Dice Rifts - The Thirteenth Mystery - OOC

[Purr]

Reading through all the messages- there are a lot. I love puns, and I will be making them. the "polyhamourus" one made me laugh (i am poly myself).

Ok, so I have my backstory figured out, and I know what im gonna be, a rogue scholar with superpowers to make up for my lack of combat abilities. I'm thinking of being level ten because i am not playing the biggest punchy class. is that cool with yall?

Thanks, Alex! The players here - that's one of the huge draws to my desire to play here. You gals and guys rock! =)

Just to give you some feedback, I don't have any problem with you playing a high level psychic scholarly character.

Just a short note to anyone who read Chan-Chan's Notes & Goals tab yesterday - I have since changed that up with some of my thoughts behind Chan-Chan's concept. If you like the character, you might enjoy the process I was having while creating her.

As I type this, I realize that Epiphany Pips is likely going to want to know about these "roadblocks" of mine. Hey Pips?The blocks have been coming down one by one, but here are blocks that remain:

1. If this is to be my Game #6.l, I really want to play a character who only has one timeline to deal with, please. Is that allowable?

2. Are you open to rolling my dice for me? Meaning real polyhedrons (or whatever dice method you find verifiable) instead of the RP Nation dice roller? If you don't know already, I can go into why if you want me to. If it creates even a small hassle for you, I will use it and try to keep my mouth shut (no guarantees! The thing drives me up the wall).

The rest of my questions aren't roadblocks but curiosities.

3. Pips, do you like the character concept for Chan-Chan? If you don't, well, daydreaming, creating, and sharing is what Dannigans do! If you are more comfortable with me playing something else, let me know if you would prefer another R.C.C. or O.C.C. or both? =)

4. I have but one quibble - that Physical Beauty Attribute for Chiang-Ku. I'm not asking for any kind of change, I'm just venting. This touches on my "this just ain't right!" buttons. =)

Spoiler: Incoming rant

In Rifts World Book 3: England, Chiang-Ku roll 2d6+3 for P.E., P.P., and P.B.. I understand the Chiang-Ku are in the Dragons and Gods book which I don't yet own (but have ordered today). 2d6+3 for P B.?

I personally think Chinese and Japanese dragons look gorgeous, chilling, and absolutely wonderful. They fill me with awe! I get that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. They don't all have to have P.B. Attributes of 20 or higher, but don't try and sell me the idea that these legendary creatures, known for their epic majesty are just average looking. Anything that is flying and curling through the air with scales of emerald is anything but average.

There. I said it. Yes, I feel better now. Thank you for hearing me out. =)

Folks, off-hand, I don't know of any skills in the Rifts Ultimate Edition that increase Physical Beauty. Just where are we taking our skills from, by the way?

 

[EmperorNorton1]

I belive that there is a minor super power that boosts P. B.

 

[Purr]

I belive that there is a minor super power that boosts P. B.

Yeah. Superpowers are from Heroes Unlimited and I don't imagine my character would have access to that. Thanks though!

 

[EmperorNorton1]

of course! always happy to try and help.

 

[Sherwood]

I am thinking that there was one skill in the domestic category that lets you boost PB by one, but I may be mistaken.

 

[Purr]

Well, I ought to chill out here. I don't even know if my character concept has been approved or not yet. Time for this hyperactive Dannigan to throttle back a bit. =)

 

[Eonivar]

Time for this hyperactive Dannigan to throttle back a bit. =)

Is that even possible?

 

[EmperorNorton1]

sorry, but you cant take the H out of ADHD. Attention Deficient Hyperactive Dann.

 

[Sherwood]

I've known dann since we were both back in high school together, and he was high speed even back then. It is one of the charming things about my friend that I like.

 

[EmperorNorton1]

oh, you guys all know each other IRL? thats really neat!

 

[Epiphany]

Thanks, Alex! The players here - that's one of the huge draws to my desire to play here. You gals and guys rock! =)

Just to give you some feedback, I don't have any problem with you playing a high level psychic scholarly character.

Just a short note to anyone who read Chan-Chan's Notes & Goals tab yesterday - I have since changed that up with some of my thoughts behind Chan-Chan's concept. If you like the character, you might enjoy the process I was having while creating her.

As I type this, I realize that Epiphany Pips is likely going to want to know about these "roadblocks" of mine. Hey Pips?The blocks have been coming down one by one, but here are blocks that remain:

1. If this is to be my Game #6.l, I really want to play a character who only has one timeline to deal with, please. Is that allowable?

2. Are you open to rolling my dice for me? Meaning real polyhedrons (or whatever dice method you find verifiable) instead of the RP Nation dice roller? If you don't know already, I can go into why if you want me to. If it creates even a small hassle for you, I will use it and try to keep my mouth shut (no guarantees! The thing drives me up the wall).

The rest of my questions aren't roadblocks but curiosities.

3. Pips, do you like the character concept for Chan-Chan? If you don't, well, daydreaming, creating, and sharing is what Dannigans do! If you are more comfortable with me playing something else, let me know if you would prefer another R.C.C. or O.C.C. or both? =)

4. I have but one quibble - that Physical Beauty Attribute for Chiang-Ku. I'm not asking for any kind of change, I'm just venting. This touches on my "this just ain't right!" buttons. =)

Spoiler: Incoming rant

In Rifts World Book 3: England, Chiang-Ku roll 2d6+3 for P.E., P.P., and P.B.. I understand the Chiang-Ku are in the Dragons and Gods book which I don't yet own (but have ordered today). 2d6+3 for P B.?

I personally think Chinese and Japanese dragons look gorgeous, chilling, and absolutely wonderful. They fill me with awe! I get that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. They don't all have to have P.B. Attributes of 20 or higher, but don't try and sell me the idea that these legendary creatures, known for their epic majesty are just average looking. Anything that is flying and curling through the air with scales of emerald is anything but average.

There. I said it. Yes, I feel better now. Thank you for hearing me out. =)

Folks, off-hand, I don't know of any skills in the Rifts Ultimate Edition that increase Physical Beauty. Just where are we taking our skills from, by the way?

Hey Dannigan,

1. You're welcome to play a character who didn't time loop if you'd prefer. The tough part of doing so is missing out on the intrinsic future knowledge/future perspective, which would leave your character uniquely less able to contribute to planning how to save the future, because they haven't lived through it. If you're fine with that risk, I'm fine with it too.

2. I'm game for rolling real physical dice, yes, and can do so. It's why I offered.

3. I'll be honest, I read your O.C.C. and went "Huh, don't know that one" and then I read your R.C.C. and went "Huh, don't know that one either" and that's where I stopped because actually sizing up the combination is going to require me breaking out multiple books to read and understand. Especially since a cursory glance now yields "Dragon who has tattoo magic and real magic and psionics and is also a dragon" and that's just a lot to unpack. So, I'll give it a try now but it may be this evening or tomorrow before I've had a chance to read the source material.

4. Haven't read the Chiang-Ku writeup yet but I'm probationally open to a higher dice pool for them. If they're supposed to be extra scary, you don't use lower P.B. for that, you use Horror Factor.

 

[EmperorNorton1]

I think? (This is a guess, forgive me if im wrong) that dann meant it in "a dragons are scary in a hot way". more than a "biblically accurate angle scary"

 

[Sherwood]

oh, you guys all know each other IRL? thats really neat!

Yeah, we'd go back a long time. I also know psychie in Real Life too. I got the two of them hooked on this place.

 

[Psychie]

Yeah, Sherwood got me addicted to this place. Not that I mind: I have lots of friends here.

 

[EmperorNorton1]

heh. I dont know anyone on here that i know IRL... probably a good thing, tbh. Im glad you folks are all so close knit and suportive of each other. (: freind groups are the best. I dont ever want to fourth wheel you guys, so just let me know if im ever being weird. I just get overexcited alot, and then i ramble. im doing it now lol.

 

[Psychie]

heh. I dont know anyone on here that i know IRL... probably a good thing, tbh. Im glad you folks are all so close knit and suportive of each other. (: freind groups are the best. I dont ever want to fourth wheel you guys, so just let me know if im ever being weird. I just get overexcited alot, and then i ramble. im doing it now lol.

You are good in my book so far. No complaints!

 

[Purr]

. You're welcome to play a character who didn't time loop if you'd prefer. The tough part of doing so is missing out on the intrinsic future knowledge/future perspective, which would leave your character uniquely less able to contribute to planning how to save the future, because they haven't lived through it. If you're fine with that risk, I'm fine with it too.

I was looking at it from another angle. If the party has to describe events to my character, they may come to conclusions they would not have without her. Ever tell a story back to somebody and somewhere in the telling you remember details that you didn't recall until you started telling the story? Those little details might mean the difference between victory and defeat. =)

I'm game for rolling real physical dice, yes, and can do so. It's why I offered.

Yeah. I remembered you offered but I still had to ask out of respect. I try not to take anything for granted, hence my request. I can be silly like that. =)

and that's where I stopped because actually sizing up the combination is going to require me breaking out multiple books to read and understand.

Specifically, two books? I recommend Dragons and Gods and the Federation of Magic book. While I got the Chiang-Ku dragon description from Rifts World Book 3: England, I understand that the Dragons and Gods book has an updated version of these dragons with minor differences. For hatchlings, add +1 to Parry, I think? I'll know when the book comes in.

Spoiler: Concept

Note: I'm not trying to "sell the character" here, but think out loud. Goods, bads, and everything in between. I'm in the game now and I want an even stronger idea of what I put together here.

While this character concept potentially "draws from many wells,"
I think it's not really super-deep in any of them (but see below).

Offensively, I don't think she's going to be that hot, but that's why she's a support character. She'll be hard to kill, I hope. Overall, I think she'll be somewhere between Psychie's Atlantean and Eon's Special Forces/ Mind Melter?

At 5th level (that's the level the characters were in 101 P.A., right?), the character has a total of four tattoos, two of which are chosen for them (2D6 Mega-damage flaming sword and the eye of knowledge which allows them to speak and be 86% literate in all languages). Like martial arts powers, tattoos can make a character very strong or simply more versatile. I can do one of the other, but not both. Chiang-Ku hatchlings receive 1 tattoo every 2 levels unless they are Tattoo Masters (which I do not suggest).

-Psionic powers are many, but limited to non-supers except for one of choice (Mind Block Auto-defense never gets old).

-If she gets a martial art system, then I think she's looking at... four martial art powers max? They won't make her nearly as tough as Sherwood's Undead Slayer. She would gain in versatility though. Stealth perhaps?

-Even with her magic spells, she gets a handful of good ones from Gray Seer, and no Spells at start for Dragon Hatchling. In other words, she has what you want her to have.

Power-wise, the two "deep" exceptions I think are the Grey Seer powers of prophecy and the dragon's ability to metamorph (not just shapeshift). Bad guys might have one hell of a hard time surprising the party, and she can transform from anything to a dragon, to a house cat, to a mist.

She's exempt from the typical dragons' ability to teleport and she has no breath weapon.

While I think she is defensively strong (Automatic Dodge +3 from Gray Seer), I'm certain her Physical attributes aren't going to get her anywhere near the Atlanteans in the party.

At this time, I'm not even certain she'll have a P.P. or P.E. bonus. If she does, it will be small. She doesn't have the skills to go all buff and strong. I'm aiming her main Attributes to mental and P.B..

Chiang-Ku dragons are very strong magically depending on what spells that are allowed they come across during their adventures their metamorphosis ability and sprinkling of tattoo magic, but I think when compared to other dragons, they're pretty much wimps physically.

Edit for Pips:

If they're supposed to be extra scary, you don't use lower P.B. for that, you use Horror Factor.

I get the impression they are nothing of the sort. Being Eastern dragons, they are more likely to inspire and cause awe. But if they catch you doing something they don't like, well, Horror Factor will be the least of the wrongdoers problems! Hah! =)

Whew! Looks like I'm invested and playing too!

 

[Eonivar]

ok, so tomorrow evening my time I will look at getting my character updated and determine what I want to do.

Let's see so far we have:
1. True Atlantian Undead Slayer
2. True Atlantian Cyber Knight
3. A Superhuman Rogue Scholar
4. A Chiang-Ku Dragon Grey Seer Mystic
5. A CS Special Forces Mind Melter (?)

Did I miss anyone else?

Given this comp, maybe I should go with some sort of Ley Line Walker here. I have not done Palladium Spell Casters in eons. I will ponder this further. Maybe I will make an elf or changeling or something. We have two Atlantians already, so some other race may work nice here for a variety. Can someone suggest some good races for my potential Ley Line Walker?

 

[Purr]

A Chiang-Ku Dragon Grey Seer

I don't consider this finalized until Pips has had ample time to read and digest both of these classes. =)

She might come back and say, I'd rather you play a Japanese Kumo-Mi hatchling or RUE Cat's Eye hatchling instead of the Chiang-Ku. Or perhaps no dragon hatchling altogether in which case I choose a different species.

Or she might come back and say that she doesn't want a Grey Seer PC in the game (NPC only if at all). In which case I change O.C.C..

Or both. But until I hear back, I am leaving this to Pips. I know what I really like playing, but that doesn't mean it's right for her game. =)

Eon, as for a race for your Ley Line Walker, let me think on that! =)

 

[Psychie]

ok, so tomorrow evening my time I will look at getting my character updated and determine what I want to do.

Let's see so far we have:
1. True Atlantian Undead Slayer
2. True Atlantian Cyber Knight
3. A Superhuman Rogue Scholar
4. A Chiang-Ku Dragon Grey Seer Mystic
5. A CS Special Forces Mind Melter (?)

Did I miss anyone else?

Given this comp, maybe I should go with some sort of Ley Line Walker here. I have not done Palladium Spell Casters in eons. I will ponder this further. Maybe I will make an elf or changeling or something. We have two Atlantians already, so some other race may work nice here for a variety. Can someone suggest some good races for my potential Ley Line Walker?

Even a vanilla human is very effective as a high level caster. It all depends on the spells you pick and if you want to be a support caster or a more front line fighting mage.

 

[Sherwood]

If you want a combat style mage, in the Federation of Magic book is the Battle Mage Controller. You could bring multiple automatons into a fight with ease, or you can focus on putting a single automaton into the fight and be able to cast spells while the automaton goes toe to toe with the bad guys.

Just an option to ponder.

 

[Purr]

Can someone suggest some good races for my potential Ley Line Walker?

Eonivar Looking through the Rifts Conversion book, the following pique my curiosity - they can all be Good-aligned:

Spoiler: List in spoiler

Dragon Wolf (p 118) - Mega-damage creatures (4D6x10). Excellent trackers, flight-capable, hand/paws can write, type, shoot firearms, etc. Fearsome and not to be underestimated. About the same size as a large, healthy adult male wolf.

Emirin (p 132) - Giant, psionic cats 7 feet tall, about 375 lbs.. Can use tools/weapons by means of ectoplasm or telekinesis. Are M.D. creatures. All Emirin possess the powers of a Mind Mage or Mind Melter (go the former since we've a Mind Melter or become one and have friendly competitions?).

Rahu-Man (p 154) - Four-armed giants that are hell-on-wheels in melee. About 13 feet tall, 425 pounds of pure butt-kicker. Are M.D. creatures (6D6x10 M.D.). They are psionicists that know all sensitive powers but only have standard I.S.P..

One Reddit post has this recommendation: "There are two stand-out races for Magic Users. The Dewtani from D-Bees of North America, and the Ultrovian from Anvil Galaxy." I lack both books but perhaps you have them?

Perytonian Energy Wizard R.C.C. (Robotech Expeditionary Force Marines Sourcebook, p 44). Aliens about human-size who can convert their very life force into energy. Strong I.Q. and M.E.. Good combination of Skills and Ley Line Walker traits. Their own magic focuses (specializes?) in the manipulation of energy.

Spirit Host P.C.C. (Psychic Character Class) (Rifts World Book 25: China 2, p 67) In the right hands and mindset (think Eastern), this is in my experience one of the most fun "R.C.C.s" in Palladium! Shapeshifting, martial arts, psionics, animal forms, Mega-damage powers, Martial Art powers, and more all add up to a creature that gives real cause for every demon to fear be they oni or Coalition. =)

Silhouette (Phase World, p 80) - Quasi elemental beings of shadow and magic that come with spells and some Ley Line Walker abilities! Magical creatures of shadow, normal light nerfs them (they lose their special bonuses) and they have penalties being in bright light. Can Shadow Meld at will. Can absorb light around them. Are M.D. beings too (1D4x10 M.D. + 1D6 M.D. per level).

Time for a break. Enjoy, Eon! =)

 

[Purr]

Yeah, we'd go back a long time. I also know psychie in Real Life too. I got the two of them hooked on this place.

Just wanted to say I really enjoyed the ADHD jokes and Sherwood's bragging on me. Oh yeah. By introducing me to RP Nation (RPDom back in the day), he also introduced my beloved Kaerri who has earned every Like with her naturally positive, honest, and helpful ways. =) This year will be 10 years we've been in RP Nation and I just love this place and the people that call it home (as if you couldn't already tell). =)

 

[Purr]

Rolling Attributes uses the Dannigan Method

Epiphany Ah, this is not correct! Heh! That Attribute method is one Sherwood brought into the game and I don't know if he made it up or from where he got it from if he didn't.

The "Dannigan Method" applies to Skills - the +1 Skill every level (from any Skill Category, doesn't affect Secondary Skill accumulation, etc.) is one of my methods.

It's why I also mentioned the 'Introduce Fact' idea. If, during play, you get into it and do some reading after the fact, or if the group is in a situation that you think your character had been in 'last time around', you're welcome to work that out with me and then we run with it. It's up to you what you want to do.

I forgot to say this earlier - I think this is a fantastic idea! A worthwhile RPing tool that if used right can really add to a game. =)

If it's helpful, I (or one of the other players who has time and/or enjoys making sheets) could take a stab at putting together a rough draft character sheet and then letting you tweak, swap to customize to your preference. Just bear in mind, if it's me, it's going to take me most of the week to do. I'm not the fastest at character creation.

Pips? May I volunteer for this? Just give me the -finalized- concept in question (meaning O.C.C. and race if not human). I'll copy/paste Pips's default character sheet and post it in here. Pips, I feel you have plenty on your plate as it is and I genuinely like helping, so hey! Thanks for the opportunity to give back! =)

It has not escaped my notice that most players have removed the backstory tab from the template.

I know, right? Where'd everybody hide their backstories? Does anyone have any questions about Chan-Chan's?

Psychie What clan is your Atlantean from?

Sherwood What clan is your Atlantean from?

 

[Sherwood]

I haven't done my backstory yet, but I'm thinking on it a lot. Have not yet decided on a clan, either.