Mass Effect - The Spectre Nihlus

“Spectres are not trained, but chosen. Individuals forged in the fire of service and battle—those whose actions elevate them above the rank and file.” [Game is currently a work-in-progress as the story and system are being created. Working start time for the campaign will be late January 2014. New players can work on creating a concept for their character or simply wait for the game to begin in Jan. If you're interested but would like to wait for more updates, PM me.] In this Mass Effect campaign, players take on the challenge of following the Council Spectre Nihlus Kryik on his assignments across the Milky Way. Be apart of creating the untold story of one of the galaxy's greatest protectors and develop a character that could rise to serve alongside him as an equal. The Spectre Nihlus will take players on assignments full of political intrigue, intense and gritty action, and ever-evolving mystery. Will you accomplish feats worthy of the Citadel Archives? The rules and mechanics are based on FATE Core with the Mass Effect game mechanics translated to fit that system. There are elements related to D&D 4.0 and Dungeon World as well. The goal is to make the system feel like Mass Effect with some added RP-centric rules. Create the character you've always wanted to play in the Mass Effect universe.

Heyho. I would love to play. I must read up on the FATE Core rules,but I am sure that won't take too long.

i'm pretty interested myself.

Very interested here, even if I have to learn an entire new set of rules. Mass Effect + Roll20 sounds awesome! What kind of backstories are you looking for, if I may ask? And are there any restricted races?

Very, very interested. Love the Mass Effect universe and think that a roll20 campaign would be great!

I'm not really familiar with the FATE Rules, but I absolutely loved the Mass Effect games. I'd be pretty interested in learning the system and playing this.

I'm unfamiliar with the FATE rules, but I'd be very interested in learning and joining.

Hey everyone! I'm glad to see people are interested! Just to be clear, I'm still working on setting everything up and plan to have it ready to go by the end of Jan. I prefer to have all game info in the campaign journal for players to view, rather than having to download anything. As far as characters are concerned, I'd say set the bar at the already established ME characters (Garrus, Liara, Tali). Any character that seems like they'd fit in with the ME universe will work. Characters need not be the most unique and awe-inspiring people in the universe, but they should be interesting and enjoyable to play\watch. The overall story revolves around Nihlus (the Spectre who was killed by Saren in the opening mission of ME 1) and his assignments before he died. Characters will be vital to completing some very important missions that allowed the ME universe to keep on spinning. Of course, they were all classified. I'm supporting the following races, and if you've played the ME multiplayer, you'll be familiar with the classes: Asari, Batarian, Human, Salarian, Turian, Krogan, Vorcha, Drell, and Quarian. Sorry, no Geth, Elcor, or Volus.

I typically keep games at 3-5 players max. Five may be pushing it, but if I get a good group, I'll work with it. If you all would like, we can discuss the types of characters you're interested in playing and have a Q&A session here. I have 2 players currently, so I'm looking for the best of the best to fill in spots 3-5.

Jarrister Chang-Ruskovich Alliance Shock Trooper, N7 designation. Chosen to field test the prototype biotic charge implant for his aggressive style of close-quarters combat. Jarrister was delivered prematurely after the death of both parents during the Siege of Shanxi. The circumstances of his birth are what have defined his life. Enlisting with the Alliance, Jarrister has dedicated himself to protecting humanity from alien threats. When the opportunity to work with a Turian Spectre came up, Jarrister jumped at the prospect. Not for a chance at revenge, but in order to study the methods and capabilities of a potential enemy. _____________________________ Thoughts? Also, out of curiosity, are you incorporating the ME2 and ME3 power combo systems?

Hey Templar, That's a very good character concept. Love it. That will fit in great with the story. I'm also happy to see someone willing to play a Human. I am going to use biotic and tech combos, as close to what you'd expect in the game as possible.

This is a new concept since Yahg wouldn't fit the campaign: Alia Ren Alia is in the middle part of her Maiden period, serving as a Huntress in the 245th year of her life.Descended from an Asari bookstore owner and a Batarian antiques dealer, Alia has been obsessed with rising above her mundane origins.To that end, she joined the military to follow in the footsteps of the Council heroes she read about in her early life. She sees Nihlus as both a role model and a mentor.She hopes to join the Spectres herself one day.

Aurian Tiberok; Turian,6'0",32 years old. C-SEC SR Unit 4 years,Turian 23rd Marine Division 16 years. Spending his entire life as a soldier,Aurian spent 16 years of his life in the Turian Marine Cops,fighting in the First Contact War,and subsequently joining the S-SEC Special Response Unit. He was assigned to Nihlus as a peace offering to Spectres from C-SEC. He sees him as most C-SEC officers do,a dangerous man given the permission to be above the law. That the general overview. I have more,but the vast majority is in my head,and would take far too long to put in text. I really didn't want to create a grandiose character. I didn't want to make a boring character,but as I am sure that everybody else will fill the biotics,asari,krogran,and salarian roles,I really just wanted to create a Turian soldier who was really good at his job. Not gifted with special powers,not smart enough to kill you with a remote bomb implanted into your armor two weeks ago,just a really good soldier. The problem I had with making a Turian is not making it similar to Garrus,and I believe I failed on a number of aspects. But it simply isn't easy to make a Turian anything other than that. The vast majority of Turians are soldiers,and the vast majority that aren't are C-SEC officers. There are almost no Turian biotics,and although engineer crossed my mind,they always seemed a bit off to me. So I ended up with that character that is similar to Garrus Vakarian in many ways,but different in many as well. Something I found as I researched the Mass effect timeline,is that there is a massive lack of non-human lore. A lot of Turian lore is interesting,but there are obvious massive gaps in it. I must ask,when is this game supposed to be set? I know its before 2183,and after 2157,but when in between that?

I was planning on playing a Turian Military Scientist that was performing research on biotics and their applications in warfare. His objectives were two-fold. Firstly, create a weapon/device capable of surpressing, disrupting, or otherwise lowering the potency of biotics, and secondly creating a means of providing biotic abilities to soldiers who would otherwise lack them. His experiments at first simply involved infusing or siphoning Element Zero from willing test subjects. While his experiments proved to be unstable, and in many cases, lethal to the subjects involved, they started showing results. However, information of the experiments was leaked to Cerberus, and they had assaulted his facility. The scientist would not allow his precious work to improve the Turian Race to fall into the hands of filthy, thieving humans (He's quite a bit of a patriot for Turians and dislikes humans to the point where he believes they should have been wiped out in the First Contact War). However, thanks to his... rather explosive counter measures, and the assistance of a some Turian Soldiers, the scientist was able to prevent Cerberus from getting their hands on his research. However, this came at the cost of his facility, all of his test subjects, and his equipment. None of which could be replaced. It is at this point that the scientist decides to downscale his research. Having no more test subjects and losing most of his funding from the Turian Hierarchy, he decides to experiment on himself. He infuses himself with eezo but in the process, develops life-threatening cancer. In order to offset this, the scientist develops a suit to stabilize the eezo and the cancer inside of him, and help him better focus his newly obtained biotic abilities. (He's sorta like a Turian Iron Man I guess). The suit also has an interesting effect of being able to absorb eezo around him, powering the suit and potentially having a negative impact on biotics around him. With this new suit, he wants to prove himself as a useful contribution to the Turian race, and get vengeance upon the humans who tried to take that way from him. He looks up to Nihlus, Saren, and any other Turian Spectre as the pride of the Turian race. Mechanically, he'd probably be like the sentinel class in that he combines tech and biotics, but he'd probably be more focused on using his biotics, and maybe have some sort of "anti-biotic" power or something. That of course would be for you to decide. EDIT: His name is Torrik. I'm still coming up with a last name that sounds like it would be a good Turian last name

Jonathan,I would like to point out something about your idea. The vast majority of turians lack biotic abilities,but the ones that do are specifically put in small unit together because troops tend to indirectly murder them,due to them being known as spies. Take that as you will.

I know Turians generally lack biotics. That's what would prompt his research to begin with. The already powerful Turian army made even more powerful and capable with the help of biotics. I thought a Turian who had access to biotic powers would be pretty interesting and unique, especially if he used science to do so. I did not know about the small unit thing though...

Obviously I want the suit to be something unique to him, and something that he can only use (because if it wasn't it would create a time paradox in which Shepard would encounter more biotic turians, being augmented by the suit he developed). However, I do understand if the idea is too radical or unrealistic for the campaign and would have no problem creating a character who fit more closely within the setting

No,no,no,I am trying to help you flesh out your character,not saying that he is crap and unrealistic. He strikes me as a Mr Freeze set in Mass Effect. Which I do like.

I would love to give this game a go, I'm sorta used to FATE but I know nWoD the best. I've been roleplaying for almost a decade now, playing tabletops specifically for almost three years. Give me some time to flesh out my concept but first stab I'm thinking either Ardikyashi(spelling?) Asari (the really powerful biotic ones that kill other people to increase their power) or a biotic human soldier who was at the right place at the wrong time and got the attention of the Specter's

To answer some questions... The story will begin in 2178, before the events on Torfan. The main plot for the first story (I have more planned if this one goes well and completes) will revolve around Batarian and Human relations and conflicts and some darker elements of the Turian Hierarchy that believe Humanity needs to be put in its place. Ardat Yakshi wouldn't fit in with the story, unfortunately. Yagh are also not on the table. Both of those types of characters wouldn't be mainstream Mass Effect, like a Turian C-Sec officer or Asari Commando would be. Turian biotics are organized into units called Cabals. They are rare; Turians prefer tech and combat prowess over biotics. However, Turian biotics are available in my game. However again, Nihlus would be looking for someone who isn't extreme or involved in some wide-sweeping plot of their own. When coming up with character ideas, a helpful hint to remember is that the players and I will continue to work on the concept until it fits well. A player's intro to the story will be a solo session with just you and me. This solo session will follow Nihlus as he recruits your character into his team. It will showcase something important in your character's background while Nihlus helps you tie up loose ends so that you're free to join him (think the first few acts of Mass Effect 2). Loyalty missions (Nihlus will assist on a personal mission of yours) are planned for later on =) Nihlus is looking for people who will compliment his style. He's very much not anti-human. Afterall, he personally recommended Shepard for Spectre candidacy. He'll be looking for people who will fit in with the average folk of the galaxy, but are above average in motives and ability. It's his hope to use the players to his advantage, but also be on the lookout for Spectre candidates or long-term assets (for non-council races). A Turian C-Sec officer or soldier fits in with what he's looking for. A Human scientist or engineer, Quarian pilgrim with something to prove, a Krogan looking for a purpose, etc, will be what he's looking to recruit. TLDR: Characters shouldn't be nuts or unusual. They should be realistic within the bounds of the IP. Take a person, whatever race, and think of how this person would have developed in the universe. Throw in some extraordinary circumstances that they had to face, some turning points, a few exceptional skills or talents, and you have a character that will work for the story.

Can I be the blue option? (sorry, the fruit was hanging too low to pass up.)

Well since the character I proposed earlier seems to be the antithesis of what you're looking for in almost every way possible, allow me to propose something that should hopefully be a better for the campaign. Xeron'Amador nar Decibel; Quarian; 25 years old. Xeron Never really liked life on the Flotilla. It seemed far too dull, far too stationary, far too much of the same. Growing up, his family would warn him of the perils of the other worlds, all the dangerous creatures and races that he may encounter, and the ever-present risk of exposure to disease. However, where Xeron's parents saw danger, he only saw adventure and excitement. He wanted to see the worlds, wanted to face the dangers head on, no matter the risk. It had to be better than the quiet life aboard the Decibel. Xeron spent the earlier years of his life tinkering with the visual interface of his enviro-suit; if he could not see new worlds, he could at least try to see his current one in a new way. He tried to give the helm of his enviro-suit enhanced thermal vision, the ability to detect and visually indicate harmful pathogens, and filters that would enable him to see certain materials. However, lacking the proper equipment, and not wishing to consume too much of the fleet's precious resources, Xeron decided to scrap these childhood projects and move on to something else. Later in his life, Xeron decided to prepare for his pilgrimage. He wanted to see the excitement and dangers of the galaxy, for where there was risk, there was often reward. In order to do this, he would have to develop a means of defending himself or of simply removing threats before they became too dangerous. So, he started tinkering with a gun, an older model of a Devlon Industries Striker Sniper Rifle, to be specific. Xeron modified the gun numerous times, with all sorts of different parts he found lying around in hopes of making it more accurate. However, in order to test the gun, he would have to fire rounds which would be a waste of ammunition considering the extensive amount of calibrations he performed on the weapon. So instead, Xeron started studying ballistics and developed a VI to assist him in predicting the trajectory of the bullets so that he can test his weapon without actually firing rounds. It wasn't perfect, but it was good enough to get the job done. When it became time for Xeron to set out on his pilgrimage, he felt ready and excited. With access to the resources of other planets, so many new opportunities opened up for Xeron. He could now test and further develop the projects he abandoned as a child, and with his calibrated rifle and spotting VI, he was actually a pretty good shot. Xeron spent the next few years of his life going from world to world, exploring, entering shooting contests, and using the earnings to further develop his technology in hopes that he can make something that will be of use to the Migrant Fleet. However, as time passed, Xeron came to the realization that once he returned to the fleet, he'd be once again confined to the boredom and monotony of his childhood. With this, Xeron's ambitions grew even further. Instead of simply being another contribution to the Migrant Fleet, he wanted to make a name for himself in the galaxy as a whole.

So since conversation here seems to have died,tell us about the two people you already have,GM.

Sure =) I have a Turian ex-military officer. He was discharged in disgrace after a Batarian pirate ambush killed almost everyone on his ship. He tried to pin it on a member of the crew who also managed to survive. However, he was not able to prove this to Command. I have an N7 Marine who was on Elysium during the Blitz. He has experience fighting Batarians and is very loyal to the Alliance. The others are still kicking around ideas.

For anyone who is interested, here's a link to the campaign. Feel free to join and check out the info within. You'll find some links to dropbox pdfs as well as in-campaign handouts. I may not retain everyone who joins, based on what I think is best for the game. <a href="https://app.roll20.net/join/261476/MCTAvg" rel="nofollow">https://app.roll20.net/join/261476/MCTAvg</a>

Room for one more, I already got a bunch of character notes and this sounds too fun to pass up. I would post the notes, but they are kinda of long...to hell with it Ura'Vex Nar Precise Race Quarian Age 20 Height 5'6 ft Raised on the Flotilla, but is now out on his pilgrimage seeking knowledge and training in becoming doctor before going back. As his mother was doctor and father was a combat engineer before taking a crippling injury to the leg. The ship he was raised on a small salarian science/survey vessel that had been floating in space before being found by the quarians. Only housing a total of 200 quarians, Ura became quite familiar with all crew members and is very social and friendly among his own species and with people he knows. He is somewhat naive, not really understanding that it is not always easy to do the right thing. He is also does not know a lot about other races except for their stereotypes, which sometimes leads to awkward situation when interacting with other species. Growing up on the ship he was very well liked by the majority of the ship, but hang around with his mother most of the time. This is due to the ship captain policy on education being that the ship crew is too small to really have anything like classes or schools, so children are taught by their parents and are given mentors when need learning specific skills that the parents might not have. So he spent a lot of his time with his mother not only because out of love and affection, but also he was mostly taught by her everything he knows. This led to him to take an interest in medicine, which his mother taught him a great deal of. So he knows how to help sick or injured people to a basic degree, but he only knows a great deal about human and quarian physiology. Meaning he could probably help with a broken bone or severe bleeding for any species, but ask him what other species use for pain medication or to remove a bullet lodge in somebody who is not quarian or human he won't be of very much help. However before going on his pilgrimage, his father taught him what he needs to know to survive outside the Flotilla, including how to shoot and how to do things under stress. Father also gave Ura his old pistol from back in the day we was in the Quarian Special Forces. Before that though, Ura's father took less of a role in Ura development when compared to his mother, but played a big role. He taught him what it means to be a quarian, that it means always putting everyone else needs before his own. That material possessions are nothing in comparison to the lives of others. Ura's father was also the one that taught him everything he knows about technology, from computers to spaceships he was told how to fix them. So Ura is skilled in matters of technology, showing off the natural quarian gift for machines that they have. He has spent two years now away from the Flotilla now, working at a human colony clinic. He went there because he had heard stories of the prejudice his people faced and thought that sense humans are relative newcomers, they should treat him better. He was partially right as the human avoid him at first and stared at him with suspicion since he was the only alien there. However when he tried to apply at the clinic head physician saw that he wasgenuinelywanting to help, so he took him on as a personal assistant. Then Ura work with him for two years, gaining enough skill to even perform surgery in a calm environment. This all came to end when batarian terrorist attack the clinic when it was full of humans suffering from a plague that hit the colony. During this Ura's mentor was killed by the terrorist trying to stall them. So Ura compelled to help the many patients even at the risk of being shot by heavily armed terrorist, he started plan to stop them. The terrorist took the clinic hostage and divided them selves up to place explosives around the clinic while one remain with the hostages with the detonator. Ura not wanting nor willing to kill anybody created homemade gas grenades that would knock the batarians to sleep. After he successfully dealt with the others deploying the explosives, he went to deal wit the one with the detonator. However he ran out of grenades and decided to try using a liquid version delivered through syringe. However he was not match for the batarian in a up close fight, the batarain breaking the syringe in the process and throwing Ura to the ground Getting ready to shot him, Ura realized he had only had two options. He could let him self get shot, or he could his his father's pistol to shoot the batarian. So he shot the batarian and saved the clinic. It was the this incident mention that got Nihlus attention and would lead to Ura in joining his crew, unless the GM has something else in mind for how I join Nihlus. Strengths Can perform first aid Can perform more complicated medical procedures on humans and quarians Is alright with pistol Can manipulate technology to do what is required Weaknesses Naive Socially awkward around aliens and strangers All wants to help people Being a Quarian I know I have not even join the group yet, but after seeing how no one in the discussions is in the group