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Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2011 4:33 pm
by Crucible
Okay, so a few things have changed and the decision has made. Cut and streamline. Going back to canon, but keeping some personal and Rifter creations. We all decided that Rifts, while fun, can feel pretty cluttered and instead of keeping the reigns on, we have gone in so many different ways until we basically remade the game.

Now...we are starting over. I use to have six players, but one has moved and now we have five. After long talks, our group almost went CS. Why? As a group of Military Brats, we are all looking forward to playing a game based on what we know and enjoy.

Thing is, we decided not to go CS, NGR, or any other canon groups. They want to play a small military group that is either starting a township or has been hired by a fledgling township.

We have gone through OCC's and have obviously overlooked a few, like Paratrooper OCC...YIKES!!! So give me a hand with the basic guidelines.



1. 100% Human. No one wants to be anything but human.
2. No magic, psionics okay only if minor or major
3. No CS O.C.C.'s already been there.
4. Rifts: Mercenaries (the old sourcebook) is out.
5. No O.C.C.'s based on a group...Megaversal Legion, New Navy, Reid's Rangers etc
6. No superpowers - Including augmentation.
7. No self made O.C.C.'s

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2011 4:53 pm
by Genhuman
Sounds similar to one of my early groups, from Orig rule book, Our "team" consisted of....

A headhunter :(All around soldier and eventually became partial conversion)
Cyberknight (orig version, and was our robot pilot)
A Full conversion Borg (who liked mini missle launcers and rail guns)
A juicer (Who died and was replaced by a Crazy, both ended up as our espionage specialists)
An Operator (To repair our stuff)
A cyberdoc (to repair us, was a major psi with healing abilities, and was also our face person, due to rolls. lol)

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2011 5:04 pm
by Crucible
Genhuman wrote:Sounds similar to one of my early groups, from Orig rule book, Our "team" consisted of....

A headhunter :(All around soldier and eventually became partial conversion)
Cyberknight (orig version, and was our robot pilot)
A Full conversion Borg (who liked mini missle launcers and rail guns)
A juicer (Who died and was replaced by a Crazy, both ended up as our espionage specialists)
An Operator (To repair our stuff)
A cyberdoc (to repair us, was a major psi with healing abilities, and was also our face person, due to rolls. lol)


You got any help for me? Remember...no superpowers (that includes Cyberknights and Juicers as well)

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2011 5:45 pm
by keir451
Since you've ruled out Mercs (the book) I'd use the Merc OCCs from RUE, then I'd add in either REF transfers or other strictly human soldiers from "out dimension". If there aren't actual OCCs you could use the basic ones from soem of the books (like New Navy) but w/out being attached to those groups. you could also use OCCs from Chaos Earth as well, the ones that are just normal human OCCs.
That's (unfortunately) the best I can come up with. Sounds like it could be a blast tho'. Keep us apprised (if you can). :D

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2011 6:25 pm
by rat_bastard
You know what really makes the world seem bigger? Banning hover, flying and nuclear powered vehicles at game start. When they have to work for their unlimited power sources they really start to appreciate them. List a max damage and range for weapons (by class, starting with a heavy weapon that does 1d4x10 MD is not the same as a pistol that does.

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2011 9:21 pm
by Crucible
Good stuff all. I have been in contact and it seems the creative juices are flowing. Love when the players get together on what they want to do. Any untapped O.C.C.'s like the paratrooper from any other book? The only thing I know we all have is RUE. I know for a fact that no one is taking the Merc OCC. Its exciting though. All five are talking soldier class of some sort. so far the rules are...


1. 100% Human. No one wants to be anything but human.
2. No magic, psionics okay only if minor or major
3. No CS O.C.C.'s already been there.
4. Rifts: Mercenaries (the old sourcebook) is out.
5. No O.C.C.'s based on a group...Megaversal Legion, New Navy, Reid's Rangers etc
6. No superpowers - Including augmentation.
7. No self made O.C.C.'s

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2011 9:36 pm
by Mack
With your set of conditions, here's a few recommendations:
-- One of the specialty Headhunters found in Rifts: Canada (Techno-warrior, Techno-hound, etc.)
-- New West has a few candidates: Gunslinger, Gunfighter, & Bounty Hunter (the BH gets some nice vehicle choices)
-- Dino Swamp has some good scout substitutes: Dino Hunter, Pathfinder, etc.

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2011 10:29 pm
by Crucible
Mack wrote:With your set of conditions, here's a few recommendations:
-- One of the specialty Headhunters found in Rifts: Canada (Techno-warrior, Techno-hound, etc.)
-- New West has a few candidates: Gunslinger, Gunfighter, & Bounty Hunter (the BH gets some nice vehicle choices)
-- Dino Swamp has some good scout substitutes: Dino Hunter, Pathfinder, etc.


Definitely going to check out Headhunter classes. Before I look are there any rules that make it so that they HAVE to have implants? Dinosaur Swamp has been DEEPLY forgotten.

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2011 10:33 pm
by Crucible
Big surprise! After having one of my players to look at it, he has decided on Paratrooper OCC...he was like "WHAT!!!??? How did we overlook that!?" My answer was, "We were looking at powered characters and homebrews..."

LOL!!!

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2011 11:15 pm
by rat_bastard
If the operator class did not exist I would definitely look into a paratrooper.

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2011 11:58 pm
by Crucible
Any other gems like that? I already know Operator. Have had more than a few and man they can beast mode as well as any.

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2011 12:01 am
by Natasha
Vagabands, I guess.

Also, you could water down a Russian Explorer to be, perhaps, less supernatural and more natural.

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2011 12:10 am
by Crucible
Natasha wrote:Vagabands, I guess.

Also, you could water down a Russian Explorer to be, perhaps, less supernatural and more natural.



Always a good one if you can't think any further.

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2011 12:20 am
by GaredBattlespike
Robot/Power Armor Pilot! Have a serious decussion RE: Maximum Power of the Bot/Suit, and let the coolness begin. Also: GLITTERBOY! Powerful, but almost as mobile as mud (compared to other vehicles)...

Good Gaming, Gared Battlespike: Headhunter *I don't need a weak target, or a bigger gun...I just need a good ambush site*

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2011 12:47 am
by Crucible
GaredBattlespike wrote:Robot/Power Armor Pilot! Have a serious decussion RE: Maximum Power of the Bot/Suit, and let the coolness begin. Also: GLITTERBOY! Powerful, but almost as mobile as mud (compared to other vehicles)...

Good Gaming, Gared Battlespike: Headhunter *I don't need a weak target, or a bigger gun...I just need a good ambush site*


I'm definitely thinking that there is no way we can go "throwback Rifts" without a head Hunter. In truth, I look at power armors and robots as vehicles. I'm hoping someone takes one up.

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2011 2:25 am
by Crucible
Paratrooper O.C.C
Headhunter Anti Robot Specialist O.C.C.

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2011 2:33 am
by Crucible
Mack! Down to the last three character choices bud.

An idea for one has come down to...Wilderness Scout/Pathfinder/Dino Hunter/some variation

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2011 2:42 am
by Crucible
Paratrooper O.C.C
Headhunter Anti Robot Specialist O.C.C.
Gunfighter O.C.C

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2011 2:44 am
by Crucible
Looking like a solid group right there. This group as is can pretty much hold it down.

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2011 3:08 am
by Crucible
Paratrooper O.C.C
Headhunter Anti Robot Specialist O.C.C.
Gunfighter O.C.C
Dinosaur Hunter O.C.C. (was Wilderness Scout)
Bounty Hunter O.C.C. (New West)

Character creation is tomorrow including pilot game.

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2011 2:47 pm
by DhAkael
Sorry; that many restrictions?
Can't help ya.
I'm a "everything andthe kitchen sink" kinda GM.
Out & Out munchkins are verbohtten, but otherwise I'm willing to give any OCC / RCC a look-see.
and Non-magic / Psi?
Okay, that just negates half the reason TO play Rifts. :thwak:

I wish you the best of luck. :ok:

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2011 3:27 pm
by The Galactus Kid
Rifter #36 has the excavator which was official material from Madhaven. Its a really cool little class. I would also have resommended a burster or psistalker

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2011 4:30 pm
by Crucible
DhAkael wrote:Sorry; that many restrictions?
Can't help ya.
I'm a "everything andthe kitchen sink" kinda GM.
Out & Out munchkins are verbohtten, but otherwise I'm willing to give any OCC / RCC a look-see.
and Non-magic / Psi?
Okay, that just negates half the reason TO play Rifts. :thwak:

I wish you the best of luck. :ok:


The restrictions weren't my idea TBH. It was an idea that kinda grew, I'm just putting it together. They actually were all going to play a "CS Gone Native" campaign until I was directed to the Paratrooper OCC on another thread and we were all like..."WHAT!?" we simply overlooked it. That one single OCC was why our game was at a strange point of standing still. Nothing was really giving that "Ooooh" feeling.

We have been knee deep in powers for a very long time. They all felt that it was time for something fresh and new.How about NO abilities and maybe rolling on the psychic table for once. I'm still going to have to give an advantage or two.

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2011 7:21 pm
by Mack
Crucible wrote:Paratrooper O.C.C
Headhunter Anti Robot Specialist O.C.C.
Gunfighter O.C.C
Dinosaur Hunter O.C.C. (was Wilderness Scout)
Bounty Hunter O.C.C. (New West)


Character creation is tomorrow including pilot game.

Four of the five were my suggestion. I claim victory, and shall now take possession of the entire internet as my prize.

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2011 10:15 pm
by Crucible
Mack wrote:
Crucible wrote:Paratrooper O.C.C
Headhunter Anti Robot Specialist O.C.C.
Gunfighter O.C.C
Dinosaur Hunter O.C.C. (was Wilderness Scout)
Bounty Hunter O.C.C. (New West)


Character creation is tomorrow including pilot game.

Four of the five were my suggestion. I claim victory, and shall now take possession of the entire internet as my prize.



LOL!!! Yeah, you know with the descriptions that my players were giving me I was able to one up on everything and allow my guys to better feel as though they could really pull off what we have talked about.

Operator=Headhunter Anti-Robot Specialist
A soldier who could also be a mechanic and or weapons master without using HU2=Gunfighter
Wilderness Scout who is high on the beast mode=Dinosaur Hunter
Merc Soldier with some decent perks=Bounty Hunter

just to round it out...
Special Forces with better training=Paratrooper

Yeah it was a lot of help guys and I will be posting storylines and everything pretty soon. Thanks Mack!

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 12:54 pm
by Crucible
We are still not done. Working out some odds and ends and looking at some things in a few Rifters. Our Wilderness Scout and Bounty Hunter are the guys still looking to see if anything has been overlooked. The Paratrooper, Slammer, and Gunfighter are all set and I am very excited to share with you all on what they have done with their characters, but I would like to wait until we find out what to do about the last two. We want to get this right.

A little history on the subject is that we have been running (main game) for almost two decades with the same players but different OCC's. We also have a back up game, HU2, and Palladium Fantasy and sometimes if a character in the main game dies in a heroic way or a character retires I may allow one from HU2 or Palladium Fantasy.

Now we are scrapping everything and starting over...why? Siege on Tolkeen. The war and its aftermath hit our group pretty hard. Not the players, but the characters. Since that time we have been in the same loop for a long time. Refugees, artifacts, camps, slavers, etc. Having lost MANY characters and countless hours and then a new metaplot that we ventured into, we were thinking about just using Rifts for later. Later what? Don't know.

As the GM, I often tried to maneuver around metaplots that I didn't care for but the players definitely wanted to go forward with them.

Now we have lost a great player. A guy who helped to shape the game, almost like an assistant GM. Now that he's gone the guys want to go back to the very end of the Siege when things got murky and reconstruct the game to better suit a more survivalist, always under duress, New World, discovery campaign with nothing but humans and no powers. Maybe a minor or major psionic, but rolls only and so far none have rolled a positive on those ability. Starting with no cybernetics or bionics and no top shelf weapons or armor.

Basically, we are going back to what we all thought Rifts was when we got it. Post apocalyptic horror/sci-fi with heavy drama. It wasn't my idea, but I embraced it and we started working it out as CS gone native with only weapons from the RCB, not even the RUE. I lurked for months and then started back to getting involved in some topics for the fun of it and now I have the basics.

Still taking suggestions.

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 1:26 pm
by Dustin Fireblade
Crucible wrote:We are still not done. Working out some odds and ends and looking at some things in a few Rifters. Our Wilderness Scout and Bounty Hunter are the guys still looking to see if anything has been overlooked.

Still taking suggestions.



The Wilderness Scout-player might want to take a look at the Trapper-Woodsman OCC from Rifts Canada.

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 1:33 pm
by Crucible
Dustin Fireblade wrote:
Crucible wrote:We are still not done. Working out some odds and ends and looking at some things in a few Rifters. Our Wilderness Scout and Bounty Hunter are the guys still looking to see if anything has been overlooked.

Still taking suggestions.



The Wilderness Scout-player might want to take a look at the Trapper-Woodsman OCC from Rifts Canada.


Trapper Woodsman is one that has been brought up, but I like it. Another was Excavator from Rifter 35 I think. Just your opinion, what would you say the benefit of a Trapper Woodsman over a Wilderness Scout be.

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 3:42 pm
by Dustin Fireblade
Crucible wrote:
Dustin Fireblade wrote:
Crucible wrote:We are still not done. Working out some odds and ends and looking at some things in a few Rifters. Our Wilderness Scout and Bounty Hunter are the guys still looking to see if anything has been overlooked.

Still taking suggestions.



The Wilderness Scout-player might want to take a look at the Trapper-Woodsman OCC from Rifts Canada.


Trapper Woodsman is one that has been brought up, but I like it. Another was Excavator from Rifter 35 I think. Just your opinion, what would you say the benefit of a Trapper Woodsman over a Wilderness Scout be.



The biggest point for the Trapper-Woodsman would be their "Track and Trap monstrous animals, otherworldly creatures & demons" combined with the standard Demon & Monster Lore skill (that they receive at a +15% bonus). These two skills should allow the Trapper-Woodsman to be able to know just about everything regarding those creatures.

The Trapper-Woodsman also has the "Forest-Wise" OCC skill/ability. Pretty handy when traveling the wilderness.

The Trapper also gets Trap Construction and Trap/Mine Detection as OCC Skills.

The Trapper gets a slight edge in bonus SDC and a few extra saves.

Outside of that, both start with the same number of WP's - though the Trapper is a bit more refined. (If you update the Trapper to RUE then his WP Bolt-Action Rifle skill would just be WP Rifle, making it more useful). The Trapper does have Expert HtH vs the Scout's Basic HtH.

Somewhat oddly the Trapper does not get access to the Sniper skill, even though their WP Bolt Action Rifle skill would be suited for it (from a fluff point of view).


Just to note - there is also the Huntsman-Trapper OCC found in Warlords of Russia. These guys get some more options available, such as having PPE to use TW items and Ley Line Healing, along with the same OCC abilities as the Trapper-Woodsman of NA. They also get a tad more skills than their NA counterpart.

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 3:51 pm
by rat_bastard
I'm just going to say it again and again;

Operator, Operator, Operator, Operator.

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 3:56 pm
by Crucible
rat_bastard wrote:I'm just going to say it again and again;

Operator, Operator, Operator, Operator.


Yeah, he went with Headhunter Anti-Robot Specialist instead.

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 6:21 pm
by keir451
Crucible wrote:Paratrooper O.C.C
Headhunter Anti Robot Specialist O.C.C.
Gunfighter O.C.C
Dinosaur Hunter O.C.C. (was Wilderness Scout)
Bounty Hunter O.C.C. (New West)

Character creation is tomorrow including pilot game.

:thwak: (What I'm doing to myself!) Good selections all around! I'd totally forgotten those OCCs (D'oh!) Where was the Paratrooper one from again?
Don't forget to give us the intro!!
Good gaming to all!

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 7:45 pm
by Crucible
keir451 wrote:
Crucible wrote:Paratrooper O.C.C
Headhunter Anti Robot Specialist O.C.C.
Gunfighter O.C.C
Dinosaur Hunter O.C.C. (was Wilderness Scout)
Bounty Hunter O.C.C. (New West)

Character creation is tomorrow including pilot game.

:thwak: (What I'm doing to myself!) Good selections all around! I'd totally forgotten those OCCs (D'oh!) Where was the Paratrooper one from again?
Don't forget to give us the intro!!
Good gaming to all!


The Merc Adventures book. Right next to the Cold Blooded. I too overlooked it. Have a look see.

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 7:50 pm
by Crucible
Oh yeah! Update. Sticking with Dino Hunter...LOL!!!

Still looking for a solid replacement for Bounty Hunter though! Says he's not sure of the overall feel of things with Bounty Hunter.

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 9:06 pm
by Crucible
Vakim wrote:If looking for replacement for the Bounty Hunter how bout the Assasin from the original merc book. I made one and he was one of my most favorite characters ever. In fact he was named Vakim liked it so much I use it for all my interweb type names.


Would be an excellent idea, but they (the players) have already ruled that book completely out. Tell me more about your assassin.

You see, this player is VERY literal in his idea of O.C.C.'s. For him, the title of the O.C.C, is ALSO part of the character's occupation and personality. LOL!!! Its really kinda funny.

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 9:36 pm
by Dustin Fireblade
Crucible wrote:Oh yeah! Update. Sticking with Dino Hunter...LOL!!!

Still looking for a solid replacement for Bounty Hunter though! Says he's not sure of the overall feel of things with Bounty Hunter.


I'd be curious how he does with the Dino Hunter. Anyway...


Instead of the Bounty Hunter, perhaps the Sheriff OCC from New West? Another route is the Highwayman OCC.

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 9:38 pm
by Mack
Crucible wrote:Oh yeah! Update. Sticking with Dino Hunter...LOL!!!

Still looking for a solid replacement for Bounty Hunter though! Says he's not sure of the overall feel of things with Bounty Hunter.

Well, there's always the straight-up Merc in R:UE. It's got 7 different MOS's the player can choose from to get the right focus.

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 10:43 pm
by Crucible
Mack wrote:
Crucible wrote:Oh yeah! Update. Sticking with Dino Hunter...LOL!!!

Still looking for a solid replacement for Bounty Hunter though! Says he's not sure of the overall feel of things with Bounty Hunter.

Well, there's always the straight-up Merc in R:UE. It's got 7 different MOS's the player can choose from to get the right focus.


I actually had that in mind in the beginning. Maybe you can help even more if I expand on what this guy is looking for.

He usually likes to play his exact opposite...slow witted, big strong, ready to fight and yet still keeping his heroic nature. Now he says that he wants to be smart, heroic, and overall a good guy with some serious skills and made for combat. He doesn't want to be a mechanic, but kind of a caretaker without it being about science or medical (too close to his reality). He wants a challenging O.C.C. that would fit in to a military unit seamlessly and without his O.C.C. calling for a specific duty.

He wants to stick with the restrictions (he actually made the call on no Rifts Mercenary), but he needs something easily made as he has little time to sit and toy with ideas. Game will be next Friday and if nothing is found soon enough I already said that we will go with either Bounty Hunter or Cowboy which he is not all that thrilled about. I brought up Merc Soldier and while he likes the Transportation MOS, he isn't saying, "Hey lets roll it up tomorrow before your football games come on!" Also, I may actually have seven instead of five players now that his and my wife may be in on it.

My wife says that if she plays she wants a character that is not really military or soldier like but can fight just as well.

My buddy said that in other RPG's his wife usually likes to take a role that calls for being tough, combat trained, and inquisitive (has been known to play Rangers, Investigators, and her best that I have personally seen was in my HU2 game. There she played an Analytical Genius.

Thing here is, we are in unchartered territory with picking the right type of OCC's for this type of campaign. It is intended to be a brutal struggle through the world of Rifts and the intention is for this one campaign to trump all other games we have ever played.

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 10:50 pm
by Crucible
Vakim wrote:Well basically my I guess Master Assassin was a demigod and I randomly rolled the father as a persian wind god (can't remember the name). The demigod part is only really pertinent as it just set his agenda he adamantly refused to see himself as supernatural even when confronted about it; he was just blessed with special abilities for his holy quest. Could easily be a squishy sdc. Rolled his personality as mean and spiteful from the random table. Pretty much made him by complete random rolls. Basically he was a tad stereotype at first but let's just say he was evil and found the coalition as the main evil of the world. He used different methods against the infidel coalition anywhere from sniper attacks to bombing different targets as well as just random fun adventure and mayhem through the multiverse. Got him to like level 10 ish became quite powerful and just all around fun to play. Favorite weapon at the end was the big naruni sniper plasma rifle. Used all sorts of weapons and vehicles thru his sorted life.

It's too bad they ruled out the mercenary book I always found the occ's in it fun to play. If thinking they are overpowered just limit some of the armor and weapons to lesser powered ones imo.


No, they are not too powerful. What actually happened was they were going to be CS who have gone Native, but while I was on this MB I ran across a thread about who besides Robot/PA Pilots make the best Pilot and someone said Paratrooper. I texted one of the guys to take a look at the thread and we were like, "WHAT!?" So then I scrambled to see if I even had that book and lo and behold it was there next to the Cold Blooded. We had actually ruled that book as basically useless except for the new spells. After reading Paratrooper I found that it was the baddest danged none powered OCC that I had ever seen. We started toying with how our group would be better and next you know we were all texting like crazy. Restrictions and everything else started and someone (the guy who is REALLY looking deep for a good OCC) said, "No Rifts Mercenary book. Not that old one!" and we added it to restrictions.

I think the reason why, honestly, is to force me to really have to look as I am the only one who seems to have time...LOL. I run a NPO, so I'm not shuttling here and there. That's how it happened though.

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2011 12:14 am
by Mercdog
Crucible wrote:I actually had that in mind in the beginning. Maybe you can help even more if I expand on what this guy is looking for.

He usually likes to play his exact opposite...slow witted, big strong, ready to fight and yet still keeping his heroic nature. Now he says that he wants to be smart, heroic, and overall a good guy with some serious skills and made for combat. He doesn't want to be a mechanic, but kind of a caretaker without it being about science or medical (too close to his reality). He wants a challenging O.C.C. that would fit in to a military unit seamlessly and without his O.C.C. calling for a specific duty.



Sounds like he might be wanting something along the lines of a Sheriff, or Deputy OCC from the New West book. They're both worth considering.

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2011 12:19 am
by Crucible
Mercdog wrote:
Crucible wrote:I actually had that in mind in the beginning. Maybe you can help even more if I expand on what this guy is looking for.

He usually likes to play his exact opposite...slow witted, big strong, ready to fight and yet still keeping his heroic nature. Now he says that he wants to be smart, heroic, and overall a good guy with some serious skills and made for combat. He doesn't want to be a mechanic, but kind of a caretaker without it being about science or medical (too close to his reality). He wants a challenging O.C.C. that would fit in to a military unit seamlessly and without his O.C.C. calling for a specific duty.



Sounds like he might be wanting something along the lines of a Sheriff, or Deputy OCC from the New West book. They're both worth considering.

I love that direction Merc, but the OCC's have been brought to him and he wasn't biting. Mercdog, I have the feeling I have overlooked a lot of stuff here. Any more generic type OCC's you can think of that doesn't quite associate in that way? You know like something generic, but like a soldier without it being a merc....no offense... :-D

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2011 1:49 am
by Shark_Force
Crucible wrote:
Mercdog wrote:
Crucible wrote:I actually had that in mind in the beginning. Maybe you can help even more if I expand on what this guy is looking for.

He usually likes to play his exact opposite...slow witted, big strong, ready to fight and yet still keeping his heroic nature. Now he says that he wants to be smart, heroic, and overall a good guy with some serious skills and made for combat. He doesn't want to be a mechanic, but kind of a caretaker without it being about science or medical (too close to his reality). He wants a challenging O.C.C. that would fit in to a military unit seamlessly and without his O.C.C. calling for a specific duty.



Sounds like he might be wanting something along the lines of a Sheriff, or Deputy OCC from the New West book. They're both worth considering.

I love that direction Merc, but the OCC's have been brought to him and he wasn't biting. Mercdog, I have the feeling I have overlooked a lot of stuff here. Any more generic type OCC's you can think of that doesn't quite associate in that way? You know like something generic, but like a soldier without it being a merc....no offense... :-D


have you considered a basic rogue scholar or city rat as a hacker? he'd be the comms specialist, probably also be good at navigation as well for good measure, and you can even potentially have him run a drone network (i've heard there's some more drones and rules for that sort of thing in Triax 2, so that might help). heck, if you wanna get *really* fancy, you could let him have a VRRDS system from mutants in orbit (the rifts section) for when he's fighting, though you'd have to limit the drones down a bit (presumably, if stuff like juicer is out, you don't exactly want that dragon drone to be showing up :P ). you could make him some drones using the robot creation rules in SB1 (not sure if they're in revised as well). let him tweak their programs and such, and you've got something that might appeal?

for bonus points, you could even have him offer his services as a combat trainer if he's a rogue scholar (i seem to recall HtoH: basic and most WPs are secondary skills in rifts, which means he can train people to be militia and such). to round him out you could maybe even get demolitions skills in there :P

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Sun Oct 09, 2011 12:59 am
by Crucible
Then it gets whacky!

LOL!!! So we have been up and down talking about everything and trying to figure it all out, then my guy chooses...wait for it...

OPERATOR OCC!!! LOL!!! Yeah, he says that he stepped away from the Bounty Hunter because his wife wanted it. He actually wanted to play Operator the whole time but was unsure of the Combat capabilities and plus we already have a Gunfighter and Headhunter Anti Robot Specialist. On top of that there is the whole "Well if I am the group mechanic, won't that put me in one spot?" issue. So we now have

Paratrooper O.C.C.
Headhunter Anti Robot Specialist O.C.C.
Gunfighter O.C.C.
Dinosaur Hunter O.C.C.
Operator O.C.C.
Bounty Hunter O.C.C.

and now waiting on my wife if she ACTUALLY is going to play.

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Sun Oct 09, 2011 2:04 pm
by Mack
I shouldn't suggest this, but I'm going to anyway... One of your players could take a Crazy with the subdermal implants so no one realizes what he is. Of course, that would mean decieving the other players until they figure it out.

And as someone else mentioned, a City Rat would make an amusing addition to the team. Just give him a background of "got in trouble with the law, joined the Merc group in order to get out of town, etc."

Looking over the team list, it's mostly comprised of "trigger pullers". An adventurer would be a good addition.

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2011 12:31 pm
by Crucible
Mack wrote:I shouldn't suggest this, but I'm going to anyway... One of your players could take a Crazy with the subdermal implants so no one realizes what he is. Of course, that would mean decieving the other players until they figure it out.

And as someone else mentioned, a City Rat would make an amusing addition to the team. Just give him a background of "got in trouble with the law, joined the Merc group in order to get out of town, etc."

Looking over the team list, it's mostly comprised of "trigger pullers". An adventurer would be a good addition.



I agree with the "trigger puller" but far be it for me to tell them that. Wife is out most definitely though. Another guy is definitely playing though. He said that he has an idea that is mind blowing. LOVE the Crazy idea. LOL!!!

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2011 12:32 pm
by Crucible
I should actually be seeing some descriptions by this evening or tomorrow.

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2011 1:04 pm
by Crucible
This new player, I have never met him before and had my first talk with him today. Gamer!!! LOL!!! This is his VERY first experience with Rifts and has only really played Robotech. Is a PFRPG junkie who never even thought twice about Rifts. I told him what we have lined up and what they are basically and also the restrictions...His answer?

"Are you serious? We actually get that much room?"

He said that his GM usually gives PLAYERS 2 to 3 choices that the one individual can choose from. He is excited that he'll get some serious opportunities to pick a character...then at the end of the discussion he says, "Any suggestions?" LOL!!!

I am interested in hearing about some alternative Adventurer OCC's. Any suggestions? LOL!!!

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2011 2:05 pm
by Nightmask
Crucible wrote:This new player, I have never met him before and had my first talk with him today. Gamer!!! LOL!!! This is his VERY first experience with Rifts and has only really played Robotech. Is a PFRPG junkie who never even thought twice about Rifts. I told him what we have lined up and what they are basically and also the restrictions...His answer?

"Are you serious? We actually get that much room?"

He said that his GM usually gives PLAYERS 2 to 3 choices that the one individual can choose from. He is excited that he'll get some serious opportunities to pick a character...then at the end of the discussion he says, "Any suggestions?" LOL!!!

I am interested in hearing about some alternative Adventurer OCC's. Any suggestions? LOL!!!


That's kind of sad, that his GM is that restrictive to the point it's like he's saying 'okay you're just here to entertain me so here are your choices of attire for doing so'. Hopefully getting into a game with more expanded choices will give him some real fun.

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2011 2:25 pm
by Crucible
Nightmask wrote:
Crucible wrote:This new player, I have never met him before and had my first talk with him today. Gamer!!! LOL!!! This is his VERY first experience with Rifts and has only really played Robotech. Is a PFRPG junkie who never even thought twice about Rifts. I told him what we have lined up and what they are basically and also the restrictions...His answer?

"Are you serious? We actually get that much room?"

He said that his GM usually gives PLAYERS 2 to 3 choices that the one individual can choose from. He is excited that he'll get some serious opportunities to pick a character...then at the end of the discussion he says, "Any suggestions?" LOL!!!

I am interested in hearing about some alternative Adventurer OCC's. Any suggestions? LOL!!!


That's kind of sad, that his GM is that restrictive to the point it's like he's saying 'okay you're just here to entertain me so here are your choices of attire for doing so'. Hopefully getting into a game with more expanded choices will give him some real fun.



I've been in those types of games. Usually there are more than a few players, so typically the GM may restrict your character choices based on his format. They are not always that bad.

I have never been that restrictive, that's why the players wanted restrictions. Also I think they are just tired of being powered or in groups where someone is powered. It DOES happen.

EDIT: Not to try and sound all, "I walk on clouds and all." but most folks tend to like my games man. One thing that most people really love is the fact that I don't have a character myself.

Re: Working on New Campaign and Asking For Ideas

Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2011 2:44 pm
by Nightmask
Crucible wrote:
Nightmask wrote:That's kind of sad, that his GM is that restrictive to the point it's like he's saying 'okay you're just here to entertain me so here are your choices of attire for doing so'. Hopefully getting into a game with more expanded choices will give him some real fun.



I've been in those types of games. Usually there are more than a few players, so typically the GM may restrict your character choices based on his format. They are not always that bad.

I have never been that restrictive, that's why the players wanted restrictions. Also I think they are just tired of being powered or in groups where someone is powered. It DOES happen.

EDIT: Not to try and sound all, "I walk on clouds and all." but most folks tend to like my games man. One thing that most people really love is the fact that I don't have a character myself.


Not seeing the problem with someone being powered in a group, it should increase the chances of the group succeeding and your individual character's success as a result. Bob the Nightbane Sorcerer in a group of Special Forces characters really helps the group achieve its goals and do it without someone having to go 'Damn that monster just toasted my character got to make another now', or at least make that much less likely.