[MLP] Roleplaying is Magic: The Broken Road.

[BlasTech]

"Ahead is life and its longing,
Its trial, its trouble, its sorrow,
Beyond is the Infinite Morning
Of a day without a tomorrow."

Roleplaying is Magic: The Broken Road

This is the recruitment of character thread for MLP RiM: The Broken Road. The game will start when everyone is ready.

As a foreword, this will be only the second PbP I’ve GM’d for, although I have played several as a PC. Consequently, there will likely be a few teething issues, so please bear with me but also please feel free to let me know if you have any concerns or issues with how things are going.

Players:

Balmas - Dive Bomb
One Tin Pony - Grease Spot
Amish Pirate - Crown Cork
Ravian - Soot

IC thread is HERE
IC thread number two is HERE

OOC thread number two is HERE


The Tone

"What's the tone of this PbP?" is a question I get asked alot. Despite the rather melencholy music and OP poem, this RP is not intended to be "dark" or "grimdark", but rather a tale of journeys and exploration that sits one or two steps above the show in terms of maturity. It may indeed be "sad" but only in the sense that being away from home can be sad.

I personally am aiming for a level similar to that of the fics "Dangerous Business", "One last quest" and "Off the Edge of the Map" (particularly the last one).

If you haven't read these, the best analogy I can think of is LOTR without Sauron or the Orcs. A general rule is no blood. Broken bones are a rarity. But the characters do need to consider "serious" issues like lack of food, shelter, and exposure.

House Rules:

One post a day minimum is ideal. Doesn't have to be a good post, just keep the ball moving. Three days is the upper limit unless you have a reason, after which point your character will revert to GM/communal control until you return. If you have any long absences coming up please let us know.

Feel free to exchange as many IC posts as you want without my input. I'll keep conversations, small talk and minor events going even if only one person is online, but nothing important or any scene transitions will happen without everyone getting a chance to weigh in. I will do my best to make sure no one gets left behind.

If the group splits up, each thread will happen at its own rate until the group re-unites. For players waiting for others to 'catch up', it's easy to kill time in a PBP with conversation.

Other Rule changes:

• Willpower does not regain through rest or by spending XP. The only way to regain willpower is through embodying your guiding element of harmony or by rolling a critical success on a Special Talent. This may restore multiple points if the action is sufficiently meaningful.
• All Colts and Fillies will gain a bonus 1xp each time XP is granted, this is similar to, and stacks with, the Earth Pony racial “Quick Learner”.
• Foals suck, you probably don’t want to be a foal.
• Unicorn and Earth Pony racial attribute bonuses have been modified (See below)
• Laughter and Loyalty Elemental affinities have been switched (See below)
• No dragons, the dragonheart mechanics are still a mess. A provisional “maybe” to other races as all will have to be houseruled and balanced.
• Rules on Second Winds and Inspiring Faith have been changed (See below)

Posting Format:

Posting is generally handled in one of two methods, depending on the type of action going on;

Narrative mode is for the general RP aspects of the story. In this mode, conversations and things proceed at a slower pace. E.g. Walking around town.

Cinematic mode is for the “action scenes” and generally involves a more structured turn order (GM’s and players). This is normally only enacted when the party is in combat or facing time constraints. E.g. Fighting a manticore or rescuing ponies from a rising river.

In these scenes, the GM will take first turn; typically by introducing the trigger for Cinematic mode. This will kick off a series of “reactive” checks as players defend themselves from the hazard, and “active” checks as they then respond in kind. Player turns happen collectively in response to GM actions.



Task Checks:

All task checks are resolved by rolling a D20 and adding appropriate modifiers against a GM determined DC. Typically, excluding resistance checks, all checks will use Body, Mind or Heart as a base. Resistance checks use the corresponding secondary attribute.

For Roleplaying is Magic, the rules operate as follows;

• Exceeding the DC of a task results in a success. If the player beats the DC by a significant margin, the GM may incorporate additional benefits.
• Meeting or barely failing the DC may still result in a partial success.
• A natural 1 or 20 results in an automatic critical fail or success as appropriate. (This may be modified by character traits.)
• Spending a point of willpower provides a bonus of your current willpower score to a roll. (e.g. a character with 7 willpower, can get a +7 bonus by spending a point of willpower. The next time he does so it is +6 etc.)
• XP may be spent to boost a specific roll (2xp for a +3 bonus, 3xp for a +6). Literally using life’s lessons to help you achieve success.

This is a bit difficult for an online game because it means that you can't roll unilaterally. That's as much a feature as a bug, though, so it stays. When you intend to make something a contest, include at the bottom of your post a box like;

[McLegitimate is trying to convince the Guard to leave his post by bluffing an emergency; Heart (5) + Con artist (2) + Quick Talking (4) gives an 11 bonus to the roll].

I'll then respond with a post along the lines of [Given how dodgy you look, -2 penalty to the roll. DC is 20.]. Only then do you roll the dice; if you achieve a success feel free to narrate the nature of your victory (within reason).

An alternate way to handle this is to narrate the success but leave the ultimate outcomes vague. Continuing the example above, the PC could narrate the guard swallowing the bluff and walking off. If the DC was beaten significantly, I may have him take the rest of his squad with him or drop some additional information about shift times before he leaves. Or you can just narrate the lie itself and I’ll handle the effects.

Also note that once you've committed to an action, you can't back out if the penalties or DC are higher than you'd expect. If you spend a little while talking to a guard and get his measure you might be able to make an assessment of how high the DC may be, but you might not always have the luxury of time.

I'm sure you lot will be honest with your dice rolls. The use of the forum dice roller is not necessary, but do tell me the outcomes so I can determine critical/partial successes.

Special Mechanic: Harmony Bonuses

A big mechanic in RiM is the ability of friends to help a given PC with a task check (up to a +15 bonus). Typically, for this bonus to apply, the other players must use their action to do nothing except assist the pony in question. This takes one of two forms depending on whether we are in Narrative or Cinematic mode.

In Narrative mode; the player assisting must have collaborated prior to the check in order to add their bonus (e.g. by assisting with the players disguise, providing words of encouragement, setting up the party etc etc.)

In Cinematic mode; the player assisting need only offer physical or emotional encouragement during their turn.

As an added bonus, when friends are assisting a Unicorn pony in improvising a spell, they can each spend a willpower point to allow the Unicorn temporary access to one additional magical aspect for each friend assisting them.

Special Mechanic: Second Winds and Restoring Faith

If a character is sidelined due to a secondary attribute falling to zero, they have a once per scene ability to revive themselves through gaining a second wind. When used, they pick a secondary attribute to focus on, this increases by the lowest of the contributing body/mind/heart scores (or highest if the attribute is in tune with their guiding element).

Continuing on from the value of teamwork, characters may also inspire faith in a sidelined teammate by spending a point of willpower. Functionally this works the same, although the encouraging pony’s guiding element is used for reference.

Elemental affinities are;
Courage: Honesty, Laughter
Fortitude: Kindness, Generosity
Energy: Loyalty, Magic

Bolded elements have been switched.

Additional Houserule for Second Winds/Inspiring Faith

Cinematic Mode
During Cinematic Mode, each player has one Second Wind for free. Players may also Inspire Faith to another player by spending a point of willpower.

Narrative Mode
Second Winds do not function during Narrative Mode. Once per game day, a player may Inspire Faith in a teammate by spending a point of willpower. This is in addition to the limits for Cinematic Mode.

Other Setting/Game Notes


The Setting

I don’t want to give away too much about the initial hooks for the story, suffice to say that the story is very much a “walk the world” one, and that the characters will be spending a significant amount of time in various nations outside Equestria. The world is largely drawn from the “Where the World Ends” wiki, although I reserve the right to make changes. (Think of the Wiki as the university textbook version of what is actually out there; a good guide, but it may not be 100% up to date or accurate)

A world map is here:
http://mashupforge.com/929/j6qC50FQV...1.75781250&z=2

Technology

Technology levels are generally low fantasy, particularly with the less magical races (e.g. Gryphons, Zebra, Camels etc). “Modern” Equestrian tech is the exception, running primarily on magical energy rather than electricity. Gunpowder exists and is used for fireworks as in the show, but some other races (primarily the less magical ones) make use of primitive firearms and explosives too.

Skills vs Jobs

Conceptually, a Job is a suite of skills related to carrying out a task. While fairly general, there are limits as to how wide a Job can be; e.g. Science is too broad a subject, but Chemist is fine. In thinking of these, one may consider a job to be the equivalent of a university degree.

Skills are typically narrower in focus and, using the above analogy of university, may be considered as individual subjects in a given course. Here, Chemistry would be too broad, but Potions Mixing or Herbology would be appropriately specific.

As the rules are intentionally vague on this front, feel free to constantly ask OOC questions here. PLEASE do so. The whole idea of this thread is to workshop these issues out ahead of gameplay.

In game - You can also get a lot of free information without making rolls based on your character sheet - someone with relevant skills or talents will get free information by asking (e.g. skills related to politics will provide additional detail on international affairs).

Spells

Spell creation is intentionally vague. Typically a good spell accomplishes a distinct task, but can be applied to multiple (but not all) different situations. “Start a fire” is an appropriate spell task, “Start a campfire” would be too narrow. “Create Heat” might be too broad, because you could do this underwater, in space etc.

XP:

XP will be provided every time the party rests at the end of a day.

You will get XP every time
- You do something dangerous.
- You complete a quest or help somebody.
- You can articulate a lesson learned. (Letter to the Princess style!)
- A flaw, if you have any, causes problems for you.

You will also get additional XP based on finishing scenes, overcoming challenges, or exceptional roleplaying. Largely, PC’s will have similar XP totals with differences coming from racial/age modifiers and flaws.

Some things cannot be immediately purchased with XP. These are typically traits and abilities where a character spontaneously developing them would not make narrative sense; e.g. jobs, skills, pets.

In such circumstances, some narrative justification will need to be given for this to be applicable. E.g. Levelling up your bargaining skill by quickly discussing tricks of the trade with a merchant would be sufficient.

XP costs summary:

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Increase a primary attribute 10 xp

Increase a pegasus flying skill ability 5 xp
Learn a new Magical Aspect 5xp
Learn or increase a new spell (Highest of spell difficulty or new spell level) xp

New Job 10 xp
Increase a job (New level + 2) xp

New Skill 5 xp
Increase a skill (New level) xp

New Talent 15 xp (page 38-40 for talents)

New ability 5-20 xp depending on the ability (See page 104-108)

Music:

Cribbing off of Thanqol’s use of music suggestions, I had a few myself for this one, largely instrumental;

Under the Stars
Guild Wars Factions
The Crystal Chamber
Christmas Star

I Will Always Return

PMV for the heck of it.

Geopolitics:

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Equestria itself continues to prosper despite the attack by Discord last year and the Changeling invasion of Canterlot three months ago. The news of these incidents is only well known in Ponyville and Canterlot respectively, and has not had much time to spread beyond the borders of Equestria except in distorted rumours.

On the flip side, Equestrians are relatively insular and, as such, are not fully aware of what has been happening in other nations. The only exceptions are the Gryphons, the Buffalo and the Gildedale Ponies due to their proximity to Equestria’s borders.

Gildedale, a previously isolated nation of Earth Ponies to the northwest, has begun opening relations with Equestria. They’ve even taken the unprecedented steps of allowing Unicorns and Pegasi limited access to their lands (previously these ponies were not welcome except on official diplomatic business). When asked, they only respond that it is “due to services rendered” by some nameless Equestrians.

Rumour has been flying in Canterlot about the state of affairs in the Gryphon Kingdom following the recent death of King Guntram. These range from whispers of a potential invasion of Equestria, to an orderly transition of power to one of the three ruling Jarls. So far, the Princesses appear unconcerned.

By contrast, the Buffalo have been improving relations with Equestria after the land dispute at Appleloosa. Although they remain proudly traditional, they have begun offering hospitality and guides to Equestrian travellers who wish to see the frontier.

Public knowledge on other races is very limited and can be summarised thusly;

Zebra are spooky
Boars are mean
Dragons are scary
Camels are tricky
Deer are friendly
Elk are haughty
Never heard of the rest of them.

Topics for Discussion:

Home and Hearth

A big part of this RP is going to be the effects of being removed from your homes and it is going to be a long time before you see either house or family once again. As such, I think it vital that each player give sufficient thought to what exactly it is that they are leaving behind, even if they don’t know it in character yet.

Some questions for the PC’s; What is your family like, do you have parents, siblings, spouses or children? Where were you born and raised, what was growing up like for you? What may your character have taken for granted that it may miss? What are some things that will make you homesick? Has your character travelled much or been away from home for any significant time before? If so, did they correspond with anyone? What are your social connections like in the place where your character lived?

These are the things that are going to motivate your character throughout this RP. Getting them sorted out beforehand will hopefully ‘ground’ their goals and help provide a framework for how they may approach problems.

Group Dynamics

This game is going to start with an introductory scene in Canterlot, however your characters may not be from in town or may never have met before. There will be a brief opportunity for you to have some initial discussions before you’re all going to be dumped far from home by circumstance and left to fend for yourselves.

Initially, survival and the communal drive to get home are going to be the main causes for party cohesion. However, once immediate needs are met, your characters need a legitimate reason to stay together rather than striking off in opposite directions the moment they find civilisation again. I would much prefer it if the party had this strength because they were actual friends and genuinely cared for each other rather than relying too much on the bonds of shared hardship. You don't have to get along all the time, but you have to be a coherent group.

I also do not trust this to happen smoothly without assistance, so I'd very much like you to work out your party dynamic before the game starts. What will your characters think of the others, and how will they interact? How do their skills complement each other?

Once the introduction is completed, there will be opportunity to get to know each other and befriend one another. But having some ways of slotting the team together worked out beforehand will make the whole thing go much more easily.

Summary of Races for character creation.

Earth Pony

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Foal: 1 Attribute Point, 10 xp,
Filly/Colt: 2 Attribute Points, 35 xp
Mare/Stallion: 3 Attribute Points, 60 xp

+1 to Body, +2 to Heart

2 Talents
2 Job Points
(1.5 x Mind) Skill Points

NB: Racial abilities discount all XP costs by 1, even during character creation. (Min 1 xp)

Unicorn

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Foal: 1 Attribute Point
Filly/Colt: 2 Attribute Points, 25 xp
Mare/Stallion: 3 Attribute Points, 50 xp

+1 to Heart, +2 to Mind

2 Talents
1 Job Point
(Mind) Skill Points
(Mind) Magic Aspect, +Telekinesis
(2 x Mind) Spell Points

Pegasus

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Foal: 1 Attribute Point
Filly/Colt: 2 Attribute Points, 25 xp
Mare/Stallion: 3 Attribute Points, 50 xp

+1 to Mind, +2 to Body

Aerobatics = Body
Weathercraft = Mind
Add Heart to Either Aerobatics or Weathercraft
2 Talents
1 Job Point
(Mind) Skill Points

Here is an example starting pony

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Name: Big Bang
Race: Unicorn Pony Stallion
Job: Chemist
Guiding Element: Generosity
Special Purpose/Cutie Mark: Improving ponies through SCIENCE/An explosion


Mind: 6
Body: 3
Heart: 1


Energy (MB): 9
Courage (MH): 7
Fortitude (BH): 4
Willpower (MBH): 10/10

Talents: Smart, Creative.
Abilities: Capable Companion – A pet monkey.
Jobs: Chemist (5)
Skills: First Aid (3), Cleaning (1), Cooking (1), Public Speaking (3), Painting (1).
Flaws: Fraidy Pony

Prime Effects: Telekenesis
Magical Effects: Diminish, Reveal
Magical Subjects: Heat, Energy, Plant, Body

Known Spells:
Dampen Fire (Diminish, Heat) (8 ranks); Instant, Line of Sight – Difficulty 3
Absorb Energy (Diminish, Energy) (2); Persistent, Self – Difficulty 4
Locate Energy Source (Reveal, Energy) (1); Concentration, Area – Difficulty 3
Analyse Plant (Reveal, Plant) (2); Concentration, Contact – Difficulty 1

XP spend;

+1 to Mind (10xp)
Capable companion (10xp)
+4 to Job (18 xp)
+1 to Analyse plant (2 xp)
+2 to First Aid (5xp)
+2 to public speaking (5xp)

Total; 50xp

Bio; Big Bang is a mad scientist pony with a pet monkey, what more is there to know?

[BlasTech]

A full list of rules can be found here: http://www.mlprim.com/s2e/

The Where the World Ends wiki is located here: http://wtwe.wikia.com/wiki/Where_the_World_Ends_Wiki

(Take this wiki as a guide, but not gospel law)

Ponychat IRC is located here: http://client02.chat.mibbit.com/?cha...rc.sorcery.net

Gameplay Cheat Sheet:

Task check modifiers

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- Primary Attribute
- Job
- Skill
- Spell Level
- Equipment 1/2/4 (Categories: Item/Device/Equipment/Location/Vehicles)
- Harmony
- Willpower (Current WP before spend)
- Experience (2xp +3, 3xp +6)
- Dice Roll (Talent Roll again, Special purpose add 50%)
- NB: Talent negates a critical fail, but results in a roll of 1.

Magic Guide

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List of Magical Aspects

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Effects
Animate
Combine
Deceive
Diminish
Forge
Modify
Reveal
Separate

Prime Effects
Channel Friendship (Restricted)
Move the Heavens (Restricted)
Telekinesis

Subjects
Air
Animal
Body
Construct
Earth
Energy
Force
Heat
Light
Magic
Mind
Plant
Sound
Space
Time
Water
Weather

Note
The Magical Aspects a character knows, and the Spells a character knows, do not have to be related. Known Magical Aspects allow a character to improvise magic, giving them flexibility in spellcasting; whereas known spells allow a character to practice magic more safely, and develop specific uses of magic, giving them stability and power. In terms of classic fantasy roleplaying, a Unicorn Pony is both a ‘Wizard’ and a ‘Sorcerer.

Spell Difficulty Modifiers

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Aspects

Each aspect used: Difficulty +1

Range

Contact (Touch/Self): Difficulty +0
Amniomorphic (Line of Sight): Difficulty +1
Spectacle (Area): Difficulty +2

Duration

Concentration: Difficulty -1
Instant: Difficulty +0
Temporary (1 scene max): Difficulty +1
Persistent (Until cancelled): Difficulty +2

Spell Creation

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• Decide on a task to be done
• Decide on appropriate aspects to be used (minimum one subject and effect)
• Pick Range/Duration
• Calculate difficulty (This is minimum xp to learn spell and minimum mind score to safely cast)

Improvising a Spell

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• Follow the Spell Creation guide using only Aspects that the Character knows.
• Cast the Spell, this costs one point of Willpower.
• The character then "forgets" the spell, needing to repeat this process to cast it again.

Spell Failures

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Known

• If a known spell fails, compare the difficulty of the spell to the mind score of your character;
• If the difficulty is lower, then nothing bad happens, the spell just fizzles.
• If the difficulty is higher, then the spell fizzles but the character loses a point of willpower.
• If the spell critically fails (roll of 1), then the character loses a point of Willpower and suffers an additional negative effect in relation to the botched spell.

Improvised

• If an improvised spell fails, lose a point of Energy, and Willpower equal to the difficulty of the spell
• If an improvised spell critically fails, lose the above Energy and Willpower and be prepared for magical mishap shenanigans.

Talents

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Generally, if a talent applies to a given roll, the PC may roll again and use the higher of the two results. Talents also negate the negative effects of a critical failure, but still result in a roll of 1 (you don't get to roll again). Multiple applicable talents do not stack. The list of talents is;

• Strong
• Tough
• Fast
• Agile
• Wary
• Smart
• Adaptable
• Creative
• Charismatic
• Sensitive
• Willful
• Tireless

[SiuiS]

Wow, man. That Is a heck of a first post!

I'll reserve full posting or input from other ponies, but I am considering maybe using Thistle, probably with just the Pegasus rules.

Any ideas from the rest of you on what you'll play?

[One Tin Soldier]

Well, I'm still interested. Especially since I just started reading Dangerous Business.

I was thinking of playing a mechanic named Grease Spot. Originally I wanted her to be an earth pony, though given the magical nature of technology a unicorn might be better. On the other hoof, it might be fun to have an earth pony well versed in magical theory.

And I agree, that is an awesome first post.

[BlasTech]

Thanks guys, hope it was worth the wait.

I'm trying to condense or summarise as much as I can from the RiM rulebook into the OP and 2nd post above, look for updates as the OOC thread progresses. Kinda hoping we can get one of each type of pony, if only for equality's sake.

You'll have to tell us more about Thistle, Siuis (She's a gryphon right?). I'm happy for her to either use the base pegasus stats or to have a slightly modified template. One I saw on the RiM forums gave Gryphons higher base attributes than Pegasi, but in exchange meant they couldn't manipulate weather as well.

Anywhoo, I think the bigger issue at hand/hoof/talon would be working on her backstory. The WtWE Wiki might help or hinder in that regard, there's plenty of backstory in there on Gryphons to either leverage off or work around.

Anyway, I'll be on the IRC as often as I can if anyone wants to chat. Or hit me up via PM.

[Balmas]

Well, I'm in. I'll just need to draw up some stats for Dive Bomb.

Here's what I have so far for his backstory:

(Mostly irrelevant due to new updated version)

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• Pegasus
• Cloudsdale native
• Intense desire to learn everything, prompted by seeing Sonic Rainboom and asking himself what caused it. (Depending on what time period we're working in, it could have been either the young flyer's competition or RD's first.)
• Some skill with Chemistry and improvised explosives
• Acts kind of like Twilight Sparkle pre-ponyville: Studious, devoted, and socially awkward. Part of that is arrogance, some of it is inexperience.
• Guiding Element: Laughter. He's a bit goofy, but the way he sees it, life is easier with a smile, especially when others smile with you.

[TheAmishPirate]

Augh. My common sense tells me joining another PbP is a bad idea. But at the same time, you've described the setting using some of my favorite ponyfics of all time. And it's just one post per day minimum...

I need to give this some thought, look over the rules a little, then I think I can get a solid yes/no on this.

[One Tin Soldier]

Well, I'm in. I'll just need to draw up some stats for Dive Bomb.

Here's what I have so far for his backstory:

• Pegasus
• Cloudsdale native
• Intense desire to learn everything, prompted by seeing Sonic Rainboom and asking himself what caused it. (Depending on what time period we're working in, it could have been either the young flyer's competition or RD's first.)
• Some skill with Chemistry and improvised explosives
• Acts kind of like Twilight Sparkle pre-ponyville: Studious, devoted, and socially awkward. Part of that is arrogance, some of it is inexperience.
• Guiding Element: Laughter. He's a bit goofy, but the way he sees it, life is easier with a smile, especially when others smile with you.

It's set 3 months after the Changeling invasion.

As for Grease Spot:

• Her Special Purpose is keeping the world running smoothly, represented by her cutie mark of an oil can
• Practical and hardworking, enjoys simple pastimes
• Very rarely seen without her saddle/toolbags
• Befriends her regular customers (which is most of them since machines are so rare)
• Canterlot native, lives with her brother (an artist). Parents have retired, moved to a nearby small town (maybe Ponyville?) along with her sister.
• No steady relationships, though there are a couple stallions she's got her eye on. Her parents nag her about this.
• Mare age group

Since you said to think of what our characters have at home, I cooked up a couple of things. I would prefer to have her be friends with at least one of the other characters. Dive Bomb, for example, might have some machinery that she takes care of. In fact, I thought of the concept after you said you were interested in playing a scientist pony.

[BlasTech]

Yesssss. Yesssss. Let the character collaboration flow through you!

Not in relation to anything you guys have said, but just pointing out that it would be good if at least one person went down the Heart-focused route. As this is MLP, beating something over the head is only one of three ways to defeat an obstacle, and is often the least effective. (RD vs dragon anyone?)

Heck, if the Mare in the Moon taught us anything it's that you can be a fashion designer and chances are you'll come across a metrosexual sea serpent before too long.

Augh. My common sense tells me joining another PbP is a bad idea. But at the same time, you've described the setting using some of my favorite ponyfics of all time. And it's just one post per day minimum...

I need to give this some thought, look over the rules a little, then I think I can get a solid yes/no on this.

Yay! *hugs*

As Thanqol would say. If you want to do something, then you do it. It's not a matter of not having the time, but simply having the mental dicipline to make the time.

Oh also, I'm planning to have some recurring NPC's to accompany the party to overcome an issue with "walk the earth" RP's (namely persistance of characters).

[SiuiS]

Heart is a path worthwhile for two of my three choices, actually. Thistle and Gerry. Gerry would actually be a change of pace for me, so I think a pony engineer is a good idea

Gerry Rig
Earth pony engineer
Competencies: engineering, frat boy socializing
Likes: home improvement, clear routines/duties, opera
Dislikes: philosophy, snake oil
Cutie mark: iron ring
Special talent: applied sciences (mcguyver)

Does this sound like something y'all would be interested in hanging out with? Leader type, strong guy. Pretty swell, home gown.

Alternately, there is Schema, a unicorn lady who likes to take notes an gather info.

Schema
Unicorn pony technician
[i]Competencies:[i] evaluation, abstract thought application
Likes: beer tasting, salsa dancing, cheesy movies
dislikes: keeping one's head down, the tv show Bones
Cutie mark: ???
Special talent: magical scanning and slight minifacturing ability (omnitool)

[Beacon of Chaos]

Just saw this in Ponythread. Kinda sorta maybe interested. I'll need to look over the rules and stuff, but I do want to play in a pony game at some point.

I have no plans or character concepts at the moment, I just wanted to post saying that I'm thinking about it.

[SiuiS]

"And I'll form, the HeadUnicorn!"
Reading over the whole thread again, I have to say I'm liking the idea of bringing Schema into this. She and Divebomb share a love of knowledge, although she will probably find his narrow tastes quaint. Grease spot would be an excellent companion, since she can develop schematics and analyze things, but not really build them. Oh, but the programming end, that she could do!

Blastech, could you link the related fanfics? Blasphemy, I know, but I haven't read them. My browser is finicky. I am going to find them, but bookmarks and such are hard to implement with google docs and all... Or I could try FiMfiction, actually. Hadn't thought of that...

AmishPirate, From what I've seen of Chuck I think you'd be able to make a good fit, but don't stretch yourself too thin. Especially not with that Traveller's Stomach you're rocking over there~

Diego Havoc, Elixer would be an easy insert if you need one. And if we have no dearth of science ponies, I could easily switch in Thistle. She has little ties to the griffon side of her heritage but would open up interesting diplomatic oportunities.

-

Speaking of which, I truthfully have no idea what the setting entails quite yet. You mentioned growing political tensions, but also that Equestria is really insular. So which of the fics should I go for first?

[BlasTech]

Wow, so many initial character concepts. I'm glad you guys are enthusiastic about this, part of me was afraid I'd just get a "meh" reaction from everyone

"And I'll form, the HeadUnicorn!"
Blastech, could you link the related fanfics? Blasphemy, I know, but I haven't read them. My browser is finicky. I am going to find them, but bookmarks and such are hard to implement with google docs and all... Or I could try FiMfiction, actually. Hadn't thought of that...

-

Speaking of which, I truthfully have no idea what the setting entails quite yet. You mentioned growing political tensions, but also that Equestria is really insular. So which of the fics should I go for first?

Here are the three, in the order I recommend you have a look at them.

Off the Edge of the Map is the primary inspiration for this PbP and matches almost exactly the tone I'm after for the first act.

Dangerous Business is by far the best fic of the three, it's lengthy, but it is very much worth the read. This is the fic that contains the setting for this PbP.

One Last Quest captures part of the tone as well, that of ponies thrust out on a journey against their will, but managing to succeed due to their diverse talents. An Adventurer, a Nurse, a Teacher and a Working Mom all band up to save the world.

---


Couple of notes on the characters proposed so far;

First up, you'll notice this after reading Dangerous Business, but the setting is primarily a fantasy setting and I've noted that the party is forming up to have a very strong science lean. It's far too early to say no to any particular character concept (although Omni Tools will need reworking, and I have not yet seen a TV in Equestria), but I want to make sure we're all on the same page regarding the "Hardness" of science in Equestria.

Remember this is a place which has mythical creatures, ponies who can communicate with animals, literal spirits of chaos, millenia spaning prophecies and magical amplifiers that run on friendship power.

By virtue of the setting, the party is going to have to deal with those things on a regular basis. A Chemist (as we use the term) will have trouble in defeating a rampaging manticore, but a Chemist (In Equestria) would probably be able to use a potion brewed from collected herbs to generate a smokescreen.

A second thing is one that I've already mentioned to Siuis on the IRC; namely that a narrow party focus has both plusses and minuses. The plus being that it's alot easier for this group to get along as friends given the common interests, but the downside being that the party will have less flexibility in dealing with some social or political situations.

I do encourage you to think about the variety of pony professions out there, I mean just within the Mane6 we have a Librarian, a Animal Caretaker, a Party Planner, a Farmer, A Fashion Designer etc etc. There are also chefs, bakers, politicos, philanthropists, entrepeneurs, racers, sculptors, musicians, poets, photographers and so on and so on.

Hope this doesn't discourage anyone, I'm just trying to stoke the ideas fire here. For now, the best things to focus on are the answers to the basic, high level questions;

- What gender and species is my pony
- How old is said pony
- What is said pony's Purpose in life. (This meshes very well with Thanqol's typical "Ideal" for the pony. Try to think of what it is that your pony is striving for. What would an ideal world look like to them? What is the core idea they believe in?)

This last point is both incredibly hard to work out, and key to character creation. We have plenty of time to figure it out, but i strongly encourage you to think hard on this. And maybe to hit up the IRC and catch me so we can bounce ideas.

[One Tin Soldier]

"And I'll form, the HeadUnicorn!"
Reading over the whole thread again, I have to say I'm liking the idea of bringing Schema into this. She and Divebomb share a love of knowledge, although she will probably find his narrow tastes quaint. Grease spot would be an excellent companion, since she can develop schematics and analyze things, but not really build them. Oh, but the programming end, that she could do!

Sounds decent to me, though I'm not sure what part of "Mechanic" translates to "plans but doesn't build."
Yes, she would need a unicorn to do any spellcasting necessary, and do the actual work with magical components, but I think she could take care of the purely mechanical stuff fine on her own.

Blastech, could you link the related fanfics? Blasphemy, I know, but I haven't read them. My browser is finicky. I am going to find them, but bookmarks and such are hard to implement with google docs and all... Or I could try FiMfiction, actually. Hadn't thought of that...

AmishPirate, From what I've seen of Chuck I think you'd be able to make a good fit, but don't stretch yourself too thin. Especially not with that Traveller's Stomach you're rocking over there~

Diego Havoc, Elixer would be an easy insert if you need one. And if we have no dearth of science ponies, I could easily switch in Thistle. She has little ties to the griffon side of her heritage but would open up interesting diplomatic oportunities.

-

Speaking of which, I truthfully have no idea what the setting entails quite yet. You mentioned growing political tensions, but also that Equestria is really insular. So which of the fics should I go for first?

So is Thistle a hippogriff then?


Well, I'm going to give full character creation a shot, though not with all the skills quite yet. I'll leave some XP to work with, depending on how everybody else is looking.

Spoiler

Show

Grease Spot
Earth Pony Mare
Guiding Element: Generosity
Special Purpose: Keeping the world running smoothly
Cutie Mark: Oil can

Mind: 5
Body: 4
Heart: 3
Energy: 9
Courage: 8
Fortitude: 7
Willpower: 12

Talents: Strong, Sensitive
Jobs: Mechanic 4
Skills: Magical Theory (x)
*
*
-6 initial skill points
Advancements: Toast of the Town (Canterlot)
Extra Talented (Strong)
XP: 40/60 spent

Notable Possessions: Her toolbags, which contain a variety of wrenches, screwdrivers, lubricant, and other tools necessary for her job. She is rarely seen without it.

[SiuiS]

Here are the three, in the order I recommend you have a look at them.

Off the Edge of the Map is the primary inspiration for this PbP and matches almost exactly the tone I'm after for the first act.

Dangerous Business is by far the best fic of the three, it's lengthy, but it is very much worth the read. This is the fic that contains the setting for this PbP.

One Last Quest captures part of the tone as well, that of ponies thrust out on a journey against their will, but managing to succeed due to their diverse talents. An Adventurer, a Nurse, a Teacher and a Working Mom all band up to save the world.

Cool. I'll try to get the reader on this thing working. :)

Couple of notes on the characters proposed so far;

First up, you'll notice this after reading Dangerous Business, but the setting is primarily a fantasy setting and I've noted that the party is forming up to have a very strong science lean. It's far too early to say no to any particular character concept (although Omni Tools will need reworking, and I have not yet seen a TV in Equestria), but I want to make sure we're all on the same page regarding the "Hardness" of science in Equestria.

Remember this is a place which has mythical creatures, ponies who can communicate with animals, literal spirits of chaos, millenia spaning prophecies and magical amplifiers that run on friendship power.

By virtue of the setting, the party is going to have to deal with those things on a regular basis. A Chemist (as we use the term) will have trouble in defeating a rampaging manticore, but a Chemist (In Equestria) would probably be able to use a potion brewed from collected herbs to generate a smokescreen.

A second thing is one that I've already mentioned to Siuis on the IRC; namely that a narrow party focus has both plusses and minuses. The plus being that it's alot easier for this group to get along as friends given the common interests, but the downside being that the party will have less flexibility in dealing with some social or political situations.

I do encourage you to think about the variety of pony professions out there, I mean just within the Mane6 we have a Librarian, a Animal Caretaker, a Party Planner, a Farmer, A Fashion Designer etc etc. There are also chefs, bakers, politicos, philanthropists, entrepeneurs, racers, sculptors, musicians, poets, photographers and so on and so on.

An understandable concern, but also why I'm focusing on Schema. I'll try and clarify;
The likes and dislikes and such are more handles for personality. I think a professional lady, businesslike, who spends her free time salsa dancin, being a beer connoisseur and rolling her eyes at shallow drama, and who happens to be skilled with metaconstruction, is a more in depth character than the initial write up presents. Part of the problem are the specifics, though, so I'll address those.

Technician, as a 'job', I was using as an abstract. To use a D&D reference point, a rogue can be a thief, who picks pockets, locks, and steals, and such, or it could be a chassis with broad technical knowledge, low resilience and decent melee output. In the same way, rather than working at pony MIT, I'd see Schema being a technician in the abstract sense; she analyzes overarching structures to find out how things tick. She can make parts and small fixes, and she can draft plans, but she can't build a machine, or enact. She could get intel and brainstorm but would leave the action up to the rest of the party.

Omnitool was a shorthand because I like the pictures of Quarian ponies. Rather than being a real omnitool, I would give her a spell that creates an omnitool like hologram, and the skill that lets her use her horn as the perfect tool; in the same way Green lantern makes a giant green fist instead of just blasting suckers. It's for fun and aesthetic, not a device I'm stuck on.

Dislikes BONES, is because at a certain level Schema resembles its protagonist. But where Bones is a sociologist who is detached from
Humanity, which is bogus, Schema is more likely to be a parent smiling knowingly at kids, than like a scientist studying some new creature or culture. Dancing, it's a universal component. Bees dance, ponies dance, griffons dance. It's fun, an fits into the social blueprint she has in her head. Schema, schematics; she works easily in the theoretical, but like any dreamer doesn't always do so well on the follow through. Dancing is a success. Sampling the world's cuisine, likewise. But they are both part of conscious life choices, because one day she made a list of things, and developed a blueprint for her future. This included such high-function laws and regulations as how sociology applies to groups and subgroups. The habit of bones to not consider herself a person (or of sociologists in general to discount social notes because they've seen weirder) is silly. It's why Dive Bomb is nice, but misguided. He applies his curiosity to scientific pursuits, as if other avenues were beneath him.

Wow. Considering I made her up two days ago, she's come a long way >_>

Hope this doesn't discourage anyone, I'm just trying to stoke the ideas fire here. For now, the best things to focus on are the answers to the basic, high level questions;

This last point is both incredibly hard to work out, and key to character creation. We have plenty of time to figure it out, but i strongly encourage you to think hard on this. And maybe to hit up the IRC and catch me so we can bounce ideas.

I'll say. Man that is tough. Uh... We will get back to you.

Sounds decent to me, though I'm not sure what part of "Mechanic" translates to "plans but doesn't build."
Yes, she would need a unicorn to do any spellcasting necessary, and do the actual work with magical components, but I think she could take care of the purely mechanical stuff fine on her own.

Sorry, that was a mistake on my part . I meant;
Grease Spot will be a good friend for schema, because Schema will plan, but not build. Grease spot could build from her plans. They go together like Hoof and Shoe. Make more sense?

So is Thistle a hippogriff then?

Yes! She is a pretty hippogriff too :3

Well, I'm going to give full character creation a shot, though not with all the skills quite yet. I'll leave some XP to work with, depending on how everybody else is looking.

Spoiler

Show

Grease Spot
Earth Pony Mare
Guiding Element: Generosity
Special Purpose: Keeping the world running smoothly
Cutie Mark: Oil can

Mind: 5
Body: 4
Heart: 3
Energy: 9
Courage: 8
Fortitude: 7
Willpower: 12

Talents: Strong, Sensitive
Jobs: Mechanic 4
Skills: Magical Theory (x)
*
*
-6 initial skill points
Advancements: Toast of the Town (Canterlot)
Extra Talented (Strong)
XP: 40/60 spent

Notable Possessions: Her toolbags, which contain a variety of wrenches, screwdrivers, lubricant, and other tools necessary for her job. She is rarely seen without it.

Nice.

Why Generosity? Why not Loyalty (always get the job done. ALWAYS.) or Honesty (doin' a hard day's work is worthwhile in itself), or kindness (no, it's no trouble, we'll have this fixed in a jiffy!)?

Ooh, need to reread that section, but I think I just pegged Schema as Magic.
I'm gonna sleep on it. Right now, it's still fluid, I can change. But if I get attached it will complicate things~

[One Tin Soldier]

An understandable concern, but also why I'm focusing on Schema. I'll try and clarify;
The likes and dislikes and such are more handles for personality. I think a professional lady, businesslike, who spends her free time salsa dancin, being a beer connoisseur and rolling her eyes at shallow drama, and who happens to be skilled with metaconstruction, is a more in depth character than the initial write up presents. Part of the problem are the specifics, though, so I'll address those.

Technician, as a 'job', I was using as an abstract. To use a D&D reference point, a rogue can be a thief, who picks pockets, locks, and steals, and such, or it could be a chassis with broad technical knowledge, low resilience and decent melee output. In the same way, rather than working at pony MIT, I'd see Schema being a technician in the abstract sense; she analyzes overarching structures to find out how things tick. She can make parts and small fixes, and she can draft plans, but she can't build a machine, or enact. She could get intel and brainstorm but would leave the action up to the rest of the party.

Omnitool was a shorthand because I like the pictures of Quarian ponies. Rather than being a real omnitool, I would give her a spell that creates an omnitool like hologram, and the skill that lets her use her horn as the perfect tool; in the same way Green lantern makes a giant green fist instead of just blasting suckers. It's for fun and aesthetic, not a device I'm stuck on.

Dislikes BONES, is because at a certain level Schema resembles its protagonist. But where Bones is a sociologist who is detached from
Humanity, which is bogus, Schema is more likely to be a parent smiling knowingly at kids, than like a scientist studying some new creature or culture. Dancing, it's a universal component. Bees dance, ponies dance, griffons dance. It's fun, an fits into the social blueprint she has in her head. Schema, schematics; she works easily in the theoretical, but like any dreamer doesn't always do so well on the follow through. Dancing is a success. Sampling the world's cuisine, likewise. But they are both part of conscious life choices, because one day she made a list of things, and developed a blueprint for her future. This included such high-function laws and regulations as how sociology applies to groups and subgroups. The habit of bones to not consider herself a person (or of sociologists in general to discount social notes because they've seen weirder) is silly. It's why Dive Bomb is nice, but misguided. He applies his curiosity to scientific pursuits, as if other avenues were beneath him.

Wow. Considering I made her up two days ago, she's come a long way >_>

Sorry, that was a mistake on my part . I meant;
Grease Spot will be a good friend for schema, because Schema will plan, but not build. Grease spot could build from her plans. They go together like Hoof and Shoe. Make more sense?



Yes! She is a pretty hippogriff too :3



Nice.

Why Generosity? Why not Loyalty (always get the job done. ALWAYS.) or Honesty (doin' a hard day's work is worthwhile in itself), or kindness (no, it's no trouble, we'll have this fixed in a jiffy!)?

Ooh, need to reread that section, but I think I just pegged Schema as Magic.
I'm gonna sleep on it. Right now, it's still fluid, I can change. But if I get attached it will complicate things~

Ah, ok, that makes much more sense.Yes, I think the two of them will get along very nicely.

I don't have nearly as much on Grease Spot as you do on Schema, but I was struck by inspiration as to what her family dynamic is like.
She gets along very well with her brother Brush Stroke (obviously, since they're living together even as adults), despite having total opposite professions. She admires his dedication to his craft (art is hard work), and he admires her for similar reasons, as well as generally looking up to his older sister.
Her kid sister, though, really gets on her nerves. Grease thinks that she is irresponsible and spoiled. I actually kinda want to say that her sister is Berry Punch, though I'm leery of being that closely connected to even a fanon character. Either way, the sister is a bit of a party animal, and Grease doesn't really like it.
She's friendly with her parents, with their only real point of contention being their insistence on grandchildren coming soon. I haven't really thought through their personalities, though they were probably craftsponies like their two oldest children.

As for her guiding element, I said Generosity because she's the type of pony to dedicate her life to helping others. After all, somepony's got to keep all those chariots, wagons, and science doohickeys running. But now that you mention it, Loyalty might be a better fit, both loyalty to her job and loyalty to her friends and family. It might come down to a coin toss.

[Ravian]

Umm.. I'd like to play, I mean if that's ok with you...

I've got a character concept

Soot:

Unicorn filly

Grew up an orphan in manehatten, never knowing her real parents
Raised by a group of fellow ponies down on their luck who generally got by with petty thievery
Named for her patchwork grey and black coat that makes her look perpetually filthy (which is usually the case anyway)
Cutie mark is a black cat and special talent is going about unnoticed
Knows a few camouflage magic tricks that help her with her work
Element is kindness having acted as a maternal figure for the others in her group ever since she started becoming the most successful thief of the lot
Used to hardships and generally acts suspicious of those she doesn't know but doesn't try to be unnecessarily cold
Also has a touch of kleptomania, pretty pretty shiny shiny...

So yeah, I know I don't get involved with the threads alot but I was looking for a game that was fairly rp heavy rules light, especially since the playtest I was in decided that it would be better to go full combat. I believe I can keep a daily post going fairly regularly even if every post may not be as big as some.

[BlasTech]

Thanks for all the additional info Siuis. I'll ... well I won't stop panicking, but now I can just panic less

Got quite a few meetings on this morning, but I'll be on the IRC later this afternoon in case anyone wants to chat. (About 3-4 hours from now)

Umm.. I'd like to play, I mean if that's ok with you...

Hi Ravian, welcome to the ooc thread! ^^

I'll jot you down as a reserve for now if that's okay, at least until Amish and Diego sort out whether they want to play. I'm rather reluctant to increase the number of PC's due to a mix of my inexperience at GM-ing and because I think the smaller player dynamic helps in maintaining the flow of posting at a controlled rate.

[SiuiS]

I'll actually be willing to step out, if needed. I've got four games I'm already invested in, and a fifth they're trying to get me to run, so it's not like I, personally, an in dire need of a pony game. If Ravian wants to play an RP heavy game, this is a perfect go.

I'd still suggest waiting for either Amish or Diego, and that y'all not just post your characters you have done, but also go out of your way to interrelate them. You NEED a dynamic. Games that fail in the firs week are games full of individuals, not a party.

[One Tin Soldier]

I'd still suggest waiting for either Amish or Diego, and that y'all not just post your characters you have done, but also go out of your way to interrelate them. You NEED a dynamic. Games that fail in the firs week are games full of individuals, not a party.

That sounds like a good idea to me. I guess one thing we could do is think about what our characters would like and dislike about each other. (With the dislikes being just as important, if not more, than the likes.) If everyone can be on the IRC it would be much easier. Though I have noticed that we seem to be split between radically different time zones.

Regarding Grease Spot, I was thinking about the science/tech level she's made for, and it occurred to me that a "mechanic" in Equestria wouldn't just work on metal machines the way we think of them. She would also get a ton of work repairing simpler machines, like farming equipment* and carriages. So really, she might be considered somewhere between a blacksmith and a mechanic. Though she prefers working on the more complex machines, so she would refer to herself as a mechanic.
*(Ok, probably not actual farming equipment since she's in Canterlot, but the equivalent type of thing.)

Anyway, I guess I should give a more in-depth description of her personality, so you guys can work off of it. As I already said, she's a hardworking kind of mare. Her tastes are similarly down to earth - she doesn't read anything more fanciful than the occasional romance novel or going to thrilling events like Wonderbolt shows. That's not to say she doesn't have fun - she understands the value of taking a break - but if it's her choice she'd rather chat with a friend over a drink or play a casual game of hoofball. She also tends to avoid extravagance. (Of course, she doesn't always get to decide these things.)
As for the type of pony she likes, she puts great stock in personal responsibility and effort. She likes those who put business before pleasure.

As for her flaws, the obvious one is that she expects everyone around her to have a work ethic as strong as hers. She will often get frustrated with ponies who shirk responsibility, or who spend too much time thinking about things other than what's in front of them. She won't, however, go out of her way to avoid them, so she winds up on their case instead.
She realizes her flaws a little bit, and she knows that in most cases it's none of her business, so she will work with such a pony and even be friends. But she won't just accept their lack of responsibility.

Spoiler

Show

After thinking about this, I have decided to change her Guiding Element from Generosity to Loyalty, and her Sensitive Talent to Adaptable.

Like we said before, I think that Schema would complement Grease Spot pretty well. Though as long as you are planning to stick around, I would like to ask what Schema actually does for a living, since her Technician "job" is more of a personality description.

Right now, I can't see her being all that close to Dive Bomb, given the age gap. I can imagine her pointing out unnecessary risks in an experiment, though. Or encouraging him to come out of his shell by sharing his work with other scientists. But then I'm making assumptions about the character, so...

As for Soot... it's good to see more variety in the character concepts, but the only relationship between her and Grease Spot I can think of is a parental figure/mentor one, which doesn't really fit, nor does it appeal to me.

I'm noticing more fillies and colts than mares and stallions here. It's possible I could adjust her down to that age group to fit the social dynamic and power level. Though I think being older fits her better. *shrug*

...and that post has been long enough...

[BlasTech]

I'd still suggest waiting for either Amish or Diego, and that y'all not just post your characters you have done, but also go out of your way to interrelate them. You NEED a dynamic. Games that fail in the firs week are games full of individuals, not a party.

Yep.

Way I see it is "work out the high concept", then "do word association" then "Conscious and unconcious reactions to teammates". Tweaking all the way.

[One Tin Soldier]

I'm available to chat on the IRC regarding character stuffs now.

[SiuiS]

I am personally waiting for Diego and Amish (and Ravian) to chime in so I know whether I am participating or not.

[BlasTech]

I am personally waiting for Diego and Amish (and Ravian) to chime in so I know whether I am participating or not.

Do you want to play though?

How's the fanfic reading going by the by?

[Balmas]

Right now, I can't see her being all that close to Dive Bomb, given the age gap. I can imagine her pointing out unnecessary risks in an experiment, though. Or encouraging him to come out of his shell by sharing his work with other scientists. But then I'm making assumptions about the character, so...

Well, I've been doing some thinking based off that question: What is your ideal world? Dive Bomb's personality has changed a lot from that; instead of being "Blow stuff up to see how it works," his motivation is more "catalog everything, learn everything, and apply that knowledge to make the world a better place." This is Dive Bomb after he's knocked around a little and has had his edges worn off.

Personality:

Spoiler

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Really, all that Dive Bomb wants is to make life easier for other ponies. His drive, his baby, his goal in life, is to one day have a compilation of knowledge so complete and thorough that problems can be diagnosed and prescribed a solution in short order. He's curious about everything and has an intense desire to see all of the world.

It is that desire that led him to leave his home and small pharmacy in Cloudsdale to travel abroad. He's the type of medic who'd take a picture of your fractured leg before, during, and after setting it.

DB comes off as slightly awkward to other ponies. He always has an opinion, but seems to have trouble voicing them. It frustrates him no end to know what he wants to say, but be unable to fully convey it. The only real exceptions to this are when he finds something he's never seen before or when he's dealing with injured ponies.

Skills / Jobs

Spoiler

Show

Dive Bomb has a knack for chemistry, one which he plies two ways: medicine and explosives.

DB uses bombs mostly as entertainment or distractions. He has very few lethal explosives, preferring instead to either run from or talk to problems. The great majority of his IEDs are smoke bombs, noisemakers or sparklers, with three or four sticks of dynamite.

He also keeps small vials of simple cures: headache remedies, flu medicine, pony pox cures, etc.

Stats:

Spoiler

Show

Dive Bomb

Pegasus stallion
Special Purpose: Gather knowledge
Cutie Mark: Blue dictionary with A~Z printed in gold on the cover
Guiding element: Kindness


Body: 3
Mind: 6
Heart: 3

Energy: 9
Courage: 9
Fortitude: 6
Willpower: 12

Talents: Wary, Tireless
Flaw: Clumsy

Job: Chemist 4
Skills: Explosives 3, pharmaceutical medicine 5, Cooking 1
Aerobatics: 5
Weathercraft: 7


Looks: Fairly average Pegasus, though perhaps a bit stockier than normal. Light green coat, navy blue mane.
Personal possessions: a pair of saddlebags not large enough to interfere with his wings—the right bag contains pills, the left one explosives; A notebook stuffed full of information and recipes.

Character Advancement:

Toast of the Town (Cloudsdale): Stallion.
XP spent:

• 30XP to bump mind +2, heart +1
• 12 XP: +2 levels of chemistry
• 5 XP: +1 level of medicine
• 2 XP: +1 level of explosives

2 XP remaining.

I still have to read those fanfics, though as I just went to college, my schedule may be a little hectic for a week or so.

[SiuiS]

Do you want to play though?

How's the fanfic reading going by the by?

I want to play, but I'm being realistic. I have eight possibilities. Ravian has this one. I am not willing to screw over a friend when I have a glut. That's all. It's not you, it's that I would be happier letting someone take my spot if they want it. Y'know? Wouldn't feel right to be that selfish.

[BlasTech]

I want to play, but I'm being realistic. I have eight possibilities. Ravian has this one. I am not willing to screw over a friend when I have a glut. That's all. It's not you, it's that I would be happier letting someone take my spot if they want it. Y'know? Wouldn't feel right to be that selfish.

Fair nuff. *hugs*

I still have to read those fanfics, though as I just went to college, my schedule may be a little hectic for a week or so.

Nice to see the development going along. I've just been chatting with OTS in the IRC. So if you guys want to join us we can workshop some ideas now.

Regardless, I would like to catch you sometime Balmas for a 1 on 1 chat in the IRC. Preferably sooner than later but no rush if you're busy with college etc.

[One Tin Soldier]

Before I go to bed, I thought I'd record the 5 words to describe Grease Spot that Blas and I cooked up. Efficiency, Frustration, Family, Responsibility, and Flexibility.

[Beacon of Chaos]

I haven't had a chance to read those fanfics. I'll try and have a look at the during my lunch break at work and tonight. I'd rather do that and get a feel for the campaign before I give I definite yes or no. I'm leaning towards yes, though.

[TheAmishPirate]

I'm noticing more fillies and colts than mares and stallions here. It's possible I could adjust her down to that age group to fit the social dynamic and power level. Though I think being older fits her better. *shrug*

...and that post has been long enough...

That might actually be a neat concept for the group dynamic; mostly younger ponies, with one or two playing the surrogate parent-leader types.

And it's that idea that made me remember a little story that I wrote up for some contest of Thanqol's. One that doesn't fit the character archetype that I always play. If the group is mostly fillies/colts, I think he'd make an interesting addition to the cast as mentioned above.

All I've got right now is the story of how he got his cutie mark, but I think there's enough there to not only make a character, but add a little bit to the world too with the family business:

Spoiler

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The Cork family had been in the bottled drink business for longer than most ponies cared to remember. The current head of the family, Pop Cork, was a virtuoso of juice; mixing and blending flavors into masterpieces of beverage came to him as easy as breathing. So sure was he that his son would follow in his hoofsteps, that he even named him for the peculiar bottle caps his drink bottles so often used. Crown Cork, as fate would have it, had other ideas. Ever since he could hold a brush, he'd always found a special sort of peace when he was putting paint to paper. And in terms of technical ability, he was a prodigy. Nopony could match his skill for painting exactly the picture he meant to paint. Just one thing kept him from the easel cutie mark he was so sure he deserved. His attention to detail was so meticulous, that he took days to finish what other artists could accomplish in minutes. Ages of practice, practice, and more practice, and he never could manage to improve enough. His flank was still blank.

His father took this failing as a sign from Celestia herself. Why else would his artistry fail, if not to drive the young colt to the family business where he belonged? Despondent from his lack of a cutie mark, Crown soon found himself believing his father's words and took up work putting on the very caps he was named for. The bottled drink business held none of the magic of a paintbrush, but he couldn't turn down the promise of discovering his talent. He likely would've kept on this miserable path, were he a little less clumsy. While forcing on a particularly stubborn cap, Crown managed to nearly bend it in two. He was about to throw it away, when something about about the plain metal cap caught his eye. The way the metal bent, the way it half-caught the sunlight, it ignited an inspiration in him he hadn't felt in ages. Immediately he tore upstairs and grabbed his leftover paints, only to remember he hadn't bought proper paper in months. With no other option, he plucked out his tiniest brush and set to work on the cap itself.

The next morning, when Pop Cork came to check on the latest batch of Sunrise Lemonade, he found an amazing sight. On each and every one of the caps, he saw a miniature portrait of the sun rising above a sparkling lake. And at the end of the hallway, he found his son, sleeping amidst a pile of spilled paints and bottle caps just like the ones adorning his flank.