Wow.
I'm just lurking, (trying) to keep up with you all and see the process in action.Very impressed so far, I am a fan of the books, and you already have the basis for another great setting for a DFRPG story!
You obviously have plenty of players, but if you ever need another, please consider me another one on your backup list! :)Keep up all the good work!
Will do and glad you chose to follow along.
For Too Good to be True
How does taking something like this Teen Philanthropist and giving it an evil twist.
The article mentions her giving out care packages to children that are homeless and new to the Toronto Area. Maybe she has some secondary or hidden agenda for doing this. She has a fascination with Grey's Anatomy.
Maybe she is a student connected to the Necromancer's College.
Change the name and add a bit of dark agenda and we could have a winner here.
For character... I have a few ideas swirling about. My first idea before even getting into this group was a mortal monster hunter (I love the Supernatural TV series). Much of my thought has gone into a different idea, of a character similar to Ms. Gard. Looking at the fact she is a Valkyrie and has a refresh of -13 (some of her abilities I have little interest in) it would be hard to incorporate everything . The wizard idea is always popular and has its own potential as well. And after listening to one of the podcasts that Smerg posted links to, half-dragon!
To go with the idea that I have the most thought into...
(name forthcoming)
Scion of a Norse deity or perhaps a wee Valkyrie in the making, working for dad/grandpa/uncle (however it worked out) under Monoc Corporation in security or the like. I did want a little magic and able to wield a weapon or such with some ability.
I will have to sit down and think about concepts/aspects for the morrow. (bed time here) But this gives everyone some sort of idea what I am interested in.
I'm still working on my Savvy Retired Cop, a Pure Mortal who Runs Towards Danger because, he would say, he has More Guns than Sense. As a Gulf War veteran and having spent 15 years on the streets in New Orleans, he's Seen It All. He discovered the supernatural world in the midst of Hurricane Katrina, causing him to leave police work and do a bit of freelance (sadly, with an emphasis on the free). I'm still working on the Phase 3 (2005-2010) aspect of his life.
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Does anyone mind if I tweak our face for the ROM, Janet Carding a bit? Instead of having her just appointed, I'd rather her be a fixture nearly as old as the museum itself (still mortal) with a will like Margaret Thatcher. Her motivation would still be to acquire and keep all artifacts in the museum where they belong.
She'd be my character's (Conan Carding) mother. Aspect for early life, Mommy Dearest
She sounds a little like Artie from Warehouse 13. If she was clued in she could be a member of a similar organization who has been placed here to get the museum under control. I don't see any reason why it matters much if she was a fixture at this museum or has been recently placed there as in the original pitch. If he's tying the npc in as his mother, I'd say give Torolf a little leeway there on her specifics.
You know, we completely skipped one phase of the City Creation Process.
We need to answer these questions, which should be no problem given the other things we've detailed so far. These things aren't such a big deal, but let us know we are developing the same general idea. This is my interpretation of where we are now. Let me know if you guys think something should be different.
What is the Supernatural Status Quo?
Winter reigns supreme and holds other supernatural factions in check.
What is the Mundane Status Quo?
Criminals mostly keep their heads low and everyone is happy that way. Everything looks good on the surface.
Movers and shakers grid coming up.
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They really call it General Tao's chicken where you live? It is always General Tso's chicken in places I've lived, but sure enough Tao does come up as a secondary hit for the same dish. I had no idea that the dish names might be regional, but it makes sense with transliteration being such tricky business. If you throw a hyphen in his given name my sense of verisimilitude is satisfied. (Tao Pin-Yin) Since his name is a play on "The Way of the Chicken" it might be fun to work that into his personality.
As far as character ideas... I'll try to figure it out today. Possibly a changeling with some magical talent, or maybe a focused practitioner.
Also maybe Mikaela Skaven could be tied to the seedy side of town. She wouldn't be a face since you aren't likely to encounter her unless you know her and how to find her, but it gives her a base of operations. Any of you guys who are familiar know where this area should be geographically? Tuxedo Court in Scarborough is my best guess from what I can find with the internet. It's all high rise projects leading into a round about. (btw- google street view is fun with projects like these :) )
Here's a grid for Movers and Shakers Am I missing anyone who should definitely be on there? I haven't included anyone who is basically off dealing with their own personal issue as this is only for npcs who have something to do with the balance of power in the city.
(name forthcoming)
Scion of a Norse deity or perhaps a wee Valkyrie in the making, working for dad/grandpa/uncle (however it worked out) under Monoc Corporation in security or the like. I did want a little magic and able to wield a weapon or such with some ability.I will have to sit down and think about concepts/aspects for the morrow. (bed time here) But this gives everyone some sort of idea what I am interested in.
Sounds like you have plenty of good ideas there. Let me know if you need help.
I'm still working on my Savvy Retired Cop, a Pure Mortal who Runs Towards Danger because, he would say, he has More Guns than Sense. As a Gulf War veteran and having spent 15 years on the streets in New Orleans, he's Seen It All. He discovered the supernatural world in the midst of Hurricane Katrina, causing him to leave police work and do a bit of freelance (sadly, with an emphasis on the free). I'm still working on the Phase 3 (2005-2010) aspect of his life.
Okay, so;
High Concept is Savvy Retired Cop
Trouble is Runs Towards Danger
Background is More Guns than Sense
Rising Conflict is Seen it All
Sounds like you have a good start.
If you throw a hyphen in his given name my sense of verisimilitude is satisfied. (Tao Pin-Yin) Since his name is a play on "The Way of the Chicken" it might be fun to work that into his personality.
As far as character ideas... I'll try to figure it out today. Possibly a changeling with some magical talent, or maybe a focused practitioner.
Also maybe Mikaela Skaven could be tied to the seedy side of town. She wouldn't be a face since you aren't likely to encounter her unless you know her and how to find her, but it gives her a base of operations.
Here's a grid for Movers and Shakers Am I missing anyone who should definitely be on there? I haven't included anyone who is basically off dealing with their own personal issue as this is only for npcs who have something to do with the balance of power in the city.
I'm fine with all the above points.
The grid is good. Thanks for that.
Mikaela as a major player of the White court likely has multiple 'bases' throughout the city. She has to accept that when one base is blown (sometimes literally) she'll need a backup or three.
As a thought, since we're saying she and her family feed on hopelessness that she was for a while in New Orleans. Maybe she had a hand in inspiring that disaster (I remember a net rumour of Haitan voodoo priests involved in bringing the hurricane down on the city and making sure the levy's failed. Maybe that rumour is more 'true' and she had a hand in causing the pumps to fail to work properly). It could be a tie in for Barcas's character.
We could say she moved north and helped with causing the housing problems and the worsening economy. I would put that she was in Detroit area in the 2007 to 2008 period of time as Barcas started to hound her and kept her moving. She is now settling into Toronto with a new place to sew hopelessness on a grand scale. The east side is just a way to keep alive before a grand feast is prepared.
Thanks for the example; I like the Strong as a Mountain; Dumb as a Rock; is there one like "That Just Aint Right and I Gotta Act"? This kind of idea; a guy draws lines; like Harry just hates it when someone hurts a woman or child; hence, "That Just Aint Right" ? I think these two ideas would go together pretty well. Was thinking of a character that is a hard worker of meanial tasks; drifter, the Strong as a Mountain Dumb as Rock, That Just Aint Right. So; experience as a short order cook; dock worker; warehouse; gardener, handy man; just going from job to job as he keeps getting in trouble which makes him a bit of a drifter. So he would have just moved to Toronto to get away from trouble back in the last or last few places; gets a job as a prep cook at the Chinese Restraunt mentioned above. With this kind of story line; character could be inserted anywhere; anywhen; is the kind of guy who lurks in alleys for a quick smoke; pool halls, bars, and maybe hangs with the boys on the dock for a poker game; things on the edge like that, but when shadows start lurking around and a warehouse crate bursts open in green flame; he doesnt run, cause that wouldnt be right. Strong sense of personal justice and fair play. His fae side gives him slowed aging. Maybe some Ogre halfbreed, but still thinking on it; in the Norse Myths they would be Trollbloods; Like Egil in the Sagas. Big; strong; Tuff; bit of magic; prone to violence; bit hard to hurt; fast recovery. That would take him away from Fae and have him part of the Monoc corp thing as it is from that realm. Be cool if he was a mortal son of the Aesir and didnt know it; but fate keeps chasing him, as does his personal Ragnerock.
Was thinking he would have been around a while; been in the US Army; French Foriegn legion; Am thinking of a character a bit like Michael Care' character in that 80's movie with the singer and he takes on a biker gang. Rick Morantis is in it as the singers manager. Is cool; unimpressed; tuff guy but knows he isnt the tuffest. His Quote was "they always get guys like me for things like this" and he means low brow expendables. He knows a few people. Some Connections, but not a lifer of any organization.
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I feel like there is a lot of information floating around in the thread that hasn't made our final list yet. I'm bored on my day off so I filled out the city sheets and put them on google docs. They are attached to the character sheet (which I can't separate out), so you guys can print those out separately if you want them for char gen. There are still a few entries (like motivations) we haven't worked out yet if anyone has ideas.
In both documents the character sheet is the first two pages. Jump ahead beyond that.
High Concept is Psychic Insurance Adjuster
Trouble is Honest Guy In A Dishonest Field
Name is Chandler Kincaid. First name is a reference to Raymond Chandler. Stephen Kincaid is minor character at an insurance company in some of the Mike Hammer short stories.
Background is The Lost Know Their Own
Rising Conflict is ????
Psychic Insurance Adjuster is a variant on Psychic Detective; he just has a different excuse to show up at crime scenes and a different organization to put him on or take him off of investigations.
The Toronto Metro PD has learned that he's got a knack for finding things related to crime scene investigations. They don't know how he does it, but he's got a decent success rate with talking to a victim and finding something. While he's not a member of Toronto Metro PD, he's generally listed as a friendly asset.
The RCMP thinks of him as an intrusive amateur.
He's got the "Psychometry" and "Detects Lies" abilities mentioned earlier.
Psychometry: The Lost Know Their Own. He can, when he touches someone who is deeply concerned about something missing, get a compass bearing and nudge for distance on where it is. On a REALLY emotionally strong tie, he gets the above plus a mental picture of where they are. The drawback of this is that things that aren't supposed to be here tend to notice *him* when that ability flashes.
Detect Lies: The Truth Cannot Hide. He knows when people are lying to him, and sometimes hears their mental voice as a voiceover with the truth. This cost him his marriage, it causes friction at work (a lot of insurance adjustment is basically determining which lie to tell to the customer), and gives him lots of reasons to develop a good poker face. This should also be applicable on illusions.
Shouldn't the Movers and Shakers diagram have the White Court on it and not Mikaela Skavin?
Anyway, added links to those in the city sheet, because I'm lazy and don't want to type the stuff in there that isn't in it already.
EDIT: Oh, you have a Face for Too Good To Be True in there? Well then, I'll take that.
So, everyone, how about we just leave "The Mounties Always Get Their Man" without a real Face and official move onto character creation?
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I put the individual rather than White Court because I don't imagine there are so many white court vamps in the city- or at least we haven't discussed them as an organized presence yet. Of those that are around hard to say that all of them are aligned behind her plans. Probably most of them are the more traditional lust based family line. Really though, I was just using the sample sheet in the book as reference and followed right along with the individual name there.
If no one takes a mountie as a PC maybe a face for them will pop in as the story demands. We at least sketched out how we see them in the world so it isn't a question if one shows up. A timely use of a fate point could call one in at some point as well.
Hey, I just noticed a few things were missed in the pdf.
-Sgt Noah Walter's Motivation is to keep the people safe from whatever happens on his beat, including the supernatural.
-Janet Carding's Concept is the head of the Archeology Institute of America, Toronto branch (Yeah, her Concept isn't that great), and her Motivation is to keep artifacts where they belong: in a museum.
-Giddeous Rath doesn't really have a motivation. How does "Power For Power's Sake" sound? You know, harnessing the Jail's power to say that he has the power to, has apprentices to lord over someone, you get the idea.
Anyway, I'll post some of my character creation stuff later.
I would think most of the Movers and Shakers from the White court are dead; from the last situation in the Deeps; most of the court was there.
Oh; the movie from my prior post is "Streets of Fire"
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Re: Janet-
If her motivation is "To keep artifacts where they belong: in a museum" does that imply there is a rash of museum thefts in Toronto? What if she's more looking to acquire dangerous artifacts to safeguard them? That would be where the Archeological Institute of America Toronto Branch comes in. Makes her more proactive and gives her more goals than just setting up the best security system. I updated her concept to "Head of the A.I.A. T.B. & Curator of ROM", but they won't show on the docs sheet till I trade out versions.
For Giddeous I was wondering, why the jail? Is he siphoning off the ghosts energy to power his magic or maybe binding them into dead bodies to create sentient "zombies?" Maybe he is experimenting towards his own immortality? Maybe making allies in the spirit world at a point where the wall is weak? I don't know. What do you guys think? It would be nice if he had more motivation than pointy-goateed evilness.
I swapped Walter Giroux to the infernal pact maker on the sheet rather than the caretaker, but he could have gone either way. If anyone else wanted to weigh in on that...
Just noticed Smerg had Florence tied to the Jarvis area. I missed that earlier. Swapped Jarvis in for Scarborough on the sheet.
Re: Janet-
If her motivation is "To keep artifacts where they belong: in a museum" does that imply there is a rash of museum thefts in Toronto? What if she's more looking to acquire dangerous artifacts to safeguard them? That would be where the Archeological Institute of America Toronto Branch comes in. Makes her more proactive and gives her more goals than just setting up the best security system. I updated her concept to "Head of the A.I.A. T.B. & Curator of ROM", but they won't show on the docs sheet till I trade out versions.
Yeah, I'd have her be trying to take artifacts to put in a museum. After all, otherwise she wouldn't do much of anything except stop thefts. (And yes, they're a bunch of powerful artifacts in there. Of course there will be thefts.)
For Giddeous I was wondering, why the jail? Is he siphoning off the ghosts energy to power his magic or maybe binding them into dead bodies to create sentient "zombies?" Maybe he is experimenting towards his own immortality? Maybe making allies in the spirit world at a point where the wall is weak? I don't know. What do you guys think? It would be nice if he had more motivation than pointy-goateed evilness.
Siphoning ghosts and making zombies are actions, not motives. After some thought, I'd make his motive respect. He's trying to harness all the prison's power for the same reason people buy a Desert Eagle instead of a reasonably-sized pistol. After all, no one pays the coroner any respect. They all think it's just "This man died of getting shot in the head, where's my paycheck?". But everyone respects death, and thus he will be death. Once he has unlimited necromantic power, he's probably just going to start waving it in everyone's faces and will act surprised when he accidentally blows someone's head off with it.
I swapped Walter Giroux to the infernal pact maker on the sheet rather than the caretaker, but he could have gone either way. If anyone else wanted to weigh in on that...
Well, he could do both. Bring him one wife, he'll stay in for another year. Bring him twenty, he'll stay locked up for a while and he'll bring Walter's wife back as a present.
...gets a job as a prep cook at the Chinese Restraunt mentioned above. With this kind of story line; character could be inserted anywhere; anywhen; is the kind of guy who lurks in alleys for a quick smoke;. pool halls, bars, and maybe hangs with the boys on the dock for a poker game; things on the edge like that, but when shadows start lurking around and a warehouse crate bursts open in green flame; he doesnt run, cause that wouldnt be right. Strong sense of personal justice and fair playHis fae side gives him slowed aging. Maybe some Ogre halfbreed, but still thinking on it; in the Norse Myths they would be Trollbloods; Like Egil in the Sagas. Big; strong; Tuff; bit of magic; prone to violence; bit hard to hurt; fast recovery. That would take him away from Fae and have him part of the Monoc corp thing as it is from that realm. Be cool if he was a mortal son of the Aesir and didnt know it; but fate keeps chasing him, as does his personal Ragnerock.
Was thinking he would have been around a while; been in the US Army; French Foriegn legion; Am thinking of a character a bit like Michael Care' character in that 80's movie with the singer and he takes on a biker gang. Rick Morantis is in it as the singers manager. Is cool; unimpressed; tuff guy but knows he isnt the tuffest. His Quote was "they...
We can definitely develop this into a character. Strong Type half-fae that is a bit of a drifter could easily fit into the story.
We can even develop a Aspect like 'Hey, I'm working here' to explain how you happen to be where things in the story are occurring.
Cool, I am thinking he was born about 1920; got in trouble with some supernatural stuff; when he was 20; judge said prison or Army; got sent to WWII; as this used to happen. Still does; friend of mine got that choice in 1984 and ended up in the Navy. Same thing happend and he got sent to Korea; Vietnam; but got involved in few fights in Africa to help a friend who was threatend by a warlord; hid in the French Foriegn legion; left that as he doest age very fast; so been wandering city to city; taking odd jobs; but he always seem to be around; usually because he works night shift when the mystic spooky stuff sort of thing happens.
I am thinking it would be cool to have something start to happen to him; like lately this Classic Roman or Greek Helm from a Hopelite or Roman heavy infantry starts showing up; when he moves; it shows up wherever he stays; soon forarm guards; then shin guards; then breastplate; spear; and Gladius type sword, Heavy spear as if wherever he stays opens a dimention to some pocket armory for him. nothing has convinced him to use any of this stuff and he doesnt know where it comes from or what its properties are and doesnt know it is his inheritance being scion of mortal and Greko/Roman diety. All of those dieties get around and have lots of kids and they all have lots of enemies and monsters always seem to pop up.
just a thought for a spin; then when the pc's get into some catacylmic battle with all their allies and stuff; he will wear it, but ordinarily he doesnt wear much and just uses whatever is around to fight with.
would work about the same with the Fae Ogre blood; but didnt really want the allergy to iron/steel; is a big givaway.
Cool, I am thinking he was born about 1920; got in trouble with some supernatural stuff; when he was 20; judge said prison or Army; got sent to WWII; as this used to happen. Still does; friend of mine got that choice in 1984 and ended up in the Navy. Same thing happend and he got sent to Korea; Vietnam; but got involved in few fights in Africa to help a friend who was threatend by a warlord; hid in the French Foriegn legion; left that as he doest age very fast; so been wandering city to city; taking odd jobs; but he always seem to be around; usually because he works night shift when the mystic spooky stuff sort of thing happens.
Okay, so for Background, your character traveled the world working in various jobs and working with the military.
What aspect would you say that you picked up as a result of your travels or what would you say that your character learned about themselves?
I am thinking it would be cool to have something start to happen to him; like lately this Classic Roman or Greek Helm from a Hopelite or Roman heavy infantry starts showing up; when he moves; it shows up wherever he stays; soon forarm guards; then shin guards; then breastplate; spear; and Gladius type sword, Heavy spear as if wherever he stays opens a dimention to some pocket armory for him. nothing has convinced him to use any of this stuff and he doesnt know where it comes from or what its properties are and doesnt know it is his inheritance being scion of mortal and Greko/Roman diety. All of those dieties get around and have lots of kids and they all have lots of enemies and monsters always seem to pop up.
There are a couple of ways to do this. It depends upon how much you want to be able to use these items and what kind of powers they provide as benefit. It could be left as 'magical equipment slots' that you can 'tune' with your personality. A Wizard would create a spell construct which is a very flexible version of this idea but for a 2 pt refresh power it would be possible to have a variety of 'items' that you can 'call up' and alter within a limited sphere of choices (kinda like a limited version of Thaumaturgy).
It could be a 0 pt refresh if it is strictly cinematic. If someone hits you really hard a piece of 'breastplate' appears on your body or when you pick up a fry pan and slug someone it becomes an ancient short sword as you connect.
It could be a 1 pt stunt which allows you to use anything that would normally be an improvised item as a regular items with again the cinematic description of how the item 'modifies' to have an ancient appearance and characteristics.
just a thought for a spin; then when the pc's get into some catacylmic battle with all their allies and stuff; he will wear it, but ordinarily he doesnt wear much and just uses whatever is around to fight with.
When your character advances, you gain more points of refresh which you can choose to keep as fate points or convert to new powers and stunts. This can lead you to a more grand power or ability then you started with though usually it is only part of advancement during what is called a 'milestone' or significant change in the story. Occasionally, if you do have points available to spend for a 'new' power and the moment is significant, you can ask the GM to spend them at that moment for a sudden 'power up' in the midst of battle.
would work about the same with the Fae Ogre blood; but didnt really want the allergy to iron/steel; is a big givaway.
It sounds like you have two competing ideas for a 'High Concept' which is basically what you want your character to be.
The idea of a big strong Ogre Half-Fae is one idea.
The other idea seems to be either a reincarnated Greek Hero (Ajax reborn) or a new Demi-God Hero (Zeus's golden shower of love again).
Any of those ideas are fine. The choice will colour things in terms of story but all will play pretty much the same.
A tough hide of a half-ogre is mechanically similar to the armour plating of Greek Hero.
High Concept is Psychic Insurance Adjuster
Trouble is Honest Guy In A Dishonest Field
Name is Chandler Kincaid. First name is a reference to Raymond Chandler. Stephen Kincaid is minor character at an insurance company in some of the Mike Hammer short stories.
Background is The Lost Know Their Own
Rising Conflict is ????Psychic Insurance Adjuster is a variant on Psychic Detective; he just has a different excuse to show up at crime scenes and a different organization to put him on or take him off of investigations.
The Toronto Metro PD has learned that he's got a knack for finding things related to crime scene investigations. They don't know how he does it, but he's got a decent success rate with talking to a victim and finding something. While he's not a member of Toronto Metro PD, he's generally listed as a friendly asset.
The RCMP thinks of him as an intrusive amateur.
He's got the "Psychometry" and "Detects Lies" abilities mentioned earlier.
Psychometry: The Lost Know Their Own. He can, when he touches someone who is deeply concerned about something missing, get a compass bearing and nudge for distance on where it is. On a REALLY emotionally strong tie, he gets the above plus a mental picture of where they are. The drawback of this is that things that aren't supposed to be here tend to notice *him* when that ability flashes.
Detect Lies: The Truth Cannot Hide. He knows when people are lying to him, and sometimes hears their mental voice as a voiceover with the truth. This cost him his marriage, it causes friction at work (a lot of insurance adjustment is basically determining which lie to tell to the customer), and gives him lots of reasons to develop a good poker face. This should also be applicable on illusions.
The Lost Know Their Own sounds more like a power or a stunt then an Aspect. An aspect is who you are while a power or a stunt either define new ways to use skills (like being able to do investigations without having to find and talk to dozens of witnesses), give you access to new skills (like magic), or allows you to exceed human limits.
An aspect wouldn't give you flashes of insight but could give you a bonus in certain situations. Good Listener would be an aspect that could be invoked to help pick up on details of what people are saying.
The Truth Cannot Hide could be an aspect or a power. It is an aspect if it modifies a skill like Investigation or Rapport for a bonus. It is a power if literally need to make a special contested roll to defeat your 'special' lie detection powers.
Sounds like you have plenty of good ideas there. Let me know if you need help.
Would have gotten to this sooner... ran into issues yesterday. Looking for some help.
Pernilla Tharaldson
High Concept: (Fallen) Daughter of the Norse
Trouble:
Option 1 Redemption of the Lost - During a battle with several Grendelkin Pernilla found a young beast. Seeing little threat, she let the grendlekin live. Doing so cause the death of several of her companions. Pernilla is looked upon as a lesser and has been told she must seek her redemption to rejoin the ranks of her kin. (this does not seem enough... I will think on it more)
Option 2 Debt to the Fae - Pernillia happened upon a celebration of wild fae who were not keen on being interrupted. They attacked and Pernilla defended herself the best she could, but the fae were too much for her. Baddly wounded the attacks suddenly stopped and a great fae stood over her. He offered her a way out, for a price. She must fulfill an many tasks. When they deem her tasks worthy, she will have her freedom of her. With little option, she agreed. (I might even be inclined to us the The Erlking... and I think there should be some limit on the debt, but not what. Insight?)
Hammer Time - Will have to come up with more of a story, but is where she finds among other recovered relics (working for Monoc Corporation) a head to a small cold iron warhammer. She was allowed to keep the weapon and spent time and funds to have the weapon restored to a functional weapon. The recovering would be part of several investigations of stolen items from both Monoc Corporation and other organizations that they provide there services for. (I am not considering the weapaon other than mundane cold iron forged weapon that she uses, unless she enchants it)
Fae Gone Wild - Again need to work on the story but the basics come to many run ins with fae of all sorts, Winter, Summer, and Wild. They are causing troubles in which she and her fellows of the Monoc Corporation must deal with.
Just getting some of these basics worked out. I am considering on the Rune Magic (-3 refresh) under Gard's character. So will have to discuss how it works and what can be done. Would be willing to go to -4 for a more potent version.
Can High Concepts change? ie if I was Fallen eventually get Redeemed at some point of the game?
Might as well officially begin my character creation now.
Nathanial Halsey (Took the names from some random characters from Lovecraft's works. Nothing too significant about which characters.)
High Concept: A scholar who has Seen The Walker Beyond Sight and didn't exactly handle it well.
Problem: He might of pieced together his psyche after being thrust into the occult, but The Cracks Still Show. To use a metaphor, it's like a broken glass. It's been fixed, but unless you keep applying glue where it's weakening (or drugs and a competent psychiatrist, in this case) and keep it from getting hit again it's just going to break again along the same old cracks.
Background: Nathanial had a pleasant childhood. He was the only child of rich parents, and they gave him whatever he wanted. What he wanted was knowledge. He went from subject to subject, learning enough to be considered learned before moving to the next. Truly, he became a Scholar of All Trades (and, by extension, a master of none.)
Rising Action: This continued until his junior year in college when he was searching the racks of the Toronto Metropolitan Library for a certain book. He couldn't find it, but he did find one called The Tome Of N'Dan. A homeless man suddenly came to him and warned him of what power was contained within it, but he wouldn't be deterred so easily.
Cool, I am thinking he was born about 1920; got in trouble with some supernatural stuff; when he was 20; judge said prison or Army; got sent to WWII; as this used to happen. Still does; friend of mine got that choice in 1984 and ended up in the Navy. Same thing happend and he got sent to Korea; Vietnam; but got involved in few fights in Africa to help a friend who was threatend by a warlord; hid in the French Foriegn legion; left that as he doest age very fast; so been wandering city to city; taking odd jobs; but he always seem to be around; usually because he works night shift when the mystic spooky stuff sort of thing happens.Okay, so for Background, your character traveled the world working in various jobs and working with the military.
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am thinking as far as military; something he was good during times of conflict; but his involvement was a punishment or escape as he was a round peg in a square hole as the military is so regimented. But he understands the military mindset; but as when your a soldier, sometimes you have to watch things and not do anything about them; not get involved; that is to much for him; "that aint right" like when your in a foreign country and you watch someone get beaten or something and your ordered not to get involved; was hard for me personally; but I obey; this guy would be like "that aint right" and stop it and not care about international incidence. So from his age and travels; he has learned that big people step on little people and it pisses him off; the strong enslave the weak; and little guys get squished weather it is two mob guys running a protection racket; or some foreign warlord killing people like the Serbs and Croates or just some big guy at a diner giving the waitress a hard time because he can cause if she complains; she might get fired. Everywhere he goes it is the same old story; either the weak hide like the story of the three little pigs; or they get somebody to protect them like the three billy goats gruff. Perhaps it is divine intervention; but like Michael said to Harry; sometime you get whats coming; sometimes your are what is coming around. So; this guy looks like a sheep in sheeps clothing; working with the little man; but this is really the shepard with a big stick and a sling.
-------------------------What aspect would you say that you picked up as a result of your travels or what would you say that your character learned about themselves?
-------------------His beig weakness is he doesnt fit into oranizations; sooner or later they rub him the wrong way; to much constraint. Even a glass prison would drive this guy crazy; has to live by his own choices, his own man. But he has learned; some things are just to big for one man; like world war II; sometimes it takes a big crew to get the job done. Also, he cant believe how blind everyone is to what is happening; people dissappearing; things going bump in the night; Like Billy Borden said "somebody has to do something; and who else is there" So, he is only beginning to realize that these fast and strong creatures; like vampires; arent strong or fast to him, but something seems to guide his steps from one troubled task to the next like Herakles 12 tasks. One more drawback; this guy doesnt know how to ask for help; He just cant ask and he is not sure why; in game terms; is like it commits him by mystical bond and being bonded would drive him crazy due to the lack of freedom, so he cant ask for help or if he does; must be an extreme situation.
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There are a couple of ways to do this. It depends upon how much you want to be able to use these items and what kind of powers they provide as benefit. It could be left as 'magical equipment slots' that you can 'tune' with your personality. A Wizard would create a spell construct which is a very flexible version of this idea but for a 2 pt refresh power it would be possible...
I am thinking it would be cool to have something start to happen to him; like lately this Classic Roman or Greek Helm from a Hopelite or Roman heavy infantry starts showing up; when he moves; it shows up wherever he stays; soon forarm guards; then shin guards; then breastplate; spear; and Gladius type sword, Heavy spear as if wherever he stays opens a dimention to some pocket armory for him. nothing has convinced him to use any of this stuff and he doesnt know where it comes from or what its properties are and doesnt know it is his inheritance being scion of mortal and Greko/Roman diety. All of those dieties get around and have lots of kids and they all have lots of enemies and monsters always seem to pop up.
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I was thinking the items as color most of the times; like if anyone came over to his place and he was looking at or polishing hte armor; they might wonder about it; big guy and ancient armor. I like the idea that it appears on him when appropriate; am thinking it would be good to leave that all in the GM's control. Like this is a gift of the gods for doing good work; but he resists it as it means a yoke on him; but he will use it when he has to; am thinking they just give him an edge; more armor; weapons; but mostly he is the guy; I have been reading Achilles birth story; and a few of the other Greek Heroes; and see that several of the Greek/Roman dieties have made mortal prodgeny and have given them gifts and power; it is only when they try to give the gift of Immortality without Zeus's consent they get punished. So Achilles, dipped in the river styx to be invulnerable; fast and strong; was ok until his mother, the nymph; tried to give him the ambrosia of immortality. Also, there are lots of creatures like Titans; and gods and goddess who have been snubbed who are always looking to birth or make a champion; expecially the titans and goddesses like Demeter and Persephone and Aphrodite has many.
Rising Action: This continued until his junior year in college when he was searching the racks of the Toronto Metropolitan Library for a certain book. He couldn't find it, but he did find one called The Tome Of N'Dan. A homeless man suddenly came to him and warned him of what power was contained within it, but he wouldn't be deterred so easily.
Ignore that paragraph. I ran out of time to edit my post and decided to go with a different aspect for Rising Action. I'll post something for it later.
I seem to be doing this by hit or miss. Smerg, any suggestions based on what you've seen of Chandler Kincaid so far?
I seem to be doing this by hit or miss. Smerg, any suggestions based on what you've seen of Chandler Kincaid so far?
Glad to help. Fate/Fudge system is going to require a bit of adjustment for anyone that hasn't used a descriptive system before. I've only worked with one as a player myself and that was several years ago.
High Concept is Psychic Insurance Adjuster
Trouble is Honest Guy In A Dishonest Field
Name is Chandler Kincaid. First name is a reference to Raymond Chandler. Stephen Kincaid is minor character at an insurance company in some of the Mike Hammer short stories.
This is all solid. It is easy to describe and put into play.
For 'Background' think of what it was like growing up being 'psychic'. How did your parents, friends, teachers, and early bosses react to you? Did you hide your talent? Did you get taunted? Did you use it to earn money?
For 'Rising Action' think of what made you want to go into investigations and detective type of work. Why did you not become a police officer or private investigator? Why didn't you use your talent to earn money as a reporter? What made you choose to become a Insurance Adjuster? What was your hope when becoming an Insurance Adjuster and what was your disappointment or cost (though you've put this into your trouble)?
You mentioned that you've broken up with your wife. Rising Conflict might be a place to make up an Aspect to express this broken relationship that continues to haunt Kincaid.
Might as well officially begin my character creation now.
Nathanial Halsey (Took the names from some random characters from Lovecraft's works. Nothing too significant about which characters.)
High Concept: A scholar who has Seen The Walker Beyond Sight and didn't exactly handle it well.
Problem: He might of pieced together his psyche after being thrust into the occult, but The Cracks Still Show. To use a metaphor, it's like a broken glass. It's been fixed, but unless you keep applying glue where it's weakening (or drugs and a competent psychiatrist, in this case) and keep it from getting hit again it's just going to break again along the same old cracks.
Background: Nathanial had a pleasant childhood. He was the only child of rich parents, and they gave him whatever he wanted. What he wanted was knowledge. He went from subject to subject, learning enough to be considered learned before moving to the next. Truly, he became a Scholar of All Trades (and, by extension, a master of none.)
I would suggest rephrasing your High Concept. It sounds nice but it is too flowery to make it easy to tag and invoke into play. I'd suggest something more straight forward for the High Concept like Outsider Scholar or Recovering Outsider Researcher or Twitchy Outsider Scholar. One or two solid words to describe the role (Research or Scholar) plus a specialization (Outsider, NeverNever) plus a description of your mental state would be a winning combination.
The Trouble is good.
The background is okay but you might consider wording it so it more specific (It is fairly omni-general) and has the ability to be used both positively and negatively. You might invest in a stunt or two for wealth to reflect this background. Again, it would depend on how much wealth your are still attached to in the present. An example might be Price is no Barrier to Knowledge. This conveys what your money goes towards and how you might trade money (I guess it is Ramman Noodles for another week) for that book on a shelf you haven't read yet.
I would suggest rephrasing your High Concept. It sounds nice but it is too flowery to make it easy to tag and invoke into play. I'd suggest something more straight forward for the High Concept like Outsider Scholar or Recovering Outsider Researcher or Twitchy Outsider Scholar. One or two solid words to describe the role (Research or Scholar) plus a specialization (Outsider, NeverNever) plus a description of your mental state would be a winning combination.
You got a point there. My High Concept isn't much of a Concept. Then again, my old High Concept is better for Rising Action than what I was considering. I'll change it later.
EDIT: Oh, and that the second thing's a good idea too. Might use it, we'll see.
Price is No Barrier to Knowledge actually would work well as a problem aspect. He ignored the warnings and read the book anyway. Price doesn't need to be limited to the financial aspect.
Y'all ever play Arkham Horror?
Price is No Barrier to Knowledge actually would work well as a problem aspect. He ignored the warnings and read the book anyway. Price doesn't need to be limited to the financial aspect.
Y'all ever play Arkham Horror?
I don't think it works right as a Problem, honestly. It's like Harry Dresden's Constantly Broke aspect, it's more of a problem than a Problem. Harry's Problem isn't that he's broke, it's that the White Council is looking for an excuse to kill him. Likewise, Nathanial's Problem isn't that he spent money on a set of encyclopedias instead of anti-psychotics, it's that he needs to take anti-psychotics in the first place.
Never played Arkham Horror, although I've heard of it and like the concept.
Well, in this particular case, the need for anti-psychotics is symptomatic. The need was caused by him willing to pay the price (sanity) for knowledge.
Well, in this particular case, the need for anti-psychotics is symptomatic. The need was caused by him willing to pay the price (sanity) for knowledge.
Well, it just doesn't work as a Problem for this character. I was aiming for "insane scholar, who would do anything for knowledge" and not "scholar who would do anything for knowledge and happens to be insane". It's just a matter of what you want to focus on more, really.
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Price is No Barrier to Knowledge actually would work well as a problem aspect. He ignored the warnings and read the book anyway. Price doesn't need to be limited to the financial aspect.
Y'all ever play Arkham Horror?
Yep. Mrs Ithuriel and I just got devoured by Azathoth yesterday. Lucky me- Cthulu made a mid-game appearance and ate my first investigator so I got devoured twice :P
Yep. Mrs Ithuriel and I just got devoured by Azathoth yesterday. Lucky me- Cthulu made a mid-game appearance and ate my first investigator so I got devoured twice :PPrice is No Barrier to Knowledge actually would work well as a problem aspect. He ignored the warnings and read the book anyway. Price doesn't need to be limited to the financial aspect.
Y'all ever play Arkham Horror?
I own a copy of Arkham Horror.
I also own Call of Cthulhu, Trail of Cthulhu, Chill, Bureau 13: Stalking the Night Fantastic, Dark Conspiracy, Conspiracy X, Witchcraft, and many more Horror RPGs.
Smerg... Any thoughts or ideas on Pernilla (above)?
Pernilla Tharaldson
High Concept: (Fallen) Daughter of the Norse
Trouble:
Option 1 Redemption of the Lost - During a battle with several Grendelkin Pernilla found a young beast. Seeing little threat, she let the grendlekin live. Doing so caused the death of several of her companions. Pernilla is looked upon as a lesser and has been told she must seek her redemption to rejoin the ranks of her kin. (this does not seem enough... I will think on it more)
Option 2 Debt to the Fae - Pernillia happened upon a celebration of wild fae who were not keen on being interrupted. They attacked and Pernilla defended herself the best she could, but the fae were too much for her. Baddly wounded the attacks suddenly stopped and a great fae stood over her. He offered her a way out, for a price. She must fulfill as many tasks. When they deem her tasks worthy, she will have her freedom of her. With little option, she agreed. (I might even be inclined to use the The Erlking... and I think there should be some limit on the debt, but not what. Insight?)
You could work with either of these but they just don't seem to me to fit the image of a Daughter of the Norse. If you want to convey the Valkyrie idea then I would suggest looking at the job description of a Valkyrie. They are sent by Odin to recover the souls of heroes to go to Valhalla.
Two things come to my mind when I think of that. The first is that you can probably see that people are going to die and secondly that you aren't supposed to interfere with their dying. Your job starts with the person being dead; so, you're likely forbidden from stopping the process (who knows when next the opportunity for that mortal might come along to die gloriously in battle. It might never come again and the person might lose their spot in Valhalla).
Your trouble might be Forbidden to Interfere with Death.
Hammer Time - Will have to come up with more of a story, but is where she finds among other recovered relics (working for Monoc Corporation) a head to a small cold iron warhammer. She was allowed to keep the weapon and spent time and funds to have the weapon restored to a functional weapon. The recovering would be part of several investigations of stolen items from both Monoc Corporation and other organizations that they provide their services for. (I am not considering the weapon other than mundane cold iron forged weapon that she uses, unless she enchants it)
This is perfectly good example of an Aspect being an object. I don't know how much you know of the Monoc Corp but Harry learns more of it in his most recent book, 'Changes'. You can choose to further develop this item with powers or stunts. This would be a good choice of Aspect for a First Adventure.
Fae Gone Wild - Again need to work on the story but the basics come to too many run ins with fae of all sorts, Winter, Summer, and Wild. They are causing troubles in which she and...
This sounds more like a story Aspect then a character Aspect. I don't see how this could be a beneficial Aspect for your character. An Aspect should usually have both positive and negative aspects. I also wouldn't suggest going for all the courts of fae. Choose one court of fae that possibly is your friend or enemy because that will create friends or enemies in the opposite court. This can give the aspect the positive and negative sides. For example Hunted by the South would suggest that the Fae of the South Court are after you but it might mean that the Winter Court will protect or aid you in some way. It isn't a certainty as the South is the group mentioned as hunting you for some reason but at least you have a place to go looking for help.
Another way to go with this is to choose a type of fae that you've earn the wrath of like Trolls or Giants. Int this case, Troll Slayer might be a good Aspect. It encourages Trolls to appear in stories as opponents against you (the compel side of the Aspect) and it gives you a bonus when fighting Trolls (the invoke side). Trolls and Giants are traditional enemies in Norse tales and would make fitting opponents.
Smerg... Any thoughts or ideas on Pernilla (above)?
Funny you should ask because I just finished writing this up. Sorry, that I didn't get to this earlier but stopped for RL things like food, dog walk, and favourite Thursday night shows.
am thinking as far as military; something he was good during times of conflict; but his involvement was a punishment or escape as he was a round peg in a square hole as the military is so regimented. But he understands the military mindset; but as when your a soldier, sometimes you have to watch things and not do anything about them; not get involved; that is to much for him; "that aint right"
The way that I see this breaking down is into a couple of Aspects.
Your 'Trouble' aspect appears to be No Place is ever Home. This covers the drifter idea that you can't settle down and even when you try to settle down something happens to force you to keep moving. You could reword this same idea in other forms like Cursed to Forever Wander or other variations on the idea but I think the first idea should be close to what you want. If not then suggest something else.
Your 'Rising Action' aspect appears to be That Ain't Right or Can't sit back and watch. You might also consider Fists of Justice or Code of the Hero. The last one, 'Code of the Hero' is a good aspect as it covers not just physical combat but any of the general ideas attributed to Heroes and how they should act.
You might also consider if you are going the classic hero idea to pick up an Aspect that declares, Child of the Greek Gods or Protected by the Greek Gods. You will get more 'bang' for your buck if you name a patron God at the same time your Aspect will become more focused to things associated with that specific Deity.
Well, in this particular case, the need for anti-psychotics is symptomatic. The need was caused by him willing to pay the price (sanity) for knowledge.Well, it just doesn't work as a Problem for this character. I was aiming for "insane scholar, who would do anything for knowledge" and not "scholar who would do anything for knowledge and happens to be insane". It's just a matter of what you want to focus on more, really.
Yup, both are possible and how you choose your High Concept and Trouble will affect how you are perceived to function.
The preference is up to you.
You could work with either of these but they just don't seem to me to fit the image of a Daughter of the Norse.
Well, a Valkyrie being punished by being cast into the mortal plane does have some basis in Norse mythology. (Specifically Brynhildr, who was forced to sleep as a mortal in a distant castle behind a ring of fire behind a wall of shields in a distant castle after she chose the guy Odin wasn't rooting for to win.)
You could work with either of these but they just don't seem to me to fit the image of a Daughter of the Norse.Well, a Valkyrie being punished by being cast into the mortal plane does have some basis in Norse mythology. (Specifically Brynhildr, who was forced to sleep as a mortal in a distant castle behind a ring of fire behind a wall of shields in a distant castle after she chose the guy Odin wasn't rooting for to win.)
I have no problem with a Norse on the mortal plane.
I just found the being 'Debted to Fae over a disrupted party' and 'Stuck like a ghost seeking Redemption' ideas for Trouble to be more random then other possible choices for trouble.
I have no problem with a Norse on the mortal plane.
I just found the being 'Debted to Fae over a disrupted party' and 'Stuck like a ghost seeking Redemption' ideas for Trouble to be more random then other possible choices for trouble.
Really? The fey I understand being a bit out of left field, but the first one? An angel of death(close enough to a Valkyrie) banished from heaven(Valhalla) that is now trying to return by getting back in her god's(Odin's) good graces? How is that not appropriate?
Really? The fey I understand being a bit out of left field, but the first one? An angel of death(close enough to a Valkyrie) banished from heaven(Valhalla) that is now trying to return by getting back in her god's(Odin's) good graces? How is that not appropriate?I have no problem with a Norse on the mortal plane.
I just found the being 'Debted to Fae over a disrupted party' and 'Stuck like a ghost seeking Redemption' ideas for Trouble to be more random then other possible choices for trouble.
To me the story of not killing a grendlekin resulting in the death of her own kin and her need to pay a price in redemption seems very 'mortal' for a character high concept of a semi-divine norse goddess or demi-goddess.
For a Trouble, I expect something more grand or really related. The redemption quest also doesn't really invoke or compel well.
I gave Forbidden to Interfere with Death
but other sample 'Troubles' might be;
Anachronistic Understanding You know how the Norse world of the middle ages works but present society is confusing and causes you problems.
Forbidden to die peacefully You are cursed to die a messy death and opportunities for death to hunt you down come up often.
Prophetitized to Betray Odin The seers have cast fortunes or Odin's bargain for his lost eye has seen that your character will at some point betray him went he most feels he can trust you. Odin probably has it in for your character to avoid this prophesy coming true.
Anyway, enough with the good-natured arguing about other people's characters on the internet. Time to finally post that Rising Action I didn't ten hours ago.
Rising Action: In his junior year of college, Nathanial found an arcane tome in the TML and knew he had to read it. A homeless man warned him not to, but he didn't listen. After all, how bad could the book be?
He should have listened. The book pried open his third eye and made him stare into the abyss outside the universe, where he Saw The Watcher Beyond Sight. His mind snapped like a dry twig. Two weeks later, his landlord found him in his apartment, bleeding out from the arcane runes he carved into his arm in a failed ritual attempt. This lead to a quick trip to a padded cell, and five years later he has been deemed sane enough to return to normal society.