Futuristic Splicers - I Am Legion - OOC Thread

[Purr]

Sherwood Does Chaska know what Nighthawk armor is and why a highly-experienced Deliveryman would desire it?

 

[Sherwood]

Nighthawk is the name of his armor, the same as how Wyldcat is yours. He carries light amounts of firepower in his suit, relying upon his maneuverability to get away from trouble.

 

[Purr]

Nighthawk is the name of his armor, the same as how Wyldcat is yours. He carries light amounts of firepower in his suit, relying upon his maneuverability to get away from trouble.

Ah! I thought it was a style of Host Armor. There are entire sections of the Main and Legion books that I have never read as they're all Game Master/Spoiler territory. For example, I've seen a "Tempest O.C.C." and while I'm curious (of course!) to know what it is, I don't open up those pages because I don't want to learn something I shouldn't know, even out of game. =)

 

[Purr]

O.K.. Sherwood Re: Advanced Senses. On page 79, the main book says "Biotics, Gore Hounds and Wing Packs (only) can acquire Advanced Senses by spending Bio-E points." However, in Legion, which was written after the main book, page 35, the Black Talon War Hawks under Other Sensory Enhancements, "Any enhancements can be applied."

Which is the case in our game, please?

Note: I have forgotten that Black Talon War Hawks can transmit both visual and audio data to their human. However, the Bio-Comm can only pick up within 30 feet. If the Advanced Senses is O.K.ed, then Woodstock can pick up a whisper at 300 feet. Even if the Bio-Comm can't transmit it, Woodstock can still hear it, potentially to Cerberus's benefit.

 

[Purr]

Aaand great! I just read up on Deliveryman and I screwed up - they're not allowed to have the Pilot: Wing Pack Skill which means my guy should have been ground-bound from the get-go. Sorry about that!

Shoot. Looks like I get to reorganize 35 BIO-E to get the Organic Thrusters (Main 93) and change out the Pilot: Wing Pack Skill for anything else. I'll get it done. =)

EDIT: I have replaced Pilot: Wing Packs with Machine Technology (know thy enemy, right?). I'm also going to keep Gymnastics for his 5th level Skill (it's got a lot of goodness and I like the idea of Chaska being more flexible and cat-like given his time in WyldKat).

 

[Sherwood]

O.K.. Sherwood Re: Advanced Senses. On page 79, the main book says "Biotics, Gore Hounds and Wing Packs (only) can acquire Advanced Senses by spending Bio-E points." However, in Legion, which was written after the main book, page 35, the Black Talon War Hawks under Other Sensory Enhancements, "Any enhancements can be applied."

Which is the case in our game, please?

Note: I have forgotten that Black Talon War Hawks can transmit both visual and audio data to their human. However, the Bio-Comm can only pick up within 30 feet. If the Advanced Senses is O.K.ed, then Woodstock can pick up a whisper at 300 feet. Even if the Bio-Comm can't transmit it, Woodstock can still hear it, potentially to Cerberus's benefit.

It makes sense that you can add sensory upgrades to Woodstock. As you said, the book’s with the war hawk came later on.

I’ll have to take a look at the books to see the extent of the bio com for the delivery man and the birb and let you know.

Aaand great! I just read up on Deliveryman and I screwed up - they're not allowed to have the Pilot: Wing Pack Skill which means my guy should have been ground-bound from the get-go. Sorry about that!

Shoot. Looks like I get to reorganize 35 BIO-E to get the Organic Thrusters (Main 93) and change out the Pilot: Wing Pack Skill for anything else. I'll get it done. =)

EDIT: I have replaced Pilot: Wing Packs with Machine Technology (know thy enemy, right?). I'm also going to keep Gymnastics for his 5th level Skill (it's got a lot of goodness and I like the idea of Chaska being more flexible and cat-like given his time in WyldKat).

Another case of our inexperience in the system. No harm done.

 

[Eonivar]

When I wrote Jin's "Suit Up" post just now I had this song and these lyrics running through my head...



Change everything you are
And everything you were
Your number has been called
Fights and battles have begun
Revenge will surely come
Your hard times are ahead

Best, you've got to be the best
You've got to change the world
And use this chance to be heard
Your time is now (Your time is now)

Don't let yourself down
Don't let yourself go
Your last chance has arrived

Best, you've got to be the best
You've got to change the world
And use this chance to be heard
Your time is now (Your time is now)

-"Butterflies and Hurricanes", Muse, from the album Absolution

 

[Purr]

Sherwood This is my fifth or sixth draft on BIO-E expenditures. None of this is set in stone. Psychie, Eon, if you guys have opinions, I'm open to hearing them. =)

With the needed expenditure into Organic Thrusters (35 BIO-E), my melee build is out (60 BIO-E). Here is where I am at so far. All of this is subject to change except for Woodstock getting Stealth Field (you could say a certain laser-chasing GM talked me into it!)

Spoiler: BIO-E Draft.

Chaska
If the below is true, then Chaska has 78/115 BIO-E available so far and will be flat broke credit-wise). =)
Electromagnetic Vision (Main 78). See and feel the flow of electricity in 5 foot radius. (+20% to Land Navigation, +10% to Surveillance except when Tailing, +5% to all Electronics Skills. 10B.
Enhanced Leaping Ability (Main 86). Can leap 10 feet high or across. If running for 40 feet, can jump 50 feet high or 100 feet across. 5B per 10 feet (purchased once).
Grip Hands (see Lore). Mini-holders. +1 to Initiative for items held. 2B each, 4 purchased (maximum), for 8B total.
Hands: Suction Cups and Gripping Hairs (Main 90). Climb smooth or rough surfaces at 1/3 maximum running speed. 10B
Heat Pits (Main 81): Feel and see heat in 30 foot radius. +1 to Parry and Dodge. Track by heat: 70% (+2%/level) + I.Q. bonus. 10 B.
Organic Thrusters (Main 93): 200 mph (combat bonuses under Special). Max Ceiling: 25,000 feet. Underwater: 100 mph. 35B.
Shell Vault (see Lore). Small. 5B.
Symbiotic Nourishment (see Lore). No need to eat or drink (feed others). +2 to Save vs. poisons/toxins. 15B.

Woodstock
Available BIO-E = 5.
If Enhanced Senses is available and viable, I may forego Motion Detection in favor of Enhanced Senses. =)
Motion Detection (Main 81). +1 to Initiative, Parry, +2 to Roll, +4 to Automatic Dodge. Negated by 30 mph winds. 30 foot radius or 60 feet if motion is very fast or creates large disturbance in the air. Can relay what he hears back to Chaska. 15B.
Stealth Field (Main 85). 50B.
Simple Light Cell (Main 104. As its prerequisite, Glow Cell, but brighter). 1B.

In other news, Kaerri and I are off to vote (early)! Be back later! =)

 

[Sherwood]

Vote well and vote often!

 

[Purr]

Vote well and vote often!

Done! 8D. I am proud to be American!

Spoiler: Gaming Advice.

Sherwood I'd like to ask your advice concerning Chaska having a melee build.

Psychie Eonivar I'm pinging you so you can put your opinion in here if you have one.

A "melee build" for Chaska means going for stealth kills. I'd want to get two of the Bio-Energy Blades for 60 BIO-E, each doing 3d12+35 M.D., double that when Paired, and double that with a successful Critical Strike from Behind using his high Prowl, sensors, senses, and Stealth Field.

That's 12d12 + 140 M.D. on a successful surprise attack. Them some busted-up robots. =)

15% of the time (Critical on 18+), we are talking 18d6 + 210 M.D.. that chance prices to 25% down the road if I invest in the Omni-upgrades.

With Zanji focused on W.P. Daisho with the +3 Strike bonus from Bio-Energy Blades, he's Striking at about +16 or +17 before a d20 is rolled.

My first question is, "Is this feasible for your campaign?"

My second question is, "Does this take up too much spotlight?"

Question #3: Does one add (Splicer) Physical Strength into these blade strikes?

If you allow this, you can bet on Chaska using it. But only if it fits in your campaign. How do you feel?

With Toni and Jin and Axel all upping their firepower, if this doesn't work for you, I imagine Chaska going more towards gimmicks and sensors and scouting.

Either way is fine by me; I just want to do what's best for the campaign and everyone at the table.

 

[Eonivar]

I love the idea of a melee build and remember that I also believe you get automatic critical from behind. So you would be doubling that damage for sure.

Question #3: Does one add (Splicer) Physical Strength into these blade strikes?

I get the impression based on the description of the Bio-Energy Blades, that they would NOT take Punch damage into account since they damage with the energy (and use the PE score as a bonus) and not necessarily the force of the blow, but I can see that being a GM determination. I kind of look at the Bio-Energy Blade as a good melee weapon for suits that do not have the huge strength bonuses. But if we can add the Punch damage on top of that, those weapons would be very menacing.

 

[Sherwood]

Done! 8D. I am proud to be American!

Spoiler: Gaming Advice.

Sherwood I'd like to ask your advice concerning Chaska having a melee build.

Psychie Eonivar I'm pinging you so you can put your opinion in here if you have one.

A "melee build" for Chaska means going for stealth kills. I'd want to get two of the Bio-Energy Blades for 60 BIO-E, each doing 3d12+35 M.D., double that when Paired, and double that with a successful Critical Strike from Behind using his high Prowl, sensors, senses, and Stealth Field.

That's 12d12 + 140 M.D. on a successful surprise attack. Them some busted-up robots. =)

15% of the time (Critical on 18+), we are talking 18d6 + 210 M.D.. that chance prices to 25% down the road if I invest in the Omni-upgrades.

With Zanji focused on W.P. Daisho with the +3 Strike bonus from Bio-Energy Blades, he's Striking at about +16 or +17 before a d20 is rolled.

My first question is, "Is this feasible for your campaign?"

My second question is, "Does this take up too much spotlight?"

Question #3: Does one add (Splicer) Physical Strength into these blade strikes?

If you allow this, you can bet on Chaska using it. But only if it fits in your campaign. How do you feel?

With Toni and Jin and Axel all upping their firepower, if this doesn't work for you, I imagine Chaska going more towards gimmicks and sensors and scouting.

Either way is fine by me; I just want to do what's best for the campaign and everyone at the table.

That is a crap-ton of damage. Holy cow.

First off, I don't believe that your PS bonus would add to this since it is an energy blade.

I will also say that when you do this melee stealth kill often enough, your opponents will eventually get wise to it and will take steps to counter it. But that wouldn't happen overnight.

Also, the stealth kill will require you to get in melee range, making it useable in only some situations, and will put you in danger from getting that close.

But even without a critical strike, that is a significant damage amount. Compared to the numbers being flung around, I will go ahead and say you can do this. I may end up regretting it, but yes, you can go ahead and give it a go.

 

[Eonivar]

I mean, I think...and Sherwood correct me...don't you add your punch damage to Mantis Blades?

 

[Sherwood]

I mean, I think...and Sherwood correct me...don't you add your punch damage to Mantis Blades?

I would say yes, since that is a physical attack.

 

[Psychie]

The Mantis Blades are nasty in pairs already; getting those extra few points is just a bonus.

 

[Purr]

I love the idea of a melee build and remember that I also believe you get automatic critical from behind. So you would be doubling that damage for sure.

Right!

I get the impression based on the description of the Bio-Energy Blades, that they would NOT take Punch damage into account since they damage with the energy (and use the PE score as a bonus) and not necessarily the force of the blow, but I can see that being a GM determination.

Also right! Thanks for your perspective! =)

First off, I don't believe that your PS bonus would add to this since it is an energy blade.

I agree with this because I can't think of a single weapon that gives a damage bonus based off of more than one Attribute.

But even without a critical strike, that is a significant damage amount. Compared to the numbers being flung around, I will go ahead and say you can do this. I may end up regretting it, but yes, you can go ahead and give it a go.

Thank you. You know me, Bud - I game honestly and I'm a research hound by nature. When I did the math, I thought of two things:

1. "Wow, Bio-Energy blades sure do pack a punch for those with high Physical Endurance. Didn't I make Chaska's pretty high?" *checks* "Ohh boy! 35! So... what does this mean?" *sees the numbers* "Ahhh, I think Sherwood should know this before I just buy it. It's how I would want to be treated as GM."

2. I know players off-site who like to try and "sneak" that sort of information into a game and then try to pull a "surprise!" the GM. I can't be that guy and I don't like it when players try to pull that in my games. Which is why I vet my players when I run games! Heh! =)

3. If it's too much, perhaps it can be nerfed (and being nerfed cost less BIO-E) or some such compromise. But if it works out well and everyone's having fun, I'm glad to fill a niche Cerberus team doesn't seem to have yet. =)

 

[Sherwood]

I just gotta say, from all the stuff I’ve seen and read about Splicers, I would love a chance to run a character in this system. Maybe a Dreadguard or a Swarm Lord. I also wish there was more materials out for it. In the Drednaught upgrade there is mention of other upgrades that will be made available in future books; makes me want to grab Kevin Seimbeda by the shoulders and say, “Where’s my Splicers books? Keep em coming!”

 

[Psychie]

I understand your feelings. But as hard as it is to remember, a single book is a lot of work to try and come up with original and exciting material, and the guys at Palladium are working on how many different game worlds? Rifts, Heroes Unlimited, Splicers, Beyond the Supernatural, Dead Reign, Systems Failure, and the Fantasy game. Lots of irons in the fire.

 

[Sherwood]

Yeah, I know. But I want it all now, damnit! lol

 

[Purr]

makes me want to grab Kevin Seimbeda by the shoulders and say, “Where’s my Splicers books? Keep em coming!”

Join the crowd! Kevin and Sean and the gang are so busy creating what they create, it's unreal! Kevin also has more videos out describing his origins as a role-player, world building, and other Palladium goodness. It's fun being part of those! =)

 

[Sherwood]

I feel ya. Once we have gone through a good chunk of this story and gotten past the big surprises, I would love to see someone else’s take on the Splicers world so I could play in it.

 

[Sherwood]

That might just be my dream job; making new materials for kick ass role playing games. I only wish it could happen. Sigh.

 

[Psychie]

That would be fun. A lot of work, but fun work.

 

[Purr]

I feel ya. Once we have gone through a good chunk of this story and gotten past the big surprises, I would love to see someone else’s take on the Splicers world so I could play in it.

Ah, this is why I'm glad you have an NPC like Axel in this game. It's not the same thing as playing, of course, but from a Game Master's point of view, it's the next best thing. It's how I've gotten experience in all of the games I've run - by having many NPCs (and thus "living many lives" if you don't mind me paraphrasing Harrison Ford's take on acting). =)

That might just be my dream job; making new materials for kick ass role playing games. I only wish it could happen. Sigh.

I know folks who do it. Who create entire games from the ground-up. Be careful what you ask for because... from what I can see from my chair, the journey itself is a life-changer (sometimes good, sometimes bad, sometimes both). Not for anyone who lacks perseverance, that's for certain. =)

 

[Purr]

That would be fun. A lot of work, but fun work.

You said it! These people bust their buns!