Dresden Files RPG- Pittsburgh, Bridges to Nowhere

Sakutian

Now that I've completed my move and have internet back for the first time in three months I'm looking to get into a bit of roleplaying fun once again. I was thinking of trying to run a Dresden Files RPG game, the one I was playing in a few months back proved to be a great deal of fun. There are two things I can tell you for certain if you're thinking of expressing an interest in this. First, we will be doing a submerged campaign. Second, the city we'll be playing in is Pittsburgh, I just relocated here. I've been doing my research and there's quite a lot of potential for some Dresden Files fun in my new city. At the moment I'm considering this to be be just a general interest thread, but if there are enough people who warm to the idea it will get started pretty quickly.

I would ask that if you are thinking of playing please be able to post once a day and be willing to participate in City Creation. I can't speak for everyone but that is one of my favorite parts of the system.

Edit: I forgot to mention that this will be a post Changes campaign.

Rainfall

Interested, definitely willing to participate in city creation, digging up potential stories and old myths is SO much fun.

Sakutian

Rainfall wrote: »

Interested, definitely willing to participate in city creation, digging up potential stories and old myths is SO much fun.

I'm in full agreement with you. Pittsburgh has been especially interesting while I was doing a bit of research for some background material. There are quite a lot of legends about this city to inspire creative ideas.

Super Namicchi

what refresh level are we talking?

edit: oh, herf. submerged, so 10

Sakutian

ArcanisTheImpotent wrote: »

what refresh level are we talking?

edit: oh, herf. submerged, so 10

Yeah we're doing submerged, I want people to be able to play all the options.

Super Namicchi

since the other game never really got off the ground, i think i'll just port over the basic concept i used in there if that's ok

Sakutian

ArcanisTheImpotent wrote: »

since the other game never really got off the ground, i think i'll just port over the basic concept i used in there if that's ok

Can you remind me what it was? It's been a while.

Super Namicchi

i'll post it later or you can just search for the other game

Sakutian

Oh! I thought you were talking about Bloody Kansas not the Twin Cities game. Yes you can your Jasmine Cartwright concept, I was looking at it earlier. Seems like a pretty interesting character, I'm wondering what the Aspects are.

dresdenphile

I am interested as well.

Super Namicchi

http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showpost.php?p=16364011&postcount=151 here's the full sheet with all the aspects i'd worked out, BUT

seeing as this is Submerged and a different game, i'm going to advance the character and change her aspects around

Sakutian

Alright we've got three people expressing an interest, which is good for me, I'm going to wait until tomorrow just to give others a chance to make their presence known. Feel free to do a little research if you've got the time, there's a good chance we'll be jumping into City Creation tomorrow.

Edit: Good stuff Arcanis, I look forward to seeing what you'll come up with.

Super Namicchi

Name: Jasmine Cartwright
High Concept: College Wizard
Trouble: Daddy's a Bastard

Background - Where Did You Come From?
Born in Chichester, England to parents Theo and Elizabeth Cartwright, young Jasmine spent her formative years studying philosophy under her father and music history under her mother. At age 9 her mother was killed by unaffiliated Fae, leaving a hole in Jasmine and Theo's life that drove them to move to Minneapolis.

Aspect – A Proper English Upbringing

Rising Conflict - What Shaped You?

A stranger in a strange land, Jasmine was enrolled in public schools as her father focused on tracking down the creatures responsible for Elizabeth's death and training his daughter in the arcane arts. She grew distant from her father, spending most of her time with her best friend Clay, a normal guy. At age 17 she dropped out of high school from disinterest and spent a year with Clay to 'discover herself'. Upon returning home she resumed her training with Theo without a word between them about the year that had gone by and by age 18 had completed her apprenticeship and was granted the status of Junior Wizard by the White Council. A year after that she enrolled in the University of Pittsburgh and moved out of Minneapolis with Clay, now her boyfriend, to get away from Theo.

Aspect – I Don't Like to be Tied Down

The Story - What Was Your First Adventure?

Blind Sided
A series of brutal vehicular homicides strike the UPitt campus. When one of the victims escapes near death, it's up to Jasmine to figure out just what she means by 'a truck without a driver.' But is she prepared to deal with a necromancer out for vengeance… as well as two exams in the morning?

Aspect – Not Now Dammit, I'm Studying

Total Refresh: 10
Spent Refresh: -9
Fate: 1

Abilities
Evocation [-3] [Air (Control +1, Power +1), Fire, Water (Control +1)]
Thaumaturgy [-3]
The Sight [-1]
Refinement x2[-1]
Wizard's Constitution [-0]

Focus Items

Platinum rod laced with gold and silver filigree [+1 Air Power]
Silver and Platinum Mood Ring [+1 Water Control]
Jade and Gold Bracelet [+2 Air Control]

Rotes

L'eau Bouclier – A defensive water shield incorporating her mood ring, it forms an inky blue-black barrier that dissolves attacks and washes them away. (7 Shifts [5 Dicipline +1 Water Control +1 Focus])

Détruire – A purely offensive rote that uses Air magic to conjure a quick electrical bolt between Jasmine’s fingers and her target to the tune of 2 amperes. Quick, loud, and deadly. Incorporates her bracelet and lightning rod. (10 Shifts [5 Discipline +1 Air Control +2 Focus +2 Aspect Invoke])

Embrouiller – Air and water magic combine to make a cloud of impenetrable fog. (6 shifts)

Glacies – Water and air magic utilized together to create a coat of thick frost, when lightning is too loud and too flashy. (7 shifts [5 Discipline +1 Water Control +1 Focus])

Skills -
5- Conviction, Discipline
4- Scholarship, Lore
3- Rapport, Empathy
2- Endurance, Investigation, Guns
1- Alertness, Burglary, Presence, Fists, Athletics

all set, just gotta do phases 4 and 5 with the others

Sakutian

I like it, nice job adapting your character to Pittsburgh.

SanderJK

I'm interested, though I've only read the book, never actually played it. But I really like the Dresden Universe... got to muse on some character concepts.

dresdenphile

Name: Rey Nardo
High Concept: Were-fox Martial Artist
Trouble: Helping Paw

Stress Tracks
Physical Stress: 3*
Social Stress: 4*
Mental Stress: 3

Total Refresh: 10
Spent Refresh: -9
Fate: 1

Supernatural Abilities:
Beast Change -1
Echoes of the Beast -1
Human Form +1
Supernatural Speed - 4
Claws -1

Mortal Stunts:
Takes One to Know One -1
Martial Artist -1
Lethal Weapon -1

Skills:
5- Deceit*
4- Alertness, Fists
3- Athletics, Discipline, Presence*
2- Resources, Investigation, Stealth*, Endurance*
1- Driving, Might, Contacts, Conviction, Rapport

*(Will get shuffled when he shifts)

Phase One: Background – Where did you come from?
Rey was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico. After a run-in with bullies as a youth, he swore that he would never be a victim again. He trained vigorously in karate and was able to stand up to the bullies later.
Aspect: Fight, not Flight

Phase Two: Rising Conflict – What shaped you?
Rey shapechanged for the first time after his 18th birthday. Confused and ashamed, he decided to distance himself from his family by moving to the East Coast to clear his head and decide what to do with his life. After saving some money from private karate lessons, Rey was able to open a meager dojo in the heart of Pittsburgh.

After coming to terms with his new form, Rey struggled to find like-minded individuals, for solidarity and for protection against threats, both mundane and supernatural. He could take care of himself, but what about the other shapechangers in town? Using the Para-net, he’s been in contact with the other supernaturals in Pittsburgh who have beast forms like himself. Rey acts as sort of leader for those weres who don’t have a pack to call their own, using his karate dojo as a meeting place.
Aspect: Pack Leader

Phase Three: The Story – What was your first adventure?
Story name: Open Season
When someone (or something) begins targeting Pittsburgh’s “were” community, Rey Nardo sets out to unmask the killer. But will the were-fox succeed when he’s up against a troll turf war, mortal hunters, and a blood moon?
Aspect: Not on My Watch

Phase 4:
Rush Week
Guest Starring: Dr. Frederick Meyers

When several college coeds are mauled and infected with lycanthropy by what appears to be rogue weres, Rey Nardo investigates to keep his pack safe. After meeting Dr. Frderick Meyers, this werefox learns that appearances aren't always what they seem. Can Rey and the Dr. find the person or thing responsible before the next kegger becomes a bloodbath?

Aspect: Gumshoe-wanna be

Phase 5:
Blood Lust
When a troll sorceror tries to summon the Erlking to destroy all non-fae creatures in Pittsburgh, it's the unlikely pair of a were-fox and a troll armorer that are tasked to stop her. But with the arrival of a Spring Court assassin, mutinous were-creatures, and a Wild Hunt on the horizon, they'll have more than the Erlking to deal with.

Aspect: Peace-keeper

Sakutian

SanderJK wrote: »

I'm interested, though I've only read the book, never actually played it. But I really like the Dresden Universe... got to muse on some character concepts.

All levels of experience are welcome as far as I'm concerned.

I like you concept Dresdenphile, a Were-Fox is a pretty interesting thought. So at the moment we've got a Were-Fox Martial Artist and a Junior Wizard of the White Council.

Rainfall

Not that I don't love the concept, Dresdenphile, but you might want to ask Arcanis before you pick a trouble that places your two characters in a bit of an odd spot.

Anyway, working on a White Court Vampire right now. I'll post more when it's done.

Super Namicchi

i'm uh

not sure how to reconcile the 'crushin furry guy'

Sakutian

Fun fact about Pittsburgh, it's called the city of bridges. Why? It's got over 463 bridges. As a result the troll population is higher there than it is anywhere else in the United States. They're a real power within the city limits. Granted they're more interested in maintaining the status quo than they are shaking things up but still, they're not to be trifled with. If someone did a concept involving trolls that would be funny.

Edit: I love the White Court Rainfall, can't wait to see what you do with it.

Rey is the Murphy to your Harry Arcanis. Only fuzzy. And male.

Super Namicchi

why jon

why would you encourage that

Sakutian

I'm just a hopeless romantic I guess.

Rainfall

Name: Juliette Raith
High Concept: Princess of the Raith Family
Trouble: At War With My Mother

Background - Where did you come from?
Lord Raith had many children from many mothers, and Juliette was one of them, born to Lady Maria, leader of the White Court in Pittsburgh. She lived a privileged youth as a Virgin, with nothing but the best education and private schooling, all under the watchful eye of Lady Maria.
Aspect - Born In the Lap of Luxury

Rising Conflict - What shaped you?
When Juliette turned 16, Lady Maria quietly arranged for her to be killed, her blood relation to Lord Raith and her natural charm making the young girl a threat to her rule of Pittsburgh. Juliette drained her attackers dry, entering her vampiric life in a dark alley of blood, sex, and death.
Aspect - I Swore I'd Kill Her Myself

The Story - What was your first adventure?
Side Step
When Juliette finds out that her mother had a river fae killed, she sets off a powder keg of strained relationships between the Trolls, White Court, and the Fae. When Lady Maria tries to pin the murder on her, can she stay one step ahead and clear her name, or will the whole city turn against her?
Aspect - Everyone Wants a Piece of Me

Guest Star - Whose path have you crossed?
First Born Sons
Several of James’s older troll brothers have disappeared under mysterious circumstances. As his succession to the under kingdom grows closer James must discover who is killing or abducting his reasons for not having the choice forced upon him.

Juliette Wraith offers help to changeling James McDonall, in exchange for troll-forged weapons to arm her followers with. But when she finds that the Troll King Grimali himself is responsible for the deaths of James' older brothers, can she stop his apparent madness without getting herself or James killed?
Aspect - A Favor For a Favor

Guest Star Redux - Who else's path have you crossed?
Short Shift
When Dr. Meyer begins investigating a strange new drug that crosses his path, all his leads point to the alluring Juliette Raith. Promising him answers he needs, she draws him into the dark underbelly of the Strip District. At the centre of the mystery, Frederick confronts the warlock responsible for the drug, but will Juliette's assistance be enough to help him overcome the warlock and his pet demon?
Aspect - Said the Spider to the Fly


Supernatural Powers
Emotional Vampire [-1]
Human Guise [+0]
Incite Emotion (Touch Only, Lasting, Lust) [-2]
Feeding Dependency [+1]
Inhuman Recovery [-2]
Catch is True Love [+0]
Inhuman Speed [-2]
Inhuman Strength [-2]
Mortal Stunts
Sex Appeal -1

Total Refresh -9

Skills
Superb - Rapport, Deceit
Great - Presence, Discipline
Good - Empathy, Resources
Fair - Conviction, Contacts, Performance
Average - Alertness, Weapons, Lore, Intimidation, Investigation

Sakutian

Rainfall that is fantastic! I hope you're ready to contribute to the story of Lady Maria because she is in as far as I'm concerned.

dresdenphile

After thinking it over some more, I've got some other ideas for the trouble.

Don't worry; I won't turn this into a Craigslist ad.

dresdenphile

Updated sheet is updated. Comments/questions/criticism are welcome.

Sakutian

I like this concept of Rey being a leader for the local weres, I'm glad that he's not some cowardly little canine. Is he a mixed martial artist or does he practice a specific discipline? How many were-forms do you see him having on speed dial out of curiosity?

dresdenphile

Karate specifically, but he's trying to develop one that combines karate with the benefits of his (and his friends') beast forms, when appropriate. (Echoes of the Beast, and all that)

I figured the weres that would be attracted to a mixed pack would be more solitary, non-aggressive, or non-native animals. Polar bears, swans, giraffes? I mean, the sky's the limit really, since we don't really hear about non-wolves for the most part in the Dresdenverse (or in most non-White Wolf settings). I assume that even though the animal forms might be typically non-pack animals, these are still people, even if it's not 100% of the time.

Rainfall

Sakutian wrote: »

Rainfall that is fantastic! I hope you're ready to contribute to the story of Lady Maria because she is in as far as I'm concerned.

Well, as far as Lady Maria goes, I picture her as a clever and capable White Court Vampire, but her Raith blood isn't exactly pure, she's several steps removed from the King and his direct bloodline, and given the important the WC puts on family, that's made her a little bit paranoid and over-aggressive when it comes to keeping her power over Pittsburgh.

So when Lord Raith offered her a chance to have a child she went for it, but she eventually decided that it would be more trouble than its worth having his daughter in her court. So now Juliette and Maria are caught in a rather deadly game where both are trying to kill each other, but White Court etiquette and politics state that they have to be subtle about it, so it's more of a long game as opposed to brutal street violence now that Juliette's actually become a full-fledged vampire.

As of game start, I figure Juliette is around 30-40 years old(she certainly doesn't look it, but any Submerged level vampire is going to be a bit older than fresh out of the box.) and she's got a small group of supporters in the White Court who help her cover her back from Maria so that she's not constantly dealing with her mother's issues and doesn't hog the entire game spotlight.

Sakutian

Sounds good to me, I like the idea of a pack of unusual weres quite a bit. They're like a menagerie. Good stuff. You know Fight, Not Flight is going to be compelled to interesting ends I hope. Between that and Helping Paw I can see a lot of fun here.

Edit: Nice, that's a god summary Rainfall.

SanderJK

Not yet done, but here's the first part (so people can start thinking about p4, p5). I'll edit in the rest as I think it up:

Character: Dr. Frederick Meyer
Template: Emissary from a Greater Power
High Concept Aspect: Knowledge Hungry Information Broker
Trouble: Asking Questions can be Bad for your Health


Physical Descripton:
Though his passport claims he is 55 years old, he looks about a decade younger. Standing 5"7, with dark hair and blue eyes. he dresses well, though he looks a tad old fashioned, not in the least due to the well groomed moustache, and his wireframe spectacles.


Background:
Frederick was born to an affluent family in rural Pennsylvania in the late 50's. His father had a good position in the Steel Industry, while his mother worked as a librarian. His best childhood memories are hunting with his father, and being read to by his mother. A social and intelligent child, he easily made it through school and into Pitt University. Though not driven enough to be of academic excellence, he easily managed to get a degree in History, and later a PhD, specializing in the French and Indian War.

Aspect: A Scholar and a Gentleman


Rising Conflict:
Some people have a knack for reading between the lines, for connecting the dots, for asking the right questions. Frederick is one of these people. But sometimes you learn things that you’d rather not know, such as the existence of a supernatural world. While he was looking into the supernatural, the supernatural was looking back, and someone recognized the value of a man who naturally fits in wherever he is. An offer came to Frederick to learn more, if he was willing to be sent places, and report what he sees. His curiosity beat his caution, and slowly he was eased into an ever stranger world, until he found out the strangest thing of all; He was employed to a Dragon named Chlaexis. At this point, the Dragon demanded loyalty, an oath sworn to serve him, with promises of supernatural powers attached. Having no real choice, the oath was taken.

Aspect: Protection comes at a Price


The Story: No Knight in Shining Armor
Guest Starring: James McDonall

When the growing Fae population in Pittsburgh became apparent, Dr. Meyer was contacted by his benefactor to secure as many steel armors, swords and shields as possible. Initially he tried to procure old ones, but those proved to rare, and replica's were not up to quality demands. So he searched for an old fashioned armorer, and found one in James Mcdonall. A deal was struck, and over time 50 armors were produced and delivered.

Later Dr. Meyer found out that Chlaexis had the armors enchanted, a potent weapon against any Fae attack, being both mindless and made of Steel. For now, they are kept a secret, and even Dr. Meyer does not have the privilege of knowing where, or who controls them directly.

Aspect: Dressed for the Occassion


Guest Star: Rush Week
Guest Starring: Rey Nardo
When several college coeds are mauled and infected with lycanthropy by what appears to be rogue weres, Rey Nardo investigates to keep his pack safe. After meeting Dr. Frderick Meyers, this werefox learns that appearances aren't always what they seem. Can Rey and the Dr. find the person or thing responsible before the next kegger becomes a bloodbath?

Dr. Meyer started asking questions, but it soon appeared that a frightening array of lycantrophy existed. Even worse, the reports were conflicting. Some spoke of goats, other of a lion, and others of a snake. After a few nights buried in ancient books, Dr. Meyer finally realized it may have something to do with the Mythical creature known as a Chimera. Unfortunately, dozens of conflictings myths about it's abilities and powers brought them little closer to stop it.....

Aspect: Here Were go again......


Guest Star Redux: Stop the Clubs
Guest Starring: Juliette Raith

When people start disappearing in the Pittsburgh club scene, Dr Meyer quickly finds out that it's a side-effect of internal struggles in the White Court. In an effort to save lives, he teams up with Juliette Raith to identify Court owned clubs, and contacts the media with anynomous stories about excessive drugs use. The DEA temporarily shuts down the clubs pending investigation, and the hidden violence appears to die down with it. While little can be proven, many in the White Court were not really happy with Dr. Meyers actions.

Aspect: A White Lie

Skills:
Superb: Presence, Scholarship
Great: Contacts, Weapons
Good: Conviction, Endurance
Fair: Empathy, Lore, Resources
Average: Deceit, Discipline, Guns, Intimidation, Athletics

Refresh : 10

Stunts
I know just the guy [-1]
Scholar (History, French and Indian War) [-1]
Personal Magnetism [-1]
Capable Researcher [-1]

Supernatural Powers:
Marked by Power [-1]
Inhuman Toughness[-2]
Catch: Soft Belly. A Dragon cannot protect others where he himself is weakest. Any damage done to the gut (below the ribcage) bypasses the Dragon’s blessing. [+1]
Breath Weapon (Fire)[-2]
Dragon's Age: Most Dragons are older then Wizards, and being bound to one lengthens your own age considerably. Until the bond breaks, then you change into your real age. [+0]

Fate Points: 2

Stress
Physical 6
Mental 4
Social 4 (+ 1 Mild Consequence)

dresdenphile

George Romero set a lot of the "... of the Dead" movies in Pittsburgh.

What if he was chronicling true events? Oooooooo-eeeeeeee-ooooooooh!

Sakutian

So I'm going to go ahead and say that everyone who has expressed an interest is in and close down the recruitment section. Four people feels like a good number. I'm liking the variety of personalities and abilities we've got going.

So our party will be:
Jasmine Cartwright College Wizard- ArcanistheImpotent
Rey Nardo Were-fox Martial Artist- Dresdenphile
Juliette Wraith Princess of the Wraith Family- Rainfall
Frederick Meyer Knowledge Hungry Information Broker-SanderJK

Haha I like the idea of incorporating some of the "...of the Dead" movies into this. Maybe one of the Threats could be Creeping Dead? The dead don't want t stay in their graves in Pittsburgh. You get bonus points for getting into the Halloween spirt Dresdenphile.

dresdenphile

When are we planning on City Creation chat? I'm free most evenings after 7:30 p.m. CST.

I'm not going to lie; I'm a little disappointed that no one has called me out on my character's name. It is a groan-worthy pun, after all.

Sakutian

City Creation, well I was just about to ask when everyone is available to do it? I'm thinking we should just use Meebo for this if no one objects. If there is no good time for everyone we'll just do it here on the forum.

I was saving all the good jokes about the name for the game.

Super Namicchi

whats a meebo

why couldnt we just use irc

Sakutian

Meebo is just a site that uses all the chat programs(iChat, Aim, Yahoo) in one place. I'm open to other options though.

dresdenphile

IRC nearly killed me/my PC during Bloody Kansas so Meebo sounds fine to me.

Sakutian

Yeah I've used it in the past, I'm to lazy to make accounts on all the chat programs, with this one you're pretty much covered. If you guys have a aim/ichat/yahoo chat/whatever account already you can send it to me in a PM or post it if you're comfortable with that. When we figure out a good day/time I'll just set up a chat and we can d the city and character creation.

Pneumatic Horseman

Hey guys, sorry for the late post, but I stumbled upon this earlier today and can't post from work. I'm running a DFRPG with my IRL group and was looking for a PBP game just today and found ya'll.
I put together background and concepts/aspects for a character and was going to submit it when I got home (just now) but see that you've closed. I was going to ask to play a Troll Blooded Smith (changeling) and have it pretty well fleshed out. I can post 1+ times a day and have chat in the evening for character/city creation. If you're willing/interested in another, I'd really appreciate it. If not, no worries, I'll just lurk .

Sakutian

Sure Pneumatic Horseman, you're welcome to join in. I just figured we wouldn't get anymore people at this point.

On another note does 8:00 EST tomorrow work for everyone as a time for City Creation?