friend inside her head is dead (the Reaper AI she always talked to).
I picture her as young enough to not be responsible for any of the Cerberus activities, but to have that inherent human-superiority bias she was taught, that humanity is rightfully the highest power in the galaxy. However, travels and experience since then (as well as the diminishing of her own power) have shown her that individuals of other species have some admirable --useful? -- traits.
She could have had brushes with anti-Cerberus forces (Sons of Shephard, etc) after synth AI was destroyed, but no rational actor could hold her responsible for anything that happened, given her age. That's pretty much the point of having her relatively young, 16-18ish. I was thinking of giving her the Illusive Man eyes, possibly part of the Reaper Implant Package (available on late-model humans for a nominal fee). Since the Illusive Man was a shadowy figure in galactic history, there shouldn't be anything glaringly obvious about such a character. I mean, really, she should be able to go to a coffee shop without some random layabout jumping up and screaming "Illusive Offspring! Screeeeeeeeech!".
So, whaddya think? Too hokey? Don't like the mythos addition? Is there a canonical error somewhere in there? Don't like a mini-Ashley xenopobe running around? Zis something you could work an adventure backstory with? Anyone? Bueller?
This character could be fun with Lord Synos' third story and all you aliens are gonna make her skin crawl.
Part of me wonders why they would want to be teamed up with a bunch of aliens though? Why wouldn't she ditch the team for a group of humans first chance she gets? If she's been raised on the humanocentric ideals of Cerberus, even if she wasn't aware/part of Cerberus, I'd imagine her being very resistant to the idea. Could have been a thing of having had no choice some time in the past, found them useful, and is exploring the idea of exploiting them more.
Then there's why is she out and about, and not in some secure training facility set up by IM? If the idea about these children was securing his legacy, he'd have their education and security planned out into their adult lives, I would think. Maybe she's a runaway? Or maybe he hadn't planned that far ahead yet, expecting he'd have more time before the events of ME3?
Anywho, just my ideas/food for thought, based off your thoughts. Definitely some possibility for interesting interactions. It'll be weird, for me, to have character conflict so early, but it'd make things interesting. :)
Possible canon error detection alert:
Reaper Tech wasn't a thing till after Mass Effect 1... and the Illusive Man died less than 3 years later? It's pretty clear he didn't start understanding how to actually use reaper tech till ME3 which is over very quickly ending in his death. While it sure sounds like him to run such experiments, she would have had to have been conceived during ME3, making her age equal to the amount of time after the ending we are at. And she likely would have never known about any reaper tech she had only while an infant.feedback:
Was this all just a setup to steal Asari uniqueness for another race? Why give yourself extra powers in your background?
Yeah, that timeline issue pretty much tanks this character idea, at least the full one. Stealing other races' inherent abilities to enhance humans seems precisely like what the IM would do, particularly in the area of biotics, where he was a fanatic.
My concept was that any extra powers would have been tanked by loss of the AI. The amp is essentially built in to the nnotech, but no longer "upgadeable" becaue thr AI is dead. Power wise, she'd be a ormal human biotic, and very unhappy about it.
Thanks for the feedback. I read up abut IM on the Wiki but didn't get a good feel for the tieline.
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Lord Synos: I figured her facility was overrun by SoS or a similar group and she had either escaped or been liberated by them. As far as why be around aliens: why do we have pets? They are certainly not our peers, but we like being around them and find many uses for critters. It doesn't mean we want them voting. ;)
Hmmm.
Maybe a rogue/elite cerberus phantom, then?
Oh! Ooh! Even better!
She could be one of the kids who was taken from Grissom academy! One of the ones assumed dead by Jack and Kaylee and the others! That would take care of the time issue and everything! She could have bought into the cerberus lies and such.
To be honest, I was trying to conceive of a character for whom the destruction of the Reapers was not the end of a threat, but the end of a good life. I was trying to build somebody who suffered a very personal loss when the AI went bye-bye and was forced to realize that she isn't all that - that the tech was what gave her superhero powers. Bereavement is the key to that character concept. The loss of power forces her to realize limitations, loss of security forces her to mingle with others and experience the real world, loss of self makes her open to real change. I kind of like to take the happy, heroic events and turn them on their head. Who was hurt by it, besides the BBEG?
Hadn't even started on the technical build. I'm all about character. :)
I'll come in again.
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Might I suggest switching the concept to a Geth experiment instead then? Perhaps a mad Quarian scientist was making you into some sort of Geth human hybrid. You could be any age you wish and the big Reaper AI update to the Geth may have had any number of side effects to your hybrid leaving you bereaved when they and the Geth died.
Might I suggest switching the concept to a Geth experiment instead then? Perhaps a mad Quarian scientist was making you into some sort of Geth human hybrid. You could be any age you wish and the big Reaper AI update to the Geth may have had any number of side effects to your hybrid leaving you bereaved when they and the Geth died.
actually, the illusive man was experimenting with geth long before he was experimenting with reapers - the concept could still work with geth in place of reapers.
I would say Cerberus scientists... Except we already know how spectacularly Cerberus failed in those experiments.
Of course you could be different for some reason.
Of course you could be different for some reason.
sometimes a single success is all that's needed to spur on an entire Avenue of scientific exploration and development.
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And sometimes experiments have successful results but are not reproducible (making them technically not a success for proving a hypothesis, but the one result still remains).
Are you interested in moving forward with this character as a Geth experiment as opposed to a reaper experiment?
Possibly. I just got home from work and need to research the geth stuff.
Liara T'Soni is the Shadow Broker!?!?! Whaaaaaaaaaaat!?
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Liara T'Soni is the Shadow Broker!?!?! Whaaaaaaaaaaat!?
Umm. Did you not have Lair of the Shadow Broker installed for your ME2 playthrough?
With regard to your character, if you want to keep the reaper tech angle, you could have been a successful experiment at a more mature age. Perhaps you were taken be Cerberus from Grissom Academy, given reaper tech implants, and experienced a superhuman transcendence, only to have it all taken away by Shep.
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I am thinking of a salarian engineer who had been working in their intelligence network, reporting back to Sur'Kesh on the activities of a human colony after the defeat of the reapers while posing as a technician. He blew his cover in order to warn and save the human colonists from... Someone (Sons of Shepherd? Cerberus sleeper cells?) he compromised his intelligence mission but saved civilians, and it reached the notice of the media. The salarians couldn't well imprison a hero enjoying 15 minutes of fame, so they quietly relieved him of his security clearances and sent him on his way. Thus he is an STG exile, who may have a few contacts inside that owe him favors.
My Xbox gave up the ghost just after I started ME2, so I didn't finish 2 nor start 3. This is why my ME lore is being built by reading the Wiki and its painful mix of present and past and pluperfect tenses.
Geth tech would be sufficient for my purpose. Using the geth angle, she'd have had a true AI in her head and maybe a networked connection to other, similar kids, until the destruction of synth life. I pictured her as an aggressive biotic, which would complement Aranna's asari really well.
It looks like biotics were always sought by the military, which might be why the Kids weren't killed, but re-doctrinated by the Alliance and pressed into use for whatever was needed. Hence, her availability for the adventure, probably with a need to prove her loyalty.
Freehold: did you get my e-mail?
Maybe order joined? (David > CH > Aranna > Treppa > Synos > [back to David])
Lord Synos: It looks like your adventure would pass to David first. Maybe you could work with him to see which works best with his character. That is, if we're doing this "pass to the right" method of backstory integration.