Joined: Wed, 2008 Jan 16, 6:22 PM (CST)

Messages: 1881

Offline

First off, I don't think there's a game name on here called Privateers, but if I'm mistaken, let me know and I'll change it immediately. I perused the first several pages and didn't see it and the search function didn't bring it up, so I think I'm safe!

Now, I'm not very familiar with RPG's in general, let alone online versions. I'm not sure what the best number of players is. I suppose that the more people we have, the less each person will have to contribute to keep the game moving. However, I don't want people getting bored either because there's not enough for their characters to do.

We will need enough players to crew a small pirate vessel. The ship is essentially a corvette... to large to be considered a "fighter" class but smaller than your typical frigate/destroyer. This means a handful of crew members (pilot, doctor, engineer, etc) and several more "hired hands" in the form of mercenaries. Total crew will be 10-12 at the MOST (and a lot of these guys will be NPC's). Anyway, I welcome your feedback about how many players is too many. If enough people are interested and somebody wants to GM a second game, we can always split into multiple groups.

Also, I am going to keep this game VERY VERY RULES LIGHT. You will all be allowed to design your characters and designate skill/ability points, but I may not even tell you how many points of damage certain weapons do, but instead keep track of it myself and let you know in prose. It'll be clear if you give the Sardakk N'orr warrior the equivalent of a papercut, or blow a hole clean through his abdomen! You'll also have enough knowledge to make informed decisions (such as, a Hardbeam Laserlance is excellent for penetrating combat armor, even at long range, while a mag-blaster pistol is better in a close-quarters firefight against unarmored opponents.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at Thu, 2008 Jun 5, 11:19 PM (CDT)

GM of Privateers RPG

Privateers Website

Yin in Imperium Gloriosum

Secret Keeper for Furdaddy's First PBEM.

Joined: Wed, 2008 Jan 16, 6:22 PM (CST)

Messages: 1881

Offline

Eternal

PsiComa

Lothar

sigmazero

tmp

robofish

Beren

Let me know if I missed any of you. This is already feeling like my "upper limit" for a single game.

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at Wed, 2008 May 7, 8:19 PM (CDT)

GM of Privateers RPG

Privateers Website

Yin in Imperium Gloriosum

Secret Keeper for Furdaddy's First PBEM.

Joined: Wed, 2008 Jan 16, 6:22 PM (CST)

Messages: 1881

Offline

Remember, this is a smaller vessel. It is primarily a transport vessel (think Firefly) that has been souped up with better sublight engines and some weapon systems. This ship can bully unarmed/lightly armed freighters and other small merchant vessels, maybe even take on a small fighter escort, but that's it. In order to take on anything bigger, for example any military vessel (like the kind you'd see on the board in a game of TI3), you'd need help from your fellow privateers.

As far as positions, we need:

Captain (you get to name the ship too!)

First Mate (can be combined with another position)

Pilot/Navigator

Engineer

Weapons Officer

"Operations" Officer (sensors, communications, etc)

Doctor (Science guy?)

You could also have some kind of Merc commander, and of course, trained mercenaries.

The crew members take a share of the profits (after expenses) made off of a mission. Captain gets double or triple-share, first mate gets a bonus. Mercs (aside from the Merc Commander) get a set fee (basically paid by the hour). In addition, the Mentak Coalition gets a cut as well, in return for providing contacts, information, and a safe haven.

There are several ways to explain the captain having a ship. It may be provided to the captain by the Coalition and is being "paid off" over time. It might be stolen. You guys can brainstorm and let me know.

I'll go into racial details and my suggestions/guidelines in a moment.

GM of Privateers RPG

Privateers Website

Yin in Imperium Gloriosum

Secret Keeper for Furdaddy's First PBEM.

Joined: Wed, 2008 Jan 16, 6:22 PM (CST)

Messages: 1881

Offline

Human

Hacan

Hylar

Letnev

Xxcha

Saar

I would prefer that nobody be Sardakk N'orr. I have several reasons for this, one being that Sardakk N'orr are supposed to be approximately 200 times as strong as humans!!!! In my vision of this universe, the N'orr are also the most "alien" of the species and least likely to mix with outsiders. There are few, if any, N'orr on Moll Primus (at least in my version of the universe). If you make an absolutely astounding case for your character to be a N'orr, I may reconsider, but I'd really rather not.

In addition, the time period for this game is very early... like turn 1 or 2 at MOST in a game of TI3. The following "Great Races" are members of the Galactic Council and have already established a major presence in the galaxy: Human, Hacan, JolNar, Letnev, Xxcha, Sardakk N'orr (otherwise known as the Original Six!). I will get into details about which planets are controlled by whom and so forth as the game progresses.

The following races are just getting their feet wet in the galaxy and are relatively unknown. These are listed in relative order of power/influence, from greatest to least: Mentak, Winnu, Yssaril, Yin, Saar.

Mentak has made a formal request for a seat on the council and the Winnarran Custodians are in the final stagest of considering their case. Considering that the Mentak have laid claim to several planets, set up trade lanes, and have a respectable military force, it is expected that the Coalition will be formally inducted within the year. The Winnu have made a similar claim but their holdings are much less expansive at the moment. Their request has also caused a stir within the ranks of the Custodians, who are deeply divided in the issue of whether to allow them to join as a separate entity from the Winnarrans on Mecatol. The Yssaril are just making their first forays into space and very, very little is known about them. Most people know that it's best to avoid the space around their planet. The Yin are currently just a bunch of weirdos on a planet and haven't really started their crusade, though they have consolidated their power. The Saar are like humans, widespread throughout the galaxy on almost every planet. Ragh's Call (or whatever it's called, when the Saar all come together in a massive reverse-Diaspora) has not happened yet so they are not really organized.

The following races have not yet revealed themselves to the rest of the galaxy. For in-character purposes, NONE OF YOU ARE AWARE THAT THEY EVEN EXIST:

L1z1x, Naalu, Muatt.

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at Wed, 2008 May 7, 11:09 PM (CDT)

GM of Privateers RPG

Privateers Website

Yin in Imperium Gloriosum

Secret Keeper for Furdaddy's First PBEM.

Joined: Wed, 2008 Jan 16, 7:49 PM (CST)

Messages: 3566

Location: West Lafayette, Indiana - USA

Offline

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at Wed, 2008 May 7, 9:16 PM (CDT)

Rat - Saar Merc. in TI3 RPG

Sturmgard - Fundraiser

Letnev - Rosco2

Winnu - Rosco3

Mentak - Rosco4

Firijii - IXOYE

Protoss - Flames of War 2

GM - Galaxy at War, Do it Yourself

Joined: Wed, 2008 Jan 16, 6:22 PM (CST)

Messages: 1881

Offline

Body (determines hitpoints, strength, etc)

Mind (mental acuity)

Education (learned knowledge)

Charisma (how well you relate to others, etc)

Ability (how well you naturally execute and pick up "learned" skills... like driving, firing a gun, etc)

Quick overview of the in-game advantages to each race plus some very brief physiology below. Some of it is from the rulebook. A lot of it is my own.

Humans: As usual, these guys are the most flexible. They start with lower stats than most everybody else but have more "free points" that they can assign so you have a lot of leeway. Humans learn skills more easily than anyone else.

Hacan: High starting Charisma, low starting education, other scores are average. Prefer warm, dry conditions, lower tolerance for cold/damp. Generally more athletically gifted than humans, but require 10-12 hours of sleep per cycle. Generally do NOT like water (take sand baths). All Hacan have retractible claws which make them more dangerous in hand-to-hand combat. Hacan from the homeworlds tend to be quite vain and spend a lot of time preening and concerning themselves with social status and appearance.

Letnev: Much stronger than humans. Hardy constitution, they can eat almost anything and survive the harshest conditions. Being a naturally subterranean race, they have incredible night vision, but are very sensitive to bright light (and wear goggles most of the time). Prefer cold/damp over hot/dry. Very cranky dispositions most of the time. Letnev physiology kind "gives out" after approximately 45 years, so there are no "old" Letnev. However, they never get old and decrepit; they are are fit and trim, in perfect physical condition up until the day they have a massive heart attack and drop dead. Letnev were genetically engineered to have excellent 3D spatial skills so they receive a bonus to piloting small craft (Fighters and Corvettes).

Xxcha: Strong and solid, but still intelligent and charismatic. Cold blooded, however, and usually dependent on a device called a "personal heating unit" to remain alert and quick-witted. Can go into a hibernation/trance state for long periods of time. Most Xxcha from Archon Tau are vegetarians, pacifists, and deeply artistic/philosophical, but these are all cultural traits, not physical. Mentak-born Xxcha are as varied as humans in personality. Generally live to be quite old, 300 years or so.

Hylar: Small stature, large head (literally and figuratively), soft bones, webbed feet. Worst body scores, but highest mind/education. Low charisma as well. Most subspecies can breathe air but for most it is unpleasant. They are fairly mobile on land but slow and awkward (roughly equivalent to us walking around with flippers). Hylar living out of water usually shed their skin once a month, especially if they don't have access to a water-containment mobile platform or liquid-environment living quarters. Hylar are usually snooty and arrogant, even ones born and raised on Moll Primus. They receive a bonus to roles that concern knowledge about a particular subject (ex: "what do I know about deuton crystals?")

Saar: Short stature, and very hairy... they rat/dog-like appearance. Not as strong as most humans but are fast, have good reflexes. They are wiry and dextrous, sharp-witted and resourceful, but the Saar as a whole are looked down upon by other species, who see them as just a bunch of dirty, scruffy parasites, even though the opposite is generally true. They usually live in large families which are themselves subsets of huge clans that share the same name (clan name comes first... ex Cha'zui Elam and Cha'zui Gertosh are two Saar brothers). They are great at crawling around small spaces, like ventilation shafts or the bowels of spaceships.

A thought on character background: I'm ok with your character being an expatriate who has joined the Mentak for whatever reason, but I would also like to see some characters that were born and bred on Moll Primus. I'd also like to see at least one human... they are the most common species in the galaxy after all (followed closely by Saar)...

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at Wed, 2008 May 7, 11:22 PM (CDT)

GM of Privateers RPG

Privateers Website

Yin in Imperium Gloriosum

Secret Keeper for Furdaddy's First PBEM.

Joined: Thu, 2008 Jan 17, 7:13 AM (CST)

Messages: 1275

Location: St-Arsène, Québec, Canada

Offline

Ok. I know I said I wouldnt, but I just can't let this pass. If you want me (since you have a lot of peoples already) I would be glad to have a place among you. I know I dont have an extraordinary english and it's not a native tongue.

If there is only a little place, I can do with a small role and I will be very happy with it! Just for example, I wouldnt want to be the captain! Give me a third role, no first, no second, but third!

Thanks

GM@Chapaï (5st Rnd)

Raiders of Moeb@DoItYourself (6rdRnd)

Joined: Wed, 2008 Jan 16, 6:22 PM (CST)

Messages: 1881

Offline

GM of Privateers RPG

Privateers Website

Yin in Imperium Gloriosum

Secret Keeper for Furdaddy's First PBEM.

Joined: Thu, 2008 Jan 17, 3:17 PM (CST)

Messages: 1627

Location: Castle Rock, CO

Offline

Korvin, Letnev Weapons Officer in Privateers RPG PBEM

----

POSTS = POSTS + 3278

Joined: Wed, 2008 Jan 16, 7:49 PM (CST)

Messages: 3566

Location: West Lafayette, Indiana - USA

Offline

I will be a Saar mercenary. Need someone killed from a distance? Need something blown up? I'm your man... errr... dog-rat thing.

Rat - Saar Merc. in TI3 RPG

Sturmgard - Fundraiser

Letnev - Rosco2

Winnu - Rosco3

Mentak - Rosco4

Firijii - IXOYE

Protoss - Flames of War 2

GM - Galaxy at War, Do it Yourself

Joined: Thu, 2008 Jan 17, 7:13 AM (CST)

Messages: 1275

Location: St-Arsène, Québec, Canada

Offline

Mike_Evans wrote:

I think we could work you in, Grummore.

I might even give you various walk-on roles that I might otherwise do myself as a non-player-character, if you're interested...

Not too many roles for the Grummore! But I do not mind been a PCNPC . If you do have in mind a role you wish to fill in, just tell me. Otherwise, give me a minute and i will try to find you a general idea on a race I might be interested in. I had thought of a Letnev, but everybody wish to be a letnev because they are soooo cool! I will do something else then.

GM@Chapaï (5st Rnd)

Raiders of Moeb@DoItYourself (6rdRnd)

Joined: Wed, 2008 Jan 16, 6:22 PM (CST)

Messages: 1881

Offline

GM of Privateers RPG

Privateers Website

Yin in Imperium Gloriosum

Secret Keeper for Furdaddy's First PBEM.

Joined: Wed, 2008 Jan 16, 7:02 PM (CST)

Messages: 830

Location: Michigan

Offline

Leroy in Privateers, Captain of N'orr's Bane

Joined: Wed, 2008 Jan 16, 7:02 PM (CST)

Messages: 830

Location: Michigan

Offline

Leroy in Privateers, Captain of N'orr's Bane

Joined: Thu, 2008 Jan 17, 3:17 PM (CST)

Messages: 1627

Location: Castle Rock, CO

Offline

I wouldn't mind changing mine to Human to make more diversity; I just thought it might be less exciting to have a non-exotic race

Heck, if cybernetic implants, ala the Mentak lady person, are OK, I could diversify using some of those; but I don't want to spoil the atmosphere.

Korvin, Letnev Weapons Officer in Privateers RPG PBEM

----

POSTS = POSTS + 3278

Joined: Mon, 2008 Jan 21, 5:08 PM (CST)

Messages: 741

Offline

I will be Hylar.

Jol Nar in Mutability

Buy Hylar Warsuns today!

Joined: Tue, 2008 Jan 22, 2:06 AM (CST)

Messages: 229

Location: Sweden

Offline

For position I would be happy to be an engineer. I could be first mate or doctor as well. Or all three.

I do have a schaman concept going. I will summon the great warpspirits in the ion-engine and calm the decalibration-demon with a mighty hymn as we pass through the Great Void.

I approve of Lothar as captain! What rat will you have us to catch today, sir?

Joined: Sun, 2008 Jan 20, 10:19 AM (CST)

Messages: 2753

Location: Oslo

Online

Does the Xxcha have natural armor?

I have dozens of character ideas, so I'll hang on and see what the other ones picks. I think I'll end up with a human.

Lex Antares in Privateers

Shattered Ascension 2.93 PDF (zip)

Shattered Ascension Extra Cards jpg

Joined: Wed, 2008 Jan 16, 7:02 PM (CST)

Messages: 830

Location: Michigan

Offline

Who knows if we are brave and lucky perhaps we shall have summer homes on Mecentol Rex with servents from the one time ruling elites of the other major races!

Forgotten prison planet indeed, we shall see arrogant ones, we shall see.

As a side note, if you see mispellings, I am typing from work.

Leroy in Privateers, Captain of N'orr's Bane

Joined: Wed, 2008 Jan 16, 6:22 PM (CST)

Messages: 1881

Offline

For example, there are combat suits that come with a built-in energy weapon that is capable of killing most species in a single hit. It takes two hits to kill a Xxcha. Xxcha also possess a strange immunity to neural stunners... they find the effect "relaxing."

GM of Privateers RPG

Privateers Website

Yin in Imperium Gloriosum

Secret Keeper for Furdaddy's First PBEM.

Joined: Thu, 2008 Jan 17, 3:04 AM (CST)

Messages: 695

Location: Northern Virginia

Offline

Lothar, or whoever winds up being captain, if you don't mind me including your character in my back story, found me wandering around Moll Primus and I've been following him around ever since.

Sturmgard in Way of the Warrior

Letnev in They've gone to Plaid

Burb Doctor Scientist of the Norr's bane (Privateers RPG)

Joined: Sun, 2008 Jan 20, 10:19 AM (CST)

Messages: 2753

Location: Oslo

Online

Lex Antares in Privateers

Shattered Ascension 2.93 PDF (zip)

Shattered Ascension Extra Cards jpg

Joined: Wed, 2008 Jan 16, 6:22 PM (CST)

Messages: 1881

Offline

Only the original six races are described in the rulebook. I have subtracted the N'orr and added the Saar as a playable character type. I think the Yssaril are mentioned briefly but there are no rules for them specifically. There are a few other minor races that are mentioned but none of them are playable races in TI3.

In my vision of the universe, I consider the "Great Races" to be any race that has been allowed representation in the Council on Mecatol Rex. At this point in time, only the original 6 have representation. When the Mentak are inducted, which is imminent, they will be considered a "Great Race" at that point.

There are dozens if not hundreds of other minor races among the planets of the imperium, but only governments large enough to own a swath of planets, a sizable military, and a large amount of political influence are allowed by the Custodians to take part in the Council.

GM of Privateers RPG

Privateers Website

Yin in Imperium Gloriosum

Secret Keeper for Furdaddy's First PBEM.

Joined: Sun, 2008 Jan 20, 10:19 AM (CST)

Messages: 2753

Location: Oslo

Online

Lex Antares in Privateers

Shattered Ascension 2.93 PDF (zip)

Shattered Ascension Extra Cards jpg

Joined: Thu, 2008 Jan 17, 3:17 PM (CST)

Messages: 1627

Location: Castle Rock, CO

Offline

Korvin, Letnev Weapons Officer in Privateers RPG PBEM

----

POSTS = POSTS + 3278