Mass Effect

[Tom Harriman]

Since it seems that a few of us are now living with Mass Effect as part of our lives, I was wondering if anyone would be up for giving some Mass Effect RP a go.

Rather than the usual approach of just doing some RPing within the setting, I was hoping to echo the gameplay a little more - have a central plot covered in the "main" missions/threads, with side missions that can cover sub-plots, personal stories, self-contained "distress call" type missions, and all that jazz.

I figured we could mimic the "select your shore party" element from the games too - that way, each thread can involve the players who are active right now, and it builds in a little bit of redundancy in case someone has a slow patch / holiday / writers block, etc.

I have a few thoughts on the setting and plot, but I figured I'd find out if anyone was interested before providing an information overload. :)

So... is anyone?


CHARACTERS:

Post your character profiles in the Mass Effect Characters (http://www.sw-fans.net/forum/showthread.php?t=22014) thread.

SETTING:

The Mass Effect novels are based on the default settings for the beginning of Mass Effect 2. That means that, among other things, Shepard is a man: and most of us played through the game as FemShep. So, our story will be set in a Mass Effect universe where the following choices below were made.

(Choices in spoiler tags refer to the end of Mass Effect. Charley, do not read!)
Commander Samantha Shepard is a Colonist, Soldier, and War Hero.
Gunnery Chief Ashley Williams died on Virmire. Captain Kirrahe survived.
The Alliance Fleet saved the Destiny Ascension, and the Council survived.
Captain Anderson became Earth's representative on the Council, with Ambassador Udina as his advisor.Additionally:

Commander Nikolai Odell satisfies the "Earth-born" and "Sole Survivor" options.
Lieutenant Karin Laran satisfies the "Ruthless" option.

[Sanis Prent]

I'd love to do this and hopefully we could have some other folks in on it. I just don't want it to die before it's born like the Fallout one did :(

I'd totally play a Salarian :)

[Lilaena De'Ville]

Fallout died? I thought they were just waiting on you. ;)

[Dasquian Belargic]

Quarian or Asari... tough call.

[Morgan Evanar]

I love ME so much.

[Tom Harriman]

The more the merrier! :)

Couple of ideas regarding story and gameplay. Would appreciate feedback, even if it's an indifferent shrug!


Story (incredibly vague for Charley's benefit)

By the end of the first Mass Effect game, humanity and the Council races are getting on a lot better. Sheppard demonstrated with her crew how kickass it can be when humans and aliens work together: and so the Council wants to promote more of that kind of cooperation; more joint missions with humanity, now we're all big man on campus.

We would be a team of human soldiers, originally based on the Citadel. Various Citadel races would be invited to contribute advisors and specialists to aid us on our missions. Because they're so fantastic with biotics, we might be joined by an Asari Commando. To help with the strategic planning and covert nature of our missions, we might have a member of the Salarian's Special Tactics Group: their elite special forces. The Council might send one of the many turian Spectres to "help" us, and also to keep an eye on us on the Council's behalf. We might end up with a volus as our quartermaster, who keeps tinkering with and upgrading our weapons; or we might find ourselves with an elcor there to boost morale. Not sure what use we might have for one of those floating clitoris things; but over time we could befriend anything from a batarian "tailor" who we all suspect is secretly a spy, or a Quarian to obsess over our engines...

We'd probably begin with small missions, either travelling via one of those Kodiak shuttles from ME2, or hitching a ride on a ship that happens to be going in the right direction (might be human; might be turian; might be a civilian transport: who knows?). Over time however, as we increase our reputation, we might earn ourselves a ship of our own: we know from one of the news reports in Mass Effect 2 that Earth built more Normandy-class ships, so we could maybe even end up with one of those.

I'd also like to factor in some cameos of sorts. The period between Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2 gives us Geth, Batarians, Cerberus, pirates, terrorists, and all sorts to go up against. We might find ourselves face-to-face with Aria on Omega; or we could bump into Legion during his two-year search. There are the first rumblings of the Collectors; possible encounters with the migrant fleet; and who knows what other minions of Sovereign might be out there?


Gameplay

I'd like to tell a story arc over the course of several threads. Each thread would basically be a mission. Some of those would be big missions that contribute to the plot (rescuing Liara, encountering Benezia, etc), while others might be stand-alone missions (responding to a distress call) or character development (the Wrex / Garrus missions, loyalty missions, etc).

I'd like to have someone nominated as the director/DM for each thread. It isn't a control freak / bossy thing: they're just there to steer things in the right direction if we get off-course, or nudge them along if things get stuck or stagnant. If it's a big mission, the nominated nudger may well be me; if it's a character development mission, it could well be the person whose character is being developed.

Why the control freak aproach? I'd like as many missions as possible to add to the overall story arc. However, I'd kinda like you guys to learn what that story arc as we go, just like you would in the game. Having someone guiding things along makes sure we meet the objectives for the mission, but it still gives you guys the scope to react organically and in character, and might take the mission in a whole new direction than what was planned. Also, having the person with the biggest vested interest in the director's chair gives them an added incentive to keep driving the story along, and kicking it if we get stuck.

[Morgan Evanar]

I'm down for that approach, especially since I can be sort of ruthless about moving things along.

[Xavier Synik]

I might be interested as well.

I do like your idea of the how though. Cause when I first read this thread, before you posted the concept, I wasn't sure how it would work. As much as I love the ME story there really isn't a lot of canon to be able to have a open free form universe.

Like how you've confined it more to a game storyline type arc.

[Emelie Shadowstar]

If I do this. And that's a big if...

...I'm soooo gonna be a Krogan.




Or an Elcor. :p

[Sanis Prent]

I'd totally be an Elcor comedian.

"conspiratorial inflection, so get this, a volus and a quarian get their suits swapped at the dry cleaners..."

[Dasquian Belargic]

:lol

sounds like a good framework, Jace

[Tom Harriman]

Would people like to start throwing out hypothetical race/class combos? Once I've got an idea of what people might want to play, I can start tailoring the premise to fit, and planning the first mission. Are you still thinking biotic, Jen?

Also, does anyone want to play a human? The plan is to have the original Commander of the human team moved to a more admin / oversight role (a la Captain Anderson). It would be great if we could have someone to be the Lieutenant Alenko to his Commander Sheppard: his former right-hand man, who is now one of the main humans about the place.

More would be great, but at least one if possible!

I also have no issue with people playing more than one character: provided that only one of them goes on missions at any one time. If you want to be a turian soldier as well as our version of Joker; or a human vanguard as well as a salarian medical officer, that's great. I'd just prefer to avoid anyone having to switch accounts and post with themselves during a mission: it's more fun when you've got other people to bounce off.

[Vince]

Given that I know almost nothing of Mass Effect, as my only experience playing it was a demo on my friend's PS3, I might have to say that I'll read what you guys are writing avidly and stay out of it.

[Karl Valten]

Oh man, I would definitely be up for this. Seriously would come back to RP just for an ME roleplay.

On a tangent to this, are any of the ME novels good. Would like to get myself a bit more immersed in the universe than just the games if I'm doing this.

:) Awesome idea by the way. I approve.

[Dasquian Belargic]

I think I will go for a Quarian on their Pilgrimage :) so not a biotic.


On a tangent to this, are any of the ME novels good. Would like to get myself a bit more immersed in the universe than just the games if I'm doing this.

I've read and enjoyed them all!

[Sanis Prent]

I'm gonna be a nervous, excitable Salarian hacker

[Karl Valten]

I'm leaning Turian or Human. Or hell just assign me something. :lol


Dammit Jen, now I'm going to have to make a beeline for the bookstore. I just dropped a ton of cash on camping stuff, food, and rent. :p

[Xavier Synik]

I'll play a human soldier. I'd prefer not to be the new commander, but if no one else wants that role I'll fill it.

I have a couple thoughts... Some of this will be based on how many people/characters there are of course.

1) What I'll call "away missions" probably should not be limited to the commander plus 2 or 3 other characters. This would open things up a bit and not limit threads to having to have the lead character in every one of them.

2) If this is going to be a single arc, might be a good idea to have a final goal in mind. Might make it easier to keep things moving and for people to come up with ideas on how to create their team join/loyalty mission ideas.

3) I know we're talking between ME1 and ME2, but are we thinking that this would be the time period after the Normandy is destroyed and Sheppard is thought to be dead?

[Sanis Prent]

Ack spoilers >_< well guess that can't be helped

[Morgan Evanar]

In Xavier's defense, it happens about a minute and a half into 2 =/

Gonna be a stick-in the mud Turian point specialist.

[Tom Harriman]

I'm leaning Turian or Human. Or hell just assign me something. :lol


Dammit Jen, now I'm going to have to make a beeline for the bookstore. I just dropped a ton of cash on camping stuff, food, and rent. :p

I'll try and grab you on AIM.

And yes - the novels are awesome. I'm half-way through the second now. Fortunately, there are only three so far, so it isn't a total bank-breaker... :uhoh


Ack spoilers >_< well guess that can't be helped

I got that spoiled for me too, Charley - it makes the scene in no way less heart-wrenching. :(



I'll play a human soldier. I'd prefer not to be the new commander, but if no one else wants that role I'll fill it.

How about either a Service Chief or a Gunnery Chief?

A Service Chief is more or less a Sergeant. They could be one of the best NCOs in the unit; perhaps they're particularly well-versed with support / Heavy Weapons, and are on the main team for that reason. However, they wouldn't have all the paperwork responsibilities of being "the" senior NCO. The lack of administrative responsibility gives you licence to be a bit of an ass; I think we're having a soldier/military orientated turian as well; being a Service Chief would give you the opportunity to butt heads without having to worry about setting a good example, etc.

A Gunnery Chief is more or less a Gunnery Sergeant (quell surprise!). They would probably be the senior NCO in the unit, and wouldn't necessarily be part of the Commander's three-man team: they'd probably lead a separate team of back up Marines to rescue their asses when they get in trouble. Think SG-3 from Stargate, Buck's team from Halo ODST, etc.



I have a couple thoughts... Some of this will be based on how many people/characters there are of course.

1) What I'll call "away missions" probably should not be limited to the commander plus 2 or 3 other characters. This would open things up a bit and not limit threads to having to have the lead character in every one of them.

Some missions will feature a small team. It won't necessarily be the same team, and it won't necessarily even be the same team leader. However, these are more likely to be side missions: the main missions would be something more like the final mission from ME2, where as many of the characters as possible are involved in some capacity or other.

Involving as many people as possible is great, but if we try and do that every time, the whole rp can grind to a halt waiting on time zones, people having busy days, etc.


2) If this is going to be a single arc, might be a good idea to have a final goal in mind. Might make it easier to keep things moving and for people to come up with ideas on how to create their team join/loyalty mission ideas.

The plan is to have an arc with a single goal at the end. However, if I tell you all what the goal at the end is, you know the whole way through, and the whole reacting in-character / etc thing goes out of the window. If you're stuck for ideas for a loyalty mission, that's where discussion comes in - I might even be able to suggest a few objectives that will contribute to the overall story arc, too.


3) I know we're talking between ME1 and ME2, but are we thinking that this would be the time period after the Normandy is destroyed and Sheppard is thought to be dead?

In a word, yes.

[Ento]

If you're travelling near the Veil, I believe you'll find any Geth attention caught in an infinite loop somewhere else, hah. A good thing the Council is paying my way I suppose. I'm not cheap.

[Xavier Synik]

Sorry about the spoiler, I didn't think to tag it for the reasons Morg mentioned. I thought it was more common knowledge then it was a spoiler. Will make sure to tag anything else relating to ME2 though.



How about either a Service Chief or a Gunnery Chief?

Service Chief works for me.


The plan is to have an arc with a single goal at the end. However, if I tell you all what the goal at the end is, you know the whole way through, and the whole reacting in-character / etc thing goes out of the window. If you're stuck for ideas for a loyalty mission, that's where discussion comes in - I might even be able to suggest a few objectives that will contribute to the overall story arc, too.

Ah. So your going to act like a GM? Makes sense to me to do it that way.

[Nirax Essamus]

I hope you humans are as competent as suggested.

[Mazar'Lira nar Kandahas]

Competent is my middle name!

[Nikolai Odell]

Dear god... what have I let myself in for?

[Ira Calori]

Somebody called for biotic?

[Katrin Laran]

Ugh, I just know you clowns are going be the end of me.

[Nikolai Odell]

Don't worry, Laran. I have every confidence that you'll whip these guys into shape before long.

And if you don't, odds are you won't survive long enough to start claiming on your military pension, so it's win-win for the Alliance. ;)

[Katrin Laran]

Can I just have some mechs instead, sir? Less paperwork to fill out when one of the gets axed.


Hell they're probably easier to teach too.

[Nikolai Odell]

Don't be stupid, Laran. Everybody knows that you can't teach an old mech new tricks.

And lets not undervalue the wonders of modern medicine. If you shout "Medic!" in the middle of a battle, all it takes is a few squirt of medigel to get a soldier back on their feet. If you should "Mechanic!" it'll take a week, they'll throw in some improvements that don't work and that you didn't want, and all of your personal preferences will have been reset to factory defaults.

[Nikolai Odell]

Too... many... accounts... >_<

[Katrin Laran]

Don't be stupid, Laran. Everybody knows that you can't teach an old mech new tricks.

And lets not undervalue the wonders of modern medicine. If you shout "Medic!" in the middle of a battle, all it takes is a few squirt of medigel to get a soldier back on their feet. If you should "Mechanic!" it'll take a week, they'll throw in some improvements that don't work and that you didn't want, and all of your personal preferences will have been reset to factory defaults.

At least I can always buy a new mech, they're cheap. They also don't bitch about rations, or leave time, or anything really.

[Ryder Cross]

Neither does a real soldier.

Only thing mech's are good for are target practice and blowin' up.

[Katrin Laran]

Heh, what do you know, someone here with potential.

[Nirax Essamus]

Potential for what? Gross negligence of an asset?

[Nikolai Odell]

You'll find that in this unit, Mister Essamus, actions speak louder than words: you'll earn their respect once you've demonstrated the kind of asset that you are. For now, your claims and self-promotion are just empty words with no evidence to back them up.

And don't bother citing commendations and acolades: those are just more words. You've got to walk the walk before you talk the talk.

[Nirax Essamus]

Understood sir.

[Nikolai Odell]

On topic!

I've started an introductory thread here (http://www.sw-fans.net/forum/showthread.php?t=22016). There are spoilers for anyone who hasn't finished the first game or played / watched the first scene of the new game.

If you've finished the first game but not played the second, spoilers are only there for the first, what, five minutes? That's all pretty much a cinematic, and there are oodles of versions of it on youtube. If you want to see the intro that is appropriate to our continuity, let me know and I'll dig out an appropriate video.

Edit:

The plan is to meander through character introductions one at a time at this point. If you think back to the beginning of Mass Effect, we were introduced to our team of three fairly quickly, and then they went off and met Garrus, Wrex, and Tali in quick succession. That's more or less what the idea is here - I'll try and grab you on AIM to scheme a character-appropriate introduction.

[Mazar'Lira nar Kandahas]

Somebody called for biotic?

Ah, I believe that was.. antibiotics! The humans have developed some.. interesting bacterial infections whilst sharing close-quarters.

And bodily fluids.

:x

[Ira Calori]

Use a Kleenex like a good boy.

[Nikolai Odell]

Important Update: Eezo

My last post just introduced us to the first of our recurring NPCs - a volus by the name of Elim Zora, or Eezo. He's a good natured and perceptive barman with a flair for reading people; he also has some shady contacts here and there: if we need it, there's a good chance that he'll be able to get it for us, regardless of what it is.

Eezo and other NPCs will be played by a string of NPC accounts, that you'll see starting to pop up here and there. Eezo in particular will be played as The Citadel, which will also cover any random civilians, C-Sec officers, and other people around the Citadel as and when we need them.

If you want to talk to Eezo, just wander up to the bar and strike up a conversation: The Citadel will respond.