Gaming Outpost Discussions » Topic: Ending a Decade Behind the Screens

Gaming Outpost Discussions » Topic: Ending a Decade Behind the Screens http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens Gaming Outpost Discussions » Topic: Ending a Decade Behind the Screens en-US Thu, 24 May 2012 11:26:50 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/search.php M. J. Young on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/20#post-34464 Sun, 12 Dec 2010 19:33:15 +0000 M. J. Young 34464@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ The promised link is <a href='http://gamingoutpost.com/groups/multiverser/forum/topic/toward-twenty-eleven-behind-the-screens/'>Toward Twenty Eleven Behind the Screens</a>. --M. J. Young Jhiaxus on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/20#post-34451 Sun, 12 Dec 2010 18:32:54 +0000 Jhiaxus 34451@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ Moved the games I run over to the new forum, last post is there. M. J. Young on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/20#post-34450 Sun, 12 Dec 2010 18:19:54 +0000 M. J. Young 34450@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ It appears that we have new software, and are going to be migrating to it. I am not jumping all my players to the new software at once. For one thing, it's too much work to start all those new threads. For another, there's a reason I start new threads at critical breaks in the story: it enables me track back through the open thread to find things that are still relevant. Thus normally I start new threads if someone changes worlds, or on rare occasions when there is a significant shift in scenario circumstances within the world. I am not going to keep everyone here until he (or she) verses out; but I am going to look for a good moment to make the move. I will post the new link on the old thread when the move is made. I've got a couple players very close to a good spot, so I'll be moving them relatively soon. Meanwhile, I am going to move this Behind the Screens thread to the new software. I'd rather have waited until the new year, but that's really just my compulsive obsessions and I don't have to do it that way. So look for today's game, December 12, 2010, to be continued there in a thread entitled Toward Twenty Eleven Behind the Screens. I'll have that linked before the night is over, Lord willing. --M. J. Young M. J. Young on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/20#post-34406 Sat, 11 Dec 2010 19:57:25 +0000 M. J. Young 34406@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ I promised to attempt to tackle posts today, so here's my attempt. It doesn't appear that there was much more posting since yesterday, although I suppose there might have been--Kyler, Ahmetia, Eric 2, Adam, and Michael were all waiting yesterday, and no one else appears to be waiting today. We need to get Kyler back to routine and moving forward. I was going to say that Sunday would be uneventful, but I've hit a 24 GE roll, so I'm going to have to think on that a bit. Perhaps Ahmetia needs to learn a bit of French, if she's traveling the countryside in France. We'll see if she takes that direction. Eric 2 has given me some thoughts on his missing attribute scores. We'll give him a 1@5 average An Mag, a 1@7 Charisma, and a 1@8 Persuasion. Now I need to figure out how he's going to do the asking, so I can place what kind of roll to make. The sheer size of Adam's team makes keeping up on advancement a lot of work, but we're getting there. Michael gets a 13 GE, barely good enough, on his situation on the bridge. We'll introduce another girl into his life. Hey, maybe he'll get that same philosophy for which Whisp was noted, although frankly I think he's been handling it much better to this point. I think that's everyone. --M. J. Young JohnA1nut on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/20#post-34392 Fri, 10 Dec 2010 22:31:35 +0000 JohnA1nut 34392@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ Good luck buddy. (Doing Therapy) M. J. Young on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/20#post-34391 Fri, 10 Dec 2010 22:01:13 +0000 M. J. Young 34391@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ I have someone at home sick, which has already used up some of my time and I think requires that I put more into it. So I am hopefully going to bounce today's forum work into tomorrow, and tend to my problems here. Thanks for understanding. --M. J. Young M. J. Young on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/20#post-34322 Fri, 10 Dec 2010 00:31:45 +0000 M. J. Young 34322@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ I'm trying to get through everything, and keep getting interrupted today (and there will be more interruptions to come), but I'm looking at posts from Kyler, Adam, Katerina, Eric 2, Ahmetia, Edgar, and Michael. Kyler finishes his conversation with Icarus, I think, and will soon be returning home. I have a lot to do to keep up notes on almost fifty people for Adam, so it's going to take a few days to do it all. But we'll keep moving forward. Katerina is wondering about the world biases, which is a good start to discovering them, but not enough that I have to look them up. For Eric 2 to get on Ishara's good side he'll have to make a difficult charisma check. I don't have a charisma for Eric--nor an an mag nor persuasion either--so it's time to fill in some numbers. I could guess at his an mag based on having met him, but I don't know him well enough to make any bets on the other two. I don't think the French understand the concept of "plain" food, so Ahmetia may have to decide whether to take what they describe or modify it to her tastes. Edgar is going to leave Michael and go--somewhere. Michael is now on the bridge, and I've got to make that believable as well. I think I'm done with the game threads. --M. J. Young M. J. Young on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/20#post-34255 Wed, 08 Dec 2010 23:55:41 +0000 M. J. Young 34255@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ Yes, thank you. No complaints. After all, as I learned from Paris of Troy, never look a wooden gift horse in the mouth. Let me see how far I can get on threads from Kyler, Adam, Katerina, Eric 2, Michael, Ahmetia, and Edgar. I neglected the part where Icarus extends the invitation to include Mariska, which he sort of has to do because he doesn't want to offend Kyler and Mariska either way. Actually, I kept thinking I have to include that, but the conversation hadn't gotten there yet. I didn't want to hold up Adam's game for another record-keeping post, but I don't want to overlook Geneice' opportunity to train in something nor retrace the work once it's been done--and besides, I'm both tired and pressed for time tonight, so I'm rushing just a bit to cover as many people as possible. Katerina is getting settled into her room. We'll wrap up Eric 2's present adventure and start thinking about what happens next. There's a 58 on a training skill roll for Michael, which will raise his cooking skill to 1@9 after twenty-five days. He then gets an 8 GE roll, which will put him on the bridge, which as I recall was his first choice. Ahmetia isn't going to escape her hosts that quickly. There's breakfast. Edgar apparently hasn't figured out di Vars' attitude, but it should be a bit clearer after this. --M. J. Young JohnA1nut on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/20#post-34152 Wed, 08 Dec 2010 00:13:59 +0000 JohnA1nut 34152@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ Glad it's still working for you. (Doing Therapy) M. J. Young on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/20#post-34147 Wed, 08 Dec 2010 00:03:28 +0000 M. J. Young 34147@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ Yes, that stopwatch, thank you. Let's tackle game threads from Kyler, Adam, Eric 2, Ahmetia, Edgar, and Michael. Kyler is going to do a bit of superhero work this weekend, once he sets the time and place with Icarus. I'm putting time into getting Adam's character sheets correct and covering his training programs. It's time to give Eric 2 his GE roll for the trap. I'm thinking ahead on what's behind, but the GE roll will tell me much: ooo, a 3--that's going to play quite well. Ahmetia will get through to morning; we'll see what happens after that. This was, after all, a strongly favorable GE, as I recall. I hear that Adam has started a pool for how long it will take Edgar to annoy Michael di Vars into shooting him. I'll have to think about that. It won't happen today, though. My Internet service seems to have gone wonky--it tells me I've got a good strong signal, but even when I try to get the Comcast site I don't get more than the title of the page. Regardless, there's one more player, so let me tackle Michael and move him into regular work. It will take a while before he gets noticed on the range, but it will happen. --M. J. Young JohnA1nut on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/20#post-34074 Tue, 07 Dec 2010 00:09:29 +0000 JohnA1nut 34074@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ Is that the same stopwatch I gave you for Christmas? (Doing Therapy) M. J. Young on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/20#post-34073 Tue, 07 Dec 2010 00:04:01 +0000 M. J. Young 34073@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ ...games from Kyler, Adam, Eric 2, Edgar, Michael, Ahmetia, and Katerina. Kyler raises an interesting question. I'll give him the answer I think I had in mind then, and also invite him to explore it further if he likes. I'm getting my mind wrapped around the very large training program Adam is running at his castle--almost fifty people who have to be tracked at different levels in multiple skills and attributes. But I'm getting there. I haven't actually decided yet whether Eric 2 and his company are going to be pursued, but I'm sort of hoping that I'll find the stopwatch tonight when it beeps in twenty minutes or so and won't have to use dice for the GE roll that will make that decision, and I can put in some explanation and get him in position while maintaining the suspense another day. I have no idea what Edgar expects to find as "a place to stay" on a tropical island in an uninhabited world, but maybe he'll enlighten me. It looks like I need a GE roll for Michael anyway, because he's checking for coursework. 9+1+3 is barely good enough, so I'd say that's a light load. Otherwise it's pretty straightforward. I'm going to question whether Ahmetia really would sleep in a clean bed in dirty clothes, by giving her the list of clothing from her character sheet. Found the stop watch. I'm a bit out of breath from digging for it. Katerina gets a bit of help with her clothes, but they're not really that difficult in a modern setting. --M. J. Young M. J. Young on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/20#post-34058 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:46:02 +0000 M. J. Young 34058@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ If the psionic power is either originating within the static or attempting as psionic power to penetrate the static to reach a target, the static is a defense. Obviously Gutpunch has the static defense raised so that no one can use psionics against him. It has the incidental effect that he cannot use psionics (without also overcoming the penalty he has created). If Adam were targeting Gutpunch, the penalty would apply because the psionic power gets dispersed in the static. Since Adam is targeting someone else within the static, the psionic power disperses the in the static. It acts as a sort of area effect defense, with the caveat that one cannot send psionic attacks (or other skills) into it, use such skills point-to-point within, or send them out from it. If Adam were psionically to create non-psionic energy, such as light or heat, radiating or emitting from a point outside the static and send that energy into the static area, that energy would penetrate unimpeded. The powerful nature of a defense like psionic static is that most psionic skills require the psionic energy to reach the target as psionics--telepathy, pyrogenesis, telekinesis, force objects, clairsentience, teleportation, all are examples of power that reaches a target point psionically and then becomes or does whatever is intended. Unless Adam can target a point outside the protected area and create an effect, such as an explosion at the edge of the static field or a high-speed hurled targeted projectile originating beyond it, his efforts to penetrate the field with psionics have to overcome the defense. Someone may have answered that already; I've been away for longer than I intended. However, with the time that remains to me let me tackle games.... Jhiaxus on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/20#post-34042 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 16:04:33 +0000 Jhiaxus 34042@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ You already are making that world Kylerized, making my woman inaccessible, and making one of the heroes a villian, so that I can't stand to be around him or anyone that chooses to be around him. Psionics are inner powers, I would say, if you cannot disrupt the source, the power goes through, because it originated at me, where there was no interference. Tadeusz on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/20#post-34039 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 15:05:51 +0000 Tadeusz 34039@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ Mark, In Jhiaxus's game with moi, he wants to possess (psi) the villain Gutpunch. The hero Mechanoman has a fifty feet wide psi static bubble centered on himself that makes psi +30 harder. Gutpunch is inside the bubble, but Jhiaxus, as Midnite is not. Does the bubble affect Jhiaxus' attack or not? And is there an excuse I can use to randomly Kylerize Midnite's life for my vicious and petty amusement? :) M. J. Young on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/20#post-33989 Sun, 05 Dec 2010 19:35:09 +0000 M. J. Young 33989@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ I apologize (again) for missing Friday and for not compensating by posting Saturday. About six hours of my Friday went to transporting people to and from various jobs, about half of that in waiting for someone who was delayed at departure time and did not know in advance that it would take as long as it did to finish what had to be done. The fact that the e-mail is back in the loop had some impact on this as well. Hopefully I can catch up today on posts from Adam, Eric 2, Ahmetia, Edgar, Katerina, Michael, and Kyler. Since I was rousted early today, I might just also catch up on those character sheets. Adam has a growing army of individuals. Let me see what I can catch up for him. The stopwatch has gone into hiding--it's buried here somewhere, I heard a muffled beep at three, but several minutes of searching have not uncovered it so unless the muffled beep at four is more informative I will have to wait until the alarm sounds at eleven. Meanwhile, I've found a Chessex dice case and think that I can risk putting 2d10 into it and using them for percentiles, black is tens green is ones, for the present. I need to make rolls for the skill learning of Adam's crew, whom I have listed in the order Liam, Duncan, Conner, Ian, Sean, Llewelyn of Cartiff, Waylon, Bandit Leader, 1@ Bandit (34), and I'll add the girls when we get there. He's teaching those first five his Immobilizer B7@5, "once they hit a 1@2 Steal Initiative", which three of the five had on first learning, so let's roll for those three: 46, 88, 67, and with Adam's training plus their 10@2 biases they've all got upward of 90% chance to learn this, so that's Duncan 1@1, Ian 1@3, and Sean 1@2. I've put more time into this than I intended, but it will be all right. Although Eric is next in the list, my recollection is that Katerina was at the table first at Ubercon, so that makes her a previous player. (It's complicated, because Eric played before with Harry, but he was starting with me at Ubercon, and since Kat also played before at Ubercon but was starting over, we're going by who restarted first.) That doesn't matter as much now, but I do list the character sheets in the order people started playing. So let's take a look at Katerina Nastasya Campbell. I've got her paper together, and I'm moving her forward in her story. I've now got Eric 2's character paper mostly together. I'm not sure what happens to him next, but we'll save that roll for next time. Ahmetia is next in line, and there's no good justification for bumping her again (she was bumped to put her sister in front of Eric), so let's hit her scenario. In a weird sort of parallelism, she is also headed to bed in a stranger's home (like her sister). I'm going to check what she's wearing to bed, because you never know what might happen in the night--even I don't know at this point. I've got another character sheet to catch up, for Edgar. I'm beginning to feel my wife's pain when she gets multiple admissions to the nursing facility on the same night. But we'll get him in order, and bounce an answer to his question. It strikes me that there should be updates here somewhere for Michael's sheet as well--yes, there they are, let me get that updated as well. With instruction from a professional teacher who is also a professional example, he's going to get a 1@2 Use Laser Pistol T12@1 from his roll of 68. I think we're wrapping up the strange case of the jaywalking pursesnatcher (or perhaps that should be the pursesnatching jaywalker), and Kyler will move forward again. --M. J. Young M. J. Young on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/20#post-33772 Thu, 02 Dec 2010 17:02:59 +0000 M. J. Young 33772@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ I am surprised at the number of threads not showing new posts; but I am here a bit early today, and I think I was here late last night, and sometimes that's how it happens. Those who are here include Ahmetia, Kyler, Michael, and Katerina, and there is action on several other threads. We'll see about wrapping up Ahmetia's conversation with a quick check on what's happening in Paris in 1894. I'll see if I can wrap up Kyler's conversation with Icarus and move that story forward. I'm introducing Michael to a laser pistol skill. We'll let him introduce himself and then roll for his learning next time, I think. Katerina will be settling in to her new location for the present. --M. J. Young M. J. Young on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/20#post-33708 Thu, 02 Dec 2010 01:32:52 +0000 M. J. Young 33708@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ I knocked Kyler out of position yesterday when I accidentally posted to the wrong thread, so he'll be first, followed by Adam, Edgar, Eric 2, Michael, and Ahmetia. I think. I have all the mailboxes working again, but they all feed to the same folder, which is a bit confusing. I'll have to work out folder rules next, but at least I'm atop the e-mail. I think. Kyler has begun a conversation with Icarus and Mariska. Adam ducked one of my questions, but I won't hold up the game for it. I'm thinking that minerals in the cave walls are interfering with communications for Eric 2, and if that's the case he'll have to be outside completely before transmat will work; the GE roll is 23, so that sounds right to me. That's not bad enough for something worse, I think. I have no idea why Edgar asked Michael what he should do, but he's not going to get much of an answer. Michael rolled 12 on making his omelets, so I'm comfortable that that's a successful check. Maybe I can get Ahmetia to tell me some of her plans and expectations. It'll give me some direction for my GE rolls. I think that is everyone. --M. J. Young Ryan Young on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/20#post-33661 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 19:39:47 +0000 Ryan Young 33661@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ *bump* NeoZero on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/19#post-33579 Tue, 30 Nov 2010 23:27:09 +0000 NeoZero 33579@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ That's cool. I'm sure everyone can appreciate that you came on to say it. Everyone gets burnt out here and again. M. J. Young on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/19#post-33529 Tue, 30 Nov 2010 20:20:10 +0000 M. J. Young 33529@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ You know what? I've had an exhausting day and already have a promise of an extra early start tomorrow. I got another mailbox working and got the SMTP functioning, but it's not really doing what it's supposed to do (and I've got quite a few boxes still to do). I'm going to extend apologies to all the players waiting, look at the non-game threads, and see if I can get a bit of rest before I collapse completely. Thanks. --M. J. Young M. J. Young on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/19#post-33406 Mon, 29 Nov 2010 21:08:12 +0000 M. J. Young 33406@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ I think I'm looking at fresh posts from Kyler, Adam, Eric 2, Ahmetia, Michael, and--and that's everyone. Let's see what I can do with them. It is indeed Icarus whom Kyler spots. I wasn't sure whether they had met, and figured in the flurry of events he would have to look to be certain anyway. I had toyed with the notion of bringing The Tick into this world, and having Arthur do the rescue, but I don't know that world well enough to merge it into this one, I think. We fast-pedal Adam into spring (I'm thinking it was fall half a year ago) and cover a few incidental questions along the way. Eric 2 recognizes the weakness of his position--they don't really know the way out, and don't know whether they can trust the guy who led them in. He has a reasonable solution to this, so we'll see how it goes. I can't believe I'm so out of it I couldn't spell "mystique" without checking it. In any case, we'll continue our conversation with Ahmetia before she retires for the night. Blast--things have been so insane around here with the e-mail problems and a week of illness and Thanksgiving that I have not caught up the character papers, and I know that Michael has a cooking skill but it's not on the spreadsheet yet. Well, I'll stall another day and maybe tomorrow I can get some of this caught up. Speaking of tomorrow, it looks like that's when I'll be continuing. --M. J. Young M. J. Young on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/19#post-33264 Sun, 28 Nov 2010 19:40:02 +0000 M. J. Young 33264@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ I am seeing Kyler as the first posted, then Adam, Eric 2, Michael, and Edgar; the Campbell girls are notably absent, but I'm sure they'll reappear soon enough. Kyler has given me a worst fears scenario that I think is both considerably less likely than one in a thousand and completely irrelevant to the matter at hand, but he has also given me something on which to base a GE interpretation. The roll is 10. My feeling is that 7 plus anything is going to be a successful persuasion check for Adam so his speech goes well. Then, with a 5 GE roll, I'm comfortable leaping ahead a significant time. Interesting--well, that's sometimes the way the game goes, and Eric 2 is correct that I had said Ann knew Ishara. A 22 GE tells me things have not finished going badly, but I'll be tight-lipped about the problems for the moment, and let Eric make some decisions about what to do next. There are quite a few ways to cook eggs available to Michael--electric stove tops, flame broilers, electric ovens, steamers, microwaves, and a few more--so I'm interested in how he thinks he would cook a pan of three dozen eggs with cheese and bacon. Edgar asks a reasonable, if vague, question, and gets an answer that should fit it. And I think that's everyone for today. --M. J. Young M. J. Young on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/19#post-33144 Fri, 26 Nov 2010 23:19:51 +0000 M. J. Young 33144@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ Ah, I wondered. I have had so much trouble since Ubercon I still don't have a working e-mail client (I made a wrong move in installing Pegasus and it won't let me fix it) and I have not yet begun to update character papers from the con. As it happens (this being a behind the screens thread) the psi bias in your world is 10@, so that's the cap anyway, and since I saw that I figured it would not have mattered if you had a higher bias level. I trust everyone is more fully recovered from Thanksgiving than I, so I am going to tackle posts from Ahmetia, Adam, Kyler, Eric 2, Michael, and Edgar--I hope. Let me put Ahmetia on the spot in a couple ways. Although since he is traveling by day he won't encounter vampires, Adam still need a GE roll for the journey--and 19 means a generally uncomfortable but not terribly bad one. Kyler has taken an interesting action, but I'm not sure what outcome he wants from it. I like Eric 2's style with Tom--definitely has his number. As to the lamp, on the one hand it's a simple electric light, and on the other hand it's of a design he's never seen. He's got professional skill at activating electric lights, so a roll of 58 means he figures it out. Michael gets more instructions on making eggs for an army. Edgar asked for the short version of the verse. He's likely to get himself shot if he's not careful. Then I won't have to worry about when the volcano is going to blow. --M. J. Young Glantri on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/19#post-33015 Thu, 25 Nov 2010 21:44:18 +0000 Glantri 33015@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ My psi bias is 14@ not 10@, not that it mattered in this case. (from the 14@7 skill morph) M. J. Young on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/19#post-33007 Thu, 25 Nov 2010 20:59:39 +0000 M. J. Young 33007@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ Happy Thanksgiving, as the other thread apparently says (haven't seen it yet). I apologize for missing Wednesday, but there was still a lot to do then for now. Honestly I would skip today, but that I don't know what will happen tomorrow and I missed yesterday, so let's see what I can do for Adam, Ahmetia, Kyler, Katerina, Eric 2, Edgar, and Michael. I certainly don't think I need to roll for whether a batch of recently reformed bandits would mind waiting an extra night in the fields for the possibility that a batch of local ladies of dubious moral fiber might return with them to their remote castle location. I don't know how that's going to work when they get there, but we'll burn that bridge when we come to it and give Adam his extra day--but also his GE roll for what happens on the extra night: 16 is a neutral result. Ahmetia mentions Ruritania, which of course was in the news not so long ago because of the coronation, so that's the obvious line of questions. Rather than delay, I'm going to assume that Kyler is using his disarm skill to take the pocketbook from the thief. His roll is 73, so I need to check his numbers on that--2x10@ bias, 2@3 BRA, 2@5 MSV, 2@10 SAL (using the stick for a weapon-based disarm) makes 98 minus the TV of the object. A pocketbook will have a density of 1@2, and the thief probably has a 1@8 agility and 1@6 intuition, which averages around 1@5, so it's an easy hit for Kyler; but the guy gets an intuition check to anticipate and a strength check to hold, if he anticipates. His intuition check is 17+doesn't matter, and Kyler's superior skill check gives him some flash. Katerina is playing a strong bluff at this point, but it may be premature--the soryo has not considered the possibility that she has no history (who would?), and so he is not giving any thought to the contingencies. It would take months before they would despair of finding her family. If things go well for Eric 2, Ishara deals with the stray official effectively and swiftly and rejoins them before they have gotten out of sight of the tavern; if they go poorly, Ishara has walked into a trap and troops are already closing on the tavern to attempt to capture them. With a GE 17, neither of those things are happening. Edgar conveys to di Vars that he's confused. Michael is going to attempt to read the mind of his teacher. He's in a world with a high enough psi bias that this is possible, and he gets his full 10@ psi level doubled as a bonus to success. I'm raising his Hear Conscious Thoughts SAL to 1@2 for the practice he got in the last world (possible that this was already done but didn't make it to my sheet). I'm looking at a 2@1 BRA, so we have 53% chance of success, yes? Yes, and the roll is 30, so he's got this lock for half an hour. I believe that's the game. --M. J. Young M. J. Young on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/19#post-32829 Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:03:59 +0000 M. J. Young 32829@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ Holiday preparations have been eating into the schedule, but I am here with about an hour to hit threads from Adam, Ahmetia, Eric 2, Edgar, Kyler, Katerina, and Michael, along with a few non-play threads. With a GE of 15, Adam gets a nominally good result, and he's already riding on strong persuasion checks, so we'll give him some women. Ahmetia's host has already asked about her travels, and will do so again while she is dining. Eric 2 rolls a 22 GE, which means Tom is not calming, and while I don't know that it can be called a "paranoia freak out" (after all, is it paranoia if they really are out to get you?) Tom is definitely frightened. Worse things could happen, but not yet. Of all the things to which Edgar might react, the absence of land animals strikes me as an odd one; but it's also the easiest to answer. Pulling up Kyler's sheet I'm reminded that he has a 2@7 SAL in Gazuntite and that this world not only has a high enough bod bias to give him his full 2x10@ advantage, within Northgate city all SALs are doubled, so with his 2@3 agility he's got a 97% chance of getting into style. That's not perfect, but it gives his 83 roll a solid success. I cannot imagine that he would go anywhere without his stick, so we roll for the great jump, 86 sending me to check his SAL which is 2@3, an 89% chance, and that's an excellent jump. I wonder whether the Soryo would laugh at Katerina's understanding of ninja, but a 20 GE roll says that's not how it happens. Michael is last on the playlist. I'm not sure whether he wants there to be coursework, but I think he'd rather find that he has time to explore the question of teleportation technology. I've pretty much decided that it does not exist in this universe, but since we do have light speed travel we have other 14@ technologies, and a GE roll of 7 says that he's going to get better than expected results. --M. J. Young M. J. Young on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/19#post-32681 Mon, 22 Nov 2010 21:37:35 +0000 M. J. Young 32681@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ Thanks for that, Adam. I hear good things about Pegasus, so I think I'll try that. John, there are two reasons I avoid using Microsoft e-mail clients--one rational, one irrational. <ul>The rational reason is that Microsoft, as the big boy on the block, is the obvious target of all hackers and thus of all viruses. My IT friend recently commented that there was no real marvel to the fact that no viruses were written to attack Apple computers, given that less than one percent of computers in use are Apple. In the same way, most people use Microsoft Outlook or similar Microsoft-based e-mail clients, and so most e-mail-based viruses are designed to attack it. On top of that, anyone with the Internet savvy to avoid the Microsoft system in favor of a more secure system probably also has the savvy to install solid virus protection on top of that, so it's a much smaller crowd on average much better protected. When I was using Netscape Messenger, I would frequently get e-mails that were supposed to be viruses that simply failed to launch, because they hit the wrong e-mail delivery system. The irrational reason is that I really do not like Microsoft's monopolistic practices. I hear they've sued Anderson to get them to stop making Windows. Everything Microsoft has they stole from someone else (Xerox invented the original graphic user interface, although to be fair, Microsoft stole it from Apple, who stole it from Xerox). I hate what Microsoft has done to Netscape and to Berkeley/GeoWorks, and anything I can do to keep the other companies viable within my limited means I will do. I would install Linux if I had the computer savvy and the time to do it.</ul> So with that explained, and Pegasus downloaded and awaiting installation, let me see what I can do for Kyler, Adam, Edgar, Eric 2, Katerina, and Michael. Kyler and Mariska don't get out much, but when they do we have to see if anything happens. The GE roll is 19, so there will be something. Blast, that went to the wrong thread. Well, I've fixed it, now I've got to fix Katerina's thread--but in due time. I recall that Adam already made a successful persuasion check, albeit a weak one. At this point, it's a matter of whether they find his promises of protections credible. I'd have been more comfortable had he mentioned that his wife was traveling with them, and they would be under her protection, but with an 18+10=28, he can be glad of his 2@10 persuasion. Edgar gets his bombshell dropped--the answer to his ordinary question does not fit the categories he is likely to think normal. Eric 2 is hoping that Tom will calm down, but with a 24 GE Tom's liabilities are in full force. Katerina is on an interesting track for this world. Michael has asked about bathroom facilities, and I'm inclined toward a private half-bath but public non-water showers, but since we're creating this on the fly a GE roll could mean better or worse. The roll is 26, definitely worse. I think that was everyone. --M. J. Young Jhiaxus on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/19#post-32552 Sun, 21 Nov 2010 19:20:35 +0000 Jhiaxus 32552@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ Here is pegasus, I thought I would do you a solid: <a href="http://email.about.com/cs/winclientreviews/gr/pegasus_mail.htm" rel="nofollow">http://email.about.com/cs/winclientreviews/gr/pegasus_mail.htm</a> Just follow the reviews to their download page. JohnA1nut on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/19#post-32549 Sun, 21 Nov 2010 19:13:49 +0000 JohnA1nut 32549@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ <blockquote>I still don't have a functional e-mail client (and no one has made any suggestions--it seems Thunderbird is the only viable alternative to MicroSoft, and I'm wondering what happened to Eudora and Pegasus and other early e-mail clients), but I do have Internet access, so I can attend to the games.</blockquote> And what's wrong with using Microsoft? You're running Windows, are you not? Hey, you DID ask for suggestions. (Doing Therapy) M. J. Young on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/19#post-32546 Sun, 21 Nov 2010 19:08:58 +0000 M. J. Young 32546@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ I still don't have a functional e-mail client (and no one has made any suggestions--it seems Thunderbird is the only viable alternative to MicroSoft, and I'm wondering what happened to Eudora and Pegasus and other early e-mail clients), but I do have Internet access, so I can attend to the games. Ahmetia, Kyler, Adam, Michael, Eric 2, Katerina, and Edgar are playing. Ahemtia gets settled into her good fortune. Kyler kicks the question of what sort of play back to Mariska, which is to say, back to me; so I'll go with what I know, and it will be a musical. Hmmm--something's quirky, as the browser isn't keeping my windows in the proper sequence, and I just posted the answer to the wrong thread. I've moved it to the right thread, and will have to get to that other thread soon to post the right post there. What Adam is trying to sell to the prostitutes is an opportunity to become the equivalent of knights. That's such an alien concept in this milieu that I think he's going to need a difficult persuasion check just to make himself understood. The roll is 10+2=2, well within the parameters. That's not going to solve everything, though--it's a weak success, and there are other issues. I'm putting Michael down with a 1@8 Cook T1@2 skill (or will when I manage to steal enough time to catch up all the character sheets) and moving him into the galley. I seem to be batting zero on his game right now--after posting the wrong post to it, I get half way through the right post and trip over the keys closing the window. Let's give it another shot. I think I covered everything. I'll probably forget a lot of that stuff, but we'll get to it one way or another I'm sure. (Hey, I'd like to have a laser brazer; anyone know if I can get one before Thanksgiving?) It's time for the ever-frightened thief Tom Titus to reappear in Eric 2's campaign, simply because he would and it would be inconvenient. Katerina gets tea and a response to her comment, and will have time for more comments before the samurai arrives should she wish. Edgar has reached the person he was supposed to meet. --M. J. Young M. J. Young on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/19#post-32300 Fri, 19 Nov 2010 19:16:53 +0000 M. J. Young 32300@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ Ah, well, Harry--you can always ask Adam to post his mechanics behind the screens, but I'm not sure he will. I am starting with Kyler, followed by Ahmetia, Michael, Adam, Edgar, Eric 2, and Katerina. Kyler wants to see a play. This might have potential; I'm still thinking about it. Ahmetia is still riding on that excellent GE roll from last time, so things should go well. Michael has listed his preferences on assignments, which were very similar to what I would have guessed, so it's time for a GE roll: 19 is just on the bad side of neutral, so we'll put him in the slightly less than ideal galley assignment to start. At least he will eat reasonably well. Adam gets a 12, good enough, on his GE roll. That's not perfect, and could be a lot better, so there will be some problems, but let's cover it rationally. Interesting glitch--my post is there, but not showing on the main directory. Edgar has reached the point at which he can see someone. I probably should have mentioned that this is where he was being drawn, but he'll probably work out that part. Eric 2 is in the midst of the latest bit of adventure; let's see which way he takes it. Katerina has asked who Samurai James is, and been given an answer. Before he arrives, I will give her the opportunity to say or do something else. --M. J. Young AhmetiaCampbell on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/19#post-32183 Fri, 19 Nov 2010 01:27:31 +0000 AhmetiaCampbell 32183@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ I still find it funny that it ended on the 3 year mark. johnosevens on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/19#post-32181 Fri, 19 Nov 2010 01:25:00 +0000 johnosevens 32181@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ It's weird not being listed back here any more... >.> M. J. Young on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/19#post-32087 Thu, 18 Nov 2010 13:54:01 +0000 M. J. Young 32087@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ I'm starting with Kyler, then Ahmetia, Eric 2, Katerina, Adam, and Michael. Kyler and Mariska are going to talk about what sort of things you can do when you go out in a superhero world. Ahmetia is hoping that the peasant farmer she has found speaks English. I think she'd need at least a Good Enough GE roll to be able to communicate at all, but she nails it with a 6. And just when I thought she was going to have some problems. Eric 2's adventure may just have become adventurous. I think that it's time for the Soryo to bring in a Samurai for a second opinion on Katerina's story. Adam rolls a 14 GE roll, sufficient for a relatively uneventful night. Michael will need to be assigned to some department, which is going to require a GE roll to determine, but has to be based on what he'd prefer. I think I'm done. --M. J. Young M. J. Young on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/19#post-32049 Wed, 17 Nov 2010 23:29:14 +0000 M. J. Young 32049@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ I'm having a terrible time trying to get Thunderbird to work, to the point that I may be seeking another e-mail client (I might return to Netscape Messenger despite the minor problems I had with it), but after having wasted some unreasonable amount of time trying to make it work I am now here. I find Ahmetia, Kyler, Adam, Eric 2, Katerina, Michael, and Edgar waiting. It strikes me that in Ruritania everyone spoke English. That's not the case in France, but my French is not that good so I might need to stretch myself technologically. I don't recall French being on Ahmetia's skills sheet, but perhaps she knows as much of it as I. Kyler is wrapping up an active day; we'll see what happens next. Adam gets a 12 GE roll on the trip to the port. Eric 2 has suggested alternatives based on what Ishara and Tom do; but he's pulled a 24 GE roll, which fits my feeling that Ishara is not going to do either of the things that Eric suggests, and the situation is not going to stay simple. Katerina has thrown me a curve: she's using her knowledge of Japanese culture in a world in which there obviously are elements of Japanese culture but which is not Japan nor completely consistent with Japan. I personally do not know whether Kit-Kat is a "lucky candy" in Japan, nor whether that carries over to this; nor do I know whether that would make the Soryo feel less or more concerned. But I have a tool for that: a GE roll of 18 is only nominally negative (16-17 are neutral, higher is worse). I'll give Michael a tour of the ship; I hope I got everything. I'm asking Edgar for clarification on his intended direction. And that finishes the game threads. --M. J. Young M. J. Young on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/19#post-31815 Tue, 16 Nov 2010 15:04:39 +0000 M. J. Young 31815@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ That's all right, Ahmetia. Bows and arrows are easy to get, and in eighteen ninety something not commonly carried except by hunters, so you're probably better without it. I am here incredibly early--it's the nine-five equivalent of six thirty in the morning, and I've already been up for hours. Seems that I got up before seven (the 9-5E of one in the morning) to drive someone to work, had him there by eight, and was halfway home when I got a call saying his plans changed and he needed me to come back for him. It was nine (the 9-5E of three in the morning) by the time we were home, and I had someone else in need of transportation to work by ten (not as far away) so I crashed for a half hour's nap and then drove him, but have been busy since then. Despite my early arrival, I still have several players waiting, so let's see what I can do for Ahmetia, Eric 2, Kyler, Adam, and Michael. I gave Ahmetia options without rolling dice, so now it's time for dice: 20 on a GE roll is just bad enough. Eric 2 is preparing for trouble, so we should see if he gets any--a 19 GE is a not thwarting but generally unfavorable result. Let's give an intuition check to our team, 1+5=well within anyone's intuition, this guy is not very well hidden. Girls are indeed so confusing, and Kyler notes in relation to the present situation. That's a fascinating way to respond--not complimenting her exactly but attempting to defuse any suggestion of an insult. Mariska will probably come to his aid, although she's not exactly a people person herself. I think Kyler's charisma is the number I need, and the 13+2=15 against his 2@1 charisma is solid. Speaking of rolls, Adam gets a 16 GE on the availability of robes. He didn't ask, but it ought to have been mentioned. I'm not sure whether Michael gets his orange juice or not. I've got three hands here--one is that this is a space station, so almost all food is imported; the second is that it's a rather successful business venture and a passenger liner is probably a high-end business, so they'll have good foods; the third is that there's no "Earth" in this universe, so it's possible that certain foods do not exist despite the fact that others do. So the GE roll of 7 gets rid of the doubts and provides orange juice. --M. J. Young AhmetiaCampbell on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/19#post-31802 Tue, 16 Nov 2010 12:40:13 +0000 AhmetiaCampbell 31802@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ The reason why I didn't ask...I didn't think of it XD M. J. Young on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/19#post-31747 Tue, 16 Nov 2010 01:16:43 +0000 M. J. Young 31747@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ Having seen to Harry's departure to Adam's game world, let me turn my attention to Kyler, Ahmetia, Edgar, Michael, Katerina, Adam, and Eric 2. Let me also apologize for my recent erratic presence and assure the new players that this is unusual--I'm usually more reliable than this, but there have been a lot of problems since Ubercon XIII. Kyler said something about the face of an eleven year old girl; she's going to recognize that it could be taken wrong, and is going to fish for a compliment from it. I'm surprised that Ahmetia did not ask for a bow and arrows, given that she showed significant propensity in those weapons; but I will include a couple boxes of ammo for the weapons in the saddlebags. She'll need to figure out where she's sleeping the first night on her own. We'll point Edgar in the direction of someone potentially helpful--or not. Michael has taken a quite reasonable direction in his game which is unexpected and not previously explored, so I'm creating as I go. It's a passenger liner, so hopefully it won't be simply a repeat of the Mary Piper. I can't tell Katerina what's wrong with her name, but I can let her know that there is a problem. I don't know that Adam catches the full significance of the fact that he's recruited a batch of murderous brigands and now wants to take them to civilization, so we'll clarify it just a bit without prejudicing the case. Eric 2 reasonably suspects things are not so secure as they might be, and is being nervous about it. I do believe that's everyone. --M. J. Young M. J. Young on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/19#post-31739 Tue, 16 Nov 2010 00:32:48 +0000 M. J. Young 31739@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ Oh--footnote: Harry has money on account with the Sardic Shipping Company; that's not going to go with him. However, he will have some quantity of gold diktar on him and more at home, and Arabella will also have some for shopping and such. --M. J. Young M. J. Young on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/19#post-31737 Tue, 16 Nov 2010 00:31:20 +0000 M. J. Young 31737@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ As they say in Australia, no worries, mate. Before I get started on the game, let me not delay Harry and Adam, but get those character papers posted. <ul>Name Harry Smith a.k.a. Lucianos Northfire - A numerologically agreeable name, used only by witches and gods. John O'Sevens, Minister of Information - Used only online. John Caldwell Sevenwind, in Mary Piper Alpha Commander, his rank in the fire brigade in Durnmist, Mary Piper Alpha Attributes Persuasion 1@10 Charisma 1@10 Animal Magnetism 1@6 Strength 1@7 Stamina 1@9 Resistance 1@6 Density 1@1 Flexibility 1@3 Agility 2@2 Hand/Eye 1@9 Intellect 2@3 Intuition 1@7 Education Level 2@2 Will Power 1@9 Averaged Attributes Ranged Strike Value 1@8 Martial Strike Value 1@7 Target Value 1@7 Damage Value 1@6 Best Relevant Attributes Tech 2@3 Psi 1@9 Mag 2@3 Bod 2@2 Bias Tech Psi 5@1 Mag 3@1 Bod 7@7 Weaknesses Thin blood, caffeine addiction, Phobias for heights and bees/wasps Description 6'1", 260#, Current Hair Style: Short, Facial Hair: Rogue's Goatee, Markings: Left earring Brown eyes Skills Tech 2@1 Contain Fire T1@1 2@1 Extinguish Fire T1@1 +1 1@5 Ignite Fire from Spark T1@2 2@5 Knots T2@1 1@1 Wash Clothes with Washboard T2@1 1@6 Peg and Nail Carpentry T2@2 1@8 Use Standard Hand Tools T3@X 1@5 Operate Small Boat T3@1 1@4 Pilot Ship T3@1 1@2 Operate Sails T3@1 1@3 Mortar/Cement Stonework T3@3 1@6 Operate Sextant/Astrolabe T6@1 1@8 Use Drafting Tools T6@1 1@5 Use Magnetic Compass T6@1 1@10 Use Telescope T6@2 +2 1@8 Medical Diagnosis T7@0 1@10 First Aid/CPR T7@1 1@5 Robotics (Function Machine) Tech 12@4 Psi Familiarity: some random pirate 2@5 English Writing Psi 0@0 1@5 Make/Use Maps P0@0 1@1 Durnmist Security Whistle M0@0 1@5 Preaching P0@1 1@8 Teaching P0@1 1@2 Empathy P1@1 1@2 Read Intended Combat Movement P1@1 +RS/10 SM on all combat attacks and defenses 1@1 Read Surface Thoughts P1@1 1@1 Reliable Read Surface Thoughts P1@1 one minute of concentration with closed eyes gives +32SM to read minds attempt 1@10 Heightened Awareness of Surroundings P3@1 enables user to know general layout of buildings or other structures, locations of entrances and exits, and other information, without searching. 1@5 Heightened Awareness (Accuracy) P 3@1 1@9 TK Pulse P4@1 1@7 Telescopic Vision P5@1 1@6 Night Vision P5@1 used to penetrate smoke 1@1 Bloodhound Olfaction P5@1 (reduces other senses) 1@1 Extended Night Vision P5@1 one minute of concentration with closed eyes gives clear vision in anything better than absolute darkness for RSx10 minutes 1@1 Reliable Bloodhound Olfaction P5@1 (reduces other senses) one minute of concentration with eyes closed and deep rhythmic breathing +32SM 1@5 Kiai P8@0 posturing shout intended to intimidate opponent, RS/10 penalty on opponent's next action or defense, will power save RS=S/D/N Mag 1@8 Renaissance Music M0@0 1@7 Irish Bamboo Flute M0@0 1@2 History (Sardic) M 0@0, 2@1 Philosophy Mag 0@0 2@5 Storytelling M0@1 1@1 Galva Native Dance M0@2 2@6 Witchcraft Mag 1@0 1@8 Consecrate Holy Ground M+1@1 creates consecrated circle 8 feet in diameter, 2:00:00 TF, lengthy appropriate words calling the four corners, calling upon Njordr, god of the sea, to bless the space, Odin, in his capacity as god of wisdom, to guide the casting, and Freya, goddess of magic and patron of sorcerers, to lend strength and valor, with my sword Soulmourn in right hand, sound matters, in English, concentration not interrupted during casting, and limited so that if I permanently leave the place the circle will be rendered useless; add that five minute calling the corners and invoking the gods must be said inside the space before it can be used for casting, +32SM 1@10 Activate (Existing) Holy Ground M+1@1 5:00TF calling four corners by element and position, declaring purpose to work magic, say "Hail to the guardians of the watchtowers of the east. Keepers of water, the rolling ocean, I call to you. Hail to the guardians of the watchtowers of the south. Keepers of air, the rushing gales, I call to you. Hail to the guardians of the watchtowers of the west. Keepers of earth, the eternal mountains, I call to you. Hail to the guardians of the watchtowers of the north. Keepers of fire, the glory of dawn, I call to you. It is my purpose in this space to work magic. I humbly ask that I be allowed to use this gift, given me by the gods and shaped by my will and theirs. Odin, my patron, grant me wisdom, that I be rightly guided in this space. Freya, queen of all sorcerers, grant me power, your will and mine be one. Njordr, lord of the sea, keep steady this holy space, and look favorably on us as we go." Turn to each corner in turn, stand or sit with hands hip-height, palms open while declaring purpose, then with arms open while invoking the gods, skills which do not require holy ground to cast are bonused RS/20 if cast on activated holy ground, +28SM +2 1@8 Consecrate Holy Ground M+1@1 creates consecrated area of 300 square feet, 2:00:00 TF, lengthy appropriate words calling the four corners, calling upon Njordr, god of the sea, to bless the space, Odin, in his capacity as god of wisdom, to guide the casting, and Freya, goddess of magic and patron of sorcerers, to lend strength and valor, with my sword Soulmourn in right hand, sound matters, in English, concentration not interrupted during casting, and limited so that if I am dismissed from the Mary Piper the circle will be rendered useless; add that five minute calling the corners and invoking the gods must be said inside the space before it can be used for casting, -3SM 1@1 Sanctify large area of ground M+1@1 walk, kneel at four corners, singing praises and giving thanks to the gods, invoking them (Heimdall the Guardian, Thor who protects travelers, Odin who sees all, and Freya who guides sorcerers), and pacing the entire perimeter of the area. Appropriate words spoken aloud in English so the sound matters, 8 hours casting time, my named-unique sword in hand, walking and kneeling, sacrifice six uncut emeralds, casting the husks of the spent emeralds away ground must be activated to use +95SM 1@2 Bonus Strike M1@2 0:06 whispered prayer "Thor guide me. Put strength in my hands and rage in my heart, to defend my friends and break my enemies" while holding intended weapon in weapon hand RS/10 minute duration RS/10 bonus to attacks with weapon +6SM 1@2 Defensive Bonus M+1@2 penalize all incoming attacks by RS/10 for one minute, TF 0:06, say "Thor protect me", -5SM, +10 if prayed before/while engaging in a risky action in honorable combat (for +5SM total) 1@3 Reduce Attack Success M+1@2 say "Thor Protect Me" sword in hand during battle, RF1 Duration RS/4 penalizes incoming attacks RS/10 +0SM 1@1 Double Battle Blessing Mass Combat Bonuses M+1@2 16:01:00 casting time plus maintenance time, sacrificing 30 uncut emeralds, speaking words invoking Thor, god of Rage; Sif the Golden Haired, goddess of tactical combat; Njordr, god of the sea; and Heimdall who guards the gates inside an activated holy ground, pacing the area, named unique sword in hand, with five armed men on deck for the casting, may be broken after sixteen hours leaving a one minute completion, after which everyone in the affected area who fights to defend the holy ground RSx2 SM on all attacks and defenses, for as long as the caster continues to pray, sing songs of battle, and otherwise maintain the spell, +32 SM 1@2 Triple Battle Blessing Mass Combat Bonuses M+1@2 0:30:00 casting time speaking words invoking Thor, god of Rage; Sif the Golden Haired, goddess of tactical combat; kneeling; must sacrifice one gold coin per person to be affected; must conclude with two sword flourishes (skill checks) and the spilling of a drop of the caster's blood sacrificed to Freya god of healing; everyone in the affected area who fights with caster RSx2 SM on all attacks and defenses, for as long as the caster continues to pray, sing songs of battle, and otherwise maintain the spell, and will feel no pain from injuries, stamina checks appropriate to maintain spell while fighting, +20SM 1@10 Influence Luck M1@5 1@2 Limited Damage Repair M+2@1 TF 20 minutes, must be lying in his own bed, it must be night, must have his hands folded, appropriate words which, base fatal, +83 SM 1@1 "Lay on Hands" - Limited Damage Repair M 2@1 TF 10 minutes, laying hands on a person injured without malice, kneeling, counts as whole-body involvement, appropriate words spoken including invoking Freya to heal him. Requires sacrifice of an appropriate amount of local currency to pay a medic for similar treatment. +57SM 1@5 Remove Fatigue M+2@1 must be lying supine in bed within an activated casting circle (holy ground) appropriate words spoken quietly but sound matters, invoking Tyr god of duty and valor, Thor god of strength, and Hugin and Munin symbols of vigilance, removing fatigue, 1:00:00TF reinvigorates such that caster will function normally for forty-seven hours after casting before feeling the fatigue of a normal day's work, +91SM. 1@1 Remove Fatigue M+2@1 must be kneeling or sitting with both hands folded on my specific named-unique sword within an activated casting circle (holy ground) appropriate words spoken quietly but sound matters, invoking Tyr god of duty and valor, Thor god of strength, and Hugin and Munin symbols of vigilance, removing fatigue, ending with a flourish that requires a successful check of smallsword fencing skill to execute, specifically cutting a Jera rune in the air with a flick of the wrist, requires one uncut emerald sacrificed for each person other than the caster affected by the spell, 1:00:00TF reinvigorates such that all within holy ground will function normally for forty-seven hours after casting before feeling the fatigue of a normal day's work, +90SM. 1@1 Cure Wounds M+2@1 limited damge repair lethal base, must touch victim, TF 20:00, invokes Freya, sacrifices any flower (destroyed in the casting), keeps his left eye closed while invoking Odin, plus Hel and Baldur, kneeling beside the victim, sound matters, must be spoken forcefully (as a stage actor) while looking into a manufactured portable polished reflective surface such as a mirror or sword blade, rest required immediately after use, +90 SM 1@2 Induce Alertness M+2@1 remove fatigue variant 30:00 TF removes fatigue from all within 30', speak appropriate words sotto voce, one eye closed for Odin, left hand on sword for Thor, right hand on heart for Baldur, and single gold piece in right palm for Loki, destroyed in the process, only works when vigilance is significant and caster is aware of that significance, must be night or local equivalent thereof, +30SM 1@1 Remove Fatigue M+2@1 pray under breath, sound does not matter, 2:00 TF, one eye closed for Odin, gold piece in left hand for Loki, rested on sword for Thor, right hand over heart for Tyr, pray to give my people vigilance, fill their lungs with pure air, and let them work like men possessed to save those who count on us, promising the value in local currency or fungible goods of a single night's local lodging in a private room or the equivalent for each person so affected, to be given anonymously as a charitable contribution. Any number of persons within a ten foot radius of the caster may be affected. Once the promise of sacrifice has been made, whether or not the prayer is granted, the worshiper suffers a cumulative -1 per prayer attempt until the promise is fulfilled, +15SM. 1@4 Freshen M+3@1, will purify food and drink or restore other materials to a desired previous state of freshness or purity, sit in activated holy ground for 1:00:00 TF while invoking Hel, Baldur, and Heimdall, saying "Restore what was, for the good of all, that what once passed may all the sooner come again," +74SM 1@1 Remove Impurities--delayed M+3@1 5:00:00TF plus trigger action, pace circle around holy ground, sword in hand, successful (skill check) sword swish, other hand upraised, left eye covered, sacrifice six emeralds and one flower, invoking Odin, Thor, and Frey. After any length of time, another individual may touch the holy ground and speak the Latin word "Novitas", causing all food products within the holy ground to be restored to freshness, +189SM 1@2 Purify Minerals M+3@1, 1:00:00 TF, affects all objects of defined class (gems, mineral ore) in the the area of the holy ground, vital sound as caster speaks appropriate words invoking each of Odin, Thor, and Loki, and asking them to remove the impurities from this stone, reducing it to a more useful form, kneeling in the circle, swishing an othala rune with sword (requiring a skill check), one eye closed in honor of Odin, sword in hand in honor of Thor, +99SM Bod 1@8 Limb-assisted Swimming B1@2 1@7 Belly Crawl B1@2 1@1 Climb (Rigging) B1@3 2@1 Smallsword Duelling Bod 7@1 fast aggressive weapon-dependent +15 att SM -5 def SM att x2 +1 1@6 Military Hand-to-Hand Combat (specialty in disarming maneuvers) Bod 7@1 fast aggressive weapon-utilizing poke style, Attx2, +20 att damage mod, +20 SM for disarming maneuvers. 2@1 Use Smallsword B7@1 +1 1@3 Pistol Gunslinging B7@1 1@8 Feint B7@2 tactical untargeted skill check, success adds +RS to next attack, failure bonuses next opponent attack +RF 1@1 Tactical Delaying B7@2 uses thrown object from immediate environment to delay and confuse an attacker, creating a -20 SM on the attacker's initiative and first attack, used as an instant activation defense. 1@10 Double Lunge B7@3 leveraged attack base dangerous, two hops on the left foot driving the momentum into a sword thrust from at least six but not more than twelve feet, limited to two one other attack in the minute. +1 1@6 Front Martial Weapon Disarm B7@5 TV of weapon=(MSV+SAL+Density)/3, knocks weapon free, RS>50 user controls weapon 1@6 Rear Martial Weapon Disarm B7@5 TV of weapon=(MSV+SAL+Density)/3, knocks weapon free, RS>50 user controls weapon 1@6 Front Ranged Weapon Disarm B7@5 TV of weapon=(MSV+SAL+Density)/3, knocks weapon free, RS>50 user controls weapon 1@6 Rear Ranged Weapon Disarm B7@5 TV of weapon=(MSV+SAL+Density)/3, knocks weapon free, RS>50 user controls weapon 1@6 Kick to the Groin B7@7 incapacitation, base dangerous damage plus target save vs stamina or collapse for RS/5 minutes, +15 to next opponent attack(s) 1@1 Divert Attack B7@8 cause auto-injury, character parries such that the attacker's blow is diverted to attack another opponent, -10 if the attackers blow is diverted against himself, skill is rolled as attack against weapon (TV=[user's SAL+MSV+weapon's density]/3), if successful opponent's attack is rolled normally against chosen adjacent character, uses two attacks at least one of those of the sword used. Equipment Brown Tunic Black Jeans and Sneakers Green Plaid Boxers Wallet - Three forms of ID, $20 US cash, photos, credit card 20 Dice, various sizes Irish bamboo flute, in D Red-Bladed smallsword, meteoric iron, nicknamed "SoulMourn", dangerous Swordbelt and Scabbard Jedi-style black cloak, cotton twill, heavily waterproofed Wide-brimmed black hat Red and black metal-framed hiking backpack Hatchet, Rope, and 10 locking carabiners Three five-subject notebooks, 2 boxes of pens, book on Native American crafts, Army Survival Handbook Extra clothes (three sets) $50 in gold dollar coins 2 4-packs of Amp Cutlass of Quality RF1 damaging +DC+1 Pistol, flintlock, base damaging, 3':6':12':24':+25/6' with new holster, cherry grip, longer and narrower than standard pirate weapons. Stage 2 World List Tropical Island Mary Piper Alpha </ul> ***** <ul>Name Arabella a.k.a. Mrs. John Caldwell Sevenwind--her married name Attributes Persuasion Charisma 1@10 Animal Magnetism 1@10 Strength Stamina Resistance Density Flexibility Agility Hand/Eye Intellect Intuition Education Level Will Power Averaged Attributes Ranged Strike Value Martial Strike Value Target Value Damage Value Best Relevant Attributes Tech Psi Mag Bod Bias Tech Psi Mag Bod Weaknesses Description 19 years old, demure, clearly shy, auburn hair, a few faint freckles on pale skin, green eyes stand out brightly against quiet expression; small nose and mouth, dark lips (whether by nature or by art), slender with natural curves, hands are thin with somewhat longer fingers. Younger daughter of the owner of the Fabri textile company, grandfather is Fabri, father Jacob, his eldest and now head of the business. She has no brothers, but her older sister is married to someone who has some understanding of the textile business and is being groomed to run it in the future. Skills Tech 1@8 Cook T1@3 1@10 Stitch & Sew T2@1 Psi Mag Bod Equipment Hand-made dress, well made from fine fabrics in pleasant subdued colors, hides her figure significantly, Dress Gloves Stage 1 World List </ul> I should make a few notes on Arabella, because it's obvious that I have more in my head that I have on paper. <ul> <li>It says 19 years old; by now she would be 20 but not quite 21.</li> <li>I see her having significantly above average attributes in Persuasion, Intellect, and Intuition, less strong but still above average in Flexibility, Agility, Hand/Eye, Education Level, and Will Power. Strength, Stamina, and Resistance are all close to average, and Density 1@1.</li> <li>Obviously she has more skills than are listed, and most of them are probably obvious, but it should be noted that she has high amateur or low professional skills in areas related to textile and textile manufacture, including some low amateur skills in the design and operation of the machinery of a water-powered textile mill (thus gears, power transfers, dams and waterwheels, and other mechanical skills). That world does not have steam or pressure systems. She would not have acrobatics, but would have been taught some dance, none of which would be like acrobatics. She would also have some training in voice, possibly in some musical instrument. If the latter is the case, she would have brought it with her.</li> <li>Which brings up the equipment issue. She obviously has more clothes and does not wear that dress most of the time--certainly is wearing something less fancy around the house while she does housework. She will also have bed clothes and clothes for occasions of varying levels of formality--her father is a textile magnate, she will have whatever clothes are appropriate. Include in that something warm and something for swimming, although I never explored what people wore when swimming in this world.</li> <li>The entire world is oblivious to religion and therefore to magic above the first level. She probably is neither atheist nor agnostic, but simply never thought about it.</li> <li>She will take kitchenware--cookware, plates and bowls and tableware, cloth napkins, maybe a tablecloth.</li> <li>She probably has something like a steamer trunk in which she brought her possessions to the new home. It's not the best suitcase, but it will hold everything and has handles.</li> </ul> I think beyond that you're on your own. I've enjoyed it, Harry. -M. J. Young Nikolaj on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/19#post-31648 Mon, 15 Nov 2010 09:52:40 +0000 Nikolaj 31648@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ I'm busybusy, no time/motivation for this site lately. I wil return (hopefully) Got to go! Nikolaj on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/19#post-31647 Mon, 15 Nov 2010 09:52:33 +0000 Nikolaj 31647@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ I'm busybusy, no time/motivation for this site lately. I wil return (hopefully) Got to go! M. J. Young on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/19#post-31643 Mon, 15 Nov 2010 06:08:26 +0000 M. J. Young 31643@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ Yes, I had forgotten, and it just popped back into my head a few minutes ago. Arabella goes with him; she's probably something between three and seven miles away (she's at home, he's at work). He's at stage 2 and failed the flexibility check so he stays there. I'll try to remember to post his sheet as I have it later today (what to me is officially tomorrow). Thanks much. --M. J. Young Jhiaxus on "Ending a Decade Behind the Screens" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/ending-a-decade-behind-the-screens/page/19#post-31496 Sun, 14 Nov 2010 00:21:59 +0000 Jhiaxus 31496@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ I thought I was taking Harry over.