[Honor Among Thieves] Recruitment

[Deacon Blues]

I've received the go-ahead from Luke, so I'm starting recruitment for a Burning Wheel PbP here.

All I really have in mind for the game is the following statement:

"The Thieves' Guild has profited for years in the city, trimming the fat from the city's nobility and merchants without drawing the furor of the City Guard or the ire of the Church. But events have culminated to make business difficult for the Guild. Now, no one is sure where he stands."

Some premises for the game:

(1) I'm a complete n00b at BW. I know a lot of other eager players are, as well. That's cool: n00bs are totally welcome. We'll hash the rules out together.

(2) Any character you submit must be related to the Thieves Guild in some way. They can be members. They can be potential recruits. They can be complete outsiders: maybe a noble who acts as a "finger" for guild heists, or a corrupt lieutenant who takes bribes, or a pirate smuggler who deals with the Guild. Connect yourself to the Guild in some way.

(3) Aside from the setting details I've provided above, the city and the Guild are tabula rasa - blank slates for you to write on.

(4) This game's primary focus will be on the politics of the Guild; its secondary focus will be on the politics and social order of the city.

When creating your characters, use the following guidelines:

(1) I'd like characters with 5 lifepaths: your guys should be good at what they do. If you want an absolute neophyte, a fresh-faced kid off the streets, I'll let you build someone with fewer LPs, of course. I can't imagine too many circumstances where you'd need more, but hey - it's your job to challenge me.

(2) Exponents cap at 6. Additionally, if you have more than one exponent at 6, I reserve the right to submit your character sheet for Peer Review.

(3) As I said above: your character must be connected to the Thieves Guild in some way. A relationship, an affiliation, a belief, whatever.

(4) Take the political aspect of the game into account when designing your character. There's a lot of power up for grabs in the city right now. How much power does your character want? What would they do with it if they got it? What will they give in order to get that power?

(5) As I said, the city is a blank template. Hell, I was just planning on calling it "The City," a la the popular video game Thief. If you want your character to be an outcast from the City's ancient order of librarian-assassins, exiled for breaking his oath never to reveal the Six Names of the Creator, go for it. Make it up and sell me on it.

(6) Mannish Lifepaths only. Sorcery is available. Faith is also an option; I'd be interested to see how a character with Faith deals with a den of thieves, but don't let my skepticism stop you.

I think that about covers it. I'm sure I'm missing something, so post your questions here.

[Mickeroo]

I'm already playing in Burning Keiber, but I have more than enough time to play in this one as well if it's ok with everyone else. My plan would be to be a potential player unless someone else wants to take my spot. For example, if you want 4 people and get 5 including me, I'd drop out. It's up to Deacon I suppose.

Anyway, if I get to play, I am thinking of being a sorcerous advisor to the king of town, but if people would rather have some sort of town council, I'll just be a member of it. Unbeknownst to the king/council, I am actuallly a very potent force in the guild and use them to slowly eliminate my enemies. After all, I'm sure a theive's guild wuldn't be beyond assassinations, especially if they were properlly "persuaded."

In addition, I definately would hide my gifted abilities, a la the trait "obscure aura"

3 questions: Does the exponent cap apply to both skills and stats evenly? The way I read it was all was capped at 6 but I figured that the "more than one at 6" only applied to stats, or maybe 11 skill at 6 and one stat.

Also, what would be the best way to hide my gifted abilities. I mean, I want no one to know. I want to hide it like Palpatine hided his force using abilities from the jedi council.

Finally, can I play?

[Deacon Blues]

With a bang-up concept like that, you have to play. (Well, no one has to do anything. But still - I like!)

Assassinations are a risky venture for a thieves' guild, but if you've got plenty of loot - or magical aid, worth more than gold - your sorceror will have no lack of eager applicants.

For fleshing out Beliefs and Relationships: who are the sorceror's enemies, and why do they oppose him? What will the sorceror do if/when he gets all this power?

In re: the exponent cap - sure, one skill and one stat at 6 for "free" (meaning, no hassle). Any more than that and I'll post the character to the forum for group approval. This doesn't mean you can't have several skills at 6, but it does give the other players the right to veto.

[Mickeroo]

Hmmm..I always thought bang-up was a negative term...guess not.

If it's allright, I'll wait until we get more players before I go more in depth so I can have a character with at least some ties to the group.

Speaking of which...everybody come and play!

[jmspencer]

I'm interested... sadly swamped at work right now but will attempt to get some character brainstorming done when I get home from work tonight.

[Deacon Blues]

Of course, of course. BW characters need a slow burn, not a flash fire. They're flame-broiled to lock in that ol' country taste.

:wink:

[Marv the Man]

I'm in as well, if you don't mind a 'first-timer' joining the crew.

My current concepts are for some sort of Insurrectionist-type character ("Down with the Man!") or a King Rat type of guy who is spying on all the rich folk to sell info to the Guild. Or, really, anything else you can think of.

[jmspencer]

My concept right now isn't so much a "King of Thieves" as it is a Duke of Thieves... perhaps the guild member currently working operations in the City's main marketplace... both cutpursing (cuttingpurse?) and extortion activities...

[Deacon Blues]

I'm in as well, if you don't mind a 'first-timer' joining the crew.

My current concepts are for some sort of Insurrectionist-type character ("Down with the Man!") or a King Rat type of guy who is spying on all the rich folk to sell info to the Guild. Or, really, anything else you can think of.Hey, you're no newer to this than I am. :)

Rabble-rousers are a possibility. The City's nobility is rather entrenched, through generations of decadence and stagnation. A rebels' Beliefs and Traits should be very juicy and interesting as well.

Re: King Rat: Do you mean a nobleman who fingers other nobles for the Guild ("that's a fascinating brooch you're wearing, Lady Abernathy ... how old did you say it was?") or a regular thief who uses his own observation and the aid of informants to gather intel? Or something else entirely - like a disloyal servant, or a spy with excellent eavesdropping talents? You've peaked my interest - let's hear more!

[Deacon Blues]

My concept right now isn't so much a "King of Thieves" as it is a Duke of Thieves... perhaps the guild member currently working operations in the City's main marketplace... both cutpursing (cuttingpurse?) and extortion activities...Perfect.

Do you visualize the character as behind a desk or on the street? Deep in the politics or still trimming the fat purses? Either is a possibility, or even a mix of both.

With 5 Lifepaths your characters are veterans - not old and crusty (not yet), but tested and proven.

[Mickeroo]

So should I start fleshing out my character or wait to see if this game is going to fill up any more. So far, unless I missed something, I see 3 players including myself. Deacon, how many were you looking for?

[Deacon Blues]

Mick,

I'd be content with 3, but won't turn aside a couple more. I'd find a smaller party easier to manage, given (1) my relative inexperience with BW and (2) the heavy oversight I need to exert on everyone's BITs.

[Marv the Man]

The King Rat idea I was implying was more of a nasty old ratcatcher (or pigeon trainer, or whatever) with the gift of Low Speech who uses his nasty little minions to spy on everyone.

Also, I was tossing around the idea of a corrupt Judge with his own little criminal enterprise running on the side, maybe even in his own jurisdiction. I'm still pretty free-form at this point, so let me know what you guys like the best.

[jmspencer]

As I attempt to build this I find that we need a whole Criminal Sub-setting! There's no mafia don-esque lifepath, or even crime boss.

Anyway... what I have now is

Born Noble -> Bastard (leads to City) -> Coin Clipper -> Moneylender -> Criminal

Beliefs:
- Duskgate Marketplace, and anything and anyone in it, is mine, to protect or destroy as I see fit.
- The Guildmaster's other Lieutenants are fools and traditionalists, and money is the tool I will use to crush them.
- It is better to be given money than to have to take it.

Instincts:
I have no idea what to do here... thoughts?

[Deacon Blues]

Anyway... what I have now is
<...>I like it! A very clear picture emerges.

Instincts:
I have no idea what to do here... thoughts?This just occurred to me on the drive home; listen to "What's Beef" by Notorious B.I.G. The chorus is almost a list of thieves guild Instincts. ;)

[Deacon Blues]

The King Rat idea I was implying was more of a nasty old ratcatcher (or pigeon trainer, or whatever) with the gift of Low Speech who uses his nasty little minions to spy on everyone.

Also, I was tossing around the idea of a corrupt Judge with his own little criminal enterprise running on the side, maybe even in his own jurisdiction. I'm still pretty free-form at this point, so let me know what you guys like the best.I like both of 'em, actually. I'm the GM, though, so I shouldn't really vote on this. Stat 'em both out if you have time; see which one rings better.

[Deacon Blues]

Any progress in the last 24 hours?

[rafial]

Alright, I've wanted to get in on one of these PBMs, so I'm grabbing at this chance. I'll work up a more detail character concept tonight, but here's what I've got right off the top of my head.

A captain of the guard (not the captain, but a captain, think precinct captain here) -- reports to whatever council or officialdom that the sorcerer/asassian guy is part of. And we're working the classic mafia movie motif, my guy grew up in the slums, best friends with somebody who is now a key member of guild. He's used his position a few times to throw the heat off his friend, but he's very conflicted because he also believes in being a guardian of the citizenry. Maybe his friend has helped him into a few small time busts (of rivals of course) enough to make his reputation and get the promotion to captain. He knows the time he can keep walking both sides of the fence is limited. He'll need to make that decision soon...

[Mickeroo]

So can I still play? I understand if I can't. I don't want to make the job of GMing any harder for you.

[Deacon Blues]

So can I still play? I understand if I can't. I don't want to make the job of GMing any harder for you.?!? Dude! Yes! You can still play! Totally! We want you in! Make a character! Give us some meaty Beliefs and Traits! Do it!

((red carpet, fine china))

Hell, I don't know where you got the impression that we didn't want you in. :oops:

[Deacon Blues]

A captain of the guard (not the captain, but a captain, think precinct captain here) -- reports to whatever council or officialdom that the sorcerer/asassian guy is part of. And we're working the classic mafia movie motif, my guy grew up in the slums, best friends with somebody who is now a key member of guild. He's used his position a few times to throw the heat off his friend, but he's very conflicted because he also believes in being a guardian of the citizenry. Maybe his friend has helped him into a few small time busts (of rivals of course) enough to make his reputation and get the promotion to captain. He knows the time he can keep walking both sides of the fence is limited. He'll need to make that decision soon...Oh, you bet he'll need to make that decision ... :D

Very, very cool. Would it work if your childhood friend in the Guild were one of the other PCs? Like jmspencer's "ward boss," or Marv's "King Rat"? With jmspencer's permission, of course; we're not tying any characters down without their consent. ;)

Of course, this is a decision we can hold off on until the other PCs are more fully fleshed out. In the meantime: I'm very excited by what you have. Let's see some numbers!

[jmspencer]

I'm perfectly happy with having the PCs linked as such. I'll burn up an initial draft of teh character tonight, and then try to find that Notorious BIG song you mentioned so I can try to come up with some instincts. :-)

[Mickeroo]

I am so blind to sarcasm, so I'm going to assume that it isn't present in that last post....I'll think of some good BITS and post them later.

[rafial]

It would totally be best if the friend was another PC. It amps the stakes to no end. I was thinking that the guy who runs the crime in the market would be a good choice, although the currently posted lifepaths for him have him born noble, and I see my guy as very much "from the hood". Although I suppose it we could work it like this:

what if my guy was, say, the son of a servant, and an unofficial childhood companion to the "Duke", so he's lower class, but rising up through the system, (probably goes off to the army for a while and them comes back and joins the guard) while the noble guy has descended to his current life of crime. That gets a nice dynamic going, one arc going up while the other goes down, meeting in the middle.

[Deacon Blues]

I am so blind to sarcasm, so I'm going to assume that it isn't present in that last post....I'll think of some good BITS and post them later.::laughing:: I'm hoping this is just a big miscommunication. Two ships passing and what-not.

Yes, I definitely want you in our game. We're on record.

* * *

According to "What's Beef," the Notorious B.I.G. has the following Instincts:

"Go to sleep with two gats."
"Roll with no fewer than thirty in your posse."
"Make your enemies start your Jeep."

Similarly, thieves and crime lords can harvest one of 50 Cent's earlier hits, "Get Slapped," for some key Beliefs:

"If I don't eat, nobody eats."
"If you make a G a day, you ain't rich: you're just okay."
"I'll take the stand under oath and lie before I snitch on my clique."

Or consider Notorious B.I.G.'s "Ten Crack Commandments."

The Scarface mentality in mainstream hip-hop from the early 90s onward is one avenue for Guildmembers. Of course, some might opt for a subtler approach. :)

[Marv the Man]

Sorry for the delay guys--had an unexpected computer issue (anyone know what "Drive 0 seek failure" means?).

I think I'll stick with the King Rat theme since you guys like him so much. not sure what the lifepaths will lead to, but we'll have to see.

As far as BITs:
Beliefs:
The Beneath will surmount the Above, and I will be there to see it.
The Guild is my ally in the War Above
and maybe something to tie me into the plot for the third one?

[Deacon Blues]

and maybe something to tie me into the plot for the third one?Don't worry so much about that. Come up with a cool and compelling Belief; it's my job as GM to make the plot cater to it.

[rafial]

Does anyone have suggestions of cultural/historical references for color/names, etc? I just figured it would be good to coordinate on thematic references.

[jmspencer]

Does anyone have suggestions of cultural/historical references for color/names, etc? I just figured it would be good to coordinate on thematic references.

What, you mean you don't want a party consisting of "Riznab of Thistlethorp", "Steve the Mage", "Vividos the Really Neat" and "Wolfgan Von Trippenstein, Master of the Spiked Chain"

(Note... these are all actual names from games I have played in... two in the same game)[/quote]

[rafial]

Alright, I need a little GM approval here. After much headscratching, I've determined that it is nearly impossible to get from the army back to the city in a reasonable amount of time using the leads as printed. So I'm asking for permission to fabricate a lead. Here's what I have, with the questionable lead question marked:

City Born -> Street Thug -> lead to Soldier -> Foot Soldier -> ?lead to City? -> Sergeant-at-Arms -> Guard Captain

And here's some blarny to back it up... Son of a footman who worked for the city residence of a noble, I became friends at an early age with said nobles by-blow, aka jmspencer's ward boss to be. As a teenager, I provided muscle for some of his early criminal enterprises, before joining the army. Returning after my hitch, my friend leaned on a few connections for me to swing me my Sergeant's spot in the guard. A genuine commitment to the job, combined with the occasional tip fed to me by my friend has resulted in a rising reputation and eventual promotion to precinct captain.

[rafial]

What, you mean you don't want a party consisting of "Riznab of Thistlethorp", "Steve the Mage", "Vividos the Really Neat" and "Wolfgan Von Trippenstein, Master of the Spiked Chain"


Yeah, something like that. I'll seed the discussion by throwing out an idea or two. First of all, I'm thinking we've got a noir vibe going on here. I know for myself I'm thinking LA Confidential with swords.

As for the historical/cultural stand point, BW has always suggested late medieval, early renaissance to me. An Eastern European vibe might be good for a dirty gritty feel, ala Warhammer. Or if we wanted to get a little more exotic, how about a Byzantine empire like setting, giving us a basically western core with flourishes of eastern exoticism?

Just food for thought.

[jmspencer]

Just to add on to the above post by rafial...

I'm thinking that there might be a deal between the two characters that had led to my character feeding him tips. Perhaps in return for keeping heat off the guild (as a body... specific individuals who my character doesn't like are on their own if they slip up... betraying the guild has enough of its own disincentives that it doesn't worry him too much), he gives the guard, through his friend, leads on non-Guild activity.

[jmspencer]

That's what I get for taking so long to type posts... the "above post by rafial" I was referring to was the post about his lifepaths.

[rafial]

Yeah, I definitely think there is a deal, but I think it would be more personal. I stay clear of anything that you personally have a finger in, but not the guild as a whole.

[jmspencer]

Yeah, I definitely think there is a deal, but I think it would be more personal. I stay clear of anything that you personally have a finger in, but not the guild as a whole.

Yes, but if we go with my character concept of Guildmaster's Lieutenant... there's not a whole lot his fingers aren't in. But like I said, it's not SPECIFIC MEMBERS he wants you to stay away from... just anything that endangers the guild AS AN ENTITY. Believe me, if I give you a lead to, or if you find on your own, one of my enemies within the Guild, they'll know on their own not to claim guild responsibility for whatever it is they were doing. Plus, I'm sure I'm giving you enough tips on non-guild members and their doings to keep you busy. ;-)

More in your PMs... I think I may have an idea on this in the message I just sent you as well.[/quote]

[rafial]

Yes, but if we go with my character concept of Guildmaster's Lieutenant... there's not a whole lot his fingers aren't in.

Hmmm... And right there I think we have the source of tension at the start of play. Your growing influence is resulting in you asking me to stay away from more and more stuff, and as a result my self justifications based on personal loyalty and pragmatism (what's a few fleeced merchants if I can get murders and whoremongers off the streets?) are sounding more and more hollow to my own ears.

Marvelous.

[Deacon Blues]

Rafial:

Kind of weird, there being no lead from Military to City. You have my permission to lead back to City from Foot Soldier. Just add the +1 year on and roll with it. :)

[rafial]

Kind of weird, there being no lead from Military to City

It's not that there is none, its just that they are all in the technical specialties, which doesn't work for my guy. Most of the regular soldiering paths lead to village, and it's not easy getting out of the village either, at least for what I was envisioning.

[Mickeroo]

So where can I fit in my sorcerer who is advisor to the king/ council and uses the guild to eliminate his enemies?

Perhaps one of the PCs is my link?

[Deacon Blues]

Perhaps one of the PCs is my link?Sure, that works. Or you can make a Relationship or an Affiliation that ties you to the Guild. Even if your connection isn't a PC, he'll still matter.

[rafial]

Cpt. Gamal Belarius (http://burningwheel.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1662) has made his debut in the Wheel of Life.

[jmspencer]

Cpt. Gamal Belarius has made his debut in the Wheel of Life.

As is my character (http://burningwheel.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1654)

[Mickeroo]

OK, so here's what I'm thinking. As for links to other characters, perhaps I'm using jm's character as my connection to the guild, perhaps e directs me to the right underlings for my jobs et cetera. Also, I might be using the captain to throw the heat off of me when one of the guys I use decides to rat me out. And as for the rat king, I don't see to much about him to form a concrete image of his role here.

For my lifepaths, I'm thinking:

City born -> neophyte sorcerer -> sorcerer(x2) ->lead to noble court -> court sorcerer

Beliefs:
- "What's beneath me will stay beneath me, and the guild is beneath me. I can use them so long as I don't join them."
- "Sorcery is a powerful gift, yet I must remain humble for now if I am to gain power."
- "No one can betray me twice."

Insticts:
- "When in danger, fight defensively while trying to run and hide."
- "When speaking, always use soothing platitudes."
- "WHen using magic, do all I can to hide that fact."

[Mickeroo]

I guess I can't edit that last post that I made about 10 seconds ago....so I'll just add:

Tell me what you think. DOes it work? Should I change anything?

[Deacon Blues]

I guess I can't edit that last post that I made about 10 seconds ago....so I'll just add:

Tell me what you think. DOes it work? Should I change anything?I like it.

The first Instinct isn't terribly useful, as it doesn't specify an instinctual action so much as a character choice. You (Mick) can always choose for your Sorceror to fight defensively or not. An Instinct should be something that you don't even have to choose: your guy just does it, no questions asked.

Maybe something like:

"When in danger, use The Fear to buy time to escape."

... or whatever spell or tactic you like. Think Specific Stimulus: Specific Response.

You can always leave that Instinct as-is, but it won't be terribly useful. Instincts give you a way to "game" the system a little: go for it!

[Mickeroo]

IF it's an instinct, doesn't that mean I do it automatically, i.e. I don't have to waste an action in combat changing my stance?

[Deacon Blues]

IF it's an instinct, doesn't that mean I do it automatically, i.e. I don't have to waste an action in combat changing my stance?Ohhhh ... you meant "use Defensive Stance." D'oh! :oops:

Okay, then yeah, that's fine. That's perfect. Chalk one up to me not knowing how to read.

[Deacon Blues]

Also, everyone's encouraged (though not required) to make like Rafial and Jmspencer and post their character concepts and burnings to the Wheel of Life thread if you need help fleshing them out. Take advantage of the board's contributions.

[Mickeroo]

Yes, I will post once I finish y character. The thing is, I don't want to go all the way with him until I get some answers from the forums on things like how to hide my magical abilities and if enchanting is worth taking.

Also, if I want to use an abstraction, do i need to buy facets now or is it assumed that I know whichever ones my spells are associated with?

[Mickeroo]

Also, how much is an affiliation with the guild?

[Deacon Blues]

Also, how much is an affiliation with the guild?Varies, depending on what level of influence you want. 2D would mean you're one of the big movers-and-shakers within the guild; 1D would mean that you can call on their services readily. Given what you've described of your character, I would suggest 1D, but it's up to you.

[Deacon Blues]

Just bumping this one back up to everyone's attention. Hope those of us in the States had a happy Independence Day!

[jmspencer]

I'm just waiting for everyone else to be ready.

And yes. Definitely a good 4th. Yay for the Boston Pops. And Yay for much much much much gaming at the Bostongamers Yahoogroup party.

[Mickeroo]

I'll finish and post my character once I get home from work tonight. Then, I shall be ready.

[Deacon Blues]

All right - Rafial, Jmspencer and Mickeroo seem to be the players still interested. Mickeroo, after we get your guy fully Burnt, I'll give it another day or so to see if anyone else comes around, then we'll get things started.

I'll create a new thread for the actual game at that time.

[Marv the Man]

Sorry about the further delay guys. My computer issue has turned into a permanent problem, so I'm probably gonna have to bow out since i can't post at work. I'll catch you guys on the next time 'round, hopefully. Sorry Deacon, for taking up a spot for so long.
Thanks guys.

[Mickeroo]

by the way, my character is posted at http://burningwheel.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1700

[ShawnLStroud]

All right - Rafial, Jmspencer and Mickeroo seem to be the players still interested. Mickeroo, after we get your guy fully Burnt, I'll give it another day or so to see if anyone else comes around, then we'll get things started.

I'll create a new thread for the actual game at that time.

Hey Deacon;

I'd like to jump on this ride, if you're still open to another player. What I've got in mind is a low- to mid-level guy in the Thieve's Guild -- A guy with a small crew of "Roaches" -- kid thieves that do a lot of the grunt work of information gathering, filching, pick-pocketing, etc. They''re called Roaches because, well, they're everywhere and do best in the dark.

And, because I've always started with a cool name (which came to me as I was reading your first post)... I thought I'd run that past you as well. My guy would be "Fingers the Roach"

[jmspencer]

Shawn, if DB approves that, check out my character over in the Wheel of Life... you just desceibed one of his relationships to a T...

[Deacon Blues]

I most definitely approve.

jmspencer, this'd clear up some points for you, as PCs don't need to spend Resource Points to have relationships with other PCs. Hold off on spending those points until we see the final draft of Shawn's character, but this might change things (a little).

[ShawnLStroud]

Deacon;

I've posted Fingers the Roach in the appropriate section. I'm thinking that the biggest hook into this guy is his Roaches -- he truly cares about the kids--so you just KNOW that the biggest bangs for this guy will come if somebody starts hurting his kids.

[Deacon Blues]

Just to prove that I haven't forgotten everyone:

I'd like to get things started by FRIDAY, JULY 15th, so let's have all our character work done by then.

Here are some ground rules and guidelines we'll be using:

Resources: The Resource cycle will be once a month, and you'll have just started a new cycle when play begins (so no Lifestyle tests for a while - w00t). I will often but not always rule Gift of Kindness on Routine Resource tests.
I'm as new to this as most of you are, if not newer, so feel free to pester me for things like Artha or relevant tests. For instance:

Deacon, I just killed a guy for looking at me funny. That hits one of my Beliefs; 1 Fate Artha?

After a while I'm sure we won't even need to ask, but I'm still learning.
If you feel a storyline isn't tagging any of your characters Beliefs, Instincts, Traits or Relationships - or, even worse, it's just not engaging you - PM me and let me know. It's as much your game as mine (moreso, because you outnumber me) and I'll do what I can to accomodate.
Post in 3rd person. Usual PbP rules apply: don't dictate actions for another PC, keep your posts readable, short but not too short, etc.
[/list]

[Mickeroo]

Ok, so I'm goign to burn up Gus the way he was last descibed, right?

[Deacon Blues]

That's fine; post him here or in "Wheel of Life" for approval and we'll be good to go.

[Mickeroo]

Ok, I posted version 2.0 in http://burningwheel.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=15455#15455

It's the same thread, just wanted to bring your attention to it.

[Deacon Blues]

So, for players who are ready to go as of tomorrow (that's Friday), we have four: jmspencer, rafial, Mickeroo and ShaunLStroud.

I'd like everyone to "check in," as it were, and indicate readiness to play by posting the final write-up of your character in this thread.

I'll create a new thread tomorrow for the start of the game. Be ready, campers!

[Mickeroo]

Allright, I'm ready to go, here is Gus.

Concept: A sorcerous advisor to the king of thieves.

Character Name: Gustave Hanks

Born in the confines of the city, young Gustave Hanks quickly discovered his rare talents. Seeking out someone to help him refine his power, he became a sorcerer’s apprentice. For years, his master forced Gustave into a sort of slave life where he was beaten repeatedly in exchange for his lessons in magic. After reaching what he considered a peak in his abilities, and a definite peak in his patience, Gustave took the life of his former mentor and went on to study and teach himself the arcane arts. His next move was to feign political experience, change his name to something nobler, and become the advisor to the king. While advisor, Gusington Henry took it upon himself to one by one slay the heirs to the throne. Just as he was about to kill the king and take the throne for himself, he was discovered and throne into jail, about to be executed. Fortunately, he was able to ‘persuade’ the cell guard to let him go. Changing his name back to what it was, he became an outcast and now works within the thieves guild, advising the king of thieves to do what’s best (for Gustave).

Lifepaths: City Born -> Neophyte Sorcerer -> Sorcerer -> Lead to noble court -> Court Sorcerer -> Lead to Outcast -> Rouge Wizard

Age: 40

Stats: Pe: B5 Wi: B6 Ag: B3 Sp: B4 Po: B3 Fo: B5

Attributes: Re: B4 Ste: G3 He: B4 MW: B10 Hesitation: 5 Presence: 6 paces

Resources: B2 Circles: B3 (B5 in thieves’ guild)

PTGS: Su: B3 Li: B6 Mi: B7 Se: B8 Tr: B9 Mo: B10

Skills: Enchanting – B5
Etiquette – B5
Falsehood – B5
Inconspicuous – B3
Persuasion – B5
Read – B2
Research – B5
Soothing Platitudes – B3
Sorcery – B6
Symbology – B5
Write – B2

Gear: Clothes, shoes, a small cottage, parchment, ink

Spells: Chameleon, Force of Will, White Fire.

Affiliation: 2D with thieves’ guild. Gus has a lot of pull considering his “relationship” with the “king.”

Contacts: Gus has bended the mind of the king of thieves so much that the king can hardly ever think for himself anymore.

Reputation: 1D as a higher up in the thieves’ guild as well as a ruthless killer.

Traits: Extremely respectful of one’s betters, inscrutable, gifted, spooky, obscure aura, aura of fear, second sight

Beliefs:
- "What's beneath me will stay beneath me, and the guild is beneath me. I can use them so long as I don't join them."
- "Sorcery is a powerful gift, yet I must remain humble for now if I am to gain power."
- "No one can betray me twice."

Insticts:
- "When in danger, fight defensively while trying to run and hide."
- "When speaking, always use soothing platitudes."
- "When using magic, do all I can to hide that fact.”

[ShawnLStroud]

Fingers the Roach
Fingers is a small player in the "Honor Among Thieves" campaign. I see him as a compassionate (to his roaches), but amoral crime lieutenant.

Yes, I AM the the last son of Narragan. But don't you think that my background will help you now. Nobless Oblige is a myth -- You see how much good it did me when my family offended the King? All my father's nobility; the history of our family did me no good when the guards came to kill us all. Only the fact that I had been hiding from my nurse and tutor that morning saved me. And it sure as HELL did nothing to keep me fed after I got out on the streets.

No, the only family I found on the street was the Roaches. And you have to be good with your hands when you're a Roach. You also have to be good at being unnoticed. Which I was. So now, I'm the "King" of the Roaches -- which is why you're going to die.

You should have raped somebody else's kid. Because nobody touches the Roaches. Nobody. Especially not you.

Concept: Traditional "Thief" -- managing a crew of child pickpockets, guides and spys who range throughout the city

Character Name: Fingers the Roach

Lifepaths: Born Noble / City Urchin / Pickpocket / Criminal X 2

Age: 25

Stats: Pe: B4 Wi: B5 Ag: B6 Sp: B5 Po: B3 Fo: B3

Attributes: Re: B5 Ste: B5 He: B3 MW: 9 Hesitation: 5 Presence: 5 paces Resources: 47

PTGS: Su: 2 Li: 4 Mi: 6 Se: 7 Tr: 8 Mo: 9

Skills: Inconspicuous B5, Streetwise B4, Sleight of Hand B6, Falsehood B5, Stealthy B4, Intimidation B3, Appraisal B2, Brawling B3, Carving B4

Gear:
- Some run of the mill Blades -- One good carving knife, Clothes, shoes
- A "hideout" flat, and a dorm setup for the Roaches

Affiliations, Reputation(s), Circles & Resources

Affiliation: Thieves Guild, 1D
Reputation: 1 die The Roach always knows your secrets. His eyes are everywhere.
Resources: B1
Circles: B2


Contacts:
My Brother in the City Guard (we're friendly, but use one another for our own ends),
Sister Amietriana (my lover and head of a local charitable hospice)
The Thief Lord (who has closer ties to my departed father)
Traits: Mark of Priviledge, Sickly, Plain Faced, Cynical, Poker Faced

Beliefs:
- There is no Justice, save what you make for yourself.
- People who get noticed... get caught.
- Nobody gets to hurt my Roaches; destroy anybody who tries.

Instincts:
- When waiting, whittle.
- When confronted, always use Falsehood to talk my way out of the problem.
- If I HAVE to fight, always cut the guy from behind.

[Deacon Blues]

Here's the IC thread.

Shawn, Mickeroo - I've started your characters' storylines. Go to it!

[Deacon Blues]

By which I mean, here's the IC thread (http://www.burningwheel.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=15672).[/url]

[jmspencer]

He is a Lieutenant of the Thieves' Guild, a "Duke" of Crime... a Godfather-esque extortionist who oversees Guild operations in the City's main marketplace. He is capable of killing and other violence in the line of duty, but prefers to focus on protection, the occasional land-based smuggling, etc. (This is not to say that there are not people who report to him who will kill for the right price). The two things he will not touch nor allow in his section of the city are drugs and prostitution.

Concept: Theives' Guild Ward Boss
Character Name: "Duke" Verrin Sathsparn

Lifpaths: Noble Born->Bastard (Lead to City Setting)-> Coin Clipper -> Shopkeeper -> Criminal

Age: 32

Stats: Pe: B4 Wi: B5 Ag: B4 Sp: B4 Po: B4 Fo: B4

Attributes: Re: B4 Ste: B6 He: B4 MW: B10 Hesitation: 5 Resources: B4

PTGS: Su: B3 Li: B5 Mi: B7 Se: B8 Tr: B9 Mo: B10

Skills: Family Secret-wise B2, Streetwise B2, Merchantwise B3, Inconspicuous B4, Extortion B4, Falsehood B4, Intimidation B2, Knives B4, Ettiquette B2, Observation B3, Persuasion B5, Poisons B2

Gear: RoM Dirk, Leather Armor (no arms), Clothes, Shoes, Small Business ("Pawnshop"/Fence), Poisons toolkit

Reputations: 1D - "A bad person to cross"

Affilitions: 2D Thieves' Guild, 1D Noble Family

Relationships: "Duke" Wilmar Secord (in charge of Guild operations in the City's shipping district. Focuses on muggings, robberys, drugs and whoremongering. Rivals for power in the Guild and extremely contmptuous of each others' methods.) (Level 2 Relationship)
Mirth Oldshire (Verrin's right hand, Mirth is the chief "enforcer" in Duskgate Market. He collects from merchants hesitant to pay and keeps tabs on non-guild activity in the market, and stops crimes not authorized by Verrin).


Traits: Mark of Privilege, Bastard, Light Sleeper, Cynical, Alert, Charismatic

Beliefs:
- Duskgate Marketplace, and anything and anyone in it, is mine, to protect or destroy as I see fit. The merchants benefit from my control and owe me their loyalty and tribute.
- The Guildmaster's other Lieutenants are fools and traditionalists, and money is the tool I will use to crush them.
- Prostitution and drugselling are the lowest of crimes. There is no place for them in my district and there is no excuse for those who engage in them.

Instincts:
Never leave my shop without a poisoned blade.
When in Duskgate, be Conspicuous
When talking to an officer of the Watch I don't know, use Falsehoods.

[jmspencer]

Here's the rest of the information on Verrin... (other than Circles... my books are at home so I haven't been able to calculate it)

Verrin is the man they had in mind when the word "striking" was first coined. Of medium height and alightly leaner than average build, his eyes draw the attention of anyone in a room with him. An air of command, of competency, exudes from him when he surveys his "holdings", the marketplace at Duskgate. An easy smile invites you in share your secrets with him and his noble mein gives the merchants of the marketplace security that he CAN protect them from the depridations of the city's theives (of course, the fact that he's a Guild Lieutenant doesn't hurt his ability to do that).

His shop sits at the far end of the marketplace from the Duskgate, the city's Westmost gate, the first building you come to and the last one you pass when coming into or leaving the market from the city proper (Mirth and his boys in the common room Red Plains Inn take care of merchants or troublemakers coming in through the Gate.) And so Verrin spends his days (when he's not in his shop) making circuits of the Market. He picks up a coin from the wineseller for this month's protection, which he then stops and spends on an old map of the City at the bookseller's, from whom he'll collect it back tomorrow when that merchant's payment comes due...

Standing at the fountain in the middle of the market, he looks around, noting a pickpocket here, one of his enforcers there, and a non-sanctioned thief breaking into the alley door of the herbalist's shop... his easy smile slips to stony determination as he strides to the west end of the marketplace to talk to Mirth and to arrange to have a surprise waiting for the non-guild thief when he exits the shop. The herbalist's protection fee will be well worth it this month...

[rafial]

Here's Cpt. Belarius -- no changes

Gamal Belarius, Guard Precinct Captain

This character is also for the "Honor Among Thieves" campaign that is getting started on the PBP forum. Son of a footman, as a child he was a "downstairs" companion of Verrin Sathsparn (also a PC) and worked as an enforcer for some of his early criminal schemes. Never comfortable with that role, he took an opportunity to join the army and see the world. On the strength of his veteran's discharge, he obtained a post in the city guard, and rose steadily on the strength of a number of high profile busts. It may be however, that the secret of his success lies in an under the table deal with his old friend and childhood companion, "Duke" Verrin Sathsparn.

Concept: Guard Captain in an uneasy relationship with a Crime Boss
Character Name: Cpt. Gamal Belarius

Lifepaths: City Born -> Street Thug (lead to Soldier) -> Foot Soldier (lead to City) -> Sgt. At Arms -> Guard Captain

Age: 32

Stats: Pe: B5 Wi: B3 Ag: B3 Sp: B4 Po: B5 Fo: B5

Attributes: Re: B4 Ste: B6 He: B4 MW: B11 Hesitation: 7

PGTS: Su: B3 Li: B6 Mi: B8 Se: B9 Tr: B10 Mo: B11

Resources: B1 Circles: B1

Skills: Read B2, Etiquette B2, Soldiering B2, Interrogation B3, Intimidation B3, Brawling B3, Command B3, Streetwise B4, Sword B4, Shield Training, Armor Training

Gear: RoM Sword & Dagger, Armor (leather arms & leggings, plated leather chest & helm, buckler), Boots, Clothes, Rent on a small flat, Cat "Phylax"

Affiliation: 1D City Guard: precinct commander for the Seraph's Hand district, a notorious slum which borders on the Duskgate Market.

Relationship: Sgt. Julianna, his staff sergeant, a small dried out looking woman in her early 50s who is taciturn but competent administrator, not to mention a dead eye with a hurled knife.

Reputation: 1D "Here's a man who gets things done!"

Traits: Overworked, Exasperated, Cruel, Louis Wu

Beliefs
- Stand by those who stand by you
- Justice is made by the will of decent men
- The ends justify the means

Instincts
- If a subordinate mouths off, box their ear or kick their rear
- Always post a man by the back door
- Always feed the cat before bed