OOC: For Things You Can't Say In Game

[Charybdis Richelle]

Once we get started... or even before, once I finish setting up this campaign, here's where you put everything that isn't happening in game.

[shaidar]

Hi everyone.

So I had a little time, so I've posted the start of a character sheet. Still plenty to do.

[Tay-Dor]

Welcome.

[shaidar]

Thanks.

I'm new to the system and an introvert, so choosing a Mercurian is an interesting choice for me.

[Charybdis Richelle]

I personal find it a LOT easier to play social characters in text-based games than in live ones. Having time to think makes it easier for me to come off smooth than when I have to try it real time.

[Charybdis Richelle]

Okay, Celestials,

I have updated the party roster under character sheets with the best information I have. If anyone needs me to correct or update anything, please let me know.

[shaidar]

I've made a few tweaks to my characters background, nothing significant. I've also dropped STR by 1 to 5 and put AGI up to 7.

Maledriel is pretty much done. If I've made any rookie mistakes then I'm always open suggestions.

[shaidar]

I keep wondering if I need something more defensive than just the Ethereal Song Of Harmony, like one of the motion songs or even the Ethereal Song of Form.

[Charybdis Richelle]

Go with what feels right for you.

[Charybdis Richelle]

I've made a few tweaks to my characters background, nothing significant. I've also dropped STR by 1 to 5 and put AGI up to 7.

Maledriel is pretty much done. If I've made any rookie mistakes then I'm always open suggestions.

As soon as Juri is done, I will get the two of you started.

[shaidar]

I took a level in the Corporeal Song of Shields, the point came from my Corporeal healing song.

I will draw the line there, or I'll keep tweaking.

Ready to go

[Tay-Dor]

I keep wondering if I need something more defensive than just the Ethereal Song Of Harmony, like one of the motion songs or even the Ethereal Song of Form.

I will say the Ethereal Song of Harmony is going to be pretty helpful subduing the Malakim when he goes Berserk.

I would not having so many songs at rank one could limit the efficacy since the level of the song affects how well or how long the effects last. Something to consider.

[Tay-Dor]

For all of you, yes, the Malakim is a combat monster. Its what they do. However, even a Malakim can get overwhelmed if there are enough enemies. I would, personally, suggest you each have a (one) fighting skill of some sort. It doesn't have to be amazing. But it could mean the difference between survival and Hell winning.

But I also support you making the character you want to play. Marduk will silently judge you as he eliminates the threats.

[shaidar]

All good points.

Mal is only ever going to be able to fight non-humans, so I focused on the Ethereal Harmony song. I might drop the Celestial Harmony song and fold the point into ethereal harmony. The radius of the effect is song level X essence spent.

I must admit I need to read through the combat rules properly. I guess a firearm might be useful, it would allow him to harm demonic vessels.

[shaidar]

So I have dropped the celestial harmony song and put it on the ethereal harmony song.

[Tay-Dor]

Cool.

[Charybdis Richelle]

I could have sworn I posted a message about House Rules, but it's not here, so I guess I didn't.

I am still working on that file, but I don't have a lot for this game. The biggest one is that I DO allow Angels to speak in Angelic (aka Celestial) when on Earth. I just never liked the idea that it can only be spoken in Heaven. It does still maintain the property that you cannot lie in Angelic. Seraphs love it. Demons can also speak Demonic (aka Infernal.) I will get the details out soon.

I am currently debating about the Combat Rules, and I would like input on this. I definitely prefer the Advanced rules over the Basic ones. As Rules Light as I like to play, I need a little more than the Basic Rules allow. However, I do NOT like the way the IN Advanced Rules do initiative. I have never liked having to declare an action and not be able to change it if circumstances change. The rules say everyone doing something Supernatural goes first, then everyone doing an action, then everyone moving, and only at the end is damage applied. This does not make sense to me. But I am not sure how I want to change it. So, if you have ideas, please let me know.

Other than that, just know that there are some rules that I have adjusted behind the scenes that I am not going to post (or at least not yet). There are plot elements that the PCs should, in character, look at and go, "But that's impossible!" Because in their minds it goes against the fabric of the Symphony. So, no need to tell you what those are until and unless you run into them.

[Charybdis Richelle]

I just posted the starting posts for Shaidar and Juri, so now offiically, everyone is underway!

[Tay-Dor]

I am currently debating about the Combat Rules, and I would like input on this. I definitely prefer the Advanced rules over the Basic ones. As Rules Light as I like to play, I need a little more than the Basic Rules allow. However, I do NOT like the way the IN Advanced Rules do initiative. I have never liked having to declare an action and not be able to change it if circumstances change. The rules say everyone doing something Supernatural goes first, then everyone doing an action, then everyone moving, and only at the end is damage applied. This does not make sense to me. But I am not sure how I want to change it. So, if you have ideas, please let me know.

For initiative, you could just do a simple initiative roll of 1d6 or 2d6 + one of our attributes (Agility for corporeal combat, Precision for ethereal combat, and Perception for Celestial) depending on where the encounter is taking place.) and just go in order from highest to lowest. Simplistic.

Then each round in combat each character can move their speed and take one action (attack, use a power, use a song, etc). I know its the 5e system, but it might be an easier way to adjudicate combat rounds.
Maybe add in penalties if you want to do additional actions. Want to take 2 actions, get a penalty of -1 dice to each action. Want to take 3 actions, -2 to each action. Or something like that.

Or take a page from Pathfinder 2e. You get 2 or 3 actions each round. You can use each of those actions to do one of:
- Move
- Attack (Multiple attacks incur a penalty to each attack)
- Use a power

[shaidar]

On a different note: nuclear weapons? Us, Them, or the humans themselves?