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Interest Check: Scion (White Wolf)

Started by Teddy Molotov, October 04, 2014, 03:16:08 PM

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Teddy Molotov

Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide

Hello everyone! I was wondering if anyone would be interested, or even heard of, a game of Scion?

For those of you that don't know, Scion is an RPG by White Wolf where you are a demigod in a contemporary world.

The insidious Titans have broken free from their prison in the Underworld, and started their campaign to exact vengeance on the gods that overthrew them.

As for the Gods, after defeating and imprisoning the Titans, the separate pantheons noticed that their presence on Earth tempted Fate, resulting in natural disasters and powerful monsters attacking mortals. So they made a pact, to separate themselves from humanity, with the exception of world ending phenomena, the kind they hoped to avoid by their self-imposed exile. Over time, they became myth, and worship ceased, and their power began to wane.

However, the Divine have not removed themselves completely, particularly when a beautiful mortal catches their eye. Under the cover of Avatars, disguised as mortals, the gods occasionally have trysts on Earth. Sometimes a child results from these unions, part god and part man. These creatures are known as Scions. They usually know nothing about their heritage, and often lead blessed or cursed lives, never knowing their true potential.

In the modern era, mythological creatures and monsters known as Titanspawn have begun to rise to torment humanity on behalf of their Titan masters. The gods, needing a way to defend the mortals, decided to turn to their bastard children. Select Scions are are chosen, and visited by their parents or emissaries from the Heavens to become Heroes. As Heroes, they can develop the powers needed to push back the forces of the Titans. if they survive, Heroes may even reach the level of a Demigod, and beyond that, full-fledged Godhood. But it is a dangerous path, that could lead to certain doom. Not to mention the forces of Fate, that will continuously push Scions and the mortals closest to them into ever increasing danger and drama. For these reason, Heroes must try to keep their supernatural might hidden from the public eye, to protect themselves and their friends from Fate's cruel machinations.

Monologue, monologue, monologue. That's the gist in a nutshell. Your the bastard child of a chosen deity, and after an event where you come in contact with the powers that be, get super powers and ancient relics to fight the Titans. Keep in mind, Titans are primal forces, and neither good or evil. Morality is a human concept, so it's important to have both good and evil Scions, as long as they battle the Titans.

I always thought the game had a really sexy feel to it, particularly in the lore, but never really had an opportunity to explore it beyond PG-13 sensabilities. While the system might be a little funky, I find the lore delicious, and I figured there'd be some people here on E who might appreciate this concept.

We'd be playing Play-by-Post here on E, using the site's dice roller, I'm thinking. I would be serving as Storyteller

If you're interested, please let me know! I'm more than happy to answer any questions.




EDIT:

So, since people are starting to send in profiles and back stories, I'll be putting up a proper roster. Because I'm a fan of symmetry, I'm going to go with a roster of ten active characters at a time. If a player drops out, their position will open up for a new character to fill. I also encourage a diverse cast, so I will stop accepting characters if they start finding similarities with one another (Pantheon, gender,  personality, etc). Please PM me character information if you're interested in playing.

CAST


  • Kurtis Freison, Male, Aesir (Vanir), Rogue Nature, Scion of Freyr
  • Kamala Jai, Female, Deva, Visionary Nature, Scion of Ganesha
  • Chan Sung Jung, Male, Celestial Bureaucracy, Libertine Nature, Scion of Sun Wukong
  • Lady Caitlin "Cuckoo" Laine, Female, Tuatha De Danaan, Bravo Nature, Scion of the Morrigan
  • Jack O'Neill, Male, Tuatha De Danaan, Competitor Nature, Scion of Lugh
  • Nakamura Yuriko, Female, Amatsukami, Bravo Nature, Scion of Amaterasu
  • Jessica Williams, Female, Dodekatheon, Libertine Nature, Scion of Aphrodite
  • Hitomi Hikaru, Female, Dodekatheon, Visionary Nature, Scion of Apollo
  • Benjamin Ames, Male, Aesir, Gallant Nature, Scion of Baldur
  • Asuka Takamura, Female, Amatsukami, Visionary Nature, Scion of Hachiman
  • ~OPEN~
  • ~OPEN~

UPDATE: Accepting two more characters to the roster. Would like at least one more male character.




UPDATE: This section will be used to note house rule changes to the system, and detail how we'll play on the forum.

Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide
Mechanical Rules

The basic mechanics of Scion are quite simple. You first have your core Attributes, which represent your natural prowess, such as your strength, intelligence, charisma, etc. Second, you have Abilities, which represent your practiced skills, such as familiarity with melee weapons, empathy, medicine, academics, etc.
A third factor, like your Legend, Stunts, or outstanding circumstances, may be involved in a roll, which hereafter will be referred to as [Wild Card] modifiers.

For each dot in these categories, you add an equal amount of dice to your pool. The formula should look as follows, assuming you’re wanting to calm a wild dog: (Charisma+Animal Ken+[Wild Card])
Let’s say you’re fairly charismatic and really good at animals. You also happen to have a some beef jerky in your pocket. The formula could then be (3+4+1)=8 dice.

Now, you may also be supernaturally Charismatic, being a Scion, and have two dots of an Epic Attribute. In most cases, Epic Attributes grant you superhuman enhancements to the tied attribute. They can never equal your Legend rating, nor your mundane attribute equivalent. But in the case of this example, let’s say you have 2 Epic Charisma, granting you a +2 Auto Success bonus. The new formula is (3+4+1)=(8 dice + 2 auto successes)

What are successes? Well, when you roll your d10, you’re aiming to get a minimum of 7. 7-9 counts as a single success towards your final result, while 10 counts as 2 successes.

So that’s the basic concept of the Scion system. For more detail on a simplified level can be found at the reference found below:

http://rpg-tools.org/generators/index.php?pageId=9&pageType=2

In regards to the link above; this is a quick reference to the Scion system as a whole. For the sake of simplicity, most of what you’ll find in this reference is what we’ll be using in our game, including the house ruled boons and knacks included in that tab. I will also be taking the applicable house rules they've made and adding them to the list of our own house rules/PBP changes listed in their own section below. Do not count their house-ruled pantheon as available.

Character Creation

As in the book, with a few minor differences;

All characters start at Legend 3, not Legend 2.

Legend can not be purchased with experience, but must be earned through Role Play and completing story events.

Pantheon Specific Purview boons are free, and develop with your Legend.

Instead of 15 bonus experience at creation, characters get 30

General PBP Rule Differences

Outside of combat, rolls will be made by players using E’s dice roller and include the test and it’s results in their post. The Storyteller will then reply with the results of their attempt. Also, if you have 5 dice in your test pool, you gain a +1 auto success for that, and every 2 dice after, which you can use as a replacement to rolling. (So if you have a dice pool of seven, you can just take a static 2 successes)

Rolls are not necessary when interacting with mortal Extras (Minor NPC’s) not directly under Storyteller control. Unless specifically stated or having a significant place in a Storyteller post, all tests including powers automatically succeed.

Related, players may invent Extras to add depth to their posts. Just remember, they are still people and the Storyteller will treat them as people, and may make them more significant which may lead to a Fatebinding.

Combat PBP Rule Differences

While in combat, players will not be rolling their own dice. The Storyteller will be handling the math, in favor of allowing players to focus more on writing a cinematic scene. A combat post should include a description of the action you want to make, the appropriate roll formula for that action, and your Join Battle (Initiative), DV’s and Soaks.

Join Battle
The Battle Wheel is being removed in favor of a more streamlined and linear system of Initiative. Initiative will be treated as a static number, the formula being (Wits+Awareness-Weapon Speed), and does not include Epic Wits Bonuses.

Initiative is then compared with the enemy. The first round is a direct comparison of Initiative scores, and will progress in that manner with the PC Band and the Enemy turns following the track directly. Starting Round 2, all of the PC’s will go, followed by all the Enemy, though still following the Initiative order within each group.
In the case of a tie, compare Wits, followed by Intelligence, followed by Perception, followed by Dexterity if ties continue. If, somehow, you tie all four, compare the epic attributes in those categories, and in the unlikely event that’s still a tie, roll (Wits+Awareness) until the tie is broken.

Speed, Multiple Actions and DV’s
Weapon Speed now exclusively deals with initiative. The speed of different actions are mostly treated as being the same now, taking a single post to accomplish without penalty. Certain actions, specifically Aim, Guard and being Inactive will move your Join Battle lower, moving you down the track, and so you will post accordingly. Other bonuses and restrictions still apply, such as Aim only allowed to be used three times for the benefit.
If you are taking multiple actions in a post (excluding free actions like talking, etc), you may only take up to three actions a post, and only two may be attacks. The exception to this may be a stunt, but you’ll really have to sell it. For every extra action, you will take a penalty to your Join Battle, above the normal penalties.

Defense Values will be calculated normally. Special actions in combat will deduct DV’s (see the Quick Reference), and do stack with multiple actions.
Armor and cover are treated the same way as in the tabletop game, but please announce in your post that you are utilizing cover, and what kind you’re using.

Damage
Accuracy will be calculated normally, but damage will be static, using the average of your normal damage roll (Strength+Weapon Damage+Threshold Successes), and then add Epic Strength as Auto Successes as normal, as well as a [Wild Card] modifier that the Storyteller will roll in secret.
As stated before, all the rolls in combat will be done by the Storyteller, but it is the responsibility of the player to include the basic formula of the action they are attempting in their post.

Other House Rules

~Approved from the Quick Reference~


  • All Boons and Knacks

    Blindness
    Blindness imposes a -2 DV penalty.

    Effects That Deal Aggravated Damage
    Anything that deals Agg only adds that attribute's dots as bonus damage instead of the full bonus successes.

    Itztli
    Healing Itztli damage costs one +1L per activation. Itztli boons deal damage to the user grant +1L per level taken.

    Knacks That Deal Aggravated Damage
    All knacks that deal agg cost 2L to activate.

    Legend
    Characters regain (Legend) Legend Points per day.

    Epic Stamina Health Levels
    Epic Stamina grants all Demigods bonus health levels equal to epic successes. (To be clear, does not apply to characters between Legend 2-4)

    Fixing the Willpower + Integrity + Legend Disparity
    Mental powers which are resisted by Will + Integ + Leg instead require a roll vs. a DV of (Wits + Integ + Leg) / 2.

    Virtue Channels
    Virtue channeling grants successes rather than dice.

    Knocking People Around
    Knockback / Knockdown has a base difficulty of 1 + the other's Epic Strength.

    Grappling
    Grappling does not render the victim inactive, it merely makes them immobile.

    Parry DV
    Parry DV is calculated as (Dexterity + Ability + Defense + Legend) / 2.

Player Contributed Boons/Knacks

Renaissance Man/Woman
Prerequisites: Fast Learner, Star Pupil
This Knack allows the Scion to consolidate their Abilities of Art, Craft, Control and Science into a single Ability. For instance, a Scion who had three dots in Art (Guitar) who took this Knack would suddenly have three dots in all forms of Art. He would pick them up instantly, instinctively knowing how to play the piano, sing, dance, do comedy improv, etc. A Scion who had 4 dots in Science (Biology) would suddenly have equal knowledge in chemistry, astronomy, etc. This Knack can be taken multiple times, each one allowing the character to consolidate a different Ability. If the Ability already has multiple aspects, like a character with 3 dots of Control (Automobile), and 2 dots of Control (Airplane) should discuss the loss of the lesser one with the Storyteller, as with the 10th dot of Animal.

~From avorae




Starting Plot
Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide
You are a Scion, the product of a single night between a mortal and a deity. Granted natural gifts beyond the scope of mundane men and women, you were always destined for greatness, but you did not realize how great until your true parentage was revealed to you by their Visitation. They have bestowed upon you gifts and helped unlock the latent power within your ichor, introducing you to a new realm of the divine and the cosmos. In return, you were also given a responsibility; the preservation of humanity, from their physical presence on Earth to their philosophies and virtues, against the primal forces of the newly freed Titans and their Spawn. Only you, who still have the blood of Men running through your veins, can do this, as the Gods maintain their self-imposed exile.

Be vigilant and virtuous, Scion, for the destiny of humanity rests within your hands.

In the time since your fateful Visitation, you have only just recently recieved direction, whether it was from the divine themselves or through the gift of prophecy or mystery, or even through dreams or basic instinct. While your directions are vague, one detail of your quest is clear;

You’re going to Vegas

Las Vegas, Nevada, has seen some interesting times, recently. About a year ago, tourism has boomed, which is in and of itself an impressive statement. The Strip is bursting at the seams with an influx of foreigners and tourists, who have been sacrificing themselves to the pleasure of Sin City, almost ritualistically. A week ago, a law was passed in Clark County, officially making prostitution legal. Recreational drug use became an unstoppable force, pregnancy rates began to climb. Las Vegas already had a reputation for debauchery, but it seemed like the people of the city and it’s surrounding settlements were breathing the essence of Hedonism.

A year ago, a new hotel opened on the Strip known as the Garden Arcadia. The Arcadia was an overnight sensation, with it’s exotic decor and wild atmosphere. Built to operate on par with the greatest hotels and casinos on the Strip, the Arcadia managed to exceed that bar. Those who have visited claim it’s like being in the garden of Eden, though without the guilt. Within the walls of the Arcadia is a verdant paradise, a hot and humid jungle that resembles an idealized vision of the wilds of the ancient Mediterranean. The drinks never seem to cease, the food is unparalleled, the gambling is good and fun, the music is vibrant and unforgettable, and the staff carry a sense of uncanny beauty and sexuality. And, above all that, it’s criminally cheap to stay despite the luxuries the Arcadia provides.

However, Clark County has also been suffering from tragedy in the form of a string of serial killings. Fifteen victims have already been discovered, and placed ritualistically in their own homes. The victims have been skinned, their bodies hung from the ceiling and positioned like they were dancing, holding instruments made of pieces of animal and humans, most remnants of past victims. Lastly, their hearts have been carved out, and there is evidence of sexual activity. The single connection between the victims is that they were all musicians, most of which were singers or used string instruments.
Interestingly enough, while an investigation has started, there has been little progress. It is almost as if the authorities have no interest in the case, though they claim there is simply insufficient evidence. When a story begins to develop, the news then cuts to a story more superficial, the previous subject forgotten. When they are covered in the media, they are referred to as “The Maestro Murders,” and sensationalized as if used to only increase traffic to Sin City.

Something strange is happening in that Nevada valley, and the powers that be have sent you to discover the source of the city’s strange behavior, and hopefully save it from this enigmatic and dangerous phenomenon.




OoC Thread: https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=215218.0

IC Thread: https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=215385.0

Nowherewoman

I love the basic theme, but I don't know much about White Wolf's systems.  How rule-heavy are you planning to go with this?
Instead of obsessing on the person you want to be, focus on who you DON'T want to be. It's much easier to not do certain things than to break your head on some ideal of yourself.

When the dust settles, you may find out you've become who you were supposed to be all along.

more me here now!  (O/Os, ideas and junk): https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=215830.0

and mea culpas  (A/As): https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=221151.0

AndyZ

It's all good, and it's all in fun.  Now get in the pit and try to love someone.

Ons/Offs   -  My schedule and A/As   -    My Avatars

If I've owed you a post for at least a week, poke me.

deadmanshand

When I'm done dying I'd love to play. Any restricted Pantheons? And would it be Hero level?

avorae

I'd love to get in a game of scion. It's been a good while since i've last played it.
Life is a hard game but the rewards are sweet if you know where to look.

Teddy Molotov

Quote from: Nowherewoman on October 04, 2014, 03:25:33 PM
I love the basic theme, but I don't know much about White Wolf's systems.  How rule-heavy are you planning to go with this?

Honestly, not very. Like I said, the system is kind of clunky, and while I'd like people to have a PDF of the books as reference I think people here are responsible enough to work kind of loose. The narrative is what I'm mostly after.

I'm actually really surprised that I got a response so quickly, and so positive.

For restricted Pantheons, I'm only going to allow the ones in the Hero and Companion books, with the additions from Ragnarok, excluding the Atlantean and WW2 Pantheons.

Yes, we'd be starting at Hero level.

deadmanshand

I still can't believe they made the WWII pantheon. That thing is just awful.

ChaoticSky

Oio! Interest! :D I had a friend a couple years back who loved to theorycraft for Scion, we made Tons of characters, i lost all my old files for it when my HDD crashed a while back, but i am still very interested and would love to have a serious crack at it.

So what pantheons are you all considering?

Teddy Molotov

Yeah, the WW2 Pantheons were... heh.

Anyways, available Pantheons. As of now, we have the option of the Pesedjet (Egyptian), Dodekatheon (Greco-Roman), Aesir (Norse), the Teotl (Central/Southern America), Amatsukami (Japanese), Loa (Voodoo Spirits), Tuatha de Danaan (Irish), The Shen (Chinese), and the Devas (Hinduism)

I like giving people options, so for a totally home brewed story, I'll probably say it's free range. I'm also thinking of running the Ragnarok Campaign, though, and that would be Aesir exclusive. Whatever we decide to do, I'll put it up to popular vote.

Muse

Oh!  Me me!  Pick me!  I'd love to play! 
A link for all of us who ever had a shouting match with our muse: http://www.ted.com/talks/elizabeth_gilbert_on_genius.html

How to set this Muse ablaze (O/Os)

When the little angel won't appear no matter how many plum blossoms you swirl:  https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=135346.msg16474321#msg16474321 (Major update 5/10/2023)

ChaoticSky

Quote from: Teddy Molotov on October 04, 2014, 04:29:52 PMI'm also thinking of running the Ragnarok Campaign, though, and that would be Aesir exclusive. Whatever we decide to do, I'll put it up to popular vote.

Now, i admit its been a while, but im pretty sure ragnarok doesnt have to be Aesir only, its Aesir-centric, yes, but the Norse Gods are well known to have a simple way to determine who their friends are; who will stand with us at Ragnarok? Indeed, if the time is neigh and they started calling in their markers, it could lead to the scions of various allied or indebted deities of other pantheons being offered up to aid them.

As they say; shit flows down hill  :P

But all that in mind, i do preferr home-made campeigns over premade ones, it puts more work on the GM, but you asked for our votes  ;)

AndyZ

If we do Ragnarok and it doesn't have to be Aesir-exclusive, I'll probably do non-Aesir just to show support and help out.  I have quite a few ideas on what to play but not 100% which would be best, though knowing which ones are off the table is beneficial (like not to try for my Br'er Rabbit girl) ^_^
It's all good, and it's all in fun.  Now get in the pit and try to love someone.

Ons/Offs   -  My schedule and A/As   -    My Avatars

If I've owed you a post for at least a week, poke me.

Muse

  *Grins* 

  My favorite concept for Ragnarock is a skater-girl scion of Uler. 

  But that's just chit chat.  I've never read or played any of the cannon modules (I know there's one in each of the core books.)  I'd generally love a chance to play Scion using the system--not necessarily 'system heavy'--and with the full on sexual opportunities that he setting--and source material--encourage.  :) 
A link for all of us who ever had a shouting match with our muse: http://www.ted.com/talks/elizabeth_gilbert_on_genius.html

How to set this Muse ablaze (O/Os)

When the little angel won't appear no matter how many plum blossoms you swirl:  https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=135346.msg16474321#msg16474321 (Major update 5/10/2023)

HopeFox

Ooh, I'd love to get into a Scion game! I do have a concept for a very sexy scion of the Morrigan (though probably not in the way that first comes to mind) that I never got the chance to play in tabletop. I'd be more in favour of a homebrewed campaign, especially since I've read Ragnarok already.
If you're such an iconoclast, where were you when we trashed Constantinople?

Teddy Molotov

Well, I guess that settles that, then~

I suppose think on characters. I'm thinking of a party of 10, including myself. I guess it'll sort of be first come/first serve, as far as filling the player roster. Those interested in playing, please send me a character concept with backstory, and I'll get started on a finalizing a plot.

AndyZ

Full character sheets or just a backstory and concept?
It's all good, and it's all in fun.  Now get in the pit and try to love someone.

Ons/Offs   -  My schedule and A/As   -    My Avatars

If I've owed you a post for at least a week, poke me.

Teddy Molotov

Just backstory and concept for now, though I wouldn't be offended if you included a full sheet.

wingnut2292

I would like to express internist as well. If we did Ragnarok would children of the Norns be a possibility?

ArcherCC


Teddy Molotov

#19
Quote from: wingnut2292 on October 05, 2014, 12:47:33 AM
I would like to express internist as well. If we did Ragnarok would children of the Norns be a possibility?

I'm sorry, it doesn't look like we'll be doing Ragnarok.

HopeFox

I'm working on a profile, background and character sheet now.

For character sheets, may I make a suggestion to keep Legend determined solely by the GM? As in, we all start at the same Legend score as decided by the GM, and increases in Legend happen only when the GM decides it. That way, the entire Band will progress through Legend at the same rate, and all become Demigods or Gods at the same time. It also prevents everyone from pouring all of their points into Legend, since getting to Legend 5 (demigod status) is basically better than anything else you could possibly do with your XP.

I suggest Legend 3 as a starting point - 2 is a bit weak and restrictive, whereas 4 is more powerful than I'd like to see at the start.
If you're such an iconoclast, where were you when we trashed Constantinople?

avorae

Should we post them here are send them to you in a PM?
Life is a hard game but the rewards are sweet if you know where to look.

HairyHeretic

I'm interested. My usual scion is a son of Sun Wukong, but I see you already have one of those.

I do have a couple of other concepts though. Before I pick one though, what house rules do you plan on using? As much as I love Scion, there are a few areas that the rules do need a little help, and some of the more common fixes tend to crop up as house rules in the games I've played / seen.
Hairys Likes, Dislikes, Games n Stuff

Cattle die, kinsmen die
You too one day shall die
I know a thing that will never die
Fair fame of one who has earned it.

Bandeena

I should probably post my interest instead of just lurking, since this seems to be moving forward. I'm curious to see how this'll be adapted for pbp~

HairyHeretic

I've played a number of Scion forum base games, both here and on other sites. The main difference is speed, games always run slower on forums than around a table. It tends to particularly slow down when you get to combat, and have a relatively large amount of dice rolling in a relatively small amount of time (or would be around a table).
Hairys Likes, Dislikes, Games n Stuff

Cattle die, kinsmen die
You too one day shall die
I know a thing that will never die
Fair fame of one who has earned it.