How much more do people need to do with their characters?
I would like to know if you have;
1> At least 5 of 7 Aspects chosen.
2> Skills chosen.
3> Some of your powers and stunts chosen.
4> If you have put the information into an Avatar like Doctor Carding.
I would like to start choosing some Aspects to build story threads around and I need to know which information to look at to build these story threads.
Your character doesn't have to be 'finalized' at this point as there will be time for later making changes and adjustments as people get used to playing the game and go through a few challenges.
I need to put my info in an avatar and do my 7th Aspect.
cool; thanks for giving me some game perspective; appreciate it
Yeah, I don't think you realize how much of a 'combat monster' your character is really shaping up to be.
Example 1
You vs Street thug.
Street thug has Mediocre or +0 skill in Weapons but pulls out a switch blade (Weapon 1). You pick up a piece of lumber as an improvised weapon (Weapon 1).
If you have the Inhuman Speed then you will go first for Initiative.
You both roll average and get +0 modifier to your skill.
Your opponent compels that your weapon is improvised for a +2 modifier on their defense. Street Thug's total is 0 Skill + 0 Roll + 2 Aspect = +2. Your total is 5 Skill + 0 Roll = +5. You win by 3 or 3 Shifts.
Your weapon of lumber is 1 +3 Shifts = 4 physical stress. If you have Inhuman Strength then you get a further +2 to damage which makes it 6 physical stress. That is a Severe Physical Consequence which means your Street Thug is now needing a trip to the ER to live. You crushed several ribs or the skull and the thug is going to spend a week or more in hospital and a month or more in recuperation.
Example 2
You vs Bridge Troll
You again win initiative as your Alertness with a +4 modifier from Inhuman Speed beats the Trolls Fair +2 Alertness.
You are using your magic Sword this time. The Troll rolls a +1 modifier to it's dice roll and you roll +0.
Trolls are Great +4 fighters with Weapons; so, it's total is +4 +1 Roll = +5. Your total is +5 +0 Roll = +5. On a tie you hit but don't get additional shifts of damage. A Bridge Troll has Hulking Size making it +1 to be hit so you get a 1 shift bonus to damage.
Your damage is Sword 3 with Inhuman Strength +2 plus 1 shift damage = 6 physical stress. The troll has Inhuman Toughness which gives Armour 1 reducing the total physical damage to 5 physical stress. Three times a session you can pump up the damage on your sword to Sword 6. This results in the Troll taking 8 physical stress (6+2+1-1=8). A troll has Inhuman Toughness which raises it's normal 6 stress boxes (Good Endurance for 4 boxes plus Hulking Size for 2 boxes) to 8 stress boxes.
The troll is alive but it can't sustain another hit like that without losing it's head. 8 stress is an Extreme Consequence which is instantly mortal to all but characters with Fate points to spend and even they need to change an aspect to absorb this event.
|
Okay I should have everything up tomorrow. And Smerg I checked out the forums and if I were to take mythic toughness it would provide a +4 rebate because all you would have to do is ask any one in the know what faries are weak too. My mistake was I thought that recovery powers were discounted too you know if you had 6pts worth of powers you would get 4 off you would but only on one power of your choice and only up to 4pts at most unless you wander into the phys immune territory. Btw I don't want mythic toughness not for a long time. So I guess my refresh looks like this then
Starting +9
Autumn Magic -4
Supernal toughness -4
The catch cold iron +3
Stunts -2
Martial arts
Armed arts hammer and sword
So do I wanna take might, recovery, or thaumturgy for 2pts or save it??
How much more do people need to do with their characters?
I would like to know if you have;
1> At least 5 of 7 Aspects chosen.
2> Skills chosen.
3> Some of your powers and stunts chosen.
4> If you have put the information into an Avatar like Doctor Carding.I would like to start choosing some Aspects to build story threads around and I need to know which information to look at to build these story threads.
Your character doesn't have to be 'finalized' at this point as there will be time for later making changes and adjustments as people get used to playing the game and go through a few challenges.
At least five aspects? We can potentially choose up to seven? I must have missed something. I had been wishing that I had more aspects to detail some things about Conan, like the university that he works for, or other aspects of the mortal life that he loves. Presently, he still looks pretty one dimensional to me (on paper), and I was wondering how to flesh out the more mundane side of things that could still come into play. House, job, hobbies, maybe a pet.
Let's see, there's
-High Concept
-Problem
-Background
-Rising Action
-Story
-Guest Star 1
-Guest Star 2
So, seven aspects. Your job would probably be covered by Forgotten Arcane Linguist if it becomes plot-important at some point. Other than that, I don't know, write up some background stuff about your house/hobbies/etc so the information's there even if it isn't going to be important to the story?
Okay I should have everything up tomorrow. And Smerg I checked out the forums and if I were to take mythic toughness it would provide a +4 rebate because all you would have to do is ask any one in the know what faries are weak too. My mistake was I thought that recovery powers were discounted too you know if you had 6pts worth of powers you would get 4 off you would but only on one power of your choice and only up to 4pts at most unless you wander into the phys immune territory. Btw I don't want mythic toughness not for a long time. So I guess my refresh looks like this then
Starting +9
Autumn Magic -4
Supernal toughness -4
The catch cold iron +3Stunts -2
Martial arts
Armed arts hammer and swordSo do I wanna take might, recovery, or thaumturgy for 2pts or save it??
By my count, your powers are -8+3 = -5. Stunts are another -2. That is -7 total leaving a refresh of 2 but you must have at least 1 refresh to play a character (0 and less are NPCs since they have no free will).
You would have to drop or change something on your current list to get any of the might, recovery, or thaumaturgy.
BTW I find it odd the forums would think that Recovery powers were not included in the catch for discounting purposes. For example, when I look at the Ghoul and Uber-Ghoul pg 59 OW; both ghouls have a +2 Catch. The regular Ghoul has no Toughness power and only a Recovery power (Supernatural Recovery). The Uber-Ghoul has only Inhuman Recovery (-2) which means that the maximum catch would be +1 if related to toughness only.
Red Court Vampires p88 OW are another example of this where they have Inhuman Recovery and Inhuman Toughness (-2 and -2) but still have a Catch which is +2.
On the other side of things, I haven't really found a Catch above +3 (Black Court Vampires catch is +3 and they are widely known for their weakness and it isn't that hard to get for source) unless you are discussing something with Physical Immunity which has the Stacked Catch.
I flipped through OW book and didn't find any Catch above +3 unless it was Physical Immunity giving the double Catch value. My guess is that this may be an area where the concept rules and the applied rules are in disagreement.
Let's see, there's
-High Concept
-Problem
-Background
-Rising Action
-Story
-Guest Star 1
-Guest Star 2So, seven aspects. Your job would probably be covered by Forgotten Arcane Linguist if it becomes plot-important at some point. Other than that, I don't know, write up some background stuff about your house/hobbies/etc so the information's there even if it isn't going to be important to the story?
Yup, those are the seven. I asked for five at least; because that should take you to filling in the two guest star aspects. If you have all seven then that is even better.
|
|
Okay I should have everything up tomorrow. And Smerg I checked out the forums and if I were to take mythic toughness it would provide a +4 rebate because all you would have to do is ask any one in the know what faries are weak too. My mistake was I thought that recovery powers were discounted too you know if you had 6pts worth of powers you would get 4 off you would but only on one power of your choice and only up to 4pts at most unless you wander into the phys immune territory. Btw I don't want mythic toughness not for a long time. So I guess my refresh looks like this then
Starting +9
Autumn Magic -4
Supernal toughness -4
The catch cold iron +3Stunts -2
Martial arts
Armed arts hammer and swordSo do I wanna take might, recovery, or thaumturgy for 2pts or save it??
By my count, your powers are -8+3 = -5. Stunts are another -2. That is -7 total leaving a refresh of 2 but you must have at least 1 refresh to play a character (0 and less are NPCs since they have no free will).
You would have to drop or change something on your current list to get any of the might, recovery, or thaumaturgy.
BTW I find it odd the forums would think that Recovery powers were not included in the catch for discounting purposes. For example, when I look at the Ghoul and Uber-Ghoul pg 59 OW; both ghouls have a +2 Catch. The regular Ghoul has no Toughness power and only a Recovery power (Supernatural Recovery). The Uber-Ghoul has only Inhuman Recovery (-2) which means that the maximum catch would be +1 if related to toughness only.
Red Court Vampires p88 OW are another example of this where they have Inhuman Recovery and Inhuman Toughness (-2 and -2) but still have a Catch which is +2.
On the other side of things, I haven't really found a Catch above +3 (Black Court Vampires catch is +3 and they are widely known for their weakness and it isn't that hard to get for source) unless you are discussing something with Physical Immunity which has the Stacked Catch.
I...
Your story under toughness it says that if your catch is widely know or easliy found out its +2 and gives the black court vamps as an example but in the second book none of the black court examples have a single toughness ability over -4.
And as for my refresh your right sorry tired bad math. Anyways I'm happy with what I have for abilties this way once we get another pt I can spend it however I think I need it.
Posted!
Smerg, if it's okay with you, I changed a few things around (although most of it is the same.) I put in a custom stunt, if you approve it.
"Knifework - You're fast on your feet and have been in enough knife fights to make yourself a hard target. When you are wielding a knife, you may use Weapons to dodge attacks instead of Athletics, in all the circumstances where Athletics might apply." It's the same as Footwork in the Fists stunts (p. 152), just with knifes instead.
This is also contingent on the new Aspect being accepted, a Magical Knife obtained during the first adventure.
Ok, here we go,
(Need some serious help with the aspect names! But I got the basic ideas below!)
Danny Kaye:
Changeling, Halfhuman, half ? (Fae: Dryad or Nymph or something)
High Concept: Struggling Fae Spellsinger
Trouble Concept: Child of Two Worlds
BAckground: His MOther's VOice: (This refers to his talents AND the item she left him!)
Danny was raised by his father (mother?)and told that his mother died when he was young. His father was a musician, and Danny was raised around and involved with music and theater his whole life. Whenhe got older, he displayed a remarkable talent for singing, acting, Dancing, anything that involved performing he seemed to be a natural ata. And when he got in front of an audience he only got better. In his mid-teens he discovered that his singing could make things, happen. It was then his father informed him that his mother was not dead, but was a creature of legend, a beautiful (Sylph?, Dryad?) who had left Danny with him to be raised in the safety of the mortal world. Away from the dangers of the Nevernever & the Fae courts. His father gave him a token from his mother (a magic item) and told Danny that his powers were from his mother. (His father could only see the supernatural, but was not a caster that Danny has ever discovered.)
Rising Conflict: A Summer Changeling in Queen Mab's Court
While Danny went to college, trying to get a degree AND master his new powers at the same time, He was discovered by agents of the fae courts. He was 'invited' to the Nevernever to meet his mother, but it was a trick. The fae who brought him had no idea who his mother was, and were hoping that he could tell them who she was! Mab is convinced that Danny's mother is (or should be) one of hers, but he displays no (obvious) powers or abilities to prove this. He managed to get out unharmed through a combination of flattery and fast-talking, FOrtunately Danny is also very observant, and during his visit he picked up a few tips and tricks, and his powers grew exponetionally. Unfortunately, his luck didn;t grow with them. He can enthrall a crowd with any song or skit that he makes up himself, or at least has a vested emotional interest in, but despite his performance skill cannot compel the same response performing in plays and musicals. He now makes his living performing at Ren Fairs, small theaters, and the occaisonal stint in a underground rock bands.
The Story: First Adventure (No NAme yet)
Apsect: I'm dating a Teenage Triad! or Double trouble, part one!
(Back cover blurb) Danny has always had unusual luck, Both good and bad. But when he attracts the attention of twin oriental beauties, it seems his luck has finally changed! But his new girlfriends are members of a Triad family, and he will need all of his silver-tounged skill when meeting their parents! Not mention the help of his new friends to survive an assault by Fairie creatures!
(HAven't decided what pops in to try and kidnap/kill me yet)
Guest Star 1 (TBD)
Guest Star 2 (TBD)
Skills: (I'm sure I'll be juggling these for a while, since Glamour lets you use either Deceit or Discipline to cast)
5-0
4-Performance, Deceit
3-Conviction, Discipline, Presence
2-Fists, Empathy, Athletics, Rapport
1-Lore, Weapons, Resources, Contacts, Endurance
Mortal Stunts:
(-1) Too fast to Hit: When making a full defense, take no penalty for moving one zone and gain an additional +1 to the roll (for a total of +3) when making such a move.
(-1) Acrobat: Gain +1 on Athletics when using it to survive a fall. Also, gain +1 to attempts to dodge ranged attacks (throwing and guns), so long as you describe it colorfully.
Powers:
(0) Wizard's Constitution
(-1) The Sight: Wizards and others have learned to open their third eye, perceiving the magical world in great detail. The downside here is that the often phantasmagorical images are burned into their brains—never forgotten, always vivid.
You must have a high concept that shows either that you are a spellcaster or that you have received training of some kind to open your third eye.
(-2) Glamours: You are able to create the basic glamours of the fae—minor veils and “seemings” that make something look like what it isn’t. Effects: Minor Veils, Seemings ; Skills Affected: Discipline, Deceit
(-2) Channeling(Spirit):
(-1) Refinement:Channeling:Spirit:
(-*?)Item of power/Focus Item 'Mother's Voice' Here is where I need help. This is either a necklace/amulet, or a musical instrument. It either helps him with his casting, (channeling) or gives him another minor ability, like walk in shadows, or inhuman speed, etc.)
It's late, I'm tired, and I'm sure I'm not keeping those mortal stunts! But you get the idea. He's a fast-talking, charismatic, illusionist ladies man with the brains and speed to get OUT of the way when trouble comes calling!
Posted!
Smerg, if it's okay with you, I changed a few things around (although most of it is the same.) I put in a custom stunt, if you approve it.
"Knifework - You're fast on your feet and have been in enough knife fights to make yourself a hard target. When you are wielding a knife, you may use Weapons to dodge attacks instead of Athletics, in all the circumstances where Athletics might apply." It's the same as Footwork in the Fists stunts (p. 152), just with knifes instead.
This is also contingent on the new Aspect being accepted, a Magical Knife obtained during the first adventure.
A magical knife is fine but you need to be aware of two things.
1> A magical knife is an Item of Power which is a power and you then lose your status as 'pure mortal' including the bonus +2 Fate Points.
2> You'll have to let me know what 'magical powers' the knife has or gives you when you are carrying it to determine the refresh cost for the knife. Items of Power give up to a maximum of +2 refresh benefit against the cost of the item but still have a minimum cost of -1 Refresh (so your current total of Refresh will drop by at least 3 Fate Points for picking up and carrying the knife compared to a pure mortal).
Knifework sounds reasonable to me as a stunt so I approve.
Your story under toughness it says that if your catch is widely know or easliy found out its +2 and gives the black court vamps as an example but in the second book none of the black court examples have a single toughness ability over -4.
I agree that Your Story says on Toughness that it might be possible to get a +4 Catch.
I agree that Your Story points out that +2 Catch is for a well known weakness like Black Court Vampires.
In application of the Catch rule in Our World, I have yet to find an example of the +4 Catch being awarded (Physical Immunity not being included because that is a Stacked Catch of multiple catches and even these have been 5 or less).
In all Faerie examples which includes cases where more than four points of refresh have been spent on toughness and recovery abilities, I have not found a single example of better than +3 Catch for Cold Iron.
Why this is? I can not say. It may have been something the designers discovered during game play. It might have been a 'hidden' costing decision when the two rules of 'ease of obtaining' combined with 'commonness of knowledge'. For example when two skills are combined and related to a task you get a maximum of +1 modifier (I know it seems strange but if they were thinking that way then they likely wouldn't have thought on how they wrote that rule and its interpretation later).
Anyways, I have no application example to justify awarding more than +3 Refresh for Faerie Weakness of the Cold Iron Catch.
Here we go, Danny guest starring in Pernilla's story.
Danny's luck was in top form once more, he finally got a decent paying gig out of town, and it HAS to be New Orleans during Katrina! While looking for shelter from rising water and out-of-control street thugs, Danny stumbles into a secluded wharehouse where a strange arcane ritual is being interrupted by a Xena-wannabe and a guy who would make Clint Eastwood look like a sissy. It doesn't take long to realize that the ritualists aren't, completely, human. A few magic power chords later, and the cultists are chasing each other around the room in confusion, making it easy work for the Amazon and brawler to finish them off. Danny returned to Toronto as quick as he could escape the flooded city, convinced that all Americans are crazy!
possible aspects to go with this:
All the world's a stage or maybe Love the spotlight
Done up most of the profile and such.
Still have some refresh 2 points. Will look into stunts or the like.
Mostly Done. Still not sure on the last aspect... There When I Need to Be. Good? Or reconsider?
Ithuriel, Valegrim, I see that you are guest starring in my story. I have the back cover blurb so far. I will expand it a little tonight to give you something to work with. ;P
Davi, I'm guest starring in your story, yes? I'm probably flipping through pages too quickly, I don't see it. (I'll look again) :)
EDIT-NEVERMIND! Your Nathaniel! (Shuffles off in embarrassment) ;)
Nathaniel's First Story: The Baying Of The Hounds
When a bizarre series of crimes are committed around the Library, Nathaniel can't help but get involved. But can he survive when the warlock behind it gets tired of his meddling?
Aspect: Overprepared For The Apocalypse
-Torolf:After being clued in by a fellow scholar that someone was using summoned creatures to commit bizarre crimes, Conan used his scrying skills to find the ritual site while Nathaniel then flooded it with water, disrupting the summons and allowing the Mounties to catch their man
Danny- Visiting the local library to research fae, and some lyrics for new songs, Danny becomes entangled with two researchers who are more than they appear! Danny's skills are pushed to the limit as he matches an evil warlock's powers spell-for-spellsong!
possible aspects: Singing Down the House
Ok, here we go,
(Need some serious help with the aspect names! But I got the basic ideas below!)Danny Kaye:
** spoiler omitted **...
A few things;
Aspect: A summer changeling in Queen Mab's court. Just letting you know that this is a 'big' aspect. Queen Mab is a 'major' power on the rank of Zeus and Odin and possibly larger since she is more 'universal'. She doesn't normally have 'time' for involvement in people's lives (Harry being a rare exception). Further to that, she doesn't 'fool' normally.
That said, I can construct the back events on this aspect in two ways.
1> Mab has pretended that she is fooled to sucker you for some future reason.
2> Titania or similar level queen is magically covering your existence unknown to you for their future reason.
Note: 1 and 2 are not mutually exclusive and might be going on at the same time.
Either way you should take away from what I am explaining is that while you may think you were 'lucky' to charm and put one over on the Winter Court it wasn't 'you' that did the job. The second thing is that this will put you squarely into the war of winter and summer with you the pawn of likely both sides (this aspect is really a 'trouble' in terms of the overall impact it would have on your character's life).
-----------------------
Skills, your total points spent is 28. Options to balance to 30 are add one 2 pt skill, add two 1 pt skills, remove one 1 pt skill and add one 3 pt skill.
--------------------------
Stunt: Too Fast to Hit: I just want to make sure you understand this stunt compared to the way you wrote it down. When you are going full defensive then you may move up to one area without taking the normal -1 penalty. If you do any other action but full defensive and move then the -1 penalty will still apply. If you want to be able to move and take an action with no penalty then take Inhuman Speed.
-------------------------
Channeling comes with 2 Free Focus item slots included in the power.
Refinement: Specialization bonuses follow the Skill Pyramid/Column format. Since you only have Channeling: Spirit and this Refinement ability gives you two +1 Specializations then you would have to choose +1 Control Spirit and +1 Power Spirit.
I would point out that Channeling for 2 pt and Refinement 1 pt is 3 pts which is the same cost as Full Evocation which includes Specialization (+1 to some form of magic) and the two Focus Item slots that this is a more 'economical' way to go.
I would further point out that going this route really pushes away from the point of having taken Glmaours because most Glamours are done through Spirit Magic (Veils and Illusions are considered usually to be Spirit Magic).
-Rags
Yeah, I'd switch Child of Two Worlds and A Summer Changeling in Queen Mab's Court personally. The latter is just much more of an actual problem, you know? So, for why the Winter Court is keeping you around, maybe they need to have a diplomatic envoy from the Summer Court in Toronto and they just want to say you're the envoy so they don't have to deal with a fey who actually knows what's going on being around?
Also, why did you take Channeling and a Refinement? One, I'm pretty sure you can only take a Refinement with Evocation and Thaumaturgy, not with Channeling or Ritual. Two, it seems a tad... shoehorned in, you know? Fey-blooded actors aren't usually known for creating shields of force. (Also, spirit magic overlaps a fair bit with Glamours, but since you don't take mental stress from using Glamours it would be more useful in game.) What I'm saying is, try playing a character that doesn't have phenomenal arcane power for once, or at least one that has a different type of phenomenal arcane power than spellcasting.
EDIT: I meant that in the best possible way, of course. But, yeah, the channeling still feels a bit out of place for the concept.
I did indeed think about how to deal with the knife's influence. I hope to maintain the Pure Mortal status by having the knife impart no powers other than counting as a magical knife for the catch of some creatures' damage reduction. I'd be willing to spend a Fate Point to activate it.
If it is going to cost the Pure Mortal status, I'll have to change either the knife or adopt a different template (probably Emissary of Power or Minor Talent).
Smerg/Davi-
Thank you both,
Yes, having Mab's personal attention isn't exactly what I was hoping for! (I'll leave THAT to Harry!) ;P I could easily switch that to A Summer Changeling in Winter's Court Or maybe in Autumn's court?? To represent that I have attracted SOMEONE'S attention, But I'm not nearly powerful or important enough to garner the attention of MAB.(Yet. I hope!)
I rather like Your suggestion Davi, I have enough Fae blood and powers to make a convenient tool, (or scapegoat), but not enough knowledge to interfere with anyone's plan's. (Again, Yet.) ;) So I would make an adequate pawn for a Summer Envoy in Winter's Court. Summer doesn't care, (It's not as if I'm the son of one of the Queen;s or anything) but acknowledges my bloodline and right to act as a representative. (Giving the Summer Court a potential spy and Pawn of their own.)
Oy, I hate politics! I'm already getting a headache! ;P
Davi- No fear sir, I welcome all (constructive) criticism. And it true, I DO play a LOT of magic-users. (There's a reason for that, I happen to LIKE magic!) ;P But yes, I am TRYING to go for a different approach with this PC. (Old habits are hard to break!) :)
-According to the PC generator (which has a few bugs still I have found, but I have still found it to be VERY useful!) Refinement can also be used for Channeling.
-My original thought was that as his powers grow, his illusions take on more 'reality', allowing him to construct actual things, not just illusions. But yes, once I start using it for shields and such, we drift back into the realm of the rest of the wizards.
-NOTE- There IS a power called 'Greater Glamours' that replaces Glamours when you take it. (it's 4 points, I presume that you actually spend 2 and dump the original Glamours?) And it is so powerful that your illusions are real for all intent and purposes. (Ectoplasmic Nevernever craftings is referred to in the powers description.) THIS is what he is aiming for. BUT, You must be a 'true Fae' to take this power. (Hm, perhaps later in the story? he chooses to BE a Fae, but still live in the Mortal world? Is that possible?)
-I had also hoped to dabble in minor magic items. Putting a little Fairie magic into charms that once or twice a story let me take advantage of a little Fae luck? (A +1 to my perform or Deceit skill, or Armor 1 vs a shot that might have killed me, causing me to trip at the last second so it only grazes me? etc,) But Glamours gives me no magic slots. (I don't think.)
Re: Stunts;
IS there a stunt that I've missed that allows me to use my Perform skill in place of another? (Say, Rapport? or similar) Otherwise i'm going to max out my Deceit skill and use it for Glamours, and not worry so much about Conviction.
For defense, he has little fighting skills, and (probably) no armor or magic item slots, I'm probably going to take Inhuman speed! :)
Re: Aspects;
I agree that Summer Court Changeling in Winter's court Is a bigger problem than Child of Two worlds. I can switch those easily enough.
What about the others? They get the point across? Too vague?
I was trying to reflect the fact that he's a little bit of a spotlight hog. Good if you need a distraction, (he's happy to provide one!) Bad if your trying to sneak and he gets distracted by a potential audience. ;(
Any other suggestions/Comments? Ideas?
For reference, I was trying to go for a cross between 'Bedlam's Bard' and Alan Dean Foster's 'Spellsinger'. With a Charm/illusionist twist. Both of them do 'real' magic, as well as illusions, but they do not actually throw fireballs and such.
(Although Spellsinger could easily collapse a cave on your head!)
I guess what I'masking is, IS there a 'Charm' power to sway the crowds with? (OTHER than Spirit Evocation!??!?)
And any help with the Item of Power 'Mother's Voice' would be welcome.
I'm torn between an instrument (faerie flute?) or a necklace. (Hm, maybe that's where he gets his extra power from? once or twice an adventure he can use the flute/necklace to make his voice so powerful that it is a sonic attack?)
I did indeed think about how to deal with the knife's influence. I hope to maintain the Pure Mortal status by having the knife impart no powers other than counting as a magical knife for the catch of some creatures' damage reduction. I'd be willing to spend a Fate Point to activate it.
If it is going to cost the Pure Mortal status, I'll have to change either the knife or adopt a different template (probably Emissary of Power or Minor Talent).
An effect that will trigger catches is like Holy Touch which is a -1 Refresh Power.
You can have the magic knife if you choose Minor talent or Emissary of Power but not as a Pure mortal.
Smerg/Davi-
Thank you both,Yes, having Mab's personal attention isn't exactly what I was hoping for! (I'll leave THAT to Harry!) ;P I could easily switch that to A Summer Changeling in Winter's Court
A better choice probably for your current rank in life.
-I had also hoped to dabble in minor magic items. Putting a little Fairie magic into charms that once or twice a story let me take advantage of a little Fae luck? (A +1 to my perform or Deceit skill, or Armor 1 vs a shot that might have killed me, causing me to trip at the last second so it only grazes me? etc,) But Glamours gives me no magic slots. (I don't think.)
Okay, so how many times per session would you want to use these minor magic items? What are you planning to use to 'fuel' these bonuses? Will it be Mental Stress or Fate Points? How much Retcon are you wanting since you give examples of 'discovering' you have armour 1 and tripping to avoid a shot?
This will help me set the cost in Refresh and parameters for such a power to operate.
I guess what I'masking is, IS there a 'Charm' power to sway the crowds with? (OTHER than Spirit Evocation!??!?)
There is no 'magic bullet' in this game system that I have yet found. You can substitute one thing for another, modify something, but in the end you need a 'skill' to do things.
If you had a 'magic flute' it could either allow you to use another skill as the Rapport skill (Performance skill as Rapport) or it could give you a modifier to the usage of the Rapport skill when used.
It would still be a 'social conflict' to 'charm' someone to get them to perform some task for you or to reveal some information to you.
Again, the cost in Refresh would be related to how big a 'gun' in Rapport the 'magic flute' provided and how often you could tap the resource per session.
A mother's magic voice would be like a 'magic flute' but worth less points as it couldn't easily be 'taken' away from you.
Post got eaten, and Smerg said what I was going to say anyway. So, let me just reiterate that mind magic is a Big Deal and you really shouldn't go around using it willy-nilly. Vampires (and maybe changelings too I guess) only get away with emotion manipulation by not technically being human. Emotion control may not be as invasive as just dominating some guy into doing something, but you're still going to have some unintended side effects if you do it too often.
I suppose I'll modify him to Minor Talent. I don't have the book with me at the moment, but if I remember correctly, I'll lose 2 refresh from Pure Mortal and 1 from the knife-granted powers, but gain 1 from it being an external item of power?
I suppose I'll modify him to Minor Talent. I don't have the book with me at the moment, but if I remember correctly, I'll lose 2 refresh from Pure Mortal and 1 from the knife-granted powers, but gain 1 from it being an external item of power?
Let's see, lose one from a power very similar to Holy Touch, gain 2 from having an Item of Power that's easy to lose.
I suppose I'll modify him to Minor Talent. I don't have the book with me at the moment, but if I remember correctly, I'll lose 2 refresh from Pure Mortal and 1 from the knife-granted powers, but gain 1 from it being an external item of power?Let's see, lose one from a power very similar to Holy Touch, gain 2 from having an Item of Power that's easy to lose.
Except that you need to net out to at least -1 Refresh. That means if you are in for a penny you might as well be in for a pound.
Externalized power of a magic knife can have 1, 2, or 3 pts of refresh cost and it will still net out to a -1 refresh with the Item of Power.
Your other option is to just take the -1 refresh cost and say that you can 'sanctify' any blade you are holding for purposes of the catch.
Finally, if you go with a magic knife, you should think on some sort of historic knife that has some 'history'. The Dresden Universe is not like the Forgotten Realms with generic Magic Knives floating around.
Our Autumn Prince has a hammer from his father and Pernelia has a hammer of the Valkyrie. Since these magic items are tied to their character's family history, I'll let them fill in the details on 'history' of the weapons.
A magic knife should have a history of having belonged to someone or done something to give it the famous status.
oooh; can I work for the Chinese Restraunt owned by Tao Pinyin as a Suet Chef (prep work for lunch and diner end of week and at a Diner as short order cook mornings till noon at a place like Waffle house or some such Diner for a few weekdays?
Okay, I'll fill in a couple here.
That's How it Always Begins. Very Small
Tao Pinyin is a restaurant owner in China Town. Tao Pinyan is a Korean Sorcerer. Tao's Motivation is to protect the citizens of China Town (he works with all the different Asian groups).[
Can someone tell me what the skill Discipline is for? if it is a magic stat maybe I should change that skill to survival; was thinking military discipline or ability to control his thoughts to avoid some mind control through rigid discipline of his code.
Can someone tell me what the skill Discipline is for? if it is a magic stat maybe I should change that skill to survival; was thinking military discipline or ability to control his thoughts to avoid some mind control through rigid discipline of his code.
Discipline is used for several things.
1> It is your main defense against mental attacks.
2> It affects how much energy in magic a person can control at one time.
3> It affects your ability to control your emotions and to stay concentrated when things around you like fires, ghosts, or bullets are involved.
------------------
Sure, if you would like you can work in Pin-yin's restaurant.
Cool; just what I wanted then. Was reading some history and the Illiad; Achilles could heal a wound from a weapon on another if he had the weapon; the spear that inflicts the wound could heal the wound. What would it take for me to be able to do this with game experience points? Might be pretty hard to get the weapon that caused the damage; and am guessing it would depend on how much healing; but is an interesting idea to kick around.
Smerg/Davi- As always, Thx again! :)
Hmph, I may just have to go out to my local comic/game store and fork out some money! (I know that you guys would appreciate not having to read as many of my long-winded posts!) ;P
OK, trying to keep it short, and simple! ;)
Davi-your point is well-taken, And the ability to create magical illusions may not be as flashy as fire blasts, but should NOT be underestimated in the modern world! I am basically limited to my imagination! :)
Re: Item of Power- ok, I want to make "Mother's Voice' as a magic flute. I want it to give me a bonus to my Deceit Skill. I would like to be able to use it at least 2 times per Session. (Encounter? Chapter of Adventure?) My purpose is to use it to boost my Deceit above my max for when I REALLY need the illusion to be believed! :) (In the story, it's magic enhances my own natural gifts, making it easier for people who hear it's music to believe me.)
Item of Power, easily taken away, boost to Deceit (+2?), 2-3 time per session/encounter, total refresh cost=?
Re: MInor magic items. I see how that would be MUCH easier around a table! Forget my lame example. (I really am NOT trying to make life, or this game, more complicated!);)
Working on juggling the skills now,...
Let's see, a +2 is a big bonus in this system. That is the level of invoking an Aspect which is usually a Fate Point cost to use.
So, here are some options.
Option 1: You could write an Aspect called 'Songs of my Mother' which would cost no Refresh have since it would take one of your seven aspects. You could choose to get the benefit anytime you were willing to spend a Fate Point.
Option 2: This could be treated like a Focus Item. This would give a +1 bonus in specified situations. For you this would add +1 to the strength of the illusion or Offensive power of the illusion via your Deceit skill. There is no limit to the number of times you could use this but the bonus would only apply to that particular type of situation. The bonus would not help you increase the size of illusion or what kind of illusion you could make. It would only help make the illusion more 'intense'. Note: You could choose another type of bonus but what ever you choose it would a +1 (you could choose Veils, increasing size, other things but you would need to specify what the bonus went to do when you got it). This would cost -1 Refresh to have.
Option 3: You specify in advance up to four specific illusions that you can create with your flute. If you choose a car then you can't later choose to make a carriage during the adventure. I would allow you to change the illusions that you have 'memorized' between adventures. You could also leave illusion slots 'open' but it would cost 1 Fate Point (to say you had just the thing ready for the situation) or a period of time to compose and store the illusion. Each illusion would a 'one shot' event and once used it can't be used again until you come to a break in the story/session when you would be allowed to 'reload'. The strength would be set by your Lore or your Deceit skill. This would cost -1 Refresh.
Ok; look this over and see what you think:
my name spelled like this but with Greek letter is Achilles; lol, but in English it looks like Aximeus (Axe i may us)
Ok; look this over and see what you think:
my name spelled like this but with Greek letter is Achilles; lol, but in English it looks like Aximeus (Axe i may us)
The aspects themselves are good, but you just have too many of them. Just to go over the first half of character creation...
-High Concept: Wandering Demigod Good.
-Problem: Code of the Hero Also good.
-Background: Uh, only one aspect goes here. Choose whichever one sums up his early life best.
-Rising Action: Once again, too many here. Choose one aspect to go here for more-recent events. (Given your background, any of them could go here, really.)
-Story: The part where you write a summary of an adventure your character recently had (It doesn't need to be long, it should be like the back cover of a cheesy urban fantasy novel) and choose an aspect based on what you did in that story. Leave it open enough for two more characters(Barcas and ithuriel, in your case) to get involved as side characters.
-Guest Star 1: Say what you did to help in someone else's story(in this case Torolf's) and choose an aspect based on what you did.
-Guest Star 2: As in Guest Star 1, but with Ragadolf's story instead.
Now, you still have one too many Aspects on your sheet, but if the ones you choose happen to be the same as some of the ones you already have on your sheet we won't complain. (Mainly because the aspects on your sheet are mostly good, you just didn't quite do character creation right.)
Ok; look this over and see what you think:
my name spelled like this but with Greek letter is Achilles; lol, but in English it looks like Aximeus (Axe i may us)
Yup, Davi has the aspect part right.
You also need to cut 2 points from your list of powers and stunts.
Your skills are fine.
Here's the latest version,
Still want to pick another Stunt or power, Current refresh spent is -5
(We have 9 total, and can spend up to -8, correct?)
Danny Kaye:
Changeling, Halfhuman, half ? (Fae: Dryad or Nymph or something)
High Concept: Struggling Fae Spellsinger
Trouble Concept: A Summer Changeling in Winter's Court
Background: His Mother's Voice: (This refers to his talents AND the item she left him!)
Danny was raised by his father and told that his mother died when he was young. His father was a musician, and Danny was raised around and involved with music and theater his whole life. When he got older, he displayed a remarkable talent for singing, acting, dancing, anything that involved performing he seemed to be a natural at. And when he got in front of an audience he only got better. In his mid-teens he discovered that his singing could make things seem to happen. It was then his father informed him that his mother was not dead, but was a creature of legend, a beautiful faerie creature who had left Danny with him to be raised in the safety of the mortal world. Away from the dangers of the Nevernever & the Fae courts. His father gave him a token from his mother (a magic flute) and told Danny that the flute and his powers were from his mother. (His father could only see the supernatural, but was not a caster that Danny has ever discovered.)
Rising Conflict: Child of Two Worlds
While Danny went to college, trying to get a degree AND master his new powers at the same time, He was discovered by agents of the fae courts. He was 'invited' to the Nevernever by an agent of Winter to meet his mother, but it was a trick. The fae who brought him had no idea who his mother was. What Winter wanted was for him to be their Summer's Envoy for the Winter Court in the Toronto area. Summer's Envoy to Winter had no objection, and easily approved Danny's bloodline as acceptable for the position. (Which annoyed Danny.) However, Summer's Envoy either could not, or would not, tell Danny who his mother was. (Which annoyed him more!) They told Danny that he was a perfect choice for the job because he was a child of the Fae living in the mortal world. Danny figures that it's because he doesn't know squat about the Nevernever or it's politics, so he can't mess up anybody's plans.
Fortunately the trip to the Nevernever had unexpected benefits. Having visited with 'family', Danny has accepted who, and what, he is. And his powers have grown with that understanding. Unfortunately, his luck didn't grow with them. He can enthrall a crowd with any song or skit that he makes up himself, or at least has a vested emotional interest in, but despite his performance skills cannot compel the same response performing in regular plays and musicals. He now makes his living performing at Ren Fairs, small theaters, and the occasional stint in a underground rock bands.
The Story: First Adventure Copper Drums
Apsect: I'm dating a Teenage Triad!
(Back cover blurb) Danny has always had unusual luck, Both good and bad. But when he attracts the attention of twin oriental beauties, it seems his luck has finally changed! But his new girlfriends are members of a Triad family, and he will need all of his silver-tongued skill when meeting their parents! Not mention the help of his new friends to survive an assault by Fairie creatures!
Guest Star-Aximeus
Guest Star-Ithuriel
Guest Star 1 (Pernilla Tharaldson's Story)
Danny's luck was running true to form. Getting lost on his way to a gig with an 'underground Rock Band' he stumbles upon a strange ritual being interrupted by a Xena-wannabe. It doesn't take long to see that the ritualists aren't, completely, human. A few Magic Power Chords later and the strange shifters are attacking each other in confusion and running for their lives from the golden-haired goddess.
possible aspects to go with this:
All the world's a stage or maybe Love the spotlight
Guest Star 2 (Nathaniel's Story, [b]The Baying of the Hounds)
Visiting the local library to research fae, and some lyrics for new songs, Danny becomes entangled with two researchers who are more than they appear! Danny's skills are pushed to the limit as he matches an evil warlock's powers spell-for-spellsong!
possible aspects: Singing Down the House, or A Strange Thing Happened Today
Skills:
5-0
4-Performance, Deceit
3-Conviction, Discipline, Presence
2-Fists, Empathy, Athletics, Rapport
1-Lore, Weapons, Resources, Contacts, Endurance
Mortal Stunts:
Powers:
(0) Wizard's Constitution
(-1) The Sight: Wizards and others have learned to open their third eye, perceiving the magical world in great detail. The downside here is that the often phantasmagorical images are burned into their brains—never forgotten, always vivid.
You must have a high concept that shows either that you are a spellcaster or that you have received training of some kind to open your third eye.
(-2) Glamours: You are able to create the basic glamours of the fae—minor veils and “seemings” that make something look like what it isn’t. Effects: Minor Veils, Seemings ; Skills Affected: Discipline, Deceit
(-2) Inhuman Speed: (Just past human)
. Alertness +4 on Initiative
. Athletics +1 including for dodging
. Stealth +2 because you move so fast
. Move one area and still take an action with no penalty
Stress:
Physical: [] [] []
Mental: [] [] [] []
Social: [] [] [] []
Here's the latest version,
Still want to pick another Stunt or power, Current refresh spent is -5
(We have 9 total, and can spend up to -8, correct?Danny Kaye:
** spoiler omitted **...
It looks good to me.
Yes, you can choose up to 8 pts in powers and stunts.
It can be good to choose less than 8 pts as you will start each round of gameplay with more Fate Points instead of constantly having to 'sing' for your supper. ;>
Ok; I made some changes; check it out again; as for powers/stunts points; I copied exactly from what you wrote; so I dont have a clue; also; is my tremorsense always working; was thinking only when I am touching hte ground and they are; doesnt work on flying things; but is cool however.
Here's the latest version,
Still want to pick another Stunt or power, Current refresh spent is -5
(We have 9 total, and can spend up to -8, correct?Danny Kaye:
** spoiler omitted **...It looks good to me.
Yes, you can choose up to 8 pts in powers and stunts.
It can be good to choose less than 8 pts as you will start each round of gameplay with more Fate Points instead of constantly having to 'sing' for your supper. ;>
Thx Smerg, Heh,
I'll try not to go all power-gamey, and leave me some Fate points to play with! ;)Do the Aspects work for you? Is there enough 'Positive/Negative' invokability for the FATE rules?
(Realized as I was going to bed last night that all of his entries mention his 'luck'. Thinking of changing one of the story aspects to 'Fae Luck'.
Does my scene stories work both you guys; chinese water torture and copper drums? can edit as needed.
Does my scene stories work both you guys; chinese water torture and copper drums? can edit as needed.
Well, not to be nitpicky, but the name of the story was Chinese Winter Torture, obviously a pun on Chinese Water Torture. I don't have a problem with your concept of being a Night Watchman who helped, but I'd like the involvement to be a little more personal. Perhaps something like,
After coming across two scholars who were battling fae creatures and strange forces, Aximeus goes toe-to-toe with a Sidhe Knight, battling him to a standstill and allowing all three to escape.
Does my scene stories work both you guys; chinese water torture and copper drums? can edit as needed.
It works fine for me. Danny was on a date when he/they were attacked by Goblins or something, and they ran past Aximeus trying to get away. Thx Vale!
Just a note, I'm playing with the idea of all the books in 'Danny's' series be a metal with a musical instrument, (Not all of which may be 'normal' combinations) And the requisite Dresdenverse puns thrown in, So possible titles include Copper Drums, Ten Whistles, Steal Guitars, Etc.
I still need to finalize the Skills and refresh spent, and get it all into an avatar. Once I tweak the Aspects, (AND figure oout how/what to invoke them as!) I think I'm ready to go!
I've updated his character sheet. For your approval:
(-1) Enchanted Dagger: Once owned by a Mohawk shaman named Kaniko, Monroe gained the dagger when it was brought to New Orleans in 2005 by shapeshifters looking to harness Hurricane Katrina's powers. Kaniko occasionally manifests to offer advice, although Monroe is the only one who can see him. Kaniko has taken a liking to Monroe, who he sees as a rescuer and protector from both the shapeshifters and Monoc Securities. When wielding the knife, Monroe can spend a Fate Point to satisfy a Catch if he knows what the Catch is. (Sometimes it simply reduces the effectiveness of Toughness powers instead of eliminating them.)
I plan on having my second guest star role (Aximeus) be the first story we do here, if that's all right with you.
Cool; will change to that; was just glad I got the right scene for the right story.
Does my scene stories work both you guys; chinese water torture and copper drums? can edit as needed.Well, not to be nitpicky, but the name of the story was Chinese Winter Torture, obviously a pun on Chinese Water Torture. I don't have a problem with your concept of being a Night Watchman who helped, but I'd like the involvement to be a little more personal. Perhaps something like,
After coming across two scholars who were battling fae creatures and strange forces, Aximeus goes toe-to-toe with a Sidhe Knight, battling him to a standstill and allowing all three to escape.
I've updated his character sheet. For your approval:
** spoiler omitted **
I plan on having my second guest star role (Aximeus) be the first story we do here, if that's all right with you.
Looks good.
with changes.
with changes.
Okay, I listed all the powers and stunts to give a 'range' of options but if I were to focus on what is 'core' to the character then I'd go with.
0 Wizard's Constitution
-2 Inhuman Speed
-2 Inhuman Strength
-2/-4 Inhuman Toughness (Armour 1) when not wearing Armour. Supernatural Toughness (Armour 2) when wearing Armour.
-2 Inhuman Recovery
+2 Catch: Needs to keep contact with earth. Armour can satisfy the Catch.
+2 Item of Power: Armour, Sword, and Shield
-1 Magical Items
. Magical Sword regularly Sword 3 that 3 times per session can attack with Sword 6 or Counterspell 6
. Armour can spend a fate point to summon armour (shield and sword)
. Shield once per session can get Armour 4 against physical attacks
Okay, that is 7 points of refresh spent and would leave you starting each gaming session with 2 Fate Points.
You can either stop here or select one of the following three options for additional flavour or your could wait till you acquire more experience to purchase the following.
-1 Tremor sense
-1 Leadership
-1 Mighty Thews
Done up most of the profile and such.
Still have some refresh 2 points. Will look into stunts or the like.
Mostly Done. Still not sure on the last aspect... There When I Need to Be. Good? Or reconsider?
The last aspect is fine for now. You can consider 'jazzing' it up later. For now, it just works to get you into stories and scenes which is a good thing.
If you want a suggestion on how to say the same general thing but with some more jazz then you could word it as either you are 'Pawn of the Norns' or you are 'Reader of Fate in Death's Souls'. These can be re-written to suit your needs. The first one suggests the Norns direct you to be places and the second one suggests that you have warning sense involved with death directing you to places of conflict.
Let me know if this list is correct and current of Aspects. Right now I have Avatar lists of six players that have posted since I asked if people were ready to get started playing. This list is important because Aspects are such an important part of the FATE system.
Doctor Carding (Torolf)
Concept: Forgotten Arcane Linguist
Trouble: Torn Between Two Worlds
Background: At Home with Dead Stuff
Rising Conflict: Thirst for Knowledge
First Story: Ice Cold Discipline
Guest 1: I Watch Out for My Friends
Guest 2: Pick on Someone Your Own Size
Nathanial Halsay (Davi the Eccentric)
Concept: Recovering Outsider Scholar
Trouble: The Cracks Still Show
Background: Price is No Barrier to Knowledge
Rising Conflict: Saw the Walker Beyond Sight
First Story: Over Prepared for the Apocalypse
Guest 1: Only Rivals in the Library
Guest 2: ?
David Monroe (DM Barcas)
Concept: Savvy Retired Cop
Trouble: Runs Towards Danger
Background: Seen It All
Rising Conflict: Connected the Dots
First Story: Enchanted Dagger
Guest 1: Stormy Partnership with Monoc Securities
Guest 2: ?
Pernilla Tharaldson (Songdragon)
Concept: Daughter of the Valkyrie
Trouble: Forbidden to Die Peacefully
Background: Weapon of the Norse
Rising Conflict: Always Fighting the Good Fight
First Story: Agent of Monoc Securities
Guest 1: Troll Slayer
Guest 2: A Striking Beauty
Aximeus (Valegrim)
Concept: Wandering Demi-God
Trouble: Code of the Hero
Background: Child of the Greek Gods and Orphan of Man
Rising Conflict: Noble Purpose
First Story: ?
Guest 1: Making Your Business, My Business
Guest 2: Everyone was Kung Fu Fighting
Danny Kaye (Ragadolf)
Concept: Struggling Fae Spellslinger
Trouble: A Summer Changeling in Winter’s Court
Background: His Mother’s Voice
Rising Conflict: Child of Two Worlds
First Story: I’m Dating a Teenage Triad
Guest 1: All the World’s a Stage or Loving the Spotlight
Guest 2: Singing Down the House or A Strange Thing Happened Today
?? (Ithuriel)