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View Full Version : LFP Starfinder One-Shot(s) (possibly regular)



stephan_
March 15th, 2018, 01:01
FG License: Ultimate
Game System: Starfinder

Time Zone: GMT+1 (but if the session takes place on the weekend, other timezones can be accommodated)
Day of week and time: Probably Saturday afternoon if multiple timezones are involved, otherwise during the week in the evening (maybe 6.30 PM)
If new game, planned start date: If there is enough interest, this weekend, otherwise the next week
Planned Duration & Frequency: Approximately three hours, one-shot
Term: One-shot (but could develop into something more regularly, see below)

Text or Voice: Voice
Voice software used: Probably Teamspeak

Roleplay & Combat mix: 50/50
Number of Players in game & needed: 0, 3-6 players needed
Character starting level & equipment: Level 1, 1,000 Credits (for story reasons, characters should be able to carry their equipment)
Character restrictions: Core and legacy races, neutral or good alignments and characters capable of being part of a team shouldn't be a problem. Alien Archive Races are possible as long as it they are reasonable, everything else should be discussed on an individual basis.

Details of your scenario:
The szenario will be based on a third-party adventure (Rude Awakening), though it will be slightly modified to make better use of the official material.

As the name suggests, do not expect a gentle awakening. Expect Klaxons.

Primarily, this one shot will be for people who want to try out Starfinder but haven't had (enough) opportunity to do so. As the characters are level 1, do not expect to save the world. You should worry about your own skin. It is more tutorial than boss battle.

I will also try to include a space combat but be aware that this will have to be handled manually as it isn't automated yet.

New GM:
This will be my first time both GMing and playing Starfinder, so I do not expect that it will go smoothly. Please be patient if there are some hiccups and please do not expect the best game ever. Also, do not expect the most poetic descriptions of doors or other furniture you have ever heard. I will try to GM the best I can but I will make mistakes.

Therefore, I would also appreciate it if someone familiar with the rules could also participate - in order to tell me the many things I'm doing wrong (preferably after the session).

Future plans: If the one-shot does relatively well I could also run either Into the Unknown or Incident at Absalom Station, split into different three-hour parts.

Syrinscape (experimental): I would try to run the game with background music and sound effects from Syrinscape - either using VLC or the Minion Player.

Link to Gamecalendar page: Game Calendar (https://www.fantasygrounds.com/calendar/index.xcp?id=3024) (now added for further reach)

Necessary addendum: Life can always get in the way but if you can't make it to the session please inform me so the others can start the game on time

Artaron
March 15th, 2018, 03:30
Hey Stephan.
Great initiative. Could always use more GMs running starfinder.
I'd be happy to take part in the one shot to help promote the system.
Played a little bit already.
I might be available in the early parts of this Saturday, and otherwise during next week, like Monday or Wednesday. GMT+2 here.
Looking forward to seeing more interest.

stephan_
March 15th, 2018, 08:29
Thanks.

I'd be glad to have you on board.

Yes, most of the (few) Starfinder games seem to be pretty long-term campaigns, making it difficult to just try out the system.

We'll see how many more show up but once we have three or four we can lock in a specific date. Saturday or Monday would work for me.

stephan_
March 17th, 2018, 17:04
As there doesn't seem to be a lot of demand for Starfinder at the moment, I'll probably run a 5E game in the meantime.

I'd nonetheless be happy to run the game (also with only three players), so should anyone stumble upon this post in the next days or weeks, please leave a message so that I can attempt to organize something.

Artaron
March 17th, 2018, 17:09
I think fewer people follow the one-shot subforum, as opposed to the LFG one, and if you were to post a game there as well as the calendar there'd be more awareness.
Also possibly people would be keener on an ongoing game (modules/AP)
Good luck !

stephan_
March 17th, 2018, 17:22
Thanks for the tips.

It should already be in the calender but people seem to focus on the LFG forum.

I agree that people would prefer an ongoing game but with my limited experience I would feel safer trying out one-shots first (especially with the possibility of having to interrupt the schedule due to the easter holidays). I'll look into the complexity of Incident at Absalom Station though and if it isn't too difficult, I'll propose to run that at least (posted in the LFG forum).

Bresnod
March 17th, 2018, 17:33
Are you still looking for players for a one-shot game?

stephan_
March 17th, 2018, 17:42
Sure!

I'd be happy to run the one-shot (for three or possibly also two players).

What are your preferred times?

Bresnod
March 17th, 2018, 18:23
Preferably late Saturday after 4pm or early Sunday before 1pm central time.

stephan_
March 17th, 2018, 18:50
If I get my timezones straight, I should be able to make it Sundays before 1 pm CST. For me, it would even be possible tomorrow. Artaron probably won't be able to make that time however, so we might have to look for a different date.

I can't make any promises for next weekend yet as there is a chance that I'll be visiting relatives at that time.

I'm currently also looking at Incident at Absalom Station. If it's not too difficult, I will post a thread in the regular LFG forum (as there might be more interest for a longer game).

Rondor
March 18th, 2018, 00:48
Hey Stephan: I just signed up on the Calendar as a player when you get the game up and running. I am GMT -8 (Los Angeles).

stephan_
March 18th, 2018, 10:48
Great to have you on board!

@All: As both US and European timezones are involved, the weekend seems to be the only realistic option.

I've worked out the following possibilities (assuming relatively human waking-up times), please indicate in which slots you could participate (you can also indicate which ones you prefer):

Option Sun_A: Sunday, 25th of March, 3 pm GMT (or 2 pm if it isn't too early on a Sunday in LA)

Option Sun_B: Sunday, 25th of March, 6 pm GMT

Option Sat_A: Saturday, 24th of March, 3 pm GMT (or 2 pm if it isn't too early on a Saturday in LA)

Option Sat_B: Saturday, 24th of March, 6 pm GMT

Option SOON: Sunday, 18th of March [TODAY], 6 pm GMT

Duration: 3 h (+-1)



Example (ficticious):

Option Sun_A: Yes (If I really have to)

Option Sun_B: No

Option Sat_A: Yes, preferred

Option Sat_B: Yes

Option SOON: Unfortunately no

Artaron
March 18th, 2018, 14:40
Option Sun_A: Yes

Option Sun_B: No (ongoing game)

Option Sat_A: Yes

Option Sat_B: No

Option SOON: No (ongoing game)

stephan_
March 18th, 2018, 15:11
Thanks.

FYI (because I also almost forgot about it): Sunday March 25th is the first day of European Daylight Saving Time.

Rondor
March 18th, 2018, 15:47
Option Sun_A: Yes, earlier no problem

Option Sun_B: No

Option Sat_A: Yes, earlier no problem

Option Sat_B: No

Option SOON: Yes, if we have enough.

Artaron
March 18th, 2018, 15:49
Sun_A earlier is fine
Sat_A earlier problematic
For option soon if you guys want to play today I will have a hard stop at 7.30 UK/GMT so maybe if we start earlier

stephan_
March 18th, 2018, 16:02
If there's a third player today, we could start a little bit earlier and finish up at 7.30 pm (if necessary skipping some minor parts). Otherwise next week, no problem.

Rondor
March 18th, 2018, 16:54
I will need a pre-gen if you have one. Whatever class works with the party is fine. First time playing SF but have experience with 5E and some with PFRPG as well.

Artaron
March 18th, 2018, 17:05
I will need a pre-gen if you have one. Whatever class works with the party is fine. First time playing SF but have experience with 5E and some with PFRPG as well.

Rondor I've made some lvl 1 characters for play. Happy to send you an xml ready to play.
Do you know what kind of character you wanna play ?

Focuses on combat ? melee ? ranged ?
Skills ?
Computers/Engineering ?
Face character ? Buffer?

Hit me up on Discord Artaron#4184

stephan_
March 18th, 2018, 17:17
Alternatively, the pregen SF characters (paizo.com/products/btpy9ukw/discuss?Community-Use-Package-Starfinder-Society-Pregenerated-Characters) should work relatively well. They would have to be constructed (although this (https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showthread.php?39638-Using-the-PFRPG-ruleset-to-Play-Starfinder&p=351040#post351040) might work, too). It's up to you.

Should we get to the Starship combat, a character that is able to act as a pilot and/or gunner would be nice to have.

Rondor
March 18th, 2018, 17:43
I can make one and send the xml to you. Are we in the Pact Worlds? How many credits should I use for equipment for a 3rd level character? Any other restrictions I should keep in mind? Thanks in advance~

stephan_
March 18th, 2018, 17:54
Near space.

Character starting level & equipment: Level 1, 1,000 Credits (for story reasons, characters should be able to carry their equipment)

Character restrictions: Core and legacy races, neutral or good alignments and characters capable of being part of a team shouldn't be a problem. Alien Archive Races are possible as long as it they are reasonable, everything else should be discussed on an individual basis.

Please keep in mind that you'll only need the character today if a third player shows up in a very short period of time. Otherwise, we'll just run it next weekend.

Rondor
March 18th, 2018, 17:59
I misread the original details on PC level. Apologies. I will put something together and send it along.

Thanks again.

stephan_
March 18th, 2018, 18:06
No problem.

The main reason for keeping it level 1 at the moment is so to not be overwhelmed by the amount of options (epecially spells).

If necessary, I can send you the details for the server, which should give you access to the Core Rulebook and the Alien Archive.

Rondor
March 18th, 2018, 19:35
I have him ready to go. If you want to PM me your email I can send him over. Human, Pilot, Soldier from Akiton named Lucious B. Haddock.

ReverendJ
March 19th, 2018, 18:19
@stephan_
I don't know if you plan on running more of these but if so I'd definitely like to get in on a game

stephan_
March 19th, 2018, 18:31
Sure!

As we didn't have a third player yesterday, we didn't get to start it yet so you haven't missed anything.

We've narrowed down the next game to two possibilities, so just indicate which one you'd prefer:

Option Sun_A: Sunday, 25th of March, 3 pm GMT (or 2 pm if we want to have a little bit longer game)

Option Sat_A: Saturday, 24th of March, 3 pm GMT (or 2 pm if we want to have a little bit longer game)

ReverendJ
March 19th, 2018, 19:55
Great! I can do either of those days & times, whatever is best for others.

I've rolled up a Kasatha Envoy on paper - not sure how best to get him into FG (I have Standard but no SF content)

jakemtl
March 21st, 2018, 17:48
Hello - Stephan - I am definitely interested in a Starfinder Campaign and would be happy to play in a one-shot. I think there is more interest in Starfinder and as long as it fits in my schedule (weekends from 5:00pm EST), please add me to the list. While I appreciate your offer to DM, reading your description kind of made me feel like you were describing me as well, not too experienced in FG and DM'ing Starfinder, but happy to do so as long as players are patient and willing to help me learn at the same time. As such I will also offer to DM if you want to play. I have a Fantasy Grounds Ultimate License and the Starfinder Core Rulebook and AP1 Incident at Absalom Station. I intend on investing in the rest of the AP series on FG (I am a Starfinder AP Subscriber), and want to invest in a long term campaign group. I will generally be able to play most weekends from 5:00pm EST. I am offering to DM, because I feel it is only fair that if you welcome me into your group, then you should at least know that I am willing to participate also as a DM, if you prefer playing.

stephan_
March 22nd, 2018, 01:25
Thanks for the offer. Scheduling (US vs. EU) might be a problem though. I'm also definitely spoiled for AP1 ("occupational" GM hazard). Should you be able to make it to any of the sessions, you are of course nonetheless invited. Should you be interested, we might also exchange any practical tips or lessons learned.

@Everyone: My preference would be Saturday, 24th of March, 2 pm GMT but I'll wait till tomorrow for any additional feedback before setting the date in stone.

Artaron
March 22nd, 2018, 02:33
I can do Saturday 2pm GMT.
This is for the one-shot. For longer term might have to start a bit later or play a different day.
Short term I can make it so let's get the ball rolling.

stephan_
March 22nd, 2018, 08:48
OK, thanks. Noted.

stephan_
March 23rd, 2018, 01:34
As we don't seem to be in a hurry, let's start on Saturday, 24th of March, 3 pm GMT. Duration 3 (+-) hours. More details tomorrow.

stephan_
March 23rd, 2018, 22:36
PMs with details about tomorrow sent.

Rondor
March 24th, 2018, 00:07
woohoo!

jakemtl
March 24th, 2018, 15:26
Hello Stephan - maybe I missed the PM - getting ready to join. Let me know how to get you the character I created.

stephan_
March 24th, 2018, 15:28
PM sent.

Rondor
March 24th, 2018, 19:24
So sorry I missed today's session :-(

Had something comer up and I just returned home.

Hope it was fun

stephan_
March 24th, 2018, 20:26
I hope everyone who participated had fun. Next week there will be no game (Easter) but we'll try to schedule one two weeks from now (7th or 8th of April). If you'll post your availability we'll try to figure something out. Try to be aware of other timezones when posting the availabilities though.

Edit: Regarding the adventure: AP1 would be the easiest to set up. And of course April instead of March.

ReverendJ
March 25th, 2018, 10:13
I had a good time, thanks for running the session.

I can do April 7th pretty much anytime that is reasonable (my timezone is British Summer Time so GMT+1). April 8th I can do but will have a hard finish of 3pm, so that's probably too early for US time-zones.

stephan_
March 25th, 2018, 14:23
I calculated yesterday's XP. I did not use TABLE 11–2: CR EQUIVALENCIES (I just used the individual XPs), as three goblins are definitely not a CR 3 encounter.

In total you earned 3900 XP (if you are interested I can send you the excel file), which is exactly 1300 XP for everyone. Incidentally, this is just enough to get you to level 2.

How do you want to handle roleplaying awards (if any)? An inspiration-like system (e.g. a +1d6 for one check)?

As some of you did not have a lot of time preparing the character (if at all), you are of course still free to modify your character. If we indeed run AP1 you might also want to think about party balance/composition.

I should also have added everyone interested to the game calendar, so you should also be able to discuss party balance/composition there.

As there are a lot of people new to Starfinder (myself included): How do you want to handle rule questions (looking them up as we encounter them, after the session, ...)? Also, do you want the first sessions to be rather fast paced or should we allow OOC questions during the game such as: "How did you get the -2 modifier on your attack?" in order to better accomodate the learning of new players?

Edit: And one additional question: Do you want out Obsidian Portal for the Campaign Management outside of FG?

stephan_
March 26th, 2018, 17:47
For the players that couldn't join us on Saturday (Rondor and Bresnod): From a party balance perspective, a ranged soldier and/or a tech specialist (technomancer or mechanic) would be nice but don't feel obligated to having to fit a predetermined role. We'll figure something out regardless. For survivability's sake, you would probably also start at level 2 (unless you want your own "speedrun" origin story on how you got to Absalom Station, then we could attempt to arrange that, too).

Rondor's existing character might actually fit the ranged soldier role nicely.

Regarding a regular game time: Most responses I've received so far tend to point towards Saturday (afternoon GMT), similar to the previous game.

ReverendJ
March 28th, 2018, 18:49
On levelling-up I've put skill ranks in Computers & Engineering, so at least we won't have nobody with better than -1 modifier next time

Artaron
March 28th, 2018, 18:58
It'll be nice to have as a fallback or a way to assist, but we reaply need a tech specialist.
This is really a specialist game and AP. With very challenging DCs and really requiring a mix of fighters/skilled/face type characters, each "the best there is at what it does"

stephan_
March 29th, 2018, 11:01
Bresnod offered to play a mechanic with a combat drone (see game calendar).

davidbofinger
March 29th, 2018, 14:12
I would be interested in a Starfinder one-shot if it was compatible with GMT+10.

stephan_
March 29th, 2018, 21:01
We seem to be moving towards a more regular game. There's also another GM (https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showthread.php?43052-Interest-Check-Starfinder-Long-Term-Campaign-(UTC-1)) that is currently looking for players for a long-term campaign. Should you find enough other players, I might be available to GM another one-shot though.

@Everyone: Pact Worlds options (races, ...) are also OK as long as they are discussed beforehand. You should be prepared to code in the relevant details yourself though as it might take some time for it to reach FG.

stephan_
April 2nd, 2018, 08:39
As I haven't heard anything to the contrary, the next game will be Saturday, 7th of April 2018, 3 PM GMT.

Duration: Depending on your availability 3 to 4 hours (+-1).

After some embarrassing amount of time I think I've figured out the game calendar time entries. There still is a chance I've I've input the timezone incorrectly so please double-check whether it conforms with 3 PM GMT.

Some more information probably in a few hours.

jakemtl
April 2nd, 2018, 16:36
Hello Stephan - I really enjoyed the last session, and am very excited for the next session - I have a question about the loot - does anybody remember how much we each get from the last sessions? - I do not remember and I am preparing my character for level 2 and may want to upgrade some equipment to what level 2 opens me up to.

For roleplaying rewards, I like to keep to DM awarded "inspiration", whatever the SF equivalent to "inspiration" is, but I prefer that characters be limited to one "inspiration" at a time (they cannot be pooled). Also to use it, players would have to declare wanted to use it prior to rolling. I also like to play that a player can transfer his/her "inspiration" to another player to help them with a specific roll. I am also open to other ways to reward character play.

How do I want to handle rule questions? - I would like to look them up as we encounter them, I want to get into proper SF playing habits an am afraid that if I start playing incorrectly it may be difficult to intuitively play the way the game was designed. As such I would appreciate it if other players who notice me playing a situation wrong or not according to the rules, to be forthright and let me know so I can correct the behavior. I want to make sure that I am playing in a balanced way, and sometimes by not following the game mechanics as laid out, I can wind up unbalancing my participation in the campaign, which may make it less fun for other players. I am open to waiting until the end of the session if players prefer.

Do I want the first sessions to be rather fast paced or should we allow OOC questions during the game such as: "How did you get the -2 modifier on your attack?" in order to better accommodate the learning of new players? - Personally I would appreciate it if any player has a OOC question about an action I am doing to ask it right away so we can all learn, and to allow me to ask as well during their actions. As we continue playing, I think these questions will become less frequent and less intrusive to those that are looking for more immersive play.

Do you want out Obsidian Portal for the Campaign Management outside of FG? - I have never used it before but just started looking into it, and yes, I think I would like to try to use this system to see how it can help us organize this campaign. I think we need to find some sort of system where it will be more intuitive for players to confirm their availability and also have other game discussions, record keeping etc. For instance I am not sure if or how I can level up my character which is located on your FG program. Or to see the shared loot or other artifacts that we found, ship name and stats etc. I have just created an account under the user name jakemtl, so if you need that to add me to the campaign, please feel free to do so.

stephan_
April 2nd, 2018, 19:17
I decided to try out Obsidian Portal. The main reason is that keeping track of everything (emails, PMs, forum, ...) is probably a little bit easier with only FG for the "crunch" and OP for the "fluff".

If you PM me your username or email, I can add you to the campaign.

A couple of things:

I only included the party inventory (all the stuff that hasn't been distributed yet).

If you have questions about your specific inventory or you want to update your character, we'll coordinate a time where I'll put the server online for you to work on your character.

I probably will only provide a very basic adventure log (outline, "tangible" rewards like XP, credits, ...) as a. it's less work and b. my view of the adventure is probably not the same as yours.

Feel free to experiment and add your own information (visible to all or only the GM).

Everything is WIP, so I would not recommend enabling ALL email notifications (I only realized this after 10+ notifications).

Again, I'm not entirely sure of the timezones the OP calendar uses, so make sure the next session is displayed as 3 PM GMT.

I'm aware that I ask for input that might require some time to prepare (character backgrounds, playstyles, ...). You are by no means required to fill out any of it (e.g. if you want to develop your character during the first few sessions) but please be aware that if you do not voice your opion about themes or your secret backstory sooner or later, I can't take it into consideration or work it into the story somehow. If you mention it just during play, there is a chance I might not a. become aware of it, b. recognize it as important or c. remember it. Again, it's perfectlly acceptable to leave it blank because you have no idea which way your character will develop but please do not expect me to read your mind.

One exception to this no-input-required rule is the discussion on playstyle and mechanics (stats vs. roleplay (https://bankuei.wordpress.com/2010/03/27/the-same-page-tool/), OOC rule questions, ..) we'll have on Saturday (more information on OP). Discussing these things is not my favourite way to spend the time but it could prevent a lot of frustration in the long run.

Artaron
April 2nd, 2018, 19:33
I'll also reply about these matters. Sorry Jakemtl if I differ from your opinion on certain points.

Regarding last session we get 1000 credits each, to purchase or upgrade gear, plus whatever loot your character got and some 'party items' that no one claimed for themselves that are likely to remain on the ship. Stephan is also set to come up with shipboard loot which we would have found after the session, which might include further items/upgrades/credits.

Regarding inspiration, I would say either a re-roll or a 1d8 that can be added to any roll. (Basically either "try again", to compensate for a crappy attempt at a crucial moment, or "push on" make that one good roll great). In my D&D party we start every session with one, get one on a crit, and are encouraged to act in an epic manner, be particularly descriptive of our actions, roleplay an encounter, or come up with a clever solution as ways to get it. I like it because it has a desirable mechanic, while also providing more colorful and memorable play. I am in favor of using it after rolling the regular die.

Regarding rules questions, I would say I do want the sessions to be fast paced. I'm happy at first to briefly take a time-out to discuss the rules, as well as to point out relevant mechanics and help everyone become fluent in the system, but would also like to keep the flow and momentum going and focus on playing. If needed a quick judgement call can be made and any points can be discussed later on.

Regarding Obisidan, go ahead, why not keep some records of main objectives/accomplishments, npc etc.
Confirming sessions can still be done via the calendar on FG. Party loot and character sheet can be viewed on the server.

stephan_
April 2nd, 2018, 20:32
Good to know. I've "imported" some of the most important information to the OP page. To get access I need an email address or OP account via PM.