Author Topic: New Year, New Character Challenge: MechWarrior Week (Read 3230 times)

nerd · « **on:** 10 January 2021, 20:23:46 »

I'm running a RPG character genration challenge, heavily focused on Traveller characters, but this week I'm using the various MechWarrior games. I started with MW1e, and I'm rather happy it was replaced by MW2e.

Hedwig Theodocia Gebhard is a new graduate of the Coventry Military Academy at the age of 22. A member of a minor noble family from Ludwigshafen in the Coventry Province of the Protectorate of Donegal, she is currently the pilot of her family's 40 ton Vulcan BattleMech and assigned to the 7th Lyran Regulars, and stationed on Loric near the Free Worlds League. The Gebhards are currently involved in a running feud with the neighboring House Borge, over the right to form the militia on Ludwigshafen, and serve as planetary representative to the Estates General.

Hedwig Theodocia Gebhard
BODY   6 DEX   9 LRN   8 CHA   7
     Saving Throws     Base Target
BODY     8        9
DEX       5        8
LRN      6        8
CHA     7        8
Skills: Piloting/Mech 2 (TN 6) Gunnery/Mech 2 (TN 6), Technician 2 (TN 6), Pistol 1 (TN 7) Leadership 1 (TN 7), Survival 1 (TN 8 ), Land Management 1 (TN 7)

See more at my blog: https://travellersandbox.blogspot.com/2021/01/character-creation-challenge-10-of-31.html

nerd · « **Reply #1 on:** 11 January 2021, 20:37:45 »

Today, I tried with a Capellan ASF pilot. In 3025, there's a good chance he won't see 3029.

Chen Sokolovsky
BODY   5 DEX   9 LRN   8 CHA   5

     Saving Throws   Base Target
BODY 9        10
DEX     5        8
LRN     6        8
CHA     9        10
Skills: Piloting/Aerospace 3(TN 5) Gunnery/Aerospace 3 (TN 5), Engineering 2 (TN 6), Pistol 2 (TN 6), Tactics 1 (TN 7), Mechanical 1 (TN 7)

https://travellersandbox.blogspot.com/2021/01/character-creation-challenge-11-of-31.html

Daryk · « **Reply #2 on:** 11 January 2021, 21:01:02 »

When you get up to AToW, let me know! :)

nerd · « **Reply #3 on:** 12 January 2021, 19:08:27 »

Quote from: Daryk on 11 January 2021, 21:01:02

When you get up to AToW, let me know! :)

It'll be on Saturday and Sunday. Today and tomorrow are MechWarrior, 2nd Edition, Thursday and Friday are MW3e/CBTRPG, and ATOW is Saturday and Sunday.

Daryk · « **Reply #4 on:** 12 January 2021, 19:09:27 »

Cool... I'm busy most of Saturday, and may or may not have time on Sunday... If all else fails, I'll post in response on Monday. :thumbsup:

nerd · « **Reply #5 on:** 12 January 2021, 21:34:05 »

Quote from: Daryk on 12 January 2021, 19:09:27

Cool... I'm busy most of Saturday, and may or may not have time on Sunday... If all else fails, I'll post in response on Monday. :thumbsup:

That's great. Also, you could comment on the blog.

The son of a samurai family in the Draconis Combine, he is a graduate of the Sun Tzu School of Combat, where he was completed the extensive training program and became an officer. His father was a MechWarrior as well, one of the few 'mainline' DCMS officers to serve with the Arkab Legions, where he worked closely with those warriors, and named his son after an officer he came to regard as a brother in arms. Naturally, the 'team play' aspect came to attract his father's attention, and he was sent there as a cadet, and trained as an officer. He received his daisho and was commissioned in 3049, and assigned to the famed Ryuken-ni. During the Clan Invasion, he fought in the raids against the Smoke Jaguars and Nova Cats from Wolcott. With the Truce era beginning, the DCMS and him are on edge against the invaders, not knowing what will happen in the near future. Recently, his family BattleMech was replaced by a MON-67 Mongoose.

Attributes
BLD 4 (8+)
REF 6 (6+)
INT 6 (6+)
LRN 5 (7+)
CHA 3 (9+)
Characteristics
Atheltic   8+
Physical   6+
Mental   7+
Social   9+
Advantages: Well Equipped-2
Skills
Advanced University Package MechWarrior MOS, Leadership Training FOS
Blade 3 (5+)
Bureaucracy 2 (7+)
Gunnery/BattleMech 3 (3+)
Leadership 1 (8+)
MedTech 1 (6+)
Negotiation 1 (8+)
Piloting/BattleMech 3 (3+)
Protocol 2 (7+)
Small Arms 2 (4+)
Tactics 1 (6+)
Throwing Weapons 1 (5+)
Unarmed Combat 1 (7+)
Edge: 1
Assets: 500 C-Bills
Equipment
Medipack
Medkit
Preserving Sleeve
Ablative/Flak Bodysuit
4 Patches
Swords
2 Daggers
Autopistol
6 reloads
Rifle
6 reloads
6 smoke microgrenades
6 flash microgrenades
6 explosive microgrenades
Starlight Goggles

http://travellersandbox.blogspot.com/2021/01/character-creation-challenge-12-of-31.html

nerd · « **Reply #6 on:** 13 January 2021, 21:46:41 »

Valentina Chaves is very different from the aristocratic characters I previously posted. She's a native of Galisteo in the Free Worlds League, where she left home at an early age to get away from her overbearing father and grandfather in town. She joined the Free Worlds League Military, and managed to get into an Academy prep program for the Allison MechWarrior Institute. She thrived in the atmosphere, overjoyed to be taken for her own value for once in her life, not just as a pretty girl. She graduated as part of the class of 3051, and was assigned a refitted RFL-5M Rifleman heavy BattleMech, and an assignment to the White Sabers of the Twelfth Atrean Dragoons.
Attributes
BLD 4 (8+)
REF 6 (6+)
INT 5 (7+)
LRN 6 (6+)
CHA 5 (7+)
Characteristics
Athletic   8+
Physical   7+
Mental   7+
Social   8+
Advantages: Well Equipped-1
Skills
Advanced Academy Package Allison MWI
Gunnery/BattleMech 3 (4+)
MedTech 1 (6+)
Piloting/BattleMech 3 (4+)
Protocol 2 (6+)
Small Arms 1 (6+)
Survival 2 (5+)
Seduction 1 (7+)
Edge: 1
Assets: 500 C-Bills

Equipment
SMG
3 reloads
Deluxe Field Kit
Medkit
Ablative/Flack Vest
Clothing
Dart Gun
10 reloads

https://travellersandbox.blogspot.com/2021/01/character-creation-challenge-13-of-31.html

nerd · « **Reply #7 on:** 15 January 2021, 00:04:47 »

Now, in to MechWarrior3rd, with Geoffrey Pierce of the Federated Suns. Lefteant Pierce is a MechWarrior currently assigned to the First Fed Com Regimental Combat Team, where he leads a scout lance of four light 'Mechs. Originally from Antietam in the Crucis March, his father was the director of the local branch of Apple Computers Interstellar, providing them with a comfortable lifestyle. He went to a preparatory school, with the idea he'd enter some FedSuns corporation, but he committed the social faux pas of getting too close to a young woman who hailed from the newly liberated Sarna March, and was adopted locally. He refused to back down, and was instead sent away to the War College of Goshen. While there, he tested into the MechWarrior training program, earning his spurs and getting the eye of Academy Commandant Archibald Enoch, and he stayed on for a rotation at the Training Cadre. A proficient MechWarrior, his first tour with the 20th Avalon Hussars saw him transferred out to the New Avalon Institute of Science College of Military Science for Officer Candidate School, due to his performance in the retreat from the Capellan invasion. His time for commissioning caused him to spend an extra year there, getting cross training in infantry tactics. Upon graduation, he was assigned to the FedCom corps, where his company spent much of the past year out of action, and he came back withdrawn and unhappy, while starting to vocally back the claim of the deposed Archon Prince.

Geoffrey Pierce, age 27
Attributes Value Mod Max
STR 5 - 8
BOD 6 - 8
DEX 7 -1 8
RFL 6 - 8
INT 6 - 8
WIL 8 -1 8
CHA 4 - 8
EDG 3 +1 8
SOC 4 - 8
Traits
Alternate Identity
Brave
Contact (2) Archibald Enoch
Dependent
Glass Jaw
Good Reputation
Quirk/Honorable
Quirk/Self Doubt
Rank 2, Commission (Leftenant)
Stigma/Pro Victor
Vehicle 2 WLF-2 Wolfhound
Well-Equipped
Wealth
Skills
Academic/Federated Suns History +1
Academic/Mathematics +1
Academic/Military History +2
Academic/Philosophies of Peace +2
Academic/Philosophies of War +2
Acting +1
Administration +1
Appraisal +1
Artillery +1
Bureaucracy/Federated Suns +1
Career/Solider +2
Climbing +1
Comms/Conv +1
Computers +1
First Aid +2
Gunnery/Ballistic/Humanoid +3
Gunnery/Laser/Humanoid +3
Gunnery/Missile/Humanoid +3
Interest/Holovid Games +0
Jump Pack +1
Language/English +1
Language/French +0
Language/German +1
Language/Hindi +0
Leadership +1
Martial Arts/Military +2
Navigation/Ground +2
Negotiation +1
Perception +1
Piloting/Mech +3
Pistols +1
Protocol/Federated Suns +2
Rifles +2
Scrounge +1
Sensor Operations +1
*Strategy +3
Support Weapons +1
Tactics/Ground +1
Tactics/Infantry +1
Tactics/Mech +1
Tactics/Naval +0
Training +1
Equipment
Bolt-Action Rifle
5 Reloads
Revolver
5 Reloads
Ablative/Flack Vest
Combat boots
Medical Kit
Military Communicator
Noteputer
Fatigues,3
Jump Suits, 2
Basic Field Kit
3 Micro Powerpacks
Dress Uniform
Music Chips
Slug Thrower Clean/Repair Kit
Pack
1535 C-bills remaining

*Natural Aptitude

nerd · « **Reply #8 on:** 15 January 2021, 23:58:25 »

Character Creation Challenge, 15 of 31, Chidi of Clan Jade Falcon
Star Commander Chidi is a massive man, nearly 2.5 meters tall, and rather quick for his size. His presence scares many, despite missing his right foot. Born in the Clan Homeworlds 24 years ago, he leads twenty-four other armored giants against the foes of Clan Jade Falcon in the Inner Sphere. Like any successful warrior, he learned early on the value of making enemies. He entered the forces of his clan in 3053, as part of the rebuilding process following the Battle of Tukayyid the proceeding year. He participated in offensive operations, was badly wounded by the Wolves in the Refusal War, and now been returned to duty in the Clans. At this time, he is examining his life, and wonders what he needs to do to earn a Bloodname in house Icaza.

Chidi Jade Falcon, House Icaza, age 24
Attributes Value Mod Max
STR 8 - 9
BOD 8 - 9
DEX 6 -1 7
RFL 7 - 8
INT 5 - 8
WIL 6 -1 9
CHA 4 - 8
EDG 3 +1 8
SOC 7 - 8
Traits
Custom Vehicle-3
Elemental Phenotype
Enemy/Sibparent
Enemy/Star Commander Celestino
Good Reputation
Lost Limb/Left Foot-3
Rank, Commission-1
Quirk/Clan Honor
Vehicle -2
Well-Equipped-4
Skills
Academic/Clan History +0
Career/Soldier +1
First Aid +0
*Gunnery/Ballistic/Humanoid +3
*Gunnery/Laser/Humanoid +3
*Gunnery/Missile/Humanoid +3
Interest/Clan Rememberence +2
Language/English +1
*Martial Arts/Battlesuit +3
Martial Arts/Military +1
Navigation/Ground +1
Perception +0
*Piloting/BattleSuit +3
Pistols +1
*Sensor Operations +2
Strategy +0
Swimming +0
*Tactics/Infantry +2
XP: 1
Equipment:
Fatigues
Combat Boots
Clan Elemental Armor, Small Laser, Laser Rifle
Type 4 Advanced Prosthesis Left Foot
ER Laser Pistol, HC powerpack
*Natural Aptitude

https://travellersandbox.blogspot.com/2021/01/character-creation-challenge-15-of-31.html

Because of how the rules work for equipping Clan player characters, I gave him what I wanted.

A Time of War weekend up next!

nerd · « **Reply #9 on:** 17 January 2021, 01:00:28 »

Ava Lindsey is a civilian DropShip pilot who recently was kicked off her position as the junior pilot of a Buccaneer class cargo craft. She ended up informing the AFFS of a cargo that was planted by the Citizens for Davion Purity movement, a domestic terrorist group. By turning Prince's Evidence, she saved herself, but the rest of the crew was dismissed, and the owner, in a fit of pique, sacked her, despite being an innocent party. As of right now, she's on Firgrove, looking for a berth off world, even considering a military position as well. Good pilots are hard to find, and she's one.

Name:   Ava Lindsey
Faction:   Federated Suns/Crucis March

XP Total: 4999
Attributes   Score   Link
STR     3     -1
BOD     5     0
RFL     5     0
DEX     5     0
INT     7     1
WIL     4     0
CHA     5     0
EDG     2     -1
Traits
Attractive
Enemy: Citizens for Davion Purity
Equipped 1
G-Tolerance
Thin Skinned
Wealth 1
Skills Level Links TN/C
Administration +1 INT/WIL 8/SA
Art/Music +0 DEX 8/CB
Career/DropShip Pilot +3 INT 7/SB
Comms/Conventional +2 INT 7/SB
Computers +3 INT 8/CB
Driving/Ground +2 RFL/DEX 8/SA
Interest/Fed Suns History +2 INT 8/CB
Interest/Religion +2 INT 8/CB
Interest/Stargazing +2 INT 8/CB
Language/English +1 INT/CHA 8/SA
Language/German +1 INT/CHA 8/SA
Leadership +1 WIL/CHA 9/SA
Navigation/Space +2 INT 7/SB
Negotiation +1 CHA 8/SB
Perception +0 INT 7/SB
Piloting/Spacecraft +3 RFL/DEX 8/SA
Protocol/Federated Suns +1 WIL/CHA 9/CA
Sensor Operations +2 INT/WIL 8/SA
Small Arms +0 DEX 7/SB
Streetwise/Federated Suns +2 CHA 8/SB
Swimming +0 STR 8/SB
Zero-G Operations +2 RFL 7/SB
Equipment
Auto Pistol     50
10 reloads     20
Concealed Flak Jacket   150
Sunglasses     3
Dress shoes, formal suit   250
Overcoat     55
Clothing     500
Work Boots     36
Leather Jacket     50
Civilian Communicator   45
Noteputer     500
3 micro powerpacks   30
Kinetic Recharger     10
Grip shoes     30
Movement
Walk 8
Run 18
Sprint 36

https://travellersandbox.blogspot.com/2021/01/character-creation-challenge-16-of-31.html

Not too late!

Daryk · « **Reply #10 on:** 17 January 2021, 07:29:04 »

Hmmm... Did you use point build or modules? If it was Modules, I think they were:
Affiliation: Federated Suns/Crucis March
Stage 1: Blue Collar
Stage 2: High School
Stage 3: Technincal College/Civilian DropShip Pilot
Stage 4: Civlian Job

All together, those would make her 23 years old (which nets her 200 Flex XP).

Second, all those 5 attributes are simply more expensive 4s. BOD might be worth the extra damage capacity, but the others net you nothing.

As far as skills, I'm really confused. I can't make the Interests work out. One of them has to be level 3 due to how the chunks are parceled out in the Modules. And I'm also not sure how Protocol and Administration come out to only 1 each. Civilian Job alone should get them to level 2.

Trait-wise, the Enemy makes sense from the back story, but I don't see why you took Thin-Skinned.

Getting everything as close as possible to what you listed, I have 416 XP left over. Even if you ignore the 200 XP from aging, that's 216 left over, enough to buy off Thin-Skinned, bring STR up to 4 and boost a level 0 skill to 1. Do you have Excel? I can PM you my math if you like.

nerd · « **Reply #11 on:** 17 January 2021, 13:33:23 »

Quote from: Daryk on 17 January 2021, 07:29:04

Hmmm... Did you use point build or modules? If it was Modules, I think they were:
Affiliation: Federated Suns/Crucis March
Stage 1: Blue Collar
Stage 2: High School
Stage 3: Technincal College/Civilian DropShip Pilot
Stage 4: Civlian Job

All together, those would make her 23 years old (which nets her 200 Flex XP).

That is correct. I completely forgot about the aging XP

Quote

Second, all those 5 attributes are simply more expensive 4s. BOD might be worth the extra damage capacity, but the others net you nothing.[/quote}Ah, power gaming optimization strikes agin

As far as skills, I'm really confused. I can't make the Interests work out. One of them has to be level 3 due to how the chunks are parceled out in the Modules. And I'm also not sure how Protocol and Administration come out to only 1 each. Civilian Job alone should get them to level 2.

I think you're right on the Protocol and Administration skills came out. I did a bit of chopping on the Interests in optimisation, so I could have fouled it up.

Quote

Trait-wise, the Enemy makes sense from the back story, but I don't see why you took Thin-Skinned.

Minor negative trait that worked with the numbers I was running.

Quote

Getting everything as close as possible to what you listed, I have 416 XP left over. Even if you ignore the 200 XP from aging, that's 216 left over, enough to buy off Thin-Skinned, bring STR up to 4 and boost a level 0 skill to 1. Do you have Excel? I can PM you my math if you like.

I'm just going to run someone else's spreadsheet for today's submission rather than trying to do it on my own again.

Daryk · « **Reply #12 on:** 17 January 2021, 13:40:40 »

All good... I might recommend taking Connections to at least 1 when you re-run the math. I'm sure you'll have the XP to do so (4 Connections is ideal, as that's where you get "People").

nerd · « **Reply #13 on:** 17 January 2021, 22:06:09 »

All these characters are one and done. In this, it's more getting them out and building experience than getting them 100% right.

Dean Gallas-Harner is a member of the aristocracy on Itrom, where he claims a distant relationship to Finn Gallas, Hertog Itrom and CEO of Griffonwyne Unlimited. His family has a modest landholding, and he was able to train as an apprentice from age 10 to be the pilot of the family's old Griffin, Martel. Upon his graduation from apprenticeship, he was assigned a post as part of the local defenses on Itrom, mostly seeing action against various pirate bands, some who know him as 'that Griffin pilot we want to see dead'. When Kamea Arano's forces came to liberate the world, his lance promptly surrendered. Examining his options, he's considering moving on to other pastures as well as staying with the Aurigian Coalition.

Name:   Dean Gallas-Harner
Faction:   Major Periphery State/Aurigan Reach
XP: 5000
Attributes   Score   Link
STR     4
BOD     4
RFL     4
DEX     4
INT     4
WIL     4
CHA     4
EDG     1     -2
Traits
Compulsion/Honorable
Connections (1)
Enemy (Pirates) (1)
Enemy (Rival Claimant) 2
Equipped (1)
Gremlins
Impatient
Property (3)
Rank Cornet (3)
Reputation (2)
Vehicle GRF-1N Griffin (4)
Wealth (3)
Skills Level
Administration 2
Animal Handling 1
Career/Soldier 3
Computers 1
Driving/Ground 0
Gunnery/Mech 4
Interest/Homeworld History 0
Interest/Literature 1
Interest/Military History 2
Language/English 1
Language/Spanish 0
Leadership 2
Martial Arts 3
Medtech 3
Melee Weapons 2
Navigation/Ground 2
Negotiation 1
Perception 1
Piloting/Mech 4
Protocol/Aurgian Reach 4
Running 1
Sensor Operations 2
Small Arms 3
Strategy 0
Survival/Forest 1
Swimming 1
Tactics/Land 2
Technician/Electronics 2
Training 1
Equipment
Revolver
Revolver
10 reloads
Flak Jacket
3 Patches
Combat Boots
Pack
2 Fatigues
Jump Suit
Advanced Field Kit
Electronic Compass
Medical Kit
Motorcycle
Clothing
Standard MechWarrior Equipment
Movement
Walking: 8
Running: 19
Sprinting: 39
Lifepaths
Nobility
Military School
Family Training
Tour of Duty: Periphery

https://travellersandbox.blogspot.com/2021/01/character-creation-challenge-17-of-31.html

Daryk · « **Reply #14 on:** 17 January 2021, 22:32:33 »

Cornet is an officer rank isn't it? If so, he should have OCS. Otherwise, it looks OK at first glance.

nerd · « **Reply #15 on:** 18 January 2021, 20:47:14 »

OCS is included in with Family training here. I should have put that in there!

The way I see it, those expectations for an aristocratic mechwarrior in the 3020s would be built in.

Daryk · « **Reply #16 on:** 18 January 2021, 21:30:49 »

Cool, sounds good! :thumbsup:

truetanker · « **Reply #17 on:** 13 February 2021, 20:37:21 »

Could you show the progression of a named character from MW1 -> Destiney? Including the MW3/CBT:RPG...

Same character, age and affiliation, circa 3049?

Possible?

TT

nerd · « **Reply #18 on:** 13 February 2021, 21:15:00 »

I could do that, except I don't have a copy of Destiny, and I'm not sure I'm going to get one. I'm more likely to develop a home rules for running the BattleTech universe using Mongoose Traveller.

truetanker · « **Reply #19 on:** 13 February 2021, 21:18:36 »

Well best you got still would work, pretty sure someone has Destiny.

And here's hoping they copy the same idea into that format.

Thanks,
TT