calimport ooc

Dec 2, 2024 10:21 pm
@vagueGM,@Chalrytharendir,@Dhakhan hi.
Dec 3, 2024 12:31 am
Hey everyone!

Looking forward to playing with you all. I know vagueGM a little from the community forums and helping to test GP development, but I don't think I've played with any of you before. So, hello 👋. My username is a bit long so feel free to call me Chal for short.

Does anyone have any ideas for characters yet?

One idea for my character is a Fire Djinn who's trapped in their human form. They've lost most of their magic and memories from before getting trapped in their human form. I was thinking of using the mage class but with Presence instead of Reason because that feels more like what Djinn magic would be associated with. Also might reskin a few other things, e.g. instead of a spell book, they carry their lamp with them, which grants them their magical powers. Perhaps over time they will remember more about their past and their magical abilities, but I'm happy to stay mostly human for the entirety of the game. Without much of a past or connections they are just trying to survive at the moment so recently joined the party as there's more chance of survival with a group.

Maybe something like this:
[ +- ] Djinn
Just an idea so far. I'm open to feedback or adjusting to fit with the group, or trying a completely different idea if no one likes this idea or feels it won't work with the game.
Dec 3, 2024 2:27 am
Ciao!!

I'm very new to this site, so haven't played with of this party yet. I have been hanging around Tavern keeper for a while if any of you played there.

I've haven't had a look at the ruleset yet, or really about a specific character concept though thoughts of a steotypical "Aladdin" did spring to mind as soon as I read the word Calimport. Or maybe an ex-guard seeking to balance some shame with acts of valor and daring do. Or a pirate! I remember the old open shirt, high boots and scimitar thing from those old Sinbad movies with fondness. Will have to mull things over once I get a clearer idea of what the setup is... :)
Dec 3, 2024 7:14 am
Chalrytharendir says:
... Hey everyone!

Looking forward to playing with you all. ...
Likewise. :)
Chalrytharendir says:
... I know vagueGM a little from the community forums and helping to test GP development, ...
Your diligent help has been much appreciated.
Chalrytharendir says:
... I don't think I've played with any of you before. ...
No, we haven't. I remember when you first joined that I did think about offering a Dungeon World game if there was enough interest in your Welcome thread (also thought about turning that into Fellowship (or, later, Chasing Adventure) since the DW rules are a little clunky and outdated, but I am finding myself tending more and more towards simpler rules (like 2400)).
Dec 3, 2024 7:20 am
Chalrytharendir says:
... Does anyone have any ideas for characters yet? ...
As always: I can play anything, so I will let the others choose characters first and then fill in any gaps.

Anyone is welcome to make suggestions if they want me to play anything specific (possibly as a foil to their gem).

I am least inclined towards Warrior in 2400 Legends, but can easily make something interesting of one if it comes to that.
Chalrytharendir says:
... One idea for my character is a Fire Djinn ...
I had exactly the same thought, possible because that is about all I recall about Calimport, that it was a Djinn-founded city? And the humans were slaves? Is that right?

I was thinking Air Genasi (Djinn are specifically Air not fire, but that is semantics), and Genasi are 'humanish' descendants of genies. I was thinking Magical for (free/permanent) Levitate. But this was just a thought, I can do something else since I don't suppose we want two Mages in our group.
Chalrytharendir says:
... I was thinking of using the mage class but with Presence instead of Reason ...
I was also thinking about a Cleric, which sorta amounts to a 'Mage that casts with Presence'. Sorta along the line of the Gentleman Bastard series by Scott Lynch (excellent books for examples of both Thief and Cleric, and how they can combine).

Might the Cleric, with Theurgy rather than the Mage with reworked Wizardry not suit you better? Casting with personal power rather than intellect seems to fit the 'Hindered and need sleep' more than the 'your spells misfire and hurt your friends' kind of consequences. Just a thought.
Chalrytharendir says:
... Perhaps over time they will remember more about their past and their magical abilities, but I'm happy to stay mostly human for the entirety of the game. ...
I was also thinking about hiding my Genasi nature, I don't know what the current political climate is like in Calimport, but I was thinking people (humans) might not like the Djinn all that much, so such a heritage could be a source of tensions.

Maybe we share some connection in this regard?

Chalrytharendir says:
... recently joined the party as there's more chance of survival with a group. ...
We should discuss if we know each other from before this job, or if we are working together for the first time, possibly because we have a shared interest in freeing our mutual associate.

Maybe we were rivals before and are forced to work together on this job, but we do need to consider (and possibly play out reasons) why we stay together afterwards.

We can work on the details when we know more about the characters.
Dec 3, 2024 7:21 am
Dhakhan says:
... I'm very new to this site, so haven't played with of this party yet. ...
I am sure we will be kind... :)
Dhakhan says:
... I've haven't had a look at the ruleset yet ...
Do you have the rules? They are very simple... which can make them difficult. Feel free to ask lots of questions.

All you should need is the 3 pages of Legends, but I did find Emergency Rules to be a useful read to get an idea of how things are intended to play. The fighting rules in Battle Moon could also be interesting as an example, but I don't tend towards fighting much.
Dhakhan says:
... ex-guard seeking to balance some shame with acts of valor and daring do. ...
Aren't we criminals? Would you not be 'an ex-guard seeking to balance your acts of valour with something shameful'? :)
Dec 4, 2024 5:36 am
Dhakhan says:
I've haven't had a look at the ruleset yet
It's a nice quick read. A lot is left for the GM/table to decide themselves with a focus on rulings/guidelines rather than rules, which leaves lots of room for creativity, but also miscommunications if we aren't careful. But as Vague said, we should all just ask lots of questions to make sure we're all on the same page and be open to edit if we need to.
Dhakhan says:
thoughts of a steotypical "Aladdin" did spring to mind
Maybe your character found my lamp and released me but somehow accidentally trapped me in my human form??
Dhakhan says:
Or a pirate! I remember the old open shirt, high boots and scimitar thing from those old Sinbad movies with fondness.
Given that we are starting as petty criminals, this could work well. Maybe you lost your ship recently and are having to start from scratch.
vagueGM says:
Your diligent help has been much appreciated.
Thanks! It's felt good to help out and give back to the site that I've gotten so much enjoyment from.
vagueGM says:
I remember when you first joined that I did think about offering a Dungeon World game if there was enough interest in your Welcome thread (also thought about turning that into Fellowship (or, later, Chasing Adventure) since the DW rules are a little clunky and outdated, but I am finding myself tending more and more towards simpler rules (like 2400)).
I wish you had because the DW game I did get in got ghosted quickly XD. I liked DW, but I'm also finding myself drawn to lighter rulesets now. I checked in on your World of Dungeons game a few times (I was too busy to join myself then, but looked fun), it seems like a nice simplified version.
vagueGM says:
I had exactly the same thought, possible because that is about all I recall about Calimport, that it was a Djinn-founded city? And the humans were slaves? Is that right?
Ooh, that's interesting! I didn't know that. I mentioned in the recruitment thread that I don't really know much about Calimport, but I've just given the FR wiki a quick browse today and you're right, it was founded by a Djinn with human slaves, but is now 90% human, so yeah, could be some cool tension playing with a Djinn background.
vagueGM says:
I was thinking Air Genasi (Djinn are specifically Air not fire, but that is semantics), and Genasi are 'humanish' descendants of genies.
I didn't know this either ... I'd better brush up on my Djinn lore! So my character idea would fit a Fire Genasi?
vagueGM says:
Gentleman Bastard series by Scott Lynch (excellent books for examples of both Thief and Cleric, and how they can combine)
Haven't read it but sounds cool. I'll have to check it out.
vagueGM says:
I was thinking Magical for (free/permanent) Levitate. But this was just a thought, I can do something else since I don't suppose we want two Mages in our group.
I would be fine having two mages or two clerics as long as we don't step on each others toes in terms of types of spells. I think two Genasi might make for an interesting party. It would imply a shared bond, but also if we are different elements (Air/Fire), then we might have lots to argue about as well (in a good in-game way, not ooc arguments).
vagueGM says:
I was also thinking about a Cleric, which sorta amounts to a 'Mage that casts with Presence'.

Might the Cleric, with Theurgy rather than the Mage with reworked Wizardry not suit you better? Casting with personal power rather than intellect seems to fit the 'Hindered and need sleep' more than the 'your spells misfire and hurt your friends' kind of consequences. Just a thought.
I was wondering about this too, but I thought the lack of control/misfiring might play into the fact I had lost my powers and was trying to remember them, but not very well yet. But definitely not 100% sure about this yet. Straight cleric might make more sense.
vagueGM says:
I was also thinking about hiding my Genasi nature, I don't know what the current political climate is like in Calimport, but I was thinking people (humans) might not like the Djinn all that much, so such a heritage could be a source of tensions.

Maybe we share some connection in this regard?
Agreed, that could be great tension in the game. Maybe your character recognized that I was a Genasi and recruited me to the party because I seemed lost and alone and likely to get myself killed without a little help.
vagueGM says:
We should discuss if we know each other from before this job, or if we are working together for the first time, possibly because we have a shared interest in freeing our mutual associate.

Maybe we were rivals before and are forced to work together on this job, but we do need to consider (and possibly play out reasons) why we stay together afterwards.

We can work on the details when we know more about the characters.
I like the idea that we're fairly new companions, but have been together for a few jobs now, with Ginseng as our other member. Although, starting as rivals could be interesting depending on how our characters and backgrounds shape up. I'm open to both ideas or other possibilities too.
Last edited December 4, 2024 5:37 am
Dec 4, 2024 6:22 am
Chalrytharendir says:
... I checked in on your World of Dungeons game a few times ... it seems like a nice simplified version. ...
World of Dungeons does away with all the defined complexity of Dungeon World, leaving it up to the GM and the group to make up everything. It is basically only the Defy Danger Move (but then that move (along with Ritual) really is all PbtA:).

I feel weird, for the first time in three years that game is inactive.
Chalrytharendir says:
... I've just given the FR wiki a quick browse today ... 90% human, so yeah, could be some cool tension playing with a Djinn background. ...
We might want to check how long it has been since the Djinn ruled, though our group can, presumably, define that ourselves if we want to. If we want there to be tension with our race choice we can have that.
Chalrytharendir says:
... I'd better brush up on my Djinn lore! ...
The terms are often used interchangeably. It does not matter much and I am sure we will get it wrong repeatedly. :)
Chalrytharendir says:
... So my character idea would fit a Fire Genasi? ...
Well, I was thinking Genasi, but you might be an Efreet (checking the wiki you mentioned... yes, Efreet are fire genies, and apparently we should say Genie rather than Djinn as the general term?:) trapped in human form.

Genasi are mostly 'human', born of humans with some genie in their blood from long ago. They are the 'playable race' version in DnD. But we are not DnD.

I really like how 2400 can model the 'races' by adding an innate magic ability, Levitate for a Air Elemental, or maybe Transfiguration for a Changeling. We might want to rework it that those 'spells' only work on 'self' since a Changeling being able to Transform others seems weird (though they could learn that later).
Chalrytharendir says:
... I would be fine having two mages ... I think two Genasi might make for an interesting party. It would imply a shared bond ... Maybe your character recognized that I was a Genasi ...
That could be interesting. If you are not Genasi there would still be something similar enough that I might be drawn to it. If there is stigma to be being genie-related, maybe I don't admit I am Genasi, or don't even know it, but this comes out as we deal with each other?
Chalrytharendir says:
... as long as we don't step on each others toes in terms of types of spells. ...
I don't believe we get to 'choose spells' as we 'level up'. We need to find 'spell texts' (which we 'learn with Wizardry or Theurgy') in the random Treasures table. So our characters might squabble over who gets to learn a spell we find, but that will mean we don't have much overlap. Sounds like fun. :)
Chalrytharendir says:
... we are different elements (Air/Fire), then we might have lots to argue about as well ...
"Yes. Because your element is stupid!" :)

Air and Fire work well together, once we get over our disagreements. Could lead to interesting effects later as I learn to stoke your fire with Boon, or similar.
Chalrytharendir says:
... I thought the lack of control/misfiring might play into the fact I had lost my powers and was trying to remember them, but not very well yet. But definitely not 100% sure about this yet. Straight cleric might make more sense. ...
Using your lamp instead of a spell book also seems more 'holy symbol' like. I am sure you can negotiate with the GM what the risk is for each roll, especially if you are tossing around fire magic. As you gain more control it might fall back to 'tiring'?

My concerns is how the 'praying' would fit in. That does quite seem to fit what you described, but a simple re-flavoring might solve that?

Having one of us casting with intellect/intelligence/reason and the other casting with passion/presence could also be an interesting tension. This works with your suggestion that I recognise you and your nature due to my more studied approach.
Chalrytharendir says:
... recruited me to the party because I seemed lost and alone and likely to get myself killed without a little help. ...
Let's see what our third party member is. Maybe I am a mother hen type who adopts you all for your own good?
Chalrytharendir says:
... I like the idea that we're fairly new companions, but have been together for a few jobs now, ...
Cool. This connection might be different for each of the characters.
Chalrytharendir says:
... starting as rivals could be interesting depending ...
Maybe not 'starting as', but 'previously'? That does not work much with your character idea, but could be something to think about for Dhakhan's?
Dec 4, 2024 10:31 am
Ah! I wasn't sure if we'd settled on one of he three starting points yet, but I am leaning towards a Sinbad-y type.

Had look over the rules and the blog post about combat in 24XX in lieu of the Battle Moon game rules. Think I have a better idea how things should work. Still a bit hazy on character creation with a well defined framework, but will poke around some more.
Dec 4, 2024 10:57 am
Dhakhan says:
... wasn't sure if we'd settled on one of he three starting points yet ...
The GM implied the first one [ref]
tibbius says:
... We will start with metaplot A. Your first task will be to break the thief called Ginseng out of the lock up in Eraré Sabban.

Dhakhan says:
... I am leaning towards a Sinbad-y type. ... Still a bit hazy on character creation ...
I am not all that familiar with the Sinbad tropes, I mainly know him from Scheherazade's stories.

Are you thinking of a fightery type character? In that case take a look at the Warrior options, raise your Strength to a d8 and pick one of the Talents on the list (maybe Martial Arts from my memory of Sinbad? But don't feel bound to what came before). Sinbad could also be a Rogue —though that seems a bit less obvious.

Character Creation is also simple, you pick a Class, follow the instructions for that class (usually raise a predefined Skillset (Strength, Reason, Speed, or Presence), and pick a Talent (the Mage does not get to pick and must take Wizardry); then you either raise any Skillset, or pick two Characteristics to define your 'race' or ancestry. Feel free to ask if anything is unclear or you need help.
Dec 5, 2024 5:44 am
vagueGM says:
I feel weird, for the first time in three years that game is inactive.
Wow, that's epic. I bet that's a werid feeling. Hopefully, we can fill that hole in your gaming a little bit.
vagueGM says:
We might want to check how long it has been since the Djinn ruled, though our group can, presumably, define that ourselves if we want to. If we want there to be tension with our race choice we can have that.
Yeah, it sounds like Calimport has a long history. We should figure out roughly when we are playing in it or if we are handwaving that history and using a generic Calimport-like city filling in our own history as needed. @tibbius any thoughts?
vagueGM says:
... you might be an Efreet
Just read up on the links you included and yes, I think Efreet trapped in a human body seems like what I was going for.

vagueGM says:
I really like how 2400 can model the 'races' by adding an innate magic ability
Yes, this is a cool concept, although my initial thought was that 2 characteristics seems overpowered. But I think legends (and FR too) are higher magic than what I've been playing recently, so I might just be me.
vagueGM says:
That could be interesting. If you are not Genasi there would still be something similar enough that I might be drawn to it. If there is stigma to be being genie-related, maybe I don't admit I am Genasi, or don't even know it, but this comes out as we deal with each other?
Yes, any of these options, just being Genie-adjacent is probably enough for our characters to have this type of "bond".
vagueGM says:
I don't believe we get to 'choose spells' as we 'level up'.
Top of page 4:
Quote:
> After a quest, players gain a talent (from their class, or another if they have its skillset at d8), gain an incantation (with Wizardry or Theurgy), or raise a skillset (d6 -> d8 -> d10 -> d12).
Although, I'm happy for these sorts of character growth to be more diegetic.
vagueGM says:
"Yes. Because your element is stupid!" :)

Air and Fire work well together, once we get over our disagreements. Could lead to interesting effects later as I learn to stoke your fire with Boon, or similar.
Pfft, who needs air??? ;) Seriously though, I agree, there could be some epic combos!
vagueGM says:
Using your lamp instead of a spell book also seems more 'holy symbol' like. I am sure you can negotiate with the GM what the risk is for each roll, especially if you are tossing around fire magic. As you gain more control it might fall back to 'tiring'?

My concerns is how the 'praying' would fit in. That does quite seem to fit what you described, but a simple re-flavoring might solve that?
I wonder if meditating with the lamp helps bring back my memories a bit after I lose touch with my powers. Could be a good standing for "praying."
vagueGM says:
Let's see what our third party member is. Maybe I am a mother hen type who adopts you all for your own good?

This connection might be different for each of the characters.

Maybe not 'starting as', but 'previously'? That does not work much with your character idea, but could be something to think about for Dhakhan's?
Yeah, just brainstorming, we'll see how it develops.
Dhakhan says:
Ah! I wasn't sure if we'd settled on one of he three starting points yet, but I am leaning towards a Sinbad-y type.
I'm not super familiar with Sinbad either, but I think it's a good fit, lots of room to make him your own since we don't have too many preconceived notions.
Thanks for sharing, I hadn't read that yet. It's a good read and has some great explanations and examples.

@tibbius Anything you want us to know or consider before we finalize our character ideas?
Dec 5, 2024 7:13 am
Chalrytharendir says:
... 2 characteristics seems overpowered ...
I had the same thought. I had a hard time picking a second one, and, as I suggested above, also wanted to limit how Magical Spells should be used (limit to self unless pushing, for instance).

I have steered hard away from darkvision. That is both so powerful (as a night hiker- and mountain-biker, I have an appreciation for the dark, but many underestimate what a big deal it is); but also makes things boring, needing to struggle to cope when out of our element is a large part of RPGs and taking away the whole light problem has never sat well with me. I always tended to frame these as 'good night vision'.
Chalrytharendir says:
... legends (and FR too) are higher magic ...
True.
Chalrytharendir says:
... Top of page 4 ...
Oops. Must have blocked that out. Somehow I am disappointed. :)

We will chat when it comes up and avoid stepping on each other's toes. I foresaw myself being interested trying to learn Bolt from you, but finding that you use something different with your Flame. We can roleplay this sort of thing.
Chalrytharendir says:
... there could be some epic combos! ...
It actually feels like we have moved from the realm of speculating about a character pairing to having that decided. :)
I am liking what we have so far, let's nail it down.

Do you know that you are/were a being of elemental power before being trapped in this form? Do you have 'memories' of a human life or do you 'have amnesia'?

Based your answer, I need to think if I know I am Genasi (yet). I am thinking 'probably', it seems more interesting for me to assume you are also Genasi and find you are something different, than to learn about my heritage as we play. (Maybe my perfectly-ordinary parents admitted to me that 'this happens every few generations, we have Djinn in our bloodline, but it is a secret, obviously.')
Dec 5, 2024 7:27 am
Chalrytharendir says:
I'm not super familiar with Sinbad either, but I think it's a good fit, lots of room to make him your own since we don't have too many preconceived notions.
To be honest, I'm not that familiar at all. I'm going off of memories of the old 1970's stop-motion movies. :D They were a bit actiony but I seem to remember them only fighting after someone screwed something up or they pissed someone off, which was pretty much every time. ....forshadowing, perhap? :P
Dec 5, 2024 7:34 am
Dhakhan says:
... I seem to remember them only fighting after someone screwed something up or they pissed someone off ...
That is very in line with 2400 philosophy: Fighting can be lethal (one roll can kill you!), so avoid it if you can. :)

Are you thinking more of a Rogue? They have more options to avoid a fight, but may be less able to survive one.

Often —especially with simple systems like this— I build both options and see which I like most. This also gives some practice in making characters. :)
Dec 5, 2024 7:37 am
vagueGM says:
I am not all that familiar with the Sinbad tropes, I mainly know him from Scheherazade's stories.

Are you thinking of a fightery type character? In that case take a look at the Warrior options, raise your Strength to a d8 and pick one of the Talents on the list (maybe Martial Arts from my memory of Sinbad? But don't feel bound to what came before). Sinbad could also be a Rogue —though that seems a bit less obvious.

Character Creation is also simple, you pick a Class, follow the instructions for that class (usually raise a predefined Skillset (Strength, Reason, Speed, or Presence), and pick a Talent (the Mage does not get to pick and must take Wizardry); then you either raise any Skillset, or pick two Characteristics to define your 'race' or ancestry. Feel free to ask if anything is unclear or you need help.
Heh. I don't have time for 1001 nights worth of stories but I might have a look at this for flavour. Never realized this included Sinbad. Heard of it of course but never cracked the cover!

Thanks, re Char creation!
Last edited December 5, 2024 7:37 am
Dec 5, 2024 7:40 am
Dhakhan says:
... Never realized this included Sinbad. ...
He was added later, not part of the original stories.
Dhakhan says:
... Heard of it of course but never cracked the cover! ...
I read some of them, it is a bit of a slog, to be honest. :(
Dhakhan says:
... Thanks, re Char creation!
Feel free to tell me to 'butt out' as well. Happy to help as much as you need ... or as little.
Dec 5, 2024 4:40 pm
I have submitted a first draft of a character idea based on what we have discussed. It should be visible if you guys want to take a look. [character sheet]

Talk of my Helping fuel the fire of Chalrytharendir lead me to the Boon spell.
@tibbius: Questions about how the Boon Spell works, especially as an 'always on' 'Characteristic' ability:
• I assume it is just a d6 and does not scale with my Reason? I am not actually 'Helping' with all that entails (though I am more than happy to accept some of the consequences when things go wrong for people it affects:).
• When this applies to my character, I still want to be able to use clever tactics and planning, and elements of the scene to my advantage, so if you would rule that this normal d6 does not stack with this 'Lucky' Boon then I will not take it, as only the 'always on' is boring compared to finding cleaver ways to get a bonus. Similar with letting my Luck affect others and also actively Helping with my own actions.
Dec 5, 2024 7:01 pm
vagueGM says:
I have submitted a first draft of a character idea based on what we have discussed. It should be visible if you guys want to take a look. [character sheet]

Talk of my Helping fuel the fire of Chalrytharendir lead me to the Boon spell.
@tibbius: Questions about how the Boon Spell works, especially as an 'always on' 'Characteristic' ability:
• I assume it is just a d6 and does not scale with my Reason? I am not actually 'Helping' with all that entails (though I am more than happy to accept some of the consequences when things go wrong for people it affects:).
• When this applies to my character, I still want to be able to use clever tactics and planning, and elements of the scene to my advantage, so if you would rule that this normal d6 does not stack with this 'Lucky' Boon then I will not take it, as only the 'always on' is boring compared to finding cleaver ways to get a bonus. Similar with letting my Luck affect others and also actively Helping with my own actions.
I would rule that the Boon spell would scale with Reason or Presence but I would have it *replace* rather than *help* as intervention by magic or divinity might equally interfere as aid.
Dec 5, 2024 7:03 pm
@vagueGM anemone looks fun and has a good hook for a petty criminal.
Dec 5, 2024 7:38 pm
tibbius says:
... I would rule that the Boon spell would scale with Reason or Presence ...
If casting it as a Spell, sure. But that seems a bit strong for something that is always on and does not need a roll.

In the situation I am describing it would serve more like the Help from having an advantageous position (being lucky) and not as being Helped by another player.
tibbius says:
... as intervention by magic or divinity might equally interfere as aid. ...
What about the situation where I am not rolling to 'cast' it, so there is no risk of interfering? As per the Magical Characteristic: "... Cast without risk of side effects, ..."
tibbius says:
... but I would have it *replace* rather than *help* ...
In that case I will skip it as that sorta cuts out the whole need to look for ways to gain that Help from "advantageous position or careful preparation", or prevents the possibility of casting it on someone for the duration of a scene and then also pitching in and Helping in some other way.

Are you imposing a limit on how many Help dice are allowed on one roll?
Dec 6, 2024 7:01 am
vagueGM says:
It actually feels like we have moved from the realm of speculating about a character pairing to having that decided. :)
Agreed!

I like your draft and I learned Anemone is a type of "windflower" ... Nice touch!
I haven't put it into a character sheet yet (I'll have time to do that tomorrow), but here's my draft. Might change a few things around yet, but I think it is getting close.
[ +- ] Character Sheet Draft
Dec 6, 2024 7:07 am
Chalrytharendir says:
... I like your draft and I learned Anemone is a type of "windflower" ... Nice touch!
...
And also means 'Daughter of the Wind'... but people assume it is about Sea Anemones. :)
Dec 6, 2024 7:37 am
vagueGM says:
Chalrytharendir says:
... I like your draft and I learned Anemone is a type of "windflower" ... Nice touch!
...
And also means 'Daughter of the Wind'... but people assume it is about Sea Anemones. :)
"People" right here. :P
Dec 6, 2024 7:39 am
Dhakhan says:
vagueGM says:
Chalrytharendir says:
... I like your draft and I learned Anemone is a type of "windflower" ... Nice touch!
...
And also means 'Daughter of the Wind'... but people assume it is about Sea Anemones. :)
"People" right here. :P
That is intentional. :)
Dec 6, 2024 2:02 pm
vagueGM says:
Are you imposing a limit on how many Help dice are allowed on one roll?
Yes. One per roll.
Dec 6, 2024 2:08 pm
tibbius says:
vagueGM says:
Are you imposing a limit on how many Help dice are allowed on one roll?
Yes. One per roll.
OK. I will take others options. And not build a character around 'clever planning' (throw sand in their eyes for a Help dice but also have done all the research into their weaknesses for another, and such).

...

Maybe I will go with an Illusion?
• Phantasm: Conjure an image or sound that appears lifelike, but only at first glance.

As an 'air elemental' (scion) I will eventually pick up Teleport, but having that as a cast at will is too strong, so I will grow into it as a regular spell.
Dec 7, 2024 12:04 am
We have one character posted, subject to revision. I'd like to get the first game post up by the end of next week.
Dec 7, 2024 12:20 am
Submitted Asha as well now. I'm still happy to make adjustment as needed.
Dec 7, 2024 12:31 am
Also, welcome to the game @mathias0077 !

Any initial ideas for a character concept?
Dec 7, 2024 12:31 am
Hello all. New to 2400 is there a character sheet we are using?
Dec 7, 2024 12:34 am
Chalrytharendir says:
Also, welcome to the game @mathias0077 !

Any initial ideas for a character concept?
I am thinking a rouge type character. Not familiar with the rule set or Calimport.
Dec 7, 2024 12:57 am
mathias0077 says:
Chalrytharendir says:
Also, welcome to the game @mathias0077 !

Any initial ideas for a character concept?
I am thinking a rouge type character. Not familiar with the rule set or Calimport.
Can download the rules for free from itch.io

Calimport is old school middle eastern city from TSR forgotten realms setting. Lots of magic and intrigue.
Dec 7, 2024 1:35 am
Okay I have the 2400 legends rules. 3 pages to pdf right?
Dec 7, 2024 1:49 am
mathias0077 says:
Okay I have the 2400 legends rules. 3 pages to pdf right?
yes
Dec 7, 2024 5:39 am
mathias0077 says:
Hello all. New to 2400 is there a character sheet we are using?
Here's a quick template similar to the layout I used, but you might want to adjust it to your liking.
[ +- ] 2400 Legends Character Template
Looks like vagueGM has a nice layout with some added features for keeping track of advancement and broken items for defence/consequences.
Dec 7, 2024 7:40 am
Chalrytharendir says:
... Looks like vagueGM has a nice layout with some added features for keeping track of advancement and broken items for defence/consequences.
I can post the 'template' for my sheet. I don't think I will get a moment to generalise and remove the personal information, so I will just post the sheet as is, you can copy/paste it into a Custom sheet. It may be missing things, and the vertical checkboxes for advancing Skills is a bit strange (and displays a bit weird on Firefox, hence the negative margins which make it offset in Chrome (compromise)): but the ability to click and enter the dice size conflicts with the ability to click and add dice to the dice roller. We can adjust it as needed, I welcome suggestions.
[ +- ] vague sheet code
Dec 7, 2024 10:47 am
Hi all! Reading up through the posts but my ADHD is having a tough time with all the inline quotes. I can see Chal's cleric, and that Mathias is leaning towards a rogue type, but I can't seem to find Anemone (great name btw!). I'm willing to step into any role we might need. I'm probably leaning towards Rogue as well - it fits Meta A obviously! - probably a scrappy street urchin, small, young and nimble, if that works. But if we have a need for something else, that's cool too.

I'm pretty new here too, and I don't have the best command of all the nifty stuff GP can do with posts, so please bear with me - I'll get there! Nice to meet you all and looking forward to gaming with you!
Dec 7, 2024 10:47 am
I am not much of a fan of the 'character sheet' 'template' system. I don't want to Create a Character just to see the results. Unfortunately, since I used 'spoiler' tags in the sheet I can not put it in a spoiler in the post (one reason to use the 'abilities' and 'snippets' tags, but those carry their own baggage).

You can use the Quote feature (as though you were replying to the post) and then copy/paste the text between (but not including) the [charsheet ... and [/charsheet] tags into your character sheet. Or you can copy just the bits you want. Ask if you need any assistance.
Dec 7, 2024 11:01 am
AriaNocturne says:
... my ADHD is having a tough time with all the inline quotes. ...
Is there anything we can do (or avoid) to make this better for you?
AriaNocturne says:
... I can't seem to find Anemone ...
There is a Characters menu at the bottom of the page, you can click on that and see all the players and characters in the game. You can then click on the character to see the sheet. (You can also use the quill on that menu to insert names into these posts for those 'fantasy names' that can be hard to type.:)
AriaNocturne says:
... I don't have the best command of all the nifty stuff GP can do with posts ...
I generally recommend ignoring all the fancy stuff and focus on just writing what you are thinking. 'Features' and such can come later... but only if they don't actually make things worse.
AriaNocturne says:
... small, young and nimble ...
We should probably decide if we are all young thieves. It seems we may be new to being in a group with each other, and that might mean we are fairly new to being thieves? What do we all think? We don't have to be the same.

My character has already sort of 'adopted' Asha, maybe I look after or look out for yours as well? I am happy to be an older figure or 'group leader'?
AriaNocturne says:
... probably leaning towards Rogue as well - it fits Meta A obviously! ...
I figure we are all 'rogue types', even if Ane is a 'Mage' and Asha is as 'Cleric', it fits the meta, so if we use the Warrior template or the Rogue template (or the Mage/Cleric templates) we are all 'rogues' at heart and by occupation. :)

Play whatever you find most interesting, I say.
Dec 7, 2024 7:39 pm
Are the talents what is listed below the class description?
Dec 7, 2024 7:42 pm
mathias0077 says:
Are the talents what is listed below the class description?
That is correct. So, for instance, the Rogue (if that is still what you are looking at) can chose from:
• Backstabbing: Silently incapacitate a foe while unseen. If risk is unavoidable, roll an extra d12.
• Blending In: Be unseen in crowds & darkness.
• Fast Talking: The gullible or unwary believe or do what you say, at least briefly.
• Intrusion: When bypassing locks or traps, treat disasters as setbacks, setbacks as success.
• Jack of All Trades: Roll at least a d8 for all mundane tasks outside combat.
• Light Fingers: Pickpocket and palm small objects in plain view, no roll needed.
• Tumbling: Falls that hurt others only slow you. Recover instantly when knocked down.
Dec 7, 2024 8:28 pm
mathias0077 says:
Are the talents what is listed below the class description?
Yes
Dec 7, 2024 11:27 pm
Where do we get the characteristics?
Dec 8, 2024 8:24 am
mathias0077 says:
Where do we get the characteristics?
The Characteristics are the list that follows that note about "either increase a Skillset or gain 2 Characteristics":

• Bestial: Attack with fang or claw.
• Dark-dwelling: Sense perfectly in darkness.
• Fire-breathing: Spray an area before you.
• Magical: Take 1 incantation. Cast without risk of side effects, lasting while you concentrate.
• Mechanical: No need for food or air. Must be repaired, not healed. Limbs break as defense.
• Small: Helps evade, hide, and seem harmless.
• Thick-skinned: While your guard is up, deflect attacks from all but heavy weapons & magic.
• Unsleeping: Rest awake. Ignore Sleep magic.
Dec 8, 2024 10:39 am
Jasra the Urchin has been submitted for your approval!
Dec 8, 2024 12:44 pm
AriaNocturne says:
Jasra the Urchin has been submitted for your approval!
approved!
Dec 8, 2024 12:47 pm
We, the players, can not see Jasra.

In order for the other players to be able to see the contents of the character sheets, the sheet need to be Added to the Library.
You can do that by marking the grey 'note' icon that says Add to Library on your character list.
https://i.imgur.com/NhDSgLT.png
Red means others can see the sheet.

Else tell us about the character.
Dec 8, 2024 2:39 pm
Garrett Jaxx has been submitted for approval.
Dec 8, 2024 4:02 pm
mathias0077 says:
Garrett Jaxx has been submitted for approval.
To submit a character you need to use the pull down menu at the right side of the Game Details.
https://i.imgur.com/Y6S9aGe.png

I do not see Garrett Jaxx for approval.
Dec 8, 2024 5:23 pm
tibbius says:
mathias0077 says:
Garrett Jaxx has been submitted for approval.
To submit a character you need to use the pull down menu at the right side of the Game Details.
https://i.imgur.com/Y6S9aGe.png

I do not see Garrett Jaxx for approval.
That is funny because that is what I did. I resubmitted.
Dec 8, 2024 7:08 pm
mathias0077 says:
mathias0077 says:
Garrett Jaxx has been submitted for approval.
I resubmitted.
This time it worked! Approved.
Dec 8, 2024 7:08 pm
First GAME post is up!
Dec 8, 2024 7:36 pm
@Dhakhan r u with us?
Dec 9, 2024 5:18 am
Just to clarify a few things before we get started:

Sounds like Garrett and Jasra were kids that grew up on the streets. How old are they now? Are they still kids/teens or are they adults now? (EDIT: just read Garrett is 20 yo). I'll say Asha looks like she's in her early 20s too. Asha has been living on the streets for the last year. Is it safe to assume that we banded together recently to better survive? Perhaps Ane is our ring leader?

How does Dhakan's "Sinbad"-like character fit in? Did he lose his ship somehow, effectively bankrupt, starting from scratch on the street too. That would fit in with the rest of us easily.

How is Ginseng related to our group? Was he a member of our little gang as well (perhaps his connection to Big Zhad is how we got some of our previous jobs and why Big Zhad trusts us?) or do we not know him at all and he simply the target of our current mission?
Last edited December 9, 2024 5:21 am
Dec 9, 2024 5:32 am
Oh also, @mathias0077 is Garrett a different ancestry than human based on the characteristics you picked. For example, some kind of underground-dwelling race/species, or did he develop these characteristics from years as a street urchin.
Dec 9, 2024 9:14 am
tibbius says:
@Dhakhan r u with us?
Yup! Just tardy! Buzruc bin Shahryar submitted. Warrior! have I created him correctly?

How's this sound? He's gambled away his ship and crew the night after a particularly spectacular failure. His sure thing turned into an unmitigated disaster. The goods were not unguarded. Three crew were captured and imprisioned leaving the remaining 12 happy for new leadership. AND every shows up at the docks, the guards seem to feel him coming! Drunk though he was, he's sure that Layth ibn Kahlan is a cheater. There is no way that he could have lost at dice that night! His were loaded afterall! Aground with only meagre means left to him, Buzruc, aims to gain himself another ship and crew and show that Layth who is the real Rogue of the Waves. But first, money. ...peferably easy money.
Dec 9, 2024 9:50 am
I have updated my sheet a little. Mainly I have turned the 'headings' into [abilities tags. This makes it easier to edit that part straight from this page.

Click the Ink-pot and Quill icon for a small edit window of just that part, this works particularly well on regularly changing parts like the Items (and less well on sections where lines are longer:).
https://i.imgur.com/BpPHOOY.png

Feel free to quote and grab the new changes.
[ +- ] vague Legends sheet code

Rolls

Reason + Help - (d8+d6)

(2) + (6) = 8

Dec 9, 2024 9:51 am
tibbius says:
(in RP) ... Getting there ... will require you to ascend two stories ... to the top of the sabban wall, then follow the sun-seared wall-top road to Osiir. ...
What is our main opposition to doing this? Is it hard to get up there? Are we not allowed on the sabban walls? Can we talk/trick our way past guards or do we need to avoid them?

Ane has no plans —nor desire— to go through the sewers (yuck!)... but others might suggest it. Are we 'required' to use the sabban walls for some reason?
Dec 9, 2024 10:05 am
I did not actually mean to roll in the post above. That was for illustration in the screenshot. :)

But it does raise the point. We don't care about the 8 I rolled with Reason and Help, we only care about the individuality dice.

tibbius, you can use the Advanced Rules Definitions below to tell the system not to show us the total, just the dice, and also to color our successes and failures. Feel free to pick and choose whichever bits you like.

{
    "diceRules": [
        {
            "rolled": "d",
            "autoSort": true
        },
        {
            "rolled": "d",
            "ge": 5,
            "highlight": "success",
            "hideTotal": true
        },
        {
            "rolled": "d",
            "le": 2,
            "highlight": "fail",
            "hideTotal": true
        }
    ]
}
Dec 9, 2024 10:16 am
... or the probably more elegant:

{
    "diceRules": [
        {
            "rolled": "d",
            "natural": ">=1",
            "autoSort": true,
            "hideTotal": true
        },
        {
            "rolled": "d",
            "natural": ">=5",
            "highlight": "success"
        },
        {
            "rolled": "d",
            "natural": "<=2",
            "highlight": "fail"
        }
    ]
}
Dec 9, 2024 11:07 am
Chalrytharendir says:
Oh also, @mathias0077 is Garrett a different ancestry than human based on the characteristics you picked. For example, some kind of underground-dwelling race/species, or did he develop these characteristics from years as a street urchin.
He knows not where these senses have come from. he just figures it is obscure branch of his family tree. I have updated background.
Dec 9, 2024 1:03 pm
vagueGM says:
I have updated my sheet a little. Mainly I have turned the 'headings' into [abilities tags. This makes it easier to edit that part straight from this page.
That's amazing!! Thank you!
Dec 9, 2024 1:06 pm
Dhakhan says:
vagueGM says:
I have updated my sheet a little. Mainly I have turned the 'headings' into [abilities tags. This makes it easier to edit that part straight from this page.
That's amazing!! Thank you!
Give a shout if you need any help editing it into your sheet.
Dec 9, 2024 2:37 pm
lovely! @vaguegm I will adopt that.

@dhakhan, loving your take on Sinbad.
Dec 9, 2024 2:42 pm
vagueGM says:
tibbius says:
(in RP) ... Getting there ... will require you to ascend two stories ... to the top of the sabban wall, then follow the sun-seared wall-top road to Osiir. ...
What is our main opposition to doing this? Is it hard to get up there? Are we not allowed on the sabban walls? Can we talk/trick our way past guards or do we need to avoid them?

Ane has no plans —nor desire— to go through the sewers (yuck!)... but others might suggest it. Are we 'required' to use the sabban walls for some reason?
I prefer these kind of questions in "[ ooc ]" tags in the rp thread. Easier (for me) to keep track of.
Dec 9, 2024 2:44 pm
tibbius says:
... I prefer these kind of questions in "[ ooc ]" tags in the rp thread. Easier (for me) to keep track of.
Righty-ho.
Dec 9, 2024 2:53 pm
Testing your party luck …

Rolls

Luck - (1d6)

(1) = 1

Dec 9, 2024 2:54 pm
Well ain't that fun. :)
Dec 9, 2024 2:59 pm
Chalrytharendir says:
How does Dhakan's "Sinbad"-like character fit in? Did he lose his ship somehow, effectively bankrupt, starting from scratch on the street too. That would fit in with the rest of us easily.
I'm thinking my character might be something more along the lines of a Sin"not so good", rather than a Sinbad. :D Anyway, after a couple of weeks of humilation around the docks Buzurg retreated into the city to try to improve his luck and fortunes. After some fast talking and some luck he managed to get in with a local strong man's organization (i.e. Big Zhad). It had taken him a few months, but he thinks he's managed to get noticed by Big Zhad himself and that this could be his big break. He'd seen Garett and Jasra before and even had some dealings with them. This is the fist time as part of a team. He's thinking that his leadership skills must have shined through and that he's been put with their group to add some maturity and "wisdom", i.e. keep them from screwing up. He is quite keen to not screw up.
Dec 9, 2024 5:29 pm
Dhakhan says:
... This is the fist time as part of a team. ...
Fair enough. So Big Zhad has pushed us, strangers, together.
Dhakhan says:
... He'd seen Garett and Jasra before and even had some dealings with them. ...
Specially those two and not Ane and Asha?

That can make sense. Ane has a family to protect —which is why she does not advertise her family name— and probably tries to keep a low profile, you might not have known she was a rogue like you. :)
Dhakhan says:
... He's thinking that his leadership skills must have shined through and that he's been put with their group to add some maturity and "wisdom", i.e. keep them from screwing up. ...
Cool. Ane cares more about keeping her people safe than about 'being in charge', so you won't get push-back on your being the one to call the shots... until those shots prove sinbad. :)

If there is tension between the characters, we all know that it is purely in-character. We should also only keep it going so long as it is fun for everyone.
Dec 9, 2024 5:30 pm
One wonders if Garrett and Jasra work together? Are they one crew, Ane and Asha another crew and Buruzg a third side to our coin?

Or are Garret and Jasra already part of Ane's crew?
Dec 9, 2024 5:53 pm
@mathias0077 oh the fun I can have with
tibbius sent a note to mathias0077
Dec 9, 2024 10:09 pm
Garrett is always looking to work with others. He likes being part of a crew. He isn't a take charge kind of guy but will voice his opinion. Usually in a smart assed way.
Dec 9, 2024 10:14 pm
mathias0077 says:
Garrett is always looking to work with others. He likes being part of a crew. ...
That makes him well suited to this being the first time we work together, and him joining us afterwards (so the game can continue:) since he wants to be part of a crew. This lets us get to know the characters while they are getting to know each other.

But, if you prefer, we can just as easily already be a crew (we can work out the details of how that came to be here, or as we play).
Dec 10, 2024 6:24 am
vagueGM says:

Cool. Ane cares more about keeping her people safe than about 'being in charge', so you won't get push-back on your being the one to call the shots... until those shots prove sinbad. :)
Haha! Was imagining this more as a hopeful source of *fun* or comedy. I don't specifically want to be calling the shots. I'm in +8 GMT so not sure how in sync I'll be with folks even given the PbP format.
vagueGM says:
If there is tension between the characters, we all know that it is purely in-character. We should also only keep it going so long as it is fun for everyone.
Definitely and well said! Easily done as I'm a natural conflict avoider. :P I get enough drama IRL.
Dec 10, 2024 7:08 am
First in, best dressed! Just an initial post to get the ball rolling, allow people to make an entrance? Assuming we'll head up the overhead route, but feel free to change directions if you've crafted a plan of approach.
Dec 11, 2024 1:33 am
I like the way everyone's characters are shaping up. Excited to get started!
Dec 18, 2024 4:18 pm
How are we feeling about the game mechanics?
Dec 18, 2024 4:25 pm
tibbius says:
How are we feeling about the game mechanics?
We haven't really engaged with the mechanic very much, but then I like games where the mechanics get out of our way and let us play.

I have occasionally felt a little lost as to what we are supposed to care about, or what, in a scene, presents as an obstacle (we were presented with a need to get onto the wall, but that was not a thing we needed to worry about and could have just done), but that is normal when first playing with a new group, we learn which 'signals' mean we need to take actions and how things are described. :)
Dec 18, 2024 4:27 pm
vagueGM says:
we were presented with a need to get onto the wall, but that was not a thing we needed to worry about and could have just done
Rather, I presented a choice whether to get on the wall or travel through gates in the plebeian level (or even through sewers). It wasn't an obstacle, but your collective decision informed what happened next.
Dec 19, 2024 4:31 am
Yes. What VagueGM said. It's early days (or minutes in game time!) so we haven't really seen much. But what we seem to have gotten past the initial confusion of a new game start which is good!
Dec 19, 2024 6:29 am
So far so good. Casting was satisfying ... specifically not having to follow any strict rules for how the spell works and just going with what felt right in the fiction.

I haven't played many games without a damage tracker (maybe only Microscope), so I'm trying to gauge the effect of getting hit by lightning, I hope it's okay, but let me know if Asha should be more impaired than how I've described.
Dec 19, 2024 11:01 am
Liking it. Don't have to look stuff up all the time for rolls which is good.
Dec 19, 2024 3:01 pm
Chalrytharendir says:
So far so good. Casting was satisfying ... specifically not having to follow any strict rules for how the spell works and just going with what felt right in the fiction.

I haven't played many games without a damage tracker (maybe only Microscope), so I'm trying to gauge the effect of getting hit by lightning, I hope it's okay, but let me know if Asha should be more impaired than how I've described.
Everything with 2400 is fiction-first common sense. So if you are in a knife fight risking death and roll 1–2 disaster, you would describe the near-fatal wound a lot differently than if you were in a mage battle with bolts of lightning and got the same roll. Obviously treatment / recovery would be different, too.

Your description of Asha's condition is just fine.
Dec 20, 2024 11:11 pm
What is 'sheesha'? Meat or drugs?

It seems they know me here [ref], so I should know what my character is into. :)
Dec 21, 2024 1:30 pm
vagueGM says:
What is 'sheesha'? Meat or drugs?

It seems they know me here [ref], so I should know what my character is into. :)
Cannabis resin
Dec 22, 2024 11:49 am
I will be on vacation today through Thursday.
Dec 22, 2024 2:50 pm
Have fun and a Merry Christmas to you and yours.

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