Idiot's Array.

In perusing the Fantasy Flight Games Edge of the Empire forums last week, I stumbled upon a post by Zev Linare asking for peeps to join his play by post (pbp) game. This peaked my interest and I joined. I've never played in a pbp game before and thought it would be a fun way for me to play the game without having to devote another night of the week to gaming. From what I understand I only have to make a single post per day in the games forum (hosted by Myth-Weavers.com) and that shouldn't take too much time (which is scarce these days). You can read about Zev's campaign and all of our exploits at Star Wars: Idiots Array



Earlier this week, Zev sent out a questionnaire for us to fill out. The questionnaire is meant to flesh out our characters and provide background, plot hooks, and NPC's to our campaign. Below is the questionnaire about my character, Timus Feen a Human Mechanic/Scoundrel with a knack for racing.

1.      Where was your character born?

Timus Feen was born on Coruscant. His parents were originally Galactic Senators from the agricultural planet Balamak. Of course, his parents eventually lost their positions due to the dissolution of the Imperial Senate. When that happened, they moved back to Dorum, the capital city of Balamak to re-entered local politics. Whether or not they became some of the "discontented senators" that ultimately discussed rebellion is not known to Timus.

Timus pretty much shunned his political and noble family from the onset of adolescence. Choosing instead mingle with those of less status, often spending most of his time in Coruscants Underlevels. He ultimately felt like all politicians, even his family, do are manipulate and control others and he wanted no part of that.

2.      What compelled your character into his/her present class/specialization?

Technichian/Mechanic - Timus found out early on that he had a natural aptitude for anything mechanical. Always tinkering with things soon caught the eye of Baron Soba (you can make him whatever you want) and put Timus to work. At first the work was just on the Baron's personal speeder and machines around a shop. But eventually, after earning trust, Timus began tuning illegal transport vessels, pod racers, and modded speeder bikes.  Working on all this fast machinery soon sparked his interest in racing.

Scoundrel - Practically spending his teen years and beyond in the seedier sections of Coruscant and the galaxy, Timus had to learn the ways of the underworld to survive. If anyone knew he was really a Senator's son, who knows what would have happened to him; killed, blackmailed, or taken prisoner and held for ransom. Lying, cheating, and coercing those around him became his way of life.

3.      What are the specifics of your obligation?

Betrayal and Criminal

As Timus' talents at racing became more and more apparent, Baron Soba entered him in more lucrative racing events. More lucrative equaled more dangerous and illegal. Timus found himself racing all over the galaxy performing in all types of races, all the while bringing Baron Soba more and more wealth.

One day, while having drinks with Soba and a few other "sponsors", Soba, who had a little too much to drink, challenged another sponsor to a race, stating that Timus could fly ____________ (enter name of ship) through Kessel Run faster than any of you bums." A day or so later, the race was scheduled with Timus and about six other racers.

The circumstances behind what was about to happen next are unknown to Timus, but for some reason, on the day of the race Baron Soba approached Timus. He ordered Timus to lose the race. After much arguing about the matter, Timus ultimately agreed. 

Close to finishing Kessel Run, Timus really began thinking about the relationship between he and Baron Soba. Him being "ordered" to throw this race was just one more time that the Baron was using him for his own greed or schemes. At that time, Timus realized he's had enough and finished the race in first place, by a narrow margin. Unsure of what to do next, Timus punched in coordinates to_______________ (up to the GM) and fled the system, ultimately stealing Baron Soba's ship.

4.      What is your view of the Empire?

For many years he had a nonchalant view of the Empire. He basically lived his life outside the lines of the Empire. When his parents were forced back home, a little resentment grew but not enough to matter.

Now that Timus is a criminal, he tries to avoid all Imperial entanglements.

5.      What is your view of the Rebellion?

 Timus doesn't know much about the Rebellion. He's heard that they are building forces and have struck a fatal blow to the Empire. But he feels that one political party takes over another and eventually you end up with the same manipulating force in the galaxy.

6.      What is your view of aliens and droids?

They are people too. Most droids are just tools of a trade, but some are sentient enough to warrant being treated like humans.

7.      What makes your character tick and motivates him/her?

Currently there is a deep seeded feeling of betrayal within Timus. Yes he betrayed Baron Soba by not throwing the race and steeling the ship, but Timus feels betrayed by Baron Soba too. Over the last few years, there has been a growing mistrust of Baron Soba. Timus grew tired of being a pawn for Baron Soba's acquisition of wealth. Even now with stealing Baron Soba's ship and fleeing into the galaxy, Timus feels manipulated and controlled by the Baron.

So, what ultimately motivates Timus is a need to finally be free of Baron Soba. I don't know if this means eventually having to kill Baron Soba or eventually reconciling differences. I leave that completely up to the GM and how the story progresses.

8.      What really torques your character or makes him/her fly off the handle?

When people to manipulate Timus or when people attempt to use him in as a tool for their own gains.

9.      What is one thing that your character would never want the other characters to find out about him/her?

That he is from nobility and wealth. For Timus, he still fears that those he associates with will try to use his family and their status against him. Timus would also hate for his family to find out about his life of crime.

10.  If there could be one future event that you would have me add, what is it? I might not add it, but give me something that could make for an interesting encounter, such as a high-stakes sabacc tournament, flying through an asteroid field, discovering that your character is nominally Force sensitive, etc.

I can't really think of anything that I think is a must have. Realizing that my character is Force Sensitive would be cool. That cold explain why he's good at racing. But if there are too many people that want this then I don't.  I wouldn't want too many Force Sensitive in the group.

11.  Who is your enemy, someone who really has it in for you?*

Baron Soba...

Or if something more generic is needed, I'm sure there are lots of pilots (space and planetary) that Timus has cheated, swindled, or beaten in the past that have it out for him.

12.  List 2-4 of the following that I could possibly bring into the campaign in the future. Bear in mind that some of these roles might overlap a bit. Also, list if you are on good or bad terms with said people, and why you're on those terms with them:

1. A friend or ally - Another racer that Baron Soba has sponsored. Working together in a mechanics pit has formed a bond.
2. A useful contact - Apolitical friend of the family. It could be someone that remembers the good old days on Coruscant when Timus was just a child.
3. A family member or two - Mother and Father living on the Mid-Rim planet of Balamak relations are strained due to Timus' choices in life but nothing that can't be mended.
4. A mentor/trainer - A parts dealer that gave a lot of insight into racing, dealing, negotiating, and life in general.
5. A romantic interest or old flame - nope. Love em and leave em.

 There you have it.. My first ever character for Edge of the Empire. Let the adventure begin!