Howdy guys, and sorry if I'm interrupting any ongoing discussions you're having with this. I'd like to join y'all, as this game sounds interesting (and Caellath has really talked it up on a discord we're both on). I have a few concepts I like to run by the players, as I want one that would both fit best with the crew and would fill a role not currently filled (either now or be able to build into over time), specifically a dedicated pilot. So which of these do you guys think would fit best into your crew...
The idea of this one is a former Dark Eldar Kabalite who, since we're post Fall of Cadia, has joined up with the Ynnari, the cult of the Eldar God of the Dead. I'd need to use a homebrew alternate rank 1 that I'm already working with Stirk on creating (as this is probably the most mechanically complex of the ideas); ones that tones down the whole pain and torture thing, while giving it bit of Ynnari flavor. Admittedly any new mechanics we create would be untested, so we'd have to do balancing on the fly in game.
What I have so far, lore-wise, for them is that they are a fairly recent convert to the Ynnari, specifically a Trueborn from the Kabal of the Dying Sun. As a child of Commorragh, they'd have led a life of twisted debauchery and cruel excess. That is until the awakening of Ynnead and the resulting Dysjunction. The fallout of which filled him with emotions he'd long thought dead, namely fear and hope. Eventually he fled the Dark City after coming to terms with all he saw and felt that day, joining the Ynnari.
Despite the character's "come to Jesus" moment and new found faith, old habits die hard. As such they'd play sort of like a former junkie, or violent alcoholic, who's found religion but is struggling everyday to not "fall of the wagon" and slip back into his old habits. Despite this, he's still a skilled warrior who now finds himself fighting to save the soul of his people; a people he would've cast into the void just to watch them suffer.
The character will want to join up in a effort to use the crew to find any relics from the Aeldari Empire that could help the Ynnari, specifically any clues relating to the lost and fabled Crone Blades. Build wise, they'll be building into a pilot & fast attacking type character; and at Rank 2 I plan of taking a Dark Eldar exclusive Alternate Rank that gives a lot of piloting skills early; called Skyterror, from the Soul Reaver companion supplement. They'd serve the crew as Helmsman on the ship, pilot on transports, and either mobile assassin or hit-and-run skirmisher on the ground.
More as a direct alternative to the Dark Eldar concept; the Corsair idea I have would keep some of the Kabalite's darker edges, but far more pragmatic that the death-worshiping Ynnari fanatics. While serving with the Twilight Swords , he (like most in the galaxy) was sent reeling when the Eye of Terror ripped open into the Great Rift. As whispers and rumors of what was going on filtered into the expanse through the Webway, things grew even more desperate. Chaos had literally broken loose, ancient enemies were waking, and supply lines were taxed to the breaking point.
And all the while rumors persisted of Ynnead's rise; heralded by his death cult, the Ynnari. With the situation among the Twilight Swords increasingly grim, and little (if any) reliable aid coming through the Webway, a desperate decision was made to take a page out of the Ynnari's playbook; and seek out long-term allies, both Aeldari and among the Mon'Keigh. He would be one of the corsairs sent out to find allies, acquire resources, and reclaim needed relics in trade for the use of their skills.
In actuality, he's a scion of Craftworld Kaelor (I might change which craftworld he's from) that chaffed under the rigid social structure, like so many on the Path of Outcasts had before. Unfortunately it wasn't long after he joined the Corsairs, seeking the freedom of the open stars, that the Great Rift opened. Having to work with Mon'Keigh now doesn't sit well with him; but options are few, and the responsibility falls onto him as one of the newest in the crew to prove his worth in these desperate times.
Mechanically he'd play fairly similarly to the Kabalite, but probably focused more on sniping and air support than skirmishing or assassination. I might try to keep more of a Ynnari connection, as I personally like them, but I haven't decided. With Pilot (Spacecraft) being rank 1 they could get into the pilot's seat a lot faster than the Drukari. But Lost Nobility is both just too good to pass up and a needed requirement for an alternate rank 6 I plan on taking (should the game ever reach there), Corsair Prince.
I admit this one's the least developed currently. Beyond a rough starting build, all I really got is that they come from either Battlefleet Calixis or Battlefleet Koronus, have seen some real scary shit (mostly involving Chaos, Necron, or both) thanks to how stretched then their Battlefleet would be as a result of the Great Rift, and that they're a thrill-seeking adrenaline junkie with a cheeky roguish streak. Kind of a Han Solo/Poe Dameron (sorry to reference the god awful sequel trilogy) type character, with some 40k twists and baggage; a "space cowboy" and maverick piloting Ace. Or at least that's my intent, still would need a bit of work.
Mechanically the character would be headed for the alternate rank 4 Flight Marshal from Into the Storm (once again assuming the game reaches there) and serve as either Helmsman of the ship or Wing Commander of their strike crafts. They'd also probably be the Lord Captain's personal pilot for his landing craft (because why wouldn't he want his best pilot there).
So which do you guys think would fit best, as all three sound like a blast to play to me?
Author
Topic: Rogue Trader: Laughing Gold (OOC) (Read 36301 times)