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Once my current PbP game (Lands Above the Mist) wraps up, I'm going to run a playtest of the d20 Halo game I've cooked up.
The game won't start for a while, probably a month or two.
I need five players (my wife wants the sixth spot) who are familar with (or can learn quickly) the d20 Modern rules. Familarity with the Halo games and books is not required, though I'll need at least one "Halo expert" to help with flavor stuff and tweaking the stats.
For those who don't know, Halo is set in 2552 (though this campain will start a few years earlier). Humans are at war with a coalition of alien species called the Covenant.
The characters will be Spartan-IIs, super soldiers trained since childhood and genetically enhanced to be to be warriors.
This is going to be a high powered campain.
Character Creation
- 40 point buy. Spartans are screned for genetic potentail.
- Starting age is 8
- Reduce your physical ability scores (STR, DEX, CON; you still get your full CON bonus to hp) to 1/4 and your mental ability (INT, WIS, CHA) scores to 1/2.
- Your size is small
- Starting level is 1st.
- Everyone has the military occupation. You have been training since you were 6.
- No wealth. The UNSC provides you with everything you need. Your only starting equipment are your fatigues.
We need a character of each base class. My wife will probably want the Fast or Smart.
Here are the party roles needed for the campain:
Strong/Soldier - main damage dealer
Fast/Infiltrator - scout
Tough/Dreadnought - damage sponge
Smart/Technosavant - locksmith/mechanic
Dedicated/Field Medic - healer
Charasmatic/Field Officer - leader
The classes listed above are just suggestions. If you have another class in mind that can perform the same functions, run it by me to make sure it fits the flavor of the campain. There will also be some vehicular combat, so a couple people with the Drive skill wouldn't be a bad thing.
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
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... ARGH! Why did I go and get so many things on my plate?!?
That, and I don't think I have the Modern books.
... ACtually, now that I think of it, I SHOULD be able to... plus, I know that there's a SRD for d20 Modern.
I think I'll take either Fast or Dedicated. Not a huge delver into the backstory of Halo, but if it's anything like the beginning of Universal Soldier...
Spartan 831 reporting for duty.
So LAtM only has a few months to go?
This sounds interesting. Would the game have a similair feel to the star wars game Republic Commando?
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RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
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This sounds interesting. Would the game have a similair feel to the star wars game Republic Commando?Never played Republic Comando, but I heard it was good. This game will start in boot camp and then move up to the front lines, fighting an impossible war against an unstopable enemy.
"Impossible odds? Small chance of survival? ... What are we waiting for?"
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After looking over my wife's character, I'm going to have to tweak the abbility adjustments. So don't start making characters just yet. I'll post here when I've got everything finalized.
Yeah... the Spartans are pretty powerful, but is that because of their stats, their levels, or the Mjolner armor?
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After looking over my wife's character, I'm going to have to tweak the abbility adjustments. So don't start making characters just yet. I'll post here when I've got everything finalized.Yeah... the Spartans are pretty powerful, but is that because of their stats, their levels, or the Mjolner armor?
A combination of the three. They undergo gene therapy and have cybernetic implants to improve their stats. They train for ten years and have five levels when they graduate the Spartan program. The Mijolner gives them enhanced stregth and dexterity, but without the training and the implants, they wouldn't be able to fuction in it.
I've stated up Master Chief as a Strong 5/Soldier 10/Spec-Ops 5.
But what I was talking about above was the abbility adjustments for being children. My wife character deals 1d3-3 points of nonlethal damage with an unarmed strike.
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RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
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After looking over my wife's character, I'm going to have to tweak the abbility adjustments. So don't start making characters just yet. I'll post here when I've got everything finalized.Yeah... the Spartans are pretty powerful, but is that because of their stats, their levels, or the Mjolner armor?A combination of the three. They undergo gene therapy and have cybernetic implants to improve their stats. They train for ten years and have five levels when they graduate the Spartan program. The Mijolner gives them enhanced stregth and dexterity, but without the training and the implants, they wouldn't be able to fuction in it.
I've stated up Master Chief as a Strong 5/Soldier 10/Spec-Ops 5.
But what I was talking about above was the abbility adjustments for being children. My wife character deals 1d3-3 points of nonlethal damage with an unarmed strike.
Oh! So you're not talking about lowering the point buy... cool. I already have stats planned for both my characters.
Well, I'm in. I'll be a Smart hero, if the slot's still open. I'll work on a character as soon as I get the revised creation rules and when I get home.
Oh and it is a very very good game.
On second thought I don't think I'll join. I don't have regular access to the book and I've no knowledge of the setting (plus I'm not sure how much the idea of being a foot soldier in army appeals to me).
Each to their own I suppose.
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I'll be starting this game a bit sooner than expected. The game I'm playing in has kind of stalled and LAtM is slowing down, so it won't hurt to start up this one soon. I just need some players.
Arctaris, all the stuf you need to play is in the d20 Modern SRD. Don't worry about the setting, I'll fill you in on the details you need to know. I hope you change your mind about backing out.
Have enough players yet?
I can't seem to d/l the d20 modern SRD.
That sounds amazingly cool! I would really like to play in this. If the spot isn't taken, I would like to be the Strong/Soldier. Our gaming group did a D20 modern campaign recently, so I am fairly familiar with the feel of the game. Thanks for the SRD reference site!
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So we have:
Kadernis - Tough Hero
Sect - Fast or Dedicated Hero
Kruelaid - ???
Aramil - Strong Hero
Here is the Spartan-II template:
-Gene Therapy Template-
+4 STR, +4 DEX, +2 CON, +2 INT
Enhanced Movement: Spartans speed is 50ft.
Enhance Senses: +5 Spot and Listen
(assume you made the Fort saves for the gene tharapy)
-Cybernetic Implants-
Fortified Skeleton
Initiative Implant
Cyber Network (allows the use of equipment that requires a cybernetic interface)
The game will start at 4th level. Your squad is about to undergo the final test before your graduation from the Spartan program. Starting age is 16. I'll fill in the details and Spartan naming conventions later.
I'm trying to sort the rules out, here.
I have no problem being the brain, though, or a tech-monkey....
It looks pretty simple, I'll keep checkin' in while I'm reading and post questions if I get into any trouble.
Does anyone have suggestions for building a brain for this campaign?
Is there any chance I can swap my STR and INT bonuses?
Is there a "starting occupation"? Military...
Simple weapon proficiency: what are simple weapons?
Which skills are more important? navigating... repairing broken transports?
Any chance a fellow dm could see your covenent stats? Maybe through e-mail if you didn't want your players to see them?
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Here's what I got, with bare bones.
Dedicated
13 14 14 16 17 8
17 18 16 18 17 8 (with template)
17 18 16 18 18 8 (with levels)
Feats
Personal Weap Prof (B)
SVO (heavy wheeled) 1st
Medical Expert 1st
Surgery 2nd
Alertness 3rd
Occ. Skills: Pilot, Navigate
Talents
Healing Knack, Skill Emphasis (Treat Injury)
Field Medic
Medical Specialist +1
Fast
15 18 12 14 8 14
19 22 14 16 8 14 (with template)
19 22 14 16 9 14 (with levels)
Feats
Personal Weap Prof (B)
Stealthy 1st
PBS 1st
Precise Shot 2nd
Confident 3rd
Occ. Skills: Survival, Climb
Talents
Evasion, Uncanny Dodge 1
Gunslinger
Close Combat Shot
Nice Sect. I got the MSRD from WotC no problem.
22 DEX!
I want to try and get a 22 INT out of this and rock the skills. I'll just hide behind you when the meat starts cooking.
I'm just waiting for V's answer.
One more thing, I've never been in a pbp, so this may be a dumb question, do you guys use IMs to keep in touch? Yahoo? MSN?
And BTW, 99% of my exposure to Halo is through Red vs. Blue, and although I am moderately familiar with the game's story, I don't know much about in-game equipment. I'm figuring that being a science fiction fanatic for 25 years might be enough to fake it.... What do you think?
Ooooooh! Can I join? I know the rules substantially well but I've never played halo. I do want to run a fast hero if no one else gets the slot.
Otherwise I'll run a smart hero.(And then after that a charismatic hero)
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Dank, I'd be happy to share my Covenant stats after we playtest them. I'll probably end up posting them on my website. Are you interested in playing? I've still got two spots open.
Character Creation Summary
This isn't in the SRD so I thought I'd post it here.
- Generate ability scores - 32 point buy (the first time I've ever had a player ask to "reduce" the ability scores)
- Choose your class
- Assign ability scores - See Spartan Template
- Select your talent
- Hit points
- Defense
- Speed - Speed is 50ft.
- Initiative
- Base Attack Bonus
- Reputation
- Saving Throws
- Melee Attack Bonus
- Ranged Attack Bonus
- Action Points
- Starting Occupaion - Must be Military
- Select Skills - +5 on Spot and Listen
- Select Feats - Must have Personal Weapons Prof.
Spartan Names
Spartans don't have last names, they have a 3-digit service number. Master Chief's (the main character from the video games) name is John 117. There are several names and numbers that are off limits. I don't have the list in front of me right now, but the ones I remember are: Kelly, Linda, Fred, Sam, and Kurt. I don't remember the service numbers off the top of my head but I'll post them later.
Kruelaid, No you can't swap the ability score bonuses around. We don't usually communicate out side of the boards, but your welcome to e-mail me at Vissigoth@aol.com.
The only feat you have to have is the Personal Weapon Prof. I'll hand out bonus feats for other stuff you need. Mijolnir Armor is powered armor.
Are you waiving the 18+ prerequisite for Military occupation?
You will select the Military occupation feat for us?
There aren't a lot of feats for brains: gearhead, educated, creative, and builder. Maybe having one of these will affect my skill choices somewhat (or maybe not), can you tell me what feats you are awarding? And/or: you know what kind of missions we will run (and the military trains us) so I wonder if you could give me a little hint about what skills the military thinks is useful for a squad techie?
I'm comfy doing it blind and you trust you to give me what I need after I make my skill choices, but If you can tell I would like to know. I'm assuming that my role will be opening doors, field repair, and hacking. Perhaps the leader can handle tactics (?).
Are you waiving the 18+ prerequisite for Military occupation?
Ok, forget I asked... obviously you are.
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Your Occupation feat should be Personal Firearms Prof. Though you could choose another feat for your Occupation and PFP as your human bonus feat or 1st level feat.
Good skills for a Smart Hero:
Computer Use
Craft (electronic, mechanical, structural)
Decipher Script
Demolitions
Disable Divice
Knowledge (tactics, technology)
Repair
Also note that you don't recive the template until 3rd level. Make sure you calculate Skill points and hit points corectly.
Everyone also gets the following bonus feats for free:
Advanced Firearms Proficiency
Armor Proficiency (Light)
Armor Proficiency (Medium)
Armor Proficiency (Heavy)
Armor Proficiency (Powered)
it wouldn't be fair, won't be on for days at a time, work to much, lol
Roger that.
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Generate ability scores - 32 point buy (the first time I've ever had a player ask to "reduce" the ability scores)
Awright, breakin' the mold!
Seriously, though, when you add it all together, those scores are RIDICULOUS. Just looking at my Dedicated model, who isn't QUITE a fighter type...
And my spartan name is... Quagmire 069! Giggidy giggidy gooo!
Kidding. I'm going with Dedicated Hero, so that Hyrax can have Fast.
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RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
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And BTW, 99% of my exposure to Halo is through Red vs. Blue, and although I am moderately familiar with the game's story, I don't know much about in-game equipment. I'm figuring that being a science fiction fanatic for 25 years might be enough to fake it.... What do you think?
Actually, for the Humans, if you know ANYTHING about modern military technology, then you're in pretty good shape. Nearly all of the weapons are just slicker lookin' modern weapons, and the Warthog is a roofless HMMV with good springs and a mounted Mama Deuce.
The Coventnant... yeah.
Oh, by the way, I'm switching my SVO to Aircraft Operation. Warthogs are very similar to HMMVs, and if you've ever driven one, it's just a big truck, therefore it's not even a SVO. The only other ground based Human vehicle is the tank, and I REALLY doubt a medic would be piloting one of those often.
I was thinking the troop carrier as the vehicle I would pilot most often, but is that a helo or a spaceship?
Hmmm 20 INT should be fine...
Muahahahaha
Are there any minimum stat requirements because I was thinking of being a small, skinny gearhead with a low STR.
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RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
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Hmmm 20 INT should be fine...
Muahahahaha
Are there any minimum stat requirements because I was thinking of being a small, skinny gearhead with a low STR.
Then we would be wondering HOW the HELL you became a Spartan.
Anyways, with the gene treatment, minimum looks like 12 STR. Which is above human average.
I haven't seen very many small US Marines.
However, my brother in law is in the Philippines Marine Corps and as a guy who spent most of his life learning how to hurt people, I've gotta say that he and his buddies are some seriously scary little dudes.
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RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
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I haven't seen very many small US Marines.
However, my brother in law is in the Philippines Marine Corps and as a guy who spent most of his life learning how to hurt people, I've gotta say that he and his buddies are some seriously scary little dudes.
I'm sitting right next to a former Marine, current Army Infantryman. He's shorter than I am.
I'm 66 inches tall.
From the looks of the names V listed, I assume females are ok? Unless there are guys named Linda in the Spartans....
"Yup, his name's Linda, ... Lord can he fight."
I'm 66 inches tall.
Is he an... ahem... built like a brick s!&%house as they say?
Yes females are allowed. My character is a female Ginny 831.
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No, I don't think CON bonus to hit points is retroactive. Quote something from the SRD if you think I'm wrong. I'm not a rules lawyer so if I do something blatantly stupid, it's ok to call me an idiot as long as you have a quote from the SRD to back you up.
There are no minimum stat requirements. The Spartans were chosen for brains as well as physical stregth. As long as you have at least some combat capibilities, you'll pass the program.
Linda is the sniper on the Blue Team. You'll be competing against them in the first mission. But yes, females are accepted into the Spartan program.
OK, fast hero it is! I'll have my character made and posted tonight. (if possible.)