The Otherworld

[Ilium]

Alexander "Lex" Cole
[SIZE=-2]Aspiring Robotics Engineer[/SIZE]
[imagel]http://home.comcast.net/~jim.ade/graphics/LexColeSmall.JPG[/imagel]
Here we see Lex at a Job Fair in Philly, as captured by his friend Alicia. Neither of them found a job, but they are now well stocked with coffee mugs and mouse pads.

Lex was born to a working-class family in Radnor, PA. From an early age he was fascinated with mechanical gadgets, helping his father Martin tear down the family Chrysler before he could properly reach the engine. His father took him out in the sticks and taught him to drive when he was 14, and Lex took (and passed) his driving test the first day he was eligible. His parents scraped together the money to buy him a decent computer when he was 12 and Lex was immediately hooked on programming. He combined his interests and made a variety of home robot projects. This culminated just before he entered college in his appearance, with his friend Alicia Hamilton, on the TV show Battlebots. As Team Philly with their 'bot the Philly Stake, they made it to the quarter-finals before being eliminated by the eventual tournament winner Sir Killalot.

The experience taught Lex and Alicia much about real-world robotics problems as well as the vagaries of "fame". His Team Philly t-shirt is still one of Lex's most prized possessions, though the Philly Stake has long since been scrapped for parts. Lex's only other real hobby is playing the drums. He was in band during high school and occasionally fills in during rehearsals with his friend Terrence's band Blue Water, but he's the first to admit he's really not very good.

Lex's parents (Martin and Laura) and younger brother Cameron (who will be entering college in the Fall) still live in Radnor. Lex has moved out and he and Alicia live in the dumpy off-campus apartment they've shared since their junior year. Though they've been close friends throughout their lives, Lex and Alicia have never had a romantic interest in each other. Their relationship is more like siblings. Lex has had his share of girlfriends, but is currently not in a relationship.

[SBLOCK=Character Sheet]
Alexander "Lex" Cole
Smart hero 1
Occupation: Blue Collar (Drive, Repair, Craft(Mechanical))

Str: 10
Dex: 14
Con: 12
Int: 16
Wis: 10
Chr: 12

HP: 7
BaB: +0
Initiative: +2
Speed: 30 ft
Defense: 10 + 0 (class) + 2 (dex): 12
Reputation: +1
Actions points: 5
Wealth bonus: ??? (7 to start)

Reflex: +2
Fort: +0
Will: +1

Skills
Computer Use INT 9 (4)
Craft (Electronic) INT 9 (4)
Craft (Mechanical) INT 11 (4)
Disable Device INT 7 (4)
Drive DEX 6 (4)
Forgery INT 7 (4)
Knowledge (Business) INT 4 (1)
Knowledge (Civics) INT 4 (1)
Knowledge (Physical Sciences) INT 7 (4)
Knowledge (Technology) INT 7 (4)
Knowledge (Theology and Philosophy) INT 4 (1)
Perform (Percussion Instruments) CHA 3 (2)
Profession WIS 1 (1)
Repair INT 10 (4)
Research INT 7 (4)

Talents
Savant (Craft(Mechanical))

Feats
Builder (Craft(Mechanical), Craft(Electronic)
Gearhead (+2 on Computer Use and Repair)
[/SBLOCK]

 

[thoumaster]

Dr. Muxin Yao - Naval Petty Officer, Second Class
Age: 27
Son of Chorpeng and Tinny Yao
Profession: DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2007)
Height: 5’7”
Weight: 154 lbs
Hair and eyes: black

Dedicated hero 1
Occupation: Doctor (Personal Firearms proficiency, Hide, Move Silently)

Str: 10
Dex: 12
Con: 10
Int: 14
Wis: 16
Chr: 12

HP: 4
BaB: +0
Initiative: +1
Speed: 30 ft
Defense: 10 + 1 (class) + 1 (dex)= 12
Reputation: +0
Actions points: 5
Wealth bonus: 8

Fort: +1 + 0 = 1
Reflex: +0 + 1 = 1
Will: +1 + 3 = 4

Skills
Craft (Pharmaceutical): 2 + 2 = 4
Gamble: 1 + 3 = 4
Hide: 2 + 1 = 3
Knowledge (Physical): 2 + 2 = 4
Knowledge (Earth and Life): 3 + 2 = 5
Knowledge (Tactics): 1 + 2 = 3
Knowledge (History): 1 + 2 = 3
Knowledge (Phil/theo): 2 + 2 = 4
Move Silently: 1 + 1 = 2
Listen: 2 + 3 = 5
Profession (Medicine): 3 + 3 = 6
Spot: 2 + 3 = 5
Treat Injury: 4 + 3 + 2 = 9

Languages(read/write): English, Cantonese

Talents: Healing Knack (+2 treat injury)

Feats: Simple Weapons Proficiency, Personal Firearms Proficiency, Surgery, Light Armour Proficiency

A few gaps to fill in. Muxin found an excellent place to study was in ____ where Percivellian worked (if he’s cool with it). Also, if Ferrix is a grad-student or something we could have met in First-year. Also, Muxin has a thing for athletic white girls. His parents hate it, but what can you do?

A little background.
Muxin is a fourth generation US citizen. His great-great paternal grandfather arrived from Guangdong province in 1863. He worked in the west constructing part of the Union Pacific Railroad. As his family moved east, it was his great-grandfather who opened a small store on the outskirts of Philadelphia (I’m not from there, so point out if that makes no sense). His grandfather took his father’s plan a step further and began operating a small chain of stores with his brothers, with two in Old Chinatown. The small chain passed to Muxin’s father, who expanded it with his brothers to several stores and a few prosperous restaurants. In a trip to Hong Kong to see old relatives, Muxin’s father Chorpeng met Tinny in 1973. Muxin was born in 1979 when his parents returned to Philadelphia. A few years later in 1983 Sarah was born and their mother spent her time raising them with the help of Chorpeng’s mother.

From the age of five Muxin took piano lessons though he never excelled. This would become the rivalry he shared with Sarah as she surpassed his ability by the age of nine. Although rivals, they did not hate one another and Muxin aided her in science and boys as much as possible.

At 18 Muxin joined the navy for some adventure, and to distance himself from an ex-girlfriend Rebecca Ganyo. It was humiliating enough to find she’d cheated on him, but her explanation that he had a small penis made it worse. After some field research he became reassured there was little difference if any in the size of his manhood and that she must have been sleeping with freaks. But the navy was good! Learned lots, made some money and the military was willing to pay for a large part of his education. So he went to the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) after completing 3 yrs in Biochem/Pharmacological studies at the University of Pennsylvania.

In 2001 Muxin was beginning his first year in the DO program for 9/11. After speaking to superiors it was decided he would complete 2 years of his next degree before reentering active duty. So it was in the summer of 2003 he shipped out for another year of service. Two weeks before returning home before classes, Muxin lost his friend, Howard ‘the Hound’ Fontaine from injuries sustained in a road-side bombing. After a month of moping, Muxin redoubled his efforts in his studies so that he could prevent such a thing if he was around.

Muxin returned to class in the fall of 2004 and would graduate in the top 16th percentile of his class (the college has ~250 DO/year). His main rival there was Sarah Whittaker. Her and her anti-war give money to the impoverished! Bah. Don’t get him wrong, he didn’t go to war for glory or money; he did swear the Oath. Also what Cipla did is amazing, coming up with super cheap anti retroviral drugs and who cares if it may infringe on American Patents, he’d still say good on them! But as the author of “The End of Poverty” Joseph Schuma or something, says, we must get the impoverished onto the ladder of success, not just giving them money. Anyway, Muxin would like her to go to Darfur or Iraq or Palestine and return to her soap box.

 

[Falkus]

I think you made a typo with your occupation, doctor doesn't get hide, move silently or personal firearms proficiency.

 

[Ion]

Any other sources for feats, occupations and talents we can use?

I've only got the WOTC stuff, but if there is stuff you want to use in another book, run it by me and I'm sure that will be fine.

On the same note, I found another d20 MSRD today, and it is more up to date than that last link I posted. There are some more occupations and stuff in there, though I don't know how many are appropriate.

Is it possible that some of us know each other from beforehand?

Absolutely yes! Feel free to plot amongst yourselves

what should we do for wealth? Just take an average roll (5) plus whatever for your occupation and feats?

Yes, that sounds like a good idea. However, if there are some "character" items (like the nice computer your parents bought you, or that old car in the family garage that you've been fixing up forever) that are a little outside your price range, run them by me, but it shouldn't be a problem.

I think you made a typo with your occupation, doctor doesn't get hide, move silently or personal firearms proficiency.

Yea, I agree. Perhaps you meant Military?


And so here we are:

Ilium - Alexander "Lex" Cole Aspiring Robotics Engineer
Smart Hero 1

Ferrix - ancient historian or a cryptologist.

[imagel]http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/1296/imagesvu9.jpg[/imagel]
thoumaster - Dr. Muxin Yao Naval Petty Officer, Second Class
Dedicated Hero 1






[imagel]http://mud.mm-a8.yimg.com/image/2911176206[/imagel]
Falkus - Patrol Officer Kimberly Bates Rookie Police Officer
Fast Hero 1









[imagel]http://homepage.usask.ca/~rad764/pbp/janitor-77x100.jpg[/imagel]
Percivellian - a janitor






[imagel]http://www.lionelmessi.org/media/gallery/thumb_2006-04-09messi-adidas.jpg[/imagel]
iwatt - Enrico Contessi Awesome Soccer Player
Fast Hero 1







I think I'm going to have to get a pencil and make some jot notes out of the histories you've given me so far. I love all the details like Soccer camp, Playing D&D or the drums / piano. I can't wait to get started. I suppose they will only get more complex when you guys start to interrelate them.

 

[thoumaster]

I think you made a typo with your occupation, doctor doesn't get hide, move silently or personal firearms proficiency.

But I figured a Petty Officer, Second Class of the US Navy would. Especially after 1 1/2 years active duty, even if he is away on indefinite leave for psychological trauma.

Now I'm up for knowing some people, so Percivellian, Ferrix, either of you been around long enough that we've met? Or I'm also including a picture of Muxin's sister aspiring musician/actress/writer Sarah as she could be closer in age to the rest. She's currently in to complete her final year of a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a double major in music and English Literature.

 

[iwatt]

Absolutely yes! Feel free to plot amongst yourselves

Heh. Cool

Ilium: I'm cool with us knowing each other from the restaurant. Maybe Lex can help Enrico with his restoration project:

Enrico grew up a fan of the "Dukes of Hazzard" (in Italian of course), so most of his money has gone into his dream car:

[imagel]http://www.racer-xtreme.com/img/car/242.jpg[/imagel] Of course, this is what his 69 charger "should" look like. with a +6 wealth I don't think it'll look like that.

Ion: I doubt Enrico could really afford a restored 69 Dodge Charger, so I wouldn't mind just having the car, and not having it run well or even at all. It's a long term project, and maybe something to tie Lex and Enrico as friends?

thoumaster: Enrico is a shy guy ( a remnant of his awkard years as the foreign student in an American High School). I could see him having a crush on Sarah, but not really something he acts on.


The Contessi family is inordinately proud of their youngest son's soccer accomplishments, so any regulars at the Restaurant would probably recognize him from the news clippings proudly displayed in one of the back rooms. Enrico's older brother Pietro helps his parents with managing the restaurant, while his older sister Paola is the happy mother of two, Gianluigi and Constanza.

 

[Falkus]

Kim graduated from university the previous year, so anybody who was attending it then might know her.

 

[Ilium]

iwatt: Cool. That looks like a project Lex would love. Let's assume he's working at the restaurant pretty steadily and it's his main source of income. He probably splits his time between waiting tables and saving the Contessi's a few bucks by doing maintenance on the kitchen equipment.

Ion: Lex's own car would be something more modest. A 10-year-old Saturn sedan would be good. He's saving money and scavenging parts to eventually convert it to electric drive. A sort of uber-battlebot if you will. (BTW electric cars are a real interest of mine, and the Saturn conversion has been done before by real people, so it's not an unreasonable goal, even if it is beyond his budget currently. )

 

[Ion]

: I doubt Enrico could really afford a restored 69 Dodge Charger, so I wouldn't mind just having the car, and not having it run well or even at all. It's a long term project, and maybe something to tie Lex and Enrico as friends?

Yea, have your car. I'd think it probably runs, if a little rough; the exterior is a patchwork of bondo and panels stolen from the junk yard, but I'm sure one day you'll have the money to finish it.

Ion: Lex's own car would be something more modest. A 10-year-old Saturn sedan would be good. He's saving money and scavenging parts to eventually convert it to electric drive. A sort of uber-battlebot if you will. (BTW electric cars are a real interest of mine, and the Saturn conversion has been done before by real people, so it's not an unreasonable goal, even if it is beyond his budget currently. )

So the plan is to eventually convert it? Or would you prefer to have already done so? Either way is fine by me.

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[imagel]http://home.comcast.net/~jim.ade/graphics/LexColeSmall.JPG[/imagel]
Ilium - Alexander "Lex" Cole Aspiring Robotics Engineer
Smart Hero 1











[imagel]http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/1296/imagesvu9.jpg[/imagel]
thoumaster - Dr. Muxin Yao Naval Petty Officer, Second Class
Dedicated Hero 1






[imagel]http://mud.mm-a8.yimg.com/image/2911176206[/imagel]
Falkus - Patrol Officer Kimberly Bates Rookie Police Officer
Fast Hero 1








[imagel]http://www.lionelmessi.org/media/gallery/thumb_2006-04-09messi-adidas.jpg[/imagel]
iwatt - Enrico Contessi Awesome Soccer Player
Fast Hero 1





[imagel]http://homepage.usask.ca/~rad764/pbp/janitor-77x100.jpg[/imagel]
Percivellian - a janitor







Ferrix - ancient historian or a cryptologist.

-----------------------------------------------------------

It's been a while since we've heard from Ferrix of Percivellian. You guys have still got until monday though, so no worries.

If you have got your stats done by now, feel free to post them in the RG thread and edit in your backgrounds as you finish sorting them out.

 

[Ilium]

Character posted. I'm more than willing to tie Lex's background in with anyone else's. Since he's a recent graduate he could easily know Kimberly or Percivellian's character. Maybe indirectly. Perhaps Kimberly is a friend of Alicia's, so she and Lex are acquaintances but don't know each other well.