The Campaign Builder's Guild

[note=IRC Info!]Server: Otherworlders
(irc.otherworlders.org)

Channel: #cbgnostats

Please note the new channel, chosen in order to avoid disrupting the general discussion in #thecbg. To join this channel, type "/join #cbgnostats". You can be in both channels at once, if you like.[/note]It's early in the life-cycle of the Setting Author Q&A (http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?62761), but not too early, I think, to declare it a success. We've had good turnout in all our Q&A events, strong support from the site's administration (:heart: Ishy), and people clamoring to participate. In light of this success, I think it's time to unveil phase two of my IRC Event Series plan, so buckle your seatbelts!

No Stats Theatre is a proposed series of casual, one-night-only IRC games open to all members of the community. As the name implies, No Stats Theatre games will be played without any significant game mechanics-- nobody has a character sheet or stats, and disputed actions are resolved by the digital equivalent of a coin-flip. These severely stripped-down mechanics enable players to jump into the action without stopping to "build a character" first, and eliminate the need for players to study the often complicated systems of mechanics often associated with some worlds.

Each episode of No Stats Theatre will rotate between various narrators and between various settings. It is my hope that we will get some people expertly running games in their own settings, and that we will also get people running games in other people's worlds, in the spirit of the old stalled-on-the-runway Adopt-a-Setting Project. Players are encouraged to participate in some games as their schedules and their interest allow-- there's no obligation to set aside time to return week after week unless you want to. People who do make a habit out of playing in many No Stats Theatre games will have a front-row seat for a tour of many of the worlds featured on this site.

Sounds pretty neat, eh?

How do I get involved as a narrator?
Easy! Post in this thread to indicate your interest. We'll sort out an order based on everybody's availability, then let the person who's next in line pick a date that works well for them. (In time, we'll get around to everybody who wants to be featured.) When you set your date, provide information about what you plan to run (the world you're using, and a one- or two-sentence description of your premise) for potential players. If you're planning to run a game in someone-else's world, it's probably a good idea to contact that world's writer for advice, or at least to get his or her blessing.

If you feel like there's a maximum number of players you can reasonably handle, make note of this as well. At your option, you may want to include a few sample characters for players to use, or to inspire players to create their own (see below).

How do I get involved as a player?
Easy! Just jump right in. When you see a game you're interested in playing in, post and say so. Post a one- or two-sentence description of the character you want to play (background, personality, profession-- that sort of thing), and you're ready to go!

A few suggestions for types of games:
Because of the stripped-down mechanics, it's going to be difficult to arrange the type of tactical distinction we associate with a lot of types of games, and a lot of the fire is going to be taken out of conflict-intensive games that would rely on a lot of die-rolling. Battlefield scenes may be unsatisfying on a mechanical level, and may also do a sub-par job of exploring the intricacies and unique aspects of a particular setting. Because of time constraints (everything takes longer on IRC, and we're bound to fit each game into one evening), consider small and relatively simple scenes. I've had ideas involving suspicious dinner parties, magic classes for beginners, archaeological explorations of ancient ruins, supplicatory meetings with potentates, and so on. I've already thought of a few suitable scenes for Jade Stage games (and one or two that would work in other settings), but I'm most looking forward to hearing the ideas of those in this community whose creativity far exceeds my own.

Go ahead and post with suggestions and expressions of interest. I will edit this post to include a list of interested folks, and as we get more information on who's interested in showing up, we'll settle on a time that satisfies as many of us as possible. Based on the Q&A thread, it seems like evening or late night EST on weekdays may work the best, but feel free to jump in and run a game whenever your schedule suits you, and I'm sure people will bend their schedules to fit whichever timeslot you like.

I'm eager to run a few games and play in several more, so get posting!

I like this idea a lot. Informal, low- or no-stats roleplay is how I prefer to play anyway, as long as I can play with people who know enough to not hang themselves with the large amount of metaphorical rope slack that style of play gives you-- given the typical crowd here that shouldn't be a concern.

This sounds like fun. I'm interested.

Damn, now I need to get on the IRC, haha.

I'd love to participate.  I can't volunteer as a narrator right away though perhaps in a couple of months I'd be able to.

Our group occasionally runs games where the sum total of character creation is "NAME" "OCCUPATION" "HOBBY" "SKILL" "INEPTITUDE" "LOVES" "HATES", usually determined in one or two spoken sentences.  So I'll ask a player "who are you?" and he might say "Candice Brannigan, Car salesperson who hates cars.  I'm good at judo but suck at driving (that's why I hate cars) and I love to ice skate."

Don't know if that method might be transferrable in some way to your little shindig, but it usually means that we can start play about five minutes after we sit down (we also invent the setting on the spot), and that simplicity might be what you're looking for.

If you're looking for a narrator to start things off, I'm still looking to inflict my setting on...er, I mean, play a game in my Crystalstar setting, after the collapse of the commoner campaign group #2. ;)

This thread is hella old, but I am posting in it nevertheless.

Is there still any interest in this sort of thing? Was there ever?

[spoiler=Because if so,][spoiler=we should totally][spoiler=you know,][spoiler=if you want to, I mean]mumblemumblemumble[/spoiler][/spoiler][/spoiler][/spoiler]

I'm game

I'm still interested, too. So consider my offer still open. :D

Count me in. I would like to become more of an active member of this community, this is as good a chance as any. Sounds fun as well.

Depending on my availability and on which setting is being run (If I am familiar with it) I am interested in participating.

I suppose the key now is to set a time to get together each week so that people can plan ahead to log on the IRC channel at certain periods. Good luck. Please don't plan around me (my schedule is variable), find something convenient for you and I will see if I can make it. :)

I'd love to participate.

So sparkletwist- what time will your setting be run? Set a date and we'll see if we can make it.

I will read up on your setting as well-

I wouldn't mind joining as well if time allows. Probably takes some odd schedules to allow for time difference between continents, but hell, if we can make it work I'm in.

Sounds interesting.

I'm pretty flexible. Sometime next week would be great. If Tuesday (the 25th) at around 8 PM Eastern (I'll get the time right this time :P) isn't a problem, that's what I'd suggest.

Wednesday would be pretty good for me as well, but I don't want to clash with Vreeg's thingy, unless we're sure there's going to be no overlap.

I won't be around on Tuesdays or Thursday starting next week. But don't reschedule just around me.

Wednesday is good for me, too. I wouldn't look at it like rescheduling around you, more like forming the initial schedule with you in mind. The only real conflict (so far anyway) would be with Vreeg's group, but I don't think any of them have even expressed interest. So I'll put Wednesday 8/26 at 8pm Eastern out there.

Theoretically I may be able to make that.

Is there anything we should read up on particularly?

How long will it be and how early should we arrive at the IRC channel to be in at the set up.

Quote from: sparkletwistWednesday is good for me, too. I wouldn't look at it like rescheduling around you, more like forming the initial schedule with you in mind. The only real conflict (so far anyway) would be with Vreeg's group, but I don't think any of them have even expressed interest. So I'll put Wednesday 8/26 at 8pm Eastern out there.

Um I expressed interest :P

I'll just throw some nights out there: (all EST) Sunday Monday or Wednesday. But these are just suggestions. Perhaps start a poll ?

I am available before 6:30pm PST (9:30pm EST) every day but Sunday. After that point I am off to work for the night and won't get back till most of you are in bed (like sane people should be). On Sunday I have work off but I'm not available till after 1-2pm (4-5pm est).

So 1 person is out on Tue/Thu (Phoenix) and effectively (given Vreeg's game), Nomadic is out on Wed nights. We can always rotate the games week by week depending on what's playing.

This begs the question, who is available on Wed or Tuesday (the earlier suggested so-called "nights"). Tentatively, I am available on both days for next week but in the future Tuesday will be impossible to make. Thursday is probably also out for me.

Friday and Saturday are probably bad ideas for most everyone.

This leaves: Monday, Sunday, Wednesday.

In the interests of speed, I would say let's not do a poll, but just post availability here and then let sparkletwist choose whatever day she likes best (currently Wed). Then she'll see who shows up. If 2 people show up in addition to sparkle, I would consider it a success.

Quote from: Crystalstar
http://www.thecbg.org/wiki/index.php?title=Meta_(Crystalstar)
http://www.thecbg.org/wiki/index.php?title=Agahza
... and whatever else. I don't want to provide too long of a reading list, after all. That is probably enough to get the 'feel.'

Though I'm leaning toward the characters being Agahzan natives, the actual game would likely take place in another city-state. That would have the advantage of the PCs being unfamiliar with the new place so the players' unfamiliarity wouldn't be as big of a limitation... :)

I'll come up with some sample characters and post them in a bit.

[quote=NomadicUm I expressed interest :P

Not recently, at least at the time I made my post. Things can change a lot in 6 months so I didn't pay a lot of attention to the old posts in this thread.

Thank you.

I vote for a diplomatic intrigue/ sneaky session and/or character. I think I noticed some overtones of that.

As for adventure types?
Perhaps something to deal with Crystal mining?
Diplomacy?

Personally, I'd rather adventure somewhere that is detailed on the wiki- so that I feel like I'm playtesting the setting rather than just playing a generic DnD game. Others' opinions may differ.

Quote from: Light Dragonso that I feel like I'm playtesting the setting rather than just playing a generic DnD game.

Well, I'd hope that no matter where it is, I can convey a sense different than a "generic D&D game," or I'd obviously need a bit more uniqueness. ;)

As for the plot, that sounds good. Diplomacy and intrigue and crystal mining can go well together, such as a group trying to secure the crystal mining rights for some new territory.

Sample characters-- players can feel free to adapt, change names, or go in a completely different direction. However, if we can do most of the character creation before the session, it seems like it'd make things go much more quickly and smoothly. There are no stats to balance, so it's probably quite doable, too.

[ic=Sample Characters]
Aqim Khanú
An up-and-coming businessman, with a good deal of knowledge of the crystal business. He's got connections to the royal family, however tenuous, which put him in first place to take advantage of this new opportunity. Skilled at negotiations, but somewhat arrogant.

Garzh Lok
A mysterious sort from a more northerly climate who sort of blew into town one day, he serves as "muscle" for Aqim, to ensure that his business dealings always go smoothly, and none of the assorted characters that he has to deal with cause him too much trouble. Strong and powerful, but not the most socially adept.

Shan Miyan
A boyish young fellow who was probably completely unremarkable until a couple days ago, when he someone got caught up in all this. Maybe Aqim saw something special in them. Maybe he got them out of a jam and they feel obliged to bring him along. Lots of youthful energy and a positive attitude, but quite inexperienced.

Sanikatya
A Varrdyeni woman who grew tired of her city and culture and is "slumming it" in Agahza. She's probably of the laborer caste and not any big loss to them, but she does know some tidbits about crystalline engineering that your average Agahzan may not so she's of use to Aqim's little operation. Bright and adventurous, but a bit of a misfit.
[/ic]

I am reading this thread.  Just in case in the future someone asks me If i looked at this.

The first and last characters seem the most interesting (to me)- I will place my #1 vote for the first and #2 for the last character.

*Edit: Phoenix... I added the qualifier. (I was choosing my character- I was not trying to comment on the quality of writing-which is good.)

Actually, I thought Shan sounded more interesting.

I think it's going to be the 26th, then. Bump! :)

Bump.

I would really love to participate in this, but I have a prior engagement tomorrow night.

I especially hate to miss this one, because Crystalstar is awesome, and because it seems like bad form to miss the first event in an event series that was my idea, but I hope to be able to get in on the next one.

Sparkletwist, I don't think I'm going to be able to make this one. I was looking forward to Crystalstar, so if it goes well I hope you will do another in the future.

Is there a sign-up sheet some where , or should I just show up?

Just show up. :D

Sarisa- It's sort of going on right now (sort of). If you are having MiRC trouble, there's a guide on the site. Or just post here- we'll monitor it for your presence.

Good luck!
~LD

It didn't happen. Too much bailing out at the last minute. :P Of course that means nobody missed out on anything, either!

I guess we'll reschedule once we can come up with another day that is good. :)

So Sparkle? Care to set a date? Wednesdays are probably out, considering Vreeg's game.
Maybe Thursday Sept 3d? (Although I personally may not be able to make that), or Tuesday Sep 1? (I'm unsure if I can make that). Or monday the 31st? Or some other day?

Quote from: Light DragonMaybe Thursday Sept 3d? (Although I personally may not be able to make that), or Tuesday Sep 1? (I'm unsure if I can make that). Or monday the 31st? Or some other day?

Thursdays, at least for the time being, aren't particularly good for me, or it seems, anyone else. There wasn't a lot of excitement for Tuesdays, either, which was one of the reasons I also thought a Wednesday might work better. There wasn't a lot of overlap between this and Vreeg's game, so I wasn't hugely concerned about Wednesday.

Would trying to squeeze it in on Aug 31st be too short notice? If some combination of you, Phoenix, LC, Sarisa, and/or a couple others can make it, it could be doable, though. Wednesday Sept 2nd would also be possible... though that's another Wednesday.

Any thoughts?

If you squeeze it in on any day but a Wednesday I'll join in.

I think short notice is probably better than long notice- with long notice, people forget. And since real life obligations usually trump CBG (especially since CBG often falls through) people are often to schedule over CBG events if they are planned too far in advance.

I personally would not want to commit to something online more than 4 days in advance. (Just generally)

Any irc other typing heavy stuff is out for me for a few weeks, due to a wrist injury. This one-handed typing would not be fun long term.

Ok, with that in mind, I will say we can try this again at Monday August 31st at 8pm Eastern.

The list of characters and wiki links is back on the last page so I'll repeat it here to avoid any confusion. The plot, as mentioned before, is likely to revolve around the diplomacy involved in securing the mining rights to a newly found vein of crystal.

Wiki links:
http://www.thecbg.org/wiki/index.php?title=Crystalstar
http://www.thecbg.org/wiki/index.php?title=Meta_(Crystalstar)
http://www.thecbg.org/wiki/index.php?title=Agahza

Here are the character ideas, with some additions. Players can feel free to adapt, change names, or go in a completely different direction. However, if we can do most of the character creation before the session, it seems like it'd make things go much more quickly and smoothly. There are no stats to balance, so it's probably quite doable, too.
[ic=Sample Characters]
Aqim Khanú
An up-and-coming businessman, with a good deal of knowledge of the crystal business. He's got connections to the royal family, however tenuous, which put him in first place to take advantage of this new opportunity. Skilled at negotiations, but somewhat arrogant.

Garzh Lok
A mysterious sort from a more northerly climate who sort of blew into town one day, he serves as "muscle" for Aqim, to ensure that his business dealings always go smoothly, and none of the assorted characters that he has to deal with cause him too much trouble. Strong and powerful, but not the most socially adept.

Shan Miyan
A boyish young fellow who was probably completely unremarkable until a couple days ago, when he somehow got caught up in all this. Maybe Aqim saw something special in him. Maybe he got the others out of a jam and they feel obliged to bring him along. Lots of youthful energy and a positive attitude, but quite inexperienced. Or seems to be, anyway, maybe he's actually a covert Brotherhood or United Coalition agent.

Tannka Nekhdzú
A crystal artisan/merchant/appraiser or other commerce type who is along to evaluate the commercial worth of the potential haul. Maybe he's upright, or maybe he's got his own agenda. He's intelligent, but always comes across as a bit shady.

Sanikatya
A Varrdyeni woman who grew tired of her city and culture and is "slumming it" in Agahza. She's probably of the laborer caste and not any big loss to them, but she does know some tidbits about crystalline engineering that your average Agahzan may not so she's of use to Aqim's little operation. Bright and adventurous, but a bit of a misfit.
[/ic]
 

Reminder bump

I am going to be unable to attend tonight for schedule reasons, but I would like to take the opportunity to say I really like your sample characters, and the way you're laying out the run-up to the event in general. I think it's a good thing you're going first, because you're setting a really useful precedent.

I'm interested in playing Aqquim or Tannka.
Hopefully some others show up...
Looking forward to this.

I'm up for playing Garzh Lok

It went well. Sparkletwist ran a tight ship.
The log will be posted later! :)

Aqim Khanú (LD)
An up-and-coming businessman, with a good deal of knowledge of the crystal business. He's got connections to the royal family, however tenuous, which put him in first place to take advantage of this new opportunity. Skilled at negotiations, but somewhat arrogant.

Garzh Lok (Nomadic)
A mysterious sort from a more northerly climate who sort of blew into town one day, he serves as "muscle" for Aqim, to ensure that his business dealings always go smoothly, and none of the assorted characters that he has to deal with cause him too much trouble. Strong and powerful, but not the most socially adept.

and

Sanikatya (Limetom)
A Varrdyeni woman who grew tired of her city and culture and is "slumming it" in Agahza. She's probably of the laborer caste and not any big loss to them, but she does know some tidbits about crystalline engineering that your average Agahzan may not so she's of use to Aqim's little operation. Bright and adventurous, but a bit of a misfit.

Showed up.

So who's up for GMing the next game? Steerpike- I'm looking forward to a game in the Cadaverous Earth!

and after I sort through the Gloria notes and make improvements that were suggested in the Q&A, I'd be glad to do something there in a few weeks.

Once I get Mare Eternus going I'm totally going to run a no stats theater game in it.

I really enjoyed reading the log of Sparkletwist's game.  I just wish it had been at a better time for me!  I'll just try to get in on the next one.

I might be game to play host sometime soon, if there's interest in that.  I was originally reluctant to propose it because I haven't run a game in a long while, but Sparkletwist's post inspired me.

That said, there are a lot of people who expressed interest before me, and I want to give them their fair chance.

Do you think that Mare Eternus is ready to go yet?
I'd vote for it or Clockwork Jungle being next.

~LD.

Yea actually it is getting pretty close. I can throw up some more stuff on the species and think up a scenerio (or pc can go first if he's eager for it).

Quote from: NomadicYea actually it is getting pretty close. I can throw up some more stuff on the species and think up a scenerio (or pc can go first if he's eager for it).

The earliest I'd be willing to do it is next weekend.  It might take me longer depending on what my schedule is like and how long it takes me to come up with an idea for the session.  If you're ready (or will be soon), go for it, and don't worry about conflicting with me.

Well the earliest I would be willing is after that so you're free to go for it.

Very well then!  I am interested in running a no-stats game sometime next weekend, either Saturday or Sunday.  I need to know who is interested, whether you can conceivably make it on these days, and if so, what times are best for you.  I can easily reschedule for another weekend if that is better, but it will have to be either Saturday or Sunday.

The game will take place in the Clockwork Jungle setting, and the theme will be "ruins exploration."  I will provide more info when we decide on a date and I get an idea as to who is interested.

I am available on those days. Saturday I am available till 5:30pm (8:30pm est). On Sundays I am available after about 2pm (5pm est)

I will probably be available. Saturday I may be unavailable from 5:30EST-7:15EST (but that's tentative; My schedule should b ironed down by wednesday.)

Will you have premade characters to choose from?

Quote from: Light DragonWill you have premade characters to choose from?

Yes - though, like sparkletwist, I'm fine with people wanting to add their own or altering the existing ones.  I'll post some background and a sample character list sometime soon.

I am presently leaning towards Sunday, September 13 at some point, probably in the afternoon PST.  I think at least 3 players would be best, but we'll see what we have then.

Anyway:

[spoiler=Game Info and Characters]This will be a statless mini-adventure of ruins exploration, beginning with the discovery of an ancient ruin in the Saltmoor (the clockwise edge of the Flowering Moors).  As the PCs, you will play as members of an expedition team, hired and led by an Umbril named Areth-Ven.  You have been told very little about what exactly lies where you are going '" nothing at all, in fact '" but have been assured that a great treasure lies here, of which you will receive a handsome portion.  At the time, this sounded like a tempting offer (though after weeks wandering about in the Saltmoor, you're not so sure anymore).

A bit more background will be given before play starts.

Here's a list of possible PCs for you, but if you have another character idea you can propose that.  Catch me on IRC sometime and tell me what you'd like, or how you'd like to change an existing character.  The only requirement is that one of you must play Areth-Ven itself (I don't care who '" but I'm not going to play a DM PC!).

[ic=Sample Character List]Areth-Ven Ilfan (Umbril)
A merchant of exotic wares and amateur historian hailing from the port city of Inembran.  Areth-Ven is a clever businessman and dabbling scholar, but knows little of combat, jungle survival, or other 'hands-on' fields.  Areth-Ven is the expedition leader and carries the group's only lodestone.

Fens-Ul Thalun (Umbril)
A ballooner and veteran of the Netai Wars from Var Umber.  Fens-Ul captained a smokeship during the last war, and has plenty of experience in navigation, flying, and crossbow-shooting.  Fens-Ul is confident and cool under pressure, but a bit abrasive, with a military manner not suited for polite company.

Uszkal Tzula (Ussik Female)
A mercenary of the Netai Wars on the side of the Confederation, originally from distant White Lotus, who's been out of a job since the peace began.  Uszkal is a fierce and skilled swordsman with a keen eye and a fondness for art, but is impatient and still hasn't really adapted to the customs and society of this new land or its strange inhabitants.

Nialeng (Iskite Male)
A traveling scholar and explorer from Scalemount.  Nialeng knows a bit about antique Iskite languages, which is why Areth-Ven chose to have him along.  He has a stern and meticulous manner, perhaps even an arrogant one, though his time among aliens has cured him of much of the xenophobia that his fellows back in the homeland have.

Kunetze (Iskite Female)
A clockmaker and mechanical specialist, whose knowledge might be useful against traps as well.  Unknown to the rest, Kunetze was a sympathizer with the Right Orientation Alliance and spied for them during the wars.  She would rather see any treasures of the ruin in the hands of her people.  She is bright and opinionated, but tries to keep her potentially dangerous political leanings under wraps.

Akan Yika Meeran (Gheen Male)
An old acquaintance of Areth-Ven who also hails from Inembran; despite the fact that he was a smuggler for some time, he's the only one of the group Areth-Ven maybe trusts.  He's a bit of a black sheep among his large and influential family back in Inembran.  Yika Meeran likes to think of himself as 'reformed' '" mostly '" but still strikes others as a shifty character.

Tulthan (Tahr Male)
A skilled tracker from the Great Mire.  Tulthan has a curious streak that got him into some trouble with his blood, which is why he's out here.  He's a proficient outdoorsman and survivalist, but tends to be reserved among aliens, who he's seldom spent much time with before.[/ic]
Recommended Reading

Some familiarity with the setting is obviously preferable to none, but this adventure won't require a lot of background knowledge.  I'd recommend reading these articles:

Gheen (http://www.thecbg.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gheen), Iskites (http://www.thecbg.org/wiki/index.php?title=Iskites), Tahro (http://www.thecbg.org/wiki/index.php?title=Tahro), or Umbril (http://www.thecbg.org/wiki/index.php?title=Umbril) (depending on who you're playing '" feel free to skim these, as they're pretty long)*Szalk (http://www.thecbg.org/wiki/index.php?title=Szalk)*Cog (http://www.thecbg.org/wiki/index.php?title=Cog_%28Clockwork_Jungle%29)*Artificers (http://www.thecbg.org/wiki/index.php?title=Artificers_%28Clockwork_Jungle%29) (just the first part, you don't need to read the theories)[/list]
Also, here is some setting-specific vocabulary (http://www.thecbg.org/wiki/index.php?title=Expressions_%28Clockwork_Jungle%29) you may hear me using and are free to use yourself.[/spoiler]

Great!
Here are my preferences:
Areth-Ven Ilfan (Umbril) [Interested]
Nialeng (Iskite ) [Very interested]
Kunetze (Iskite ) [Could do]
Fens-Ul Thalun (Umbril) [Could do]

I'll play Areth-Ven Ilfan (unless someone wants to fight me for it).

Perhaps to increase visibility of this event... create a new thread with the game details?

Depending on when the game starts on Sunday I may or may not be able to make it. I will have some commitments that start a little before 6PM EST.

I think I may be able to attend this one.  And now I'm not on Pacific time, woot!

Well, the best time for me is afternoon PST - around 2-3 pm.  If there are insufficient people at that time, we'll reschedule for sometime next weekend.

I was wondering if there'd be any interest in a No Stats Theatre session of Tempter (http://thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?58891.0)?

I think Tempter would work a lot better in a No Stats game than the Cadaverous Earth - I imagine CE as working best with fragile characters and opportunities for visceral combat, and a CE game based solely on diplomacy or puzzle-solving would seem to me not to exhibit the world's strengths particularly well.

Here are a few sample characters, though of course players would be free to modify them or invent their own.

Since this is a No Stats Theatre game, Tempters don't have the five regular statistics.  They do, however, each have three unique powers that expend 'Energy' '" two lesser powers, which expend one point of Energy each, and one greater power, which expends two points of Energy '" as well as a power or set of powers useable at will, without Energy expenditure.  Each Tempter begins the session with five points of Energy, having just manifested from Hell.

All Tempters can manifest their true forms in the mortal plane for thirteen minutes by expending a point of Energy.[ic=Samael]A moody, brooding demon, Samael was once the Authority's Angel of Death, a role now belonging to the Archangel Azrael, for whom Samael reserves an intense, simmering hatred.  Samael generally appears as a tall, pale, sinewy youth with long, white-blonde hairl, dressed in black jeans and hoodie, his eyes concealed by opaque, totally reflective black sunglasses (behind which his eyes are black voids).  When required to 'dress up' he wears a black suit and tie with a heavy leather coat.  In his true form he is a faceless, cadaverous figure swathed in a tattered black robe.  Now a soldier of Hell, Samael's politics can be most closely aligned with Moloch's, though in general he prefers to follow orders rather than to lead.  In battle he wields a numinous weapon called the Scythe, which can assume the form of any weapon '" in modern times, often a gun of some variety.

Powers

Samael's Scythe can become any weapon wieldable by an individual warrior (i.e. it can become a sword or pistol, but not a nuclear bomb, a bazooka but not a tank).  If the Scythe becomes a firearm it has infinite ammunition, though its bullets can still be deflected by sufficiently heavy armour or similar protection; Samael can, however, execute incredibly intricate trick shots.  Samael is also a master of every conceivable mortal weapon, from a katana to a rocket-propelled grenade to a boomerang.

Gaze: Samael can kill with a mere glance if he wishes.  By removing his glasses and making eye contact he can instantly slay any mortal.  Protective talismans or eyewear may guard against the Gaze.  This ability uses one point of Energy.

Speak with Dead: Samael can temporarily bring a soul back to its body, though only if the soul went to Hell.  This ability uses one point of energy, but cannot be used on any corpse on which Last Rites have been said.

Reanimate: Samael can infuse a corpse with a measure of his Energy to create an undead Revenant that obeys all of his instructions.  The Revenant is very difficult to destroy; even decapitating it will not stop it.  This ability uses two points of energy, but cannot be used on any corpse on which Last Rites have been said.[/ic][ic=Namaah]A sensual, guileful demon of Belialian affiliation, Namaah revels in entrapping mortals through seduction and deception.  Appearing as an androgynous human usually garbed in an immaculate white suit, with porcelain-white skin and large violet eyes, Namaah can switch its sex at will, emphasizing either female or male characteristics while always maintaining an edge of sexual ambiguity.  Sophisticated and ruthless, Namaah is a calculating creature with a capacity for subtleties.  In its true demonic form Namaah is a grotesque hermaphrodite with exaggeratedly prominent genitals and other sexual characteristics, including a long, serpentine beard and massive, pendulous breasts, a hybrid of fertility goddess and tumescent satyr.  Famously, Namaah seduced Noah and gave birth to the half-demon Ham.

Powers

Namaah can change its sex at will without Energy expenditure.  Namaah can also always predict the result of a die roll or discern the suite and number of a card without seeing it.

Soulsuck: Namaah can drain a mortal's Essence through coitus, and severely weaken them (to the point of unconsciousness) through a mere kiss.  Protective talismans can safeguard against this ability.  This ability uses one point of Energy.

Caress: If Namaah can touch a mortal's skin it can charm that mortal supernaturally, enthralling it and captivating it.  While a mortal thus charmed is not an automaton they are instantly sympathetic to Namaah's suggestions.  Protective talismans can safeguard against Namaah's caress.  This ability uses one point of Energy.

Deadly Beauty: Namaah can enhance its allure to induce violent ecstasy in all that view it.  It can moderate this effect to produce physical pain or even death, as its victims hearts' pump too quickly.  Protective talismans or eyewear can safeguard against this attack.  This ability uses two points of Energy.[/ic][ic=Cagnazzo]Taking the form of a small, deceptively adorable French Bulldog with a gleam of sinister intelligence in his eyes, Cagnazzo is diminutive but vicious, a sly, sometimes cantankerous demon skilled in the arts of deception and infiltration.  With a penchant for fine cigars, cognac, and explosives, Cagnazzo is far more dextrous than most canines and can grip objects (such as pistols or keys) in his paws, and can talk.  He also professes a taste for canine females, regularly making lascivious comments on seeing one.  In general he is a sardonic, wise-cracking curmudgeon, a stalwart Beezlebubian known for his caustic wit and his predilection for obscenity.  In his true form Cagnazzo appears much as the mythical Cerberus '" a slavering, three-headed monstrosity of gigantic size, with glowing red eyes and massive fangs.

Powers

Cagnazzo's small size allows him access to certain areas other fallen might find inaccessible.  He can urinate and defecate at will, and can also conjure a cigar or a mickey of cognac without expending Energy.

Blasphemy: Calling on the fell powers, Cagnazzo can bark a dreadful blasphemy that deafens any mortals who hear it.  Protective talismans or ear-wear can safeguard against this effect.  Blasphemy uses one point of Energy.

Safe-cracker: Cagnazzo can expend one point of energy to discover the combination to any safe or any electronic password.

Hellfire: If Cagnazzo drinks the entirety of a mickey of cognac he can let out a massive belch of sulphurous Hellfire, incinerating any mortals and flammable materials in a broad swathe and potentially knocking down walls or blowing open doors as well.  Protective talismans or wards, or flameproof clothing, may guard against Hellfire.  While in his true form all three of Cagnazzo's heads breathe Hellfire.  This ability expends two points of Energy.[/ic][ic=Abyzou]Preferring the guise of an enfant terrible culled from Japanese horror movies '" scraggly black pigtails, pinafore dress, an obscene giggle, and sunken, flashing eyes '" Abyzou is a demonic mischief-maker and trickster who thinks of mortals only as playthings (or snacks), delighting in violent and usually gory pranks.  Other demons tend to consider her something of a loose cannonball, even a liability; she is more or less apolitical, preferring simply to run amok on the mortal plane than to debate in the Infernal Parliament.  In her true form, Abyzou resembles a statuesque woman with writhing black tendrils for hair and clawed hands.

Powers

Abyzou can commune telepathically at a distance of up to one hundred feet (note that this does not allow her to read minds, only communicate psychically, though those she contacts can speak back mentally).  Protective talismans cannot block Abyzou out, though they may protect against her Mental Violation ability.  Abyzou's size may allow her access to areas others find too small to enter.

Mental Violation: Abyzou can project disturbing hallucinations into mortal minds, potentially driving them into fits of madness, depending on the creativity and imagery of the illusion.  The mortal must be in range of her telepathy.  Protective talismans can safeguard against this effect.  Mental Violation uses one point of Energy.

Psychokinesis: By focusing on an object Abyzou can move it with her mind; she must be able to see the object to manipulate it.  While this ability can be used as a weapon or to levitate team-mates Abyzou cannot pick herself up using it.  Protective talismans or wards may safeguard against this ability.  Psychokinesis uses one point of Energy.

Cannibalism: Abyzou can devour a mortal enemy whole, distending her jaw horrifically like a serpent.  By doing so she gains access to the memories of anyone she eats.  Protective talismans do not safeguard against this ability '" though they do give Abyzou a case of wicked heartburn.  Cannibalism expends two points of Energy.[/ic]If people are interested let me know and I`ll write something up - I`d probably have time to prepare & play in a couple weeks.

Dibs on Abyzou

Hehheh.  She's kind of a GM's nightmare but if she screws everything up I'll be hosted on my own petard.

Hm. The setting does not interest me as much as CE, but if I'm available to play I'll give it a shot since I have faith in Steerpike. I'd play Sammael, although a character related to Moloch might be interesting (not currently offered and I'm not exactly sure how to make one).

Abyzou was a very nice design.

Samael is actually most closely related to Moloch, and if you'd rather make him more political that's fine.

Overall I prefer CE more than Tempter myself - it's more original if nothing else - but CE doesn't really scream diplomacy/negotiation/non-violent exploration, which No Stats games have to kind of revolve around.  I can see having those elements in a CE game, but I don't think they'd dominate... even wholly urban games would probably have a fair bit of physical action, and it's hard to give such scenes a sense of excitement without a degree of risk, which tends to necessitate some kind of system.

Maybe I could run an investigative CE game at some point though... *ponders*

EDIT: By the way LIght Dragon a Gloria game could be excellent...

I'll take a crack at Namaah.

Hm. I do not think that rolling would be too much of a problem in a no-stats game if the stats were relatively simple (about as simple as Call of Cthulu- which I have run successfully over Skype), but combat that would require tactical placement on a board is out of the question. You are probably right that a pulpy CE would be difficult to do in the no-stats theatre game, but I think an investigative edition such as you suggest could work as long as the combat is very minimal.

What will our general story line be for this episode of Tempter?

Note: The dog creature really reminds me of the creepy frightning Clown from the Spawn comic-movie. What did you have in mind when you created him?

>>Samael is actually most closely related to Moloch, and if you'd rather make him more political that's fine.

Yes, I noticed Samael was pretty much a follower of Moloch- I intended to comment, however, that I thought Samael was okay, but if I could figure out how to create a reasonable Moloch character I would probably play that if there was high demand for Samael from other players.

-
Re: Gloria Game- I would be glad to run that sometime. Thanks for the interest.

[blockquote=Light Dragon]Note: The dog creature really reminds me of the creepy frightning Clown from the Spawn comic-movie. What did you have in mind when you created him?[/blockquote]Clown was definitely in my head (Spawn is generally with Tempter, not so much the movie but the animated series and comic), but the character he's most strongly based off is Behemoth from the novel The Master and Margarita (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Master_and_Margarita) - a sharpshooting, vodka-chugging tomcat.

Since this is getting some serious interest I'll stick up a news article to grab ya some attention.

[blockquote=Light Dragon]What will our general story line be for this episode of Tempter?[/blockquote]Retrieving an important artifact (a fragment of an ancient Sumerian tablet detailing the secret location of the Tree of Life) from a recalcitrant third party.

Thank you for putting up the announcement, Nomadic!

I don't mean to be pushy, but is there any way you can be more specific than a couple of weeks?  I'd love to participate, but I'm eventually going on vacation later this month...

Sure, that's fine.  How would sometime between the 15th-18th work for people?

works for me as long as it is before 6pm pacific (9pm eastern) since I have to get ready for work

Hi Steerpike, don't plan around me, but I have a friend who is visiting from the 15th through the 22nd so I don't know if I'll be available during that period. I'm possibly free from the 11th through the 13th.

The 11th through the 13th sadly don't work too well for me.  If I get round to setting up a CE game in some form or another I'll let you know though!

And time-wise, before 6 is fine by me Nomadic, I'm going to be on holiday through December.

So far we've got Nomadic as Abyzou and Jaerc as Namaah (assuming he can make it).

If only Nomadic and I can make the 15th-18th or thereabouts I can pick another date, though it'd be later rather than earlier.

Pretty sweet characters you got there. But it would probably be difficult for me to join considering that I live across the Atlantic...

Quote from: Cataclysmic CrowPretty sweet characters you got there. But it would probably be difficult for me to join considering that I live across the Atlantic...

Nonsense, we could always do an earlier time :P

How wound Tue the 15th at noon MST be?

So 11am PST and 2pm EST on tuesday the 15th. That works fine for me. :)

(just for CC: That's 7pm GMT so if you're GMT or GMT +1 it will only be evening for you, not past bedtime)

11 AM PST on the 15th sounds perfect.

Have fun Steerpike- I'm really looking forward to reading the transcript if you take one; I'm sure that Tempter will be a blast with someone of your talents running it.

Just note for everyone reading who might want Samael for the game on the 15th- have at it and have fun. :)

I believe I shall be able to attend on the 15th at 11am.  I suppose I will accept Light Dragon's offering of Samael, while hoping that he will be able to attend another game in the future.

Good luck Polycarp!, I'm still looking forward to trying out Clockwork Jungle if you can successfully organize another round at it--maybe next time more people will show up?

I should have some free time after Christmas and during January.

Quote from: Light DragonGood luck Polycarp!, I'm still looking forward to trying out Clockwork Jungle if you can successfully organize another round at it--maybe next time more people will show up?

I should have some free time after Christmas and during January.

January would probably be the best time for this.  I'll keep people posted.

Excellent.  I'll do my best to make it to this one (by the way I'll be free up till the 6th of January, not that you have to schedule it round me... after that I could still possibly do it, but it might be trickier) - I feel bad about missing the last one.

Anyway, sounds like the 15th will work for mine.  3 players is fine, though if anyone wants to play Cagnazzo they're welcome to join as well.

Not to steal any thunder, but just for planning for Jan/the end of the month- I do have a Gloria scenario planned out (as per Steerpike's suggestion) If there's any interest, please post here or PM me.

Gloria is here: http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?65170. The adventure will take place in the City of Gloria. Gloria is a game of bureaucracy, business, espionage, and trade. Capitalism is good and Socialism is evil.
 
--
FOR ALL

"There is Blood on the Wall, and Blood weaved into the very seems of your clothing... The Blood of the Proletariat, pricked open, sucked down and squeezed dry by the Capitalists of Gloria." -Minstrel Florentine Tenebria
.

Dr. Alexander Shostakovich, Esq.
"Licensed" Doctor of Business Incorporation and Law.
[ic=Alexander]A message arrived yesterday in your study, it was addressed in lilting, cursive script. It came in an envelope, kissed closed with waxen lips; droplets of wax fell off as you twisted the paper open.

"A most unfortunate event has come to pass." The letter began. "My protectors have deserted after receiving threats inspired by that dreadful Socialist Minstrel. The Authorities have their hands full dealing with the fallout from Uldred Mac's banking pyramid real estate investment scheme and give no time to my complaint. Fifty trading credits are included in this envelope. More will follow when you accept.

"And you will accept."

Included in the envelope package is a pressed copy of your forged Doctorate degree from Tientan University, home to Gloria's greatest business school. That forgery had been difficult to make; and it had been even more difficult to bribe your way onto the rolls of the University and into the academic records.

On the back of it is written "If you could flim-flam these fellows, you can surely mislead my persecutors." ~The Lady Marianne Wintry.[/ic]

Character Notes:
Virtues Held: Luck, Pluck, Practical
Virtues Lacking: Chastity, Humility, Moderation, Order.
Knowledge: Setting Up Businesses, Anti-Takeover Techniques, Harsh Competition, Legal Work-Arounds.

[ic=Alexander]You are a real inglorious bastard; slick, in a used-car salesman sort of way, you worked your way up from the docksides and threw that past behind you. You forged a degree, took a few self-enrichment classes from the Chamber of Commerce, got a real degree from a medium-ranked law school and set up shop as a Doctor of Business Incorporation and Law in the Exchange District just West of the Financial Center.

Twelve people work under you and you have nearly the maximum of 75 permitted investors in your S-Corporation. You have been doing well and are well capitalized. You could probably weather the blackmail with the amount of business you have these days, you're a self-made man. But you once had a thing for the Lady Marianne and she's extremely loaded and recently divorced. Perhaps pulling off this scam will get you back into her favor.[/ic]

TWO

Pavel Gershwin, 43
Virtues Held: Industry, Success, Resolution
Virtues Lacking: Self-Improvement, Sincerity, Tolerance
Knowledge: Interrogation, Intimidation, Propoganda

[ic=Pavel]You are a sting officer, searching out Socialist dissidents in Gloria's underbelly for fat contracts. You specialize in "rescues" of Gloria residents youth from the Socialist cults and reeducating them into the glories of Capitalism.

You don't take crap from anyone and all save the most zealous capitalists garner your disdain. In private though, you are one lazy guy. You just do what you feel and act on your emotions all the time. You have little tolerance for people who think different from you, but you don't show it- instead you smile sweetly and then do something passive aggressive that will hurt them some time later... something that can never be traced back to you. Those who do not live up to your rigid code may soon regret having lived at all after they encounter you.

But your public life is the one that benefits society. You do a good job. And people respect you for it. You have probably done more good for Gloria on balance, than bad.

The Lady Marianne Wintry hired you to help out with a "situation" and to track down some Socialists who were roughing up her corporations.[/ic]

[spoiler=Pavel]IT WAS WHAT IT WAS. SHE COULDN'T HAVE BEEN CLEARER. THE SITUATION WAS GOING TO GO DOWN AND THE SOCIALISTS WERE GOING TO GET THE UPPER HAND ON THIS PRETTY LITTLE SOCIALITE. SHE NEEDED MY HELP, THE 'LADY DID. AND YOU KNOW WHAT-- I'M A SUCKER FOR LOADED LADIES. HALF A GOOD YEARS WAGES WERE DEPOSITED IN MY ACCOUNT THE NEXT DAY, AS A DOWN PAYMENT.
-Pavel Gershwin's Journal. Volume III. Entry 1345[/spoiler]

THREE

Virtues Held: Justice, Resolution, Self-Improvement, Sincerity
Virtues Lacking: Humility, Order, Practicality
Knowledge: Artwork and designs, Imagination, Salesmanship.

"Good God." -Maxine Huntress, 27 Consumer Artist

[ic=Maxine]
The news was not good. Your cousin had been blackmailed and she needed your help. People were threatening to expose her youthful romance with a Socialist socialite if she didn't shut down her operations in Gloria or transfer ownership of them to "CreditSpace Corp."

Well, you can't have that happening. Lady Marianne had helped you incoporate your Consumer Artistry Emporium three years back as an angel investor and you owed her repayment with interest.

Seems like she wants you to go to work for a shell corporation set up by some fellow as a clothing designer, draw out the blackmailers by hooking up with the Socialist underground and.

By the Demons... Maxine didn't owe her cousin that big of a favor. No one could. The proposal was crazy. But along with the request came a few interesting things that made Maxine's mouth salivitate. In the envelope was one of twenty-three metallic keys that once turned in the Artists' Hall would permit display of artwork to Gloria's wealthiest investors. Along with the key was a note- "a gift from the divorce, my dear."

You had been hoping beyond hope for years that your cousin's latest husband, a scion of the Wintry family of art patrons would favor your work and would help you get into the Artists' Hall. Now, your chance had arrived. You had 12 months to use the key. This project better not take more than six.[/ic]
 

FOUR

Hijra

Llyrian Reljik, 89.
Former Sweatshop Supervisor.
Virtues Held: Industry, Resolution
Virtues Lacking: Cleanliness, Tranquility, Sincerity
Knowledge: Factory Protocol, Hard Work, Kicking Ass

[ic=Llyrian]You are between jobs after your anger got the best of you and you snapped a lazy foundry-worker's neck and your former employer decided he'd have no more of increasing liability premiums.

An artist, Maxine Huntress, offered you employment as a supervisor in her new textile factory. She noted that the job would be hot and smelly and the place it would be located would be in the festering undeveloped swamps (for tax reasons). She warned you that the job would be hard. But you are used to hard jobs. And the pay for this one was astronomical.

But there was a catch. You are to blend with workers and to draw out socialist dissidents. Your name came to the lady's attention as that of an informer against Socialists, and you live up to that reputation. You cannot stand wistless humans who complain and refuse to work as hard as a Hijra. But here she is asking you to complain and act meek and scrape and grovel- this offends your sensibilities.

But the pay is so good.
[/ic]



--
Notes for all:

-Remember, you're the GOOD guys in Gloria. You're not evil, you don't just kill people... unless you're Llyrian- it's sort of hardass like that. Try to approach the characters from the standpoint that they are very driven capitalists- like the characters in Bioshock. To them; Hard work= good, Money=good, Order=good. Laziness=bad, Excessive Charity=Bad, Altruism=Bad.

-The Knowledges are there for what you probably know a lot about.
-Virtues Lacking are to suggest that when I type, say, this is a MODERATION situation- you do something entertaining and completely immoderate if you LACK moderation. Also feel free to act up if you think it is a MODERATION situation and I have not yet declared it as one.

About Steerpike's event coming up - I've recently made a contact with a friend of a friend about a job, and I'm going to be having an interview on Monday, the day before our event.  I don't know if I'll get it, but if I do, I know this person wanted some work done really soon.

I'm not backing out at this point, just saying that there is a possibility that Tuesday may not work if I end up working for this guy.  I will most assuredly let you know more when I do.

No worries Polycarp!

And for Light Dragon's game, I'd love to play Pavel... sounds like a real slimeball.

If anyone else wants to play, there's still a spot open.

Update - While I may or may not have gotten the job (I'm not sure yet), I do know that I won't be starting tomorrow, so 11 should be just fine.

Excellent!  I'm just now finishing up my notes for the session.

Good luck with the job.

Anyone else interested in Gloria? Tentatively, we could do a game this sunday or monday if enough people show interest by saturday? Or we could plan more long-term and do something in the middle of next week (assuming that people are now on vacation from work or school).

Ok. No other interest then.

So, when are you planning on holding your game, Polycarp!?

Quote from: Light DragonSo, when are you planning on holding your game, Polycarp!?

I'm on vacation right now - thus my recent and continuing absence - but I would like to schedule it for some time in January.  I haven't decided exactly when.

Let's do this already!  January has come and gone, and it's past time that I actually host one of these very fun events (at least, they have been so far).  Let's start by setting out a time.  I've got a pretty normal 9-5 schedule (PST) and I'd prefer not to do this on a weeknight.  It would probably be a bad idea to hold it in the next two weeks as we're going through some moving/open house stuff right now.  Let's start with the weekend two weeks from now (the weekend of the 26th).  Friday night would probably be my preference, but Saturday/Sunday any time are fair game (though not late Sunday night).

If you'd be interested in playing in a CJ no-stats game with an inexperienced but verbose GM, please let me know if you'd be available that weekend - and if so, what day/time during that weekend.

I'll post characters/details once we have figured out our schedule.

I can do friday or saturday at almost any time in a couple weeks. So sign me up. Once we get another person or two and a more certain time I'll make you a news post.

That's during my reading week so that works out very well.  Friday night PST would work just fine for me.

I can say a tentative maybe. Friday that week is better than saturday, but the week after that would probably be better for me.

If we did it on Friday, it would probably start around 8-9 pm PST.  Saturday/Sunday has more possibilities but it is also more uncertain, as a lot of random things could come up.

With that timing then Sat/Sun are probably better days for me, but once again, my schedule is so much in flux that you should set a date for the other people and If I can make it-then I will.

Any news on the upcoming event??

Sure why not.  Let's go for 9:00 pm PST on Friday, as in this coming friday.

[spoiler=Game Info and Characters]
This will be a statless mini-adventure of ruins exploration.  Our protagonists have been hired by an Umbril antiquities dealer, Areth-Ven, to accompany it on a quest for an ancient ruin complex (which Areth-Ven has promised is full of fantastic treasure).

I am providing a list of possible PCs for you, but if you have another character idea you can propose that.  Catch me on IRC sometime and tell me what you'd like, or how you'd like to change an existing character.  The only requirement is that one of you must play Areth-Ven itself (I don't care who '" but I'm not going to play a DM PC!).

Additionally, these are only very brief character blurbs, and I have no problem with them being embellished or altered as you see fit.  They're just here for your convenience.

[ic=Sample Character List]Areth-Ven Ilfan (Umbril)
A merchant of exotic wares hailing from the port city of Inembran.  Areth-Ven is a clever businessman and dabbling historian, but knows little of combat, jungle survival, or other 'hands-on' fields.  Areth-Ven is reasonably well-known among a certain circle of Netai merchants and information brokers who have an interest in the kind of rare goods he trades exclusively in.  A portion of this is probably stolen or otherwise ill-gotten property, but Areth-Ven does not consider itself a thief or a fence '" just a middleman for uncommon goods and antiquities who asks very few questions.  Areth-Ven carries the group's only lodestone.

Fens-Ul Thalun (Umbril)
A ballooner and veteran of the Netai Wars from Var Umber.  Fens-Ul captained a smokeship during the last war, and has plenty of experience in navigation, flying, and crossbow-shooting.  Fens-Ul is confident and cool under pressure, but a bit abrasive, with a military manner not suited for polite company '" especially the company of many of its fellow Umbril, for whom the military is not a very prestigious profession.  It has long since abandoned the idea of gaining approval from Evne society at large, preferring the company of the aliens it served with.

Uszkal Tzulan (Ussik Female)
One of the Ussik mercenaries of the Netai Wars, a highly respected (and feared) group of foreign warriors who fought on the side of the Confederation.  Originally from distant White Lotus, she's been out of a job since the peace began less than a year ago.  Uszkal is a fierce and skilled swordsman with a keen eye (and a fondness for painting that she doesn't talk about much), but is frequently impatient with the customs and society of this new land and its strange inhabitants, which she has not adapted to quickly.

Nialeng (Iskite Male)
A traveling academic and amateur explorer from Scalemount.  Nialeng knows a bit about antique Iskite languages, which is why Areth-Ven chose to have him along.  He has a stern and meticulous manner, perhaps even an arrogant one, though his time among aliens has cured him of some of the xenophobia that his fellows back in the homeland have.  He is conscious of the deep resentment his local kindred have for the Netai Umbril and their Confederation, but believes it best to maintain a scholarly detachment from such matters.

Kunetze (Iskite Female)
A clockmaker and mechanical specialist from Anath who Areth-Ven invited chiefly on the basis that 'there might be traps.'  Unknown to the rest, Kunetze was a sympathizer with the Right Orientation Alliance and spied for them during the wars, an action that entailed significant personal risk (to be precise, the risk of torture and execution).  She harbors no exceptional hatred for aliens, but believes that the Evne and their alien lackeys have already plundered enough of her kindred's land and treasure and would rather see any relics of the szalk in the hands of her people.  She is bright and opinionated, but tries to keep her potentially dangerous political leanings under wraps.

Akan Yika Meeran (Gheen Male)
An old acquaintance of Areth-Ven who also hails from Inembran; despite the fact that he was a smuggler for some time, he's the only one of the group Areth-Ven maybe trusts.  He's a bit of a black sheep among his large and influential family back in Inembran, the last descendents of a Gheen royal house from Chalicewood who fled their homeland because of the expanding Mosswaste generations ago.  Though he's never really had an 'employer,' he has done a few other jobs for Areth-Ven over the years, often involving deals with people that Areth-Ven 'doesn't want to know about.'  He resents his wealthy and powerful family and tries very hard to make a name for himself as an individual.

Tulthan (Tahr Male)
A skilled tracker from the Great Mire.  Tulthan is both curious and combative, which got him into trouble with his blood's patriarch (who he bickered with incessantly).  Without many prospects at home, he left the Mire to work as a caravan scout on the Rainbow Road between the Netai and Scalemount.  He's a proficient outdoorsman and survivalist, but his tendency to join any argument has caused him to bounce around a bit.  Tulthan is a strong-willed and honorable person, but has trouble suffering those who disagree with him.[/ic][/spoiler]

I would prefer at least 3 players.  If we don't have that, I think I'd rather reschedule - either to later that weekend, or a subsequent week depending on what works for people.

Hope to see you there!

I'll play Areth-Ven unless someone else wants him. If that is the case I'd like to play Fens-Ul. I'll also post this in the news.

By the way, in case you're interested in background, these links might be helpful:

Gheen (http://www.thecbg.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gheen), Iskites (http://www.thecbg.org/wiki/index.php?title=Iskites), Tahro (http://www.thecbg.org/wiki/index.php?title=Tahro), or Umbril (http://www.thecbg.org/wiki/index.php?title=Umbril) (depending on who you're playing '" feel free to skim these, as they're pretty long)*Szalk (http://www.thecbg.org/wiki/index.php?title=Szalk)*Cog (http://www.thecbg.org/wiki/index.php?title=Cog_%28Clockwork_Jungle%29)*Artificers (http://www.thecbg.org/wiki/index.php?title=Artificers_%28Clockwork_Jungle%29) (just the first part, you don't need to read the theories)[/list]
I can't emphasize strongly enough, however, that you don't need to hit the books to play with us on friday.  I'd love to have you even if you're totally new to the setting.  This is, after all, just a short "ruins-crawling" adventure.

Ooh, 9PM PST will make it midnight for me, which is a little late... I hate to back out but I don't really want to be up till 3 in the morning.

Well then that once again leaves us with only one person maybe coming (I am not sure if I can make it since my Aikido is 6pm PST Friday and can sometimes go quite late). Perhaps we could move it to Saturday, and maybe a little earlier (5 or 6 pm PST would make it more viable for more people)

6 pm PST is too late for me, I'm going to a movie around 7:30 or so and I don't really know how long we're going to be.  5 PST could work, as long as we start rather promptly.  3 or 4 would be even better.

I rather like 4:00 pm PST on Saturday.  Does this work for more people?

Works for me. And that makes it 7pm EST 12am GMT. Much easier to attend for most people.

That works for me.

Well that's 2 definites so I'll update the news. Hopefully we can get 3-4.

I'll go for one of the Iskites - which would make more sense? Maybe Kunetze?

5PM PST = 8PM EST, 7PM CST Nomadic. I think your times are a bit off.

Quote from:  8PM EST, 7PM CST Nomadic. I think your times are a bit off.
[/quoteIf you read Polycarps post he talks about starting at 4 PST, wich is 7 EST.

We're playing tomorrow!  Hope to see you there.

And while we're waiting, here's a teaser.

[ic=The Palace in the Moors]One month ago, Areth-Ven Ilfan found a secret.

For years, Areth-Ven, a trader in exotic wares and dabbling historian, had possessed an odd piece of parchment.  It was a charcoal rubbing depicting what appeared to be a random pattern of dots.  It had clearly been made from some stone surface, but Areth-Ven had not made the rubbing itself, and did not know where this surface lay.  After all, there are many stones in the forest, and a million secrets shared between them that none save the Artificers have ever known.

Nearly one year ago, the Fifth Netai War ended.  For more than three years, the Netai had been rent by a bitter struggle between the Netai Confederation and the Right Orientation Alliance.  The Alliance was defeated, and over the sea came the returning victorious galleys laden with the prizes of war '" gold and tea, as well as a vast quantity of books, scrolls, charts, and maps looted from the libraries and academies of the Iskite villages of Watzash.  Areth-Ven had a few friends in the Confederation government, and managed to gain access to these materials.  It did not think there was much chance of profit here, but the collection '" never before available to Umbril like itself '" piqued its historical interest.

But then, fate intervened, and a new story was begun in the dusty chambers of the library of Andar.  Areth-Ven was struck by a certain map of the Saltmoor, the banyan-choked stretch of swampy lowlands between the Netai littoral and the Chromatic Plain.  There was something about the map that bothered it, though it could not quite discern what it was.

Areth-Ven returned to its home in Inembran '" and then the answer came to it as it perused its old documents.  The map had indicated, among other things, the placement of known szalkal, ancient Iskite palace-fortresses built in antiquity to copy the glory of the Artificers '" and the pattern of those dots was remarkably like the pattern on its old charcoal rubbing.  Areth-Ven hopped aboard the next ship back to Andar to see the map again, but it was no longer there.  It had been stolen '" it alone, with no others among the priceless works in that wing of the library.  Areth-Ven studied its parchment in frustration, and then realized something: the dots had all matched, save one.  It appeared on the rubbing, but Areth-Ven was sure it had not been on the map.

Areth-Ven quizzed the sages of the library on the matter, but none could recall hearing of a ruin in such a place.  Yet there was the dot, and every other dot had matched a szalk.  Whoever stole the map, Areth-Ven thought, must be after what lies there '" for an undisturbed szalk could hold priceless treasures.  Explorers who found them often became fabulously wealthy.  Areth-Ven knew it had to act fast to make good on its discovery.

And so it was that Areth-Ven hastily gathered a small group of adventurers and mercenaries who sought new opportunities in the fragile post-war peace.  Areth-Ven did not trust these folk, but a journey alone would be suicide.  It knew that there is no reward without risk, and a reward as great as this one could be would not come without great risk indeed.[/ic]

And a repost of the character list for this page, since I don't think anyone's settled on theirs yet.

[ic=Characters]Areth-Ven Ilfan (Umbril)
A merchant of exotic wares hailing from the port city of Inembran. Areth-Ven is a clever businessman and dabbling historian, but knows little of combat, jungle survival, or other 'hands-on' fields. Areth-Ven is reasonably well-known among a certain circle of Netai merchants and information brokers who have an interest in the kind of rare goods he trades exclusively in. A portion of this is probably stolen or otherwise ill-gotten property, but Areth-Ven does not consider itself a thief or a fence '" just a middleman for uncommon goods and antiquities who asks very few questions. Areth-Ven carries the group's only lodestone.

Fens-Ul Thalun (Umbril)
A ballooner and veteran of the Netai Wars from Var Umber. Fens-Ul captained a smokeship during the last war, and has plenty of experience in navigation, flying, and crossbow-shooting. Fens-Ul is confident and cool under pressure, but a bit abrasive, with a military manner not suited for polite company '" especially the company of many of its fellow Umbril, for whom the military is not a very prestigious profession. It has long since abandoned the idea of gaining approval from Evne society at large, preferring the company of the aliens it served with.

Uszkal Tzulan (Ussik Female)
One of the Ussik mercenaries of the Netai Wars, a highly respected (and feared) group of foreign warriors who fought on the side of the Confederation. Originally from distant White Lotus, she's been out of a job since the peace began less than a year ago. Uszkal is a fierce and skilled swordsman with a keen eye (and a fondness for painting that she doesn't talk about much), but is frequently impatient with the customs and society of this new land and its strange inhabitants, which she has not adapted to quickly.

Nialeng (Iskite Male)
A traveling academic and amateur explorer from Scalemount. Nialeng knows a bit about antique Iskite languages, which is why Areth-Ven chose to have him along. He has a stern and meticulous manner, perhaps even an arrogant one, though his time among aliens has cured him of some of the xenophobia that his fellows back in the homeland have. He is conscious of the deep resentment his local kindred have for the Netai Umbril and their Confederation, but believes it best to maintain a scholarly detachment from such matters.

Kunetze (Iskite Female)
A clockmaker and mechanical specialist from Anath who Areth-Ven invited chiefly on the basis that 'there might be traps.' Unknown to the rest, Kunetze was a sympathizer with the Right Orientation Alliance and spied for them during the wars, an action that entailed significant personal risk (to be precise, the risk of torture and execution). She harbors no exceptional hatred for aliens, but believes that the Evne and their alien lackeys have already plundered enough of her kindred's land and treasure and would rather see any relics of the szalk in the hands of her people. She is bright and opinionated, but tries to keep her potentially dangerous political leanings under wraps.

Akan Yika Meeran (Gheen Male)
An old acquaintance of Areth-Ven who also hails from Inembran; despite the fact that he was a smuggler for some time, he's the only one of the group Areth-Ven maybe trusts. He's a bit of a black sheep among his large and influential family back in Inembran, the last descendents of a Gheen royal house from Chalicewood who fled their homeland because of the expanding Mosswaste generations ago. Though he's never really had an 'employer,' he has done a few other jobs for Areth-Ven over the years, often involving deals with people that Areth-Ven 'doesn't want to know about.' He resents his wealthy and powerful family and tries very hard to make a name for himself as an individual.

Tulthan (Tahr Male)
A skilled tracker from the Great Mire. Tulthan is both curious and combative, which got him into trouble with his blood's patriarch (who he bickered with incessantly). Without many prospects at home, he left the Mire to work as a caravan scout on the Rainbow Road between the Netai and Scalemount. He's a proficient outdoorsman and survivalist, but his tendency to join any argument has caused him to bounce around a bit. Tulthan is a strong-willed and honorable person, but has trouble suffering those who disagree with him.[/ic]

Would anyone be interested in a follow-up session to the no-stats Tempter game at some point over the next little while?  Could be with the same characters, or with different ones, or with the same group plus a couple of others...

I'd be in if the time worked for me.

Quote from: SteerpikeWould anyone be interested in a follow-up session to the no-stats Tempter game at some point over the next little while?  Could be with the same characters, or with different ones, or with the same group plus a couple of others...

I would certainly be interested - but because I'm working now (as opposed to last time), I could probably only make it on a weekend.

I'd definitely like to do another Tempter game.

I can if it waits for a week or two since I am in finals right now.

Towards the end of March might work, then - perhaps the 27 or 28th?  Or even the first weekend of April?

The characters - again.  Two new demons have been added - Legion (an insect-themed demon with multiple personalities and a possession ability) and Nyx (a regal demoness skilled at infiltration and interrogation, and also a Mammonian - previously an unrepresented faction).  The characters don't need to be the same as the ones from last time, though returning players are very welcome to reprise their roles.  It would be great if Samael could be included since he has a fantastic ending line from the previous session that suggests that "now it's personal."

Since this is a No Stats Theatre game, Tempters don't have the five regular statistics of the pentagram.  They do, however, each have three unique powers that expend 'Energy' '" two lesser powers, which expend one point of Energy each, and one greater power, which expends two points of Energy '" as well as a power or set of powers useable at will, without Energy expenditure.  Each Tempter begins the session with five points of Energy, having just manifested from Hell.

All Tempters can manifest their true forms in the mortal plane for thirteen minutes by expending a point of Energy.

[ic=Namaah]A sensual, guileful demon of Belialian affiliation, Namaah revels in entrapping mortals through seduction and deception.  Appearing as an androgynous human usually garbed in an immaculate white suit, with porcelain-white skin and large violet eyes, Namaah can switch its sex at will, emphasizing either female or male characteristics while always maintaining an edge of sexual ambiguity.  Sophisticated and ruthless, Namaah is a calculating creature with a capacity for subtleties.  In its true demonic form Namaah is a grotesque hermaphrodite with exaggeratedly prominent genitals and other sexual characteristics, including a long, serpentine beard and massive, pendulous breasts, a hybrid of fertility goddess and tumescent satyr.  Famously, Namaah seduced Noah and gave birth to the half-demon Ham.

Powers

Namaah can change its sex at will without Energy expenditure.  Namaah can also always predict the result of a die roll or discern the suite and number of a card without seeing it.

Soulsuck: Namaah can drain a mortal's Essence through coitus, and severely weaken them (to the point of unconsciousness) through a mere kiss.  Protective talismans can safeguard against this ability.  This ability uses one point of Energy.

Caress: If Namaah can touch a mortal's skin it can charm that mortal supernaturally, enthralling it and captivating it.  While a mortal thus charmed is not an automaton they are instantly sympathetic to Namaah's suggestions.  Protective talismans can safeguard against Namaah's caress.  This ability uses one point of Energy.

Deadly Beauty: Namaah can enhance its allure to induce violent ecstasy in all that view it.  It can moderate this effect to produce physical pain or even death, as its victims hearts' pump too quickly.  Protective talismans or eyewear can safeguard against this attack.  This ability uses two points of Energy.[/ic][ic=Samael]A moody, brooding demon, Samael was once the Authority's Angel of Death, a role now belonging to the Archangel Azrael, for whom Samael reserves an intense, simmering hatred.  Samael generally appears as a tall, pale, sinewy youth with long, white-blonde hairl, dressed in black jeans and hoodie, his eyes concealed by opaque, totally reflective black sunglasses (behind which his eyes are black voids).  When required to 'dress up' he wears a black suit and tie with a heavy leather coat.  In his true form he is a faceless, cadaverous figure swathed in a tattered black robe.  Now a soldier of Hell, Samael's politics can be most closely aligned with Moloch's, though in general he prefers to follow orders rather than to lead.  In battle he wields a numinous weapon called the Scythe, which can assume the form of any weapon '" in modern times, often a gun of some variety.

Powers

Samael's Scythe can become any weapon wieldable by an individual warrior (i.e. it can become a sword or pistol, but not a nuclear bomb, a bazooka but not a tank).  If the Scythe becomes a firearm it has infinite ammunition, though its bullets can still be deflected by sufficiently heavy armour or similar protection; Samael can, however, execute incredibly intricate trick shots.  Samael is also a master of every conceivable mortal weapon, from a katana to a rocket-propelled grenade to a boomerang.

Gaze: Samael can kill with a mere glance if he wishes.  By removing his glasses and making eye contact he can instantly slay any mortal.  Protective talismans or eyewear may guard against the Gaze.  This ability uses one point of Energy.

Speak with Dead: Samael can temporarily bring a soul back to its body, though only if the soul went to Hell.  This ability uses one point of Energy, but cannot be used on any corpse on which Last Rites have been said.

Reanimate: Samael can infuse a corpse with a measure of his Energy to create an undead Revenant that obeys all of his instructions.  The Revenant is very difficult to destroy; even decapitating it will not stop it.  This ability uses two points of Energy, but cannot be used on any corpse on which Last Rites have been said.[/ic][ic=Cagnazzo]Taking the form of a small, deceptively adorable French Bulldog with a gleam of sinister intelligence in his eyes, Cagnazzo is diminutive but vicious, a sly, sometimes cantankerous demon skilled in the arts of deception and infiltration.  With a penchant for fine cigars, cognac, and explosives, Cagnazzo is far more dextrous than most canines and can grip objects (such as pistols or keys) in his paws, and can talk.  He also professes a taste for canine females, regularly making lascivious comments on seeing one.  In general he is a sardonic, wise-cracking curmudgeon, a stalwart Beezlebubian known for his caustic wit and his predilection for obscenity.  In his true form Cagnazzo appears much as the mythical Cerberus '" a slavering, three-headed monstrosity of gigantic size, with glowing red eyes and massive fangs.

Powers

Cagnazzo's small size allows him access to certain areas other fallen might find inaccessible.  He can urinate and defecate at will, and can also conjure a cigar or a mickey of cognac without expending Energy.

Blasphemy: Calling on the fell powers, Cagnazzo can bark a dreadful blasphemy that temporarily stuns and permanently deafens any mortals who hear it.  Protective talismans or ear-wear can safeguard against this effect.  Blasphemy uses one point of Energy.

Safe-cracker: Cagnazzo can expend one point of Energy to discover the combination to any safe or any electronic password.

Hellfire: If Cagnazzo drinks the entirety of a mickey of cognac he can let out a massive belch of sulphurous Hellfire, incinerating any mortals and flammable materials in a broad swathe and potentially knocking down walls or blowing open doors as well.  Protective talismans or wards, or flameproof clothing, may guard against Hellfire.  While in his true form all three of Cagnazzo's heads breathe Hellfire.  This ability expends two points of Energy.[/ic][ic=Abyzou]Preferring the guise of an enfant terrible culled from Japanese horror movies '" scraggly black pigtails, pinafore dress, an obscene giggle, and sunken, flashing eyes '" Abyzou is a demonic mischief-maker and trickster who thinks of mortals only as playthings (or snacks), delighting in violent and usually gory pranks.  Other demons tend to consider her something of a loose cannonball, even a liability; she is more or less apolitical, preferring simply to run amok on the mortal plane than to debate in the Infernal Parliament.  In her true form, Abyzou resembles a statuesque woman with writhing black tendrils for hair and clawed hands.

Powers

Abyzou can commune telepathically at a distance of up to one hundred feet (note that this does not allow her to read minds, only communicate psychically, though those she contacts can speak back mentally).  Protective talismans cannot block Abyzou out, though they may protect against her Mental Violation ability.  Abyzou's size may allow her access to areas others find too small to enter.

Mental Violation: Abyzou can project disturbing hallucinations into mortal minds, potentially driving them into fits of madness, depending on the creativity and imagery of the illusion.  The mortal must be in range of her telepathy.  Protective talismans can safeguard against this effect.  Mental Violation uses one point of Energy.

Psychokinesis: By focusing on an object Abyzou can move it with her mind; she must be able to see the object to manipulate it.  While this ability can be used as a weapon or to levitate team-mates Abyzou cannot pick herself up using it.  Protective talismans or wards may safeguard against this ability.  Psychokinesis uses one point of Energy.

Cannibalism: Abyzou can devour a mortal enemy whole, distending her jaw horrifically like a serpent.  By doing so she gains access to the memories of anyone she eats.  Protective talismans do not safeguard against this ability '" though they do give Abyzou a case of wicked heartburn.  Cannibalism expends two points of Energy.[/ic][ic=Pazuzu]A slick, animated storm-demon, Pazuzu appears as an unusually tall man, almost stretched seeming, with storm grey eyes and somewhat tanned skin.  He is commonly dressed in a black pin-striped suit and a matching fedora. Pazuzu ascribes to a Beezlebubian philosophy. He is quick to compromise when he sees that it is to his benefit, but will react with frenzied wrath when all other options have been exhausted. His true form is that of a massive, obsidian gargoyle about which lightning and obscuring shadows play.

Powers

Pazuzu can cause any electrical device to malfunction or otherwise behave unusually at will. In addition, he can exert control over any nearby live electrical current.

Eldritch Thunder: By harnessing his innate power, Pazuzu can create a burst of intense light and noise that permanently blinds and temporarily deafens nearby mortals. Protective talismans and ear or eye-wear can safeguard against this effect. This ability uses one point of Energy.

Enshroud: Through the expenditure of one Energy point Pazuzu can call up an unnatural, viscous, concealing fog that seems to move as of its own will. Pazuzu has a vague sense of all that occurs within the confines of the fog. Protective talismans can burn off the fog in a localized area.

Demoniac Lightning: Pazuzu can let fly an arcing stream of powerful demoniac lightning from his outstretched arms, charring flesh and halting neural activity. This lightning can jump across multiple targets, unless it encounters a protective talisman in which case the lightning dissipates. This ability requires two Energy points to use.[/ic][ic=Legion]Erratic and unpredictable, Legion is regarded by other demons with nearly as much suspicion as Abyzou.  Driven insane by the Fall and subsequent aeons of exile in Hell, Legion has developed multiple personality disorder and refers to itself as 'we.'  In its mortal form Legion generally appears as a slightly pudgy, balding man (prone to whistling through his teeth) with thick horn-rimmed glasses, whose eyes dart to and fro frenetically.  Beneath its husk's flesh, Legion's true form '" an amorphously shaped swarm of locusts '" squirms and eructates, betraying the demonic presence within to a careful observer.  Broadly speaking, Legion is actually Belialian in political affiliation, in that it longs painfully for lost Paradise, but in practice its warped mind lacks the subtlety and sophistication of most followers of Belial.  It does possess a certain twisted, predatory cunning, however.

Powers

Wherever Legion moves, plants rapidly wither and die; this effect cannot be repressed.  While in its true form Legion can inveigle its way through any space big enough for a locust by changing the shape of its 'body.'

Fission: Legion can expend one point of Energy to split itself into two identical halves which can act independently and communicate telepathically.  These duplicates can later use the same ability again if they wish, though this expends another point of Energy: Legion and its duplicates share a common Energy pool.  Multiple iterations of Legion can remerge without Energy expenditure.

Blight: By touching a mortal's bare skin Legion can cause accelerated decomposition: the victim's flesh withers, putrefies, and atrophies, killing them if the contact is prolonged.  This ability expends one point of Energy.

Possession: Legion can spend two points of Energy to spit forth a small swarm of locusts from its mouth.  These locusts can then force their way into a mortal's body, assuming control of them; Legion can send the possessed individual irresistible telepathic commands.  Protective talismans (or facial protection, such as a gasmask) can protect against possession, and possessed individuals can be exorcised.[/ic][ic=Nyx]Hard-hearted and coldly beautiful, the demoness Nyx was worshipped by a few remote Greek cults as a primordial goddess centuries ago.  She appears as an elegant ebony-skinned woman with flowing midnight hair and is typically clothed in a sumptuous velvet dress.  Nyx prefers to remain in her Palace of Darkness in the Abyss, but does occasionally venture forth into Creation.  She possesses typical Mammonian politics: disdainful of mortals and their pallid world and unwaveringly dedicated to the Infernal project, Nyx would prefer to build the Republic of Hell into a realm fit to rival Paradise, rather than attempting to storm the gates of Creation.  In times of need, however '" or when more mortal souls are needed for additional labour '" Nyx manifests on the mortal plane on certain moonless nights.  In her true form she appears to be a regal, shadowy figure with massive tenebrous wings and the lower body of a serpent.

Powers

Nyx can instantly dim or extinguish any light source she can see, electrical or natural, or summon a black cloud to obscure the moon.  She can blend into darkness perfectly, becoming effectively invisible so long as she does not move; in her true form she can move invisibly, as well.  She can also see perfectly even in complete darkness.  However, none of Nyx's powers function in daylight, and she is trapped in her mortal form while the sun shines.

Eyes of Night: By looking into a mortal's eyes Nyx can peer into their soul, uncovering what the mortal believes to be their deepest and darkest secret.  Protective eyewear or talismans can block this ability, which uses one point of Energy.

Animate Shadow: Nyx can invest a humanoid shadow with uncanny life, freeing it from the shackles of its owner.  The shadow becomes a quasi-corporeal wraith, able to fight and kill; weapons, however, pass harmlessly through it.  Any powerful light source, such as an electric torch, or direct sunlight, dispels the wraith.  This ability uses one point of Energy.

Slumber: By murmuring a word of blasphemous power Nyx puts mortals to sleep.  Any who hear the word fall instantly into a potent eldritch slumber until dawn.  Protective ear-wear or talismans can safeguard against this ability, which expends two points of Energy.[/ic]

I think I would like to play Pazuzu again.

I'll take Aby again... she's just so adorably psychotic.

Could be a lot of fun to join in, even if I am a slow typist. Really depends on the time of the day if I could make it though. Weekends would work best.

Quote from: GhostmanCould be a lot of fun to join in, even if I am a slow typist. Really depends on the time of the day if I could make it though. Weekends would work best.

Agreed here. Best for me would be friday or saturday

Okay, maybe a Saturday in a couple of weeks would work.  How would the 27th of March work for people?

Incidentally, if anyone wanted to invent their own character following the templates outlined above (Light Dragon had a kind of slime demon he mused about in the last session's log, for example), that's fine too.

27th works for me.

Probably won't be able to join that day before 5:00 p.m. GMT.

That's Greenwich Mean Time, right?  So five hours ahead of Eastern Time in US/Canada?

5PM GMT, 12 PM ET, 9 AM PST... hmm.  How would 2 PM ET work for people?  That'd be 11 AM PST and 7 PM GMT.

Won't work for me, too early.

Hmm this is getting complicated.  Would another day be better for you, Ghostman?  The Friday or the Sunday?  Could you make either of those, Nomadic?

Either friday 26th or Sunday 28th should work for me, though Sunday would be preferable.

Friday the 26th before 8:30pm EST (I have Aikido at 9pm EST) would be ideal for me. I could come on Sunday around 5pm EST but if it lasted more than an hour or two I would have to leave in the middle of the game.

Judging from how long the previous games have lasted I expect the game to run about 3 hours or so.

How about the other players?  Polycarp!? The Meanest Guest?

At the moment I *think* I'm good for just about any time on the Friday or Sunday, the Saturday I have things to do most of the day.

Hi. If I find time to pop in, I could be either of the two new proposed characters, or the other one that I suggested in an earlier thread:
[ic=Leo]Lemure "Leo"
Apolitical, with a weathered, world-weary, and cynical attitude. Leo the Lemure could be described as emo, or the Eyeore of the demons. He once rode with Moloch on the waves of Hell's first battles. Then he gazed into the abyss and foresaw that the struggle would never be won-- his side was flawed and they could never dare stand against or reconcile with the Authority.

Leo became absorbed with hedonistic nihilism, and abandoned battles, slinking into the sewers of France for a hundred years. When he emerged, he was seen in Colombia, in slaughterhouse work, beating the life from calves and sucking blood from their sinews. Years later, he migrated to America and became a janitor at a State University. And therein he has dwelled, pushing his mop about.

If pressed, Leo might express some fondness for Moloch due to his past association, but he's more Belial in character- the war is over, there is no way to win- it's best to coexist. He thinks Mammon is foolish at best and dangerously insane at worst and generally preaches a far too-involved creed. Followers of Beezlebub depress him since frankly his political alignment should probably be Beezlebubian due to his close co-existence with humanity... but like objects repel as Leo despises what he has become. Although he has been too lazy to tempt, neither does he much respect the humans at his side-- he takes many chances to criticize the Beezlebubians' "going native" as he calls it and ensures that others remember his once mighty deeds in the service of Moloch during the Fallen War.

A fat man, round and short. Leo slides around slowly, coughing and smoking alternately.

When alone, he dines on doritos, cheetos, greasy hamburgers, and all matter of disgusting, slimy creepy crawlies, from snails to worms, to jellyfish, and centipedes. His preferred method of cleaning messes in bathrooms is absorbing the watery substances, and draining the toilets of the muck-- becoming one with the waste.

Powers
Slime slicks behind Leo at will as he compresses the world's atoms into muck. And unless consumed or destroyed, already existing molds and slimes pulse and grow in his presence regardless of his will.

Leo can eat almost anything.

Most human beings find it impossible to be in the same room as Leo for very long. He has terrible relationships with any human being-- who become overcome with disgust for his presence. Few can speak with him without feeling revulsion and hardly listening to any words he has to say.

In his true form, Leo can squeeze himself into a sticky slime that can slip under or through any passage-- and can be immune to permanent harm from most damages other than flame. (Replicates his Melts power).

Stench (Overcome mortals with uncontrollable nausea) (1 Energy Point)

Melts (Shrink, reshape, flexible self) (1 Energy Point)

Flames (Flaming liquid and any-color smoke comes out of any chosen orifice of any target.) (2 Energy Points)

[/ic]

Looks good.  The slime/ichor ability could be at will.  Additionally a stench ability might work - a lesser (one Energy point) power that temporarily incapacitates mortals with nausea...

Thanks. Revised and expanded Leo greatly above.

...Liking your new title.

And, with a nod to Nomadic, http://www.neillcameron.com/A_to_Z/B.html

Although I don't want to actually call dibs on any character before the date & time is fixed (so I'll know for sure if I can be there), Nyx seems the most intriguing option to me.

BTW, nice job on that slime demon LD.

I would be happy to join in and reply Samael (or anyone else, really).  Saturday 27th doesn't work for me, but Friday or Sunday might (I'd prefer Sunday, as I'll probably be exhausted on Friday).

It seems to come down to Friday or Sunday, with most people preferring Sunday, though Nomadic could only make it for a couple of hours that day.

Hate to drag out the planning process longer - though I suppose we have plenty of time in the interim to plan - but how would the next weekend (April 2-4) work for people?  Same deal?

It might be a bit cheeky to play a game where the players are demons on Easter, though...

I had planned to spend the day playing Left4Dead, and that could be considered downright offensive.

How does this work, exactly? I'm not sure I understand.

Just personally, I might be able to make sunday the 28th but there is no way I'm going to make Easter weekend. Then again, I've been a little flaky about being able to get to these things-- but still I made it to Crystalstar both times it was attempted-- so I'm not a complete basket-case.

And thank you Ghostman. :)

[blockquote=Ninja D!]How does this work, exactly? I'm not sure I understand. [/blockquote]We all go online on IRC chat and play for a couple hours.  There aren't any formal stats (unless you count Energy, which is unique to my particular no stats theatre); any disputed actions are settled with a coin flip.

The session I'm planning is a sequel to the session I ran before which ended on something of a cliffhanger.  I thought it was just a decent dramatic sort of ending but some of the players said they'd enjoy playing another session.  Here's the log (http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?75880.last) from that session.

EDIT: Nomadic, what's the earliest time you could make it for the 28th?  It's shaping up to be a likely date.

I can't make the 28th, well I can but it would be about 11pm EST or later. However during the previous week I can make any day as long as it doesn't end after about 6pm (9pm est). I won't have school as it's spring break.

I wonder if this would help set up a time (The only drawback is it appears to require peoples' email addresses). I've used this when other people have organized events before:

Alternatively, no one needs to have the squares sent- Steerpike just puts up what dates and times he's willing to do it and then we can just X in things here. Hopefully making things easier-

But of course also- if other people are available during easter=- please host it then, I'll come if I can.

http://doodle.com/

http://doodle.com/about/helpSchedule.html

I'm thinking it's going to be best to do it either on the 26th (which wouldn't be ideal, but at least most people could make it), or on the Easter Weekend at some point, perhaps on the Friday or Saturday.

If this proves impossible to organize here I'll look into the software - thanks for the link, Light Dragon!

Easter weekend would work for me, just so you know.

Could anyone else make it any point during Easter weekend?

Friday or Saturday would be fine for me

I think I'm fine for Easter weekend.

It sounds like Easter weekend is workable for most (and sadly I don't think I'm ever going to schedule it so that everyone can come) so unless there are any violent objections I think we'll run this on Saturday the 3rd of April at 7 PM EST.

That'll be Sunday night for me, so I guess I'll have to drop out.

Would moving it forward a day (Friday at 7pm EST) work better?

Oh shoot!  I forgot about the time difference... what about the day before (Friday the 2nd) at around 7 EST?  Or just a few hours earlier on the 3rd?

Assuming I've figured out this daylight saving time thing correct, I think 4 pm EST should work...

Well, I can't make it on any Saturday night (PST).  Friday and Sunday will probably work, though as I said before it's too early for me to know for certain.

Friday the 2nd it is then, hopefully around 4 PM EST if people could make that...

Works for me just fine :)

Should be fine for me.

I'll post a news article to this since everyone seems ok with it

Thanks Nomadic!

[ic=Tempter Pt. II Briefing]You have been sent by decree of the Parliament of Hell to the mortal plane to retrieve a certain object '" a shard of an ancient Sumerian clay tablet describing the location of the fabled Tree of Life. In the primeval past humanity was tempted before with a fruit from the Tree of Knowledge, but was banished from Eden by the Authority before they could eat of the Tree of Life, which would make them like gods, immortal. The infernal gambit is that by corrupting humanity with the second fruit a nigh unkillable army in the service of the Adversary can be quickly created. If the Authority manages to somehow destroy the newly immortal bodies of those who ate of the fruit, their souls will almost certainly be consigned to the Abyss, given the severity of their sin (equalled only by Original Sin itself).

Having discovered that the Watcher Samyaza '" once known as the god Enki, now called Sam Guignol '" possessed the shard, you did a deal with the erstwhile angel in exchange for it, swearing a blood oath to seal the covenant, agreeing to convince the Grigori's Nephilim daughter, Nina, to wear a protective charm to ward off the assassin-angels of the Authority, who consider such half-humans abominations.  After an encounter with the Angel of Death, Azrael, you returned to Samyaza's lair '" the nightclub Overkill!, a deconsecrated church '" but found the place in a shambles.  Samyaza, badly wounded, told you that the tablet had been stolen by cultists in service of the Elder Ones '" the chaotic indigenes of Hell, who consider demonkind colonists and invaders.  Having broken his oath to give you the tablet he was consumed by fire.

Since then, sources on the mortal plane have located the headquarters of the cult, where the fragment is most likely being kept under close guard.  The cult's shrine is hidden beneath a front business in Tatterdemalion City: Grimoire Comics, an independent bookshop specializing in horror comics, genre fiction, and role-playing games.

Though the mortal cultists would normally be no match for you, some may be equipped with functional talismans or other weapons effective against demons; additionally, as servants of the Elder Ones, they may have been granted dark and alien powers that could make them highly dangerous.  To complicate things further, the Authority's angels may now be on your trail after your earlier encounter.  Your mission is to collect the tablet by any means necessary.[/ic]

So, with the new integrated IRC breathing some new life into IRC, perhaps we could get this going again?

I would be interested in running a game in Asura (http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?81104.last). :D The plot is of course quite flexible depending on the kinds of things that people are interested in, but the kind of over-the-top nature of Asura means that very little is off-limits.

Quote from: sparkletwistSo, with the new integrated IRC breathing some new life into IRC, perhaps we could get this going again?

I would be interested in running a game in Asura (http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?81104.last). :D The plot is of course quite flexible depending on the kinds of things that people are interested in, but the kind of over-the-top nature of Asura means that very little is off-limits.

Sounds like an awesome idea

I'd love to see new life breathed into this palette of projects. I can't guarantee that I'd be able to participate (darn work schedule and other time constraints!), but Asura is good stuff, and I'd love to get the chance to test-drive it personally.

I guess I have two definite maybes, then. :P :D

Well one maybe and one slim chance. I'll make it if I can but my free time fits into a couple hour slot once a week.

Ah. Well, lacking any other basis for scheduling, when is this magical free time? I might as well throw that out there as a suggested time.

I'd be interested in playing Asura. Throw out a time and we'll see if I can make it.

Quote from: sparkletwistAh. Well, lacking any other basis for scheduling, when is this magical free time? I might as well throw that out there as a suggested time.

My guaranteed time right now is Saturday afternoon around 1pm (PST).

I usually have little going on during that time so it'll actually work for me too. :D

Would anyone be interested in playing a no-stats theatre game in my new pseudo-setting Age of Madness?  My CE game goes on hiatus soon but I'm still itching to play something!

Age of Madness is basically a historical horror game, set in the 18th century during the Enlightenment/Age of Reason and pitting members of a secret, occult society against mind-bursting Abominations from Beyond.  Expect insanity, mayhem, and terror to ensue.

Characters and setting information can be found via the link in my sig.

Here's a list of potential scenarios; if you would like to participate, rank which ones you'd most like to play, and post your preferred character as well.  Then we'll figure out a time that works for everyone.

[ic=Disappearances at Dún Cruach]Several Society members are visiting the small, weather-beaten island of Nodens' Rock in the middle of the Irish Sea, hoping to acquire a rubbing from an ancient Celtic monolith somewhere in the region.  While staying at the misty, secluded fishing village of Dún Cruach, however, the group hear stories of children disappearing '" and of the malignant faerie folk some claim live beneath a nearby hill.  When an uncannily thick fog rolls in making sailing impossible, the visitors find themselves trapped on Nodens' Rock, and repair to Dún Cruach's only inn, a ramshackle establishment called The Silver Hand...[/ic]
[ic=Beyond the Wall of Sanity]A former colleague of Ambrose Morgan, Francis Marais, has written a cryptic letter to the physician urgently requesting his presence at his recently established lunatic asylum Château de Saint-Sæthryth, a converted castle in the gloomy Pyrenees of French Basque Country, on the southern border of Averoigne.  While the director was strangely vague as to the exact reason for his request, his letter speaks of a 'transcendent breakthrough,' and of experiments which 'collapse the boundaries betwixt mind and body, betwixt the Visible and the Invisible world!'  He also hints at trouble with the locals, the ill-favoured villagers of an isolated mountain settlement not far from the castle.[/ic]
[ic=Whom He May Devour]The Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I has forcibly expelled the Jews of the Im Werd community in Vienna, renaming the area Leopoldstat in his own honour.  But all is not well in the Emperor's newly 'purified' district.  The new, gentile residents of Leopold's Town are dying mysteriously, found weirdly pulverized in their homes, behind locked doors, limbs twisted and contorted into disturbing, impossible poses.  Sometimes, at night, the Danube seems to glisten like blood, and a fell darkness has descended on the city.  People in the street whisper of the Golem of Prague, of a mysterious carriage come from Bohemia, of the seven plagues of Egypt.  These mutterings have only increased incidences of anti-Semitic violence, and Rabbi Tzvi Zebi '" a kabbalist and member of the secret Society of the Black Rose '" has requested assistance to put a stop to the mounting atrocities.[/ic]
[ic=Algol]William Fitzroy has tracked down an Arabian alchemist, Ifrahim Alhazred, claiming to be a direct descendent of Abdul Alhazred, the famed mystic and poet of the eighth century said to have visited the Lost City Iram of the Pillars and authored a certain forbidden text ruthlessly suppressed by Christian ecclesiastical authorities of all sects.  Believing that Ifrahim possesses a cure to his secret affliction, William has arranged to journey into the Ottoman Empire to the province of Algeria in order to meet the alchemist and, with any luck, obtain the cure for his sickness.  When he and several colleagues of the Society of the Black Rose arrive in the dusty town of T'Sbaar, however, they find more than the alchemist waiting for them.[/ic]
[ic=Slaughter on the Seine]One of Edwin Lazarus' old associates, the lieutenant-general of the Parisian police Marc-René de Voyer de Paulmy, has contacted the witch-hunter in hopes of a consultation.  Horrifically mutilated bodies have been appearing with increasing regularity in the Seine, and the city is in a state of near-panic.  The Préfecture de Police have few leads, but the citizenry are spreading rumours of supernatural agencies at work.  Bringing with him several trusted allies from the Society of the Black Rose, Lazarus hopes to put a stop to the gruesome killings and restore order to Paris.[/ic]

EDIT: I might be interested in playing Asura, sparkletwist.  Would we be making our own characters, or would you provide them?  I'm available on weekends and on mondays and wednesdays, and at certain times on other days.

I'll play any of those, of course!

Edit: Although I don't know who I want to play. You don't have anyone from Eastern Europe it seems, I might consider the Berzerker. I am not sure.

Working on some Slavic and German characters to add to the roster.  I'll have to rustle up some more portraits...

Could you also make some Portuguese and/or Dutch characters? Both nations possessed global colonial empires during the 18th century, which would make for an interesting seafarer/explorer type background.

BTW 'Ibn' is not a personal name but the initial part of a patronymic, meaning 'son of' (but can refer to distant ancestor rather than one's direct father), and as such shouldn't be used independently. Not that 'Alhazred' is a proper Arabic name to begin with...

Well, even if it shouldn't be used independently, doesn't mean it isn't... Although I can only ever think of it being applied by itself to scholars. I'm sure there's other examples. I mean, I just assumed the guy had a real name and that's just what people called him. I wouldn't worry about it.

I changed it... I'd come across it as a patronymic but I'd occasionally seen names written where people seemed to go by "Ibn," but I'm not sure what the reasons for that are.  Anyway, he's now Ifrahim.

I'll work on adding some more characters!  I've got one (a Slavic con artist) almost written up.

EDIT: Here's the guy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibn_Khaldun) I stole the name from... dunno why he's styled that way.

Quote from: SteerpikeWould we be making our own characters, or would you provide them?  I'm available on weekends and on mondays and wednesdays, and at certain times on other days.

I am pretty impressed by the way you (in your own offer) have presented some characters and scenes all ready to go, here and in your other thread. It would probably help both me and any potential players were I to do something similar or at least provided some templates, especially considering not all of the Asura material is on the Wiki yet. A sort of simple, no-stats version of their powers like you did for Tempter would probably help gameplay dramatically, so players aren't left constantly wondering just what they can and can't do.

Thanks for raising the bar for the rest of us... :P ;)

Now that I have seen the new characters, I think I will play Vladmir Albrecht.

Great!

If anyone would prefer to create their own character, that's fine too!  They don't even need to be a member of the Society of the Black Rose, though if not they should have a compelling reason for tagging along with Black Rose members and/or getting embroiled in occult hijinx.  Wikimedia commons has an enormous collection of (public domain) portraits from the period to provide visuals.

I'd like to join :)

All of the scenarios sound pretty good but in ranked order of preference:
1. Beyond the wall of Sanity
2. Whom he may Devour
3. Algol
4. Disappearances at Dún Cruach
5. Slaughter on the Seine

Preferred characters would probably be someone in the metaphysical vein such as Ambrose or Wolfgang. Erasmus could likely be fun to play (and he has pretty much the same name as me!), but I'm not good at doing lewd jokes :p
Lazarus might be fun too, but he is a bit lacking in quirks.  

Another possible character... but I probably won't play him; if Steerpike feels like tweaking him and adding him to the list, please feel free: (He just came to me and it seemed like he should be written up)

I also noted a lack in the character list of any african characters; Maybe a coptic christian from Egypt could be added? Just an idea if you want something different. Not sure how many of them were wandering around Europe at the time, but there were millions of them.


[ic=The Dark Gypsy]

Ivan Drago

Tattooed and branded by his mother's tribe of exiled Moldovan gypsies, the towering Ivan Drago was brought up to fear the dreykavic, to worship the dhampir, to love his mother, to befriend others with gypsy tumbles and gypsy songs, and to challenge the unknown. Drago learned the folklore, the Tarot, the stories of the fates and he can recite them by rote, and he knows their truth.

His vision blurred in one eye, from being struck violently in the head by a charcoal poker, the six foot three Drago lived by chopping wood and besting others in feats of strength. On his skin, he has tattooed remembrances of those defeated, which include men, boars, a black bear of the darkest Dnieper, and even a strange blurred thing about which he does not talk and of which he has attempted to efface.

His tribe traveled from Moldova to Rus to Germany and although many in the tribe engaged in thievery, Drago never did--at first because of his disability--he would always be caught because his lookout eye was poor. But Drago almost religiously opposes theft now after he had a vision of malevolent lights dancing and dull-eyed crows feasting on the charred corpse of a hollow-grey-eyed thief of his tribe; who he later discovered had truly died, burned by villagers.

After Drago's mother and youngest sibling succumbed to a wasting sickness; Drago left the tribe, carrying their cherished hearts wrapped in a backpack with preservatives; pursuing rumors of a holy dhampir who killed vampires. He seeks the man's knowledge of the black arts and everlasting life--hoping to bring his dead back to life. To that end, he feigns interest in destroying the dark, even when seeking to harness some secrets to overcome death itself.

Skills and Abilities: Commanding Presence, Cartomancy/Dowsing, Gypsy Acrobatics, Herbalism, Socially Shrewd

Languages: Roma (Fluent) Slovak (Fluent), Romanian (Fluent), German (Adequate), Rus (Adequate), Czech (Poor),  Hungarian (Adequate), Serb (Poor), Georgian (Poor) Turkish (Poor)

Religion: Pagan.

Possessions: Clothing, Knife, Big Knife, Skinning Knife, Bigger Knife, Gauntlets, Tarot Cards, 2 Shrunken Hearts (Preserved), Backpack, Axe, Waterskin[/ic]
--
(The english issue may be a problem.)

(http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/8623/sorokinspanishromanipeo.jpg)

Cool character!  Roughly how one might imagine him??  Or would one eye be whitened and blinded?

Thanks. The picture suits him, although as you note, one eye would have a bit of a scar and be forever squinting--he can see out of it, just not very well at all. I would say he has 20% of his vision in it, and it is sometimes painful.

I made 4 small edits to him after some reflection:

1.Made him more obviously friendly (to more easily integrate, maybe--and to further differentiate him from Trollson). (added "to befriend others with gypsy tumbles and gypsy songs")

2.Gave him an axe.

3.Modified his skills/abilities a little. (Added Gypsy Acrobatics and Socially Shrewd)

Feel free to nerf and change as needed.
-
And once again, your characters are great.