Recruiting: Keep Flyin', A Serenity PBP Game Dumpshock Style Options

[Gray]

One year after events in the motion picture Serenity...

"The Alliance impounded your ship for falling behind on payments... Now you're out of work. You could try hirin' on with another boat, but times are tough, Friend. Ever since the crew of Serenity sent out that wave about year ago, exposing the source of the Reaver threat, The Alliance has been doin' damage control. Part of that included puttin' as many independent "busnessmen" out of work as possible. With new government oversight panels in place, they couldn't be overt about it, but they're gettin' the job done all the same. Impoundin' one boat at a time for any infraction, no matter how minor."

"Out in the Black there are just as many ways to earn coin as there are to get riddled with holes. The trick is to do more of the former and less of the gettin' shot. It's harder to do that without your own ship. But rumor has it, that old Badger is puttin' together a team for somebody, to do some big job. And they are looking for able independent "businessmen" to do the work. Rumor also has it, that payment might include papers to get your ship out of hock... permenantly. Or at least until you fall behind on the gorram fuel payments again... "

-- paraphrased in part from the back cover of Serenity Adventures


I am recruiting for a game of the Serenity RPG, set one year after the events in the Serenity movie, GM'ed by me. I am looking for 4-6 players, with the expectation that you can post 1-2 times a week. No character can begin the game with a ship, but it is suggested that one of the character's is the former captain of the Jade Pearl, the spotlight ship of the campaign. The Jade Pearl is currently sitting in an Alliance impound yard. Other players can be former crew of the Jade Pearl, if they wish, but that is not required. Badger is looking for the best, and a lot of folks are out of work these days. A "team" concept going forward is encouraged, but it is noted that there are one or two Jayne Cobbs in in any crew. Note that even Jayne Cobb can work with a team when motivated to do so.

I am just looking for character ideas/concepts at this point. Please post a paragraph or 3 outlining your character idea in this thread. I will open a thread later to house character sheets/house rules, ect. I am leaning towards Veteran level for the characters, unless anyone has a strong argument to raise it to Big Damn Hero.

EDIT: In this campaign's version of events, Badger was smart enough to stop working with Mal Reynolds after the heat got too high, and he was definitely not one of the people wiped out by the Operative near the end of the Serenity movie.

EDIT: The game is curentlly full, but if you would like to be considered as an alternate, let me know.

EDIT: I think I can handle up to 8 players (plus Li Kao makes nine crew), if that becomes an issue.

EDIT: The events will begin in late September, or early October 2519, in the Eavesdown Docks, on Persephone. Note that this date will have little affect on local seasons, as planets and moons will vary wildly in the 'Verse.

EDIT: In converations with the captain, I have determined that the Jade Pearl has been impounded for about 3 months. You can use this timeframe in your backstories, giving an indication on how desperate for work your characters are. Especially if you were part of the original crew.

Active Players
----------------------
Redjack - Jacob Braylock - captain of the Jade Pearl (Hero of Canton worshipper)
Meriss - John James Santiago - disgraced noble (the Face)
Divine Virus - Bruce Cruickshank - engineer/medic (man mountain)
Donum Moriarty Michael Hicks - weapons specialist
CrazyTao - Autumn Moon Tsan - doctor/computer expert
Thanee - Qiang Wei - unarmed combat expert
Karaden - Fae - brash pilot

Inactive List
--------------------
ravensoracle - Hal Gatlin - pilot (gruff War vet)

PC/NPC (played by me)
--------------------
Li Kao - Ship's cook on the Jade Pearl; a buddhist pilgrim with a shadowy past (Kung Fu master? seems to be ex-military)
Dirtz - Casey Underhill gunslinger/rough and tumble hired help (Jayne type) - temporatrly played by me


NPC's/SHIPS
--------------------
Badger - Badger operates as a crimelord of sorts, with "offices" in the Eavesdown Docks area on Persephone. He speaks with a heavy 'east-end' accent that identifies him as a native of Dyton Colony. Although he is primarily active on Persephone, he keeps connections in many different places. (from FireflyWiki.org)

Number Ten Ox - a large dog currently residing with Li Kao at the impound yard. A Himalayan Mountain Dog (or Tibetan Mastiff - they look sort of like a St. Bernard-sized Chow) He's only 8-10 months old and he is already huge. Presumably, Ox was the last born (and largest) of ten puppies.

The Jade Pearl- An old spaceship named by Li Kao after the Princess of Birds, a forgotten minor deity in an old folk tale from Earth that Was. The name is based partially on the artistic way the finish of the ship's hull has corroded, leaving it a brilliant green color. From a dsitance, the hull plating looks like green feathers.

[Mickle5125]

Hmm... most of my games have fallen apart... what sort of character generation are we looking at?

I suppose this is a notation of my interest... pending, of course, more information.

[Gray]

Hmm... most of my games have fallen apart... what sort of character generation are we looking at?

I suppose this is a notation of my interest... pending, of course, more information.

More than likely Veteran level characters using the Serenity RPG, unless I change my mind and up the level to Big Damn Hero. I have the main rulebook, Out in the Black and the Adventures book, so any Assets, Complications, or gear you want to use out of those books should be ok.

I'm just looking for a paragraph or 3 on your character concept right now. I don't want to waste anyone's time making them generate a character, if the concept they come up with really doesn't fit the campaign.

What else would you like to know?

[Gray]

The main story arc will have to be discovered in game, but the campaign is set 1 year after the events of the movie Serenity. Blue Sun, The Academy, and the Alliance are weakened but by no means gone. They have all but successfully whitewashed the Miranda affair. Their concerted disinformation campaign has the incident written off as the action of "rogue elements" in the government, scapegoats were sacrificed, and a new Alliance Governement Oversight Committee was formed. The bad guys are still operating, albiet more covertly, and through less legitimate means.

[Meriss]

Pardon me while I squee.

Squeeeeeeeeee! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/grinbig.gif)

I have been looking for a Serenity game for months. Ever since I saw the movie and am now watching the series online. I want to play this game.

Would a failed/digraced/on the run noble, have anyplace aboard ship?

Concept spoilered

[ Spoiler ]

Concept
JJ is an unabbashed equal opportunity lecher, he will hit on anyone and everyone he think is pretty. Despite hie lying conniving nature, he is a smooth talking character with a penchant for getting exactly what he wants. He can fight when he needs too, but is mostly a pacifist. (aka he's the face)

History
My name is John James Santiago. But you can call me JJ, pretty lady. What’s that yah, Santiago as in Santiago arms. Granddad got his bundle making and shipping bullets for the Allience. Mom made it bigger during the war. I’m sorry for that, okay? I was on a cruiser in the middle of nowhere watching a smallish moon try to decide whether or not to throw in with the Browncoats. I said I was sorry, all right? Anywho, where was I? Right, cruiser. Why a cruiser? Mom wanted to have a finger on the Allience military. So she made a deal, me and my future for a shiny new weapons contract.

So here I am in the middle of nowhere when up comes this dashing young captain. Man, he was hot. Yes I'm, bent. Anywaaaaays, you can guess what happened. Cha-Ching! Well sir, seems my dear mother didn't tell me I was arranged to be married to this girl back home. Yup, fun. Not that I mind. I'm an equal oppurtunity lech. So I hooked up with her one time after the war was over, yummy. What I neglected to determine was their parentage. Both of them were the children of Mr. Havlend Wong. Yah General "Bloody" Wong, guy who ordered the Battle of Serenity Valley.

Well that just about ended my career in the Military. And put me on the fast track to execution city. So I lit out of home as fast as I could. I've been on the run ever since so can we go? Like, now? Before those large soldier type fellas see me?

[Gray]

Would a failed/digraced/on the run noble, have anyplace aboard ship?

Definitely. I'm basically looking for good concepts that quite possibly could function as a group, similarly but not exactly like the crew of Serenity. So no Reavers, or Niska PC's. Ya know?

I added you to the active players list.

[Divine Virus]

Let me introduce you to Bruce Cruickshank. Bruce he tall, and wide, and often judged to be nothing but muscle. But this just isn't so. You see, Bruce fought with the Independents during the war, but he was actually in engineering, not regular infantry. Of course, the Independent's engineering branch wasn't exactly regular, either. It was the job of Bruce, and men like Bruce, to keep machines working, no matter what. His job was the salvage, jurry-rig, refurbish, invent, and/or repair anything. Quite often the Alliance would abandon a perfectly good aircraft just because it crashed- Bruce could either get it working again or salvage enough to build two jeeps. He was damn good at his job. He still is. His work is never pretty- Reaver's vehicles tend to look more trustworthy then his, but Bruce's work is utterly reliable.
After the war Bruce made his living at first working in junk yards, then with a little money got his own repair shop going, though it always teetered on the edge of bankruptcy. He repairs work, but are never pretty and always hell for any other mechanic to work on. He has worked on just about everything though- from mopeds to spaceships.
Bruce is about six and a half feet tall and three, maybe four feet wide. It is ALL muscle. He has a strong jaw-line and disordered black hair- not pretty by one's standards-except maybe a bear's. He speaks slowly but certainly. Bruce does, of course, have a good heart. He is respectful towards others until provoked, and generally mild with profanity. He does have a bit of a temper, slow to ignite but burns terribly one kindled. He is personally quick to befriend people, but his large size of coarse appearance tends to intimidate many folks. When he does meet someone who treats him kindly and is not put off but his rough appearence and mannerisms, there are few who are more loyal a friend then Bruce.
Shortly after the Miralda affair Bruce's repair business finally went under. No one was surprised. So now Bruce is feeling a bit bored and restless, and up for almost anything.

Bruce would fit the role on an engineer/mechanic on a ship, plus secondary close combat support. Do not ask him to be socializing or purswading. He has the best of intentions, but it never seems to work out. His repairs are as crude in appearance as he is, but they work. Able to do serious body work on a ship as well, not just engine repair. Partially inspired by the show Junk-Yard Wars, partially inspired by Warhammer's 40k's ork mekboyz, and partially inspired by Mythbuster's Jamie Hyneman, and a bit from my own imagination, of course.

[Gray]

Partially inspired by the show Junk-Yard Wars, partially inspired by Warhammer's 40k's ork mekboyz, and partially inspired by Mythbuster's Jamie Hyneman, and a bit from my own imagination, of course.

I love Mythbusters! My GM's PC, Li Kao is inspired in part by Chon Wang (Jackie Chan) from Shanghai Noon. He more or less can fill the Shepherd Book role, except he doesn't preach, unless asked to, and then only in Zen poems. He also kicks much butt, Jackie Chan style.

I've added you to the active players list.

[ravensoracle]

I am in but have to work on a character concept, so many things spring to mind. Anything you are looking for in particular?

[Gray]

I am in but have to work on a character concept, so many things spring to mind. Anything you are looking for in particular?

We have a Face and a mechanic, so covering another role would be cool. I'm playing the ship's cook myself.

We don't have a pilot, or... well whatever Jayne Cobb is... muscle or a thug, I guess. There are two suggestions. Registered Companion might be another one... Bruce and Li Kao both have first aid, perhaps even field medicine, but we don't have a doctor... another suggestion.

[Divine Virus]

In a pinch Bruce can be thuggy. He certainly has the brute strength for it. So we could use a pilot, I think we still need a captian, and I think we could definitely use someone who is good with a gun.

[Gray]

In a pinch Bruce can be thuggy. He certainly has the brute strength for it. So we could use a pilot, I think we still need a captian, and I think we could definitely use someone who is good with a gun.

I'm not sure, but I think Dirtz's character is a gunslinger. At least it was going to be when we tossed around starting this campaign a few months ago.

Does Bruce have the famous Jamie Hyneman mustache?

The Jade Pearl will need a lot of work in the beginning of the campaign. She's been in mothballs for almost a year. Li Kao has kept life support running since he is stilll living in the ship (he's officially listed as a component of the ship, not crew, so legally they can't kick him out ... karma I guess), but his repair skills are not the best. Bruce's skills will be sorely needed.

[Divine Virus]

I am still debating about the mustache. I have always envisioned Bruce as having black hair, and I just don't know if the mustache works if it is black...

[Gray]

I am still debating about the mustache. I have always envisioned Bruce as having black hair, and I just don't know if the mustache works if it is black...

Oh well, just planning ahead... I like to do 3D renders of the characters in my games. A 350 lb. hulking Jamie Hyneman would be an awesome look. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) But he'd have to be bald on general principles...

[Mickle5125]

apologies, but I will have to withdrawal. I simply don't have time right now... Good luck, though!

[ravensoracle]

Ok well I am thinking maybe a gruff old vet. Used to be a combat pilot for the Alliance. Probably along the lines of a Warrant Officer because he just wasn't refined enough to be any brass. Retired before the War, only to join up with the Independents because and quote:

"I seen too much o' what them damn alliance shits can do, I don't wanna see 'em do it to the rest o' the system."

Spent his time with the Independents running blockades and getting supplies and troops right on the front lines.

I envision his attitude and demeanor as something of a cross between Sgt. Major from "We Were Soldiers" and Whistler from "Blade". Definitely comes across as rough and crude. But can be trusted to his word and will get the job done.

Probably give him some fighting skills to go along with his exceptional pilot skills. Could possibly even be the Captain if you think he'd fit the position. This is mainly just me thinking out loud so let me know what you think and I'll refine it from here.

[Divine Virus]

I would lean against such a character being captain.
You see, in my experience, the captain is the most sensitive part of this games. I know games that have fallen apart because the captain couldn't cut it. Now, while your character could make a fine captain if this were real, he would need higher leadership skills. What I am trying to say is that the concept itself doesn't naturally make captaining easier. I don't know what leadership skills you, as a real person have. I am not saying they are bad, but I do not know they are good. But in my experience such RL skills actually do come into play in this game. And any lack (again, not saying you are lacking, I just don't know) can be smoothed over by a less curmudgeonly character concept.
I think whoever plays captain should be dedicated to just being captain, and not have to split his/her energy doing anything else.

[Gray]

Ok well I am thinking maybe a gruff old vet. Used to be a combat pilot for the Alliance. Probably along the lines of a Warrant Officer because he just wasn't refined enough to be any brass. Retired before the War, only to join up with the Independents..

Spent his time with the Independents running blockades and getting supplies and troops right on the front lines.

I envision his attitude and demeanor as something of a cross between Sgt. Major from "We Were Soldiers" and Whistler from "Blade". Definitely comes across as rough and crude. But can be trusted to his word and will get the job done.

Sounds good. I added you as the pilot in the Active Characters list. I agree about Divine Virus' assessment of the captaincy... the pilot has enough to worry about. And like you said, your character concept is more like the Sgt Major. He might make a fine first mate (or quartermaster) with average (or at least some) leadership skills. Was he part of the orginal crew of the Jade Pearl before she was impounded? So far I know of only the captain (whover that is) and Li Kao were former crew, but any or all of the characters could be former crew.

[ravensoracle]

Like I said I was mainly thinking out loud for what I posted. I didn't really want to be captain but if no one volunteered for the position I could rework this guy for it. Never said he would be good at it. Would probably fit the first mate role pretty well. Zoe never came across as a captain to me but I still wouldn't want to be on her bad side. Being the Pilot he'd want to know the ship well and I was planning on some sort of leadership skills to represent his time in the military. I was thinking he would be original crew. If I play him like I see him in my minds eye then he will be the type that takes some time to get to know and like. I don't see him as a Jayne type more like an older male version of Zoe. Hard to make him your friend but once he is it's hard to lose him as one.

And I do agree with you Divine, the captain does take a lot of RL skills. Not claiming to be a natural leader but have pulled off the role when it has been thrust upon me in the past. I'll get a refined background to you once I refine the idea a bit. If you have any suggestions for certain parts to fit with the game let me know. I pretty much came up with him as I was putting together the last post so he is still a rough draft.

[Gray]

Like I said I was mainly thinking out loud for what I posted. I didn't really want to be captain but if no one volunteered for the position I could rework this guy for it. Never said he would be good at it. Would probably fit the first mate role pretty well. Zoe never came across as a captain to me but I still wouldn't want to be on her bad side. Being the Pilot he'd want to know the ship well and I was planning on some sort of leadership skills to represent his time in the military. I was thinking he would be original crew. If I play him like I see him in my minds eye then he will be the type that takes some time to get to know and like. I don't see him as a Jayne type more like an older male version of Zoe. Hard to make him your friend but once he is it's hard to lose him as one.

And I do agree with you Divine, the captain does take a lot of RL skills. Not claiming to be a natural leader but have pulled off the role when it has been thrust upon me in the past. I'll get a refined background to you once I refine the idea a bit. If you have any suggestions for certain parts to fit with the game let me know. I pretty much came up with him as I was putting together the last post so he is still a rough draft.

[ Spoiler ]

A second in command/Zoe type sounds good to me. If he could actually like one or two characters and not be so gruff with them as the rest of humanity, that would be cool (maybe the captain.. he most likely thinks Li Kao is ex-Alliance... well definiotely ex-military and he never saw or heard of him in the Browncoats... so he might not like him so much, although he does like Li Kao to be around if there is a fight... Kao will niether confirm or deny his origins, claiming to be a simple cook now, what he was before does not matter.. so he might respect Li Kao even if he doesn't like him).

A name for this guy would be cool too. But no rush... I know some people save the name for last.

So we got a pilot/second in command or sergeant, a disgraced noble/face, a mechanic/medic, and a cook/buddhist pilgrim for a crew so far. Things seem to be shaping up nicely.

EDIT: Redjack has agreed to play the captain.

@All: Feel free to use the Crew Questionnaire from the Waves in the Black site to jumpstart your imaginations. Also feel free to interact with each other on this thread and discuss character connections or lack thereof, and possible group dynamics.

[Chance359]

I'm interested playing as well, give me a day or so to clear some stuff off my plate.

[Gray]

I'm interested playing as well, give me a day or so to clear some stuff off my plate.

Sounds good. I put you on the list as a MAYBE.

[ravensoracle]

[ Spoiler ]

A second in command/Zoe type sounds good to me. If he could actually like one or two characters and not be so gruff with them as the rest of humanity, that would be cool (maybe the captain.. he most likely thinks Li Kao is ex-Alliance... well definiotely ex-military and he never saw or heard of him in the Browncoats... so he might not like him so much, although he does like Li Kao to be around if there is a fight... Kao will niether confirm or deny his origins, claiming to be a simple cook now, what he was before does not matter.. so he might respect Li Kao even if he doesn't like him).

A name for this guy would be cool too. But no rush... I know some people save the name for last.

I am giving him the loyal trait. He tends to be rough but not so much to those he calls friends. I figure his name is Hal Gatlin. Most just call him Gatlin to his face, some call him "The Old Man" but rarely to his face unless they want trouble. He is 57 after all. He retired an Alliance Warrant Officer one year before the War, and became an Indenpendent Warrant Officer Volunteer during the war. So he also has the Military rank (Enlisted) and Branded Traits to represent those who know he served in both militaries. Sometimes its a benefit, sometimes a curse to have served both sides.

@All: Feel free to use the Crew Questionnaire from the Waves in the Black site to jumpstart your imaginations. Also feel free to interact with each other on this thread and discuss character connections or lack thereof, and possible group dynamics.

The new site that replaced Waves in the Black is CortexSystemRPG

It may have some newer stuff. In fact some of my own ship designs are there. Scarab Mark II is one I used for my last Serenity campaign I ran.

[Gray]

The new site that replaced Waves in the Black is CortexSystemRPG

It may have some newer stuff. In fact some of my own ship designs are there. Scarab Mark II is one I used for my last Serenity campaign I ran.

Awesome... I was wondering where their forum pages went. I was looking for stats for dogs, and noticed that the forum was gone last night.

[Dirtz]

Hey Gray,

I'll be playing a hired hand, ex mil gunslinger type. Having been left to rot in Serenity Valley he was captured and "reformed" by the Alliance after serving some time in a work camp. Unlike Mal though it has made him self centered and has given him his "Me first" attitude. Getting paid and watching his hoop are the only two things he cares about. I'll try to flesh out the details as we go, let me know if I can use the char we made up before. Oh, do we have a Captain yet? Was Red interested?