Ad Astra - Character Creation
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Mar 19, 2021 6:36 pm
Here we can hash out tone and theme, party dynamics, character creation, and setting-specific homebrew.
Mar 19, 2021 6:55 pm
I guess one important thing to hash out would be what magic (or supernatural) means in this specific setting
Last edited March 19, 2021 6:55 pm
Mar 19, 2021 6:57 pm
I was thinking of a character with a nanotech implant, which she can use to do weird stuff. Does that sound ok?
EDIT
Its use would look like biotics in Mass Effect.
EDIT
Its use would look like biotics in Mass Effect.
Last edited March 19, 2021 7:00 pm
Mar 19, 2021 7:05 pm
Biotics or psionics would be what I would have in mind as well for magic.
The idea I'd be interested in for a character would be a merged consciousness. A host body and a parasite or symbiont that combine to create a distinct personality. Think Trill in Star Trek or (for any potential Germans here) Co-Drivers in Collector.
For what niche in the crew I'd fill, I'm open to different things. I'm not super interested in being the muscle but from face to scientist to engineer to pilot, I could take whatever niche nobody else wants to fill.
The idea I'd be interested in for a character would be a merged consciousness. A host body and a parasite or symbiont that combine to create a distinct personality. Think Trill in Star Trek or (for any potential Germans here) Co-Drivers in Collector.
For what niche in the crew I'd fill, I'm open to different things. I'm not super interested in being the muscle but from face to scientist to engineer to pilot, I could take whatever niche nobody else wants to fill.
Mar 19, 2021 7:38 pm
Good read on magic/supernatural so far. Cybernetics of course would be tech. At which point we've got two supernaturals so far!
Are either of you a human base? That'll impact the "race" creation.
Are either of you a human base? That'll impact the "race" creation.
Mar 19, 2021 8:14 pm
I'd probably be human as a base but then changed through the symbiosis/connection
Mar 19, 2021 8:41 pm
Edits, but here are a symbiote and nanite model for the "race", such as they are.
Symbiosis:
The Symbiote has its own Will score (either), which can be made a strength if you choose out of your usual pool. When an event happens that requires the symbiote to take over completely (you lose a battle of wits in a conflict of interests, it's simply more experienced, etc.) it deals you 1x Tool damage (for the strain on your body), and 1x Will damage if you don't consent to the action. You always roll disadvantage on charisma checks (since you're a composite - can be avoided if one takes over with Will, but resets next time they see you as a composite) and folks who know what you are naturally look upon you with concern (until they know better). Since the symbiote has a vested interest in keeping you alive, treat your milestone as one higher for the purposes of calculating health.
So, acknowledging the symbiote with a new mechanic, a negative, and a boon.
Nanites:
Start Body (if enhancing existing abilities) or Tools-Supernatural (if learning new "weird stuff") at a d8. You now have 2 strengths left. Electricity and radiation do 1d extra damage (since they effect the nanites). When you hit half health (and all damage moments after), roll Will-Leader to see if you can power through your body glitching. If you fail, you fall unconscious while the nanites glitch, even if you have health left.
So a stronger being, but it comes with risk.
Thoughts?
Symbiosis:
The Symbiote has its own Will score (either), which can be made a strength if you choose out of your usual pool. When an event happens that requires the symbiote to take over completely (you lose a battle of wits in a conflict of interests, it's simply more experienced, etc.) it deals you 1x Tool damage (for the strain on your body), and 1x Will damage if you don't consent to the action. You always roll disadvantage on charisma checks (since you're a composite - can be avoided if one takes over with Will, but resets next time they see you as a composite) and folks who know what you are naturally look upon you with concern (until they know better). Since the symbiote has a vested interest in keeping you alive, treat your milestone as one higher for the purposes of calculating health.
So, acknowledging the symbiote with a new mechanic, a negative, and a boon.
Nanites:
Start Body (if enhancing existing abilities) or Tools-Supernatural (if learning new "weird stuff") at a d8. You now have 2 strengths left. Electricity and radiation do 1d extra damage (since they effect the nanites). When you hit half health (and all damage moments after), roll Will-Leader to see if you can power through your body glitching. If you fail, you fall unconscious while the nanites glitch, even if you have health left.
So a stronger being, but it comes with risk.
Thoughts?
Mar 19, 2021 8:52 pm
The way I imagine it, the symbiote and host would be combined inseparably, so there wouldn't be a way to tell where one ends and the other begins anymore so the suggestion wouldn't really work for that.
It doesn't even really need a mechanical basis for me. I'm fine with it being a purely RP thing.
It doesn't even really need a mechanical basis for me. I'm fine with it being a purely RP thing.
Mar 19, 2021 11:27 pm
More damage/healing on that die, and more options for character design (since the difference between balance and unbalanced is a wider range). Also, it unlocks more intense crits.
Mar 19, 2021 11:28 pm
So Bowl, let's simplify to disadvantage on charisma and 3 extra health (not stacked).
Mar 20, 2021 8:24 am
I think I'll just play a regular human maintenance tech for this one.
(lavtodd, could you remove my permissions for the other games? just for my own forum organisation ;) )
(lavtodd, could you remove my permissions for the other games? just for my own forum organisation ;) )
Mar 20, 2021 5:38 pm
I'm not sure how to do that. I can change your permissions for this entire forum, but I can't find it for threads.
Mar 20, 2021 5:40 pm
You cant do it for threads. You'd have to separate the games into their own subforums
Mar 20, 2021 6:11 pm
Ah yes, sorry. I thought it was subforums already. You can easily move threads once you have the subforums to separate the games :)
Mar 21, 2021 2:21 pm
And I'll play a human, too. Probably a daredevil type girl, flying ships and other vehicles, addicted to adrenaline.
Mar 21, 2021 10:15 pm
My character concept (Sheet is submitted, have a look, Lavtodd)
Professor Janine Bale was an expert on Anthropology and Xenobiology, successful and well liked both by her students and researcher colleagues.
During one of her field missions, the human scientist was infected by an unknown, symbiotic lifeform that attached itself inseparably to her nervous system. The two beings have become one, dramatically altering the personality the human host had previously displayed. They, now calling themselves The Sisters and using plural pronouns for themselves, have since then completely resigned from teaching in favor of furthering their studies on foreign cultures and biologies.
They're known for possessing vast knowledge, derived from both halves that make up their new identity but also for being emotionally detached and cold. Owing to their unprecedented condition, they are generally mistrusted, though so far, they have not given any indication they may have hostile intentions towards humanity.
This mission is exactly the type of opportunity they are particularly interested in exploring and suited for due to their expertise.
Professor Janine Bale was an expert on Anthropology and Xenobiology, successful and well liked both by her students and researcher colleagues.
During one of her field missions, the human scientist was infected by an unknown, symbiotic lifeform that attached itself inseparably to her nervous system. The two beings have become one, dramatically altering the personality the human host had previously displayed. They, now calling themselves The Sisters and using plural pronouns for themselves, have since then completely resigned from teaching in favor of furthering their studies on foreign cultures and biologies.
They're known for possessing vast knowledge, derived from both halves that make up their new identity but also for being emotionally detached and cold. Owing to their unprecedented condition, they are generally mistrusted, though so far, they have not given any indication they may have hostile intentions towards humanity.
This mission is exactly the type of opportunity they are particularly interested in exploring and suited for due to their expertise.
Mar 22, 2021 7:29 am
[ +- ] prev comment
For this story, I'm thinking of a character who is the head of resource management or something similar.
It's a guy who has all the fancy hologram spreadsheets with what is needed, a device to scan the newly gathered supplies and a plasma handgun that he's skilled with as he graduated from the space equivalent of army academy. I imagine that the scanning device would also allow a newly discovered material and other things to be added to the Encyclopedia. It would only create a new entry with simple things like a location; the scientific information would have to come from additional research, perhaps from prof. Bale.
He doesn't see this mission going very well. They will probably gather enough supplies, and they may be successful in bringing them back, perhaps finding a new ally, but how many people will die? Maybe they will be left stranded on some planet for months. Maybe some alien race they will come to contact with won't like their noses and will, in turn, declare war on humanity.
A lot of dark thoughts appearing in this guy's head. Thankfully for the party, he keeps them mostly for himself.
If that's okay with the party? It's another "tech-ish" person, but it's space after all. I can adjust/change, though :)
It's a guy who has all the fancy hologram spreadsheets with what is needed, a device to scan the newly gathered supplies and a plasma handgun that he's skilled with as he graduated from the space equivalent of army academy. I imagine that the scanning device would also allow a newly discovered material and other things to be added to the Encyclopedia. It would only create a new entry with simple things like a location; the scientific information would have to come from additional research, perhaps from prof. Bale.
He doesn't see this mission going very well. They will probably gather enough supplies, and they may be successful in bringing them back, perhaps finding a new ally, but how many people will die? Maybe they will be left stranded on some planet for months. Maybe some alien race they will come to contact with won't like their noses and will, in turn, declare war on humanity.
A lot of dark thoughts appearing in this guy's head. Thankfully for the party, he keeps them mostly for himself.
If that's okay with the party? It's another "tech-ish" person, but it's space after all. I can adjust/change, though :)
Last edited March 22, 2021 1:25 pm
Mar 22, 2021 12:32 pm
[ +- ] Jonh

[ +- ] Power
Tools d6 - 5
Technological < - > Magic/Supernatural
Habit Obsessed with alien tech
Body d6 - 2
Brute Force < - > Fine-Motor
HP: 2
Technological < - > Magic/Supernatural
Habit Obsessed with alien tech
Body d6 - 2
Brute Force < - > Fine-Motor
HP: 2
[ +- ] People
Will d4 - 3
Follower < - > Leader
Charisma d4 - 3
Introverted < - > Extroverted
Habit Spends too much time with the machines
Follower < - > Leader
Charisma d4 - 3
Introverted < - > Extroverted
Habit Spends too much time with the machines
[ +- ] Perception
Intelligence d6 - 4
Street Smart < - > Book Smart
Habit Disappears into the ships' bowels while working
Outlook d4 - 3
Pessimist < - > Optimist
Last edited March 22, 2021 12:34 pm
Mar 22, 2021 5:40 pm
As folks work on character sheets, let's talk tone. Obviously a mission like this wouldn't be sent out in the first place if there wasn't hope for a brighter tomorrow and all that, but how dark do you want reality? I could see this leaning towards horror if it gets dark.
Mar 22, 2021 6:20 pm
I'm totally up for a darker tone. Maybe not full-on survival horror but horror elements and real risk of death, sure!
How are we feeling about intra-party conflicts? I love having some tensions between PCs but I also know that there are people who don't enjoy that.
How are we feeling about intra-party conflicts? I love having some tensions between PCs but I also know that there are people who don't enjoy that.
Mar 22, 2021 6:46 pm
The mechanics exist. A party rife with conflict wouldn't be put on the same ship, and they'd need to be able to set things aside in crisis (or at least try). But considering you're part Slug, I imagine there'd be some ruffled feathers.
Mar 22, 2021 6:48 pm
That sounds reasonable. We're probably all more or less professionals, so ruffled feathers and some conflict but in times of crisis, we can work together. And we won't just kill each other
Mar 23, 2021 8:09 am
lavtodd says:
Oh, even existing threads? Great!You will need to press Administrative Control Panel buttom, click on the right subforum listed on the left and then go on the Permissions tab. You will see all the players listed there and you can set all permissions to NO ;)
Mar 23, 2021 8:27 am
bowlofspinach says:
That sounds reasonable. We're probably all more or less professionals, so ruffled feathers and some conflict but in times of crisis, we can work together. And we won't just kill each otherI'll try to play a gullible PC this time.
Mar 23, 2021 12:10 pm
Listen, what lets you keep your job on a spaceship and what actually happens may be two different things haha
Mar 27, 2021 7:10 pm
How is this coming along? Are we ready to get started or still missing something?
Mar 27, 2021 7:56 pm
Posted! Go ahead and introduce yourselves and any pre-launch rituals you may have. Short posts, long posts, dialogue, whatever.
Mar 27, 2021 8:10 pm
Is my PC ok? Can you approve it? (Probably you didn’t notice it as I added it late)
Mar 29, 2021 4:02 pm
Fun fact, the communications expert is a two-headed alien known as Lieutenants Altok Leya. They can be addressed individually, but people rarely do just cuz it's not like you're keeping secrets from the other head anyway. So referring to a person as a dual isn't unheard of, but Janine only has one head, and a normal number of thumbs, and a human base, so that's still really weird. Like, the sisters don't even use the naming convention of that race.
Frankly, Altok Leya will probably think you somehow consumed your mate, or that you're using some sort of cultural appropriation, or you're insane.
Frankly, Altok Leya will probably think you somehow consumed your mate, or that you're using some sort of cultural appropriation, or you're insane.
Mar 29, 2021 4:09 pm
Might be a rough first meeting but maybe they'll be able to relate to each other once they've gotten to know each other 😄
Mar 29, 2021 4:17 pm
Hopefully!
The purple alien I made for your game, once I can find the sketch. I loved the design too much to keep it in mothballs haha.
The purple alien I made for your game, once I can find the sketch. I loved the design too much to keep it in mothballs haha.
Mar 29, 2021 4:21 pm
I don't remember a purple alien right now 🤔 Just a Scottish engineer and her tortoise friend
Mar 29, 2021 4:32 pm
Oh, wait, they were for a different game! Went through a few sci fi games at a time there.
Apr 7, 2021 1:25 pm
I decided on a soldier who's very in love with his partner. Not enough to not follow the call for space adventure, but I think it could be fun having this sort of character who might be slightly distracted with love-y feelings near the folks here. Not like he'd be like this all the time, he'd be helpful too, haha.
Apr 7, 2021 6:03 pm
I’m not one for intrigue but a crush on bowl’s weirdo girl could be a reason to follow the call for space adventure 😆
Apr 7, 2021 6:24 pm
I thought you were all for intrigue, CESN 🤨
And I don't think that's what Paviinka meant. Rather that their PC has someone waiting for them at home
And I don't think that's what Paviinka meant. Rather that their PC has someone waiting for them at home
Apr 7, 2021 6:55 pm
Kidnapping then. Extortion. A suitor challenge. Maybe defending the wife’s honor 🤔maybe... aliens 👾
[ +- ] Gotta be Aliens right?

Apr 15, 2021 5:33 pm
Will you please let me know what the Sisters' requirements are? Doc would know but I don't haha
Apr 15, 2021 5:35 pm
Probably just some restrictions on what medicines to use or avoid, an x-ray to show where exactly the symbiont is located so it doesn't get unnecessarily hurt during an operation or something like that.
Nothing too far out
Nothing too far out
Apr 26, 2021 4:00 pm
You know, the Sisters read Hamilton perfectly, but I still cringed on the captain's behalf haha
May 5, 2021 11:46 am
Good point haha
All right, everyone please share two rolls. They can be in here unless you want to give a snapshot into your character's day to day.
1. A roll for your job
2. A roll for watching for anything suspicious
I'll skip about 3 days and post the results when everyone's rolled. Thanks!
All right, everyone please share two rolls. They can be in here unless you want to give a snapshot into your character's day to day.
1. A roll for your job
2. A roll for watching for anything suspicious
I'll skip about 3 days and post the results when everyone's rolled. Thanks!
May 25, 2021 6:22 pm
bowlofspinach says:
It's just me and CESN in this game anymore, right? Not a problem but maybe we can put our feelers out to see if anyone else is interested in joining as well. Having three or maybe four players might be a bit better than just two for thisYou Evil
May 25, 2021 6:25 pm
Oh, this just means that I can infect more people.
um
I mean
Show more people the game system.
um
I mean
Show more people the game system.
May 25, 2021 6:28 pm
I am enjoying this so far. I'm not a Curse of Strahd level horror person, but this is stretching me a little.
May 25, 2021 6:48 pm
I have taken some of this playtest's comments into consideration, from char-gen in all 4 games. Qralloq would like to join us, and I'm asking khakiphil from One More Job (waiting to hear back).
If it's all right with folks, we may as well shift to this sheet if we're adding folks. I'm easier to reach via Discord (lavtodd) for questions.
What do you think?
If it's all right with folks, we may as well shift to this sheet if we're adding folks. I'm easier to reach via Discord (lavtodd) for questions.
What do you think?
May 25, 2021 7:05 pm
Qralloq really needs more games to join 😁
Howdy there
As for the sheet, I'm okay with updating. I'll just have to read and see what the changes are
Howdy there
As for the sheet, I'm okay with updating. I'll just have to read and see what the changes are
May 25, 2021 7:17 pm
bowlofspinach says:
Qralloq really needs more games to join 😁Howdy there
May 25, 2021 7:52 pm
lavtodd says:
I am enjoying this so far. I'm not a Curse of Strahd level horror person, but this is stretching me a little.May 25, 2021 9:42 pm
Cool cool :)
Sounds like KP is interested!
Some suggestions for those joining us:
Second in command, who would have been captain during the meeting
Medbay assistant who is now chief medical officer since the current one got impaled
Security detail from the Antimony shipment (so, exposed in loading)
Bridge Data Entry (so, exposed in the meeting)
Or, of course, any other sort of engineering, security, research, supplies, etc. that would be on a Star-Trek type ship. Heck, I'll help you roll up a stowaway if you want to deal with the diplomatic backlash.
Sounds like KP is interested!
Some suggestions for those joining us:
Second in command, who would have been captain during the meeting
Medbay assistant who is now chief medical officer since the current one got impaled
Security detail from the Antimony shipment (so, exposed in loading)
Bridge Data Entry (so, exposed in the meeting)
Or, of course, any other sort of engineering, security, research, supplies, etc. that would be on a Star-Trek type ship. Heck, I'll help you roll up a stowaway if you want to deal with the diplomatic backlash.
May 26, 2021 2:22 am
Here's my pitch:
Modben Tarch is a genetically engineered, one-time scientific prodigy with penchant for distraction and a weakness for obsession. After graduating summa cum laude from the prestigious Polytechnique Chandrasekhar, he immediately dropped scientific research and became a freelance journalist. While an accomplished writer, having had two pieces nominated for Pullitzers, he nonetheless has failed to achieve lasting recognition. Rumours in the dark that he is a government spy are, of course, completely unfounded.
Assigned to the Archangel in a PR role, he is also an undeniable expert on Antimony. His real task is to track down secrets and expose them. The mission is simply too important for personal agendas.
Modben Tarch is a genetically engineered, one-time scientific prodigy with penchant for distraction and a weakness for obsession. After graduating summa cum laude from the prestigious Polytechnique Chandrasekhar, he immediately dropped scientific research and became a freelance journalist. While an accomplished writer, having had two pieces nominated for Pullitzers, he nonetheless has failed to achieve lasting recognition. Rumours in the dark that he is a government spy are, of course, completely unfounded.
Assigned to the Archangel in a PR role, he is also an undeniable expert on Antimony. His real task is to track down secrets and expose them. The mission is simply too important for personal agendas.
May 26, 2021 2:56 am
To reflect the unbalanced focus the scientists used when engineering him, let's say Mobden can always roll advantage on Book Smart, but must always roll disadvantage on Brute Force.
May 26, 2021 11:46 am
CESN, you...are aware that you're in the medbay right now too, right? XD
Spinach, please either roll Fine Motor to shoot, or Head or Book Smarts to examine the doctor. You have time for one.
CESN, please roll Head or Book Smarts to figure out how to lock down the medbay.
I like that this scene is basically ~
Sisters: Imma shoot it.
Jonh: NOPE NOT FAST ENOUGH
Spinach, please either roll Fine Motor to shoot, or Head or Book Smarts to examine the doctor. You have time for one.
CESN, please roll Head or Book Smarts to figure out how to lock down the medbay.
I like that this scene is basically ~
Sisters: Imma shoot it.
Jonh: NOPE NOT FAST ENOUGH
May 26, 2021 11:58 am
lavtodd says:
CESN, you...are aware that you're in the medbay right now too, right? XDMay 26, 2021 11:59 am
Wait, HP still refers to the body score but that doesn't exist anymore, right? What's it based on now?
Last edited May 26, 2021 11:59 am
May 26, 2021 11:59 am
bowlofspinach says:
Alright, I think I updated my sheet to the new versionMay 26, 2021 12:02 pm
Quote:
Spinach, please either roll Fine Motor to shoot, or Head or Book Smarts to examine the doctor. You have time for one.May 26, 2021 12:04 pm
lavtodd says:
I like that this scene is basically ~Sisters: Imma shoot it.
Jonh: NOPE NOT FAST ENOUGH
bowlofspinach says:
Added a roll to my last post. It didn't go well. I don't really want to shoot yet. This is too scientifically interestingMay 26, 2021 12:07 pm
bowlofspinach says:
Wait, HP still refers to the body score but that doesn't exist anymore, right? What's it based on now?Q pointed out I mix levels and milestones too, so I'll work on that. Thanks for the heads up.
May 26, 2021 12:09 pm
bowlofspinach says:
Alright, I think I updated my sheet to the new versionMay 26, 2021 12:22 pm
CESN, your health would be 2.
I adjusted the "finishing touches" section so someone could roll their Power die to add health at Milestone 0. I see you don't have an extra habit, so if you wanted to be just a little less of a Book Smart nerd, you could do that.
Once command realizes how bad this is, I'll distribute armor.
I adjusted the "finishing touches" section so someone could roll their Power die to add health at Milestone 0. I see you don't have an extra habit, so if you wanted to be just a little less of a Book Smart nerd, you could do that.
Once command realizes how bad this is, I'll distribute armor.
May 26, 2021 12:34 pm
And I'm just putting a quick pin in things because with all the yelling and screaming, the other characters may be able to make it in to this scene....
lavtodd sent a note to lav.todd
May 26, 2021 12:42 pm
Here's my draft for Modwen:
Beta.3
Power(Fine+) d4(2) (Brute always with Disadvantage)
People(Extrovert+) d6(3)
Perception(Book Smart+) d6(2) (BS always with advantage)
Problems(Head+) d4(2)
Milestone: 0
Health: 2*(1+0) = 2
Damage: 0
Advances
0: Strengths People, Perception; habit Scientific Prodigy; adjust BS to 2
Beta.3
Power(Fine+) d4(2) (Brute always with Disadvantage)
People(Extrovert+) d6(3)
Perception(Book Smart+) d6(2) (BS always with advantage)
Problems(Head+) d4(2)
Milestone: 0
Health: 2*(1+0) = 2
Damage: 0
Advances
0: Strengths People, Perception; habit Scientific Prodigy; adjust BS to 2
May 27, 2021 5:41 pm
Oh, and Lav, maybe you can remove all the characters from the dead games from this game. That would make it easier to find my sheet in the list
May 27, 2021 8:29 pm
I suppose we should shoot the dead doctor just in case no? :)
Zombies
Zombies
Last edited May 27, 2021 8:29 pm
Jun 25, 2021 1:33 am
Hey, I'm sorry for ghosting. I've had a lot going on. All fine! Just a lot, and I honestly lost track of time. Do you want me to continue from where we are, or time skip?
If you're not interested anymore, no hard feelings. Just let me know.
Thanks
If you're not interested anymore, no hard feelings. Just let me know.
Thanks
Jun 25, 2021 2:16 am
I'm interested in continuing. I think that moving us ahead from the current place might be helpful to reset us. But happy to do what the consensus wishes.
Jul 8, 2021 8:54 pm
Very long post, finally. Thank you so much for your patience.
I took Yen'kos over briefly to streamline that lore dump. If khaki wants to expand or not, he can.
I took Yen'kos over briefly to streamline that lore dump. If khaki wants to expand or not, he can.
Aug 10, 2021 7:38 am
Hey guys! I've done it again and need to downsize as work is about to get busy :(
Sorry about this. lavtodd, we didn't get to test the system in depth, but as far as I can tell it looks good. Love the roll low/high duality :D
Sorry about this. lavtodd, we didn't get to test the system in depth, but as far as I can tell it looks good. Love the roll low/high duality :D
Aug 10, 2021 1:01 pm
Tha n you for the feedback, and I'm sorry I dropped the ball. Character creation in different settings was already a huge help, but I think the writing's on the wall. Thank you, everyone!
Aug 10, 2021 1:14 pm
Yes, it seems like this game is dead, unfortunately. I did enjoy it, though. And I do think it has potential as a sort of extension of L&F!
If you ever want to run something in this system again (and if the setting interests me), I'd definitely be up for joining again
If you ever want to run something in this system again (and if the setting interests me), I'd definitely be up for joining again
Aug 10, 2021 2:06 pm
bowlofspinach says:
Yes, it seems like this game is dead, unfortunately. I did enjoy it, though. And I do think it has potential as a sort of extension of L&F!If you ever want to run something in this system again (and if the setting interests me), I'd definitely be up for joining again