Campaign Beta 1

Cleric_Epoch · March 2004

OCC: Parhelion Fighters should have a high DEX or the can't hit their foes. Maybe lower your CHAR and INT by one or two points each will help.

*Her attension broken by the newcomer the chip falls on the floor and rattles.*
*Calawen looks up at Valin disdainfully.*
"A pleasure I'm sure."
*Then looks out of the window. A clear sign that she does not wish to talk.*

xect · March 2004

Sure about that Epoch? In the 3rd edition D&D system, dex has NO influence on the ability to hit in melee, unless the character has the weapon finesse feat. Not sure if it has influence here. Not to mention, a high dex would fit Parhelions character concept poorly.

"Hello, pleased to meet you. Name's Fenrod, former drone rigger. Looking for money to rebuild my droneset."

*Finrod stops screwing, and holds the powerbox in place with his left hand, extending his right in a handshake. Gestures to Calawen*

"Don't mind her, she's still trying to play it tough. Doesn't give her name to anyone, doesn't stick her neck out for no one and prefers to watch her own back with no one helping. But well, she'll learn different soon enough."

Mantrid · March 2004

<Icharus Ke> Ah-ha! *Stands up, proudly holding a sandwhich in the air* There you are! *Hungrily devours it* Hey, could you three keep it down back there? I'm trying to input some coordinates, and I don't want to get them wrong...

Ah! There we go. Could you all please take a seat?

{The tissues of the ship become more and more tense. Gases are flowing through many different "vents" in the walls. Energy begins to crackle all around you. Bright light shines from the front of the ship. The ship's nose fizzles away, and the rest of the ship follows its lead. You look into the emptiness of space as the form of the ship drops away into light. The feeling of your particle's structures being polarized gives you an odd sensation, and then you feel nothing.

To you, only half a second passes. Suddenly, you feel your mass return to you. Where once was inky blackness punctuated by stars, there is now a forboding moon, almost completely eclipsing a rocky planet, and a large blue star that hangs in the sky. The ship yaws a bit, and out of the corner of your eye, you see a small, distant, faint yellow star.}

<Icharus Ke> We'll be making our aproach to the moon, and the research colony on it. You'll be the first fresh faces these scientists have seen in a few months, so try and be pleasant, okay, guys?

xect · March 2004

ooc: By the way, you said technicians have one droid in the beginning. Is it possible to control a larger numbers of drones at once?

"Yew, not a pleasant feeling. And look, now my power cordinator dropped down."

*Picks up the device Calawen dropped on the floor*

"Hope I won't have to do that too often. First time I do this kind of travel, and if I'm lucky, the only other time I'll try it is when I return to Terra."

Mantrid · March 2004

Yes, but with difficulty. Its already takes a bit of effort to control one, and that difficulty will multiply with more. Remember, you have to give it its orders, and monitor it. It can't "think" for itself, except in very limited cases.

xect · March 2004

ooc: Leads me to another question, where is the tech in this world? Is neural interfacing possible? (and is that how drones are controlled?) how widespread is spacetravel, A.I., how is the education level and so on?

Mantrid · March 2004

It differs for every race. But the most advanced technologies of the friendly races (Terran, Zypher, Lycene, Jyri and Aerden) can be measured.

Neural interfacing is not possible, except for chemical sensors created by the Aerden which respond to telepathic brainwaves. These only work for Aerden though.

Drones are controlled via your little computer pad, unless they have a microphone, in which case they can be controlled verbally.

Spacetravel is pretty widespread. If a city is large enough, it has a space-port. The exception to that is Earth, where spaceports are only in the more major cities (Los Angeles, New York, Tokyo, London, et cetera), and only in a of the space-fairing countries (USA, England, China, Russia, and all of the Middle East).

A.I isn't very advanced. Simple problem solving, like figuring out how to move an object blocking a robot's path, is possible, however there is no true Artificial Intelligence yet. The exception to that is the Mirshi, but they don't really count, as they developed on their own.

Parhelion · March 2004

OOC: Hmm...I haven’t done any pen and paper RPGing at all, and am not familiar with the D&D system. Can I please get some clarification as to what each stat affects (in this RPG, at least)? I'm now thinking of 3/3 dexterity/wisdom, and then 6/6/6/6 for the rest, but I'd still like a brief explanation if that's okay.

I also don’t know what items Valin is allowed to have at the moment, especially since he wasn’t handed a gun or anything <img src='http://www.natural-selection.org/forums/html//emoticons/sad.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad.gif' />

*Valin shakes Finrod’s hand, shooting a sceptical glance at Calawen.*
“Hmm, okay...I’m sure we’ll resolve these differences, at least once the bullets fly. It is a pleasure to meet you, Finrod.”
*He returns to his seat upon hearing the pilot’s broadcast, and closes his eyes as the ship powers through space. He shudders slightly.*
“I’ve never ever gotten used to that, despite all the times I’ve done it...was that your first time, Finrod? The experience is supposed to get better the more times you do it, though whenever someone says that, I usually just smile and nod.”

Mantrid · March 2004

You have a gun, because you were already on board the transport. If they're sending you off to be a guard, they're going to arm you. PM me if you want to know what you can/can't have.

As for stats:

</div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE ( What the Open Gaming Foundation has to say)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>
This material is Open Game Content, and is licensed for public use under the terms of the Open Game License v1.0a.

ABILITY SCORES

Every character has six basic Ability Scores:

Strength (STR)
Dexterity (DEX)
Constitution (CON)
Intelligence (INT)
Wisdom (WIS)
Charisma (CHA)

The Score of these Abilities ranges from 0 to infinity. A limit, if any, will be specified in the rules. It is possible for a creature to have a score of "none". A score of "none" is not the same as a score of "0". A score of "none" means that the creature does not possess the ability at all. The modifier for a score of "none" is +0.

STR 0 means that the character cannot move at all. He lies helpless on the ground.

DEX 0 means that the character cannot move at all. He stands motionless, rigid, and helpless.

CON 0 means that the character is dead.

INT 0 means that the character cannot think and is unconscious in a coma like stupor, helpless.

WIS 0 means that the character is withdrawn into a deep sleep filled with nightmares, helpless.

CHA 0 means that the character is withdrawn into a catatonic, coma like stupor, helpless.
Keeping track of negative ability score points is never necessary. A character?s ability score can?t drop below 0.

USE OF ABILITY SCORES

Strength

Any creature that can physically manipulate other objects has at least 1 point of Strength.
A creature with no Strength score can't exert force, usually because it has no physical body or because it doesn't move. The creature automatically fails Strength checks. If the creature can attack, it applies its Dexterity modifier to its base attack instead of a Strength modifier.

Dexterity

Any creature that can move has at least 1 point of Dexterity.
A creature with no Dexterity score can't move. If it can act, it applies its Intelligence modifier to initiative checks instead of a Dexterity modifier. The creature fails all Reflex saves and Dexterity checks.

Constitution

If a character's Constitution changes enough to alter his or her Constitution modifier, his or her hit points also increase or decrease accordingly at the same time.
Any living creature has at least 1 point of Constitution.
A creature with no Constitution has no body or no metabolism. It is immune to any effect that requires a Fortitude save unless the effect works on objects. The creature is also immune to ability damage, ability drain, and energy drain, and always fails Constitution checks.

Intelligence

Any creature that can think, learn, or remember has at least 1 point of Intelligence.
A creature with no Intelligence score is an automaton, operating on simple instincts or programmed instructions. It is immune to all mind-influencing effects (charms, compulsions, phantasms, patterns and morale effects) and automatically fails Intelligence checks.

Wisdom

Any creature that can perceive its environment in any fashion has at least 1 point of Wisdom.
Anything with no Wisdom score is an object, not a creature. Anything without a Wisdom score also has no Charisma score, and vice versa.

Charisma

Any creature capable of telling the difference between itself and things that are not itself has at least 1 point of Charisma.
</td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'>

xect · March 2004

*Finrod picks up the drone, replaces the powerbox and starts to secure the plating*

"I don't like it anyway. It's not that I mind machines, machines are great, but I don't like the idea of machines dissolving my body. Body is one thing, machine is another. But well, I need the money."

BadKarma · March 2004

OOC: Im just gonna be on the ship already. And i'll be no-colour.

 Name: Stuart Reed
Appearance: Stands 5 ft, 11 inches tall, weighs about 190 pounds, good physical condition. Complextion is fairily pale, betraying Nordic bloodlines. Black hair, brown eyes. Usually comes off as gruff, but his loyalty is steadfast if you earn it.
Attributes: Strength: 8
Dexterity:8
Intelligence:4
Wisdom:2
Constitution:6
Charisma:2
Race: Terran
Class: Fighter
Age: 37
Equipment: Fatigues, boots, bush hat, standard sidearm and a large knife on his belt.
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Backstory: Born on Earth into a poor family, he quickly joined the military, as he saw school as a waste of time, he knew he simply lacked the intelligence to excell in business. He advanced quickly, showing himself to be a superb soldier. He achieved the rank of Master Sergeant when he was crippled in a training excercise. Doctors were able to repair most of the damage, but it left him with a slight limp. He was honourably discharged and was quickly hired by Mercenary Gaurds because of his military experience.

*Awakened by the ship and the talking, he jumps down from his "bed" in an alcove in the wall. He limps over to the others and eyes the three up and down*
"Two Lycenes a mutt and a cripple, great, this is a crack squad we got here. Well ****, were all gonna have to get along, my name's Stuart Reed."

hidden_snper · March 2004

OOC: i pmed him a while ago... i guess ill just join in the same way

Name - Xon Lugak, Jyri
Class - Fighter
Appearance: Deep blue skin, close-shaven night black hair, heavily built. Stands 6 feet 7 inches tall.
Strength - 10
Dexterity - 4
Intelligence - 4
Wisdom - 4
Constitution - 3
Charisma - 3
Allignment - Lawfull Neutral
Other info: carries many grudges, but is a reliable friend. Entire family was killed in a Lycene pirate raid. Intelligent for a Jyri, but (very) forgetful. An all-around hard worker and expert mele fighter.
Equipment: Light nano-plate, highly-decorated titanium knife, standard pistol, pistol ammo, mini-computer organizer.

*rolls out of organic "bed"*
"Woa... huh... oh... erm, yea. So you guys are the squad huh?"
*checks that all of his stuff is in order*
*looks over at Finrod*
"Who are you and what are you building?"

Cleric_Epoch · March 2004

*Calawen still looks out of the window. Gazing at the stars. In her mind she thinks about her father. Somewhere among those stars he is waiting for her.*
*With the arrival of new comers her attension is brought back to the ship.*
"You call us Lycenes like it's an insult. We are half terran if it makes you feel any better."
*Glowers at Stuart then throws a look at Xon.*

Parhelion · March 2004

“Likewise, I am half-Jyri...so I would advise not being too hasty.”
*Valin fingers the standard MkIII Terran sidearm in his left holster, then abruptly lets go of it. There is also another firearm in his belt, an old but lovingly polished 12-shot revolver – it appears to have seen a lot of battle in its time. A few magazines of ammunition also reside in a bandolier slung around his shoulder.*
“Well, since we’re working together, I see no need to squabble over petty racial differences. Nice to meet you two.”
*He returns to his seat, and pulls a small book from a small pouch.*
“This book is written by Delarium, one of my favourite authors and a literary genius...you should read some of his work sometime.”
*He flips to a page, and is soon lost in the text.*

xect · March 2004

*Looks at Stuart*

"Aye, that's not fair you know!. I can't really insult you back, what 'm I supposed to call ya, filthy fullbreed? Can't comment on your norse origins either, that'd backfire."

*Laughs.*

"Oh well, I'll have to live with that. Name's Finrod."

*Finrod extends his hand in a greeting, then watches Xon rolling out of bed*

"Oh boy, getting even better. Name's Finrod, and I'm trying to get this drone to work again. Just step aside for a second will ya'"

*Finrod puts the drone down on the floor, then he picks up his bag, searching for something. He finds it, a pretty advanced multi-screen remote control. He then turns a few bottons, making the drone liven up, and drives the drone across the room, down a corridor of the ship*

Mantrid · March 2004

BadKarma, I'd prefer it if you'd pick a color, because I'll be using sky (default forum color) most of the time.

{Icharus Ke appears to be working furiously, pulling cords, fidgeting in sockets, but doesn't appear to be succeeding in whatever he's attempting}

<Icharus Ke> Arg! Why won't they respond? *Into a bio-microphone* "Tau Station, please respond, this is the Mercenary Guards Corporation transport ship. Please respond. Over."

{A few seconds tick by. Then, a loudspeaker crackles to life.}

<Scientest (Over Loudspeaker)> Yes, yes. You may land. I'm closing down the communication systems; it, uh, interferes with our experiments. Attempt to send no further signals, but do not hesitate to land...

<Icharus Ke> Roger. We'll make an approach once the moon rotates a bit more. Over and out, I guess.

BadKarma · March 2004

OOC: I cant quite figure the colors out. On second thought, thanks xect.

 *shakes hands with Finrod*
"No offense meant people"
*decides that Finrod is probably the calmest of the group, a trait he appreciates*

xect · March 2004

ooc: Just write </div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>CODE </td></tr><tr><td id='CODE'>[color=blue]</td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> in the beginning of each of your posts, and </div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>CODE </td></tr><tr><td id='CODE'>[/color]</td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> in the end.

"nah, 'f cause you didn't. No hard feelings, just happy to be working with people again"

hidden_snper · March 2004

*Snaps a quick look around the room*

*Looks down at Finrod's bag*

*Confused by the many wires and other strange objects in the bag*

*Takes the empty seat next to Calawan*

"I don't believe I know your name"

Cleric_Epoch · March 2004

*Calawen shuffles up away from Stuart.*
"Thats be I never told you..."
*Seeing Finrods bag is open she peers in on the sly. Looking for anything of use to a hacker.*
"So Fin, what 'parts' do you have in your bag of tricks?"

Edit - I play 4th edition AD&D, I am getting confused. DEX is a prime requisite for Rogues sorry. Not fighters.

xect · March 2004

I believe Mantrid is using the 3E D&D (because that's the version using the D20 system), and there, strength is used for all melee attacks unless the attacker has the weapon finesse feat. But anyway, I still believe fitting the stats to the character concept works better than worrying about in-game effects <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif' /> )

"Oh, so now you've suddenly become interested in what's happening by my back, thought you had enough of your own"

*Finrod blinks his eye at Calawen, then throws the bag, filled to the brim with random mechanical and technical parts, to her.*

Cleric_Epoch · March 2004

"We could be a good team. I'm just used to working alone. I have been sinced I was orphaned."
*Calawen looks into the bag of bits in dispair. Then looks up at Finrod with her large doe eyes.*
"I only know the basics. Could you help me please?"

BadKarma · March 2004

OOC: Hey sniper, you gotta keep your colours straight. Ive changed to purple.



*walks over to Xon.*
"Hey man, I wouldn't take that too personally, that one seems a bit cold."
*Notices Xon's knife*
"Nice blade."

hidden_snper · March 2004

OOC: sorry forgot about that, tks for changing. edit: gee it looks like I dropped an emotional bomb...


*Turns to Stuart*

"Yea I suppose there are plenty of reasons to distrust people."

*shoots glance at Calawan*

"In my clan, every adult male had a symbolic knife representing thier passage into manhood. This one was my father's, he gave it to me before he died."

xect · March 2004

*At Calawen's mention of her being orphaned, Finrod's face changes expression*

"Hey, sorry, didn't know that. Might explain something, but I'm afraid I can't really help it. As for me helping you, that depends on what you want done. Pardon me, but I wouldn't think this is your kind of equipment, no offense of cause, it's just that ... uhm ... you know."

Cleric_Epoch · March 2004

"Don't be sorry. How we're you to know about my parents?"
*Calawen flicks back a lock of silver hair and pulls out a PDA from her trench coat.*
"Us hackers have our tools too you know. It's not top of the range, but it gets me through."
*Its a fairly small device, hand-held and ergonmicaly designed. It has a 'wand' protruding from the top of it which looks like an interface port.*
"I was wondering if you could help me make it remote. Add a wireless card into it or something."

BadKarma · March 2004

"We got nothin like that where i'm from. Traditions, yea I can respect that. Corps were all about tradition."

xect · March 2004

"Should be quite possible. Mind if I have a look?"

Cleric_Epoch · March 2004

"I guess so, please be careful with it."
*Calawen hands Finrod the PDA.*
"The wand fits most PC ports. It would be benfit us if we could have it work at range. Do you have anything that would allow that?"

Mantrid · March 2004

{The moon rotates another degree, and a tiny pinpoint of light is visible on its horizon.}

Campaign Beta 1

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