Heh, everyone's a critic...I didn't have time to look around too much really.
That's an excellent idea. And even if you change the avatar, I will now be tempted to imagine that thing perched on Havelock's sholder reciting information.
Just out of curiosity, has anyone read this adventure before?
Also, it's supposedly a rank 2 adventure but the guy on the cover has walked unscathed out of a crashed gunship and stabbed half a dozen orks to death with a knife and in one case an ork's own axe.
Still here. Just waiting on being introduced.
Wow, that list of ranks makes formal introductions so much easier
Enginseer when you take Binary Chatter in rank 2 give me a nudge so I can increase the ship's morale permanently, was thumbing through the rulebook and spotted it today.
I'll put that on my list to buy, glad that skill is useful for something.
Right. The next part of the adventure-as-written has you all going to the governor's gala dinner to try and win friends amongst the other council members. This will determine the forces you have available in the second chapter - the invasion itself.
However, I notice a lot of you are, to paraphrase, posting 'I stand and wait for the talking to finish'. There's nothing wrong with that - you're sticking to the personalities you've laid out for your characters. However, if things continue as they are it's going to become a pretty unsatisfying game for a lot of you.
There are two options. Not all of those assembled at the gala will be open to Tristan's brand of high-born diplomacy and charm. Blitz, for example, would probably take well to the more militant members of the command crew being a low-born gunslinger himself. There is also a powerful mechanicus delegation and a chief astropath present in the palace who would be most inclinded to speak to those of their own kind.
Mechanically, this would mean each party member roleplays out negotiations and deals with one NPC. However, the social interaction checks - decieve, charm and intimidate as nessicary - can be made using the modifiers of those who have them trained the best. This represents the fact that you're all contributing to trying to try and make the crew as a whole look good.
Alternatively, Tristan can make a series of charm and decieve checks in one post and we'll more straight to the start of the invasion.
I am ok with either option. As you have noted building a character that doesn't say much really leaves me with...well, very little to say.
I'm happy with splitting up for negotiations. We also have a computer system to potentially try to get into and check. And we don't need everyone to go do it. Eli just needs a few minutes to give his impressions of our new friends, and we can easily split up to do what we need to do.
I'm also fine with just glossing over it all if it's not going to be that interesting. :)
True, the gala would be the ideal time to gain illigit access to the data vault - secruty forces would be concentrated around the banquet hall. Those of you not interested in negotiating would be able to try and get at it. You could even go in guns blazing - what do a few dead guards matter when men of your stature need access to such critical information? There are plenty of belligerants on Damaris who are angry that such festivities go on while the Orks are looming, any of which have reason to raid the data vault. Of course, stealth or subterfuge are lower risk options (though dead men tell no tales).
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I'm aware me and Havelock have taken lead a bit here with the negotiation- it couldn't really be helped. But that gala sounds absolutely ideal for everyone to contribute and a lot of fun.
As Tristan said before, we're in a war of charm- everyone's homework assignment is to go read 'How to win friends and influence Imperials'.
I'm aware me and Havelock have taken lead a bit here with the negotiation- it couldn't really be helped. But that gala sounds absolutely ideal for everyone to contribute and a lot of fun.
I think EngineHouse's point (and correct me if I'm wrong) was that the same people that have the spotlight now are also going to have the spotlight during the gala. I don't really have an issue with my character sitting in the background doing nothing for a negotiation. He doesn't talk much, but his observations are useful and I'm fine with being able to show that side of the character. But my guess is that the options offered were so that some of the other players could have their characters get some center-stage time.
As Tristan said before, we're in a war of charm- everyone's homework assignment is to go read 'How to win friends and influence Imperials'.
That's true, but several of the characters in this game would be more useful outside of a gala and actively not trying to charm anyone. And, I expect, some of the players would have had more fun doing things that didn't involve the gala. With that said, I don't have an issue with Eli attending.
I have no issue with the gala, Jarrion simply was not in his element for negotiation. He is awkward around those not born in the void. Some of us will not shine in some area's.
I think most of us are fine with the gala, but most of us are also fine if are characters are not always in the spotlight when they are not built for that one. But we post the "standing there" just to show we are keeping up with the game, even if we are in the shadows for a wee bit.
When it comes to space, navigation, the wrap or topics with other voidborn and center round a ship, shipping lanes or navigation. Jarrion is right at home. He may suggest things but the Negotiation is out of his realm really :)
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I'm aware me and Havelock have taken lead a bit here with the negotiation- it couldn't really be helped. But that gala sounds absolutely ideal for everyone to contribute and a lot of fun.I think EngineHouse's point (and correct me if I'm wrong) was that the same people that have the spotlight now are also going to have the spotlight during the gala. I don't really have an issue with my character sitting in the background doing nothing for a negotiation. He doesn't talk much, but his observations are useful and I'm fine with being able to show that side of the character. But my guess is that the options offered were so that some of the other players could have their characters get some center-stage time.
That's true, but several of the characters in this game would be more useful outside of a gala and actively not trying to charm anyone. And, I expect, some of the players would have had more fun doing things that didn't involve the gala. With that said, I don't have an issue with Eli attending.
As Tristan said before, we're in a war of charm- everyone's homework assignment is to go read 'How to win friends and influence Imperials'.
I was under the impression from his post that a LOT of skills will be applicable at the Gala (tech-use or forbidden lore (adeptus mechanicus) etc. to influence the tech priest for example, so not just the usual negotiation skills (Charm etc.). I was hoping Eli could try and use his time in the Navy to influence Locke for example.
Edit: I imagine Scrutiny and other knowledge skills could also come into play.
Edit 2: For clarity, if someone isn't happy going ahead with it i'm happy to abstract it to a couple of rolls on mine and anyone else who wanted to influence it's part and move on.
I agree with SoS, I post to let everybody know I'm keeping up, but I have no problem not being in the spotlight all the time. This gala sounds like a perfect opportunity to mix with my own "group" and influence them. I'll also want to break into the data vault and get that information on the deleted ship.
Edit: I imagine Scrutiny and other knowledge skills could also come into play.Edit 2: For clarity, if someone isn't happy going ahead with it i'm happy to abstract it to a couple of rolls on mine and anyone else who wanted to influence it's part and move on.
I imagine that my character will have plenty to do, sure. I also didn't object to roleplaying out the gala (and still don't). My point was that it was presented as an option and something we should discuss. I'd think discussing that, instead of deciding for everyone, would be the best course of action.
It may turn out that no one has been bored by standing in the background during the negotiation and is desperately waiting to get to some action for their character. I know I certainly don't have that problem. But given your character *has* been on center stage, it certainly seems inappropriate to decide for everyone that they'll have fun at something else your character will be the focus of. And again, I'm very happy that EngineHouse identified that this *could* pose a problem for the other players and offered a solution (ways in which their characters can participate).
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Yeah, Lucius is a soldier first and foremost, and not one that would do that much talking. Well he would attend the Gala if the Captain ordered him to, (and if some muscle was needed either in the form of intimidation or actually physical confrontation, he would be useful as I believe he has the highest Intimidate) a covert op to infiltrate the data vault would be more up his alley. Honestly, he would be one of those people that would be getting upset about throwing a big party when a Waaagh! is just ten days away.
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I imagine that my character will have plenty to do, sure. I also didn't object to roleplaying out the gala (and still don't). My point was that it was presented as an option and something we should discuss. I'd think discussing that, instead of deciding for everyone, would be the best course of action.
Thats what I thought we were doing, but you seem to be implying i'm making the decision for everyone? I know its the internet and without tone of voice its hard to read someone's intent but it sounds like your disgruntled with me 'deciding for everyone'. I'm not intending to do that and i'm sorry if I gave that impression- the post i've made in the IC thread is purely conditional on everyone being happy to go ahead with it- my internet at the place i'm staying is extremely limited so I wanted to post early in case we do go to the Gala.
I agree it was a good move to give us the option. Has everyone had an input yet?
Well, a lot went down between my last check and this one. Good to see people talking.
As a character built for this kind of thing I guess it is obvious that Iacton will take an active role, even if he might not do it with the captains charm (don't even have the skill yet).
Eli is correct that I want to make sure everyone gets some face time. Seeker, there is no need to justify 'stand and wait' posts - like I say, having a character who watches and waits during negotiations is in no way a bad thing. It just makes it all the cooler when the bolts (be they of the boltgun or lance variety) start flying and you spring into action.
To make things a bit clearer, here is the list of NPCs you'll be looking to influence (your characters would be looking at the guest list in-game). You can get enough information from Jorun to work out who they'll respond best to:
Rogue Trader Jaramiah Blitz - Lucius or Havelock
Rogue Trader Elizabeth Orleans - Jarion
General Dante - Lucius
Commander Reynolds - Eli
Lord-Captain Sylvia Locke - Eli
Bishop Arint - Tristan
Tech Priest Hadron Shard - Sarvus
Marshal Solaria Thrace - Lucius
Astropath Kevil Staysis - Jarvis or Jarion
(Tristan and Havelock can have a shot convincing anyone, of course)
Tristan is also right about various skills being useful - Lucius can intimidate, Havelock can decieve and Tristan and Jarion can both charm (though tristan has much higher fellowship). Sarvus could use logic to win over Hadron Shard and Eli could impress void-farers with his wide range of relevent knowledge. To be honest, you won't even need to use other characters' skills now I look at it - just roleplay to your strengths.
As for the data-vault, any team that goes for it will need Sarvus in tow, but other than that you options are open.
One thing, though: The data vault is some distance from the banquet hall, and it's security is a LOT lower during the gala. If you want to make a play for the data vault you won't be able to attend the gala.
Sarvus would prefer to go for the Data Vault. Socializing is necessary but an anomaly in data would have him drawing Bolter to get access to the missing information if necessary.
Jarvis goes everywhere the captain goes unless given very specifically worded orders to the contrary. That said, he is not exactly 'talky,' though he would definitely take the opportunity to chat with another of his kind.
Is Rogue Trader Elizabeth Orleans voidborn? Or some other reason Jarrion would be drawn to her? Other then his captain telling him to :) And yes the astropath is a good idea.
Elizabeth Orleans is voidborn, yes. Born and raised on her dynasty's flagship
Well, it looks like the consensus is to role-play the gala out with some of the party heading for the data-vault. I've dropped a bit more info in the IC thread - you can now hatch plans in-character.
Eli, I assure you Tristan will not be the focus of the RP at the gala. Every character that chooses to go will get equal face time - I'll run conversations in parallel, updating each in each post.
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Cross posted for convenience.
Everythings ok it was just a very spontaneous two day trip to another town with limited internet access (and sleep). I just got home (5PM here) and have a family dinner to go to at 7PM- once i'm back from that at 11 or so my games will get updates- and then i'm off to Southampton to visit my friend James (EngineHouse) and go to a friends birthday.
I'm not normally this busy. More frequent posting should resume monday. I'll get a post up with my Tristan alias later this evening.
Hey guys I was in an accident (yes another one) that totaled the car (well truck) and got a bit beat up. I'll update as soon as I can.
Damn. Sorry to hear it. At least you're ok (ok enough to post, at least)
Yeah I just do not think well on painkillers, mostly burses and hurts from some old injuries, nothing to major.
Ugh sorry I thought I had that stuff on his sheet. I rolled recruitment thread. He got Disturbing grace. Which gives him unnatural agility (x2) I'll add that. And while I could have made it clearer both
Mercantile Opportunist and Gaze piece the soul are from his House Which is a shrouded House.
I'll clean up his sheet to make it clearer when I get time today
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I haven't really been feeling the results of my several degrees of success; the first time I get landed into a sticky situation and the second I appear to have had no effect other than set the Seneschal up (again). Am I doing something wrong? Feeling a little disgruntled about it i'll be honest.
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Thanks- didn't want to keep it pent in, I don't mind if I have to make multiple checks for an extended skill test etc. but I did feel like my characters charm was a little irrelevant with Blitz (I suspect its probably not the best skill to use on him but still, even with a -30 thats still several successes.
Looking at how everyone else is doing, I wouldn't say its too easy- Tristan just has the right skills for this scenario. Its a Rank 2 module anyway so we should have our work cut out for us.
DM EngineHouse:
I have a question about Charm checks and their results. First, I guess, should we be rolling multiple charm checks in a conversation? In general my preferred method is to roll the Charm (or any social check) and then roleplay the consequences. For instance, if I roll poorly, I have my character say something stupid, if well, then he does better. I generally do this after a short intro and then start with the better/worse conversation after that. But it seems we're doing more of a social check and if bad, "roleplay" your way out of it. Which is fine, just a different way than I normally play.
The main reason I'm asking is that I'm not seeing a whole lot of difference between succeeding on social checks and failing. So far, both my checks on Dante have been with 2 and 3 successes (which is no small feat with Charm untrained) and he's still pretty hostile. On the other hand, I'm happy to roleplay out a longer conversation with NPCs to convince them as long as I only need to roll once, and we both know what the eventual outcome should be. For example, we roll at the start of the conversation and I (theoretically) roll well on a Charm check, and the conversation goes back and forth a few times. Eventually the NPC will turn around, but I don't mind the back and forth. I do kind of mind if I have to keep rolling because in any system (though especially in RT) if you have to keep making checks to do the same thing, you're bound to always fail. Extended checks would also be fine, since I'd know that previous success has the same weight as current failure.
Read Tristan's spoilers, he had exactly the same complaint.
I'll be honest, I haven't been using the rules for accumilating degrees of success as presented in the book. Rather, I went for a more fuzzy system - basically I just tried to make the dialogue more or less hostile depending on if you passed or failed the test. I didn't really take degrees of success into account at all.
It's now clear that this isn't a satisfactory approach. Rolls should drive a conversation just as rolls drive combat. I do sometimes forget the 'game' part of role play game, and for that I appologize.
How about we use Eli's approach in future everyone? Make the roll, then write dialogue to represent it. I'll make conversations extended checks like the book recommends. Also, it would be neat to have scrutiny reveal how many degrees of success are needed to 'win' the conversation. Thoughts?
It's a shame I only realized this after the main diplomatic section of the campaign. There should be several more oppertunities to talk an NPC round in this adventure, though. For a start, you guys still need to get Locke to stick around.
Sounds good to me. Oh, and don't worry about it only coming up now. It's *always* more difficult to work out how a group wants to handle social situations in roleplaying games. There's always going to be some bumps at the start and it's good that we've gotten them out of the way early.
Ok a bit of update on my connection . I seem to be working right now. They have replaced the modem, replaced the lines, reset something at the station and still I am buggy, but they will be back after lunch.
So I'll update this evening if I have a stable connection
Haha, You know you are playing a Seneschal right when everyone else seems to resent the guy.
My remodeling has got way more completed then I had planned. Its been eating up my time more then expected.
I'll make time to get some updating done tonight.
I agree, that would be helpful.