Any interest in a "Scum and Villainy" game, set in the Rebellion era?
We'll need an enterprising captain, a starship (most likely with a dubious history), and a suitably sketchy crew.
For the back end of this, I have: SW Saga Edition rulebook, Scum and Villainy, Starships of the Galaxy, plus assorted other books (the d20 Rebellion Era Sourcebook (SW d20 1st e), a bunch of d20 SW:RSE books, d6 Star Wars 1e rules, d6 Star Wars Imperial & Rebel Alliance Sourcebooks).
I also have an extremely simplistic quant model behind the market economy for the sector of space we'll play in. If you want to haul cargo & play the (black) market, then hopefully this game will meet your expectations. For characters with suitable Knowledge, you can request charts & simple Excel data for goods you might be pushing around space. (It's not fancy stuff by any means, but some people like charts.)
If you really want to serve the Rebel Alliance, provisions will be made to accommodate you. The Empire will mostly be a thorn in your side, with various blockades & taxes/fees & import/export restrictions to get around. The Hutts will serve as a third faction within the Sector, and the captain may begin the game with a price on his head (in exchange for more "stuff" for the starship).
Time frame? Roughly after Yavin, but the specific details regarding the original movies aren't intended to be affected by anything in this game. The Sector will be rim-ward/fringe space... the new Moff has recently re-imposed Imperial order (which has had a positive effect on the market), but several systems are in dispute, and the most rim-ward worlds are largely run by the Hutts.
Further details regarding character creation will follow. I'm mostly interested in hearing ideas and concepts for characters, and what you'd like out of this sort of thing.
Heh, you know, it might be fun to be on the "other side of the screen" while I'm running my Saga pbp here.
I don't want to be the captain though. I'd like to be the "face," maybe a Falleen noble, if its okay?
I could be interested...
I got a character all worked up for a SW Saga game here, but nothing seems to be happening, so if you don't mind, I might just like to use the same character: check her out here.
Basically, aquatic near-Human to cover the "Outlaw Tech" role. Has goals of her own (see Background spoiler), but don't necessarily need to be the focus of the game if other stuff comes up. Doesn't need to own a ship, happy to make money off her skills without loan sharks breathing down her neck. As worked up, has proficiency in Starship Weapons, though I may switch a few things around, such as getting Knowledge:Galactic Lore and Gather Info (possibly thru a Talent allowing Use Computer in lieu of). She was basically designed to fit a "Scum & Villainy" type campaign from the get-go, so should fit right in.
For all interested... I'm looking at 4-6 characters (probably closer to 6 in order to deal with the inevitable attrition).
Selection will be done based mainly on character concept "best fit" and player interest in this type of game - running a trading/smuggling ship on the fringe is certainly not for every Star Wars player. If there are several good concepts, then we'll go to random selection for the tie-breaker.
We'll need a Captain and Co-pilot, minimally, but details beyond that are up to you. It's a more human-centric period in Star Wars, but the rimward parts of the galaxy are certainly less human-dominated.
This is more like the d6 Star Wars types of games we used to play (less Luke Skywalker, more Han Solo). Other inspirations might be the TV series "Firefly". That's what I'm aiming for.
"Jedi Combat Master" isn't necessarily in that game concept in my mind... but if you have a great explanation of why a Jedi is wandering around with scoundrels on the fringes of civilized space during the Rebellion Era, I will certainly listen.
Heh, you know, it might be fun to be on the "other side of the screen" while I'm running my Saga pbp here.
I don't want to be the captain though. I'd like to be the "face," maybe a Falleen noble, if its okay?
The "face" role would be quite important, and not necessarily done best by the ship's captain... not in every situation, anyway.
Falleen Noble sounds fine as the basic concept. The only issue would be the treatment of non-humans by the Empire... but in those situations, the group probably wouldn't want to sit around and chat.
I'd ask for more details, but they're probably more dependent on group composition since your character & his/her captain will need a solid working relationship.
I could be interested...
I got a character all worked up for a SW Saga game here, but nothing seems to be happening, so if you don't mind, I might just like to use the same character: check her out here.
Sounds like she'd fit in here just fine. The ship would need someone to work on it, and she certainly could accomplish that as purely a "group role" issue. She may also have "non-human" issues when dealing with Imperials and Imperial-leaning worlds, but it's less of an issue for a more technical character.
I have Coruscant and the Core Worlds in my pile of books, so I'll check that out for some ideas... although this is certainly not a core world type of environment. If everything sorts out & she is part of the crew for this game, then I'd probably ask for some story idea/plot hook regarding why your character specifically has come to make a living in this fringe sector.
|
Too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, too busy, I want too but I'm too busy.
|
|
I'm interested in joining. I'd like to play a Duros ship captian formerly a Rebellion pilot. I figure after the destruction of the Death Star when the Empire began cracking down harder he lost faith that the Rebellion could win so he slipped away with a ship to lose himself along the fringe. I picture he would have an Imperial bounty on his head so he avoids Imperial space as much as possible although for a REALLY lucrative job, he'll risk it. Figure he's a bit of a sarcastic pessimist who only really cares about his ship and those who calls "family" whether they are related or not.
Sounds like she'd fit in here just fine. The ship would need someone to work on it, and she certainly could accomplish that as purely a "group role" issue. She may also have "non-human" issues when dealing with Imperials and Imperial-leaning worlds, but it's less of an issue for a more technical character.
I have Coruscant and the Core Worlds in my pile of books, so I'll check that out for some ideas... although this is certainly not a core world type of environment. If everything sorts out & she is part of the crew for this game, then I'd probably ask for some story idea/plot hook regarding why your character specifically has come to make a living in this fringe sector.
Great.
re: anti-Alien prejudice, she's more of a 'modified' Human (C&CW mentioned 'evolution', but other sources I saw mentioned 'gene splicing', which would be more my interpretation for how humans got gills). So while I expect the biggest Human supremacists would certainly give me some attitude, Imperials would realistically be alot more comfortable around me than say, Wookies or Duros.In the game I had thought I was starting, we were starting on Coruscant for some reason, but she had essentially just arrived there FROM outer/mid rim doing "grey" technical work... So the only thing I should need to change would be switching out Yuzhan Vong references to ones more appropriate to Rebellion era events.
BTW, are you familiar with the Squib? They're mentioned in her b/g and she speaks their language. They seem to fit right in to this sort of campaign, but I wanted to make sure you're familiar with them, otherwise it's a waste of character b/g. (Otherwise, I think my c-sheet is very clear, but let me know when you have time to check it out)
As for time frame, probably next weekend to wrap up character selection (if not character generation). More details regarding character generation to come as more character concepts are discussed & finalized.
If you are interested in doing so, you can check out Zhil'tan's background and personality in this profile.
And if you want to go with another character generation method other than the standard point buy, I can revise him. I just wanted to have a sketch ready (which is why I didn't fill out his equipment yet either).
I'll check him out.
As for character stat generation, I was thinking about other methods than those described in the books. I'm not necessarily wanting the plug-and-play type of character that you get out of a point buy system that is maximized for role X.
I'm looking for fringe-y, edge-of-space situations where the ideal solution isn't the first one you'll get... where you have to deal with Star Destroyer-sized problems with a snub fighter's amount of positives on your side, plus a lot of spunk & a cowboy/frontiersman's grit.
BTW, are you familiar with the Squib? They're mentioned in her b/g and she speaks their language. They seem to fit right in to this sort of campaign, but I wanted to make sure you're familiar with them, otherwise it's a waste of character b/g.
I'll check out the Squib. I'd rather use background areas that you are interested in, or find a use for them, instead of imposing just my own vision here.
The party should be integrated with each other, and I'll do my best to fit the game universe into your own individual visions as well. That being said, Star Wars is more of the backdrop for this game - I think it's a scoundrel/trader/smuggler game set in the Star Wars universe rather than a Star Wars game with smugglers.
As far as my character is concerned, if need be he can easily be human. Just was looking at Duros originally as a pilot. I'm flexible on the race part though.
As pointed out in Quandary/Ulula's post, the "Cosmic Menagerie" is kind of an issue... & I'm looking for a group of players with characters that make sense as a crew. Again, I'm not looking for "Pilot = Duro", "Face = Falleen".
If your character is the captain, he or she doesn't have to be the best captain. He/she just has to make it work, and get the ship & crew through its trials in one piece. I'm looking for a captain who can keep a rag tag ship together, not the one that's going to blow away all my piloting skill checks.
i.e. Han Solo isn't necessarily the best pilot, and his ship is a hunk of junk, and he doesn't always say the right things, but somehow he is able to be a successful light freighter captain on the fringes of space. Same goes for Malcolm Reynolds on the Firefly.
Honestly, the more I look at this, the more I'm probably getting ahead of myself. I think I'm going to back out for now and leave you room for some other players so I'm not taking up a spot that I can't contribute to as well as I'd like.
Honestly, the more I look at this, the more I'm probably getting ahead of myself. I think I'm going to back out for now and leave you room for some other players so I'm not taking up a spot that I can't contribute to as well as I'd like.
Not a problem, and I appreciate the honesty. As you know, Gamemastering itself is a full-time occupation, and spreading yourself too thin over too many things is a dangerous thing with pbp.
For my take on it, I think we SHOULD have non-Humans, just not more than half the group, and it should be ALL about role-playing dynamics, i.e. you would choose the Species even if stats were exact same as Human, not because of good stats/abilities - though that doesn't mean Species stereotypes can't be part of your character concept.
...So if you really like the idea of a Duro character, I think that's great and can work: Maybe just work over the back-story some more specifically with this sort of campaign in mind. BTW, my character (Ulula) also speaks Duro, so that would be synergetic already.
My take on Duros is they seem so integrated with Human Galactic society, especially in Corellian Space, that the Empire's racist zeal is doubly insulting and hampering. I think your typical encounter with racist Imperial types would be more along the lines of casual condescension and exclusion of priviledges ("Humans only" signs, needing to pay bribes Humans don't, being more prone to police brutality), than being out-and-out a 'hostile target' like Wookies would be. Outside Imperial space in the Outer Rim, there's probably more Duros than average, just because they don't face as much hostility there, yet are more intimately familiar with Human culture than some exotic Alien Species would be.
My only issue with a Duro Captain is that Duro player characters tend to be amazing Spacer-types, and you almost force a Co-Pilot into a corner in terms of the piloting & space-ly duties if you build your character a certain way.
To say it in another way, the Duro rules are almost too perfect a fit for a pilot... so if Duro is the choice, then I reckon I'd look more kindly on the "Renaissance Scoundrel" version of a Duro Captain (like Mal Reynolds) versus the Duro archetype (more like Wash, who can fly the Firefly in/out of anything).
Bottom line: definitely give me & your fellow players some reasons to want to play with your character.
As said, I'm not looking for the best of the best of the best, slumming it out on the fringes. Best dang Duro pilot in the galaxy? Maybe for a Death Star-busting Rebellion campaign, but not really for this one. I'm looking for scoundrels, scum, and outcasts who have been pushed out to the margins of society.
And for that, then I'd echo what Quandary said, and say that a non-human element to the crew is necessary... as is a human element as well. I guess I'd like to see a group of characters who aren't the "best and brightest", and more like "gritty and capable in a tough universe".
Figuring out what PCs might be playing is probably the main thing,
but I had a few questions, like how you run Knowledge skills:
They can be more or less important depending on the GM.
Do you prefer to roll Knowledge checks for everybody in a passive way, generally?
Also, some of them, like Galactic Lore/Social Sciences, seem to have alot of overlap in the answers they give (if you look at the Knowledge checks for various planets/species, for instance). I wouldn't mind having Jedi/Force Lore be it's own Knowledge skill and the similar usages of Galactic Lore/Social Sciences combined, if that makes sense.
If we're out on the Rim and away from 'familiar' events/locales from the movies, players can't accidentally use ooc-knowledge as much, which makes Knowledge Skills more valuable, but if they aren't really important in-game, it's better to have other skills, even from a RP-ing / NON-Number Monkey perspective.
...But if it looks like a solid group is forming, I'll update Ulula - certainly reducing her stats, which were done with 36 point-buy.
(I think point-buy w/ lower numbers and discouraging narrowly-focused min-maxing is a good balanced approach... maybe offer people an incentive like an extra (flavor appropriate, not minmax) Talent if they use an extra-low point-buy...?)
Figuring out what PCs might be playing is probably the main thing,
but I had a few questions, like how you run Knowledge skills:They can be more or less important depending on the GM.
Do you prefer to roll Knowledge checks for everybody in a passive way, generally?(I think point-buy w/ lower numbers and discouraging narrowly-focused min-maxing is a good balanced approach... maybe offer people an incentive like an extra (flavor appropriate, not minmax) Talent if they use an extra-low point-buy...?)
As you say, this will be a non-standard part of the Star Wars universe. I have bits and pieces for a Sector-sized chunk of space (containing at least 125 inhabited worlds). I will post some of that here to help with character concepts.
As for Knowledge checks (and their cousins in the search/perception/notice type rolls), I like to run them so that they don't intrude in the narrative :) The passive style is a good way (if you trust your GM not to fudge too many rolls), and I also don't mind embedding Spoiler tags with call outs for those who pass certain checks (i.e. you roll it on your own & click the Spoiler tag that fits your result).
As for dice rolling, I don't mind online dice rolls, but I prefer to trust you all & do away with the book-keeping... so unless some severely untrustworthy player comes along, I'll say you roll everything yourself (with actual real dice if you like) and tell me what happens.
Regarding character creation..
I do like handing out "talents" or other goodies to characters in lieu of other rewards for good design.
I also don't mind high stats, per se, but I also like non-standard characters (such as the pacifistic "Doctor" character who happens to be a hulking mound of muscles & brute strength)... which is something that a random die roll/assign to stats in order system can do. Random dice can also punish "unfairly", so I will think about it some more as player come aboard & decide what they like.
Some combination (more unofficial rewards for those that the Dice Gods have frowned upon) may be my chosen path, but that is something that can be discussed.
Is there room for a Jedi?
There is room for any character with a reasonable explanation for why they are part of this group. I didn't rule out Jedi, and Jedi are even a part of the old d6 Star Wars.
To continue along the lines d6 Jedi archetypes, the "Jedi" concept in the Fringe, in this game, has a different context than the Clone Wars or Knights of the Old Republic settings.
As we know from the movies, due to the passage of time, an accomplished Clone Wars general like Obi Wan is just not the same in the Rebellion era as he was during the Clone Wars, and open training of Jedi simply does not exist... but there are many other ways to conceptualize Jedi - just give me a reason to say, "Yes". That's what I'm looking for here.
As you say, this will be a non-standard part of the Star Wars universe. I have bits and pieces for a Sector-sized chunk of space (containing at least 125 inhabited worlds). I will post some of that here to help with character concepts.
Juiblex Sector, ~150 inhabited worlds
Currently controlled by the Empire, under Moff Karl Vensell. Moff Vensell's seat of power is on the planet Sagma, a human-dominated world with strong support for the Empire.Moff Vensell has at his disposal the might of an entire Sector battlegroup under Admiral Johan Bevven. While there are some older Victory Star Destroyers & one Venator-class Star Destroyer under this command, the backbone of Admiral Bevven's fleet is a trio of Imperial-class Star Destroyers (and accompanying squadrons), currently blockading the former Sector capital, at the Dauz system.
In the days of the Republic, the Sector was previously represented by Senator Noron Avalt of Dauz. Senator Avalt is of the Duro race, and the Juiblex sector is heavily populated by former Duro explorers and colonists (occ: in a nod to the player interest in Duro characters). The Senator is currently in exile & has reportedly joined the Rebel Alliance after the orbital bombardment/invasion of Dauz during Moff Vensell's subjugation campaign ~7 months ago, which marked the beginning of Moff Vensell's rule.
Human colonists represent the next largest intelligent species in the sector. Also of note are the native Juiblexians, who might more accurately be described as a collection of closely related subspecies of reptilian beings, all of whom exist in extremely primitive hunter-gatherer societies. How these Juiblexians were scattered across the numerous worlds in the Sector is unknown.
However, of more interest to Imperial scientists is the regenerative properties of the slime produced by Juiblexian sweat glands. This slime can be refined to make an effective replacement for Bacta known as Synthene (while not as effective as Bacta treatments, Synthene is far more cost-effective for a Fringe Sector). However, it is expensive to produce in quantity, difficult to transport due to its short shelf-life (and the Imperial monopoly on Bacta), but extremely valuable within the Sector due to the high cost of importing Bacta.
There are 6 separate subsectors within the Sector.
Fesser, the most rim-ward subsector, is mostly dominated by the Hutts. Moff Vensell has shown little interest in bringing this section of space under complete Imperial control.
Dauz, the most core-ward subsector, includes the Sagma system, and is dominated by the Empire.
Dauz's neighbors, the Kaurone & Waatis subsectors, are solidly under Imperial control.
The Forlonis subsector continues to experience a high degree of Rebel activity, and therefore also has the highest degree of Imperial activity (in the form of troops, naval groups, blockades, and the like).
The game will begin in the Goffle subsector, which is mostly peaceful. Both the Empire and the Rebel Alliance have a low level of involvement in subsector events as of the current period. The threat of piracy is perhaps the greatest threat to independent freighters due to the more limited number of Imperial ships operating in the subsector.
Details on the Goffle subsector to follow (as I make them up ;)
(EDIT: The Squibs will show up here)
Nice. BTW, I'm very down with D6 heritage, as I thought that was a great game/system, that encouraged spontaneity with the simple/"flat" rule-set. (I think it's only 'problem' was that Force Powers weren't really inteded to be balanced against normal Skills, which is fine, but contra to the 'equal options' RPG mentality)
Question: What sort of aquatic worlds/ species exist in the sector?
RPG Superstar 2010 Top 16, 2011 Top 32
|
I'd like to try out a concept: a quarter-trained Jedi for whom the Force manifests as a natural affinity for piloting. He's not got the usual Jedi mindset and has always lived on the Fringe, so he has no problem working for a smuggler. Or three...
Jerrn Dashel
Destiny 1 Force Points 5 Dark Side 0
Medium Human Jedi 1
Init +5; Perception +4
Languages Basic, Durese (understand only)
–––––––––––––––––––––––––
Defenses Reflex 12, Will 11, Fortitude 13
Hit Points 31; Threshold 13
–––––––––––––––––––––––––
Spd 6 squares
Melee Lightsaber +3 (2d8+2) or (2d8+4 if two-handed grip)
Ranged
Base Attack +1; Grapple +3
–––––––––––––––––––––––––
Abilities STR 14 DEX 10 CON 12 INT 13 WIS 8 CHA 15
Talents Force Pilot
Feats Force Sensitivity, Weapon Prof (Lightsabers), Weapon Prof (simple weapons), Vehicular Combat, Skill Focus: Use the Force
Skills Initiative +5, Mechanics +6, Perception +4, Use the Force +12
Possessions Lightsaber (green), utility belt (500 cr), spacer clothes, concealable holster (50 cr), credit chip w/ 550 cr (100 cr)
–––––––––––––––––––––––––
Experience 0
–––––––––––––––––––––––––
Appearance. Jerrn is a bulky lad of 20 years. He’s sullen, prone to sulking, and doesn’t seem particularly graceful. But behind the throttle of any ship he’s a natural, able to make maneuvers seem easy that pilots twice his age couldn’t pull off. Behind the throttle he comes alive, becoming animated, cocky and personable. However, it disappears once he’s moved away from the cockpit…
Background Jerrn is a spacer by birth, born to parents who were crew on a transport. When he was 10, an old man came onboard as a passenger and Jerrn found himself drawn to him. The old man, a Jedi Master named Gerrold Lars, sensed the potential for the force in Jerrn and attempted to teach him as much as he could. Unfortunately he became one with the force before he could impart too much knowledge, but did pass along his Lightsaber. Jerrn practices with it in private, and keeps it hidden the rest of the time, knowing what it means to be caught with one. Now Jerrn drifts from ship to ship, only truly coming alive when he’s piloting.
Nice. BTW, I'm very down with D6 heritage, as I thought that was a great game/system, that encouraged spontaneity with the simple/"flat" rule-set. (I think it's only 'problem' was that Force Powers weren't really inteded to be balanced against normal Skills, which is fine, but contra to the 'equal options' RPG mentality)
Question: What sort of aquatic worlds/ species exist in the sector?
I know we enjoyed using d6 back in the day... I have no surviving notes from that era, seeing how a lot of stuff was just made up as we went along :)
I will be sure to include aquatic worlds. As for aquatic species, there will inevitably be Mon Cal & Quarren, since they are kind of iconic. Beyond that, I don't know... it'll be Human & Duro underwater colonies, maybe.
Maybe I'll break out the Selkath since I have the KotOR rulebook (maybe the Selkath have got one colony of exiles out in this sector).
I'd like to try out a concept: a quarter-trained Jedi for whom the Force manifests as a natural affinity for piloting. He's not got the usual Jedi mindset and has always lived on the Fringe, so he has no problem working for a smuggler. Or three...
Not a bad concept for including Jedi... sort of like the Minor Jedi archetype from 1e d6 Star Wars. I think I need more dirt under the fingernails & meat on the bones of the concept... the relative context of other player characters should help with that.
Also, here's an idea or two from the d6 Minor Jedi archetype...
Maybe Jerrn's Master was actually hunted down & killed, and Jerrn is also officially on "the list" for Inquisitors to track down.
Or, Jerrn's Master was such an insignificant Jedi that he simply passed & wasn't actively hunted, even if he was on the Jedi lists.
Similarly, the question should be whether or not the Imperial Inquisition is actively seeking out Jerrn or not (most likely "Not", but Jerrn can't know for certain).
The d6 archetype mentions that sometimes it might be better to be actively hunted down by the likes of Darth Vader because it's a validation of Jerrn's status as a Jedi, and thus Jerrn must be dangerous and/or important. To be simply ignored as a minor Jedi means that the Empire has complete contempt for Jerrn's ability & potential.
Being a Jedi in this Era is also to be a symbol of something... resistance against the Emperor, the persistence of civility even in less civilized times, and perhaps other things. What does being a Jedi mean to Jerrn?
Sounds good. Not that the aquatic stuff has to be emphasized all the time... Having sections of orbital stations/ cities designed primarily for aquatics can also work, leaving a 'dry' section very nearby so it doesn't need to feel like an underwater CAMPAIGN for everybody else.
About the Selkath, they're wierdly linked to another Bacta-replacement, right?... You could even transplant their home planet into this sector if you want to be the Bacta-alternative, but it sounds like you have something groovy planned for the Jubilexians. Another amphibious species that might be cool is the Balinak...?
Speaking of Jubilexians... if a prospective player is reading this, a cool character type could be a Human Xenoarchaeologist (Noble/Scout Class?) who was studying the different Jubilexians across the sector (maybe with a hunch about their lost history/how they were spread amongst the stars), who ends up travelling with a bunch of scoundrels when their research program is shut down by the Empire as politically suspicious in the atmosphere of Human supremacy.
Sounds good. Not that the aquatic stuff has to be emphasized all the time...
I try to integrate everyone's ideas as best I can. Everyone's got an interest, and everyone should have a time to shine, IMO. I aim to please, although I also don't aim to create a game for every player. This game has a narrow appeal, I think, but I am flexible within that narrow window.
About the Selkath, they're wierdly linked to another Bacta-replacement, right?...
Yes, the kolto... I have ideas for an Old Republic game, so the Bacta replacement is a spill-over idea, I think. Bacta replacements give the ship another thing to trade or smuggle, anyway.
it sounds like you have something groovy planned for the Jubilexians.
Yeah, the Juiblexians are just a potential plot hook. Either someone wants to explore it or not - no big deal. There's no defined end to this game, but the native Juiblexians can provide one. At the moment, they are just sauce for the goose.
Since it's a trading, smuggling, exploring, fringe game, I'm spending some time to figure out options for the characters to go TO, not just describing where they are.
Some common trade routes & smuggling routes will be part of some characters' initial information, and there's also the cantinas to pick up info from other freighter captains, and the like.
Anymore sentients ready to brave the stars?,
maybe even not quite so ready but escaping planetary law enforcement has it's own charms?
Ready to pull the scam of the light-year, but need a gang of miscreants to carry it out?
Screwed over by the sector crime-lord one to many times, and think YOU'RE ready for the title of Mr. Big?
Come on, then!
Just to add more info...
The player characters will be the crew of an "independent freighter", operating on the fringes of civilized space, as stated.
Whoever plays the Captain will define the ship - naming the ship, outfitting the ship, etc.... and the Captain will also bear the costs associated with the ship (I can provide a nonheroic accounting droid to assist as necessary), from crew shares of pay/spoils, to hyperdrive maintenance, and so on.
Funds for the ship will come from a loan from the Hutts at an appropriate rate of interest (want more stuff for the ship at the beginning? borrow more from the Hutts). In addition to the expected monthly interest/tribute payments, the Hutts also occasionally expect some assistance in moving cargo for them (i.e. when the Gamemaster needs to kick start the group, I will create a new "request" from the Hutts. However, I don't intend to do this often).
The initial request from the Hutts involves the delivery of a cargo of droid parts "of dubious origin" plus several dozen crates of Merr-Sonn DEMP Carbines to the planet Ua'keem. (The crates of DEMP Carbines are supposedly "Imperial surplus", but it is suggested that the Captain avoid un-necessary Imperial entanglements prior to delivery)
Ua'keem is a massive junkyard of a planet, the dumping ground for all manner of droid parts, and home to Sanforr Recycled Droids (a subsidiary of SMUGTEK). The Sanforr droidsmiths are adept at recycling old droid parts into new robotic creations. Unfortunately for the Sanforrs, a pair of rogue recycled droids have shed their restraining bolts and staged a large & potentially dangerous droid uprising. Thus the need for a shipment of ion weaponry.
After that, the ship is yours... but do let me know your interests.
Anyway, we'll run recruiting for another week. If it doesn't work out, maybe we'll move to the Wizards boards.
I am interested if there is still space.
Not really quite sure whats left on the table for the crew though.
I am pretty much willing to take any role.
I have a couple of ideas.....
...maybe for a non-human: a nautalan that has had a few of his tentacles snipped or shortened for failing to pay the hutts on time, or a droid that specializes in area or two but is a few bolts short of the complete... "Captain, if we reduce the ships temperature by 30 to 40 degrees Celcius the crew will enter a catatonic state saving you approximately 1000 credits a day in food and drastically reducing their willpower and restlessness thus driving down the likelihood of mutiny by 521.3 percent." "WHAT?!" "just vocabulating...."
Still working on a human concept
Just let me know.
I am interested if there is still space.
Not really quite sure whats left on the table for the crew though.
I am pretty much willing to take any role.
I have a couple of ideas.....
...maybe for a non-human: a nautalan that has had a few of his tentacles snipped or shortened for failing to pay the hutts on time, or a droid that specializes in area or two but is a few bolts short of the complete... "Captain, if we reduce the ships temperature by 30 to 40 degrees Celcius the crew will enter a catatonic state saving you approximately 1000 credits a day in food and drastically reducing their willpower and restlessness thus driving down the likelihood of mutiny by 521.3 percent." "WHAT?!" "just vocabulating...."Still working on a human concept
Just let me know.
There's not a lot off the table at this point. Quandary has shown a good character for the mechanic/engineer role (prior to knowing the other player characters, anyway). I'm more interested in hearing your ideas prior to digging through your character sheets.
As far as droids go, a droid can work. I did intend to include a nonheroic droid crewmember as an optional NPC (it can be switched on & off as needed), and also as a safety valve in case any player character "achieves an early ending" in our time together... but a heroic droid may work, depending on the overall vision. Non-humans are also not outlawed by any means... but I'd encourage a concept that goes beyond rule-based choices & metagaming choices.
Who is your character? This is what I'd like to know.
What does your character do on the ship? What does your character want from this service?
As far as droids go, a droid can work. I did intend to include a nonheroic droid crewmember as an optional NPC (it can be switched on & off as needed), and also as a safety valve in case any player character "achieves an early ending" in our time together..
Here's my Droid (for occasional use only). If a player character dies, is captured, or you might actually NEED the Droid to help you (and may the gods help you if that's the case), then he's available as a backup Nonheroic character on the ship.
Something-3PO
Nonheroic Droid
Something-3PO is an old, cantankerous protocol droid of the infamous "SyntheTec 3z898 heuristic" production series. These droids have notoriously foul motivators, along with very poorly capacitized inhibitors, leading to wide-ranging aberrant behaviors amongst these protocol droids - including swearing, insulting language, and occasional weapon use. Most of the 3z898 heuristic line has been scrapped or cannibalized for useful repair parts.
Something-3PO does not object to being deactivated, especially amongst the company of the mangy band of scoundrels in the Droid's present circumstances.
When asked for his full designation, Something-3PO typically "blinks" its visual sensors in contempt, perhaps uttering, "What's it to you, meatbag?" To date, no one aboard the ship has been able to determine Something-3PO's true designation... the Droid's real name is something of a mystery, as is his original owner.
As for why he's part of the ship's manifest, we can explain that in a "flashback" sequence when we tell the story about how the ship came into the Captain's possession... but that's a story for another time.
I'd post NPC concepts here (whom your characters can know, call on for Contacts, fight as enemies), but I don't want to steal the thunder too much.
If it illustrates more of the game world, I will.
At minimum, I can introduce the definite antagonists and the characters that are the type that you are unlikely to play... Such as Courga Fett, the Illustrious Foofa, and so on.
as seen in the prior NPC description (Something-3PO), I'd like to know what your character doesn't know about himself/herself. What is the "dark mystery" behind your character? What does she or he run from, or what might your character be hinding?
Your ideas also fuel this game.
|
Hello there!
Just wanted to throw my name in the hat if there's any room left in it.
I'm not positive concept wise, i'd be willing to fill whatever roles are available. I wouldn't mind being the captain-if no one else wants to be.
EDIT: Looking back at the posts, i see that The captain role is filled, but I'd be happy to fill any of them, as previously mentioned.
Hello there!
Just wanted to throw my name in the hat if there's any room left in it.
EDIT: Looking back at the posts, i see that The captain role is filled, but I'd be happy to fill any of them, as previously mentioned.
An expression of interest is not the same as filling a role. There have been many passing statements here, but thankfully, there are few stat sheets.
I'm looking for characters first. Sorry if that sounds snobbish, but I'm not really that sorry.
Either the game works well because you interest me as gamers & I interest you, or it doesn't.
Is that a rather rude way to put it? Probably, but I don't want to waste your time.
If I am prickly now, we can be less prickly later when already weak interest levels begin to wane. Or if this is not destined to work, I will move on to the next story. Fair enough?
Tell an interesting story about your character if you truly are interested. That's my request.
|
|
Hello there!
Just wanted to throw my name in the hat if there's any room left in it.
EDIT: Looking back at the posts, i see that The captain role is filled, but I'd be happy to fill any of them, as previously mentioned.
An expression of interest is not the same as filling a role. There have been many passing statements here, but thankfully, there are few stat sheets.
I'm looking for characters first. Sorry if that sounds snobbish, but I'm not really that sorry.
Either the game works well because you interest me as gamers & I interest you, or it doesn't.
Is that a rather rude way to put it? Probably, but I don't want to waste your time.
If I am prickly now, we can be less prickly later when already weak interest levels begin to wane. Or if this is not destined to work, I will move on to the next story. Fair enough?
Tell an interesting story about your character if you truly are interested. That's my request.
It's all good Darth GameMaster, I respect that you don't want to waste anyone's time or your own. Let me decide on the concept and I'll get back to you on that interesting story before the night's over bud.
|
|
I'm interested in making a HRD(Human Replica Droid) and was wondering if this would be out of the question.
also if i can use it, i was hoping to use the "species" trait on page 153 of Threats to the Galaxy
Ability Modifiers: +2 Strength, +2 Dexterity, -2 Charisma. Replica droids are built to be physically strong, but have to work to fit in seamlessly with organic beings. Additionally, like other droids, replica droids have no Constitution score.
Variable Size: Since replica droids are designed to imitate organic beings, their size depends on the species that they copy. Medium droids have no special bonuses or penalties due to their size. Those of small size gain a +1 size bonus to their Reflex Defense and a +5 size bonus to Stealth checks but have lifting and carrying limits of three-quarters those of Medium characters.
Speed: Replica droids of Medium size have a base speed of 6 squares, and those of Small size have a base speed of 4 squares.
Bonus Equipment: Replica droids can be constructed with two of the following droid systems installed: integrated comlink, darkvision, diagnostics package, improved sensor package, internal storage (subject to size limitations), translator unit (DC 15).
Droid traits: Replica droids operate as if they are 4th-degree droids, except that they ignore the maintenance requirements. Replica droids have all droid immunities and normal droid traits.
Conditional Bonus Feat: Seeking to perfectly imitate organic creatures, a replica droid that has Deception as a trained skill gains Skill Focus (Deception) as a bonus feat.
Automatic Languages: Basic and the native language of the copies species.
I'm interested in making a HRD(Human Replica Droid) and was wondering if this would be out of the question.
also if i can use it, i was hoping to use the "species" trait on page 153 of Threats to the Galaxy
** spoiler omitted **
It could work. I don't have Threats yet, so I'm not quite sure what the "species" trait is, but what you posted in the spoiler tags looks fine.
I'm more interested in who your character might be, and the backstory that drives that character. Where did this HRD come from, what might happen if the HRD was discovered to be non-human, and so on.
Seems like there's the beginning of some dark secrets in the background, but i would like to know more.
|
Don't know if there's free spaces, reading back at this stage seems to indicate there is?
Laris D'Vagne
Human Noble
From the Calder system (or insert Hutt controlled planet here) Laris is the seventh child of the ruling family there, unfortunately the planet is strongly under Hutt dominion, who for whatever reason allow the human nobility to rule though their power is purely subject to the whims of the Hutt.
Laris' chance of succession would be quite high, since family members displeasing the Hutt tend to meet with frequent accidents (often barely plausible ones...), Laris however wants more than this and after years trying to work the system has finally gone too far and has fled the system to escape Hutt justice.
Laris has retreated into herself somewhat, currently trying to get by while she works out how to make the Hutt pay for her life as a long balancing act. She has a fairly low morality, she tells herself that she wants to rule to make the lot of the people better, but in truth she's nearly as cold as the Hutt.
I've not statted out yet, but Laris is intended to be knowledge/talky person, though at campaign start less talky than she should be. She's now sure how far the Hutt are hunting her, or even if they care, she's not exactly much of a threat at this stage.
Don't know if there's free spaces, reading back at this stage seems to indicate there is?
Laris D'Vagne
Human Noble
From the Calder system (or insert Hutt controlled planet here) Laris is the seventh child of the ruling family there, unfortunately the planet is strongly under Hutt dominion, who for whatever reason allow the human nobility to rule though their power is purely subject to the whims of the Hutt.
Laris' chance of succession would be quite high, since family members displeasing the Hutt tend to meet with frequent accidents (often barely plausible ones...), Laris however wants more than this and after years trying to work the system has finally gone too far and has fled the system to escape Hutt justice.
Laris has retreated into herself somewhat, currently trying to get by while she works out how to make the Hutt pay for her life as a long balancing act. She has a fairly low morality, she tells herself that she wants to rule to make the lot of the people better, but in truth she's nearly as cold as the Hutt.
Perfect! This type of Noble archetype can work in many ways. Another character idea that I can work with :)
We can flesh out the background via PMs. I'll have some suggestions & questions later. Also, in the meantime, let me post some character creation guidelines, or at least pass them out to you & Quandary. (I don't really want to review character sheets... I want to talk about characters first ;)
Sounds like it has possibilities to me.
(The nobility thing reminded me of the Tapani Sector, which might be an inspiration in ways)
If no official captain steps up, that character could even qualify for the role...? Maybe even starting out with an extra spiff ship to fit the role, with some creds owed to the Hutts (at their normal rate) AND some owed to your family (at a zero rate but family politics attached)...
BTW, I'm working on updating my character's background to better fit this campaign (her b/g originally was after the Yuzhan Vong war). Slight changes, but I think it'll make her fit even better. Once I get a few more pieces straightened up, I'll re-post it, though some details, like specific planets, are up for revision however best fits into the game (EVERY background sub-plot doesn't need to be active/in-sector, but if some feel good to you, I can certainly oblige if you give me planet names)
And I'm certainly not 'finalized' on anything: it would be preferable once more of a group is gathered to see if anybody's characters seem plausible to have shared a little more back-story than the group as a whole, for instance, and see where that goes...
Sounds like it has possibilities to me.
(The nobility thing reminded me of the Tapani Sector, which might be an inspiration in ways)If no official captain steps up, that character could even qualify for the role...? Maybe even starting out with an extra spiff ship to fit the role, with some creds owed to the Hutts (at their normal rate) AND some owed to your family (at a zero rate but family politics attached)...
I agree on the Captain idea, and I have additional ideas to bat around with spinningdice on that matter.
As far as the nobility thing goes, I've been reading Jacqueline Carey's 2nd Kushiel trilogy, with Malory's Morte d'Arthur next on the reading list, and David Lynch's adaptation of "Dune" in the back of my mind. So while the *ahem* "non-PG-13 elements" from Carey's stories will not make it into this game, I think some degree of intrigue would be nice.
(Even prior to the introduction of a Noble player character, the Illustrious Foofa was always intended to have a strange fascination with human society (for a Hutt), and her "court" will have a number of scheming noble-people within it)
Anyway, I will provide more details later tonight. Still have a few more things on the to-do list for the weekend ;)
Laris D'Vagne
Human Noble
From the Calder system (or insert Hutt controlled planet here)...
Okay, commentary & questions to follow.
I'd use PMs, but I would rather keep it in thread to keep it in one place, so I'll use Spoiler tags instead & trust the other players to keep out (for their own enjoyment, of course. All things will be revealed in time).
This makes the "Captain" role somewhat problematic unless your character is good at Deception & has an alter ego - something which may be necessary if your character carries a price on her head. However, the back story for this character might be a good way to drive the rest of the group's motivations.
Anyway, you may have to develop an alter ego for your character.
As for why your character is hunted... I like the idea of the planet being in the crosshairs of the Hutts. I'd like to make it more dynamic, though, and to give your character more antagonists to deal with. More courtly intrigue, and all that.
How about this (and these are just suggestions that I have, and not anything that is set in stone. I've just read enough courtly dramas lately to have a couple ideas)...
1. Moving Calder from Hutt space (the Fesser subsector) to Hutt expansionary space within the Goffle subsector (the game's starting environment).
2. Calder has a traditionalist & patriarchical society. Your character is already somewhat of a "black sheep" due to her independent streak.
3. Your character is the eldest daughter of three daughters. With no male heir, this presents a succession issue for the royal family... which drives some of the subplots.
4. The Hutts want more dominance over Calder, and the King has so far opposed this.
With me so far? The goal is to set up as many potential problems & issues as possible here :)
Next...
5. Your character inherits the D'Vagne name from her father, the King, who is also the head of House Vagne. He is a rather weak-willed person, but House Vagne has traditionally held some claim to the throne throughout the world's history.
6. Your character inherits her independent streak from her mother, the Queen, a descendant of another noble house, House Aumerre. It is her will & politicking that has kept the planet Calder from being a vassal of the Hutts.
Next, borrowing a page from Shakespeare & other sources...
7. The Queen has been assassinated, which eventually led to your character fleeing the system due to the following events...
8. Mathilde De Reiss, a scheming scion of House Reiss, swooped in & married your character's father. House Reiss advocates a strong alliance with the Hutts.
(Hutt domination of Calder should result in something tragic & insufferable - the eventual destruction of Calder's ecosystem due to overmining, for instance)
9. In order to cement House Reiss' grasp upon the throne & to clarify issues regarding the royal succession, Queen Mathilde has arranged a marriage between your character and Louis De Reiss... which has not yet occurred due to your character fleeing the system.
Okay, so that's an idea for the background. This accomplishes the following things for your character:
Your character
- opposes the Hutt's dominance due to the dire consequences that would result.
- dislikes Queen Mathilde (and suspects her of being behind the assassination of your character's mother).
- does not want to marry Louis De Reiss.
Your character has run away to escape the unwanted marriage, to plot against the Queen, and to find a way to stop the growing Hutt dominance over Calder.
Anyway, as I said, these are just a couple ideas that I came up with. You don't have to use these, or you can modify them to fit your image of your character... but you get the idea.
I'm pushing for more potential drama & scheming behind the scenes. If you have other ideas, please let me know.
BTW, I'm working on updating my character's background to better fit this campaign (her b/g originally was after the Yuzhan Vong war). Slight changes, but I think it'll make her fit even better. Once I get a few more pieces straightened up, I'll re-post it, though some details, like specific planets, are up for revision however best fits into the game (EVERY background sub-plot doesn't need to be active/in-sector, but if some feel good to you, I can certainly oblige if you give me planet names)
Planet names... easy enough. I'll give you names & a short descriptor.
Dauz Subsector (so far...)
- Dauz [Primary inhabitants: Duro] [Former sector capital. Currently under Imperial blockade/occupation]
- Sagma [Primary inhabitants: Human] [Current seat of power for Moff Vensell]
Goffle Subsector
- Spuma [Primary inhabitants: Duro] [Wet, jungle world. Many strange ruins of unknown origin]
- Wazta [Primary inhabitants: Duro] [Industrial, many shipyards. Capable of producing high volume of TIE Fighters & other starfighters. Dominated by Empire, "native" Duro population suppressed]
- Biccara [Primary inhabitants: Duro] [Known for its fine architecture. Cool & arid]
- Troophon [Primary inhabitants: Human] [High degree of Synthene production & high Juiblexian population. Primarily an agrarian world.]
- Ruodon [Primary inhabitants: Human] [Agrarian world. Native Juiblexian species have been wiped out due to "overharvesting.]
- Gaulus [Primary inhabitants: Human] [Recent industrial disaster. Toxic environment]
- Mau Kolto [Primary inhabitants: Selkath exiles] [Secretive exiles from Manaan. Oceanic world, mostly off-limits to non-Selkath]
- Ua'keem [Primary inhabitants: Human] [Droid junkyard. Dumping ground for legions of decommissioned battle droids after the Clone Wars, and collection point for Squib-run used droid gatherers. Home of Sanforr Recycled Droids (a subsidiary of SMUGTEK)]
- Nenaxis [Primary inhabitants: Human] [Dusty, barren, shattered by asteroid impacts. High amount of radioactives for mining/refining into ship's fuel]
- Phloeron [Primary inhabitants: Human] [High gravity world, with heavy mining]
- Elooine [Primary inhabitants: Human] [Forest world. Cool, damp, misty]
- Junisk [Primary inhabitants: Duro] [Shipyards, primary production - civilian vessels, perpetual dusk]
- Maalopon [Primary inhabitants: Zabrak] [Hellish, volcanic planet. High amount of radioactives for mining/refining into ship's fuel]
- Rhudor [Primary inhabitants: Human] [distant, frontier world. Lawless. Known for gold & silver mining]
- Chaless [Primary inhabitants: Human] [Steppes, bantha herds]
- Dantarran [Primary inhabitants: Human] [Hot, stormy water world. Fishing]
- Wol Sigur [Primary inhabitants: Ithorian] [Jungle world. Many strange ruins of unknown origin. Ithorian inhabitants are highly protective of jungles]
- Iolon [Primary inhabitants: Human] [Cloud world, Tibana gas mining]
- Triolon [Primary inhabitants: Human] [Idyllic moon of Iolon]
- Edadar [Primary inhabitants: Duro] [Pristine environment destroyed by meteor storms. Now a prison planet]
- Calder [Primary inhabitants: Human] [Mountainous world, tempestuous seas]
I can name more worlds as needed, and I am happy to incorporate any worlds you might define.
|
|
Comments on your comments inside spoiler below (my comments in bold):
Laris D'Vagne
Human Noble
From the Calder system (or insert Hutt controlled planet here)...Okay, commentary & questions to follow.
I'd use PMs, but I would rather keep it in thread to keep it in one place, so I'll use Spoiler tags instead & trust the other players to keep out (for their own enjoyment, of course. All things will be revealed in time).
Spoiler:I generally like the idea. I like the idea of being hunted by the Hutts (in our case, the Illustrious Foofa & her organization), and wholeheartedly support that.This makes the "Captain" role somewhat problematic unless your character is good at Deception & has an alter ego - something which may be necessary if your character carries a price on her head. However, the back story for this character might be a good way to drive the rest of the group's motivations.
Anyway, you may have to develop an alter ego for your character.
As for why your character is hunted... I like the idea of the planet being in the crosshairs of the Hutts. I'd like to make it more dynamic, though, and to give your character more antagonists to deal with. More courtly intrigue, and all that.
That's all good, I don't like to press my ideas too firmly when creating a character, but I'm happy to run with the DM
How about this (and these are just suggestions that I have, and not anything that is set in stone. I've just read enough courtly dramas lately to have a couple ideas)...
1. Moving Calder from Hutt space (the Fesser subsector) to Hutt expansionary space within the Goffle subsector (the game's starting environment).
That makes more sense, I wasn't viewing the planet as under overt Hutt control, which it would be in Hutt space.2. Calder has a traditionalist & patriarchical society. Your character is already somewhat of a "black sheep" due to her independent streak.
Okay3. Your character is the eldest daughter of three daughters. With no male heir, this presents a succession issue for the royal family... which drives some of the subplots.
I can adjust to that - as noted above, I wanted to leave the option for yourself to ignore my own plotlines if you wished4. The Hutts want more dominance over Calder, and the King has so far opposed this.
Agreed, but I think the current ruler is a tight position as he's not got the resources to oppose the Hutt if they decide to really push.With me so far? The goal is to set up as many potential problems & issues as possible here :)
Next...
5. Your character inherits the...
As a possible alternate ID, I'll suggest Maeris Gaille, a refugee from the accident on Gaulus, a supposed well-off trader who's lost nearly everything when the planet became near-inhospitable.
Hopefully you didn't have more comments inside the Quotes/Spoiler tag because of the way the board cuts things off :p
Your comments & concerns are duly noted. If your character & the group chooses not to follow those plot lines, it is okay. The Hutts and their advocates on Calder have other means to accomplish what they want without specifically tracking down your character. I just look for a range of plot hooks to throw at you all :)
I will consider additional rationales for why the planet Calder is in its present predicament & bounce those ideas off of you. Collaborative world building is much easier than doing it all myself, so I'm looking for ideas that you think are interesting to you.
As for the second/false identity, that works & I can create more planetary info as needed. Your character's shipmates will know that the Hutts are after her "real" identity/true self, but it is up to your character to share as much as she wants to. If it all remains secretive background for the entire course of this game & never gets played out, that is also fine with me.
|
|
Huh, I hadn't noticed the rest of the quote, I started reading then hit reply to answer as I was reading and got confused when it cut off, I didn't think to go back and read the original post.
That said there's not much to comment on the rest, it seems pretty interesting and in-line with what I'd like to do.
Of course I've not even looked at putting some numbers on paper yet...
Bones of a character up on the profile, I've not used this forum for PbB before, so it's been a bit of a learning experience, let me know if I've done anything stupid.
I know you've not given us any details with which to create a character, but I fancied putting some stats down. Happy to fiddle with them to fit with what you decide.
The alternate profiles are nice here, but I also have little pbp experience on this board.
As I am in the midst of my commute home by train & my books are at home, I cannot fully describe my character creation rules yet. It will not be point buy, and there will be randomness. If the Fates conspire against your character in one way, then I will make amends in other ways.
Hopefully, when all is said and done, it will be fun and not strictly by the book.
Alright, after much consideration, I have some character stat creation guidelines.
I have hidden them in the spoiler tags to separate them from the other aspects of character creation here.
I am not interested in reviewing stat sheets without character context or otherwise fielding characters-by-the-numbers because there are no other pbp games available. Anyone interested in this game should discuss their character here before looking at these guidelines.
I do like random generation for that purpose, but the ability to assign stats negates the benefit.
Therefore... Stats should be determined via the 4d6, keeping the 3 highest method.
Instead of assigning them after all values are generated, the values should be assigned to each stat in order as they are randomly generated.
If these rolls create a character that is too different from what you had hoped, you have two options.
First, you may reroll them all again as described previously. I would prefer that you do not reroll infinitely, but if you want to have a flawless statistical specimen, it ultimately is your enjoyment that is at stake.
Second option is a choice, and perhaps a leap of faith. You may assign a 15 to a single "primary" stat (one of the important stats in your character's class description). However, you must sacrifice your character's highest stat, whatever it is, reducing it to 9.
Let me know if you choose the second option, and what you have sacrificed. I will provide some other comforts to your character in the bargain (your character's family sword, tied in some way to a Destiny, as one example), but that is a discussion to be had after choices have been made.
Lastly, for the ship's captain comes the privilege (or burden) of defining the ship. Those details can be discussed via PM.
Updated with guidelines above. Makes for an odder character...
Stat Stuff:
I took alot of sets (9) to get anything minimally fitting my character concept:
Moderately high (15+) INT and Decent (12+) DEX & CHA - not so demanding IMHO.
The first set to qualify is: 10 STR, 15 DEX, 17 CON, 17 INT, 12 WIS, 14 CHA
(I had 'rolled' up the same basic character with Epic Point Buy, and got:
10 STR, 16 DEX, 12 CON, 18 INT, 12 WIS, 16 CHA for comparison)
The very first set gave: 17/16/16/7/10/10, which would be great for a thug/gladiator type, but is practically the exact opposite of my character concept. Personally, using "4d6 in order" only makes sense if I make the character concept AFTER the roll, not the other way around.
But the final result seem quite workable... The CON actually goes with the background I'm working up, having lived on 'rustic'/wilderness planets with parents on terraform/enviromental jobs.
My background update to better match the setting is still on it's way...
Updated with guidelines above. Makes for an odder character...
Odd is good for the fringe. It's what I'm after, and not the comfort zone of a point buy system.
As said, there's who you are, and who you wish you were. Concepts change from what is, to what might have been & what the character's ideal could be. That's the beauty of misbegotten things that I hope the fringe can offer here.
As for higher Strength... I think it's also use of muscles, not just muscle mass. Perhaps Laris has freakish determination (& a lean mass), but not as much grace in her step?