From Heavens to Heavens - A Sci-Fi Fantasy Adventure (Discussion)

edited 2015-01-18 07:26:14 in Roleplay & Games
It's been a while since I made a new RP, especially one in the vein of something slightly more gamey like Dungeoncrawler's Academy.

Here, I hope to set up a sort of forum RP emulation of an openworld RPG. You will start in a specific place, and then be given free roam to do what you like, but before I say more, some background:

Once, all of humanity lived on a single world. Its original name is long-forgotten, but in tales of myth it is known simply as The Allhome. Someone, who exactly is a subject of much debate, discovered that a particular kind of crystal reacted to magical energy with fearsome, endless flames. This lead to the development of much of what we'd recognize as modern technology, trains became commonplace, and it was not long before humanity turned its eyes toward the heavens.

Who first left, when, and why, are no longer known, but humanity has scattered to the stars. Both colonizing worlds and creating them, for space has a seemingly endless supply of the mysterious firegems. 

So what's all this mean for you? Well, you're an officer aboard The Neon Nova, a so-called "gemship" the size of a small nation. The Neon Nova is a parliamentary monarchy, ruled by her newly-inaugurated Queen-Captain Dythia II. Your job is one of what one might call contracted adventure. You see, just because humanity left the Earth does not mean there stopped being dungeons to crawl. On the contrary, your position as a crew aboard a "lancer", a small subship lent to you by Her Majesty's Government, is essentially a contract to do as you please, so long as you bring the crown wealth and prestige--which you're entitled to a substantial portion of, of course.

But not everything is so simple, despite your status as space privateers, there are nine social spheres aboard The Neon Nova. While they are at least theoretically equal, being of different spheres will likely mean there will be some social conflict among your ranks, at least at first. Every individual on the NN occupies two distinct spheres, as explained below

The Social Spheres indicate one's social standing by way of their profession.

Commoners are peasants, who do service jobs, construction, cleaning, etc. Average joes. They have a higher concentration of Purists than most (see below), but Cardsmen are common too. Commoner Weavers tend to be witches and warlocks of the folk variety, casting spells learned from generations of familial tradition.

Administrators keep the ship running, both literally and metaphorically. Administrators include actual ship administrators, engineers, and, less obviously, merchants and artisans. Administrators are fairly even-spread among the magical spheres.

Nobles are what the name implies. Ship nobility. This is the only sphere you can be born into (though you can also be made a noble by, for instance, being knighted), and the only one you can never leave. Nobles are nobles for life.

The Magical Spheres represent the individuals use of magic.

Purists both do not know any magic and refuse to use magical items of any kind. How extreme this is varies, one purist might accept magical healing, another might not.

Cardsmen do not know any magic themselves, but make extensive use of magical items. The name comes from Cards, magical trinkets that can be invoked for a given effect, and are then discarded when the effect is over. The vast majority of Neonans are Cardsmen.

Weavers know magic. They can both cast spells intrinsicly, and may both use and create magical items. 

--

For now, that is all I have to present to you. I'm still working on a lot of the game, and I haven't yet determined how we're doing combat (if we end up doing combat at all, I intend to leave that up to all of you), though I have considered using the Tavern Tales system.

If you'd like to play, please fill out the following brief sheet for your character:

Name:
Social Sphere:
Magical Sphere:
Appearance:
«1

Comments

  • Man is a most complex simple creature: see what he weaves, and how base his reasons for doing so.
    What does magic look like? How does it work?
  • Name: Kwakú Oduru
    Social Sphere: Nobility
    Magical Sphere: Purist
    Appearance: A tall, imperious black man with a taste for colorful clothes. Carries the family sword with him at all times
  • The problem with Tavern Tales is that I like, don't really understand it.
  • it's just that it's a rules system and for some reason my brain has a really hard time keeping track of all the numbers involved in such a thing, even for something as math-light as TT.
  • You could always do Single Roll and let us do the mathing for you

    Single Roll

    This is the newer style of roleplaying games. In this system, the GM never needs to touch the dice because the players do all of the rolling (hence “single roll”). Essentially, players roll for both themselves and their opponents all at once. When a player rolls well, his character triumphs and his opponents fail. When a player rolls badly, his character fails and his opponents triumph.

    This style feels more abstract and story driven. Consider this game mode if you want a more cinematic and fluid gaming experience where the players are the most important.

  • edited 2015-01-10 01:41:10
    Man is a most complex simple creature: see what he weaves, and how base his reasons for doing so.
    They've cut out a lot of the math. There's less math now. Increasing or decreasing dice doesn't go up or down a ladder, it just means you add or remove another dice of the same type.
  • I've also decided to spell his name as Kwakuu instead of copypasting u with an accent every time I want to say his name. 
  • Splat Charger Specialist
    Reserving my spot!

    Name: Sparin Celedoine
    Social Sphere: Noble
    Magical Sphere: Cardmaster
    Apearance: TBA
  • we are looking to be a quite high class lancer crew
  • Name: Reiwu Takashi
    Social Sphere: Commoner
    Magical Sphere: Weaver
    Appearance: She's a short 4'1 lady with long scraggly hair, tanned skin, and a pair of spectacles that she always wears no matter where she is. 
  • Alright, I have officially decided we're using the Tavern Tales system.

    And to that end, I would like each player to note that their character has 10 Toughness, and subsequently 40 HP. I would also like each player to select three traits from any number of themes (be logical, of course). Mark those down on a separate part of your character sheet.

    What you guys pick is going to influence how the game goes. If everyone picks espionage and diplomacy-related traits, there's not going to be a whole lot of combat, and vice versa. So think carefully, and feel free to discuss it amongst yourselves.
  • Common protocol is to pick one trait from each category (combat, exploration and interaction), thus leading to balanced gameplay. 

    Not saying we have to do it. Just establishing a default to work off of. 
  • I know that, but if we end up with no one wanting to do combat, there's no reason for anyone to take combat traits.

    I am essentially leaving that in your hands. I would maybe recommend doing the one of each approach, but it's far from mandatory.
  • Also I haven't made it clear but the tech level here is fairly mixed. Guns (both ballistic and laser) and spaceships exist alongside magic & swords, there are reasons for this I'll get into later.
  • About halfway done with my character sheet. Have at least three stats prepared for each category. I'll finalize it once we decide exactly how we're going to play this.
  • I've put an example of the modified character sheet below, you don't have to follow it exactly (the "history" part especially is optional) but it's a good guideline. You can also use TavernTales' official PDFs, but I find them a bit overcomplicated.

    Name: Dythia II, Queen-Captain of the Neon Nova
    Social Sphere: Noble
    Magical Sphere: Weaver

    Appearance: Dythia is a tall, pale woman with long black hair, in her mid 30s. Dythia, as befitting her status, tends to wear ornate garments. The Crown of The Neon Nova--a silver piece of headgear crowned with a blue jewel--is atop her head at all times. She also wields the Emerald Blade, a symbol of royal authority.

    History: Princess Dythia v'Ebanek was not the favorite to be elected the new Captain-Monarch from among the several heirs (the parliament votes and can choose any eligible heir as the new King or Queen-Captain), and was elected more by lack of popular consensus than anything else. Consequently, much of her early life was actually spent as a lancer, a profession she developed a profound command of magic in. Her unexpected election has disrupted her previously carefree existence, and, a week out from her coronation, how she will handle her new position remains to be seen.

    Stats
    • Mind (+3)
    • Spirit (+2)
    • Finesse (+1)
    • Brawn (-1)

    • Toughness 10 (40 HP)
    Traits:

    • Call Royal Guards (Command: "Call in the Cavalry"): The Queen-Captain can call forth a sizable battalion of royal guards at any given time.
    • Queen's Position (Command: "Council of Kings"): Being royalty, it is understandable that leaders of organizations, military commanders, and other nobility, treat Queen-Captain Dythia with a good deal of respect.
    • The Queen's Eye: (Arcane: "Wizard's Eye"): One of the few tricks Dythia learned during her adventurer days that still has application is this one. Conjuring a globe of magical energy that she can see and hear through, that lasts approximately one hour. Great for spying.
  • Man is a most complex simple creature: see what he weaves, and how base his reasons for doing so.
    The official PDFs are outdated anyway. It's best accessed straight from the website itself, where everything is up-to-date.
  • Name: Kwakuu Oduru, Ankobia of the Oduru Clan.
    Social Sphere: Noble
    Magical Sphere: Purist

    Appearance: Kwakuu is a broad-shouldered, well-built black man, usually in clothing more appropriate for an administrator or commoner. Tends towards yellow clothing. His kente sash, often worn like a scarf, and the Orudu Akrafena are usually the only signals of his social sphere.

    History: Born from a minor Oduru noblewoman and a knighted lancer, Kwakuu chose the path of the swordsman to bypass the trappings of nobility. His position as master swordsman allows him to avoid attending social events and maintaining the family estate in favor of winning fighting competitions or researching the family history. While he's known to be charming and easy to work with, his insistence on taking care of things personally and his personal pride in his heritage occasionally gets him in trouble. Decided to become a lancer to train himself away from his comfort zones, and to get as far from high-society as possible. Bunch of softies who'd be run over if the common folk didn't keep them afloat, he'd say.

    Stats:
    Brawn (+3)
    Spirit (+2)
    Mind (+1)
    Finesse (-1)
    Toughness 10 (40 HP)

    Equipment:
    * Oduru Arkafena: A sword rumored to have been originally brought out of the homeworld. While the weapon is aesthetically identical to its original form, it's been reforged with space-age alloys and one or two little tricks built into the handle. The end result is deadly in battle and just fashionable enough that Kwakuu can bring it to tea parties and such. Melee, Rending, Piercing.

    Ankobia Training (Warfare, “Master of Arms”): Years of training have given Kwakuu unparalleled skill in battle. Heavy armor doesn’t bother him (though he’s not fond of it), he gets 1 advantage in combat, he cannot be disarmed and his weapons get an additional keyword.


    Size Up (Warfare, “Cold Read”): Kwakuu’s time fighting in competitions has given him a good eye for opponents. He can immediately assess someone’s skill in battle, relative to his own, and can discern one fact about how they fight.

    Noble Charisma (Bardic Lore, “Convincing Argument”): Kwakuu is known as much for his likability as he is for his swordsmanship. Given enough time, he can convince anybody to do almost anything.
  • Bump.

    I need revised character sheets from two people yet.
  • also

    you should consider possible names for your lancing squadron and your ship
  • Where can I access the Tavern Tales system?

  • Where can I access the Tavern Tales system?

    here

    character creation is detailed under the Rules tab. It's a pretty simple process compared to most other games.
  • Splat Charger Specialist
    Name: Sparin Celedoine, Princess of the Aft
    Social Sphere: Noble
    Magical Sphere: Cardmaster

    Appearance: Sparin is a tall and gracefully figured woman with a brown complexion and long white hair, often kept in a single ponytail low and to the side of her neck, draped over her shoulder. She often wears a long, charcoal grey coat over a tight fitting, white and steel grey sleeveless top, with matching shorts and black stockings. She is never found without her deck of rare and powerful Cards, which she keeps in a box strapped to her right thigh, or a choker made of platinum, which is a symbol of her reign in the aft quarters. Besides this she carries a few magical items, crafted by the smiths of the aft.

    History: One of the youngest of the potential heirs to the Helm, Sparin was hardly a likely candidate for election, however, she was content to be passed over for the throne, allowing her to continue a life of adventure and hedonistic pursuits. Born in the Aft of the Neon Nova, Sparin is surrounded by artisans, the source of much of the Aft's income. Such artisans produce everything from high fashion clothing, to designer furnishings, to magical items, to weapons of war, all of which are among Sparin's most beloved interests. Sparin has always lived a decadent lifestyle, and found herself drawn to the allure of riches and risks brought by a Lancer's life. So when her "sister" Dythia offered to show her the ways of being a Lancer, Sparin enthusiastically agreed. Now that Dythia has taken reign of the Neon Nova, Sparin works with her to bring riches to the crown.

    Stats:
    • Spirit (+3)
    • Finesse (+2)
    • Mind (+1)
    • Brawn (-1)
    • Toughness 10 (40 HP)
    Equipment:
    • 60 Printer's Treasures -- Cards made by hand by 60 different famous spellcrafters. Each one is unique in its effects. Presented to Sparin when she became of age.
    • Lightning and Steel -- A pulse rifle that changes its shape into a glaive. A finery of both armscrafting and spellcraft. Made by the Princess of the Aft from four generations past, making Sparin its fifth master.
    Traits:
    • Art of the Great Truth (Martial Arts, "Tai Chi"): An ancient art passed down the generations of fighters in the Aft, Sparin has mastered the forms that teach polearm wielding, and as such, can use her enemies' strength against them.
    • Keen Appraisal (Artifice, "Identity"): Sparin's time on the Aft and hobby as a collector of fine goods make her unparalleled in her ability to identify items and determine their uses and functions.
    • Seductress (Bardic Lore, "Honeyed words"): Sparin's beauty and decadent lifestyle have given her insight into manipulating people to get what she wants. Status, money, pleasure, Sparin can find what drives a person and use that to get them to do what she wants.
  • with that I just need Counterclock's, and we can begin
  • I'm sorry, I think I'm going to sit this one out, thank you and good luck to you guys.
  • well, alright

    now we need a new third player.
  • edited 2015-01-15 08:10:46
    Man is a most complex simple creature: see what he weaves, and how base his reasons for doing so.
    I'll do it. Not enough people want to play my game, anyway.

    Give me a little bit to come up with a character concept.
  • OK

    we might also have daltar (I'm sure you all remember daltar) aboard, but she hasn't committed yet.
  • edited 2015-01-15 10:02:23
    Man is a most complex simple creature: see what he weaves, and how base his reasons for doing so.
    Name: Monad the Messiah.
    Social Sphere: Administrator. 
    Magical Sphere: Weaver.
    Appearance: Monad is a black man of medium height, athletic build, with thinly-cropped black hair and beard. He wears a white dress-suit with white leather shoes and a white t-shirt. Around Monad's neck is a comically-large gold chain, hanging from which is an unfolded tesseract net, also in gold. Hiding his eyes are white-framed sunglasses.

    Born of the First Divinity by Immaculate @#$%ing Conception, Monad the Messiah is the erstwhile future savior of the entire cosmos. Or so he says. It's not quite clear. What is known is that Monad is certainly immensely powerful, and believes every word he says. As his idiosyncratic rhythmic messages preaching aggressive understanding, the duty to combat supreme divinity, and the apotheosis of the self spread across the Neon Nova, thousands many flocked to hear him speak. 

    Fearing the rise of a new political force aboard the already-crowded Neon Nova, the Parliament posted Monad to the H.M.S. Cathedral Throne as Monarch-Captain, and assigned his followers to the subship, ostensibly to honor his cultural achievements, but in truth, was political exile in all but name.

    Stats
    • Spirit (+3)
    • Finesse (-1)
    • Mind (+2)
    • Brawn (+1)
    • Toughness 10 (40 HP)
    Equipment
    • Jesus Walks. Melee, Staggering.
    • Jesus Walks. Ranged, Piercing. Infinite Bundle.
    Traits
    • Combat - Sing Low, Sweet Chariot (Psionics: Dancing Weapon). Monad appears to be a very powerful psionic. But open your Third Eye, your Wizard Eye, and your Blind Eye, and you will see a phantasmal golden giant standing behind him, with a featureless diamond-studded face and a halo of purple vines. It is named Jesus Walks, and it catches every bullet, punches with invisible fists, and holds up his drinks.
    • Exploration - Godspeed You! Black Empress! (Command: Call Mount). Monad appears to be able to fly. This is not true. Jesus Walks can fly, and it is he that carries Monad from place to place.
    • Interaction - The Man Who Sold The World (Nature: Astrology). Monad is the spiritual and philosophical leader of the Cathedral Throne. His command of the prophetic arcana is uncanny, reading decks of painted cards depicting beauty and ugliness, shame and glory, power and ruin to foretell the future.
    Mount: Jesus Walks (Threatening)
    • Spirit (-1)
    • Finesse (+3)
    • Mind (+1)
    • Brawn (+2)
    • Toughness 10 (40 HP)
    • Block: 2
    • Damage: 2d8.
    • Instinct: Mirror Monad's actions and will.
    • Trait: Move with speed and grace: Hover (Fly) around the battlefield with no limits on maneuverability, move swiftly
    • Trait: Attack with crushing force: Push away, shatter, destroy features of terrain
    • Weakness: Mirror damage onto Monad.
    Monad is pretty much a fantastical version of Kanye West's persona as a Gnostic savior. I hope that's okay.
  • you

    you just changed the description for one of the sample characters
  • also even if you hadn't like, kind of a tonal clash.
  • edited 2015-01-15 14:35:27
    Man is a most complex simple creature: see what he weaves, and how base his reasons for doing so.
    I wrote that sample character. I'm Sage_Mountain.

    Also, hmm. I guess I should come up with something else.
  • While that is impressive, the second point still stands.

    I mean, it'd be funny, but while I'm not necessarily opposed to some over-the-topness, that's a bit too much.
  • Man is a most complex simple creature: see what he weaves, and how base his reasons for doing so.
    It's not like it's hard. You just go to Reddit, post a character sheet, and say; "Yo please use my character concept."

    What about Sakranam Vayudhara, Vox of the living sub-ship Rajadhani? As in, it's a living city-ship that requires a shaman/shrine maiden to interact with its populace.
  • Not saying that these aren't incredible ideas that would be interesting in the right setting, but I and presumably CC created our characters based on the original premise: being an officer of the Neon Nova.
  • Man is a most complex simple creature: see what he weaves, and how base his reasons for doing so.
    I thought subships were like. City-sized or something.

    Okay, how about this? Major Bastion Voltencrank, a malfunctioning busybody well-meaning robot whose fussing earned him a promotion and a subship all to himself so they would finally get some peace and quiet?
  • I think we will wait for daltar.

    Thank you anyway, Crackers.
  • Man is a most complex simple creature: see what he weaves, and how base his reasons for doing so.
    I guess I just don't know what to do with nobility.
  • Nobility in this setting gives you a place of power inside of the gemship. The sub-ships function more like actual ships, meant for a handful of people rather than being a subset of the ship's hierarchy. 

    Voltencrank might work, possibly. I don't know how advanced AI is in this universe. Even then, if you change it from a robot to a human with cybernetic modifications, we could probably work with that. 
  • Name: Reiwu Takashi
    Social Sphere: Commoner.
    Magical Sphere: Weaver.

    Appearance: Reiwu is a petite pale woman, dressed usually in a large overworn coat she tends towards clothing that obscures her form, she also always wears a pair of spectacles.

    History: Born weak, frail, and with a condition that lead to light-sensitive eyes, Reiwu likely wouldn't have made it if not for the strong determination of her mother Suili, she's made it her own goal to bring wealth and success to her mother as repayment.


    Stats:
    Brawn (-1)
    Finesse (+1)
    Spirit (+2)
    Mind (+3)
    Toughness 10 (+40 HP)

    Equipment:
    Spectacles:Whenever the wearer sees a spell or magic item, the GM must tell him an interesting, relevant fact about it.
    *Kris: Piercing
    *Blunderbuss:Staggering.

    Traits:

    • Ghost Sound: Create any sound, which emanates from you.

    • Light: Create an orb of light as bright as a torch for an hour or so. It hovers around you or it sticks to an object that you touch.

    • Mage Hand: Levitate several handheld objects within a close distance for as long as you maintain concentration.

     • Prestidigitation: Change the minor physical properties (cleanliness, color, odor, taste, texture, luster, et

    *Force Armor: Gives your character an unremovable +5 block


  • You're only able to have 3 traits right now.

    Otherwise you're fine.
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