Aberrant RPG - A window into my worlds...

[Nyxx]

I have gotten all of my best ideas from the internet forums like this one. When people talk about their chronicles, characters and house rules, it's like a mountain of inspiration.

So I'm gonna share a bit with you and maybe it'll help, maybe you'll have ideas for me too...

So… the basics first.

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House Rules:

1) Abilities: An ability may be bought above 5 dots if the corresponding Attribute + Mega Attribute is also above 5. This may only be done with experience points.

1a) Specialties: More than three specialties may be purchased for an Ability if the Ability rating is above 5. You may purchase one additional specialty per dot above five in an Ability.

1b) Linguistics: Language slots are handled as in the T:PG. Every dot above 5 double the number of language slots from linguistics.

B1) If you have at least 2 dots in Linguistics, you may buy a new language slot for 2exp as long as it is plausible that you have had the time to learn the language.

B2) The maximum languages someone can learn equals Int+M-Intx6

B3) The Natural Linguist Merit (2pt) allows the purchase of new slots for 1exp and +2 dice to Linguistics rolls

B4) Mega Intelligence and Linguistic Genius: The Linguistic Genius enhancement multiplies the language slots from Linguistics by (x5 or M-Int +1, whichever is higher) and removes the upper limit on languages learned, as well as it's other effects.

2) Backgrounds: We use the following additional backgrounds from Adventure: Menagerie, Reputation, Gadget, and Sanctum.

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2a) We also make full use of Adversarial Backgrounds

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2b) Background Enhancements are possible, please check with the Storyteller during character creation

3) Special Breeding: If two Stalwarts have children together, there is a 1% chance of the child being a True 2nd Gen nova, a 51% chance of the child being a latent Stalwart/Nova, and a 48% chance of the child being a latent “1.5Gen” nova.

3a) 1.5 Generation Novas: These novas are not born with any powers and are not likely to erupt until late puberty or full maturity. The main difference between 1.5 generation novas and regular 1st Generation novas is that 1.5 Gen novas do not gain Taint from their Node or Quantum scores. They are, in all other respects, handled as 1st Generation novas in regards to buying Tainted powers, power maxing, rapid Quantum Poll recovery, etc.

4) Mental Prodigy, Physical Prodigy, etc. : These enhancements add +3 automatic successes to the rolls they effect rather than rolling dice so that you can roll more dice.

5) The Dramatic Death Rule: No player character can be one-shot killed. If a PC takes enough damage from an attack to kill them, they are rendered helplessly incapacitated and can then be killed by a “coup de grace”.

6) Maxing Quantum (adapted from rules by J_SHERIDAN@YAHOO.COM original available at: http://www.nprime.net/ubbthreads.php/ubb/s.../69707/page/1):

Quantum powers by their very nature are powerful; a nova can manipulate the fundamental building blocks of reality (protons, neutrons, and electrons) and create effects that seem magical. Sometimes this power is not enough to achieve the effect the nova desires. A nova can gain additional options to his powers by maxing his Quantum powers. The nova spends a point of Willpower and a variable number of quantum points (up to his Quantum score), this is over and above the cost to activate the power (if applicable). Each point spent allows the nova to roll one die. For each success rolled the character can enhance his power (listed below), a any ones on the roll cause the nova to gain a point of temporary Taint. The nova may spend extra points of Willpower for more successes on this roll, and can completely deplete their remaining willpower points for a HUGE bit of whupass

Each success rolled can be spent in the following manner:

• Damage Dice/Successes: Each success spent adds one automatic success or two dice to a power.

• Soak: Each success spent adds one to the character's soak vs. bashing and lethal damage.

• Area: Each success spent doubles the area of an Area or Explosive power.

• Range/Speed: Each success doubles the range or speed of a power (this includes movement powers)

• Duration: Each success spent doubles the duration of a power.

• Extras: The nova may spend two successes to add an extra that is appropriate for the power. New ones can be created if the Storyteller approves. This only affects powers that the nova normally possesses.

• Mega Attribute Enhancements: The nova can spend four successes and gain any enhancement for a Mega Attribute that he possesses. The duration is one turn. An additional success may be spent to increase the duration by one turn.

• Level One Quantum Power: The nova may spend two successes and gain the use of any level one Quantum Power. The power must be within the characters scope of power and the player must have a good reason to use this power and he must meet the Quantum minimum for the power. The power takes effect on this round and has its normal duration. It can be affected by other successes from this maxing of power. This gives the nova one dot in the power; Ex. Stonehenge (Stone Bodymorph) wishes to inflict lethal damage to a foe. He maxes his power and gains four successes. This becomes one dot in Claws (two successes for Claws). He uses the remaining two successes to gain two extra levels of Bashing and Lethal soak.

• Level Two Quantum Power: As with the level one Quantum power, except it is a level Two power and costs three successes.

• Level Three Quantum Power: As with the level one Quantum power, except it is a level Three power and costs four successes.

• Mega Attributes: The nova can spend two successes and gain an additional dot in a Mega Attribute that he possesses (even those copied or stolen), up to his limit based on Quantum.

• Enhancements: The nova can spend two successes and gain an additional Enhancement to any Mega Attribute that he possesses (even those copied or stolen).

Any powers or Mega Attributes enhanced by this gain one experience point towards their improvement.

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Next: World One!

[Nyxx]

World One: Dollar-Man vs Project Utopia

1) There are three novas that are active in the world that pre-date N-Day (three who matter anyway) Sophia Rousseau, Michael Donighal (Divis Mal), and Mark Aisland. Of the three pre-Galatea novas, Donighal is the oldest and Rousseau the youngest.

2) Mark Aisland erupted during the Korean War with telepathic abilities and a seriously enhanced mind. He went on to use his abilities and mega-intellect to form Aisland Consumer Products, which by N-Day was one of the most powerful multi-national super corporations in existence (also, it’s a total rip-off of OCP from Robocop).

3) When N-Day happened, the Aeon Society was joined by ACP in helping to deal with the emergent novas. ACP formed a new branch, Nova Concepts, to both help newly erupting novas deal with their powers and to find ways to implement nova powers to gain both novas and ACP a great deal of money. (Mark Aisland is nothing if not mercenary).

4) By the time Project Utopia was unveiled to the public, ACP’s multi-billion dollar PR juggernaught was already rolling like an avalanche and Nova Concepts opened the first ACP Nova Clinic in Los Angeles, competing with Utopia’s Rashoud Clinics for nova clients.

5) When Project Utopia was given the mandate for regulating technology, ACP was ready and waiting with, literally, thousands of lawyers and a seemingly infinite budget.

Utopia’s Science and Technology department is far more limited in what in can do in this world as their legal right to do anything is being relentlessly challenged at every turn.

6) While Utopia was cleaning the environment and terraforming Ethiopia, ACP organized a cooperative effort between the revitalized Japan, the USA, the UK, and Germany to truly revitalize the race for space. By 2003 they had established a massive station in high orbit called Gateway Station, by 2005 there were four stations in orbit (one wholly owned by ACP) and two more under construction at L1 and L2, by 2008 construction is under way at the Sea of Tranquility on the first lunar colony. Press releases have indicated that missions to Mars and the asteroid belt are expected to commence within 2 years and that a colony on Mars is planned by 2015.

Consequences:

First of all, due to the hamstringing of Utopia’s S&T department the overall tech level has risen about 50% faster than in canon. No cold fusion yet, but it’s expected soon.

Secondly, the world is far more anarchic as far as various factions are concerned. With ACP muddying the waters, no one has a clear advantage.

Also, the Sterilization Conspiracy is far less successful than in canon as Utopia (and thus Proteus) are not as ubiquitous and they face a lot of challenges in manipulating the media with Aisland directing his own PR juggernaught to blunt their efforts at making Utopia’s way look like the only “good” way. There are very few 2nd Gen children by 2008, but they do exist.

Factions in Dollar-Man vs Project Utopia:

Project Utopia and T2M: Utopia is recognized as a force for good in the world, but many also see them as “crazy hippies with money” due to various PR initiatives by ACP and the Directive. T2M is seen in a rather more realistic light as the public relations, disaster relief and goodwill machine that it is. Kids love it though.

This is not to say that Utopia is powerless, but it’s power in the world is far less than in canon.

Project Proteus: Director Thetis is a very frustrated individual. The Sterility Cocktail has been only marginally successful, when Utopia offered Bahrain as a place for storing nova criminals the governments of the world laughed at them, and all of their more promising initiatives tend to meet with unexpected resistance and more complications than are reasonable. Though they have searched for a cause, everything so far has seemed like coincidence. Chiraben’s mission to kill Slider is just icing on the cake. Slider disappeared, Chiraben disappeared, and their fall guy, Corbin, disappeared.

It’s almost like someone is reading Thetis’s mind…

The Directive: These guys are in a much better position in this world as they were never seen as a shadowy group and were unveiled to the public during the Equatorial Wars when the UN called them in to quell the Elite warfare in Africa. Nova and baseline soldiers put an end to the fighting in a crisp and military fashion that actually played well on N! with a bare minimum of editing.

In this world, the Directive has taken on the enforcement role played by T2M in canon as well as it’s more traditional roles and many of the more high-profile novas working in that area have an even bigger following than T2M. Colonel Eisenfaust is an especial fan-favorite as many consider him to be the most powerful nova in the world.

The Teragen: The more moderate factions of the Teragen tend to wield the most influence as the radical parts (Nova Vigilance and the Primacy mainly) are ruthlessly hunted by the Directive whenever they show their faces. The radical elements have been far more circumspect since the founder of Nova Vigilance, Geryon, was put down like a dog by the Directive after killing the South African Minister of the Interior.

It is otherwise the most like it’s canon counterpart of all of the factions

The Aberrants: The Aberrants don’t exist as such, Slider was not publicly murdered, she disappeared and no notes or other messages from her have yet been found. Corbin is missing as well…

More later,

-Nyxx

[Nyxx]

This one could be developed into a full fledged suppliment if I had the inclination and time...

World Two: NOVA ROME

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709 A.U.C.

The conspirators exchanged one more glance, the moment of truth had arrived at last.

At Cassius’ nod they spread out and surrounded the aging man entering the Pompey Theater, remaining inconspicuous still, due to his distraction. Already Metellus accosted him begging for a pardon that could not be granted. But even as Caesar dismissed him, Brutus blocked his way further into the building and yelled “For the Republic!”, as the men rushed in for the kill.

Casca, gripping Caesar by the neck of his robes, thrust his dagger into his body… and watched, stunned, as it shattered against the dictator’s suddenly invulnerable flesh., even as the rest of the conspirators moved in for the kill.

With dawning awareness of emerging power in his eyes, Caesar tossed aside his attackers as if they were toys, their daggers had broken against his transformed flesh as easily as Casca’s had.

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Decimus Brutus, the dictator’s old friend paled as he stood from where he had been thrown, his shattered dagger hanging loosely in his hand still, as the dictator at last focused his attention on him fully.

Caesar stretched one arm out toward Brutus, almost as if beckoning him forward to absolution, or damnation.. “Et tu Brute?” he sneered, glorying in his newly awakened strength, robbing Brutus of any hope he had still had in his heart, “Et tu?”.

And then, Gaius Julius Caesar began calling down lightning from his hands…

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That was half a decade ago, it is now 714 A.U.C. and the world is changing in the wake of that fateful day, for Caesar was not the only one to come into new powers that day. It was as if his awakening was the birth-cry of a new era for humankind, all throughout the Eternal City, indeed as we have learned, throughout the entire known world, men and women cast off their merely mortal guises and stood forth as Novi Homines and Novae Feminae a new breed more wondrous than mundane humanity.

It is also apparent that the city itself saw the greatest number of these Novi awaken that day, Caesar being the first and most bloody such awakening.

In the aftermath of that failed assassination the great man was filled with an almost divine vigor and immediately took steps to see the end of his attackers and all that supported them.

His rise to power was further secured as he moved to quickly recruit as many of the newly reborn men and women for his Praetorians, who are not only his personal guard, but his hands and strong arm in the world at large

Meanwhile, the outer territories were in chaos as newly awakened Novi and Novae among the barbarian peoples at the fringes began to strike at Roman holdings, as well as number of local coups and power-grabs by newly emerging local Novi.

Caesar could not, at first, make much response to this, as he needed to focus all of his powers, both temporal and supernatural, towards stabilizing the situation close to home as well as purging those who had conspired to kill him. He first concentrated on the stability of Italy, Spain, and Egypt, to secure the heart of Roman power, he was aided greatly in this by his second wife (he was able to easily get the laws against bigamy and marriage to foreigners changed at this point ) Queen Cleopatra VII of Egypt, who awakened to her own power as a Novae Feminae within the year.

The situation in the outer territories would have to wait until A.U.C. 712, on the Ides of March, the third anniversary of the day that shook the world, elements of Caesar’s Praetorians struck at many of the outer territories in a series of surprise attacks that fell like the wrath of an angry god, eliminating most of the upstart Novi in those areas and bringing the rest back to Rome in heavy chains.

Meanwhile, other luminaries than the Praetorians have appeared on the scene, like the great thinker and inventor Marcus Septimus Maro, who has revolutionized scientific thought and introduced many innovations to Roman culture and has many more on the way. Already, all of Italy and Spain are linked by a system of rapidly expanding semaphore telegraph towers and shipyards across Roman controlled territories prepare to launch ships of unprecedented design and capabilities. In addition, the Legions are gradually being fortified through the addition of the simple to use, but deadly, handheld crossbow, improved steel used for swords, spears and shields, as well as the hardened steel used to make the lorica segmentata has made that armor, in the opinion of many, as near to Caesar’s own invulnerability that mortal man may come.

In addition to that great man, there is the General Sergius Navius Claudius who, having used his potent oracular abilities to aid his strategies, is even now returning from forcing the Parthian Empire to it’s knees before Roman might and either co-opting, killing or enslaving all of Parthia’s Novi.

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More later,

-Nyxx

[Nyxx]

More Nova Rome!

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The Allegiances of Nova Rome

The Praetorians

Caesar’s personal guard and “legion” of heroes, the Praetorians recruit the strongest and most loyal of the Novi and Novae for it’s work in Caesar’s name. The Praetorians handle all responsibilities for guarding Caesar and his household (a coveted position awarded as an honor to the most trusted members) with a special detachment guarding Cleopatra during her frequent trips to her home in Egypt. Additionally, the Praetorians are Caesar’s hand in the world at large carrying out any mission that he decides requires their power and skill to execute. The Praetorians are identified by the purple and silver trim on their clothing and armor as well as the gold and ruby Eagle rings they wear.

The College of Enlightenment

Founded by Marcus Septimus Maro, the College is currently a loose organization of Novi and Novae whose powers grant them either great intelligence or other abilities that allow them to advance science of every kind. They are a loosely tied group that meets to share ideas and manpower for the advancement of science and learning of every kind.

The College is responsible for most of the major advances in technology in Roman lands and for most of the public works being done by Novi throughout the Empire.

The Black Order

All of the Ides of March conspirators are dead, all but one.

Gaius Cassius Longinus erupted into his power just as Caesar was wreaking his bloody vengeance on those who had attempted to kill him.

Instinctively using his newborn power to escape the carnage, Longinus fled to his villa in the countryside. Upon arriving there, he knew he would not have much time and set about arranging things so that when Caesar's vengeance fell on him, he would appear to die.

He was successful, now, from the shadows, the reforged Gaius Cassius Longinus conspires. A man without a name or identity, a dead man. He gathers his support from those who are dissatisfied, those who have been slighted, any who bear Caesar ill will and he bides his time, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike against the one he hates with an undying passion.

His main tool is the Black Order, a recently founded group, shrouded in mystery, the Black Order recruits from the slaves and prisoners who awaken as Novi and Novae and indoctrinates them into it’s mystery cult. Within this cult, they take up masks and new names from myth, legend and natural forces, guarding their identities as most have had their deaths faked by agents of the Black Order at the time they were recruited. Others have been recruited into the Order while still maintaining a public life as a loyal Novi, these also need the new names and masks to protect their secret

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More later,

-Nyxx

[Nyxx]

By special request, more Nova Rome!

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Weird Prototypes and New Designs from the College of Enlightenment

The College of Enlightenment has produced, thus far, many interesting devices and machines, three of the more wondrous are listed below.

The Steamship, Mercury

Named for the speedy god of messengers, this one of a kind ship is the fastest thing in the oceans due to it’s cutting edge technology. The Mercury travels through the use of two steam-driven paddlewheels and a two masts of sail. When the winds are good or fuel is low, the paddlewheels are raised from the water and the sails provide power, otherwise, the paddlewheels drive this ship through the ocean faster than any other ship yet seen. The Mercury is 75 feet long and 40 feet wide and can carry enough provisions to last it’s crew for two months if necessary. Thus far, it has not been sailed further than Corsica on it’s trial runs. The luminaries of the College predict that as much as five years might be needed to properly re-tool a shipyard to produce these ships in any quantity.

The Pneuma-plaustra

This unwieldy contraption consists of a large, coal-fueled steam engine resting on a large metal platform between two large metal wheels a cargo space in front of the engine protected by a canvas and wood frame, and a driver’s area at the front where this ungainly beast is steered with a tiller attached to the smaller front wheels. The Pneuma-plaustra can carry about 2-3 tons of cargo and achieve speeds up to 20 mph on Roman roads. The vehicle itself weighs 13,00lbs and can transport as many as 22 passengers in addition to it’s driver However, even with the (currently) crude shock absorbers built into it, the ride is far from comfortable.

The Jactavolantes

Inspired by the rockets brought back from China by a wide ranging teleporter, this dangerous vehicle finally realizes the dream of manned flight. The Jactavolantes is a large, sturdily built, wooden glider that is launched into the air by a series of booster rockets that it jettisons as they exhaust their fuel. Once the rockets are exhausted the Jactavolantes glides on wind power alone and can land on skid if a reasonably large and level area is available. The Jactavolantes achieves a speed of nearly 100 mph while it’s rockets are firing, but glides at about 10mph depending on weather and pilot skill. A second model of Jactavolantes is being considered, which would have more rockets, fired later, to extend flight time. Needless to say, this is an extremely dangerous vehicle, and the College is reluctant to see it in wider use until it can either be made safer or expendable pilots can be found.

The Current State of Rome and it’s Surrounding World

The numbers of Novi Homines and Novae Feminae:

On the Ides of March, roughly 100 Novi awakened in Rome itself and the effect spread outward from there in a sustained but diminishing wave that awakened fewer Novi the further one gets from Rome. Since that day, the numbers of Novi have been steadily increasing worldwide, so that by A.U.C. 714, if one were able to do a census of the world’s population of superhumans, the count would be roughly 5,000, weighted towards Rome and accounting for the fact that Novi tend to die violently at the hands of other Novi.

Rome still holds the largest percentage of active superhumans, but areas with dense populations also have a large number, as it seems that the more such people there are in an area, the more likely it is that more will awaken in that area.

The government of Rome:

Gaius Julius Caesar retains all of the powers he had gained before his awakening and has solidified his position well. His youth renewed by the awakening, Caesar has pursued his goals for stability in the Empire with great vigor.

Rome’s ties with Egypt are extremely close now that Caesar has married Cleopatra. The Queen of Egypt guarantees the breadbasket of the Empire and has when needed reinforced the power of the Praetorians with the powers of her own cadre of loyal Egyptian Novi.

The Senate, purged of all of those who conspired against Caesar, retains much of it’s power, but currently, the Senators and much of the noble caste in general are either too awestruck by Caesar and the Novi or too intimidated by them too offer much resistance to anything that Caesar wants, he knows this and is currently taking ruthless advantage of it. In the present, Caesar rules with virtually absolute power due to this lack of resistance from the nobility and Senate.

The Empire at large

In the southern reaches, stability has been restored and the semaphore telegraph towers are appearing across the continent to tie the Empire closer together with the chains of communication. Since the Ides of March in A.U.C. 712, most of the rebelling provinces have been brought back into line

General Claudius’ recent victories over Parthia have brought that land into Rome’s shadow as well, the tribute from that conquered nation will bolster Rome’s coffers immensely.

There remains, however, some trouble. Northern Germania and Belgica remain separated from the Empire and under the control of local Novi and barbarians. There is no contact at all with Britannia.

Meanwhile little is known of what changes have occurred in the world beyond Rome’s light, India, China and other far lands are difficult to learn much of save through those few Novi capable of traveling long distances quickly, they indicate that most lands experienced quite a bit of turmoil at the emergence of the Novi, but are now settling back down and stabilizing for the most part.

Character Creation

Standard character creation for the human and bonus points parts of the system

7/5/3 attributes, 23 abilities, 7 Backgrounds, 3 Willpower, 1 Quantum, 15 Bonus Points

Eufiber is not an available background

Nova Points are where I’m changing things around a bit, the characters may only start with one power or Mega Attribute (non-Social) above 3 and that one thing is their “signature” ability, Nova point costs are as follows:

“Signature” Ability* -1

Physical Mega Attribute or enhancement – 2

Mental Mega Attribute or enhancement – 3

Social Mega Attribute or enhancement – 4

5 Attribute dots – 1

8 Ability dots -1

4 “nova” Background dots -1

1 Willpower dot – 1

1 Quantum – 5

Quantum power level 1 – 2

Quantum Power level 2 – 3

Quantum Power level 3 – 5

5 Quantum pool – 1

*if the signature ability is a Mega-Attribute, enhancements are still standard cost

Character receive 35 Nova points to build their character with.

specialties

Caesar (175 exp as human, 35 nova points)

Strength 5 (Powerful) Dexterity 5 (Fast) Stamina 5 (Tough)

Charisma 5 (Public Speaker) Manipulation 5 (Inspiring) Appearance 4 (Imposing)

Perception 4 (Insightful) Intelligence 4 (Pragmatic) Wits 4 (Cunning)

Abilities

Endurance 5 Resistance 5 Ride 4 Melee 5 (Sword) Brawl 5 Awareness 4 (Spot Ambush)

Might 4 Intimidation 5 (Implied Threat) Style 1 Subterfuge 5 Academics 4

Command 5 (Field Command, Political Leadership)

Etiquette 5 (Diplomacy, Social Graces) Linguistics 3 Bureaucracy 3

Tactics 5 (Military, Strategic Operations) Survival 2 Athletics 3 Arts 4 (Writing)

Rapport 3 (Discern Motivation, Discern Truth) Performance 5 (Oration)

Willpower 8

Quantum 3

Mega Attributes: Mega Strength 1 (Lifter) Mega Stamina 1(Durability) Mega Intelligence 1 (Mental Prodigy: Strategy, Tactics)

Quantum Powers: *Armor: 5, Quantum Bolt 1 (Lightning, Lethal)

*Signature ability

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-Nyxx

[Alex Green]

Character Creation...Nova Points are where I’m changing things around a bit, the characters may only start with one power or Mega Attribute (non-Social) above 3 and that one thing is their “signature” ability, Nova point costs are as follows:

Signature” Ability* -1

Physical Mega Attribute or enhancement – 2

Mental Mega Attribute or enhancement – 3

Social Mega Attribute or enhancement – 4

5 Attribute dots – 1

8 Ability dots -1

4 “nova” Background dots -1

1 Willpower dot – 1

1 Quantum – 5

Quantum power level 1 – 2

Quantum Power level 2 – 3

Quantum Power level 3 – 5

5 Quantum pool – 1

*if the signature ability is a Mega-Attribute, enhancements are still standard cost

Character receive 35 Nova points to build their character with.

So basically everyone starts with 5 dots in something. This solves a number of problems (like having enough dots in the level 3 powers to be usable characters) at the expense of others (5 dots in a level 3 power is 25 nova points). On the whole I think I like the idea of having a "signature" focus...

Is this available only during eruption or is there an exp cost for this as well?

[SkyLion]

You just confused me there for a sec Alex...according to what he put up, 5 dots in your Signature power/attribute is only 5 NPs...yes/no?

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Anyway, I did want to make a general comment, which is:

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AWESOME! I can see it now.....Steampunk in the Roman Era! Dude, Nyxx...If I was playing in your game I would *so* play a Mega smart inventor who happens to have Elemental Mastery: Steam, and Quantum Conversion: Steam (reduced Q-cost)...he would be a living Nova version of the Steamball from the Anime Steamboy! Infinite Power!!!!

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Geez can I say the word STEAM a few more times! ::tongue

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P.S. Let me Play! Its no fair for you to tease us like this!!!

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STEEEAAAAMMMM!

[Alex Green]

You just confused me there for a sec Alex...according to what he put up, 5 dots in your Signature power/attribute is only 5 NPs...yes/no?

I think so. And you have an extra 5 nova points that you can drop on your character, so the obvious (although granted not neccessary) connection is to build someone with 5 dots in his sig power.

Which means that characters built around the level three powers become much more common and playable. For example if you wanted Elemental Mastery: Fire you could/would get +10 soak, a mid-sized 'bolt, and a movement tech. Granted, you could do that now but the 6q per use on most of them is pretty harsh.

Another obvious things to do is to take 5 dots in Mega-Strength, but the reduced nova point cost on strength makes that less point efficient.

On the subject of setting, the entire Roman system of government was pretty harsh, unfair, and grossly unjust, so it just begs for revolutionaries. ::devil

[Nyxx]

On the subject of setting, the entire Roman system of government was pretty harsh, unfair, and grossly unjust, so it just begs for revolutionaries. ::devil

Yeah, it was. The revolutionary group I built into the setting is also harsh, unfair and grossly unjust. ::devil

Sounds like a job for PCs.

My test group for the setting immediately sold their souls to Caesar and joined the Praetorians though.

No vision, I guess...

-Nyxx

[SkyLion]

*SkyLion rails his fists against the fourth wall of his computer screen*

,,

"Let me play! Damnit!!!!!!"

[Alex Green]

My test group for the setting immediately sold their souls to Caesar and joined the Praetorians though.

No vision, I guess...

::brick

Or maybe just not really up on what Rome was all about. Our culture tends to gloss over the really nasty parts. Like how they dealt with tax collection in the outlying areas. They are the reason why "Tax Collectors" had such a bad name in the Bible. Usually I hear from people that they would cheat and collect too much for Rome. According to my Latin teacher, that wasn't the case or the problem.

As I recall, you got the job of Tax collector by winning an auction. The money from the auction goes to Rome right away, then all the money you collected in the province went into your pocket. So, yes, you were collecting "Rome's" money (going to pay for the occupation army in your lands amoung other things), and had the backing of the army (and your own team of thugs), but it was also litterally a licence to steal since you were THE head tax authority for two years.

So the system by it's very nature would attract the least honest and most likely to rake the locals over the coals. It's also why there are so many stories of the provinces rebelling at the instigation of the tax collectors.

And I'm with Skylion, it's a truely impressive setting and build rules.

[SkyLion]

And I'm with Skylion, it's a truely impressive setting and build rules.

,,

Read as: "You now have two interested players if you'ld like to try your hand at an online version." ::biggrin

[Nyxx]

Re: My Players and Nova Rome - Y'see, it's not that they don't know what Rome was all about, it's that they didn't care.

My player's are very good at getting into a culture/game and after playing a 3 year-long, multi-generational, Dragonblooded game, the depravity and injustice of the Roman Empire did not impress them. They went were the power was. I think, if the game had gone on longer, that the treacherous little monsters were planning a coup. ::devil

They really got into exerting Roman might on the world and recapturing lost territories and such. They were also very much estabilshing a serious power base. The Mega-Int focused character got his sister, who could become very invisible, to poison the oracle-general after they had positioned the third PC, who was an Area-Dominator, as his replacement.

By the end of the game, they had Caesar's ear, an army under their thumb, and were basicially looting some of the outer provinces, as well as sponsoring piracy, to fill up their coffers.

They were very Roman.

Re: Running an online game. I haven't really got this fleshed out to the point I would like for that. Also, I often work 10+ hours a day and 6 on Saturdays. Free time is a serious issue.

Thanks for all of the compliments though. ::biggrin

[SkyLion]

Well we will still be here when you do have it fleshed out, and I already got dibbs on my character concept!

,,

Also I was talking to Heritage today about the difficulties of running online games and it occured to me that it would make life much easier for both the ST and the players if there was a set time/day once a week for ST posts. Players could then post accordingly and it would remove the sense of pressure Heritage mentioned regarding the "continuos" nature of online play. Players could interact all they wanted with each other but would then know not to get too far ahead of things the ST would need to reply to. Its just a thought but it made me wonder if such a once a week style might not actually be faster and more consistent thatn the free for all stop and start pace that tends to happen. Of course its also due to the usual lag during summertime but what can ya do.

,,

Bottom line is, you sound like an excellent and creative storyteller and we would love to have you join us if and when you are ever ready. Remember that for many of us, myself included this is the only place we can go to find enough like minded people to play Aberrant...being the torchbearers for the line so to speak.

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Keep up the good work and please do keep us posted! ::smile

[Alex Green]

They were very Roman.

Yes indeed. ::laugh ::wacko ::blink

[Heru]

I know its been over a month but I just gotta say that I like both your alternate rules and Rome setting. The changes you made to the base game (the existence of an old nova-corporation for example) is something that I plan on actually using when I play my Aberrant game this semester. I also plan on adopting some of your changes.

On the Rome setting, that is just simply awesome. I love Rome and I love Aberrant so uniting Rome and Aberrant is a very very interesting thing. Too bad I found it a couple of semesters after I ran my Rome game.

Anyway, I like these ideas and think they are quite nice to implement.

[metaphysician]

First time I've actually checked this thread, and yeah, I agree: cool setting.

[Alex Green]

I'm going to poke this because of the other reference, awesome setting and rules.