Interest check - Savage worlds, After "Independence day - Resurgence"

[ChadHale]

FG License: I have "G.M. standard"
System: Savage Worlds, with sci-fi companion.
Port of Call: Arizona.
Day of week and time: TBD
Execution Date: Soon, June 2017
Mission Duration: four hours max.
Operations Tempo: Once a week.
Term: until Primary Mission Objectives (Adventure path) is complete, preferably.
Comunications: TeamSpeak3 and Text: via the FGII.
Roll play Vs. Role Play ratio: rp/RP ratio varies with mission. Make no mistake, this is war people.
Considerations for the players to ponder:
(Technology catalog for the setting will be a pdf handout provided for game use only.)
1.Understand that Savage Worlds uses "Broad Generalizations".
2. Players are meant to refine the description and mechanics of their own character.*
Required Personnel: Squad size - a minimum of Three, a Maximum of Six.
Character starting level: Novice character with a "zero level advance", and the "Born Heroes" rule.
Restrictions/House rules: Modern/real world. thus no magic.
A "Psionic" character is possible but requires group permission.
Alien characters are possible, but requires permission.
Cyborg characters are possible, but requires permission.
(*note: most ground operations are to be conducted with an advanced "Hard Suit". Ultra light, stealth, environmentally sealed, Full body armor, composed of Kevlar STF Weave (Shear thickening fluid, liquid armor/inertial impact reduction packets), Sandwiched with Graphene composites. Augmented with CNT muscle.*)
Scenario details: Today. ID 4 Resurgence, is over. Earth has been given a lexicon of 100% accurate Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Astronomy, and Descriptions of Highly advanced technology to utilize.
The battle for earth is won, for now. The war against the Harvester Aliens, is starting. The Aliens have proven themselves to be Xenophobic in the extreme. They have a hive mind. They do not know how to react to the actions of small teams or individual reactions.

The Theater of this war will include Space Fleet Combat, Space fighter Sorties, Drop-ship Team Deployment (on other worlds, Space objects and Structures).
All Teams should include:
1. Tactical/Command (team leader)
2. Hacker/Communications (Intel, COIN)
3. Combat Tech/Engineer (Demo/Recovery)
4. Science/Medical (Sensors/medic)
5. Survivalist/Navigator (Ace pilot/tracker)
6+ Other or Overlap (Unique role/assistant role)

Exceptional Recruits Requested
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19417
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19419

[Sephiir]

Hello ChadHale,

FG License: Ultimate

I would be interested! I can do most times/days though would be best to handle picking a time since there are a few times I am unavailable.

I have never played Savage Worlds (mostly D&D and Pathfinder but have played GURPS, Rifts, etc. in the past) and would be happy to learn a new system.

I purchased the Savage Worlds Deluxe and the Science Fiction Companion. Am reading them now.

I am working on a character concept now. Not 100% on it yet though since I am still learning the system.

I cannot find a reference for Zero Level Advance. I am assuming it means that you get an Advance at 0 Experience points but I wanted to clarify.

[ChadHale]

https://youtu.be/lqHiY98C9aA

[Sephiir]

Interesting video!

I cannot open any of the attachments.

Are "laser swords" available? What type of melee weapons will be available? I would love to make a melee oriented character.

[ChadHale]

Right click the attached image name and "open in new tab". Let it download. just pictures really.
E-mail me as I mentioned in my private message to you, and I can just e-mail'em to you.

Laser swords are not available. Sorry. normal physics says no.
Regular weapons are upgraded a bit by tech.
Now, with most militaries on earth
"if you are using a weapon your government has not trained and authorized you to use... you are committing a war crime."
in this war against the aliens though, if you buy your own Diamond lattice mono-molecular Sword - I am not so sure anyone will hold that against you.
Afterall, the Harvester Aliens Exterminate entire solar systems - that act is generally not going to be "Geneva Convention Friendly".
available through G.I. general issue to recruits:
1. Hardsuits with a heavy exo-skeleton upgrade can engage in melee.
2. Energy weapons, various:
a) Sniper "single pulse" laser rifle
b) Assault "burst fire" pulse laser rifle
c) "Plasma toroid ejector" aka plasma shotgun (cyclotron spins up superheated Electromagnetic plasma, rail gun accelerated, See "Toroidal gun".
d) "Baller", a chamber of water supercharged beyond the capacitance of water produces a "ball lightning", coil gun propelled and Ionizing UV laser light directed.
e) "RAD-X" this is akin to a medical X-ray... only miniaturized, and weaponized. fires an intense, invisible, bolt, of deadly radiation.
f) "Jiffy-popper" this assault rife fires a Collimated beam of microwaves focused on a single point. you want an example search the web for what happens to an egg in a microwave...
BAD AZZ SLUG THROWERS
g) 2-hand Bullpup configuration rail gun, aka "Spiker bulpup"
h) Heavy, variable fire rate, variant ammo selector, Belt fed chain gun (rain gun)
i) xm25 anti defilade airburst smartweapon.
j) EFP cannon, A chamber receives a burst of a compressed gas propellant, and explosively ignites it. The Explosion is compressed on all sides except where a small copper chit is blocking the barrel.
The explosively formed projectile cannon is punishment like you can never imagine. This weapon is not a one use bomb. A fresh copper disc and propellant is used with each firing.
Just a few examples of High tech Death dealing Warfare

[Sephiir]

Still not working on links, but no worries I emailed you per your request.

I like Savage Worlds so far. Interested to try it out!

[Sephiir]

No worries at all regarding the laser swords.

So I am looking at the following kit for ground combat, for my Japanese samurai themed warrior (Neron Hyoroshi), and wondered what your thoughts are. Note, he would be fulfilling a role as a pilot, ship-boarding, and shock-trooper in ground missions.

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/5f/58/07/5f580731263a6f95f1268cc681e6ac04.jpg

Monomolecular Katana (Base Katana = STR+1d6+2 & 2 AP; Molecular Blade = +2 Damage & +3 AP) (Damage = STR+1d6+4 & 5 AP)
Polymer Shield (Large) (Base Large Shield = +2 Parry & +2 Armor vs. Ranged attacks; Polymer = +2 Armor vs. Ranged attacks)
Armor provided by military
Grenades for ranged attacks (stored on the inside of shield)

Traits: d10 Agility, d4 Smarts, d4 Spirit, d10 Strength, d6 Vigor
Skills: d10 Fighting, d10 Piloting, d10 Stealth, d8 Throwing
Pace: 6
Parry: 7 (9 with shield)
Toughness: 6 (varies due to shield and armor)
Edges: Brawny, Combat Reflexes
Hindrances: Bad Luck, Loyal, Vengeful


In regards to using swords in the Geneva convention rules, bladed weapons are commonly allowed (bayonets, knives, etc.)

Japanese soldiers can still be seen carrying swords into combat (though rarely used today) (they were heavily used during WW II by "guntas" though). So there shouldn't be any problems with the Geneva convention in that matter.

I will, of course, follow whatever you state (as you are the GM and your rules are all that is important).

[ChadHale]

Like I said, if your government has not trained you to use it, if your government has not issued it to you... it is a war crime to use on the battlefield. No mistaking that.
Many militaries use a blade, a bayonet, etc. Certain Japanese soldiers carried swords because... the swords were issued by the government and the government trained those soldiers to use them.
metagaming and legalism isn't what I wish to dabble in. I am just going to share a story.

Even with all attributes starting at d4, 5 points for attributes, and a maximum of 2 points more with disadvantages:
d6 = 1
d8 = 2
d10 = 3

d10, d10, d6, is 7 points. that is legal.
As I tell pathfinder players, "Not every battle is a matter of Armor class and damage dice", and "It is the unforeseen subtleties that will get you"
what if you must resist a psychic attack? d4 spirit?
What if you face a test of will? d4 spirit?
What if you need to check for fear? d4 spirit?
What if you need to devise a plan? d4 smarts?
Can you remember which grenade you pulled the pin from? d4 smarts?
Sure you can swing a joystick like a pro... But can you grasp what you need to do to defeat an alien ace?
What if one of the team frustrates you? d4 spirit?
what if you feel insulted by a superior officer? d4 spirit?
What if command hands you a list of "pass and counter" phrases? d4 smarts?
What if command tells you the name of a kidnapped scientist? d4 smarts?
what if you have to devise a rescue plan for an ally? d4 smarts?
What if the command has sent you an e-mail... d4 common knowledge?
what if you are surrounded by snipers with armor piercing rounds?
Will you spot the trap the aliens laid out? d4-2 notice untrained?
can you climb out of a muddy pit? d4-2 untrained?
Survive being dropped into a rushing river? d4-2 untrained swim
What if the enemy has rigged an area with explosives?
What if the enemy is a traitor, or a mind controlled ally? can your character suss that out?

This guy is a tank, but he won't last two seconds at my table. try again.

[ChadHale]

My personal recommendation for character creation:
Start with normal, build to exceptional. Overspecialization breeds weakness.
D6 on all stats, d6 on 6 skills, d4 on three more. You get one edge free.
Apply the character flaws to define your hero and provide catches to work with.
aka, hindrances. use those points, combined with the "Zero Level Advance" to give yourself a few d8 skills or raise the D4's to d6.

Charisma can get you killed.
not knowing how to drive on icy roads, can get you killed.
Not knowing how to recognize the symptoms of heat injuries can get you killed.
not knowing who to call, where to go, what to do, when you have been bit by a poisonous "dunno" in the aftermath of an earthquake...
Trying to befriend a tiger by singing "my little pony"... yeah, that's just... yeah.

Somethings need to understood. A one dimensional hero is a dead hero. At the same time, you can not be AWESOME at everything.
Choose your battles, don't write checks you can't cash.

[ChadHale]

What if? your battle buddy is in a hospital and you need to go get him or her... oh by the way. you do not speak french, and you are SOMEWHERE in france...
Can you figure out how to find your buddy? can you get help? can you avoid getting lost? can you pantomime to someone what you need?
Can you remember the dizzying intricate directions with landmarks told to you by the Frenchian alien allies?

What if your commanding officer in inside a psionic interogation "dream world" machine? Overwhelming him with super addictive pleasure when he reveals secrets...
Can you get him to willing leave the machine and untie you, before you are dropped into a giant meat grinder?

When the alien stage magican spiderthings of bob IV wrap you in wet sheets, can you figure out a way to escape?

[Sephiir]

Ah ok, so the party would be composed more of generalists rather than specialists? No worries if that is the case, I am still learning how SW works.

[Mgrancey]

Hmm. Sounds interesting. Almost no powers at all, or would combat engineers being using "mad science" possibly.

[ChadHale]

Hmm. Sounds interesting. Almost no powers at all, or would combat engineers being using "mad science" possibly.

THIS... no, really. OMG!!! MFR!!! THIS!!!
Considerations for the players to ponder:
1.Understand that Savage Worlds uses "Broad Generalizations".
2. Players are meant to refine the description and mechanics of their own character.*

so, a combat engineer, a starship engineer, or other form of inventor... the edges are in reverse order as I am going to write in the tech catalog.
McGyver comes first -this implies having enough mechanical, electronic, computer, chemical, and physics education to fabricate tools or a problem solving device from scrap.
Mr.Fixit - requires McGyver not an arcane background. while the McGyver is an exceptional person (d8 smarts, repair d6+, notice d8) this is doable with ease and leaves the rest for you to build a character with. if you are going this route, then some of that "slack" should be in some small part be bent on earning Mr.Fixit. Mr.Fixit requires: d10 smarts, McGyver, repair d8+, ATLEAST two Science or technology skills at d6+ given current character creation guidlines, this is DO ABLE.
Arcane background - wierd science is named such specifically because the folks over at PEGinc are stuck in their zanny idolized version of the old west. They won't seem to part with it even today in the real world year 2017. for those of us born in the 60's or 70's the year 2017 wasn't going to be an stranger example of the 1940's-50's. it was going to be the FUTURE. HD 8K OLED paper screens, Supercomputing smartphones (compared to computers of the 80's,) intelligent gadget hacker hobbyists build arudino robots and can easily turn a remote control car into a bomb delivering drone! And yes "flying cars" that aren't hideous deathtraps... are out there. I mean, Geez JB-8 JET PACK for crying out loud!
There is a lot of Black Swan category tech out there: Nitinol heat engines, Superior Solar power, Superior Electrolysis (water separated into hydrogen and oxygen with relative ease) very useful upgrades to Fuel cell tech, Super capacitors, ultra capacitors...
All of these things reveal how fossil fuel should be BURIED forever, and the phrase "Energy Density" is a LIE! Don't forget little gems like Thermionic power generators, what is a thermo couple? two wires of different elements welded ot twisted together... how hard is that?

...
Players are meant to refine the description and mechanics of their own character.*
Wierd science is a quaint term that belongs to pseudo-science, and "Ghost rocks". What do you call Your character? "AB-weird sci"? OH HELL NO. you call your character "TECHNOLOGY BACKGROUND -} MACHINIST, ROBOTICS ENGINEER, COMPUTER SCIENCE MAJOR, CHEMISTRY SUPER FREAK, etc... this kind of Tailoring of your character is not merely encouraged - it is REQUIRED by me. this isn't the old west. this is the year 2017, Glocks, mac 10's, Mp90s, Tar-21, Calico M-570, Mosbergs, are now more common than 1860 "six shot repeaters"or twin-barrel shotguns (ha ha ha, manual loading? oh my, ha hah ha!) Cars do not look like horse drawn carts, 99.999% of Horses are RETIRED and not welcome on public roads/storefronts.
So wakey-wakey, it is 2017 do you know what your kids are? they are mutants and the mutant registration act wants to place them into internment camps for dissectio- er, their own safety...
... the George Orwell book 1984, turned out to be the instruction manual for the America of today...
William Gibson's cyberpunk short stories "burning chrome" veritably describes the world that your children are simultaneously in - and being denied.

the point of all this again?
1. Understand that Savage Worlds uses "Broad Generalizations".
2. Players are meant to refine the description and mechanics of their own character.*

[ChadHale]

if you don't have a clue about what I am saying, Click and drag to highlight, right click and (*google chrome, select search with google) copy and paste in a new tab search engine of your choice.

[Mgrancey]

Wow. Just wow. Not sure if I hit a sore point or something but really! I guess maybe I should have been more blunt. You did answer my question I guess, but definitely in a way that killed any interest.

What I was trying to ask since your opening post did state that Psionics and Cybernetics would be limited and require approval WAS if you were planning an "Arcane Background" or "Powers" light campaign. I used what was meant to be [AIR QUOTE] mad science [/AIR QUOTE] as to whether it would be largely limited technology or if Arcane Background: SCIENCE!, because AB and Powers can make a big difference.

Anyways there are powers that may or may not work in the setting like: Teleport, Divination, Intangibility, Havoc, Succor, Healing, etc.

Which is why I was asking!

2 more things:

check my sig box, you might notice a preference for MAD science!
Don't bother to reply, I'm won't check this thread again and have unsubscribed

[ChadHale]

wow. Just wow. Not sure if i hit a sore point or something but really! I guess maybe i should have been more blunt. You did answer my question i guess, but definitely in a way that killed any interest.

What i was trying to ask since your opening post did state that psionics and cybernetics would be limited and require approval was if you were planning an "arcane background" or "powers" light campaign. I used what was meant to be [air quote] mad science [/air quote] as to whether it would be largely limited technology or if arcane background: Science!, because ab and powers can make a big difference.

Anyways there are powers that may or may not work in the setting like: Teleport, divination, intangibility, havoc, succor, healing, etc.

which is why i was asking!

2 more things:

check my sig box, you might notice a preference for mad science!
don't bother to reply, i'm won't check this thread again and have unsubscribed


tldr? Gtfo!

ludites are the pavement under the heel of more intelligent people.
when it comes to powers, the rules still apply. You must refine and define specifically what it is you are doing.

a power like "boost/lower trait" is never meant to be an end all - be all. that is just MORONIC. the game designers very smartly saved space with a single description. This is not the absolute WRITTEN IN STONE meaning and outcome for this ability... it is only a description.

If you have Carbon nanotube artificial muscles designed by Ray Baughman of University Texas Dallas, that is not "boost lower trait (anything)" that could be defined as an exoskeleton to boost strength. boost speed, boost agility, exotic armor, resistance to a hazardous environment.
is that going to suddenly turn you into a master ferry sailor? no. it does not.
in every single way, you need to refine and define your character- to include powers.

[ChadHale]

poser, "oh I like (fandom/IP Franchise)"

Real fan, "Detailed questions about setting history? detailed questions about pivotal characters? detailed questions about pivotal setting elements//backdrop/technology? Detailed questions about pivotal events?"

Poser, "uh..." Tl;dr lol. :)

Real fan, "DO YOU READ BOOKS?"

Poser, "uhm, you are a meanie."

Seriously people, the real world of today is the ground floor for Legitimate science fiction.
Atleast know your reality, before you need a reason to try enjoying a fantasy.

[Arkham81]

Howdy, I'm not a moderator but I felt obliged to post. Bear in mind that I don't mean this to come across as patronising or belittling, but is everything alright ChadHale? You seem to be reacting very strongly here.

[ChadHale]

Howdy, I'm not a moderator but I felt obliged to post. Bear in mind that I don't mean this to come across as patronising or belittling, but is everything alright ChadHale? You seem to be reacting very strongly here.

Stoicism has a rather steep price tag: I have paid in full, as have we all.
Humility is a virtue I need to exercise, greatly. I do not speak in riddles.
Please do not allow my real life character flaws to disturb you.

I have been out of line. my apologies.