[FATE] Venture City: Hold Back the Night

[Dunderklumpen]

I love me a bit of Fate. I've had Venture City for a long time, but never had a chance to play or run it.

here's my initial idea for a super with teleport powers. let me know if you think it fits with the Venture City vibe.

Blink NAME / HERO NAME: Skye Masterson / Blink HIGH CONCEPT: Teleporting novice hero. TROUBLE: With this much confidence, who needs experience? BACKGROUND: Skye doesn't know her parents or where she was born. Her first memories are of being raised with a group of similarly powered children by the mysterious Eden Institute. Her childhood was one of isolation from the outside world and rigorous and specific training. In the chaos of the collapse of Mitsuhama, Eden suffered its own collapse and seemingly ceased to exist. The Eden Institute was never publicly acknowledged as a subsidiary of Mitsuhama and so the coincidence of its collapse can only be speculated on. When Eden collapsed, Skye and all the other young trainees were abandoned to the outside world. Several months since her liberation, Skye is still not entirely sure what was expected of her and her fellow trainees by the strange monastic organization. PERSONAL DETAILS: Skye is a college age adolescent. Her freedom in post-upheaval Venture City is kind of new and exciting for her. She figures that, no matter how strangely she came by her powers and training she figures that she may as well put them to use for the good of all. She's not the sort of person to do anything by halves, so she is totally in for the whole superhero thing. Just try and stop her. POWERS Teleportation Power details still todo

[Ursinorum]

@Dunderklumpen, jeez, the differences can be counted on one hand.. no problem, I'll come up with something else.. I'm always fascinated when two players get the same idea.. I just wish we didn't..

 

Blip WIP Name: Blip (Dominic Leopoldo) High Concept: Teleporting Saviour Trouble: "Am I still controlled?" Background: Without knowing about it, Dominic spent all of his life under the wings of the Mitsuhama Splice corporationsy, which to him simply meant being in best schools for free. He didn't know that his whole family was living rent free in one of the mega-conglomerate's houses. He lived a pretty regular life if not for the fact that they lived like rich people even though they weren't. There were a lot of medical exams, like, two a month, but a kid doesn't really notice these things and you can get pretty much used to this kind of stuff. In high-school there were rumors that the best students would get picked to become corporate superheroes, and every kid dreamt of it, but not in a serious way. And anyway, it didn't happen to Dominic. But in his second year in college, he was called to the college president's office and some people in suits revealed to him that he was chosen to become a super. Unbeknownst to the kid, Mitsuhama Splice was starting to feel angsty about the general discontent, Personal Details: Powers: Definitely Teleportation with the Collective Teleportation Enhancement. The last slot, I dunno, either something to boost again the teleportation or a minor Blast to 'shoot' at the baddies, teleporting away their pieces, we'll se when we have the final roster (and if I'll be chosen). (Maybe Duplication?) Drawback: 'Massive Burst of Ill-Smelling Smoke' sounds good to me, because it's a very tiny drawback. If allowed, I was thinking that the teleportation causes temporary side-effects. Some report immense pain, from having your nervous system being stripped molecule to molecule and put back toghether. Some have nausea and some vomit. Whatever the symptoms are, if Blip teleports you, you spend a round cursing his name. Doable? First Aspect:"Failing is not an option"

[Mitsubachi]

I have a feeling this game will head to two teams!

SHINOBI NAME / HERO NAME: Aiko Shimizu / Agent Shinobi HIGH CONCEPT: Super Stealth Spy TROUBLE: "Mortal enemies with Oni Corp and Mitsuhara"   As a former Mitsuhara spy, Aiko is pursued by agents from her previous employer as well as rival organisations (including her enemies from Oni Corp). She is also driven to make up for her past misdeeds, and honour the memory of her parents. BACKGROUND: Former corporate "asset" now turning over a new leaf to fight for good   Aiko was “adopted” at five years old by Mitsuhara Takeshi, CEO of Mitsuhara Splice, after her parents were killed in a crossfire between rival gangs in Tokyo, Japan. Though she was a thorn in his side, Mitsuhara respected Aiko's mother as a tenacious and fearless opponent. She was also a striking woman, and Aiko already showed looks that took after her. Mitsuhara took a personal interest in the child, intending to not only turn her into a professional asset but also, when she came of age, another kind of "servant". He was a cold, manipulative stepfather. Aiko went through genetic enhancement and was trained as an industrial spy and brought to America. Loyal, dedicated and very serious in character, it was only during the Uprising that she happened to come across secret files within the company that revealed her parents – a police officer and prosecution lawyer – were murdered by Mitsuhara. Her life shattered at the same time as the company dissolution, and filled with vengeance, she helped anonymously expose all of her former employer’s evils. Aiko is now a rogue agent striking out on her own and determined to both aspire to, and avenge, her parents’ memory. Her family name was Shimizu. PERSONAL DETAILS:   POWER/S: Super-Agility: You are preternaturally graceful, and gain +2 to Athletics when leaping, balancing, or otherwise demonstrating your agility. In addition, you have a prodigious leap: leaping up to a second-story window or from rooftop to rooftop across a wide alleyway is a simple task that, without further complication, requires no Athletics roll. Super-stealth: You can move with preternatural silence, slide into shadows and avoid notice with uncanny skill, you have supernatural stealth and gain +2 to Stealth rolls. BONUS: Uncanny Dodge: If you can see a projectile coming, you can get out of its way with some clever gymnastics. You gain +2 to defense rolls when dodging ranged attacks. CHARACTER SHEET:   Shinobi: Super Stealth Spy Trouble: Mortal enemies with Oni Corp and Mitsuhara Aspect 1: Vigilante crimefighter Aspect 2: Always asking the right questions Aspect 3: TBC - team connection Skills: Great (+4): {Fight} Good (+3): {Athletics},{Stealth} Fair (+2): {Deceive},{Rapport},{Shoot} Average (+1): {Burglary},{Investigation},{Physique},{Notice},{Wi ll} Stunts: Attractive: +2 to Rapport checks on members of the opposite gender Infiltrator: +2 to Burglary when trying to disable alarms or override security devices Swingline: Spend a Fate Point to immediately create an Aspect related to using Aiko's swingline, with a boost, provided the swingline can be used properly in the current location DRAWBACK: Aiko's conditioning and training has brought her many skills and abilities, but Mitsuhara buried within this conditioning certain tools of "discipline". He has embedded into her psyche certain triggers - sequences of unrelated word and numbers to avoid accidental activation - that when uttered within her earshot will cause certain psychosomatic effects on her: intense pain - similar to electric shocks - or fear, based upon traumatic childhood memories. If used repeatedly and in combination they can even cause her to pass out unconscious. These were known only to Takeshi Mistuhara, but now she has gone rogue, it is quite possible he has armed his agents with these phrases to help bring her back in - alive.

Theme song: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nBB2bPwKWVg


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[Dunderklumpen]

Originally Posted by Ursinorum

@Dunderklumpen, jeez, the differences can be counted on one hand.. no problem, I'll come up with something else.. I'm always fascinated when two players get the same idea.. I just wish we didn't..

Sorry, @Ursinorum at least I think we came up with the same idea in isolation from each other.

I'm sure I can come up with another idea if you want to run with a teleporter

[HotsuSama]

Originally Posted by Ursinorum

@Dunderklumpen, jeez, the differences can be counted on one hand.. no problem, I'll come up with something else.. I'm always fascinated when two players get the same idea.. I just wish we didn't..

Originally Posted by Dunderklumpen

Sorry, @Ursinorum at least I think we came up with the same idea in isolation from each other.

I'm sure I can come up with another idea if you want to run with a teleporter

Well, having two apps with teleportation isn't inherently any worse than, say having two apps with heroes that shoot energy blasts. Yes, the concepts are quite similar (just one of those things that happens, I guess), but as far as unique powers goes, it can depend on how you use other enhancements, powers (and themes!) to flavour that teleportation and diversify what you do and how you do it. You both still have points to spend, after all!

Originally Posted by Mitsubachi

I have a feeling this game will head to two teams!

I have to be sure I can handle the workload, but yes, it's becoming quite active in here!

[Mitsubachi]

Originally Posted by HotsuSama

I have to be sure I can handle the workload, but yes, it's becoming quite active in here!

Well, I hope you do have two teams, then you can have Blip and Blink on different teams.

[Lightwielder]

Okay here's the draft of my sheet, I wanted to ask what is exactly required to use the powers/stunts, since it seems that the basic one might be free.. or not. based on that i might change my skill piramid since its partly designed to express my PC's skills withouth the effect of powers :

Name: Dr Dawnlight (Jacob Salvestri)

 

High Concept: Enthusiast promoter of the good side of power
Trouble: Too much focus on his cause
Aspect 1: Energetic sword wielder
Aspect 2: Stubborn science advocate
Aspect 3: Reckless experimentator

Skills:
Great (+4): {Will}
Good (+3): {Medicine},{Athletics}
Fair (+2): {Fight},{Academics},{Science}
Average (+1): {Contacts},{Investigate},{Resources},{Charisma}

BACKGROUND AND PERSONAL DETAILS

Jacob Salvestri was a wageslave that worked to pay for his radiology studies inside a Medical subsidiary of Mitsuhama, both his need for money along his enthusiasm for science and the fact that he percieved the subsidary as the less evil of the corportate empire, made him accept to take part on clinical trials designed to develop new ways to unlock dormant abilities , which gave him his either casually or causally nuclear based powers, he was planning to work as a supe together with the energy subsidiaries when the revolution changed everything.

In the past he believed that he could help some organizations drastically reform and reinforce the positive within the system, but the crisis made him realize he has the chance of helpin build something new with what he considered positive from the old order, promoting responsible use of power (both economical and nuclear) and rational thinking, he focuses so much on his goals that he can fall in the same pitfalls he wants the new society to avoid

To protect his identity and lives of family members (Canadian - Argentinian background, mundane workclass) he uses a blond wig to hide his shaven dark hair, together with his goggles which also protect his eyes from bright lights, he uses black baggy cargo pants to carry items he might need

Stunts:
Wont accept a No: Determination of will often creates advantages due to constantly thinking strategies to fulfill his goals

POWERS

Power Suite Description: He can generate nuclear energy inside his body which he canalizes into irradiating light swords that can penetrate and weaken tissue or even slice through different materials if enough intensity is applied

Drawback: The glow makes his presence and movements easy to spot, after long exposure it can blind the eyes of people nearby friend or foe (he uses protection googles for it and the radioactive logo to warn civilians)

Only Good Up Close.

Special Effects: Area Attack, Inflict Condition

Power Natural Weapon
Basic Natural Weapon: +2 to Fight while brawling unarmed in close quarters.
Enhancements
Critical Hit: Whenever cause stress using your natural weapon,may instead cause a mild consequence, if the target doesn’t already have one.

Sinergies:
Energy blast
Super agility

Physical Stress: [] [] []
Mental Stress: [] [] [] [] [] []

Consequences:
(2, Mild) []
(4, Moderate) []
(6, Severe) []

[HotsuSama]

To use the powers and stunts, all they usually require is circumstance - a specific situation in which they trigger, or to aid a specific intention. Some powerful versions of stunts might require a Fate Point to activate, but those are a step above the usual content.

To actually have the powers, they all cost a 'point' from your allocation of three free points. So if I understand correctly and you're also gaining the basic powers from Energy Blast and Super Agility, you've used four points on your powers so far. This means you can still have one more stunt if you didn't buy any more powers.

Don't worry too much about skills yet. But for those who want to work out their skill pyramid as part of their app (not compulsory, but I understand the impulse), I'll be filling out some of my notes and errata soon now that I have a game folder to put it in (whoo!).

[Sirviantis]

I'm wondering a bit after what balance between roleplay and combat you're aiming for, and how "connected" our characters would need to be, if that makes sense? It seems to me that to fill the corporate power vacuum we'd need at least some way to interact with the corporate powers that be, but I'm not sure if I read that right. As it stands Ion is a bit of a super-hobo, and I've still got some free months of story to describe and I'm not sure sure where to take her.

[Tiger Basilisk]

From the opening it didn't seem like the party was aimed at making a power grab, though that's certainly a direction. So, interaction with the corporate side would likely consist of breaking and entering, or some other way to find information and people to force changes.

[Wynamoinen]

Argh, I’ve been agonizing over whether to apply for a few days now. Will you be doing the phase trio or something like it to start the game?

(To show a little of my hand, one of my beefs with supers games on site is that too often games are a cluster of heroes who are so disparate as to be unworkable. M&M has a big problem with that, and FATE’s flexibility could lean in that direction. This is one way that Masks is great; it forces you to be invested in your team!)

[Ursinorum]

No worries, more than the powers, the important thing I wanted to play was the paranoioa of being an ex-Mitsuhama project.

Gyges WIP Name: Gyges (Herc Leopoldo) High Concept: Headstrong Strongman Trouble: I'm not good at being Good. Background: A small time criminal, with a couple of buddies he thought that they could rob some tech from a megacorporation van, but the plan didn't work. His partners managed to get away, but Herc got caught. He expected to be carried through the legal system as usual, but it didn't happen. Secured in a remote location, Herc spent years, only speaking to the guards at mealtime, without even the yard time or phone calls he would usually get in prisons or jails. Then, a few months ago, gas came out of nowhere in his cell and he got knocked out, having horrible nightmares about surgeries on him. Herc woke up in the state he would pass the next months in. Aching all over, strapped to a bed in a room that looked like a tiny closet, with bright lights pointed at him. After what felt like a week he would be knocked out again and the cycle would continue like this. Herc has no recollection of being fed or going to the toilet in that period of time. Herc will only find out later, that Mitsuhama Splice was feeling the turmoil rise and planned to release Herc as a new supervillain that only they could stop. Luckily he was freed at the Upveal, so they never got to have him killed, but he emerged severely changed. Personal Details: His main motivation is to rehabilitate himself enough to be able to see his daughter again, since his ex-wife managed to get full custody while he was locked up. At the moment that plan starts to become a famous superhero, which, he hopes, would offset the mutation he suffered. Herc also has a deep hatred for all manifestations of the Mitsuhama Splice company, and will stop at nothing to destroy what remains of them. Powers: (Master)Super Strength, Super Toughness. Drawback: "can't feel much of anything" feels too little.. First Aspect (probably) : "A hero for my daughter's sake"

[Ursinorum]

Originally Posted by Wynamoinen

[...] This is one way that Masks is great; it forces you to be invested in your team!

I wouldn't be against a relationship map mask-style a very easy one "towards" my pc would be:

"I don't like Gyges' approach, not enough planning!"

or also "Gyges opened up about his family with me, and that reminded me what the important things in life is, we bonded over that."

[Touketsu]

Full details of the build pending (Sorry, I'm pretty unfamiliar with the system), Faraday is complete. Welcoming any feedback!

[HotsuSama]

Phew, I have a bit to catch up on! Apologies if I skim over something or need to elaborate later.

Originally Posted by Sirviantis

I'm wondering a bit after what balance between roleplay and combat you're aiming for, and how "connected" our characters would need to be, if that makes sense? It seems to me that to fill the corporate power vacuum we'd need at least some way to interact with the corporate powers that be, but I'm not sure if I read that right. As it stands Ion is a bit of a super-hobo, and I've still got some free months of story to describe and I'm not sure sure where to take her.

Originally Posted by Tiger Basilisk

From the opening it didn't seem like the party was aimed at making a power grab, though that's certainly a direction. So, interaction with the corporate side would likely consist of breaking and entering, or some other way to find information and people to force changes.

I was aiming for some action and big set-pieces, but not necessarily for every confrontation with a dangerous corp scheme or villainous super to be a back-and-forth conflict. You'll almost certainly need to expose some corporate secrets or deal with some remnant of Mistuhama's projects here and there, but it wouldn't be the only thing going on. The corporations aren't the only bad guys in town, they're just the established oligarchy scrabbling for their old power. You'd get independent villains and other factions as well, some that need to be outwitted or discredited and others who might just need some lightning in the face.

You don't need to be corp-connected to be a part of this game. All I'm really seeking right now is applications of supers (or super-adjacents, to be broad about it) who are, one way or another, all-in on wanting to make Venture City a better place. Whether that's from disenfranchised former corp assets or hobo-heroes who never fit in with the old paradigm, that's open to input. As far as connections go, see what I have to say below about relationship aspects.

My default is probably more 'public defender' tone? But that's in a vacuum without player input, which makes it redundant. The thing about Fate is that it's easy to pivot the story into the direction the party wants to go. If the PCs decide as a team that the best way to improve the city is seeking to be the ones in power themselves, I can accommodate that.

Originally Posted by Wynamoinen

Argh, I’ve been agonizing over whether to apply for a few days now. Will you be doing the phase trio or something like it to start the game?

(To show a little of my hand, one of my beefs with supers games on site is that too often games are a cluster of heroes who are so disparate as to be unworkable. M&M has a big problem with that, and FATE’s flexibility could lean in that direction. This is one way that Masks is great; it forces you to be invested in your team!)

I like the Phase Trio in principle, but my personal experiences with it in PbP haven't been great. Fate Condensed distills it down to just requiring one of the three aspects be tied to an in-group relationship or connection to another PC. I'll probably keep with that, so there's still tangible links between the PCs (if not as rigorous as the Trio exercise), and I intend to apply 1 or 2 'faction' aspects to the super-group to establish common goals. I'm hoping that's enough to keep the team feeling cohesive

Originally Posted by Ursinorum

I wouldn't be against a relationship map mask-style a very easy one "towards" my pc would be:

"I don't like Gyges' approach, not enough planning!"

or also "Gyges opened up about his family with me, and that reminded me what the important things in life is, we bonded over that."

I could certainly set it up like that! I don't need relationship aspects yet, but when a team is together we can see whether we want to do it free-form or if I might dole out prompts to pick from as framework for the connections we make.

Originally Posted by Touketsu

Full details of the build pending (Sorry, I'm pretty unfamiliar with the system), Faraday is complete. Welcoming any feedback!

That's okay! I'm going to try to give out feedback later this week.