Ferengi Sourcebook, anyone?

[Caretaker]

I'd be willing to help out wherever I'm needed. Right now, on the Trill book, I pretty much look over the chapters as they come in and check for grammatical and spelling errors. Also, I have been contributing a few of the chapter opening brief vignettes.

But, whatever needs to be done... Unfortuatnely, my Ferengi sources are limited right now.

[ArsenicMan]

Actually, I was thinking that Chapter 2 was the society chapter. I labeled it "economy" since money is their society. Going back and fixing that...

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This is our last, best hope for peace? We are so screwed.

[Dan Gurden]

Originally posted by Liquidator Queeg:
ArsenicMan,

Where would you want to stick info on Ferengi society & customs--such as death rituals & religion? Chapter 1, 4 or 7?

I'd be more than happy to take a shot at that topic, along with anyone else interested.

LQ

That could be another chapter entirely...

"Wives Serve, Brothers Inherit."


[This message has been edited by Dan Gurden (edited 12-12-2000).]

[Dr. Jonas Bashir]

A recommendation for the Ferengi: it should be as extense as the other "threat species" sourcebooks. Maybe someone would like to play in a Ferengi ship, and there are many details about their military and politics. My advice is to plan it in the infamous "boxed set" structure (even when it will be a single e-book), following the main plan of The Way of D'era.

Yes, the Ferengi are that important!

And so, there is one more chapter to add: the Ferengi Commerce Authority, as government, economy regulator, military organization, and even as a religious icon. It deserves a chapter of its own. Even the Liquidator overlay should be there. The chapter could be named "Hear All, Trust Nothing" (Rule #190)

Is it me, or the Liquidators of the FCA constitute an Intelligence Bureau for the Ferengi military in some way? At least, they are the equivalent of an Internal Affairs division...

[ArsenicMan]

Good ideas, both. Hmm...

Going back and reorganizing the outline...

Update: I don't *have* The Way of D'Era. Could someone please post what the three different books are?

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This is our last, best hope for peace? We are so screwed.

[This message has been edited by ArsenicMan (edited 12-12-2000).]

[Dan Gurden]

Way of Dera boxed set; taken from the blurb at the back.

Book 1; The Romulans.
- Detailed Treatments on Romulan History ans Politics.
- An overview of the Imperial government, with information on the Senate, the Preator, and the Continuing Commitee.
- Extensivce sections on the Romulan Star Navy, including its organisation, its various branches, and its role in Romulan society.
- An in-depth look at Romulan Space, from the core worlds to the Empty Frontier to the disputed territories along the Rimward border with the Tauhai
- New ships, technology, alien species, creatures, worlds and more!

Book 2; Romuulan Characters
- A brand new system for creating Romulan characters, including Glory, a trait reserved for Romulans alone.
- New Skills, traits, templates, and overlays - everything you need to create unique and vibrant Romulan characters and crew.
- Detailed information on designing and running Romulan series using Romulan characters withing the bounds of the Empire

Book 3; Romulan Adventures
- Two Romulan scenarios designed for Romulan Characters...

---------------------------------------------

I have some Ideas for the Ferengi book...

I have always seen their Navy as a bunch of Privateers, esentially Ferengi mercenaries fighting for Profit. But I also see them using the 36 point template styles more than the highly skilled 54 point templates...

This mercenary/Privateer concept works well to get other species involved. We have seen the Ferengi work well with many other 'fringe' species such as the nausicans and the like...

Can any one remember Zeks servant, what species was he?

Lastly, in exchange for the Romulan Glory, and its equivalents in the Trill and Cardie books, perhaps the Ferengi should gain a version of their own, I had considered altering the renown aspects for Wealth, and Greed, to show the differing Ferengi priorities...

But it strikes me that instead of Glory, they can use 'Greed' instead... Basing it instead of renown but on character net worth? (Just a concept at the moment)



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Dan.

"A couple of thoughts froma random mind!"

[Liquidator Queeg]

Dan wrote:

I have always seen their Navy as a bunch of Privateers, esentially Ferengi mercenaries
fighting for Profit. But I also see them using the 36 point template styles more than the highly skilled 54 point templates...

This mercenary/Privateer concept works well to get other species involved. We have
seen the Ferengi work well with many other 'fringe' species such as the nausicans and
the like...

Queeg's response:

I absolutely agree with you on this one, Dan. Ferengi would NOT possess the high degree of training that befits a Starfleet Officer. The existence of Ferengi Privateer "fleets" is soundly established in canon, and definitely needs to be explored in this project.

However--as far as character creation packages are concerned--privateer and mercenary packages are thoroughly covered in Raiders, Renegades and Rogues, so I'm not inclined to design any more along that line.

I know that comment wasn't really related to your post, but that's what I'm working on right now and it just sorta popped up in my head.

Anyway,

I'm not sure of what direction to take for Ferengi military or "pseudo-military" character packages though, as it is early on in the project and we haven't really discussed the structure of the Ferengi military. Early on, in TNG, the "Ferengi Alliance" (read "Government") seemed to possess its own fleet of ships. Yet, we've also seen privateer DaiMons as well. Additionally, I would suspect that wealthier "merchant houses/families" might have their own private fleets.

Thus, the character creation packages (here comes that topic again ) I post tomorrow will not include military packages. I would like to get some grounding in the direction we take regarding Ferengi military "stuff" before I tackle those. I have developed numerous other packages though, but I'll wait 'till tomorrow to discuss them further.

Dan wrote:

Can any one remember Zeks servant, what species was he?

Queeg's response: Maihar'du is Hupyrian.

Dan wrote:

Lastly, in exchange for the Romulan Glory, and its equivalents in the Trill and Cardie
books, perhaps the Ferengi should gain a version of their own, I had considered altering the renown aspects for Wealth, and Greed, to show the differing Ferengi priorities...

But it strikes me that instead of Glory, they can use 'Greed' instead... Basing it instead of renown but on character net worth? (Just a concept at the moment)

Queeg's response:

I like the idea of "Net Worth". I'll have to ponder this one some more.

LQ

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"No one controls me. I'm uncontrollable. The only one who can control me is me... and that's just barely possible!" -John Lennon

[ArsenicMan]

#1. Here's the preliminary assignments:
<ul>[*]Robert: chapters 7, 9, & 10[*]Dan: If you could send me your shuttle (in regular system or Spacedock) schematics and your Liquidator template, that'd be *very* cool[*]Dr. Bashir: If I write a rough cut of chapters 2 & 5, would you be willing to polish them up a bit?[*]Queeg: chapters 3 & 10 (note: characters should use the 36-point style templates)[*]Caretaker: I'll have you help me with the grammar & mechanics - let me know once you're done with the Trill book, so you can do more if needed[*]Myself: Rough of chapters 2 & 5, all of 4 & 8 (except what Dan has done)[*]spyone: chapters 1 & 6[/list]

Let me know if there are any problems.

I've also e-mailed Dave Biggins asking if he'd be willing to write two adventures for us.

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It's is our last, best hope for peace? We are so screwed.

[This message has been edited by ArsenicMan (12-12-2000) to completely replace prior information.]

[This message has been edited by ArsenicMan (edited 12-12-2000).]

[Liquidator Queeg]

Chapters 3 and 10 sound excellent to me, ArsenicMan. I'm glad to help out in any way I can.

For everyone's perusal, here is the first batch of Ferengi character creation packages I've come up with. I *will* be doing many more, but these are all I've been able to get done on my lunch hours at work the past two days.

These are "first drafts" of a sort, so feel free to comment, criticize, bash or praise at your convenience.
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Ferengi Character Creation Packages:

Overlay 36 DP; Primary skill noted in italics

Lawyer
Ferengi lawyers are proliferate within Ferengi Alliance territory, but may also be encountered just about anywhere in explored space where legal disputes exist. Ferengi lawyers work insidiously to find even the tiniest legal loophole and exploit it for their own--or their clients'--purposes.

Intimidation (Cross-Examination) 2 (3)
Law (Choose Specialization) 2 (3)
Persuasion (Debate) 2 (3)
Administration (Choose Specialization) 1 (2)
Computer (Research) 1 (2)
Language:
Federation Standard 1
Mediation (Choose Specialization) 1 (2)
Personal Equipment (Choose Specialization) 1 (2)
Search 1

Queeg's Note: Dedicated to Steve Long for his ceaseless efforts on behalf of all LUG Trek fans.
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Early Life 5DP

Bankrupt Family
The character's family went bankrupt when he was a child. He suffered great humiliation and was forced to fend for himself as an adolescent. He earned nary a strip from his Attainment Ceremony.

Fast Talk 1, Streetwise (Choose Specialization) 1 (2), Diminished Social Status -1

Gifted Lobes
The character developed the "lobes" for business at an astonishingly young age, and earned great respect from his elders. Not surprisingly, many of his peers were extremely jealous.

Bargain (Choose Specialization) 1 (2), +1 Perception, Patron +2, Wealth +1, Rival -2
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Advanced Training Packages 9DP

Core/Frontier World Trade Mission
The character served in an administrative or mediative position during an extended Ferengi trade mission, either in frontier or core world territory.

Administration OR Mediation (Choose Specialization) 1 (2), Merchant (Choose Specialization) 1 (2), World Knowledge (Choose Specialization) 1 (2)

Ferengi Trade Vessel Spacehand
The character served aboard a Ferengi trade vessel an an all-around mechanic, engineer and maintenance crewman.

Any Engineering (Choose Specialization) 1 (2), Personal Equipment (Choose Specialization) 1 (2), Shipboard Systems (Choose Specialization) 1 (2)

First Contact Specialist Training

The character has trained as a first contact specialist, with a focus on analyzing potential markets, investment opportunities and exploitable resources.

Diplomacy (Negotiation) 1 (2), Social Sciences (Economics) (Sociology) 1 (2)(2), Contact +1, Cultural Flexibility +1

Interstellar Economic Analyst
The character has studied interstellar corporations, and has experience in the financial investment, brokerage and banking fields.

Administration (Bureaucratic Manipulation) 1 (2), Knowledge: Interstellar Corporations 1, Social Science (Economics) 1 (2)

Marketing and Sales Training
The character has worked for a large corporation or small family-run business and possesses training in the marketing and sales of a wide variety of products and/or services.

Charm (Influence) 1 (2), Knowledge: Marketing Strategies 1, +1 Perception, Innovative +1, Shrewd +1
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Professional Packages 10DP

Corporate Espionage Agent
The character works for a single (or various) corporations investigating and sabotaging rival corporations' manufacturing facilities, trade secrets, research and development projects and other similar activities.

Computer (Choose Specialization) 1 (2), Energy Weapon (Choose Specialization) OR Personal Equipment (Choose Intrusion Device) 1(2), Espionage (Choose Specialization) 1 (2), Security (Choose Specialization) 1 (2), Marked Man -2

Entertainment Manager/Agent
The character works in the entertainment industry as a manager, agent or talent scout. He's always searching for the next "big star" who'll rock the entertainment 'biz.

Charm (Choose Specialization) 1 (2), Fast Talk 1, Knowledge: Entertainment Industry 1, Contact +1, Favor Owed +1, Rival -1

Freelance Medical Practitioner
The character is a qualified doctor and performs private medical services to those willing to pay his fees.

Life Science (Choose Specialization) 1 (2), Medical Science (Choose two specializations) 2 (3)(3), Personal Equipment (Medical Tricorder or similar device) 1 (2), Code of Honor (Hippocratic Oath or similar oath) OR Dark Secret (Malpractise Suit) -2

Frontier Scout
The character works in frontier territories as a scout, determining the potential of newly discovered worlds for colonization or industrial development.

Planetary Sciences (Choose Specialization) 1 (2), Planetside Survival (Choose Specialization) 1 (2), Energy Weapon OR Shipboard Systems (Choose Specialization) 1 (2), Curious OR Sense of Direction +1

Futures Exchange/Stock Market Speculator
The character has earned a living speculating on the Ferengi Futures Exchange or numerous worlds' stock market or trade exchange networks. He may have worked for a financial firm or as an independent speculator.

Bargain (Marketplace Haggling) 1 (2), Knowledge: Stock Markets/Futures Exchange Etiquette & Lingo 1, Social Science (Economics) 1 (2), Wealth +1

Private Sector Scientist
The character is dedicated to a particular scientific field. He is most likely motivated by profit, but also possesses a genuine interest in scientific discovery.

Any Science (Choose two Specializations) 2 (3)(3), Personal Equipment (appropriate device) 1 (2), Curious +1, Argumentative -1
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Advantage

Law Enforcement Powers +2

(no description)

I just have some rough ideas for this one, perhaps some of you could suggest more detail. Basically, this advantage is designed for Liquidators, since it would appear that they have pretty broad legal powers over Ferengi citizens regardless of where they reside (closing shops, demanding inventory and financial information, etc.)

I have the same advantage in my Traits chapter for Fantasy ICON, and I thought that it might be useful for reflecting the legal powers possessed by Liquidators.
--------------------------------------------

Anyway, there you have it. That's all the packages I've done so far. Let me know if they suck, so I can wipe 'em out and start fresh straight away. If y'all like 'em... cool. Any suggestions and comments are welcome, of course!

LQ

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"No one controls me. I'm uncontrollable. The only one who can control me is me... and that's just barely possible!" -John Lennon

[This message has been edited by Liquidator Queeg (edited 12-12-2000).]

[Caretaker]

The Trill book has come to a sort of slowdown at the moment, so I'm avaialble now. I'm sure the good doc will let me know when more Trill stuff is ready for me to check.

[Robert Knoke]

O.K. Here's what I have, and don't have.

I do have ideas on Ferengi tactics and (non-) combat. Some of their tactics are similar to Federation style of hitting critical ship's systems, but for the purpose of raiding the target and not evading it.

Some of their equipment reflect their combat "policy." Examples include engine baffles, stealth (not cloak) packages, and a myriad of equipment "borrowed" from everyone in the Alpha Quadrant.

I don't have many ideas about Ferengi personal equipment, but am open to suggestions.

As far as characters and character creation, I have many ideas, including a revamp of Reknown skills to include the tracking of Wealth (and yes, you get to spend it too). The overall cost to a Ferengi character is that they have fewer points to spend on skills and attributes.

I'm still working on a way to scale the spending of Wealth points to keep game balance. If I can't make it work, I'll probably do away with it. The rule does work well with "corporation and guild" organizational structures.

Anyways, I should have a rough draft for Ferengi character creation done in a couple of weeks, so anybody who has ideas for templates, send them in.

"Satisfaction is not guaranteed."

[Capt.Hunter]

As some background colour, don't forget to mention the "Maruader Mo" action series!!

As for skills, would Command be suitable for Ferengi? Intimidation or Persuasion seem to be used aboard Ferengi ships instead (promising the engineer a larger share of the profits if he can get the warp core online in ten minutes, or threatening a junior officer with loss of his earnings).

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"We are the Borg. You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile."

"Mr.Kalor, give them a full spread of Quantum Torpedoes - let's see if they're right on that last point"
Captain Matt Hunter, USS Tempest NCC-81205.

[Doug Burke]

Re: Glory/Courage/etc...

I have an even better idea that "Net Worth", folks... Why not "Lobes"? Seems a common Ferengi term for guts, accumen and all sorts of other characteristics, as in "He's got good lobes for arms deals," or "You haven't got the lobes to oppose me!"

And the Nausicaan version of Courage points would "Grumbah"...

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Doug Burke

McCoy: "You're taking me to the promised land?"
Kirk: "That's what you get for missing staff meetings, Doctor."

[Dan Gurden]

LOBES!

Give that man a bar of Latinum... Thats perfect...

Thus freeing up Greed for -1 disadvantage... A Ferengi would have to spend a courage point to ignore ANY event that promises payment, even those situations that are clearly too dangerous...

(Possibly -2 for other species as the Ferengi who succeeded and got paid would advance in his societies standing...

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Dan.

"A couple of thoughts froma random mind!"

[Dave Biggins]

Originally posted by ArsenicMan:
#1. Here's the preliminary assignments:
I've also e-mailed Dave Biggins asking if he'd be willing to write two adventures for us.

I'd be honored to! Thanks for asking! I've got one in mind and I'll zap an outline your way. If you could give me a laundry list of any specific ground/rules that you'd like me to cover, let me know.