Read First: Character Creation Discussion

You could most certainly buy one at the price you already paid.

Obligation-wise, I'm somewhat torn. Both Dutybound and Oath would fit her character and the setting.

Duty - She's definitely entrenched in ritual. A "prized" (at least in her eyes) student of the Arcology. The majority of her living memory is in service to that body and her training has been singular in aim: dominate space as a new Sith Empire.

Oath - The Sith were always less interested in the whole Oath to a group thing, at least when compared to the Jedi. This may not fit as well.

I think she'd take the Dutybound obligation. Bound to the task of spreading the glory of the Sith Empire through subjugation and intrigue.

First draft of the background is up. It's a little rough because it lacks detail but I think it will do for now, since it really only serves to set her up for the future.

Additionally, I went with the dutybound obligation ('explained' in the background) and the Ambition/Greed morality.

About character creation and the obligation/morality bonuses. Are those working as normal or is it only working based on your previous post regarding our backgrounds.

Haven't finished Hawke's backstory (typing it in Word before moving it over), but I've determined that he was in his teens before being stranded on Akrulta. He's been a part of the Sith for about 14-15 years now and in his late 20s, but he still remembers the wider galaxy.

MORALITY AND THE DARK SIDE


Morality is a generally soft mechanic, so I've modified it to highlight it a bit more in the game. New game mechanics are detailed below that allow for the use of Morality when playing a Dark Side character.



Persistent Internal Conflict and It's Effect on the Character

The Morality scale has been upgraded to reflect persistent internal conflict for the character. A Dark Side character trending too far toward the Light side will suffer the following effects:

A Morality score ranging from 50-59 will result in 1 setback die applied on all skill checks.

A Morality score ranging from 60-69 will result in 2 setback dice applied to all skill checks.

A Morality score of 70+ and the player has turned to the Light Side, coming under the auspices of all the rules inherently attached.

As seen above, the Dark Side is consuming, corrupting, and possessive, lashing out at you as you move toward the light. The closer you get to becoming light side (70+ Morality) the more constant and overwhelming your internal strife becomes, interfering with focus, decisiveness, self-identity, etc.

As we're entering new territory, seemingly unaddressed by any forum or discussion of any kind on the internet, a lot of how we handle conflict regarding your characters will be highly interpretative by your GM. However, the below table is intended to give you an approximate idea of what to expect, showing some of the ways Dark Side characters can accrue conflict.

The list of actions on the table below have attached conflict penalties, along with aspects of Morality that exemplify what emotions/ideals cause the conflict for a dark side user. It is not intended to be a complete list, and you may gain conflict via other means, at the discretion of your GM.



COMMON CONFLICT PENALTIES FOR DARK SIDE CHARACTERS
(1) Knowing Inaction: The PC knows that an NPC or PC will do something to oppose them and allows them to do so. 1-2 conflict. Fear, Weakness.
(2) Telling the truth to the detriment of the PC or their agenda. 1-2 conflict. Fear, Weakness.
(3) Seeking peaceful resolution to or fleeing from a direct threat of violence. 1-4 conflict. Fear, Weakness, Compassion.
(4) Unnecessary Kindness: Helping others, unselfishly aiding them in some way. 3-6 conflict. Compassion, Justice.
(5) Granting mercy, especially to an enemy. 4-9 conflict. Mercy, Compassion, Justice.
(6) Endangering yourself to help others. 6-10 conflict. Mercy, Compassion, Justice.
(8) Self-sacrifice. Offering to take the place of another, etc. at great peril to yourself. 15+ conflict. Mercy, Compassion, Altruism.



The Effect of Conflict on Your Dark Side Character's Morality

Every two months (?-- tentative), each player totals conflict received for their character and rolls 1d10, subtracting the result of the roll from their conflict. The character then adjusts his or her Morality by the result. Positive results move the character toward the Light Side, negative results move the character toward the Dark Side.

For example, Darth Vader accrued a lot of conflict at the end of the last session when he showed mercy to Padme, picking up 6 conflict. He rolls a 2 for his Morality check, and increases his Morality by the difference, which is 4 (6-2= positive 4), slipping to the Light Side of the force.

Later on, he accrues conflict in the next session, as Darth Vader confronts Obi Wan, giving him the chance to walk away. This earns him 2 conflict. He rolls an 8 for his Morality check, and decreases his Morality by the difference, which is 6 (2-8= negative 6), becoming more and more in tune with the Dark Side of the force.

Sorry, that won't work. I don't want any characters to have memories of the galaxy.

Well it's a good thing that I haven't uploaded it yet, time to make some adjustments!

Everyone will have functioning Morality as described in a post I recently put up.

I've made a change as we go forward. Everyone must take 10 Obligation, represented by one Obligation at a value of 10 or two Obligations at a value of 5 each. The reasoning for this is that the kind of endeavor the group is undertaking is a major one, and important aspects of their life, beliefs, etc would be amplified. I did some reading and agree with the point of view that when players ahve both Obligation and Morality, it helps bring the game to life, adding detail, RP potential, etc.

Also, since I'm forcing it on you, I'll give every one another 15 XP (bring the bonus after character generation to 165).

An Oath to Vhrall Akrulta, perhaps, if your character is religious? Characters who take this Oath are highly religious and the strain would come from lack of contact with the Cathedral, in addition to truly believing that Vhrall Akrulta was divine, and judging them every step of the way. I can figure out more details about the religion if needed.

She is one sinister woman. Gritty stuff, an ex-slave and a woman not to be underestimated.

Kind of using Game of Thrones as a reference for how to make her act.

Just something I'd want to point out about the morality thing. I think a few of those may be a bit questionable depending on the person and the circumstances. Will that be something that comes into play when determining how conflict is handed out?

For instance, an individual with little combat ability being threatened by an overwhelming force couldn't be considered slipping to the light side of the force if they seek a peaceful way out of the situation in order to save their own skin, would they?

I'm still working out the details, but the conflict penalty ranges are there to provide various penalties depending on the situation. In the situation you mention, I would likely give zero conflict as common sense is a factor; if there's some reason that, despite the overwhelming force I think it would still chafe at your character, I might give you 1 conflict.

I think that makes sense. Ultimately, it'll probably be up to us as much as it is up to you since we'll be the ones posting our character's actions, reactions and thoughts. Those thoughts will often betray us.

I like it. I think 10 Obligation in Oath would be fitting. I could even see it changing a bit of her attitude from just a brash/arrogant pilot to more of a warrior priestess type person.

And she'll dump her 15 extra xp into her Move power.

What is our starting Morality?

Everyone's Morality will start at 40, giving you all a nice lean to show your alignment to the Dark Side.

Excellent. I also updated Lexi's background to include a small passage about being taken in to a sanctum where she swore her oath to Vhrall Akrulta.

Awesome. I was really hoping someone would jump on the religious aspect of Vhrall Akrulta. As a force sensitive, this makes you one of the Eyes of Akrulta. Essentially, with your character's skill set she would be a cathedral guardian of sorts, not necessarily standing around at doorways, but extremely vested in the security of the Grand Cathedral. However, it's safe to say your character hasn't been to the inner sanctum, and had never seen the Oracle until she appeared as described in the SITH HISTORY (she is kept hidden for security purposes, as the Great Houses have taken a crack at Oracles in the past for reasons of their own).

Oh absolutely. I wasn't thinking she'd have been at THE sanctum, just A sanctum within the Cathedral. Being one of the Eyes sounds intriguing.

A NOTE ON THE GAME

I'm glad to have everyone here so far. We're up to six players, and that is my limit. I'm adding the comments below because PbP is notorious for players disappearing or posting infrequently, bringing the game to a crawl. I'm doing my damndest to avoid that. Furthermore, I want players who want to be here, highly involved in a quality game, and not just checking in, making the rounds on one of their ten games. Also, regarding the comments below, they are simply another layer of preventative care in my mission make a great game for all of us.

If you already find that you're not feeling the setting or theme of the game, or that you bit off more than you can chew commitment wise, it's alright to just let me know and leave. I don't want anyone feeling like they need to stay just because they signed up. There are other players interested in playing, and if you're feeling like this game might become a chore somehow, I'd rather part ways and bring someone in who wants to play.

There will be no hard feelings if you decide to go. Like I said, just give me a heads up so we don't wonder where you went. Parting on good terms leaves the door open for you to come back id there's a spot in the future as well.