Waterbrick Down

Have fun! More pizza certainly to come, but hopefully from better chefs this time.

Aysu Perception Proficiency Check (DC 1,3) - (4,3,3,+1) 2 Successes Aysu spots the weapon above the doorway to what looks like a back storeroom. Enson Persuasion Proficiency Check (DC 1) - (1,6,1) 1 Success Enson ushers the Elf outside and on her way. "Should have asked for a to-go box. Weird night." Margot follows after Enson and stands at the door, "Well I was hoping we wouldn't have to do this the hard way, but if you won't leave, it looks like we won't have much of a choice." The Dwarf locks the door to the shop behind her and turns to face the party. In the flickering light of the pizza oven, the heroes watch as Margot's facial features melt into a formless mass, a paleness spreading over her skin, leaving nothing but a blank expression. "Figured this wasn't going to be an easy job. Cloak, make sure the kid doesn't run off." The heroes turn just in time to see the last trace of Guustin's face melt into nothingness. "Right, Dagger. Let's make this quick." Bertram falls to the ground trembling, a look of horror on his face. "Mom?!? Uncle Guus?!? What the frick!!!" PREPARE FOR BATTLE Round 0 of Changeling Clash Jonk Velocity Check - (4,1,5) 2 Successes Billeck Velocity Check - (3,6) 1 Success Enson Velocity Check - (3,1) 0 Successes Aysu Velocity Check - (1,1) 0 Successes Changeling Cloak Velocity Check - (1,6,4) 2 Successes Changeling Dagger Velocity Check - (6,4,3) 2 Successes The Changelings pull out their weapons and the heroes watch as Margot quickly transforms to resemble Enson and what was once Guustin now resembles Jonk. The Party Ensonvilterayquis (Enson) (Duvors) 60 cycles old male Quo'ri Character Points: 0/22 Vitality: 5 Velocity: 2 Strength: 1 Skill: 3 Smarts: 2 Spirit: 3/3 Proficiencies: Insight 1, Medicine 3, Melee Weapons 2, Performance 1, Religion 2 Spells: Healing Light, Purging Font, Warding Bond Credits: 2 Equipment: Void Star Hammer (+1 Melee Elemental), Utility Belt (Tool, grants +1 Engineering or Medicine Check Successes) Inventory: Plasma Falchion (+2 Melee Energy), Plasma Splicer (Tool, as an action, transfer Vitality with an adjacent ally), Æther Brew, Essence of Glibness, Essence of Precaution, Nanite Elixir 2x, Plasma Potion 4x, Spider Bomb (Hampering, Minor, Contained, Chemical, Adhesive). Aysu Kundakçı (Peppermint_M) *Lucky 1 Round Remaining* 22 Rotations Old, Female? Adopted Human. Character Points: 4/18Vitality: 6/6Velocity: 2Strength: 3Skill: 3Smarts: 1Spirit: 1Proficiencies: Long Range Weapons 3, Nature 1, Survival 1Spell: Enhanced VisionCredits: 137Equipment: Environment Safe Ammunition "ESA" Rifle (Calibrated Long Range, Energy) with Gravimetric Bipod - Weapon Attachment (The first Offensive Combat check with this weapon is Lucky) attached, Farsight Goggles Inventory: Plasma Potion 2x, Essence of Glibness, Field Rations (Consumable, Restores 1 Vitality), Gator Hide (Can be converted into either Kinetic or Elemental Standard Armor by a craftsman) Zinc (Calibrated Kinetic Long Range Weapon) Billeck Wallard (Wolfpackfan99) 26 Cycle old Male Human Character points: 0/10 Vitality: 5/5 Velocity: 2 Strength: 1 Skill: 2 Smarts: 2 Proficiencies: Coding 1, Explosives 2, Technology 2, Short Range Weapons 2 Credits: 10 Equipment: Standard Elemental Short Range Weapon, Standard Energy Armor, Energy Cell Inventory: Jonk (Scubacarrot)30-something cycles Male CelestialCharacter Points: 0/10Vitality: 5/5Velocity: 3Strength: 1Skill: 2Smarts: 3Proficiencies: Persuasion 1, Sleight of Hand 2, Long Range Weapons 1, Perception 1Credits: 10Equipment: Sighted Corpo Blazer (Calibrated Elemental Long Range weapon), Exo-SuitInventory: The Enemy Changeling Cloak (Rogue) *Mimicking Jonk* Vitality: 8/8 Velocity: 3 Strength: 2 Skill: 2 Smarts: 2 Proficiencies: Deception 5, Stealth 1, Short Range Weapons 2, Melee Weapons 2 Credits: 0 Innate: Face-shift (At the end of the round, the Changeling takes on the appearance of the nearest hero in the room, attacks against the Changeling have a 50/50 chance of targeting the mimicked hero instead). Equipment: Cloaking Generator, Rime Dirk (Standard Elemental Melee Weapon) Inventory: Throwing Darts (Standard Kinetic Short Range Weapon) Changeling Dagger (Rogue) *Mimicking Enson* Vitality: 8/8 Velocity: 3 Strength: 2 Skill: 2 Smarts: 2 Proficiencies: Deception 5, Stealth 1, Short Range Weapons 2, Melee Weapons 2 Credits: 0 Innate: Face-shift (At the end of the round, the Changeling takes on the appearance of the nearest hero in the room, attacks against the Changeling have a 50/50 chance of targeting the mimicked hero instead). Equipment: Cloaking Generator, Throwing Darts (Standard Kinetic Short Range Weapon) Inventory: Rime Dirk (Standard Elemental Melee Weapon) MM Note: Mimicked heroes do not have a chance to hit themselves. In case multiple heroes are equally close to a Changeling, the Changeling will decide which hero it is more advantageous at the time to mimic.

All dependent upon whether the folks you're lying to care.

"We could..." "Bertram will need to meet with you later, this is a family affair." Enson Insight Proficiency Check (DC 1,3) - (6,4,6,2) 3 Successes Enson notes that the Dwarves seems quite rushed and intent on clearing the shop. He recalls watching Guustin assemble the pizza and how the Dwarf seemed very unfamiliar with his kitchen. "Come on Margot, just another round, I've been coming here for the last 30 years! My next assignment has me three gates away for the next month."

"Oh, yes my scooter's warranty. Well then let's..." Margot interrupts her son with a smile. "Alright folks, that's about it for today we're goin' to be closin' up now." Bertram seems agitated. "Mom, you're like four hours early." "Not to be helped. Stuff to do." Margot turns to the heroes and indicates the door, before handing them a box. "Your pizza, have a nice day!" The Dwarf cordially grins giving Enson his pizza. The Quo'ri notices it is decidedly not the toppings he ordered. The Celestial patron promptly excuses himself and leaves the pizzeria, but Nylian gives Margot a look of annoyance. "What's the rush Margot? I've still got that cask to help you polish off, a necessity I might add as your brother's pizzas today have been rather lacking." Guustin sets his pizza peel down, wiping his flour covered hands off on his apron. "I think what my sister is tryin' to express, is that we've some private business matters to attend to. We'll be open tomorrow."

As Aysu, bites into the pizza savoring it's aroma, her palette detects something salty and fishy, anchovies. She also notices the crust is quite burnt. The heroes wait a good thirty minutes. Enson's pizza seems to be taking an exorbitant amount of time. A bell rings from the front door as another Dwarf walks in carrying a few insulated delivery bags. "Oye! Packed full I see, Uncle. I leave the shop for deliveries all day and yer lettin' customers stack up like dirty dishes." "Careful boy, otherwise I'll take my peel to yer backside like when ya were a wee lad." "What ya goin' on about ya old man, yer were a big ol' softie as I seem to remember." The young Dwarf turns to the heroes, "Have ya been served yet? Anything I can get ya? Sorry if Uncle's been keepin' ya waitin' long, seems to be off his game. Might I suggest today's special, the Aquin Giant."

"Sure thing it'll be a few minutes. Guustin, one Tehanui pizza." "Sure thing, they want the bromeliad chopped or in rings?" The Dwarven chef, Guustin, heads toward the prep table in the corner calling back over his shoulder. "Hey, when Bertram gets back from his last delivery, make sure he records his tips. That boy of yours is gonna get in trouble with the ITA one of these days if he can't file his forms correctly."

"Ah part of the endless machine, aye? Well just let my brother get you a slice of pizza and turn your world upside down." "I'm employed with Haast Aerospace, currently focused upon their line of light frigates. And yes, when I'm on Ebria, I make it a point to swing by here to remind myself of home." "Today's special would be the Aquin Artichoke; Garlic sauce, house blend cheese, roasted Aquin megafowl, spinach, and artichoke." Margot passes a plate nearly dwarfed by a giant slice of pizza over to Aysu. "Hopefully the rest of your group shows up quickly, we'll be closing up in a little bit."

"Oh sweetie, ya telling me ya haven't had wine before? What about ale?" "Pizza pies, indeed. I am Nylian Yllaric, a shipwright. I'm surprised, we elves are one of the eldest races amongst the stars. Have you seen much of the Arm?"

Updated. Thanks!

Thanks, just as a heads up, by upgrading Skill to rank 2 (an even number), you also get a +1 bonus to your velocity. By upgrading Smarts to rank 2 (an even number), you get a free Rank 1 Proficiency. Let me know which Proficiency you'd like added.

"Plant juice, ya mean wine? Tapped a fresh cask this morning, here let me pour you a goblet." Margot hands a glass of Alurien Cabernet. The elf seated near by raises her glass to the group with a smile. "Careful my friend, too many glasses and Margot will have you ordering pies until you're as stuffed as a Phejharian boar." "Hello there lass. We've certainly got some warm slices, otherwise my brother Guustin here can make you a custom order. Have an appointment yer rushin' off to?"

The Legonater's points are valid as it concerns Velocity and defenses. In Heroica 1.0 ranged combat was mathematically superior and targeting was split up into front row and back row. With a ranged weapon you did the same damage as a melee weapon, but took half damage from the back row. We didn't want that same dynamic in Heroica 2.0 hence the grid system was born. Because all weapons do the same damage (ignoring weapon grades), even in the grid system, ranged weapons would still have an advantage because they could hit more squares compared to melee weapons. Hence the ranges were broken up into short, long, and artillery, and penalties for unoptimum ranges were instituted. Velocity thus became an important stat for ranged characters to be able to position themselves for the best shot. It also meant that MM had options to increase or decrease difficulty by changing the battle grid size and shape. I believe if we were to simplify to two skills (melee and ranged), melee would once again be put in a disadvantaged position as such a system would eliminate the unoptimum range penalties. For ranged characters, all that would matter is simply being non-adjacent to any enemy (so as to avoid an opportunistic attack) and then they'd have a greater number of targetable squares compared to a melee weapon. The ideal system is one where in ranged and melee feel equally optimal the majority of the time, albeit sometimes for different situations.

The four agents set out from Heroica Hall winding their way through the Ebria Station's main level. The station is bustling with vendors hawking wares in the bazaar, shipping containers being unloaded, and laborers working on the endless construction and maintenance of the super structure. The group eventually make their way down Starbright Street turning off opposite the Blackguard Security Substation. The architecture takes on a more naturalistic tone, archways and windows mimicking winding plants and stone structures. Foliage creeps and crawls over most of the buildings and the air feels fresh and crisp. Little Aluriel seems aptly named as most of the surrounding apartments and business are populated with dozens of Dwarves and Elves. Traditional Dwarven weapon smiths hammer away at their star forges, elven herbalists perfect new tinctures and biologics, and the smell of fresh mead, pastries, and delicacies permeate the air. It doesn't take winding down one of the alleyways before they spot Ozzorli's Pizzaria, a small hole in the wall restaurant, a xenon sign of an axe carving into a pizza illuminates the crowded quarters. The cozy eatery exudes warmth and a distinct feel of the old world, ivy growing on the walls, wooden beams decorated in gold plate and intricate carvings supporting the low ceiling, a Dwarven blunderaxe hanging over the door. Crates, barrels, and sacks of ingredients are crammed into every corner of the shop, but a half dozen seats along the bar and around the room allow for a modest gathering of patrons. A giant forge turned pizza oven dominates the interior of the shop, glowing with tremendous heat as a Dwarven chef plies his peel. A Celestial and an Elf, already seated, enjoy goblets of ale and wine, welcome pairings to their piping hot pizzas. A Dwarven woman hails the agents as they enter. "Oye, welcome to Ozzorli's! I'm Margot. Feel free to have a seat. Let me know if I can get ya anything." The Party Ensonvilterayquis (Enson) (Duvors) 60 cycles old male Quo'ri Character Points: 0/22 Vitality: 5 Velocity: 2 Strength: 1 Skill: 3 Smarts: 2 Spirit: 3/3 Proficiencies: Insight 1, Medicine 3, Melee Weapons 2, Performance 1, Religion 2 Spells: Healing Light, Purging Font, Warding Bond Credits: 2 Equipment: Void Star Hammer (+1 Melee Elemental), Utility Belt (Tool, grants +1 Engineering or Medicine Check Successes) Inventory: Plasma Falchion (+2 Melee Energy), Plasma Splicer (Tool, as an action, transfer Vitality with an adjacent ally), Æther Brew, Essence of Glibness, Essence of Precaution, Nanite Elixir 2x, Plasma Potion 4x, Spider Bomb (Hampering, Minor, Contained, Chemical, Adhesive). Aysu Kundakçı (Peppermint_M) 22 Rotations Old, Female? Adopted Human. Character Points: 4/18Vitality: 6/6Velocity: 2Strength: 3Skill: 3Smarts: 1Spirit: 1Proficiencies: Long Range Weapons 3, Nature 1, Survival 1Spell: Enhanced VisionCredits: 137Equipment: Environment Safe Ammunition "ESA" Rifle (Calibrated Long Range, Energy) with Gravimetric Bipod - Weapon Attachment (The first Offensive Combat check with this weapon is Lucky) attached, Farsight Goggles Inventory: Plasma Potion 2x, Essence of Glibness, Field Rations (Consumable, Restores 1 Vitality), Gator Hide (Can be converted into either Kinetic or Elemental Standard Armor by a craftsman) Zinc (Calibrated Kinetic Long Range Weapon) Billeck Wallard (Wolfpackfan99) 26 Cycle old Male Human Character points: 10/10 Vitality: 5/5 Velocity: 2 Strength: 1 Skill: 2 Smarts: 2 Proficiencies: Coding 1, Explosives 2, Technology 2, Short Range Weapons 2 Credits: 10 Equipment: Standard Elemental Short Range Weapon, Standard Energy Armor, Energy Cell Inventory: Jonk (Scubacarrot)30-something cycles Male CelestialCharacter Points: 0/10Vitality: 5/5Velocity: 3Strength: 1Skill: 2Smarts: 3Proficiencies: Persuasion 1, Sleight of Hand 2, Long Range Weapons 1, Perception 1Credits: 10Equipment: Sighted Corpo Blazer (Calibrated Elemental Long Range weapon), Exo-SuitInventory: MM Note: Welcome to Mission 10 folks! Feel free to check your stats, as soon as everyone confirms we'll get rolling, otherwise feel free to interact with the environment, NPC's, etc. @Wolfpackfan99 Please consider completing your Character Creation by assigning points to the remainder of your stats, once the mission starts in earnest you'll be locked into those stats for the remainder of the mission.

Chosen Heroes for Mission #10 Pins & NeedlesEnson (Duvors)Jonk (Scubacarrot)Billeck (Wolfpackfan99)Aysu (Peppermint_M) "Please meet me at Orzoli's at your earliest convenience." MM Note: Hi Folks, Mission thread will be up in 24hrs. Now would be the time to get any shopping/training done.

Mission #10 SignupsEnson (Duvors)Jonk (Scubacarrot)Billeck (Wolfpackfan99) Aysu (Peppermint_M) MM Note: Nice to have you back @Peppermint_M. :)

Enson noted the article was sparse on details, but did disclose that the newly discovered gate seemed of a much older origin than the current gate and of a different material of construction. Mission #10 Signups Enson (Duvors) Jonk (Scubacarrot) Billeck (Wolfpackfan99) MM Note: Now that we've got 3, we'll probably get this thing started Monday (7th). Maybe some of our other quiet players will poke in before that and sign-up.

As a general reminder folks, if you'd like a link to the community Discord you can find it here

"Yeah, contract work essentially. Though you get the benefit of being associated with the guild." Thorvald gives Jonk a side-eye look as the celestial heads for the sign-up board. The Chimeran pours a dark dwarven stout into a tankard and sets it on the bar. Plants yeah, that really narrowed it down... the majority of his bar came from plants.

Thorvald greets the newcomer, "I assume if you're sittin' here, you registered when you came in. Not that I care much if you're just lookin' to drink for free. Wouldn't be the first, and I'm not payin' for it anyways. If you're looking for credits, you'll need to sign up for a mission. The job will make sure you get paid. As for lunches, pack 'em yourself, this is a guild, not a day-care."

You've still got 2 extra points to spend and one more free Proficiency. Velocity: 1 → 2 = 2 Points Skill: 1 → 2 = 2 Points (Skill now an even number, +1 free Velocity, 2 → 3) Smarts: 1 → 3 = 4 Points (Smarts now an even number, +1 free Rank 1 Proficiency) Total: 8 Points In the calculator, the Points remaining and Free Skill column will turn green if everything is correct/spent. Red if something's wrong.

Nice to see a familiar face. :) When it comes to character generation, it's hard to go wrong with this system, mainly because if you do, you can simply rearrange your stats for free in-between missions. That being said, you can use the calculator here to help you keep track of your points and how you spend them. You can look at this topic for example builds of certain archetypes. Looking forward to seeing you back!

Nope, that's the exact first thing I thought.

Per rest works.

I think most of this is on point. The restoration of Vitality with Strength + Medicine/Survival/Tech seems good to me and the caveat about MM's simply resetting everyone's Vitality/Spirit to full if the situation makes sense is sensible. Battle Mage, looks balanced and I like the back and forth aspect to the spellcasting/melee attacking. If we removed Nature, I'd suggest adding Occult as an alternate proficiency. Martial Artist, do we want to provide an incentive for them to spend Spirit? Perhaps something like, spend a Spirit to double Velocity, Skill, or 1/2 fall damage for free for the turn? That way, you again generate that internal tension between spending Spirit or hoarding it, just like Battle Mage. As for limiting Meditate, maybe a number of times equal to the Proficiency per combat?