The Campaign Builder's Guild

Welcome to the Mass Effect PbP Thread! We're using the Star Wars Saga Edition as the basic rule set along with some key variant rules to help the system feel more like Mass Effect. These extra rules can be found in the following Spoilers. Please note, we're still recruiting, so feel free to sign up and become a Galactic Hero!


[spoiler=Races]
Vorcha
Ability Mods: +2 to any one Ability, -2 Wisdom
- Medium Size
- Speed: 6 squares
- Skill Bonus: A vorcha gain a +5 bonus to Treat Injury checks made to treat himself.
- Limb Regeneration: Vorcha may regenerate a single lost limb after 1d2 months. At that time, all persistent effects due to the lost limb are removed.
- Superior Fortitude & Reflex: Vorcha gain a +1 species bonus to their Fortitude and Reflex Defenses.
- Conditional Bonus Feat: If a Vorcha is trained in Initiative, he may choose Skill Focus (Initiative) as a bonus feat.
- Automatic languages: Vorcha

Drell
- Ability Mods: +2 Wisdom, -2 Charisma
- Medium Size
- Speed: 6 Squares
- Survivalists: All Drell are considered trained in survival. This is a bonus trained skill
- Hightened Awareness: Drell may choose to re-roll any Perception check but the result of the re-roll must be accepted even if it is worse.
- Conditional Bonus Feat: If a Drell is trained in Perception, he may choose Skill Focus (Perception) as a bonus feat.
- Automatic languages: Drell, Hanar and Common

Krogan
- Ability Mods: +4 Strength, +2 Constitution, -2 Dexterity, -2 Intelligence, -2 Charisma
- Medium Size
- Speed: 6 Squares
- Rage: Once per day a Krogan can fly into a rage as a swift action. While raging, a Krogan gains a +2 Rage bonus on melee attacks and damage rolls but cannot use skills that require patience and concentration such as Mechanics, stealth or Use Biotics. The rage lasts a number of rounds equal to 5 +  the Krogan's Constitution Modifier. At the end of the Rage the Krogan moves -1 persistent step down the condition track.
Superior Fortitude: Krogan gain a +1 Species bonus to their Fortitude Defense.
- Extraordinary Recuperation: Krogan regain hit points at double the normal rate.
- Conditional Bonus Feat: If a Krogan is trained in Endurance, he may choose Skill Focus (Endurance) as a bonus feat.
- Languages: Krogan and Common


Salarian
Ability Mods: +2 Intelligence, -2 Strength
- Medium Size
- Speed: 6 Squares
- One Hour of Sleep: Salarians only require 1 hour of sleep and receive the same benefit as a Human who sleeps for 8 hours.
- Astute Initiative: A Salarian may use his Intelligence bonus instead of his Dexterity Bonus when making Initiative Checks.
- Bonus Knowledge Skill: Salarians may choose either a single Knowledge Skill or Use Computer as a bonus Trained Skill at level 1.  
- Conditional Bonus Feat: If a Salarian is trained in Gather Information, he may choose Skill Focus (Gather Information) as a bonus feat.
- Bonus Language: Salarians gain one bonus language at level 1.
- Languages: Salarian and Common


Asari
Ability Mods:  +2 Dexterity or +2 Charisma
- Medium Size
- Speed: 6 Squares
- Deceptive: Asari may choose to re-roll any Deception check but the result of the re-roll must be accepted even if it is worse.
- Biotic: All Asari receive the Biotic Training feat as a bonus feat.
- Conditional Bonus Feat: If an Asari is trained in Persuasion, she may choose Skill Focus (Persuasion) as a bonus feat.
- Languages: Asari and Common


Quarians
Ability Mods:  +2 Intelligence, -2 Constitution
- Medium Size
- Speed: 6 Squares
- Vulnerability to Disease: Quarians receive a -2 modifier to their Fortitude Defense against Diseases.
- Mechanics: All Quarians are considered trained in Mechanics. This is a bonus trained skill
- Cooperative Spirit: Quarians can aid another on skill checks  made by adjacent allies as a swift action. Adjacent allies can also aid another on skill checks made by an adjacent Quarian as a swift action. This ability can only be used with the following skills: Gather Information, Knowledge (any), Mechanics, Pilot, Ride, Treat Injury and Use Computer.  
- Conditional Bonus Feat: If a Quarian is trained in Use Computer, she may choose Skill Focus (Mechanics) or Skill Focus (Use Computer) as a bonus feat.
- Languages: Quarian and Common


Turians
Ability Mods:  +2 Constitution, -2 Charisma
- Medium Size
- Speed: 7 Squares
- Perceptive: All Turians are considered trained in Perception. This is a bonus trained skill.
- Militant: Turians gain Weapon Focus with a Weapon Group of their choice.
- Superior Fortitude: Turians gain a +1 species bonus to their Fortitude Defenses.
- Conditional Bonus Feat: If a Turian is trained in Knowledge (Tactics), he may choose Skill Focus Knowledge (Tactics) as a bonus feat.
- Languages: Turian and Common


Volus
Ability Mods: -2 Strength, -2 Dexterity, +2 Intelligence, +2 Wisdom
- Small size: Small creatures gain +1 size Bonus to their Reflex Defense and a +5 size bonus on Stealth checks. However, lifting and carrying is 3/4s that of a medium character.
- Speed: 4 Squares
- Bonus Knowledge Skill: Volus may choose a single Knowledge Skill as a bonus Trained Skill at level 1.  
- Persuasive: Volus receive a +5 bonus on any persuasion check meant to barter or haggle.
- Conditional Bonus Feat: If a Volus is trained in Persuasion, he may choose Skill Focus (Persuasion) or Skill Focus in any one Knowledge skill as a bonus feat.
- Languages: Volus and Common


Humans
- Ability Mods: +2 to single ability
- Medium Size
- Speed: 6 Squares
- Driven: Humans may select either a bonus feat or an additional trained skill at level 1.
- Future Lies Ahead: Once per day, as a swift action, Humans may move +1 up the condition Track.
- Conditional Bonus Feat: If a Human is trained in either Persuasion or Deception, he may choose Skill Focus (Persuasion) or Skill Focus (Deception) as a bonus feat.
- Language: Any Human Language and Common


[/spoiler]

[spoiler=New Skills]
Use Tech (INT)
Requires the Tech Training Feat

Activate Tech Powers (Trained Only)
You can make a Use Tech Check to use a Tech Power. This use of the Skill requires no action.

Detect Surroundings (Trained Only)
As a swift action, you can make a DC 15 Use Tech check to ignore the effects of cover and concealment when making Perception checks ro detect or observe targets. Increase the DC by 5 if this ability is used against targets with total cover.

Technically Sound (Trained Only)
Being Trained in Use Tech allows you to make a single DC 15 Use Tech Check as a free action to receive a +2 Bonus on your next Mechanics, Perception or Use Computer check.


Use Biotics (CHA)
Requires the Biotic Training Feat

Activate Biotic Powers (Trained Only)
You can make a Use Biotics check to use a Biotic Power. This use of the Skill requires no action.

Move Small Object (Trained Only)
As a move action, you can use your Biotic power to telekinetically lift and move a relatively light object with in your line of sight. A successful DC 10 Use Biotics check allows you to move the object weighing no more than 5kg a distance of 6 squares in any direction. As s standard action you may hurl the object as a projectile, however the DC is increased to 15. If your Use Biotics check beats the target's Reflex Defense, the projectile deals 1d6 bludgeoning points of damage.

Biotically Sound (Trained Only)
Being Trained in Use Biotics allows you to make a single DC 15 Use Biotics check as a free action to receive a +2 Bonus on your next Acrobatics, Climb or Jump check.

[/spoiler]

[spoiler=New Feats]
Tech Training: Works exactly like Force Training save for the fact that it uses Intelligence instead of Wisdom. The feat also grants Training in Use Tech.

Biotic Training: Works exactly like Force Training save for the fact that it uses Charisma instead of Wisdom. The feat also grants Training in Use Biotics.
[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Tech and Biotic Powers]


TECH:


Overload:
Utilize Tech powers to destroy an enemy's shields and/or a synthetic.
- Time: Standard Action
- Target: Single target that has shields or is synthetic within 6 squares.
- Effect: Make a Use Tech check. The result determines how much damage the attack does to an enemy's shields. If a Synthetic life form is the target, Overload deals damage to the creature's shields first.

DC 15: Deals 2d6 points of damage
DC 20: Deals 4d6 points of damage
DC 25: Deals 6d6 points of damage
DC 30: Deals 8d6 points of damage
DC 35: Deals 10d6 points of damage


Cyro Blast
Utilize your Omni-Tool to shoot a blast of frigid particles to freeze enemies.
- Time: Standard Action
- Target: One target within 6 squares
- Effect: Make a Use Tech Check. Compare result to the Target's Fortitude Defense. If successful, the target is frozen (Can't take any actions) until the start of your next turn. For every 5 points you beat the targets fort defense by, the target is frozen for an additional turn (max 5 turns).


AI Hacking
Using Tech, you can temporarily take control of an enemy synthetic
- Time: Standard Action
- Target: One Synthetic within 6 squares
- Effect: Make a Use Tech check. If the check exceeds the Will Defense of the target, you may take control of that creature until the start of your next turn. For every 5 points you exceed the target's will defense by, you may control the target for an additional turn (max 5 turns).


Combat Drone
Using Tech, you create a small drone to aid you in combat
- Time: 1 Swift action.
- Target: None
- Effect: Make a Use Tech check. The check determines the abilities of the Combat Drone generated. Every Drone has 10 + 1/level hit points. Each Drone has the following abilities: Strength 1, Dexterity 12, and Intelligence 10. Drones do not have a Constitution, Wisdom or Charisma score. Drones utilize their creator's Base Attack Bonus. Every Drone comes equipped with a gun that deals 1d4 damage. You can only have 1 Drone out at a time. You may move the drone as a free action and command it to fire as a swift. The Drone has a Reflex Defense of 10 + 1/2 your level.

DC 10: The Drone gains 5 hit points and deals 1d6 points of damage
DC 15: The Drone gains 10 hit points and deals 1d8 points of damage
DC 20: The Drone gains 15 hit points and deals 1d10 points of damage
DC 25: The Drone gains 20 hit points and deals 1d12 points of damage
DC 30: The Drone gains 25 hit points and deals 2d8 points of damage
DC 35: The Drone gains 30 hit points and deals 2d10 points of damage


Tech Armor
Using tech, you generate a protective suit of body armor
- Time: 1 Swift Action
- Target: Self
- Effect: Make a Use Tech check. The check determines the strength of the tech armor. The Tech Armor begins at SR 5. The Armor persists until either depleted or the end of the encounter. Tech Armor does not stack with a character's normal Shields. When the Tech Armor is depleted, it violently explodes, staggering nearby enemies.  The Use Tech check made to generate the armor is compared to the Reflex Defense of all enemies within 2 squares. All enemies affected by the explosion move -1 down the condition track and take 1d6 damage. The result of your Use Tech check also grants a larger SR and improves the damage dealt by the power when depleted.

DC 10: The Tech Armor grants SR 10 and increases the damage done to 2d6
DC 20: The Tech Armor grants SR 15 and increases the damage done to 3d6
DC 30: The Tech Armor grants SR 20 and increases the damage done to 4d6



BIOTIC


Lift
Utilize your biotic powers to lift an object or creature up to 6 squares off the ground.
- Time: Standard Action
- Target: One character or object within 6 squares.
-  Effect: Make a Biotics Check. The result of the check determines the maximum size of the target you can lift. If a target resists your attempt, your check must also exceed the target's will defense. The effect of Lift raises the target directly up into the air. If the lifted target collides with an object (such as a ceiling) then it takes damage determined by your Biotics Check. The target stays suspended in the air until either dead or the beginning of your next turn.

DC 10: Lift Object up to Small Size (1d6 points of damage)
DC 15: Lift Object up to Medium Size (deals 2d6 points of damage)
DC 20: Lift Object up to Large Size (deals 4d6 points of damage)
DC 25: Lift Object up to Huge Size (deals 6d6 points of damage)
DC 30: Lift Object up to Gargantuan Size (deals 8d6 points of damage)
DC 35: Lift Object up to Colossal Size (deals 10d6 points of damage)


Pull
Utilize your biotic powers to pull an object or creature towards you
- Time: Standard Action
- Target: One character or object within 6 squares.
-  Effect: Make a Biotics Check. The result of the check determines the maximum size of the target you can pull as well as the effect's maximum duration. If a target resists your attempt, your check must also exceed the target's will defense. To maintain the effect, you must, at the start of each of your turns, make a Use Biotics Check as a swift action and exceed the Target's will defense. The Target can be moved 4 squares a turn.

DC 10: Pull Object up to Small Size (1 turn)
DC 15: Pull Object up to Medium Size (1 Turn)
DC 20: Pull Object up to Large Size (2 Turns)
DC 25: Pull Object up to Huge Size (3 Turn)
DC 30: Pull Object up to Gargantuan Size (4 Turn)
DC 35: Pull Object up to Colossal Size (5 Turn)


Throw: See Force Thrust. Use Biotics instead of Use the Force.


Singularity
Utilize your biotic powers to create a miniature black hole that stuns nearby foes
- Time: Standard Action
- Target: One character or object within 6 squares.
- Effect: Make a Biotics Check. The result of the check determines the effect's maximum duration. The singularity is formed in an unoccupied square. All enemies within 2 squares of the singularity are affected. If a target resists your attempt, your check must also exceed the target's will defense. If successful, the Target loses its Standard and Move Actions. If your check was high enough to last multiple turns, you must you must, at the start of each of your turns as a swift action, make a Use Biotics Check and exceed the Target's will defense to maintain the effect.

DC 20: 1 Turn Duration
DC 25: 2 Turn Duration
DC 30: 3 Turn Duration
DC 35: 4 Turn Duration


Warp
Utilize your biotic powers to harm enemies
- Time: Standard Action
- Target: One character or object within 8 squares.
-  Effect: Make a Biotics Check. The result of the check determines the effect's maximum duration as well as the damage dealt each turn. The damage is inflicted at the start of your turn. If a target resists your attempt, your check must also exceed the target's will defense. To maintain the effect, you must, at the start of each of your turns, make a Use Biotics Check as a swift action and exceed the Target's will defense.

DC 15: 1 Turn Duration, 1d4 points of damage per turn
DC 20: 2 Turn Duration, 1d6 points of damage per turn
DC 25: 3 Turn Duration, 1d8 points of damage per turn
DC 30: 4 Turn Duration, 1d10 points of damage per turn
DC 35: 5 Turn Duration, 1d12 points of damage per turn
[/spoiler]

[spoiler=New Equipment]

Any items colored Green are given to the PCs free of charge.

Omni-Tools: Omni-Tools incorporate the rules for Datapads, Audiorecorders, Videorecorders and Toolkits.

Medi-Gel Pack: Medi-Gel packs have two different effects and are only usable if you are at or below half of your hit points. As a swift action you can either heal your character for 1/6th of their total hit points or move your character +2 up on the condition track.  You can only use 1 Medi-Gel Pack per encounter or once every half hour. Omni-Tool devices can store 2 Packs.

Kinetic Barrier/Shields: Shields grant the user X Shield Rating to their user. Shields act as a buffer between yourself and damage. The PCs begin with shields that grant SR 5. Note, the shields given to the PCs only require a DC 10 Mechanics check to recharge.

[/spoiler]


[spoiler=New Corporations][ic=T'Soki-Wilhelm-Merosyndar Holdings Corporation][note]Name: T'Soki-Wilhelm-Merosyndar Holdings Corporation
Type: Public
Industries: Banking, Surveying, Industrial Equipment, Retail
Founded: 2176
Headquarters: Nos Astra, Illium
Key People: Karl Von Geld (President), Merosyndar (chairman)
Revenue: (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b0/Increase2.svg/11px-Increase2.svg.png) 17.788 Billion Credits
Total Assets: (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b0/Increase2.svg/11px-Increase2.svg.png) 12.199 Billion Credits
Total Equity: (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b0/Increase2.svg/11px-Increase2.svg.png) 8.145 Billion Credits
Employees: 101,000
Subsidiaries: T'Soki Industries, Wilhelm Surveyors, Merosyndar Banking Corp., Star* Mart, Plio Ship Yard, Guddogaden, Kwiqsetup Colony Corp.[/note]
   (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v614/RHO1/TWLFlagsmaller.jpg)


T'Soki-Wilhelm-Merosyndar Holdings Corporation (TWMHC)  was founded by Lasha T'Soki, an Asari business woman with a knack for getting the best deals, the renowned Human explorer and prospector Franz Wilhelm and the 10h wealthiest Hanar, Merosyndar. With Humans just beginning to push out into the galaxy, the three founded T'Soki-Wilhelm-Merosyndar Holdings Corporation as a means to tap into the emerging market. Wilhlem's surveying company would discover and assess new worlds for their economic potential, selling the information to the highest bidder. Merosyndar and his Denkia Bank would supply the capital to interested companies seeking to found new colonies or mining facilities. Lower interest rates would be charged on loans if the companies bought or rented equipment from T'Soki Industriesm which supplied the necessary equipment for the extraction of a planetoid's natural resources. Together the three businesses would single-handedly provide everything upstart companies would require to colonize or mine any habitable planetoid.

Over the last 10 years, the Corporation has acquired many smaller companies, including the Japanese Guddogaden (a lawn-care company), Kwiqsetup Colony Corp. (which creates prefab buildings), the space-based Plio Ship Yard (which constructs large industrial factory ships), Star*Mart (which supplies basic necessities to outlying colonies) and T'Parn Security and Investigations Firm (which provides security and peace of mind for wealthy individuals and companies).

TWMHC is headquartered on Illium, which lies on the border between Citadel Space and the Terminus Systems, the latter of which has seen a tremendous amount of human colonization in a relatively short amount of time. Illium's unique location allows TWMHC to maintain a sizable hold on current and future colonization efforts in the area.

The current President is Karl Von Geld, a human who was once Franz Wilhelm's co-pilot in the early days of Wilhelm Surveyors. The board of directors ousted Lasha T'Soki following a scandal involving the bribery of the Volus Ambassador to the Citadel. Von Geld has sought to continue his predecessor's initiatives, including stepping up efforts to attract new companies to colonize the Terminus Systems. [/ic]


[ic=T'Parn Security and Investigations Firm][note]Name: T'Parn Security and Investigations Firm
Type: Public
Industries: Security
Founded: 2100
Headquarters: Nos Astra, Illium
Key People: Dolo Dikos (CEO)
Revenue: (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b0/Increase2.svg/11px-Increase2.svg.png) 2.99 Billion Credits
Total Assets: (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b0/Increase2.svg/11px-Increase2.svg.png) 1.09 Billion Credits
Total Equity: (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b0/Increase2.svg/11px-Increase2.svg.png) .75 Billion Credits
Employees: 20,000
[/note]
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v614/RHO1/TWLsmallerflag.jpg)

T'Parn Security and Investigations Firm (TSIF) was founded by the Asari Commando Yula T'Parn to provide protection to the richest of the rich on the often tumultuous world of Illium. The Firm gained much renown by repelling many assassination attempts by some of the best hired guns money could buy. Lasha T'Soki, then-President of T'Soki-Wilhelm-Merosyndar Holdings Corporation (TWMHC), saw the value of owning the Firm and so acquired it at what was rumored to be a very hefty sum. Since then, TSIF has been re-organized to provide security to the entire Holdings Corporation. The Firm also engages in corporate espionage and is (it is often whispered) willing to assassinate anyone in any way desired, for the right price, though nothing has ever been linked back to the firm. The Firm also employs a large fleet of small, heavily armed frigates to protect all TWMHC ships as well as the Plio Ship Yard and those companies and individuals who contract for escort security. For these reasons and more, T'Parn Security and Investigations Firm has become a staple company in the secret wars that plague the seedy underbelly of Illiam's Corporate world and the open wars against the pirates that torment all efforts to expand into the Terminus Systems.
[/ic][/spoiler]

We could even snag the open game content from D20 Modern and if there aren't FX that would fit, could make up a little PDF excerpt / summary of how the Force works in Star Wars Saga Edition. It wouldn't be a perfect mesh but should be good enough. I accept that the D20 can't be perfectly balanced and as a play-by-post game we would likely operate fairly mechanics-light in most things, anyway.

EDIT: Though, honestly, since it is out of print, I wouldn't really have a problem snagging it off of a torrent in PDF form. I might actually buy it, too, since it comes up  a lot.

honestly Saga Edition is the best fit for the game since its a really well refined version of d20 Modern. The classes are all better approximations of the kinds of characters that exist in Mass Effect, much more so than the Strong/Fast/Smart/etc heroes of d20 Modern.

Having said that, I'm open to either.

Races are probably going to be one of the biggest things we actually need to stat out. Not just that but we probably need a coherent list of available races... Meaning species like the Geth, Keepers, Reapers and Hanar probably should not be playable.

So a list of playable races would be:

Humans
Asari
Turians
Salarians
Krogan
Drell
Volus
Quarians
Vorcha
Batarians

The only outlier would be the Elcor. They're very strange physically but would make for a great PC...

Is Star Wars saga edition OGL?  If so, someone with a digital copy could copy/paste the classes and other elements covered under the OGL without violating the copyright... I don't think there's an SRD of it, though, sadly.

Does d20 Modern/Future have psionics?  They could work for biotics instead of force powers.

EDIT: Also, while I'd love to play, I have a few games I'm already participating in right now.  I'll follow the thread though and may post mechanics suggestions!

What about rogue Geth as potential player characters, like Legion?

If we don't get concerned with making it perfect, we could hack it together from other OGC. Elves become Asari. Make halflings medium sized and call the Quarians. Change the stone-related features of dwarves into the same thing for commodities and trade goods and call them Volus. Humans stay the same. Half-orcs become Krogan. Just an idea.

Steerpike : It wouldn't require much more dedication of time than that for a player, if you want.

Star Wars was not OGL (because Star Wars is never OGL, I guess). That is the major downfall of Saga, not only is it out of print but it is also not open source.

Using the force as a basis, and mixing in some D&D ideas, I think we could make a list of biotic powers fairly easily.

ex.

Lift
Utilize your biotic powers to lift an object or creature up to 6 squares off the ground.
Time: Standard Action
Target: One character or object within 6 squares.

Make a Biotics Check. The result of the check determines the maximum size of the target you can lift. If a target reists your attempt, your check must also exceed the target's will defense. The effect of Lift raises the target directly up into the air. If the lifted target collides with an object (such as a ceiling) then it takes damage determined by your Biotics Check.

DC 15: Lift Object up to Medium Size (deals 2d6 points of damage)
DC 20: Lift Object up to Large Size (deals 4d6 points of damage)
DC 25: Lift Object up to Huge Size (deals 6d6 points of damage)
DC 30: Lift Object up to Gargantuan Size (deals 8d6 points of damage)
DC 35: Lift Object up to Colossal Size (deals 10d6 points of damage)

I suppose Rogue Geth would be a viable option, depending on the time period the campaign begins in (i.e. Geth before ME 1 would feel out of place but post ME1, Rogues could easily exist).

Geth would seem more out of place pre-ME1 but would be more likely to be accepted and not attacked on site. By non-quarians, anyway.

Quote from: Ninja D!Geth would seem more out of place pre-ME1 but would be more likely to be accepted and not attacked on site. By non-quarians, anyway.

Half the fun of Roleplaying is putting those two together on the same team (a Quarian and a Geth)!

Looking at the Force, I think we could easily pilfer what we need and just use d20 modern, if that would help us acquire more players. I mean if we stick with the ME1 powers, then we really only need 6 powers, most of whom can easily be created.

Quote from: Elemental_ElfHalf the fun of Roleplaying is putting those two together on the same team (a Quarian and a Geth)!

Comic relief come from their continued failed attempts to kill or sell each other into slavery. Think Jayne with River and Simon on Firefly.

Can I play Blasto?

Quote from: NomadicCan I play Blasto?

Blasto?

Quote from: Ninja D!

Quote from: NomadicCan I play Blasto?

Blasto?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2Z0aaOTaLk

Quote from: Nomadichttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2Z0aaOTaLk

There is some really good stuff in there but it isn't as easy to hear as in ME1. There's a lot more ambient noise.

If you decide to go with Saga Edition, I believe there is a fan supplement out there somewhere that details some of the races and whatnot for the Mass Effect universe in the system. However, I wouldn't use this for more than inspiration, as the supplement seems just a bit too harsh for alien base stats (Salarians get +2 to Int and -2 to Str and Con in return for underwater breathing and the ability to only sleep one hour a day but they still need to rest eight to recover injuries and whatnot... Turians just get -2 to Cha and then a bunch of decent leadership abilities). The supplement seems kind of poorly written, and although it might be balanced it doesn't look like any of the major species would be as fun to play under those particular stats.

Quote from: Nomadic

Quote from: Ninja D!

Quote from: NomadicCan I play Blasto?

Blasto?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2Z0aaOTaLk

http://youtu.be/jGldy-ABbsw

Let's take an informal poll:

Which system would you prefer - d20 modern/future or Star Wars Saga?

I'm mostly indifferent. Star Wars Saga Edition would probably mean a little less work since we could just rename some Force powers for biotics but if that would keep even a single interested person from playing, I'd rather go with the open game system.

Quote from: Ninja D!I'm mostly indifferent. Star Wars Saga Edition would probably mean a little less work since we could just rename some Force powers for biotics but if that would keep even a single interested person from playing, I'd rather go with the open game system.

That's pretty much the way I feel.

Is anyone else actually interested in playing? A play by post game doesn't require a large commitment of time outside of character generation. Anyone that has time to browse this forum every day or two would be able to play if they wanted.

So it looks like we have:

NinjaD
Elemental_Elf
Nomadic (maybe)
Steerpike (needs convincing)
OmegaLimit maybe)

Alright Ninja you've convinced me.  So long as I can play as opposed to GM, I'd give it a shot.  I'm not fussed about the system at all.

YAY! :) :) :) :)

So, do we want a game about saving the galaxy, or are we going to play as space pirates or something?  Who's going to GM?

Though I have never really tried it before, I'd be willing to give GMing a shot.

I was thinking we could set the campaign after ME1 but before ME2, say in 2184.

I hope one (or more) of you could be a Specter, that way story telling could be fairly easy but I don't have a problem with a Merc campaign either. Which ever your guys prefer.

We need to pick a system, so we can begin to stat out the races.

Sometimes posting from my phone does not work correctly.

Phone posting is sometimes troublesome.

It would probably be most efficient to figure out what we want our characters to be and just stat the races we'll need.

We can do a Specter story. I would be willing to play as a Specter, part of the Specter's crew, or maybe someone being considered for Specter (possibly being sent on a mission with a real one as a test). Those seem like the options, anyway. For a merc campaign, that's easy and obvious.

Since you've never run a game before, let me know if you need anything. Though all but one have been fairly short-lived (no more than a couple of months) I do have quite a bit of experience with play-by-post games.

Is there anyone that doesn't have or could / would not quickly get Saga Edition Star Wars?

Still active questions : Who is going to play and what system should we use?

I will not be participating as a player/DM but I'll gladly serve in an advisory role should you guys go with Saga Edition as a ruleset and anyone needs assistance with it.

If this is the case, I can be found in the chat most evenings as well as reached by email at alphadifferential @ gmail.com

Possible characters I'm thinking of...

An asari (drell father) Justicar who broke her oaths and forsook the Justicar Code - sort of an asari Ronin or fallen paladin type.  She would probably beon the run from other Justicars, working as a mercenary, or perhaps a vigilante.

A vorcha Cerberus experiment designed to test the limits of vorcha adaptability: he was placed in a highly intellectual environment and subjected to daily tests of intelligence and problem-solving.  The non-differentiated cells of the vorcha adapted to give the creature extreme cognitive ability.  The result?  An extremely eloquent and well-spoken vorcha with a hyper-evolved mind.

I'll have to think up a proper character - depending largely on what kind of game it will be - but Turian or Quarian would probably be safe bets. Then again, I have this derranged urge to play a Volus.

Heh I was thinking of volus as well... for some reason I get an image of a volus in an anti-grav hover-suit similar to Baron Harkonnen's wielding a pair of pistols and laughing manically through his little gasmask thing, floating around and firing like a maniac.

I statted up a few races to get the discussion going:

Vorcha
Ability Mods: +2 to any one Ability, -2 Wisdom
- Medium Size
- Speed: 6 squares
- Skill Bonus: A vorcha gain a +5 bonus to Treat Injury checks made to treat himself.
- Limb Regeneration: Vorcha may regenerate a single lost limb after 1d2 months. At that time, all persistent effects due to the lost limb are removed.
- Superior Fortitude & Reflex: Vorcha gain a +1 species bonus to their Fortitude and Reflex Defenses.
- Conditional Bonus Feat: If a Vorcha is trained in Initiative, he may choose Skill Focus (Initiative) as a bonus feat.
- Automatic languages: Vorcha

Drell
- Ability Mods: +2 Wisdom, -2 Charisma
- Medium Size
- Speed: 6 Squares
- Survivalists: All Drell are considered trained in survival. This is a bonus trained skill
- Hightened Awareness: Drell may choose to re-roll any Perception check but the result of the re-roll must be accepted even if it is worse.
- Conditional Bonus Feat: If a Drell is trained in Perception, he may choose Skill Focus (Perception) as a bonus feat.
- Automatic languages: Drell, Hanar and Common

Krogan
- Ability Mods: +4 Strength, +2 Constitution, -2 Dexterity, -2 Intelligence, -2 Charisma
- Medium Size
- Speed: 6 Squares
- Rage: Once per day a Krogan can fly into a rage as a swift action. While raging, a Krogan gains a +2 Rage bonus on melee attacks and damage rolls but cannot use skills that require patience and concentration such as Mechanics, stealth or Use Biotics. The rage lasts a number of rounds equal to 5 +  the Krogan's Constitution Modifier. At the end of the Rage the Krogan moves -1 persistent step down the condition track.
Superior Fortitude: Krogan gain a +1 Species bonus to their Fortitude Defense.
- Extraordinary Recuperation: Krogan regain hit points at double the normal rate.
- Conditional Bonus Feat: If a Krogan is trained in Endurance, he may choose Skill Focus (Endurance) as a bonus feat.
- Languages: Krogan and Common

And the other races.

Salarian
Ability Mods: +2 Intelligence, -2 Strength
- Medium Size
- Speed: 6 Squares
- One Hour of Sleep: Salarians only require 1 hour of sleep and receive the same benefit as a Human who sleeps for 8 hours.
- Astute Initiative: A Salarian may use his Intelligence bonus instead of his Dexterity Bonus when making Initiative Checks.
- Bonus Knowledge Skill: Salarians may choose either a single Knowledge Skill or Use Computer as a bonus Trained Skill at level 1.  
- Conditional Bonus Feat: If a Salarian is trained in Gather Information, he may choose Skill Focus (Gather Information) as a bonus feat.
- Bonus Language: Salarians gain one bonus language at level 1.
- Languages: Salarian and Common


Asari
Ability Mods:  +2 Dexterity or +2 Charisma
- Medium Size
- Speed: 6 Squares
- Deceptive: Asari may choose to re-roll any Deception check but the result of the re-roll must be accepted even if it is worse.
- Biotics: All Asari are considered trained in Use Biotics. This is a bonus trained skill
- Conditional Bonus Feat: If an Asari is trained in Persuasion, she may choose Skill Focus (Persuasion) as a bonus feat.
- Languages: Asari and Common


Quarians
Ability Mods:  +2 Intelligence, -2 Constitution
- Medium Size
- Speed: 6 Squares
- Vulnerability to Disease: Quarians receive a -2 modifier to their Fortitude Defense against Diseases.
- Mechanics: All Quarians are considered trained in Mechanics. This is a bonus trained skill
- Cooperative Spirit: Quarians can aid another on skill checks  made by adjacent allies as a swift action. Adjacent allies can also aid another on skill checks made by an adjacent Quarian as a swift action. This ability can only be used with the following skills: Gather Information, Knowledge (any), Mechanics, Pilot, Ride, Treat Injury and Use Computer.  
- Conditional Bonus Feat: If a Quarian is trained in Use Computer, she may choose Skill Focus (Mechanics) or Skill Focus (Use Computer) as a bonus feat.
- Languages: Quarian and Common


Turians
Ability Mods:  +2 Constitution, -2 Charisma
- Medium Size
- Speed: 7 Squares
- Perceptive: All Turians are considered trained in Perception. This is a bonus trained skill.
- Militant: Turians gain Weapon Focus with a Weapon Group of their choice.
- Superior Fortitude: Turians gain a +1 species bonus to their Fortitude Defenses.
- Conditional Bonus Feat: If a Turian is trained in Knowledge (Tactics), he may choose Skill Focus Knowledge (Tactics) as a bonus feat.
- Languages: Turian and Common


Volus
Ability Mods: -2 Strength, -2 Dexterity, +2 Intelligence, +2 Wisdom
- Small size: Small creatures gain +1 size Bonus to their Reflex Defense and a +5 size bonus on Stealth checks. However, lifting and carrying is 3/4s that of a medium character.
- Bonus Knowledge Skill: Volus may choose a single Knowledge Skill as a bonus Trained Skill at level 1.  
- Persuasive: Volus receive a +5 bonus on any persuasion check meant to barter or haggle.
- Conditional Bonus Feat: If a Volus is trained in Persuasion, he may choose Skill Focus (Persuasion) or Skill Focus in any one Knowledge skill as a bonus feat.
- Languages: Volus and Common


Humans
- Ability Mods: +2 to single ability
- Medium Size
- Speed: 6 Squares
- Driven: Humans may select either a bonus feat or an additional trained skill at level 1.
- Future Lies Ahead: Once per day, as a swift action, Humans may move +1 up the condition Track.
- Conditional Bonus Feat: If a Human is trained in either Persuasion or Deception, he may choose Skill Focus (Persuasion) or Skill Focus (Deception) as a bonus feat.
- Language: Any Human Language and Common


[spoiler][dice]1d20+3[/dice]
[dice]1d20+3[/dice]
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Looks good.  Would an Int penalty potentially be more appropriate than a Wis penalty for Krogan, considering their shamanistic side and the fact that they almost never become scientists?  After all, they were culturally/technologically uplifted by the Salarians rather than inventing Mass Effect technology and the like themselves.  There'd still be enough Krogan with above average Int to serve as mechanics, inventors, etc...

EDIT: Reading more about the vorcha, it looks as if the vorcha's brain would actually have to be damaged to initiate the augmentation.  Definitely the sort of thing Cerberus would get up to!

Good point Steerpike! :)

So I think I will go with the crazy Vorcha character (I'm imagining him rather like X-Men's Beast in some ways)... if we go with Star Wars Saga he'll be a Scoundrel, if d20 Future, the Smart Hero.

And the other races.

Salarian
Ability Mods: +2 Intelligence, -2 Strength
- Medium Size
- Speed: 6 Squares
- One Hour of Sleep: Salarians only require 1 hour of sleep and receive the same benefit as a Human who sleeps for 8 hours.
- Astute Initiative: A Salarian may use his Intelligence bonus instead of his Dexterity Bonus when making Initiative Checks.
- Bonus Knowledge Skill: Salarians may choose either a single Knowledge Skill or Use Computer as a bonus Trained Skill at level 1.  
- Conditional Bonus Feat: If a Salarian is trained in Gather Information, he may choose Skill Focus (Gather Information) as a bonus feat.
- Bonus Language: Salarians gain one bonus language at level 1.
- Languages: Salarian and Common


Asari
Ability Mods:  +2 Dexterity or +2 Charisma
- Medium Size
- Speed: 6 Squares
- Deceptive: Asari may choose to re-roll any Deception check but the result of the re-roll must be accepted even if it is worse.
- Biotics: All Asari are considered trained in Use Biotics. This is a bonus trained skill
- Conditional Bonus Feat: If an Asari is trained in Persuasion, she may choose Skill Focus (Persuasion) as a bonus feat.
- Languages: Asari and Common


Quarians
Ability Mods:  +2 Intelligence, -2 Constitution
- Medium Size
- Speed: 6 Squares
- Vulnerability to Disease: Quarians receive a -2 modifier to their Fortitude Defense against Diseases.
- Mechanics: All Quarians are considered trained in Mechanics. This is a bonus trained skill
- Cooperative Spirit: Quarians can aid another on skill checks  made by adjacent allies as a swift action. Adjacent allies can also aid another on skill checks made by an adjacent Quarian as a swift action. This ability can only be used with the following skills: Gather Information, Knowledge (any), Mechanics, Pilot, Ride, Treat Injury and Use Computer.  
- Conditional Bonus Feat: If a Quarian is trained in Use Computer, she may choose Skill Focus (Mechanics) or Skill Focus (Use Computer) as a bonus feat.
- Languages: Quarian and Common


Turians
Ability Mods:  +2 Constitution, -2 Charisma
- Medium Size
- Speed: 7 Squares
- Perceptive: All Turians are considered trained in Perception. This is a bonus trained skill.
- Militant: Turians gain Weapon Focus with a Weapon Group of their choice.
- Superior Fortitude: Turians gain a +1 species bonus to their Fortitude Defenses.
- Conditional Bonus Feat: If a Turian is trained in Knowledge (Tactics), he may choose Skill Focus Knowledge (Tactics) as a bonus feat.
- Languages: Turian and Common


Volus
Ability Mods: -2 Strength, -2 Dexterity, +2 Intelligence, +2 Wisdom
- Small size: Small creatures gain +1 size Bonus to their Reflex Defense and a +5 size bonus on Stealth checks. However, lifting and carrying is 3/4s that of a medium character.
- Bonus Knowledge Skill: Volus may choose a single Knowledge Skill as a bonus Trained Skill at level 1.  
- Persuasive: Volus receive a +5 bonus on any persuasion check meant to barter or haggle.
- Conditional Bonus Feat: If a Volus is trained in Persuasion, he may choose Skill Focus (Persuasion) or Skill Focus in any one Knowledge skill as a bonus feat.
- Languages: Volus and Common

I know I'm not really playing but I just thought that I might chime in here for one thing I noticed.

Humans
- Medium Size
- Speed: 6 Squares
- Bonus Trained Skill: A human gains an additional trained skill at level 1
- Bonus Feat: A human gains one bonus feat at level 1

This doesn't seem to represent humanity in Mass Effect which is shown not as a jack of all trades (which I always found silly when DnD used it) but as a very stubborn yet slightly unorthodox group. You might consider instead of the bonus feat and skill giving them a diehard style trait and perhaps a resistance against suggestion (like say a +x to sense motive or something like that) or alternatively a bonus to bluff. Also for languages I would give them automatic common and one earth language (I imagine the alliance uses English but you could let the players choose).

Oops, some how the Human Language section got cut off! I had Any Human Language and Common listed. Great minds think alike :)

I struggled with the Humans. I think the problem is that even in Mass Effect - they are still sort of the generalists. Its more due to the perspective of the story (i.e. Human-centric) than an inherent generality of Humanity. Almost every other race specializes in a particular field (Asari - Biotics, Krogan - Soldiers, Quarians - Tech, etc.). Humanity has been shown to take up careers in every field imaginable. Granted they aren't as generic as Humans in other settings but they're still generic (for lack of a better term).

Having said that, I agree. We should probably break out a bit and make Humans special.

How about:


Humans
- Ability Mods: +2 Charisma
- Medium Size
- Speed: 6 Squares
- Driven: Humans may select either a bonus feat or an additional trained skill at level 1.
- Future Lies Ahead: Once per day, as a swift action, Humans may move +1 up the condition Track.
- Conditional Bonus Feat: If a Human is trained in either Persuasion or Deception, he may choose Skill Focus (Persuasion) or Skill Focus (Deception) as a bonus feat.
- Language: Any Human Language and Common

Quote from: Steerpikefor some reason I get an image of a volus in an anti-grav hover-suit similar to Baron Harkonnen's wielding a pair of pistols and laughing manically through his little gasmask thing, floating around and firing like a maniac.

I don't understand how you could say this and not follow it with, "So I'll be playing a Volus."

Heh maybe I should :).  I wrote up a backstory for the vorcha character but realized that in some ways he's rather close to my character in TMG's Carbon Skies game i.e. experiment gone wrong.

A pair of wannabe Volus Specters that have reached the point of doing a trial mission for the Council could be quite amusing. Just a thought, not even sure I'm totally sold on it.

We'll need weapons and armor ans such, too. Please, please, please let us use credits and not some abstract wealth system. I hated that about D20 Modern. If it isn't too much trouble (you could probably find such a thing online) having some sort of system to customize equipment, especially weapons, would be great. I think that was very important to ME1, even if it was a bit of a mess.

Quote from: Ninja D!A pair of wannabe Volus Specters that have reached the point of doing a trial mission for the Council could be quite amusing.

Heh, it could be like a buddy cop movie, with one volus wanting to play by the book and impress the council with his professionalism, and the other playing by his own rules to prove that volus can be badass too...

Quote from: Ninja D!We'll need weapons and armor ans such, too. Please, please, please let us use credits and not some abstract wealth system. I hated that about D20 Modern. If it isn't too much trouble (you could probably find such a thing online) having some sort of system to customize equipment, especially weapons, would be great. I think that was very important to ME1, even if it was a bit of a mess.

Real Credits are preferable, though the credit system in d20 Modern isn't bad for really expensive purchases.

I've been looking into the customizable armor but not much is coming up that would be useful. We could try and use the Magic Armor from 3.5 (obviously, dumping the truly magical enchantments). For now, let's just use the Saga edition armor, until we find a set of rules that emulates ME better.

Guns and the like would be easiest just to run with Saga edition's rules. I found these rules that would help begin the process of customization: http://www.d20resources.com/future.d20.srd/equipment/gadgets.universal.weapons/

Yeah, I don't know what could be done with armor. Some based off of magic armor would probably be the best route. Extra armor plating or superior materials could be similar to masterwork armor, maybe with more than one level?

Those weapon mods aren't perfectly in line with the first game but I like them very much. They're a great start but I think a wider variety of weapons (or at least different names for the same weapon stats) would be great. If some of those had different modifiers to attack and damage, that would be even better. Other mods like scopes or devices that increase firing power to do more damage would also be good. I would be fine with them being expensive, if you're concerned about balance.

Wow. Lots of information to sort through, so I don't know if I'll be able to comment on everything in one shot.

System: I don't know about most people, but I personally am a great big fan of D20 Modern, especially Future-- I will admit, I am not too knowledgeable on Saga. When I played SWRPG, that was back before Saga came out, never mind it being out of print. I would suggest D20 Modern solely based on the fact that, from what I know, it is much easier to simply make up things and jamb them into the mechanics without there being too many complications. I also think the Wealth system is rather underrated. Of course, I'd also just like a chance to play Talfryn again (a combat medic-- couldn't fight worth a damn, but that was half the fun), and it definitely would be an inferior character in Saga.

Starting Level: Sorry if I missed this one mentioned already, but the question still remains.

Money: Well, with at least one person highly opposed to the Wealth system, your best bet would likely be to either use the alternate money rules from D20, or whatever the standard rates are in Saga. I don't think it makes too much of a difference anyway once you get past character creation. The older SWRPG weapons were pretty bad, though. The standard Blaster Rifle was a 3d8 weapon that everyone and their grandma could use from level 1-- made diversity a real PitA since everyone had the same thing. D20 Future has a really swanky upgrade system already in place, as well as better weapon diversity, I think, so I would suggest giving it a gander, at least in ideas for what kinds of mechanical effects to put into play.

'Magic' Armor/Weapons: Easily solved by the Upgrades. I do not know Saga, but Future still uses the standard bonus to AC/Defense as opposed to as DR, which is what the antique SWRPG system used, since it was a Vitality health system.

Races: Normally, I'm a fan of all kinds of racial abilities and bonuses; lately, I've found myself a believer of 'Less is More'. Personally, I'd simply take down a lot of those abilities and give the players more freedom to choose things. Instead of "Conditional Feats", why not just either A: Give them the feat, or B: Give them any feat they want. (4E is really making me hate any kind of conditional, considering that most of the system is built around triggers and specific if/then clauses).

Humans (In particular): My impression of ME Humans is not that we are generalists-- but that we are driven to do whatever the heck we want to. We are driven on a personal, not racial, level. That is one of the reasons the other races do not appear to be terribly happy with humans in general, as they see we have the potential to be technologically savvy Krogan. We are upstarts in Council space, but we have apparently well out-paced the non-council races in terms of actual influence, perhaps being the greatest of up until the inclusion at the end of ME1. However, I do not think that means every human is expected to be a politician (I forget how many times I resorted to violence instead of words in those games...). The +Charisma seems odd to my ears, but I can see nothing wrong with it, unless you think a flat +2 choice is too overpowered. The rest have too much 'if/then' nonsense going on. If you want Humans to be more social, then why not just give them one or the other?

Game Type: So, err, what kind of tone/atmosphere/mood is this game going to be? I mean, from the character concepts so far, it seems like the push is more towards light-hearted or tongue-in-cheek as opposed to dark, moody, and ominous. Though I suppose this also depends on what point of time in the ME universe this takes place; location is just as important, too, be it on the Citadel, or in the Terminus systems. This subject is what I'm most keenly interested. I'm not looking for 'Dark and Edgy' (I get enough of that from CE :P ), but I really doubt it should feel like a Toon game, too.

Depending on what happens with the system, who is playing, and other small, non-essential bits, I may try to get Talfryn out and back into a game that isn't based on Aliens. Because we all know how that movie ends.

For the curious: [spoiler=Talfryn]Physical Description: Talfryn is a large man, standing nearly 6 and a half feet tall, with shoulders broad enough to make him seem the perfect fit for a professional football team. It is a very clear shock then, when people learn that Talfryn is in fact a doctor. Not only that, but to hear him tell it, one of the best damn surgeons around, to boot. Whereas any other man in the service who looks like him would be right at home with a heavy chain-gun or rocket launcher, Talfryn uses his tremendous bulk to haul around medical kits and supplies-- as well as the occasional wounded soldier. In fact, being a combat medic, his size has proven exceptionally useful for quickly removing his patients from dangerous areas-- the chance for aggravated injury is a lesser evil compared to letting mortars or additional bullets finish them off.

Talfryn favors a bit of a laid-back look. When in civilian attire, he favors an antique Buffalo-leather jacket he received as a gift from his parents when graduated from Medical School. With it he often wears nothing more elaborate than denim, sandals, and a linen dress-shirt. His black hair short, but almost excessively curly, and his eyes are large, and were once a pleasant-looking hazel.

Service History: Talfryn Rheinhallt was born on the Inner Colony worlds, New Cymru, to be precise. Talfryn was raised in a wealthy family from Caerdydd, and as such, received an excellent education. Whereas most of Talfryn's family made their fortune (and fame) as financial investors in new science research, Talfryn had an aptitude for biology and chemistry-- not the penchant for numbers that his grandfather's original fortune had stemmed from. This aptitude earned more than a simple BS in Biology, it (and perhaps some family 'donations') earned him acceptance into one of the premiere Medical Schools on New Cymru-- and there he excelled, remaining in the top 5% of his class for most of his stay there. Although he loved his work, there was something that drew him to surgery-- a sort of cavalier, instant-decision making that was occasionally necessary-- and a wrong mistake could kill your patient (compared to the other boring specialties. Kidneys? No. Derm?  Oh, look, you have a mole. Gynecology? Fun to joke about, but otherwise pretty uninspiring).

At age 25, Talfryn became a licensed Surgeon. His life proceeded well for the next three years, until nothing short of a true travesty befell him-- he became a mutant. He did not grow an extra arm, horns did not grow out of his forehead, cloven feet did not appear on his legs, and evil bat-like wings did not suddenly sprout out of his back like daisies. It was something far less obvious that would spell doom for his career as a gifted surgeon. His eyes would change color with his moods, and they give off a soft glow noticeable only in near pitch-black conditions. Unfortunately, although his mutation was essentially benign, many people demonstrated an aversion and irrational fear of him-- to be expected of any mutant, obviously. This irrevocable and deeply-rooted fear was the end of Talfryn's career-- he was bought out from his practice and forced to resign almost overnight. Even his family was suddenly very short and terse with him-- they didn't understand his condition, just that he was now something the average person feared and reviled-- it was best for their political acumen if they distanced themselves from him in a public manner.

Only his mother resented the treatment he was shown, for his father had other sons to fixate on instead of "that aberration".

It soon became apparent that not even free clinics would want him working there-- so deeply rooted and wide-spread their fear of him had become, so he looked into ways to get off-planet but still maintain his calling as a surgeon. The only ones who seemed willing to take him were the Interstellar Colonial Armed Forces. Specifically, the fething Space Marines. While Talfryn was unsure of this arrangement at first, he soon discovered it to be his real calling-- now, instead of working on individuals in the sterile environment of a surgery center, he was stuffing organs back into abdominal cavities and stapling closed torn arteries and shrapnel wounds. He loved it. He couldn't help it-- nor did he want to stop loving it. He found a purity in that combat that was found nowhere else-- he was the person who helped to save the people trying to save worlds! What greater calling could there be for one of his skills?

Well, being able to shoot straight might have been one of them.

While Talfryn has some interesting decorations aside from his few campaign ribbons, not one of them stems from his ability to shoot worth a damn-- he barely made it through Basic because of that fact. Hell, it's very likely the only reason he graduated from it was because he had an MD, could sew up a wounded trial in record time, and could give an ague shot to the most stubborn patients. Those are damn fine reasons to pass a trained medic, however-- and he spent much of his specialist training teaching his own instructors in more useful techniques. He was known by them to be a bit of a hot-shot, but his instructors would be damned before they'd admit that his ways were usually better than the thrice-damned field manuals they taught from.

Given his skill with a surgery kit, even under fire, Talfryn was often bounced back and forth between various units, serving directly on the front-lines during low-to-mid risk engagements, but being relegated back to MASH units during major engagements in large hot zones. He has even been 'lent out' (as his own request) to various local armies in an attempt to help their own medics stem the waves of blood. In this faculty, he excels at teaching by demonstration, finding a way to turn a brutal fight to save a dying soldier into a learning experience for all involved. Some of them learn. Some don't. In fact, he is one of the few Marines to have medals and commendations from units he never actually served in-- under any official capacity, at least.

Psychological Evaluation: Talfryn is both a victim and a survivor of his own hubris and altruism-- and it is inevitably going to get him killed. He thinks that he can save anyone-- from perhaps anything up to and including decapitation or disintegration. The sad fact is that he probably can save them, which has done nothing to temper his hubris in regard to medicine. As such, he is quite willing to take many foolish risks to try and reach injured patients, sometimes forgetting his own place as the squad's only medic-- it is not smart for him to subject himself to gunfire when he is the only one who knows how to stitch up bullet holes in the first place. There have been numerous occurrences where his squad has had to hold him back from behaving recklessly, only to send someone else to retrieve the wounded at their own peril.

One particular situation on Pegasus Eridani in the Shordun Valley saw Talfryn break from cover to drag back three wounded marines. That earned him a medal, despite the stupidity of taunting an entrenched position of heavy weapons. Not only did he manage to escape unharmed, but he did manage to save the lives of the three Marines, including a Chief Warrant Officer responsible for running the C2H Heavies needed to clear out that entrenched position. A few, mostly himself, claim that his actions kept the entire operation on time.

Talfryn may be over-confident in his own abilities, but he does have a good heart-- on numerous deployments he has taken it upon himself to provide assistance at local clinics-- occasionally even making use of his own supply kits. There is no denying that someone of his talent has helped to save numerous lives at such places. A fact that, once more, adds to his growing hubris. He does what he can to hide his mutation from the common people in these situations, afraid that they would rather die than come into contact with a "mutant"-- though he has been glad to find that some people simply don't give a damn-- they'll take whatever help someone is willing to give. Such desperate people are what keeps Talfryn going these days-- even if their desires to be "made better" are selfish, they aren't biased to whom it is coming from, so long as it is help.

The one true hole in his armor is that he is a mutant. While it has had no true physical effect on him, he has been the subject of a great deal of bigotry for his condition-- which he deeply resents. It cost him his entire career out of blind fear on the part of "uneducated, superstitious, pricks", and forced him into the line of duty, facing down everything from miners with sharp sticks to entrenched heavy weapons, from local strains of common diseases to vicious and deadly local animal and plant life. While he might not admit it openly, he does love this job. The life-or-death situations is something he truly revels in, and he likes being there to patch up people when they happen to make the wrong choice during those times.

He could make a fine officer, should he be able to reign in his desire to help every poor bastard bleeding out in a kill-zone. Perhaps he would be most suited to working full-time in a MASH unit away from the front lines or in the relative safety of a troop ship. He would probably be able to run the best damned medical unit in the Corp, assuming he could be convinced to give up his role on the front-line.[/spoiler]

If we did do d20 Future I think I would still play my Vorcha character - Smart Hero just works so well for him.

There are some psionics rules that could work for biotics, I believe.  Classes like the Battle Mind and Telepath fit fairy well.

Quote from: CoyoteCamouflageStarting Level: Sorry if I missed this one mentioned already, but the question still remains.

I guess this hasn't been mentioned. I'm normally all in favor of starting at level one. However, if one or more of us is to be a Specter, unless you're going to make some enemies suitably minion-like, it might make some sense to be a little higher level than that. Unless, of course, we worked out some story where the Specter was appointed for political reasons, not because of their great skill.

Quote from: CoyoteCamouflageMoney: Well, with at least one person highly opposed to the Wealth system, your best bet would likely be to either use the alternate money rules from D20, or whatever the standard rates are in Saga. I don't think it makes too much of a difference anyway once you get past character creation. The older SWRPG weapons were pretty bad, though. The standard Blaster Rifle was a 3d8 weapon that everyone and their grandma could use from level 1-- made diversity a real PitA since everyone had the same thing. D20 Future has a really swanky upgrade system already in place, as well as better weapon diversity, I think, so I would suggest giving it a gander, at least in ideas for what kinds of mechanical effects to put into play.

Honestly, the wealth system would probably better represent the abstract resources of a Specter, assuming we're still going that route. I don't really like it but I'm not making the decision and I will accept either way without serious complaint.

Quote from: CoyoteCamouflageRaces: Normally, I'm a fan of all kinds of racial abilities and bonuses; lately, I've found myself a believer of 'Less is More'. Personally, I'd simply take down a lot of those abilities and give the players more freedom to choose things. Instead of "Conditional Feats", why not just either A: Give them the feat, or B: Give them any feat they want. (4E is really making me hate any kind of conditional, considering that most of the system is built around triggers and specific if/then clauses).

D&D 4E is a beautifully constructed mechanical system for a balanced combat experience. It's a fun game. That's not what I'm looking for in this, though. I would rather see the world be accurately represented and nothing at all balanced in any way. I think the races were pretty well done. If anything, I would add more detail to them. Conditional feats are a little strange but I don't dislike them.

Alright, now, what are we doing? Give us a general starting point and I will come up with a character. If the game should be based around a Specter, unless someone else jumps in and wants to play that character, I can easily come up with one of those. The other characters would be easy to fit in from there because it would make sense for a Specter to gain strange allies. If we're going to do something other than the Specter thing (mercenaries would be terribly easy to run, though keeping it really interesting would be more difficult), let us know. Let's get the ball rolling again.

[ooc]I'll add more once some more campaign details have been hammered out.

Portrait taken from http://www.electricblueskies.com/ (http://www.electricblueskies.com/)[/ooc]
[ic=Archimedes](http://img861.imageshack.us/img861/9721/archimedes.jpg)

Pre-Service History

Common wisdom holds the vermin-species known as the vorcha to be little more than animals.  Cerberus knew better.  Intrigued by the remarkably adaptable non-differentiated cells all vorcha possess, Cerberus began gathering vorcha for experimentation.  Rounding up droves of subjects was a simple matter: batarin slavers, unscrupulous krogan, and exterminators looking for a "humane" method of pest-disposal all eagerly sold vorcha to the organization.  Thus began Project Nietzsche: a series of experiments designed to push vorcha adaptability to its limits.  Most of the Project's Subjects were deemed failures, but a few survived the brutal methods of Cerberus' scientists.  Among them is Subject Seven-Thirty-Seven, nicknamed Archimedes, a vorcha designed to be a "living computer," an alternative to Artificial Intelligence.

In most instances, vorcha non-differentiated cells adapt to augment resilience to physical damage.  Burn a vorcha and its skin will become all but fire-proof; fill its lungs with poison gas and it will adapt to breathe the most noxious of fumes.  Observation, however, demonstrated that in some incidences, vorcha could become more intelligent: vorcha trained by korgan mercenaries, for example, displayed not only enhanced agility and strength but increased problem-solving abilities and overall cognition functionality.  Subject Seven-Thirty-Seven was raised by a regimen of scientists who daily exposed the creature to a battery of progressively complicated intellectual exercises, puzzles, and tests.  If Subject Seven-Thirty-Seven failed to complete the assigned challenge in sufficient time, a series of small electroshock generators implanted into certain regions of his brain were activated, with excruciating results.  This regimen was supplemented by a battery of nootropic drugs.

As time passed, Archimedes gradually become more and more adept at the challenges posed to him.  The electroshock implants stimulated his undifferentiated cells to regenerate and augment relevant regions of the brain; as a result, he began to exhibit savant-level mathematical ability, eidetic memory capability, and a host of other enhanced mental characteristics.  Able to detect "deep patterns" and perform analytical calculations at a stupendous rate, Archimedes eventually became all but prescient, so rapid and extensive were his cognitive abilities.  His ability as a programmer and hacker likewise became prodigious.  A skilled speed-reader, he swiftly absorbed vast quantities of knowledge, ranging from advanced mathematical theories to volumes of abstract philosophy and metaphysics.  Each day, members of the Project Nietzsche research team would bring him a new database to absorb; Archimedes proved a voracious bibliophile, and constantly clamoured for more to read.  Unrestricted access to galactic databases, however, was strictly forbidden the vorcha experiment: Cerberus feared that despite his enhanced mental abilities, Archimedes might still possess the animal cunning and aggression typical of his species, and might become agitated or even violent if he discovered the mistreatment of his brethren, or the circumstances of his creation.

When the Reaper Nazara '" Sovereign '" emerged from hibernation and led the schismatic geth from the worlds beyond the Perseus Veil, the asteroid-base Project Nietzsche conducted its operations on was discovered by geth forces.  Though Cerberus' defenses were extensive, the geth easily hacked into the research base's mainframe, disabling security mechs and gun emplacements and powering down shields.  They proceeded to board the asteroid and convert the inhabitants into husks while downloading Cerberus research notes and stripping the base of valuable technology.   When they reached Archimedes' cell, however, they found it empty.  After realizing the base had been compromised Archimedes easily hacked his cell door (previously he had simply chosen to remain in his cell '" he was capable of escape at almost any time) and crept into a ventilation shaft, jury-rigging a tactical cloaking mechanism to mask his presence from geth sensors.  After the geth departed he escaped the base in a Cerberus craft, having first versed himself on relevant piloting techniques in an astonishingly brief period of time.  Before departing the base he absorbed the entire Cerberus database, discovering in detail the knowledge previously denied him.  Instead of reacting with horror or disbelief at the atrocities Cerberus had committed, however, Archimedes read the experiment logs and case reports with detached objectivity and even a cold approval.

It wasn't long before Archimedes found his way into Council space.  His skills as a technician and pilot quickly earned him a reputation, leading to his eventual employment as a mechanic and later a pilot in the Citadel Fleet: his ability to make a thousand calculations simultaneously and in the space of nanoseconds has made him formidable in space-combat, and he spent six months hunting geth in the aftermath of their thwarted attack on he Citadel.  Though he faces prejudice daily, he has proven time and time again to have transcended the near-mindless brutality typical of his fellow vorcha. Most recently he has been hired as a consulting detective for T'Parn Security and Investigations.  This assignment would prove only the beginning of his strange and storied career...

Psychological Profile

Archimedes is extremely personable and well-spoken '" shockingly so for a vorcha '" though he tends to be pedantic, long-winded, and sometimes condescending.  He is fond of quoting literature, especially the works of Conan Doyle, Oscar Wilde, Lord Byron, and John Milton; he is also a classical music enthusiast and an admirer of certain salarian visual artists.  Physically he is utterly unremarkable, resembling a typical vorcha in all respects, from his bulbous red eyes to his long fangs, though he lacks extensive physical augmentations or adaptations, unlike many vorcha.  Despite his cultivation, strong sadistic instincts lie latent within Archimedes, a part of his heritage impossible to fully expunge.  While he keeps these violent impulses under tight control, Archimedes' temper can be frightening.  He has little empathy for others and displays no evidence of guilt: this suggests he may be an extremely high-functioning sociopath, likely the result of his isolated and pain-filled upbringing.  Apart from his lack of conscience and his biological aggression, Archimedes is quite sociable, though prone to analyze others, a trait some find irritating.

Archimedes delights in puzzles above all things.  Riddles, games, mental contests, intellectual challenges, paradoxes, and mysteries all absorb him completely: his brain has been completely rewired to become a puzzle-solving machine.  Without frequent mental stimulation Archimedes develops extremely painful headaches; to combat this, he carries a Rubik's Cube at all times (current solve record 7.21 seconds) and frequently plays games on his Omni-Tool.  When bored he resorts to these petty challenges, sometimes while others are speaking, in hopes of staving off an incipient migraine.

Statistics

Archimedes

Medium Humanoid

Vorcha Savant 3

Strength 8

Dexterity 12

Constitution 10

Intelligence 20

Wisdom 10

Charisma 10

Action Points 6

Hit Points 29

Defense

Fortitude 15

Reflex 20

Will 13

Damage Threshold 13

Shield Rating 5

Attack

Base Attack Bonus +2

Melee Attack Bonus +0

Ranged Attack Bonus +3 (+4 within Point Blank range): M-6 Carnifex Heavy Pistol 3d8

Speed 6 squares

Skills

Trained: Initiative +13, Knowledge (Galactic Lore) +12, Knowledge (Physical Sciences) +12, Knowledge (Life Sciences) +12, Mechanics +12, Perception +7, Pilot +13, Use Computer +14, Use Tech +12 (+13 with T'Kin's Omni-Tool).

Feats

Skill Focus (Pilot), Skill Focus (Initiative), Tech Training, Point Blank Shot, Weapon Proficiency (pistols), Weapon Proficiency (simple weapons), Careful Shot

Talents

Savant (Computer Use), Exploit Weakness

Tech Powers

AI Hacking (x2), Tech Armour (x2), Overload (x2)

Languages

Common, Quarian, Vorcha, Turian, Asari, Salarian

Age 6

Equipment

Padded Flight Suit
M-6 Carnifex Heavy Pistol
Judgment Heavy Pistol
Pinnacle Line Pistol
Striker Pistol
Titan Sniper Rifle
Smoke Grenades (5)
Frag Grenades (5)
Customized Omni-Tool (T'Kin's)
Omni-Tool (Wiped)
2 Medi-Gel Packs
Shield Battery
Utility Belt
Security Kit
Rubik's Cube[/ic]

The big 16 (pilfered from the OOTS PbP forum):

    1. What game system are you running (D&D, Call of Cthulu, Palladium, GURPS, etc.), and if applicable what edition (Original, Classic, Revised, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 10th, etc.)?
--- Star Wars Saga Edition

    2. What 'type' or variant of game will it be (i.e. "Shadow Chasers" or "Agents of Psi" for d20 Modern)? What is the setting for the game (eg. historic period, published or homebrewed campaign setting, alternate reality, modern world, etc.)?
--- Trainee Specters and their skilled allies adventuring to save the galaxy.

    3. How many Players are you looking for?
--- 2-6 players.

    4. What's the gaming medium (OOTS, chat, e-mail etc.)?
--- CBG Role Playing Forum

    5. What is the characters' starting status (i.e. experience level)?
--- Starting at level 2.

    6. How much gold or other starting funds will the characters begin with?
--- Max gold determined by your class

    7. Are there any particular character classes, professions, orders, etc. that you want... or do not want? What are your rules on 'prestige' and/or homebrewed classes?
--- All classes are open, as well as all SW Saga Edition Prestige Class, save for anything related to Jedi, Sith, Force Users, etc.

    8. What races, subraces, species, etc. are allowed for your game? Will you allow homebrewed races or species? 'Prestige' races or species?
--- All available races have been created and can be found in this post (http://www.thecbg.org/PLUGIN_DIR/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?207366.30#post_207435).

    9. By what method should Players generate their attributes/ability scores and Hit Points?
--- 28 Point Buy

    10. Does your game use alignment? What are your restrictions, if so?
--- Alignment does not exist, although truly reprehensible actions will have in-game consequences.

    11. Do you allow multi-classing, or have any particular rules in regards to it?
--- Multiclassing is fine.

    12. Will you be doing all of the die rolling during the course of the game? Will die rolls be altered, or left to the honor system? If players can make die rolls, which ones do they make, how should they make the rolls, and how should they report them?
--- Honor System :)

    13. Are there any homebrewed or optional/variant rules that your Players should know about? If so, list and explain them, or provide relevant links to learn about these new rules.
--- None as of yet.

    14. Is a character background required? If so, how big? Are you looking for anything in particular (i.e. the backgrounds all ending up with the characters in the same city)?
--- At least one paragraph describing each characters background (where he came from, his basic personaility, etc.).

    15. Does your game involve a lot of hack & slash, puzzle solving, roleplaying, or a combination of the above?
--- A focus on combat and roleplaying is to be expected.

    16. Are your Players restricted to particular rulebooks and supplements, or will you be allowing access to non-standard material? What sources can Players use for their characters?
--- Star Wars Saga Edition books.

Can I use the Research and/or Strategy Talent Trees from the d20 Modern Smart Hero in lieu of the Fortune/Misfortune Talent Trees of the Scoundrel, or would that cause balance issues?  I actually prefer the Scoundrel to the Smart Hero otherwise, and am happy we're using Saga rules, just wondering if I can tweak my class slightly - this change would emphasize the skill-monkey and deceptive aspects of the Scoundrel over sneak attacks and luck.

I have zero problem with either Talent Tree, feel free to use them Steerpike :)

I'm leaning Volus or Salarian right now but I'm afraid a Salarian would end up too much like Mordin. Do you think we'll have any luck finding a third?

When you say max gold determined by class, Elemental Elf, do you mean we get the maximum possible wealth as if we rolled all 4s?

EDIT: Salarians are super awesome.  Maybe just try making a non-scientist Salarian to avoid making a Mordin clone?  I know the Salarians have some weird goddess-cult, what about a Salarian mystic with biotic abilities?  Or a Salarian Specter who's an absolute combat monster?

P.P.S. Are we using Destiny points or Destinies in general?

The Salarian Councilor was nothing like Mordin. There's a lot of directions you can go with a Salarian. The Specter you guys will be dealing with initially will be a Salarian.

@ Steerpike: Yes, you have it :)

Destiny Points will be added as we go. I like to give players time to develop a story and personality for their character in-game before we deal with such weighty topics.

@ Ninja: I've been trying but I can't find any takers! I can easily balance everything for 2 PCs, adding in some NPCs to help you out when/if you need them.  

Thanks!

My character is finished.  I treated an Omni-Tool as a Datapad and an M-4 Shuriken SMG as a Blaster Pistol for price and statistics.

EDIT: Since the Omni-Tool is now free I changed my equipment to a Heavy Blaster (Carnifex pistol) and Padded Flight Suit.

Quote from: SteerpikeThanks!

My character is finished.

Great to hear, I really like your character :)

Quote from: SteerpikeI treated an Omni-Tool as a Datapad and an M-4 Shuriken SMG as a Blaster Pistol for price and statistics.

Slight addendum, the Omnitool uses the same rules as a Datapad, Audiorecorder, videorecorder and a toolkit. No charge for this item, it is given to you by the Citadel. You also receive a Utility Belt for free. You don't have to take either item if you desire.

Special Items of note.

Any items colored Green are given to the PCs free of charge.

Omni-Tools: Omni-Tools incorporate the rules for Datapads, Audiorecorders, Videorecorders and Toolkits.

Medi-Gel Pack: Medi-Gel packs work slightly differently than normal Medkits. To use a Medi-Gel Pack, make a DC 10 Treat Injury Check as a Swift Action. If successful, the Medi-Gel can be used to either heal your character for 1d4+4 Damage or move your character +1 up on the condition track. You can only use 1 Medi-Gel Pack per encounter. Omni-Tool devices can store 2 Packs.

Kinetic Barrier/Shields: Shields grant the user X Shield Rating to their user. Shields act as a buffer between yourself and damage. The PCs begin with shields that grant SR 5. Note, the shields given to the PCs only require a DC 10 Mechanics check to recharge.

I wouldn't be concerned about making a Salarian too much like Mordin because I seee all Salarians like him, even though the way he acts does make sense for the race. It's because of how much I like Mordin. He is, without question, my favorite Mass Effect character.

Well, if you don't mind, I'll step up and take a spot to fill out the ranks more.

...Once I can get my hands on some Saga material and see what I have to work with. Hard to say, given my lack of familiarity with the system.

I do recall having a good time running an Officer with some scary social skills in the Pre-Saga days. That may be worth looking into (as well as the Kushiban Jedi. Damn that was fun).

Quote from: Ninja D!I wouldn't be concerned about making a Salarian too much like Mordin because I seee all Salarians like him, even though the way he acts does make sense for the race. It's because of how much I like Mordin. He is, without question, my favorite Mass Effect character.

I see, you're more worried about aping him because you love him so much rather than unintentionally doing so because he's one of the few frames of reference for the race.

Quote from: CoyoteCamouflageWell, if you don't mind, I'll step up and take a spot to fill out the ranks more.

...Once I can get my hands on some Saga material and see what I have to work with. Hard to say, given my lack of familiarity with the system.

I do recall having a good time running an Officer with some scary social skills in the Pre-Saga days. That may be worth looking into (as well as the Kushiban Jedi. Damn that was fun).

The Saga Edition ruleset is very simple. Its a lot like other d20 systems. The big difference being classes (which are all 20 levels with talents and feats, like d20 modern), saves are gone in favor of a static Defenses, the elimination of AC and the use of the Reflex Defense, the standardization of the actions (Standard, Move and Swift, and the ability to trade longer actions for shorter actions (i.e. trade a Move Action to gain a second Swift, trade a Standard to gain an extra move, trade a standard and a move for 2 extra swifts, etc.)), a new skill list that streamlines d20 a bit (less skills that individually do more)... That's about it. Its a very easy system, if you know d20, you won't have any trouble transitioning. :)

Quote from: Elemental_ElfI see, you're more worried about aping him because you love him so much rather than unintentionally doing so because he's one of the few frames of reference for the race.

Yeah, that sounds about right.

Are we doing anything for tech powers? Maybe similar to force powers but requiring a Use Computer check to work? Or nothing at all?

I'm still going to read through the codex entries for the different races and see if something really jumps out at me but I have three ideas at the moment. I'll put them here so I don't forget, anyway, but it would be great if anyone else had feedback on them (such as what would be good for the group or they would most like to play with).

1. A Salarian commando. He's related to Mordin, though they're not personally close. That makes sense because of how Salarians handle breeding and because Mordin mentions a nephew which tells us he has at least one sibling with at least one child. That also would explain why this individual is as exceptional as they are to even be considered for Specter status as well as explain away and similarities to Mordin that creep into the character. This Salarian has always been very gifted. He intended to join the Special Tasks Group but was at first rejected. A short time later, he somehow proved himself in a very public way and now the STG wants him but he's moved on, claiming to have set his sights higher. Now he wants to be a Specter and do good for the whole of the galactic community, not just his own race. He is being considered only after breaking into the council chamber (which is very heavily guarded, making this difficult to do) and flat out asking to be made a Specter. Hyperactive, tough, and smart but unusually cocky for a Salarian. He's damn good and he knows it.

2. A Quarian that was raised to be a Specter. I'm assuming that there aren't a lot of Quarian Specters since they're usually focused on the Migrant Fleet and are usually trained very well in only one area, thus lacking the generalist sort of skill set expected of Specters. This individual, however, was trained in many different areas growing up. He has applied to become a Specter because he was ordered to do so by the Admiralty Board. This assignment is to take the place of his Pilgrimage as well as his career. He resents being sent away to serve the Council (in a role he sees as little better than assassin or errand boy) and would rather use his unique skills to serve only the Migrant Fleet. Being a good and obedient Quarian, however, he obeys the Admiralty Board.

3. A Volus with something to prove. I figure if there have been Volus Specters at all in the past, they have been few and far between. This particular Volus is extra bitter about the way his race is viewed and treated by the rest of the galactic community. He thinks that the Council discriminates against his people. He is very skilled in combat by Volus standards...which means very little, when compared to most races. However, he is clever, charismatic when he chooses to be (again, by Volus standards), and good with tech. He seeks to become a Specter to prove that a Volus can be a good Specter. In this, he does think a bit more in terms of "for the greater good" than most Volus.

All three characters look very interesting to me.  As the Quarians aren't even considered a Citadel race though - unlike humans, turians, elcor, asari, salarians, hanar, and volus - would it even be possible for them legally to become a Spectre?  Maybe some kind of new experiment designed to improve relations between the Citadel and the Fleet...

EDIT: Glad you're onboard, Coyote!

Ah, I guess I didn't realize that. You're right, they don't carry normal relations with the Citadel. I guess I'm not positive if there are supposed to be restrictions on that or not.

Specters can be drawn from any race but primarily from Council Races.

Thanks, Steer!

@Quarians: My ME knowledge is not very robust aside from material directly addressed in the games, but I thought that most Specters were chosen from the ranks of those who had already proven themselves numerous times through the course of their own personal careers. While I don't think a Quarian being a Specter is necessarily a no-no, I do think it would take some major balls to go ahead and earn the props that it would take to be considered in the first place-- much more than the aspirants from the Citadel races, never mind the Council races. In this case, I think the 'Rule of Cool' should be applied. If you can be bad-ass enough to deserve it, you should have it. Still, playing a Specter aspirant could essentially function the same way, just without the official title.

@Character: Alright, here's a brief concept of what I'm working on.

Human Noble (Starting with Master of Intrigue Talents, Galaxy of Intrigue, Pg. 20).

Considering a former Naval Officer type character who used to work with the Alliance, but was made a scapegoat by incompetent superiors and dishonorably discharged under suspicion of gross negligence that led to the damage of a heavy cruiser and the deaths of numerous crewmen during a training exercise. Lacking any obvious work, he's mostly been using his talents as a spokesman or charlatan, doing whatever his skills can earn him. Despite his military officer training, he favors guile, misdirection, and manipulation much more than traditional military values-- values, he hastens to add, that did humanity little good during the First Contact War with the Turians.

Hates both Cerberus and the Alliance with a passion: the former is little more than radical fanatical terrorists, and the latter is run by pompous, inbred morons who lack both neurons and the necessary equipment to taint the gene pool by siring any offspring. His opinion of humanity outside these two examples, however, is quite bright and pleasant, if not tempered by rational thought and reason. He genuinely believes that Humanity asserting itself and becoming a Council race may lead to a beneficial exchange of culture. Begrudgingly, he admires the Turian military discipline, and hopes that such discipline-- and more cultural benefits-- could be a result of humanity becoming more involved with the other races of the Citadel.

Except for Batarians. To hell with them.

Yet Humanity has plenty of selling points, in his mind, between crafting worlds such as Eden Prime (the Geth were hardly expected, and with Sovereign there, would any system defense fleet have really mattered?) and ____ (the "Human Illium" from the Kasumi DLC. I forget its name, and I'm too lazy to check it right now). Expect both a Pro-Human and Pro-Alien mix as far as his interactions with others. Unless its Alliance Military, then they go have fun sticking torpedoes up their arses.

Subject to some alteration, of course, if something feels out of place or as a logical addition once he becomes a fully-fledged character.

[ooc]Ok, I am in class right now but decided to write up some Biotic and Tech powers. [/ooc]

[note]Two new feats:

Tech Training: Works exactly like Force Training save for the fact that it uses Intelligence instead of Wisdom. The feat also grants Training in Use Tech.

Biotic Training: Works exactly like Force Training save for the fact that it uses Charisma instead of Wisdom. The feat also grants Training in Use Biotics.


Two New Skills:

- Use Tech (INT)
- Use Biotics (CHA) [/note]




TECH:


Overload:
Utilize Tech powers to destroy an enemy's shields and/or a synthetic.
- Time: Standard Action
- Target: Single target that has shields or is synthetic within 6 squares.
- Effect: Make a Use Tech check. The result determines how much damage the attack does to an enemy's shields. If a Synthetic life form is the target, Overload deals damage to the creature's shields first.

DC 15: Deals 2d6 points of damage
DC 20: Deals 4d6 points of damage
DC 25: Deals 6d6 points of damage
DC 30: Deals 8d6 points of damage
DC 35: Deals 10d6 points of damage


Cyro Blast
Utilize your Omni-Tool to shoot a blast of frigid particles to freeze enemies.
- Time: Standard Action
- Target: One target within 6 squares
- Effect: Make a Use Tech Check. Compare result to the Target's Fortitude Defense. If successful, the target is frozen (Can't take any actions) until the start of your next turn. For every 5 points you beat the targets fort defense by, the target is frozen for an additional turn (max 5 turns).


AI Hacking
Using Tech, you can temporarily take control of an enemy synthetic
- Time: Standard Action
- Target: One Synthetic within 6 squares
- Effect: Make a Use Tech check. If the check exceeds the Will Defense of the target, you may take control of that creature until the start of your next turn. For every 5 points you exceed the target's will defense by, you may control the target for an additional turn (max 5 turns).


Combat Drone
Using Tech, you create a small drone to aid you in combat
- Time: 1 Swift action.
- Target: None
- Effect: Make a Use Tech check. The check determines the abilities of the Combat Drone generated. Every Drone has 10 + 1/level hit points. Each Drone has the following abilities: Strength 1, Dexterity 12, and Intelligence 10. Drones do not have a Constitution, Wisdom or Charisma score. Every Drone comes equipped with a gun that deals 1d4 damage. You can only have 1 Drone out at a time. You may move the drone as a free action and command it to fire as a swift.

DC 15: The Drone gains 5 hit points and deals 1d6 points of damage
DC 20: The Drone gains 10 hit points and deals 1d8 points of damage
DC 20: The Drone gains 15 hit points and deals 1d10 points of damage
DC 25: The Drone gains 20 hit points and deals 1d12 points of damage
DC 30: The Drone gains 25 hit points and deals 2d8 points of damage
DC 35: The Drone gains 30 hit points and deals 2d10 points of damage


Tech Armor
Using tech, you generate a protective suit of body armor
- Time: 1 Swift Action
- Target: Self
- Effect: Make a Use Tech check. The check determines the strength of the tech armor. The Tech Armor begins at SR 5. The Armor persists until either depleted or the end of the encounter. Tech Armor does not stack with a character's normal Sheilds. When the Tech Armor is depleted, it violently explodes, staggering nearby enemies.  The Use Tech check made to generate the armor is compared to the Reflex Defense of all enemies within 2 squares. All enemies affected by the explosion move -1 down the condition track.

DC 10: The Tech Armor generates +2 SR
DC 20: The Tech Armor generates +6 SR
DC 30: The Tech Armor generates +10 SR



BIOTIC


Lift
Utilize your biotic powers to lift an object or creature up to 6 squares off the ground.
- Time: Standard Action
- Target: One character or object within 6 squares.
-  Effect: Make a Biotics Check. The result of the check determines the maximum size of the target you can lift. If a target resists your attempt, your check must also exceed the target's will defense. The effect of Lift raises the target directly up into the air. If the lifted target collides with an object (such as a ceiling) then it takes damage determined by your Biotics Check. The target stays suspended in the air until either dead or the beginning of your next turn.

DC 10: Lift Object up to Small Size (1d6 points of damage)
DC 15: Lift Object up to Medium Size (deals 2d6 points of damage)
DC 20: Lift Object up to Large Size (deals 4d6 points of damage)
DC 25: Lift Object up to Huge Size (deals 6d6 points of damage)
DC 30: Lift Object up to Gargantuan Size (deals 8d6 points of damage)
DC 35: Lift Object up to Colossal Size (deals 10d6 points of damage)


Pull
Utilize your biotic powers to pull an object or creature towards you
- Time: Standard Action
- Target: One character or object within 6 squares.
-  Effect: Make a Biotics Check. The result of the check determines the maximum size of the target you can pull as well as the effect's maximum duration. If a target resists your attempt, your check must also exceed the target's will defense. To maintain the effect, you must, at the start of each of your turns, make a Use Biotics Check as a swift action and exceed the Target's will defense.

DC 10: Pull Object up to Small Size (1 turn)
DC 15: Pull Object up to Medium Size (1 Turn)
DC 20: Pull Object up to Large Size (2 Turns)
DC 25: Pull Object up to Huge Size (3 Turn)
DC 30: Pull Object up to Gargantuan Size (4 Turn)
DC 35: Pull Object up to Colossal Size (5 Turn)


Throw: See Force Thrust. Use Biotics instead of Use the Force.


Singularity
Utilize your biotic powers to create a miniature black hole that stuns nearby foes
- Time: Standard Action
- Target: One character or object within 6 squares.
- Effect: Make a Biotics Check. The result of the check determines the effect's maximum duration. The singularity is formed in an unoccupied square. All enemies within 2 squares of the singularity are affected. If a target resists your attempt, your check must also exceed the target's will defense. If successful, the Target loses its Standard and Move Actions. To maintain the effect, you must, at the start of each of your turns as a swift action, make a Use Biotics Check and exceed the Target's will defense.

DC 20: 1 Turn Duration
DC 25: 2 Turn Duration
DC 30: 3 Turn Duration
DC 35: 4 Turn Duration


Warp
Utilize your biotic powers to harm enemies
- Time: Standard Action
- Target: One character or object within 8 squares.
-  Effect: Make a Biotics Check. The result of the check determines the effect's maximum duration as well as the damage dealt each turn. The damage is inflicted at the start of your turn. If a target resists your attempt, your check must also exceed the target's will defense. To maintain the effect, you must, at the start of each of your turns, make a Use Biotics Check as a swift action and exceed the Target's will defense.

DC 15: Pull 1 Turn Duration, 1d3 points of damage per turn
DC 20: Pull 2 Turn Duration, 1d4 points of damage per turn
DC 25: Pull 3 Turn Duration, 1d6 points of damage per turn
DC 30: Pull 4 Turn Duration, 1d8 points of damage per turn
DC 35: Pull 5 Turn Duration, 1d10 points of damage per turn

Who is our human councilor? I'm leaning toward the Salaran and was thinking of writing out his encounter with the Council. I think Anderson would be amused where Udina would be outraged.

Also, that tech stuff is exactly what I needed. Looks great.

Is Use Tech a class skill for anyone or is a feat always necessary?

Quote from: Ninja D!Who is our human councilor? I'm leaning toward the Salaran and was thinking of writing out his encounter with the Council. I think Anderson would be amused where Udina would be outraged.

Also, that tech stuff is exactly what I needed. Looks great.

I'm trying to find the default storyline for Mass Effect 1 but my efforts have been fruitless thus far (i've only see others reference it being more grim than they expected and it eliminated lots of characters).

EDIT: Found out Udina is the Councilor. Now I just have to find out if Humanity took full control or they created a new council.

I'm glad you like the tech abilities :)

Quote from: SteerpikeIs Use Tech a class skill for anyone or is a feat always necessary?

My initial thought was to rename Use Computers as Use Tech but there isn't anything I could similarly crib for Use Biotics (save for move light object from Use the Force). In an effort to not only keep the two skills on the same playing field of non-power usability and not forcing you guys waste a trained skill, I decided to just give you the skill as a part of the Feat.

I'm open to all suggestions on this matter :)

Quote from: CoyoteCamouflage@Character: Alright, here's a brief concept of what I'm working on.

Human Noble (Starting with Master of Intrigue Talents, Galaxy of Intrigue, Pg. 20).

Considering a former Naval Officer type character who used to work with the Alliance, but was made a scapegoat by incompetent superiors and dishonorably discharged under suspicion of gross negligence that led to the damage of a heavy cruiser and the deaths of numerous crewmen during a training exercise. Lacking any obvious work, he's mostly been using his talents as a spokesman or charlatan, doing whatever his skills can earn him. Despite his military officer training, he favors guile, misdirection, and manipulation much more than traditional military values-- values, he hastens to add, that did humanity little good during the First Contact War with the Turians.

Hates both Cerberus and the Alliance with a passion: the former is little more than radical fanatical terrorists, and the latter is run by pompous, inbred morons who lack both neurons and the necessary equipment to taint the gene pool by siring any offspring. His opinion of humanity outside these two examples, however, is quite bright and pleasant, if not tempered by rational thought and reason. He genuinely believes that Humanity asserting itself and becoming a Council race may lead to a beneficial exchange of culture. Begrudgingly, he admires the Turian military discipline, and hopes that such discipline-- and more cultural benefits-- could be a result of humanity becoming more involved with the other races of the Citadel.

Except for Batarians. To hell with them.

Yet Humanity has plenty of selling points, in his mind, between crafting worlds such as Eden Prime (the Geth were hardly expected, and with Sovereign there, would any system defense fleet have really mattered?) and ____ (the "Human Illium" from the Kasumi DLC. I forget its name, and I'm too lazy to check it right now). Expect both a Pro-Human and Pro-Alien mix as far as his interactions with others. Unless its Alliance Military, then they go have fun sticking torpedoes up their arses.

Subject to some alteration, of course, if something feels out of place or as a logical addition once he becomes a fully-fledged character.

Sounds great! Really like it :)

Hm. I was staying out of this thread because I don't have Star Wars Saga and I didn't actually think this was going to get off the ground. I might be able to jump in depending on the time... though my schedule is a bit limited for games.

But I love Mass Effect. I have a few pages written of a take on the Mass Effect adventure (filling in what happened during the ME1/2 year gap, starting with the funeral).. Also if anyone is interested, I can probably dig up a few links to some of the better FanFiction stories on FanFiction.net that were 'takes' on the ME1 storyline.

If so:

1. Quarian Saboteur/AI Expert

Lini'Leera vas QueeQueeg hated the stultifying atmosphere of the Armada ever since her father was assigned to the helm of the hated foreign-registered ship, the QueeQueeg. With the honors that he won, he should have had his choice among the ships in the Fleet. His service to the Armada was resolute, his guidance fair and firm, and his results were admirable. Although father put an outward veneer of thanks as he took command of the ship, Lini'Leera could sense his inner pain.

Lini'Leera successfully completed her Pilgrimage a few years ago, and she returned to the fleet to be thrust into a matter of politics. Her father had come out on the wrong side of a decision related to dealing with the Geth, and it appeared that due to politics she was going to be punished for his decision and assigned to a dinghy of a ship named the Lorvayyah--the third-oldest and smallest ship in the fleet, commanded by the insipid drunkard Rell vas Lorvayyah--one of the few Quarians who could consume alcohol without suffering dire consequences--and one who partook quite generously. Rell vas Lorvayyah only remained a captain because of his powerful autoimmune system which permitted him to take the Lorvayyah to deal with Krogan and Hanar emissaries.

Lini'Leera does not share her father's interest in appeasement of the Geth; although she does support his idea of establishing an eventual homeworld for Quarians, so the race can expand in freedom--rather than being kept on an incessant state of martial law. She certainly does not agree with the idea of allying the Quarians with brutal, and virus-ridden Krogan, Vorcha, Hanar, or Drell races--this view is perhaps informed by her terrible autoimmune system, which can go into shock overdrive when surrounded by those races' germs.

Lini'Leera is strongly libertarian, if not anarchist. She would be the first to say "down with the fleet," should an internecine conflict spread among the Quarians. On receiving her fleet orders to transfer her name and her body to the Lorvayyah ship, she did something quite un-Quarian--she stood up to the Admiralty board and requested that her name not be changed from nar'QueeQueeg to vas Lorvayyah because she rejected that assignment--she requested instead to have her name end in Lini'Leera vas ____, with no ship since she was assigned to none. Instead, she demanded to be sent on another Pilgrimage. She was the first Quarian in decades to request another Pilgrimage...and after much intra-council bickering, it was granted. However; she received the name vas QueeQueeg because every Quarian is to be associated with a Ship, and she did successfully complete her first Pilgrimage, so she merited a vas rather than a 'nar. She did not appreciate this, but she accepted it since her major wish--freedom, had been granted.

Her First Pilgrimage ended in record time--9 months, when she brought back a data cache from the Protheans, a cache of data hacked from Cerberus Systems Level A security files. She could not decrypt the cache, so it generally was not useful to the Quarians. However, other incidental data that she discovered and decoded, also from Cerberus' Lazarus Research Base, on reconstructive genetic engineering and autoimmune system restoration provided valuable data for Quarian scientists, even if it applied mostly to human bodies. No Quarian or any member of a species other than perhaps the Asari, Protheans, or Geth (according to some Geth-sympathisers like Ullen nar'Xoam, who currently resides in the prison-brig on Xoam for his heresy), unlike the human Shepard, had every been restored to life.

For her second Pilgrimage, Lini'Leera has decided that she is either not coming back to the Migrant Fleet, or she is going to come back with information that can break the back of the Admiralty Board by either destroying all Geth and returning the fleet to home, or by finding information to safely colonize another planet. Practically though, she knows that neither of those possibilities will happen; as far as she's concerned, she's done with the Fleet and it with her.

Physicality Lini'Leera is shorter than the average Quarian and one of her arms is shorter than the other after being broken numerous times while she insisted on training her reflexes despite being injured. Lini'Leera walks in rapid, short steps in a nervous, but piquish fashion.

Personality Lini'Leera is basically hostile. (Think Tinkerballa from the Guild...or possibly a classier 'Jack' from ME2? Or possibly Miranda at some points?). She has a superiority complex and looks down on anyone unless they've proved their worth to her, or if they've bested her in a game of Quarian Nomadic Chess, which she dallies with from time to time. Politics are terrible and boring--she has little respect for the Citadel or its Council or anyone who plays Council games, except to the extent that they are a meal-ticket for her to duck some notice. She is very concerned with getting sick from being near non-Quarians, but she interacts with them constantly since she cannot be with the migrant fleet; she has sublimated this general fear into a more specific fear of being touched or having her suit ripped.

Redeeming Qualities 1- She's a big believer of "Information wants to be free." She knows better than to immediately leak the valuable information she stole from Cerberus, since the Migrant Fleet would know wherefrom it likely came; but she kept a copy on the sly for herself. She shares any data she receives, even data that would allow others to replicate her hacking techniques. If she can't keep getting better than others who follow her techniques, then it's her own d*** fault. 2- She is a believer in self-improvement and she's always learning and practicing on the firing range with her mobile AI unit.
3- She really does respect people who have proved they are not fools.

Other Issues It's probably for the best that she left the Migrant Fleet; she is very interested in VIs. She studied a great deal of the historical material on the creation of the Geth, and during her Pilgrimage she appropriated as much information on AIs as she could. She is currently digesting that information and is considering creating a "killer AP" to create programming for microbots, perhaps, robots loyal to organics that would destroy the Geth. It's all very conceptual though. For now, she just keeps tweaking the AI optics, and strategy of her mobile AI unit.
- She spends a great deal of her wealth on power sources for her mobile AI unit and her sabotauge tools.

Note: How does she get with Spectre (Depends on who is the spectre) but Probably because of her sabotauge/combat drone techniques. Her position on the squad: Engineering.

Stats: Con is 8. Int 18. Dex 18. Str is 8. Wis is 10. Cha is 10. (Or something around there).

Quote from: Elemental_ElfI'm trying to find the default storyline for Mass Effect 1 but my efforts have been fruitless thus far (i've only see others reference it being more grim than they expected and it eliminated lots of characters).

EDIT: Found out Udina is the Councilor. Now I just have to find out if Humanity took full control or they created a new council.

I'm glad you like the tech abilities :)

I'm open to all suggestions on this matter :)

This is a fair description of ME canon, as far as I have found, originally posted by someone named Toad of Steel: [spoiler]"I think that the blank game start assumes a renegade player that did the minimal number of side quests because that creates the most adversarial playing field possible. A player that put the time into an ME1 game is "rewarded" with an easier time going at it in ME2 (i.e. Wrex surviving means that the player is immediately welcome on Tuchanka, the council surviving means that the player can be reinstated as a Spectre, etc etc.) None of that stuff directly affects gameplay, although there are a few extra dialog options available that allow extra Paragon or Renegade points to be gained. Completing the side quests provides a whole bunch of extra morality points as well, since just about every side quest character that you interact with appears in ME2, assuming they survive. Otherwise it's nearly impossible to max out either morality meter in one play-through."[/spoiler]

Generally speaking, if you want canon, there really is none, technically. I do not believe Bioware has yet announced anything like that, and I would not expect to until, at the earliest, a few DLC packs for ME3 are released. Now, if you want the default set for a non-imported ME2 game, that's different. I think I remember most of it off the top of my head, honestly.

1. Udina is the human Council member. Anders works as an Ambassador, taking Udina's old position. 2. The original Council perished along with the Destiny Ascension, raising many concerns over the Alliance Military, which is now largely responsible for security in the Citadel's immediate space. Humanity is not very well liked or appreciated now, especially since there are many more humans in important positions in the Citadel (see Bailey) 3. There is still a Council, we simply do not know who the new members are. 4. Krogan attempts at tribal unification are bogged down, weighty, messy, and much less successful than otherwise. 5. There is no Rachni Queen.

I think those are the only ones particularly relevant to the universe as a whole, most of the other nonsense features either cameo appearances or is more of a personal matter.


@LD: Why am I not even remotely surprised you picked that particular ship? Also, keep in mind that this is a PbP, so I don't think it should be too time-consuming, unless you're like me. And damn, man, do you love dumping CON. Every time I see you do that, a little part of me wants to turn a fan on high and watch a stiff breeze knock you unconscious.

Oh, also, just to clarify-- TECH USE is for Biotic powers, but USE COMPUTER still follows the same common bits for its relevant skills in the book? And do we need to pay for the License fees for the weapons and armor? It's not a terribly big issue, given that I have a lot of money, but it would be good to know.

I'm also thinking of just walking around and pretending to be a Turian. Why? Because I think my Deception skill is good enough to do that. /sarcasm

Knowing bioware the canon story is actually most likely the paragon one, they have a pretty constant habit of doing that with their games.

I'm not much into the ME lore, but damn, vas QueeQueeg is an awesome name.

Remind me, what is the explanation behind biotics? Something with negative masses and mass effect fields? How are humans, asari et al supposed to control the stuff?

At the start of ME2, it asks who the human councilor is. There isn't a default one.

Welcome to the team Light Dragon!


Ok here's the information on the two new skills:

Use Tech (INT)
Requires the Tech Training Feat

Activate Tech Powers (Trained Only)
You can make a Use Tech Check to use a Tech Power. This use of the Skill requires no action.

Detect Surroundings (Trained Only)
As a swift action, you can make a DC 15 Use Tech check to ignore the effects of cover and concealment when making Perception checks to detect or observe targets. Increase the DC by 5 if this ability is used against targets with total cover.

Technically Sound (Trained Only)
Being Trained in Use Tech allows you to make a single DC 15 Use Tech Check as a free action to receive a +2 Bonus on your next Mechanics, Perception or Use Computer check.


Use Biotics (CHA)
Requires the Biotic Training Feat

Activate Biotic Powers (Trained Only)
You can make a Use Biotics check to use a Biotic Power. This use of the Skill requires no action.

Move Small Object (Trained Only)
As a move action, you can use your Biotic power to telekinetically lift and move a relatively light object with in your line of sight. A successful DC 10 Use Biotics check allows you to move the object weighing no more than 5kg a distance of 6 squares in any direction. As s standard action you may hurl the object as a projectile, however the DC is increased to 15. If your Use Biotics check beats the target's Reflex Defense, the projectile deals 1d6 bludgeoning points of damage.

Biotically Sound (Trained Only)
Being Trained in Use Biotics allows you to make a single DC 15 Use Biotics check as a free action to receive a +2 Bonus on your next Acrobatics, Climb or Jump check.



I'm going to put all the variant rules we've generated into the first post for ease of viewing.

[blockquote=Crow]Remind me, what is the explanation behind biotics?[/blockquote]
Biotics involve the creation of mass effect fields using the brain and various technology i.e. amps, implants, etc.  Mass effect is the effect caused by element zero, which when stimulated by electricity creates 'dark energy' that raises or lowers the mass of an object - hence the possibilities for FTL, lift, etc.  So long as one doesn't squint too hard it seems like a semi-credible form of psionics that doesn't resort to purely mystic powers i.e. the Force (midichlorians aside).

Also, I updated my character to have the Tech Training feat and Tech Powers instead of another Skill Focus feat.

EDIT: Oh, and people can become biotic due to element zero exposure while in utero.

Still working on the fine details of the sheet, so I'm just going to put my expenses up here right now for approval, just to give myself something to do. As a note, all licenses have been paid for.

Noble starting credits: 3d4 x 400 = 4800

Item | Cost | Source
Combat Knife | 25 | Core
Combat Jumpsuit | 1575 | Core
Climbing Claws | 200 | Scum and Villainy, pg. 45
Hold Out Blaster | 450 | Core
Hunting Blaster Carbine | 1100 | Legacy Era, pg. 64
Rangefinder | 210 | Scum and Villainy, pg. 42
Targeting Scope | 100 | Core      
Short Range Commlink (Video) | 50 | Core
Pocket Scrambler | 400 | Core
Utility Belt | Free | Core
All-Temperature Cloak | 100 | Core   
Omni-Tool (Datapad) | Free | Core
Camouflage Poncho | 125| Galaxy at War, pg. 45


Starting Credits | Credits Spent| Remaining Credits
4800 | 4335 | 465

OK, so your current table set-up is absolute bollocks, and I'm far too lazy to bother with that much nonsense, so you get the barley legible block of stuff instead.

What is the speed for Volus? I'm guessing 5.

Also, do we get any sort of Force Points / Action Points?

@Coyote: Looks fine to me. The Noble gets a ton of money :)   I don't have the Galaxy of War, so could you tell me what Camouflage Panchos do?

The standard movement for a small character is 4 squares. The Volus are stocky and have very short legs. 5 Squares might be a bit too fast for them. Thoughts?


I realized there was an entire tree of powers I wasn't utilizing - Combat Powers - so I'm going to roll those up really quickly (that way Tech and Biotic Characters don't overshadow more combat oriented characters).  Ok, it wouldn't work out the way I would like it, so forget I mentioned this

[blockquote=Light_Dragon]Think Tinkerballa from the Guild...[/blockquote]
YES!!!

EDIT: Since LD's character is the engineering type, perhaps mine should be the pilot, seeing as he has skill focus in piloting as well as being a technical wunderkind?

Sure-- The Poncho is basically just a color-shifting Ghille suit-- it's a +5 equipment bonus to Stealth checks. Very useful, considering I'm not actually trained in stealth. :D

As for pilot, I took Pilot as a trained skill just because I wasn't sure if we had one-- if you want the spot, its all yours, and I'll snatch up a different skill.

And for roles? I don't know if we have official ranks or what, but I am definitely the Face Man, what with my social skills. If we have a sizable ship/crew, both the social skills and former military training would make him a natural choice for the XO-- especially if we end up disregarding the whole 'The Captain and XO never leave the ship at the same time' thing. It worked for Star Trek! :D

Also, I didn't notice, but were there any feats like D20 modern that let you pick more Talents (i.e. Dedicated Plus, Smart Plus, etc.)? Master of Disguise is fun and all, but I think I'd really rather more talents at this point than feats.

Steerpike- I suspect that our characters will have an 'interesting' relationship arc... Especially since your Vorcha is actually more intelligent than Lini'Leera. :D

Yeah, while Lini'Leera seems very hot-tempered and passionate, Archimedes is super cold and detached.  While your character cares about ideals, even if those ideals are radical, my character only really cares about gratifying his intellectual curiosity.

Ok, looks like things are coming together nicely here.

I'd like to find out how many of your guy's characters are looking to be Specters. I know NinjaD has tentatively raised his hand, though nothing was finalized. I was going to have you guys begin aboard the C-Sec Patrol Frigate Lorraine, so no one really needs to be a Specter, we could easily have everyone be members of C-Sec and/or hired... Associates (merc is such a dirty word) if you guys would prefer that route. Heck, a mix between Specter, Associate and C-Sec, would be cool.

4 would be fine, then.

Since someone is playing a Noble, too, I might step in to fill a gap. I'm thinking a biotic Asari soldier would cover what is missing.

Like an Asari Commando (http://masseffect.wikia.com/wiki/Asari_Commando)?

Sort of, with a more marine sort of feel. Part of the reason I wasn't 100% hooked on the Volus was that I hadn't nailed down a personality, even though I had goals and such.

This character came to me when I woke up. "She" will be a cigar-smoking, gun-carrying, rude, womanizing badass. This would also be the closest I have ever come to playing the opposite gender.

So basically a lot like the Matriarch in the bar on Illium. Ya know, the one with the Krogan dad. Who headbutts a Krogan on camera in front of a bunch of spectators.

And is full of so much awesome. :D

Yes, very much like the the bartender from Illium.

Specter? Ew, no. While Kai would most likely love the ability to simply go and do whatever he wanted without question, he's not the sort of figure to attract the attention that might get him named a Specter in the first place. He's a trained Naval Officer-- Space combat from the bridge of a ship, not a Marine trained to fight on the dirt-- which, conveniently, can easily be glassed by any fleet in  orbit if the situation turns dire enough.

Working FOR a Specter, on the other hand, would no doubt be something Kai would greatly enjoy, as he would essentially get the best of both worlds, with the Specter having access to all of the wonderful stuff Specters get access to, without the need to go slogging through combat zones in the mud. That's what the Enlisted ranks are for.

Still, in his kind of work, combat is an inevitability anyway, hence why I opted to spend two feats to give him armor and rifle proficiency. Speaking of which, a sheet will be forthcoming once I finish up the minor details.

A smart Vorcha? A womanizing Asari? A Batarian hating ex-Naval Officer? A libertarian Quarian who doesn't like the Migrant Fleet?

Wow, we have a strange group here.

I love it!

I'll start with the RP in answer to you, Elf.

QuoteI'd like to find out how many of your guy's characters are looking to be Specters. I know NinjaD has tentatively raised his hand, though nothing was finalized. I was going to have you guys begin aboard the C-Sec Patrol Frigate Lorraine, so no one really needs to be a Specter, we could easily have everyone be members of C-Sec and/or hired... Associates (merc is such a dirty word) if you guys would prefer that route. Heck, a mix between Specter, Associate and C-Sec, would be cool.

"C-Sec. F--k. After the attack on the Council they're even more useless than before. They've put a Human in charge, replacing that Turian-arsewad who had me put on surveillance last time I was on the Station. These humans- where in the Bosh'tet Nedas [Son of a B*tch Nowhere] did they come from? A hundred years ago they were what? Stranded on a planet and without a Fleet-worse than the Bosh'tet Krogan. Now they're second only to the Migrant Fleet.

Specter-- So yeah, they're like the licensed jack-booted assassins of the Fascist Admiralty Board that the Council Races have to impose their will on the Galaxy; total discretion, but totally authoritarian. . . F--k it, the Council's a bunch of arsewads too aren't they; got their heads stuck in a Relay they're so swollen with s--t - the Specters don't have to be loyal to the Council. There's no check on them. They, and their crews can do whatever the F--k Tasi Bosh'tet [F--k Nothing B---ard] they want... What's that, (runs a search [&:\ipconfig\debug\~ICSMID\FILE\https:\\interior.data\personnel\100483920), this titwad's got an easy Psych score, cool towards Quarians, likes the following entertainment items, viewed the following movies- "Blasto!: Enter the Elcor", "Fleet and Flotilla, ..."- What a Krogancrap creeper... Yeah, I can get in.[/ic]

Where the words came from: http://masseffect.wikia.com/wiki/Quarian#Religion

Quote from: Elemental_ElfA smart Vorcha? A womanizing Asari? A Batarian hating ex-Naval Officer? A libertarian Quarian who doesn't like the Migrant Fleet?

Wow, we have a strange group here.

I love it!

Stranger than the groups that Bioware sets up? :D
Seems pretty normal, but fun.


-
I guess the Vorcha's going to be the Specter :D /jk.

Regarding Languages, is there any point in taking a "Human" language as a bonus language; or did you split them up into English, Russian, Chinese, etc.?

Right now I'm figuring to take the tech-heavy languages:

Common, Quarian, Asari, Salarian, Volus (?), ___ (and I have a blank- right now its Turian; if there's a generic Human language I'd put that there, not too certain what to do if you're splitting up human languages- it would be difficult to choose among Chinese, English, or Russian, etc.)

Screw those common languages. Frisian all the way! :D

You can have any language you want, I'm sure English is the lingua franca of Earth, though Chinese, Russian, Spanish, etc. would probably also be common. Everyone has universal translators, so its not exactly like language, in that respect, matters. What does matter is being able to read the language's written form. Sure a computer could do it for you fairly quickly but its no substitute for you being able to glance at a sheet of paper and knowing what it says intuitively.

The Human language could, or could not, become important. What really matters is that its there as a vehicle to describe who your character is and where he came from. :)

Could the Asari be the Spectre?  I can't imagine Archimedes being considered stable enough by the Council to be given Spectre status (plus he's a vorcha for God's sake...).  An asari, though, would make sense, especially a commando/soldier.

EDIT: Then again, they did make Saren a Spectre, and we all know how that turned out.

We should probably talk about the kind of game you guys are looking for.

Do we want to do the Specter(s)-in-Training (with really cool allies) idea? Do we want to do something more C-Sec centric? Or would you guys like to be Guns for hire/Mercs?

I'd be up for any of the above, but if no one is keen to be a Spectre maybe we could be a C-Sec Special Unit???

Whatever works for me. I don't think the character I have in mind would be a very fitting Specter. Anything is possible, though. It could be because of connections or some sort of diplomatic things. We could also play it like the Doctor Who RPG and be the crew to an NPC Specter.

Personally I'd rather be mercs/C-Sec than the backup team to an NPC Spectre.  If people really want to have a Spectre on the team I can scrap my character and write up a new one - I'm not super attached to him or anything!

I like the Freelancers bit better, actually. If only because it brings back good memories from Privateer.

The sad part is that the Asari probably would be the most likely Specter out of the group anyway, so I don't think we're aiming for that route-- we've currently got an anarchist Mechanic, a walking Vorcha Encyclopedia Galactica, a scheming ex-officer, and an Asari commando. We are perhaps the very definition of a dysfunctional group-- by appearances, anyway.

We sound more like we just broke out of a prison ship, honestly... >.>

In particular, I think C-Sec is a bad idea, just because of the Quarian and Kai. and the Vorcha... I can't imagine them being too thrilled with us.

So mercs sounds like the best bet.

Though I imagine that what caused this unseemly group to form in the first place is quite the story in and of itself.

I could work with the Asari as a Specter since they don't need the discipline of a commando or Justicar. It might be odd but I'm game for whatever is best for the most people. If you already have a Specter story prepped, that works for me. I also don't know about people that would want to change their characters if we did something different. Basically, I just want to get this started ASAP so it doesn't fall apart.

Also, and I know it wasn't a serious suggestion but, I would even be down for using 'just broke out of a prison ship' as a starting point.

I could also go back to one of the other character ideas I had that would work better as a Specter. The Asari idea was to fill a gap in the party. We had no biotics users and my other two ideas would have been classes already represented, even if built differently. (For the Salarian, I was looking at Scoundrel / Scout and for the Volus I was thinking pure Noble.)

Now, to EE; If Asari are considered trained in Use Biotics but the feat is still required to actually use biotic powers and that feat grants training in Use Biotics, what is the point of that being an Asari trait (other than flavor)?

Also, might I suggest biotic amp items? Maybe each step up in amp quality grants +1 to Use Biotics? Maybe special ones effect certain biotic powers?

Freelancer Mercs or under a PC Specter.

As in the In character segment indicated above; Lini'Leera really dislikes C-Sec and all it stands for. I could stretch a reason for her to be in C-Sec, but she probably would be actively undermining C-Sec itself if she was in that situation--which is either a good idea or a very very bad one if it would lead to intra-party-conflict.

I LOVE Ninja D!'s asari character concept so I'm going to make an alternate character, a drell free-thinker/atheist/warrior-poet Spectre (Scout levels).  If we place a freelancer merc/privateer campaign I'll play as Archimedes; if we play a Spectre campaign I'll be the drell.  As far as I'm concerned it's up to you which campaign style, Elf!

EDIT; Though now I'm considering a volus Spectre instead...  We'll see.

Hopefully she'll turn out well, then.

EDIT : I just realized now that it's Spectre and not Specter. It's strange how you can read something again and again without paying attention to the spelling.

[ic]The armor-clad Asari at the bar pushes her stool back and removes the cigar from her mouth with the hand not holding half a glass of some ominous-looking purple drink. She has an intimidating air about her and her voice is unusually gruff for one of her race. "If you learned about the galaxy from those vids the humans make, you'd think all Asari are scientist whores or psycho-bitch commandos. And, as a sampling of the race, you'd be about right. But I can promise you two things, kid. I'm tougher than a room full of Krogans and I have done filthier things some Asari maidens than those red-light-district directors could dream up at their most depraved." She smiles, as though recalling fond memories. Somehow, the grin makes her scarred face appear even more intimidating.[/ic]

Looks like the non-Specter, non-C-Sec crowd won out.

Good, that gives us some direction.

I am going to have you guys work for an Intersetllar Holdings Company, in the Security and Investigations Bureau.

I am in class right now, I will write up a blurb about the company after I get out.

Cool, I changed Archimedes to act as a consulting detective for Interstellar Holdings Security and Investigations.

Quote from: SteerpikeCool, I changed Archimedes to act as a consulting detective for Interstellar Holdings Security and Investigations.

That was an interstellar holdings security and investigations company (the letters should have been small case), the company's name is T'Parn Security and Investigations Firm (or TSIF), which is owned by T'Soki-Wilhelm-Merosyndar Holdings Corporation. :)

Thanks, changed!

@NinjaD, I forgot to update the Asari's racials after I created the Biotic powers. You now receive the Biotic Training Feat for free.

I could see introducing Amps as we go. Let's assume you currently use Amps which provide +0 to your Use Biotics checks :)

[ic=T'Soki-Wilhelm-Merosyndar Holdings Corporation][note]Name: T'Soki-Wilhelm-Merosyndar Holdings Corporation
Type: Public
Industries: Banking, Surveying, Industrial Equipment, Retail
Founded: 2176
Headquarters: Nos Astra, Illium
Key People: Karl Von Geld (President), Merosyndar (chairman)
Revenue: (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b0/Increase2.svg/11px-Increase2.svg.png) 17.788 Billion Credits
Total Assets: (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b0/Increase2.svg/11px-Increase2.svg.png) 12.199 Billion Credits
Total Equity: (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b0/Increase2.svg/11px-Increase2.svg.png) 8.145 Billion Credits
Employees: 101,000
Subsidiaries: T'Soki Industries, Wilhelm Surveyors, Merosyndar Banking Corp., Star* Mart, Plio Ship Yard, Guddogaden, Kwiqsetup Colony Corp.[/note]
   (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v614/RHO1/TWLFlagsmaller.jpg)


T'Soki-Wilhelm-Merosyndar Holdings Corporation (TWMHC)  was founded by Lasha T'Soki, an Asari business woman with a knack for getting the best deals, the renowned Human explorer and prospector Franz Wilhelm and the 10h wealthiest Hanar, Merosyndar. With Humans just beginning to push out into the galaxy, the three founded T'Soki-Wilhelm-Merosyndar Holdings Corporation as a means to tap into the emerging market. Wilhelm's surveying company would discover and assess new worlds for their economic potential, selling the information to the highest bidder. Merosyndar and his bank would supply the capital to interested companies seeking to found new colonies or mining facilities. Lower interest rates would be charged on loans if the companies bought or rented equipment from T'Soki Industries, which supplied the necessary equipment for the extraction of a planetoid's natural resources. Together the three businesses would single-handedly provide everything upstart companies would require to colonize or mine any habitable planetoid.

Over the last 10 years, the Corporation has acquired many smaller companies, including the Japanese Guddogaden (a lawn-care company), Kwiqsetup Colony Corp. (which creates prefab buildings), the space-based Plio Ship Yard (which constructs large industrial factory ships), Star*Mart (which supplies basic necessities to outlying colonies) and T'Parn Security and Investigations Firm (which provides security and peace of mind for wealthy individuals and companies).

 TWMHC is headquartered on Illium, which lies on the border between Citadel Space and the Terminus Systems, the latter of which has seen a tremendous amount of human colonization in a relatively short amount of time. Illium's unique location allows TWMHC to maintain a sizable hold on current and future colonization efforts in the area.

The current President is Karl Von Geld, a human who was once Franz Wilhelm's co-pilot in the early days of Wilhelm Surveyors. The board of directors ousted Lasha T'Soki following a scandal involving the bribery of the Volus Ambassador to the Citadel. Von Geld has sought to continue his predecessor's initiatives, including stepping up efforts to attract new companies to colonize the Terminus Systems following the Eden Prime incident. [/ic]


[ic=T'Parn Security and Investigations Firm][note]Name: T'Parn Security and Investigations Firm
Type: Public
Industries: Security
Founded: 2100
Headquarters: Nos Astra, Illium
Key People: Dolo Dikos (CEO)
Revenue: (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b0/Increase2.svg/11px-Increase2.svg.png) 2.99 Billion Credits
Total Assets: (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b0/Increase2.svg/11px-Increase2.svg.png) 1.09 Billion Credits
Total Equity: (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b0/Increase2.svg/11px-Increase2.svg.png) .75 Billion Credits
Employees: 20,000
[/note]
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v614/RHO1/TWLsmallerflag.jpg)

 T'Parn Security and Investigations Firm (TSIF) was founded by the Asari Commando Yula T'Parn to provide protection to the richest of the rich on the often tumultuous world of Illium. The Firm gained much renown by repelling many assassination attempts by some of the best hired guns money could buy. Lasha T'Soki, then-President of T'Soki-Wilhelm-Merosyndar Holdings Corporation (TWMHC), saw the value of owning the Firm and so acquired it (for a very substantial sum). Since then, TSIF has been re-organized to provide security to the entire Holdings Corporation. The Firm also engages in corporate espionage and is willing to assassinate anyone in any way desired, for the right price, though nothing has ever been linked back to the firm. The Firm also employs a large fleet of small, heavily armed frigates to protect all TWMHC ships as well as the Plio Ship Yard and those companies and individuals who contract for escort security. For these reasons and more, T'Parn Security and Investigations Firm has become a staple company in the secret wars that plague the seedy underbelly of Illiam's Corporate world and the open wars against the pirates that torment all efforts to expand into the Terminus Systems.
[/ic]

[ooc]The four of you are employees of T'Parn Security and Investigations Firm (http://www.thecbg.org/PLUGIN_DIR/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?207366.90#post_207647). Each of you has proven yourself worthy to be admitted into the elite corps of the company, called the Varrens. The Varrens are accountable only to the President of T'Soki-Wilhelm-Merosyndar Holdings Corporation (currently Karl Von Geld). The elite corps is often used for missions that require equal parts brain and brawn, including assignments few in the galaxy could ever dream of completing. "You are the best of the best, no doubt about it," at least that's what the Drell CEO, Dolo Dikos, said when he promoted you. [/ooc]

[ic=Lini'Leera]
"Really now? Really? Some Boshtet code monkey saw me on the T'Parn Sec Network, and this is how they try to screw me?"

Lini looked down at the email; a contract of adhesion. It wouldn't stand up in any court of law--it was clearly one filled with duress, clicking no certainly activated a "doomsday virus" that would revoke her Passport, scramble her identity and destroy her credit.

"I can recover from this." Lini'Leera mused. "Best way to get out of a Boshtet pit is to crack more."

"Then again." Lini'Leera read the lines of code again, following the Firm's indication of how they tracked her through their network, and a trail of where she had been on a bevy of Illium's networks for the past few months. "They managed to latch on to three of my five identities and they went around the firewall of my logic bomb without setting it off--that's gutsy."

Her eyes sparkled.

"That's interesting."

She read the offer more closely.

"All right 'Archimedes', I'll accept. Let's just hope your little 'bathtub of inspiration' doesn't drain out before we've 'Gone a 'Roving' into the night and made Volus-sized shipmentloads of cash. Besides," she laughed, "It's not like I actually have to follow any contract to the letter; I'll just hack to adjust."

She got out a second OmniTool, entered the Sec Network's systems, changed a few words, then laughed and went back to the original contract--which updated. She then clicked accept. Leaning back, she reflected on the words in the PS. Archimedes' words were strange, like a sort of code, but before entering into decryption mode, she ran a SubNet search on her backup OmniTool.

"Human poem that." She frowned. "Ugh. Bested by a human." A chill ran down her spine. "-Least it wasn't a Krogan."


[/ic]

Sounds like a good starting point. Will it be one mission to the next, totally unrelated, or will there be some story going through all of it? I'd hope for the latter but a blend of the two would be best.

It looks like it get to pick another feat now. Yay!

I statted up a Soldier 2 but I'm a little tempted to make that a Soldier 1 / Noble 1 with Wealth for the extra regular income. Good gear is damn expensive.

@Light Dragon: I'm really diggin' your IC passages!

@Nomadic: I'd say a mix of the two. If every mission dealt with the over arching meta-plot, it might get a bit boring. Similarly if every story was unconnected, that too would be boring. So a healthy mix of the two is best (IMO). :)

Don't forget the Noble gets the Linguist Feat for free, which can be very fun :)

EDIT: One house rule of note - I do not enforce the "confirming criticals" rule. If you roll a nat 20 you better believe you do critical damage!

[ic=Kai Rijinder]
"So someone wants me bad enough to go through the trouble of actually tracking me down and composing a letter that would make a Krogan's head explode. I wonder why?" The question was rhetorical, yet there was no one else present to hear the spoken words. The speaker's teeth clamped down on an unlit cigar. He considered the glass of Terran Scotch sitting on the small table beside him before removing the cigar. Real tobacco. Much too good to waste here and now. He placed it back in its case and back safely into his coat pocket.

As he pondered this latest development, the newest trend of Techno music played at a steady, hypnotic beat outside of his private booth. Night clubs, with their overly loud, terrible music, had never featured high on his list of welcome locations. But there was no denying the usefulness of the place-- public, but far more private than most suspected, and in that same vague twilight of mistaken certainty is where much of his skills lay.

He took a quiet sip of Scotch, savoring the Terran delicacy-- it had cost a small fortune to get a bottle from Earth, but considering it hadn't been his money at the time, he considered it quite the steal.

"T'Parn Security and Investigation." He spoke the name aloud, tasting the spoken name as he would a new drink. "I wonder, just how much do you know, hmm? You must know the official details, of course," he speaks to the message displaying on his omni-tool as if it were a person right beside him. "But I am curious about just how much you know about what really happened. To me, and what I've been up to since they cut me loose." He grins broadly and shakes his head with a sharp laugh, his blonde hair flashing messily with the act. "Or perhaps you simply understand the kinds of 'marketable skills' they teach us in the military these days."

He downs the final measure of his drink and sighs wistfully. "And you have ships. Maybe this won't be so terrible after all."

He reaches over and presses a button near the door. In a few seconds, it opens, revealing a smiling-- and in Kai's opinion, scantily clad-- human server.

"What do you need, Mr. Riggy'ander?"

He couldn't help but laugh at the complete butchering of his given name. The server smiled slightly in response, but otherwise gave away nothing else by her reaction. He had been coming here for months now, and still, the accents these spacers spoke in seemed to preclude them from anything remotely close to his actual name. Perhaps it was more accurate to call it a form of game by now. Much to his chagrin, such a triviality had proven a fun diversion. Apparently, much entertaining of life did come down to the small things in it.

"I'll be closing down my tab today, Miri. It seems that I am to be taking my business off-station for awhile, and I do not know when I will be returning."

"Ah, of course, Mr. Riggy'ander. I will inform Lynn, and she will be here shortly with the bill due."

Kai nodded politely to the woman as she turned to seek someone above her pay-grade, then he leaned back in his chair and wondered if this was going to be a better run than the last time. The Varrens-- a juvenile attempt to seem scary, surely-- but answering only to the president? Very interesting. Maybe this was what he had been waiting for-- but would it prove to be his big break or the next-closest thing to a firing squad? His guess was as good as anyone's, but he'd be damn sure to try to skew the odds however he could along the way.

Now his potential would not be restricted by the incompetence of those having a greater rank than he. Redemption? Justice? Are those what he wants from this? Does any of it really matter in the end? There is only one way he is going to find out.

"Officier aan dek..."
[/ic]

[ooc=Character Sheet]
Kai (KIE) Rijinder
Medium Humanoid
Human Noble 2

Strength 10
Dexterity 14
Constitution 10
Intelligence 14
Wisdom 12
Charisma 17

Hit Points 18+1d6
Damage Threshold: 12

Defense
Fortitude 12
Reflex 17
Will 15

Shield Rating 5

Base Attack Bonus +1
Combat Knife +1, 1d4
"Noisy Cricket" (Hold-Out Blaster), +3, 3d4
M-29 Incisor (Hunting Blaster Carbine), +3 3d8 (3d10 Critical)

Speed 6 squares

Skills
Trained: Deception +14 (+19 Disguise/Forgery), Gather Information +9, K (Bureaucracy) +8, K (Social Sciences) +8, K (Tactics) +8, Persuasion +9, Pilot +8, Use Computer +8.

Feats
Linguist, Master of Disguise, Skill Focus (Deception), Armor Proficiency (Light), Weapon Proficiency (Pistol, Rifle, Simple)


Talents
Get Into Position

Languages
Batarian, Common, Frisian, Krogan, Quarian, Salarian, Turian


Equipment
Combat Jumpsuit + Climbing Claws
Hunting Carbine + Rangefinder + Targeting Scope
Short-Range Commlink (Video)
Pocket Scrambler
Utility Belt
All-Temp Cloak
Omni-Tool
Camouflage Poncho
465 Credits
[/ooc]

I may move a lot but I'm not quite a nomad.

Oh hey, more languages opens up access to more women. I might do that. Maybe make Noble my first class for even more wealth.

This character concept started with the personality more than anything else. I may be playing an Asari but this Asari is being played like a man. A manly man.

A solid history and firm motivations are now forming around that personality. I'll have to write two versions of this character's background. One with details that I'll send to EE and one that will be more about reputation for everyone to see. Of course, the company is likely to know the details so they could probably bee easily found by any tech people. That and they should come out over time.

I hope this game doesn't die out quickly like most play-by-post games. That's the main reason I want to get going with it -- many die before they start.

Oh yeah, can we get an exact starting year?

The exact date is January 12th, 2184.

EE- Thank you. General inspiration has come from this mess:
http://arstechnica.com/security/news/2011/06/dox-everywhere-lulzsec-under-attack-from-hackers-law-enforcement.ars
and my hackpunk setting http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?71239


---
Also of note generally in 2184: http://masseffect.wikia.com/wiki/Raloi. Wispy's race has arrived on the galactic scene :o

"The raloi are an avian species originating on the planet Turvess, who made first contact with the asari in 2184 after launching their first space telescope and discovering the asari cruiser Azedes in their system. "

"Little is known about the biology of the raloi except that they are avian in appearance. Due to an outbreak of an alien flu virus among the raloi during the ceremonies held to welcome them to the galactic community, the raloi have to wear environmental suits while in contact with other alien species. "

No Linguist feat for me. I don't meet the prerequisite 13 Intelligence.

I will roll for my level 2 (soldier) HP here, though. [dice]1d10+2[/dice]

Alright, more questions;

Even though we don't work for the Citadel, are we still give the same starting items?

How much do additional medi-gel packs cost?

Will there be anything like Force points or action points?

@Light Dragon,  the raloi are pretty cool!

@Ninja D: It has a prereq of 13 INT? Aww :(

Another House Rule: Max HP at every level, no rolling (its so anti-climactic when you roll a 1... And potentially deadly).

Medi-gel Packs are not for sale and are instead provided by the company before a mission. Future equipment will become available that will increase the total number of packs you can store in your Omni-Tool.

You receive the same starting equipment for free.

You begin with the standard number of force points appropriate for your level (so 5 currently).

I've got the secret-ish stuff sent off to EE now. My writing is getting worse as I'm getting more tired. I'm pretty tired now. I'll have a bit of open background / reputation stuff probably tomorrow. I also have a sort of recruitment story for my character, too, that I'll get done up properly then. For now, all I've got to share is:
[ic]Sal is one of the few asari that consider regarding the race as entirely female to be incorrect, preferring to be considered a unique thing among the sapient races -- that is, a race that has no true males or females. While Sal, personally, is usually tolerant of being spoken of using feminine pronouns, calling the tough old warrior a 'woman' is likely to cause annoyance. Using the term 'girl' could result in the speaker finding a bullet in their head, at least on a bad day. Sal considers being referred to as a male little better though accepts that from a stereotypical point of view, that may be more accurate.[/ic]

Looks like we're almost ready to start!

Do you think you guys could have everything squared away by saturday?

That shouldn't be a problem for me. I think I'll be all finished up Friday (today). If not, the final touches will no doubt come early Saturday morning. I have my character sheet done, I just need to put it in a form I can copy onto here.

Here is the important stuff for the game, anyway; [ooc]Name Salana 'Sal' T'Sara Race Asari Class Noble 1 / Soldier 1
Age   436 Height   6'0' Weight   175 lbs

Strength   14
Dexterity   16
Constitution   14
Intelligence   10
Wisdom           14
Charisma   12

Hit Points      32
Damage Threshold   16
Shield Rating      5

Defenses      
Fortitude   16   
Reflex           22   
Will           16

Speed   4 (6 without armor)   

Base Attack Bonus      1
Melee Attack Bonus      3
Ranged Attack Bonus      5

Skills      
Use Biotics      7
Deception      7
Initiative      4
Knowledge (tactics)   6
Perception      8
Persuasion      12
Treat Injury      8

Feats      
Biotic Training       
Weapon Proficiency (pistols)       
Weapon Proficiency (rifles)       
Weapon Proficiency (simple weapons)      
Armor Proficiency (light)      
Armor Proficiency (medium)      
Skill Focus (Persuasion)      
Weapon Focus (rifles)      

Talents      
Wealth      
Weapon Specialization (rifles)   

Biotic Powers      
Lift      
Warp      
   
Attack             Modifier                   Damage
Improvised Rifle Melee   -2                   1d6+2
ICWS Rifle      6                   3d8+2
ICWS Sniper      6 (4 point blank)   3d10+2

Credits   300   
Equipment :      
Omni-Tool      
Kinetic Barrier Shield      
Power Suit   
Interchangeable Weapon System (Galaxy At War)   

Max Weight   98
Carried           25

Languages      
Asari      
Common[/ooc]Oh yeah, Sal can put the hurt on. The extra money more than balances out being a little weaker otherwise...at least at level 2.

Mechanically, I have everything squared away already.

As far as the character is concerned, it is a finished piece, as I won't be able to really get into the character until I start writing him more anyway.

That's pretty much where I'm at. Little detail pieces and a couple of very short stories are likely forthcoming, to get the character really fleshed out.

@Ninja, you forgot to mention which Biotic Powers you picked (unless I missed it).

CC basically did this for me...  Thanks CC :)

[ic]Name: Lini'Leera vas Quee-Queeg.
Class: Scoundrel 2
Species: Quarian
Gender: Female
Age: 23
Height: 5'4"
Weight: 108

STR   8   -1
DEX   16   +3
CON   8   -1
INT   18   +4
WIS   12   +1
CHA   10   +0

HP:  17 + 1d6-1
Damage Threshold: 11
                        Base                Armor/Level                     Ability                     Class
Fort   11=   10   +   2   -   1   +   0
Ref   16=   10   +   2   +   2   +   2
Will   14=   10   +   2   +   1   +   1

+1 BAB

Knife      +0   1d4-1   .5kg   P/S
Hold-Out Pistol   +4   3d4   .5kg   Energy   +5 Stealth to conceal
Heavy Blaster   +4   3d8   1.3kg   Energy
Ion Pistol      +4   3d6   1kg   Ion*
Ion Damage: Half damage to Organic. Full damage to Synthetic/Vehicle/Cybernetic. If hit reduces HP to 0, target drops 5 steps on condition track. If damage equals or exceeds target damage threshhold, target drops 2 steps on condition track.

Talents
Dastardly Strike: Whenever you make a successful attak against an opponent that is denied its Dexterity bonus to Reflex Defense, the target moves -1 step along the condition track.

Feats
Point Blank Shot
Precise Shot
Skill Focus (Mechanic)
Use Tech (Combat Drone, Tech Armor)
Weapon Proficiency (Pistols,  Simple Weapons)

Skills:                       Bonus    Level   Ability                    Trained                   Other
Gather Information   +6   = 1   + 0   +   5
Initiative      +9   = 1   + 3   +   5
K (Galactic Lore)   +10   = 1   + 4   +   5
K (Physical Sciences)   +10   = 1   + 4   +   5
K (Technology)   +10   = 1   + 4   +   5
Mechanic      +15   = 1   + 4   +   5   +   5
Perception      +7   = 1   + 1   +   5
Stealth      +9   = 1   + 3   +   5
Use Computer   +10   = 1   + 4   +   5
Use Tech      +10   = 1   + 4   +   5

Languages: Asari, Common, Quarian, Salarian, Turian, Volus

Tech Powers
AI Hacking
Combat Drone (x2)
Cryo Blast
Tech Armor

Equipment:

Utility Belt         Free      
Omni-Tool (Datapad)      Free
Knife         25
Hold-Out blaster Pistol      450
Heavy Blaster Pistol      900
Ion Pistol         265
Security Kit         750
Tool Kit         250
Commlink, Short, Video)      50
Datacards (Blank) [10]      10
Power Pack [2]      50
Mesh Tape         5

305 Credits

Racial:
Ability Mods: +2 Intelligence, -2 Constitution
- Medium Size
- Speed: 6 Squares
- Vulnerability to Disease: Quarians receive a -2 modifier to their Fortitude Defense against Diseases.
- Mechanics: All Quarians are considered trained in Mechanics. This is a bonus trained skill
- Cooperative Spirit: Quarians can aid another on skill checks made by adjacent allies as a swift action. Adjacent allies can also aid another on skill checks made by an adjacent Quarian as a swift action. This ability can only be used with the following skills: Gather Information, Knowledge (any), Mechanics, Pilot, Ride, Treat Injury and Use Computer.
- Conditional Bonus Feat: If a Quarian is trained in Use Computer, she may choose Skill Focus (Mechanics) or Skill Focus (Use Computer) as a bonus feat.
- Languages: Quarian and Common[/ic]

More fun hacking-info-links: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2387396,00.asp ; http://arstechnica.com/security/news/2011/06/dox-everywhere-lulzsec-under-attack-from-hackers-law-enforcement.ars ; http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?71239

It looks like we have a pretty well-rounded team here.
Archimedes - the brains
Kai - face man
Lini'Leera - Tech
Sal - muscle

Damn, there's some good stuff in the game thread. I get off work in about an hour and a half. I'll have to spend some time on my first post then. Can't be out done, you know.

Is this to become our out of character thread, or will be get a new one for that?

Also, is "STILL RECRUITING!!!" coming our of the title or are we just going to leave that there, in case people want to join in for later missions?

Quote from: SPChasing her through the labyrinth of T'Parn's network had banished a migraine for hours.

Sometimes she read the junk mail, just for entertainment. Her favorites were the ones that claimed to be from a salarian prince[/quote]She appeared to quickly check something on the screen of a computer to her side. 'Of course, I'm sorry.' Another notification of a new message appeared, this one stating that an additional 350 credits had been deposited into Salana's personal account.[/quote]
Another good one.

This is, without question, the best start to a play-by-post game I have ever seen. There's a lot of reading in there. Damn, I wrote a lot. Sorry about that, I hope it's not too much.

This is shaping up to be the best play-by-post game I've ever been a part of and I've been involved in a lot. I hope we can keep the momentum. I'll be out of town Thursday through sometime Sunday but I plan on putting a copy of my character notes on my Android phone so I should be able to stay involved during that time.

Do you guys think I am posting too much at once?

Probably not.  Just having a basic conversation in PbP is going to take a long time anyway, so I think it's OK to move quickly in order to keep the plot going at as brisk a pace as possible.

It is a good idea to roll checks for us as well.

Do you guys actually want  me to post what I rolled for you?

EDIT: Also, how would you guys like me to present the information from things like Perception checks that only a few of you pass? Should I just post the info for everyone to see or should I Spoiler it (like I did for the perception check in the latest post)?

How you did it is fine.

I like it the way you did it this time.

It's probably worth noting, since I haven't directly stated it, that Sal is more or less oblivious to the subtleties in the room. Where others are analyzing their fellows, she's used to this process and bored with it. She probably judged everyone except the vorcha when she first saw them and wil only alter her opinion of them based on future actions.

Also, re-reading what I posted, I wasn't suggesting that Sal and Nani were any sort of item. I think it's probably more like Sal has been trying to get with Nani for years and gets shot down every time.

Now, I'm still around as usual for today. After that, I will be at CONvergence for most of four days. I will try to still post from my phone. If I'm holding anything up during that time, please move on. Just assume that Sal is mostly quiet and will usually go with the violent option as long as it isn't incredibly stupid.

So what are you guys going to do?

Lini'Leera said her bit; she has no experience whatsoever in leading, so she can't be more forward in suggestions. (The same problem that she identified with Sal is present with her--she's always been IN a hierarchy but she hates hierarchy and she has no idea how to lead and she barely cares about others' skills)

e.g. Expect her to disagree with people's ideas and prod and complain, but she's not usually going to say "you must do this" It's just not her personality.

In sum: she just wants to
1. Try to hack remotely
2. if that doesn't work, break in and hack with as little crime committed as possible
3. If that doesnt' work, try to steal the omnitool somehow without the owner knowing and hack that.
4. Just general hacking to determine where the Volus might be and other information about the volus.

She won't practically suggest anything else, given her personality. She doesn't know the strengths of the people she's working with and she does not want bloodshed and she doesn't think it's a good idea to talk to the people in person.

If the asari can't be taken for questioning easily, Sal is most likely to want to shoot her in the head from a great distance then take the her omni tool and the key to her apartment.

I just picked up the Forc Unleashed Sourcebook for $10 at the con. Win.

It seems like you guys want to do the hacking but you need a plan - do you do it at her work or her home, or some where else?

I think our split comes down on how to handle the Asari in question.

Kai has concerns about both letting her live and killing her.

So, for the sake of brevity, and to speed things up, I think we should check on the Volus' local addresses first, just to make sure he isn't present, or to maybe completely bypass the Asari.

Kai would also be up for using "official" documents in the bureaucracy of Illium in order to hunt down our Volus, which will, of course, tacitly condemn and subject the Asari to enough fines to force her to live in a hole dug in the bottom of a gutter if she does not assist in his apprehension. Arrest warrant,s seizures, pending fines, etc. Hopefully enough to scare the Asari into assisting us if the Volus has fled.

For a reference, Kai can produce said papers at +14 if Difficult, or at +19 if Moderate. They would also not take much more than an hour to produce. I could drop it to less by taking a -2 penalty. In this case, the check modifier seems to be based on the GMs discretion, it's up to EE to decide how hard such paper should be to make (rather than me saying how good I want them to be). Along with any requisite IDs Kai and Sal might want depending on what these papers are like. I say Kai and Sal because the Quarian and Archimedes would probably be tougher to hide. Archimedes for obvious reasons. Lini because... well, I think her left alone with Archimedes has potential for all kinds of hilarity. Besides, it would be good to have the tank next to me, and the hackers playing around behind the scenes where they are supposed to be.

I'm also hoping that +8 Knowledge (Bureaucracy) is sufficient to provide me with the proper format, source, and lay-out of such papers and the wonderful trails they often leave behind.

Namely, those serving the papers would be a Human and Asari who look nothing at all like Kai and Sal with a +24 Deception check and 20 minutes of work.

Sal is also pretty good with Persuasion, being a level 1 Noble and an Asari...I just like to think that her persuasion is more intimidation than anything else.

I don't know if that would ever matter. I think this is a choke point where we should just be led somewhere. I think the in-character posts suggest we want to try to hack off of the asari's computer first. Can we just woosh to a company computer and give that a shot? Gloss over a little bit. If that won't work, maybe just put that out there and we can at least discuss that, then. I hate to see our momentum slow too much.

Nevermind that. There is now an IC post with the above plan.

I had the same thought you did, Ninja, hence why I shuffled in that post real quick.

I also think that, unless the group figures out a 'leader' sometime soon, it'll probably be easiest to simply send us off to do whatever we seem to think sounds good. Given our diverse nature and skills, we can definitely argue all day long about what to do.

And currently, Kai is demonstrating his conflicting nature of leading as an officer and manipulating from the background. Which is amusing, ad it makes me wonder which side is going to turn out as the victor in the long run.

In this group, you might get stuck as leader by default. The only competition could be Archimedes but being a vorcha would be a handicap outside of the group.

EE- Just a note, an early heads-up; I will not be posting at all to this game from the 22nd of July until the 27th most likely.

I also may not be able to post in the game with any frequency from the 14th of July to the 22nd and will be spotty until after August 8, when I should be more steady.

Crap. I hate it when this happens. I'll be able to properly post again tomorrow.

@Light: That's fine, we'll just keep your character more towards the back :)

@Ninja: That's fine. Weekends are always slow.

I mean my being at this con and Light Dragon being away for a while.

Thanks for the confirmation.

On another issue- I was talking with CC and at least I came to this conclusion- as far as leadership- if you just choose where we go or you have a NPC sort of order us to go somewhere, that might work best with this group--at least till we know each other better. Right now we're a bunch of prima donnas who don't know others' skills too well and who are very confident in our own particular spheres.

That is; I assume Archimedes and I would rather hack than ever fire a gun.

Sal can do guns.

CC's character would rather talk or do something bureaucratic.

And none of us (by personality) particularly wants to lead or would necessarily be accepted as a leader by the others until they prove themselves worthy. So it's sort of a collective right now- which is ok for an in-person game, but which may be a big problem in a game like this.

Archimedes wouldn't be opposed to killing/fighting if it presented the clearest, most logical course of action.  He also has barely restrained vorcha-rage seething beneath his placid, intellectual exterior - eventually he's going to fly off the handle and hopefully be totally horrifying since the bloodthirst is totally incongruous with his usual behaviour.

I've been trying to reply for a good hour and a half but my internet tanked out for some reason. Anyway, I uploaded a message from Nani to help nudge you guys out of the "planning phase" and into the "doing phase".

Great, that's something solid to work with. Maybe this group, for more reason than one, needs a little extra corporate oversight. That could keep us informed and keep things moving but would also have the added effect of making it a bit easier to be tracked and T'Parn would be less able to deny our actions/existence/whatever if we get caught.

Quote from: SteerpikeHe also has barely restrained vorcha-rage seething beneath his placid, intellectual exterior - eventually he's going to fly off the handle and hopefully be totally horrifying since the bloodthirst is totally incongruous with his usual behaviour.

That could be frightening. :D

My feeling - and this may just be me - is that the characters seem to be trying to outdo each other by coming up with the right plan.  I could be wrong; it may just be the difficulty of trying to play an Int 20 character when I don't have a Holmes-level puzzle-solving intellect myself (will be challenging, but fun, I think).

I can say that Sal is not trying to outplan anyone. The only reason she suggested anything different at all is that she wasn't assuming that the volus had already gone off-world. She's experienced but is not the type to plan as much as she is the type to go along with someone else that has a good plan and get things done that way.

I think the medium through which we are playing doesn't lend itself to lengthy debate as easily as IRC or IRL games do. This will become less of a problem once your guy's characters learn to work together as a team.

I thought we got through that very quickly and very well. (Seriously, the writing in this game has mostly been fantastic, I am shamed.) It was just what to actually do next that was the problem for us.

I didn't mean to imply we weren't having fun or the experience wasn't great, just that we hit a bit of a rut when it came to decision time because the characters don't really know one another and thus are far more likely to go off and accomplish the task individually than as a team.

Light Dragon's latest post has me cracking up.

There, I finally posted like I meant to over a day ago. Maybe someone better suited for it should sugggest a time and place to meet up to proceed?

Thank you EE.

I'm still tweaking the post as some ideas come up, but It flowed after I saw the chatbox posts about Commander Shepard. And I built off what you gave me to work with :D (I noticed the clothes shopping and wondered what Lini, a Quarian who always wears an environmental suit, might do with those credits).

Hey guys, let's keep up the pace, we don't want to loose our momentum!

I think it's time for CC to take charge of the situation since he wanted to be the 'face man'. :o.

Alternatively, Archimedes could shock the lady by speaking coherently. :D

Lini'Leera is content with sneering and acting self-important.

>>Finding a suit cut to my dimensions will be a nightmare thinks Archimedes
hehe :D

Crap, it looks like I missed a post.

Which post? If you need to, post it now :)

The quality of the responses here is variable, but food for thought on running a fast PBP: http://paizo.com/paizo/messageboards/paizoPublishing/pathfinder/adventurePath/generalDiscussion/runningAPbPAPFaster

-
So are we waiting on EE's response? Or is he waiting on us?

I was holding off to see if NinjaD had anything to say.

I will be posting once a day (at minimum) to keep the game moving at a decent pace. I'm perfectly happy back tracking a bit to accommodate PCs, especially for things like the shopping blurbs.

Yeah, my bad. I had a couple of days of weird schedule because I spent all day out at Warped Tour yesterday. Great times, even got my old ass in a circle pit for the Street Dogs. Punk rock keeps me young.

I've also been doing what I'll call market research for trying to write and sell some short stories.

I'm thinking of having Archimedes claim he needs to run an "efficiency evaluation program" on all the office computers to assess "potential waste and time-theft" while of course actually searching for info.  Good idea???

I like the idea.

Ok, later tonight I'm going to begin the "in the office" bit, I was holding off to see if anyone wanted to say anything else to the Receptionist or react to the Perception checks.

I've been busy and lazy. I'm setting aside some time right when I get home in the morning to get caught up.

The place holder was for both. I'll be posting shortly.

Ah, ok. I thought you might have missed a post and the placeholder was just for OOC. Sorry.

Nope. I was making sure I was 100% caught up first. Also, I am very easily distracted.

Done and very pleased with the result.

Awesome result Ninja! :)

Sal just bitch slapped the mercenary. With her mind.

It's a good thing, too, since I made her focused on ranged combat.

Ouch. Looks like I don't get to go for a repeat next turn.

Quotea woman they believed invincible

With only 21 HP to Aloc's name, it seems Eclipse mercs are quite credulous :)

Quote from: Ninja D!Ouch. Looks like I don't get to go for a repeat next turn.

They're very angry at Sal :)

Quote from: Light Dragon

Quotea woman they believed invincible

The average person is a 1st level non heroic character with 1d4 + CON mod Hit Points. So having 20 Hit Points makes you pretty dang awesome in comparison! Compared to a PC though...

Sal only has 32 and that's Soldier 1 / Noble 1. 20 wouldn't even be bad. The damage output is just so high with guns. Also, the lucky roll of a 20 put the hurt on. A couple lower and I would have been in a lower damage range.

Whoops.  I killed our main lead.  Uh... my bad.

Hopefully we can get the info from her computer!!!

A pity that we aren't Specters who could get away with this sort of crime. :o

This is also why civilized people despise Vorcha :D

Your last action was very, very smart.  Hopefully will save us from being indentured servants on Illium for the rest of our lives or something.

What a mess, this is nuts!

Well, hopefully with a 14 the electronics in the thing are of cheap manufacture :o. Worst case scenario, will try again next turn.

But the thing to really worry about in terms of recording software is the one you noticed earlier. Lini probably figures they have cameras since most places do, but she never thought to look for one since well, she doesn't get out much.

--
>>What a mess, this is nuts!

Like a Tarantino movie.

This is getting very, very interesting. I'll be MIA for the rest of the night (its D&D Night with my friends). Hopefully Coyote will post, that way when I get home in the wee hours of the morning I can post up what the next enemies are doing and we can keep the ball rolling :)  

Best of luck guys and may the rolls be with you :)

Can CC and Sal even act though?

They're immobilized, the most they can do is speak until Asari 3 goes?

Have fun with DnD.

haha /laughing at Asari #2.

My bad-- I sort of forgot what I was supposed to be doing this week when I had to head out to the ICU in Philly last weekend. I've just been kind of floating around playing catch-up everywhere since Tuesday. It's kind of appalling how much my schedule can get screwed by missing two days.

Also, while I can't act, I can at least post-- hopefully that'll work at reminding me what the heck I'm supposed to be doing.

So back to the Tarantino reference; here's what I see... a bit Reservoir Dogs or a scene in Boondock Saints where everything goes to %*#@.

[ic]Asari draws her gun and pivots away from the Vorcha, yelling: "waste them!"
Sal: "...about time." Tosses off thick-rimmed glasses and throws down recording secretary software, then slams Asari to death on the ceiling.

While Lini goes off running to the front entrance and grabs the receptionist. Everyone else starts hitting the dirt.

Then Asari 3 immobilizes Kai and Sal;  T'kin runs out into the hallway with a rifle and Archimedes blasts her head off.

Asari 2 and 1 completely miss Sal with their shots.

And Lini brings down the receptionist, hard onto the ground. All the while the Human 'bro who's recording everything is yelling out TOTALLY AWESOME![/ic]

Oh, I just remembered-- I have an ability that comes into play at the beginning of combat. When combat starts, 2 allies within 12 squares of me can move up to their speed as a reaction-- so Archimedes and Lini, for example, could get even further into cover, or whatever. Works once per encounter, at the start of the first round.

I dunno. I thought most of Boondock Saints, the brothers tended to be awesome by accident. As Smecker categorized their methods: "Bad Television".

We're at least being badass and awesome in a completely normal way, though it's probably a bit on the unexpected side (As Kai stands around watching heads explode or take flight.

I'm fine with the human being annoyed at me, but he made a perception roll to figure out that I caused the drone to crash? It's not like I shot it or he should have been looking at me?

Or do the racist other races just automatically blame Quarians when technology malfunctions? :D

The Human definitely believes you did it, you did point your omni-tool at it after all.

I imagine it's like spells. Odds are good that you need to do *something* to make it go boom.

And if someone is looking right at you (or filming you) when you do it, it seems reasonable that they can put two and two together to figure it out.

Someone removing the camera while Sal is busy is probably for the best. If she were out there, she'd probably be looking to take out the camera and the camera's owner.

Well he was looking down the hall at the stuff going on there and his thing was looking down there. Also, I'm on the ground pointing my omni tool in the direction of the hall, which is where his recorder is.

I just don't see why he would looked in my direction where nothing is happening when he's been so enthralled by the activity down the hall with the heads exploding.

How I saw the rooms arranged are:

T'kin dead at end of hall... Archimedes and Sal and CC in middle of hall... video recorder pointing down... human standing behind video recorder and looking down the hall... Lini and receptionist on ground in back part of the reception hall.

I can see why he would suspect a Quarian generally, or if he made a good perception check-- but other than that, no real reason to suspect Lini. No worries though because Lini does have a backup plan. It won't work, but she has one.

Ah, I see the problem.

Sal and Kai are inside Office #2. Archimdes is in the hallway, right outside of Office #2. T'Kin is at the end of the hallway, right outside the doorway leading to her office. Lini and the Receptionist are in the Reception Room, a meter or two from the door leading to the hallway. The Human and his Video Drone are about a meter behind Lini. The 2 Asari are behind a couch near the exit.

So for Lini to do anything with the Drone, she would have had to look backwards and point her Omni-Tool at it.

The confusion came about, I think, when Lini left the office and ran back to the reception room. She didn't have enough movement to go very far into the Reception room, what with the grabbing of the Receptionist and all. If I did not communicate that well enough, I apologize.

And now it is revealed what really destroyed the Video Drone.

Sorry I had to put you through all that confusion Light Dragon  :)

Quote from: Elemental_ElfAh, I see the problem.

Sal and Kai are inside Office #2. Archimdes is in the hallway, right outside of Office #2. T'Kin is at the end of the hallway, right outside the doorway leading to her office. Lini and the Receptionist are in the Reception Room, a meter or two from the door leading to the hallway. The Human and his Video Drone are about a meter behind Lini. The 2 Asari are behind a couch near the exit.

So for Lini to do anything with the Drone, she would have had to look backwards and point her Omni-Tool at it.

The confusion came about, I think, when Lini left the office and ran back to the reception room. She didn't have enough movement to go very far into the Reception room, what with the grabbing of the Receptionist and all. If I did not communicate that well enough, I apologize.

Ok. Thank you. I didn't realize that. I thought I was on the other side. Now your comments and those of CC et. al. make sense.

Two last efforts-->
ONE
Given Kai's comment about how at the beginning of combat he wanted to enact his "enhanced movement", though, would that have given me enough movement to put me on the other side of the drone?

If not, I'll have to rethink the excuse I had written up for Lini's actions because pointing backward would look a lot more suspicious than what I thought she was doing, and it would have been a little stupider an action for her to have taken (It is not completely out of character for her to try it, since she's arrogant and this is a bit of an emergency; but if possible she should have been more-discrete-as it were

TWO
... like on the round she did the short circuit (the round after the initial run toward the receptionist) she may have taken her move action first to move *behind* the drone and out of its sight, then blasted it with the omnitool (sacrificing her full defense that she had taken).

(I still have no doubt that the human would blame a Quarian for the malfunction, even if he didn't see her do anything, so the end result can be the same, but Lini wouldn't be Lini if she lets others perceive her as acting brazenly rather than stabbity-in-the-backity.)

At least the new scene gives Lini something to work with here. Re:

QuoteThe Human, clicks a few buttons on his Omni-Tool. Suddenly every unattended electronic device in the office begins to sputter, hiss and smoke. As the song, that's been playing over the intercom, reaches its crescendo all of the electronics explode in timing to the music. The human closes his eyes and raises his hands in triumph.

And it seems you're saying that is what actually destroyed the drone.

Oh I see. I'm sorry Light Dragon, yes you would have been behind the Drone. My bad :(

The Drone exploded because the Human Combatant is using a program to overload all unattended electronic devices (i.e. all the office equipment) in time with the song, the drone simply went off prematurely.

I'll go back and edit the Human's reaction to the drone exploding to make him simply sob in tears. There's no way he'd know it was Lini, specifically, since she could have just as easily been aiming your Omni-Tool at the dead Asari down the hall.

Ok, thank you.

So, would the receptionist's computer have short circuited as well? And the receptionist doesn't have an omni tool or anything that might go into the network and that isn't currently sparking as a short-circuit, correct?

(Just pondering my next move).

I'll do a perception roll if that will help. [dice]1d20+7[/dice]

The receptionist's holo-screen, on her desk, does indeed fry. She's wearing an Omni-Tool but it does not seem to have fried, your best guess is that the only computers being fried are those directly connected to the office's main frame rather than wirelessly. The fact that the Video Drone was eliminated prior to the office's computers lends credence to this idea. Its a working theory but a theory none-the-less.

You caught the Receptionist off guard while she was still doing some work on her Omni-Tool. It just so happens that it is displaying what appears to be a detailed schedule book. With your perception check, you can make out that the name "T'Kin" on the top of the page.

On your next turn you can bridge a connection between your Omni-Tool and the receptionist's and copy the schedule book as a free action.

Just so both Sal and Kai know, Asari #3's Singularity ended at the start of her turn. I'll remember to post reminder texts next time.

>>Or maybe you'd rather file a complaint with the Port Authority?"

Good way to stick to our story :D Lini's plan is similar. Amusing entry.

Does the turret have any optics, or do I need to peek my head out to see who I would be shooting?

You can control it remotely with your Omni-Tool, you do not need line of sight to use the turret, however, you do need to be within the building. The Turret is mounted on the ceiling, about half way down the hallway and can pivot 360 degrees.

EDIT: It looks a lot like this (http://images.wikia.com/fallout/images/7/76/MK-I_Turret.png).

Hi Ninja D- noticed you were online--it's your turn--you are no longer frozen according to EE a few posts above.

In the interest of keeping the game moving at a fast pace, I will have Sal delay at 9:00 (pacific) tonight, that being if NinjaD doesn't post before then :)

That Human is a beast! Sorry Steerpike!

Ha no problem... think I came up with a good way to keep him from slaughtering me.

How many fragile crates are there?  I may have to start "killing hostages," so to speak, if this guy doesn't start doing as I say...

Ooo, cool plan!

There are three large crates full of drugs. The Crates are made of fairly flimsy metal. Two of the crates have their lids off. Each of the Crates has a small computer attached, mostly for inventory and locking purposes. I'd allow you to use your Overload ability on it.

I'm going to be testing some dice stuff here, right now, so I know how it works for the main thread-- you can probably ignore this post for the most part, as it's me just familiarizing myself with what I can do.

[dice]1d20[/dice]
[dice]d20[/dice]

[ic=Bleh]IC stuff here

[note=Rolls]
[dice]1d20[/dice]
[dice]d20[/dice]
[/note]

More IC stuff here.[/ic]

<Now editing post to see what happens...>
Ah good, it seems that it saves the rolls through post edits. Good to know.

GAH! The dice roller is really messing with you guys! 3 Attacks in a row by PCs and all 3 misses by wide margins. :(

Sal is now at the bottom of the initiative order as per the Delaying rule.

Quote from: Light DragonHi Ninja D- noticed you were online--it's your turn--you are no longer frozen according to EE a few posts above.

I would have just been online for SIG, in IRC. Most of my time I've been with the girlfriend, actually. Sorry about my delay. I got the PM on my phone but didn't get around to posting. E_E is really good at this, though. I hadn't thought about having someone that hadn't posted for 24 hours when it was their turn delay by default but that's a good idea. I fully support the implementation of that as a regular rule from now on.

The dice roller can be cruel. However, I noticed that someone had edited a post that had a die roll in it. I think that changes the result. If we're going to be posting the rolls, the posts that they're in should probably be left alone...not that I think this is really a big deal. I don't expect anyone is going to be looking to cheat by editing their combat posts over and over until they get a result that they like. I'm fine with the honor system unless someone starts hitting or rolling really high every or almost every time. At that point, maybe it could be re-examined. If anything, right now it almost looks like E_E is throwing rolls to build our confidence.

Also; Correct that I was assuming that Sal had no rifle. I didn't think it would fit with the cover. Actually, she probably shouldn't have her armor then, either.

It looks like I'm taken care of for this turn, then?

Things might pile up on me in a week or two as I stated above, so next week feel free to move on without me if necessary to keep things moving. As stated before, the 25th through the 29th may see zero posts from me as may the first week of August.

For then, either fade me into the background or choose the snide option, but not the violent option.

---
The two Asaris are hilarious.

--
Edit: Just tested editing my own post after a die roll... it doesn't change the result (29/11). That being said, I did have the ability to delete the roll and make a new roll instead, so if EE prefers, then in the future I can do the rolling in here like CC did.

That's probably another thing that got fixed with the forum update, just like polls.

[blockquote=Ninja D!]However, I noticed that someone had edited a post that had a die roll in it.[/blockquote]
That might have been me - I didn't know the correct syntax of the die-roller at first and had put an extra, unnecessary = sign in my die roll, which I was editing out.  It didn't change the result - which was a pretty terrible roll.

EDIT: I also edit most of my posts for typos and once or twice have thought of a swift or free action I wanted to include in addition to my standard action.

1. @ NinjaD: Life happens, don't worry about it. I'm glad I guessed right about the Rifle, enjoy your new pistol. Yes your turn is all taken care of, unless you want to do something with your swift action or post a snarky reply.

2. I have no problem with you guys editing your posts with die rolls in them. I trust you guys :)

3. @Light Dragon: We'll see where the campaign is when you take off. Lini may still be with the group, if so, I'll try to play her like you have here. :)

I rolled a percentile to see if Lini strayed a bit too close to the Human. 50+ means she did. I rolled a 100, so she definitely aimed too close. Autofire at the square outside the doorway, hits the Human. Doesn't do much, his shields protected him. Still the warning shot did anger him mightily.

@Steerpike: I can't wait until the Human is up again, this is a true Mexican standoff, though I think you have the upper hand what with your hostages and all.

I'm banking on the fact that he has more to lose than he has to gain by killing me.

How long does it take for my regular Shields to re-initialize?  I see it takes a DC 10 Mechanics check, but is that a standard action, full round, swift...?

Looking at the rule book, it appears to say that it takes 3 consecutive Swift Actions to make the check. You can spend your 3 swift actions over 1, 2 or 3 turns. The turn after you got shot, I believe you used all 3 of your actions (swift for tech armor, move to get near the hatch/hole, standard to shoot the human). Your last turn was simply readying a Standard Action, so you could expend your move and swift actions to begin the process of re-charging your shields (you'll only need to spend a swift action on your next turn to make the check). Having said that, remember tech armor and Shields do not stack.

Note, I did update Tech Armor earlier today to make its effect more clear (and add in a damage effect (don't know how I forgot to add that in!)

That last post was a bit minimalist but I was going more for dramatic effect after all the "pureblooded whore" stuff. Just to be sure, when the asari above said she'd "shoot the whore", she was talking about Sal, right?

I believe each of them have called you a name.

You and kai are near the doorway in office 1, with two asari at the bottom of the office a.d another on the opposite wall from you. There is also a drone in front of you that has been shooting fire at you.

Archimedes is in the storage room with 2 bolus and the heavily armored human. One bolus is in the hallway.

Lini is in the reception area, leaning on the receptionist. There is a human crying over his broken drone to the left of lining and 2asari customers hidding behind a couch near the exit.

I meant the one that got the high attack roll and did damage. The damage is what I was actually checking if it was for me.

Yes she was referring to you. You are the Asari Whore :(

Asari #3's Drone has hit you for a bit of damage... 7 I think total. And she just hit you for 12 damage with her pistol.


Here's a rough map of Ancomp and everyone's relative position.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v614/RHO1/Ancompsmall.jpg)

Green are PC's.
Red are enemies.
Pink are civilians.

Ok here's a break down:

Asari #1 called Sal Ugly and a Whore. She tried to take command.

Asari #2 is the one who bucked #1's leadership and killed an employee.

Asari #3 is the one that used the drone and smacked Sal for a lot of damage. She also called Sal a whore.

EDIT: Next time I will give everyone a more unique designation, that way we avoid confusion (even I lost track a bit).

Just thought I'd say that I think this is still going pretty well so far, and I really like the scenario!  Good job Elf!

Great song choices, EE.

And yes I am also very much enjoying how this game is being run.

--

Well, I'm glad you both are enjoying yourselves. I too am enjoying the game. Great players make games great :)

Is there anything else you'd like Archimedes to do Steerpike? You still have a Standard and a Swift Action. You could easily spend your standard action to run down the hall and be near the doorway to office #1.

Quote from: Light DragonGreat song choices, EE.

Thanks :)

I have to say, I am thoroughly entertained that our Vorcha is just laying waste to these mercenaries.

You'd think he was a trained combat soldier, not the nearest thing to a librarian. :D

Yeah, I'm kind of shocked that last roll hit!

That particular enemy was negative 3 along condition track. She did not begin play with a high reflex or fortitude safe thus the negative 3 really hurt her. Plus steerpike dealt a lot of damage with his hit :)

I'm still very pleased with my first attack since I hadn't put any real focus on biotics. We're pretty much destroying the enemies.

Well that was a thoroughly fun combat! :)

The Criminal investigations unit will be quite baffled trying to piece together what happened here it seems, what with Eclipse shooting its own and shooting the people they're supposed to protect.

I think that the most obvious conclusion, barring any witness testimony, is that one on the mercs went batshit insane. That insanity caused her to start throwing stuff around with her biotic abilities and to open fire on pretty much anything that moved. Everything else could pretty much be explained by damages done while the otheres defended themselves. The life of a merc is probably pretty stressful so it makes some sense.

Then, of couse, a witness will tell a story about the ugly but tough asari secretary, the quarian, the human businessman, and their friend, the articulate vorcha. Then they'll think insanity is contagious.

Where the heck did Musical Human i.e. the Trigun fanboy go???  Did anyone see him leave or did he just disappear after leaving the storage area?

Mr. Stampede appears to have gone exactly where you strongly insisted Lini to go.

QuoteThe human then continues out into the hallway and into T'Kin's office.

No wonder she thinks you're mad :D.

Light Dragon has it right. Stampede and the 3 Stooge.. err Volus, walked into T'Kin's office and closed the door behind them.

It looks like unless there's a secret exit in T'kin's office, Archimedes might have to knock and let Stampede know that he's done in the supply room and if they can please trade looting places. :D because Lini's opinion on the whole matter is: "Enter T'Kin's office? You mean the one Musical Human entered? Has it changed from serving death and dissonance, to serving cookies and concert or friendliness and fanfare? If not, then F--- that."

Anyways she's going to have her hands full with getting shot in the back in a little bit. :D

Wow, somehow I missed that!

So, we should probably all get together and storm the room...?  If we set up combat drones and maybe lob some grenades in there (looted from the other eclipse... just speculating) and then fire at him with everything we've got, we should stand a good chance, unless he's ridiculously high level or something.

EDIT: I guess Archimedes wouldn't know that he was in T'Kin's office, given his vantage at the time, so it doesn't seem totally weird for him to suggest that Lini investigate.

Hm. As a player I don't think that's necessary--I said "trading places" sarcastically, but I think it's potentially a valid solution--Stampede wants the drugs, we don't care about them

Lini's opposed to fighting anyway.

But whatever happens, happens. If the Vorcha's bloodthirst gets the best of him ... Then I suppose that is to be expected :D.

Kai really has no idea what is happening-- he was in the office for most of it, so he's unaware that there is even a human combatant present.

He will go check out the break room, though (For all the good that it'll do. He's not exactly a fighter-type).

And he'll probably find a frightened Salarian janitor in there... only that and nothing more :D

[blockquote=Coyote Camouflage]He's not exactly a fighter-type[/blockquote]
Neither is Archimedes but he's somehow killed two combatants!

So what is the plan?

I think Kai is checking out the break room and Archimedes is examining the storage room.

Lini's just standing around ready to get shot in the back until someone starts investigating one of the other rooms; she will start hacking when she gets a chance, but apparently no terminals are active till we can get into that one room.

I can do a mini response to the e-card receipt, but now is not the time for Lini to pay it much mind... too much danger.

And Sal was looking at something on the ground?

Well CC stated he wanted to explore the Break room in this thread, which I why I have been tentative to post what's really in there.

I've already written a response to Archimedes' exploration and I have no clue what Ninja is planning.

So, really random and potentially pointless question, but I feel its something Kai would at least make an attempt to know. Or be uncomfortable with not knowing.

Does this area of Illium have a record of how swiftly the police/security forces average in responding to an alarm/disturbance? Knowing it would certainly make him push hard and quick to get things done (Since the battle didn't take more than a minute, if even that). Not knowing it would make him a little more panicky and frantic.

Felt I should ask nonetheless.

And, just because it's the best I got, let's go with a Bureaucracy check for that kind of random knowledge :D

[dice]1d20+8[/dice]

You know that this area is one of the ritzier areas of town, so the Police most definitely will arrive quickly, in perhaps less than 5 minutes. However, that quick of a response time would only occur if the police were desperately needed (such as at a shootout). A normal "public disturbance" or fire would take ten to thirty minutes. So the real question is - did anyone alert the police to the big battle?

By my reckoning it has been less than a minute since the end of the combat.

If necessary:

Instructions if I'm not around when my turn's up:

1. If Shot in Back
---Miss... Lini runs into room with Sal or another ally for cover. Slight chance might struggle for weapon, but unlikely.
---Damaged Slightly... Run for cover. Top priority.
---Damaged a lot... Lie prone and Activate turret on that b(#*$.
-------
2. Tries to hack data as necessary in the room.
-------
3. Will gladly open fire on robots and synthetics and the turret itself if it fires on her-although she'd seek shelter if the turret went after her-If she suspected receptionist activated turret then she'd 50/50 shooting or stopping receptionist and going for cover, more likely cover if not actually hit by the turret.
------
4. Will pick up the grenades if necessary or if it seems purposeful.

Oops, I may have just stolen your turn Light Dragon! Sorry about that, I thought you were going to be gone for a few days, not hit and miss. My bad :(

I have norpoblem taking the action back if you want LD.

It works. No worry, that's what I would have done. I'll write something up for her comments on the situation later.

I'll be on as you say hit or miss, but with little time to actually write.

---
Lini's going to pick up the frag grenades.

Lini has Frag 3 grenades :)

So who's going to help Kai bust down the door?

Thinking it over, I think hearing the turret activate gives Kai a lot more desire to get into the room and away from the turret.

He'll worry about the others later, because he's polite like that. :D

I'm going to be at a casino for about the next 24 hours. My luck may dictate if that means I post a lot or not at all.

22 Hours without a reply makes me a sad panda.

The Police are coming! Hurry and do what you need to do!

Are we going to have some downtime between missions eventually? I have some plans for Lini to do in downtimes.

You guys can do what you want after you leave Ancomp :)

Please note: I have updated how Medi-Gel Packs work.

[note]Medi-Gel Pack: Medi-Gel packs have two different effects and are only usable if you are at or below half of your hit points. As a swift action you can either heal your character for 1/6th of their total hit points or move your character +2 up on the condition track.  You can only use 1 Medi-Gel Pack per encounter or once every half hour. Omni-Tool devices can store 2 Packs.[/note]

I came out of the casino about $60 up. Win. I'm now that much closer to buying a decent recording interface and being a rockstar.

Quote from: Ninja D!I came out of the casino about $60 up. Win. I'm now that much closer to buying a decent recording interface and being a rockstar.

Ninja D the famous Rockstar, that'd be pretty cool!

Quote from: Elemental_Elf

Quote from: Ninja D!I came out of the casino about $60 up. Win. I'm now that much closer to buying a decent recording interface and being a rockstar.

Ninja D the famous Rockstar, that'd be pretty cool!

Depending on how you'd define "rockstar" and celebrity, it either will happen eventually or already is the case.

Ok guys, we've had a rough week here. Let's get back into this!

Just got back from Gencon last night. I'll be taking today to catch up with everything I've missed since I left. I can't promise a post in the immediate future, but I should be back in the game by tonight sometime.

Quote from: Elemental_ElfOk guys, we've had a rough week here. Let's get back into this!

Agreed!

Quote from: CoyoteCamouflageJust got back from Gencon last night. I'll be taking today to catch up with everything I've missed since I left. I can't promise a post in the immediate future, but I should be back in the game by tonight sometime.

Glad to hear it. I hope you partied like a nerdcore star. (lol c wut i did thar?)

I don't have as good of an excuse. *shrug*

Question: Do you guys want to double back and get your gear prior to going to T'Kin's apartment?

It wouldn't hurt but I'm not sure I could justify it. The biggest concern would be checking the apartment fast before the police show up.

Are the police really going to show up imminently though?

I blew up T'Kin's head and took her omni-tool, and Trigun-boy destroyed her computer.  There are several other corpses as well.  The cameras have been destroyed/wiped.  The whole place is a disaster zone, so simply pulling up relevant records would also be problematized.  Simply identifying T'Kin will probably take awhile - how fast would genetic identification take, and would T'Kin's DNA even be on file?  If she doesn't have a criminal record (or has had her record scrubbed or something), the cops probably don't even have her DNA.  Yes, they can pull up the record of who worked at the office electronically, but that's probably a fair number of employees - I doubt their first move would be to immediately check apartments.

My guess is the police probably won't show up for awhile.  Right now they have no idea who is responsible for the massacre or what their motives are.

We could always send one party member back to pick up our stuff...?

Alternatively I now have full control of the entire security system, so we could lay low and wait for the cops to comb through, but I think that's too time-consuming... we want to get to Don as fast as possible.

EDIT: Frankly, I could use my control of the security system to refuse the cops entry, or at least slow their progress considerably.

After having run into well-armed Eclipse, going and gearing up seems like a wise idea. Were it not for the problems of running headlong into the mercs, I do not think it would be an issue.

Steer raises good points on both the time it would take investigators to reach her apartment, as well as his ability to give authorities even more difficulties in accessing the security units of the office.

Nice way to outdo Archimedes' rational reasoning with your true personality SP. :D

As an aside, I added up your current XP and you guys are at 1850 each.

Thanks.

Oh and NinjaD- Lini probably isn't going to notice that yet. Although she's done emptying her stomach (since there's not much left inside it), she's entering stage 3 of Quarian allergic reactions so she's not entirely all there right now. Don't worry, she'll get to it soon enough.

Lini would vote to go straight to the apartment, but that's only because she's armed with everything she needs right now. If Sal mentioned needing some heavier gear, she wouldn't object.

On a side note that is probably too much TMI; I've been giving some thought to Quarian reproductive physiognomy. I envision it as a sort of reptilian going into heat thing, but of course they would also have periods--maybe a long period that is the real one that leads to going into heat, then a shorter faux-one that's painful, but ultimately not reproductively helpful. (They are Quarians after all--constantly fragile). Thus, during certain times, Lini's b*tchiness will increase even more than it is at current.

The top uploader comment on this ME movie is hilarious:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=-cFd2EIQV6o

So is everyone just going to go up to T'Kin's floor are or you guys going to go talk with the Volus by the pool?

I was hoping for input on that... he sounds like some random janitor or something.  I'm inclined to dismiss him and deal with him later if need be, unless anyone has any objections.

I was under the impression that we would just smile and nod politely to the Volus' request then ignore him. Mostly because I don't trust him.

If he's doing something he *should* be doing, then why does he need the Admin's password? Moreso, what halfway decent IT person can't get around that sort of problem anyway?

Just act as your characters would.

Lini just wants her mission over. She already knows a virus was input into the elevator and she knows musical human had volus friends, so she's not inclined to trust any Boshtet jerkwad volus. And even if she trusted him, she'd still tell him to *$73 off.

What exactly is Lini trying to do?

?I thought it was clear in the post.

1. She was doing what Kai suggested and trying to take control of the cameras; you know p3wning them.

Then:

2. P3wnig (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=P3WN). the other elevators, as suggested by Kai, so she can screw with them if necessary. (Although the definition I was using it as was to "own" as in take control).

3.
And also as a swift action, tossing the grenades to Kai.

Ok, just wanted to make sure you meant "own" and not "destroy" :)

I'll admit, before I looked it up on Urban Dictionary, I always thought that p3wned just meant "owned" rather than "destroyed."

For example, crackers p3wn computer systems.
But I guess the more common usage is with FPS players :o.

I've always read pwn has having 2 distinct meanings:

1. "PWNED!!!" meaning you destroyed/beat someone/thing handily

2. "pwn" meaning you misspelled own ('p' is right next to 'o' on a keyboard, its a common typo).

As far as how/when/why I use that particular term, I generally see it meant in terms to soundly beating an opponent in some fashion. I do not think it necessarily means blown up or destroyed (though in most situations, getting in your enemy's base and killin' all his dudes is usually a good way to win), but rather that a victory is beyond being contested, and was never anything but your lead the entire way.

In other words, I think the actual meaning of the word roughly translates to a sound victory. It's just been so heavily bastardized to become something a little more amorphous in meaning now. Like "Woot!".

It also is a pretty common typo, and that is probably the reason it came into being in the first place. A lot of internet phrases are like that.

Still, never heard it used to replace "owned". I think that's just your lack of knowledge concerning internet culture. And I'm really surprised I haven't yelled at you about that before, LD. :P

Actually, here's where my confusion came from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pwn

Apparently, Pwn is different from P3wn, which is not something I realized. It's also why I was very confused that Urban Dictionary defined P3wn as to "destroy" or slaughter because that makes no sense in certain hacking circumstances (which is where I first came across the term); so to "destroy" doesn't make much sense unless you're destroying a system, which isn't what usually happens.

It seems that Pwn is what I should have written, not P3wn. Weirdly enough, the two have different definitions.

And CC, I think you lack knowledge about hacking culture. I agree that I am not as familiar with FPS-speak as others (and I admit that I didn't make the connection between the cat with the rainbows and the 'Nyan cat' for probably about a year after I started seeing references to both--somehow I knew both existed but had no idea they were related); but I do know my hacking terms.

QuoteIn hacker jargon, pwn means to compromise or control, specifically another computer (server or PC), web site, gateway device, or application. It is synonymous with one of the definitions of hacking or cracking. The Pwnie Awards are awarded by a group of security researchers.[4]

--
On a game note: Lini's quite shocked that Kai knows Quarian. :D

I never claimed to have knowledge of hacking culture. But general internet and gaming culture? Yes, I have that in abundance, if only because they are the only cultures that I am exposed to at this point in time. I am also keenly aware that this is probably not a good thing.

Also, you might have missed it, but there was a train of about... 7 or so people running through the Circle Center Mall as the Nyan-Cat during Gencon. The first one was wearing a big cardboard poptart-cat, and the others behind him were all holding the giant rainbow. One of them also had a speaker playing that damn noise as loud as they could.

It was both annoying as hell and extremely amusing at the same time.

Ok, CC. :)
--
Well shoot. I actually did miss the Nyan Cat :(

Which day was that? That must have been hilarious. And how old were the performers? High school, college, or adults?

I didn't even see them in the video of the costume parade.
-

Just FYI, both Archimedes and Sal can take their extra move action granted by Kai.

If Ninja doesn't respond by 7 tonight, I'll have Sal act.

I'm thinking she will get out near you guys, drawing her Pistol as she moves. If Kai mentions the particulars of his little deal, then she'll move again, into a particular room. If not, then she'll set up next to Kai and ready an action to shoot the Eclipse Mercs if they become hostile to the Drone and/or you guys.

Quote from: Steerpike as ArchimedesAfter firing he reaches into his jacket and takes out his Carnifex, jaw clenched, eyes cold.

One of the coolest lines written in the game thread. To bad it was preceded by a nat 1 on the Combat Drone's attack roll!

7 is still in my sleeping time. Having Sal act is fine, though, since I've been awful about keeping up lately. Checking out the game thread now...

Ninja- You still have an action that you could make. EE took 2 turns for you, but you were second in line to go once the new turn started. (Unless I'm still confused... but I think EE set me straight).

All enemies took their turn and we started a new turn. The initiative for this combat is kind of woky because all the enemies either rolled above or below you 4.

You guys are free to take more than 1 weapon, I'll allow you to snag multiple at the same time.

Multiple weapons you say? What is this, EE, Libya?

QuoteAt the Gadhafi compound, Abdel Aziz, a Tripoli resident who was carrying two AK-47 assault rifles and a sniper rifle, made his own pledge. "I will fight for my country and turn them back into the government when we are free," he said.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111903327904576525652544535820.html?mod=WSJ_hp_mostpop_read

If Lini wants to Dual Wield Sniper Rifles and beat down the "man" then I'm all for it!

I have no doubt that she'll pick up a sniper rifle if she thinks she needs to.

Dual sniper rifles sounds a little ridiculous, but I guess they have auto targeting, and maybe the recoil problem has been fixed. :o

At that point, I think Lini would be a mini Mech!

If Coyote and Ninja don't post by 4 PM Pacific today, I'll move their characters.

Kai will continue on to the end of the hallway and ready a shot if he sees any bad guys.

Sal will follow Kai and do the same.

I'm a little confused-- is the Volus at the end of our hallway currently holding a grenade?

Or HAD he used it, and is now simply saying something about being a god?

Also, didn't Lini pick up more than one grenade, initially? She only gave Kai one.

Shob used 1 grenade and is now brandishing a second.

IIRC, Lini snagged 2 Grenades from the Asari.

I'm terrible about these deadlines.

I'm going to implement a new rule:

- If you don't post within 24 hours of your turn coming up during a combat then you will be delayed to the bottom of the initiative.
-If you don't post after 30 hours, I will take your turn for you.

This is just to keep combats, which normally take a large amount of time in PbP format, moving quickly.

Lini had picked up two but she used one to eliminate evidence. The other she gave to Kai.

Oh right, I forgot about your evidence clearing :D

Quote from: Elemental_ElfI'm terrible about these deadlines.

I'm going to implement a new rule:

- If you don't post within 24 hours of your turn coming up during a combat then you will be delayed to the bottom of the initiative.
-If you don't post after 30 hours, I will take your turn for you.

This is just to keep combats, which normally take a large amount of time in PbP format, moving quickly.

This is good. I didn't really get around to internetting much yesterday.

Both you guys posted in this thread and not the game thread! o_O

You said you were going to make the move. I was and am posting from my phone.

Oh! If I don't post it in the game thread, feel free to post. :)

I took Sal's turn, and what a turn! Both Sal AND Kai rolled nat 20's! You guy's damage was almost maximized as well. Amazing. I wish I could roll that well normally!  :D

The good news is, with this crazy initiative order, you're up again!

See, I'm beginning to LIKE it when you roll for Kai. :P

I posted, I posted! I'm a good boy, I am. Yes, yes!

Huzzah!

Archimedes scares me now x(

Quote from: Elemental_ElfArchimedes scares me now x(

Archimedes would clearly get along splendidly in CE. :D

Sorry Sal :(

Ouch. That puts Sal at exactly 0 HP.

I just have to look up what that means in this system.

EDIT: Ooop, forgot about Damage Threshold. That is actually a mechanic that I like, too. Sal's threshold is 16 so it's lights out.

You can spend a force point to remain alive!  Then I can drag you to safety (after I come out of my death-frenzy) and medi-gel you pronto!

oi.
I guess lini was prophetic with her statement.
:(

I also guess it's time for Lini and coward Kai to step it up. :o.

You have SR 5, so you negate 5 damage. Sal has 32 HP listed in her character sheet. So you're actually at 9 HP (32 - 28 + 5) and -1 along the Condition Track.

As a swift action you can use you healing surge to gain 8 HP. You can also use another Swift Action to use a Medi-Gel pack to boost you an additional 5 HP.

Also remember that you can always use an action point to save yourself from dieing.  

Quote from: Light Dragonoi.
I guess lini was prophetic with her statement.
:(

I also guess it's time for Lini and coward Kai to step it up. :o.

Hey, I'm throwing grenades and taking cover. Considering how terrible my to-hit is, I think I've been doing pretty good so far for a social character. :P

[blockquote=Coyote Camouflage]Considering how terrible my to-hit is, I think I've been doing pretty good so far for a social character. [/blockquote]
Yeah, for the nerd character I've taken down a lot of bad guys!

Quote from: CoyoteCamouflage

Quote from: Light Dragonoi.
I guess lini was prophetic with her statement.
:(

I also guess it's time for Lini and coward Kai to step it up. :o.

Hey, I'm throwing grenades and taking cover. Considering how terrible my to-hit is, I think I've been doing pretty good so far for a social character. :P

Your grenade popped a 10 foot wide hole in the floor and killed a Krogan when he fell in. You also caused the death of the Vorcha, who was killed the other Krogan, who blamed the Vorcha for luring him into the pit (even though the Vorcha fell in after the Krogan (never question the Boss' logic, I guess)).

I was at 28 HP from the last fight but I forgot about the reduction.

EDIT: Wait, it was still over Sal's DT, so that doesn't matter.

I assumed you used a Medi-Gel pack to regain those HP before this encounter.

Oh, wait, DT doesn't work exactly like I thought. So you were right.

I should have healed up but I didn't even think about it. That's a smart soldier.

Oh well, Sal isn't quite dead yet so it doesn't matter. I can get to the healing now.

I'll be posting in the game thread shortly.

Posted. Sal is now either going to be a heroic badass or a sacrifice. I guess we'll see how it works out.

If Coyote doesn't post by 11, I'll have Kai Ready an Action to shoot the Eclipse Mercs, or maybe just have him shoot the Volus...?

I was the only player to post in a long space of time? Really???

And you're up again! This combat is so odd :)

Thanks for explaining the rules about the drone earlier.

I think I'm going to wait to post until the Eclipse go.

No problem LD :)

If Archimedes (or anyone else) doesn't engage the Eclipse mercs, you can be pretty much assured that they are simply running to the Stairwell.

Ok. Then action done.

Blarg! Days off! Internetting again! Exclamation point!

I figured most people left for vay-cay over the weekend.

Is there a relevant check to figure out who this Tsar character is?

Galactic Lore

So... What's going on guys?

Sorry, it's been a hectic and busy week for me with school-related things and house-related things.  I'll try and make a post very soon.

Oh ok. That makes sense.

I was just worried because we went from a post or two a day to nothing.

I'm just holding out in case someone knows something relevant about the Tsar or some-such. Because Kai is pretty close to just telling Sal to blow the Volus' head off.

Kai didn't ask anyone to tell him anything about the Tsar? Lini already looked up what she needs to know and as far as she's concerned, it isn't worth relating unless someone asks.

I'm waiting on Archimedes or kai or sal to do something at this point since I already took my action for the turn.

I think it was probably just a sticking point. We can probably get past it. It happens in all play by post games. People get busy or don't know what their character should do or get confused by what is going on or lost in a combat or whatever. This is still one of the stronger play by post games I've been in or seen, despite me.

"Pay it no heed."

Archimedes leapt on a Krogan and ate his spleen! How can we NOT give it heed!?  :P

He sort of despises/is embarrassed by his Hyde side, I think.

Now that we've had two big combat encounters under our collective belt, I'd like to know if you guys liked using the map or not? Was it more fun to just say where you are going in a relative sense or did you prefer the more stringent map with the grid?

I think the map is necessary because we keep getting confused when we don't use it.

But if it's too much work for you, then I understand.

It's a useful resource that I avail myself of when it's present. I wouldn't mind if it wasn't there, but it mostly depends on how difficult it is to produce.

Considering most of us tend towards a more "hide behind something" mentality during combat, I don't think exact positioning is as important. But that's just me.

It sometimes helps, but I don't think it's vital - don't feel pressured to always create a map.

I think at least a rough map is pretty much needed. If it's too time consuming for you, we can survive without it. You could also save time by making the maps less detailed and a grid isn't a must, either, as long as a compass rose is included. If there were any serious question, we could open a copy of the map in paint and post it up in a spoiler with a mark showing where we want to be.

In other news, I am reall sorry about my (lack of) activity in this game. I had been working on improving that and then for a large part of this last week I've been busy and occupied with other stuff so I have barely been online at all. Assuming they still come with an e-mail, I encourage anyone and everyone to nudge me with a PM whenever they want to hear something out of Sal.

Huh...maybe I overdid it a bit with that one.

Great post, poor rolls :(

Question: What did we agree upon for the canon of what's going on in the Citadel?

The council lived and Udina is the human representative ?

Did we all do a playthrough of ME1?  I suggest we go with the aggregate decisions.

Personally, I saved the Council, made Anderson representative, killed Kaidan, saved Wrex, killed the colonists, let the Rachni go, killed Rana, helped Kirrahe, and aided Gianna.

Oh, and I played as Femshep.

- I let the Council Die

- Made Anderson representative

- Killed Kaidan

- Saved Wrex

- Killed the colonists

- Killed the Rachni

- Killed Rana

- Helped Kirrahe

- Aided Gianna

- Femshep

I've beaten the game more times than I care to admit, but this is the result of my first play-through, if I remember right.

-Council lived

-Representative Anderson

-Killed Kaidan

-Saved Wrex

-Saved the colonists

-Freed the Rachni

-Let Kirrahe die (He held the line)

-Helped Giana

-Redeemed Saren (For what that's worth)

-Maleshep

-No idea about Rana. I keep letting her go now just because I want a reason to regret it in ME3

Quote from: Elemental_ElfGreat post, poor rolls :(

I didn't expect much from them and that's fine. She had no bonuses, even just from abilities, to those skills. It's Sal. She probably only uses the extranet for e-mail, directions, and porn 95% of the time. When she needs information she can pretty much always get it from her handler or Nani pretty quickly, anyway.

I didn't realize that some of these things were options. I should really get back to my second playthrough and make some of the other choices. Here's a summary for the one time I actually finished the game:

- Male (John Shepard)
- Almost an anti-hero. Most decisions were renegade but always tried to help people. Basically, 100% badass.
- Saved the council.
- Made Anderson the representative.
- Killed Kaidan (Ashley is a **** but still sort of reminds me of Mila Kunis).
- Saved Wrex and destroyed the krogan breeding place (if I remember right, by default it's either or but it is possible to be a total badass, like me).
- Saved the colonists? (I'm not 100% on where this option was. You can tell me, it won't spoil anything. I'm guessing it was with the plant creature, which I killed.)
- Saved Rana. (I had to look up who this was.)
- Killed Kirahe. (I had to look this up, too. I'm not 100% sure of this now but I think it did come up with Mordin in ME. I think he held the line or whatever.)
- Helped Gianna. (I had to look up this name, too, geez...)

It's been a very long time since that playthrough. Obviously I'm not terribly attached to any of these choices for this game right now. It never occurred to me to not save the Council but if they were gone that would make for some interesting chaos on the Citadel.

Question : Why did you guys decide to play Femshep? I get that it's a very popular choice with this game, I just don't get it. I've never done it, myself, before but I have seen a lot of the may for it when my girlfriend was playing it.

I started a Maleshep character on my first playthrough but decided to try a different class, and realized I liked Femshep's voice acting more, and that somehow being a Renegade seemed more fun as Femshep  (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sMEIdkLgnE)(I ended up at about 90% Renegade 50% Paragon or something like that).  Also you get the asari/Femshep romance that way  :P.

I like playing strong, decisive women in video games. Dunno why really, always have. Plus, I love the voice actor for Femshep (she's acted in a lot of TV shows I've watched over the years).

Ok judging by what's posted I think we can safely assume the following:

The Council survived, Anderson is the Representative, Kaidan is dead, Wrex is alive. I think those are the most important choices here (the other ones probably won't matter but you never know).

It seems that I'm the only one here who made Udina representative.

In my first playthrough
Udina
Council Lived
Killed Rachni
Killed Kaidan
Saved all the colonists
Wrex lived.
Relationship with Ashley
If Rana is that asari who's always involved in crimes then I let her live.
Paragon...but not 100%.

On the second playthrough:

Udina again
Council Died - Humans now rule the galaxy with a jackboot [all human council]...not because the PC was human-favoritist, but because I decided to not get involved in politics.
Saved Rachni
Killed Kaidan
Saved all the colonists
Wrex lived.
Relationship with Liara.
If Rana is that asari who's always involved in crimes, then I killed her.
Renegade, sort of-not 100%

Its official: The Council Survived and Anderson is the human Representative.

The voice acting seems to be what draws a lot of people to Femshep but I wasn't especially impressed. Not that she was bad, she just didn't seem better than the alternative to me.

I didn't like Femshep in ME1. I liked her better in ME2, probably because of the dialogue itself.

The dialogue and general writng was better in 2 that 1, regardless of the gender of your charactter.

Its easier to write dialog for established characters than it is to write it whole cloth.

The background stuff was better, though. The things not even being spoke by real characters. Also, the lead in a game like this isn't a clearly defined character.

I don't know if it was "easier" or "harder" to write the dialogue in ME2-- I just know that it was better.

And really, Shephard is quite the opposite of an existing character. Not only do your choices differ, but you can behave anywhere between a full Paragon and Renegade.

I think 2 simply had *more* dialogue to be able to account for multiple personalities from players. Compare to DA2, where Hawke tends to always sound snarky, no matter what is being said. Assuming you even have a choice at the time.

I'm not talking about just what the main character said. I mean everything.

"When you fire this thing you are ruining someone's day, somewhere, sometime. That's why you wait until you have a firing solution, you do not just eyeball it."

Added up the XP for role playing, combat, non-combat and sheer length of the thread and good news - Its time for a Level up!

Yay! Levels are always good!

Remind me, What do we do for HP again? Averages, max, rolls?

Max because average is lame and rolling is too variable!

I don't have the book... so could someone please tell me what I can add to for my level up? CC?

I'd like to add max points to the Use Computer skill.

Thanks.

Excellent. I'll post the edits to my character sheet later (as in, once I finish from dinner).

LD, I'll PM you the results of your level around that time, too.

Thanks. I'm looking forward to that.

Updated Character Sheet

Also added a Striker Pistol (I don't think I officially picked one up, but I think it could be useful to either buy with the 10K creds or to trade with what the party currently picked up from the cache)

Note: this only reposts the top half of my sheet. The bottom half is all the same:

[ic]Name: Lini'Leera vas Quee-Queeg
Class: Scoundrel 3
Species: Quarian
Gender: Female
Age: 23
Height: 5'4"
Weight: 108

STR   8   -1
DEX   16   +3
CON   8   -1
INT   18   +4
WIS   12   +1
CHA   10   +0

HP:  22 (1d6-1/lvl)
Damage Threshold: 11
                        Base                Armor/Level                     Ability                     Class
Fort   12=   10   +   3   -   1   +   0
Ref   17=   10   +   3   +   2   +   2
Will   15=   10   +   3   +   1   +   1

+2 BAB
Knife      +1   1d4-1   .5kg   P/S
Hold-Out Pistol   +5   3d4   .5kg   Energy   +5 Stealth to conceal
Heavy Blaster   +5   3d8   1.3kg   Energy
Frag Grenades (10)
Smoke Grenades (10)
Judgment Pistol   +5   3d8+2   1.8kg   Energy
Striker Pistol      +7   3d8   1.5kg   Energy
Ion Pistol      +5   3d6   1kg   Ion*
Ion Damage: Half damage to Organic. Full damage to Synthetic/Vehicle/Cybernetic. If hit reduces HP to 0, target drops 5 steps on condition track. If damage equals or exceeds target damage threshhold, target drops 2 steps on condition track.

Talents
Dastardly Strike: Whenever you make a successful attak against an opponent that is denied its Dexterity bonus to Reflex Defense, the target moves -1 step along the condition track.
Knack: 1x/day reroll a skill check.

Feats
Point Blank Shot (+1 atk/ +1 dam for shots in 20 squares)
Precise Shot (Negates penalties for shoot into melee)
Run and Gun (move after shooting; like spring attack)
Skill Focus (Mechanic)
Use Tech (Combat Drone, Tech Armor)
Weapon Proficiency (Pistols,  Simple Weapons)[/ic]

Updates:

Level 2 ->3
HP Gained: 6 (Total 30)
BAB, +1 (All attacks raise by +1)
Feat: Skill Focus (Persuasion)
Skills: Persuasion +9 -> +14
Talent: Advanced Planning - When you roll initiative for combat, choose one willing ally within your line of sight. You and that ally swap initiative rolls.

Defenses: Fort/Will raised by 1 to 13/16 respectively.

If Armor is approved, Fort gains a +2 Equipment bonus, up to 15 (Increasing his D. Threshold to 15) and Reflex raises to 19. Perception also raises by +2, to +4.

Equipment: I would love to get the ME equivalent of Stormtrooper armor. It's Military-Grade, but Kai can easily forge the DC 20 documents to obtain them, with room to spare for rushing the job. I'm not sure how the Difficulty modifiers to Deception apply in this case, as the rules don't point it out. Technically, I think Kai is also guaranteed to be able to forge the documents for Illegal goods, waving that nasty 50% license fee if you want some questionable materials. For this purpose, Kai is either creating false identities or stealing them.

Yes, Kai practically is a Black Market unto himself. I'm thinking he should start filing taxes as one. :D

That would cost 8,000 of my 10,000 purse. Kai will gladly sit on the rest for a few good nights in town.

It's 10K each? I thought it was 10K between all of us?

That is also what I thought.

The 10k Credits was a stipend for group-related mission activities (Bribes, transport, etc.).

But you guys do deserve some money.

So feel free to have 3 thousand credits to spend on yourselves, each.

Cool. I should be able to get my level up in order in the morning and post for Sal.

This level up got me 2 feats (one that everyone gets, one from Soldier). I took Improved Defenses and Point Blank Shot.

Also purchased a utility belt, added "Cloaked" to her primary rifle, and "Shockweb" to her armor. (She had extra money from her Wealth talent. Not so much money now.)

*Snaps Fingers*

Darn. I was hoping. Not that there's too much worth buying for myself anyway. Most of the varied stuff seems designed around weapons, and Kai's never going to be a good enough shot to make them worth it.

Guess he'll just sit on his money for now, until something fancy and shiny catches his eye.

Sal, on the other hand, can always find mire upgrades and such. The gear is pretty slanted toward soldiers and tech people, though. If anyone us coming up just a little short of what they want, Sal has some credits left that she could send their way in the interest of having a well-equiped team.

Do we roll hp each level?  I seem to remember you saying something about how to deal with it, Elf, but can't find the post.

Max HP at each level. We're hardcore cinematic badasses.

Quote from: Elemental_Elf
It appears there is no data con this chip conerning such information. However, you did find a a half-deleted bit of information stating red and black were the intended colors of the ship.

Because red makes it go da fastest!

WAAAGH!

At this point, I would change "STILL RECRUITING" in the thread title to "ALWAYS RECRUITING". I would always be willing to accept more players into the game but we're far from the start at this point.

I hereby take back every bad thing I've said about this site's dice roller.

I'm catching up in the moments I can look at my phone at work. It's clear by being busy, I've been missing out on some badassery. Damnit. I didn't really expect geth to become involved in all of this.

Note for EE for future: If Lini ever gets some real downtime (not recuperating from being shot) she has some emails she intends to write.

a. She is writing an email back to the human who had the mother. I already ran this email past CC and he thought it was amusing.
b. She'll probably look closer at Sal's appended "hit on her" option.
c. She will be looking into the volus' Turian Spouse.

I can assure you that Sal has been dying to make a comment comparing cracking open a tasty nut and undressing a quarian, there just hasn't been a proper opportunity.

*cricket noises*

So how's everyone doing? Posting is at an all time low! If we must, we can end the game if everyone has moved on, just don't leave me hanging.

Sorry, I've been really hard-pressed on time, lately. I don't have time at this exact moment, but I'll get things going again when I wake up tomorrow.

Was Sal able to wear her armor on the ship or not? I don't think I got an answer nit I could have just missed it. That will determine exactly how far she can move.

I want to keep going - it's not my turn yet in initiative but I will post soon anyway.  I'm in the midst of crazy school projects and so have had little time!

You can wear armor :)

I'm glad you guys were just busy and not quitting :)

Come on guys!  Let's kill some geth!

Its midterm week, so I may not be able to post much until the weekend :(

Don't worry; no one's posting much anyway. :D

'tis true.

Maybe its because too many weird things are happening?

It's certainly been a busy while for me. I hope we're not ready to say goodbye to Lini, Archimedes, Kai, and Sal just yet though?

Same here - busy, busy, busy.

I don't want to say good bye in the least.

But... We need players and I haven't seen much of Coyote or NinjaD! in the last few weeks.

Yeah. Sometimes a hiatus isn't the worst thing, though.  It seemed to work out for CE.

I'm here.

I've been in and out a lot, sorry. If you want to boot me, I'll understand.

Otherwise, I'm now running a play by post over on SomethingAwful so I should be att my computer much more regularly. I can make sure to keep this game in the rotation, too.

I think we'll see a boost when ME3 comes out, if we all stick around that long. I'm also about to start reading the most recent comic series.

...Talked to CC- He said he won't be around for the next week or few.

Well we could put the game on hiatus until Christmas.

I just looked back at this and realized the last post was saying, "we could" and wasn't a final decision. Is that what we're doing? Or the new year? Sooner? Later? It's not dead, is it?

Just noting. Starting the second week of February I should have more time to be available for continuing this.

Mass Effect 3 comes out in March so our heads are likely to be full of it by then!