Firefly [System Game] [RP Heavy] [Interest Check]

[Malkavian]

Looks like my last game pushes didn't net as much interest as I had hoped. Fortunately I have another fandom that I adore that could perhaps net me some interest and hijinks, so I figured I'd sound folks out here and see what's what.

I have a copy of the Firefly RPG, but haven't ever played, nor run, it. I adore both the show and the movie, but the flexibility of the system often put me off running it in a face-to-face environment; now that I've discovered E, and come across the rulebook during a spring clean, I figured it might be the time to give the rules a proper go.

What I'm interesting in starting up is a RP heavy game that focuses upon the exploits and hijinks of a crew who're doing their level best to find a job and keep on flyin'. This wouldn't be a smut-focused game, but rather one that focuses on interesting characters and their relationship with one another - as such, I'd want to find players who want to engage in dialogue and scenes with each other, who feel confident that they can emulate the kind of banter and engagement that we know and love from the series.

Whilst I'd love the chance to play a character (long wanted to play a Ship Captain like my boy Malcolm Reynolds), I'd be equally happy to take on the mantle of Game Master. In fact, this topic works on the assumption that I'd find people wanting to play rather than run such a game, and so I'll press on with that expectation in place.

I'm not familiar with the rules, so there would be a learning curve, so interested folks should keep that in mind: rules lawyers and critics need not apply.

Would be looking to take on 4-6 players - enough to fill most ship positions - who would, together, work on designing their boat (I believe there's rules for doing such in the book, which I'm still pouring over).  Again, any interested players should be willing to put in the effort to engage one another in RP, and not simply post once and then expect the GM to carry them along without further input/effort. Players should also bear in mind that this isn't a smut game (it should have no more or less sexual references than the show it's based on). All characters would be original characters, created using the rulebook and designed in tandem with myself (so I can work on plots and such concerning them). Player characters can either be new crewmembers, or have been around a little longer - the group overall, however, shouldn't have been operating much longer than eight months (save for those characters who wish to tie in their backgrounds to one another).

That's all for now: I'll give more details if interest is shown.

Edit: I do also own the Serenity RPG, which uses the same setting but an earlier (arguably easier) version of the Cortex rules. If people wanted to play using these rules instead, that's entirely doable, though I'm equally as happy to give the newer, Firefly version of the game a go, as above.

[Levi]

Hello I've never done a game like this but am a big firefly and serenity fan. Would be very interested in this  think ide go for the mechanic role

[Wyatt]

I would definitely be interested in the setting and possibilities.  I do tend to prefer games that are lite on system and long on story (using the system to build evenly powered/abled characters and guide the GM, but not to decide every action and situation that occurs).  A medic/doctor/healer role would interest me at first glance, but I am open to what might make the most sense to fill out the crew.  If it is a lighter use of a system I wouldn't mind helping out with some GM duties so that you could feel freer to play a character, Malkavian.

[greypsychman]

I would be interested. I have been a GM in Firefly games with the older rules. Is that the one that your skills have different dice levels (like d12, d10, d8, and d6) instead of being a d20 game? So I would be willing to help out. I would be a hired hand/ mercenary.

[Rafael]

My second favorite scifi-series? Time to plant a flag of interest on this!

I call dibs on being the ship medic. Just kidding, I'm pretty pliable, I can play any sorta role. But sometihng along those lines would be where I'd aim at.

[Muddy Waters]

I am up for any role other than captain.  Very, very interested, a huge fan of the series and the movie.  Never knew there was a RPG for Firefly.  I'd be glad to learn though!

[Malkavian]

I would definitely be interested in the setting and possibilities.  I do tend to prefer games that are lite on system and long on story (using the system to build evenly powered/abled characters and guide the GM, but not to decide every action and situation that occurs).  A medic/doctor/healer role would interest me at first glance, but I am open to what might make the most sense to fill out the crew.  If it is a lighter use of a system I wouldn't mind helping out with some GM duties so that you could feel freer to play a character, Malkavian.

I appreciate the offer but if I do GM I feel most comfortable using the rules.

If you wanted to joint GM a Firefly game that is lite on rules instead, however, I'd be happy to make a Captain to play and then work something out with you? Failing that, I'd be using either the Firefly or Serenity RPG systems, as above.

For whose interested, and assuming we are using the normal rules, which would you prefer? The Firefly rules are more flexible, but mean keeping track of Complications and Assets and Plot Points more actively (which can be a little overwhelming at a glance, but might be easier in play); the Serenity rules are more rigid but easier (in my mind), though they lack the "FATE-esque" quality of it's successor.

In both instances, the rules use multiple dice types: d4, d6, d8, d10, d12 (and d2, in Serenity). When you perform an action, you roll a number of these dice based upon a combination of factors, and then add together the highest rolling two. This determines success or failure.

In Serenity, you roll against a set difficulty determined by the GM, and your dice pool consists of Attribute die + Skill die + any die you buy with Plot Points; in Firefly, your dice pool must consist of Attribute die + Skill die and can also include Asset dice + Distinction die + Signature Asset dice, and your total has to be HIGHER than the stakes rolled by the GM (who forms their own pool using Difficulty die + Complications that would hinder you + other traits). Both sides also pick the highest rolling dice, but can add more die results to their totals by spending Plot Points.

IF I were somehow able to play rather than GM, I'd be mighty keen to take on the Browncoated role of Ship Captain (Malcolm Reynolds is one of my favourite television/setting characters ever) - likely a decorated war veteran of the Browncoats who's victories cost her a good deal more than she's ever let on. A woman who's loyalty to her crew would rival Mal's own, since anything less doesn't suit, and won't get you paid.

[ElayneTrakand]

If we still need more players I am interested!

[Malkavian]

Looks like we got ourselves a bit of interest!

Rulewise, I am actually leaning a little more towards Serenity - it's easier and more straight-forward than its successor, and I actually have experience running it.

However, I am NOT opposed to using Firefly instead if that's what people a) have access to, and b) prefer. The learning curve will just be a little larger, is all.

[greypsychman]

I would like the Serenity rules.

[CaptainErotica]

I would be interested as well.

[Malkavian]

Decent amount of interest. Provided everyone who's voiced wanting to play is happy with ALL of the points I put across in the original post (RP heavy, not smut focused, etc), then we might well have ourselves a crew.

Still need to figure out which ruleset to use. So far, only one has voiced a preference out of the two, which gives us the following count: Serenity 1, Firefly 0.

Course, if someone else did want to GM then we could do away with a system entirely... and then I can dust off my browncoat and don my captain's mantle. Just let me know if there are any takers...

[Levi]

I go with serenity too if its easier ike you mentioned

[Malkavian]

It is easier, if only because it's not so openly flexible: in Firefly, you represent a lot of positives and negatives of situations and circumstances through Assets and Complications, which can be a pain to apply and track. However, this does serve to make Firefly more narrative and flexible than Serenity, which is more rigid and definite in how things are handled - a pro and a con, depending on how you look at it.

[CaptainErotica]

I am not overly familiar with the Cortex System( what Firefly/Serenity uses). However, I am versed in Savage Worlds and even have a third party Firefly setting book for it. Savage Worlds is very easy to learn and fun. If everyone is okay trying it out I can GM the game.

[Malkavian]

If you're up for that, and the others aren't opposed to the system shift, I would be more than happy to hand over the GM hat and plot out my Browncoat captain.

Don't own Savage Worlds or the Firefly book though, so would need help to learn both.

Edit: A friend of mine has forwarded me his PDF copy of Savage Worlds: Adventure Edition. Assuming this is the correct version, then I should be all sort (minus the Firefly sourcebook); I will, however, need time to read up on the rules, as I have never played Savage Worlds before.

[CaptainErotica]

Finding a copy of the Firefly Setting book won't be a problem as it is a free third party product. The Savage Worlds Adventure Edition (SWADE) is $9.99 on Drivethrurpg but, most if not all of the edges, hindrances and skills are probably floating around online somewhere so not having a copy of the book shouldn't be an issue. Depending on the others I will do a character creation write up and rules summary once we know for sure which route we want to go.

[Malkavian]

I'll wait to hear back from them, then. Admittedly, I'd much rather play than run a game, so appreciate the offer for you to take over in that regard.

[Levi]

Long as you guys are happy to have  a total novice on board then I'm happy to tag along :)

[greypsychman]

I haven't played SWADE but am willing to learn and be in the game.

[Crash]

I am interested and don't mind using the Serenity rules.

[Malkavian]

Finding a copy of the Firefly Setting book won't be a problem as it is a free third party product. The Savage Worlds Adventure Edition (SWADE) is $9.99 on Drivethrurpg but, most if not all of the edges, hindrances and skills are probably floating around online somewhere so not having a copy of the book shouldn't be an issue. Depending on the others I will do a character creation write up and rules summary once we know for sure which route we want to go.

Sounds like you have three so far interested in Savage Worlds Firefly. Just waiting on the others to yay or nay their interest.

[Crash]

Savage worlds is fine too.  Easy system

[Rafael]

I'm game for savage worlds!

[Malkavian]

Looks like more Savage Worlds interest in a Firefly game.

Here's a list of everyone, as well as their desired ship roles (as mentioned by themselves). Sorry if I missed anyone out - just trying to make it easier for the prospective GM:

CaptainErotica: GM
Malkavian: Ship Captain/Browncoat vet
Levi: Mechanic
Wyatt: Doctor/Any
greypsychman: Mercenary/Browncoat vet
Rafael: Medic/Any
Muddy Waters: Any
ElayneTrakand: Not stated
Crash: Not stated