Deathwatch with Edge of the Empire

By ejacobs, in Star Wars: Edge of the Empire RPG

So, since the narrative aspect of EotE is fantastic and allows for pretty much any genre/theme to be brought into the ruleset, I was thinking about talent trees for space marine characters.

Assuming that all characters begin play as initiates into (insert name here) chapter.

Tree 1- Scout

Tree 2- Marine

Tree 3,4- Assault Marine, Devastator Marine

Tree 5- Sergeant

Tree 6- Veteran

Tree 7- Captain

Those would show the general progression, though veteran could come before Sergeant. Specialties like Tech-Marine, Chaplain, and Apothocary would have separate trees. Chapters that combine certain trees like Space Wolves, would either have a combined tree, or perhaps use the appropriate single trees simultaneously if there are certain talents that cross-pollenate. Librarians would have their own 4 separate talent trees to show their progression from beginning to end. This progressive tree build would allow characters to start as humans and then gain the extended attributes of the space marine through various stages, most coming during the scout tree as their extra organs become fully developed.

Has anyone else thought of this?

E

the initial idea sounds good, might need to grow a bit ;)

Seems interesting, I guess Chapters will be featured in place of races? Obligation could be tweaked into the various chapter and other demaneours, but how would you use Insanity/Corruption?

Oh it definately needs growth and development. I don't see Chapters as separate "races", but perhaps certain chapters will provide a starting difference. Or, since ultimately, there is very little difference to the chapters, that can be handled narratively. Blood Angels are known for their melee prowess. No need to add an extra proficiency or boost die to the character, allow the PC to put his points into on his own. Take talents that emphasize that. Not all BA are expert swordsman, some are really good shots with different types of weapons. I think not pidgeon-holing all Blood Angels, or Ultramarines, or whathaveyou into those narrow guidelines, allows PC's to gather their own narrative flavor for their Chapter of Choice. Plus, I want to keep the term 'race' separate to account for Orks, Eldar, Tau, other Xenos, and even regular humans.

Looking at the standard stat-block for the TT game, I think some very easy conversion could be done for NPC's, especially if you change the attribute cap to 10 for those beings who can readily go beyond the human max. Just like I don't think that wookiees should be capped the same as humans in SW.

My initial thoughts on Insanity/Corruption, at least for gaining points, would be that certain species of creature, even corrupted human sorcerers, have a "talent" that causes insanity or corruption. Perhaps each initial contact with such enemy, a willpower roll is made, and if a despair is rolled, insanity/corruption is gained. Then, for as long as a PC stays in combat with said creature, any mental attacks could trigger additional rolls to avoid ins/cor? Talents like Fear or Terror (cause Fear or cause Terror) on enemy creatures could trigger the same types of rolls but for Insanity points.

E

I would think you would do better using warhammer fantasy for this convention.

The death watch didnt have chapters. It was just a rogue group of mandolorians that wanted to cause more mayhem and blood shed as invaders and mauraders......Wait are you in the right forum :P

I love it, this is something I want to see.

Consider this -- Talent trees don't have to be based on rank, such as Veteran or Sergeant. Those are inherent to achievements of the character. Talent tree could be Librarian Initiate, Techmarine Forger, Techmarine Archeotechnician.

I would start Deathwatch at the place that the original starts, where the players already have a few accomplishments under their belts, full armor, and totally not scout initiates. But I could see some wiggle room that lets you play as scouts, no biggie. Lower a few stats, less gear, a few less talents and skills, bam.

I'm gonna think about Insanity and Corruption, but I wanna use Force Dice, not silly percentile again.