Dice Rifts - The Thirteenth Mystery - OOC

[Epiphany]

Epiphany

See the second to last paragraph. Again, this is not an "Analyst" skill; it's just the closest I can currently find at putting data together. =)

Spoiler: Another spoiler!

"Beam me up, Scotty. There is no intelligent life down here." - A bumper sticker I've seen on the road. =)

Spoiler: Intelligence. Bold mine.

Intelligence: Specific training in the practices and principles of recognizing and analyzing sources of information about the enemy, observation techniques, counter-intelligence measures and proper procedure. This includes the practical assessment of sights and sounds, estimation of distance from strategic positions, what to report, handling prisoners of war, and handling captured documents and equipment (tagging and reporting to group leaders or proper authorities). This means the character will be able to accurately estimate ranges, the number of enemies, direction, purpose, and asses the importance of specific information.

Another area of training made available to Intelligence is the identification of enemy troops, officers, and foreign advisors. This means the character learns the many distinguishing ranks and marks that identify specific military units, special forces, groups, and leaders of the enemy. Such identification can pinpoint and confirm enemy operations, goals, and movement, as wel as confirm outside intervention/aid. Law enforcement uses the same fundamentals when dealing with gangs, terrorists, and known criminals and criminal organization.

Further Intelligence training includes a working knowledge of indigenous guerilla warfare, enemy practices, appearance, and current activities. This enables the intelligence officer to recognize suspicious activity as guerilla actions and identify guerilla operatives. For example: In a combat situation, a particular booby trap, or weapon or mode of operation may be indicative of guerilla activity in the area. It may be up to the character to confirm the existence of the enemy and their strengths, number, and location. Likewise, when dealing with magic, demons and monsters, the particular habits (the way it kills its prey, what it eats, where it lives, etc.) might indicate what the creature is, and once that is known, the character will know how it operates, if it is a lone predator or gathers in packs, etc., and the level of danger it represents to him, his team and local communities.

Note: A failed roll in any of the areas of Intelligence means that the evidence is inconclusive, or that the character has incorrectly assessed the information or situation, and is uncertain what it all means. A failed roll involving individual clues may mean the character has dismissed clues and information as being meaningless (G.M.s, use your discretion). Base Skill: 32% +4% per level of experience.

Am I going crazy or is your text of the Intelligence skill exactly the same as the one I posted? With no references to magic or non-enemy-oriented being-a-detective?

Edit: Ooooh, I see. Second to last paragraph indeed. Weird, that feels more like a Lore: Demons and Monsters or whatever but I can roll with it.

 

[Sherwood]

I have never used stunts in Rifts or any Palladium system game I've done. I might consider yoinking your description to incorporate it in my games in the future.

 

[Psychie]

I like that idea too. Makes for a more descriptive post of your fight than just "I thwack him with my sword".

 

[Epiphany]

Epiphany Last post for now. It's been a really great day with lots of fun (including all of this Shop Talk in here! Chatting with everybody here is just super!). My brain is telling me to crash now. =)

I've checked out the 6.5 Palladium Skill Compendium and come up dry (though Investigative is in there under Technical and the site owner tells which books they've used if that helps).

If Intelligence can't be used, then that's fine - I don't want Chan-Chan to be some military intelligence specialist and that's what the skill is based around. Investigative is close, but she's no interrogator either. I suppose "Analyst" is an O.C.C. instead of a Skill? Heh!


Sherwood What's your plan for gear here? The Sword of Atlantis is definitely not 5th level, right? Thanks for the ideas you provided for my character (you and Alex)! I hope to finish the hoard tomorrow.

Sleep well when it's your turn, everyone! 8D

I'm open to ideas on how you want to do things.

I mean, the other alternative is I set thresholds for clues like one sets thresholds for perception checks and characters can roll to puzzle things out, getting a bonus from their IQ using the same scale that ME's save vs. psionic attack or PE's save vs. magic/poison use. Assuming you wouldn't rather have the fun of just trying to figure it out yourselves.

 

[Epiphany]

Epiphany do I need to switch my sword around for a different weapon? I can if you want; I don't wish to be that player that overpowers the game.

Eh. I did check through the NPCs and most of the ones that have a rune weapon are in the 7th-15th level range. There's one packing a rune axe at 4th level though.

On the one hand, a potential source of fun for you guys is potentially looking up NPCs your characters will have crossed paths with in the future and going after them/their loot now, in the past, when they won't expect it. On the other hand, half of you are also part of a mercenary company that's pretty good at arming and equipping its Megaversal Operatives to handle missions.

I guess I'll come back to my original premise: The antagonist for this campaign is the greatest military power in the world. I'm less concerned with balance considerations than I might otherwise be.

 

[Sherwood]

I am torn. I had planned on making the sword my primary ranged and melee weapon, but it is a bit much to expect a fifth level character to have such a thing. I'll have to think on this a bit.

 

[Sherwood]

Here is a thought: perhaps we know where to come across the rune blade from our future knowledge, and using that, we set out to snag it before someone else does.

I would still have to come up with a new starting set of weapons, and would require us to go on a quest for the sword right off. How does everyone see this idea? Is it doable, or no? Or should I just stick with the sword as my big item?

 

[Psychie]

Perhaps it was a family heirloom that was given to you as you returned home to one time to get new tattoos? After all, it is very effective against vampires, and you are an Undead Slayer.

 

[Sherwood]

Perhaps it was a family heirloom that was given to you as you returned home to one time to get new tattoos? After all, it is very effective against vampires, and you are an Undead Slayer.

I like that idea, but it is not only up to me. If it were, I'd gladly take the sword.

If not the Sword of Atlantis, it would be the Battle Fury Sword, but then I'd have to pack a rifle for the ranged action, or just close to melee range

 

[Psychie]

Well, with as fast as you can fly, you can close into melee range in no time flat. That would make the Battle Fury Blade more viable.

 

[Sherwood]

True.

 

[Sherwood]

Ok, I went ahead and dropped the rune sword in favor of the Battle Fury blade. The PPE cost of the double attack and force field of the sword will keep me from using it too often, but for a nasty fight it will come in handy.

 

[EmperorNorton1]

GOOD MORNING TOLKIEN /semiconvoluted reference
Hi everyone!!! I slept until eleven in the morning- I feel wonderful I’m gonna get to work on replies to everyone!

 

[Purr]

For everybody. =)

Good day to you too, Alex! 8D

Spoiler: Be Prepared.

Ok, I went ahead and dropped the rune sword in favor of the Battle Fury blade. The PPE cost of the double attack and force field of the sword will keep me from using it too often, but for a nasty fight it will come in handy.

Eh. I did check through the NPCs and most of the ones that have a rune weapon are in the 7th-15th level range. There's one packing a rune axe at 4th level though.

This is precisely why I'm bringing this up. I don't really mind at all what Freya goes into battle with (even the Sword of Atlantis which, if there is a better sword for Undead Slayers of all levels, I don't know it). What melee person doesn't want a soul-stealing, dancing, ranged, spell-casting but-wait-there's-more weapon like that? Everyone wants to be at least competent at what they do, right? Everyone should shine, absolutely! Good PCs don't need uber-weapons to do it, but darned if they don't add to it all, right? That Battle Fury Blade too can probably carve through a CS mech in a single Round unassisted. Hey, have at! This player doesn't mind.

What I do mind is where it puts the rest of us. I think the rest of us had better keep up or we might regret it.

This is why I recommended Jeanne-Marie hop into a Super SAMAS instead of the base model SAMAS - it wasn't "cool factor;" with even one "uber-weapon" in our hands, I honestly think she's going to need it. You think the rest of Tolkeen's less-Good-aligned adventurers aren't going to want that the moment they see it? How about the CS themselves or anything else we run up against? It can go both ways. And it might. Even the Unkillables would have to notice.

So, be ready, I say. Now, if the PC's character concept aims otherwise (Alex's with no Hand to Hand Skill, not even Basic), then hey! Again, I say, enjoy! You be you! Just remember - the Coalition States are coming after you and your loved ones too! When they see you standing on the sidelines with a camera, I don't think they'll be saying, "Oh, he's no threat - he's just filming!" Just because you're not playing a damage-dealer doesn't mean you're no threat to the CS. They're blind, not stupid. Aren't they masters of propaganda and disinformation too? They know what a camera does. Not to spook anybody, but the CS just might see the camera guy as the biggest long-term threat.

In fact, if I were they, I'd see the big brain and grab him first and not only to stop his camera from shooting. Imagine what happens if they decide to nab our historian/scholar/journalist while we're distracted with that gang of Glitter Boy Killers chasing after the school bus full of young D-Bees (and, c'mon, tell me the CS wouldn't do it)? Well, bye bye, Alex's's PC while the CS greedily and painfully yanks every bit of sensitive information out of his head for the sake of doing it. Thus they might learn about Tolkeen, us, the Unkillables, his favorite Smurf, etc. I say, be prepared! And that means keeping up with our big guns. Don't bother bringing your .22 Magnum when you're up against 7.62mm and .30 caliber guns. =)

Finally, in terms of melee, Chan-Chan is sword-based. Until recently, I was going to start her off with no sword at all (then I realized, this wasn't possible because every Chiang-Ku comes with the 2D6 M.D. Tattoo sword - Okay). Have her hopefully come up with a cool edge down the road (she's support, not a warrior, and I want our warriors to shine). But yeah, I'm changing that. Let me be the first to follow my own advice.

If I have our GM's permission, Chan-Chan is coming packing something bigger than her tattoo-magicked 2D6 M.D. sword.

 

[EmperorNorton1]

Imagine what happens if they decide to nab our historian/scholar/journalist

Oh well yup looks like someone’s getting tortured/has potentially been tortured.
“Hahah you can’t even pull my fingernails out you fascist fucks. It’s not gonna work no matter how hard you tug.”

I don’t know if Ellis being held captive is going to have been a thing in the past or if that’s going to happen to us in rp, but I’ve been itching to use that insanity table.

Also, book four I think details the torture devices used, the constant white noise thing- and with their extreme hearing. Uhg. Poor Ellis.

I feel like Ellis would be sharing the most random shit if tortured. Like-
“WHERE IS THE HIDEING POINT OF ERIN TARN” and they just start screaming
“I AM THE VERY MODLE OF A MODERN MAJOR GENERAL IVE INFORMATION VEGITABLE ANIMAL AND MINERAL-“
And they are just being such a pain in the ass

 

[Purr]

Oh well yup looks like someone’s getting tortured/has potentially been tortured.
“Hahah you can’t even pull my fingernails out you fascist fucks. It’s not gonna work no matter how hard you tug.”

I don’t know if Ellis being held captive is going to have been a thing in the past or if that’s going to happen to us in rp, but I’ve been itching to use that insanity table.

Also, book four I think details the torture devices used, the constant white noise thing- and with their extreme hearing. Uhg. Poor Ellis.

I feel like Ellis would be sharing the most random shit if tortured. Like-
“WHERE IS THE HIDEING POINT OF ERIN TARN” and they just start screaming
“I AM THE VERY MODLE OF A MODERN MAJOR GENERAL IVE INFORMATION VEGITABLE ANIMAL AND MINERAL-“
And they are just being such a pain in the ass

As humorous as this is to read, you think maybe you're underestimating the Coalition a little, friend?

Were we entered into this horrible scenario (with the rest of us trying to rescue yours, I'm sure), I can't imagine dice wouldn't be involved somewhere. We're not using Action Points in this game (we can't influence dice save for Stunts). My logic suggests to me that your character's Psionic powers/determination will waver or be broken not because he's run out of wisecracks, but because the dice declared, "you lose." Which, polyhedron or otherwise, they will do eventually. It's just a matter of time.

But as for the Gilbert and Sullivan routine, I just love it! 8D I don't know musicals and I wouldn't know that one except for...

Spoiler: Mass Effect 2 Mordin!

"Mass Effect 2 - Mordin performing Gilbert and Sullivan"

 

[EmperorNorton1]

Yeah, that is true. The coalition has infinitely more resources and time, and the dice will not last in my favor forever. Ellis may start with laughing through torture as a way to spit in the face of the coalition, but they will crumble eventually. Spite can only last so long to keep someone going. So can desperation to see a loved one. Ellis, when forced to talk, will try their best to lie, or to talk about unrelated things, but the journalist will eventually crack.

On another note, they are gonna need an explosion proof camera if that exists. Also, is there an internet like thing? Some kind of online database that they can upload videos to, as they are being taken live?

Anyway, I’m well aware that Ellis can act to draw fire, and would be targeted. That’s why I gave them evasive maneuvers and immunity to most if not all non magical damage.

And Purr , I know the coalition would never hesitate to harm, torture and kill. They are the goddamn fascists. That’s how fascists work, and because of this fun little thing called generational trauma, I can’t just brush off or underestimate the cruelty of evil.

Being compelled to tell the truth, so responding by talking about other things that are true might work I think, so aggressively shouting that song so you don’t let slip anything important miiigghttt work to at least buy time.

 

[Purr]

Yeah, that is true. The coalition has infinitely more resources and time, and the dice will not last in my favor forever. Ellis may start with laughing through torture as a way to spit in the face of the coalition, but they will crumble eventually. Spite can only last so long to keep someone going. So can desperation to see a loved one. Ellis, when forced to talk, will try their best to lie, or to talk about unrelated things, but the journalist will eventually crack.

But first they have to learn about him and catch him. I highly doubt Ellis's buddies new or old will make that an easy thing to do. Heh!

On another note, they are gonna need an explosion proof camera if that exists. Also, is there an internet like thing? Some kind of online database that they can upload videos to, as they are being taken live?

Explosion-proof? Never heard of one. Mega-damage cameras, however? Sure! Of course! I can't imagine any mech, power armor, or the like to have an S.D.C. camera so why not cameras you can hold in your hands?

And Purr , I know the coalition would never hesitate to harm, torture and kill. They are the goddamn fascists. That’s how fascists work, and because of this fun little thing called generational trauma, I can’t just brush off or underestimate the cruelty of evil.

Oh, I never thought you were under any illusions about them - in fact, I believe your grasp of political science is much greater than mine. And not just yours but Eon's and Esbilon's too. I just recall that you're new to Rifts Palladium and the fewer bad surprises you have, the better. =) Let's everyone have fun! Any advice from my fingertips is only intended to head in that direction. =) Now back to that hoard I ought to be writing up.

 

[EmperorNorton1]

in the Timeline That Was, Ellis was doing the same thing. Now hopefully in the timeline we create we can avoid the war entirely. But Ellis will be making a name for themselves either way. Of course, we could decide Ellis got caught at some point in the war and got saved by their freinds and lover. If so, I wanna know. Or it could be the Cs targets them in the before the war starts during our rp, we’ll see how it goes.

Now that I think about it, Ellis can fly and can go pretty fast, the best way to get them down is to blast them out of the sky, deafening them and throwing them off balance, before throwing a weighted net so heavy they can’t cary. Oh crap I just gave pips an idea. Well, I- whoops. Uh oh.

An MDC camera would be great, it could be custom made!

And thank you for warnings. This is new to me, and thank you for preventing bad surprises. You are so considerate, dann (:!!!

Oh also, a couple of posts back, you asserted our party roles a bit, thank you for that. I built a charisma based guy, and I know Ellis isn’t the best fighter, but killing a dictatorship isn’t something that can be done exclusively by force.

I’m so so excited for this game

 

[Purr]

Now that I think about it, Ellis can fly and can go pretty fast, the best way to get them down is to blast them out of the sky, deafening them and throwing them off balance, before throwing a weighted net so heavy they can’t cary. Oh crap I just gave pips an idea. Well, I- whoops. Uh oh.

Ha ha ha ha! This made me laugh out loud! EmperorNorton1

Alex, you just take the cake!

 

[Sherwood]

And I just put up a pic for Freya. It just lacks the mass of tattoos that she has, but I like it.

 

[EmperorNorton1]

SO NOT TO BE A BRONY OR ANYTHING (a dangerous way to start a sentence)
but I know All of the songs from like the first six seasons. My little sister loved that show, and watched them all, and I- I was there too. Oy vey. Thank you dann

Oh also- Hey pips, can I have that camera please? (:

 

[Eonivar]

I thought there was an MD camera listed in the equipment in Rifts Ultimate.

 

[Sherwood]

SO NOT TO BE A BRONY OR ANYTHING (a dangerous way to start a sentence)
but I know All of the songs from like the first six seasons. My little sister loved that show, and watched them all, and I- I was there too. Oy vey. Thank you dann

Oh also- Hey pips, can I have that camera please? (:

Pinkie Pie is clearly the best one of the mane six. Just sayin'.

 

[Eonivar]

Pinkie Pie is clearly the best one of the mane six. Just sayin'.

As much as I loved Pinkie Pie, I was always more of a Fluttershy guy ;-)