FINALLY! STARFINDER!

After almost a year, I may have finally found a Starfinder game. I bought the core rulebook last August. I read it eagerly. Studying character creation, game mechanics. All that shit! I was all over Starfinder.

I wanted to play so bad! And nothing. I couldn't find a game. I went to my local shops.
Nothing.
I tried joining roll20 groups.
Nope.
I tried organizing my own game.
No.

The Defector: Captain Willian

I have been writing a Starfinder campaign on the blog called "The Defector," that centers around a Vesk general who leaves the Empire in an attempt to change the tide of the war. The fist major NPC of the campaign is Willian, the captain of the freighter that is scheduled to rendezvous with the defecting general. With the aid of the Alien Archive, I was able to build a sweet NPC that I wanted to share with you.

WILLIAN:

HUMAN ACE PILOT ENVOY.

CR 6 HP: 80

DEFENSE:

EAC: 16 KAC: 19

FORT +5 REF +5 WILL +9

SKILLS

CHA +5 INT +3 DEX +2

Master Sense Motive +18

Master Bluff +18

Diplomacy

Or Intimidate +13

GEAR

LIGHT ARMOR: Carbon Skin, graphite.

SMALL ARM: +14 Laser Pistol, Corona (2d4+6) CRIT (burn 1d4)

BASIC MELEE WEAPON: +12 Dueling Sword (1d6+6+2)

6TH LEVEL ENVOY IMPROV: HEADS UP: When you succeed at a perception check, as a reaction, you can signal a single ally w/in 60ft. That ally can act as if he had succeeded at the perception check with the same result.

4TH LEVEL ENVOY IMPROV: FOCUS: As a standard action, you can encourage a single ally within 60ft to focus on the danger at hand.  

1ST LEVEL ENVOY IMPROV: GET EM. Chose one enemy w/in 60ft. Until the start of your next turn, allies gain +1 morale bonus to attack rolls made against that enemy. Bonus persists even if enemy moves beyond 60ft.  At 6th level spend 1 resolve point to grant bonus to attack and damage rolls against all enemies who are w/in 60 ft.

SPECIAL ABILITY:

IMPROVED INTINTIVE: +4 bonus to initiative checks.

DIVERSION: You can draw attention to yourself, allowing your allies to slip away.

RACIAL SPECIAL ABILITY:

LIGHTING REFLEXES: +2 Bonus to reflex saves.

The Five Best Playable Races in the Starfinder Alien Archive

The Starfinder Alien Archive is finally out and man, is it impressive! I've read some complaints on the interwebs about the book not being substantial enough for the price but that's not what I do here. I like to keep things positive! Real positive! 

No, what I want to do is focus on the new playable races presented in the Archive. Here are my five best playable races. 

5.  Space Goblin: I’m not going to lie, this selection is based solely on the art work presented in the Archive. I love everything about the look of these creatures, from the cracked Wally Wood style space helmet to the cobbled together junk laser. I would love to play one of these little dudes like Joe Pecsi from “Casino.”

4. Kalo: If it has wings like a bat it must be a bat, right? Nope. The Kalo use there “wings” like fins, allowing these creatures to race through the oceans and seas of their homeland. That’s right! The Kalo live in underwater vent cities. The role-playing possibilities of an underwater kingdom like Antlantis are too cool to pass up. I’d say the only drawback would be the Kalo’s starting with a measly two HP.

3. Maraquoi: Dude, space monkeys. Need I say more?

2. Reptoid: Every good gaming system needs a good shape-shifter and Starfinder is no exception. This sneaky bunch feature awesome spell like abilities (1/day charm and command and at-will daze and telepathic command) that would prove beneficial to an operative.  I also dig the 1d3 lethal slashing damage with unarmed strikes.

1.Nuar: SUPER SMART SPACE MINOTUARS! That’s right! The Nuar get a +2 racial mod to intelligence. My absurd dream of playing a minotaur wizard may finally be realized. However this situation is waaay better because I get to play a SPACE WIZARD MINOTUAR IN SPACE!!!

There you have it. My list. I would love to hear your thoughts on the matter. Feel free to share them in the comment section below.

Starfinder Campaign: The Defector part 2

The ship fights off the space goblin threat and continues uninterrupted to the rendezvous point. Another ship appears out of a nebula. This new ship is a light freighter and hails the PC’s ship. The two ships dock and the exchange is made. Willian orders his crew to the cargo hold. Once here we meet Obiang, the Vesk General and his entourage* (as well as any Vesk PC’s in the party. These PC’s are loyal to the general.)  Willain informs the PCs they are to accompany Obiang safely to the Station where he will brief the core world’s leaders and military personal on the info he knows regarding the Vesk supply chain, troop movements and other info.

Our ship is back underway heading toward the Station. While the vessel is navigating through the Diaspora , it is discovered by a Vesk battle cruiser. The Vesk ship hails the freighter and demands the ship’s manifest. Willian isn’t on the bridge ATM, so the PC captain will be forced to roll DC checks, which will fail, it’s just a matter of how bad. If the DC rolls are awful, the Vesk ship will open fire on the freighter. If the rolls go better, the Vesk will demand to send over an away team to inspect the vessel.    

No matter the outcome, be it inspection or a quick fire fight, Willian orders the PC’s to get Obiang on board an escape pod to avoid capture by the Vesk. As the escape pod drifts into the Diaspora, the freighter explodes, destroyed by the Vesk cruiser.     

My Starfinder Campaign: The Defector part 1

I thought this would be a cool place to brainstorm my Starfinder campaign. If you guys and gals dig it feel free to use the idea for your game. If you have questions or recommendations for the events feel free to use the comments section.

This campaign takes place during the Vesk invasion outlined in the players guide. The jist of the campaign is:  A Vesk general is defecting and it the PC’s job to deliver the defector safely to the station. (If  a member of your party that is playing a Vesk, no worries. I’ve got that covered.)

The opening setting is a freighter speeding through the galaxy. The PC’s are serving as the bride crew of a freighter commanded by Captian Willian. (I am not going to assign a race/class/theme for this or any of the NPC’s here on the blog. My thinking here is I would leave those decisions up to the individual GMs.)  The crew is aware they are on a mission that is militarist in nature though none are aware of the particulars. Willian orders the pilot to a heading for a rendezvous with another vessel.

During their travels to the rendezvous point, the ship is attacked by Space Goblins junkships.

This seems like a good place to end. Next week I will continue on with the campaign as well as providing stats for your freighter and the junkships.

Thanks for reading. Feel free to share your thoughts and subscribe. 

How Did Your Games Go This Weekend?

How did the rolls treat you this weekend? Did you pass all of your skill checks? Were you able to defeat all of your blood thirsty enemies? Have you started your Starfinder campaign? I would love to hear all about your games!

As for my weekend, Our 4th edition party was betrayed by a clan of Zain-Kin (ape men) to a powerful dragon that rules a lost city. A good old fashioned "sense motive" check might've helped...But no! 4th edition only has something called "insight." Insight??!? The hell does that mean? Thanks for nothing, 4th edition.

Tonight, we head back to Sea Side City for some further adventures in our Spirit of 77 campaign. Looking forward to all that madness!

A Starfinder Poem.

Two word.
Space Minotaur.
Let's make it happen.

My First Starfinder Character Build

I've been pouring over the content of the Starfinder book for almost a month now. I can't say I've read the book cover to cover yet, there is just too much info to digest but man is it a good read. The effort and execution is pretty flawless. Game play seems simplified and streamlined. I dig the lore and the history Pazio has created. Now it's my turn to add to their creation. It's time to roll my first character.

The first decision I made was my character would not kill. Why? Well, I thought it would be a fun challenge to roll play. How would this type of character be received by the party? How would he/she deal with an especially cruel or bloodthirsty PC? I would deal damage but I would be non-lethal. I pictured he/she carrying a stun weapon (ranged) and a whip used to disarm enemies. A whip! IN SPACE! How cool is that! I pictured either a young and naive explorer who is more interested in knowledge than dealing death or a grizzled old warrior that has seen enough death to last a thousand lifetimes.

I knew I wanted to play a Ysoki. I liked the idea of play a loud, fast talking rat folk. I pictured Joe Pesci's Leo Getz from Lethal Weapon.  The next two choices came a little slower. I normally play magic users but for some unexplained reason neither of the magical classes spoke to me. I was however drawn to the operative class. I liked the amount of skill points offered (8+INT MOD) and the different builds provided. I could play a quick witted thief, or a cunning spy or a thrill seeking explorer out for glory. In Starfinder, a player must pick a theme for their character.  I think this is a nice touch because it gives the player a chance to breath life and creativity into their PC. I chose a spacefarer because I liked the +1 CON bonus and I felt the build fit nicely with the explorer operative.

And there you have it! My first Starfinder PC is a Ysoki/Spacefarer/Operative that refuses to kill due to a higher moral code. This should be fun. Next week, I will share the nuts and bolts ( ability scores, weapons and feats) with you guys. 

 If you are reading this, please tell me all about your first Starfinder character.  Thanks for reading. Have a great weekend.  

Advice for a First Time GM

Since I've returned to table top RPG's I've played all sorts of rolls: Tank, magic user, healer, Dorito eater. Yet the one role I have yet to fill is perhaps the most important one. The Game master.

Yep. I've never GMed a game. Not once. I've offered my services only to be rebuffed by more experienced GMs. I feel I am a quality backseat GM. Meaning I will freely and often offer my story ideas and plot twists to my GM or anyone else willing to listen. I've toyed with the idea, writing campaign outlines only to stop midstream, gripped by fear and failure!

Now after all that I think I am ready to take the plunge. I have offered my services as a GM to our Starfinder game. I am a little nervous. There is the afore mentioned fear which is compounded by Gming an entirely new system . That being said, I am working on my story. I have a solid outline, a few important NPCs and a even a few rounds of combat. I've even bought the Absalom Station mod as a way to get my feet wet with the new system.  But what if I suck? What if the players hate the game? What if i don't know all the rules? or I buy the wrong GM screen?!?! 

Someone help! I am looking for advice. Is there like a GM book camp I can attend? Maybe a support group for first timers? I'd be willing. I could bring snacks.  Anyway, feel free to share your knowledge! Thanks!

Dead Suns Incident at Absalom Station Chat

Wait! Oh, yes wait a minute Mister Postman! That's right mama, I got my Starfinder Dead Suns mod today. Well, technically I got it yesterday but I didn't have a chance to sit down and write a brag post about getting it. I am pumped! Obviously! I am posting about it!

I bought the mod because I've decided to GM a game and figured this would be the quickest and easiest way to get the players accustomed to the new system. Well that and I've never GM'ed a game before. Hold on, let's put a pin in that last statement (I will post about being a first time GM later in the month) and focus on the mod.


The adventure is pretty straight forward. A ghost ship pulling a mysterious asteroid has parked itself right outside of  Absalom Station. Its the PC's job to answer all the questions that normally come with an empty ship towing a rock. The mod also features a few new monsters/aliens, which serves as a nice preview until the Alien Archive hits the streets in October.

My fav of the new aliens/monsters is the Bone Trooper. What is a Bone Trooper you ask? Well, let me tell ya! Using space magic and technological experiments powerful space magic folks have been able to reanimate the dead. Some of these creatures are mindless, boring boobs easily controlled by their creators. While other, these Bone Troopers preserve their intellects, memories and personalities! That's right! Walking, talking space skeletons with all of their meatbag persona. We're talking space Skeletor, BABY!!! I think I found my PC race, that's of my GM is cool with it. There are a few stats for the creature and with a little reverse engineering and some input from the GM I should be able to make a first level BT for my homebrew game.

Why Do I Have the Urge to Paint Minis?

I can't explain it? I've never painted minis nor have I ever had the desire to. I know I would be terrible at it. and no! I am not fishing for complements.  I lack the fine motor skills necessary to be a good mini painter. I know this because crafts are my weakness as a stay at home parent. Well, crafting and baking, which are similar in nature. These skills require a keen eye for detail and patience. Both of which I am sorely lacking.

 But man! The idea of painting minis sounds killer!!! I blame Starfinder. Those space ship mini previews I have seen floating around on the interwebs look dooooope! I must paint you like one of those French girls... But I will yield! I must. I don't have the resources (I'm broke, fellow, I'm broke!) to buy the many items needed to paint minis. no, I must except my fate. Minis are not meant for me.....

Gen Con 50

GEN CON WAS AMAZING!!!! WHY AM I SHOUTING!!! BECAUSE IT WAS AWESOME!!!!

I gotta tell you, on my way to Indy (a two hour drive from Cincinnati) I had no idea what to expect. It sounds crazy but I was also a little nervous. Why? I have no idea, just felt a bit apprehensive. I had built the event up so much in my mind, I was afraid the event wouldn't live up to expectations. Boy, was I wrong.

The show was sold out. That means single day badges as well as four day passes were gone. I think this also played into my nervousness. The thought of all those people made me a little uneasy but again, I was mistaken. The space is HUGE!!!  Three halls of the convention center was filled with vendors. Paizo had set up an impressive make-shift store jammed packed with all things kinds of goodies. Well, everything minus the new Starfinder core rule book. Those bad boys sold out Thursday afternoon. Yep, the entire inventory for a four day show gone in an afternoon.  There were three halls dedicated to magic and other card/board games. All of the ballrooms that line the hallways of the convention center were all filled with people playing games.

But that's not all. The show takes over downtown. The street in front of the convention center is shut down and 40 food trucks lined up to serve the hungry con goers things like pizza, BBQ, Chinese noodles and evn fro-yo! All of the adjacent hotels' ballroom and conference room space were filled with games, many which ran until 3am.  Lucas Oil stadium, home of the Colts was transformed into a game library, filled with tables and gamers. Meaning your wizard was free to goblins on the 50 yard line! Crazy right? Nope, not the craziest part. The rest of the stadium, was turned into a LARPing dungeon crawl! Yep! A real life crawl in the hallways of Lucas Oil Stadium! how crazy is that!

There was way too much going on for my one day visit however, I don't feel like I was short changed. I played in two con organized games (Tales from the Loop and Hollow Earth Adventures. Both of which I will discuss later in some detail) and I was able to purchase some cool stuff from the many vendors.

If you love gaming and never attended you should go. it was that much fun. I have decided I will go every year for the rest of my life! See you there!