The Screaming Sky - DM Downrightamazed

Game Master downrightamazed

Alright, here's the OOC for our Cthulhu Tech PBP. So far we have:
Dies Irae
Ioimprevisto
Corerue
Havoc xiii/Cyra xiii

Let's take a bit of time here to finish any last bits that need finishing. Anyone have any further questions for me?

I'll be doing the startup post tomorrow afternoon, so try to make sure you have your profiles ready to go ASAP. :-)

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Wildfire (or whoever actually currently owns the Cthulhutech licence) never actually did bother to do up art for the majority of the vehicle section of the main rulebook, so in the interest of having everyone on the same page when I do need to describe the M-15 Ranger in action, I'll be using the Tufana Hovertank as a stand in.

Putting this one up for posterity.

I hadn't picked a name yet, for me that's always the hardest part of making a character.

When I first read the rules I only skimmed over the combat system to focus on the setting and character generation rules. I'm comfortable with the combat rules now and I was wondering, what sort of power armor would John have at least basic familiarity with as part of the civil defense militia?

I figure at least Crusaders and Centurions, but I'm not sure how the NEG integrates its forces and units. Are the Nadrazzi and human soldiers typically assigned to their own units and power armor, or does everyone use whichever armor is appropriate to the situation/mission?

From what I've seen its mix and match. Humans don't normally pilot Nazzadi Mecha but it does happen.

On a random note, I just realized in hindsight that I forgot to add the appendix of the post in the game-play section.

On a random note, I just realized in hindsight that I forgot to add the appendix of the post in the game-play section.

** spoiler omitted **

Excellent!

I'm comfortable with the combat rules now and I was wondering, what sort of power armor would John have at least basic familiarity with as part of the civil defense militia?

I tend to be pretty handwavey about this kind of thing so my instinct is to err on the side of completeness and say you're familiar with most or all, probably specializing and/or preferring one type. Lemme review the individual models again to make sure, but right now I'm thinking I'll go with that.

Are the Nadrazzi and human soldiers typically assigned to their own units and power armor, or does everyone use whichever armor is appropriate to the situation/mission?

As Kyra said, it's mix and match; there are platoons of Nazzadi that specialize in night missions and covert ops, but there are also Nazzadi scouts and the like placed in regular units. In general, each race sticks to its own mecha, with Engels and Tagers being the obvious exception. I mean, not that Tagers are power armor, but you know what I'm saying.

So let's see if I have this down, when rolling tests I would...

Perception dc 12

So... 3d10 ⇒ (9, 6, 10) = 25

So I would keep 9 10 = 19 right? Or is there another modifier I'm missing?

So let's see if I have this down, when rolling tests I would...

Perception dc 12

So... 3d10

So I would keep 9 10 = 19 right? Or is there another modifier I'm missing?

You forgot to add your base stat.

Taking Alastair as an example, if called for a perception feat test, you'd chuck 4d10 + Perception.

4d10 ⇒ (6, 4, 1, 10) = 21
Keep: 10, Total: 10 + 8 = 18

Assuming you did your previous roll of 6, 9 and 10 and something else random and irrelevant like a 2, you could by virtue of rolling 3+ dice, keep the 9, 10 straight and add your perception base stat of 8 for a spectacular 27.

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If it was an Observation test, you'd basically roll 2d10 (for Observation skill at Novice) + Perception.

2d10 ⇒ (4, 8) = 12
Keep: 8, Total: 8 + 8 = 16

Because you were only rolling 2d10 rather than the >= 3 dice minimum for straights, even if you had rolled a 7 and 8, you'd still only be allowed to keep the 8. If you had rolled an 8 and another 8, you'd get to add them for 16.

Assuming you did your previous roll of 6, 9 and 10 and something else random and irrelevant like a 2, you could by virtue of rolling 3+ dice, keep the 9, 10 straight and add your perception base stat of 8 for a spectacular 27.

Page 51 of the core rules explains making tests. You can't use 2-dice straights, you need at least a 3 dice in a row to get the bonus for a straight...

• If you get to roll three or more dice, you can take the largest straight and add those dice together. A straight is three or more numbers in consecutive order. For example, if you rolled a 9, 4, 5, 6, you could add the last three together for a result of 15 instead of just the 9.

The part I'm not sure about is critical failures. Say a novice mechanic rolls 2 dice for a challenging repair. His base is 6 and he gets 1 and 10 on the dice. By the rules half of his dice have come up 1, so it's a critical failure... but he made the check's difficulty of 16! Are critical failures only failures if they actually fail or does the 1 ruin things regardless?

@GM: How do you feel about the automatic successes rule on page 53? It seems to be the equivalent of taking a 10 in D&D, can I apply it to the current perception test?

Page 51 of the core rules explains making tests. You can't use 2-dice straights, you need

Whoops. Too many numbers bouncing around. Got the base stat mixed with the roll. My bad.

I stand corrected.

The part I'm not sure about is critical failures. Say a novice mechanic rolls 2 dice for a challenging repair. His base is 6 and he gets 1 and 10 on the dice. By the rules half of his dice have come up 1, so it's a critical failure... but he made the check's difficulty of 16! Are critical failures only failures if they actually fail or does the 1 ruin things regardless?

On a related note, I wanted to ask about buying your way out of Critical Failures.

Technically if half my dice rolled are 1's, could I not then use drama points to buy my way out of the fail (Since by adding more dice, I alter the number of dice that constitute the roll)?

Say, using the above example of the Novice Failure, say I toss in a Drama Point and roll a 2. That pushes my dice pool above the 50% fail rate.

What now?

Thanks for the help guys, I was getting it mixed up in my head for some reason. >.<;

@DRA: So are we all in the same area roughly DRA?

Thanks for the help guys, I was getting it mixed up in my head for some reason. >.<;

@DRA: So are we all in the same area roughly DRA?

Disregard that last part boss man, post coming shortly. Shiza my brain is not working today -.-;

Nice posts btw everyone. =) You've set the bar high, hopefully I don't disappoint. ;)

The staff was downright drab in their professionalism: immaculate uniforms, no visible piercings or tattoos, natural hair colors, and impeccably polite when addressing guests.

Oops, my lack of familiarity with the setting is shining through. I'd omit the bit about tattoos given Nadrazzi customs...

The part I'm not sure about is critical failures. Say a novice mechanic rolls 2 dice for a challenging repair. His base is 6 and he gets 1 and 10 on the dice. By the rules half of his dice have come up 1, so it's a critical failure... but he made the check's difficulty of 16! Are critical failures only failures if they actually fail or does the 1 ruin things regardless?

The 1 ruins things regardless.

I do allow drama points to yank out a natural 1 after the roll, though. So if you're doing something that is really really crucial, you roll your two dice and one is a natural 1, I'll allow a drama point to take that dice off the table. You don't get a re-roll, you just get to avoid the critical failure.

@GM: How do you feel about the automatic successes rule on page 53? It seems to be the equivalent of taking a 10 in D&D, can I apply it to the current perception test?

Pretty much, yeah. I think it certainly applies in this case, go for it!

On a related note, I wanted to ask about buying your way out of Critical Failures.

As stated above, I'm all for it, but it's allowed by RAW anyway.

The Drama Point rules as stated in the core book are pretty reasonable, I find. I mean, they even let you do Professional-level skills untrained, if you have enough left for the day, so I'll basically be sticking to what's there. However, having said that, if we find as we go along that things need to change in order to facilitate smooth gameplay, I have no problem doing so.

@Winston: You've been referring to yourself as "Vincent". Is this a nickname kind of thing or did I miss something? I don't remember seeing it explained in your bio, but it's quite possible I just missed it.

Wanna make sure I'm addressing you correctly. :-)

@Winston: You've been referring to yourself as "Vincent". Is this a nickname kind of thing or did I miss something? I don't remember seeing it explained in your bio, but it's quite possible I just missed it.

Wanna make sure I'm addressing you correctly. :-)

Mostly my own wires getting crossed... I bang out these things after my workday, so occasionally they get slightly less lucid based on how my day went.

Winston Chang it is.

My postings might get a bit spotty for the rest of the week, especially the upcoming weekend.

Sudden family funeral and wake to organize and attend to. Unexpected departure. Hope you understand.

Yikes! Sorry to hear bud, you have my condolences and I look forward to your return. :(

My postings might get a bit spotty for the rest of the week, especially the upcoming weekend.

Sudden family funeral and wake to organize and attend to. Unexpected departure. Hope you understand.

But of course, sir; I totally understand. My condolences to you and yours.

I just got done with the paperwork for the funeral parlor and had a few minutes to pop by.

I appreciate the well wishes folks. Been a difficult week.

I was thinking of leaving Tager choice up to you, as I understand the rite, the symbiote chooses you, not the other way around, so I think it will give me good role play oportunities as I learn to live with the creature that bonds with me.

Thoughts and prayers with you Dies Irae, hope it all goes smoothly for you.

Alright, I'll spend some time finishing my character creation, then I'll rock into the game.

Ohhhh, I see. That's your angle. Okay, cool; I will do that. Drop in an IC post whenever you're ready! :-)

I never got around to detailing my equipment. I figure that since he is on limited duty due to his mental status he probably wouldn't be cleared to carry a firearm, but is it reasonable that I would have a stungun in a concealed holster?

I just got done with the paperwork for the funeral parlor and had a few minutes to pop by.

I appreciate the well wishes folks. Been a difficult week.

I know the feeling, my Father passed in July 2010, still dealing with his passing and so far I have lost a close friend every 3-4 months since then. Another buddy of mine passed on Jan 1st 2012. =/

Hopefully everything works out bud, I will keep you and yours in my prayers.

@John: I'm rather handwavey about gear. You can say you brought pretty much whatever you want. HOWEVER! Anyone caught by the local constabulary with illegal goods will be dealt with appropriately. So you can have firearms, tasers, stunners, needlers, etc., but you do not have any special immunity from local laws that you are aware of.

This goes for everybody.

Dies Irae wrote:

I just got done with the paperwork for the funeral parlor and had a few minutes to pop by.

I appreciate the well wishes folks. Been a difficult week.

I know the feeling, my Father passed in July 2010, still dealing with his passing and so far I have lost a close friend every 3-4 months since then. Another buddy of mine passed on Jan 1st 2012. =/

Hopefully everything works out bud, I will keep you and yours in my prayers.

** spoiler omitted **

Ach, Cori, that's a drag, man. Hang in there, I'll be thinking of you. No worries and no pressure here, you know that. Take care of yourself. :-)

How am I best to slot myself in?

Welcome aboard Caffeine_addict.

Thanks for the understanding folks. And my condolences, Corerue.

How am I best to slot myself in?

Read everything that's been done/said so far, and just...walk in. Or don't. You could just go golfing or something if you want. It's totally up to you! :-) Everyone else decided breakfast was a fine idea, and I can't blame them, but no one is required to do that. You guys do what you want, it's my job to bring the plot to you.

I will be working on your tager this weekend, so expect those posts to show up. Since it happened in the past we'll do it via spoilers. I'll be working off your background, so try to get me as many clues as to Devereux's personality as you can, as soon as you can. Wanna make sure we get you the right symbiont.

How you hangin' in there, Dies Irae? You doin' alright? This weekend is the funeral/wake, yeah? I'll be thinking of you, man, take care.

Challenging(16) Tenacity test for Chronic Pain: 8d10 ⇒ (1, 3, 10, 7, 1, 5, 10, 9) = 46|2*10=20, success

Feats are rolled using your feat score, which is half of your attribute rounded down. Tenacity 8 gets you 4 dice for tenacity tests, then you add your base to that roll. Your total is 10 (rolled in first 4 dice) + 8 (base) = 18.

Ahhhh, righteho, I'll get the swing of it soon enough ;) Thanks for that.

Actually, regarding the tager i jist realised what you meant, I was actually think he had not yet gone through the rite and was just a foot soldier atm, and would be approuched to become one early on in the adventure. But if that's too much trouble it's no big deal for me to roll with it being in the past, just need to tweak my background ever so slightly.

Fair warning, I'm traveling back home from vacation over the next few days and my posting rate might be affected... pasting this into the discussion thread of all my active games.

Thanks for the heads up, John! Safe travels!

@Devereux: Oh! Hahahaa, sorry I didn't realize that was your intent. My apologies. Actually, we can totally totally run it such that you get targer-ized in the near future. It changes nothing at all about Nyx's post. Good luck convincing John and the others that you're not actually a tager, though. :-D Also, the question of how did Nyx know you were going to become a tager should be a nice little hook.

As for the question of rank: in my games Engel pilots are all Warrant Officers, so Alastair, Kyra, and Cythery will all be W-1s. I believe both Devereux and Winston have themselves listed as NCOs, which is fine, and John's actual rank is a bit nebulous given his status in civil militia, as an intel guy, and as a (semi-)retiree, which is also fine, and works nicely for the story.

I was thinking he'd be a Major in the reserves, if that works for you. One weekend a month, two weeks a year!
Except during times of crisis, which have been declared for the past 12 years

It would be more of a technical job than a leadership role, with a job title something like "Deputy Director, Combat Intelligence Division" that involves a lot of paperwork and keeping his superiors up to date on regionally significant threats and intel.

Yup! That works fine for me.

How you hangin' in there, Dies Irae? You doin' alright? This weekend is the funeral/wake, yeah? I'll be thinking of you, man, take care.

Yeah. Pretty much. It's all settled more or less now.

You know... I'd consider this a surprisingly tolerant hotel, given that the way Airfix is currently attired hasn't gotten us collectively tossed out of the restaurant by the staff yet...

Also...

You lot are surprisingly tolerant. Personally, if I was on call at the time, I'd have marked someone acting the way Winston was down for "Suicide Watch". :-)

Alastair is just thinking this Nyx and her cronies are here to shake them up and that Winston has more sense then to fall for photos that could have been doctored or altered.

He's also hoping that Airfix does something to cheer you up and pull you out of your slump. But he also doesn't know either of you very well, so most of it is assumptions.

I am loving the characters thus far and perhaps I need to re-read how Airfix is dressed. >.>; But he would still show her professional courtesy, it would be beneath him to show anything less to a soldier.

Aeon War Syndrome is a core part of the setting, it's a safe assumption that anyone who's "in the trenches" in this fight is unstable in some way. As long as they're mostly functional it gets left between them and their therapist :)

At least that's my impression...

Trufax. :)

Aeon War Syndrome is a core part of the setting, it's a safe assumption that anyone who's "in the trenches" in this fight is unstable in some way. As long as they're mostly functional it gets left between them and their therapist :)

I agree with this. I think John's chronic pain, Kyra's hotheadedness, Winston's strange melancholy, etc., all fall perfectly well under the rubric of this in-game version of PTSD. I already really like how the characters are interacting and bouncing off each other. I think Kyra and Winston will be good friends someday, but it's gonna be a long road to get there. :-)

You know... I'd consider this a surprisingly tolerant hotel, given that the way Airfix is currently attired hasn't gotten us collectively tossed out of the restaurant by the staff yet...

LOL! This is a resort hotel of a particularly "high-end" decadent sort, so they see this thing fairly frequently. Think of it like Vegas on speed, everything's amped up and magnified, esp. in the "what happens here, stays here" kind of vibe. In fact, if it were earlier in the morning or after dinner, there would be many more fabulous-looking folks in revealing outfits.

One thing I feel I should share; I name all my NPCs very specifically. :-)

One thing I feel I should share; I name all my NPCs very specifically. :-)

Goddess of the night?

Ooh. This can't end well...

Jeremy = God will raise up; God will set free

Keep an eye on that one ;)