Adventure! RPG: Dark Tidings - Character Creation Thread

[jameson (ST)]

As I said before I am looking for 4-6 players. Character cration is as in the the books.

My only change to the rules are as follows:

1) A character cannot have ability mastery in more than one of the following at character creation: Engineering, Medicine, Science, and Occult. You can gain ability master in the other three with experience after the game has begun.

2) The "Occult" Skill has been added under Intelligence. (see the "Game Details" thread for more information)

3) Occult Ability Mastery is needed to create Innovations of any kind.

[jameson (ST)]

Please refer to the Game Information thread for rules updates and world information.

[jameson (ST)]

please feel free to use this thread for character generation questions

[Katalyst]

So far I've come up with a Divine inspired Stalwart. Basically he will be a undercover spy for Aeon on the PPI to discern their true intenions in the world. His focus is on speed and stealth.

Backgrounds will include Gadet, Cipher, Resource, and of course Backing.

Looking at Heighted Senses, Sensory Filtering, Superhuman Reflexes

More background to come later, just wanted to get my character idea out first.

[SalmonMax]

I'm thinking a mesmerist, either psychic or mage, who has family ties to the PPI but is not actually a member, and may in fact be doing cautious inquiry into just who and what they are.

Possible future membership...or opposition...depending on the findings of that inquiry.

[Charlotte]

I have three ideas:

- a daredevil veteran of the great war, who fell into obsesson after a friendly fire incident and became obsessed with never missing; consequently is an oustanding marksman. (Ability Mastery in Firearms, Trick Shot, possibly Eagle Eyes and Steely Gaze)

- a daredevil drifter who claims to have stolen a kiss from Lady Luck. Knacks from a pool of Death Defiance, One-Man Army, Untouchable, Master of Dissimulation and Instant Expert.

- A stalwart who, due to a recent encounter with an extract from the RIver Styx, is now borderline invulnerable (Body of Bronze, Reptilian Regeneration, possible Optimized Metabolism.)

Which d'you all think would fit best?

[Count Janos Rakozi]

Michael, which concept would WANT to seek out supernatural trouble? There are people using their gifts for evil, dark purposes. Which one of your people is most up to the challenge.

Personally, I like the Marksman, but then I'm a melee specialist. He makes a good match with Janos.

The Drifter appears to me to have too many knacks at the start. Five is a bunch. What does he do when his minimal Inspiration runs out?

I would like to know what kind of Person the stalwart is. He sounds tough, but what are his skills?

[Katalyst]

With my concept being speed, stealt and a bow specialist, your marksman might be right up my alley. Maybe a little friendly competition could be the spur he needs to get back to fighting the forces of evil.

[Lee Deity]

For those around, I have chosen Benjamin Abel, of the Boston Abels, Linguist Superordinaire. Research Fellow at Harvard University, and Member of the Æon Society as my character. If anyone here has any native languages other than English, shout out - Chances are Ben either knows them or is about to...

[Lee Deity]

Originally Posted By: Count Janos Rakozi

The Drifter appears to me to have too many knacks at the start. Five is a bunch. What does he do when his minimal Inspiration runs out?

Well, as a daredevil, none of his knacks will use Inspiration. He'll only ever use inspiration for Inspiration effects and Dramatic Editing.

I still agree that Five is a touch much, though. There's any number of other goodies that those TPs could be going towards, like backgrounds and Abilities.

[Charlotte]

"From a pool of five" is what I wrote, which means I'd be selecting three or so from that listing.

Is there any kind of list of existing/accepted characters, so I can see what the dynamics are like going in?

[Lee Deity]

I'm current in review, but it looks like the main constituents of my character are set, and I've given the general description above (Linguist Superordinaire and Boston Upper crust). Janos is apparently set up, and his description is in the Table Talk thread, and Katalyst has been talking about their character throughout this thread, and is currently in review.

[SalmonMax]

Still throwing ideas around...

It is tricky. For RP purposes, I like the idea of a character who has occult power (mesmerism) but is not an out and out sorceror or psychic... And yet, I wish to be able to contribute and be the team specialist.

I am toying with an idea involving a family bloodline, and a magical tome (that is an Artifact) that could explain why someone who hasn't grown up steeped in magical tradition could have access to magical lore...

-------------

Okay. Pretty huge snag hitting time.

I'm doing this all wrong.

After conferring with someone who actually has the book, it is becoming increasingly clear to me that the underlying philosophy of design of this concept is innately flawed in the context of the Adventure! game. Basically, this is a character who uses mystical and occult powers to make up for the fact that she hasn't got the skills or physicality that would be useful to an adventurer.

After learning how Inspiration works though, I'm pretty sure that won't work for this game system. Powers are very very limited usage here. You get maybe four or five times, and bam, you're done unless you get lucky and score some recharge here or there. A character who depends on powers would be like playing a low level D&D mage. "I cast my magic missiles...can we rest now?"

This is not really a complaint, nor a statement of fault in the game system. It's actually a pretty good representation of paranormal effects in pulp classic fiction. But it's pretty clear to me that a successful character is one who can stand on his or her skills and backgrounds first, and who's powers are just a little extra edge. To be used only in unusual and important circumstances.

So! To the problem then.

Concept's shot, need a new one. And I'm having some trouble coming up with a good concept that's not hackneyed, is active enough to have skills useful in adventuring, but studious enough to be useful for knowing answers in matters both scientific and otherwise.

Maybe a little help brainstorming raw ideas I can build a character from?

[Lee Deity]

Well, if we had to be fair, the setting doesn't really make any assumptions as to how mystic power is bestowed. The Unearthly Child is a perfectly viable archetype - someone who suddenly realises they have capabilities, despite never being trained.

Also, Inspiration grants the strangest things - Suddenly being granted magic lore and great power together is really no real stretch...

[Lee Deity]

Okay, let's brainstorm.

Currently we have two combat-oriented characters, and one mental/social specialist character, so there's plenty of scope for any type of character. So let's start at broadest - what type of character are you intending to play? What parts of the setting/system inspire you?

[jameson (ST)]

Nice work folks, glad to see you are coming to gether as a play group. Once I have the PCs set up late this week or early next I'll design the intro chapter (the hardest one since I need to get you all working together). As I said before I am aiming for kick on on the 9th.

My availability will be spotty toward the end of the week but I will make every effort to keep up with PMs to help push Char Gen Along.

[SalmonMax]

Lee, the limited pool of Inspiration needed to power mesmer abilities means you really can't mechanically have a character who's main schtick is their powers. Which, I think, is appropriate to the genre.

I think my problem was that I was trying to make a character inappropriate to the genre.

So I still want an occultist, ideally with the mastery ability...but now instead of a hapless heiress who stumbles onto great power, she'll be a more adventuresome sort.

[Dawn OOC]

So I'm interested, but my idea has given Dr. B pause. I was thinking about a "wild woman" concept, with the character having a Tarzan-like backstory in which she was raised by wild animals. She'd be a good tracker, with high stealth and the ability to serve as a back up melee fighter.

The issue is intergrating someone who doesn't use chairs (or silverware) into the game. Would the players put up with such a creature, much less adventure with her?

As an alternate, I have a woman raised by wild hicks; she'll know how to use silverware... mostly.

Thoughts? Concerns?

[jameson (ST)]

Characters thus far:

• Janos - Approved - highly trained in CC (mastery)
• Ben - In review - archaologist and linguist
• Archibald - in review - speed & stealth with ranged combat
• Lily's unnamed PC - pending submission - occultist (mesmerist likely)
• Joani's unnamed PC - pending submission - ranged combat, adventurer? (heroic likely)
• Dawn's Unnamed PC - pending submission - wild child, CC, enhanced senses and abilities (stalwart likely)
• Michael McGee's unnamed PC - pending submission - undetermined

[Michael Peters]

Unfortunately, I think you should axe my character, Dr. Bradford. I dont think I can manage 2 characters at once without having some bleed-over in their personalities. That combined with my unfamiliarity with Adventure! rules would probably make my participation dicey.

[jameson (ST)]

No worries, I can understand having too much going on. If you change your mind later and there is a spot you will of course be welcome.

[Michael Peters]

Thank you. Perhaps one day Baron Von Ruthless will rise again with his Zepplin Armada!! (I'm joking... )

[Lee Deity]

Originally Posted By: Dawn, OOC

So I'm interested, but my idea has given Dr. B pause. I was thinking about a "wild woman" concept, with the character having a Tarzan-like backstory in which she was raised by wild animals. She'd be a good tracker, with high stealth and the ability to serve as a back up melee fighter.

The issue is intergrating someone who doesn't use chairs (or silverware) into the game. Would the players put up with such a creature, much less adventure with her?

I don't think there would be too much of a problem. In the Pulp genre, there's generally a veneer of politeness that protects people who simply don't have any social graces. More likely another character might pick her up as a "project", and try to teach her proper etiquette. Whether this succeeds or not is another matter entirely, of course. Such characters will adventure with her if she's good at what she does (which is kind assumed in this genre).

In short, feel free to submit the character, I have full confidence that such a character can be integrated. It's practically the epitome of genre!

[Charlotte]

Right now I'm leaning towards Mia Foster, Plucky Gal Reporter.

Mia is a bit of a troublemaker - high marks in Legerdemain, Subterfuge, etc. During one of her outtings, reporting on News of the Weird for a Fortean-Times-esque magazine, she encountered a concentrated extract from the River Styx. Now she's borderline invulnerable, and is using this ability to really get in the thick of things. Basically, imagine if traditionally fearless Lois Lane also happened to be bulletproof.

[SalmonMax]

Need GM call...

Mr Deity and I are linking backgrounds to be brother and sister.

I'd like to know if I buy some dots in Sanctum, can I add mine to his, to beef up a house that's "owned" by us both?

My dots would probably represent magical wards I can build into it, helping increase its security level.

[jameson (ST)]

Originally Posted By: Lee Deity

In short, feel free to submit the character, I have full confidence that such a character can be integrated. It's practically the epitome of genre!

The concern I voiced was less one of "will this PC fit in" and more along the lines of "how do I work this PC into the game". I was hoping that one of the other PCs would step up and link backgrounds with Dawn, providing a way to have her PC be returned from the wild. Luckily Inspiration struck last night so I have an alternate plan should that fail.

Originally Posted By: Michael McGee

Basically, imagine if traditionally fearless Lois Lane also happened to be bulletproof.

So much for the veil of secrecy Interesting take on the cub reporter though, super tough rather than crazy senses and mentals. Looking forward to it.

Originally Posted By: Lily

Need GM call...

Mr Deity and I are linking backgrounds to be brother and sister.

I'd like to know if I buy some dots in Sanctum, can I add mine to his, to beef up a house that's "owned" by us both?

My dots would probably represent magical wards I can build into it, helping increase its security level.

Discuss with Lee what the final result will be both in dots terms and in descriptional terms then PM me, I doubt I'll have a problem with it but I want to see the final write up before I give my approval.

[jameson (ST)]

Just a reminder to folks - DO not forget to apply the free backgrounds from your Origin and Allegience - that's one dot each.

[SalmonMax]

Argh! Really?

I thought those were just helpful suggestions like, "If you're of this origin, consider these backgrounds."

Crikey. I'm glad you mentioned that.

What sorts of allegiances are there?

[jameson (ST)]

in addition to what is in the book there are the three I added; Portland Paranormal INvestigators (PPI), Arkham Historical Society, and the Knights of the Cross.

These are free dots so you shouldn't feel constrained

[jameson (ST)]

Characters thus far:

• Janos - Approved - highly trained in CC (mastery)
• Ben Abel - Approved - archaologist and linguist
• Archibald - in review; pending response to my PM - speed & stealth with ranged combat
• (Lily) Abel - pending submission - occultist (mesmerist likely), Ben's sister
• Joani's unnamed PC - pending submission - ranged combat, adventurer? (heroic likely)
• Dawn's Unnamed PC - pending submission - wild child, CC, enhanced senses and abilities (stalwart likely)
• Mia Foster - pending submission - Stalwart tough reporter

In the intrest of making sure that everything falls into place on time I am asking that first drafts be recieved by the 3rd of June. This will allow me the remainder of that week to work out any issues with you all and we can kick off on the 9th. Lee has offered his help if people need it. I'm certain that Janos too would be willing to answer questions.

[Lee Deity]

If people wish to talk to me about character issues and advice, feel free to either ask here or PM me if you don't want it splashed out in public

[Lee Deity]

Also, if people don't have a copy of the book, or just need a temporary copy of stuff, I have poor-quality b&w scans of several chapters that are available on request, including the Character Generation Table. Don't hesitate to PM me!

[jameson (ST)]

Updated Characters thus far:

• Janos - Approved - highly trained in CC (mastery)
• Ben Abel - Approved - archaologist and linguist
• Archibald - Approved- speed & stealth with ranged combat
• (Lily) Abel - pending submission - occultist (mesmerist likely), Ben's sister
• Joani's unnamed PC - pending submission - ranged combat, adventurer? (heroic likely)
• Daphne Walton - approved - stalwart
• Mia Foster - Approved - Stalwart, tough reporter

[Glacier]

Hey guys, any room left in here?

I'll be PMing Dr. Bradford with my character concept in a minute. Just wanted to say hi here first.

[Joani]

I changed my concept completely and am waiting for Bradfords reply. Sorry for the confusion but I wasn't too inspired with my first choice. As soon as I got answer from Bradford I can go on with posting background stuff and such.

[jameson (ST)]

Updated Characters thus far:

• Janos - Approved - highly trained in CC (mastery); Stalwart- special
• Ben Abel - Approved - archaologist and linguist (Daredevil)
• Archibald - Approved- speed & stealth with ranged combat (Stalwart - Divine Inspiration)
• (Lily) Abel - Approved, name pending - occultist (mesmerist), Ben's sister
• Joani's unnamed PC - pending submission - medicine woman(mesmerist)
• Daphne Walton - approved (Stalwart - Infernal Inspiration)
• Mia Foster - Approved - Stalwart, tough reporter

Also I'd like to put PC affiliations out there to spur pre game PC relations, which in turn helps me to write up the prologue for you all.

• Janos - none, coma for last 10 years, awake only 6 months
• Ben Abel - Æon
• Archibald - Æon
• (Lily) Abel - Arkham
• Joani's unnamed PC - Arkham
• Daphne Walton - Arkham
• Mia Foster - PPI

[Lee Deity]

Wow... I'm the only Daredevil here? Madness!

[jameson (ST)]

yeah, this is shaping up to be a weird game in that respect

[jameson (ST)]

Umm also, can all my Stalwarts please make sure I am aware of their "flavor" ... Infernal or Divine ...

[Katalyst]

Archibald is a Divine Stalwart