AToW NPC Project

[Daryk]

Two of the three traffic gods smiled on us (64 to our surprise, and 295 as usual).  95 was its normal self, and the $20+ for the Express Lanes was a welcome relief once we were past Fredericksburg.  Up until then, though... xP

[cmerwin]

I'm going through some of these and have been wondering about starting XP. What got me thinking is that some of these templates are intended to be more seasoned versions of characters than others. Because these are NPCs which the PCs are likely to encounter, some of these will be more advanced than the PCs. So I was wondering whether or not we shouldn't give them higher starting XP allotments to reflect that they are basically mini-bosses/bosses.

Here's just some rough thoughts, but want to bounce this off folk:

• Solaris Pro  (Seasoned - 6000 XP)
• Solaris Tech (Regular to Seasoned 5500 - 6000 XP)
• Clan War Veteran (Veteran - 6500 XP)
• Bertoli Lieutenant (Veteran - 6500 XP)
• Gambelli Lieutenant (Veteran - 6500 XP)
• Yakuza Kyodai (Veteran - 6500 XP)
  (just spit balling numbers)

What got me going on this was thinking of ComStar grades: Acolyte, Adept, (Demi-) Precentor, and if I were to spreadsheet up each of these individually, they would have similar Life Modules, but should have more XP to spend for higher levels.

[Daryk]

Home a bit late tonight, so just a comment: using the 100XP for each year of age past "graduation", simply tacking on more modules can make NPCs stronger.  Not that I'd turn down a bigger starting XP for the ones you listed... ;)

[Daryk]

Apologies again... home too late to get necessary chores, board review, Cannonshop editing AND NPC generation done... maybe tomorrow?

[cmerwin]

Apologies again... home too late to get necessary chores, board review, Cannonshop editing AND NPC generation done... maybe tomorrow?

Dude, no worries. We're in no rush and you have a lot on your plate. I'm running my AToW Campaign tonight, so I am going to stat up the CorpSec and Corpo.

[Daryk]

Please share them when you get a chance, and I'll add them to the spreadsheet. :)

[Daryk]

How did the game go?  And I should have some time to work on NPCs this weekend... ;)

[cmerwin]

How did the game go?  And I should have some time to work on NPCs this weekend... ;)

I think it went well. Two of my players have only played BattleTech boardgame back in the 90s and were skeptical of its ability to be an engaging RPG. I think having it on Solaris has helped them, but they are pretty bought in now and excited to see where it goes. Thankfully, there is just so much cannon lore on Solaris that it is very rpg rich.

I'm still working on Corpo and CorpSec (they didn't make it that far) - even with tables, character generation takes so long - but I should have something soon.

And please, no rush, I know you have a billion projects you are working on.

I'm off to PAX this weekend so I will also be out.

[Daryk]

Glad to hear it!  Since you haven't gotten to them yet, I'll take a swing at Corpo and CorpSec first today... :)

[Daryk]

Ok, just finished the Corpo.  She's 25, definitely on the corporate ladder as a rising star, and has some basic self-defense skills.  She's smart, charismatic, and has the Gregarious trait (doubling down on charismatic).  She's only a mid-level manager, so she only has level 4 Connections, but that's enough to get people when necessary.  Her Wealth/Property and Extra Income are basically the minimum to be White Collar, as she's still near the beginning of her career.  And of course, the Expense Account comes with access to some harder to obtain stuff (Equipped 3).

Attributes:
STR 4
BOD 4
DEX 4
RFL 4
INT 7
WIL 4
CHA 7
EDG 1

Traits:
Connections 4
Equipped 3
Wealth 2
Gregarious 1
Extra Income 1
Property 1
Reputation 0 (modules cancelled out; don't necessarily need to put it on the sheet)
Compulsion/Greedy -1
Enemy -1
Glass Jaw -3

Skills:
Negotiation 5, base 2
Administration 5, base 2
Protocol/Lyran 5, base 3
Language/English 4, base 2
Career/Management 4, base 2
Leadership 4, base 3
Computers 4, base 4
Language/German 4, base 2
Melee Weapons 3, base 5
Interest/Solaris Games 3, base 5
Interest/Stocks 2, base 6
Driving/Ground 2, base 6
Appraisal 2, base 5
Perception 2, base 4
Running 1, base 6
Small Arms 1, base 6
Streetwise/Lyran 1, base 6
Career/Merchant 1, base 5
Training 1, base 6
MedTech 0, base 6
Archery 0, base 7
Interest/Corporate History 0, base 8

[Daryk]

And here's the CorpSec.  He's 28, having joined the corporation after his mandatory tour of duty.  Needless to say, punching out of the military that quickly to make a buck did nothing good for his Reputation.  He's put his skills to good use however and has begun to set aside a nest egg.  He still dips from his days in the service but stays in outstanding physical condition.

Attributes:
STR 7
BOD 7
DEX 4
RFL 4
INT 4
WIL 5
CHA 4
EDG 1

Traits:
Equipped
Fit 2
Rank 1 (Reservist)
Connections 1
Wealth 1
Compulsion/Addiction (Tobacco) -1
Reputation -2

Skills:
Driving/Ground 5, base 3
Small Arms 5, base 2
Stealth 3, base 5
Protocol/Lyran 3, base 6
Martial Arts 3, base 5
Career/Soldier 3, base 4
Navigation/Ground 3, base 4
Interest/Solaris Games 3, base 6
Administration 3, base 5
Negotiation 3, base 5
Running 3, base 4
Perception 3, base 4
Language/English 2, base 6
Tactics/Infantry 2, base 7
Tracking/Urban 2, base 6
Computers 2, base 7
Leadership 2, base 6
MedTech 2, base 5
Melee Weapons 2, base 6
Career/Personal Security 2, base 5
Acrobatics/Free Fall 2, base 5
Interest/Stocks 2, base 7
Communications/Conventional 2, base 5
Language/German 1, base 7
Interest/Military History 1, base 8
Artillery 1, base 7
Streetwise/Lyran 1, base 7
Support Weapons 1, base 6
Demolitions 1, base 8
Language/Scots Gaelic 1, base 7
Survival/Desert 1, base 7
Appraisal 0, base 8
Climbing 1, base 6
Swimming 1, base 5

[cmerwin]

Blake's Blood these are amazing! I'm on my way to PAX, but these look great! I'll add them to the doc.

[Daryk]

Glad you like them!  Any preference to what I tackle next? :)

I have some chores to do today but should have enough time for one or two more... ;)

[cmerwin]

Oh shoot! I totally forgot to ask! Any word on the house?

Its end of the semester, so edits are slow on my end because of work. Should have time next week to make an updated version of the master document. I'll set up a shared folder to also keep your spreadsheet up to date.

[Daryk]

We're shooting to close on the 3rd, and don't think there are any remaining obstacles, thanks!

It was a long week in the five-sided PowerPoint collider, but I should have some time this weekend to crank out a few.  Just let me know what you'd like me to work on first...

[cmerwin]

We're shooting to close on the 3rd, and don't think there are any remaining obstacles, thanks!

It was a long week in the five-sided PowerPoint collider, but I should have some time this weekend to crank out a few.  Just let me know what you'd like me to work on first...

Oh man, that is awesome news! Fingers crossed.

I remember hearing that times around Exodus were really annoying at the 5-sided die.

Could use Fixer, Information Broker, and Bored Noble. Does your spreadsheet track funds/wealth? I need to put in equipment for each NPC.

[Daryk]

I usually use some space off to the right for equipment but don't have that set up with any automation (there's just SO much equipment!).

Off to work those three first... :)

[Daryk]

Ok, change 1: the Info Broker is doing Trade School for General Studies and Analysis.  The Fixer will stick with Solaris Internship with Manager and Politician.  The Patron (when I get around to them) will do Manager and Politician too, but via University instead (probably with Lawyer stacked on top).  The Bored Noble will have the same fields, but rather different levels (due to having to buy Title and Wealth and such).

[Daryk]

Cannonshop and monbvol have been keeping me busy today, so progress is slow.  Here's the Information Broker:
The Information Broker cut his teeth as an investigator for a local company but now runs his own business.  At 29, he's relatively successful, having tucked away quite a bit of savings despite his gambling habit (a common affliction on Solaris).  His connections are numerous and come from a wide variety of walks of life, and he's accrued a number of significant markers.  Of course, that means he's also made enemies.  Despite being reasonably fit, he has the Glass Jaw that has plagued him all his life.  Hence the time he spends on the shooting range.

Modules (since they differ from the table):
Affiliation: Lyran/Skye (local)
Stage 1: White Collar
Stage 2: Prep School
Stage 3: Trade School (General Studies and Analysis)
Stage 4: Civilian Job (OJT)
Stage 5: Solaris Insider (he has arrived!)

Attributes:
STR 4
BOD 4
DEX 4
RFL 4
INT 7
WIL 4
CHA 4
EDG 2 (how he's managed to save money despite a gambling problem; also WHY he has a gambling problem)

Traits:
Connections 6 (1/7 days, +1, 6 Info/5 Wealth/4 Equip/3 People)
Wealth 3 (10,000 C-Bills)
Equipped 2 (D/C/C)
Extra Income 1 (+250)
Reputation 1
Compulsion/Gambling -1
Compulsion/Greedy -1
Enemy -3
Glass Jaw -3

Skills:
Protocol/Lyran 6, base 3
Computers 5, base 3
Investigation 5, base 3
Negotiation 5, base 3
Streetwise/Solaris VII 5, base 3
Administration 5, base 3
Career/Info Broker 4, base 2
Interest/Solaris Games 4, base 5
Perception 4, base 2
Language/English 3, base 4
Language/German 3, base 4
Language/Scots Gaelic 3, base 4
Leadership 3, base 5
Small Arms 3, base 4
Interest/Solaris Politics 3, base 5
Driving/Ground 2, base 6
Sensor Operations 2, base 5
Stealth 2, base 5
Communications/Conventional 2, base 4
Interest/Solaris Night Life 1, base 7
Running 1, base 6
Small Arms 1, base 6
Strategy 1, base 7
Tactics/Land 1, base 7
Forgery 1, base 6
Prestidigitation/Quick Draw 1, base 7
Appraisal 1, base 6
Escape Artist 0, base 9
MedTech 0, base 6
Melee Weapons 0, base 8
Security Systems/Electronic 0, base 8
Archery 0, base 7

[Daryk]

And the Fixer!  She went straight into an internship from high school, working the front desk for a stable.  Her good looks and gregarious personality quickly got her noticed and moved up the ladder but also made some enemies.  Needless to say, she wasn't hired on full time when her internship ran out.  That suits her just fine, and she's making bank working on her own.  Attribute-wise, she's kind of the inverse of the Information Broker.

EDIT: I had missed the 5 INT requirement for the Manager Field.  Fixed by tacking on a -1 to Enemy.

Fields from Solaris Internship: Manager, Politician

Attributes:
STR 4
BOD 4
DEX 4
RFL 4
INT 5
WIL 4
CHA 7
EDG 1

Traits:
Connections 5 (1/4 days, +2, Info 5/Wealth 4/Equip 3/People 2)
Wealth 3 (10,000 C-Bills)
Equipped 2 (D/C/C)
Reputation 2
Extra Income 1 (+250)
Gregarious 1
Compulsion/Gambling -1
Compulsion/Greedy -1
Glass Jaw -3
Enemy -5

Skills:
Negotiation 5, base 2
Protocol/Lyran 5, base 3
Streetwise/Solaris VII 5, base 2
Acting 3, base 4
Administration 3, base 5
Interest/Solaris Games 3, base 6
Language/English 3, base 4
Language/German 3, base 4
Language/Scots Gaelic 3, base 4
Leadership 3, base 4
Perception 3, base 4
Small Arms 3, base 4
Career/Politician 2, base 5
Interest/Solaris Night Life 2, base 7
Appraisal 1, base 7
Career/Management 1, base 6
Computers 1, base 8
Forgery 1, base 7
Interest/Solaris Politics 1, base 8
Prestidigitation/Quick Draw 1, base 7
Training 1, base 7
Running 1, base 6
Escape Artist 0, base 9
MedTech 0, base 7
Security Systems/Mechanical 0, base 9
Stealth 0, base 8

[Daryk]

And finally for today, the Bored Noble.  She's the scion of a family from Donegal that owns one of the smaller spaceports that dot Solaris VII, and her "allowance" is roughly equivalent to a junior vice president.  The actual management of the spaceport has shuffled her off to a relatively harmless role that lets her do pretty much whatever she wants.  While not overly charismatic, she has had the benefit of the best cosmetic surgery and pampering money can buy.   She took her sweet time arriving on Solaris VII after graduating on Tharkad, and is not so actively fighting the resulting ennui.

Fields from University: Manager and Politician (as required by her parents)

Attributes:
STR 4
BOD 4
DEX 4
RFL 4
INT 5
WIL 4
CHA 5
EDG 1

Traits:
Wealth 5
Connections 4
Property 4
Equipped 2
Reputation 2
Attractive 2
Compulsion/Greedy -1
Enemy -3
Glass Jaw -3

Skills:
Language/German 4, base 4
Negotiation 4, base 4
Protocol/Lyran 4, base 5
Language/English 4, base 4
Interest/Solaris Games 4, base 6
Leadership 3, base 5
Computers 3, base 6
Perception 3, base 4
Melee Weapons 2, base 6
Interest/Solaris Night Life 2, base 7
Driving/Ground 2, base 6
Zero-G Operations 2, base 5
Career/Management 1, base 6
Administration 1, base 7
Small Arms 1, base 6
Acting 1, base 7
Career/Politician 1, base 6
Art/Cooking 1, base 8
Training 1, base 8
Interest/Lyran History 1, base 8
Art/Drawing 1, base 8
Appraisal 0, base 8
Survival/Desert 0, base 9
MedTech 0, base 7
Archery 0, base 7
Climbing 1, base 6
Swimming 2, base 5

[Daryk]

I just noticed you changed the pictures of the Tech and AsTech... MUCH better, thanks! :)

[Daryk]

I just noticed the otherwise perfect Corpsec picture has his left hand on backwards.

[cmerwin]

I just noticed you changed the pictures of the Tech and AsTech... MUCH better, thanks! :)

I think my favorite thing about all of these is how much you clearly love coming up with their backstories! It's great!

[Daryk]

Glad you're enjoying the process!  Like I said, the Life Module method enables their backstories to almost write themselves! :)

[Ice Hellion]

Daryk I had said I could write some stuff for you but real life crossed my path...

[Daryk]

Better late than never!  The more the merrier, I say! :)

[cmerwin]

Better late than never!  The more the merrier, I say! :)

Absolutely agreed!

[Daryk]

Sorry for the lack of progress here... I've been beating my spreadsheet into version 5.0.  I've poked TPTB about getting a review before posting it to make sure I'm not crossing the line Herb drew for me back in the day ("minimize verbatim content") because I'm adding all the Life Modules and Skill Fields in reference sheets so people can just copy and paste them instead of hand jamming from AToW.  I think I'm ducking the verbatim content thing by omitting the prerequisites and fluff text.  I've also found a couple of errors I've posted to the errata thread (I feel sorry for SAFE...).