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Topics - Katarn

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1
DFRPG / Looking for ideas for a campaign set in Toledo, Ohio
« on: May 19, 2018, 11:11:10 PM »
When talking with a friend about common expressions, the phrase "Holy Toledo" came up, and it gave me a loose idea to set a DFRPG game in Toledo, focused less on mortal practitioners and more on faith based magic/characters of all stripes.  A bit of research right away gave me a few ideas:

  • Most major religions have multiple presences in the area- aside from Christianity's general monopoly on worship, Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism all have 2 or more houses of worship in the greater metro area
  • Human trafficking is a relatively major problem in Toledo (4th highest in the country), due to it being an intersection of interstates near several major airports and the border with Canada only 40 minutes away.  I was considering having both mortal cops as well as supernatural opposition to this akin to The Paranet Papers' Cult of Ishtar, only with Native American trappings.
  • A major city for almost 200 years, and Native American presence centuries before that, there's a lot of history to draw from in the area.  There was a mostly bloodless conflict called the Toledo War that I'm trying to figure out how to incorporate.  It was a relatively boring conflict, so to use it there would have to be cloak-and-dagger elements to the conflict.  Perhaps a conflict between the 2 of the Vampire courts (or maybe the Sidhe), each backing one of the states?
  • The town's nicknames include Glass City (the country's leading glass producer) and Frog Town (due to the former Great Black Swamp that used to cover the area), both of which could be tied in with demons or other supernatural folks.

I want to stay away from Denarians and Knights of the Cross, at least initially, and instead focus on other fallen angels, demons, or creatures/monsters from other faiths.  Current themes I'm looking at are in this vein:

  • A literal holy war (demons or some such verus another faction, humanity, etc.)
  • Human trafficking, both from a mortal perspective and the supernatural facets
  • ?Possibly something involving 2 Vampire courts and the Toledo War
  • ?Inter-faith unity or conflict on how to address issues (either mortal or supernatural)

I'm hesitant to commit some of the heavier concepts to a game, such as human trafficking.  Any suggestions are heartily welcomed.

2
DF Spoilers / Faerie Queens Full(?) List
« on: March 09, 2018, 12:58:35 AM »
Looking through the books and the various WoJ, I was trying to pin down a complete list of the Faerie queens (referring to their individual successors):

MOTHER WINTER
*Mother Winter (only holder of the title)

WINTER QUEEN
*Unknown number of predecessors (immediate predecessor died c. 1066)
*Mab (c. 1066 to present)

WINTER LADY
*??
*Mab (unknown to c. 1066, ascended to Winter Queen)
*1 or more unknown Winter Ladies
*Maeve (~200 years ago to Cold Days)
*Molly Carpenter (Cold Days to present)

MOTHER SUMMER
*Unknown number of predecessors (only 1 predecessor in recorded history)
*Current Mother Summer (sometime in recorded history to present)

SUMMER QUEEN
*Unknown number of predecessors
*Titania (c. 1066 to present)

SUMMER LADY
*??
*Titania (unknown to c. 1066, ascended to Summer Queen)
*??
*Aurora (unknown to Summer Knight)
*Lily (Summer Knight to Cold Days)
*Sarissa (Cold Days to present)

I put "??" where it's unknown if there was a predecessor or queen in the time period (for example, we don't know if Mab/Titania had predecessors as the Ladies, and we don't know if there were any Ladies between Titania and Aurora).

3
DFRPG / Sense8 Characters (S1 Spoilers)
« on: July 02, 2015, 05:10:41 PM »
So I absolutely loved Netflix's new show Sense8, and after finishing the first season got to thinking about how the characters would be statted up.

For those unfamiliar with the show, sensates are linked humans who can share their thoughts and abilities with people born within their 'cluster' (clusters ranging in size from 2-12).  Furthermore, they can 'visit' any other sensate outside their cluster if they've made eye contact.

So here's a general write up for a typical Sensate Template:

Sensate
Musts:  A sensate must have a High Concept reflecting their ability (Sensate Cop, Sensate Actor, etc.)
A sensate must have the following abilities:
  • [-1] Soulgaze- If two sensates from different clusters make eye contact, they become linked and can 'visit' each other mentally, when combined with Sensate Connection (below)  Members of a cluster have this connection by default.
  • [-1] Sensate Connection (reskinned Ghost Speaker)- A sensate can speak to the other members of their cluster, and share their basic senses (sight, sound, etc.).  If two sensates outside a cluster have soulgazed this also applies.
  • [-1 or more] Mimic Abilities- Sensates are able to draw on the memories and abilities of other members of their cluster.  Early after their 'awakening' as sensates, this would be a simple [-1] to accidentally access each other's skills, but as the sensates grow, they can access more of each other's abilities.  Soulgaze DOES NOT grant this ability- it is strictly within a cluster.


Optional Abilities:
  • (click to show/hide)
  • (click to show/hide)
  • (click to show/hide)


I'd love some feedback, and I'm going to try to write up some of the characters over the next few days.

4
DFRPG / Transmutation Alchemy
« on: October 16, 2014, 10:07:30 PM »
So I've had a player asking if he could change lead into gold, as per alchemy in olden times.  Torn if I should allow it:

*Looking at the Thaumaturgy page in the book, "create lasting changes in people and things" is one of the things you can do.
*None of the Seven Laws apply.

I find nothing prohibiting it, but it seems odd that we've had no mention of that kind of ability in the books.

So my questions are:
a)  Do the books shed any light on the subject?
b)  As a GM, what would you do- allow it or not, and if so how?

5
DFRPG / 4th Annual Borden DFRPG Awards (2013)
« on: May 30, 2014, 12:00:26 PM »
(Sorry this is a little belated).


Another year has passed- it's time to acknowledge those game/people that have been phenomenal in the DFRPG.



General Guidelines:
*The nominee must have premiered in the calendar year 2013, before 2014- the game must have begun official play before January 1st, 2014.  The PC/NPC/quote must have also been presented before January 1st, 2014.
*If the game/character/individual is nominated and has been around for more than a year, their efforts in 2013 are what should be considered.  (i.e. if a game takes place in 2012 and 2013, consider only what occurred in 2013 before voting).
*An off-site nominee must be able to verified (aka a well-known game off-site, such as Undertown, can be nominated).
*Nominations begin today (May 30th)- June 29th 2014.
*Voting will be June 30th-May 9th, with the winners announced the day after.
*If applicable, please include links to character sheets, game threads, etc.


Categories:
Favorite PC:  The crowd favorite- the most memorable or inspiring Player Character.
Favorite NPC: A classic villain, murderous Fae, iconic hero, or conflicted anti-hero? As long as it wasn't a Player Character.
Best Quote: The quip from battle you still laugh about.  Pop culture references encouraged.
Best Plot: The all-important plot hook~ it doesn't have to be unique, just great.
Best Location or City:  Setting-based award.
Player of the Year: This person (who has played 1 or more games) is the ideal player- he knows the rules, is a clever strategist, and helps make the games he/she is in fun.
Best Sounding Board:  Best DFRPG Board Contributor:   
GM of the Year: This Game Master (of 1 or more games) allows for fluid gameplay and a fun, memorable, epic time.
Game of the Year: The best game overall- plot, dialogue, NPCs, combat, through-and-through-the-best.

6
DFRPG / Annual DFRPG Awards
« on: February 10, 2013, 06:27:45 AM »
For those who don't check the PbP board regularly, I thought I'd post a note on this board as well.  The annual Borden DFRPG Awards for 2012 are currently in the process of nominating people and games, followed by voting next month.  Users can nominate and vote for best game, player, setting, etc. from 2012 DFRPG gameplay.  It's important to acknowledge those players and GMs that go above and beyond.


Please check out the thread HERE.

7
DFRPG / Mortal Question
« on: January 05, 2012, 04:08:53 AM »
This seems like a no brainer, but consider any specific examples carefully:

I have a player who is playing a Pure Mortal, but is a Treasure Hunter for magical artifacts.  Is there any way he can use some of the mystical objects he obtains without losing the title Pure Mortal?  I can't think of any, but I was trying to cater to his idea.

8
DFRPG / 2nd Annual Borden DFRPG Awards (2011)
« on: December 28, 2011, 05:56:25 PM »
As another year closes, it's time to acknowledge those game/people that have been phenomenal in the DFRPG.

Link to Last Year's Thread


General Guidelines:
*The nominee must have premiered before 2012- the game must have begun official play before January 1st, 2012.  The PC/NPC/quote must have also been presented before January 1st, 2012.
*If the game/character/individual is nominated and has been around for more than a year, their efforts in 2011 are what should be considered.
*An off-site nominee must be able to verified (aka a well-known game off-site, such as Undertown, can be nominated).
*Nominations begin today (December 28th, 2011)- January 31st 2012.
*Voting will be February 1st-12th 2012, the winners announced the day after.
*If applicable, please include links to character sheets, game threads, etc.


Categories:
Favorite PC:  The crowd favorite- the most memorable or inspiring Player Character.
Favorite NPC: A classic villain, murderous Fae, iconic hero, or conflicted anti-hero? As long as it wasn't a Player Character.
Best Quote: The quip from battle you still laugh about.  Pop culture references encouraged.
Best Plot: The all-important plot hook~ it doesn't have to be unique, just great.
Best Location or City:  Setting-based award.
Player of the Year: This person (who has played 1 or more games) is the ideal player- he knows the rules, is a clever strategist, and helps make the games he/she is in fun.
Best Sounding Board: 
Quote
It'd be for those that give help to others when building characters or cities. Sorta similar to Best Board Contributor, but on a more personal level. They are some of the people I talk to most when trying to suss out a character idea, or stunt/power, or plotline.
Best DFRPG Board Contributor: 
Quote
for those who have been incredibly helpful, gave enciteful opinions, and has been generally positive on the board in general.
 
GM of the Year: This Game Master (of 1 or more games) allows for fluid gameplay and a fun, memorable, epic time.
Game of the Year: The best game overall- plot, dialogue, NPCs, combat, through-and-through-the-best.


Quote
2010 WINNERS:

Favorite PC:  Alphonse LaChaise, by HobbitGuy1420
Favorite NPC:  Thor Badass McAwesome, by pogoman
Best Quote:  <NONE>
Best Plot:  The Highway to Hell, by admiralducksauce
Best Location or City:  Twin Cities, by Falar
Player of the Year:  HobbitGuy1420
Best Sounding Board:  HobbitGuy1420
Best DFRPG Board Contributor:  Sanctaphrax
GM of the Year:  Mij (GM of "Undertown")
Game of the Year:  San Francisco: Shaking the Foundations (Undertown RPG group), by Mij

9
DFRPG / Dreaded 6th Element
« on: December 16, 2011, 06:37:46 PM »
Ok, so we know via the conventional bonus system incorporating a 6-element system (the example presented in the book is metal/water/wood/earth/fire/spirit) is a nightmare for the conventional bonus pyramid (now have 12 columns rather than 10.)  Not to mention Focus Items now have 24 options rather than 20, due to the offense/defense subset not in normal refinement.

Any have any suggestions how to re-tool this small part of the system to fit the need of unique characters?  The only thing I can think of offhand is tweaking refinements/focus items slots to give slightly more points to cover this new diversity.  Suggestions?

10
DFRPG / Master List of Focused Practitioning Fields
« on: December 11, 2011, 10:01:54 PM »
Basically trying to compile a list of fields of study of magic (basically focused practitioners), as mentioned by Mr. Butcher or the RPG:
EVOCATION, THAUMATURGY

Pyromancy- fire
Terramancy- earth
Hydromancy- water
Aeromancy- air, flight
Kinetomancy- “force”
Chronomancy- time
Caffeinomancy- coffee (actually in the RPG)
Ectomancy- ghost
Neuromancy- mind reading
Psychomancy- mind control
Necromancy- death
Alchemy- potions
Anthropomancy- divination via human entrails
Vulcanomancy- magma subset of earth
Phonoturgy- sound
Holomancy- invisiblility
Verisimilomancy- illusion

Two I'm not quite clear on:
Enchantress- ?
Ferromancy- magnetics, electrics? Minerals? technology?

(also, reasonable assumed additions could include chloromancy, cleromancy (determining will of deities), allomancy (see wikipedia), Astralmancy (NeverNever expert), Technomancy (if that isn't ferromancy, and there could be problems w/ technology)

Thoughts?  Supplements to this list, corrections, additions?

11
DFRPG / Focused Practitioners- What are their Limits?
« on: December 01, 2011, 07:59:50 PM »
Ok, so the RPG mentions that magical effects can be drawn from different elements- like lightning could be conjured with the right rationalization by most of the elements.

But where do you draw the line?  IRL I have a player who's playing a pyromancer.  He's made arguments for things like energy redirection (heat transfer), healing (warmth), and numerous other attempts at extended magic, with varying amounts of reasonableness.  Where would you, as the GM, draw the line for things a focused practitioner can and cannot do?

12
DFRPG / Extraordinary NPC Thread
« on: May 28, 2011, 12:58:35 AM »
Hoping this will go to the Resource Sub-Board eventually.  This thread is for non-generic NPCs, such as superheroes.

I'll start off with my ongoing list of Asgardians:
*Odin Allfather, King of the Asgardians  [  ]
*Thor Odinson, Asgardian of Thunder  [  ]
*Loki Laufeyson, Asgardian of Mischief  [  ]
*Balder (the Brave) Odinson, Asgardian of Light and former Monarch  [X]
*Sif, Female Warrior  [X]
*Heimdall, Guardian of the Rainbow Bridge  [X]
Warriors Three
*Fandral (the Dashing)  [  ]
*Hogun (the Grim)  [  ]
*Volstagg (the Enormous)  [  ]


Balder (the Brave) Odinson
High Concept: Asgardian God of Light and Prophecy
Trouble:  Key to Ragnarok
Other Aspects: (Former) Monarch of Asgard, Widower, Swordsman Warrior, Staunch Ally of Thor, Love-Hate for Karnilla
Skills:
Legendary: Weapons, Endurance
Epic: Lore, Athletics, Conviction
Fantastic: Might, Discipline
Superb: Resources, Alertness, Survival
Great: Contacts, Intimidation, Presence
Good:  All other skills default to Good or higher.
Stunts:
Powers:
[-4]Supernatural Strength- Balder can lift 35 tons (50 tons in role as Monarch)
[-4]Great Glamours- Balder can shield himself (and Odin's steed) from mortal eyesight.
[-2]Channeling (Pyromancy)- Balder can generate heat and light, but it is weaker than is contemporaries of other pantheons.
[-4]Supernatural Speed
[+1]The Catch- Mistletoe is Balder's one true weakness (although Odin's powers presumably apply as well), affecting the following:
[-4]Supernatural Recovery- Balder heals much faster than any mortal, and can perform at peak capacity for a full 24 hours.
[-8]Physical Immunity- Balder cannot be killed by mortal weapon.
[+1]Additional Catch- In addition to the mistletoe, the Immunity only applies to Balder when he is in the Asgardian dimension.
Equipment: Norn Stones (occasionally), Asgardian mounts, interdimensional portals, a pair of swords, occasionally Sword of Frey (not included in this write-up)
Refresh Cost: -24
Total Refresh: 4


Sif
High Concept: Female Asgardian Warrior
Trouble: Eyes only for Thor
Other Aspects: Affection for the Worthy, Understand the Mortals, Unrequited Love from Balder, Cold Weapon Mastery, the late Mrs. Chambers
Skills:
Epic: Weapons, Fists
Fantastic: Endurance, Conviction
Superb: Lore, Might
Great: Discipline, Alertness
Good: Survival, Presence
Fair: All other skills default to Fair or higher.
Stunts:
Powers:
[-4]Supernatural Strength- Sif can lift 30 tons.
[-4]Supernatural Speed
[+1]The Catch- Sif's power is potent primarily in Asgard, affecting the following:
[-2]Inhuman Recovery- Sif heals faster than any mortal.
[-6]Mythic Toughness- Sif can take all kinds of damage and still not go down.
Equipment: Dimension-traversing Sword from Odin
Refresh Cost: -15
Total Refresh: 5


Heimdall
High Concept: Sentry of Asgard
Trouble: Duty above Family or Love
Other Aspects: Trusted Confidant of Odin, Sister Sif, Former pawn of Loki, Seeker of Lost Asgardians, Power with Restraint
Skills:
Legendary: Alertness
Epic: Discipline, Conviction
Fantastic: Might, Weapons
Superb: Athletics, Fists
Great: Resources, Presence
Good:  All other skills default to Good or higher.
Stunts:
Powers:
[-4]Supernatural Strength- Heimdall can lift 50 tons (191x his weight)
[-2]Inhuman Speed- Heimdall is quicker than any mortal athlete.
[-2]Channeling (Pyromancy)- Heimdall can conjure powerful blue fire, capable of downing Thor.
[-4]Refinement
[+1]The Catch- Sonic booms disable him, and his weak points are his eyes, that slowly heal (if at all).
[-3]Extreme Senses- Heimdall can detect beings hundreds of miles away.  He can focus these senses intensely and block out other information.
[-4]Supernatural Recovery- Heimdall heals from wounds quickly
[-6]Mythic Toughness- Heimdall can take all kinds of punishment and not go down.
Equipment: his steed Gulltopp, Gjallerhorn, Hofund.
Refresh Cost: -24
Total Refresh: 4

13
DFRPG / 1st Annual Borden DFRPG Awards (2010)
« on: May 05, 2011, 06:56:06 PM »
An idea I came up with while thinking about the number of DFRPG Games on-site.  We, as a community, should recognize excellent games, gamers, and GMs.  My idea is for impromptu awards (June 15th- Nominations until June 1st).  Winners will be decided by popular vote.

General Guidelines:
*The nominee must have premiered 2010- the game must have begun official play before January 1st.  The PC/NPC/quote must have also been presented before January 1st, 2011.
*Anyone can make a nomination, but it needs two votes of approval from members not involved with the relevant game.
*The game must be able to verified (aka game members on-site have heard of the nominee- PbP on site are the primary example, but a well-known game off-site, such as Undertown, can be nominated).
*Voting will be June 1st- 14th, the winners announced the day after.



Categories:
Favorite PC:  The crowd favorite- the most memorable or inspiring Player Character.
Favorite NPC: A classic villain, murderous Fae, iconic hero, or conflicted anti-hero? As long as it wasn't a Player Character.
Best Quote: The quip from battle you still laugh about.  Pop culture references encouraged.
Best Plot: The all-important plot hook~ it doesn't have to be unique, just great.
Best Location or City:  Setting-based award.
Player of the Year: This person (who has played 1 or more games) is the ideal player- he knows the rules, is a clever strategist, and helps make the games he/she is in fun.
Best Sounding Board:
Quote
It'd be for those that give help to others when building characters or cities. Sorta similar to Best Board Contributor, but on a more personal level. They are some of the people I talk to most when trying to suss out a character idea, or stunt/power, or plotline.
Best DFRPG Board Contributor:
Quote from: Samael on May 06, 2011, 01:28:55 AM
for those who have been incredibly helpful, gave enciteful opinions, and has been generally positive on the board in general.
GM of the Year: This Game Master (of 1 or more games) allows for fluid gameplay and a fun, memorable, epic time.
Best DFRPG Game Overall: The best game overall- plot, dialogue, NPCs, combat, through-and-through-the-best.


Also, if someone has a more fitting Award Name OR more categories please PERSONAL MESSAGE me and I'll consider changing it.

14
DFRPG / White Court and Circles
« on: April 21, 2011, 02:13:58 PM »
Quick question: what would happen with a White Courtier and circles? Specifically:

*Could a wizard trap a WCV in a circle?
*Do WCV lose vampiric powers in a circle? (same question for passing into a circle)
*Can a WCV make a circle with their blood?

Any other contingencies feel free to cover.

15
DFRPG / Worldwalker- Rolls?
« on: April 20, 2011, 06:52:37 AM »
Ok so I'm GM'ing a campaign where a bunch of Vampires want to traverse through the Nevernever.  I know for a wizard, a roll must be made to open the Portal- does a WCV make the same roll, a similar roll, or is in an innate ability like incite emotion needing no roll?

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