Time to get talking about PCs and the game in general.
Yay! Will have to reset Robert back to 1st level and take a look at all the new stuff that's come out since we last played - might well want to make some changes.
Hello! I'm here. Looking at operative or soldier, kind of equally divided between them. Curious what Corey and Tim are keen on.
OK, here's what we have so far:
- Jussi: human technomancer;
- Corey: android solider or ysoki mechanic;
- Shari (if playing): lashunta envoy;
- Tim: ???
- Angie: operative or soldier.
Something else to consider are your roles in startship combat: pilot, captain, engineer(s), science officer(s), gunner(s), or magic officer(s) (new role in Character Operations Manual).
A few more things to consider while you think of your PCs backgrounds:
- how do you know each other?;
- how do you know the android Cedona? Cedona has a past that she doesn't like to talk about. I need you to have a strong bond with her because you will have to do her a 'big favor'. I was thinking that maybe she 'saved' in some big way;
- how did you get your starship?
The start of the game will have you making a supply run to a new colony out in Near Space' where Cedona has settled in.
Thoughts?
Game on!
I could be persuaded to go the mechanic route, though it's a bit more complicated a class than I prefer. If Corey goes with soldier, I'll go operative. Unless Tim really wants it, in which case I'll go mechanic.
Does Robert have a theme? I can't see it on his build.
Can we use the new themes from the starjammer srd site? I was thinking of Sensate.
Can we use the new themes from the starjammer srd site? I was thinking of Sensate.
Sensate theme is fine.
Robert's theme is icon.
Themes are just used to further define your PC and have little in the way of mechanics.
A 'mechanic class' is not required but someone who knows their way with the engineering and computer skills certainly is. Robert I know has computers covered and probably a decent engineering check as well.
Questions?
Game on!
Hey - It's Corey - If we have mechanic covered then I'll go Android soldier with the Pilot theme - though I'm happy to be co-pilot or gunner aboard ship
Hey - It's Corey - If we have mechanic covered then I'll go Android soldier with the Pilot theme - though I'm happy to be co-pilot or gunner aboard ship
Like I said, a mechanic 'class' is not needed.
One thing to note is that if "Tort Ace" (Shari's PC) is playing then you will be a gunner/back-up pilot since there's no 'co-pilot' on a starship.
Questions?
Game on!
I'll go with Ysoki operative (Sensate theme).
I'm really disappointed that they STILL don't have more ST portraits up on the paizo site. Only 5 ratfolk pics to choose from and 4 are in hoods, and one is a bruiser. Yet there's some great ones online and in the book. I'll find one I like and post a link.
Thoughts about our background.....maybe we know each other because we were passengers on a ship together, which got involved with a hijacking, or a crash, or space pirates or something. Cedona could have helped us out of the jam, either by providing info about the enemy, or causing a distraction, or both. Then we snagged the ship and escaped. Then perhaps Cedona "fixed" the records so we legally own the ship. So we've been together for a while on our purloined ship, and we owe Cedona our lives and livelihood.
Thoughts?
I'll go with Ysoki operative (Sensate theme).
I'm really disappointed that they STILL don't have more ST portraits up on the paizo site. Only 5 ratfolk pics to choose from and 4 are in hoods, and one is a bruiser. Yet there's some great ones online and in the book. I'll find one I like and post a link.
They do have Ysoki pics - about 5, not just the ratfolk. Take another look. I just saw them.
[One thing to note is that if "Tort Ace" (Shari's PC) is playing then you will be a gunner/back-up pilot since there's no 'co-pilot' on a starship.
Questions?
Game on!
Cool - gunner - i'm up
Thoughts about our background.....maybe we know each other because we were passengers on a ship together, which got involved with a hijacking, or a crash, or space pirates or something. Cedona could have helped us out of the jam, either by providing info about the enemy, or causing a distraction, or both. Then we snagged the ship and escaped. Then perhaps Cedona "fixed" the records so we legally own the ship. So we've been together for a while on our purloined ship, and we owe Cedona our lives and livelihood.
Thoughts?
I like that! That hits all my 'requests' so I'm perfectly fine with that.
Let's make space pirates and they're still out there looking for their stolen ship...
@Corey: I also only see 5 ratfolk pics and no ysoki pics. :(
Questions?
Game on!
Alright, I'm in! I probably shouldn't but this group is too stellar not to.
Hopefully I'm not stepping on anyone's toes by going with my previous Starfinder character.
I'll have to regress her to 1st level but that's more doable for me right now than coming up with a completely new character.
Yay! We've got the dream team! Now even dreamier!
re: ysoki pics. Corey found some just by searching through the whole catalogue. The "type" for the one I chose says Ysoki, but there's no ysoki search term. Corey says he had ysoki search term once, then it vanished. I suspect bad code.
What do the other crew think of the backstory? If everybody is happy with it, I might feel inspired to write something up. Anybody wanna team up?
re: ysoki pics. Corey found some just by searching through the whole catalogue. The "type" for the one I chose says Ysoki, but there's no ysoki search term. Corey says he had ysoki search term once, then it vanished. I suspect bad code.
What do the other crew think of the backstory? If everybody is happy with it, I might feel inspired to write something up. Anybody wanna team up?
I thought it was a great idea. I’ll collaborate if you want
Does Robert have a theme? I can't see it on his build.
Yup, he's an Icon ;^) And hates it. Made (in)famous by his insistence that there are no gods or divinities and never have been, contrary to popular belief and evidence.
Something else to consider are your roles in startship combat: pilot, captain, engineer(s), science officer(s), gunner(s), or magic officer(s) (new role in Character Operations Manual).
If someone suggests Robert should be the magic officer he'll hate you forever (remember, he doesn't believe in magic), but might be that's the chair he'll have to sit in eventually. We'll see what turns up in the group in the end.
Sorry for any confusion but I've changed my character's name to reflect an old beloved SciFi movie.
What do the other crew think of the backstory? If everybody is happy with it, I might feel inspired to write something up. Anybody wanna team up?
I have something different in mind for Thyx but, with his background, he might have been with Cedona when she rescued everyone. It would make him the newest member of the crew but ... I'll write it up as soon as I have a moment and see if it works. It should puzzle in nicely.
Great to see a bunch of 'decent' players together again! :)
AVATARS
They are there (not too many but enough). Search by date and go back manually; I think they stop on page 6-7.
BACKGROUND
Like I said, I like the story. Passengers being taken over in space is a bit out there. :)
Let's say you were all in attendance to a talk/presentation from an 'old explorer' at a little known venue. Thugs came in to kidnap 'old explorer'. Cedona, an android scholar also in attendance, rallied you all to defend 'old explorer'. Old explorer was so thankful for the thwarted kidnap attempt that he 'gifts' you his starship (he's retiring and has no use).
Thugs still have it out for you.
Cedona helped out by saving your lives and later becomes your friend.
You all have a starship.
STARSHIP
You all start out with a Tier 1 ship. You can design one or you can get one already designed from the books.
I thought it would be nice to have a layout of the starship for RPing.
What are your thoughts on the Sunrise Maiden?
I think we could easily bring her down to a Tier 1.
Thoughts?
Here's the roster so far:
- Jussi: human technomancer (Engineer, Science Officer, Magic Officer, or Gunner);
- Corey: android soldier (gunner and back-up pilot);
- Shari: lashunta envoy (pilot);
- Angie: Ysoki operative (Engineer, Science Officer, or Gunner).
- Tim: ???
Er... we need a captain...
OK - so I'm thinking Thyx has no memory of his life before the group. I would like him to have been found in a crate or case either: 1) floating through space (my favourite); 2) in a massive garbage dump possibly while someone was scavenging (good and probably most convenient); or, 3) in a depot or storage facility as unclaimed cargo. Regardless, he might have been found recently and made himself useful, or have been with one character for a while and joined when they did.
I have also changed his theme to mercenary with the idea he would still act as gunner/back-up pilot.
Robert's motivation to join is easy enough - I can use the same hook as last time, that he's running away to let the media try and forget all about him, and some colony all the way in the galactic boonies works very well.
As for details, I'm open to suggestions if Angie wants to write me into his story - Robert's still as much of a bastard as before, but if we have known each other for a while he could have pegged you guys in the "useful to have around" -category which means he'd pretend to play nice for the future benefit of your company ;^)
Starship roles...
Here's the main skill/attribute needed for each role.
Captain - high CHA
Pilot- piloting skill (Dex)
Engineer - engineering skill (Int)
Science officer - computers skill (Int)
Gunner - BAB/piloting + Dex
Chief Mate - acrobatics (Dex) or athletics (Str)
Magic officer - mysticism (Wis)
Robert is high Int, so Engineer makes the most sense. He has no ranks in mysticism as-is, so MO doesn't make sense.
Kamiya called pilot, and it's her whole background. However, she's the only one with good CHA, making her the best candidate for captain.
Kip is Dex based, so Chief Mate looks good for her. She could also pilot.
Thyx has the BAB and Dex for gunner. He could also pilot.
Tim....???
We have an INT and CHA poor party so far. As it stands, we don't have enough smart people for engineer AND science officer. We have no mysticism for Magic Officer.
Thoughts?
A small ship might not need all roles manned to function - I doubt most parties even have that many PCs in them. Could take on some NPCs with room-temperature stats for the less critical roles, or just leave them empty. Pilot and Gunner seem most essential in combat, Engineer too if ship takes damage. Scientist can be useful as well, and Magic Officer seems to have kinda similar buffing role.
Captain mostly hands out bonuses (same with Chief Mate, working together with another crewmember), so we could go without and just agree that one character is calling the shots without taking any Captain actions (if the enemy gets the same treatment, should be fair).
STARSHIP ROLES
I agree that not every role is necessary. Also remember that the default party size for these games is 4 PCs and you guys have 5 PCs.
I think you should try to fill in the original five roles (captain, pilot, gunner, engineer, and science officer).
@Thyx: if you don't mind joining the party late then the party could have found you floating in space when they went to go on a starship trip. Maybe you just floated and bumped into the ship when they were about to get ready to depart.
Thoughts?
STARSHIP ROLES
@Thyx: if you don't mind joining the party late then the party could have found you floating in space when they went to go on a starship trip. Maybe you just floated and bumped into the ship when they were about to get ready to depart.Thoughts?
Love it!
#+/)(##/! Curse you, Windows 10 version 2004 update... might be slow to post this weekend, as Microsoft decided to properly bugger my computer. Will have to see if I can fix or revert or if I have to go for a full reinstall T_T
I keep changing my mind about Kip's crunch. Just saw the theme SPACE PIRATE!! Can I have Kip have been part of the pirate's crew, then she gets abandoned or sacrificed or used as bait or something. So she'll have some knowledge of the ship, and an axe to grind with her old crew.
I'm also going to make her a bit higher Int, so she'll be able to do science officer or engineer.
It's been a struggle to find my vision of her, but I think it's coming together. Unless I change my mind tomorrow....
I keep changing my mind about Kip's crunch. Just saw the theme SPACE PIRATE!! Can I have Kip have been part of the pirate's crew, then she gets abandoned or sacrificed or used as bait or something. So she'll have some knowledge of the ship, and an axe to grind with her old crew.
Wow, that is 80% of what I've been writing for Thyx.
Starting wealth? 1000c?
Alright. Trying to come back up to speed on Starfinder. Been a LOT of stuff come out since we last played!
John Anderson PLLC is a little too close to Erix for comfort, and we have Thyx, so I am happy to agree pick a new PC.
I'd had a couple of ideas
1. Human warrior in love with his own AI. (Mechanic with weapon focused exocortex)
2. SRO R2-D2 analogue cleric-medic who argues theology with Robert, and keeps trying to "fix" broken humans (might be a little too Squeak)
3. Ijtikri playboy hitting 4 years old, about to have a midlife crisis and looking to settle down and have a few thousand kids.
4. Spathiane stowaway that regards the ship as Hive. Probably a spider-swarm analogue.
5. Barathu medic & cook who synthesizes complex compounds internally and finds alien DNA fascinating. Can't understand why humans are so weird about provenance. (again, a bit Squeak)
6. Witchwarper who joined the crew early, died, then turned up ages later - but it is actually the PC from a different reality. Claims to have evidence this is his reality and the PCs are the anomalies. Race is flexible, needs to fit in well. Would claim complex interactions with people in the past that didn't happen. Catchphrase: "Well in the PRIME reality we..." could work well as an add on to one of the others, so long as it doesn't clash with class. Otherwise would default to Wizard, I think.
Captain runs off CHA. Classes good with CHA are Envoy, Solaran and Witchwarper. We already have an Envoy. The closest match seems to be number 6 (Witchwarper) or possibly number 2 (SRO deist) if I can work out how to make the Force an actual religion with a guaranteed mythic not-an-ascended-mortal deity, maybe Yog-Sothoth?
I agree Kamiya would make a great "Mal" Reynolds type Pilot-Captain, but I don't think the rules will support it very well - any turn she Captains she can't do fancy piloting.
Starting wealth? 1000c?
Yes!
I read your character fluff. Very nicely done!
Questions?
Game on!
I keep changing my mind about Kip's crunch. Just saw the theme SPACE PIRATE!! Can I have Kip have been part of the pirate's crew, then she gets abandoned or sacrificed or used as bait or something. So she'll have some knowledge of the ship, and an axe to grind with her old crew.
I'm also going to make her a bit higher Int, so she'll be able to do science officer or engineer.
It's been a struggle to find my vision of her, but I think it's coming together. Unless I change my mind tomorrow....
I have total faith on my 'decent' players. :)
I'm sure you'll come u with a great PC. Don't forget too that lots of times, you slowly find your voice as you start playing.
Kip could have been part of the pirate crew but she slowly saw that the crew started doing things 'too evil' for her. She slowly started drifting apart and chose the crew's attempt to kidnap the 'old explorer' as the breaking point. Kip helped thwart the kidnap attempt.
I think this would be good as Kip would not be trusted initially creating some tension in the group.
Questions?
Game on!
Alright. Trying to come back up to speed on Starfinder. Been a LOT of stuff come out since we last played!
John Anderson PLLC is a little too close to Erix for comfort, and we have Thyx, so I am happy to agree pick a new PC.
I'd had a couple of ideas1. Human warrior in love with his own AI. (Mechanic with weapon focused exocortex)
2. SRO R2-D2 analogue cleric-medic who argues theology with Robert, and keeps trying to "fix" broken humans (might be a little too Squeak)
3. Ijtikri playboy hitting 4 years old, about to have a midlife crisis and looking to settle down and have a few thousand kids.
4. Spathiane stowaway that regards the ship as Hive. Probably a spider-swarm analogue.
5. Barathu medic & cook who synthesizes complex compounds internally and finds alien DNA fascinating. Can't understand why humans are so weird about provenance. (again, a bit Squeak)
6. Witchwarper who joined the crew early, died, then turned up ages later - but it is actually the PC from a different reality. Claims to have evidence this is his reality and the PCs are the anomalies. Race is flexible, needs to fit in well. Would claim complex interactions with people in the past that didn't happen. Catchphrase: "Well in the PRIME reality we..." could work well as an add on to one of the others, so long as it doesn't clash with class. Otherwise would default to Wizard, I think.Captain runs off CHA. Classes good with CHA are Envoy, Solaran and Witchwarper. We already have an Envoy. The closest match seems to be number 6 (Witchwarper) or possibly number 2 (SRO deist) if I can work out how to make the Force an actual religion with a guaranteed mythic not-an-ascended-mortal deity, maybe Yog-Sothoth?
I agree Kamiya would make a great "Mal" Reynolds type Pilot-Captain, but I don't think the rules will support it very well - any turn she Captains she can't do fancy piloting.
As I've told Angie, I'm sure whatever you chose will find their voice and be great.
However, I am intrigued with the witchwarper. I was actually going to suggest it to Jussi to see if he wanted to make Robert a withcwarper.
He would also make a good captain as pilot and captain have conflicting actions from a game mechanics point of view.
If you go with 6 then we have:
- Jussi: human technomancer (Engineer);
- Corey: android soldier (gunner and back-up pilot);
- Shari: lashunta envoy (pilot);
- Angie: Ysoki operative (Science Officer).
- Tim: human(?) witchwarper (captain).
Looks pretty good actually.
Thoughts?
Game on!
Some really interesting concepts there ;^)
Need to sort out Robert's starting gear... am I reading things correctly and there STILL isn't any real difference with a Tier 1 and 10 computer (except the difficulty of someone hacking into it)? A computer still doesn't give bonuses to any rolls, or if it does, it's a bonus for having ANY computer at all to do something? Feels wild as ever, considering the massive difference in prices between tech tiers... any would anyone ever buy anything but Tier 1s?
... I read your character fluff. Very nicely done!
Thank you! - just a little more on the history to tie up loose ends and I should be finished
I love Kamiya's background - really good flavour!
Robert the atheist sounds great to!
Okay - so is everyone okay with this;
In this world, X was with everyone else when they got the ship. He made a case to become captain, and there was some general agreement. At their first dock he dodged right when someone shot at him and got hit by a second assassin. Tragically dead the group continued on with various people trying their hand at captaining and a reluctant Kamiya giving up the helm. Yesterday he was walked out of the bathroom in his pyjamas.
In the other world, X was with everyone else when they got the ship. He made a case to become captain, and there was some general agreement. At their first dock he dodged left when someone shot at him, saw and engaged a second assassin and emerged victorious. He remained captain ever since. Yesterday he went to the bathroom in the middle of the night and when he emerged everyone freaked out.
Are there any themes that work well for starship captain?
Okay - so is everyone okay with this;
In this world, X was with everyone else when they got the ship. He made a case to become captain, and there was some general agreement. At their first dock he dodged right when someone shot at him and got hit by a second assassin. Tragically dead the group continued on with various people trying their hand at captaining and a reluctant Kamiya giving up the helm. Yesterday he was walked out of the bathroom in his pyjamas.In the other world, X was with everyone else when they got the ship. He made a case to become captain, and there was some general agreement. At their first dock he dodged left when someone shot at him, saw and engaged a second assassin and emerged victorious. He remained captain ever since. Yesterday he went to the bathroom in the middle of the night and when he emerged everyone freaked out.
Are there any themes that work well for starship captain?
Love it! That's very cool.
I still need to adjust Kamiya's wealth and equipment - I should get to that today. Other than that, I think I rolled her character level back from 3 to 1. I will tweak her background based on what everyone decides regarding how we know each other. It looks like we're leaning towards the Space Pirates thing since Kip jumped ship to our side - which I like - but will go with what works best.
Kamiya looks forward to freaking out appropriately when Harakani's character emerges :)
Okay - so is everyone okay with this;
In this world, X was with everyone els... uctant Kamiya giving up the helm. Yesterday he was walked out of the bathroom in his pyjamas.[/i]In the other world, X was with everyone else... of the night and when he emerged everyone freaked out.[/i]
That's great!
Quick question regarding background skills...do we get 1 background skill points per level or 2?
Also, you guys have mentioned there are more resources for Starfinder this time around than last. Are there more books that I should be trying to take a look at?
Fabian put a link to Nethys's SF side on the campaign info page - that should contain all the resources that exist for the system.
Just recapping some stuff here:
PCs
I know Angie is ready to have her PC checked. Anyone else ready?
------------
GROUP COMING TOGETHER
Robert, Tim's PC, and Kamiya were in attendance to hear 'old explorer' at a conference. Android Cedona was also in attendance. Pirate group was there to kidnap 'old explorer'. Cedona with the help of Robert, Tim's PC, Kamiya, and a 'reformed pirate Kip' thwart the kidnap attack.
Kip takes pirate crew's spaceship and offers it to the newly formed crew (Robert, Tim's PC, and Kamiya). Cedona helps the group to get 'new paperwork' so that starship is now their property.
At one of the first couple of flights, the group finds Thyx which was drifting in space (near Absalom Station). Thyx joins the crew of five.
Later, Tim's PC 'dies' yet emerges from the bathroom later.
Now the crew has hired themselves out to make a supply run to a small colony in Near Space where they also hope to catch up with their friend Cedona.
Sound good?
---------------
STARSHIP
You all start out with a Tier 1 ship. You can design one or you can get one already designed from the books.
I thought it would be nice to have a layout of the starship for RPing.
What are your thoughts on the Sunrise Maiden?
I think we could easily bring her down to a Tier 1.
Thoughts?
-----------
STARTING
Ready?
----------
Quick question regarding background skills...do we get 1 background skill points per level or 2?
I don't think there are any background skills in SF since the game was designed to avoid falling into that trap (thus SF soldiers have more skills than PF fighters).
Also, you guys have mentioned there are more resources for Starfinder this time around than last. Are there more books that I should be trying to take a look at?
See Robert's response and also check your email.
Questions?
Game on!
Some really interesting concepts there ;^)
Need to sort out Robert's starting gear... am I reading things correctly and there STILL isn't any real difference with a Tier 1 and 10 computer (except the difficulty of someone hacking into it)? A computer still doesn't give bonuses to any rolls, or if it does, it's a bonus for having ANY computer at all to do something? Feels wild as ever, considering the massive difference in prices between tech tiers... any would anyone ever buy anything but Tier 1s?
Aside from being more difficult to hack (The base DC to hack a computer is equal to 13 + 4 per tier.):
A computer can have a maximum number of countermeasures equal to its tier.
Computer controlling 'devices': When making its own check, the computer is assumed to have an attack bonus equal to its tier, proficiency with any weapon it controls, and a total skill bonus equal to 2-1/2 × its tier.
Artificial personalities are sophisticated enough that the computer can attempt Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidate, and Sense Motive checks with a total bonus equal to 2 × its tier.
I think that's it...
Questions?
Game on!
Kip's crunch is ready (I'm not at all certain about that CMD thing...seems high), and fluff should be ready later today.
I feel like we have an entire novel of our backstories and assembling the team story!
Can we please RP finding Thyx, and also having Tim come back from the dead? That's too juicy to have just as backstory. If Tim doesn't mind missing the first little bit of gameplay, he can come back from the dead just as we get going?
I have no strong feelings one way or the other about the ship layout. The ship will have a name in Kip's fluff, but I assume we'll pick a new one so we're harder for the pirate crew to track.
Do we save the old explorer guy, and deliver him somewhere safe?
Looking forward to starting!!
Kip's fluff is up, still twiddling around with equipment.
I think Kamiya's crunch is properly rolled back, along with equipment. We had had a background skill last time around which is why I had made that assumption. I re-jiggered her skills to reflect the change.
Let me know if you'd like me to add something to her fluff about meeting Cedona - or if working that out here in discussion is sufficient.
My crunch and fluff feels complete and I'm also happy to start late and be introduced.
I like the layout of Sunrise Maiden
Other Ship name ideas in case we want to change it up:
Accidental Necromancy [... I was saving this for a band name but ;)]
Blackmoon Rising
Vorpal Ranger
Omega Terminus
Vast Marauder
Freaky Frisbee ;)
Revenge (a nod to the dread pirate roberts)
Midnight Company (maybe a good team name - the Midnight Company - company as in the military unit like 'Charlie Company')
Marathon
Silent Messanger