I dont think you do. *shrug* Its annoying. Just use the preview to see the results, add another roll if you get 10s.
To keep it compact, I usually preview for 10s then use a + after the initial roll to include them.
{dice}10d10{/dice} becomes {dice}10d10+1d10{/dice}
I add the success statements by hand, usually with bolded OOC text.
cool deal thx :) I just want to stay uniform with everyone else so the story tellers eyes know where to look for the answers :D
That'll work!
I finally got a chance to poke around the obsidian portal site. Spiffy. I noticed that character creation info was a little different, specifying 5 discipline versus our 3...
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Oh! Right!
First, Richard, hope you aren't peeved about the losing Zack thing; unless we jump ahead a year before March 25th, you'll get Zack back before then, although I'd love to have seen you warp his head. I'm sick that way I guess...Zack's one of my old characters in fact. I figured I'd soften the blow by handing you a street-level superhero as a contact in the meanwhile, which you could spin into a permanent merit later if you'd like.
Also, you can purchase your next dot in resources, that is fine with me.
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EVERYBODY!
Alright, Character creation has changed just a touch, and you guys reap the benefits.
First, you now add your blood potency to your Health and Nerve now.
Second, you get TWO more discipline dots; you must spend three dots in your clan, covenant (when applicable) or requiem disciplines. You may move these around if you'd like. Remember, the fifth dot in anything costs two dots, so you can't start with more than 4 dots in a discipline.
Third, you get THREE more skill dots to spend as you see fit.
Fourth, being a Masquiem game, I'm allowing any merits or flaws from Masquerade, as long as you ask me first.
I think that is it...
Oh, no, there is one more thing!
Each clan now has an additional boon.
Do we gain extra merit points for taking Masquerade flaws, and if so how many are we allowed (for instance the standard 7 max from VtM)?
I seem to recall that flaws in nWoD give experience points when they come into play, rather than giving dots directly.
No problems with Zack at all. I'd generally expect a normal person to have a rather strong reaction to having assassins sent after them, then seeing a scene like that... I'm interested in seeing where the Richard/Whisper thing goes. She seems like she might be hard to win over but Richard is rather good at making friends...
Nice to hear about the extras, off the top of my head I'll probably use the discipline dots to bump majesty up to 4 and buy Auspex at 1 but I'll check my options. The skill dots are going straight into expression. It bugged me that I didn't have quite enough points to buy it with the original build and it was going to be the first skill I bought.
Maybe we'll get a hybrid system like choose up to 3 that will give xp if they hinder us in a given chapter, and up to 4 points that will give merit for continuous effects?
I'm putting my skill into persuasion, but where the other dots go depends on if and how many merit we can squeeze out of the flaws. If we can get 7 merit, I want to raise my blood potency to 3. And then I'll get 2 lvls of coils of blood. If not I was thinking of 2 dots in obfuscate or celerity.
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Straight from the Translation guide:
Flaws, again, provide their benefit up front in Masquerade, whereas in Requiem they provide extra experience when they come into play. Changing a Masquerade Flaw to Requiem is simple enough; just use the system on p. 218 of the World of Darkness Rulebook. Don’t worry about the relative “level” of a Flaw — more serious Flaws will impair the character more, true, but that means that the character gains the experience bonus more often.
I hate systems that grant extra points for flaws; you could get a flaw's points, gain the benefit, and make the flaw go away, or the drawback is so negligible it doesn't matter if you 'suffer' from it. In NWoD, they get around this by saying: All right, you have the one leg flaw, but since it never came up in game, and never hindered you, you don't gain the XP.
This encourages players to emphasize their character's flaws instead of seeing them as a hurdle to get over for more power. I adore this, as it encourages roleplaying, and I love anything that encourages roleplaying, instead of ignoring it.
I was thinking of that last night, so if we have a lvl 3 flaw and it comes up in a given chapter, does that mean we get 3 xp from it? Does that also mean the limit is still 3 flaws then? I can work with whatever you say, now that I have more than 6 choices. I'd just like it to be clearly defined :D
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On the question of money, because there is no wireless in Underpendros, credit holds no value.
In this setting, cash is no longer real. People trade in Credit chips. Some credit chips are only good for certain retailers and businesses, others are more general, and the average person might carry up to ten Credit chips on them, to designate how many go to the empty chip. Most people still use credit cards though; it's still a bit too easy to steal someone's money wirelessly for there to be wireless transfers. Credit chips are empty until filled, and once filled, until turned in, they cannot have their value stolen or changed.
In Underpendros, this won't fly. Real money has more than just value, it's magical. To purchase things in Underpendros, you have to have gold coins. Just like in Pathfinder, 50 coins make up a pound, and they also cause quite a racket; most people who plan on purchasing things in Underpendros only carry coins when they plan on going under, or they leave all their coin at it's only bank (named the Underbank. How original) and draw it there.
Sounding a little like Harry Potter? It should; the setting was created in 1998, the same year I purchased the first HP book (I never did finish the series, so please, no spoilers) and it used AD&D rules and took place almost entirely in Underpendros. I'd say I'm sorry if that is a bit 'corny' but I can't, I lurvs it.
Wow even at 2012 prices a single gold coin (1/3 of an ounce) at those rates would run over $600. That's insanely expensive for new vampires, unless the "Resources" merit has completely different numbers in this world. Being as Saki has been moving through Underpendros for a few months, he would have at least a bit of the proper currency to get what he needs there by now, especially if he has sold any Red Magic down here.
I noticed that Flight was on the list of commonly known disciplines; how common is it in this setting? Where can I find a writeup of it for VtR?
Regarding gold, D&D's economy has always been messed up... it's a bit of a pet peeve of mine. Unless science and nuclear transformation has advanced to the point were we can manufacture gold cheaply, using pure gold currency for day-to-day transactions doesn't make much sense. One option is to have an official mint in Underpendros that makes coins that are mostly silver or zinc or some other relatively common metal, with a gram of gold embedded in them. That would give a coin with a base value of $50-$60 (rough current value for gram of gold), with options for face values as high or low as is convenient (.1 gram = $5, 2 grams = $100, etc.) Of course, this could add issues of seigniorage and counterfeiting to the economy of Underpendros...
When I design a setting, I usually work out the economies before I work out anything else about the kingdoms involved. I also tend to bug my GMs about their economies in homebrew systems settings ;)
Firearms is now Marksmanship
What is the impact of this change?
I didn't pick flaws when I originally wrote Richard up, these are a few I found that seem to make sense:
Anachronism: Fairly straightforward. Richard has become accustomed to things like powered flight, cars you don't have to crank, and electronic computers but he doesn't really grasp the cultural implications of most technologies introduced in the past 10-20 years. He prefers entering things manually to voice recognition, doesn't usually think to take advantage of augmented-reality overlays, and would rather interact with a person than work with a program/expert system to get something done. The one place where he is up-to-speed on modern technology is where it overlaps with his business concerns, like payment processing and money laundering.
Enemy: Whoever arranged for the wave of lawsuits encumbering his funds. Perhaps one of the Barkovias or their retainers too?
Overconfident: Richard learned a few lessons from his staking in the 70s, but still sees himself as more capable than he really is. He generally believes he can organize a team to get anything done that needs doing, and that he can talk himself out of any trouble that he gets into.
BTW, do we want to flesh out "the Barkovia incident" or leave it as a plot point to emerge later?
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They aren't real gold! Come on ya'll! Give me some credit here! :)
How many of you can look at an American Dollar coin? That is what I'm talking about! That said, coinage holds a real value in 'old magic'. Thankfully, I don't have to think about it too much anymore, what with the resources merit. Having to think of the exchange rate hurt my head back in the late 90's. We switched to D20 Modern the day it was published, and the wealth system made it much easier. The resources merit is about the same. Even without Resources, I say that most characters can afford things at the bar, or a fast food joint, or an occasional Johnny Cab ride, as long as they have a job. I have, in the past, had two separate resource merits, but didn't want to spring that one you, so, in this one, one resource merit covers both worlds. Even one dot in the things solves most small money problems.
Could be fun, getting Thomas an account at The Underbank.
Saki, he does have what he needs, let us just say he hasn't gone to the bank yet, and/or didn't plan on heading to Underpendros that night. I brought up the coin thing just for RP. It would make sense that a bribe might be in Credits instead of Gold Coins. Francious has a running tab for everyone, so my general rule is that characters don't need money to stop in for quick pint, and just tip their waiter with their tab. The thing is magical, and knows when someone can't pay for more; through the Underbank that is. He resolves his debts at month's end. Generally, people have already granted permission for him to withdraw what they owe.
Richard
Flight is, I believe, exactly as it was in Masquerade, with the Gargoyles. I will, however, get up a listing on it as soon as I am able. Why? Because Vampires could fly in Interview with a Vampire, and I've seen Dracula take flight in human form in more than a few movies. I allowed it long ago, I'm allowing it now. Not too many Vampires use this discipline openly, but one of the Vampires everyone knows about is Macario, who loves his damned flight powers. Others include Yui and the Princess. You can train the discipline, however, with anyone who can fly, including Infused and Gargoyles. I'd, uh, generally stick with other Vampires, seeing as how the other two find Vampires...distasteful. Or find someone else who flies? I haven't explored that option yet. Why don't too many Vamps fly? Well, as the 'Interview' wiki reads:
"Most if not all vampires dislike or even hate flying, as they find it extremely unsettling due to it being a sign that they are truly no longer human,"
While this is not a problem with Vampires who use disciplines like Protean, Vicissitude, and Serpentis, most others do.
Marksmanship Impact? Well, all the combat abilities of Athletics are now in that skill, that is the rules impact. Why the change? More than a few disciplines and other supernaturals have abilities that require a blast skill. Do you use Athletics? Firearms? Brawl? Weaponry? It doesn't fall under either one really. However, Marksmanship is all about hitting the target. Perfect.
I don't know when Overconfident would screw him over in the immediate moment, granting Richard an XP.
Lets keep the Barkovia Incident on the backburner for now. Makes for nice foreshadowing.
WOW! That took forever. I should be studying.
Got it. When you said there was a magical significance, I thought that you meant it was connected to the gold and not the transfer of coinage. So, who runs the mint? Is that done through the bank? Sasha? One of the changeling courts?
Overconfident probably won't come into play often, but when it does... well, I expect it will be the sort of situation where there's a good chance the experience is awarded posthumously ;)
I should be studying too... I take a few too many 'breaks' to check the forum.
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Yeah, I take an Ethics mid-term in less than 3 hours.
As always, I do encourage and welcome people to challenge the setting. It helps me think critically about it, and continues to flesh it out. Same with my house rules. Although I won't allow someone to exploit them more than once, I typically allow the first time a rule is proven to be a broken rule, through play, to be broken. Probably. And sometimes, I let it sit, and be a thing of nature in the game itself.
Note this btw: Social Combat is not seen as combat, a Social Attack (which I call a Sway attempt) is not something one should immediately react to as: "HEY! What the hell?" And punch a person over, it's just people talking, not attacking each other; although, sometimes, it is, in the case of debates or taunting someone.
I'm not sure how social combat works, can you give a primer? It seems like something Richard would be good at... would Awe add to the dice pool?
Also, I want to make sure I have the timeline straight: we started Friday night, it's currently Sunday night, and the mayor's acceptance ceremony is Wednesday afternoon?
I noticed that you specify 11 dots of merits in the obsidian portal rules vs the 10 we used.
If we get an additional merit dot I'll go with Status (Executive) to reflect Richard's actual management influence in various companies, and the luxury perks that I've been assuming Richard had access to that weren't technically justified due to his lack of resource dots.
-I am using Mirror’s Experience is Health (you can increase your Health through XP spending)
How much does this cost?
Okay, finally.
I updated Thomas, changing some of the wording to the Obsidian Portal site.
Lemme know what I messed up. ;)
Also looked through the basics on Flaws and so forth as much as I could find, as I dont have a V:tM book, and while it looks like a bunch fit Thomas (short, botched presentation, incomplete understanding, etc) none do to the point I think flaws reach.
Finding a way to turn limited cash into underpendros currency should be fun. I have to admit, I like the idea of coins with limited amounts of real gold either in an allow with other metals, or inlayed or something. It keeps it plausible, and adds a nifty edge.
The only thing that comes to mind is Richard's participation in Iranis's ritual, demonstrating his virtue of Charity.
I still have no clue about how sway attempts work. Is it just (social skill) + (social attribute) - (guile)? Does Majesty contribute at all, either as raw bonus dice or as a bonus when using Awe/Entrancement? How does social initiative/dominance work? I guess it means that the person with the highest initiative roll gets to do their sway damage first, not the person who speaks first?
I don't want to leave Saki hanging, would Richard be getting a message from one of the queen's attendants? Or did someone eventually give him Richard's number and I'd get the message from Saki?
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Works for me. 1 more XP for charity.
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Sway:
Ah, I'm sorry, you asked for this and I have not delivered.
Here is how it works (for now):
(social skill) + (social attribute) + (other modifiers, maybe from majesty) - (guile)
OR
(Relevant Dice Pool for Socially affecting Discipline) - (guile or discipline's listed resistance)
Number of successes equals damage done to Nerve.
Dominance is only rolled if there is more than one participant.
0 Nerve means you must do what is asked of you if any successes are rolled after.
There is more involved to this, but that is what it is in the most simplest of terms.
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As for the Saki question, I already mentioned:
The Queen stopped thinking of Saki as soon as he was gone. He'd get no information from her regarding Richard past what she already said. In most regards, her attendants are just extensions of herself, so yeah, that's it. He needs to respond to what I've already placed on the thread.
After receiving a satisfactory explanation Richard will tell Michael to lead the way.
Richard will be spending most of the night planning. Aside from mentioning that it might be a bad idea to enter Underpendros through the Golden Goblin (if he seems inclined to go that way), he'd let Michael lead the way. He'd want to keep the two nearby while he plots, especially with Natasha dead, but he might excuse himself briefly to visit his herd if Michael's idea of a good place to feed doesn't match his...
Lets go show Thomas just what this city has to offer!
Apologies for vanishing, had a series of nasty wind storms that were knocking out power every 5 minutes. caused havoc with all the electrical boxes (including internet).
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@Oroku:
That's a big one that I haven't thought of yet.
Here is what I just figured out:
The city's activity hub is shaped in a perfect circle. From any one point of the city's outer edge to the other side takes about 4.5 hours of walking (assuming average pace), 1 hour using public transportation (Well, that is, a train that costs money), 25 minutes in a car, 10 in a flying taxi.
The center of the city is Main Street and main street park.
The outside of the city contains either suburbs, farming, or the Black Forest national park. Possibly not farming.
How long is that as the bat flies (speed 40 for just traveling in a perfectly strait line)? :D
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Hey all!
I just had the funniest idea.
I recently watched a movie. Don't ask what movie. You'll know soon enough.
Anyways, I'd love to take the next part of the game there, but it'll be different, and you'll know which movie I'm basing it off of immediately.
It'll also gonna be...
legen... wait for it... dary!
Kinda been watching nothing but 'How I met your mother'. I've never seen these series before.
Anyways, fun will be had by all, but you'll have to kind of go with me on this one.
What do you say?
I kind of designed Saki specifically to fit into this city, but if we're still going to be here I'm up for whatever.
6 successes on my Perception roll to find Richard in the park should let Oroku literally trip over him, if you want to bring us together. Maybe after a short combat where a hungry vampire could feed?
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Indeed. Alright, awesome, I've got one down.
Trust me man, this next bit? Fits in perfectly.
Also, note:
Worse place in the city to go looking for (non-supernatural) trouble?
Main Street and Main Street Park.
Main Street has heavy surveillance and heavier security provided by both Barkovia and Thinkbest, and it's where the ley lines all meet, and it's heavily protected by the Mages, Gargoyles, and Infused.
Main Street Park's paths and picnic spots also benefit from this protection, but also, the Kappa reside in the northern section of the park, and a BUNCH of entrances to the hedge are here as well.
Not to mention that the 'Hidden' fountain hosts random Circle of the Crone meetings 3 nights a week.
Place that together that the fact that the Wolfe Pack, Invictus, and Lasombra love to meet on Main Street, the Children of Thorns meet in the park, and it's at the center of the circular city, meaning most people have to pass by/through both to get to where they're going? No one makes trouble here.
In fact, hardly anyone makes trouble anywhere in the city, unless they are from out of town or are Supernatural.
I'm working on that map btw.
Things have been going well so far, I'm fine with wherever you want to take the game.
I've been waiting for a post from you/Michael to follow up on his comment about getting something to eat and finding a Mage. If you'd rather I can write a post about Richard dropping in on his herd to feed then have Thomas and Michael meet him at a tailor in Underpendros, just to get things moving....
That's fine, no worries. RL always trumps the game... I'll get back to studying for my test tomorrow.
I recognize the genre but I haven't seen many of those movies... not a clue.
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or The Pineapple Incident episode of how I met your mother.
I'm not one to normally enjoy movies like the hangover, but somehow, I quite enjoyed it; I suspect it is because it is a 'what the eff did I do last night?" mystery, which I love.
Cool, because that would be awkward to freak out and attack new players the moment we saw them. I'm guessing we're also just rolling past the red fear roll this time as well, just this once? Saki has aspect of the beast, so he always counts as at least having equal blood potency.
There's no telling what happened when we all met for the first time... just because the beast is quiet now, doesn't mean nothing happened when we met.
As best we can tell Michael's sire was simply a transient
Everyone probably caught it already, but I meant to write "Thomas's sire"...
So is Micheal going to be our Doug? ;p Since Saki never met him, someone else is going to have to mention that the group is missing a body.
I'm just trying to find us a jumping off point for our caper, by establishing part of our missing timeline. Or even when during the night we actually met up for the first time. Food for thought.