Dice Rifts Japan - OOC Thread

[Eonivar]

Need advice for my Momano Headhunter...I am considering spending their only two other skills on getting an advanced martial arts...I would like to know your suggestions on which one to pick:

Some thoughts on this:
1. They will in melee they will probably be using two blades (they have a retractable flaming sword, and a silver plated vibroblade...which they can use their zapper powers to enhance their damage further. (an additional 2D6 MDC)
2. In looking through the N&S book the following Martial Arts seem to fit but I am not sure which one to take (and I am open to taking something else if you have a good suggestion): Shao-lin Kung Fu, Tai-Chi Chuan, Wu Shu T'sung or Zanji Shinjinkin Ryu?
3. If my character does not take an advanced martial arts, they would use one of the their two other skills for Boxing or get Hand to hand commando...

Open to suggestions and ideas....I will be posting most of Crow's stuff here shortly.

 

[Purr]

Eonivar As in Real Life when someone asks me about martial arts, I reply, "It depends. What are you trying to get out of it?"

If you want an additional Japanese system that's been approved by Sherwood, it's O-Ken Wa all the way. You mentioned two swords? Do you like kicking techniques? Absolute deadliness? Rifter #3, page 35.

The first three martial art systems you mention are Chinese in nature. Zanji Shinjinken Ryu is a completely fabricated martial art created by the late great Erick Wujick as something of a "super-kendo." I am bringing up culture because it may come up.

There are two gaming schools of thought here, both very different. In my own Rifts Japan games, being Japanese or not is important. Being a gaijin (foreigner) where one's cultural goofs can be excused, even giggled at, is just fine in the eyes of many Japanese. But if you are Japanese and don't act rightly, or worse, if you are part-Japanese, you very well might not be accepted no matter how hard you try.

However, in Ghost in the Shell, you clearly have Caucasian characters with Japanese names and backgrounds and no one cares! It's not about the racial/cultural similarities or differences. Same with Silent Mobius. They're an all-Caucasian women force.

In our past Rifts game (non-Japanese-based), no one cared. Psychie played an Atlantean, I played a Japanese fox-spirit (kitsune), our buddy Rykon played a Western dragon, and good ol' Silanon played a Caucasian Techno-Wizard first and a Cyber-Knight-loving madman (Crazy O.C.C.) also of Caucasian nature. I don't think race or culture ever came up in what, four years of gameplay?

My own character is going to be a Japanese lad who runs into a Chinese animal-spirit and therefore becomes a Spirit Host. He is Japanese. The spirit is not. If someone cares, there may be issues and wonders to be discussed (plus maybe a way into Rifts China far down the road). If no one cares, well, we're too busy chasing and beating up demons to save Japan! Who has time for racism?

But yeah. If I were playing a Momano Headhunter and going after "supes," and I had two swords (or sword-like weapons), it would quite possibly be O-Ken Wa all the way. =)

But that's just one player's take. (Whew.) =)

 

[Sherwood]

Ooh yes. That is an important distinction. And would be a good question to ask.

Sherwood Is the cyborg conversion, in terms of asthetics, is it the more robotic and mechanical rifts kind, or more cyberpunky and sleek like the inspirations of ghost in the shell and stuff?

If you keep your MDC to its minimum level, you can get cosmetic covers to your body to allow you to pass as human. This will also keep you from having any external weapons like a rail gun or mini missile launcher, but you'll be able to use "normal" human armor and try to blend in. Your body weight will always be a tell to your mechanical nature.

 

[D. Rex]

If you keep your MDC to its minimum level, you can get cosmetic covers to your body to allow you to pass as human. This will also keep you from having any external weapons like a rail gun or mini missile launcher, but you'll be able to use "normal" human armor and try to blend in. Your body weight will always be a tell to your mechanical nature.

Just weighing options and seeing whats possible.

How much is the difference between minimum and what i would have otherwise?


Also, what about a healthy middle ground? Not bulky mecha robocop, but not human passing either. More bionic than mechatronic. Eyes might skip over them in a crowd, or dressed to cover, yet interaction makes it pretty easy to see they are "more machine now than man."

 

[Sherwood]

Just weighing options and seeing whats possible.

How much is the difference between minimum and what i would have otherwise?


Also, what about a healthy middle ground? Not bulky mecha robocop, but not human passing either. More bionic than mechatronic. Eyes might skip over them in a crowd, or dressed to cover, yet interaction makes it pretty easy to see they are "more machine now than man."

I'll have to look at the book when I get home after work to answer that.

 

[Purr]

Your body weight will always be a tell to your mechanical nature.

Just like when Togusa caught the Section 9 guys in the elevator due to the doors staying open a second too long and the scale in the elevator registering far too much weight for just two guys. Plus, Kusanagi clearly weighs more than a normal woman.

I'll have to look at the book when I get home after work to answer that.

Just tossing out an idea here (not asking you to look in a book that you can't possibly look at right now).

Bud? Are there full-conversion "Batous" and "Kusanagis" in your Republic of Japan? Because if so, this is a no-brainer. And if not, that tells me where we are scientifically.

 

[Sherwood]

Just like when Togusa caught the Section 9 guys in the elevator due to the doors staying open a second too long and the scale in the elevator registering far too much weight for just two guys. Plus, Kusanagi clearly weighs more than a normal woman.


Just tossing out an idea here (not asking you to look in a book that you can't possibly look at right now).

Bud? Are there full-conversion "Batous" and "Kusanagis" in your Republic of Japan? Because if so, this is a no-brainer. And if not, that tells me where we are scientifically.

I am going to say that yes, there are lightweight full conversion borgs in the city that look fully human. It is the heavy military ones that are more rare.

 

[Purr]

Sherwood Here's another build, this one I think is more promising. This character can cast spells, is survivable (unless caught in human form where he is S.D.C.-based). This build would make for a strong and sturdy mage with excellent mental bonuses (on top of the super dice rolls I lucked out with). His sword-style is acrobatic and very Ghost in the Shell "jumpy-aroundy" while the Korean Yu-Sool system is much more a hard/soft style with only 2 Attacks per Round, but a plethora of attacks and defenses. Combine this with the Snake Spirit Host's Automatic Dodge and you have a character who is difficult to hit, can take his share of hits, and still have enough Attacks per Round to cast his spells as a Ley Line Walker.

I've never run a Ley Line Walker, but I'm intent on getting spells at start like Armor of Ithan, Befuddle, Carpet of Adhesion, See Invisibility, and Shadow Meld).

I don't know how the Martial Art Technique Tamashiwara might work in your Rifts (the Japanese Art of Breaking) works in Rifts and I can't find anything but house rules for it (and those few are kind of lame). I have my own rules in my own game, but... this isn't my game.

Finally, I avoided buffing him all the way with things like Stone Ox (add 4d4x10 S.D.C. which can become Mega-damage) or Zanshin (an utterly fantastic power that stops one from being surprised even when asleep, adds +6 to Initiative, +2 to Parry, and +4 to Dodge - a great ability that I am glad Psychie's dragon possesses, but I won't take it if I think it will make my characters' bonuses too high.

Here's the latest build!

Spoiler: Test Running.

Note: Numbers calculated using averages (i.e. 1d6 = 3.5).

Hit Points: 25 (in human form)
S.D.C.: 170 (in human form)
P.P.E.: 125
Chi/I.S.P.: 110
M.D.C.: 25 (Walker) +55 (Snake) +90 (Chi Gung) +20 (Dam Sum Sing) +25 (Style bonuses) + Skills = 250 ish? +50% more in little snake form.

Important Special Abilities:
1. Spirit Host: Change shapes among human, Animus, and animal (human is S.D.C., Animus and animal are M.D.C. with Supernatural Strength), roughly two minor Psychic powers per level (not of choice but predetermined). If Snake, automatic dodge available in any form. Venomous bite paralyzes one limb of choice (must bite limb). Spirit Writing, Ghost Drama (neat but won't be used often).

2. Ley Line Walker: Excellent spell use, but more than 1/2 of cool special abilities only work when at Ley Lines. Few-moderate O.C.C. Skills with an average selection of Skills to choose from. (Won't have many skills after buying both Martial Art systems.)

3. Martial Art Powers: Turns character from probably having less than 100 M.D.C. to having around 250 (?).
A. Chi-Gung (+1 to P.E., +2d6 to Hit Points), +90 to S.DC.).
B. Dam Sum Sing (Half damage from blunt/impact including rail guns, +1 to P.E., +20 to S.D.C., + 2 to roll (half damage again!).
C. Iron Hand (takes no damage from failed Tamashiwara, see below; hands only cause more damage and 1/2 damage to fire).
D. Chi-atsu (Hit Point/S.D.C./Coma healing and more.)
E. Dragon Chi (take Chi from the world or other willing characters, 3 Chi/ISP minimum).
F. Tamashiwara (Only attack per round can cause double damage straight to hit points or break Chi of objects. With M.D.? Don't know.

Base Build (Yung Huo Jen + Yu-Sool)
4 or 2 Attacks per Round
+10 to Chi
+1D4 to I.Q.
+1D6 to M.E.
+1D4 to any Mental Attribute.
+1 to P.S.
+5 to P.P.
+4 to P.E.
+25 to S.D.C.

 

[Psychie]

All of those martial powers makes me wish I could afford a second style myself!

 

[Sherwood]

All of those martial powers makes me wish I could afford a second style myself!

Well, it would cost you four skills. The problem I see with that is two fold: first, you don't have many skills to begin with, and two, you are already pretty tough and at the upper end of the scale as it is now. I'm not saying you can't, but it would be a tough sell.

 

[Psychie]

No no no, I'm not going to, I was just wishing. Maybe later on, but not now.

 

[Sherwood]

Good to know.

 

[D. Rex]

I am going to say that yes, there are lightweight full conversion borgs in the city that look fully human. It is the heavy military ones that are more rare.

Sweet deal. Now I can finally achieve my dream of making an Inspector Gadget OC!

 

[GunMan2]

So how many of are using close comabat and how many do you do in ranged.

 

[Psychie]

I am only a melee fighter. No ranged combat at all - yet.

 

[Purr]

All of those martial powers makes me wish I could afford a second style myself!

Psychie Yes, Psychie! This is what I was missing from our Southern Cross and Rifts game - the martial arts! I am the Dannigan you know today because of my time in martial arts and roleplaying. The combination has seriously, honestly, irrevocably changed my life for the better and I will be keeping these hobbies until I leave this world (with a big, big smile for all of the friends I've shared with!).

These two systems are very different from one another and I have never played a character with either one. I can go into detail if there is interest. Notice I have not gone "uber" with Stone Ox and Zanshin or he'd be too much, I think. At least for the types of O.C.C.s people are playing now. I may have hit my sweet spot here and I have greatly enjoyed all the time and effort I've spent in my free time doing it! Of course, if it isn't right by Sherwood, I will continue without regret. =)

Sweet deal. Now I can finally achieve my dream of making an Inspector Gadget OC!

There is no one like our D. Rex! I'm so glad you're playing with us again! Ever since you had to leave Broadsword and Sharseya, I have missed you, D.! I'm sure I'm not the only one - really! So cool that you're here! =)

So how many of are using close comabat and how many do you do in ranged.

Heya GunMan2 ! I am going both because I think it is a mistake not to. However, I think it is safe to say that both my character and Psychie's are better in melee than ranged. I imagine Psychie's character will be using ranged weapons while I'll be trying to use spells to give us the edge or take the enemy's away.

I am only a melee fighter. No ranged combat at all - yet.

There it is. And here we have a goal! Goals are good for games (I would argue they are necessary). =)

 

[GunMan2]

Well So far im not sure on the ninja classes stuck between, tech, borg ad ninja tech wizard.

 

[D. Rex]

So how many of are using close comabat and how many do you do in ranged.

I've yet to decide, personally. It would be shame to go cyborg and not have gun arms and chest beams. Rocket punches might be a cheeky middle ground, but there is something to be said for a martial arts cyborg.

Range or melee will probably depend on how much support utility I wish to cram in my cracks and crevices.

If I have plenty of leftover room for weaponry. Probably ranged. If not probably a mix, as I doubt I'll be able to fully lean into martial arts while also going tech.

That said, still putting focus on tech guru first, supporting you guys, with combat being a secondary priority.

 

[Purr]

Well So far im not sure on the ninja classes stuck between, tech, borg ad ninja tech wizard.

If I may? Ninja Techno-Wizard is pretty much only useful for those of us who are psychically/magically inclined. Techno-Wizard devices aren't for everyone. If half of our team is Republic, then a Ninja Techno-Wizard could pretty much only make items for half the team (meaning only the psychic/magic half could get full use out of them).

Ninja-tech is pretty cool but be aware that your character would answer to their Ninja clan (unless Sherwood rules otherwise). There are goods and maybe bads with that. But yeah, decent class.

Ninja-borg is freaking cool and if you're into tech, I think they can really shine in the right hands. You have to love tech as much as the magic people love magic though. If you do, Ninja-tech and Ninja-borg are probably right up there together. =)

 

[Purr]

I've yet to decide, personally. It would be shame to go cyborg and not have gun arms and chest beams. Rocket punches might be a cheeky middle ground, but there is something to be said for a martial arts cyborg.

Range or melee will probably depend on how much support utility I wish to cram in my cracks and crevices.

If I have plenty of leftover room for weaponry. Probably ranged. If not probably a mix, as I doubt I'll be able to fully lean into martial arts while also going tech.

That said, still putting focus on tech guru first, supporting you guys, with combat being a secondary priority.

With a borg, why not go both? Full-conversion borgs especially have access to Robotic-level Physical Strength which only a fool underestimates. Plus, with their cyber-targeting gear and kick-butt weapon selections, I think a well-equipped borg can dish out the pain on a Mega-damage silver platter with a side dish of humiliation for the bad guys! =)

 

[Purr]

Sweet deal. Now I can finally achieve my dream of making an Inspector Gadget OC!

Go, Gadget, go! 8D

 

[Purr]

My brain is telling me to go to bed again (despite my nap). So it's off to Dreamland! Be healthy and happy, everybody! =)

 

[D. Rex]

There is no one like our D. Rex! I'm so glad you're playing with us again! Ever since you had to leave Broadsword and Sharseya, I have missed you, D.! I'm sure I'm not the only one - really! So cool that you're here! =)

I'm glad to be here too. Have definitely missed you guys. Always so much life in yalls games. A shame I had to go, but I'm hoping now to try and get back into the swing of things.

Baby steps, though. My waning brain power might cause me to pull a muscle if I'm not careful.

With a borg, why not go both? Full-conversion borgs especially have access to Robotic-level Physical Strength which only a fool underestimates. Plus, with their cyber-targeting gear and kick-butt weapon selections, I think a well-equipped borg can dish out the pain on a Mega-damage silver platter with a side dish of humiliation for the bad guys! =)

Should I be able, I'll engage in all the shenanigans. Gadgets and gizmos aplenty.

 

[D. Rex]

My brain is telling me to go to bed again (despite my nap). So it's off to Dreamland! Be healthy and happy, everybody! =)

Mine too. Goodnight!

To all of you as well!

 

[GunMan2]

I matters not which ninja class i pick they are all part of the clan but the way i see it the borgs and tech have some wiggle room to do their bidding but not completely. The Tech ninja is pretty much considered a grunt so he will have to follow the orders
trying to figure out the borg to work. Lets see the stats first.