Erlich Carnibarr's page

I'm still ready and wanting to play.

I'm cool with sandbox. BUT... A sandbox campaign in a universe where everyone has common, agreed-upon frames of reference for much of the facets of their environment and surroundings in the social, technological and political arenas. If that's an already published or home-brewed, I'm in...

But that has to be the key --- a setting that players & GM have a common base of knowledge of. If you could produce something players could use as a guide to understand the setting better, I think it would go a long way to getting something going.

Yea, I don't think this is playable as-is. I am willing to try a new game, same character under a different set of game-universe parameters that is less wide-open.

EltonJ, if you want to re-configure how the, "universe," will be, and attempt a re-recruitment, I will be ready for the new launch; just PM me.

Talk to us GM...

Clue us in a little here with what's going on with this universe and this campaign.

There is no tension, no sense of unfolding story, adventure or player investment in their PC when we basically have access to almost infinite resources and no limitations on how they are spent.

Do you wish to retcon anything to set some different parameters?

I had no illusions of fighting over our weight. I am sure the GM will curtail availability ("ya got the $$$, it just ain't around") of items to keep things at appropriate challenge levels.

"So... the framework of a plan; solid. Now what? Dream outfit ourselves and the ship?"

Apologies for yesterday - had a late night working, finished around 10PM.
Just got done right now today too... good problems to have.

"I believe we are still outmatched against his resources. With a time machine we could go back anytime we want to that point. An alternative is do deeper research on Dasan history, find out hard data on when and where he first appeared and started his crime spree. We could stop him then before he got to his current level of influence and resources. I think the question here would be, 'what is our motivation?' If we go now, we are outmatched, but have the element of surprise and there is a substantial reward. If we go travel much further back, we have surprise, more even odds resource-wise, but also no reward because he has no notoriety."

"We must also consider, if we go to stop him, what's to prevent others with our same resources or better undoing what we do, or meeting us at that point to kill US to prevent our intervention?"

"I know, layers upon layers... easy to ponder one's self into inaction."

"On the whole, I am not adverse to taking risks. I am prepared to do my part and take whatever actions we agree upon. I have no preference for going after him now or in his youth, I just wanted to state out loud what some us might already be thinking so we can discuss the merits of either choice."

"Harukai. Is that really what you want of life at this point, to hide away from it all and contemplate? I mean no offense, my own perception would be that is supreme selfishness with all the injustice that could be undone at our disposal." Before Harukai can answer, Erlich continues, "I fully realize injustice is also perception. Instead, how about we do research on the greatest minds of each planets histories, mine their thinking and philosophies for what their intellect perceives as the greatest injustices in their times, their histories, and brainstorm a method to undo them? I am sure you have all heard of the butterfly effect?"

Erlich stops and gathers his thoughts, "Changing history has wide ramifications, though also. We just changed the life of the historical winner of the lottery and undid any potential good they might have accomplished with the winnings. We never even thought to research how it would impact them. Think on that for a second."

"I am not for tucking this away and not utilizing it to change things -- While I would want to see if there was a way to prevent the various genocides and destructive nature of magic on the environment on Athas, I also realize changing something so far back could alter the history so much we would never be born or Athas could be at a point of self-destruction as a planet due to a cascade of events we never intended afterwards."

My share of winnings? Don't know if that even matters anymore with what we have here. But I will not go to a personal paradise until I have a sense of accomplishment in my life."

I am in with this, definitely - but also would like some answers to the basic questions I outlined above.

AND one additional; If the GM could outlay the why/how time travel became a common enough form of travel that freighters of any size and availabilty could use it, how did it get so unregulated despite the opportunity for (perceived?) misuse.

I mean - tell me any petty despot/pirate would not already use it over and over to self-enrich to the point of avarice or establish dominance, much less someone not a sociopath but just a little selfish...

"Yea, sorry... to be more specific, I guess - these same spatial reference coordinates relative to the spatial reference coordinates we departed from. Could have put us closer to Athas if requested.

Never played it myself, does cashing in the lottery require redeeming in person, or is it all done through verifications on the 'net?"

"This spot, one year ago..." Erlich brings up the display and takes his time manipulating the commands, double-checking his work, to reach desired time and place.

(Take 10)+7 = 17

If Take 10 not allowed: Computers: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Am I to assume this is a computers check to figure out "past time/place coordinates?" If so, would be best if everyone who had the skill rolled an Aid Another check first to provide Erlich the best possible results. If not... would need some GM prompting to know how to progress from here.

One question that I would consider SUPER IMPORTANT... If this tech is so "common," is it settled science that the universe falls under multiple timeline divergences? Anyone going back creates a new timeline at that point of change?

I'm pretty frikken floored here.

How would we know what is and is not history? How many times any event/person/???? has been altered?

What constitutes, "too much change?" Has anyone quantified and published that so we have something?

I mean, thinking BIG - what about going back to see if the defiling nature of magic in Athas is something that can be countered to prevent Athas from going through the various genocides and becoming the world it became?

"...It just needs the coordinates to fold space in that way..." I have a suspicion that is the key phrase there. But I will wait for the GM.

"...I was taught somewhat about the principles at my former job, but other studies and drills were more.... pressing, let's say. Never really had time to dwell on the concepts or the... down time & opportunity to tinker."

Engineering: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

...and it shows - nothing to offer...

Erlich is actually taken aback by how straightforward and thorough the doctor was, "You've been most helpful and I appreciate your time. Yes, believe it is time we 'grab sky' another job awaits." Erlich takes his leave and hustles with Harukai to our vessel where he explains all that has transpired with his friends, adding, "Evidently, this particular pirate has a serious weakness for gems. The level of pride he exhibits, desire for attractive slaves and what could be an obsession for gems may just be the seeds of a plan for his downfall..."

"Are we loaded and ready?"

"Yes, well, who knows how long we'd be waiting on his departure, or even if a few drinks are part of his routine," Erlich finishes up the questionnaire, "perhaps we'll find out."

He sits and awaits his turn quietly. When called, he goes where escorted and upon meeting the doctor, speaks evenly to the doctor, "You are Doctor Orli, yes? I enquired about payment for your time on this consult, I do not wish to take any of it up without due compensation, but never really received an answer on that. I eventually will be wanting upgrades, but my interests right now lie elsewhere, with a pirate I have heard victimized you... Dasan."

Erlich sits down, remaining calm and at ease in his monologue, "I do not wish to intrude on any privacy, and your tale will be held in complete confidence, so fear not. I belong to a party of freelancers that will be going after Dasan, and we wish to glean as much information about this monster as possible to best prepare ourselves. Could you enlighten me with any observations you made leading up to, and while in his clutches?"

If the doctor does not get specific about certain points, Erlich will gently press for particulars:

"At any point were you able to get a visual on his vessel? Are you at all familiar with the class and is there anything unusual about any modifications that stands out?"

"We appreciate your patience with us, and have just one more question, and will take no more of your time. Ho would you describe his personality? Anything stand out about how he handled himself or his subordinates that could be useful to us? Quirks, tics? Any indication of internal strife among them?"

"I thank you for your assistance and bid you good day, as mentioned, this is all under strict confidence."

Erlich gets up to leave, and glancing at Harukai, asks as they are departing, "Perhaps we could meet after hours and host you for drinks, maybe discuss in a less formal setting, so long as you are comfortable with that."

"Errmm, OK..."

Erlich walks in to the clinic, "I registered for a consult, before it starts, need to know if there is a going rate for the doctor's time? A good friend of mine recommended Doctor Orli. If I need to change appointment time to see him specifically, I'd like to do that now, please."

Assuming I am speaking to some for of reception - in case your rules require it:

Bluff: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

My apologies for yesterday, it was my wife's birthday and my daughter came to visit.

Erlich checked the datapad for the location of Cyber-Doc's location (business preferred), and sends a request for appointment to see what bounces back regarding timing.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

"Got a whole list of survivors -- saving them now. Only two stand out as possible interviews, one right here on station, likely a doctor, the other an animal breeder on Athas. All the rest are hospitalized or out of local transit distance. I'm still looking to stretch my legs a bit and see the station and its residents. You game?"

With no pressing deadline for the fuel run, Erlich spends the next two hours wandering the station, seeing if anything catches his interest, if there are out-of-bound areas, not really focusing on shopping, more on the people and their interactions -- just looking for some flavor for the setting, and potential hooks - if I need to roll a check or two, let me know (not sure if those would be Sense Motive, Perception or Culture...)

When done with the two hour walk, he'll head back in, ready for the next mission.

Erlich listens to Anton and Harukai on the comm before voicing, "The Dasan job is the most lucrative, and arguably the most dangerous due to the size of the bounty. I really don't mind doing other jobs first while still doing research in downtime for possibly taking on the Dasan job at a future point."

He adds as an afterthought, "Unless he's captured or killed before we feel prepared enough for the job."

"We're not on a time crunch for the refined fuels run, are we? I'd still like to check the station out a bit more."

Erlich grins with confidence, "I can certainly try. Let's find a spot away from any traffic." Erlich looks about and walks on until he finds an alcove away from any foot traffic. Plugging his wrist computer into the datapad, he sets multiple anon bounce programs, running a multilayer search across the security network seeking first open content on victims of Dasan and his crew, specifically names and cross-referencing for current locations. If the unclassified search gets nowhere, he sets his efforts to hacking the station security for incident reports and names to cross reference later for locations.

unless there are any circumstance bonuses
Computer check: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

RPG's are a big tent, room for all manner of playing and GM styles. And some are not a good fit. Different strokes and all.

This format is a little difficult for me as well, there is so much we as players have to assume to post content, but I am definitely willing to give this more time to develop -- we're only three pages into the story.

Erlich scratches his stubble, "Post-incident reports and interviews are most likely classified, but it doesn't hurt to check, and if there is a backdoor way to gain the info, maybe we can get it that way.

If not, well, if we could at least identify and contact previous victims - look them up - you think perhaps we discover the graser is all talk?"

Erlich jumped at the chance to see the station, "Harukai -- I'll come with if you don't mind. Close as this place is, I had only been here one other time years ago and had not left the vessel then."

Erlich took a few minutes to gather his things and synch his datapad with the feed from the station and fell in with his crewman, thinking inwardly about the emergency that caused Brazen Mizimu to have to dock early at New Tyr instead of going straight to Raam. ...show trial would have been more drawn out and entertaining, but he wasn't having it; disappearance it is...

Seeing Harukai pause at the poster, he nudged, "Still thinking about going after Dasan? Erlich pondered aloud, "If he's as good as all this, it could earn us quite the rep to bring him down. Open more doors? Anyways, I'm interested in seeing what else might be available farther out." Head down, Erlich checked the feed on his datapad for the New Tyr commodities exchange to see what offers they are publishing as he headed out that direction.

Errrr, I mean Athas' inner atmosphere...

yea, that's it.

Erlich runs through the pre-flight checks, this time for real he tells himself, spools up the navigation settings to code in the path

A computers check to properly navigate with an additional(?) +4 bonus...
Navigate: 1d20 + 7 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 4 = 20

"We're set, Captain, all systems green, course logged in to New Tyr... All buckled in? Tray tables up people, no smoking... 3...2...1... And we're a go..."

The ship shudders slightly and drifts a bit with a gust of wind as it rises. Erlich busies himself with buttons, toggle and switches ensuring proper trim and velocity, switching over to core drive after reaching designated altitude, the ride smooths out once drive acceleration is achieved, heading for Tyr's inner atmosphere...

"Terms and conditions are listed here..." Erlich furrows his brow as something odd catches his eye on the datasite. Well, look a that. Caveats and addendums... Hmmm, guess they've had incidents beyond the normal contracts necessitating those. Interesting. May not exactly be a milk run after all. Captain? Want to read this over? Look sound, some additional requirements, but nothing outside our capability. Key in and execute the contract? That will open up codes and contact details at the station..." He looks up expectantly...

Was not considering sensor's application to weapons. Was thinking about long-range detection, which would be absolute key to engaging Dasan at the longest-range possible. The Sky Fire's build has sub-par sensors at her level, -2.

Something dawns on Erlich, "Conceptually, the plan to engage farther out is a good one. But we have to take into account the limitations of the Sky Fire's sensors." He takes a sip of juice and continues, "I'm sorry, I gave them the once-over, and, well, not impressed. They are severely lacking for just this kind of hunt. Sub-par in both range and sensitivity. Dasan has been successful at what he does because most likely, he hits fast and hard, defeating detection until the Choker is right up in his targets face. My bet is that Dasan uses fairly advanced countermeasures, and more capable sensors than the Sky Fire's have been defeated."

Erlich drains his drink, "Unless... Well, Anton? You have any ideas on upgrading or enhancing the sensors? What would it take? Not saying the plan itself is not doable, just... let's not fall to hubris, if there is a chance to enhance the sensors, we need to do that."

"Gamma-ray lasers? Sounds formidable. Does his M.O. indicate he tends to work small solo raids? Or there any data on a gang, crew, or past cooperation with known factions we should be aware of?

Erlich nods his head approvingly and issues no challenge to the elevation of Chaiaiese to her new position.

Erlich transfers his credits to the pot and joins the party at the tavern, staying mostly silent until the barfight breaks out... jk

Not much for the fizzy drinks, he sticks to distilled juice. Siding up to Haruki as he looks through the datapad, until it dawns on him he has his own, and gives the aesthetic his personal space back to mirror what Haruki is scrolling through.

"I would champion a milk run for our fist time out, test the lady and ensure all is well, but, you know... fortune favors the bold, and you know what, my friend, that is a bold plan with not a whole lot of risk, truth be told. You got my vote. One last thing we need to figure out before we go further," Erlich looks over his new mates seriously, "A ship needs a captain. Figuring out missions by committee and vote is just and appropriate, but before we are faced with a perilous unknown or combat, we need to agree ahead of time who is final arbiter for the good of the ship and crew."

Under SF rules, the captain has their own phase in combat and can influence the rolled-for outcome of other's actions, providing bonuses (or, if the captain fails their check, penalties.)

This being a homebrew universe and sorta sandboxy right now... we need a base of common knowledge we can use regarding orbiting stations (planetary and/or system - between planets orbiting the red sun), how far, or long (in time) a journey to them and the neighboring planets, to what extent the planets in our own system have been explored/colonized/extracted from, interplanetary factions that are known and have conflicts / relationships with one another, etc.

We have the framework you described, and are VERY excited and willing to play, but are working off assumptions. Your homebrew could be blowing our assumptions out of the water in fantastic possibilities that we are not considering because we do not possess the same base of knowledge you do as GM of your universe.

Erlich watched the confrontation from afar, Well, that was unnecessarily tense. Going to need to watch Merrik, quite possibly he is defaulting to reactions he was trained to take from a previous master. Could spell trouble in testy situations...

When he sees the situation resolve and the others come back near the craft, he climbs aboard, falling in step towards the bridge. "Anyone else here trained as a pilot? If not, I possess a fair amount of skill at the job, but I'm perfectly willing to bow out and take engineer duties, just as skilled there, if someone else wants the helm."

He looks about for reactions. Heads to the pilots chair, logs on and starts preflight checklists. If satisfied with the results, he exits the chair and heads to the Engineering station, checking the systems there as well.

Assuming "All the systems check out. I vote let's pay for this lady. As far as jobs - I know nothing hereabouts, all my connections have... well, lets just say they do not advertise for merc's, or they have been severed. Orbiting stations are closer than the next world, and may provide opportunity."

Oblivious to the rhetoric, Erlich absentmindedly mutters "I look forward to long trip. Longer the better in fact."

Finally taking note of the droid what must be some ex-slave, Elrich chuckles to himself, and addresses Merrik, "Um, no. None of us have purchased you." Erich offers his arm in unguarded friendship, "Name is Erlich. Looking to get off planet and discover what impossible and new things are out there. Better than what corporations or government has for us down here."

Erlich will draw him in close, whispering seriously, "You may feel a bit uncomfortable and not knowing exactly what to do with yourself, we'll help until you get your bearings and realize you are you own being now - making your own destiny."

As a player I don't have a whole lot of experience with ship building. We did have a couple combat encounters, and I think SF's methodology approaching that is sound.

I just recall that at our low levels, the fact that we did not have a medbay was like a slooooow TPK due to worsening stacking conditions we had a VERY hard time ultimately shaking. It felt like a hard lesson.

Interested as well, Erlich weighs in, "I am somewhat familiar with the class. Briefed and seen displays, never flown, but eminently a fine choice. Let's give it a once over."

Erlich starts the discussion, "Most commonly available craft in our price range do not have the engines, shields and armaments we would desire, but do have the basics which we need. It is asking too much with the funds available, but as soon as we can afford it, it is vital to add or convert a portion to a proper Medbay. If we are venturing out, we need a well stocked recovery unit - unexpected dangers, you know."

Stel Ur Draxa She really is a squat and ungainly thing. Still, one of the Diplomatic Corps most reliable vessels. This would be it. First time out of atmosphere. First time off planet. A distant sandstorm still raged far to the east of Ur Draxa, slowly heading south, not towards the city. Another two months the first of the season will come raging through here. Not going to miss those.

He glanced about on the launch deck absently as workers scurried at the tasks prepping the vessel. Still early. Two more hours. The entourage hasn’t even reached the ‘drome. Initial preflight in an hour, plenty of time to settle in before that. squinting at the storm one last time, Erlich shuddered to shake his dusty flightsuit, shouldered his bag and left the hatchway, out into the heat and briskly boarding his new home for the next two cycles.

That’s it, right there… Keying the wristcomp quickly, Erlich bypassed the protocols, tensing as he breached one, then another… no… four firewalls now without executing their countermeasures. Almost there. Got it a corner of his mouth upturned as he exhaled slowly, downloading the data and implanting a custom no-trace auto-execute he toyed with in his off time before backing out of the Corp’s testing program and unjacking from the terminal.

”Very nice, Mr. Carnibarr. This makes the final pass, does it not?” The proctor looked over her datapad, noting details and keying a mark, “Physical, Psychological, Fieldcraft, Pilot Training, and now, ‘The Final Hack,’”

Erlich startled a bit at the last, nervously eyeing the exam proctor. ”Yes, I know. We all do. Vulgar idiom you recruits use, but accurate. You’ve made excellent progress the last two years, not our best, but definite potential. I’ve forwarded your marks to Corps Operations. They will assign you. It’s up to them, and you, now. Athas needs operatives like you to even the playing field for us in this galaxy.

Erlich arose, again startled. It as the first time he was called anything but “recruit.” He tensed and reciting by rote, ”Yes Ma’am, I will do my best, make the Corps and Athas proud.” Dismissed, he exited the testing chamber, taking his longcoat and adjusting his belt for comfort. Lessee, Operations, sub-basement 2, as if on cue, his wrist comp chimed a notice to report within the hour. Wonder what they have for me…

Very cool - congrats, all!

Mardaddy
I've got the basics for Erlich, Piloting and corporate espionage his specialty.

Just need to know where we are going regarding starting wealth/equipment so I can adjust.

As mentioned, only been involved in one SF game to date, so if I have mis-stepped creation-wise, let me know.