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Cast-Offs of Divinity - A Merchants of Divinity Quest
- Thread starter JayTar
- Start date
- Sci-Fi Fantasy
Btw, you are missing a "-" before the md old Bones option, which confused tally bot about your plan.
We fulfill the known prerequisites in my plan (chemistry to make explosives replacing the wealth needed to buy high quality) and need to try to find out if there are more.
Could also be that he has a contract leading to his weirdness.
- Location
- Sweden
Critically, we still don't have the skills to build something worthy. Which probably means Biology 4 for a funny super tree house. But eh, it's not really wasted AP either way. Though we can spend money to save AP on this later.
We have qm confirmation that ant-tamer strategy is plausible and that we could try to mad-science ourselves a tool to help with it. (Plus maybe a few tap to get animal training to 1)
JayTar
Idea briefcase
I should mention there isn't any "worthiness" metric for Steve. You need at least 3+3 in the skill you will be using. But well, you are going to be blowing it up anyway?
The issue with biology is just that you need the right Effect/idea. It could be just like, a tree with extra tough bark.
Ah, I should clarify. You would need Naturalism (Animal training) at 3+3 for that. Using an animal is an interesting edge case, but there is still the requirement that the skill you use for it is at least 3+3.
Using something scientific to get a bonus doesn't change that requirement any more then getting a bunch of power tools would for Precision (Carpentry).
I'm just saying that it is something you can do if you want to.
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I honestly just want to talk to him to find out his deal. Unlike Merchants of Divinity we don't have any time pressure so curiosity is a valid motivation.
His name reminds one of Bob the builder as well.
That complicates it and means we probably need a new idea.
Should rethink and focus on Science(Biology) then.
I originally wanted to argue for the anthill, but looking at the TAP made me want to argue for Biology T4, then looking at AP made me return back to the anthill.
To start off,
| Skills | XP Calc | XP |
| Biology 4 | 270/2 | 135 |
| Naturalism 3 + Animal Training 3 | 125+10+30+90 | 255 |
| Precision 3 + Specialty 3 | 25+125+10+30+90 | 280 |
Then looking at the TAP,
| Skills | No Mentor | +1 Mentor | +2 Mentor | +3 Mentor |
| Biology 4 | 23 | 18 | 14 | 12 |
| Naturalism 3 + Animal Training 3 | 43 | 33 | 26 | 22 |
| Precision 3 + Specialty 3 | 49 | 37 | 30 | 25 |
Training turnwise results in this,
| Skills | No Mentor | +1 Mentor | +2 Mentor | +3 Mentor |
| Biology 4 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Naturalism 3 + Animal Training 3 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 6 |
| Precision 3 + Specialty 3 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 7 |
(Assuming it takes 3 turns to make, making 12TAPs unmodified, you can get a table of this range I think.)
| Skills | No Mentor | +1 Mentor | +2 Mentor | +3 Mentor |
| Biology 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Naturalism 3 + Animal Training 3 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 5 |
| Precision 3 + Specialty 3 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
Unto the second to final table, APwise you have this,
| Skills | Additional AP | Default AP | Real AP | Theoretical Turns |
| Biology 4 | 1+35 | 10 | 46 | 6 |
| Naturalism 3 + Animal Training 3 | 1+21 | 10 | 32 | 4 |
| Precision 3 + Specialty 3 | 0 | 10 | 10 | 2 |
Finally, turnwise, best skills at whichever conditions,
| No Mentor | +1 Mentor | +2 Mentor | +3 Mentor | |
| No Neuroplas | Biology / Naturalism | Naturalism | Naturalism | Naturalism |
| Neuroplas | Biology | Biology / Precision | Precision | Precision |
Old Bones is also another avenue of going no Neuroplas, with the additional benefit of +1 AP.
Besides that, I think I like Naturalism's whole using what's there than Biology 4's make something else or Precision's do it regularly.
Getting Naturalism adds another breadth of expertise that we can use besides sciencing.
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Either works for me as long as we have a cool/fun idea to do it mad-science-y.
If my plan wins I'm gonna suggest university next turn considering how much we have to learn. But this turn we can look into explosives to have some Leviathan-doing-science.
Vote closed
Prologue 6 - The Gears of the World Turn
JayTar
Idea briefcase
Prologue 6 - The Gears of the World Turn:
[X]Plan: To the University We Go
-[X] Skill training (Jörmungandr) (AI administrator protocols) (3 TAP)
-[X] Skill training (Jörmungandr) (Clandestine Proceedings) (1 TAP)
-[X] Work: Things seem to be back to "Business as usual". For however usual this business is. Expected pay: 1-3 Decent dots. (2 AP)
-[X] Now that you have some money, you should look back into the University? Not that you need help with improving your skills. But you weren't one to turn down an advantage. (3 AP)
-[X] Supplemental Research: MD Old Bones. You have questions about exactly how limiting his first contract is. Look into it. (2 1 AP)
-[X] Draft a schematic (Write in schematic) (1 AP)
--[X]Neuroplasticity enhancer: T3 Biology. Cost 9. Benefit: Gain +1 to dice size for your TAP training dice.
-[X] Reroll the schematic if the roll result is below 21, otherwise begin crafting! (3 AP)
-[X] Skill training (Jörmungandr) (AI administrator protocols) (3 TAP)
-[X] Skill training (Jörmungandr) (Clandestine Proceedings) (1 TAP)
-[X] Work: Things seem to be back to "Business as usual". For however usual this business is. Expected pay: 1-3 Decent dots. (2 AP)
-[X] Now that you have some money, you should look back into the University? Not that you need help with improving your skills. But you weren't one to turn down an advantage. (3 AP)
-[X] Supplemental Research: MD Old Bones. You have questions about exactly how limiting his first contract is. Look into it. (2 1 AP)
-[X] Draft a schematic (Write in schematic) (1 AP)
--[X]Neuroplasticity enhancer: T3 Biology. Cost 9. Benefit: Gain +1 to dice size for your TAP training dice.
-[X] Reroll the schematic if the roll result is below 21, otherwise begin crafting! (3 AP)
♫
♪
♩
The first harbinger of the rain is the illumination shifting. Everpresent azure dims to transparency. For a minute anyone looking up bears witness to the endless static of dust hugging the city's forcefield.
It doesn't last. Drop by drop the dust is pressed down the sides to let pure rain fall though. You don't know why the forcefield permits rain. Perhaps to collect the water.
Sitting once more on the skybridge, you quietly admit that it is beautiful. Sheets of clear water sluice off rooftops and spiral into culverts. Every level of the city catches and diverts the rain just a little. A vast fractal pattern only visible in the flow. Down to some unknown end.
Far below you see small shapes running through a courtyard. Children playing you think. For the youngest this may be their first time out in the rain.
You hold no petty superstitions about it. It is a system like any other. Time passes and the gears turn. You close your eyes and enjoy the sound. The pitter patter of raindrops. The humming of the world's machinery as it interlocks with humanity's.
It will last all week.
Location: District 12 Commercial Hub. Sub-Level 23:
You find Leader's team not in their usual hideout but several streets down watching a waterfall created by the rains. Vast quantities of water rush downwards but the flow is so perfect there is only a hiss of sound. You wonder what it would be like to touch it, and if your finger would survive the expedience.
"It's not stopping" Slick whispers, craning her neck as if to look for the source.
"It has to stop eventually" Skip reasons.
"It won't stop until the rain stops" you cut in.
"Rain?" Skip asks.
"Don't you know? The water from the sky?" The blank looks you get tells you that they in fact do not know.
Senior takes over explaining "It comes down in small drops all over. Some say it is the source of all life, warring against the baleful dust. The rains are a time for life and change and are always closed with a celebration."
Bah wastelander superstition. The celebration part was real at least.
"I wanna see it" Slick says brow furrowing in determination.
When you next see the team three out of four of the members are soaking wet. Slick also has bruised knuckles and Leader nonchalantly walks in with a knife stuck in her forearm.
Medicine 3 + Surgery 3 = 6 dice
6d6 = [3, 4, 6, 4, 6, 5] = 28 + 5 (First Aid Kit) = 33
DC: 15/20
6d6 = [3, 4, 6, 4, 6, 5] = 28 + 5 (First Aid Kit) = 33
DC: 15/20
"What? How!" You protest.
"Job" Leader answers.
"Certain members of our team seem to have taken access to medical care as an excuse to take additional risks" Senior says with disapproval. He somehow isn't even damp.
You huff but don't comment. You won't complain about the additional business after all. "Dry yourselves off or you'll catch something" you tell the team's other members instead.
Gain 3 decent dots.
Training With Jörmungandr: (3+3)d3=6d3 per TAP
1 TAP spent.
6d3 = [1, 3, 1, 2, 2, 3] = 12*1.3= 15 exp
Social knowledge (Clandestine Proceedings) now at 2 (25/90)
1 TAP spent.
6d3 = [1, 3, 1, 2, 2, 3] = 12*1.3= 15 exp
Social knowledge (Clandestine Proceedings) now at 2 (25/90)
Training With Jörmungandr: (3+3)d3=6d3 per TAP
3 TAP spent.
18d3 = [2, 3, 1, 1, 1, 2, 1, 1, 1, 3, 3, 1, 3, 1, 3, 1, 3, 1] = 32
Organizational knowledge (AI administrator protocols) now at 3 (3/270)
3 TAP spent.
18d3 = [2, 3, 1, 1, 1, 2, 1, 1, 1, 3, 3, 1, 3, 1, 3, 1, 3, 1] = 32
Organizational knowledge (AI administrator protocols) now at 3 (3/270)
With a stormy backdrop you make your entrance to the University administrative building. It is time to renew your enrollment.
Organizational knowledge 2 + AI administrator protocols 3 = 5 dice
5d6 = [3, 1, 2, 2, 5] = 13
DC: 5/10/15
5d6 = [3, 1, 2, 2, 5] = 13
DC: 5/10/15
These halls of knowledge are once more open to you. However you fail to re-gain free access to the student research database leaving you stuck with pay-per-paper. Bah.
Audit classes and arrange tutoring: For one decent dot you can get +2 training to any scientific or academic skill.
Declare a course of study: For 1 high dot select a scientific or academic skill. Gain +3 dice and +1 to dice size to its training for 10 turns. You will be expected to spend at least 2 TAP per turn on it and pass an examination. Failure on the examination will likely result loss of access to the university for a period.
Read Research Papers: For 2 AP and 1 decent dot you may look for new item effects to learn via study. May specify what you are looking for, but the more specific you are the lower chance of success. Lower tier effects are much easier to acquire.
Upgrade your research access tier you need to restore your academic standing by successfully completing a course of study.
Declare a course of study: For 1 high dot select a scientific or academic skill. Gain +3 dice and +1 to dice size to its training for 10 turns. You will be expected to spend at least 2 TAP per turn on it and pass an examination. Failure on the examination will likely result loss of access to the university for a period.
Read Research Papers: For 2 AP and 1 decent dot you may look for new item effects to learn via study. May specify what you are looking for, but the more specific you are the lower chance of success. Lower tier effects are much easier to acquire.
Upgrade your research access tier you need to restore your academic standing by successfully completing a course of study.
Location: Habitation Block 17-C. Cube 3156:
With that done you sit down to research ethics. How nostalgic. You remembered many a fond evening of extracurricular study.
Retroactively gain Social knowledge (Ethics) 1
You even recognize the principle referenced by MD Old Bones' contract. Non-maleficence. The idea that the treatments you provide should not harm the patient. Of course in practice it is more complicated. Nearly every treatment has risks or side effects. What was important, was the net benefits.
Light research reveals that MD Old Bones' contract does not shy away from this. Those who have signed it have no problem administrating treatments with side effects. So long as the benefits exceed the dangers.
Unfortunately your first idea for a loophole does not pan out. Those with the contract make no distinction between patients and test subjects. At least for medical-adjacent experimentation. Anyone you preform a medical procedure on is your patient.
There are cracks however. The contract covers the principle of Non-maleficence, not Autonomy. Nothing in it requires consent. Only that the procedure be a net benefit. There also seems to be a significant exception for combat. You find reports of doctors weaponizing their medical skills. So long as your target has some fight in them, you have carte blanche.
The last exception you find is also the most worrying. A case study where a particularly deranged doctor was able to preform horrific experiments without breaking the contract. The hypothesis is it was due to their particular insanity focusing around puppets. At a certain point they stopped seeing humans as people, and thus the contract no longer applied.
Of course all this ignores the fact that you do not currently have any unwilling test subjects. Nor do have any particular goal requiring them. But you never shy away from considering all possible options.
-Only applies to Non-maleficence. Not Autonomy.
-Exception for combat.
-Only covers net harm. So long as you think the benefits exceed the risks you can proceed.
-Dehumanization bypasses.
-Does include test subjects so long as you are preforming medical procedures on them.
-Exception for combat.
-Only covers net harm. So long as you think the benefits exceed the risks you can proceed.
-Dehumanization bypasses.
-Does include test subjects so long as you are preforming medical procedures on them.
Location: District 12 Commercial Hub. Sub-Level 26, Repurposed Garage
Down in your lab you can't even tell it's raining. Nothing to distract you from your work.
Science 3 + Biology 3 = 6 dice
6d6 = [1, 5, 3, 1, 3, 1] = 14
1 AP used to re-roll!
6d6 = [2, 4, 1, 6, 5, 1] = 19
1 AP used to re-roll!
6d6=[1, 5, 6, 4, 2, 5] = 23
Final AP cost = (((9*2)^(1.5))/(23*1)+0.5)^2 = 14.59 = 15 AP
6d6 = [1, 5, 3, 1, 3, 1] = 14
1 AP used to re-roll!
6d6 = [2, 4, 1, 6, 5, 1] = 19
1 AP used to re-roll!
6d6=[1, 5, 6, 4, 2, 5] = 23
Final AP cost = (((9*2)^(1.5))/(23*1)+0.5)^2 = 14.59 = 15 AP
You plan and re-plan. Synthesis paths and experimental procedures. By the end of the week you finally have it and celebrate by extracting the requite samples of cerebrospinal fluid.
For Science!
One decent dot subtracted for debt payments!
Two low dots subtracted for Simple Packaged meals!
Two low dots subtracted for Simple Packaged meals!
Turn actions:
You have 4 TAP and 10 AP:
Current assets:
4.4 decent dots
1 Basic Habitation Cube.
Repurposed Garage:
-Space: 16/25
-Amenities: Power
-Rooms: Decent Laboratory (16)
Current expenses:
Debt repayment 4.6 High dots remain - 1 decent dot per turn.
Simple Packaged meals - 2 low dots per turn.
4.4 decent dots
1 Basic Habitation Cube.
Repurposed Garage:
-Space: 16/25
-Amenities: Power
-Rooms: Decent Laboratory (16)
Current expenses:
Debt repayment 4.6 High dots remain - 1 decent dot per turn.
Simple Packaged meals - 2 low dots per turn.
Training:
Available trainers:
Jörmungandr Grimm: Can train Organizational knowledge (AI administrator protocols) and Social knowledge (Clandestine Proceedings) along with their respective general skills. Provides +3 dice.
Leader: Can train Combat (Firearms) along with its respective general skills. Provides +2 dice.
University: Can provide +2 to any Scientific or Academic skill for 1 decent dot.
Format:
-[] Skill training (Trainer) (Skill or Skill (Specialty)) (x TAP)
Personal:
[] Work: Things seem to be back to "Business as usual". For however usual this business is. Expected pay: 1-3 Decent dots. (2 AP)
[] Food: Perhaps you would like to change your diet? Presents diet options. May be modified by your current wealth level. (1 AP)
[] Networking: Now that you know about the Under Market, maybe you should see if anyone else needs under the table medical work. (3 AP)
[] Purchases: Buy something at a previously known shop. (Current options: The Clown Club) (1 AP)
-[] (Write In Purchases)
[] Declare a course of study (Skill): Gain access to +3/+1 tutoring for a skill for 10 turns. Expected to spend at least 2 TAP per turn on it and take exam at the end. Cost: 1 high dot. (1 AP)
[] Attend the clear sky celebrations: Likely a waste of time, but rare enough to not be utterly dismissed. (2 AP)
Science:
[] Read research papers (Topic): Gain an Effect you can learn. Roll to see how close the effect is to what you specify. The more specific you are the lower the chances. The higher tier the lower the chances. Cost: 1 decent dot (2 AP)
[] Continue crafting the Neuroplasticity enhancer. 14 AP remain. (Variable AP)
Social:
[] Old man Jack: Near the entrance to your Habitation block sits a old man. He sits there all day, always preforming some sort of hand craft. Whittling. Knitting. You should go give him a peace of your mind about such a shameful display! (3 AP)
Exploration:
[] Explore the city: The city contains many strange wonders. Some are even useful. Go out and find them. (2 AP)
[] Dive deeper: Beneath the city there are countless forgotten places. Some may even contain treasures. Go out and find them (3 AP)
[] You found a strange building containing clown vending machines. Who uses it and why? Investigate it to satisfy your curiosity. (3 AP)
Gods Research. Roll Academics (Gods) to learn more about the god and what contracts they offer:
[] Steve. Annoyingly you still don't know his first contract. Find it. (3 AP)
[] Doctor Infinium. Perhaps you would like to try looking further? You don't think you will get much at your current skill level. (4 AP)
[] MD Old Bones. Perhaps you would like to try looking further? You don't think you will get much at your current skill level. (4 AP)
[] Professor Tweed Perhaps you would like to try looking further? You don't think you will get much at your current skill level. (4 AP)
[] Supplemental Research: Write in. Perhaps there is some other question you want answered? (2 AP)
To contact Gods:
Doctor Infinium:
[] Draft a schematic (Write in schematic) (1 AP)
[] Start crafting. Requires lab. (Variable AP, must be at least 30 in total)
MD Old Bones:
[] Arrange for an operating theater. You will need somewhere to work, and make sure you have sufficient supplies. (2 AP)
[] Arrange for a constant stream of patients. (3 AP)
[] Arrange for an assistant. A final line of defense against interruptions. Someone to make sure all your patients arrive on time, and fill any holes in your schedule. (2 AP)
[] Start the marathon. (Consumes all AP until 20 have been spent.)
Professor Tweed:
[] Go looking for a student. (Write in skill/specifics) (3 AP)
[] Teach! (2 AP)
Steve:
[] Look for a hidden place to build in. See if the Under Market has any leads. Likely to cost at least 1 high dot. (2 AP)
[] Look for a hidden place to build in. Go looking yourself. Beneath the city there are countless forgotten places, and that is exactly what you need. (3 AP)
[] Acquire explosives. The Under Market should have something. Likely to cost at least 1 high dot. (2 AP)
[] Acquire explosives. Maybe you can make them yourself? Requires Science (Chemistry). Requires Lab. (? AP)
[] Start building. Requires location. (Write in what you plan to build) (10 AP)
[] Write in. Perhaps there is something else? (?? AP)
AN: Ask If you have any questions about MD Old Bones's first contract's restriction I missed. I'll freely clarify it now.
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Clearly the rain heralds Leviathan's ascent to greatness.
Could we make a brain implant of some sort to temporarily remove our ability to identify humans as people?
Could we make a brain implant of some sort to temporarily remove our ability to identify humans as people?
[X] Plan: sane science, mad science, and looking at normal people
-[X] Skill training Science(Chemistry) 4 TAP
-[X] Work: Things seem to be back to "Business as usual". For however usual this business is. Expected pay: 1-3 Decent dots. (2 AP)
-[X] Attend the clear sky celebrations: Likely a waste of time, but rare enough to utterly dismissed. (2 AP)
-[X] Continue crafting the Neuroplasticity enhancer. 14 AP remain. (2 AP)
-[X] Old man Jack: Near the entrance to your Habitation block sits a old man. He sits there all day, always preforming some sort of hand craft. Whittling. Knitting. You should go give him a peace of your mind about such a shameful display! (3 AP)
-[X] Draft a schematic (Write in schematic) (1 AP)
--[X] Doctor Infinum schematic! Become a dragon!
---[X]Artificial organ: T3 Biology. Cost 9. Benefit: Allows a purely biological device to be implanted.
---[X] Crafting yourself a nice skin of dragon-scales. If time budget allows ( AP cost would fall under 30 without the additions) add horns, face -> dragon muzzle, decorative wings.
Its just a bad contract for this character.
(A bio experiment not panning out (=no advantage) and having the slightest downside (with no positive of the experiment -> net negative) equals instant contract breach, which atm would be guaranteed death)
-[X] Skill training Science(Chemistry) 4 TAP
-[X] Work: Things seem to be back to "Business as usual". For however usual this business is. Expected pay: 1-3 Decent dots. (2 AP)
-[X] Attend the clear sky celebrations: Likely a waste of time, but rare enough to utterly dismissed. (2 AP)
-[X] Continue crafting the Neuroplasticity enhancer. 14 AP remain. (2 AP)
-[X] Old man Jack: Near the entrance to your Habitation block sits a old man. He sits there all day, always preforming some sort of hand craft. Whittling. Knitting. You should go give him a peace of your mind about such a shameful display! (3 AP)
-[X] Draft a schematic (Write in schematic) (1 AP)
--[X] Doctor Infinum schematic! Become a dragon!
---[X]Artificial organ: T3 Biology. Cost 9. Benefit: Allows a purely biological device to be implanted.
---[X] Crafting yourself a nice skin of dragon-scales. If time budget allows ( AP cost would fall under 30 without the additions) add horns, face -> dragon muzzle, decorative wings.
That sounds like it would turn the character ghoulish.
Its just a bad contract for this character.
(A bio experiment not panning out (=no advantage) and having the slightest downside (with no positive of the experiment -> net negative) equals instant contract breach, which atm would be guaranteed death)
If we were to try researching one of the teams enhancements by offering to calibrate it (or whatever, something bio that is an experiment or a service), could bad rolls screw us over by making us harm our patient?
Why didn't we get a +5 from the field first aid kit?
- Location
- Gainful Employment
- Pronouns
- He/They
But why tho, if an alteration to a subject has more negatives than positives and our subject isn't an enemy, why would we want to do it???
Edit:
You forgot to pay for a Chem teacher
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JayTar
Idea briefcase
Technically yes, but you would need at least Biology 5, and it would be very fraught. Like you would need to roll Mental Fortitude every time you use it not to take mental/personality damage.
To clarify: You can't break the contract unintentionally. It doesn't matter how the procedure ends, just that when you started it you believed it would be a net benefit for the patient.
Mind you "Benefit" and "Risk" are subjective. Consider that if you will. Something like "Now has +6 to perception due to better eyes" can be considered a benefit.
Reverse engineering the implants you are currently aware of would not carry a significant degree of risk no.
That said, failure on an experimental project roll to invent a new implant can carry risks. That is, if this roll fails:
Fair point I'll add it. Though it doesn't change the result.
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- Location
- Gainful Employment
- Pronouns
- He/They
So we could train a mental skill for ignoring that risk exists when we want to?
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JayTar
Idea briefcase
Mental fortitude (Self Delusion).
It would be difficult though, and I would say that would carry a risk of breaking the contract. If your delusion breaks at the wrong moment.
There would also be a risk of mental/personality damage afterwards, though not quite as bad as dehumanization would bring.
And the god in question would not be very happy with you.
- Location
- Gainful Employment
- Pronouns
- He/They
Right, and we saw in the original quest with HHH how much the value of a contract is dependent on how much the god giving it likes you, so this is a bad plan, just one we should stay aware an enemy might use.