Just another Stat Based RP Battle

[Recycled Human]

Large heaps of twisted metal swirl above your head, swerving around bends in flickering lights and zooming through tunnels bored into the Earth's living crust. Inverted Sky-Scrappers dip down into the flowing magma forming the mecca that is the underground metropolitan. The technological arms race put to truly stand the test of time in the most unforgiving climate known to man. And at the center of it all, the 'Fountain of Youth'.

Imagine it.

A city hidden beneath the surface, so clean, so perfect and so efficient. The power that turns the world charges your cell phone, moves water to your faucets, purifies the very air you breathe. There is no crime, no work and no government to speak of. And you...don't live there.

People had to get away from it all. They had done so much harm to the planet, that Mother Earth up and started fighting back. First came the advanced evolution of nature creating monsters, semi-sentient beings with a ruthless urge for human flesh. And when that didn't work, she took to drastic measures. Yeah, the bitch mother that spit us all out turned her favor from us while we greedily sucked dry her teat. So when we drilled a hole in the ozone and made the upper world unliveable, well, the bright ones took to the underground.

No see, you live in the ruined wasteland of 'Noise'. The rapid evolution of monsters has allowed them to survive in the inhospitable climate while we are forced to live vicariously. That's the only thing your good for today. In the olden days we called em, 'Gladiators' but that crap doesn't fly here. Instead, we're only good for our 'EX's. And today, is the first day some of you will ever see the underground Colosseum. Look upon her granite spires well for most of you won't be making it back alive!

So now you're asking me 'Chris, why such a roundabout way of explaining a simple tournament?'

And I'm not gonna answer that.

Alright so here's the idea, I wanted to create a Battle Oriented Role Play (that's right a BORP) with the intention of introducing stats, rewards, leveling and quantifiable combat. Anyone who knows me (and I'd imagine that's a small group) knows of my passion for combat and my earnest interest in making it into a slightly more exact science. I don't mean to bore you with my past times but when I first got into RPB's I was told a few simple rules : Don't Godmode, Don't use unbeatable magics, and don't use poisons. And this has always pissed me right the hell off.

The problem is, your on the honor system here. And no one trusts the honor system, its complete bullshit.

So here's the deal, I will be beefing up the RP element to this once I start up the Sign up but here's what you have to know.

1) You will be creating two characters
-Your Main Character, resident (or maybe just visitor) of Noise. They are mostly prisoners and mercenaries all looking for one reason or another to get into the 'Fountain of Youth'.
--As a side note this can just be you yourself if you wish, its entirely up to you whether you feel you need a more in depth backstory because the second character you create is :
-Your Exemplar. An Exemplar or 'EX' is a physical incarnation of your soul that you pilot kinda like in 'Avatar'. You don't just push buttons and knobs, bells and whistles, you ARE your Exemplar. And the Underground will pay you for keeping them entertained.

2) You will be allowed to both RP your Main Character and your Exemplar
-This is totally up to your discretion but don't forget, you are here to fight!

3) We will be using a graph to denote your characters attributes in combat.
-Imagine an XY graph with Strength and Magic at opposite ends of the X axis, Speed and Stamina at opposite ends of the Y axis. You've probably seen these graphs in video games where a line is drawn between each of the points and they represent your abilities.
-These will determine in a broad sense what your character can and can't do. If you have no points in magic for instance, don't expect to cast a spell. But even the most herculean hero's may have a point or two in magic and be able to cast a magic missile or three.

4) Your first act in the RP is to undergo a routine training exercise that helps solidify your EX after which you will be granted points upon creativity, literacy and skill.
-Points are arbitrarily handed out.
--I don't want you to confuse this with the honor system, as GM I will be doing things my way. You may not like it and to be fair you don't have to participate but I won't argue with anyone about their points. I'm going to be fair, I don't expect you to believe me but I will be and I will employ excessive use of Kendra if need be (as I don't know anyone who considers her unfair).

5) Winning a match grants you rewards including a point or two to increase your Exemplar's attributes.
-Be careful about which attributes you increase as they will be permanent.

6) Abilities - All abilities are approved. Every stinking one of them. Provided your character has the attributes to do it.
-Example : If your character has 5 points in magic they may receive a bonus that reads 'Congratulations! You have unlocked another Skill slot! Your magical prowess has grown exponentially! Too bad you're still using fractions =(
--Sometimes you may get a latent ability you weren't expecting say you have 10 points in magic you may get a 'All your hard work is starting to pay off! Add one point to stamina!'

7) More on Attributes :
-Strength determines how hard you hit, how much you can lift, half your accuracy, and how many physical moves you can perform
-Stamina determines how many physical or mental abilities you can employ and how fast your abilities regenerate, it also contributes to how long you can endure the elements and extended exertion
-Speed determines how fast you can run, swim etc. it also determines how quickly you can transition between actions adding more to your actions per turn etc. and partly how accurate you are
-Magic Determines your magical strength, how many spells you can use, and your magical defense.

I still need to work on the chart of attributes but yeah, this is an interest check.

And don't worry RPers, there is plenty for you to RP if you want.

I mean, I could go so far as to develop both the coliseum and the two cities...

I'll probably start a sign up sheet soon (no promises) but I wanted to get this out there for all you battle crazed people. And for anyone who thinks Battle Oriented Role Plays are beneath them, I challenge you!

[Doaj]

I shall express interest, although some of it feels like it could be explained a little more thoroughly. I suspect it would be when the sign-ups are posted.

[Aleister Black]

I'm definitely interested. Make this big enough, and we'll have an RSF-wide tournament going on. Swell idea.

[Recycled Human]

Well, the interest check is a great place for questions. In order to help with those questions I will be writing and hopefully posting up my example bio for both my Main character and his exemplar.

I think I will require the Exemplar bio first, then i'll start the trials of Noise (the prelims that help determine your characters attributes). Then once we get a handle on things I may just work with the individual to help assign a role to their main characters. Maybe a quick questionare...

Look forward to a post today that will help define things a bit more. And ultimately I do hope to have a forum wide RPB!

[Aleister Black]

How will we distribute points then? Will we be able to do this to our discretion or will it be done 'automatically' after those trials and/or questionaire?

I suppose I'll just have to wait and see. Looking forward to any news on this. It's been ages since I've RPB'd. Actually, I don't think I have ever REALLY RPB'd at all. Might be nice for a change.

[Doaj]

I RPB'd once with ElvenAngel back at SEF, and it was horrible. Dumb broad doesn't understand what god-modding and power-playing are. It got to that in every post she forced me to get hit, and I was like, "I'm done with this bitch." So I stopped posting. Too much of a nice guy to complain I guess.

[Recycled Human]

Point distribution will be completely at your discretion, you will be granted points and you can spnd them or save them. I can't imagine any benefit to saving but you can do as you please with that. I assure you, the one or two points you may win at a time WILL have an effect although it will likely be minimal.

I'm sure a lot of this will be answered when you see the spread. Gaining abilities and strengthening your character will take a deliberate action. I'm considering adding in annelement of chance, I think I'd need to experiment with it a bit first. XD

In any case, doaj your experience with rpb's has been the norm in the genre. I'm attempting to rectify that. Anyway, still working on my Exemplar example and maybe I'll have you guys follow suit then try a few experimental rounds. Up to you.

FYI the bio for this is simple.

Exemplar Name :
Stage Name :
Race :
Appearance : (include apparent age etc)
Personality :
Weapon :
Abilities : (include magic)

and that's it!

[Aleister Black]

Also, would EXs be human (or at least human forms) or can they be other kinds of creatures or even fantasy creatures (as long as they stats are not overboard )?

[Recycled Human]

Kendra jacked my monitor so I haven't yet finished my example. Then it's been family day for the past few days...

Ok, exemplars are supposed to be the inner versions of the main character. A personal vision of your own fighting spirit. This could be anything animal, beast, man or other. Creativity plays a big part, not only in character creation but in battle as well. You may want to keep that in mind.

I'll be posting up the official sign ups soon...though my intention will be for a continual open availability.

[Recycled Human]

And here's my Exemplar.

Exemplar Name : Abigail Annetta
Stage Name : Nives
Race : Human
Weapon : Knives, Daggers and short swords

Abilities : Uses superior speed and knife handling skill to subdue her opponents. Relies on animalistic instincts akin to a wolf stalking its prey. Through sheer emotional rage or determination she can increase the durability of her blades making it possible to cut through almost anything. This requires an extreme emotional state and is therefore uncontrollable.

Personality : Abigail is a very loyal girl, to those who’ve earned her respect she shows a deep emotional understanding and a sweet, almost motherly display of concern. To the rest of the world she’s a cruel, calculating bitch. Displaying only one emotion : Righteous Fury. Though her outside demeanor appears steady and controlled, her inner turmoil fervor's between insanity and brilliance. Her aggression is tempered only by justice being served, in whatever form that may take. Considering that most of her first encounters are made at knife point it’s hard to see the cubs beyond the bear.

Appearance : Abigail is all about functionality, her choices in everything from clothing to hairstyle is meticulously selected and specifically weighted by a series of pro’s and con’s. Her purple hair is long enough in the front to minimize a round, cutesy face yet short enough to not get unnecessarily tangled or create any blind spots during rigorous exertion. To the same effect, she chose a fashion that would still be considered attractive in the event that she may require a woman’s guile. Her almond shaped eyes are covered by a thin contact that changes her naturally dull brown eye color to an ensemble matching shade of bright purple. The umbrella of her pencil thin asymmetrical eyebrows sit placidly at the base of her forehead giving her a look of feline mischief. If anyone could see her nose however, they would find it betrays her finickiness. The button shape makes her seem innocent, so while in combat she tends to wear a white nose guard that fastens behind her head. If asked she would probably reply ‘I cut it off, despite me.’ She stands at an average 5’7 and has an athletic build. Abigail wears a tight fitting purple and black jumpsuit complete with several loops and pockets with buttons for disposing of her more deadly accessories.

[Doaj]

Ok, exemplars are supposed to be the inner versions of the main character. A personal vision of your own fighting spirit. This could be anything animal, beast, man or other. Creativity plays a big part, not only in character creation but in battle as well. You may want to keep that in mind.

That makes a lot more sense and I'm much more excited for this now. I'll be keeping my eyes out for these sign-ups. I wanna fight some bitches.

[Recycled Human]

I'm starting to do that whole 'wondering if stats are a good idea' thing...is this something people would want ya think?

[Aleister Black]

Well, I don't like stats when they are of the '340 HP, 125 MAG etc etc 5 rows of figures etc etc etc pen and paper etc etc'-persuasion. I don't like the thought of exact science being applied to RPing. However, the way I think you intended to do it was more like guidelines; an approximation of what your EX is capable of. From what I understood, you will also be GMing the whole thing, and bestow 'level-ups' at your discretion, instead of doing it by a complicated experience points system. If it stays simple enough to be able to just use it as reference when writing your posts (and you don't have to open Microsoft Calculator whenever you want to write something) then it's OK.

Basically, I think that stats certainly can have their place in RPBs, as long as RPing stays RPing and doesn't become a mathematical equation.

[Recycled Human]

Groovy, yes that was indeed my intention. You just made my day Al. I'm going to be putting finishing touches on the sign up then having Kendra proof-read. Should be up today or tomorrow.

[Aleister Black]

Awesome, looking forward to it.

[Bloodbane15]

Sounds interesting, I'll have to keep an eye on this

[Doaj]

I'm starting to do that whole 'wondering if stats are a good idea' thing...is this something people would want ya think?

I agree with most of what Michel said, with the sole exception that I don't mind pen-and-paper style RPing either. So long as it's original and not something I'm obliged to already know how to do. Clearly there won't be any dice-rolling.

Nonetheless, I'm all in for the stats. I think it would be cool if enough people got in on this to have "weight-classes" too, so that fresh meat fights fresh meat, and people whose characters have made it through ten rounds, get pitted with other veterans. We could have 3-5 classes. 0 wins, 5 wins, 10 wins, 20 wins, etc. I don't know if we'd ever get to even ten, but it's a cool concept.

[Recycled Human]

Weight classes is a great idea, it brings to the surface thoughts on handicapped matches and all sorts of fun variants. The other thing to consider is that some matches will be 'gimmes' where you will fight npcs. Perhaps the reward wouldn't be as great but at least it would be a break from the somewhat stressfull missing game.

My intentions with the stats are to provide a slightly more realistic response. So if your character is running away the opponent might have a significant gain in speed stat and would know they could catch you. That doesn't mean they would, there is always a chance that you can escape but at least you would know you did something improbable and there are only so many times you can get away with that before people start questioning your honor as a fighter.

Hopefully that was clear...I tend to ramble.