BFRPG Apocalypse Setting

[Joe the Rat]

Robots will be in some remote settings, but overall I am advancing the overall setting so far in the future that most vestiges of tech are gone (aside from that specifically needed for a gm's plot). See tv show called something like "after people". After a couple thousand years, most stuff would be gone. Not even concrete or steel girders would last, much less small electronics that are not protected in some manner.

Remnants of tech will be deliberate elements that have a story and reason to exist. Like 1E artifacts.

See, there's where the fantasy/reality comes into play. Over on TVTropes, they refer to it as "Ragnarok Proofing" - how metal structures like the Eiffel Tower somehow miraculously don't turn into a red stain in the soil without the constant maintenance they need - so they can be recognizable artifacts.

[MedievalMan]

I watched that program. If I remeber right the only things that will still be around in 2000 years will be Mount Rushmoore, the Hoover Dam, and the Pyramids. Its been awhile since I watched that program though.

[Joe the Rat]

Well, parts of Mt. Rushmore... I've seen the places it needs upkeep from fissures in the stone.

Some of the Bronzes will last a fair while.

[SmootRK]

Yes, don't get me wrong. There will be tech stuff, alien stuff, new versions of old tech developed again after losing the stuff, etc. But the idea is that this sort of stuff will be very deliberately placed to advance plots... not stuff listed in the equipment section under "Tanks, APC's, and Heavy Artillery". Characters won't be heading to Ape City to barter for their own motorcycles.

That said, while searching ruins and old tunnel systems near the region that used to be Colorado Springs, the characters find a group of Morlocks wearing something resembling uniforms, descended from the occupants of Cheyenne Mountain (where NORAD is, or in other fiction also where the US Stargate is maintained). The Morlocks tunnel systems are extensive, and deep down the PC Party locates a large vault-like door. Upon opening, they find some pristine pieces of equipment... while even most of it in non-functional due to age (even within such a vault), the characters could put together a (meaning one) working model by cherry picking through all the parts for the best pieces. Some ammo is likewise still usable, but with a substantial chance of mis-fires.

But, while exploring and touching stuff here and there, they inadvertantly activate a signal device that momentarily operates long enough to send out a signal. In a few hours, automated devices (robot controlled) are activated and begin their trip from an orbital station (being effectively immune to corrosion/environmental issues in space).

... and the adventure continues.

[Joe the Rat]

Or they open the Iris, and Replicators dial in.

(assuming you use that particular property, of course).

Man, I kind of wish I had a copy of Barrier Peaks now... or my old Star Frontiers rules, for that matter.

Voidspanners included some black powder weaponry... and one of those companies of a vintage that shall not be discussed has gotten into the act with gunslingers as well - more fodder for the apocalypse goodies, mind you.

[SmootRK]

updating the first post for current draft of the document

Working on Simians this morning (at least the main 3, Chimp/Orang/Gorilla). Almost finished, but I am lacking a distinct special ability that they should have (although I have already considered Thief Ability adjustments). Any suggestions or thoughts? At the moment I am drawing a blank.

I also need to do some thinking on the White Ape style of such a race... in order to mix things up and be a little different, I am considering making this variant a four-armed feral sort (but otherwise similar to standard set). How to code this idea may require a little work though.

Man, I kind of wish I had a copy of Barrier Peaks now... or my old Star Frontiers rules, for that matter.

You know, you can get fully remastered copies (as PDF) of the Star Frontiers rules at: http://www.starfrontiersman.com/downloads/remastered

Look also at the documents in the Releases section (on left). A lot of cool stuff for such games. I even wrote several articles for the StarFrontiersman webmag (beginning at issue 5, I think), but I have not done any development for the game in quite some time. Great game though.

[MedievalMan]

Also if your looking for a PDF version of barrier peaks. You can always google 4shared and see if its up there.


As for the white ape, I say make it a monster giant and 4 armed.

[Joe the Rat]

updating the first post for current draft of the document

Working on Simians this morning (at least the main 3, Chimp/Orang/Gorilla). Almost finished, but I am lacking a distinct special ability that they should have (although I have already considered Thief Ability adjustments). Any suggestions or thoughts? At the moment I am drawing a blank.

Are you looking to make them distinct from one another?
Some general ideas: 1 in 6 surprise (keener sense of smell - specifically good for gorillas)
Innate stealth (Chimp and possibly Orang)
Bonus for grappling/ wrestling
Size adjustment (if not human-sized) - male gorillas fit into the half-ogre size parameters, "normal" bonobos are pretty halfing-like

[Fullmmetal515]

Man you've got to add something for the hand foot that apes have, I can imagine a magic using organg holding his hands together in a prayer and under his robe foot casting a spell. Cause apes is sneaky like that.

[MedievalMan]

Or fighting with their feet while hanging from the ceiling. Talk about surprise attack.