Chaosforge Forum

General => Play-By-Forum => Topic started by: LuckyDee on March 31, 2013, 07:11

Title: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on March 31, 2013, 07:11
This thread, named after the pub which will feature in the Hidden Hands of the Aether campaign, is meant for discussion of the campaign, of roleplaying and PBFs, of steam punk, and any other related topics.

Admission is free for everyone, but there's a three drink minimum.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: S.K. Ren on April 10, 2013, 20:56
Just read through your setting and all I can say is props. I tried running a custom system once and collapsed under the weight of not enough preparation so good luck. I might pitch in depending on how your system fleshes out. Hope you don't mind me posting here since the interest thread seemed to have moved on to PMs

Also, I'll take a Rusty Cog on the rocks.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on April 11, 2013, 00:07
Thanks for the support; as I wrote down in the main thread, the system is heavily borrowed, but the setting is all being drawn into existence as we speak. I've been both a player and a gamesmaster in a number of winging-it pen&paper stories (currently overseeing a story in Vampire: The Requiem set in Chicago; all I did was establish some basic facts and I'm making up the rest as we go along. Hell, I haven't even set a goal for the players, they're doing that themselves. Great lot), so on PBF, where you have chances aplenty to just take a moment and gather your thoughts, it doesn't seem so daunting to me.
I'll just have to work out the last bits of setting and come up with a good plot or two.

Feel free to drop back in when the story's running, we'll see what can be arranged.

As to your drink (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QMUqZ1dl_BU/S8hKFHktV_I/AAAAAAAAAFE/Amj5-2q3PIw/s1600/DSC_0035_edited-1-1.jpg)...
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on April 11, 2013, 08:32
Pop quiz: for the 1899 world, I'm looking for 2 words to replace the terms 'Western world' (to be more or less synonym with 'known world') and 'Far East'. I've come across 'Occident' and 'Orient' already, but they don't quite fit what I have in mind. The words don't necessarily have to be related and can be based on anything - as long as it sounds good and more or less speaks for itself, I'll give it a shot. Feel free to dump your ideas on this thread, thanks.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Klear on April 11, 2013, 17:39
Hmm.. that's a tough one. The only idea I've had so far is First/Second world, though that would really work only if something similar to the Cold War was happening between these locations, so I'm guessing not.

Just a little note - I believe what you're searching for is a name for these parts of the world as used by people living in the Anglican Republic. So they'd for example call the Eastern area Orient, because it is East of them, but calling themselves Occident would be much more rare, since the Anglican Republic isn't to the West, it's here.

One more thing to add to brainstorming... what's the situation with colonialism? Couldn't that be used as a basis for making up a name? Hmm.. but then, America is already colonized, so the Old World/New World dichotomy belongs probably there...
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on April 11, 2013, 23:57
Just a little note - I believe what you're searching for is a name for these parts of the world as used by people living in the Anglican Republic. So they'd for example call the Eastern area Orient, because it is East of them, but calling themselves Occident would be much more rare, since the Anglican Republic isn't to the West, it's here.

Sharp as always, although IRL the Western world in fact calls itself the Western world on a regular basis. Interesting observation though.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Klear on April 12, 2013, 01:10
Yeah, I realized that as I was posting that. Still, I believe that it might either be a sign of the modern politically correct times, or something caused by the need to include the USA in the term. What struck me was that while Orient was/is used relatively frequently, Occident isn't nearly as prominent as a descriptor.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on April 14, 2013, 01:03
Right. Since it'll be another while before I have all the details cooked up, I'm going to skip the less important parts and complete the bits on religion, life in England and the missing bits from the system info (health, damage and willpower). Shouldn't take me too long, and all the other stuff can be filled in as we go along.

Meanwhile, I want to see some characters. I know Klear has already made good progress, with a great background story. I need another PC to act as his 'mentor' - in some ways you could say he's actually the biggest lab monkey anyone's ever seen - with a scientist/alchemist/Mage background. Any takers?
Besides that, I could use a cop (inspector or some such rank), simply because that'd be an easy character to hook adventure type stories on. If no one wants to play him, no big deal, I'll make up something else.

On the outset, I'd like to give the following mild restrictions to the characters: you all have decently operating moral compasses, even if they don't always point exactly due north (or South, as is more appropriate in this setting), and your characters know each other at the start of the story. If you can't come up with an elaborate background for this, simply being regular visitors of the Lock and Feather, where you found out you could easily have a good talk with each other, will do.

Ready, set, ponder.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on April 19, 2013, 07:44
Aight; things are going as smoothly as I'd hoped, but let's continue anyway and start building characters. Klear, thelaptop, bfg9001; please reply on the main thread and post your character. Doesn't matter if it's complete, accurate or final yet, anything that shows what we'll be dealing with is great. We'll get some discussion going, have questions answered and ultimately have the posts updated to definitive character sheets.

Fire at will.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Klear on April 19, 2013, 08:57
I'll see if I can do it in the evening. I know it's a matter of copy-pasting it, but I have work to do right now unfortunately.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on April 20, 2013, 09:54
Found Hugo :)

Since I don't want to clutter the main thread with discussion, please find my response:

* Skill specialty for Alchemy is something we'll work out; let's at least wait and see if someone will be taking the bait of being your mentor, which might fill in the blank for you; otherwise we'll find another solution.

* You listed Carpentry under both Physical and Mental skills. Since I consider this a Physical, please think of another use of the Mental skill point this gives you.

Looking good, besides that. Size 6, as previously discussed, is agreed. According to the nWOD rulebook, this makes you as tall as a gorilla, which turns out not to be that big, really (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gorilla#Physical_characteristics). Turn one 90° clockwise, however, and now we're talking. About up to 9 feet :S
If we translate this to human proportions, let's say you're about 7 foot and a couple of inches tall, which would be bloody huge by 19th century standards.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Klear on April 20, 2013, 14:22
Damn, I fixed that before, but I used an older source for the post. I'll change it to something else when I have the time.

BTW, a friend linked me to a nice text-based online game. The setting seems to be somewhat similar to this, so you might want to try it to get the feeling for the victorian London ambience.

http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/ (http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/)

Edit: The more I see of the game, the more I think it's probably not so close to what we've got here, but it's intriguing nevertheless. Also, it seems it would be better for me if I linked you through my profile (http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Klear), since it's in part that kind of game. It doesn't seem to hinge on bothering everybody to join at least, I hope it won't come later in the game, but so far it looks like an almost single-player experience.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on April 21, 2013, 01:57
@Klear, sounds interesting, I'll check it out.

@thelaptop, good start, looks promising. Now to flesh it out some more.... what makes Frank tick? What's he trying to get out of life? What has he been doing?
If he was born into money, his specialties may stem from hobbies and pastimes; if not, he's bound to have had a job or two. Based on your story, the latter sounds more fitting.

I'm curious as to how you arrived at two points of Survival though. The scope of this skill, according to the book, runs from pitching a tent to Gryllsian depravities, which at the moment don't quite add up to the rest of the picture painted. Maybe you interpreted the skill differently though.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: thelaptop on April 21, 2013, 07:58
Ah, where are you getting such detailed information from?  I don't really have "the book" and I don't think that you linked to something that detailed.  I'm basing it on what I thought to be an interpretation from the Wiki.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on April 21, 2013, 09:21
I don't really have "the book" and I don't think that you linked to something that detailed.

I understand, hence my inquiry. But please do give your interpretation, so I have an idea of what you're aiming for.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Klear on April 21, 2013, 15:34
Fixed by adding "Knowledge: Exotic animals 1". Seems logical, but I'm not entirely satisfied with it because a) it feels a bit too specific compared to other skills. Might be better suited as a special, b) I couldn't come up with a better sounding name for it =P

Read up on Frank. Heh... I can already see quite a few very different ways his interactions with Hugo can play out. Should prove interesting.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on April 26, 2013, 12:57
In regard to the layout of the story text once we get started, I'd like to see the following:

1) Each player picks his own color, which is easy enough to read. All in-game text is to appear in this colour.
2) Everything you're character says (or thinks) is colourless, but italic
3) All out-of game information is without additional formatting.

A short example in the Storyteller's green:

When I see the suspect fleeing the scene of the deal, I bark at the Sergeant "Get the goods!" while I start the chase - but I have a feeling I know where he's going: using my knowledge of the city streets, I take another route to the nearest Tube entrance...
If it comes to a test, I'll spend a point of Willpower for the effort the Inspector is putting in beating the culprit to the stairs.

[/example]

Unless any of the current players have huge problems with this, I declare it accepted by default.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on April 28, 2013, 00:23
@Klear: as partly discussed, I suggest the following finishing touches for Hugo:


Your blessing reflects the fact that you quickly become known within whatever circle you find yourself - not only due to your impressive physique, but also because of the friendly and outgoing personality that lies behind it - which makes obtaining information easier. Whenever you need to know more about a certain subject which touches upon one of your areas of influence, Contacts can be used to try and find out; it'll take up some game time naturally, and some of it may have to be played, but eventually it will result in a dice roll to which your Contact level is added as a bonus.
The Mentor merit indicates your low-level Alchemist patron, who considers you more a helping hand and test subject than a potential Alchemist; he'll occasionally give you scraps of 'real' alchemy to keep you satisfied though.
Additionally, you have the Resources merit to reflect the fact that you have a proper job with a proper, albeit very low, income. This job comes with a membership in the Innkeepers' Guild.

The final finishing touches on your part will be determining how old Hugo is, and where he lives - not the exact location, but at what sort of accomodations.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Klear on April 29, 2013, 07:46
Updated my character information. Seems like I'm ready to start.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on April 29, 2013, 08:29
Eeeexcellent. I just heard my secret weapon's gearing up to start character creation as well. Time to cook up a story, methinks..
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Esther on April 29, 2013, 09:14
So we meet again, hehehehe.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Esther on April 29, 2013, 10:11
Posted my character. Might have to change some thing but this is the basic stuff. Feedback is wanted!
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on April 29, 2013, 10:31
Crafts is a physical thing, not mental. Since Athletics
3 seems at least 2 points too high - unless you have a fabulous story - you can use that to compensate. Same goes for Stealth, for which I think 2 is a more feasible rating.

This leaves you without Mental skills, facing the same problem Klear had. Lemme ponder that for a bit. Any ideas on what your little 'problem' might entail?
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Esther on April 29, 2013, 11:03
Took my information from world of darkness skills and specialties. Crafts was under Mental?????

MENTAL
Academics
Anthropology, Art, English, History, Law, Religion, Research, Culture, Geography, Humanities, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Economics
Computer
A.I., Data Retrieval, Graphics, Internet, Programming, Virus’, Networking, Computer Engineering
Crafts
Autos, Aircraft, Forging, Jury-Rig, Sculpting, Sewing, Metal Smithing, Armor Smithing, Gun Smithing, Weapon Smithing, Computer Hardware, HVAC, Carpentry, Bricklaying, Pottery, Cooking, Fletching/Bowery, Carving
Investigation
Artifacts, Body Language, Crime Scenes, Cryptography, Autopsies, Puzzles, Riddles, Science Experiments
Medicine
Emergency Care, Pathology, Pharmaceuticals, Physical Therapy, Surgery, Anesthesiology, Neurology, Pediatric, Ob/Gyn
Occult
Cultural Beliefs, Ghosts, Magic, Monsters, Superstitions, Witchcraft, Gypsies, Fortune Telling, Paganism, Theomancy, Alchemy
Politics
Bribery, Elections, Federal, Local, State, Scandals, Lobbyists
Science
Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Metallurgy, Physics, Statistics, Civil Engineer
PHYSICAL
Athletics
Acrobatics, Climbing, Kayaking, Long Distance Running, Sprinting, Swimming, Throwing, Jumping, Bicycling, Skateboarding, Surfing, Skiing, Hang-Gliding, Hiking
Brawl
Blocking, Boxing, Dirty Tricks, Grappling, Kung Fu, Throws
Drive
High Performance, Motorcycles, Off-Road, Pursuit, Shacking Tails, Stunts, Aircraft Pilot, Small Fixed Wing Pilot, Fighter Jet Pilot, Cargo/Airliner Pilot, Glider Pilot, Helicopter Pilot, Speedboat Driver, Small Sailboat Pilot, Boat Pilot
Firearms
Auto-Fire, Bow, Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, Sniping, Trick Shot, Revolver, SMG, Cross-Bow
Larceny
Concealing, Lock-Picking, Pick-Pocketing, Security Systems, Safecracking
Stealth
Camouflage, Crowds, Darkness, Woods
Survival
Foraging, Navigation, Meteorology, Shelter, Tracking, Hunting, Camping, Woodland, Arctic, Desert, Mountains, Jungle, Ocean/Shipwrecked, Fishing, Fly-Fishing, Deep-Sea Fishing
Weaponry
Improvised Weapons, Knives, Swords, Fencing, Single Weapon, Two-Handed Weapons, Weapon/Shield Style, Two Weapon Style, Axes, Clubs, Flails, Pole Arms, Whips, Staves
SOCIAL
Animal Ken
Animal Needs, Imminent Attack, Training, Dogs, Large Cats, Bears, Small Wild Carnivores, Sheep Herding, Cattle Wrangling, Horses, Camels, Milk Cows, Rats, Ferrets/Minks, Donkeys/Mules, Racing Horses, Trick Horses, Greyhounds, Fighting Dogs, Fighting Roosters, Guard Dogs, Hunting Dogs, Circus Animals, Zoo Keeping, Apes, Boxing Kangaroos
Empathy
Emotions, Lies, Motives, Personalities, Body Language
Expression
Classical Dance, Drama, Exposes, News Articles, Speech, Guitar, Drums, Drum Circle, Saxophone, Trumpet, Jazz, Rock, Punk, Country, Bluegrass, Blues, Cover Band, Pop Rock, Piano, Synthesizer, Techno, Mixing, Rap, R&B
Intimidation
Bluster, Physical Threats, Stare-Down, Torture, Veiled Threats
Persuasion
Fast-Talk, Inspiring Troops, Motivational Speech, Sales Pitch, Seduction
Socialize
Bar Hopping, Dress Balls, Formal Events, Frat Parties, State Dinner
Streetwise
Black Market, Gangs, Rumors, Under Cover
Subterfuge
Con Jobs, Hiding Emotions, Lying, Misdirection, Spotting Lies, Disguise
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Esther on April 29, 2013, 11:20
Based on my litlle problem I thought that Athletics (climbing) would be possible. My problem would be an advantage there. But I guess three is a bit much. Maybe two in just climbing???
Steath I thought was what kept her alive for three years wandering around. She would have had lots of time to practice. But I guess two will do fine.

Just keep crafts as mental. The things listed under it do take more knowledge than physical ability, me thinks....
For me you can even divide the 4 points on sewing 2, cooking 1 and carving 1

I'll look into my physical skills and spent those two points in a different way.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Esther on April 29, 2013, 11:32
Do I need points in Weaponery  because of my problem????
I'll spent the two or three points left on that then.
I'm going with the FC option I mentioned to you before. She has been using it a lot to survive, so she knows how to use this by now.

Carving I'm going to abandon, rather be a good cook ;)

Any free bees or things I did not think of?????
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Esther on April 29, 2013, 11:39
@Klear

Under Animal Ken it says Circus Animal. That's different from taking care of wild exotic animals I guess. Maybe that's what you are looking for?
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on April 29, 2013, 11:52
My word, Crafts is listed as Mental. Must be confused with another set of rules. Anywho:

1) Sewing and Cooking as Mental skills are acceptable. Consider scratching both and listing Housekeeping as a Mental skill, for 2 or 3 points.
2) I had to look this one up, but for your 'problem' I think it's safe to assume you're referring to the thing with your hands. Weaponry isn't relevant, Climbing (or Athletics with specialty Climbing, for example) only if you can explain what you used this for in the first place.
3) Survival (and probably Larceny) are what kept you alive, more than Stealth did anyway. Make it 2, indeed.

Additionally:
4) You still get to pick 3 skill specialties.
5) I only just now noticed Subterfuge 3. This level of deceit is hard to attain for a 15 year old that doesn't talk.... Combined with the Larceny, I think Streetwise for 1 or 2 points would make more sense, with Subterfuge taking the other 1 (or 2).
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Esther on April 29, 2013, 13:10
I picked Subterfuge because she's a master at hiding her emotions and spotting lies. Streetwise in this case is knowledge of what's going on in the streets of London. Don't see her taking much part in it. So I choose to keep Subterfuge at 2 and Streetwise just 1.

Still don't know what to spend the left over 2 dots Mental on.
Maybe herb lore? Common knowledge type for a rural environment?

And the three Physical Dots??? She has been in trouble and had to fight for her live a lot. Maybe brawl would be okay, kinda dirty tricks style......
Yet I don't think you would give me three dots Brawl ;) Maybe 2?
Maybe she knows how to swim? One dot?

Klear has Carpentry listed under Fysical but it's a craft, so it should be Mental.

Specialties:
Think I'll go for climbing, pick-pocketing and lock-picking
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Klear on April 29, 2013, 15:42
Hi Esther! Long time no see.

Maybe that's why I listed carpentry both as physical and mental? =)

I'd rather not touch my character sheet anymore unless I really have to. It looks fine the way it is. The way I see it, skills such as carpentry can be thought of as either mental (knowing what to do with the stuff you're working with) or physical (being used to the movements you need to do to use the skill).

Edit: Read up on Josephine. Interesting backstory. So I suppose we've known each other for a while, being employed at the same place. Hugo's definitely gonna be quite protective when it comes to her. BTW, thelaptop, what's Frank's connection with Lock and Feather? A regular customer? And if so, I hope not the kind Hugo would have to kick out too often =P
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on April 29, 2013, 22:59
@Es: Herb Lore sounds great, that leaves us the 3 Physcial skill points to distribute. Brawl 3 is too much indeed, and 2 still sounds high, too - she strikes me more as the type to avoid confrontation than to dive headfirst in it.
A higher Athletics rating - to account for the comined running, climbing, swimming, etc - starts to sound as a good alternative. And since you miscounted and have only 2 points left, I see, make it Athletics 2 and Brawl 1. Voilà.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Esther on May 02, 2013, 11:42
http://www.flickr.com/photos/twm_news/5257287961/in/set-72157625464218629/

This is what Josie looks like. She's very small and looks a lot younger than her age, that is, until you look into her eyes.
Then you see she has seen more than most already.....
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Esther on May 02, 2013, 11:46
Did choose a different specialty. Hope it's okay....
Need to do more or is Josie good to go????
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on May 02, 2013, 11:52
Looking good. Now for your blessing: care to pick a suitable animal?

Furthermore, unless you have other ideas, I think Mellie has always been so concerned with your well-being that you are one of the select few (and currently the only one) to have found board and lodging with the Fineses themselves; you have a seperate room in the rear area of the inn, next to Albert and Mellie.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Esther on May 02, 2013, 13:14
I choose Teal

What a lucky girl I am. My own room. Had to share a bed with three sisters at home. Josie will do her absolute best to please the Fines.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on May 02, 2013, 13:56
Alright. Josie's Blessing:

Talons
You are able to change both hands and feet - simultaneously or separately - into three-toed talons; feet grow in a Y-shape similar to a bird's, the hands retain the opposable thumb while the fingers weld together into two large ones. The talons give you a +1 dice pool bonus to all tests involving grip, and cause lethal damage when used in combat, with a +1 bonus.
Needless to say, the come with social drawbacks in a lot of situations. Additionally, the talons may spawn themselves when you are under severe pressure or in danger. Causing the talons to appear always costs one point of Willpower.

Besides the talents, Josie gets an extra point of Manipulation.
Please update your character accordingly.

Brace yourselves. Here we go.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on May 02, 2013, 23:23
@Es: although I like the touch and at this moment it makes no difference, naturally I will be the one manipulating the NPCs....
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Esther on May 03, 2013, 03:30
@ Lucky: I know :). Just read the facebook dialoge. For some reason I just thought it would be a kind of routine thing. Josie pointing out some misbehaving costumer and Hugo making them pay, then throwing them out.... Not much NPC ing at all, but a change to handel something together and practice te non verbal communication. As always, things that seem quite simple turn out to be anything but....

Is it fair to assume that Josie and the stranger are shadowdancing till Hugo is turned on the case by Albert?
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Klear on May 03, 2013, 04:46
I'd also like a little clarification on the chronology here... I guess I'm still waiting to see how the escaping customer reacts to my shout?
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on May 03, 2013, 05:04
Ah.. well, I didn't read the dozens of messages you exchanged after I went to bed, and relevant information should be in the thread anyhow. So, humour me: what exactly is the misbehaviour we're talking about here - leaving without paying?
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Esther on May 03, 2013, 07:36
He hasn't payed and it sure looked like he was trying to leave... But he could maybe still get away with saying he was going to at the bar...maybe....
Josie is not really upset by this, kinda just deals with it the way it comes.
Think this happens every now and then. (Working in pubs for years I know some even try with money in their pockets)

As a player I'm waiting to see how the customer reacts to Klears shout, before I make my next move.


BTW: Josie is carrying a stew for one, in case you are wondering how the hell she is waving a giant pot around
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on May 03, 2013, 08:43
Right ho. Let me take this back to the main thread....

[EDIT: I simply updated the previous post. Ball's in your court.]
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on May 04, 2013, 01:33
@Es: please update Josie's info with the backstory you sent me two nights ago. It'll be player-only info, but that's alright - it'll add a lot of flavour to the character and gives a better understanding of her past and motivations.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Klear on May 05, 2013, 12:56
Approximately how big is the rat we're dealing with? Like a hamster? A small rabbit? I'm letting my imagination work and tend to think it's quite enormous =)

Also, I guess we should let Josie react as well... I'll refrain from posting for now.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on May 05, 2013, 13:05
A decent rabbit sounds about right. And great minds think alike it seems. I thought it'd be decent to give her something to aim at once she remembers her forum password. If she's not online this evening, we'll just continue (possibly with a small edit) and I'll put Josie to work in another bit of story.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Klear on May 05, 2013, 13:13
I'll probably won't have time to play this evening, so waiting for her is fine by me. She lost her forum password? Hmm.. worst case, she can make a new account, I guess.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on May 05, 2013, 13:26
She lost her forum password?

Nah, I'm just taking a stab at valid reasons why she hasn't shown up yet.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Esther on May 05, 2013, 14:35
Sorry I'm late. Kids just wouldn't go to sleep.....and I couldn't find a hammer....
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Esther on May 05, 2013, 14:37
Put in the missing background story. Hope this helps everyone understand her a bit more.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Esther on May 06, 2013, 06:24
I do have time to play tonight. How about it?
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on May 06, 2013, 07:09
I'll be around.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Klear on May 06, 2013, 07:26
I... might be around. Not sure yet.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on May 06, 2013, 07:45
No big deal. At this point I can easily split you two up for a short while. We'll see.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on May 06, 2013, 12:08
For those unfamiliar with it, use InvisibleCastle.com for dice rolls. Enter the total number of dice in your dice pool under "Number of rolls", and under dice, use "1d10.extra(10)". It automatically re-rolls any 10 you roll (on the first roll at least...).
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on June 23, 2013, 01:52
There, back from the dead. Re: this:

She gestures To Hugo that there's a rat in the room and that she needs his help.

This is crossing line of what's feasible. If Josie knew actual sign language and if the Wizard of Oz had gifted Hugo with a brain, this would be no problem. The cards being dealt as they have, though, there's just no way for this to be communicated between the two of you - at least not in the space of a couple of seconds. The level of detail is too high.

Since it makes no difference in the current situation, and I do believe that Josie is able to make clear to Hugo that she needs him inside the room, we'll proceed as is; in future situations, I'm going to keep a closer look on this and start imposing rolls to see how it works out.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Klear on June 23, 2013, 05:05
That's pretty much how I (Hugo) interpreted the message - Josie needs help with something inside...
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Sereg on June 23, 2013, 06:03
While I really have no idea how any of this works, I have been reading along out of interest.

[...]yet another black rat[...]


What I got out of this line here is that this particular event is not especially uncommon at this inn. Maybe it's related to the storyline(Portralis, anyone?) or whatever's happening here, or maybe it's not, but in either case, it happens frequently enough that I wouldn't be particularly skeptical if there was some specific kind of signal to communicate that.


Those are just my thoughts on it, and as I've stated, I really have no idea what's going on here, so take that with a grain of salt.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Klear on June 23, 2013, 06:10
There have already been two strange encounters with large black rat(s?) during the storyline, so I think that's what that refers to.

In any case, good to know we have audience! Maybe you'll even join the fun at some point...
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Sereg on June 23, 2013, 06:18
There have already been two strange encounters with large black rat(s?) during the storyline, so I think that's what that refers to.

In any case, good to know we have audience! Maybe you'll even join the fun at some point...

Hmm, have there? I thought I'd read all of it, but I guess not, lol - anyway, that would certainly make sense. "hey, we have a rat problem, we need a way to deal with this if it comes up again without alerting the patrons".

As far as joining, I think I'd need to read a lot more before I felt comfortable joining a storyline, but who knows? Maybe at some point ;)
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on June 23, 2013, 07:39
Nice to see others getting involved as well, feel free to ask or comment on the story. To clarify:

What I got out of this line here is that this particular event is not especially uncommon at this inn.

1) Since the Lock and Feather is a a higher-middle-class establishment, rats are actually very uncommon; the owners take a lot of care not have any varmints scurrying around.
2) Even if they were common, at least 9 out of every 10 rats showing themselves would be brown, not black. Hugo won't know this, and owners probably can't be bothered to tell the difference, but Josie will know.

As for joining in: since bfg9001 hasn't shown himself ever since volunteering, and a certain someone seems to have nerfed himself out of the playing field, I'll be glad to take on an extra....
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Esther on August 05, 2013, 04:53
Back on track!
The way I see it, Josie gestures Hugo to come into the room. When he's in the room she gestures there is a rat underneath the closet. I will make sure to write it down that way next time. Even if rats are not common in the Lock and Feather, mice and other vermin are in a place that serves food. I guess the sign Josie uses is the one for vermin in general. Probely is a kind of crawling fingers on arm gesture. (so it could be a sipder or a mouse)
But I also thought Hugo saw the rat on the bed as we opened the door..... 
I'll make sure to put more detail into writing it down next time.
Sorry.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on August 05, 2013, 11:54
Yay, we're on again :)

Now if everyone who's been making promises previously would find themselves able to join in....
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Klear on August 06, 2013, 07:35
I'm going to have to reread a few pages to get back into character, but it's great that things are moving a bit again. I've almost forgotten about this.

Edit: I've made a stealth edit to my last post, though I'm pretty sure nobody was able to read the version without the lifting. This seems to be more interesting and true to Hugo's character.

I'm really wondering whether we'll manage to catch the rat before the room gets completely demolished =)
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Esther on August 06, 2013, 14:28
Sure hope so. Would be a pity if lifting the closet would result in you smashing it against the ceiling ;)
I'm just praying that this rat hunt won't result in bringing out Josie's other side :(
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Klear on August 08, 2013, 07:56
[post moved to the main thread]
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on September 02, 2013, 15:08
Josie throws Hugo an angry look, takes the bedpan out of his hands and puts it on the floor. She points at Hugo and then at the door, holds up the key and gestures the roomnummer of the other room she knows is not taken at the moment. She points at the door again, then acts as if she is picking up a customers bags, holds up the key and gestures the roomnummer of the empty room again. She then gestures to Hugo he needs to move the closet back and get out of the room[...]

For the sake of it, I'd like to point out that the post should have ended there, giving either Klear or me a chance to respond. No need to explain yourself (I can take a pretty good guess at what happened here :) ) or to edit the post, though, I can roll with this.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on November 19, 2013, 13:57
Right, while Josie and Hugo are turning this wonderful story into a Three Stooges episode, I've been digging for fresh blood. So far Cole10000 and Nightfalcon have volunteered, and both have managed to come up with exquisite characters; in the background I'm still working on stuff with 5_dog_knight, who may or may not be joining us later.

Klear, if you're receiving this, wakey wakey eggs-n-bakey. I'll be sure to give esther a good poking as well. Time to get this show on the road again.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Klear on November 19, 2013, 14:58
Klear, if you're receiving this, wakey wakey eggs-n-bakey. I'll be sure to give esther a good poking as well. Time to get this show on the road again.

Yup, I'm here... I'll reread the story thread to get back into it and probably post something in a few hours... =)
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on November 19, 2013, 23:46
Good times, good times.

I'll give esther a call today, see if there's anything she might want to do about her last IC post, as it's a bit heavy on the actions, with all its ifs and buts.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on November 20, 2013, 23:49
While the events unfold upstairs, on the ground floor a new face arrives. A clean shaven young man just arriving in this part of London sporting a heavy set of spectacles and carrying what appears to be his luggage takes a moment to look around the inn he currently finds himself in.

It might be that this man does not arrive alone... please allow me to work out the last couple of details with Nightfalcon, since I have a plan that will tie you together nicely from the get-go.

And welcome to the story, of course, good to have you aboard.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Cole10000 on November 21, 2013, 12:22
It might be that this man does not arrive alone... please allow me to work out the last couple of details with Nightfalcon, since I have a plan that will tie you together nicely from the get-go.

And welcome to the story, of course, good to have you aboard.

Alright, not a problem, just give me the go ahead and I'll change it as needed.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on November 21, 2013, 12:23
Cool, although I think we can just take it from there.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Esther on November 24, 2013, 05:15
Yes, i'm finding my way back into character..... Will take a moment....
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Esther on November 24, 2013, 05:31
Got frustrated at the lack of progress in the previous post, but promise to stop manipulating other players actions from now on ;)
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on November 24, 2013, 06:07
Got frustrated at the lack of progress in the previous post, but promise to stop manipulating other players actions from now on ;)

Excellent. With some fresh blood introduced, the pace should pick up a bit, though it'll still be a far cry from face-to-face pen and paper rpg. Easy does it.

I've sent Nightfalcon another e-mail earlier today; due to unforeseen circumstances he's been otherwise occupied over the last two weeks. The plan is to tie his character to Thaddeus via the latter's mentor. Professor Charles Ivensten will be an acquaintance of Nightfalcon's character, who was deemed an excellent chaperone for Thaddeus' introduction to 'real life'. We either start the two of you together upon your arrival at the inn, or Thaddeus will arrive first, having been instructed to meet his new companion there. Based on what new information the next day will bring, I'll take either path tomorrow.

@Cole, I just had another look at your character, but you seem to have posted your pre-Blessing character. Kindly update and include the necessary info on the professor as well.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Esther on November 24, 2013, 08:47
Easy is so not me.... but I'll be good. Fresh meat. Yeah!
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Nightfalcon on November 26, 2013, 17:20
Fresh meat logging in.  I'll be posting shortly.  I'll put up a bio/hello in the next couple of days and say how excited I am to be involved with this but I want to get my character on the board first.

William
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on November 26, 2013, 23:56
And herewith an official welcome to you, too: welcome! Now that there's four of you, I'm hoping the continuity of the whole endeavour will start taking shape properly. You've all managed to amaze me so far, so start working your magic on the others as well. Zing!
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on November 29, 2013, 13:16
@ esther: hang in there... :)

@ Klear: you still with us? You're a little more elusive than a couple of months ago, I still need to readjust my sensors...
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Esther on November 30, 2013, 06:43
Hanging...... But at least I've got a nice read so far.... Nice to see some action :)
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on December 01, 2013, 00:18
OOC) Malachi is ready to intercede as needed.  Can I identify the sticks the man's carrying and does that information or the smell give me a clue to  the man's profession?

Just put OOC text in the game thread in white (colorless) text. See this post (http://forum.chaosforge.org/index.php/topic,6254.msg55664.html#msg55664) for details.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Cole10000 on December 01, 2013, 16:53
I just posted the rolls I made, but I was unable to use Invisible castle to do so, from my understanding the site is currently down. I used a substitute to make the rolls, and the link to it is in the post.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on December 05, 2013, 23:38
OK. I sent Klear several messages, including an e-mail last Saturday, in which I've requested at least some kind of response. Contrary to a very long time before that, his replies have been scarce for the last couple of months. In order to keep the game going, I've decided not to wait for them anymore, so I will start NPC-ing Hugo for the time being.

Klear, you're welcome to step back in any time you like. A (private) word on your part would be much appreciated.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on December 08, 2013, 14:33
@Nightfalcon, please have a look at your last IC post - somehow the tags didn't quite do what I think you'd expected...

On that note, I'd much rather you referred to stuff in character than by using quotes (thanks, Silhar, I have seen the light ;] )
Like "Upon seeing the exchange between the inn-keeper and his new guest take place.... etc. etc"

I'll have a proper reply to it tomorrow; bed-time for me.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Nightfalcon on December 22, 2013, 00:56
As of 8 AM today, I'll be away visiting the folks for Christmas.  I don't know if I'll have time to check e-mails or post so assume my absence.  Best holiday wishes to every one.  Have a happy, happy and a merry merry.

William
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on December 22, 2013, 04:06
Cheers, and same to you. I've been somewhat distracted over the past week, but I'll come in with another bit of story soon. Thanks for the notification.

Now  (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDMAM_89mME)have  (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TT_pgSrFdMw)some  (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnXdnUZmJ_o)Christmas  (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jB_5VbhIBzY)cheer! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSCAHLq6dG4)
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on December 28, 2013, 08:41
Had a look at the in-game thread again, and my guess is it's either/both Esther or/and Cole's turn to say something useful.

@Cole: don't be afraid to just keep posting, especially in response to other players. Even when I'm not posting much I'm still lurking and keeping an eye on things, and if I feel stuff is going in the wrong direction I'll say so.

Generally, I try to post as little as possible, unless direct input from me is required.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Nightfalcon on December 30, 2013, 06:53
A problem from my Xmas trip.  I accidentally left my computer at my folks and my father who was to send it to me was admitted into the hospital.  I probably won't have it back for a week or so.  Because of that I'm limited to very, very little computer use.

Because of that I expect that I'll be posting only when my character absolutely has to. 

I apologize for any inconvenience this causes.

Wm
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on December 30, 2013, 07:36
Oh well, we've been taking it easy over here, as you can see. I expect no difficulties because of this.

Also:

(http://images.wikia.com/survivoronlinegaming/images/9/96/Simpsons-nelson-ha-ha-93-p-672x480.jpg)
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Nightfalcon on January 08, 2014, 17:30
FYI, I just got my computer back so I'm good to go.

Wm
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on January 09, 2014, 13:19
It seems you didn't miss much. I'll try and get a hold of the other two, since for some reason they appear struck dumb.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on January 23, 2014, 14:59
Right:

1) I have had a chat with esther, who isn't going through her happiest patch IRL at this moment. I know she loves to do this stuff, but I also know that this isn't the best time for her to be doing this.
2) Cole is refusing to respond to anything, even though he pops up online every now and then.
3) I've seen nor heard any sign of Klear since his last post on this forum.

With great displeasure and moderate annoyance, I'm calling it quits. I tried, others tried, it's not working. Makes me want to say bad words.

To those that invested time and effort in it, thanks, I appreciate it. To those that only watched the show, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

To anyone reading this: feel free to use the setting I conceived; some form of credit would be nice. Be advised that the system isn't mine, and will therefore probaly be removed from the thread by the time you read this. Buy the World Of Darkness book so that they may continue to produce kick ass stories/games.

Since apparently it is appropriate to signify tragic events like this with a quote, I will comply, but keep it short:


"Kut" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4R-2b_DxJfc)

Richard Batsbak, Rikkert Biemans, Gerrie van Boven, Barrie Butsers, Robbie Schuurmans, et al.


Cheers.
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: Nightfalcon on January 26, 2014, 17:45
Sorry to see game pass away.  It happens far to often with games. 

Best wishes to everyone, see you on the boards.

Dee, thank you for all your efforts.  Good luck in your next game.

William
Title: Re: 1899 - Under the Sign of the Lock and Feather
Post by: LuckyDee on January 26, 2014, 23:32
Thanks, and same to you. It was great talking to you, you are a fount of stories waiting to happen. Maybe next time...