(OOC) Rogue Trader: A Fresh Start

Chrysis · April 2010

Greetings fellow voidfarers,

I've decided it's time to take the plunge and try my hand at DMing a game of Rogue Trader. I've not done any DM work before, so initially things will be very much "by-the-book". This will be play by post right here, with invisible castle used for rolls.

I'm looking for 4 or 5 players, including exactly 1 Rogue Trader, to form part of an as yet unnamed dynasty. Well respected, the dynasty has granted the group the resources required to begin operations in the Koronus Expanse. Expeditions had been undertaken in the past, but this is the first genuine attempt to gain a foothold and business in the Expanse.

So as stated, 4 or 5 player characters ideally including 1 Rogue Trader. If there are multiple people who want the trader position some way of working out who gets the job will be arranged. We will roll for characteristics. You can have 1 "free" (not adjacent to the preceding square) square on the Origin Path. You will need the book, this can get complicated. Make sure you check the errata as well, there aren't many changes that will be relevant but they do exist.

I will design the ship, but welcome suggestions on the kind of ship the group wants. Each character may use their single free acquisition to acquire a ship component worth 1 ship point, but we won't be combining multiple characters acquisitions to get a more expensive piece.

So time to get designing. I intend to cut off the applications Sunday night, but if things are moving slowly I may extend that. By then I'm looking for a character sheet and rough background I can work from.

So, I look forward to this outing, and hope that my first try at being in charge works out well.

EDIT: Game is underway. Thread can be found here: http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showthread.php?t=117456

Colt · April 2010

I'd be all for it, but I don't want to play the Trader.

GothicLargo · April 2010

The classes I'm particularly interested in are Trader, Militant, and Senechal.

If I rolled an RT I'd be Ex Imperial Navy. A hotshot torpedo ship captain who upstaged an admiral in a crucial battle, and then was "honored" with a warrant of trade and has since become a mercenary type. No ancient lineage, no established network of trade and power, just a hero pushed aside by politics who is getting tired of taking jobs to pay the bills.

Hmmm... I'm liking this idea.

I'll roll it out tonight. And if it doesn't fit with your story plans Chrysis then I'll just roll bolter crazed Arch Militant.

Hermenegilde · April 2010

I like them ALL !
Seriously, anything but Seneshal and Explorator.

Rolls
mmmh. Nice stats for Voidmaster. I'll be working on that.

Colt · April 2010

Character Rolls

I think I'm going to make a Senechal.

Hermenegilde · April 2010

It's the agility festival !

Did you guys know Voidmasters can't use basic guns ? It's annoying.

Colt · April 2010

Are we doing rolled stats like in the book or can we roll and place anywhere? If it's rolled like the book then I may make an Arch-Militant instead. I worry about the Perception and Int scores on there. ><

Hermenegilde · April 2010

DM said "by-the-book"

The book does give you 1 re-roll.

Colt · April 2010

Character Re-Roll

Alright, I can deal with low Perception.

GothicLargo · April 2010

So, so far we've got candidates for Trader (me), Voidmaster (Hermenegilde), and either Arch-Militant or Senescal (Colt). I'd roll stuff but I can't access that site at work.

Edit...

I'm already starting to put together my trader's back story in my head. Chrysis, if a navy captain doesn't jive with you let me know.

Two fleets of giants, warships, approach for the dance. On the Admiral _____ stands on the bridge of the ______, proudly staring down the largest of the wretched traitor cruisers as it approaches. The force before him cannot possibly defeat the Emperor's host yet they will still try and the victory will be glorious. But suddenly the archenemy's flagship bursts into flames...

"What's happening!? I gave no orders to fire!"
"I... I don't know sir, she's coming apart from inside!"
"ADMIRAL, ONE OF OURS, COMING OUT OF HER PLASMA TAIL!"
"(static) torpedos, heretic scum! For the Emperor!"

The admiral's face goes red. THAT. ... that ... THAT WAS MY VICTORY!

Colt · April 2010

Origin Path Rolls

The first one is the starting wound bonus and the second is for Fate Points under Imperial World. The third one is for the Corruption Points for Vaunted. The fourth is for Insanity Points for Dark Voyage. The fifth is for the Heirloom Item for Pride.

And I'll be rolling Seneshal.

LATE EDIT: Damn it. I didn't know what you meant by "invisible castle used for rolls" until now. I'll keep rolling to there from here on out.

Chrysis · April 2010

Looks like things are shaping up nicely. I can make am ex-navy captain work, so don't worry about that. And don't worry about the dice Colt, I'd prefer to have everything in one place but for the creation stuff it doesn't matter so much.

The reason I wanted a RT specifically is that there's a lot of emphasis on the trader going out and doing things personally, which would mean either a DMPC which no one wants or reworking things considerably. Looks like Largo is getting pretty keen so that's good.

GothicLargo · April 2010

Ok, here's the Trader I've rolled.

Spoiler:

Edit... Backstory.

Spoiler:

Chrysis · April 2010

Looking good so far. I'm guessing that doesn't include the starting acquisition or 500xp that you get to spend.

I guess I should start looking at designing an ex-navy ship for the group. Probably looking at a frigate of some sort.

GothicLargo · April 2010

Chrysis wrote: »

Looking good so far. I'm guessing that doesn't include the starting acquisition or 500xp that you get to spend.

I guess I should start looking at designing an ex-navy ship for the group. Probably looking at a frigate of some sort.

Aye. I haven't spent those yet, we don't have a profit factor.

Smaller ships are great because you get a bigger profit factor and thus bigger starting acquisitions. Also, my backstory is up.

Chrysis · April 2010

Fair enough. I had another look and the starting acquisition is worded a little oddly. I am interpreting it to mean that you can have 1 item with an acquisition modifier of +0 or better (+10, +20, etc) that you have the relevant talents to use without having to roll. But it does look like it doesn't totally discount having to roll for it, and thus potentially not getting anything. For this game though, 1 item, +0 or better, can be used, no roll. So feel free to pick something, although I reserve the right to veto if you pick something too ridiculous. Not that I think that's likely unless everyone decides they want a full suit of power armour.

GothicLargo · April 2010

Chrysis wrote: »

Fair enough. I had another look and the starting acquisition is worded a little oddly. I am interpreting it to mean that you can have 1 item with an acquisition modifier of +0 or better (+10, +20, etc) that you have the relevant talents to use without having to roll. But it does look like it doesn't totally discount having to roll for it, and thus potentially not getting anything. For this game though, 1 item, +0 or better, can be used, no roll. So feel free to pick something, although I reserve the right to veto if you pick something too ridiculous. Not that I think that's likely unless everyone decides they want a full suit of power armour.

Fair 'nuff. I'm thinking of a custom piece. A lord captain's baton with a concealed common.c power maul built into it. That or something in the bolter category. I'll get a definite decision made tonight. My skill buys are going to be dependent on what Hermenegilde does with his Voidmaster special ability.

Readers, let's get some more candidates here, we don't bite chime in.

Chrysis · April 2010

Sounds good to me. And yes, we need some more players. While we could start with 3 4 just feels like a better number. So don't be shy, come and sign up to plunder and burn heretics.

Hermenegilde · April 2010

You want to be the pilot ?

Because I can shoot, pilot and scan.
I'm guessing the Gunnery power is the strongest one, but anyone can shoot the guns. I'm pretty sure I'll be the only one with Scrutiny and, unless you take it, pilot.

Hermenegilde · April 2010

The initial acquisition lets you have a single item with a modifier of +0 or more, without a roll. It does not take the Profit Factor into account.
Modifier of 0 is : Best Scarce item, Good Very Rare or Common Extremely Rare.

So yeah. Good power armor is possible.

GothicLargo · April 2010

Hermenegilde wrote: »

You want to be the pilot ?

Because I can shoot, pilot and scan.
I'm guessing the Gunnery power is the strongest one, but anyone can shoot the guns. I'm pretty sure I'll be the only one with Scrutiny and, unless you take it, pilot.

I guess I'll definitely buy piloting to give us some flexibility. As to what you choose... do what makes you happy.

Hermenegilde · April 2010

Mikaela, voidmaster
Path - Death world - Stubjack - Criminal (hunted) - hand of War (orks) - Fortune

Stats

Spoiler:

Skillz

Spoiler:

Talents

Spoiler:

Gear

Spoiler:

Special stuff

Spoiler:

Backgorund

Spoiler:

Hermenegilde · April 2010

What makes me happy is to take the one I'm actually going to use...

GothicLargo · April 2010

Well, we could go back and forth forever on trying to yield to each other. If I helm it that leaves you free to use your abilities on things I can't do. So lets do that.

Chrysis · April 2010

Hermenegilde wrote: »

The initial acquisition lets you have a single item with a modifier of +0 or more, without a roll. It does not take the Profit Factor into account.
Modifier of 0 is : Best Scarce item, Good Very Rare or Common Extremely Rare.

So yeah. Good power armor is possible.

The errata changes power armour from Very to Extremely Rare, so while it's still possible to get common it's no longer possible to get good.

I had not predicted a Heavy Bolter being purchased though. I was initially worried that everyone would be taking extremely well made flash lights, but I guess that isn't a problem any more.

Only downside I can see is that Heavy Bolters are pretty damn Heavy. So you almost certainly would be encumbered lugging it around unless that's absolutely the only thing you're taking. And I don't think I'd recommend running around naked with a Heavy Bolter.

Penalties for Encumbered are: -10 to movement related tests, -1 to Agility Bonus for determining speed and initiative, and a toughness test after a number of hours not to get fatigued.

So as long as you don't mind moving a bit slower, dodging worse and having to take a break every 3 or so hours I think it's a good choice. Just try and get some suspensors for it at some point

EDIT: Right, ship is ready. Comments are appreciated.

Spoiler:

This leaves 3 Ship Points, which if not spent get added to your initial Profit Factor which is currently 40.

GothicLargo · April 2010

Chrysis wrote: »

So as long as you don't mind moving a bit slower, dodging worse and having to take a break every 3 or so hours I think it's a good choice. Just try and get some suspensors for it at some point

Or a squad of ratling helpers.

Chrysis, just to clarify, my past ship in my backstory can be assumed to have been trashed/irradiated/otherwise removed from service for extensive repairs. I just wanted to create a backstory of accomplishing something ludicrous.

I've got my starting acquisition. I will go with my earlier proposal of a Lord Captain's baton with a concealed common power maul.

My advance purchases will be Pilot (Space Craft), Dodge, Awareness, and the Renowned Warrant talent (news of "that guy who took out a fleet with a Cobra" spread quickly; feel free to shoot this one down if you want but it's in my advances list). I'll update my previous post to reflect this info.

Chrysis · April 2010

I did think about looking for rules for a Cobra

But your story does leave it with several decades of repair work to do, and while they probably would rather offload it on you as well I suspect they just want you out of sight now.

Looks good for advances, and the acquisition sounds appropriate. Looks like the captains good to go.

npc.EXE · April 2010

Sorry to ask but do you have room for one more?

I am quite green to Rouge Trade and have only ever played Dark Heresy once. (I rolled a void born psyker and died quite horribly.)

If you have room I would be most appreciative to joining and if not, that is fine too.

If I were to roll for your campaign I was thinking void born, child of the creed, tainted, dark voyage, and vengeance (chaos).

Oh, and is Astropath taken?

Edit for rolls:

Spoiler:

+Forbidden Lore (warp)
roll for insanity: http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2482893/ =19

Gear:
Best craftsmanship stub automatic
common craftsmanship shock staff
guard flak armour
charm
void suit
micro-bead
psy-focus
Cranial Armour (acquisition)

advances:
delude
compel
rite of sanctioning (mind warp)

Background:

Spoiler:

Colt · April 2010

I think this is everything needed for a sheet. Let me know otherwise.

Spoiler:

Still need to write something of a background.

Chrysis · April 2010

npc.EXE: Good to have you on board. I look forward to seeing how an insane Astropath gets along with everyone. Don't forget to pick your two psychic powers from the Telepathic Discipline. Per the errata neither can cost more than 200XP (The Psychic Technique talents in the Rank 1 scheme are the ones you get for free, but the cost should be 200 not 100). You'll also need to decide on an acquisition and a little bit of backstory.

Colt: Looks good, again don't forget the acquisition.

Things are coming together nicely. I was hoping someone would show up wanting to have a slightly more exotic occupation. So far we have a Trader, Void Master, Seneshal and Astropath lined up. Looking forward to seeing backstories and getting underway.

I'm looking to get the OP for the IC thread up in about 48 hours from the time of posting.

npc.EXE · April 2010

Only 200 eh? Well shoot, and I though it'd be great to have a screaming astropath.

I guess I'll replace psychic scream with minds eye. That cool?

Also, Cranial Armour is listed as scarce with +0 modifier for acquisitions... so would that be acceptable? I'm sure I could work that in for the back story I'm kicking around.

Edit:

So I wrote out a nice long origin story but lost it to being auto logged out. Added a much shorter back story above.

TheColonel · April 2010

Still room available? I'll play pretty much anything.

GothicLargo · April 2010

TheColonel wrote: »

Still room available? I'll play pretty much anything.

I can't speak for Chrysis since he's the gm and I'm not but he said 4-5 so yeah, should be room.

Still a bunch of good classes left too... militant, navigator, explorator, or hell even missionary. I might space you eventually but yeah it's still an available class.

npc.EXE · April 2010

I need to ask because I'm not sure I understand acquisitions as well as I should nor profits at all. What does this mean for a starting character?

I mean that I'd love to start with some bad-ass weapon equipment but am not sure how far the starting setup would get me.

Colt · April 2010

Yeah, I'm lost on what acquisitions mean as well.

Chrysis · April 2010

TheColonel: Yeah, I reckon I can fit one more in.

npc.EXE: Cranial armour is all good, seems to fit quite well.

On acquisitions: Basically there are three factors that affect the difficulty of acquisitions

Scale: How many are you buying?
Availability: How rare is the item in question?
Quality: Finest craftsmanship or made by a blind hobo?

You add the total modifiers together, add the result to your profit factor and then try to roll under it when you make an acquisition.

For your starting acquisition you'll probably only be buying for yourself, so your modifier for scale is +30. As your starting acquisition must have a modifier of +0 or easier (greater than 0) this leaves you a lot of room to play with. You could go for something common craftsmanship (+0) but extremely rare (-30). Or you could go for something of best craftsmanship (-30) but only scarce (+0). Or you could go somewhere in between. The explanation of the modifiers is on pg.272. You won't have to roll for your starting acquisition though, as long as you get the modifier at +0 or easier you pretty much get it automatically.

When determining the availability modifier for a compound object like Mikaela's Heavy Bolter with it's addons you take the hardest modifier of all the items, and then add 5 to the difficulty for each subsequent item. For example the Heavy Bolter and Motion Predictor are both Very Rare (-20), while the Vox Operated addon is Rare (-10). We take the hardest of these which is Very Rare at -20, and then make it 5 more difficult for the each of the other two items making the total modifier for availability -30.

Paranoia833 · April 2010

Ah Rogue Trader. Consider me interested if a space opens up. I'd love to play around with a Navigator, Seneschal or Missionary.

Chrysis · April 2010

npc.EXE: Just noticed something, did you spend some of your initial XP on those powers? Check pg. 72 to see that you get two for free. The 200XP thing is just that the errata stipulates the two in your rank 1 advance scheme are the ones you get for free, and thus your free powers cannot be ones with XP costs higher than 200. You don't actually have to pay their XP costs.

Paranoia833: Sorry, but for my first attempt I'm think 5 is probably the most I can realistically run. I'll keep your interest in mind though, and if someone has to drop out we'll see about fitting you in.

npc.EXE · April 2010

Chrysis wrote: »

npc.EXE: Just noticed something, did you spend some of your initial XP on those powers? Check pg. 72 to see that you get two for free. The 200XP thing is just that the errata stipulates the two in your rank 1 advance scheme are the ones you get for free, and thus your free powers cannot be ones with XP costs higher than 200. You don't actually have to pay their XP costs.

Yeah, I totally paid for those with my 500xp. Like I said, super green for Trader. I'm not even sure how to buy WS/BS/etc using the xp I'm given or how much each upgrade costs.

I can just buy the abilities I originally wanted and update the post above again if that's easier.

Colt · April 2010

Are there any additional specs we can add to an acquisitioned weapon? Like if I took a pistol and wanted it customized, would that be possible or added as a modifier to the table?

Chrysis · April 2010

npc.EXE wrote: »

Yeah, I totally paid for those with my 500xp. Like I said, super green for Trader. I'm not even sure how to buy WS/BS/etc using the xp I'm given or how much each upgrade costs.

I can just buy the abilities I originally wanted and update the post above again if that's easier.

Just spend your 500XP ignoring buying any powers (unless you want to get more than 2) and then pick two, 200XP or less powers as your starting ones.

For increasing WS, etc, you want the table of Characteristic Advances (For you pg.49, more generally just after the list of starting skills, talents, etc). Each column represents a +5 increase to the relevant characteristic. So if you want +5 to your WS you'd pay 500XP (Simple), if you then wanted another +5 you'd pay another 750XP (Intermediate). The different classes have differing characteristic prices depending on which are theoretically most important.

Colt wrote: »

Are there any additional specs we can add to an acquisitioned weapon? Like if I took a pistol and wanted it customized, would that be possible or added as a modifier to the table?

What kind of modifications are you looking at? Just the standard weapons upgrades from pg.133? If you're looking to get a new pistol with modifications follow the Heavy Bolter example as previously (Availability modifier = modifier of rarest item + 5 for each additional item). If you mean giving it the "Customised" quality I really don't know, I haven't found anything in the book that talks about it. I'll have a think about how to work that one.

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(OOC) Rogue Trader: A Fresh Start

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