[PbtA] Die Fabulous

[rhaiber]

Originally Posted by Touketsu

I have to protest at your comparison. Garfield minus Garfield is a stroke of absolute brilliance; turning a mundane comic about a cat who hates Mondays into the hilariously chilling tale of a lonely bachelor's downward spiral into madness.

Oh, don't get me wrong. I love Garfield minus Garfield. My point was just that it is the best illustration of how crucial interdependent character relations are. Take Garfield out and Jon goes from goofy straight-man for his snarky cat into a tragic figure being crushed by existential dread.

Similarly, the new She-ra was a great show, but if you take either She-ra or Catra out of the equation and it would the other would be left with a gaping hole. Or, more directly applicable to this game, it would be really hard to come up with a fully developed character for something like the Devoted playbook without figuring out who you are committed to protecting (and I know you could invent an NPC to protect, but the story would be way more compelling if it was used to connect PCs).

[Strangemund]

Originally Posted by rhaiber

Similarly, the new She-ra was a great show, but if you take either She-ra or Catra out of the equation and it would the other would be left with a gaping hole. Or, more directly applicable to this game, it would be really hard to come up with a fully developed character for something like the Devoted playbook without figuring out who you are committed to protecting (and I know you could invent an NPC to protect, but the story would be way more compelling if it was used to connect PCs).

First off, mmn, yeah, the new She-ra show was fun. I loved that Catra to pieces, so points for that reference.

Secondly, aw man, yeah, I agree! I personally enjoy-- both as a GM and a Player-- PC connections. I think it adds a lot to the narrative if you have pre-established history before the campaign starts. Which you probably know from how much I adore TGFW's rivalry with Li Ruiying in Wyn's game.

Thankfully, Thirsty Sword Lesbians has a whole mechanic based on connecting your characters together! If it hadn't, I still would have pushed for it in the Pre-Game thread. We need that juicy content for roleplaying!

[Kaigen]

If that's your jam, then you might like this blog, which has a bunch of posts about portraying different She-Ra characters (as well as other pop culture characters) in TSL. I'm particularly taken with the idea of Scorpia being a Dream Mirror.

And yeah, the relationship questions and group creation in TSL are great and something that makes character applications a little awkward, which is why I tend to focus more on broad ideas than a lot of fine detail. It's nothing that can't be worked out once selections have been made, though.

[rhaiber]

@Kaigen: That site is amazing. I only had a chance to skim through (and they actually analyze some characters I'm not familiar with), but I love that they do She-ra, MLP, and Star vs Forces of Evil (but why only Eclipsa? )

@Strange: Ok, looking over the remaining playbooks, one jumped out to me, but I have to ask a few questions. I love the idea of the Sun Baker as a super-helpful support character who cooks up buffs for others (pretty much the opposite of the ice-cold Li Ruiying from our other game).

1. Please pardon the unintended pun, but can we flavor the baking perhaps as some other form of cooking? I haven't settled on exactly what I would want it to be, but there are so many great possibilities: a confectioner who makes magic candies, a pizza chef who makes each buff with different toppings, a bartender who mixes concoctions, a sushi chef, the list goes on and on. I know PbtA games are usually pretty flexible, but wasn't sure how much leeway you would be willing to give.
2. On the same angle, I know you said you were flexible on the sword, but how flexible exactly? Can I have a character who slaps people around with a frying pan or an anime-style oversized spatula?

Basically, is this my chance to play as Ukyo from Ranma?

[Strangemund]

Originally Posted by Kaigen

If that's your jam, then you might like this blog, which has a bunch of posts about portraying different She-Ra characters (as well as other pop culture characters) in TSL. I'm particularly taken with the idea of Scorpia being a Dream Mirror.

Wooooh!! That's pretty cool! Catra as Infamous feels pretty spot on, and doing a mix for Adora is clever. I really do enjoy nerdy breakdowns like this-- it reminds me of when me and Qat watch movies together! We game so much that we end up applying mechanics to what's happening on screen! Like how Gandfalf from LotR is a level 1 Wizard and a Lever 5 Fighter from the way he acts, ha ha!

Originally Posted by Kaigen

And yeah, the relationship questions and group creation in TSL are great and something that makes character applications a little awkward, which is why I tend to focus more on broad ideas than a lot of fine detail. It's nothing that can't be worked out once selections have been made, though.

Oh definitely! It's why I left the application template fairly basic. It gives a lot of wiggle room to add on more details later on. Or switch things up if a better idea comes along with the group dynamics!

Originally Posted by rhaiber

@Strange: Ok, looking over the remaining playbooks, one jumped out to me, but I have to ask a few questions. I love the idea of the Sun Baker as a super-helpful support character who cooks up buffs for others (pretty much the opposite of the ice-cold Li Ruiying from our other game).

1. Please pardon the unintended pun, but can we flavor the baking perhaps as some other form of cooking? I haven't settled on exactly what I would want it to be, but there are so many great possibilities: a confectioner who makes magic candies, a pizza chef who makes each buff with different toppings, a bartender who mixes concoctions, a sushi chef, the list goes on and on. I know PbtA games are usually pretty flexible, but wasn't sure how much leeway you would be willing to give.
2. On the same angle, I know you said you were flexible on the sword, but how flexible exactly? Can I have a character who slaps people around with a frying pan or an anime-style oversized spatula?

Basically, is this my chance to play as Ukyo from Ranma?

'Flavor the baking,' lmao, that got a smile out of me, intended or not.

1), Oh heck yea, if that's where the inspiration is, switch it up! I don't mind at all if you change it from baking bread to mixing drinks to magical candies-- I think it'd be pretty cool to see what you'd bring to the table with something a little different than what the default Sun Baker is! And honestly, it doesn't change anything mechanically, as far as I figure. Plus, there'll be plenty of vendors and bars in the city for you to take over if you need to get your cook on.
2), Ohmygoddd, someone else knows Ranma 1/2?! Aaaah! rhaiber, that was my childhood! But, ahem, yes, a giant spatula or frying pan works with me. The latter is technically harder for sword fights, and even harder to consider it sword-adjacent, but I also think it's ridiculously hilarious to fight someone with a frying pan, so both get my blessing.

I am going to update the table, and put you down as Sun Baker for now. If you change your mind, lemme know!

[Kaigen]

Originally Posted by rhaiber

@Kaigen: That site is amazing. I only had a chance to skim through (and they actually analyze some characters I'm not familiar with), but I love that they do She-ra, MLP, and Star vs Forces of Evil (but why only Eclipsa? )

They do Marco and Star, but with Masks: A New Generation playbooks instead of TSL.

Also happy to see a Ranma 1/2 fan! The episode that introduced Ukyo was one we had on VHS back in the day!

[QueenQatherine]

Hello all! Sorry for my silence! Work has kept me pretty busy and I've just been too tired to get on RPGX as of late. I have posted up my character and shall try to be more present this week but I promise nothing! Tis a pleasure to meet all! I am super excited about all the characters I've read about so far! The Nature Witch looks like a lot of fun! Hopefully the shepards crook won't be needed to pull anyone off stage. Oh and the scoundrel! The terrible trouble I foresee a theif and a conartist getting into together is all but limitless! I have to admit I also considered playing Sun Baker before Naga, because I read from top to bottom for some reason, but their inner struggle was a little heavy for me. Still, something very funny about when the party fails at something it's the baker whose like, "This is all my fault!"

[Strangemund]

Behold! MY GIRLFRIEND! <3<3<3

And also, here's her character application!

[ihinka]

Mundy, how dare! God damn it! T_T When my dance card is full T_T T_T T_T

How very dare! grumbles as she whips up an app I can do it if it's one post per 2 weeks. mumbles to self

Zoya Name: Zoya... no last name! Like Madonna and Cher, whoever they may be. Physical Appearance: Zoya is a walking hormone! No, she doesn't say so herself. Yes, you don't actually need eyes to see it. Oh, you still need details?!? Fine! Tall and hunky. With a hint of danger in her eyes to make you pee your pants... or cream them. Whichever comes first. Eyes as red as the Ruby of the Sea (what, you don't get the reference, your loss!). Ears almost as pointy and as sharp as her canines and nails. Don't worry, ladies, those are retractable! Hair as fine as spider silk and just as silvery-white. Okay, but what about tats?! And why are you posing answers?!? What, you still can't form a picture in your head?! Fine... Here...! Oh, yeah, I don't like underwear. You got a problem with that?! Didn't think so! Playbook: The Bloody Concept: A decidedly non-sparkly in the sunlight ancient vampire who's seen and endured enough pain and suffering to no longer have patience for it. Zoya will act when acting is needed and she will shoulder the burden of her actions. So others don't have to. After all, what good is immortality if not to work through sh*t. Your Fashion Style: Vampire chique! Is it anachronistic and out of place. Hell, yes! Is it hot and yummy?! I mean...! Your Sword: Sword?! Who needs a sword when I have ten of these! Your Motivation: What do you mean 'crash the party'!? No party is party without a proper vampire in attendance? Don't you children know anything?!? Yes, Zoya has no patience to be so out of date she can basically be carbon dated. Vampire is always in style and she is here to school everybody at the Party of the Century in that!!! What tropes do you like as a player? Useless lesbians! For God's sake, just hold hands or something already!!! Friends-to-lovers. So, wait, we both had feelings for each other, but none of us noticed (though, I suppose this is a facet of the 'Useless lesbians' trope)?! Discord? Yes. You meant is party ready to Zoya?!? I'm sure!!!

[Kaigen]

@QueenQatherine, honestly, I've been thinking of the shepherd's crook as less for "pulling off" and more for "pulling to," but it's a versatile tool and you never know how things will play out in practice.

Naga-Shi looks great! I enjoy shape-changing characters, and I'm getting a very "Three Fates" vibe from Shi's usual faces. It only makes sense, considering that Fate is the ultimate grifter, always getting her marks to dance to her tune, even when they think they have her beat.

[Marshmallow]

| Character Application Template Name: Physical Appearance: Playbook: The Beast Concept: Your Fashion Style: Your Sword: Your Motivation: What tropes do you like as a player? Discord? N-Noooo...?

[Touketsu]

@QueenQatherine, just took a look at Shi, and honestly… you had me at “Gay Carnival Barker”. I love her! She’s so interesting!

[Strangemund]

Originally Posted by ihinka

Mundy, how dare! God damn it! T_T When my dance card is full T_T T_T T_T

How very dare! grumbles as she whips up an app I can do it if it's one post per 2 weeks. mumbles to self

I am mischevious like that~! Coming up with great ideas when people least expect it, buahaha! But I am elated to have an app from you, ihinka! I added you and your hunky vamp to the table! I see your streak of playing characters who outright loathes undershirts continues. I respect that, for obvious reasons, hehehe~!

I gotta know, though, how does her weapon work? You said she's got 10 of 'em, so does she strike folks, let the glove hook itself in, and then release, or am I off-base? Either way, wicked glove, and pretty dang stylish to boot!

Originally Posted by Kaigen

Naga-Shi looks great! I enjoy shape-changing characters, and I'm getting a very "Three Fates" vibe from Shi's usual faces. It only makes sense, considering that Fate is the ultimate grifter, always getting her marks to dance to her tune, even when they think they have her beat.

THAT'S WHAT I SAID! I also was feeling the Three Fates' vibes with her pick. Granted, I assumed it was cuz I just had 'em on the brain after watching a Netflix adaptation of one of my favorite comics.

Originally Posted by Touketsu

@QueenQatherine, just took a look at Shi, and honestly… you had me at “Gay Carnival Barker”. I love her! She’s so interesting!

Touketsu, you get it. I have been obsessed with that phrase all week since she dropped it on me.

---

@everyone, okay! I have updated the table with the recent finished apps and interested party members!! I gotta admit, I am absolutely floored by the creativity and interest you guys have brought to the Ad. I wasn't sure I'd get a lot of apps when I posted the advertisement, but man, oh man, you guys have proved me wrong in a big way!!

So, huge, huge thank you for all your time, effort, and passion!! You lot are FABULOUS!!

[ihinka]

Originally Posted by Strangemund

I am mischevious like that~! Coming up with great ideas when people least expect it, buahaha! But I am elated to have an app from you, ihinka! I added you and your hunky vamp to the table! I see your streak of playing characters who outright loathes undershirts continues. I respect that, for obvious reasons, hehehe~!

I gotta know, though, how does her weapon work? You said she's got 10 of 'em, so does she strike folks, let the glove hook itself in, and then release, or am I off-base? Either way, wicked glove, and pretty dang stylish to boot!

Indeed, naughty

And it's more of a transformation thing than a glove. Since this is PBtA and we get to say what's true or not for our race. I say her hands transform into deadly, yet elegant looking black talons. I would imagine they work something akin to Wolverine's adamantium claws. Hack and slash. Goes well with The Blood playbook. Just rend people left and right

And, yes, slee... I mean, undershirts are bulsh*it

[QueenQatherine]

Haha! Thanks Kaigen! Though I have to admit, the three fates thing was sort of an accident. I just went with the three B's. Bimbo, Boomer, and Beggar.

Originally Posted by Touketsu

@QueenQatherine, just took a look at Shi, and honestly… you had me at “Gay Carnival Barker”. I love her! She’s so interesting!

You know, it's funny but Strange said the exact same thing. I did not know that phrase would catch on so quickly, but I feel like I should have trademarked it when I had the chance. Oh well, missed opportunities.

waves at ihinka Hello and welcome! Big fan of the shirtless vampire route you've decided to take with Bloody so far! Super old vampire ennui seems to match well with the bloody's "I'm too old for this" vibe!