RISUS: Firefly Verse'

[Natalie C. Barney]

You saw the TV show Firefly I hope a mix of the Wild West and High Tech? Serenity the movie was based on it. Well I'd love to set-up a Firefly ship based game and would like to get some players. Yes using the basic RISUS rules with double cost for psychic cliche's.

Some good roles would be the Captain, Mechanic, Companion, First Mate and the like. The ship will be its own character that the Capatin can use the stats for and will get 12 Dice.

Firefly Ship (Captain Can Name)
Armor Able to Stop a Bullet or Space Accident if Lucky[3]
Pretty Fast Engines [3]
Bootleg Turn [3]
May Not be Pretty but She's Sturdy [3]

There are around 100,000 Firefly Class ships in service.

Anyone interested it will be more serious but will have fun times to and will be a group role-playing game with a GM (me) and Players (you).

[Osagasu]

Firefly?  ooooh... If I can ever understand that system, I'd definitely be up for a campaign.  ;D

[Arander]

I am in love with the Firefly shows/Serenity movie and would be very interested a game set in the Verse. I'd enjoy playing a character sort of like Walsh, the somewhat cocky, yet loveable pilot. Would you be using the rule system from the Serenity RPG? And if so would you prefer that we all have access to it? I've thought about buying before this, but have always been looking for that extra reason to snag it. Might be this here is that reason.

[Natalie C. Barney]

No RISUS its free off the internet just type in RISUS on your browser I use it because its EZ, only 14 pages for the core rules and they have a Firefly rules set up by a fan. Mostly its simple you take a vocation like Companion and get all the relevant skills (only fighting he or she can do is gentlemanly fencing though) or Shepherd (your a holy person so get all the relevant skills) but then can take personal choices like the show Companion would have had Pilot Shuttle very likely.

Example of the Show Companion she would have: Companion (4), Shuttle Pilot (3) those are each a D6 when rolled. If you fail a roll against an antogonist or challenge you lose a 1d6 for the next roll. So if Comapnion Jade wanted to seduce a woman to get the key to the cell the Captain is in it might be 3d6 verses 4d6 (depending on her sexual orientation and the like this assumes a average woman). On the other hand if a Thief picked the lock to get him out it could be 4d6 verses 2d6 to 6d6 and he would have to wear the lock down so to speak.

Characters get 10 dice points for Cliche's (thats the Comapnion as an example sort of a character class in other rpg) PLUS if they do a HOOK (something to use int the game for scenario ideas) and a STORY (short history) they can add 1 point for each one so MOST will have 12.

I want to keep the group smaller so would like a Captain, First Mate, a Companion and maybe one or two others. The ship will have stats and be an NPC sort of as in if you want to use the ships stats in lieu or to assist a character you can. Same rules apply though. As in it can take damage and blow up.


Common Clichés


Captain
This cliché involves all of the leadership qualities involved in running a ship. From handling the crew to making sure there is enough money for fuel, any aspect of starship administration is covered by this cliché. Basic competance in technical function is implied, but that's why you hire everyone else. Also, although a captain is expected to handle themself in a fight, this cliché is not combat related. If the captain wants to shoot someone in the face, a different cliché is required.

Companion
The Companion's profession combines the practices of the courtesan and the tradition of the geisha and is held in high regard by society. The cliché is useful in a diversity of social situations regardless of a target's gender or station. Companion training also involves some ritualized combat instruction, like swordsmanship. This cliché should only be used in combat where these formal methods are useful.

Doctor/Surgeon
Because the 'Verse is a dangerous place, a doctor is indespensible to the crew. The doctor should be able to heal any kind of damage inflicted in combat, given the correct tools, within reason. There are no specific damage rules in Risus Firefly, but a bullet in the stomach will kill a person without a doctor to treat it. A character with this cliché is assumed to have extensive education.

Mechanic
Like the doctor, the mechanic is all about putting things right. A starship is the most important thing the PCs have. If it fails, it can mean the death of the entire group. Beyond just fixing the ship, a mechanic may also be able to coax it into performing beyond normal expecations.

Mercenary
A mercenary is a hired warrior, usually proficient in a number of firearms. Anyone involved in shady dealing aught to have a mercenary at their side. Implied with this cliché is a mind for money matters, if only tangentially.

Pilot
Every ship in the sky needs a competant pilot to make sure it gets pointed in the right direction. As a pilot grows in ability, they can make their ship perform increasingly complicated manuevers.

Shepherd
The clergy in this world are known as Shepherds. This cliché covers a wide range of religious knowledge, ritual, and philosophy and implies at least a moderate education. Religion is still a powerful force in the 'Verse and (just about) anyone would think twice before crossing a Shepherd.

[Mindhazingsquid]

I would be game.  I've only seen a couple episodes and the movie si I don't really know a lot about the Firefly universe but I do like what I have seen.
I could be mechanic.  A grease monkey could be fun.

[Natalie C. Barney]

That's fine think of it as the old west meets a good old fashioned Space Opera sci-fi epic, and NO aliens. Oh and I was wrog officially there are only 40,000 Firfly class ships in active service. Well that's on any other takers I want a couple players with character sheets before I put in a game maybe do a FUN & GAMES THREAD first in case it fizzles out and to see if I should do a full game thread area just for the game.

[Max]

I'd like to play.  Had an idea for a mechanic, or pilot.  Although a merc could be fun as well.  I had several ideas of characters that were in Firefly, not a member of the Serenity crew, but would like to see if that is okay.

[Natalie C. Barney]

Well you can multitask I could see a Merc whose a qualified ships crewman maybe a Pilot or Mechanic- nice thing Risus is very flexible. The only thing is the major cliche' must be the only one taken from the above. So you could be a Mechanic with perhaps a cliche' like Naval Services Veteran with a couple specific areas like [Zero-G Training, Basic Piloting, Basic Space Tactics, Lots of Contacts in the Outer Systems].

I assume the main cliche' like Mechanic will be broader and better like you can be a Scotty-sort over a more normal mechanic. Same with the others.

[Mindhazingsquid]

How is this?


Janah Moss
a character by: Mindhazingsquid

Description: Janah's a mousey person.  She keeps her butt-length, strawberry blond hair tied back in a braid, though no matter how hard she tries her bangs always get in her face.  Her brown eyes are hidden by glasses.  She wears a very old and surprisingly well kept, bomber jacket.  When she isn't trying working she tends to also wear a white aviator's scarf making her almost look like she would be more comfortable in the seat of a Sopwith Cammel.  She's quiet and shy and feels most at home working on -her- engines.  She spends most of her time tinkering and making things out of spare parts.  Most of her money goes to buying that last, ellusive googah.

Clichés: Mechanic (4), Tinkering (2), experience roustabout (3), average jane (2)

Tools: old bomber jacket, variety of loose clothes (primerily jeans and shirts), aviator's scarf, ship repair tools (mechanical and electronic), spare parts.

-edit- okay, those work for me.

[Natalie C. Barney]

No this would be:

Mechanic (see list above it covers all the mechanical and engineering skills under the main cliche') [4]

For others think generally a class as in D&D or profession or a set of linked things. Example: Housewife (cooking, mending, houskeeping, take care of her little angels,  "eyes"  in the back of her head).

For the main cliche's just pick one and its yours all every reasonable skill is included you will need for one dice pool.

And remember 1 die is real low, 3 dice average professional level and 4 dice (max) is a experienced professional. Add a HOOK and a STORY for extra dice one per thing you take. A hook is something I can use like if your a character you might be Running Away from an Abusive Powerful Husband (or Wife) and then now and then a agent might show up trying to take you back or something.

Generally try to put 3 or 4 dice in the important cliches' and 2 dice in hobbies and 1 die is just bad.

For other cliches' might I suggest-
*Average Jane (blends in with the crowd, tends to be ignored over others she's with, hard to identify on sight, not ugly but not pretty kind of average)
*Experienced Roustabout (knows her way around a ship, fair pilot and navigator but not a pro, fight like a sailor, gamble and carouse in a expert manner in rowdy ports of call)

Basically can blend into the scene and can handle the ship and party like a sailor.

Just ideas now but these seem to fit...

[Arander]

I'll read through the rules a little more in-depth tonight and have a little character sheet up for you by tomorrow afternoon I think.

[Natalie C. Barney]

Alot of people mix up the cliche's again for everyone think a CHARACTER CLASS but the main Cliche' I assume is broader than usual. Like Companion just covers all the skills a Companion would be expected to have- including fencing with a rapier. I just figure if it makes sense for one to have a roll for something you get it.

Captain would have all the skill remotely a Captain would have including piloting and engineering to a degree- they are not Pilots or Mechanics (they are alot better in their specialty) but they can get by.

So other Cliche's could be a past like Alliance Marine Veteran or Shuttle Pilot or Former Religious Monk or Waitress (whatever you like but these will cover three to five things and can be fun like a Waitress might have Tolerate Standing Long Hours, Carry Trays of Food on Your Shoulder, Write Lots of Orders without Confusing Them, Kiss Up to Customers for More Tips).

You cannot have another Primary Cliche' but you could have some aspect like Daughter of a Companion might have a few things they can do.

[Max]

The merc idea might have a little ability as a mechanic or maybe a pilot.  No, I meant the other ideas were a pilot or mechanic, but others had taken those jobs. 

Will have to look at the rules in the morning.

[Natalie C. Barney]

Maybe but a merc in the series and TV show like Baldwins character tended to fire guns and look intimidating doing so.  ;)

But its easy to add Ex-Seperatist Marine Pilot to cover piloting and basic mechanics. A Captain runs a ship for them such skills make sense to a degree. For a merc though First Aid and operating ground transports and the like make sense.

Oh IF anyone wants to be a PSYCHIC of sme sort its double the cost to get- its rare and you will be hunted by the Alliance Black Ops people if they find out. PM me to do this we need to get your abilities figured out.

[Xerial]

I've been on a Firefly bent of late... might be game...

[Max]

Still haven't had any chance to look over the rules.  But, as for the merc, it would seem he have a very BASIC idea of either mechanics or piloting.  For piloting, he might have stood a watch flying the ship in a very routine situation, with instructions to call for help should anything happen.  Or, for mechanic skills, might have helped out the mechanic, handing them tools and such, but watches and maybe picked up an idea or two.  With a crew size you seem to be talking about, it would seem that all the PCs would have some notion of how to help out with the other jobs.

But I will concede he would have more experience with first aid, and ground transports.  Will think about my concept more.

[Natalie C. Barney]

There will be NPC's as well on board I just want to keep the player characters in key positions. And if you want piloting skills you can take a cliche' how about Former Alliance (or Seperatist)  Marine Pilot (pilot ships, evasive maneuvers, ship tactics, gunnery, general ships mechanics enough to get by in a pinch). Mercenary will cover all the hand-to-hand and combat skills, observation, security, leadership skills, first aid, operating ground transports and all including maintaining and repairing standard issue equipment and mechanics are all covered under Mercenary no need to select any skills.

That's why you get ONE primary cliche' they can be very broad. So Piloting can be a secondary cliche' like the above I would consider it an advanced area of training above what soldiering he would be expected to know.

[Osagasu]

I've been poking around with the Shepherd cliche and how you can wrap a character around it.  So far I've found a few interesting combos, namely Shepherd (4), recreational mechanic (2) (after all, what man doesn't like to mess with engines? >.>) or  Guitarist (3), each with their own set of supportive cliches.  Both have him working with/in the Alliance army during the war as a member of the clergy, giving last rites and that kind of stuff.

I don't have the stories for either version worked out yet... I'll get them as soon as I have time, which will be tomorrow and this weekend.

[Max]

Still working on my character, need to work the numbers, and write up a story.  Probably won't have any piloting or mechanic skills, have been leaning away from that.  We can be ex-Alliance as well as ex-Browncoats?

Hope to have the character worked out in a day or two.  Haven't had a chance to read thru the RISUS rules yet.

[Natalie C. Barney]

I've been poking around with the Shepherd cliche and how you can wrap a character around it.  So far I've found a few interesting combos, namely Shepherd (4), recreational mechanic (2) (after all, what man doesn't like to mess with engines? >.>) or  Guitarist (3), each with their own set of supportive cliches.  Both have him working with/in the Alliance army during the war as a member of the clergy, giving last rites and that kind of stuff.

I don't have the stories for either version worked out yet... I'll get them as soon as I have time, which will be tomorrow and this weekend.

Again I emphasis think broadly Guitarist should be Musician and cover more than just Guitar pick like four skills you would like such as Read Sheet Music, Make Own Songs, Play Stringed Instruments, Singing. Recreational Mechanic is good. And if you do a hook and story (history and think fairly short maybe a good paragraph) you will get two dice. A hook is something that helps me do stories for them. Like the Shepherd in the series had a Mysterious Dark Past in the Alliance.

And before we do this I NEED a Captain I do not want an NPC for that.

[Xerial]

Must... resist... urge... to offer to play Captain.... *cursed as a Captain*

[Max]

Well, I could play the Captain.  My idea for a merc should work for playing the Captain.

[Natalie C. Barney]

Well its a big position I can NPC almost everything else but he or she is a biggy.  ;D

I suggest a Captain and you can have Former Seperatist Marine or something for the mercenary replacement. But the Cpatain can pilot, has a grounding in mechanics if not beyond normal repair and maintenance and has all the other skills they need to do the job well. Except fighting. Just remember a specialist is always going to be better than he is in the secondary areas.

For NPC's I can add a Doctor, Mercenary or Two and if needed a Mechanic. Some like a Companion or Shepherd will be best filled by players.

[Max]

How is this?

Captain Bruno Manzeki
Player:  Max.

Description:  Bruno is in his 30s, clean shaven, his black hair kept in a buzz cut.  Blue eyes have a piercing gaze.  Standing just at 5' 7", he keeps himself fit, his body a bit lanky. He dresses simply, in jeans and shirt, which have a crumpled look to them.  A bullet scar on his chest, another scar made by shrapnel on the side of his neck.  Almost always wears a cowboy hat.

Cliches:  Captain (4), Soldier (3), Dark past (3).

History:  Bruno was born to an upper class on Persophone.  Growing up, he lacked for nothing, and took it all as his due.  When the war started, he joined the Alliance army as an officer.  His unit was involved in the bloody fighting at New Kasimar.  Ordered to clear out a Browncoat strongpoint during the campaign, his men fought there way into a building, killing all inside.  Only then, did he discover it was a orphanage.  Shocked, he almost left the army, but threatened with court martial, he said nothing.  Spending the rest of the war in a garrison unit, he left the army soon after the war ended.  Using his family's money to buy a beat up Firefly, he seeks a way to undo the wrong he has done.

Possible ship name:  Chasseur's Folly.

[Natalie C. Barney]

Ok you get +1 Die (maximum of 4) to add to Cliche's if you add a Hook something I get plots involved with you get another +1 Die (same max).

And for Soldier and Dark Past (oooooooooooo) I need four or five things that it can do Captain is covered.

Alliance Soldier (fight unarmed and with infantry weapons, tactics, first aid, aware of surroundings, has some useful old war buddies in the Alliance)

Dark Past we need to work out right now I can see so many ways to go but I suggest with his background:

Commited Wartime Atrocity (respected by the Alliance, really good fake identity, wealthy family he can tap if needed but with risk, creatively hide his past if asked, ?)

Well I figure the Alliance would think highly of what he did among the hard core ranks and if caught might help, he'll have enemies, should have a fake identity and should be good at hiding his past you can add one thing tio this you like that will fit.

[Max]

Ok, we can change the Dark Past with Committed Wartime Atrocity. 

Captain, was using the description from RISUS Firefly, handling the crew, money managemnet, basic familiarity with the ship.

As for hooks, maybe Enemies, or need to help/protect the weak?

[Natalie C. Barney]

Actually primary cliches' are very broad. You can pretty much do anything needed with a ship as a captain but are not as good as a specialized mechanic or pilot or merchant I figure they are pretty much jack-of-all-trades dealing with these areas. A comparison the Companion had lots and lots of skills including Fencing and Martial Arts. A Captain I figure knows the ins and outs of his ship and working as a captain including tactics, leadership and other areas. Just not as good as a specialist like a Pilot who can do that really well.

[Max]

If I am getting any extra die, toss them into something like Intimidating gaze or Iron will.

[Natalie C. Barney]

Nope no individual skills, cliche's only. And remember its your dice roll verses the opponent if you you lose you lose a die. Always try to max out a few cliche's over alot of small ones. Anyway you can stick an Intimidate under your Dark Past thingy.

[Osagasu]

I think I got something that could work decently, after pulling a few strings here and there.

Benedict Crowley (After Saint Benedict Biscop, one of the patron saints of Musicians)

Shepherd (4) - his calling, Musician (3) - his passion, Alliance Army Vet (2) - Working this into backstory, Cook (2) - Someone has to do it

I left it at 11 because I haven't come up with a backstory yet. >.<  Sorry.

Hook: His son ran off to be a browncoat in a fit of rebellion and his daughter up and left during the war-He's still traveling looking for them.  (If that doesn't work I can find another. ^_^)

Description: A Guitar over his shoulder and a bible in his hand, this thirty-something looks like he coulda walked right out of an album cover of one of the christian bands from Earth that was, if it weren't for a number of scorch marks and scars on his body.  He obviously takes care of himself though, his pitch black hair is clean and well groomed even if he keepts it tied behind his back in a ponytail.  He keeps a small goatee trimmed on his face, but other than that he's clean shaven. Hazel-Green eyes and a slim 6'2" frame top this man of mixed Anglo-Sino decent off.

[Natalie C. Barney]

I think I got something that could work decently, after pulling a few strings here and there.

Benedict Crowley (After Saint Benedict Biscop, one of the patron saints of Musicians)

Shepherd (4) - his calling, Musician (3) - his passion, Alliance Army Vet (2) - Working this into backstory, Cook (2) - Someone has to do it

I left it at 11 because I haven't come up with a backstory yet. >.<  Sorry.

Hook: His son ran off to be a browncoat in a fit of rebellion and his daughter up and left during the war-He's still traveling looking for them.  (If that doesn't work I can find another. ^_^)

Description: A Guitar over his shoulder and a bible in his hand, this thirty-something looks like he coulda walked right out of an album cover of one of the christian bands from Earth that was, if it weren't for a number of scorch marks and scars on his body.  He obviously takes care of himself though, his pitch black hair is clean and well groomed even if he keepts it tied behind his back in a ponytail.  He keeps a small goatee trimmed on his face, but other than that he's clean shaven. Hazel-Green eyes and a slim 6'2" frame top this man of mixed Anglo-Sino decent off.

I suggest an extra die to Alliance Army Vet if you want you can have cooking as his military specialty or I can just put in an NPC cook that's an easy one.

Musician (play instruments, sing, read music, make money performing, impress love interests)
Alliance Army Vet (lots of service buddies fromt he war, infantry fighting, first aid, unit tactics, cook)

This would leave room for another 4 Dice Cliche' if you max out all three.

[Max]

Captain Bruno Manzeki
Player:  Max.

Description:  Bruno is in his 30s, clean shaven, his black hair kept in a buzz cut.  Blue eyes have a piercing gaze.  Standing just at 5' 7", he keeps himself fit, his body a bit lanky. He dresses simply, in jeans and shirt, which have a crumpled look to them.  A bullet scar on his chest, another scar made by shrapnel on the side of his neck.  Almost always wears a cowboy hat.

Cliches:  Captain (4), Soldier (3), Committed war atrocity (3), Mechanic (2).

History:  Bruno was born to an upper class family on Persephone.  Growing up, he lacked for nothing, and took it all as his due.  When the war started, he volunteered the Alliance army as an officer.  His unit was involved in the bloody fighting at New Kasimar.  Ordered to clear out a Browncoat strongpoint during the campaign, his men fought there way into a building, killing all inside.  Only then, did he discover it was a military field hospital.  Gaining the nickname the Butcher of New Kasimar.  His unit, the 15th Chasseurs, went on to fight in several more battles, including the yet one more attempt to take and hold Athens.  His unit was driven out of the capital of the planet, and witnessed the Alliance's new strategy for the planet, bombing the cities into ruin.  His unit was pulled out of combat, and sent back to Persephone to regroup when the Indepndents surrendered, ending the war.  After the war, he drifted for a bit, finding a love for tinkering with machines.  Using his family's money to buy a beat up Firefly, he seeks a way to undo the wrongs he has done.

Gear:  Firefly transport, beat up hover mule that he is trying to fix up.

Hooks:  Enemies, many of those he fought against during the war, families of those he killed at New Kasimar.  Need to protect those who are unable to defend themselves.

[Natalie C. Barney]

elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic= 4055.0

Hope the link works now I need characters posted there its in the Heavy Normal Fun & Games as a test thread to see if I can get tow more players. Especially a Companion.

Also all cliche's other than your main one MUST have a few specilaties in [] next to your skill. And Captains can do mechanics no need to take a cliche for that unless its a major problem you can fix it. And if it is major a Mechanic (2) wouldn't be enough. I'll stick an NPC for other roles as needed and they will have a good skill in their specialty unless you want to try and get off cheap?  ;)

And only one hook is needed you will still only get 1 Dice extra.

THERE ARE STILL OPENINGS I WANT A: Companion and at least one other ship slot filled.

[Max]

I thought we got 10 die to start with, plus one for a history, and one for a hook.

Naw, wasn't trying to be the mechanic.  Thought we had one.  Was thinking it would give him something else to do, on those long trips.  A long term project to get this broken down hover bike working again.  He'll spend time scavenging around for the right parts.  Grouse if someone tries to help.

[Natalie C. Barney]

Yes but he doesn't need the cliche' for it, he can do practical mechanics easy enough.

And yes its 10 base +1 for one hook and +1 for the story, you had TWO hooks listed. Youcan have them but get +1 Dice for having hook or hooks. It just might be better to pick one.

And again they must be clarified like the Cliche's on the rules examples for Risus save the main role one. Like Mechanic as a main skill is like Sciotty in Star Trek almost. Mechanic as a secondary cliche's has to be more narrow and in a Captains case not needed you get it at 4 Dice for general mechanics as in enough to get by well.

[Max]

Ah, ok.  I see your point about the mechanics cliche.  I can't really think of another cliche, and I don't think that I can raise either the Soldier or War Crimes cliche.  Or can I raise them to equal the primary cliche?

[Natalie C. Barney]

The MAXIMUM Max is 4 in any Cliche' just the main Cliche's is realy broad and the other non-role ones aren't. You know what skill a Companion had its the same for the others.

Just pick 3-5 skills or aspects related for each secondary cliche' and raise them to 4 hell your supposed to be above-average! lol

Soldier should have Infantry Combat, First Aid, Aware of Environment, (some specialty area in advanced training school like Sniper or Cook or Field Medic or something like that) and maybe a physical aspect like Fast Reflexes or Bodybuilder Physique or something else.

The other one MUST be clarified- I know his story so select things that fit like Really Good Fake Identity and the like if you want me to do them I will I'll be fair.

[Max]

You had suggested the following:

Commited Wartime Atrocity (respected by the Alliance, really good fake identity, wealthy family he can tap if needed but with risk, creatively hide his past if asked, ?)

I was going with that.  As for Soldier, was thinking he was with an armor unit.  Was thinking Infantry Combat, First Aid, Aware of Environment, Heavy weapons (either tank cannon, or maybe ground vehicle driving instead), and Fast Reflexes?

Oh, what kind of equipment do we start with?  Personal weapons and the like, or do we have to use cliches for that as well.

[Natalie C. Barney]

Good then type thos in next to the cliche' and you can add one thing of your choice to Wartime Atrocity Cliche' aspects could be anything from talented womanizer to can function when drunk- have fun with that put that where the "?" is.

[Max]

Like the can function when drunk.  Still trying to decide if I want to raise the Soldier cliche or Wartime Atrocity.  I have one extra die, right?  Oh, and what about equipment?  Was not looking for body armor or a gun like Vera, probably just a good handgun.

[Natalie C. Barney]

With a HOOK and STORY you get +2 Dice.

Well the ship is an NPC so its not equipment. I would think light weapons (wild west sort of weapons) and personal effects. Likely fake identification backed by Alliance Intelligence.

You can name the ship whatever you want.

[Max]

Ok, am I getting one die or two?  Just want to make sure.  As for personal weapon, had been thinking a semi-automatic, maybe something like River took from Kaylee and used in War Story.  A large pistol.  But, hm, maybe a sawed off shotgun, with a laser sight?  (Just for the intimidation factor).

Oh, and would a broken down hover bike be okay?  Give him a bit of a hobby, something to do.

[Natalie C. Barney]

Sure good luck getting parts in the outer regions of the galaxy though. lol

[Max]

How hard can it be???

Think I may keep two hooks.  The enemies, and desire to find the parts for the hoverbike.  :)

Will still want to help protect the weak, but there is just so much one small crew can handle.