Quote from: jgants;711694So why the rule changes? Well, I find CT to be "missing" some elements I like, while MGT is too complicated (my players prefer simpler rules). And the rule changes from MGT 2300AD are largely terrible (IMO) so I used barely any of those.

My impressions exactly.

Quote from: jgants;711694The same is true for the setting. I love the human governments in 2300 AD (though for simplicity, I combined some of the smaller tier ones), but I hate the aliens. So, I threw them all out except for the Kaefer and added in the Star Frontiers aliens - Dralasites, Vrusk, Yazarians, and Sathar.

My reaction was exactly the other way around; I like the aliens (super weird and unearthly, which I consider a hard SF-y trait), but the human politics came off as horribly dated to me.

Quote from: jgants;711694But in my setting, the aliens are truly strange and distrusted by humans. The Dralasites are a strange, silicon-based life form that no one can hardly communicate with. The Vrusk have a rigid caste system (think Droyne) and although they deny it, many humans believe the Kaefer are simply a warrior caste of the Vrusk. The Yazarians are presented as a violet species that have a shaky non-aggression treaty (that not all clans follow), and the Sathar are more of a rumor than anything at this point.

I admit to not being Star Frontiers-literate but you've definitely piqued my interest.

As before I'm jealous. Sounds like a fun start to a great game. Oh and melding SF with 2300, gets a big thumbs up from this SF fan:)

Oops, I see I forgot to include the session 2 report here. So, two new sessions being added this time (the holidays really impacted a couple of the planned sessions, so we've only had two since Nov).

Session 2 - Cast of Characters

Jean Danielou: The older French merchant with a sordid career.

James "Wreck" Deckard: A former Texan marine who later joined the merchant security service.

Burton Steele: A younger up and comer from the United Kingdom.

Session 2 - Scene 1 (of 7)

 The next morning, the team begins planning what to do next as they access the locker at the space depot. The first question is what to do with the hover jeeps – whether to take both of them out or just one of them and then come back for the second jeep and set of supplies when it is needed.

 Wreck is also concerned about the lack of heavy firepower. Although he has his usual assortment of firearms, he'd feel a lot better if he had a heavy weapon to take out any blindeebuffs with. Burt suggests that perhaps the hermit, Gagan, would have access to such weapons.

 But Jean wants to make sure to exhaust any options in town before heading all the way out to Gagan's farm. Burt likes the idea, and suggests maybe they could find someone to take on a courier job for on the side.

 Wreck likes the idea of taking on a side job, and wants to find the local black market. He'd prefer to get some armament mounted onto the jeeps before taking them out into the wild. The three decide to split up – with Jean attempting to contact the higher end of the black market while Burt and Wreck attempt to find a contact starting from the lower end.

Session 2 - Scene 2 (of 7)

 Jean spends the first part of the day trying to get an idea on any shady dealings of the local corporations. He asks around and even checks the popular online listing service, Jacqueslist, but doesn't find anything hinting at who might have a connection to guns or other criminal activity.

 Meanwhile, Burt and Wreck head over to one of the local bars popular amongst the farmers. Wreck orders a Perrier for himself and whatever Burt wants. After the bartender promises the best selection of French beers around, Burt decides to have a Perrier himself.

 Wreck explains about the work he and Burt are doing for Rebco, and mentions they'd like to make themselves available for other courier work while they are in the area. The bartender suggests they use Jacqueslist, though notes that since no one goes out to the valley he suspects there is little trade to be had.

 Changing the subject, Wreck mentions hearing about the old hermit who lives out in the valley. The bartender agrees, identifying Gagan. Wreck tries to illicit more information, but the bartender just considers him a silly old hermit. The bartender also confirms that Gagan pretty much stays out on his farm, never coming in to town and rarely ever trading goods with anyone.

 Wreck then floats the subject of "acquiring non-standard provisions". The bartender begs off, saying he has no idea what the Texan is talking about. Wreck tries to offer a "reward" of 150 credits for information, but that doesn't seem to help. Wreck gives the bartender his name and comm channel, just in case.

 As they get ready to leave, Burt looks around to see if anyone else looks of interest. No one does, so the two leave.

 When they get outside, a young man calls to them from the alley behind the bar. Wreck notices the youth looks rough, and gets his hand ready to his weapon as they head in, advising Burt to do the same.

 The man tells them that he hears they are looking for something. When Wreck confirms, he tells the two to follow him to a place where business can be done.

 Burt gets a bad feeling about the kid; he's pretty sure they are being led into a trap to get robbed. When the kid's back is to him, Burt tries to smash the bottom of the handle of his sword into the back of the kid's head. But the kid catches the movement out of the corner of his eye. He starts going for his knife.

 Wreck lets loose a haymaker, smacking the kid in the jaw. He goes out cold.

 Burt starts going through the kid's pockets. He takes the kid's knife, a gold chain from around his neck, and a credit stick with 20 credits on it. After taking everything, Wreck decides to strip his clothes off and throw the youth naked into a nearby dumpster.

Session 2 - Scene 3 (of 7)

 Later that day, the three men all meet back up again. Wreck asks Jean what he was able to find, but the Frenchman says there is little black market to be found in the area. Wreck expresses his disappointment that Jean was unable to accomplish anything, once again accusing him of using his "creepy old Frenchman" act.

 Jean is undeterred, saying he has a plan to make the proper arrangements. Wreck reminds him they need to get moving on their assignment.

 They also go back to the port to check on their equipment, making sure not to be followed. Wreck is a little nervous about a reprisal from the punk they assaulted, and makes sure to toss the gold chain down a sewer so as not to have any incriminating evidence of them.

 Jean believes his best bet to find a contact in the local nightlife. After buying some expensive clothing at a local clothiers (spending 2,000 credits), he heads over to one of the casinos in town.

 Looking around, he spots a table that may have some decent action and sits down. At the table appears to be several older women giving Jean the eye, along with some vacationers and a businessman.

 Jean strikes up a conversation with the businessman, who introduces himself as Marcel Dupres. He works for one of the local chemical companies, Biotechnica. Jean tries to bring up the topic of chemicals used in weapons production, but Marcel explains he deals with pesticides and growth hormones for the local crops. He says the heaviest weapon he has access to is an insect sprayer.

 Bringing up the Germans, Jean tries to get a feel for Biotechnica's investment in local private security. Marcel explains they mostly rely on the local militia to keep things in line. So far, Biotechnica hasn't felt the need to bring in private security.

 When asked what he does, Jean explains he is also a businessman. He refers to the team "working for him" and his survey mission. Jean then inquires about Biotechnica expanding its agricultural operations into the valley, but Marcel says the investment into infrastructure is too high for the value.

 Jean starts talking about the blindeebuffs, and that they might be domesticated and produced for food. Marcel is inspired – believing a "Blindeebuff Burger" could be a popular product among the Texans if they can export the meat. He tells Jean it could be a good idea, and suggests they have a meeting with his lawyer tomorrow to set up a limited partnership to explore the business more. Jean happily agrees to the meet.

 Marcel goes on to describe the process – once Jean's survey is complete and establishes there are enough resources for product, they can look at putting together the investment plan. He is open to a 50/50 split with Jean, both for the profits and the initial startup costs.

 Jean notes that until they are domesticated, the blindeebuffs can be dangerous and he will need protection. He asks Marcel about anyone furnishing that kind of protection in the area, but the man confesses he does not. He suggests they could bring in a small mercenary team in a couple of weeks.

 Agreeing to the idea, Jean says that it will be good to have additional people out there looking to support their interests. He offers to give his team's location to Marcel, so that the mercenaries can meet up with them later. Marcel agrees it would be possible. He gives the price for the mercenaries as 20,000 credits to start, noting that breaks out to 10K credits apiece.

 Jean hands over his credit chip. Marcel scans the chip and transfers the credits to his account. He instructs Jean to meet him tomorrow at his office so they can set up the paperwork with the lawyer and get the mercenaries ordered.

 After Marcel leaves, Jean continues to gamble at the tables. He doesn't have much luck, losing another 1,000 credits.

 He also spends some time flirting back with the older ladies at the table, eventually focusing on one of them, named Babette. Seducing her back to her hotel room, he attempts to discuss business but ends up just rolling around with her in the bed for a while. For a woman in her seventies, Jean finds the experience much more enjoyable than he expected.

Session 2 - Scene 4 (of 7)

The next morning, Jean shows back up at the room the group procured at the local motel (part of the Mister Bed chain of hotels found throughout the French Arm colonies). Wreck notices the man looks somewhat disheveled, and smells of old-fashioned perfume and shame.

Wreck asks where they are going to meet their contact for the guns. Jean responds they are to meet with him at the chemical company that morning, and that the lawyer is already at work putting together the contracts. Wreck doesn't understand what a chemical company and contracts have to do with getting guns.

Burt, too, is a bit shocked. He asks where their bloody weapons are at. Jean explains that weapons are not easy to come by here, but he has something better. Wreck is suspicious and wants to know what he got.

Jean explains he has gotten a business venture that will provide security with some mercenaries coming in a couple of weeks. Burt asks how much it is costing them, which Jean explains as a "fifty/fifty split". Wreck wants to know what the split is of.

When Jean reveals the business venture is for an operation selling blindeebuff burgers, Wreck begins yelling. He clearly thinks Jean has gone insane. Burt has no better of a reaction, wondering how they will transport blindeebuffs when they can't even manage to secure guns.

The talk of mercenaries coming doesn't exactly inspire confidence. Wreck is also nonplussed by Jean's fancy outfit, which he thinks makes him look like "a crazy pimp". He wonders if putting the Frenchman out in front of the blindeebuffs will be enough to stun the creatures.

Wreck is already beside himself with frustration when Jean mentions there is one more thing – mentioning that the man he talked to believes Wreck and Burt work for him. Wreck ignores the comment and notes that at least they didn't give the man any money yet, so they can ignore the whole thing and pretend it never happened.

Jean cautiously explains he already gave the man some money, though he won't tell Wreck how much. Wreck describes their situation as having already lost money, and now they must set up a blindeebuff business with a chemical salesman who is sending out heavily armed mercenaries out in the middle of nowhere.  

Wreck announces the men are more likely to kill them all and steal their goods. Jean feels he is being overly fatalistic. Burt muses on whether or not they can partner with Gagan on the burger venture.

Wreck believes the best thing to do is go to the chemical factory and get Jean's money back. He reminds Jean that, "running the corporation as he does", he should be in favor of better fiscal responsibility. Jean reluctantly agrees, but notes the two aren't seeing the big picture he is.

Session 2 - Scene 5 (of 7)

The Biotechnica building in Premiere is quite large. The receptionist is able to direct them to Dupres' office.

Wreck introduces himself to Marcel, and Burton follows suit. Once introductions are made, Marcel begins explaining that his lawyer has drawn up the papers and the prospective business plan. He has also deposited Jean's money into an account for the earnest money for the initial investment.

Marcel begins listing off the things they will need to plan for once the survey is complete – land rights, water rights, facilities, transportation, infrastructure, power systems, and staff. Marcel places the initial start-up costs at 50 million credits, not counting any expenses for a starship to sell the goods.

Rather than wait for the survey to complete, Marcel suggests putting the 50 million credits in an escrow account now so they can establish the corporation and begin borrowing against it. He asks Jean if he has the money now, or if he will need to liquidate some assets first before giving his half of the 50.

Jean stammers a bit as he explains he will need some additional time. He explains he is eager to get moving on the survey before making any final decision. He also says something about his companions believing they will need to table the discussion for the current time because they can't wait the two weeks for the mercenary team.

Marcel says he understands, and notes the deposit on the mercenaries is non-refundable. He also says he hopes Jean will not mind if he pursues the blindeebuff burger plan on his own. Jean agrees and Marcel wishes him luck on the survey and does offer to buy the report once they are done.

Wreck, however, doesn't like the direction the discussion has taken. He wants to know how much the mercenaries cost. When he hears what the full cost was, he notes Marcel is being very generous for being able to lose that money so easily.

The Texan goes on to explain how they will be heading out into the wilderness and offers to make the survey freely available to Marcel. In exchange, Wreck suggests Marcel use the money Jean has paid to get some higher-priced weapons for protection.

Marcel explains he does not deal in these sort of matters, nor does he wish to spend any more money on the survey mission until he sees the results. Wreck tries to press the issue, making veiled threats. Marcel makes a veiled threat of his own, saying he may yet find a use for the mercenaries he has ordered.

Jean tries to smooth the conversation over, saying the Texan is speaking out of turn and doesn't know what he is saying. Marcel wishes them a good day, as they are shown out of the building by security.

Outside, Wreck expresses his frustration about being out the money. Jean tells him he is being a bit foolish, as a man like Marcel can cause them a lot of trouble and perhaps get them killed. Wreck isn't concerned, having threatened better men. Burt grows rather somber, thinking about how they've managed to upset a lot of people but haven't made much progress so far.

Session 2 - Scene 6 (of 7)

Finally, after much more discussion on whether or not to both jeeps, the team gets the hoverjeeps and heads out into the wild.

The valley is 2,000 km away from Premiere, so the group knows they will need to stop and make camp at least once before actually reaching the valley. Burt finds the trip rather dull, with little else to look at but farmland. He pulls up some audio books on the vehicle's computer to pass the time.

Once the sun starts to go down, the team stops to make camp. They break out the camping supplies and start a small campfire. Wreck wants to tell "scary stories" and begins telling a yarn about a dumb Frenchman who spent all kinds of credits in one night with nothing to show for it. Jean suggests he has a scary story of his own about waking up next to an old lady who looked much better the night before, but thinks better of actually going into the details.

During the night, Wreck hears a high-pitched animal noise out in the wilderness. He doesn't get too nervous, but makes sure to stay alert.

Burt is next up on watch, but finds the night as uneventful as the day. When Jean takes over, it isn't too long before he hears a noise; it sounds like a dull thumping noise off in the distance. Using the goggles, he can see a lot of movement out in the fields, heading towards them at a fairly fast rate.

Jean decides to wake up Wreck and let him know. As he is telling him, they can both hear a growing roar of a sound. Jean says they should get in the jeep right away, and Wreck yells for Burt to wake up.

They head into the jeeps, as they see a small herd of blindeebuffs headed their way. Wreck speeds away immediately. Burt follows, but skims a rock with the bottom of his jeep, damaging it.

The next morning, Burt looks at repairing the jeep while Wreck and Jean survey the damage to their camping equipment. Most of the camping equipment is destroyed.

Burt needs some additional parts to get the hoverjeep going again. Wreck convinces them that someone will need to take the spare jeep back to Premiere to get the parts along with some replacement camping equipment. Since he is the best driver and has enough mechanical skills to know what parts to get, Wreck suggests he go. He mentions he will avoid thinking of what a money pit this job has been while he heads back.

Luckily, Wreck is able to make it back in time before the shops close to buy what he needs that same night (including a spare set of camping equipment, just in case they have any more issues). Wreck also asks around about guides, but once again hears about how only Gagan knows the area to any degree.

In the meantime, Burt and Jean will guard the damaged hoverjeep with the rest of their supplies. They do pretty well until a thunderstorm breaks out, soaking them.

When Wreck arrives back the next day, he finds them still looking pretty damp. Jean and Wreck trade barbs, with Jean saying he's glad they have the Texan along to give the blindeebuffs a "good running away from", while Wreck reminds him that every blindeebuff he sees means one more burger he can sell.

Session 7 - Scene 7 (of 7)

The group decides to head out to where Gagan's house is located. The area is filled with rolling hills, and Jean spots a trail ahead.

In the distance, they can see smoke in the air from around one of the hills. Wreck tells them to proceed with caution.

Jean suggests they stash the hoverjeeps behind one of the hills then proceed on foot to do some reconnaissance. Burt agrees it would be a bad idea to just drive up to Gagan's home.

Wreck, however, is nervous about the idea of leaving anything behind. Burt jokes that the blindebuffs don't have thumbs so they won't be driving off in a jeep, but Wreck is convinced there is likely a human danger out in the wild as well, German spies or otherwise.

They decide to settle on having Jean scale the hill and peek over to get a better view of the Hubert farm. He makes his way there without too much difficulty, but does manage to put his hand in a blindeebuff patty as he is crawling around.

Along the hill, he does spot a lot of sheep on the hill along with a cattle pen below. A large provencal farmhouse can be seen below with a large barn area. There appear to be lights on in the home.

While watching Jean on the hill, Wreck regrets not buying some comm units so they could stay in touch with him. Jean appears to put down some equipment then disappear over the hill. Burt wonders what Jean is doing and radios over to Wreck. Wreck wryly suggests perhaps the amorous Frenchman was overcome by seeing the sheep.

Jean heads down the hill towards the barn. Noticing something amiss on the ground, he narrowly avoids falling into a pit trap on the outskirts of the homestead.

Jean sneaks his way around, being careful to look for any traps. He makes his way towards the farmhouse, with 200 meters to go.

Rather than take the risk, Jean calls out for help. Several searchlights come on from the top of the farmhouse, shining on him.

From behind the hill, Wreck and Burt also see the lights come on. Wreck and Burt decide to run up to the top of the hill to see what is going on. He immediately begins heading down the hill while Burt decides to stay back. And that is when Burt hears the snort of a blindeebuff...

Session 7 - Session Notes

This session originally occurred back in mid-December. Apparently I just forgot to post the notes here (I completed the write-up around Christmas time so I probably got too busy).

Here's some thoughts on the session to the best of my recollection:

* The discussion over whether to take one jeep or both jeeps took a lot of time in real life - at least 10-15 minutes.

* Jacqueslist is clearly a joke about a French version of Craigslist. The other joke being it is the sleazy black market portal of the future.

* The joke about the French beer is basically that the French have some of the worst beer in the world.

* The bartender not giving them any info was the result of some bad rolls. Still, I had the kid meet them outside.

* The kid offering them guns was going to lead them into a trap, similar to the situation in the episode of The Shield where the guys are in Mexico.

* Marcel Dupres is named after the monkey in Friends (Marcel) and the Michael Donovan's mother/stepfather in V (Dupres).

* Biotechnica is one of the companies from the Cyberpunk RPG.

* I loved the blindeebuff burger idea, but Jean should have started smaller with a food truck or something.

* Jean with the old lady is part of the running gag that he is the "old" man in the group (in reality, he is only in his 50's).

* Mister Bed is, I believe, a real chain of motels in France. I think I had to look that up later. During the session, I believe I just described it as the French version of a Motel 6.

* Jean's fancy new outfit is one of those things the player likes to do. In our past D&D Bronze Age campaign, he had a priest who spent all his money on opulent robes as well.

* I really enjoy when the PCs are somewhat at odds with each other, so the interaction between Jean and Wreck over the blindeebuff burger business idea was great. In my thinking, Wreck was a lot closer to the truth of the situation, though Burt put it best when he made the comment that they didn't get very far in their mission but managed to upset a lot of people.

* I wanted a blindeebuff attack to happen to give a sense of danger to the wilderness. It also provided a minor inconvenience.

* Gagan's farmhouse was meant to inspire paranoia. I saw him as someone akin to Danielle Rousseau from Lost.

Session 3 - Cast of Characters

Jean Danielou: The older French merchant with a sordid career.

James "Wreck" Deckard: A former Texan marine who later joined the merchant security service.

Burton Steele: A younger up and comer from the United Kingdom.

And introducing...

Gagan Hubert: A mysterious old French hermit.

Session 3 - Scene 1 (of 9)

Burt thinks for a moment; he believes his best chance is to outrun Wreck so the blindeebuff will attack him instead. Unfortunately, Wreck has too big of a lead.

Down below, Wreck hears a loud noise and spots Burt fly by him after being rammed by the blindeebuff. His unconscious body rolls to the bottom of the hill.

Wreck runs quickly to avoid a similar fate. Unfortunately, he doesn't spot the pit at the bottom of the hill in time and falls right into it.

Inside the house, Gagan watches on his wall of computer monitors. There is an injured man on the ground unconscious, another idiot who has fallen into one of the pit traps surrounding the perimeter, and a third jackass yelling and waving his arms.

Gagan zooms in the camera. He can see they are not wearing uniforms, nor do they appear to be affiliated with those he is watching. He grabs some guns and heads to the door.

Outside, Jean sees the door open and the armed old man exit. He calls out a greeting of, "Bonjour!" Gagan asks how many of them there are.

Jean gives their number as three, and says they need assistance. The old man thinks a moment and emerges from the doorway cautiously. He asks what they are doing there.

Explaining they are on a survey mission, Jean notes they have ran into some trouble with the local wildlife. Gagan, however, is more interested in the surveying. He wants to know what type of surveying they are doing and for whom.

When Jean mentions Rebco, Gagan's interest perks up; he knows that Rebco is in bed with the French colonial government in Premiere. Gagan mentions he can help them in surveying the area, particularly with avoiding the pitfalls in the area. Jean agrees they could use the help.

From the pit he is in, Wreck notes that one of them has already found one of the pitfalls, and he needs some help. Gagan is genial in his temperament, but repeats his question about how many of them there are. Jean insists there are only the three of them.

Gagan approaches Jean, keeping an eye on the men as he approaches. He slings his rifle and grabs some rope from the barn. He lowers it down and he and Jean pull Wreck up.

The old man then walks over to the injured Burt. Using a medikit, he patches the man up. Burton regains consciousness, finding himself staring up at the others.

Wreck explains that the "blindeebuff gave you a love tap in the ass". Gagan advises against "wrestling around" with the local wildlife, noting they are more dangerous than one might expect. Burt agrees.

Session 3 - Scene 2 (of 9)

As Burton recovers, Gagan leads the men a little closer to the account, and asks questions about what the men are surveying. Jean explains they are doing a comprehensive survey of the entire valley for farming and mining opportunities.

Gagan mentions there is little of interest in the area, but mentions he'd be happy to watch over them as they survey. He particularly makes a note for them to be careful of the blindeebuffs in the area. Jean confirms the creatures did already damage one of their jeeps.

In fact, Jean wonders if Gagan has a place to store their hoverjeeps overnight so they won't be disturbed by their creatures. The old man offers his barn, causing Jean to comment that he is not as ill-tempered of a man as they were led to believe. Gagan notes he can be gruff and does like to keep his own company.

Wreck, insisting on mispronouncing the Gagan's name, asks him what he knows about Rebco. Gagan feigns ignorance, quickly turning the question back on Wreck to see what he knows and what they are doing for the company.

The Texan explains they don't know much, but have heard rumors that they are looking for mining rights to increase weapons production. He does note they are getting paid well. Jean offers that the Germans may be interested as well, mentioning the border skirmishes.

Gagan claims to know nothing of any border skirmishes or Germans. Under the pretense that he doesn't like the idea of Rebco taking over "his" land, Gagan inquires further about what kinds of facilities Rebco plans to install and where they might be located, or what kinds of armaments they might be building.

Jean says that Rebco was not very forthcoming. Gagan inquires about anyone in particular they were working with, getting Jean to give Jackson Maddox's name.

With the evening getting late, Jean and Wreck pilot the hoverjeeps into the barn. Gagan offers quarters in his home, with a guest room near the main entrance.

Wreck declines the offer, saying he'd rather stay with the supplies out in the barn. Jean and Burt, however, are happy to take the guest room (and suspect Wreck just wants to be around the sheep).

Gagan takes the men inside. The guest room is right near the main door. Noting he will need to lock them inside for the evening, the old man asks what time they wish to get up. Jean prefers to head out at first light. Gagan agrees, mentioning he will get them some food ready in the morning so they can be off right away.