A Hero for the John Carter of Mars RPG

May 30, 2024 Sharrukin Comments 0 Comment

As of today, I’m suddenly enjoying an outbreak of freedom. I’ve finished my work on university courses for this academic year, and all my major creative projects with deadlines are done too. I still have a pile of work to do for the office, but other than that I’m remarkably uncommitted for the next few months.

So this evening I decided to let my muse pester me a bit, and sat down to tinker with the John Carter of Mars RPG from Modiphius. What follows is a character who appeared unbidden in the back of my mind a few days ago. I’m still trying to decide what to do with him. Some Edgar Rice Burroughs fan-fiction? Probably not, but we’ll see if my muse will let me leave this Verginian on the shelf . . .

Marcus Verginius

Disciplined Earthborn Soldier

Marcus Verginius is a very old man, although he does not know how old he is, for he remembers no childhood and has not aged as other men do. His earliest memories are of a farm in the Latin hills, in the time of the last war against Carthage. Whether he was born there or simply remembers living there long ago, he cannot be certain.

For as long as he can remember, Marcus has been a soldier, serving in the legions of the Roman Republic in war after war. Most recently, he was primus pilus and then praefectus castrorum in Legio XXVII, one of the legions raised by C. Julius Caesar for his war against the Pompeian faction. After Caesar left Egypt, the legion remained behind to support the rule of Rome’s ally, Queen Cleopatra VII.

A few months later, while leading a punitive expedition against Egyptian brigands, Marcus vanished and was never seen again (at least on Earth). Instead, after a bizarre adventure, Marcus found himself naked and alone on a strange world: on Barsoom, over 1900 Earth-years before the arrival of John Carter.

Attributes

Daring: 7
Cunning: 4
Empathy: 3
Might: 8
Passion: 6
Reason: 6

Stress Trackers

Confusion: 6
Fear: 7
Injury: 8

Talents

Battle Valor (Grade 1)

You are a true warrior and steadfast soldier, at home in the chaos and carnage of war and always willing to meet your fate with sword and pistol in hand.

Circumstance: When suffering Fear damage in combat.
Effect: You may ignore the first 2 points of stress inflicted to your Fear stress track taken during combat. You suffer Fear damage normally after this during a combat scene or from other situations.

Break the Line (Grade 2)

Your skill with a sword is such that no lesser foe can hope to stand against you. In past battles, you have often been the first to break through an enemy’s line or shield-wall.

Circumstance: When wielding a sword.
Effect: You automatically defeat 2 minions as part of your action. You may spend additional Momentum to defeat more at the cost of 1 Momentum per additional minion.

Earthborn Strength (Grade 3)

You are tenacious and your Earthborn strength and years of experience give you a substantial edge in battle.

Circumstance: In melee combat.
Effect: You can always use Might for melee attack and defense and you do an additional 1 die of damage with melee attacks.

Leaps and Bounds (Grade 2)

Your Earthborn muscles allow you to leap great distances and perform great feats of strength while on Barsoom.

Circumstance: When moving on Barsoom and planets with similar gravity.
Effect: You may close one range category automatically, ignoring any obstacles or intervening terrain as long as you have clearance and space to leap between your starting point and destination. You may spend 1 Momentum to move an additional range category.

Logical Orator (Grade 2)

You have the benefits of a top-notch Greek education, and are accomplished at using both reason and rhetoric to convince others.

Circumstance: When attempting to persuade or convince an audience.
Effect: You can always use Reason to aid in a persuasive attempt. In addition, you can roll 1 bonus d20 on the test.

Flaw

Code of Honor

You lose 3 Momentum if you break your word, refuse to defend the innocent form harm, or otherwise act dishonorably.

Renown and Accolades

Renown: 0

Aminata Ndoye

March 17, 2024 Sharrukin Comments 0 Comment

Here’s a first cut at a Human Destiny character under the evolving Basic Roleplaying (BRP) design. This is my occasional protagonist, Aminata Ndoye, as she first appears in the novelette “Pilgrimage.” At this point she is sixteen years old, having just finished her primary education, and she is starting to consider what she plans to do with her life.

Aminata Ndoye

Female human, age 16
Height 1.72 m, mass 60 kg
Deep brown skin, dark brown eyes, close-cropped black hair, solid athletic build
Resident of Dakar, Haute-Guinée du Nord
Mixed Wolof and Egyptian Arab descent
Sunni Muslim with Sufi influences
Social Standing: 22% (Gold card)

Characteristics

STR 13 (Effort roll 65%)
CON 14 (Stamina roll 70%)
SIZ 12
INT 17 (Idea roll 85%)
POW 12 (Luck roll 60%)
DEX 16 (Agility roll 80%)
CHA 13 (Charm roll 65%)
EDU 11 (Knowledge roll 55%)

Damage Modifier: +1d4
Hit Points: 13
Fatigue Points: 27
Power Points: 12
Experience Bonus: +9%
Movement (MOV): 10 units/round

Skills

Only those skills that have been improved from their default value (based on skill base values and category bonuses) are specifically listed here.

Communication Skills (+9%)
- Language
  - Wolof (native) 90%
  - Arabic 40%
  - French 60%
- Persuade 50%
Manipulation Skills (+10%)
Mental Skills (+8%)
- Knowledge (Literature) 20%
- Science (Astronomy) 30%
- Technical (Computer Use) 40%
Perception Skills (+10%)
Physical Skills (+7%)
- Pilot (Small Aircraft) 30%
Combat Skills (+10%)

Personality Traits

Sympátheia – 60% kosmos, 40% khaos
Logismós – 70% kosmos, 30% khaos
Prónoia – 50% kosmos, 50% khaos
Prokopé – 50% kosmos, 50% khaos
Andreía – 70% kosmos, 30% khaos
Evexía – 50% kosmos, 50% khaos

General Commentary

In my opinion, this exercise didn’t turn out too badly. It took me maybe an hour to draw up this character, and that’s with me being out of practice with BRP character design and without a paper character sheet to work with.

At this point in her life Aminata is clearly very talented and she has started to develop some skills, but she is far from being a world-class expert on anything. She’s just the equivalent of a precocious high-school student, after all. Her personality traits seem reasonable – Aminata tends to be cool and rational, but she has a sympathetic streak, and she’s also quite brave in a tight situation.

This would be a good example of a very young Human Destiny character with exceptional characteristic rolls, just starting out on an adventuring career. I’m thinking that the character-design rules are on the right track so far.

David Kano

June 9, 2023 Sharrukin Comments 0 Comment

David Kano (150 points)

David Kano is in his late 30s, a burly man with dark skin, close-cropped black hair, and brown eyes.

ST 11 [10]; DX 10 [0]; IQ 14 [80]; HT 12 [20].
Damage 1d-1/1d+1; BL 24 lbs.; HP 11 [0]; Will 14 [0]; Per 14 [0]; FP 12 [0].
Basic Speed 5.5 [0]; Basic Move 5 [0]; Dodge 8.
5’ 10”; 170 lbs.

Social Background

TL: 9 [0].
CF: Western (Native) [0].
Languages: English (Native; Native Language, -6) [0].

Advantages

Military Rank 3 (World Space Commission) [15]; Wireless Neural Interface/TL9 – Telecommunication (Radio; Reduced Range, x1/10, -30%; Secure, +20%; Sensie, +80%) [17].

Disadvantages

Bad Temper (12 or less, *1) [-10]; Light Sleeper [-5]; Low Empathy [-20]; Truthfulness (12 or less, *1) [-5].
Quirks: Proud; Refers to Computer as “she”; Tends to trust Computer’s output too far; Uncongenial; Uninterested in romance. [‑5]

Skills

Administration (A) IQ-1 [1]-13; Astronomy/TL9 (Observational) (A) IQ-1 [1]-13; Beam Weapons/TL9 (Pistol) (E) DX [1]-10; Brawling (E) DX+1 [2]-11; Computer Hacking/TL9 (VH) IQ-1 [4]-13; Computer Operation/TL9 (E) IQ+3 [8]-17; Computer Programming/TL9 (H) IQ+1 [8]-15; Electronics Operation/TL9 (Communications) (A) IQ+1 [4]-15; Electronics Operation/TL9 (Sensors) (A) IQ+1 [4]-15; Electronics Repair/TL9 (Computers) (A) IQ+1 [4]-15; Free Fall (A) DX [2]-10; Games (Backgammon) (E) IQ [1]-14; Games (Chess) (E) IQ+1 [2]-15; Leadership (A) IQ-4 [1]-10 *; Mathematics/TL9 (Computer Science) (H) IQ-1 [2]-13; Navigation/TL9 (Space) (A) IQ-1 [1]-13; Piloting/TL9 (High-Performance Spacecraft) (A) DX [2]-10; Savoir-Faire (Military) (E) IQ-3 [1]-11 *; Shiphandling/TL9 (Spaceship) (H) IQ-2 [1]-12; Spacer/TL9 (E) IQ [1]-14; Vacc Suit/TL9 (A) DX [2]-10.

* Includes -3 from Low Empathy.

Biographical Information

David Kano was born in 2011 in St. Andrew, Jamaica. He came from an impoverished family but showed considerable talent with computers at a very young age. He earned a full scholarship to study mathematics and computer science at Stanford University in California, earning his doctorate in 2043.

While at university, Kano became involved with early experiments in brain-computer interfaces. He volunteered to be one of three test subjects for a highly experimental wireless implant. The experiment was nearly a failure; the other two volunteers suffered severe neurological damage, but Kano emerged with the ability to interact with computers almost by instinct.

After earning his doctorate, Kano joined the World Space Commission and served in several postings on and near Earth. Early in 2049, he was transferred to Moonbase Alpha as the new head of the Technical Section.

Kano is a somewhat eccentric genius, very comfortable with computers and computer networks but awkward and standoffish with people. His colleagues in Main Mission rely on his technical skills, but he is rarely put in a command or leadership position.

Kano is very aware of his intellect and accomplishments; he sometimes loses patience with the slowness or clumsiness of others. He makes few friends and appears to have no interest in romantic attachments. He is quite fond of strategy games and sometimes challenges his colleagues to a round of backgammon or chess.

Sandra Benes

June 7, 2023 Sharrukin Comments 2 comments

Sandra Benes (150 points)

Sandra Benes is in her mid-20s, petite, with a round face, black hair, and brown eyes.

ST 8 [-20]; DX 12 [40]; IQ 14 [80]; HT 11 [10].
Damage 1d-3/1d-2; BL 13 lbs.; HP 8 [0]; Will 14 [0]; Per 14 [0]; FP 11 [0].
Basic Speed 5.75 [0]; Basic Move 5 [0]; Dodge 8.
5’ 2”; 125 lbs.

Social Background

TL: 9 [0].
CF: East Asian [1]; South Asian [1]; Western (Native) [0].
Languages: Burmese (Accented; Spoken) [2]; English (Native; Native Language, -6) [0]; French (Accented) [4]; Hindi (Accented; Spoken) [2]; Mandarin (Accented; Spoken) [2]; Portuguese (Accented) [4].

Advantages

Appearance (Attractive) [4]; Military Rank 3 (World Space Commission) [15].

Disadvantages

Combat Paralysis [-15]; Curious (12 or less, *1) [-5]; Pacifism (Self-Defense Only) [-15]; Shyness (Mild) [-5].
Quirks: Attentive; Emotionally delicate; Imaginative; Nervous around doctors; Strong aesthetic sense. [‑5]

Skills

Administration (A) IQ [2]-14; Beam Weapons/TL9 (Pistol) (E) DX [1]-12; Computer Operation/TL9 (E) IQ+1 [2]-15; Computer Programming/TL9 (H) IQ [4]-14; Electrician/TL9 (A) IQ [2]-14; Electronics Operation/TL9 (Communications) (A) IQ+1 [4]-15; Electronics Operation/TL9 (Electronic Warfare) (A) IQ [2]-14; Electronics Operation/TL9 (Security) (A) IQ [2]-14; Electronics Operation/TL9 (Sensors) (A) IQ+1 [4]-15; Electronics Operation/TL9 (Surveillance) (A) IQ [2]-14; Electronics Repair/TL9 (Communications) (A) IQ [2]-14; Electronics Repair/TL9 (Computers) (A) IQ [2]-14; Electronics Repair/TL9 (Sensors) (A) IQ [2]-14; Engineer/TL9 (Electronics) (H) IQ [4]-14; Free Fall (A) DX [2]-12; Linguistics (H) IQ-1 [2]-13; Literature (H) IQ-1 [2]-13; Mathematics/TL9 (Applied) (H) IQ-1 [2]-13; Poetry (A) IQ [2]-14; Savoir-Faire (Military) (E) IQ-1 [1]-13 *; Vacc Suit/TL9 (A) DX [2]-12; Writing (A) IQ [2]-14.

* Includes -1 from Shyness (Mild).

Biographical Information

Sandra Benes was born in 2023 in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. Her father was the world-famous engineer and inventor Lawrence Benes, developer of the Interstellar Transmitter system for deep-space communications. Her mother was Nan Sanda, a Burmese journalist and poet.

As a young woman, Benes lived in many places around the world, speaking six languages fluently by the age of twelve. She studied electronics while working in her father’s lab, and earned a doctorate in electronic engineering from Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) in 2048. Benes joined the World Space Commission early in 2049, and was quickly assigned to Moonbase Alpha as the new head of the Communications and Telemetry Section.

Benes is a brilliant and extremely competent technician, a talented natural linguist, and a self-taught expert in several fields of human literature. She has a strong aesthetic sense, and is often first of the Alphans to remark on the beauty to be found even amid the dangers of deep space. She tends to be underestimated in person; she is physically petite, and is rather shy and unassuming in social situations. She has been known to “freeze up” or faint outright when subjected to sudden stress or shock. Only when working in a professional capacity does she become assured and confident. Even so, she is a critical member of Alpha’s command crew, often involved in scientific investigations or first-contact situations.

Alan Carter

June 5, 2023 Sharrukin Comments 0 Comment

Alan Carter (150 points)

Alan Carter is in his early 30s, with boyishly handsome features, light brown hair, and bright blue eyes.

ST 10 [0]; DX 14 [80]; IQ 12 [40]; HT 10 [0].
Damage 1d-2/1d; BL 20 lbs.; HP 10 [0]; Will 12 [0]; Per 12 [0]; FP 10 [0].
Basic Speed 6.00 [0]; Basic Move 6 [0]; Dodge 9.
5’ 6”; 160 lbs.

Social Background

TL: 9 [0].
CF: Western [0].
Languages: English (Native) [0].

Advantages

Fearlessness 5 [10]; Military Rank (World Space Commission) 4 [20].

Disadvantages

Code of Honor (Soldier’s) [-10]; Honesty (12 or less, *1) [-10]; Overconfidence (12 or less, *1) [-5]; Sense of Duty (Large Group; Moonbase Alpha Inhabitants) [-10]; Truthfulness (12 or less, *1) [-5].
Quirks: “Send me in, Commander!”; Aromantic (lost love); Cocky demeanor; Congenial; Proud. [‑5]

Skills

Astronomy/TL9 (Observational) (A) IQ-1 [1]-11; Beam Weapons/TL9 (Pistol) (E) DX [1]-14; Beam Weapons/TL9 (Rifle) (E) DX [1]-14; Brawling (E) DX [1]-14; Climbing (A) DX-1 [1]-13; Computer Operation/TL9 (E) IQ [1]-12; Driving/TL9 (Automobile) (A) DX-1 [1]-13; Electronics Operation/TL9 (Communications) (A) IQ [2]-12; Electronics Operation/TL9 (Force Shields) (A) IQ [2]-12; Electronics Operation/TL9 (Sensors) (A) IQ [2]-12; Electronics Repair/TL9 (Communications) (A) IQ [2]-12; Electronics Repair/TL9 (Sensors) (A) IQ [2]-12; Engineer/TL9 (Spaceship) (H) IQ-1 [2]-11; Free Fall (A) DX [2]-14; Gunner/TL9 (Beams) (E) DX [1]-14; Leadership (A) IQ [2]-12; Mathematics/TL9 (Applied) (H) IQ-2 [1]-10; Navigation/TL9 (Space) (A) IQ [2]-12; Piloting/TL9 (Aerospace) (A) DX [2]-14; Piloting/TL9 (High-Performance Spacecraft) (A) DX+1 [4]-15; Piloting/TL9 (Light Airplane) (A) DX-1 [1]-13; Riding (Equines) (A) DX-1 [1]-13; Savoir-Faire (Military) (E) IQ [1]-12; Shiphandling/TL9 (Spaceship) (H) IQ [3]-12; Spacer/TL9 (E) IQ [1]-12; Survival (Plains) (A) Per [2]-12; Swimming (E) HT [1]-10; Tactics (H) IQ-2 [1]-10; Vacc Suit/TL9 (A) DX-1 [1]-13.

Biographical Information

Alan Carter was born in 2016 in Sydney, Australia. He grew up on an Australian cattle ranch, where he spent most of his time outdoors and on horseback. From an early age he demonstrated talent as a pilot, earning his license as a pre-teenager and flying his family’s light aircraft all over the country.

In 2034, Carter joined the Royal Australian Air Force, serving in the Pacific War and flying many combat missions. After the war he applied for an astronaut’s position with the US/Australian Space Cooperation Program, later serving in the World Space Commission. He advanced quickly, commanding the third manned Mars expedition in 2047. Early in 2049 he was assigned to Moonbase Alpha as the Reconnaissance Section lead, and was the lead candidate for command of the upcoming Meta expedition.

Carter is a superb athlete and pilot, a natural-born adventurer who is proud of his abilities. He insists on being the first to venture into any dangerous situation, and he has the skills and the sheer courage to survive them.

Although Carter is widely respected and admired among the Moonbase Alpha crew, he is not known to have any interest in romantic relationships; female (and male) crew members who sound him out are all politely rebuffed. In fact, Carter was bitterly heartbroken in his youth, when a young woman he passionately loved was killed in a terrorist attack. Unwilling to risk such a loss again, Carter has transferred his passions to adventure, flying, and protecting his friends and colleagues.

Paul Morrow

June 4, 2023 Sharrukin Comments 0 Comment

Paul Morrow (150 points)

Paul Morrow is in his early 30s, with handsome features, light brown hair, and brown eyes.

ST 11 [10]; DX 12 [40]; IQ 13 [60]; HT 12 [20].
Damage 1d-1/1d+1; BL 24 lbs.; HP 11 [0]; Will 13 [0]; Per 13 [0]; FP 12 [0].
Basic Speed 6.00 [0]; Basic Move 6 [0]; Dodge 9.
6’ even; 165 lbs.

Social Background

TL: 9 [0].
CF: Western [0].
Languages: English (Native) [0].

Advantages

Military Rank (World Space Commission) 4 [20].

Disadvantages

Gregarious [-10]; Honesty (12 or less, *1) [-10]; Pacifism (Cannot Harm Innocents) [-10]; Sense of Duty (Small Group; Friends and current love interest) [-5].
Quirks: Fond of playing the guitar; Homesick for Earth; Mild womanizer; Outspoken; Responsive. [‑5]

Skills

Accounting (H) IQ-1 [2]-12; Administration (A) IQ+1 [4]-14; Astronomy/TL9 (Observational) (A) IQ-1 [1]-12; Beam Weapons/TL9 (Pistol) (E) DX+1 [2]-13; Brawling (E) DX+2 [4]-14; Computer Operation/TL9 (E) IQ+1 [2]-14; Computer Programming/TL9 (H) IQ-1 [2]-12; Driving/TL9 (Automobile) (A) DX-1 [1]-11; Electronics Operation/TL9 (Communications) (A) IQ [2]-13; Electronics Operation/TL9 (Security) (A) IQ-1 [1]-12; Electronics Operation/TL9 (Sensors) (A) IQ-1 [1]-12; Free Fall (A) DX [2]-12; Gunner/TL9 (Beams) (E) DX [1]-12; Leadership (A) IQ-1 [1]-12; Musical Instrument (Guitar) (H) IQ-1 [2]-12; Navigation/TL9 (Space) (A) IQ-1 [1]-12; Piloting/TL9 (High-Performance Spacecraft) (A) DX+1 [4]-13; Savoir-Faire (Military) (E) IQ [1]-13; Shiphandling/TL9 (Spaceship) (H) IQ-1 [2]-12; Spacer/TL9 (E) IQ [1]-13; Survival (Plains) (A) Per-1 [1]-12; Vacc Suit/TL9 (A) DX [2]-12.

Biographical Information

Paul Morrow was born in 2017 in London, in the United Kingdom. As a young man, he studied administration and data science at the Imperial College London. In his spare hours, he pursued music, women, and the occasional brawl in London’s pubs. Even so, by 2039 he earned a master’s degree with distinction. A lifelong interest in the space program led him to apply for a position with the new World Space Commission.

Morrow was first posted to Moonbase Alpha in 2043 as a senior administrator. By 2049, he had been promoted to Main Mission Controller, essentially the base’s second-in-command, serving first under Anton Gorski and then under John Koenig.

Morrow is a competent administrator, technician, and pilot. Despite his para-military position, he has the demeanor of a lifelong civilian. He has a habit of speaking his mind, and has more than once come into direct conflict with Commander Koenig. Even so, he is a valued member of the command staff, and the Commander relies on him in a crisis.

Morrow has settled down considerably since his wild days of youth, although he still enjoys playing cards or chess or making music. He is often engaged in a polite and discreet pursuit of one or another female colleague. Under the surface, he finds existence on the runaway Moon to be stifling and alienating. He is often homesick for Earth. Whenever the Moon passes an even remotely hospitable world, he is often a strong advocate for Operation Exodus – the abandonment of Alpha for a new settlement.

Victor Bergman

October 8, 2022 Sharrukin Comments 0 Comment

Victor Bergman (150 points)

Victor Bergman is in his late 50s, with a cheerful expression, receding black-and-silver hair, and grey eyes.

ST 9 [-10]; DX 10 [0]; IQ 15 [100]; HT 10 [0].
Damage 1d-2/1d-1; BL 16 lbs.; HP 9 [0]; Will 15 [0]; Per 15 [0]; FP 10 [0].
Basic Speed 5 [0]; Basic Move 5 [0]; Dodge 8.
5’9”; 145 lbs.

Social Background

TL: 9 [0].
CF: Western [0].
Languages: English (Native) [0]; French (Accented) [4].

Advantages

Courtesy Rank 4 (World Space Commission) [4]; Fearlessness 3 [6]; Mathematical Ability 1 [10]; Reputation 2 (Celebrated scientist; All the time, *1; Almost everyone, *1) [10]; Single-Minded [5].

Disadvantages

Pacifism (Self-Defense Only) [-15]; Vulnerability (Common; Electricity; x2, *1) [-30].
Quirks: Broad-Minded; Congenial; Convinced of a higher purpose; Hums or whistles while thinking; Likes fine cigars and brandy. [‑5]

Skills

Administration (A) IQ-1 [1]-14; Astronomy/TL9 (H) IQ+1 [4]-16 *; Beam Weapons/TL9 (Pistol) (E) DX [1]-10; Chemistry/TL9 (H) IQ-2 [1]-13; Computer Operation/TL9 (E) IQ+1 [2]-16; Computer Programming/TL9 (H) IQ [4]-15; Diplomacy (H) IQ-1 [2]-14; Driving/TL9 (Automobile) (A) DX [1]-10; Electronics Operation/TL9 (Communications) (A) IQ [2]-15; Electronics Operation/TL9 (Scientific) (A) IQ [2]-15; Electronics Operation/TL9 (Sensors) (A) IQ [2]-15; Electronics Repair/TL9 (Force Shields) (A) IQ [2]-15; Electronics Repair/TL9 (Scientific) (A) IQ [2]-15; Engineer/TL9 (Civil) (H) IQ [2]-15 *; Engineer/TL9 (Gravitics) (H) IQ+1 [4]-16 *; Literature (H) IQ-2 [1]-13; Mathematics/TL9 (Applied) (H) IQ+1 [3]-16 *; Mathematics/TL9 (Pure) (H) IQ [2]-15 *; Philosophy (Humanist) (H) IQ-2 [1]-13; Physics/TL9 (VH) IQ+4 [20]-19 *; Public Speaking (Debate) (E) IQ [1]-15; Research/TL9 (A) IQ [2]-15; Savoir-Faire (Military) (E) IQ [1]-15; Teaching (A) IQ+1 [4]-16; Vacc Suit/TL9 (A) DX [2]-10; Writing (A) IQ [2]-15.

* Includes +1 from Mathematical Ability.

Biographical Information

Victor Bergman was born in 1990 in London, in the United Kingdom. He was recognized as a mathematical prodigy at a very young age, earning doctorates in mathematics and astrophysics at the University of Cambridge by the time he was 21. Bergman has formed many close friendships and mentor-relationships over the years, but he has never become romantically involved, and some observers have concluded that he is effectively asexual.

Bergman disappointed many in the scientific world when he accepted a teaching position at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2012, but he soon proved able to do pioneering theoretical research even while mentoring younger students. It was at MIT in 2016 that Bergman had an annus mirabilis comparable to that of Albert Einstein, publishing several papers that ended in revolutionizing modern physics.

Bergman’s work opened the door to the direct control of gravity as a force, suggesting applications as diverse as artificial gravity in space habitats, antigravity lift systems for spacecraft, and “reactionless” drives for deep-space travel. As such, by the 2020s Bergman was already being recognized as the seminal figure in a new Space Age.

Bergman’s work might have made him a valuable asset to the American or British governments, but his staunch pacificism led him to refuse most such state connections. His open criticism of NASA and the United States Space Force led to considerable political controversy throughout the late 2020s and early 2030s, especially after he was awarded the 2033 Nobel Prize in Physics.

Only after the Pacific War and the foundation of the World Space Commission did Bergman begin to personally support the space program. He finally left MIT and accepted a position as a scientific advisor for the WSC in 2038. Working both on Earth and at Moonbase Alpha, Bergman provided invaluable advice in the application of the gravitic technologies his work had made possible. He was instrumental in the designs for Moonbase Alpha and the Eagle series of gravitic spacecraft.

Now of advanced years, Bergman continues to serve as a scientific advisor and mentor for a number of WSC leaders, including Commissioner Gerald Simmonds and astronauts Anthony Cellini and John Koenig.

Bergman’s outgoing personality, along with his undoubted scientific genius, have made him almost universally beloved among members of the space program. Even in his advanced years, he loves to throw himself into new scientific conundrums, and remains capable of coming up with unique (and effective) solutions. He has also gained a reputation as a humanistic philosopher, advocating an almost mystic understanding of humankind’s role in space.

Bergman’s major weakness is his artificial heart, acquired after a serious laboratory accident in the early 2030s. Although this bionic organ helps Bergman to regulate his emotional responses – giving him some resistance to fear and panic – it also renders him vulnerable to electric shock.

Helena Russell

October 7, 2022 Sharrukin Comments 0 Comment

Doctor Helena Russell (150 points)

Helena Russell is 40 years old, with delicate features, carefully coiffed blonde hair, and grey eyes.

ST 10 [0]; DX 11 [20]; IQ 14 [80]; HT 10 [0].
Damage 1d-2/1d; BL 20 lbs.; HP 10 [0]; Will 14 [0]; Per 14 [0]; FP 10 [0].
Basic Speed 6.25 [0]; Basic Move 5 [0]; Dodge 8.
5’9”; 135 lbs.

Social Background

TL: 9 [0].
CF: Western [0].
Languages: English (Native) [0].

Advantages

Appearance (Attractive) [4]; Empathy [15]; Military Rank 3 (World Space Commission) [15].

Disadvantages

Code of Honor (Professional) [-5]; Combat Paralysis [-15]; Sense of Duty (Large Group; Moonbase Alpha Inhabitants) [-10]; Stubbornness [-5].
Quirks: Attentive; Prefers mundane explanations for unusual occurrences; Responsive; Tends to diagnose problems as “radiation sickness”; Very soft-spoken. [‑5]

Skills

Administration (A) IQ [2]-14; Artist (Sculpting) (H) IQ-2 [1]-12; Beam Weapons/TL9 (Pistol) (E) DX [1]-11; Chemistry/TL9 (H) IQ-1 [2]-13; Computer Operation/TL9 (E) IQ [1]-14; Detect Lies (H) Per+1 [1]-15 *; Diagnosis/TL9 (Human) (H) IQ+1 [8]-15; Diplomacy (H) IQ [4]-14; Driving/TL9 (Automobile) (A) DX-1 [1]-10; Electronics Operation/TL9 (Medical) (A) IQ [2]-14; Electronics Repair/TL9 (Medical) (A) IQ [2]-14; Gardening (E) IQ [1]-14; Naturalist (Earthlike) (H) IQ-2 [1]-12; Pharmacy/TL9 (Synthetic) (H) IQ-1 [2]-13; Physician/TL9 (Human) (H) IQ+1 [8]-15; Physiology/TL9 (Human) (H) IQ-1 [2]-13; Psychology (Human) (H) IQ-1 [2]-13; Research/TL9 (A) IQ [2]-14; Savoir-Faire (Military) (E) IQ [1]-14; Surgery/TL9 (Human) (VH) IQ [8]-14; Teaching (A) IQ [2]-14; Vacc Suit/TL9 (A) DX-1 [1]-10; Writing (A) IQ-1 [1]-13.

* Includes +3 from Empathy.

Biographical Information

Helena Russell was born Helena Goldmann in 2009 in Denver, in the United States. Her parents were physicians; she followed in their footsteps, earning advanced degrees in medicine and psychology from Columbia University in New York. It was there that she met Lee Russell, a fellow student who was specializing in space medicine. After finishing their graduate work, the two of them married in 2035. They spent the years of the Pacific War serving the United States Space Force as medical officers.

After the war, the Russells joined the World Space Commission, becoming deeply involved in the push for long-term expeditions and permanent manned outposts in space. In particular, Helena Russell became highly influential in the design of space habitats. Her introduction of solariums and “green spaces” into Moonbase Alpha residential sections did much to improve crew morale, and earned her the prestigious Donnelmyer Award in 2043.

Dr. Lee Russell went missing, and was presumed dead, in the loss of the second manned Jupiter expedition in 2044. Dr. Helena Russell has not remarried. She responded to the tragedy by throwing herself into her work, and beginning to accept deep-space assignments of her own. She was posted to Moonbase Alpha in late 2048 as its Chief Medical Officer.

Dr. Russell is a committed and effective physician, who cares deeply for her patients and has a gift for understanding the human psyche. If she has a weakness in her role, it is in her ability to adjust to the dangers and strangeness of life in deep space. She has a tendency to “freeze up” in situations of immediate danger or violence. She also tends to look for tried and familiar solutions to problems, often overlooking evidence that a situation is genuinely new and unprecedented.

John Koenig

October 6, 2022 Sharrukin Comments 0 Comment

Commander John Koenig (150 points)

John Koenig is in his early 40s, with craggy features, a shock of black hair, and intense blue eyes.

ST 10 [0]; DX 12 [40]; IQ 13 [60]; HT 12 [20].
Damage 1d-2/1d; BL 20 lbs.; HP 10 [0]; Will 13 [0]; Per 13 [0]; FP 12 [0].
Basic Speed 6.00 [0]; Basic Move 6 [0]; Dodge 9.
6’1”; 165 lbs.

Social Background

TL: 9 [0].
CF: Western [0].
Languages: English (Native) [0].

Advantages

Military Rank (World Space Commission) 5 [25].

Disadvantages

Bad Temper (12 or less) [-10]; Code of Honor (Soldier’s) [-10]; Guilt Complex [-5]; Sense of Duty (Moonbase Alpha Inhabitants) [-10]; Workaholic [-5].
Quirks: Broad-Minded; Careful; Likes jazz music; Ruthless with quick decisions; Uncongenial. [‑5]

Skills

Administration (A) IQ [2]-13; Astronomy/TL9 (H) IQ-1 [2]-12; Beam Weapons/TL9 (Pistol) (E) DX+1 [2]-13; Brawling (E) DX+1 [2]-13; Computer Operation/TL9 (E) IQ [1]-13; Driving/TL9 (Automobile) (A) DX [2]-12; Electronics Operation/TL9 (Communications) (A) IQ-1 [1]-12; Electronics Operation/TL9 (Sensors) (A) IQ-1 [1]-12; Engineer/TL9 (Spaceship) (H) IQ-1 [2]-12; First Aid/TL9 (Human) (E) IQ [1]-13; Free Fall (A) DX [2]-12; Games (Kendo) (E) IQ [1]-13; Gunner/TL9 (Beams) (E) DX [1]-12; Intimidation (A) Will-1 [1]-12; Leadership (A) IQ [2]-13; Mathematics/TL9 (Applied) (H) IQ-1 [2]-12; Navigation/TL9 (Space) (A) IQ-1 [1]-12; Physics/TL9 (VH) IQ-3 [1]-10; Piloting/TL9 (Aerospace) (A) DX [2]-12; Piloting/TL9 (High-Performance Spacecraft) (A) DX+1 [4]-13; Public Speaking (Oratory) (E) IQ [1]-13; Savoir-Faire (Dojo) (E) IQ [1]-13; Savoir-Faire (Military) (E) IQ [1]-13; Shiphandling/TL9 (Spaceship) (H) IQ-1 [2]-12; Soldier/TL9 (A) IQ-1 [1]-12; Spacer/TL9 (E) IQ+1 [2]-14; Stealth (A) DX [2]-12; Swimming (E) HT [1]-12; Tactics (H) IQ-1 [2]-12; Two-Handed Sword Sport (A) DX-1 [1]-11; Vacc Suit/TL9 (A) DX [2]-12; Writing (A) IQ-1 [1]-12.

Biographical Information

John Koenig was born in 2007 in New York City, in the United States. He was orphaned in his late teens and has no close family. He studied astrophysics and space engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he met and struck up an enduring friendship with Victor Bergman. The world-famous scientist has served Koenig as a mentor and father-figure for most of his adult life.

Koenig joined the American astronaut program, but his career was interrupted by the outbreak of the Pacific War in 2035. Throughout the war he served in the United States Space Force, flying several combat missions. Koenig’s wife was killed in the Chinese missile strike on Los Angeles in 2037. He has not remarried.

After the Pacific War, Koenig resumed his career as an astronaut, this time working for the new World Space Commission. He served several tours at the growing Moonbase Alpha from 2038 onward, and was posted as the base’s commanding officer just before Breakaway in 2049.

Koenig has a good reputation as an administrator and commander, known for ruthlessly practical decision-making. He is often short-tempered, capable of outbursts of anger or frustration, more likely to bark orders than to seek consensus among his subordinates. However, he is also deeply concerned for the welfare of his crew and the success of his assigned mission.

Four Heroes for The One Ring

February 20, 2022 Sharrukin Comments 0 Comment

I’ve been rather badly under the weather for the past few days, and not inclined to work too hard. Today, to take a break from outstanding projects, I decided to sit down and tinker with a recent purchase: the second edition of The One Ring, possibly the best tabletop RPG ever published set in Tolkien’s Middle-earth.

The four starting heroes I drew up this afternoon are based on characters I ran in the Lord of the Rings Online MMO years ago. Leonore and Morlindiel are taken almost directly from the online game, Reinald is a looser adaptation of another online character, whereas Náli is more or less original to today’s effort. In any case, I think this group would make a pretty decent starting party for the tabletop game.

I don’t know what, if anything, I’m going to do with these characters. I’ve been known to write some Tolkien fan-fiction in the past, but in recent years I’ve been trying to get away from fan-fic in favor of original work. Still, the new edition of The One Ring has certainly attracted my interest. I may even go looking for a group to play the new game with . . . in my copious free time.

Anyway, without further ado, here’s a small band of adventurers, ready to set out into the wilds of Eriador in the decades leading up to the War of the Ring.

Leonore Rushlight

Leonore is the daughter and only child of an alderman of Bree. Her parents took the unusual step of educating her as best they could, even acquiring books for her to read. She grew up rather quiet and thoughtful, and the other Bree-folk think her a bit strange, but she has already learned as much about the true history of Middle-earth as any of her people. Recently she met Gandalf the Grey at the Prancing Pony. Her long conversations with the wizard have encouraged her to seek out knowledge wherever she can find it, even if it means leaving the safety of Bree far behind.

Culture – Men of Bree

Blessing – Bree-blood (+1 Fellowship Rating)

Calling – Scholar

Standard of Living – Common

Distinctive Features – Fair-spoken, Subtle, and Rhymes of Lore

Shadow Path – Lure of Secrets

Flaws –

Rewards – Cunning Make (Leather Corslet)

Virtues – Confidence

Strength 3 (TN 17)	Endurance 23	Valour 1
Heart 4 (TN 16)	Hope 16	Wisdom 1
Wits 7 (TN 13)	Parry 17

Skills

Awe 0	Enhearten 2	Persuade 2
Athletics 1	Travel 1	Stealth 1
Awareness 1	Insight 2	Scan 1
Hunting 1	Healing 2	Explore 1
Song 1	Courtesy 3	Riddle 2 (Favored)
Craft 2 (Favored)	Battle 1	Lore 3 (Favored)

Combat Proficiencies

Axes 2
Bows 1
Spears 0
Swords 0

Gear

Treasure – 30
Axe (Damage 5, Injury 18, 2 Load)
Bow (Damage 3, Injury 14, 2 Load)
Leather Corslet (Protection 2d, 4 Load, Cunning Make)
Travelling Gear, balm to soothe pain (Healing), book of history (Lore)
Pony (Vigour 1)

Morlindiel

Morlindiel is a latter-day Elf, descended from Sindar who survived the fall of Thingol’s kingdom in the Elder Days. She has many years of experience as a ranger in the wilderness, protecting the Grey Havens and the borders of the dwindling Elf-realm of Lindon. In recent years she has taken to wandering far and wide across the lands of Eriador, sensing that great events are stirring and there may yet be a part for Elves to play. She has just arrived in Bree, only to meet Gandalf the Grey and a young woman named Leonore, soon becoming snarled in an adventure.

Culture – Elves of Lindon

Blessing – Elven-skill (Spend 1 Hope to gain a Magical success on a skill roll)

Calling – Champion

Standard of Living – Frugal

Distinctive Features – Keen-eyed, Swift, and Orc-lore

Shadow Path – Curse of Vengeance

Flaws – The Long Defeat (Lose maximum 1 Shadow during Fellowship Phase)

Rewards – Close-fitting (Leather Corslet)

Virtues – Mastery

Strength 5 (TN 15)	Endurance 25	Valour 1
Heart 4 (TN 16)	Hope 12	Wisdom 1
Wits 5 (TN 15)	Parry 17

Skills

Awe 2	Enhearten 1	Persuade 0
Athletics 2 (Favored)	Travel 2 (Favored)	Stealth 3
Awareness 2	Insight 0	Scan 0
Hunting 3 (Favored)	Healing 1	Explore 1 (Favored)
Song 2 (Favored)	Courtesy 0	Riddle 0
Craft 2	Battle 0	Lore 3

Combat Proficiencies

Axes 0
Bows 2
Spears 0
Swords 1

Gear

Treasure – 0
Sword (Damage 4, Injury 16, 2 Load)
Great Bow (Damage 4, Injury 16, 4 Load)
Leather Corslet (Protection 2d+2, 6 Load, Close-fitting)
Travelling Gear, knife for skinning and cleaning game (Hunting)

Náli Silvertongue

Náli was born in the Iron Hills, moving to the renewed kingdom of Erebor after the death of the Dragon. There he has prospered, serving as an envoy and trade representative for King Dáin Ironfoot. Náli left Erebor early this year, traveling with a company of Dwarves on their way to the old mines in the Blue Mountains. On the journey, he met and befriended Reinald of Dale. Now that the Dwarf-caravan has reached Bree safely, Náli seems prepared to join Reinald on any adventures he might find.

Culture – Dwarves of Durin’s Folk

Blessing – Redoubtable (Halve the Load of any armor or helm, rounded up)

Calling – Messenger

Standard of Living – Prosperous

Distinctive Features – Fierce, Proud, and Folk-lore

Shadow Path – Wandering-madness

Flaws – Naugrim (Cannot use great bow, great spear, or great shield)

Rewards – Grievous (Great Axe)

Virtues – Hardiness

Strength 7 (TN 13)	Endurance 31	Valour 1
Heart 3 (TN 17)	Hope 11	Wisdom 1
Wits 4 (TN 16)	Parry 14

Skills

Awe 2	Enhearten 1	Persuade 1
Athletics 1	Travel 3 (Favored)	Stealth 1
Awareness 0	Insight 0	Scan 3
Hunting 0	Healing 0	Explore 2
Song 1 (Favored)	Courtesy 3 (Favored)	Riddle 2
Craft 2	Battle 2	Lore 1

Combat Proficiencies

Axes 2
Bows 0
Spears 1
Swords 0

Gear

Treasure – 90
Great Axe (Damage 8, Injury 20, 4 Load, Grievous)
Short Spear (Damage 3, Injury 14, 2 Load, can be thrown)
Coat of Mail (Protection 4d, 6 Load)
Helm (Protection +1d, 2 Load)
Travelling Gear, fiddle (Song), fine tools for personal grooming (Courtesy), magnifying glass (Scan)
Pony (Vigour 2)

Reinald of Dale

Reinald comes from a prosperous trading family in Dale. As a younger son, he was never likely to inherit a big share in the family trade, so he sought out a position as one of King Bard’s huscarls instead. He served the king for several years, earning experience as a warrior and war-captain. Early this year, he (apparently) left the king’s service to join a band of Dwarves traveling to their old dwellings in the far-off Blue Mountains. During the journey, he met and befriended Náli Silvertongue. Now that the Dwarves have arrived safely in Bree, Reinald has left their company, and intends to seek adventure in the lands of Eriador.

Culture – Bardings

Blessing – Stout-hearted (Valour rolls are Favored)

Calling – Captain

Standard of Living – Prosperous

Distinctive Features – Bold, Generous, and Leadership

Shadow Path – Lure of Power

Flaws –

Rewards – Fell (Sword)

Virtues – Dour-handed (+1 damage on a Heavy Blow)

Strength 6 (TN 14)	Endurance 26	Valour 1
Heart 6 (TN 14)	Hope 14	Wisdom 1
Wits 2 (TN 18)	Parry 14

Skills

Awe 1	Enhearten 2 (Favored)	Persuade 3
Athletics 1 (Favored)	Travel 1	Stealth 0
Awareness 1	Insight 2	Scan 1
Hunting 2	Healing 0	Explore 1
Song 1	Courtesy 2	Riddle 0
Craft 1	Battle 3 (Favored)	Lore 1

Combat Proficiencies

Axes 0
Bows 1
Spears 0
Swords 3

Gear

Treasure – 90
Sword (Damage 4, Injury 18, 2 Load, Fell)
Bow (Damage 3, Injury 14, 2 Load)
Mail-shirt (Protection 3d, 9 Load)
Shield (Parry +2, 4 Load)
Travelling Gear, coil of rope for climbing (Athletics), lodestone (Travel), fine pipe for relaxation (Insight)
Pony (Vigour 2)