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The Dresden Files => DFRPG => Topic started by: iago on July 15, 2008, 03:35:26 PM

Title: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: iago on July 15, 2008, 03:35:26 PM
This list is a little light on the faeriekind, but that's mainly because this is the list of "definitely-yes" player character types, and the faeries live on the "maybe-yes" list:

Pure Mortal
Champion of God
Changeling
Emissary of Power
Focused Practitioner
Knight of a Faerie Court (* Might be a maybe, depending on what all's entailed here)
Lycanthrope
Minor Talent
Red Court Infected
Sorcerer
True Believer
Were-Form
White Court Vampire
White Court Virgin
Wizard
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: TheMouse on July 15, 2008, 05:27:11 PM
I'm pretty happy with that list. Toss on low end faeries (I'm not talking Toot Toot here) and I'll be completely satisfied.
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: Simon Hogwood on July 15, 2008, 06:42:22 PM
Aha, Were-Form - good way to put it.  ;D
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: iago on July 15, 2008, 07:02:20 PM
I'm pretty happy with that list. Toss on low end faeries (I'm not talking Toot Toot here) and I'll be completely satisfied.

Yeah, pixies are an edge case. Entirely buildable, though.
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: TheMouse on July 15, 2008, 07:09:12 PM
Yeah, pixies are an edge case. Entirely buildable, though.

I don't think any of my players would want to play a pixie, but it'll be nice to be able to build them as NPCs if I should want to.

I have a gaming group which is excited about FATE. They like Dresden Files, by and large. I've got the in a nutshell version of my first storyline. You guys NEED to put this game out, man. NEED.

(:
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: Soulless Mystic5523 on July 16, 2008, 03:19:23 AM
What exactly is an Emissary of Power?
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: MatthewD44 on July 16, 2008, 03:37:56 AM
I was wondering about Focused Practitioner
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: iago on July 16, 2008, 04:10:32 AM
What exactly is an Emissary of Power?

Summer and Winter Knights would be an example (that, granted, we've split out into its own template).  But think more broadly, with more patrons out there than just the Courts of Faerie.
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: iago on July 16, 2008, 04:10:51 AM
I was wondering about Focused Practitioner

Ectomancer, kinetomancer, pyromancer, alchemist.
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: Blaze on July 16, 2008, 06:53:21 AM
My son says he wants to play a Lawn Gnome, Iago.  That would be low end fae, ala Toot-Toot, right?   (his quote:  I mow Morgan's grass.)
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: ludomaniac on July 16, 2008, 11:21:56 AM
I want to be able to play a Loup-Garou who can transform at will and retain his human consciousness!  Oh, and it would be cool if he could also set stuff on fire by looking at it.




Seriously, though, the list looks good.
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: MatthewD44 on July 16, 2008, 01:31:31 PM
I like the lawn gnome... they might be interesting NPC that would be able get information from. I just wonder how you would trap them.... fairy ring?
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: iago on July 16, 2008, 03:35:37 PM
My son says he wants to play a Lawn Gnome, Iago.  That would be low end fae, ala Toot-Toot, right?   (his quote:  I mow Morgan's grass.)
Uh, sure? :)
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: Soulless Mystic5523 on July 16, 2008, 08:14:08 PM
Summer and Winter Knights would be an example (that, granted, we've split out into its own template).  But think more broadly, with more patrons out there than just the Courts of Faerie.

Hmm, interesting...
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: TheMouse on July 16, 2008, 08:30:35 PM
Hmm, interesting...

Indeed.

There are lots of things that live in the Nevernever. Old gods might be an interesting start.
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: iago on July 16, 2008, 08:33:34 PM
Indeed.

There are lots of things that live in the Nevernever. Old gods might be an interesting start.

Emissary of Power
Emissaries are mortals who’ve been saddled with a burden of great power—and great responsibility—by one of the big dogs in the supernatural community: they might be vast powers from Faerie or the outer reaches of the Nevernever, one of the true dragons, or something stranger.  Emissaries of power are often the bearers of items of great potency, able to tap into the power of their patron and bring it to bear on their patron’s behalf.  Such champions are usually more victim than anything, though—powers such as theirs come at the price of dark bargains, be it a lifetime of thankless servitude and sacrifice, their eternal soul, or other such “petty” things.

Knights of the Faerie Courts are an example of this, as are—by certain lights—champions of God such as the Knights of the Cross.  Both have their own templates found elsewhere in this chapter.  This template, then, is for the outliers, the cases that aren’t covered by the more common, more easily identified emissary templates.  Perhaps there was once the Autumn Court of Faerie that got crushed by Winter and Summer—and some hapless mortal is its champion.  Perhaps the dragon Ferrovax has need of a functionary that can handle all of that insignificant mortal nonsense on his behalf.  Perhaps something else is afoot.

[MARGINALIA]
HARRY: Billy, do me a favor and stop inventing problems I don’t already have.
BOB: Actually, there’s some merit—
HARRY: That goes DOUBLE for you, Bob!
[MARGINALIA]

For the player looking to play something supernatural, but unsure what, this template offers plenty of build-your-own options.  GMs are, however, encouraged to make the demands of the emissary’s patron a regular (if not constant) pain in the ass.

Musts: An emissary of power must have a high concept aspect that speaks to the bargain or pact they have made with a patron of great power (e.g., LAST CHAMPION OF AUTUMN or FERROVAX’S TOADIE).  This aspect brings with it all of the strictures and responsibilities the patron places on the character—which can sometimes be a moving target.  It may also mean that the patron can occasionally exercise near-total power over the PC (think of Harry’s predicament when Mab decides to force him to do something—like stab himself in the hand).  Player and GM should discuss the terms of this agreement, to the extent they’re known by the PC.

[MARGINALIA]
HARRY: Thanks for that reminder.
[/MARGINALIA]

In addition, the emissary must take Marked by Power [-1].

Options: Many of the abilities in the supernatural abilities chapter (page XX) are negotiably available, assuming you can afford the refresh cost, matching the theme and nature of the emissary’s supernatural patron (if the patron is in some way a mystery to the character, the powers taken may offer a hint).  Often some of these powers are essentially contained within an Item of Power (page XX).

Total Refresh Cost: Varies, but starts at -1 due to the Marked by Power ability.  No two emissaries are alike.
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: Soulless Mystic5523 on July 16, 2008, 08:39:04 PM
Even more intriguing. Bery, bery interestink.  ;D Some really neat ideas in there.
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: TheMouse on July 16, 2008, 08:58:59 PM
Very nice. I especially like the notion of nearly obliterated Faerie courts sending out their champions to do, well, weird Faerie things.

And I was going to guess dragons with emissaries.
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: Jaroslav on July 16, 2008, 09:44:56 PM
Will you be able to play a semi-refined and repentant ghoul? Or will ghouls only be NPCs?   
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: iago on July 16, 2008, 10:03:56 PM
Will you be able to play a semi-refined and repentant ghoul? Or will ghouls only be NPCs?   
Ghouls aren't going to be "supported" PCs, but I imagine some playgroups will decide to support them, and that's fine.  The system doesn't do a lot to stand in the way of any character concept so long as the PC can afford the abilities without going over the refresh limit.

Still, eating its own body-weight in raw flesh every day, or something?  Yiiigh, not a PC I want to spend time around!
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: Tush Hog on July 16, 2008, 10:39:50 PM
What is a Refresh rate?
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: TheMouse on July 16, 2008, 10:46:24 PM
What is a Refresh rate?

It is the rate at which characters recover fate points.

See, fate points are a resource in the FATE RPG system. You spend them to get to do certain things. Every session or so, you fill  your fate point pool up to a certain point, which is your refresh rate. If your refresh is 10 and you ended last session with only 5, you start the session with 10. However, if you ended last session with 12, you keep the 12 and refresh doesn't affect you.
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: Tush Hog on July 16, 2008, 11:07:03 PM
Gotcha, thanks!
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: iago on July 16, 2008, 11:19:03 PM
It is the rate at which characters recover fate points.

See, fate points are a resource in the FATE RPG system. You spend them to get to do certain things. Every session or so, you fill  your fate point pool up to a certain point, which is your refresh rate. If your refresh is 10 and you ended last session with only 5, you start the session with 10. However, if you ended last session with 12, you keep the 12 and refresh doesn't affect you.

It'll function a little differently from the SOTC model in DFRPG, but that's a good approximation. :)
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: TheMouse on July 16, 2008, 11:28:11 PM
It'll function a little differently from the SOTC model in DFRPG, but that's a good approximation. :)

Are you doing the, "It's what you get per session, period," version? That's how they seem to be using it in Starblazers.
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: Douglas on July 16, 2008, 11:37:28 PM
What's the line between True Believer and Champion of God?

And in a universe where powers other than capital G God exist, will small g gods and godesses be able to field Champions, or do they get Emissaries of Power?
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: iago on July 16, 2008, 11:52:30 PM
What's the line between True Believer and Champion of God?

Champs get a few extra powers & responsibilities.  It's an intentionally fuzzy line.

Quote
And in a universe where powers other than capital G God exist, will small g gods and godesses be able to field Champions, or do they get Emissaries of Power?

That's the role the EoP template fills.
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: Lanodantheon on July 17, 2008, 12:28:01 AM
Iago, this list is pure awesome sauce...  ;D

Question: What is the difference between
Focused Practitioner
Minor Talent
Sorcerer
True Believer &
Wizard
???

Also, with the flexibility you illustrated for Emissary of Power, I Wonder about how else you can deal with outlier character types.
Important to note: I would never actually play a character like this, I'm just using it as an exaple to find out how flexible the DFRPG will be.

Let's say I want to play a character like Silent Bob. Let's just say. I'd like his concept to be that through sheer obsession he developed his own powers (No pacts, no spellbooks, no nothing). How would I build this character?

The answer to question 2 is probably the answer to question 1.
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: TheMouse on July 17, 2008, 12:37:37 AM
From the books, a wizard is a magic practitioner with both power and talent. Sorcerers just have raw destructive power, but with no skill to do other things.

I am guessing that a minor talent is someone with little magic but some flexibility.

My guess is that a focused practitioner is like Mort, a one trick pony.

True believers are probably like Father Forthill. Their faith doesn't give them huge powers, but they always seem to be protected and they might have other things going for them.

How close am I?  (:
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: Jaroslav on July 17, 2008, 01:24:37 AM
Still, eating its own body-weight in raw flesh every day, or something?  Yiiigh, not a PC I want to spend time around!
That's why you play a ghoul who's a vegan. :D
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: iago on July 17, 2008, 01:20:09 PM
From the books, a wizard is a magic practitioner with both power and talent. Sorcerers just have raw destructive power, but with no skill to do other things.

I am guessing that a minor talent is someone with little magic but some flexibility.

My guess is that a focused practitioner is like Mort, a one trick pony.

True believers are probably like Father Forthill. Their faith doesn't give them huge powers, but they always seem to be protected and they might have other things going for them.

How close am I?  (:

Pretty close.  Minor Talent? Lydia, from Grave Peril, is one example.  As might be slightly-precognitive lass from White Night.

Sorcerers are sort of like Wizards without the bloodline or the training. Think Victor Sells.

Otherwise you pretty much have it.
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: prophet224 on July 17, 2008, 01:42:30 PM
First, thank you Iago for what appears to be (almost at least) an excerpt.  That was a much-desired peek into things.

I do find it interesting that the Knights of the Cross come under "Champions of God", as this indicates that there are other types of champions out there.  I like.

I also find it interesting that there is as much differentiation as there is... 'Minor Talent', 'Wizard', 'Focused Practitioner', 'Sorcerer'.  I kind of thought that the differences would be built with skills, aspects, and stunts (SAS), but that the builds would use the same SASs in different fashions.  As I understand it, these (Wizard, Sorcerer, etc) are Stunts, yes?

On Ghouls: One of the playtest groups (Rick Neal) actually tweaked things a bit and had a ghoul PC.  I'm not saying it's a great idea, but hey, who am I to judge? :)
http://www.rickneal.ca/?page_id=53 (http://www.rickneal.ca/?page_id=53)

Just an amusing (to me at least) note regarding God and gods: even in the Old Testament, God talks quite regularly about gods.  He doesn't generally say that they don't exist, just that they aren't the Almighty, and to not pay attention to them.  Hmmm...
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: iago on July 17, 2008, 01:46:05 PM
That's why you play a ghoul who's a vegan. :D

Ohhh, you want to play a starved-to-death ghoul! Now I get it! :)
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: iago on July 17, 2008, 01:49:51 PM
I also find it interesting that there is as much differentiation as there is... 'Minor Talent', 'Wizard', 'Focused Practitioner', 'Sorcerer'.  I kind of thought that the differences would be built with skills, aspects, and stunts (SAS), but that the builds would use the same SASs in different fashions.  As I understand it, these (Wizard, Sorcerer, etc) are Stunts, yes?

Minor Talents don't participate in the spellcasting game. This is for one-off non-spellcaster types.

So really it's just the Focused Practitioner (narrowly defined, small set of stunts, ala ectomancer), Sorcerer (no bloodline and mostly self-trained, but could go toe to toe with a wizard on a good day), and Wizard (full bloodline, training, white council membership and oversight, etc).  They're sort of weight classes, though they're weight classes that could kick each other's asses under the right set of circumstances, with plenty of overlap.

Templates (such as the one seen above) aren't stunts, they're stunt-sets.  So think of these three templates as "character recipes".

Quote
On Ghouls: One of the playtest groups (Rick Neal) actually tweaked things a bit and had a ghoul PC.  I'm not saying it's a great idea, but hey, who am I to judge? :)

Oh, I'm well aware of Rick's wonderful playtest blogging. :)

I warned him that the Ghoul type of character was probably not an official option.

Quote
Just an amusing (to me at least) note regarding God and gods: even in the Old Testament, God talks quite regularly about gods.  He doesn't generally say that they don't exist, just that they aren't the Almighty, and to not pay attention to them.  Hmmm...

Yes, quite interesting, isn't it?
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: Rel Fexive on July 18, 2008, 11:22:37 PM
So it looks like my idea of a cop with a talent for finding people (lost folks, murderers, kidnapees) would be a Minor Talent then.  A bit like Angela Dodson in the Constantine movie.
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: iago on July 18, 2008, 11:39:17 PM
So it looks like my idea of a cop with a talent for finding people (lost folks, murderers, kidnapees) would be a Minor Talent then.  A bit like Angela Dodson in the Constantine movie.

Or could be a Focused Practitioner -- a divinator or somesuch.
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: Rel Fexive on July 18, 2008, 11:57:53 PM
I guess so.  I think of the concept as more "I just know where to go and look" rather than "I perform my locator ritual using the murder weapon" though... but with a bit of focus the Minor Talent's instinct could be honed into the Focused Practitioner's directed ability.  Perhaps that is a character goal right there? ;)
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: Lanodantheon on July 26, 2008, 05:22:49 PM
Warden Swords, would those be Items of power or are those too uber for PCs?
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: ludomaniac on July 26, 2008, 06:36:46 PM
Warden Swords, would those be Items of power or are those too uber for PCs?

It depends on the game you run.  If I let a character have a Warden's Sword, they'd also get cool accessories like a Warden's Cloak, a Warden's responsibilities, and a Warden's enemies.  Congratulations, you are now a primary target of the Red Court!  Enjoy the sword...
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: iago on July 27, 2008, 11:08:07 PM
Warden Swords, would those be Items of power or are those too uber for PCs?
Haven't plumbed those particular depths yet. :)
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: Diebdazar on July 27, 2008, 11:44:03 PM
Home brew:

Personal Artifact Stunt required:
--Warden swords pitch conviction and/or discipline against the foes to unravel the spell, can be done as part of an attack.

Obviously aspects can be tagged to boost the chance.


I don't remember but if it is said that any warden's sword can unravel any magic then it might very well be a bit of propaganda.  Give a seed of doubt to foes and what not ;) .
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: tonpa on July 28, 2008, 11:43:32 AM
That sounds really good, maybe would reguire "Warden Sword" -type aspect, maybe named that would modify the specified affect. If the effect would be one player is defending against, it could be a turn based check to keep the enchanment going (basically going against a static block number from the enemy npc), maybe with Conviction or Lore being the skill used. 
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: Diebdazar on July 28, 2008, 08:45:47 PM
Nah, it'd be part and parcel of the "White Council Warden" aspect, they're just required to also pay for the stunt of having their sword (unless they're like harry)
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: Soulless Mystic5523 on July 28, 2008, 09:20:33 PM
Remember that Warden swords are custom to each Warden. I don't think that they'll work for just anyone. That's why Harry doesn't have one yet.
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: iago on July 28, 2008, 09:32:15 PM
Remember that Warden swords are custom to each Warden. I don't think that they'll work for just anyone. That's why Harry doesn't have one yet.

And might not ever, due to the way the end of Dead Beat shook out.
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: ludomaniac on July 28, 2008, 10:04:14 PM
And might not ever, due to the way the end of Dead Beat shook out.

I was disappointed when I figured out that Harry probably wasn't getting a sword.  Then again, if Jim makes things too easy for him, the upcoming novels will be awfully short...
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: Soulless Mystic5523 on July 28, 2008, 10:13:51 PM
I was disappointed when I figured out that Harry probably wasn't getting a sword.  Then again, if Jim makes things too easy for him, the upcoming novels will be awfully short...

I kind of liked it, because it means that he will need to team up more often, which will be usful against the bigger baddies. His fight with Rameriez was a great feat of teamwork, even before the whole thing went south.
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: TheMouse on July 28, 2008, 10:14:48 PM
Then again, if Jim makes things too easy for him, the upcoming novels will be awfully short...

If there's one thing that Jim does not do, it's make life easy for Harry. It's like not even a blip on the radar.
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: prophet224 on July 29, 2008, 01:14:20 PM
Honestly though, there are some people that the sword just fits.

Harry is not one of those people.

I don't think it's really in his worldview to be able to consistently use the sword.  Even if he got one, even if he wore it around (which I doubt), I think he'd pretty much make the most simplistic use of it he could, and that would be that.  It's just not him.
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: Diebdazar on July 29, 2008, 06:46:50 PM
wonder if a warden gun is possible. . . :P
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: TheMouse on July 29, 2008, 07:15:30 PM
wonder if a warden gun is possible. . . :P

Been watching Supernatural?

(:
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: Diebdazar on July 29, 2008, 09:11:33 PM
er, nope, don't watch tv much *goes to wiki*
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: Rel Fexive on July 29, 2008, 09:16:52 PM
Been watching Supernatural?

(:

Indeed :)  Know any yellow-eyed demons that need wasting?

"Warden bullets" and a unique gun to shoot them.  That would make a fascinating central character concept.  Or a story arc McGuffin ;)
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: TheMouse on July 29, 2008, 09:28:46 PM
er, nope, don't watch tv much *goes to wiki*

Long story short: If you shoot something with this gun, and if that would be a kill shot on a normal person, that thing is dead. Period.
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: Lanodantheon on July 29, 2008, 10:01:50 PM
Haven't plumbed those particular depths yet. :)

In the words of a Cartoon Cowboy, "'I Hate you...' *FALL* *SPLASH*" :P



wonder if a warden gun is possible. . . :P

Actually, I've wondered about something like that as an Item of Power. I wasn't thinking a Warden's Gun as much as an artifact like Amorrachias. The Swords of the Cross get their power from faith, not because the pieces of the cross in their hilts are holy, but because people believe they have power like an antenna. I wonder if you you could get a similiar item of power out of a Revolver that belonged to a Legendary Gunfighter from the Old West. Let's take for a quick example...Doc Holliday's pistols. I would think they could get modern artifacts because of all the movies made about Wyatt Earp and the O.K. Corral. It would act as an antenna because movie goers would believe his guns have power (Not neary to the degree of Michael's sword, but still) especially kids who learn about them.

Hell, you could probably get something similair from a movie prop to a movie that has a cult following. Large groups of people, especially kids would believe that object had power.

But those are my thoughts. In my games at least something like that would require some good writing on the player's part.
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: Diebdazar on July 30, 2008, 04:53:41 AM
could be quite scary too. . . ("EX-TER-MI-NATE!")

hrm, plot idea
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: TheMouse on July 30, 2008, 04:44:48 PM
EX-TER-MI-NATE!

Just what Harry needs. Daleks.

Ironically, wizards would be stupidly effective against them. Their suits are very advanced technology. So they'd sorta... pop. Or maybe just spin around helplessly in circles. (:
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: Diebdazar on July 30, 2008, 07:19:41 PM
Hrm, though are the Dalek's tech advance enough to fall under the "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic"  paradigm?

Cybermen would probably have some trouble, not so sure about the Daleks and the like. . . Unless I'm imagining things, some NeverNever creatures (or maybe the denarians?) have made references to there being other inhabited worlds?

Though if the daleks encountered on earth were just Nevernever beings akin to the 'movie monsters' in Proven Guilty. . . Then they likely wouldn't have any 'actual technology'.

And, while I'm on a doctor kick :P

The Doctor: No, but there’s a power in words. If I can find the right one, if I can just know you…
Mother Doomfinger: None on Earth has knowledge of us
The Doctor: Then it’s a good thing I’m here. Now, think, think, think… Humanoid, female, uses shapes and words to channel energy… ah, fourteen! That’s it, fourteen! The fourteen stars of the Rexel planetary configuration! Creature, I name you… Carrionite!
(Mother Doomfinger screams and vanishes in a flash of light)
Martha: What did you do?
The Doctor: I named her. The power of the name. That’s old magic.
Martha: But there’s no such thing as magic.
The Doctor: Well, it’s a different sort of science. You lot; you chose mathematics. Given the right string of numbers, the right equation, you could split the atom. Carrionites use words instead.
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: TheMouse on July 30, 2008, 07:27:27 PM
Okay, that works. Nevernever beasties taking their shape from the geeks at a sci-fi convention could work out just fine.
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: Rel Fexive on July 30, 2008, 08:46:14 PM
It's worked at other types of convention, after all....
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: TheMouse on July 30, 2008, 08:55:12 PM
It's worked at other types of convention, after all....

That's what I'm saying.

I mean, I know I'd be afraid of something that looks like a "real" Dalek. I've had years of stories about Daleks as merciless killing machines. One of those fear eating beasties could get a meal from that, I'm sure.

(:
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: Diebdazar on July 31, 2008, 12:28:32 AM
*nods* it may just be me but the Daleks aren't that scary compared to other things. . .  I found the cybermen more frightening.

There are fates worse than death. . .

Now Tyranids and their Genestealer scouts (or their copyright infringing offspring: the zerg :P ). . . they are true nightmare fuel.

You can hold something resembling a conversation with a dalek.  The 'nids, not so much.
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: TheMouse on July 31, 2008, 01:07:06 AM
You can hold something resembling a conversation with a dalek.

Well, if you're Rose or the Doctor or the like. You and me? Not so much.
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: iago on July 31, 2008, 01:09:37 AM
Let's not kitbash with Dr. Who too much here, folks. Not that I'm not a fan. Just try to land somewhere in the neighborhood of on topic, k?
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: TheMouse on July 31, 2008, 01:37:42 AM
Sorry. (:

Who's following the burning alpha blog stuff? In one of them, there's a supernaturally endowed brotherhood which is a football team on the side. That's a really creative way of playing with what's playable.

Who has creative ways to use less supernaturally powerful folks in interesting ways?
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: prophet224 on August 01, 2008, 01:49:31 PM
I sort of lost track of the alpha stuff when the couple of groups that were linked to from Dresdenfilesrpg.com went into a different phase.  Where are you looking?

And I'm sorry in advance, but:

there's a supernaturally endowed brotherhood

Does that really qualify you as a PC?  :) Sorry... couldn't stop myself.

Ok, last thing:
The Swords of the Cross get their power from faith, not because the pieces of the cross in their hilts are holy, but because people believe they have power like an antenna. I wonder if you you could get a similiar item of power out of a Revolver that belonged to a Legendary Gunfighter from the Old West.

Where have you seen this?  I'm pretty sure that people's belief, while powerful, also relies on knowing what the thing is.  The question would be: Can an object of belief be powerful without people knowing they are believing in it?  That's not quite the right question either.  Basically, if I believe that a nail from the cross is Holy, but as far as I know you are just holding a sword, does it matter that I and other people hold that belief.  There is not actual object to focus that belief on.  When we see Harry use faith to light his amulet he is focusing intently on the amulet.

The other side of this is that I think we have a pretty good set of indicators that there really is a God out there in the Dresdenverse.  Though not by any means a Christian himself, Harry certainly believes He exists.  There may actually be power bound up in these swords... it's a tough call, but I'm curious to learn more in the future.
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: Lanodantheon on August 01, 2008, 07:27:14 PM
Where have you seen this?  I'm pretty sure that people's belief, while powerful, also relies on knowing what the thing is.  The question would be: Can an object of belief be powerful without people knowing they are believing in it?  That's not quite the right question either.  Basically, if I believe that a nail from the cross is Holy, but as far as I know you are just holding a sword, does it matter that I and other people hold that belief.  There is not actual object to focus that belief on.  When we see Harry use faith to light his amulet he is focusing intently on the amulet.

The other side of this is that I think we have a pretty good set of indicators that there really is a God out there in the Dresdenverse.  Though not by any means a Christian himself, Harry certainly believes He exists.  There may actually be power bound up in these swords... it's a tough call, but I'm curious to learn more in the future.

Unfortunately, I don't have all my Dresden books handy to quote passages to prove my case, (They're on the another coast) but I can try my best to at least put my point of view into perspective. I will admit I could be wrong about this, but I stand by it until a better explanation comes along. Right now my opinion of Faith magic boils down to Consensus Reality.

Harry explained about Faith magic in like Book 3 or 5. He explained that the magic of wizards works because the Wizard believes in his/her own magic. He then explained that the magic of Faith works because a lot of people have Faith in God. I do not question or dispute the existence of a God in the Dresdenverse, but I personally think that Faith magic works not because it comes from God, but because enough people have Faith in that God.

I think this because I interpret Faith Magic as being linked to the philosophical idea of Consensus Reality.
Consensus Reality in a nutshell(Not a completely accurate description) is that somwthing is true because enough people say it is true.

For example: Currency is valuable because people say it is valuable. A $20.00 bill is worth $20.00 because society believes it to be true. If I came from a primitive society without a concept of money or currency I would see a $20.00 bill for what it is, a piece of Green Paper. However, regardless of what I believe a $20 bill is worth that much because society says it does. The Consensus of society sees the piece of green paper as valuable and therefore it is.

I probably butchered that explanation, but anyway.

A lot of things in TDF work on this same philosophical principle. Thresholds work on this principle, Graveyards holding in spirits because of this principle, and in my opinion objects of Faith. There is Faith magic in the air because people have Faith and the nails in the sword are a part of that Faith. Those nails are acting as antennas for all of that Faith Magic in the air because they are linked to it. When you read about the Cruxificition, you read about the nails, that image is linked to that. If you believe in that event and saw one of those Nails wouldn't you think them to be holy things on some level? Probably.

At least, that's how I look at that particular item of power. I could be wrong and they get power directly from the source and not from the believers. Or the Swords could have power of Faith because Jim Butchers says they do.

I was just thinking about a gun from the Old West Working in the same way. An item of power that has power because enough people believe that it is important.
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: Soulless Mystic5523 on August 01, 2008, 08:09:15 PM
I was just thinking about a gun from the Old West Working in the same way. An item of power that has power because enough people believe that it is important.

The difference being though, the swords act as antennas because of the nail. Without the nail, they would just be swords. So, just because a gun is famous, there is no reason for it to act as an antenna. There is nothing for that faith to focus on.
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: Diebdazar on August 02, 2008, 03:50:02 AM
Of course, the consensus reality could open a bit of a can of worms?

re: "Don't believe in magic/fairies/whatnot."

Then you have spells going on the fritz, the technocracy springing up, and a lot of other mess :P
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: Storykeeper on August 02, 2008, 10:04:22 PM
I haven't had a chance to playtest the Dresden Files rpg or to use the FATE system in a game yet, so please forgive any lack of mechanical knowledge that I demonstrate.

Will changelings be mechanically different based solely on the fey parent, or will I have to invest some of my other choices into reflecting what makes my Baobhan-Sith changeling different from a troll changeling?
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: TheMouse on August 03, 2008, 12:14:27 AM
Will changelings be mechanically different based solely on the fey parent, or will I have to invest some of my other choices into reflecting what makes my Baobhan-Sith changeling different from a troll changeling?

I cannot speak from a position of authority on this. I'm not in the know. I'm just a dude who likes playing FATE.

I imagine the answer is yes. You would likely pick different skills, aspects, and stunts. Let me clarify what those are.

* Skills represent anything that might be covered by skills or attributes in most other RPGs I've played. How strong you are is Might, while how convincingly you lie is Deceit.

* Aspects are things about the character which will be made mechanically and narratively important. Let's say I make up the aspect "Bastard child of a troll." I can invoke that aspect to get a bonus on a roll to be strong. Someone can tag that aspect to pick me out of a crowd, because I'm big. Or the GM can compel my character to resort to violence.

* Stunts are how to do stuff beyond simple skills, or they are extensions to skills. One stunt might give me a bonus to Might rolls to break things. Another might give me a bonus to use Deceit to fool a member of the opposite sex through flirtation.

Selecting these three things properly should allow you to tune your character to be like what you wish.
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: Lanodantheon on August 04, 2008, 06:22:51 PM
Getting back on track: "Were-Form" That means we can have Were-Goats. But what about Form-Weres? How would you do those?

I hate to repeat myself, but it's appropriate here:

Playable Were-goats. J$#@*...
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: TheMouse on August 04, 2008, 08:24:45 PM
You mean animals that can become people? It doesn't seem as though it'd be overpowered, considering that we're getting werewolves. Depending on how the werewolf specific Stunts are done, you might be able to kit bash one. I mean, if it's just an alternate form type thing, then just do up the human form as the alternate one.

The real question is whether we could make a chupacabra to hunt down the weregoats. What a fight that would be...
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: Lanodantheon on August 05, 2008, 02:55:09 AM
The real question is whether we could make a chupacabra to hunt down the weregoats. What a fight that would be...

If you're going that route, forget Chubacabra. I want Were-Jackalope....versus Were-Goats hehehe
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: tonpa on August 05, 2008, 10:46:51 AM
I’m waiting the most some were-forms with connection to falcons and birds, lycanthrophy side at-least, but maybe even shape changer type. Other thing, also from player concept, is something for the taboos that have sympathy with the supernatural effect, from the school of though from karma; if you don’t take wealth in then need can’t touch you. Specifically if you don’t take money to your possession then you always have enough for your needs. Both can be done with aspects, but I hope there are some specific systems.

Cheers

-Tonpa
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: Lanodantheon on August 07, 2008, 02:56:20 AM
Here's another idea I had a question about:

You can be a True Believer like Father Foothill and stuff, but what if I want to play the exact opposite of that?
Let's say Bob the Mortal (Hypothetical) is the world's biggest Skeptic and doesn't believe in all this magic crap. One reason he doesn't believe (or because of his disbelief) Bob the Mortal has a natural resistance to the Magic, the ability to see through Glamours and other natural defenses against powers of the things that go bump.

I know that the FATE system is easily customizable and it can be as easy as choosing certain stunts, but what options do I have? Is their like a "Magical Resistance" Stunt or "I see Strange People" or something?
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: Diebdazar on August 07, 2008, 08:59:50 AM
If Bob the skeptic could see through glamours, and other magical disguises, then he probably wouldn't be a skeptic for long :P
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: TheMouse on August 07, 2008, 04:14:46 PM
I can imagine a stunt which gave you a bonus to any sort of resistance roll you'd get against magic. We've seen several beasties with a great deal of resistance to magical effects. It really depends on the particulars of the magic system, but I can imagine a series of stunts which granted you a degree of magic resistance. Of course, with powerful resistance comes a lowered refresh and thus more compels you need to go along with.
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: Lanodantheon on August 17, 2008, 06:14:17 PM
Are Panweres possible in the RPG? Panwere meaning a Were-from with multiple animal forms.

Also, I know Were-forms are dedicated casters, only able to do the one spell and back, but are there full-blown wizard equivalents?
Are Wizards capable of Were-form magic without breaking the Laws? I think you'd be able to without breaking the Laws of Magic because it is yourself and not someone else.
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: TheMouse on August 17, 2008, 09:32:34 PM
I would guess that a full blown wizard who also has the advantages of a were-creature would have a negative refresh and would therefore be unplayable. Depending on the way they structure the were-creature stunts, you might be able to be a focussed caster with multiple were-forms and stay in the refresh positive column.
Title: Re: For-Certain Character Types
Post by: Will on August 19, 2008, 07:22:06 AM
Are Wizards capable of Were-form magic without breaking the Laws? I think you'd be able to without breaking the Laws of Magic because it is yourself and not someone else.

According to http://www.dresdenfilesrpg.com/news/archives/2007/06/post.php (bottom of the page), you're right.  Though I would imagine that from a fluff/RP point of view, it would be awkward(but very fun) to play a shapeshifter.  Depending on the variety(i.e. just shifting forms vs. using the mental aspect as well), it could go from someone who constantly needs to make an active effort to remember how to do physical motions in a certain form, such as their natural human form just because they have to keep some many ways of 'piloting' in their heads to some advanced and entertaining case of multiple-personality disorder where, having the hunter-spirit or mentality of animals that typically hunt each other, all sorts of internal struggle ensue that goes to destroy one's psyche. (Which, as an aside, would make for some pretty nifty story-plots.  Especially if some of them were imbued by the shapeshifter in order to keep other hunter-spirits in check...)

Then again, I suppose one can play a perfectly mentally stable and well-disciplined shapeshifter(i.e. the immortal shapeshifting guru mentioned in the books), though I would imagine that to represent the mental discipline and training required, other aspects of the character would suffer. (Though this is from someone who knows nothing about the FATE system at all).