Star Wars: The New Sith Empire - Star Wars: OOC Thread

[Dave ST]

Who would be interested in a Star Wars game? Chosen mentioned some time back about running 'experimental' games. Games where we try out a system or idea to see if the interest will be worth continued effort.

Let's face it, we need some Star Wars on this site!

So, if there is interest I'd be needing 3-4 players and a few questions answered:

1. Which system would you prefer? d20 or D6

(D6 is more 'real' and in my opinion the better system, but I have almost all the d20 books and can run Sagas as well (although I think it sucks))

2. Which Era of play would you prefer?

(I prefer post-Legacy, about 30-50 years after. All the iconic characters are dead and gone and the spotlight is solely on the PCs and their exploits. I'll run any era you prefer, even bitch slapping canon where we go the 'what if' route.)

3. Style and Rating of play? Lucas and all PG-13ish or dark, gritty and NC-17ish.

(I prefer dark, gritty and NC-17ish. It's easier to hate a slaver when the PCs see the real pain they bring to people aboard their ships. It's easier to fear the Dark Side of the Force when you are able to grasp just how sadistic the Sith really are. It's easier to hate the evil guys when you don't come home and see two smoldering corpses... they hold you there and make you watch as they light your family on fire.)

Don't let my preferences sway you. Be honest and pick what you'd like. I have all the d20 stuff, even Sagas and I have the D6 stuff as well. I'm flexible and really am just interested in giving this a shot with whatever will be, for you the players, the most enjoyable.

Disclaimer: You guys all know my schedule sucks. This means I'm willing to try and run something, despite my time being short. That's why I want to run this as an experiment, to see how it goes. The more effort we make into making this work, the more fun we'll have.

So, discuss.

[Perrinmiller]

I am interested. I currently am playing the Dawn of Defiance campaign in Saga Edition, but I would welcome another game.

I also have d20 books as well so I can be flexible for either rule set, but I don't have D6.

I am not picky on Era or content rating, I just want to play.

[Stargaizer]

I wouldn't mind, so long as you don't mind me playing an R2 or equivalent character. I prefer the D20, and I don't mind blood and gore, but any 'interpersonal relations' that get too 'heated' (>PG13ish) I refuse to read or participate in.

But yeah, great idea. I haven't been in a Star Wars game since college.

Edit: Oh, yeah, era. I don't really care, so long as at least an R2 is avaliable. Though I would suggest either a 'to hell with cannon' in the movie era, or a 'to hell with EU' some time after the movies.

[Gabe Meadow]

Funny. I ditched my d20 books some time ago. Or maybe I still have them. Either way, I might just join. Either system won't matter much, though I am familiar with D20 more.

Content's fine any way it's done. I would prefer any period, as long as we can say to hell with the established cannon.

[Kylie_OOC]

May I just say - Abso-frickin-lutely!

That being said, I would obviously be interested. As far as your questions go...

1. I'm familiar w/the d6 system and recall liking it quite a bit, and I still have the books. So my preference would be d6, but I'm not die-hard about it, I can go either way easily.

2. I'm fine with post-Legacy, that sounds awesome. I have to admit I love the Rebellion-era movie canon, and feel that leaving that stuff as-is contributes to that feeling of history in the game. But.. that being said, I'm okay with changing it too, if you've got a good storyline that requires otherwise. After that, I find the books interesting and all and know what happens in them up to a certain extent, but whatever you lose or don't lose I'm sure I can swing with. Do what you think best there.

3. My preference would be somewhere in-between, like an R-rating, leaning towards the NC-17ish if we were to lean towards either. I like a nice, gritty, realistic game.. but don't necessarily want it to be all depressing and goth-like either. As long as it has some of that epic, heroic feel too, I'm good.

[Dave ST]

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I wouldn't mind, so long as you don't mind me playing an R2 or equivalent character.

I'm not against PCs being droids but keep in mind that that droids are usually property and not the main focus of a story. They tend to take supporting roles to the heroes. That's not to say droids don't make good PCs and if that's what you'd like, we'll go with it and I'll try to get in the story as much as possible since emancipated droids can think and act for themselves.

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I don't mind blood and gore, but any 'interpersonal relations' that get too 'heated' (>PG13ish) I refuse to read or participate in.

As a droid, I don't think you'll have to worry unless you're one of those kinds of models...

Sexuality and seduction can easily make an appearance and usually will border on the 'PG-13' to 'R' range. So if you can tolerate descriptions of seedy strip joints, abusive slavers, and sadistic Sith torture techniques then you shouldn't have any problems. If this will be a problem for you, then consider yourself warned, but were I you, I'd at least be willing to give me a chance first. I'm not a fan of 'smut', so strong sexual content shouldn't be an issue.

Since most are leaning towards 'whatever' on content then I'm going to try to cater to the more realistic game, without offending too much. We're playing Star Wars... the Sith are evil and cruel, but they are not something out of hell raiser. While seedy strip joints exist, that's not all there is to the galaxy... there are beautiful worlds, majestic temples and breath taking landscapes to explore.

It looks like D20 might be the way to go, since only 2 out of 4 have D6 and everyone has D20.

1. We'll need at least 1 Jedi.
2. We'll need at least 1 pilot.

The Era will be post-Legacy. The Sith-Imperial War (127-130 ABY) brought about the end of the Galactic Alliance and saw the complete fall of the Jedi Order along with the Galactic Senate. The New Sith Order arose from the ashes, consuming the remnant of the Empire. It was not a 'purge', it was a massacre.

The year is 250 ABY (After the Battle of Yavin). The New Sith Order reigns supreme in the galaxy and has done so for over 120 years. The Sith Lords (as there is more than two) divided the galaxy among themselves and rule their individual 'kingdoms'. In typical Sith fashion they are now constantly at war with each other, jockeying for position, power, and prestige... an the innocent people are usually caught in the middle.

In the shadows, right under the Sith's noses... a new Galactic Alliance has formed in secret... and they want their galaxy back.

Spend a some time brain storming character ideas and chatting amongst yourselves. Ask me questions if you have them. Once we get some idea squared away, I'll give you specifics on how we're going to be creating them.

Species Notes: Your PC must be a near human, and is subject to approval. No shape shifters. At least one PC should be a human or something that passes for a human like a zabrak, twi'lek, mirialan, miralukan, zeltron, etc... a rodian doesn't 'pass for human'.

If you're not familiar with, or are having trouble with a PC, I or your fellow players, am here to help you with ideas.

[NeuroToxin]

I'd go for NC-17, except since when did NC-17 became synonymous with BDSM? (not that I have anything against BDSM but I think we should keep the balance in the force)

And who said the Sith are sadistic?

The way I see it the majority of Sith only wish to inspire fear and pain to fuel the darkside and gain power rather than for the sake of pleasure.

[Dave ST]

Originally Posted By: NeuroToxin

I'd go for NC-17, except since when did NC-17 became synonymous with BDSM? (not that I have anything against BDSM but I think we should keep the balance in the force)

Apparently you did. I meant sadistic in terms of willfully and neglectfully causing pain in others with no care of the consequences.

Maybe you've read different books than me but when they speak of being 'seduced by the darkside' I've never seen the Darkside show up with whips and chains... plenty of leather, but no whips and chains.

Quote:

And who said the Sith are sadistic?
The way I see it the majority of Sith only wish to inspire fear and pain to fuel the darkside and gain power rather than for the sake of pleasure.

You're entitled to your opinion, but a group of individuals who blow up entire planets and obliterate entire species just to inspire fear and pain or delight in torture (Darth Maladi) or even ritually scaring (Darth Scion) must enjoy, to some extent, what they do. They bring pain and torment to the people of the galaxy, that makes them a sadistic lot, sexual gratification has nothing to do with it. 'Sadistic' does not always apply in a sexual sense.

An NC-17 rating implies that if strong subject matter (anything from sexual content to drug use) crop up within the game, the players have already been warned.

[Stargaizer]

I have a character that I've played before, R2-FX (aka Ratoo'fex (when granted Ryloth citizenship (long story)) aka White Nova). I build/play him as a very good slicer. Tech-specialist, with as many perks to Computer use as possible. He's an interesting mix of 'strong willed', 'loyal', and 'cavalier'.

I'm fine with not being in the leading role, but as we've seen from the prequels especially, droids can have some pretty exciting adventures. Besides, who else is always going to be there when you squishies need help?

I would also like to note that after your description, I can agree to your definition/application of NC-17.

[Gabe Meadow]

Ouch. I devised that same concept of techie slicer myself. I may have to go another angle.

Edit: I've decided to modify the concept, keeping the background, but changing the character slightly.

My planned guy is a mercenary commando and saboteur (Soldier-class). At some point he took a contract with the Sith to bring down a rebellion by taking out the shield that protected the headquarters of the resistance. The end result was that the population paid a horrible price, one that my PC doesn't like to talk about, having a first-hand glimpse of what happened, and carries a lot of guilt over his actions.

Having seen the horror of the Sith, he was convinced to join the GA.

[Dave ST]

Droid Slicer and a ??? Soldier.

Not a bad start.

[Gabe Meadow]

Human Soldier to be precise. No offense to the alien races, but I find it hard to pass up extra skill points/feats.

[Mr Fox]

Dave is this full up? I'd be interested in a jedi. Been wanting a chance to play one. I don't have any of the d20 books, and I do have nearly all the D6, but I'm a lot more familiar with the d20 system than I am the old one.

Post Canon era would be good.

[Stargaizer]

Ok, a couple of creation questions.

1. What starting lvl were you thinking about this being?

2. If it's lvl 1, how much of a stickler are you with starting credits?

3. I have a Star Wars suppliment for creating/customizing star ships, do you have such a suppliment and/or would you allow it?

4. How would you handle/would you allow PC's to own their own small (0-2 or 3 employee) companies (i.e. R2-FX running 'White Nova Security', a private security company that provides various levels of data, residential and business security. When a face is required, he'd talk via holographic projection with a 'human body' that he's created. It'd be a small firm, but he'd be offering the best in security)

[Dave ST]

Quote:

Dave is this full up? I'd be interested in a Jedi. Been wanting a chance to play one.

Well, I said for 3-4 players, but I know you're a pretty big fan (and been wanting to play a Jedi for sometime) so, like I did for Kylie (Jas), I'll let you in on this.

Quote:

I don't have any of the d20 books, and I do have nearly all the D6, but I'm a lot more familiar with the d20 system than I am the old one.

You will need the books, however.

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1. What starting lvl were you thinking about this being?

I'm considering starting it at Level 5. All the PCs will have quite a bit of experience under their belt, trying to survive in a war torn galaxy.

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2. If it's lvl 1, how much of a stickler are you with starting credits?

Each class has starting credits. You get those.

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3. I have a Star Wars supplement for creating/customizing star ships, do you have such a supplement and/or would you allow it?

'Starships of the Galaxy' is the supplement that we'll be using for starships.

I wouldn't worry about a starship yet. Only one of you will own one at the start of the game, what you end up with as time goes on is up to fate and role play.

Quote:

4. How would you handle/would you allow PC's to own their own small (0-2 or 3 employee) companies (i.e. R2-FX running 'White Nova Security', a private security company that provides various levels of data, residential and business security. When a face is required, he'd talk via holographic projection with a 'human body' that he's created. It'd be a small firm, but he'd be offering the best in security)

As a droid, your PC could not legally own a business. Sith Laws suck. You should join the Galactic Alliance and help get rid of them as soon as possible so you can own and operate a business.

You're a droid. You are a tool to be used by the sentient races of the galaxy. You have no rights, were not 'born' and when you overstep your bounds they memory wipe you. Harsh, I know, but droids are not 'people', they are simply objects that are used for labor by others... like a fax machine or a computer.

NPCs won't look at him and say 'We better not mess with him, he's a 5th level Tech Specialist with a +7 Attack Bonus.' they'll say 'someone shut that damn droid up, ionize it if you have too!'

Character Creation
Near-human species only (ask before assuming)

All Attributes start at 8, you have 26 points to allocate on a 1/1 basis. (Droids use their base stats)

Start at 5th Level.

You start with 6,500 credits.

You may take a Prestige Class if you are eligible.

You may use the following books during creation:
Revised Core Book
Hero's Guide
Arms and Equipment Guide

If any of you have questions, please ask. If you are not sure or need help on making a character, I'll be more than happy to assist you. If you like, I'll even make your PC for you (stats wise) and let you fill in the rest. Keep in mind a few things:

1. You are not playing alone. This is not about you, there are other people trying to have a good time to.

2. Min-Maxing. I won't say 'don't do it', but I will say that if you min-max, so will I.

3. I will be giving the players a ship so you can get about the galaxy. Don't sweat the small stuff.

4. Talk to each other and have fun.

[Mr Fox]

Sounds good. Thanks.

I'll look at getting the books in the next couple days if possible.

[Katalyst]

Sith Wookies rule! Sorry just had to get that in.

[Dave ST]

I'm going to hit up Chosen for a forum and we'll get this started. d20 is relatively simple, can we get characters done by this Friday?

[Stargaizer]

Shouldn't be a problem. Just wanting to make sure of a couple of points:

Droids start with base stats, no points to modify them.

Start with 6,500 + class starting credits, or just 6,500?

Starting as a droid with more than 1 professional class, the rule book states that you can't get a level in a heroic class until you get enough xp to advance to the next lvl... so I'm assuming that I'll start at heroic lvl 4 with the standard professional levels?

[Dave ST]

1. I'm assuming Astromech Droid is you preference. Your stats would be:

STR 14, DEX 14, CON 14, INT 18, WIS 12, CHA 11

You still get a +1 attribute increase for hitting 4th level. As a droid you may not increase physical atts, only mental (so you could add +1 to INT, WIS or CHA).

2. 6,500 credits.

3. PC Droids may begin at Level 1 in a professional class. In this case you would not need to start as an Expert 4/Tech Spec 1. You can select Tech Spec 5 if you prefer. Levels are a result of manufacturer programing and combined experience. PC droids have overridden their programming and learned by doing (which is why they lose 4 levels and have to star from scratch).

((The main reason for this rule is because without it, PC droids do not gain VP in a balanced fashion. This offers them more survivability))

NPC droids do not gain this benefit.

[Dave ST]

1 character is approved.

[Matt]

I will set up a forum for this game but it will be a few days until I can do that. I just have my phone on mount rainier and settings things up on it is a little difficult. I should have it set up by the end of the weekend. Until then just post in this forum and have every thread start with SW: and I will move the posts as soon as I can.

[Kylie_OOC]

I can get my character by Thursday, I have it DLed at home and am not getting home till either late Tuesday night or mid-day Wednesday, but it'll be top of my fun things priority list once I get back. Just to stake my claim though, I'm probably going to be doing a "strong-willed female" character, ala Princess Leia, however I'm thinking she grew up with a single father who was a bounty hunter, and has rejected his way of life to join the New Galactic Alliance because she's seen the kind of cruelty that Sith running the galaxy causes, and isn't willing to overlook it for profit like her father does/did.

(Hear that, Dave? I'm throwing you an ST-bone.. Dear Ole Dad = Plenty of possible plot hooks/run-ins!)

[Stargaizer]

Question: How do you handle Cross Classing?

[Dave ST]

Like it says in the book under 'Multi-Classing' just follow the instruction on page 63 of the Revised book.

[Perrinmiller]

Sorry I was busy over the weekend and did not check back until now. Since I did not receive another notification I thought there was no interest. My bad apparently. Since I am behind everyone else, I am I still in?

I was hoping to play a Jedi, but if that's taken already, what's left?

If the Jedi is already taken, I have another idea, female Human or Zeltron Noble, face type. I have been playing Saga lately so I have to rework her into d20 rule set. I could be done by Friday.

[Dave ST]

Originally Posted By: Perrinmiller

I am I still in?

If you wanna be.

Quote:

I was hoping to play a Jedi, but if that's taken already, what's left?

If the Jedi is already taken, I have another idea, female Human or Zeltron Noble, face type. I have been playing Saga lately so I have to rework her into d20 rule set. I could be done by Friday.

We have a Jedi Guardian, but that doesn't mean the spot is 'taken'. More than one or even Consular are still options. Then again, if you'd like to play a noble, that's an option too.

[Perrinmiller]

I still 'wanna be'.

Hmmm, Jedi Guardian was what I was looking at. I will consider the JC or stick with Noble. Lately I have been playing Nobles or Soldiers and I want to try something different. I will get to work on it.

[Perrinmiller]

Working on the Jedi Counselor, but I was wondering how many people are actually in counting me, 4 or 5?

Also is Kylie going the face route with her princess type? Jedi Counselor skills are mostly people skills and wondering what to prioritize.

Are we starting a separate thread for Character Sheets so we can tweak things based on what other characters have covered?

[Stargaizer]

My R2 unit is heavy (maxed out and several additional bonuses) in Computer use. He also has Astrogate, Demolitions, and Pilot maxed out on levels, and his repair is high as well (though it could be a little higher).

Next level he is going to max out Gather Information.

Also, his craft is 'electronics', so that's covered if anyone wanted to do something else, or if someone else already has that I should do something else.

[Dave ST]

Star Wars Professions are diverse enough that I don't think cross-over with other players is going to make a large deal. A Jedi Consular 'Face' and a Noble 'Face' in the same group won't cause to much of a problem, especially since it leaves the party more than one social option if they get separated.

Try to keep in mind what I said about Min/Maxing... The higher your skills, the higher I need to make certain DCs to continue to foster a challenge amongst the players.

[Stargaizer]

Yay! It is official, the group has an astromech! (R2-FX has been approved).

[Perrinmiller]

Okay, rough draft on a Human Jedi Consular. I can still tweak it but might be useful for everyone to tweak skill picks after seeing other people's ideas.

Character Sheet

I didn't think our R2 was going to be our Pilot and Info Gatherer. Doesn't Info Gather mean talking/bribing people? And Info gathering via computer is the Computer Use skill?

Also I haven't picked a 2nd language yet, wondering what we might need.

[Stargaizer]

Just because I have a 12 in Astrogate and a 10 in Pilot doesn't mean that I'm going to be the pilot... just means that I can.

And, as far as Gather Info, the type of info that R2-FX gathers isn't the 'wine and dine' type... if you catch my drift. But it's going to max out at 10 anyways (probably).

[Perrinmiller]

That's cool, just wondering.

If you don't mind, can you double-check the mechanics on my sheet? Need a second opinion at least.

Having been playing Saga Edition recently, I had to wrap my brain around the differences and I am not sure if I made any stupid mistakes or not.

[Dave ST]

Looks like it checks out. Although lowering your Dexterity would allow you to increase your Wisdom and Charisma to higher levels. A full defense action and a lightsaber make for a good time...

A higher Intelligence allows for more skill points...

I'm calculating it up in a character generator.

[Perrinmiller]

The Dex was at 14 and I put the +1 from 4th level there.

Despite being a Consular, I was going for 2nd melee combatant beside the Guardian. I focused on Healing and some social skills until I see the other character builds.

Charisma at 14 is pretty high considering only having 26 points to spend and needing pretty much everything covered.

[Dave ST]

Personally I'd consider:

STR 10, DEX 12, CON 12, INT 14, WIS 12, CHA 14

This'll net you 72 skill points.

Place your 4th Level Attribute in WIS which will start you on the path to Force Mastery feats, which'll allow you match most Guardians in combat through persistent use of the Force. With Stamina and the Heal Self skill the Consular'll be fairly self sufficient.

He also doesn't qualify for Weapon Focus or Weapon Finesse until he gets a feat at 3rd Level. Both require a +1 BAB. He didn't have a +1 BAB at 1st Level. You can have one, but not the other until 6th level.

You didn't take Alter until 3rd level. Alter is the prerequisite for the Compassion Feat, thus you could not have taken Compassion at 2nd Level.

[Dave ST]

Originally Posted By: Perrinmiller

until I see the other character builds.

Make a PC you'd like to play, not the PC that fills a hole. You Consular didn't sit in his meditations and train how to be the 'pick up the slack' guy. He trained to be a Jedi Consular, a profession designed to support and aid (and whoop ass) others through the power of the Force and lightsaber antics.

One of the reason I've not posted or request others to post their stats (not that it's wrong or anything that you did) is because each PC is an individual, made their own way to support the party in their own way.

[Perrinmiller]

Alright then. No worries.

Still open to suggestions on skill selections though. Some of the practical applications I have no idea about and perhaps my choices are somewhat redundant or conflicting in practical use.

Such as using Force Defense and Enhance Ability at the same time. I haven't the experience yet to know if the skill distribution is good, just went by the descriptions in the manual.

Maybe I am too focused and should spread out and take a few more Force Skills, reducing the ranks spent.

Also my sheet has a few Force Skills I have yet to track down.

Alchemy

Battle Influence

Plant Surge

Malacia

Transfer Essence

Drain Knowledge