d20 Modern: Over the Edge (recruiting done, but still open)

[Mickerus]

Alright, seeing as I've gotten some interest in a d20 Modern version of Over the Edge, I'm going to go ahead and roll with that. So, for anybody that wants to join up, feel free to volunteer now.

Here's what to keep in mind for making characters; doing the planned generation/point buy with the regular 25 points, and everybody will be third level.

If you're not familiar with Over the Edge, then you'll probably be in for a treat. All you'll really need to know is that this is a contemporary setting, and that in Al Amarj (the setting of the game), firearms of all kinds are strictly outlawed, so don't make a character with the idea of being a gunfighter. Apart from that, just about anything you can think of might exist, including psychics, magic, weird science, and aliens, so if you have something a little unconventional in mind, odds are I'll allow it.

I'd like for everybody's characters to be new to Al Amarj, though if you're fairly familiar with the setting then you can probably get away with being a native "martian".

Another thing I'd like to throw out is maybe using a little of the OtE character creation flavor - don't worry about it just yet, but I'd like to hear what you think of doing this. The details are in italics here: If you guys think this is a good idea, let's give it a shot.

For your character, you pick four character traits. One is your central trait, which is basically your character concept summed up in a word or two. Two more are secondary traits, which sum up unique talents your character has (to be honest, with the d20 system, starting feats probably handle this one). Finally you take a flaw. Then for each trait you pick a "sign", something that applies to your character's description or habits that relates to the trait.

Depending on what your traits are, I'll work out some kind of benefit to your character.

Here's a quick example of some traits:

Central Trait: Painter (paint-stained clothes)
Side Trait: Ladie's Man (winning smile)
Side Trait: Sixth Sense (often has "hunches")
Flaw: Bungling (constantly knocking things off tables)

In this case I'd give a bonus to rolls involving art, along with social bonuses with women, maybe a slight bonus to defense for the sixth sense, and maybe a slight penalty to reflex saves. Simple enough, right?

Alright, so that pretty much sums it all up. I'm shooting for about four or so players, but I'm willing to go as low as three or as many as six. If you guys have any questions, feel free to ask.

 

[Eldorian]

Can you explain the setting more? The link to the website wasn't very enlightening. I'd like to start a d20 modern game, as either a tough hero or smart hero, but the lack of firearms is turning me off from this setting. If the setting was defined better, I might overcome my reluctance.

Eldorian Antar

 

[Mickerus]

Unfortunately, that's kind of the problem with Over the Edge; knowing too much will kind of spoil the sheer fun of discovering these things for yourself. That said, I'll try and spill whatever beans I can - but I'm keeping the best ones for myself, mind you.

The game will be set primarily (if not totally) in a city called the Edge, located on the western end of a small Mediterranean nation called Al Amarj. The island is ruled by Her Exaltedness Monique D'Aubainne. Overall, the country has a libertarian outlook; gambling and prostitution are legal, and drug laws are rarely enforced. D'Aubainne is a fairly paranoid soul, however, so firearms are heavily restricted; only the police/military (the Peace Force) are allowed to carry firearms, apart from a rare few other individuals with licenses. These laws are in place primarily to prevent any means of assassinating D'Aubainne or any of her family. Generally speaking, people are free to do just about anything they like, as long as they don't step on the wrong person's toes (i.e. the D'Aubainnes, the Peace Force, or anybody with more clout than you).

English is the state language, though the people of Al Amarj are quite diverse, with citizens originally from all across the world, and many words and phrases from other languages are common. There is no national currency; the U.S. dollar is typically used instead.

One thing interesting note is that violence is not only accepted (though not strictly legal, of course) in the Edge, it's often regarded as a valid form of both expression and entertainment.

As far as what to expect from the game itself... What could I say without giving everything away? Instead, how about things you might run into; weird science, psychics, magic, prostitutes, mutants, conspiracies, conspiracies conspiring against larger conspiracies, conspiracies conspiring against conspiracies that are conspiring against larger conspiracies, conspiracies within conspiracies, public facilities designed with non-Euclidean geometry, space aliens trying to take over the world (one host at a time), the ancient creators of mankind trying to take over the world (again), evil doctors, your evil twin brother, extradimensional gambling androids, satanist street gangs, viking street gangs, baboon patrols, corrupt cops, and yes, maybe even people who shave their eyebrows off.

The setting itself was created by Jonathan Tweet (one of the guys who wrote the 3e Player's Handbook, mind you), and the original game itself was designed by both him and Robin Laws (the guy that brought us Feng Shui). It also happens to be one of my most favorite settings, period.

 

[Orochi]

Working on a couple of possible concepts right now. The main one is a fringe scientist, sort of a wannabe Dr. Frankenstein. He's spent a lot of time studying human bio-electrical systems and how they effect movement, healing, and emotional state. He has also studied voodoo, particularly the zombie curse. Since he is pioneering his field (as far as he knows), he's had to develop several strange tools and devices for his work. His experiments with corpses were getting suspicious in his homeland, so he quickly got things together for a "sabatical" to The Edge in order to consult with certain doctors and scientists there, in a "less persecutory environement". Traits would be something like:

Central: Reanimatory scientist (refers to bizare theories)
Side Trait: Fringe technologist (carries several unusual devices at all times)
Side Trait: Student of Voodoo (wears a small fetish hung from his belt)
Flaw: Socially inept (talks over people's heads)

Let me know what you think, and I'll let you know if I come up with anything I like significantly better in the enar future.

 

[Eldorian]

Ok, your game is a little bit wierder than what I hoped for, but since I'm eager to give modern a try, I'll go along. I'm used to wierder games, just that I was in the mood for something normal, in case you're afraid that I wouldn't be sutable.

I'd like to know what kind of starting level you're thinking of, because that will dictate how much of a character concept I need rules wise. I like to make characters that have options as they advance, if I make them lower level.

I was thinking originally of smart or tough, but Orochi has decided to make a smart hero, with a concept a tad to close to mine (was gonna be a scientist turned mage). And I can't think of a good tough hero concept without the use of firearms. So I'll try charismatic.

Central: Cult leader
Side: Psionic (wild talent: missive)
Side: Born to Lead
Flaw: Hears voices (he really does, he's telepathic, but he just thinks he's crazy)

This guy has ambitions. He wants to rule over the lives of people, and is out to start a cult based on whatever reason he can think up, most likely that aliens are trying to take over the world and we, the chosen few, must take up arms against them. (If they really are, he doesn't know, it's just his excuse). He accomplishes his objectives through the use of his fledgling mental powers and his powerful personality (will go to telepath, if possible).

If he's no good, then how about..

Central: Gambler
Side: Survivor
Side: Lucky
Flaw: Risk taker.

Charismatic/fast. This guy is a professional gambler, both through cheating and honest play (usually honest). He gambles for a living, stays away from drugs and prostitutes (why pay when you can get it for free with a little effort). He avoids combat (a man could get killed doing that) and instead prefers to run away or hide. If he has to, he is actually a decent fighter with (insert weapon here, probably concealed knives). His predisposition to taking risks gets him into trouble sometimes, but his luck and fast thinking (and feet) usually get him out.

There ya go, to bad no firearms.. =P

Eldorian Antar

 

[Orochi]

Eldorian, don't worry about using magic. I was thinking that magic didn't really fit the character I made quite yet (he may study some while in The Edge). So I'm going to drop the "Student of Voodoo" side trait and replace it with:

Side trait: Well funded (always seems to have ready cash)

 

[Eldorian]

Hmm.. Perhaps the mage is in order then. Too bad the technomage from UA isn't out yet.

Ok, here goes the mage.

Central: chemist turned alchemist.
Side: encylopedic memory
Side: Well prepared
Flaw: Obsesed with knowledge.

This guy started his college career as a chemistry major, but became obsessed with learning how Greek fire was made, and in his search for this knowledge, stumbled into the arcane. Once he learned magic was real, he became determined that it was the ultimate knowledge. He became obsessed with learning all he could of it. He is very talented in finding information once he wants it, hardly ever forgets what he's read, and always plans ahead. He probably came to the Edge in order to meet someone with magical knowledge or to research something there.

With this guy, I'm hoping we start at least level 4, but I can manage the concept at less, just he'll be in his "striving for knowledge" phase instead of his "has some knowledge, needs more!" phase. He'll adapt well the the dangerous conditions his quest for magical knowledge will require.

I'd prefer the mage over the cult leader or gambler, but whatever is fine.

Eldorian Antar

P.S. hope we get at least 2 more peoples. Need some tough guys to beat people up in this city, I gather.

 

[Mickerus]

Orochi, Eldorian, both your concepts will work out just fine. I admit, I actually had originally intended for 3rd level characters, but if one more level will let you slip your character into your concept better, than that's just fine with me. I'm leaning towards 25 point buy for character creation, though I'm willing to adjust that.

By the way, here's a couple of setups for your characters coming to the Edge, let me know if these swing with you or not:

Orochi, your character's probably had a great deal of trouble within the scientific community; everybody either believes you to be a nutjob at best and unethical to an extreme at the worst. Though you may be independently wealthy, you still don't have the resources needed to pursue your research. After being forced to leave multiple universities and repeatedly failing to receive a grant for your studies, late one night you are awakened by a phone call. D'Aubainne University is interested in your research and you've been offered an opportunity to tour their facilities. Though you've never heard of the school or the country it's located in, this has effectively become your last resort, and you board a plane bound for Al Amarj...

Eldorian, having made great progress within the occult community (i.e. actually having learned that magic does indeed exist), you've apparently acquired all the knowledge held within your grasp. After exhaustive research, most of it leading to failure, you finally seem to have gotten a lead; some of the very few people you have found who also possess arcane talent have spoken of Al Amarj, a small mediterranean island nation that you had previously never heard of. You were able to book a plane to the island surprisingly easy; now, on your way over, your dreams are filled with all kinds of discoveries.

 

[Eldorian]

Orochi, Eldorian, both your concepts will work out just fine. I admit, I actually had originally intended for 3rd level characters, but if one more level will let you slip your character into your concept better, than that's just fine with me. I'm leaning towards 25 point buy for character creation, though I'm willing to adjust that.

25 works fine, give me a definate number and I'll roll him up. 4th level would be greatly appreciated, then I could have my first level of mage.

Eldorian, having made great progress within the occult community (i.e. actually having learned that magic does indeed exist), you've apparently acquired all the knowledge held within your grasp. After exhaustive research, most of it leading to failure, you finally seem to have gotten a lead; some of the very few people you have found who also possess arcane talent have spoken of Al Amarj, a small mediterranean island nation that you had previously never heard of. You were able to book a plane to the island surprisingly easy; now, on your way over, your dreams are filled with all kinds of discoveries.

Dreams of magic, and waking hours filled with contengency plans.

BTW, my character would have done as much research as he deemed suffiecent before taking that plan. His preparedness might lead to paranoia when he gets to the Edge, I'm thinking.

Reply with chargen info, and I'll churn out a PC.

Eldorian Antar

 

[Orochi]

Everything's good. Assume my money is comes from a trust of some sort, and it pays out enough for me to live comfortably but not to conduct my research.