Troll Lord Games

Aergraith wrote:Q: If I improve Intelligence or Charisma at first level, do I get additional skills or powers?

How would you improve Int or Cha?

I found this, but am still reading through the PDF to understand more:

Becoming More Skilled

As experience is gained over the course of play and
class skill levels are obtained, a Hero may elect to use
their Power rank (gained with each class level) to either
purchase two entirely new skills or increase the rank of
already chosen skills. Skills don’t simply appear, and the
player and GM must work out over time how the Hero in
question managed to attain these new skills; perhaps role
playing the study and instruction to a small degree during
the course of the Victorious game.

Not sure if this answers your question.

If we don't find an explanation in the book, perhaps we can ask Mike in the Victorious forum.

Rhuvein wrote:

Aergraith wrote:Q: If I improve Intelligence or Charisma at first level, do I get additional skills or powers?

How would you improve Int or Cha?

The Attribute power. But I think it does not help you; it's only your rolled value that helps.
Character is up on page 1.

Aergraith wrote:

Rhuvein wrote:

Aergraith wrote:Q: If I improve Intelligence or Charisma at first level, do I get additional skills or powers?

How would you improve Int or Cha?

The Attribute power. But I think it does not help you; it's only your rolled value that helps.
Character is up on page 1.

OK, thanks. I still have a lot to learn and remember!

Thanks for posting your character. I'll check it out.

Did someone take my name in vain?

Basically when determining skills and powers those are limited to your initial rolls only. Any other skills/powers are bought with Shortcomings.

When you raise a level, you get 1 Supernatural power slot. This can be used to buy/increase a power one rank, raise skills up to 2 ranks/skills, or purchase 3 Victory points. The key word in that is OR. The best way to remember it is 1-2-3; 1 power equals 2 skills = 3 Victory points.

The INT attribute being bought higher to get more initial skills was actually a loophole Serleran caught years ago. So you can thank him!

GM Michael

Rhuvein wrote:

Penny-Whistle wrote:LOVED the Jekyll scene. You should be writing fiction full time.

Well thank you Ms. But I need an editor . . .

Nah. An agent ...

DMMike wrote:Any other skills/powers are bought with Shortcomings.

Ahhh, I did see this but forgot where it was in the book when I posted my reply to Aergraith.

Many thanks Mike - for dropping in, much appreciated!

Incidentally, you and Liz are cordially invited to join the game . . even if I fumble, stumble and mumble as the GM!

Another thought . . check your PMs here in a few moments.

Rhu, not using a monocle but may go for the eye patch GM.

Penny-Whistle wrote:

Rhuvein wrote:

Penny-Whistle wrote:LOVED the Jekyll scene. You should be writing fiction full time.

Well thank you Ms. But I need an editor . . .

Nah. An agent ...

Yes, that too!

I tweaked my character a little bit to make her more like a Super. I took Mesmerism.

Wellington's eyes brim with tears as she looks up at the copper. "Me? Dip someone's pockets? But, Wellington is an honest girl."

Detective Chief Inspector Evelyn St. John St. James thinks for a moment and mumbles: "Wellington is an honest girl ..."

Wellington: "Sure could use a few pence to take a cab home. The roads aren't safe for little girls." Holds out the palm of her hand.

Detective Chief Inspector Evelyn St. John St. James: "Here, lass. (Hands over a few pence.) The roads aren't safe for little girls."

Eyes twinkling, Wellington pockets the change. "Bless you, sir," she calls out while dodging into the thick stream of people passing by.

Detective Chief Inspector Evelyn St. John St. James abruptly comes to his senses: "One moment. What just happened? Stop! Rascal!"
DCI St. James blows into his whistle but knows it is futile. He has been tricked yet again!

Hilarious . . strong is the force with this one!

Incidentally . . in my Victorious games, I don't allow double St. names except ~ St. Jacques St. Larry!

Scene . . East End, London 1887:

Fan’s Forbidden Palace – private dining room in the Limehouse district.

Li Ru Mein and his mistress Shu Lien rise to greet their visitors.

Enter - Holmes, young Jack London, Dr. Watson and a Baker street waif who hesitates after entering and then moves aside and stays at the back of the room near the door with her hand in her pocket.

Li Ru moves forward to greet his guests and says, “Welcome my friends, have you eaten your rice today?”

Shu Lien looks at the waif and exclaims, "Sherlock, I am surprised to see a young girl in your employ!"

Holmes answers Li . . "We've had breakfast but no lunch today, Li. How is business?"

Li Ru Mein snaps his fingers and a servant nods to another and then several waiters enter the room with trays of food.

"She is a student, Shu Lien and Dr. Watson and I have decided to help her get into a school while she works for me to pay for tuition" replies Holmes to Shu Lien's inquiry.

[In progress[

Rhuvein wrote:Incidentally . . in my Victorious games, I don't allow double St. names except ~ St. Jacques St. Larry!

It's ok, though, it's pronounced "Sinjin St. James"

Thomas Bernardo ran a famous Ragged School for children in London. He once turned away a child because they were too full. That boy was found dead of malnutrition and exposure two days later. After that incident the school's new policy was: No Destitute Child Ever Refused Admission. As far as I know that school is still in operation.

Awesome. I can't get enough of real life heroes.

Interesting . . from Wiki ~

"At the time of the Whitechapel murders, due to the supposed medical expertise of the Ripper, various doctors in the area were suspected. Barnardo was named a possible suspect. Ripperologist Gary Rowlands theorized that due to Barnardo's lonely childhood he had anger which led him to murder prostitutes. However, there is no solid evidence he committed the murders.[11] Critics have also pointed out that his age and appearance did not match any of the descriptions of the Ripper.[12]"

Scene . . East End, London 1887:

Fan’s Forbidden Palace – private dining room in the Limehouse district.

Watson introduces Jack London who bows and expresses his pleasure at meeting his hosts.

Li Ru returns the bow and looks at the young man with recognition but says nothing.

The group sits down as the waiters lay down platters of hot delicious dim sum. Tea is served and Shu Lien sees the young waif still standing off to the back of the room. She looks at Sherlock who nods and calls out, “Come my girl and sit down with us!”

As the party digs into their lunch, Dr. Watson says, “I believe I heard mahjong tiles being played as we walked through the hallway!”

“Indeed John, it seems that the younger generation prefer the tiles over the cards these days” replies Li Ru.

“Have some phoenix talons, my dear” offers Shu Lien to the young girl Wellington.

“Ahh, Fung zao . . hmm, my favorite!” replies the waif, as she helps herself to several pieces. It’s clear that she is hungry.

Both Shu Lien and Li Ru stop and turn to look at the young girl dressed in boys attire.

“She speaks our language!” blinks Li Ru as looks from Shu Lien back to the young child.

“Her accent is almost perfect”, blurts She Lien. “She must have grown up with a Chinese family. I’m sure of it!”

Jack London has been quiet for most of the lunch meal nodding occasionally and commenting on the fantastic taste of the various plates of food..

And so the guests are served dumplings, buns, fried noodles and turnip cakes among other fabulous dishes.

As for the fried steamed chicken feet, Wellington eats the lion’s share of those while the group smiles and chuckles at her appetite. She doesn’t seem to notice and grabs a turnip cake to finish her meal.

The waiters clear the plates and everyone gets up from the table to sit down on the divans.

Holmes fills his pipe and Shu Lien lights a cigarette.

Li Ru pours some whiskey into a tumbler for Watson, Holmes, Shu Lien and young Jack London.

“I believe you are here to talk about a certain Chinese Doctor . . and a notorious criminal professor!” exclaims Li Ru as he hands out the drinks.

“Amazing!”, blurts out Watson. “How did you know?”

Holmes smiles as he turns to Watson and says, “Elementary me dear Watson! There is nothing that happens in Limehouse that Li Ru does not know.”

“The Chinese Doctor? You must mean the Insidious Fu Manchu?” inquires Jack London.

Li Ru is packing a hookah and says, "you are correct, Mr. London!"

Shu Lien sips her whiskey looking at her glass, “It’s so odd for us Chinese to drink whiskey, but then isn’t it odd that we are here in London instead of our home in Shanghai?” . . she muses. “I’m not so concerned about Fu Manchu or Moriarty, but the thought of them working together is frightening!”

FYI/aside . . .

For our group - trying to make sure that I don't post anything that might offend any of our Asian friends with regard to this game or the period of Victorian London - I've asked a friend here on this forum to help me make sure that what I'm trying to do is OK.

My idea is to use a notorious evil character in game and I wish to have a notorious lawful good character (Li Ru Mein) as his adversary. So, I won't utilize any of the bad stuff from the novels . . but mostly use Fu as an evil char like I will use Moriarty.

Any thoughts are welcome from my group and/or any of our forum friend here.

Many thanks!

Yes! A Chinese back story sounds perfect for Wellington. Now ... did her family go to China on a plant expedition or maybe she is the sole survivor of an ill fated California dream ... decisions decisions. I like how you are making an extra effort to make sure everything is culturally respectful.

The Fung Zao reminds me of a funny story. I was with the infamous Aergraith once at a restaurant where he ordered said dish which happened to be one of their specialities. The waiter refused. "You won't like it," he said. Aergraith insisted. The waiter insisted and started describing in detail how the dish is prepared. Aergraith was still willing. But the final word was no. The waiter simply refused to let him have it.

Penny-Whistle wrote:Yes! A Chinese back story sounds perfect for Wellington. Now ... did her family go to China on a plant expedition or maybe she is the sole survivor of an ill fated California dream ... decisions decisions.

Remember I'm just having some fun in those out of games posts . . but for sure if you like the idea, feel free to use it. I leave it up to you and don't feel obligated to do so.

Penny-Whistle wrote:The Fung Zao reminds me of a funny story. I was with the infamous Aergraith once at a restaurant where he ordered said dish which happened to be one of their specialities. The waiter refused. "You won't like it," he said. Aergraith insisted. The waiter insisted and started describing in detail how the dish is prepared. Aergraith was still willing. But the final word was no. The waiter simply refused to let him have it.

Well that's very curious!

Was it a "real" dim sum restaurant or a Chinese restaurant that has dim sum items on the menu (not that, it means they are any less delicious). Oh and what city were you in at the time?

Wow, I haven't been in a great dim sum restaurant in like 25 years . . Chicago, Frisco and Toronto had great ones.

Har gow, shumai, char siu, turnip cake, egg tarts, rolls and the delicious teas!

I just finished my Lithuanian dinner (cepelinai) an hour ago and now I'm hungry again.

Rhuvein wrote:

Penny-Whistle wrote:The Fung Zao reminds me of a funny story. I was with the infamous Aergraith once at a restaurant where he ordered said dish which happened to be one of their specialities. The waiter refused. "You won't like it," he said. Aergraith insisted. The waiter insisted and started describing in detail how the dish is prepared. Aergraith was still willing. But the final word was no. The waiter simply refused to let him have it.

Well that's very curious!

Was it a "real" dim sum restaurant or a Chinese restaurant that has dim sum items on the menu (not that, it means they are any less delicious). Oh and what city were you in at the time?

Wow, I haven't been in a great dim sum restaurant in like 25 years . . Chicago, Frisco and Toronto had great ones.

Har gow, shumai, char siu, turnip cake, egg tarts, rolls and the delicious teas!

I just finished my Lithuanian dinner (cepelinai) an hour ago and now I'm hungry again.

Aergraith reminds me that it wasn't chicken feet but another dish. Never mind. The waiter still wouldn't bring it to him. It was a restaurant here in Austin and unfortunately not dim sum. We used to have one here but the last time we went it was closed! So sad. Aergraith has a weird super power when it comes to restaurants. The wait staff always treat him like a favoured son.

I decided Wellington's family went to California looking for gold. Her mother died shortly after child birth. She grew up a bit wild spending more of her time in he woods than in parlours. She does know how to read and can do simple maths. Her father was killed in a bar room brawl a couple of years before the events happening in the game. She wandered around San Francisco dipping, scavenging and relying on the kindness of strangers. When her father's family discovered what happened to her they arranged to have her brought back to Britain. It didn't take long for the parties to mutually agree that Wellington was not fit for polite society and so Wellington considers herself to be fully emancipated. These experiences have left her with anarchist tendencies.

More on Victorian anarchists https://steampunkanarchist.wordpress.co ... narchists/ and
http://inthesetimes.com/article/16081/a ... _anarchism

The first link is great . . knew of Goldman and Bakunin and others, but I didn't know or realized Tolstoy was an anarchist (even if it was of the pacifist sort).

I really enjoyed Anna Karenina many years ago, but never tried to read War & Peace. I think I went gaga on Dostoevsky and other Russian authors and did not return to Tolstoy.

Rhuvein wrote:Just looked at my work schedule for next Friday.

I'll be working until 8 pm - so if y'all don't mind, we have a later start to this opening session ~ say 8:15 if you guys are OK with that.

Most likely we'll fine tune chars and abilities and other stuff like background start and then mebbe a short combat session to test the system and rules.

See you then!

Sometimes I can get off work early, so I will try tomorrow night - even if you guys prefer to start later. It'll give my some time to set up a combat encounter.

So, if I can I will start the server and do my thing and if y'all are around then perhaps we can start close to original start.

Penny-Whistle wrote:I decided Wellington's family went to California looking for gold. Her mother died shortly after child birth. She grew up a bit wild spending more of her time in he woods than in parlours. She does know how to read and can do simple maths. Her father was killed in a bar room brawl a couple of years before the events happening in the game. She wandered around San Francisco dipping, scavenging and relying on the kindness of strangers. When her father's family discovered what happened to her they arranged to have her brought back to Britain. It didn't take long for the parties to mutually agree that Wellington was not fit for polite society and so Wellington considers herself to be fully emancipated. These experiences have left her with anarchist tendencies.

Poor thing!

Treebore wrote:Looking good! I'll try to have a PC created by Friday.

Any thoughts about a character?

No hurries . . you can create one when we get online tomorrow night.

From Victorious:

1887

Political

Queen Victoria celebrates her 50th year as monarch of
Great Britain.

Grover Cleveland loses his bid for reelection and
Benjamin Harrison is elected 24th President of the USA.

“Bloody Sunday”. On November 13th a peaceful
demonstration of unemployed outside Buckingham Palace
is broken up by 4,000 armed police on foot, 300 infantry
with bayonettes, and 600 mounted police and Lifeguards
(palace guards.) This stirs up great resentment of the
Police Commissioner Sir Charles Warren for his brutality.

Great Britain annexes Zululand into the South African
Cape Colony.

Scientific

The scientists Michelson and Morley’s experiments cast
doubt on the theory of Luminiferous Ether.

Cultural

In the USA, Abraham Lincoln’s tomb opened to insure
that the corpse was still present. It was.

The insurance firm Lloyd’s of London first begins to
insure non-maritime cargoes.

Arthur Conan Doyle publishes his first Sherlock Holmes
story, A Study in Scarlet.

This will be our "rough" timeline beginning.

Also, Knut Lofving - my great grandfather was born in Norrkopping, Sweden!

I'm home and will start the MT server if anyone wants to create a token.

Server is up!

Not sure if I am going to be up to gaming, even at the later start time. Got home with a nasty tension headache, and I'm still not done with my character. We'll see.

K, no problemo!

Doctor Octavious Oppenheimer (Octo) (Supers name: The Octopus)
Class: Psychic

S: 14 (+1)
D: 14 (+1)
C: 16 (+2)
I: 17 (+2)
W: (P) 18 (+3)
Ch: 16 (+2)

Init: +5
Actions: 1
Level 1
AC: 11
Defenses: Force Screen 2 (+10 to AC)
Alignment: Good
Experience:
Victory Points: ?
Funds: ?
HP: 36

SKILLS:
Melee (1)
Science (1)
Acrobatics (1)

SHORTCOMINGS
Enemy (The Tarantula)
Secret Identity
Weakness (x2 from Sonic Damage)


POWERS
Telepathy (2)
Intuition (2)
Force Screen (2)
Psycho Kinesis (3)


EQUIPMENT
Gold Watch and Chain, Smoked lens Glasses, Deck of Cards, Hand Mirror.