Overview

Thought it might be a sonewhat fun question! Like if you were to make a TV show of it with an opening.

I can't quite think of a theme to be honest. But I'll try to!

Just for fun, when you guys think of this game what song pops into your head if any?

Fabula Ultima is one of the best things in existence. (In my opinion. JRPG fan). I have the full book (362 pages) that I could share if I'm allowed to and someone needs it. It explains the entirety of how the game starts, how it is played. What players can do in many different situations and what the game master can do. It also depicts all jobs that can be used. A club tried to do it but it was quickly abandoned. Ever since then, I was hoping to put my Spiritist somewhere. If there's one ttrpg that I'd really want to play, it is definitely this one. IF this was a thing, I would like to join it with the promise to behave myself. My main goal is really for everyone to have fun and I would love to share the guide and contribute to make it work. I dreamed to play this with other people. I know this is not guaranteed to be the next game but if it was, I really wish to join it. This is a table top dream come true, to think FF would become an inspiration for a ttrpg someday. At the top, I included the introduction pages of Fabula Ultima. So yes, I give my word and I'd like to prove my good faith.

There are fairly easy ways to mark sessions in a play-by-post environment. Story arc, scene, or set it to a flat passage of time (or, if you're a dickhead, number of posts). I remember now that I've heard the Final Fantasy comparison before and that's why I haven't dug into it any deeper: I have never played a Final Fantasy game.

I am a big fan of Fabula Ultima, it has very few rules, very anime esque, you dont gain XP from combat. Having set that I dont think it can work in forum setting given the XP system is entirely designed around the concept of sessions.

Its basically if final fantasy was used as the basis for dnd. Its a system based on keeping that "gamey" feel from its jrpg inspirations In the game players combine multiple different classes, eventually ending up with 5 different classes, and using them to build a very narrative based character. As a game the players have a LOT of narrative control, even being able to spend fabula points to directly affect the plot, where the game even has players take a lot of the control during world building the setting. The game works off 4 stats(might, dexterity, insight, and willpower) that are based off dice size rather than numbers, ranging from d6 to d12 for the stats. Most checks use 2 of these stats to determine the results. Theres a system called "clocks" used for more complex checks and situations that fills in the closer you are to the that result good or bad. All in all its a player centric system designed to make a world and setting made by the players, for the players, that sets them up as jrpg protagonists Hope that helps @WritesNaughtyStories :3

Fabula Ultima is a name I hearca lot but haven't actually dug into even a little bit. Can you give me a quick overview, @DreamsnThings?

I for one have started learning fabula ultima and i love the system?

I knew there was something else that we had in common. Turns out it's the wonky Palladium system for TMNT and Other Strangeness. I fell in love with Transdimensional TMNT back in the day and spent entirely too much time adventuring in alternate dimensions and throughout history using that book and Beyond the Supernatural.

So, with the Apocalypse World debacle behind us, is there some other game we'd all like to play? What's everyone playing with their regular IRL group? At my table it's been the new edition of TMNT. Super fun if you're into 80's camp and the kind of dark humor that permeated the comics. And you're willing to play Paladium's admittedly wonky system. I've always loved it, so I'm having a great time.

It may be rough, but enjoy the trip well you can! Life likes its curveballs ...that sounded more ominous than intended... have fun!

Just glad to see you in higher spirits, take whatever time you need.

Life and all that!

Hey everyone! I just got into Myrtle Beach at 3:00am after driving 14 hours. I can’t remember if I let everyone know I was going to be gone for a week or not, but if you didn’t know before, now you do! I may post from here, but this trip is all work and no play (well, a couple days of play) as I’m taking my niece to visit colleges in South Carolina and Florida. It’s all driving and touring campuses and sleeping in a new hotel every night. So yeah.. no rest for the Izzy!

Kojo wasn't bothered by the scent of blood. He'd smelled it plenty though it was never pleasant. His eyes cast to the prints pointed to him. Phantoms didn't make imprints which was a reassuring fact but as he continued to stare, as his eyes adjusted to the dark more the mystery only deepened more. He knew the system of pulleys and he knew the material they tended to use for them. Rope was the most common but the cables didn't look like rope. Newfangled steel cables was all the rage too. It didn't snap as easily but it did tend to glint in the light at times. These cables didn't look like either of those. There were ways to make them more invisible but these were....something else. He recalled the speed with which the phantom rose but....that meant someone else was pulling the string right? These didn't work on their own. Two people? Why would two people have it out for Silas? It felt like the mystery only deepened. Stage hands used them often or they were used with props. The illusion, of course, of flight and dreams but these were different. This place had the money of multiple wealthy backers and yet? He'd never seen these before. He practiced with the stage hands and knew the material. He'd never seen this before. How did anyone set this up without him knowing? His eyes moved downward to more prints and he followed them in silence and wondering until he found yet another clue. It was a mass of those cables and plugs he'd never seen. He could tell they were removed from their origin. He traced them more to find the web and his eyes widened. How? How had anyone set this up? It couldn't have been set up in a single moment and yet none of them know? His mind poured over the possibilities. He ran through his memories but he wasn't always with the stage hands especially when enmeshed in practice or at home. Someone had managed to do this under their noses. This wasn't theirs. He moved to possibly correct it when he heard...her. He knew that voice and he knew that tone. He'd been in contact and contract with the woman it belonged to for many years now and always always her tone of voice caused the feeling at the base of his skull to intensify even if just a little. He moved to the edge of the catwalk and looked down to see her, peering down to meet a familiar gaze. Kirsa. His employer. It seemed she wanted him down and to leave it to these fools but what would they know about this? He looked back in Billy and Carter's direction "I'll be down in one moment Kirsa. I know the theater better than our...distinguished lawman. It would be prudent of me to have a proper look." he spoke downward, projecting his voice loud enough to be heard. He knew the acoustics of the theater well. His accent shifted to being more in line with her own, foreign. German. It wasn't as though he had to twist his accent when speaking to her the same way he did with others. He wanted another look. If it was quick it would be quick but he'd look again. Someone managed to set this up under their noses but he wanted to see if it was a professional job or if it was the work of an amateur or someone really knew what they were doing and they had managed to get up here unnoticed for the most part. Where did the blood actually come from? He had to at least know how they got up here. He just had to take one more look around.

Edmund’s expression remained a placid mask, but TIAL-V’s report landed like a lead weight in his gut. Sixty-three percent. The cold, analytical number was far more chilling than any rumor. Even a thirty six percent that would be an unacceptably high number. His first, primal instinct was to leave immediately and find Jane Montgomery, to wrench her from Thane's grasp. But that impulse was violently shoved aside as the doors swung open and Aldert Helsink strode in, flanked by his grim-faced entourage. The hunt for Jane would have to wait; a different predator had just entered his territory. A flicker of his eyes towards TIAL-V was the only signal needed. "Track him down, you took her under your care and therefore mine" Edmund murmured, his voice a low, private command meant only for the automaton. "The sheriff is a dangerous man. I want to know where he is and most importantly if Miss Montgomery is safe." The words were a bitter pill, Edmund did not care much for truth, but he feared young woman's life was in danger. As Helsink approached, Edmund’s gaze drifted past the man, catching the eyes of two of his girls near the bar. A subtle, almost imperceptible nod was all it took. They understood their cue, their practiced smiles widening as they began to drift towards Helsink's men, their movements promising distraction and company. A charming, disarming smile spread across Edmund's face as he turned his full attention to his guest. "Lord Blackwood," he repeated with a deep, theatrical laugh, the sound rich and warm. "Please, my friend, it is simply Edmund. We save such titles for the opera houses in London, not for gambling halls in the west." He gestured expansively to the lavish room around them. "But I do understand your concerns. A man must be vigilant." He leaned in conspiratorially, his voice dropping to a more intimate, yet still audible, level. "However, in my considerable experience, there is no such thing as a dangerous woman. Only... misunderstood ones. And they are often the most interesting." Straightening up, his voice boomed with practiced hospitality. "But talk of such grim matters is no way to spend an evening! Bartender! A round of the Stag's finest whiskey for Mr. Helsink and his men and myself, on the house!" He watched them accept the drinks, a predator's calculation hidden behind a host's smile. Let them drink, he thought. Let their senses dull and their tongues loosen. Alcohol and women were the finest ways to unlock a man's secrets, and Helsink looks like a man with a great many of them.

My flight was delayed so I couldn't today tomorrow for certain, sorry for the wait.

I'll try to reply later today.

Missy was not completely wrong, and Alicia answered her pondering aloud with a slight grin. It helped sometimes to be thought of as a monster. Some of the people who might normally assault someone like her were also superstitious or simply afraid of the monsters of myth. Fear could be leveraged against even a mob of people. Sometimes that benefit outweighed the negatives. Alas, it often times was what got her into trouble in the first place! That and the experiments. The little bump to her shoulder was unexpected, and nearly threw her off her step, although it was not unwelcomed either. It was the sort of thing people did with one another when they were on friendly terms. She knew that much. If it had been a proper shove then Alicia would have probably lost her balance. One of the downsides of being shorter. It generally meant less mass, especially so in Alicia's case for she was also rather thin. "An interesting way to look at it. But then a monster who is confident enough in their own abilities might make it obvious. Or one who is foolish enough to think their abilities are enough." She did have a point when it came to those sorts of people. If they would run Alicia out of town they might try to do the same for someone like Missy. Maybe not with the same level of commitment, but it was something they shared all the same. The thought reminded Alicia that she still had to research into how Missy did what they did. She was interested in Missy for the same reason she was interested in Mister Carlo. "A stage?" Alicia pondered, glancing down over herself. A soft giggle escaped from her. "I think it will be some time before anyone would rather see me up on a stage. No, I much prefer the safety of my laboratory. Tonight proves that it is where I belong." When Alicia noticed movement she immediately stopped and pushed a hand into one of the concealed pockets of her skirt, the other holding Carlo's coat against her body. She had only time enough to thumb over the ivory handle of a small derringer before she recognized the figure and, just as importantly, the voice it belonged to. A moment was taken to compose herself, and to withdraw her hand from her pocket. It gave her enough time to get her accent in order. "Jack Beckett. Good evening. You are a sight for sore eyes." Alicia went quiet, allowing Missy to relay the information. It gave her a break from speaking, which was always appreciated. This was another reason she tended not to go out. Her accent, around the wrong people, could be used to trace where she came from, to learn more of her past. Of course some of the rumors had already caught up to her, but not everything, and she would keep it that way for as long as she could. "Men ahead" she mumbled, casting her gaze towards the woods between them and her home. "Undoubtedly the work of Aldert Helsink." Missy's suggestion turned her smile into a flat line. It was a good one. The right move, given everything. But it also meant being away from her laboratory for longer than she would hope for. Even so, if she wanted to make a move for it then it would be better to do so during the day, and perhaps even with an escort. She took a minute to ponder whether there might be any other way to move forward, to instead continue on their path. "My experiments will need to wait then. A shame, but it is for the better. Let us make haste for the Lincoln Palace" she finally spoke, a slight smile returning to her lips. "A change of clothes will be appreciated. I would like to keep the coat though. There are some solvents I wish to test." What sort of clothes might she have in mind?

Missy met Alicia's albino stare, her gaze flitting down as the moon caught on the point of the vampire's small, sharp tooth. For a moment, she didn't react. In the dark, on an empty street between the cold alleys and the wind-stirred copse of trees on the hill, Missy could feel a finger of doubt pressing at the back of her mind--a small, still 'what if?' that hung in the space between that pointed fang and the smaller woman's smiling lips. But as Alicia looked away, the spell was broken. Missy blinked, a street cat somewhere in the distance hissed, and then, reaching up to cover her mouth, Missy let out a half-smothered laugh. "Stakes. Lord have mercy, Alicia. If I didn't know any better, I'd say there's a part of you that likes the idea that people think you're some creature of the night. Danger and all." With a small sway in her step, Missy gently bumped her shoulder against the other woman's, drawing her gaze back to properly return the smile. "It's not a bad thing. In fact, I think I like that about you. Real monsters don't make it so obvious. So what else am I to conclude than that you must not be a monster?" At this Missy merely waved a hand, reaching down and adjusting the lay of her skirt as she lifted the hem away from an insidious-looking puddle in the road. "I make my living on a stage where I consort with specters, ghosts, demons, and boogies of all kinds. The people who want to run me out of town for 'consorting with monsters' have plenty of ammunition already. Maybe that's the trick of it though. I'm on a stage. Perhaps if you were in bright lights instead of hiding in that laboratory of yours, they might learn to embrace you." No sooner were the words out than Missy remembered the image of Alicia on the stage in the Rebirth Hall. She winced and shook her head, glancing to the woods once more to deflect the momentary embarrassment. When Jack Beckett stepped from the shadows, Missy started and her hand instinctively took hold of Alicia's arm before she recognized the mortician. "There was a murder at the music hall tonight." Hurriedly relaying the bloody stage and Silas Ward's end at the hands of the phantom, Missy added, "Alicia tried to help. We were just attempting to get her a change of clothes before heading to the Golden Stag." Chewing her lip, Missy looked between Jack and Alicia. "Perhaps it would be better if you didn't go anywhere they were expecting you... Maybe not for a couple of days. I may have something that would fit you back in my room at the Lincoln Palace. It's actually not far. Jack, would you escort us?"

Above the stage, Kojo moved carefully along the narrow iron catwalks while Billy and Carter hovered nearby, lantern light trembling across beams and ropes. The air smelled faintly of grease and dust, the ordinary scent of stage machinery... except for the addition of the scent of blood. Carter pointed to the prints, which were unmistakably a woman’s heeled shoes, small and narrow. They began directly above the place where Silas Ward had fallen and continued toward the junction where two catwalks met. Just before that junction hung the first real revelation. Suspended in the darkness was a stage harness, the sort used in flying acts and theatrical illusions, but of a make unlike any owned by the Rebirth Hall. Thin cables, almost invisible, held it aloft. Kojo had to squint to follow them as they ran upward through a series of compact pulleys mounted in the rafters. Whatever material they were made from, it was not the thick rope or common steel used by the theater crew. These lines could have hauled a body upward in seconds, lifting whoever wore the harness straight into the darkness above the curtains while remaining all but invisible to anyone watching. The bloody prints continued. They led toward the meeting point of the catwalks where another clue had been left behind. There, sprawled across the metal grating, lay a bundle of heavy round wires, thick cables terminating in enormous round plugs of unfamiliar design. All of the plugs had been gathered together in a tight cluster, as though they had once been connected to a single device that had since been removed. Kojo could see where the cables ran afterward, threading upward into the ceiling and spreading out in every direction, vanishing into the rafters like the strands of a vast mechanical web. Whatever had been here… it had not belonged to the theater. Below, the hall had grown quieter as the crowd thinned. Deputy Boone lingered near the stage when a new presence arrived beside him, cool and composed. Kirsa Autenrieth stepped forward with the ease of someone who expected obedience without raising her voice. She took in the scene in a single sweep of her eyes before looking upward toward the catwalk. “Mr. Amankona,” she called calmly. “You have done quite enough.” Her tone was not hostile, but it carried the unmistakable authority of someone accustomed to being obeyed. “Please come down now and leave the investigation to the professionals.” - - - Across town, the Golden Stag Casino glowed with warm lamplight, its velvet and polished brass a stark contrast to the chaos left behind at the music hall. TIAL-V stood beside and a step behind Edmund Blackwood, posture impeccable, voice calm as ever while he delivered his report. “Regarding Sheriff Joshua Thane,” the automaton said, hands folded behind his back. “He has held the position for approximately one year. Publicly, he is regarded as a decisive authority figure with strong support among the rail interests and the mining syndicates. Privately, however, there are numerous reports, unsubstantiated but persistent, regarding his treatment of women in his custody or under his protection.” The automaton paused before continuing with clinical precision. “There are allegations of intimidation, coercion, and forced compliance. None have resulted in formal charges.” He tilted his head slightly, as if accessing another layer of information. “Two women in particular are worth noting. Both disappeared within the last three years. Both were last known to have been under Sheriff Thane’s supervision shortly before their disappearance.” He took another brief pause. “My analysis places the probability that Sheriff Thane is responsible for their disappearance at sixty-three percent.” Within moments of the report being delivered, the doors of the Golden Stag opened again, admitting another visitor. Aldert Helsink entered with several men right behind him. He paused by the doorway as if for dramatic effect, and then approached Edmund with the poise of a nobleman entering a drawing room rather than a saloon. His men remained near the door or headed toward the bar. He inclined his head in a courteous bow, one hand resting lightly over his chest. “Mr. Blackwood,” he said in a smooth European accent, “permit me first to extend my apologies for the… unpleasantness earlier this evening.” His eyes flicked briefly toward TIAL-V before returning to Edmund. “You must understand that my actions were motivated entirely by concern for the safety of this town. The young lady in question is… dangerous. Far more dangerous than she appears.” He spread his hands lightly, as though offering a simple truth. “But do not worry. I will prove it to you before I make accusations again. In time you and everyone in this town will understand my caution and my hunt. When you do, you will gladly assist in ensuring that such a creature is handled properly.” His smile was courteous. “And permanently.” - - - On the road toward the hills where the wealthy had built their homes, the night air carried the scent of dust and pine from the hills beyond the town. Shadows pooled between buildings where lantern light did not quite reach. One of those shadows shifted. Jack Beckett stepped forward from the mouth of an alley, tipping his hat politely as Alicia and Missy passed. “Begging your pardon, Miss Alicia,” he said quietly, gesturing toward the dark line of trees just up the hill. “But there’s men waiting just inside them trees… and they don’t look too friendly.” His eyes flicked down to Alicia’s blood-stained dress, going momentarily wide. “Are you both all right?” His eyes took them both in, and when it seemed that they were both actually fine, he let himself breathe. But still, he hesitated, clearly unaware of the incident at the music hall. “What happened?” Then he straightened slightly, determination settling in his posture. “And… how can I help?”

Alicia held her tongue still as the two made their departure from the music hall, offering Carlo yet another gracious nod of her head briefly before they exited the doors out from the hall and into the cramped and noisy reception area. As they pushed through the crowd she felt herself slip further and further into an honor debt with Missy Fisher. She was quite literally shielding the short woman from the crowd. Comforted the little monster with a squeeze against her shoulder. How pleasant. Whispered rumors persisted of course, the sort of things she was all too familiar with. It had been her fault. She had murdered the man. The Vampire had lept upon him and drained his blood right there on the stage. But there were other whispers abound. Police ineptitude. Cries for refunds. And for once, she wasn't even the main target of people's negative reactions. A ghostly killer had thankfully stolen the spotlight from her. She didn't need to be told twice. Alicia was more than happy to stick close to Missy as they pushed their way through the crowd, and once they reached the outside she drew in a sharp breath of chilled air. It was refreshing, especially given the coppery scent which clung to her clothes and which had, until now, dominated her senses. Another minute passed as the two stepped quickly away from the crowd. Alicia felt herself turned towards the direction leading to her home. Save for the occasional clacking of shoes against cobblestone roadways and the steadily dulled conversations of the slowly dispersing crowd, the night was rather quiet. That is much better. Crimson orbs drifted up and to one side, turned towards the taller woman while they pressed on. She was trying to decide what to say when Missy instead took the initiative. As Missy complimented Alicia she also returned to her some of her personal space. It was certainly appreciated, although she would have been lying to herself if she had said that she wouldn't miss the comfort of having someone closer. To request that would have been too much. Missy had already done so much for her tonight, and it would have been far too embarrassing a task. Fight or flight. Well honed from a life on the run. "It is a medical practicioner's duty to tend to the wounded" she decided to reply. "Any good doctor would have done what I did." Not that I am a morally good doctor, but I am a good doctor. A great doctor! "You are right. I should be more careful. But then I am used to people trying to lynch me. Doing nothing will do little to protect my neck from the gallows." She paused for a moment. She decided Missy was perhaps not the sort of person to be frightened her. She decided upon a quick little experiment, a joke even, and offered a sharp toothed smile towards the woman. "Or perhaps I should say that it would not protect my heart from a wooden stake." Her attention was drawn away as they crossed into an intersection, pulled ahead and to the right. A long, old, cobblestone road diverted up a gradual incline towards an old mansion surrounded by a simple stone wall. Her home, perched atop a tall hill which dominated the western edge of the young city, lay at the end of that road. Even from where they were it could be seen. She turned to take the road and grew a bit more wary of her surroundings. A few shops closer to the intersection faced into the long road, but about a third of the way up saw the edge of the city, with some thin stretches of wooded areas splitting her home from the city proper. Hardly enough to get lost in, but enough for a few unscrupulous men to take shelter within. If I were to ambush me it would probably be there. However. . . While they ventured up the gentle slope of the road Alicia returned her attention to her companion. Missy's presence might deter others from acting. Or it may end up pulling her into something she didn't deserve to be party to. Alicia felt guilty enough as it were. "You might wish to leave me here. I would rather not sully your reputation, or risk your getting harmed. People might have something to say about the young woman who involves herself with a monster."

Kojo watched Boone pocket something he picked up off the ground curiously. It had an odd look to it, a strange shine? Was it some poor woman's broach? Some unfortunate gentleman's pocket piece? He had no idea but he was certain the Deputy would attempt to pawn later. It wasn't his concern for now but...something about it did concern Kojo. The man pushed it away as she helped smooth his coat on Alicia, not concerned about the stains it was likely collected from the blood that adorned her. Kojo wasn't worried about the coat and only turned to look at Missy. His strange eyes locked on hers for a moment as he returned the nod and to Alicia as she thanked him quietly for the coat. He chuckled "You ladies do get home safe and be careful at the Golden Stag. The lights of the Saloon doesn't make gentlemen of beasts." but he could at least be sure they'd be away from these fools...for now. Kojo was staying though and with Alicia covered and the ladies off he'd stand up and put his hands on his hips. "Now gentlemen. Lets take a look at those wires." he said hoping they didn't keep to much attention on the ladies as they left. He'd have to collect his coat from Alicia later but for now he was complying with the law and made his way over to the ladder. He undid his bowtie in the meantime and shoved it into his pocket as he moved over to the ladder at the side of the stage and started to climb up to the catwalks. He wasn't sure what all was happening here. If there was blood it meant either someone else died up here or whatever they were dealing with was no ghost....but ghost or not someone did die. It was no less dangerous and whoever this phantom was had to have known how to navigate right? Once up to the catwalks he made his way over to the wires to get a good look at them. He was familiar with this theater and everything in it. A musician knew their grounds. They knew the acoustics, and what every part of the performance did. He looked around, ignoring the needy hum that was growing more oppressive on the stem of his brain to see if he could make a good deduction of what might have happened up here and why these wires were covered in blood. -------------------------------------

Thane owes no debts to the casino. He rarely if ever gambles and when he does he either wins or only gambles what he has on him and never carries a debt. It is rumored that his family has very deep pockets. He has never been rough with any of the women working at the Stag, but rumors of his cruelty to women abound despite a lack of any proof, and two women went missing since he’s arrived in town, reportedly last seen with Thane, but no one has ever come forward with actual accusations or evidence.