Obviously these are all just first thoughts and suggestions, I'd love to hear what you think as well, since of course you know your own characters better.
@nodogs Jack: Billy would have been insistent on staying in her ever shifting circle of friends. I'll leave it to you how she took that.
@Salsa Verde Mier: Billy would be decent to him, but probably didn't have a lot of interest or common ground to form any real friendship.
@banjoanjo Sara: if she helped with theater or school talent shows, they would be well acquainted. If I'm reading her right, they both have a people pleasing streak that probably put them together on the same tasks a lot. If you're cool with it, maybe he asked her out once, got rebuffed and kept his distance since.
@Prisk Hanna: Billy was well liked, but in high school that's not the same as popular, and for the most part they didn't really move in the same circles. They did, however, follow each other on Instagram, and actually still do(though, for his part Billy is only vaguely aware of the fact).
@fledermaus Genesis: I think they could easily have been "party friends." They'd go out and drink together, but not really because they liked each other. When sober they probably detested each other's company, so I think they'd have had a tempestuous relationship if they had any at all.
@Mao Mao Lucas: Feel free to reject this, but I think they might have been close until they both abruptly moved out of their respective homes after graduation. Two not-quite-out queer teens gravitating toward each other over illicit smoke breaks.
@Eleven Freya: Billy would be an ever present face at house parties thrown at her place. They would be as close as she would let them get, so I leave that to you, and we can discuss it at more length if needed.
@Odin Ben: If someone brings up Benjamin Moore, Billy will be adamant that they must be making him up.
@Sweven7 Conner: I expect they hated each other. I can see Conner jumping in on some jape of Billy's, and simultaneously spoiling the fun, and stealing attention away.
I wrote that Billy doesn't really roll in her social circle, so I think it's actually kind funny if she secretly admired him in a way, but didn't talk to him directly much.
So I'll keep mine like that, but make a slight edit to reflect that he was vaguely aware that she followed him on Instagram.
So Salsa approached me via PM and offered the spot that opened up. I assume as the co-GM they have the authority to do that, so I'll be joining after all.
I hope to have a relationship sheet up tonight, I haven't read all the sheets yet(first I didn't want to because I didn't know who would be accepted, then I initially wasn't and so did not bother).
But anyone can feel free to let me know what relationship they think they'd have with Billy, or just add him to your own sheets, and we can talk about it.
► Age - Twenty-Five ► Gender - Male(Cis) ► Sexuality - Pansexual ► Nickname - Billy ► Occupation - Goddamned Rockstar ► Qualifications - High school diploma. He can play the guitar, piano, and cello. Does that count? ► Residence - Seattle, Washington
▼ PHYSICALITY
► Scars - A dog bite right on his butt, from mooning the neighbor's yorkie. ► Tattoos - Oddly enough, none ► Piercings - None ► Style - His clothes tend on the expensive side, even when they don't look it, and he usually dresses in layers, to allow for multiple pieces in any given "look." During the day, sunglasses are ever present. Most outfits are form-fitting, skinny jeans are common. Likes various colored v-necks, or else button down shirts with crowded, busy patterns(flowers and plants are common, but so are occult symbols or text).
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LIFE AT RITMAN
A middle school band geek, Billy had to defy his parents pretty hard to drop the cello. He compromised by joining the musical theater program. He was already in the choir at church, so he had a good voice, which only improved under the vocal coaching he received at Ritman.
By sophomore year, he was already an ever present star of shows the school put on. Billy found that he liked the spotlight, and wanted to take it with him. He became sort of a class clown, though his jests were typically good natured. He wasn't the highest performer academically, but he was well liked. Billy was friendly, and had the odd quirk of remembering everyone's name, regardless of how often he interacted with them. He was the sort to drag more introverted people into the center of attention, thinking they would want to be there too(even when he was wrong).
PSYCHE
Billy is the sort of person who can charm even as he annoys; he makes it endearing. He considers himself larger than life, and sometimes even manages to fit that description. A gregarious person by nature, he likes, and tends to be liked by, crowds, particularly those of the drunk variety. He is a people-pleaser, and though this often leads to altruism and even true compassion, the root of that desire is in the quest for attention.
He has an addictive personality, and likes to share his vices. He can be a bad influence, but he's usually generous, and if you stick by him, he won't let you down.
Billy's current persona is the logical evolution of who he was in high school, the most surprising part of him is how successful he managed to become.
Kinetic Theft. Billy absorbs the kinetic energy of anything(and everything) that touches him. The energy is stored, and can be released at will from his body.
There isn’t a specific limit on how much energy he can store or release, but there is on how much he can absorb at a time.
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- ▼ STRENGTHS
►He is extremely resistant to anything based on kinetic energy. ► The energy he emits can become quite powerful, depending on how much he has absorbed. ► He is always absorbing energy passively, so he will never run completely out.
▼ WEAKNESSES
►Billy creates an enormous drag on any vehicle that tries to carry him as his power sucks up the force of acceleration. ► He cannot turn the power off, and no longer feels touch or pressure from most sources. ► He can't play guitar normally anymore. His power absorbs the vibration of any string he has his fingers on.
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I said metal in the interest check, but it's a pop punk band he's in. The band is called Still Life Gospel.
They are known for frequent use of subversive religious imagery. They recently made the rounds in social media because fans jokingly called their most recent album "Godsend" a Christian rock album, and way too many parents believed them and bought it for their kids.
Godsend is their first platinum album, but a lot of people dismiss it, claiming that it's only because of the social media circus. It has still led to an enormous bump in album sales, as well as merch and general public knowledge, so no one is complaining.
Billy's family are catholic, and quite strict. He doesn't talk to them anymore. They still live in Delton, but he has no intention of seeing them while he's in town.
Billy is publicly out as pansexual.
Billy is addicted to coffee and cigarettes. The former he will seek out coffee shops for(he bought a very expensive espresso machine, but sucks at using it), the latter he carries home rolled in a silver case. The case also usually has two or three spliffs.
He has no pets and is chronically single. His condo in Seattle is often empty as he spends time either touring, or traveling for the fun of it.
He drives a blue 1975 Camaro Z28 that has been expensively converted to an electric vehicle.
He was able to shake the cello and band life at school, but took private piano lessons until he was 18 and left home.
His guitar skills are more or less self taught, and he hasn't played cello in over a decade, but he's a classically trained pianist and vocalist. And has a strong musical education thanks largely to Ritman's performing arts programs.
He moved in with this nascent band's bassist(Mark Gethers) immediately after graduation, as his parents refused to let him continue his music career under their roof.
Billy formed his first band, called the White Crosses, while a Junior in high school. Most of his members jumped ship to pursue steady careers after graduation. Mark wanted to try to replace them, and Billy agreed and was actively looking for new members, but he also quietly auditioned to join an up and coming band in Portland.
When Mark found out, he kicked Billy out, and Billy ended up surfing couches for a few months while his new band tried to gain traction.
In no small part because of Billy's persistence and talent, the band became locally successful within the year, at least enough for Billy to get his first apartment. The rest is history.
So this will be a bit of a bare bones interest check, because I don't know how many people will care for the idea at all.
This would be set in the timeline of Iron Blooded Orphans, sometime after the events of the show. The main characters would be human debris enslaved to a band of pirates. They're sent out to investigate a Gjallorhorn scout that's snooping around the reef of old ship debris, and discover what the scout was sent out for. A ship from the Calamity War, containing several Gundam frame mobile suits. The human debris were kept in check by the threat of explosives in the cockpits of their mobile suits, and they realize that with these new(or, rather, very old) mobile suits, they can be free of their masters.
The story will focus on their fight to keep their freedom after gaining it, and will be driven heavily by character choices.
I don't normally like to say that my games have "required reading," but if you're not familiar with the show, you may well be lost, or else include things in your posts or CS that don't actually make sense. I won't tell you what to do, but keep it in mind. That said, I will have a section in the full thread with world info to help keep things straight.
On a final note, I would love to have a co-GM to help keep things moving, and keep the lore consistent. Obviously, that person would need to be familiar with the show.
Queen Mab: The leader of the Jolly Rogs.
Brunhilde: Brun is the captain of the Mercurial Witch
Bosun: Actual name is none of your business. The leader of the Witch's Mobile Suit squad. A cruel and demanding leader, he doesn't accept excuses, nor does he invite confidences. He pilots a heavily modified mobile suit of unknown make or origin. He joined the pirate crew willingly, and is the only member of the squad without the AV implant.
Carrot: Actual first name Karen. The nickname is because of her role as the "carrot" to the Bosun's "stick." Rumor has it that she was human debris once upon a time, but earned her freedom through excellent service. She is pragmatic, but understanding of the plights her underlings face. She won't stick her neck out for human debris, but she will show them kindness on occasion. Captain Brun turns a blind eye to such things, as she believes the hope of freedom that Carrot represents will drive her slave soldiers to greater daring.
Lefty: The Witch's resident mechanic. The captain might know her real name, but certainly no one else does. Though not deliberately mean or cruel, she has a formidable bearing and very little patience.
Ariadne A large network of relays that facilitate long range communication, and assist with navigation. Because of the jamming effects of Ahab Waves, it is impossible to communicate at long distances without the Ariadne. Each relay in the network is known as a "Cocoon"(sometimes simply called transponder) and is given its own four digit identification number. Each cocoon is equipped with an Ahab Reactor, and they are akin to floating lighthouses. They are placed at around one million kilometer intervals. As the cocoon is always generating a specific wavelength of the Ahab Wave, a travelling ship would always be able to sense the Ahab Wave and knows the specific location of the cocoon. The Ariadne routes are available by paying a predetermined toll fee. By using the Ariadne's outer circumference route that was abandoned after the war, and where Gjallarhorn's surveillance is limited, pirates and illegal merchant ships can use the cocoons for navigation. An outsider with the correct expertise can also infiltrate and use the network for their own purposes.
LCS Laser Communication System (LCS) is a short distance communication system that is frequently used to facilitate direct audio and video communications between multiple parties. It works by using a light wavelength that is close to visible light, as visible light can't be easily disrupted by Ahab Waves. However if something gets in between it and the communication target, the line will disappear. Its communication range can also be extended with the use of LCS drones.
Nano Mirror Chaff An ancient type of chaff that can be used to disrupt communications and sensors including LCS and optical sight. It is actually a powdered form of the nanolaminate armor, and is released in a puff of pink smoke.
Artificial Gravity A form of artificial gravity can be generated by Ahab Particles created within the Ahab Reactors, and may even remain active even after a ship's destruction. In addition to generating artificial gravity, the Ahab Particles can also be used to reduce G-forces within mobile suit cockpits.
Medical Nanomachine An advanced piece of medical technology, it consists of a semi-enclosed chamber full of a nanite-rich gel that a patient can be suspended in.
Ahab Reactors High output reactors invented by a scientist named Ahab Balaena and named after him, they are commonly used as power-plants in mobile suits and ships. Since they're physically indestructible, once one is manufactured it will produce energy semi-permanently. Thus, reactors that were made during the Calamity War are still active and functioning. They possess a sleep mode that will cease their power production and will require a manual rebooting for it to become operational. The reactors also generate a special type of particle called Ahab Particles, which react to emit Ahab Waves. The Ahab Particles are used for creating artificial gravity and inertial control, while Ahab Waves disrupt radio waves, communications and guided weapons. Thus, machines using Ahab Reactors are not allowed to be operated in cities, as they can disrupt the city's infrastructure. Even though they are mass-produced, each Ahab Reactor is unique, and the Ahab Waves produced by each reactor possess their own unique signature. This is used by sensors to identify specific machines. In space, gravitational effects of the Ahab Particles from the operational reactors in damaged mobile suits and military ships from the Calamity War can attract other debris, leading to the formation of high density debris belts. As these reactors are still active, it is possible to use them, but recovery in the debris belt is very dangerous.
Ahab Particles Particles produced within the Ahab reactor, it is also used as anti-G system in mobile suits and as a pseudo gravity generator in ships. These particles are harmless to the human body. Its period of existence is really short, as it collapses in less than one millionth of a second after its occurrence and then it changes into elementary particles like neutrinos, mu particles, etc and diffuses as an Ahab Wave. As it exists only in the core of the Ahab Reactor, decrease or increase of the gravity generated can be done based on the reactor output. However for the small reactors in mobile suits, it is a level that is not noticeable. Within a spacecraft carrying a large reactor, the shipboard environment can be arranged by controlling the direction of the microgravity inside the ship by circulating the liquid metal inside the reactor containing the Ahab Particles around/within the ship.
Ahab Thrusters Thrusters that generate propulsion by discharging with direction some of the elementary particles that constitute the Ahab Waves. Although output is relatively low, it is very energy efficient and doesn't require propellants. It is mainly used for inertial flight in space and attitude control.
Alaya-Vijnana System An organic device system, it is an old type of man-machine interface. The system was developed during the Calamity War to maximize the abilities of mobile suits, hence most mobile suits from that era are compatible with it. As it is part of the excessive mechanization that was thought to be the cause of the Calamity War, Gjallarhorn abandoned the system after the war's conclusion. A taboo on mechanical implants in the human body was also started to prevent widespread use of the system. The Alaya-Vijnana system consists of two parts: one part is installed in the mobile weapon, and the other part is implanted into the pilot's spine. After the implantation, the person has an interface on the back for physical connection to the Alaya-Vijnana system connector in the mobile weapon's cockpit. The Alaya-Vijnana System creates a pseudo-brain lobe in the pilot's body using nanomachines, allowing the pilot's brain to directly process mobile suit data fed through the physical connection. As the pseudo-brain lobe also governs spatial awareness, the pilot's spatial awareness is enhanced. The more implants a pilot has, the higher the information transfer rate through the system. The system also allows the pilot (even illiterate ones) to operate the mobile weapon without requiring instructions or reading a manual. As the pilot's brain is continuously under the influence of the Alaya-Vijnana System, it is unwise to physically disconnect the pilot from the mobile suit following a loss of consciousness, doing so may lead to neurological damage. Furthermore, this continuous link can cause consciousness to be forcibly maintained even in situations where the pilot would ordinarily faint or even die instantly. During the Calamity War, the implantation surgery for the pilot had no age restriction, but as technical capabilities fell 300 years after the war, the age at which surgery is possible and the success rate both decreased. Furthermore, the Alaya-Vijnana system technology often used in the current era in the Outer Sphere areas is a leaked, incomplete version. Thus, the implant surgery can currently only be done at a young age to let the implant fuse as they grow. The surgery is also dangerous and should it fail, there may be extremely grotesque cell growth around the implantation area, as well as loss of other bodily functions. In the Outer Sphere, those with the implants are sometimes derogatorily called "Rats", and the Alaya-Vijnana system interface on their back is informally referred to as "Whiskers".
Thermal Phase Transition Thrusters Mobile suits' high powered propulsion system. By utilizing the ultra high heat generated within the Ahab Reactors, thrust can be achieved by ejecting the heated and expanded hydrogen from the nozzle. Aside from mobile suits, these are also used as the main propulsion of a large ship. Since hydrogen is used as the catalyst of the propellant, a propellant tank is needed.[3]
Nanolaminate Armor A special paint that reacts to Ahab Particles is vapor-deposited onto the surface of the armor of Mobile Suits and ships. This defensive paint forms a multilayer molecular arrangement capable of handling impact from the outside, but it can break or peel off, requiring repainting. At first glance the armor seems hard, but in principle it's like a very thin cushion with several layers. It was one of the technologies developed as a countermeasure against the mobile armors, and is capable of rendering mobile armors' beam weaponry ineffective by diffusing and deflecting the fired beam, minimizing the damage done. However, the nanolaminate armor does not absorb the beam's energy or weaken it. The nanolaminate armor is also effective against physical projectiles as its energy bearing molecules can absorb the impact from live ammunitions and explosive charges, thereby protecting the machine's body from damage. As a result, ranged firearms can not score decisive hits against them and may only shave off small pieces of it unless at close range. Because of its strength and widespread usage, anti-mobile suit weapons are usually in the form of melee weapons as they are best at dealing damage to the armor. Sustained high heat can cause the molecular arrangement to breakdown, weakening the armor.
Mobile Suits Large humanoid-shaped mobile weapons that are around 18 meters tall, they were first developed as a counter to the mobile armors during the Calamity War. The foundation of humanoid weaponry was established during the early to middle stages of the war. Since then, mobile suits have been the most powerful weapons available to mankind. Mobile Suits are usually equipped with Ahab Reactors and nanolaminate armor, which are the main reasons why they are considered powerful machines. Mobile suits usually make use of an internal humanoid frame, to which parts and systems are installed on top of it. This mobile suit frame is made out of a rare type of metal with incredible strength which is also used to construct mobile suit-class melee weapons. In addition, mobile suit frames are extremely durable and can endure centuries of exposure to the environment while still remaining operational. A single frame type can be used for multiple mobile suit designs, and mobile suits can be grouped according to the frame types. However, mobile suits are expensive due to their high construction and maintenance costs.
Mobile Workers Small mobile weapons that can be used for combat, transporting materials or other daily work. They are much smaller than mobile suits and their performance in general is far inferior, but they are more common due to being cheaper. Due to a lack of Ahab Reactors in Mobile Workers, they can be used within City Limits without violating rules of engagement. They are usually powered by hydrogen engines.
Mobile Armors A series of terrifying colossal non-humanoid mobile weapons, larger than even mobile suits. They are forbidden due to their sheer terror - they killed hundreds of millions and ruined civilization during the Calamity War. They are controlled by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and as a result of little to no programmed ethical conduct, are capable of unrestrained violence. Heavily employed during Calamity War, the Mobile Armors self-evolved thanks to their AI's learning capabilities, becoming better, stronger and gaining the ability to self-propagate. They were infamously known to have wiped out cities, and were ultimately responsible for wiping out a quarter of the world's population.
Dáinsleif
Mars' Half-Metal A rare, special type of metal from Mars. Widely used on electronics aboard mobile suits and ships that use Ahab Reactors due to its shielding capability against the negative effects of the Ahab Waves. Large amounts of it can prevent Ahab Reactors from being detected.
High Hardness Rare Alloy A metallic substance with high strength that is used in mobile suit frames, armor and weapons. It can resist corrosion and does not weaken even over hundreds of years. It is thanks to this material that mobile suits can have a lifespan of hundreds of years.
I have added a little more to the fact sheet, including some personal history, as well as a side character who A] would be in the same graduating class and B] would be well within reason to have a grudge against Billy. If that's something a GM wants to use.
I said metal in the interest check, but it's a pop punk band he's in. The band is called Still Life Gospel.
They are known for frequent use of subversive religious imagery. They recently made the rounds in social media because fans jokingly called their most recent album "Godsend" a Christian rock album, and way too many parents believed them and bought it for their kids.
Godsend is their first platinum album, but a lot of people dismiss it, claiming that it's only because of the social media circus. It has still led to an enormous bump in album sales, as well as merch and general public knowledge, so no one is complaining.
Billy's family are catholic, and quite strict. He doesn't talk to them anymore. They still live in Delton, but he has no intention of seeing them while he's in town.
Billy is publicly out as pansexual.
Billy is addicted to coffee and cigarettes. The former he will seek out coffee shops for(he bought a very expensive espresso machine, but sucks at using it), the latter he carries home rolled in a silver case. The case also usually has two or three spliffs.
He has no pets and is chronically single. His condo in Seattle is often empty as he spends time either touring, or traveling for the fun of it.
He drives a blue 1975 Camaro Z28 that has been expensively converted to an electric vehicle.
He was able to shake the cello and band life at school, but took private piano lessons until he was 18 and left home.
His guitar skills are more or less self taught, and he hasn't played cello in over a decade, but he's a classically trained pianist and vocalist. And has a strong musical education thanks largely to Ritman's performing arts programs.
He moved in with this nascent band's bassist(Mark Gethers) immediately after graduation, as his parents refused to let him continue his music career under their roof.
Billy formed his first band, called the White Crosses, while a Junior in high school. Most of his members jumped ship to pursue steady careers after graduation. Mark wanted to try to replace them, and Billy agreed and was actively looking for new members, but he also quietly auditioned to join an up and coming band in Portland.
When Mark found out, he kicked Billy out, and Billy ended up surfing couches for a few months while his new band tried to gain traction.
In no small part because of Billy's persistence and talent, the band became locally successful within the year, at least enough for Billy to get his first apartment. The rest is history.