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[PbP] Firefly RPG - S1E01, What’s Yours Is Mine
jdarksun
StrugglerCORegistered User regular
StrugglerCORegistered User regular
What is the Firefly Role-Playing Game?
Stolen from DriveThruRPG:
The FIREFLY RPG puts you right in the middle of the action of the wildly popular television series. You and your Crew will trade bullets with fearsome bounty hunters, folk who want what you have, or varmints that try to put out the light of hope you represent. Keep your Browncoat banner flyin’ high and dodge Alliance cruisers. Side with the Alliance and track down riff-raff to haul ‘em in for justice. Explore your ‘Verse to find a crew, find a job, and keep flyin’!
OK, I like Firefly. What system does this RPG use?
Cortex Plus. I gave a write-up of how Marvel Heroic Roleplaying does its version of CP here and here. Firefly RPG isn't quite the same, it's a bit more streamlined and straightforward: you always get a relevant Attribute and Skill die, and may get additional dice if it makes sense. It's still a storytelling game, with pools of dice being rolled and their results being compared against each other.
I like roleplaying games, but what's Firefly?
Space western. Think Cowboy Bebop, Bravestarr, Trigun, Outlaw Star, and The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers. Gene Roddenberry also described Star Trek: the Original Series as a space western. There is a Core that is rich and full of plenty, and a Rim that is poor and desperately wanting. But the Core is ruled by an authoritarian government, so anywhere you go isn't just hugs and puppies.
Sign me up. What do you need?
Interest, right now. Bonus points if you have the book ($20 pdf on DriveThruRPG), but we can work it out if you don't. Let me know if you want to play somebody from the show, customize an archetype, or design your own character from scratch. I'd prefer we didn't use existing characters, but won't forbid it.
@ me with questions!
Characters
Captain Carrot - James Hong, Intuitive Businessman
Oats - Artemis "Art" McGraw, Harmless-looking Alliance Spy
vertroue - Shiva, Psychic Pilot
Kirindal - Juliana Balani, Lady from the Wrong Side of the Tracks
Grunt's Ghosts - Rosie O'Malley, Unregistered Companion
TheRoadVirus - Tomas Archer, Chatterbox Mechanic
webguy20 - John Alexander, Freelance enforcer
Ships
Léi Zhǎo (Thunder Claw)
Name: Léi Zhǎo (Thunder Claw)
Description: Standard Firefly hull with the following modifications: bride slim-line (moves the bridge down to be in-line with the rest of the hull), dorsal sensor suite, drive baffling, and EVA kit (portable airlock, cargo sled).
Vehicle history: After nearly a year of being wanted for drug running, the Léi Zhǎo was finally seized in coordination with a smuggling crackdown outside of Greenleaf. Unregistered weapons, drugs, and wanted criminals were found on board. Previously registered to Nellie Younger, deceased. Younger was a known affiliate to the Syndicate, a criminal organization known for murder, extortion, robbery, and drug dealing. Authorities suspect that the Syndicate is run by Adelai Niska, but no tangible evidence link him to any crimes.
Distinctions
Firefly Class Transport d8
Engines d10 - Hull d8 - Systems d6
+ Gain 1 Plot Point when you roll a d4 instead of a d8.
- Connected Operations: When rolling to fix a ship’s Complication, you may step up the difficulty die to fix two Complications at once. Step up any Complication that results from this roll.
- Everybody Has One: When you create an Asset or take a Complication related to everybody knowing your kind of ship, step it up.
Bad Reputation d8
You know that the previous owners of your ship were members of a criminal organization. You just didn’t realize how bad until you realized folks get mighty ornery whenever they spot your boat in the sky.
+ Gain 1 Plot Point when you roll a d4 instead of a d8.
- Revenge Is a Dish Best Served Cold: Take or step up a Complication involving your boat’s nasty reputation to gain 1 PP.
+ Yes, It Is That Ship: When you’re tryin’ to intimidate someone with your ship, spend 1 PP to create a Scary Ship d8 Asset.
Built for Speed d8
Sometimes, all that matters out in the black is being faster than everyone else.
+ Gain 1 Plot Point when you roll a d4 instead of a d8.
+ Focused Thrust: When using Engines for raw speed, double Engines. Remove the highest rolling die and add three dice together for the result.
- Full Burn: Spend 1 PP to reroll a pool containing the Engines dice. On your subsequent roll, both 1s and 2s count for Complications.
Signature Assets
Hidden Storage d8
Salvaging derelicts is good work, providing a captain has the license for it. For those operating outside the Law, hidden storage compartments provide ways to stash precious cargo, illegal salvage, etc.
Portable Airlock d8
When salvagin’ or rescuin’, portable airlocks come in mighty handy. This equipment can be attached and anchored to the hull, window, or door of another ship, allowing you to equalize pressure and board safely without running the risk of explosive decompression.
Description: Standard Firefly hull with the following modifications: bride slim-line (moves the bridge down to be in-line with the rest of the hull), dorsal sensor suite, drive baffling, and EVA kit (portable airlock, cargo sled).
Vehicle history: After nearly a year of being wanted for drug running, the Léi Zhǎo was finally seized in coordination with a smuggling crackdown outside of Greenleaf. Unregistered weapons, drugs, and wanted criminals were found on board. Previously registered to Nellie Younger, deceased. Younger was a known affiliate to the Syndicate, a criminal organization known for murder, extortion, robbery, and drug dealing. Authorities suspect that the Syndicate is run by Adelai Niska, but no tangible evidence link him to any crimes.
Distinctions
Firefly Class Transport d8
Engines d10 - Hull d8 - Systems d6
+ Gain 1 Plot Point when you roll a d4 instead of a d8.
- Connected Operations: When rolling to fix a ship’s Complication, you may step up the difficulty die to fix two Complications at once. Step up any Complication that results from this roll.
- Everybody Has One: When you create an Asset or take a Complication related to everybody knowing your kind of ship, step it up.
Bad Reputation d8
You know that the previous owners of your ship were members of a criminal organization. You just didn’t realize how bad until you realized folks get mighty ornery whenever they spot your boat in the sky.
+ Gain 1 Plot Point when you roll a d4 instead of a d8.
- Revenge Is a Dish Best Served Cold: Take or step up a Complication involving your boat’s nasty reputation to gain 1 PP.
+ Yes, It Is That Ship: When you’re tryin’ to intimidate someone with your ship, spend 1 PP to create a Scary Ship d8 Asset.
Built for Speed d8
Sometimes, all that matters out in the black is being faster than everyone else.
+ Gain 1 Plot Point when you roll a d4 instead of a d8.
+ Focused Thrust: When using Engines for raw speed, double Engines. Remove the highest rolling die and add three dice together for the result.
- Full Burn: Spend 1 PP to reroll a pool containing the Engines dice. On your subsequent roll, both 1s and 2s count for Complications.
Signature Assets
Hidden Storage d8
Salvaging derelicts is good work, providing a captain has the license for it. For those operating outside the Law, hidden storage compartments provide ways to stash precious cargo, illegal salvage, etc.
Portable Airlock d8
When salvagin’ or rescuin’, portable airlocks come in mighty handy. This equipment can be attached and anchored to the hull, window, or door of another ship, allowing you to equalize pressure and board safely without running the risk of explosive decompression.
Mini-tutorial part 1 and part 2.
Prelude
jdarksun on
+6
Posts
If there are a lot of folks who want to play, I will bow out since I'm playing in and running a pbp also. Wanna let new folks play etc.
But yeah!
That said, I'm totally going to make a character from scratch. That's the most fun when you're not playing an existing plot.
Edit: I'm so playing a Companion who isn't a stranger with a rifle. Maybe one of the girls from that episode at the Cathouse.
From the Desk of Darth Vertroue Diplomat to the USA.
So yeah, I think it'd be better if I just watched.*
*Open to being convinced otherwise.
Origin ID: Discgolfer27
Untappd ID: Discgolfer1981
From the Desk of Darth Vertroue Diplomat to the USA.
Anyhoo, does anyone remember the name of the Planet those whores from "Heart of Gold" where on? Thinking of playing one of them that got "taught" to shoot by Jayne.
From the Desk of Darth Vertroue Diplomat to the USA.
From the Desk of Darth Vertroue Diplomat to the USA.
From the Desk of Darth Vertroue Diplomat to the USA.
From the Desk of Darth Vertroue Diplomat to the USA.
From the Desk of Darth Vertroue Diplomat to the USA.
I bought the rules when they were first announced for 5-10$, love an excuse to use them.
What is the timeline to start this thing? For $20 I'm pretty tempted to pick up the book to add to my collection, and could have a character posted tomorrow morning.
Origin ID: Discgolfer27
Untappd ID: Discgolfer1981
Origin ID: Discgolfer27
Untappd ID: Discgolfer1981
Stats:
Experienced Businessman d8
You know how to make a deal, and who to make it with.
Gain 1 Plot Point when you roll a d4 instead of a d8.
Ah, Old Friend: When you encounter a business acquaintance, gain a d6 asset for the rest of the scene.
Some Sort of Arrangement: Double Influence if you encounter someone hostile but amenable to negotiation. (selected)
Influence, Know, Notice
Intuitive d8
You ain’t a reader, not as such. But the way folk carry themselves, how they move, that’s the language you speak.
Gain 1 Plot Point when you roll a d4 instead of a d8.
Now Is Not Your Time: When someone tries to attack you the first time in a scene, spend 1 PP to instead make them set the stakes against a Social + Influence intimidation Action. If you raise the stakes, they cannot attack you until you roll a jinx.
Take Measure: When you come into conflict with someone for the first time, you may attempt to size them up with a Mental + Know Action. Create a Sized Up d8 Asset if you succeed or take an Overconfident d8 Complication if you fail.
Highlighted Skills: Focus, Influence, Notice
First Mate d8
You’re the captain’s right hand, but as often as not you’re his fist.
Gain 1 Plot Point when you roll a d4 instead of a d8.
Got Your Back, Sir: If your captain fails a die roll in your presence, step up or double your Attribute on your next die roll. (selected)
Right Here, Sir: Spend 1 PP to join a scene involving the captain that you weren’t already in.
Highlighted Skills: Fight, Influence, Move
Craft d4
Drive d4
Fight d8 (Krav Maga)
Fix d4
Fly d4
Focus d10
Influence d12 (Negotiation)
Know d8 (Business and Economics)
Labor d4
Move d8
Notice d10 (Body Language)
Operate d4
Perform d4
Shoot d4
Sneak d6
Survive d4
Throw d4
Treat d4
Trick d4
Nice Suit d8
One does not do business dressed like a ruffian, or a janitor. This suit makes it clear that James knows what he's doing, and hints that interference will not be taken lightly.
James is the fourth child of Frank and Fang Hong, who own and manage Hong Trading, Inc. He, along with his siblings, grew up working in the family business, along with a sizeable helping of private tutoring. Hong ships provide secure and discreet transportation for goods and people who value their privacy; while there have been suspicions of smuggling and illicit goods, the company has a team of extremely good lawyers, and the Alliance has never had anything more than a hunch; that, provided with campaign contributions to select members of Parliament and income leading to large amounts of tax revenue, has ensured that business would be uninterrupted by the law, and while the Guild doesn't particularly like operators it cannot control or even influence, they have little choice but to live with the Hongs.
It is family custom not only to work for Hong Trading, but to leave for a while when the time is right, so that they experience commerce as their grandfathers did, sharpening their wits, business acumen, and social repertoire. James is looking for a ship right now; while he can handle himself acceptably when deals break down, his real skills are when it doesn't, and in getting a deal in the first place.
Social d8, Physical d8, Mental d8
Signature asset: Barbara, the straight razor - d8
Bio:
Art was a simple man you couldn't pick out of a line-up of one. Grew up on a planet just outside the core, and he fell almost precisely in to the middle of the curve. Then that fool war happened. The Browncoats got the notion that the galaxy could be left untamed, and that civilization could be halted. Art stepped up to teach them a lesson. He got three of his targets before his cover was blown. The second one had Barbara, an old-timey cutthroat razor from Earth-that-Was. It made a fine trophy.
Browncoat prison wasn't so bad. Art didn't have wait long before the cavalry came and knocked down that particular door anyways. The compound was stormed, Art was brought home, and then U-Day happened before Art could even be debriefed. He was offered a way out and took it, but Art's still an alliance man through-and-through. Doesn't agree with all their laws, mind, but he does his damnedest to keep honest and to keep with honest folk.
Distinctions:
You blend into a crowd like a rock blends into a quarry. Gain 1 Plot Point when you roll a d4 instead of a d8.
Couldn’t Hurt A Fly: Step back your Physical die to step up your Social die when convincing someone you’re not a threat.
Highlighted Skills: Move, Sneak, Trick
KNIFE FIGHTER 8
Hold a knife one way, cuts through an onion for dinner. Hold it another way, cuts someone’s throat for upsetting you. Gain 1 Plot Point when you roll a d4 instead of a d8.
Highlighted Skills: Fight, Focus, Notice
ALLIANCE SPY 8
You’ve got your orders. What you do with them now is up to you. Gain 1 Plot Point when you roll a d4 instead of a d8.
Alliance Agenda: When you’re interacting with any Alliance personnel, spend 1 PP to reveal that you outrank them or function at a more important level than they do.
Highlighted Skills: Shoot, Sneak, Trick
Skills:
Drive 4
Fight 8
Fix 4
Fly 4
Focus (Lateral thinking) 8
Influence 4
Know (Law) 6
Labor 4
Move 6
Notice (Search) 10
Operate 4
Perform 4
Shoot 6
Sneak (Hide in Plain Sight) 12
Survive 4
Throw 4
Treat 4
Trick 10
Social d8, Physical d6, Mental d10
Bio
What happens when you no longer remember who you are? You are told so much by people in white coats that you believe them.
I have always been different, this I do know. That difference is what led the Alliance to me and my family. We were from Osiris. This is what I was told. My dad worked for the Alliance. He, well they wouldn't tell me but I knew. He is the one that gave me to this program that he worked for.
This program? School..I guess? That is a good word since they did teach us there. History, critical thinking, engineering, vehicle operation, and for some of us, watching and knowing how people work. I never did well in the fighting styles, I mean I can fight, I am just better at staying in shadows and understanding those in the room.
What I did excel in was flying. That feel of escape. That indescribable feeling of leaving a planet and flying into the stars.
Distinction
The list of folk wanting to hire you is longer than your arm. You’re just that good.
* Gain 1 Plot Point when you roll a d4 instead of a d8.
I’ve Never Tried That Before: If you replace your Fly or Operate Skill with a d4 for your next roll, gain a Big Damn Hero Die equal to that Skill’s normal die rating if your roll is successful.
Government Experiment d8 Fix, Know, Operate
You don’t remember what they did to you. Mostly. But now that it’s done, you can never go back.
* Gain 1 Plot Point when you roll a d4 instead of a d8.
Reader d8 Focus, Influence, Notice
You know things you shouldn’t. Some call you a witch. They’re just scared of what you represent.
* Gain 1 Plot Point when you roll a d4 instead of a d8.
- Secrets, Secrets: When you are in the presence of someone who is trying to keep a secret, spend 1 PP to discover the secret with a Mental + Know Action. If your Action fails, create or step up a Paranoid Complication.
Skills
craft d4
drive d8 x2
fix d6 (HS)
fly d12(HS)x4 (transports)
focus d6 (HS)
influence d6 (HS)
know d6 (HS) ( psychology)
labor d4
move d4
notice d8 (HSx2) (read lips)
operate d12 (HSx2)x2 (freighters)
perform d4
shoot d4
sneak d4
survive d4
throw d4
treat d4
trick d4
Assets
From the Desk of Darth Vertroue Diplomat to the USA.
From the Desk of Darth Vertroue Diplomat to the USA.
"Plead if you want, I find it lifting for a soul."
Social d8, Physical d8, Mental d8
Distinctions
"You know that story you heard? That wasn't a one time thing."
*Gain 1 Plot Point when you roll a d4 instead of a d8.
Don't Get Her Riled: Step back your Notice die to step up your Fight die for the scene.
Fashionable d8; Drive, Fly, Influence
"Just because this is a dirty business doesn't mean we can't have fun."
*Gain 1 Plot Point when you roll a d4 instead of a d8.
Friends in Low Places d8; Craft, Labor, Throw
"Look there's my Uncle!"
*Gain 1 Plot Point when you roll a d4 instead of a d8.
-I Know a Guy: Spend 1 PP to create a d8 Asset when you call in a shady friend with the skills you need.
Skills
Drive d6
Fight d6 Improvised Weaponry
Fly d6
Focus d6
Influence d8
Know d8 Underworld
Labor d6
Notice d6
Survive d8
Throw d6
Assets
Tattoos d6: For some it's just pretty art painted across bare skin, for others it's a way to know that somebody is somebody.
Bio:
When you have coin, there's always somebody out to free you of that burden. Sometimes, Juliana's the one doing the freeing, sometimes she's doing the safeguarding. It all depends on what she's being paid to do. Running with a gang for most of her life, she's accumulated her fair share of marks and scars. However, Juliana chafed at being in an heirarchy where advancement was slow. So after one not-very mysterious fire burned down the hideout, she struck out for herself. Now she sells her legbreaking services to the highest bidder and life since has been much sweeter.
Thanks anyway and play on!