It might be, but odds are they're going to be fellow cannon fodder, which doesn't help us as much with most of the tournament games. Only the mass melee, and that's only if we all end up on the same team.
Of course, with how stacked the odds are going to be, trying to get the most out of one of the games is probably the way to go. Changing my vote, but I still like my pick for a name and other choices more. Eyes on the prize and all.
[X] There's a table with one lone, young man at it. He's wearing worn clothes and has a notebook and some papers to the side of his food. He seems to be marking something down between bites of food.
[X] Local gossip
[X] Zoids piloting
[X] The Daímonas Grand Tournament itself
[X] Informally and casually
[X] As Nova Arston
[X] There's a table with one lone, young man at it. He's wearing worn clothes and has a notebook and some papers to the side of his food. He seems to be marking something down between bites of food.
[X] Local gossip
[X] Zoids piloting
[X] The Daímonas Grand Tournament itself
[X] Informally and casually
[X] As Nova Arston
[x] A raggedly dressed young woman has fallen asleep next to an empty tray... Or at least you hope she is only sleeping.
[X] Local gossip
[X] Zoids piloting
[X] The normal Zoids tournaments and league
[X] Informally and casually
[X] As Nova Arston
My preference would be for a Warshark, but for now what Zoid we get isn't really worth talking about. Unless for some reason we end up keeping the junker it'll be a while before we're in a position to hold onto one. Let's worry more about making it that far.
[X] There's a table with one lone, young man at it. He's wearing worn clothes and has a notebook and some papers to the side of his food. He seems to be marking something down between bites of food.
[X] Local gossip
[X] Zoids piloting
[X] The Daímonas Grand Tournament itself
[X] Informally and casually
[X] As Nova Arston
Ligers are great (I'll admit to be a Zero fanboy) but they're not the end-all be-all of the universe. I definitely want a more mobile zoid as opposed to a heavy unit that's supposed to tank hits though. Unless we get an Elephander; because their trunks are deceptively fast, and they can take some serious damage.
Added an information threadmark with character sheet and some world information. Will try and add more stuff to it later.
Also going to call vote in a couple hours.
As for starting Zoid, well what you end up with as an option post tournament is going to depend on a few choices. Liger path is an option but so are others. Your first time in the cockpit for this quest is in a Zoid that you're probably not going to be keeping after (well maybe you somehow survive everything and win the tournament and don't have a low level Zoid torn apart for others' amusement).
An interplanetary organization that regulates all Zoids combat and has their hand in almost all Zoids related to industry. They monitor the globe with armed satellites capable of launching a robotic judge to any recognized Zoids competition.
Hey @Pheist, just a little correction here, sort of. Wouldn't that be "planetary" rather than "interplanetary" since that suggests that they're located on more than one planet?
[x] A raggedly dressed young woman has fallen asleep next to an empty tray... Or at least you hope she is only sleeping.
[X] Local gossip
[X] Zoids piloting
[X] The normal Zoids tournaments and league
[X] Informally and casually
[X] As Nova Arston
Adhoc vote count started by Jrin on Jan 27, 2019 at 6:29 PM, finished with 88 posts and 8 votes.
[X] There's a table with one lone, young man at it. He's wearing worn clothes and has a notebook and some papers to the side of his food. He seems to be marking something down between bites of food.
Hey @Pheist, just a little correction here, sort of. Wouldn't that be "planetary" rather than "interplanetary" since that suggests that they're located on more than one planet?
Our main character now has a name!
Local gossip and Zoids piloting won with a tie for third between The Daímonas Grand Tournament itself and The normal Zoids tournaments and league. Similarly tie between the three teenagers and the note taker. Time to make a couple of coin flips.
Also update should be in roughly ~24 hours. Expect it to be closer to 30 or whatever it has been each time I've said 24 hours.
Your first time in the cockpit for this quest is in a Zoid that you're probably not going to be keeping after (well maybe you somehow survive everything and win the tournament and don't have a low level Zoid torn apart for others' amusement).
You go over to the table with the young man taking notes. Worst case, you can just eat in silence while he continues his work.
"Hi, is it okay if I sit here?"
"Gah?!" He practically jumps in his seat and then starts coughing. You apparently managed to catch him mid-bite. He gives you the gesture to go ahead.
"Sorry, was a bit lost in thought. Do you need me to clear up more space or anything?"
"Thanks, but you're fine. Name's Nova Arston by the way." (Nova rolls Charm - Die pool - 2 Ability, 1 Proficiency, 3 Difficulty - 2 successes, 1 advantage)
(??? rolls Deception - Die pool - 4 Ability, 2 Difficulty, 1 Challenge - 1 failure, 1 threat - Skill Deception)
"Soren G-" He coughs and sets his food down. "Sorry, I'm Soren Zerbas."
That's not the same... Whatever, not worth arguing about.
"So are you a pilot as well?"
"Yeah, if by pilot you mean a moving target. I take it you're also here to inflate the number of willing competitors?"
"Does it show that much?"
"Not as much as it does for me," He sticks a finger though a hole in his jacket and flashes you a grin. "I might need to use some of my pay to finally have an outfit that wasn't pre-owned. Really wish I had something more stylish for my debut. Or at least had in a kinder venue, one with proper safety features and wasn't fielding people in junkers just to see them fall apart. I hope whoever's in charge of whatever Zoids they 'lend' out isn't going to be too much a cheapskate." He shrugs. "I've spend a little too much time training to prepare for this."
"How so?"
At this Soren hesitates and scratches his head. "... Mostly simulators and a few 'tutoring' sessions I managed to scrounge up the money for if I'm being honest."
You resist the urge to laugh. Barely. "Not even in a real cockpit?"
"The lessons were which is why had to cough up so much for them," Soren grumbles. "But I didn't really have much in the way of working Zoids I could jump into in the area. And you?"
"My mom was used to be a soldier, mostly patrolling the border. She still pilots for construction work and was able to teach me... Never did find out if she ever got permission from her boss for it." You shrug. The Godos appreciated the change of pace and that was really the only opinion that mattered outside of mom's.
"And some people have all the luck. Well, at least I theoretically am used to the performance of a variety of machines. I should hopefully be a well rounded pilot since I focused more on my basics than a specific machine type or combat style."
You respond with... (Choose one)
[ ] "Same. Have a good foundation and you can build a specialization from there."
(+2 Piloting Skill)
[ ] "I've always preferred getting close and personal. Need to take the fighting to the enemy and force them to fight on your terms."
(+1 Zoids Natural Attacks, +1 Piloting Skill)
[ ] "I've always preferred keeping my opponents at range. There's really no need to keep your enemies physically close."
(+1 Gunnery, +1 Piloting Skill)
"I imagine now it is mostly just time to wait and see if we get hampered by the tournament. Sadly the format might make it a bit too hard to shine."
"Any chance you know what might be going on with the tournament? I have to admit really only know the basics. That it's split between showcases, reenactment, and an actual tournament."
"Ugh, don't remind me of the reenactments. As if there is anything as distasteful. Half the time they add the Helic Republic and Guylos Empire even if they weren't involved in the battle. To say nothing of the constant rewrite of the narratives. History is certainly written by the victors." He grumbles.
"Not a fan?" you ask, not that you can blame him. The Helic Republic despite its power has never made you feel safer.
"I'd rather be in the showcase than the reenactment if I can't get a tournament slot. The Helic Republic has milked their self-declared title of heroes of the world for far too long. The only worth they have now is to be the only nation capable of ever telling the Zoids Battle Commission the word 'no.' But the Daímonas Grand Tournament is the most profitable tournament on Nyx and the majority of that income goes overseas to New Helic City rather than all the surrounding Guylos Union territory." Soren shakes his head. "They keep talking about being the most civilized but are perfectly happy seeing Zoids and pilots torn apart as long as it isn't on their shores. No complaints about where the money is coming from or protests about their poor treatment."
You wince. "No chance they're going to be changing that anytime soon?"
"Sadly, not at all." One of the papers is handed over to you. A page from a newspaper with a circled article about ZOITEC in discussions about a new factory location. It is predicted they'll go with the Beith Republic but it is still theoretically up in the air.
"Sorry, but I'm not really seeing what a new factory-"
"Oh, um... Ignore my notes. At the bottom of the page."
An opinion piece on the tournament complaining about the disappointment of some years where no one ever rips out a Zoid core... Just lovely. It takes all your restraint to avoid crumpling or tearing that page. You hand the disgusting 'think' piece back to Soren. "Well that definitely restores my faith in humanity."
"As far as I can tell, New Daímonas City strives to pander to the lowest common denominator. Offer the kind of experience you could never get back on the civilized mainland." He shakes his head. "I guess can be happy that the worst place on the continent is Helic property, but still."
You sigh. And look down a bit more at his papers. His notebook writing is hard to read but the pile on the side is mostly ripped from newspapers or magazines. "Trying to make sure you stay ahead of all the gossip?"
"Well, when you get past all the brutality and general horribleness, this place is one big opportunity." He shrugs. "I'm trying to figure out what deals are going to come out of this and whose going to be the person to talk to after this all. What the fallout will be and whose going to be profiting. Need to use this to my benefit after all."
"If you survive."
"And it also has the added bonus of distracting me from that if."
"So what's the situation like so far?"
"Nothing too unexpected. ZOITEC has been forming more and more ties with the Beith Republic so the Helic Republic might make them a far too good an offer to try and remain in the game there. Zi-Tech looks to be courting a lot of the smaller countries rather than fight for a better footing in either of those two republics. The twin heirs to Arcadia are trying to promote their own more noble tournament as a counterpoint to this 'filth.' And the tournament itself is trying to push a Helic and Guylos grudge match between Gavriil Razor and Arter Esser. But 'Tanja Shields' and I swear her last name needs to be fake is someone a lot of people are wanting to watch. She has a pretty close to perfect record of going through matches without even getting a scratch on her Zoid and never in a one on one. So even scratching her paint could end up with a recruiter at your door."
"Anything not so directly tied to upcoming matches?"
"A little, but it is hard pressed to find a place into the papers this close to the tournament. A recent robbery by the Backdraft where coincidentally a lot of high grade weapons had been left with minimum guard leading to a lot of finger pointing. Some are saying ZOITEC sold it to them and the robbery is to cover up the fact. Others are calling out the Republic of Marroll who were providing a military escort during transit for being caught off guard and understaffed. Needless to say, it basically killed a lot of potential deals between the two and Zi-Tech is likely to get way too good of a contract with Marroll after all is said and done. Some idiot chose the worst point to try and get away with a bank robbery in town and only wasn't caught as fast as he was because enough military officers from different countries tried to catch him first for the publicity only to tangle up New Daímonas law enforcement even further. A lot of Helic Republic officials are making a point not to go the tournament publicly because elections are coming up so papers are willing to pay for any snapshots of them attending. Nothing too exciting."
"Not that I have a camera, but how much for a snapshot?"
"A senator? Probably not worth fighting the bodyguard for the footage. The president? Probably more then either of us are leaving with." Soren sighs. "Sad isn't it?"
You nod, but can't help but think about how many cameras might be around. On one hand, you feel the need to double check that you don't somehow have some unknown signifier of being an Ancient Zoidian that you've missed every other time you've checked the mirror. Or worry that someone might recognize you as that little girl from that village where they failed to find an Ancient Zoidian and start to give second thoughts to how your single mother happened to be part of the crew that unearthed it. But if there are enough cameras, people have to be on better behavior right? Hopefully your would be abductors aren't too far gone not to care about photographic evidence.
"Anyways, I probably should be going. I want to map out where showrooms are and get a feel for what might wind up in a showcase or being given out as early access for someone in the tournament. Plus need to know who to talk to after assuming I survive. Best of luck, maybe we'll see each other on the battlefield."
"Can only hope. I'd like to win my first fight."
Soren shakes his head as he leaves and your left with only a few more bites on your plate. (Choose one)
[ ] Might as well get seconds and talk to the later risers. It is a buffet after all.
[ ] Soren might have the right idea on finding showrooms. It could be good to get some information on the latest tech
[ ] If you scout out the other hotels in the area, you have a chance of running into a politician, military official, or a more 'professional' pilot.
[ ] You should probably head over and finish registering now for the best chance of a good slot.
As for the tournament itself, now that you thought about it some more you think you've decided what to aim for... (Choose one)
[ ] A showcase. It has one of the better payouts and that's regardless of what your personal performance is.
[ ] The reenactment. The propaganda piece will pay well enough and with enough other Zoids no one should be trying to crush you to show off.
[ ] The tournament. If you go only one round, it is the lowest payout but if you keep winning then you keep earning. Also best chance to prove what you can do.
[ ] You have no idea how high the auction will go…. You better try for two.
-[ ] Write-in. Which two.
[ ] This is going to be painful, but you need to make sure you have enough money for the auction. You're going to try for all three.
So yesterday was a mess. Admitting you usually have a delay is worse than claiming you should be able to get done early as far as Murphy is concerned. Not particularly happy about how this one came out. Tried to keep the conversation about piloting, the tournament, and gossip without making anything too forced.
Decided to put an example of mechanics (normally would not have two social rolls and would not even do one where there is no explicit goal, but think works for example). Nova rolled well on charm so Soren was more willing to give up information, Soren rolled poorly on deception so may have given up some details he probably should not have.
[X] "I've always preferred keeping my opponents at range. There's really no need to keep your enemies physically close."
(+1 Gunnery, +1 Piloting Skill)
[X] Soren might have the right idea on finding showrooms. It could be good to get some information on the latest tech
[X] The reenactment. The propaganda piece will pay well enough and with enough other Zoids no one should be trying to crush you to show off.
[X] "Same. Have a good foundation and you can build a specialization from there."
(+2 Piloting Skill)
[X] Might as well get seconds and talk to the later risers. It is a buffet after all.
[X] You have no idea how high the auction will go…. You better try for two.
-[X] A showcase. It has one of the better payouts and that's regardless of what your personal performance is.
-[X] The reenactment. The propaganda piece will pay well enough and with enough other Zoids no one should be trying to crush you to show off.
[X] "Same. Have a good foundation and you can build a specialization from there."
(+2 Piloting Skill)
[X] Soren might have the right idea on finding showrooms. It could be good to get some information on the latest tech
[X] You have no idea how high the auction will go…. You better try for two.
-[X] A showcase. It has one of the better payouts and that's regardless of what your personal performance is.
-[X] The reenactment. The propaganda piece will pay well enough and with enough other Zoids no one should be trying to crush you to show off.
[X] "I've always preferred getting close and personal. Need to take the fighting to the enemy and force them to fight on your terms."
I'd rather not try for range, with better melee options we may also be better at dodging, and getting lost in the scrum will be a lot more useful here. Anyone that tries to sit back and snipe is going to make a target of themselves.
[X] You should probably head over and finish registering now for the best chance of a good slot.
If we dawdle we risk the chance of not getting a good slot at all.
[X] You have no idea how high the auction will go…. You better try for two.
-[X] A showcase. It has one of the better payouts and that's regardless of what your personal performance is.
-[X] The reenactment. The propaganda piece will pay well enough and with enough other Zoids no one should be trying to crush you to show off.
[X] "Same. Have a good foundation and you can build a specialization from there."
(+2 Piloting Skill)
[X] Soren might have the right idea on finding showrooms. It could be good to get some information on the latest tech
[X] You have no idea how high the auction will go…. You better try for two.
-[X] A showcase. It has one of the better payouts and that's regardless of what your personal performance is.
-[X] The reenactment. The propaganda piece will pay well enough and with enough other Zoids no one should be trying to crush you to show off.
Sure. So trying to use Genesys as base for mechanics here though that might change to something else or get dropped entirely if I find it too much of a mess.
To test it out here I had PC use Charm roll opposed by NPC and NPC use a Deception roll opposed by the PC. Positive parts of the die pool are created by taking character's stat and skill with the higher number being the amount of die you roll and the smaller number being how many are the nicer proficiency die (better results on average and only 'crit' chance). Negative die are either created by comparing against a set difficulty or if directly opposed then building the pool similar to how did for the person taking the action.
For Nova's roll got both of the two good results outside of a critical. Success mean suceeded and Advantage is other good outcomes not necessarily directly tied to the direct goal of the action. There was no real goal for this so general outcome is Soren is more than happy sharing information.
For Soren's roll he got both of the two negative results outside of crit failure. Failures mean fail and would pick up on a lie. Threat means additional negative consequences outside of what direct goal was.
Combined with went with know he is lying about one thing (name) even getting first letter of actual with something he'd normally try to keep closer to chest (outright disdain of Helic Republic) being out in the open.
Does that help?
Sure. So trying to use Genesys as base for mechanics here though that might change to something else or get dropped entirely if I find it too much of a mess.
To test it out here I had PC use Charm roll opposed by NPC and NPC use a Deception roll opposed by the PC. Positive parts of the die pool are created by taking character's stat and skill with the higher number being the amount of die you roll and the smaller number being how many are the nicer proficiency die (better results on average and only 'crit' chance). Negative die are either created by comparing against a set difficulty or if directly opposed then building the pool similar to how did for the person taking the action.
For Nova's roll got both of the two good results outside of a critical. Success mean suceeded and Advantage is other good outcomes not necessarily directly tied to the direct goal of the action. There was no real goal for this so general outcome is Soren is more than happy sharing information.
For Soren's roll he got both of the two negative results outside of crit failure. Failures mean fail and would pick up on a lie. Threat means additional negative consequences outside of what direct goal was.
Combined with went with know he is lying about one thing (name) even getting first letter of actual with something he'd normally try to keep closer to chest (outright disdain of Helic Republic) being out in the open.
Does that help?
... I'm sorry man, but that's word salad there at the end.
My main questions are: If these are opposed rolls, what does each die need to roll to be considered a "success", as well as how the DC when not using an opposed roll is decided.
[X] "Same. Have a good foundation and you can build a specialization from there."
(+2 Piloting Skill)
[X] You should probably head over and finish registering now for the best chance of a good slot.
[X] You have no idea how high the auction will go…. You better try for two.
-[X] A showcase. It has one of the better payouts and that's regardless of what your personal performance is.
-[X] The reenactment. The propaganda piece will pay well enough and with enough other Zoids no one should be trying to crush you to show off.
[X] "Same. Have a good foundation and you can build a specialization from there."
(+2 Piloting Skill)
[X] Soren might have the right idea on finding showrooms. It could be good to get some information on the latest tech
[X] You have no idea how high the auction will go…. You better try for two.
-[X] A showcase. It has one of the better payouts and that's regardless of what your personal performance is.
-[X] The reenactment. The propaganda piece will pay well enough and with enough other Zoids no one should be trying to crush you to show off.
