Trinity Universe: New game?

[ProfPotts]

Okay, I've been thinking about a new Trinity game for a bit. At first I was thinking something about a VARG squad, but it looks to me like we already have enough combat-heavy games on the site. So, my new idea is an exploritory game: kinda' along the lines of Star Trek or Stargate, but with a Trinity spin or two.

After DoD I've concluded that it's probably best to give a relatively narrow chargen mandate to players for a game as versitile as Trinity - after all, DoD ended up focusing mostly on the crew, rather than those few characters who were passengers. I've also spotted several elements of Trinity that I don't much like (such as XP costs), & others that don't seem to work too well on-line (such as freeform Psi - IMHO still a better & more interesting system, but far too complex if not everyone has access to the stupidly rare TPG).

So, this game would focus on a group of characters who are members of the Trinity Exploration Force (or TEF, strangly enough... ::rolleyes ). Basically the TEF gets to bod around the galaxy exploring 'strange new worlds' that have been cherry-picked by the ISRAns. The characters would be crew members on a Scarab frigate assigned to a jumpship. The jumpship would jump to a target system, release a Scarab explorer, then (whilst the Scarab heads in-system towards it's destination) recharge for another jump. Having 4 Scarabs on-board, the jumpship would release each in a different system, one after another, then return to pick up the first one released, giving each mission about a month or so to scout the target. During that time, the Scarab crews would be on their own.

Due to the focus of the game, many Backgrounds would be of little use (although permitted) - the game would be about new discoveries, first contact situations, & handling the unexpected at a moment's notice, rather than Earth-based politics.

Standard equipment would be issued, & a pseudo-military rank system used (again, think Star Trek).

Characters would take a TEF skill package, based on their specialisation, rather than be drawn from other backgrounds.

Neutral or Psion characters would be available, but with Neutrals granted enough bonuses (extra Abilities, Bonus Points, etc.) to be on-par with the Psions (I'm all for game balance, & don't really like the idea of players being penalised for character-concept).

The XP system would be more in-line with Aberrant & Adventure!, rather than Trinity (which has a hideous XP system IMHO).

The various new Abilities from the TPG would be used (I'll list them if the game goes ahead), but the Psi rules would be those from the core rule book.

Characters would be expected to actively take part in exploration (even if they happen to specialise as, say, a pilot - some helpful exploratory skills will be a must), & to have an interest in doing so. As members of the TEF characters will work for the Trinity, & through them the UN, but generally are expected to act as representatives of 'humanity' or 'the Earth' as a whole.

So, questions? Comments? Would anyone be interested in that sort of game at all?

[Bahamut810]

That sounds like a kool idea. I am not 100% with trinity (ask anyone who I have sent character too before, I dont have the world down well enough in my head), but this seems like something I could get into.

Something I think we should do if we do play, is to have specific roles to be filled. That way we dont need (As many) NPCs.

I call the Red Shirt Engineer!

[ProfPotts]

Gawd yeah - no more ships with crews in the hundreds for me! That's one lesson I learnt well... ::crazy

But yeah, that's also why I'll be altering chargen a bit, & having TEF skill packages instead of the usual Trinity skill packages.

A Scarab has living room for 16 people. That's a bridge crew of 10, 2 in each of the 2 gunnery bays, & 1 for each of the two fighters. So, in an emergency everyone has something to do. That means there'll be at least 3 pilots, & several people with the Gunnery Ability - but those may well not be their main roles. After all, although the ship is combat-worthy, their mission is meant to be one of science, not a military action.

If we get enough interest I'll post more details on everything, including skill packages & character roles.

[madcat82]

Im on...

[phoenix]

I'd probably be interested if I can get a good idea for a character concept. Maybe even break my Norca addiction.. ::rolleyes ::squid

Actually, I'd like to play a scientist or something, now that I've gotten the build-the-world's-most-badass-PC out of my system. Maybe a Rex would be fun?

Damn, I need the TPG.. ::smiley4

Also, I'm not sure it'd be a good idea for me to join a game just now, because I'll be gone for most of July. I'll be at a pretty intensive summer program, and I don't think I'll have time to check EON, much as I would like to.

[Bahamut810]

I do too...no wait...I have it!!

[Prince of Boredom]

I'm in if the prof doesn't mind someone who doesn't know the rules and doesn't own the books (ie. I'll probably play a neutral...)

[malkboy]

I'd hop on board as a neutral any day Potts games are da bomb

[ezekiel]

Ok so let me get this straight?

1) Prof wants a new game

2) He doesn't intend it to be combat heavy which in my mind means more character driven.

3) Kinda trekkie-ish

Ok, this kinda seems tailored for me! I think I'll have the net installed at home in a week or two (just finalized my ethernet card issues, now I just need to subscribe. It shouldn't be too complicated but the language still is somewhat of a barrier..)

I still think DoD was awesome though! Crew of hundreds, yay!

[ProfPotts]

Okay, looks like enough interest to go ahead. I'll post some more details later today.