Cortex Steampunk Game 1 OOC Discussion

[DreamsnThings]

Wait so i bailed this close to the end? Shit xnx

[IsabellaRose]

Step 9 is up!

There are a couple options to remove d4 items from your sheet and step up other items. I highly advise doing so if you have a lot of d4 or 2d4 items on your sheet. Fewer d6 items are more useful mechanically than more d4 items. 

Once this step is completed, I'll need to stat up all the Features and work on a setup for the first chapter.

Also, once you're done with this step, let me know where in town your character would be on a random Tuesday, and what they would be doing. Also, what aspect of the world we've built you're mot interested in exploring first. It doesn't have to be all the same stuff, and we might not get to your plot points in the first chapter, but I'll do my best to get everything incorporated.

[Chiyako]

Kinda sad to see that this is the last step, because I love this process, but it does mean we actually get to delve into the characters soon, so that's good!

First off, I will shift an arrow from Aldert Helsink over to Adelaide Montgomery with the following descriptor: "Seeking to improve familial business ties". He may primarily focus his attention in the states to hunt down his family's great prey, but other things would surely catch his eye, including potential business ventures within the new world.

The step for labeling arrows does confuse me. Is there something else I am supposed to label them with that I haven't already?

I don't intend to switch out any relationships or resources. I think they fit well as they are for Alicia.

As for her Identity, Alicia I think fits best under The Specialist. She is a woman of science and has dedicated her entire being to the pursuit of scientific advancement and knowledge. Science is her specialty and there are few as capable as she when it comes down to it.

I will be stepping up Alchemical Elixirs & Tonics (from d6 to d8). The Elixir of Savitar will be the second chosen SFX.

The Distinction that will be stepped up shall be Mad Scientist (from d10 to d12), as it is her specialty and seems to really fit this sort of capstone pathway choice.

Finally, I will step up Alicia's Resource of Gwenael Auclair (from d6 to d8). I'll change her descriptor to: "A rare true friend in this world, and a proper scientific rival!"

Whether Alicia would be out and about might depend primarily on the weather, and on whether or not she needs to be out for some purpose. A day with enough cloud cover would be perfect, although she would still choose to dress up more or less fully covered in her fine European noblewoman's dress, complete with matching parasol. If we were running low on some necessary ingredients then she might be out to make that purchase herself, especially if it is for something very specific and perhaps a little more complicated an errand than she could trust Jack Beckett with.

I am very interested in exploring how each of our characters generally interacts with one another, and perhaps also how much of an iron grip the seedier members of society might have on their little corner of the world. Also how superstitious the people might be, which may play into the sort of reactions Alicia can expect out of people. Given the rumors of other weird oddities (like Red Jenny) I imagine people might be fairly superstitious.

[MagnificentBastard]

Added an arrow from TIAL-V to Gear heart Repairs.

For Identity I chose The Heriophant, upped Disciplthe of the Scarlet Path, Magical Legacy and my relationship with my Loyal Servants. Don't think I'll change anythung else maybe make the relationship with judge better and remove the Blue Hour Lady.

My character would be at the casino. I don't know how the other characters well and it seems I have a agonist relationships with half of the party so not sure how we will interact with one another. 

Edited December 14, 2025 by MagnificentBastard

[IsabellaRose]

7 hours ago, MagnificentBastard said:

it seems I have a agonist relationships with half of the party so not sure how we will interact with one another. 

It's perfect! We're playing a ruleset designed so one player can play Clark Kent and another can play Lex Luthor, so... antagonistic, scheming, backstabbing, evil plans, hopeful heroes... it's all baked into the way the rules work. The one thing that's not really baked in is D&D style murderhobo mayhem or PvP killings. It's plotting, staying within the letter of the law (if not the intent) as your character, and doing shady stuff around back where no one sees. So confrontations won't likely turn into "fight to the death", they'll be dramatic, emotional, manipulative, political... but rarely fists, swords, or guns. It's a "real world" type setting, where killing someone has consequences. Not to say that it won't happen, but Johnny Law and the posse will always be around making life difficult if anyone just starts randomly killing people.

[StarlitSiren]

I've drawn an arrow from Judge 'Holland' Buck to The Exchange (He's investigating them!)

 

I have chosen the Identity: The Specialist

-In the short time she's been in town, Millie has built a name for herself as eccentric, but talented in all things machine. Millie's more practical work to order- which she cares little for the motivations behind, a job is a job- are a means to an end for her to keep the freedom to experiment with whatever hairbrained thing comes into her mind...

-Tinkerer Distinction up to d12 (New SFX added:  d12 Spend a Plot Point to Reroll a die when using, repairing, or improvising with technology.)

-Stepped up Tial-V to d6 (is fascinated by him)

-New gear:  @IsabellaRose messaged you with idea. I'll put it here once we have it straightened out

 

I think... I'm all done then!

 

 

 

[WickedCadrach]

Missy's Step 9!

Draw an arrow from any circle or diamond to another circle, diamond, or square.

-Otis 'Sparks' Tully to the Golden Seven Church (Day after day, he can't keep away)

Label your arrows to other Lead squares (copy these labels as your relationship statements for each relationship).

-Already done

Optional: Switch out any Relationship or Resource currently on your sheet for a new Relationship or Resource (the same type you removed) at the same die rating and draw an arrow to a new or existing circle or diamond as appropriate.

-Opting not to.

Optional: Remove any d4 Relationship and step up another Relationship or Remove any 2d4 Resource and step up another Resource.

-Opting not to.

Identity: The Mirror

You’re the reflection that others don’t want to see, the rival, the opposite, the foil who forces people to face their own truth. You play both sides when it suits you, not because you can’t choose, but because you understand that every choice costs something. Who do you constantly find yourself opposing, and why? What truth are you trying to expose or hide? Do you enjoy the game, or does it weigh on you?

Step up a Distinction.

-Stepped up Snake Oil Salesman (d4->d6)

Step up an Extra or Relationship.

-Stepped up Missy's relationship with Kojo (d4->d6)

Step up a Relationship, Asset, or Resource.

-Stepped up Extra 'Judge' Holland Buck (2d6->2d8)

And, I think that's Missy done! We're getting there, and I'm excited!

 

On 13/12/2025 at 22:37, IsabellaRose said:

Also, once you're done with this step, let me know where in town your character would be on a random Tuesday, and what they would be doing. Also, what aspect of the world we've built you're mot interested in exploring first. It doesn't have to be all the same stuff, and we might not get to your plot points in the first chapter, but I'll do my best to get everything incorporated.

Missy is either at Gearheart Repairs, discussing the logistics of a clockwork stage prop with Millie while she makes it clear how thoroughly impressive she finds her, ooooor she would be at the Montgomery House giving a reading to Adelaide, Jane, or both Montgomery women together. 

Looking at the board, Joshua Thane and Willis Sloan both look poised to kick a hornet's nest and set drama tumbling. The Exchange's investigations into Alicia and Edmund also feel like they are a fire just waiting for a spark. But I've been interested in seeing where the weird and mystical intersect in our story: the Blue Hour Lady, Red Jenny, the Thane-Cash Music Hall all have a little hook in me (and they feel like they naturally overlap with Edmund, Koto, and Alicia's personal stories). 

[AsBloodTurnsEverCold]

I agree, I've been loving set-up greatly but I'm sure what comes next will be just as wonderful. 

Kojo's Identity will be...The Champion more in line with his chosen motivation and story. He might be a font for an ancient deity but he's thinking of the people while trying to find a way to deal with his particular situation. His past gives him a tacit understanding of how easy it is for easy people to fall into what they don't understand, forced to play into the hands of things they cannot fight. His affliction has to stop with him and with any luck won't fall into the hands of those who would use it for evil...he just has to recognize who it is first. 

As such I stepped up The Other Theory to D12 and unlocked Lingering Echo as the third chosen sfx. 
@IsabellaRose It did ask for another [new] ability or to up one but since The Other Theory was already at d12 I didn't know if I could take it further or if D12 is the max we're meant to stick with. I put up The Other Body, and short of took shapeshifting to base it off of. I figured we could maybe use a little more body horror. 

I stepped up the relationship with Joshua Thane since the description feels like it demands more than a D4. 
I then connected Kirsa to Adelaide as "Her Delusions may be a useful tool" as she sees the woman as ripe for manipulation through whatever form that takes that might work. That schemers hands extend far and wide. 

Already labeled arrows. 
Not shifting anything. 

Kojo would possibly be practicing on a Tuesday, either at the hall or somewhere else. He might also be in a meeting with Kirsa at the time, discussing their next show or other business affairs maybe even walking around speaking with the people. He'd be happily talking to just about anyone though in that event be it another Lead or anyone else maybe playing on a small corner even if thats "beneath" him to do. 

I'm pretty excited for see what drama kicks off with the more trouble prone members of this troupe especially given some of these features look ripe to cause it. I'm definitely down to explore the weird and mystical...probably why I built it up a bit much but I do imagine that'd be pretty fun. 

Edited December 16, 2025 by AsBloodTurnsEverCold

[IsabellaRose]

On 14/12/2025 at 00:47, Chiyako said:

Kinda sad to see that this is the last step, because I love this process, but it does mean we actually get to delve into the characters soon, so that's good!

First off, I will shift an arrow from Aldert Helsink over to Adelaide Montgomery with the following descriptor: "Seeking to improve familial business ties". He may primarily focus his attention in the states to hunt down his family's great prey, but other things would surely catch his eye, including potential business ventures within the new world.

The step for labeling arrows does confuse me. Is there something else I am supposed to label them with that I haven't already?

I don't intend to switch out any relationships or resources. I think they fit well as they are for Alicia.

As for her Identity, Alicia I think fits best under The Specialist. She is a woman of science and has dedicated her entire being to the pursuit of scientific advancement and knowledge. Science is her specialty and there are few as capable as she when it comes down to it.

I will be stepping up Alchemical Elixirs & Tonics (from d6 to d8). The Elixir of Savitar will be the second chosen SFX.

The Distinction that will be stepped up shall be Mad Scientist (from d10 to d12), as it is her specialty and seems to really fit this sort of capstone pathway choice.

Finally, I will step up Alicia's Resource of Gwenael Auclair (from d6 to d8). I'll change her descriptor to: "A rare true friend in this world, and a proper scientific rival!"

Whether Alicia would be out and about might depend primarily on the weather, and on whether or not she needs to be out for some purpose. A day with enough cloud cover would be perfect, although she would still choose to dress up more or less fully covered in her fine European noblewoman's dress, complete with matching parasol. If we were running low on some necessary ingredients then she might be out to make that purchase herself, especially if it is for something very specific and perhaps a little more complicated an errand than she could trust Jack Beckett with.

I am very interested in exploring how each of our characters generally interacts with one another, and perhaps also how much of an iron grip the seedier members of society might have on their little corner of the world. Also how superstitious the people might be, which may play into the sort of reactions Alicia can expect out of people. Given the rumors of other weird oddities (like Red Jenny) I imagine people might be fairly superstitious.

Thank you! Alicia is all set.

Please double-check and compare my copy of your character with your own. I stepped through everything alongside you and I want to make sure that you didn't miss adding anything or stepping anything up on your sheet. It's really easy to miss things, even just a simple bump up, in this process which is why I do the side by side character sheet. 

 

[IsabellaRose]

On 14/12/2025 at 02:21, MagnificentBastard said:

Added an arrow from TIAL-V to Gear heart Repairs.

For Identity I chose The Heriophant, upped Disciplthe of the Scarlet Path, Magical Legacy and my relationship with my Loyal Servants. Don't think I'll change anythung else maybe make the relationship with judge better and remove the Blue Hour Lady.

My character would be at the casino. I don't know how the other characters well and it seems I have a agonist relationships with half of the party so not sure how we will interact with one another. 

Edmund should be all set. You'll also want to update your sheet. I noticed a couple items that should not be on there, like a relationship with Judge Holland Beck and the Thane-Cash Rebirth Hall as a Resource. When an arrow is drawn back to your square from a location or person, you don't get to add the item to your sheet. You only add the item if you draw an arrow from your square to the circle or diamond.

[Chiyako]

2 hours ago, IsabellaRose said:

Thank you! Alicia is all set.

Please double-check and compare my copy of your character with your own. I stepped through everything alongside you and I want to make sure that you didn't miss adding anything or stepping anything up on your sheet. It's really easy to miss things, even just a simple bump up, in this process which is why I do the side by side character sheet. 

 

It all looks to line up properly to me!

[IsabellaRose]

On 14/12/2025 at 15:21, StarlitSiren said:

I've drawn an arrow from Judge 'Holland' Buck to The Exchange (He's investigating them!)

 

I have chosen the Identity: The Specialist

-In the short time she's been in town, Millie has built a name for herself as eccentric, but talented in all things machine. Millie's more practical work to order- which she cares little for the motivations behind, a job is a job- are a means to an end for her to keep the freedom to experiment with whatever hairbrained thing comes into her mind...

-Tinkerer Distinction up to d12 (New SFX added:  d12 Spend a Plot Point to Reroll a die when using, repairing, or improvising with technology.)

-Stepped up Tial-V to d6 (is fascinated by him)

-New gear:  @IsabellaRose messaged you with idea. I'll put it here once we have it straightened out

 

I think... I'm all done then!

 

 

 

Millie is all set except for adding her last Gear. 

Also, double check my copy of your sheet against your own, make sure neither of us has anything wrong. You'll want to add the die rating of your Gear (I think they're both d4) so you can reference that when you need to roll.

[IsabellaRose]

22 hours ago, WickedCadrach said:

Missy's Step 9!

Draw an arrow from any circle or diamond to another circle, diamond, or square.

-Otis 'Sparks' Tully to the Golden Seven Church (Day after day, he can't keep away)

Label your arrows to other Lead squares (copy these labels as your relationship statements for each relationship).

-Already done

Optional: Switch out any Relationship or Resource currently on your sheet for a new Relationship or Resource (the same type you removed) at the same die rating and draw an arrow to a new or existing circle or diamond as appropriate.

-Opting not to.

Optional: Remove any d4 Relationship and step up another Relationship or Remove any 2d4 Resource and step up another Resource.

-Opting not to.

Identity: The Mirror

You’re the reflection that others don’t want to see, the rival, the opposite, the foil who forces people to face their own truth. You play both sides when it suits you, not because you can’t choose, but because you understand that every choice costs something. Who do you constantly find yourself opposing, and why? What truth are you trying to expose or hide? Do you enjoy the game, or does it weigh on you?

Step up a Distinction.

-Stepped up Snake Oil Salesman (d4->d6)

Step up an Extra or Relationship.

-Stepped up Missy's relationship with Kojo (d4->d6)

Step up a Relationship, Asset, or Resource.

-Stepped up Extra 'Judge' Holland Buck (2d6->2d8)

And, I think that's Missy done! We're getting there, and I'm excited!

 

Missy is either at Gearheart Repairs, discussing the logistics of a clockwork stage prop with Millie while she makes it clear how thoroughly impressive she finds her, ooooor she would be at the Montgomery House giving a reading to Adelaide, Jane, or both Montgomery women together. 

Looking at the board, Joshua Thane and Willis Sloan both look poised to kick a hornet's nest and set drama tumbling. The Exchange's investigations into Alicia and Edmund also feel like they are a fire just waiting for a spark. But I've been interested in seeing where the weird and mystical intersect in our story: the Blue Hour Lady, Red Jenny, the Thane-Cash Music Hall all have a little hook in me (and they feel like they naturally overlap with Edmund, Koto, and Alicia's personal stories). 

Missy is all set!

As I asked everyone else, please make sure your sheet and mine match. If there's a discrepancy I want to iron it out before play. 

[StarlitSiren]

gear updated!

[IsabellaRose]

21 hours ago, AsBloodTurnsEverCold said:

I agree, I've been loving set-up greatly but I'm sure what comes next will be just as wonderful. 

Kojo's Identity will be...The Champion more in line with his chosen motivation and story. 

As such I stepped up The Other Theory to D12 and unlocked Lingering Echo as the third chosen sfx. 
@IsabellaRose It did ask for another [new] ability or to up one but since The Other Theory was already at d12 I didn't know if I could take it further or if D12 is the max we're meant to stick with. I put up The Other Body, and short of took shapeshifting to base it off of. 
I stepped up the relationship with Joshua Thane since the description feels like it demands more than a D4. 

I then connected Kirsa to Adelaide as "Her Delusions may be a useful tool" as she sees the woman as ripe for manipulation through whatever form that takes that might work. That schemers hands extend far and wide. 

Already labeled arrow. 
Not shifting anything. 

Kojo would possibly be practicing on a Tuesday, either at the hall or somewhere else. He might also be in a meeting with Kirsa at the time, discussing their next show or other business affairs maybe even walking around speaking with the people. He'd be happily talking to just about anyone though in that event be it another Lead or anyone else maybe playing on a small corner even if thats "beneath" him to do. 

I'm pretty excited for see what drama kicks off with the more trouble prone members of this troupe especially given some of these features look ripe to cause it. I'm definitely down to explore the weird and mystical...probably why I built it up a bit much but I do imagine that'd be pretty fun.

Kojo looks great! All set!

One thing I noticed is that you'll want to change The Blue Hour Lady from a Resource to a Relationship. You'll also want to make sure your sheet and mine match.

2 hours ago, StarlitSiren said:

gear updated!

You'll just need to select one of the SFX as the one the gear has at the start!

[StarlitSiren]

Fixed! went with the most basic of the options to begin!

[IsabellaRose]

By Jove, I think we're done!

[AsBloodTurnsEverCold]

@IsabellaRose
I think Kojo is the only person connected to "The Blue Hour Lady" right now actually because Magnificent shifted his relationship from her to to Judge Holland Buck. 

Otherwise everything else looks perfect. 

Edited December 17, 2025 by AsBloodTurnsEverCold

[IsabellaRose]

8 minutes ago, AsBloodTurnsEverCold said:

@IsabellaRose
I think Kojo is the only person connected to "The Blue Hour Lady" right now actually because Magnificent shifted his relationship from her to to Judge Holland Buck. 

Otherwise everything else looks perfect. 

I see the note about maybe doing that, but it wasn't done on his sheet, so I assumed he was musing and hadn't actually done so. 

@MagnificentBastard - can you clarify? Did you drop The Blue Hour Lady from your sheet and bump up "Judge" Holland Beck, or did you decide to leave them alone?

[AsBloodTurnsEverCold]

Went ahead and edited it just in case though. 

Edited December 17, 2025 by AsBloodTurnsEverCold

[IsabellaRose]

3 minutes ago, AsBloodTurnsEverCold said:

I think Clayon becomes a relationship now doesn't he? As he's connected to Alicia? Or is that only if it was an arrow going from her to him rather than him to her? 

The arrow only goes from him to Alicia, so still just a resource.

At any point during game play you can spend a Plot Point to add a d6 Relationship with anyone, including someone that's just been introduced, that will last until the end of the scene. You can spend another Plot Point to make that Relationship permanent and add them to your character sheet. You can also use dice from your Growth Pool to step up existing Relationships.

When you do that, you're telling me as the GM that this NPC is more important than other NPCs. You're telling me that you want them to show up in the story regularly, that you want them to have their own goals, motives, plans, etc. You're also telling me to step through the entire Pathways process for them and make a character sheet for them, which takes some time. 

I advise caution in doing this. We already have a zillion characters. Some of them might fade as the plot takes off, but we made a LOT of NPCs. 

[AsBloodTurnsEverCold]

Got it I did kinda realized that a bit ago so edited but good to know for clarification. 
I've bumped The Blue Hour Lady up for now while we wait for clarification. 

[MagnificentBastard]

47 minutes ago, IsabellaRose said:

I see the note about maybe doing that, but it wasn't done on his sheet, so I assumed he was musing and hadn't actually done so. 

@MagnificentBastard - can you clarify? Did you drop The Blue Hour Lady from your sheet and bump up "Judge" Holland Beck, or did you decide to leave them alone?

I did and I think the sheet is correct now.

[AsBloodTurnsEverCold]

Alright fixed on my end as well she's back down to resources. 

[IsabellaRose]

26 minutes ago, MagnificentBastard said:

I did and I think the sheet is correct now.

Actually, in looking at the sheet, you never connect FROM Edmund TO Holland Beck, so you wouldn't have had a relationship with him. 

During Step 7 "Draw an arrow from your square to an existing circle (NEW Relationship) or diamond (NEW Location)" you did:

Edmund > occasional allies > The Blue Hour Lady

This is where you would have changed her to a Relationship from a Resource.

We have 2 options:

1. During Step 7, connect Edmund to Judge Holland Beck instead of the Blue Hour Lady. This will create a d4 Relationship with Judge Holland Beck and will also move Missy's Judge Holland Beck Resource to a Relationship. In this case, you wouldn't be able to remove the d4 Blue Hour Lady to step up Judge Holland Beck in Step 9.

2. Remove the connection to the Blue Hour Lady as described in Step 9 and step up an existing Relationship instead. The only Relationships you have are with the PCs and TIAL-V.