I've got to say, this whole thing is great. I'm really freaking enjoying this. Especially being the guy in the middle of the two social adepts, you can bet Haven is just like Oh... holy hells... what the hell did I get myself into? Back away, man, back away.

Oh, also, I just wanted to say, you guys will be subjected to Haven's thoughts a lot. I know there is no reason you should know them, but I think they add a lot of flavor to a post and also I almost always have an internal monologue running, so most of my characters tend to also be thought centered. You rarely see me play low logic characters.

Chris

Oh, I would also like to say that dammit, I wish there was some way we could all actually play together. My game has been spotty at best lately(we've played like 3 times in about as many months, if that) and I am really jonesing and frankly you all amuse me and really make me want to step into my role as Haven more than I have in a long time in a RL game because no one around here really cares. I hope when I move off for medical school, hopefully of course- I'm not in yet, that I will be able to find more tactically, roleplaying, game based people to play with rather than the hang out talking about their week and play like 45 minutes of the 5 hours that they are here while tearing up my apartment and leaving all their trash behind people I play with now.

Chris

ALSO, congrats on the insane rolls and putting that bitch in her place, Critias.

Chris

Heheh, thanks. The best (worst?) part is, Tain's really not a "social adept." He's a combat guy, but the .25 of a power point for Commanding Voice was just too fitting for his background, I couldn't pass it up. He's got social skills, yeah, but they're not backed up by a ton of bonus dice or Kinesics or anything.

And don't sweat the IC-thoughts thing. I do it pretty often, myself, but I'm struggling NOT to do it with Tain. He's not that cerebral, and I'm trying to make myself stick to acting and talking instead of thinking.

Well if you all wanna truck over to the UK I'd be up for a regular RL SR game, been missing it baaaad **->

Funnily enough, Claymore also has Commanding Voice, yet is far from a Social Adept.

I am a terrible writer, and I really have to struggle to get a post done in such a way that I am not too embarrassed by it. This game especially is making me very self-conscious, as I have noticed that there are quite a few people reading along (not that I mind or anything ... Hi there ). I don't much like writing the thoughts for my characters at all. I really try to portray their motivations by their actions, filling in with narrative as needed. I also absolutely hate writing shit like 'then he said ...', as it just doesn't flow for me.

Speaking of reading along ... Fistopher: I was wondering if you might have reconsidered (or will do so now) your policy of not posting our character sheets. I know that when I follow a game as an outsider, I get much more out of it if I can reference the actual character sheet. As far as privacy goes, we're all adults here (discounting various stages of maturity ), and experienced enough to keep out-of-character knowledge separate from in-character stuff. Hell, most of us GM, so that kind of stuff is sort of instinctual. Besides which, this being a (very) public game, the players would be loath to get caught doing that kind of thing (even of it occurred to them, which given our group, I don't really think is a problem). If, after all that, a problem still arose, you could always step in if you think someone is out-of-line in that regard.

In other words, I think it's about time for us to make our character sheets available to the public.

Bah, you just want to know my secrets! In all actuality, I think this is a good idea. I know I've ended up going through game threads I read and PMing everyone playing to get their character sheets. So, would be nice, I guess, to save everyone else the effort. Of course, this would mean I have to fix a few things I've been working on and finally actually get the finished thing over to Fist. My unfamiliarity with the necessary parts of the Rigger game to avoid being hacked to pieces and stuff has been giving me fits trying to avoid everything I think I need.

Chris

Oh, Fortune, when you said Fistopher I thought you were talking to me for a minute being that my name is Christopher. Took me a lot longer than it should have to figure it out.

Chris

For the record, if I ever call our someone on this thread "Fistophiles," "Fistomaniac," or "Fistzilla," or "El Fisterino" (if I'm not into that brevity thing), I don't mean you, DT.

lol *8->

On the subject of Character Sheets: There were specific reasons I wanted it left secret, but if all players are up for it, then I'm ok with it. For sake of ease, We'll stick them up in the Character Sheet STicky. Easier for me to find as well.

On the Noble Subject of Retconning Erratta: I think it's only fair to allow you to adjust the character to fall in line with the new erratta. But please remember to highlight your character sheet adjustments (including strikeout lines for the parts you cut. Makes it much easier for me.

On the Dizzying Matter of Exploding Dice: Awesome roll Crit! That's why Edge is fun.

On the Intellectual Pursuit of Inner Monologue: I like 'thought' posts, I think it gives a better picture of the character. So feel free to include it. If you're self concious or think it's more icing than might be needed, feel free to post it in a spoiler box, and not in gold that it's open for reading. If, like Crit, you'd rather express another way, go right ahead. Whatever feels right for the character. Just remember that I award karma for good Roleplaying as well.

On the Nomenclature of Fistandantilus: Anything works, although "His Great Fist-i-ness" And "Fist of the Drop Bear" are favorites.

And finally, on the Exploit de Resistance de Tain: I'll get you, and you're little Gryphon too!

This should be interesting, seeing if Crit can resist it again. Because now there's no doubt that it's an out right challenge to her authority, rather than forcibly telling her off.

Chris, if you need help with rigging, I don't mind getting a little assistance from somebody (as long as it's jsut one somebody. Don't ned a Rigging Team here). Fortune's probably bored anyway.

*sighs*

Sorry, fellas. I'm not trying to be a spotlight hog (it's what's kept me from just calling initiative and throwing down with her so far), and I'm surely not wanting to go into a job with an empty Edge pool. I genuinely just wanted her to go away and let us talk to someone else. But there's no way he's gonna just take that kind of talk from some not-even-Tir chick.

If you still don't want them made public, that's cool.

Don't sweat it! We'll all get our turns, and besides, we could jump in if we really wanted.

Yeah, Haven just doesn't feel at all comfortable in these circumstances because he knows what would happen if they turned those voices on him, so he's staying in the background as much as possible.

Well, if Fist is ok with it, Fortune I would love some help with this whole rigging/matrix security/sensor issue I'm having with my character. If the sheets are going to be made public anyway, I could send it to you and you could maybe help me trim things down and try to fit everything in that I need. Do you have the time and is Fist ok with it?

I hope so, I'm drowning here. Well, not really, just having a hard time focusing and figuring it out and getting it done. It was why I almost played a mage in the first place, I knew this character would be difficult to balance and what free time I have when I feel ok is really hard to spend on this character trying to work things in. I love Haven as a character, but trying to force his character to fit the limit is driving me nuts and I generally just need to relax. Relaxation is very important when stress could literally make me lose control and pop my heart. Stupid heavy physical stress migraines and biofeedback needing constant concentration.

Anyway, I digress, if Fist is ok with it and you are willing and have time I would love some help trying to make this work.

Chris

I'm ok with it.

Crit- as Fortune said, it'll go around. Don't worry, you won't be the only whipping boy (or whipper as the case may be).

I'm ok with it.

Crit- as Fortune said, it'll go around. Don't worry, you won't be the only whipping boy (or whipper as the case may be).

Great. My second SR4 fight ever will be some ungodly combination of driving and fighting. Well, at least I'm having to learn the rules.

I don't think I can really do anything for the bike in the 10 minutes we have, but I'm going to check the hell out of it to make sure nothing is wrong and make sure no one tampers with it including Squire.

Oh, I'm sure there's less than ten minutes (figure we've got to all drive out there and whatever else, etc, etc). But don't worry, Tain's not really expecting you to do anything, any more than he expects Squire to. He just knows how important it is to give someone a job to do, and make them feel like part of a team, a valued resource, someone he trusts, yadda yadda yadda. Haven wasn't with us for the firefight earlier, so Tain's going out of his way to show the mechanic that he still respects his abilities and whatnot.

It's a gesture, more than a "hey, LOL, go fine tune my street bike in seven and a half minutes, without a budget, ZOMG" or something.

hehe, no worries Critias I just relishing someone else catching it for once.... damn silly RL game where I end up as dm's whipping boy all the time *8->

Hmmmmm bike race this'll be fun *8->

I have no clue about Sensors and Rigging and stuff!!!

That being said, I'll see what I can do, but I can't promise a whole lot.

Gang knowledge check for the rules of the challenge? I know you've said no magic but is counterspelling covered in that 'cos I really don't trust Vixen not to get some help from someone.....

Yeah, I am going to be playing really close attention to make sure she doesn't cheat somehow. Crazy bitch.

Chris

Personally, I don't think anyone should interfere in any way. That is the whole point of the challenge ... even if she cheats.

Anyone interested may roll (K) Ancients for additional info. Knowledge skils related to the Tir or Tir culture are also applicable for knowledge on the nature of the Challenge.

Interested.

Ancients Knowledge


Elven Society

Fortune - got it, will give others a chance to post their rolls.

I'm put out that it isn't Claymore in this situation, considering all the discussions and crap about jousting.

Yeah I know, I'd thought about that too. Maybe you can piss someone else off why you're waiting.

After the joust seems like a good time to reward some karma too. I tend to be a little heavy on karma awards, as I figure PbP games take so damn long, you might as well be able to see a bit of character growth along the way. Feel free to check out some other games of mine like In WIth the Family OOC for examples. Nick should be familiar with it by now.

Fortune, as the resident jouster, it is permissable to give some tips before the joust. Coaching of 'pep talk' as you will. Once he's on the bike and they're on theway though, it's all him.

Gonna go dig out my Tir Tairngire book so I can make sure to get some details right.

I really need to pick up another copy of Tir Tairngire and re-read it. It's been too long since I even opened that book, and I miss it.

If you're going to do the Karma thing, then I won't bother sending you a revised character sheet until afterwards.

As for pointers, I thought Claymore already gave his best advice ... "Just don't lose!".

Hmmmm I might actually have that source book.... I really should look in the RP cupboard more often *8->

Anyhoo Rolls

Rolled at Invisible Castle under Haven.

Chris

Whew. Sorry, I know it was a long post...but, well, I've been watching a lot of Rome lately, and public speaking is -- among other hobbies -- sort of Tain's thing. I felt like giving a rousing speech. With almost any other character of mine, for the record, Lucifer would've just gotten a "She's a bitch and I'm tired of her crap."

My biggest question on the duel thing (both IC and OOC) is whether or not Adept powers count as "magic." *gulp* I'm all fine with no projectiles, I'm great with it being a sword fight, I'm a-okay with the imagery of a bike-back duel... I just hope I can still use my berserk-enhanced attributes, 'cause if not I'm down a whole chunk of combat effectiveness. Plus, well, beating her down with that sort of rage-fueled strength is just situationally appropriate.

In related news: I'm finally giving Arsenal a good reading over, and I'm really wanting to figure out a way to buy a few martial arts manuevers (I just have no idea where I'm going to get ten more characters points to buy the Edges with). Stealing a +1 Edged Weapons damage value from Kali is spot-on and right up Tain's alley, and if I was able to score the Krav Maga quickdraw manuever, it'd free up .5 a power point (which'd be awesome). I'm gonna try and figure out a way to make that happen before this fight...but...sheesh. Finding ten more points?! Maybe I'll just hope I survive the fight, and spend some karma on 'em.

Knowledge check thingie! I left off my "Gang ID" (my only gang-related skill) 'cause it's not like we're just recognizing graffiti. I wasn't sure if this counted as Tir Politics, too (my gut tells me yes, since it's how so much gets done in the Tir, but I'm not too worried about it so I left off those 3 dice):

What's to be sorry about? It's a damn good post.

I would roll Tir Politics as well.

Good post man. I know it sounds a little munchy, but drop a few skills by a point or so if you have to. If qualities still cost double to buy off or buy after char gen, then it would be cheaper to use karma to get the skills up a point or two than it would be to buy the martial arts. If they don't cost double then... I guess I'm no help.

Chris

Crit: Like Fortune, you can retroactvely adjust your character for yhe new book, if you can find the points. I know that can be a big if. You're probably better off just buying it w/ karma IMO.

And yes Tir Politics would most defintely apply for the Challenge. It plays a big part in how disoutes are settled throughout the Tir.

The Challenge
1 Hit


2 Hits


3-4 Hits


Road Rage
1 Hit


2 Hits


3 Hits


4 Hits


5 Hits

On the public Char Sheets I'm okay with it, could be nice to know what each other can do but I might restrict myself from reading them for the suspence *8->

If the choice is between not posting them, or posting them in the (non-related) stickied character thread, I vote for not posting.

Fuck. No weapon foci. There goes a good chunk of killiness.

Oh, and I'm calculating my street rep/notoriety right now, so I can make that other roll (btw).

EDIT: Wow. So I actually get Notoriety for being bad at fixing bikes, being no good at first aid, and (perhaps) Scorched. I've been making it obvious knowledge that Tain's no good at fixing things, so I guess I'm stuck with the -2 for those two. I don't think Scorched has really come up (so I don't believe it would count), but...wow. I guess being able to fix a bike or apply a tourniquet is really important when you're trying to initiate a duel.


Blech. 3 hits. I told ya my dice were used up.

I think Fistington is using alternate rules for Notoriety, taking background into account more than 'flaws' (at least he talked about it with me), so you might want to check with him about it.

Well, I don't think the extra two dice (giving me a maximum of 5 hits, instead of 3) are going to make all that much of a difference.

That's correct, I talked with you before about how I think it's absolutely ridiculous that you should get notoriety for being a shitty mechanic. Besides that, notoriety and street cred only apply for things that the subjects know about. As Tain never works on bikes 'cause he sucks at it, never chips because he's scorched, and gets magical healing 'cause he sucks at it, and it's smart, no one's going to know that he's incompetent at it. So either way, the negative modifiers would not apply.

All(Except Critias) - Roll resistance rolls against Leadership (Leadership+Willpower). Apply +8 modifier to your rolls as Vixen is considered an Enemy and the result is potentially Disastrous as Tain is associated with you. Haven, apply only a +4 (counting result is Annoying to PC, and considered Prejudiced, but not out right Enemy).

Ancients - Character sheet listing is OK'd. Problem with listing it in the OOC is keeping them all accessible and easy to find; Posting it in the sticky means I can simply insert a link in the first post, so as to make the characters easy to find. That's the only practical way I see of doing it.

Crit - this is the downside to going up against a social adept in her arena. This isn't straight Commanding Voice, so there's more things that she can bring to bear. Hopefully youll love long enough to make it somewhere you have more equal footing.

On Weapon Foci - note that you can still use your weapon foci, so you won't have to change out weapons. You just can't activate it and get the bonus dice.

It occured to me on the way in to work that I might've screwed up the roll by more than shorting myself two dice (for each notoriety thingie). Isn't street cred based on karma earned (and aren't we all 100 karma characters)? Getting (IIRC) 10 extra dice on that test (on top of the 2 extra that I shorted myself) would probably push me back up into the "I might stand a chance against her stupid high roll, if I spent Edge on this test" realm.

I started everyone with Street Cred of 5, although I didn't see it noted on your Char sheet upon double checking. I PMd you what should be the correct numbers.

And yeah, she got stupid high successes. She rocked on her Edge reroll.

Challenges of the Ancients

The Ancients use many challenges to settle disputes between themselves, some moreheinous or insane than others. Many are not exactly as "common" as they are memorable.

The Joust Similar to Road Rage, two Ancients ride at each other with a pole in hand and knock each other from their bikes. Not usually as lethal, as this is usually done on streets at lower speeds, and without a pointed tip.

Road Rage A Killer of a good time (for spectators), Road Rage is the ultimate is settling disputes. It's impressive to watch, messy as hell, and usually over relatively shortly, which is good for those with relatively low attention spans.

Races A simple race to see who can get to point A to point B faster. Usually used for less important issues.

Camp Town Races No one really knows where the term comes from, but it's used anyway. This is a more serious version of races, where the two Ancients race through city streets, more often than not, a hostile gang's territory, and see who can get through the war zone that results fastest. 'Bonus points' are awarded for thinking up particularly good insults to fling at the 'hosts' while racing through.

Hot Potata Not practiced as much, but still very memorable, no one's really sure what psycho came up with this one (some rumors say it was Haven though). Two Ancients race ore or less side by side, tossing a live grenade back and forth between them. The timer is set for anywhere from 30 seconds to two minutes, and no one knows until it goes. This is like Russian Roulette meets chicken. The Challenge is to see who craps out first, or drops the grenade. Either is acceptable for winning. It's less popular however, as the grenade going off usually kills the two idiots involved.

Rail Roading Another very dangerous but very presitigious Challenge, the challengers ride through Spikes territory with automatic weapons dropping as many Spikes possible in two minutes, and try to get away alive. Dropping Spikes -> Rail Roading. Most Ancients don't get it either.