My ideas for reorganizing how we play RGPs:

Dealing with damage and carrying capacities, I believe weapon classes should be assigned different attributes (such as a speed, damage, and perhaps range); weight limits could be a percentage based on the physical aspects (weight and strength) of the character -- this would set tangible boundaries for the armour type (which will protect on a percentile-based system as well), weapon, ammunition, and anything else being carried. Of course, it will also make it necessary that enemies are given health points, potential damage, and speed categories as well, so there will be more planning involved.

As for distances, we could use maps from a game called Star Craft; this game also allows for the creation of custom maps. However, I'll need to find my copy to implement this. In addition, it could provide us with some balanced speed, damage, and health levels.

I don't know how RPGs normally take turns with the story, but I feel we should delve into that.


Example of Stats (Though We May Want to Include Things Like Intelligence, Stamina, Etc.):

Character Class: Medium-Weight Warrior
* 55-Pound Carrying Capacity
* 300 Health Points
* 35/100 Speed Points; “Slow Category”

(Speed Categories, Determine Turn Order: Faster > Fast > Normal > Slow > Slower)


Armor Type: Medium
* Protects Wearer from 20% of Physical Attack Damage
* Weighs 15 Pounds

Primary Weapon: Assault Rifle and 300-Round Ammunition
* 50 Damage Points per Round
* 7 Space Attack Range (Single Direction)
* Must Reload After 5 Attacks; Takes One Turn
* Weighs 30 Pounds

Secondary Weapon: Hunting Knife
* 10 Damage Points per Attack
* 1 Space Attack Range
* Weighs 1 Pound

Accessories: 9 Pounds
* Grenade; 30 Damage Points; 2x2 Attack Range; Weighs 3 Pounds (Carry Limit: 3)
* Rifle Scope; Increases Assault Rifle Range 2 Spaces; Takes One Turn; Weighs 2 Pounds
* Health Kit; Increases Health by 25 Points; Weighs 3 Pounds (Carry Limit: 4)
* Lighter; Weighs 1 Pound

Frost that would be great. I think if we can get a game going adamant then we could hopefully get some members interested in joining in. If you have any ideas then let me know. To be honst if you have any ideas write it out and post it up and just see how it goes.

I can make the system, though I'm not all that sure about creating a story and mastering it.

Im not to sure about this system man. To be honest it feels a little to restricting - it would be a great, free system if we we're playing table top, but seeing as how none of us are local to each other, and we're doing this through the internet, I think it would be a hassle. You'd need someone to be constantly GM-ing the game, people will forget the system, or deliberately disobey it. In regards to a game, I had a bit of an idea brewing, and I'll work on it.

it does seem confusing, for me at least. If the RPG is made too hard then people will either not play or stop playing. The game just needs to be clear and easy for people to understand. Then again, maybe had difficulty levels for the games. Eg; game 1 has a difficulty lvl of ten (ten being the most difficult and confusing and only for mature, experienced players) Game 2 has a difficulty lvl of 2, pretty darn easy. So on and so forth.

I mean, I would love to play the RPG's but When it gets confusing or people are left out then I don't like playing.

**** it then. You guys can figure out a solution.

Chill out bro, no need to get agro over it. I just think you're over complicating the problem. THere are alot of things that we can use from that and put into some sort of system, but the use of maps and things will just bog down play.

Apparently my solution is too complicated as evidenced by everyone -- so bring something to the table. I hear everyone saying that there's something they don't like, yet I've failed to see anyone else do anything.

I have no patience for figuring up the game. The logistics of it. Don't have a go at me or anything. It's a great idea and it's great for those that are advanced in playing RPG's. I'm not that good at it. Maybe all I need is some time to actually look over what you suggested when I'm not so freaking tired!

Come on please keep it civil in here.
Adamant is the only one that has been putting time and effort into helping to get the RPG's going again. I think what he has come up with is great so far. Yes it may be a little complicated but if you sit down and think hard about it for a bit and/or ask questions, I am sure he will be willilng to answer and when you think about it, it would be great to help with writing ideas as well.

adamant I want to thank you for showing interest in helping me to get the RPG's up and running again. Hopefully in the next week can have one running. It would be good if we could. You have been the only one so far that has come to me with anything at all in regards to my requests and I really want to get them up and running again asap.

I am being civil.

Okay, that could be percieved as moody. I apologise. And when I said freaking tired i would of put roll eyes there or something. Not sure. But i didn't mean it in a bad way!

What everyone has been saying they want is merely a collaborative story -- not a role-playing game. What I've provided isn't nearly all that complicated; the character classes, their damage, weaponry, and everything else would be given, and all participants would have to do is pick and carry out a story (trying not to die in the process). How is that difficult? Also, rather than just saying that it's too hard, say what you don't understand, or YOU can add something.

Provide something better than using a map. You must admit that is infinitely better than just being given a scene and being told to improvise when there are multiple people.

I'm a simple person (NO JOKES!) and after working I don't like thinking too much. It just seemed really elaborate and when I first looked at it I was at lunch and it did seem extreme. But hey, put it that way, It sounds good. And no, not changing mind, just saying as long as the game isn't overly complicated than I'm all for the RPG.

Just that the others were too thrown together and no offence to Hulls Raven but not properly thought out. Okay, the first Ryboks was cool until in the end it got so rushed. We had PM's flying all over the place saying go kill this character because they are after youa dn that sort of sneakiness was annoying. To put it lightly. As long as the game is properly thought out and planned then great. Fantastic.

You have put great thought into this Adamant which is awsome to see. I want the RPG's up and running again and if you can be games master and are able to come on frequeasntly enough then Brilliant and count me in.

Good point about the map to be honest. It would be easier to have a rough idea on where people are to go at times instead of just saying that you arre running in any random dircetion. I think knowing where you are to head roughly is good and knowing a rough idea of what the area looks like. I mean it would suck to go left if you're meant to go right and fall off a cliff that is there and you didn't know. :p sorry had to say that.

But i think adamany has made valid points and we should look into giving it ago.

Torana, what did I tell you hmmmm???? -.- :p

Well how would the maps go up? Would you draw them up Adamant and scan them onto your computer?

Hopefully I will be able to just impose something from a game I have. Otherwise, I'm sure there are some RPG maps on the web. At the very least, we can set up a grid and write where things are using the coordinates.


Some of the most elaborate things really are quite simple...

.....just explain it when I've had food, K? :p

The one that will probably be used, the grid....

http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/UM_level1/map22_rpg_illo.jpg

...squares are coded, with represented figures in a legend), then everyone knows where certain landmarks are. If we wanted something more zoomed-in: http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/hador_goldenhead/35pix_sewer_01.jpg

ooooooh. Koolies. Looks good.

awesome thanks adamant. I will see if I can come up with a RPG if no one else does in the next few days and maybe you could give me a hand with it seeing as though I know bugger all about them???? :D

Yeah, it shouldn't be all that hard for a forum of writers to come up with a viable story. Once we've done that, I'll try to adapt characters from several games to make main character types, enemies, and items.

As long as it involves sharp pointy things I'm in. Possibly.

Hmm....


*poke*

ACK!

*kick*

Yep sounds great to me adamant and let me know if you come up with anything I will see what I can do in the mean time though. :)

I have no idea how to deal with our various timezones, however.

*judo chop!*

HA! YOU MISSED ME! by thaaaaaaaat much!


Ok. Enough with Austin powers and Get smart references! RPG, any ideas at all? Unfortunatly mine would revolve around Fantasy, Magicka dn vampires. Mostly. And guns and swords and... You get the picture!

I'd prefer if we left vampyres... used severely. I think it should involve a quest of some kind, that way everyone is willing to help one another, and we don't have a case of covert PM's and missing members (now encased in goldddd... I love goldddd).

*hadouken!*

I like that idea actually adamant. Quests are always a good idea.

I like queasts.

Uhoh. Not lord of the rings!

*Special female Ninja move: Banging head against table!*

Ok. I suck.

I've never seen LotR, so there's no need to worry. I simply mean there should be some physical item that everyone wants to achieve. Perhaps we could make it something limited so that everyone has to compete at the end?

Personally, I would love to do a mystery, but I feel it would take too much time and planning. Also, I've never attempted to write in that genre.

*Special Ninja Replacement Jutsu!
Why are you banging your own head against the table?*

Because I couldn't think of anything. The room I'm in is hot so I htink I may open the door!

*Special female Ninja move: The Angry PMS stare!*

*Midol-no-jutsu!*

So... you don't want a quest? I could search for some good campaigns on some RPG sites I know of...



EDIT: Ooh... check out this map I just found (you can click it and make it much larger too): Ephiarran Highlands | RPGMapShare.com (http://rpgmapshare.com/index.php?q=gallery&g2_view=dynamicalbum.PopularAlbum&g2_albumId=7&g2_itemId=523)

EDIT: And here is a gigantic list of RPG plots we can use: http://www.io.com/%7Esjohn/plots.htm (http://www.io.com/%7Esjohn/plots.htm)

Either way I'm happy with it. A mystery would take far more planning and a lot more GM time as well I feel.

Oh some of those look quite cool :)

A VIP/hostage type mission where the PCs have to infiltrate an area and bring someone home... this would allow for everyone to go after one thing and perhaps a fantasy setting.

Or the PCs could have been stranded and need to find a way to contact home... lost in an unfamiliar land where magic is commonplace - yet they are ignorant of its ways (or the opposite).

botha re great suggestions and I think could work. Maybe we could do one and then the other? We need to see what others think and if they'd be interested in doing it I guess.

Or a team of operatives chasing the bad guy gets transported to another realm? Could be a hostile realm or a realm with mystery, are the natives hostile or friendly?

And yeah, I do wanna quest. I like quests!

Hmm. Perhaps let each player craft their own reasons to look for said object/goal? Allows everyone to play their character more freely - if I'm greedy and self-centered, I'm tagging along for the loot, not to help people. And so on.

I'm more than willing to participate and help where necessary.

I had planned for the characters to come to the game for their own reasons, not much fun otherwise. However, there must be some kind of goal for everyone to go after for cohesion amongst the players.

What about the games already playing as in why has the posting stopped. Biohazard Third Earth Ryboks Rat Pack Jedi. Starting a game is pointless if no one is going to finish what’s started. you all need to remembered to post regularly.

I'm all for new games as Raven seems to have posted but we also need to remembered the games you have also committed to play.

Well, I haven't committed to any of those games. Moreover, if there is a huge drop in the level of participation, wouldn't it make since that there is something wrong with them, something that does not make them compelling to play? By starting a new game, we don't have to adjust to what has previously occurred. Although it would also be possible to just revamp a game and start it from scratch, those games aren't mine to alter.

Considering Rybok is onto its third and was very popular until a few weeks ago no. And third Earth seemed very active.

There seems to be an excellent choice of games here by all kinds of different people. It seems to me no one wants to committe for a past a certain length of time.

By all means open new games we mods will look them over and if upto rules standards we'll pass them.

But only play if your committed don't make a few posts then decide you can't be bothered with posting anymore. it kind of stuffs it up for everyone really.

It's not that I couldn't be bothered posting, it's for several reasons, one being that I couldn't think of anything to write, I also teamed up with Nadala in Third Earth and Biohazard (was planning that one) and she unfortunatly left due to personal reasons, so that didn't work out and left me a bit high and dry and the third earth got overrun adn I lost intrest. With Ryboks, In the third game I was basically left to fend for myself and it seemed that half my posts were ignored (from what I remember and what it came across to me) And no offense to Raven, I mean while I know that he has a hell of a lot of stuff going on in his life at the moment, a new child and moving possibly, the posts about oh gee, super soldiers pop up with shotguns. Okay fair enough, then chainsaws??? It's like Raven didn't really give a toss about how it ended or how the game evolved in the end. The senarios were half hearted at best. He's a great guy but that's how I saw it.

Now, I would love to finish the games, I would have to get my intrest up again. Like I have repeatedly posted, as long as games are thought out and planned, not extremely complicated and confusing in the rules I would be happy to help and I owuld greatly appreciate not being sent PMs saying go kill this guy, they are after you and while that may give the game extra edge, I was instantly stressed and the first game was ended so rushed when it was getting fantastic. The second Ryboks was cancelled due to people unfortunatly having things come up that kept them away from the forum.

Perhaps those that are teamed up when required are those that are generally on at the same time as Time Zones suck and can hinder game play.

If we can work out who's characters are still left in the third Ryboks and the third Earth then perhaps it can be cleaned up and maybe there will be some freshness to it.

I would be intrested in playing again though.

I beleive Doms Tor's Anthraxx's and DoZ's characters are still alive in Rybok. After reading through it seems Raven prepared for his awayness and gave Rybok a very small roll leaving you guys to carrying should he be unable to post. Well i don't mind taking on the role for you all to finish the game.

Third Earth looks to be on going.
As does Biohazard.

As for this other idea you all started sharing that also sounds very productive so more imput would be great sounds like you are all rather committed with that also. Who will be drafting the rules out.

Raven told me a few things about Ryboks.

Not sure about rules though. Perhaps one is NO dirty tricks. I would suggest no-one send PMs to plot about the game and other characters. Do you know what that did for my nerves???????!!!!!!! :p

Deaths of characters are to be agreed with the person playing the character unless that person is away for a week or more which results in the game being slowed to the pace of a snail. (unless said person gives fair warning if at all possible) If the game is haulted because someone is away, perhaps that Game master can override and have the character killed off. If the Game requires the death of characters, then perhaps the Game master can have a conversation with the said persons. And also allow that person write their own characters death scene or tell the GM how they want the character to die.


Or something roughly like that. If you get my drift? Sorry if it was confusing!

No it was very helpful

Any new games welcomed. If Im offline for a long period feel free to contact Sapphire Cogito Kit603 or Night Haunter Im sure any of them will look over your ideas games and then post them up.

oops double posted :rolleyes:

Thanks Raven. Hopefully we can get the rest of the games going and finished before too many others start up though.

I'm waiting for Anthraxxx to come back before I post anymore on Third Earth, we've kind of intertwined our stories together so much that going ahead would throw some monkey wrenches into it.
As for Rybok's, I was waiting for a GM to come back since Smith set it up that a nuclear explosion should be happening soon. So we kind of need a GM to decide if its a dud or not. So glad to have you back Raven.

Thanks Dom.

I'll read the posts I missed when i get back from buying kids santa prezzies. and make a decission

Soooooooooo.... Do I get a pressie????? ^^

Who would like to see a sequel to my Virus: Biohazard Game.

Hello, and welcome to the Concept Announcement. This is where I, filling the shoes of both myself and pet., announce the fact that we, in secret, have been plotting and scheming and gradually developing a brand new RPG. But this, dear players, is no ordinary RPG- This is an entire world, along the lines of the 'Rat Pack' series of games, to be re-used in various forms by our more dedicated players and sampled from a distance by the less.

Our world is primarily based on High Fantasy, with several plots based within politics, action and basic adventure. We've got a map, a delicately balanced magic system and an amazing assortment of possible plots- and we're only just getting started. The magic system is perhaps one of the most interesting parts of the game. You take one (or possibly two, with training) 'medium'- Vocal, Movement, Drawing and Crafting- each with its own strengths and weaknesses, and use it to create spells and rituals to create almost any effect you can imagine.

Now, there are two reasons for announcing the concept without simply starting the thread- first, we'd like to 'test the water', so to speak; we'd like to know precisely who is interested in playing the game before going for it. Second, and perhaps more important, we'd like a couple of sticky threads- first, the basic rules and concepts of the world, second, the character sheet list (so that they can be continued on in later adventures, plus it makes it easier to work with). I hope that this can be worked out.

So! Who's interested? Let's hear the interest!

I'd like to give it a try, but I'd like to know more about the world we'd be playing in, the politics and the possible assortments of plots and characters.

But yeah, I'd definitely give it a try.

We've got that all ready, Klee. We just need enough player numbers to make it worthwhile to get a couple of stickies.

bad corny Anime LOL! But I have to agree. Just a few changes and a rework on how the powers work would make a difference, methinks.

Trouble is of late I have been so hectically busy with many things too many to mention even I have been un-able to give time to devise new games.


Anyone who wishes to create a new game is very welcome. Post your game in the rpg forum and I'll approve it once I'm online.


In the meantime I am devising a couple of newer games.

Kagen has been removed for a while. Due to the main reason many members have pulled out and asked for their characters to be killed off. And this happened a week ago. So with B-Gas Torana and Myself the game seemed to be a little low on players. Pet. and Gunslinger I am unsure of whether they were still playing.


So for the time its been removed to make way for CyberPunk 2120Ad.

So who is still interested in continueing playing Kagen or should I leave it burried?

I'm still interested Raven. I will be able to pop in every second day to post in it after next week.

There seems to be a lack of interest in the "Iron and Fire" RPG. I realize that the story line sounds like a bad corny Anime (no offense, Leaka), but I'd be interested in giving it a try.

Of course, I can't if no one else joins... <.<
Non taken.

I really have a hard time with RPG and storyline.
I have an idea, but I'm only good at writing something as a story a summary.
But how do you summarize something no one has read.
I don't think anyone is interested in Iron and Fire. Corny anime? -.-

I had another idea, but thats hard to explain.
The theme is Phobia.

I wanted an RP about characters with Phobia and how they are suppose to some how meet with each other and get rid of their Phobias.
And then they realize later on of course that their minds have been controlled, but not in that generic sentence. It was more like their minds were diseased and the diseased mind controlled the mind creating these supernatural and fearful things to happen. So everything was created by their diseased brain, but it manifested itself into reality.
The reason the mind had been diseased is because the water they drink had been contaminated with some new bacteria that the science lab had created. The new bacteria was suppose to cure the elderly brains and so they put it in the towns drinking water.
The water had been contaminated by the alliance of the science lab and water company. What they hadn't realized was that it affected the youth and not the adults as they hoped. But when the alliance finds out they both want to see what happens next.
This all goes on in a very small and rural town that almost sounds like fiction. Its not on any map because its so small.

Or some strange storyline like that.
But I didn't know if that would peek anyones interest.
And I know my explanation about the storyline is weird too. So that confuses people.

Threesided was banned for breaking the rules by Cogito. He had also been responcible for Spamming across the boards.

Threesided was banned for breaking the rules by Cogito. He had also been responcible for Spamming across the boards.

mm... double-posty goodness...

Anyway, I think that it was more likely that pet. was playing than me. I hadn't checked in for quite a while. Sorry! (no hard feelings, right Raven?)

I think there was a general feeling that the entire RPG forum was going down when you pulled the Kagen stuff. Now that there's an explanation, I think that WritingForums in general can breathe a deep, deep sigh of relief. I think I'm going to try this Cyberpunk thing. It could be fun.

I never hold hard feelings B-Gas.

As for Kagen the game fell a little silent around xmas which is fair enough considering it was holiday period but afterwoods no one barring you and Tor really posted in. and then I was asked by a most to kill off characters.

Well that said. we did have four Rat Pack games three of which were Rybok. So I think time has come for changes.

We need a lot of fresh games thrid earth and virus have finished so we're running low. Personally Im hoping to see members join the damocles gulf game.

I wanted to keep playing in the Kagens ratpack but It seemed like it was moving too fast for me to keep up with and I was having stuff happening outside the forum. it was the only reason why I wanted out.

I was thinking more in the RPG games, can you give us more directions? Like in teh Cyber Punk game, do we wake up with amnesia? and which way is the boat/shuttle thing (I forgot! ><) I would like some more direction in this so I can make a post, but I don't want to start off on the wrong foot so to speak.

yeah sure. Hop over to cyber punk descussion. ;)

The rpg forum will only work if people playing the games are actively playing on a regular basis. I've been in-active and come back to find the place like a ghost town.

Uh?

waiting for Gloom to get over her writers block! >< with her moving and getting a couple of shiny new cars.. I think she may be distracted for a while! :D

I've got an idea for a new RPG...I'll send that off to you, HR.

if you like crazy post it in the rpg thread and I'll approve it once Im back online.

heh- I was thinking about one too....hmmm...

Crazy I've approved your rpg after having a read. Looks pretty good.

DoZ can't wait to see what you come up with. Once you post it I'll approve it for genereal viewing. ;)

Well I'm a bit new here and I've noticed this section is realy empty.... It's kinda creepy!

Yeah its kinda fallen silent this past months since christmas.

How depressing. I hope it starts to get hopping soon, cause' I'll probibaly be a regular here! :)

I have quite a good in depth RPG that I think everyone who enjoys sort of "dark" age, in fact, I'm using it to develop a short story, as well as a novel soon. I am only going to post / send it to someone however when I think this place is active, I'd hate for my idea to be explained for nothing, let alone share (no offense, really) my idea without results.

well lets give it a try :)

Hello?.... Hello?..... Hello?..... Hello?...... Hello?.... Hello?..... Hello?...... (echo) I was here a week ago and still there is nothing. It's like a ghost town. Is anyone there? Is anyone alive?

Yup me still checking the boards.

Seems we have fallen from active to ghost like.

It's quite sad.... There are many great RPG ideas around here..... *sigh*

Yes I know and from nowhere since xmas passed everything went deafly silent and this domain is waiting for a pick up.

Feel free to try and bring back the spice of the rpg section. ;)

I'll try, but I hate RPGing to myself. ;)

lol.

*watches the tumbleweeds pass by* Maybe we need new RPG dynamics or something....

I'm open to any suggestions. Please feel free to have a crack. ;)

Here's an idea, and I know it's not going to be popular, but it might help things in two directions. We use this forum area to advertise RP forum sites that are active, useful, interesting, et cetera, and in return they advertise writingforums.org. I'm guessing that people who want to RP on a site probably would prefer a dedicated site to one where it's a side branch (No offense, Raven!); equally, RPers would probably enjoy a site where they can actually critique writing and post their own. We can use this forum to advertise good sites, and we can also use it as a place to think up RP site ideas of our own. rpg-directory.com used to have that kind of place, but they closed it down.

What do you think?

Anyone who starts an RPG needs to show up at least every three days. Don't start one unless you know that you won't ditch it. Is that cool? If you join you must show up at least once a week. If not then they shall be kicked off?

Does that sound fine? Haha! Like anyone will show up to see this post anyways!:)

Don't sweat it, milove. It is the responsibility of all the RPers to try be a little punctual...sometimes they go off for a longer time, supposing nothing would have happened. Which is quite contrary to reality.

Anyhow, my humble suggestion would be that nothing can be done until members actively take part. There are many RPGs waiting, and players too, but no one is starting off. Either the GM has been offline for long or the players. There have to be some serious members involved.

Sounds cool. I'd say go for it! ;-)

Wot! There's poeple here! It's imposible! I'm not the only one alive! :)

Humm... I'm thinking of makeing a murder mystery one... I'll put it up soon once I get the details in my head. Or may be a supernatural one.......

I'd be interested in participating in or running a murder mystery one for you, if you'd like.

I'm going to crack on this week or so and start a new set of games off. Including the return of the Ravenstone saga from Third Earth.

Anyone hve any ideas of other games they'd like to become involved with.

I like it, I suppose. Though I hope there's a little wiggle room as far as plots are concerned. I used to be involved in SIMS, and sometimes those got a little tight. And when they got tight they got boring.
By the way, people need to get going in Nanaria!!!! Please? It could become potentially interesting (especially with that particular one of my characters, just kidding), and it won't go anywhere if nobodie's in there.

Too true come on folks get playing. ;)

Just a quick question.

I read on the first post that in order to post a new RPG i have to PM Raven. Do i PM Raven with my idea in the message THEN post the idea, or post the idea in a new thread and give Raven the link for overview in a PM?

No what you can do now is post your game up here in this forum and once I see it I will read through and approve the game. Until the games approved it will remain invisible to everyone else except myself and Daniel and the Super Moderation team. If I'm away for longer than 48 hours you may ask any of the other Mods to approve the game for you.






~Raven.
Senior Super Moderator.

The one big problem to RPG is that you have to wait for the other person who you are speaking with to reply before you can do anything.
Phaile (don't know how to spell it) please come back :(. I'm bored with nothing to do......

I have a question: what happens if our rp is not approved? Do we get a notification of any kind?

So, I haven't RP'ed a lot really. I have one going on Writer's Beat for a long while before my hiatus. It got over 100 posts and had over 30 members playing it, so it was rather interesting. We even had maps :D It was awesome. So...I guess, I'm asking if there is a real good way to go about this on this Forum. Should I PM the poster first and see if they have a plan going on, or just sort of jump in and roll with the punches?

If its not approved within 48 hours then feel free to PM myself or another moderator.

Was the Star Wars one deleted? :(

Yup too old and the players have long since left. It was here for about a year and never played. So its gone were all decaying things go. the garbage land were elmo just and I mean just may find grouch. ;)

You guys should check out the rp I just set up. I've run several of the same type on various other sites, so if you join its bound to be great.

Can we, uh, kill the dead threads? Or perhaps start a sub forum so they aren't there taunting us with their inactivity?

You have a point there Ferret. I'll go through the inactive ones later and clean us up.


Now.
Anyone interesting in bring back the Rat Pack RPG.

I am

Wow. Didn't think you were going to do another one. I'm....game... until I bet shot to pieces. :D

Sure, why not?

Ok I'll devise a new plot and new rules I'll try and get us up and running by Saturday.

Wow. Didn't think you were going to do another one.
What Can I say I miss it. :)

LOL.

It's going to be interesting. Oh and MY DEATH WILL NOT BE TOLERATED THIS TIME AROUND MR. I WONTKILLYOUIPROMISE RAVEN. :mad:


Juuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuust kidding. Be inventive. I don't mind being blown to smitherines! Sounds like fun! :D

Ah deaths. Hmmm we will deal with them differently.;)

Oh...so you're gonna see who teases Torana the most and then decide the death :eek:

Erm nope. Doesn't work like that.

Tors charactor survived the last game if memory serves me well.

Ah yes, true.

Then what?!?! First lyrics contest, now this. Just not fair. :'(

????????????

Never mind Raven. I'm being hyper. :p

I'm been thick don't worry 'bout it. lol ;)

Ok I'm going to run up a set for the next Rat Pack game.

Bout time. :p

I've launched my new Virus game. :)

Awesome! :D

Does the Virus game have anything to do with the Rat Pack, or are they totally different things?

Different.

Does the Virus game have anything to do with the Rat Pack, or are they totally different things?

lol very Different.

As for the Rat pack game. I'll get something sorted out this weekend. fingers crossed.

lol very Different.

As for the Rat pack game. I'll get something sorted out this weekend. fingers crossed.

Is there any limit on joining more then one RP? I'm in two already, and the Rapsody one is taking a lot of thought and work. But I really would like two join the Biohazard one, it's not my normal thing and I need to leave my comfort zone. The Rat Pack sounds pretty awesome too, but the would give me four xD

hmmmm. Virus game. Thats the one with the zombie type dudes, right? Sorry! >< Not gona join. Last time I did, I joined up with Gloom but then she got stuck and couldn't post anymores. So that buggered me up (not entirely her fault mind you) and then I lost intrest. The only intrest I hold for the RPGS, is Rhapsody and Ryboks. And so help you Raven if you add Zombies into the Rybok mix...... :p

LOL DoZ Zombies will Never ever feature in a Rybok/Rat Pack game. lol.

So your safe there. ;)

I believe that like I believe that Chopper Read has ears and has never hurt a fly.

Ok I'll need at least 6 people to let me know if they are interested in taking part in the next Rybok. I'm asking in advance of the game because theres so much discription that goes into creating the new game. And to be honest I need to know if its going to be played.

Sounds cool. I think I shall join.

Any other takers. :)

which is going to start first, Biohazard or Rybok? :) I got a lot of RPG's I'm doing, so I'll do one or the other. :)

I'll sign up for some more Rybok's.

Excellent Great.

A haunted ocean liner would make a cool RPG

I had a crasy idea...

How about a historical based PRG? Like say, in the Trenches in WW1? or in the street fighting in Stalingrad? Or even in the fighting between the war lords of Mogidisou or in Iraq?

Personaly, I like the 'Stalingrad' idea foremost.

We Now have a Sub Forum. ;)

So for every game we can now have a discussion thread. or discussion's debats about other rpg projects all in here and all is designated seperate threads so we're not clogging up the few we had.


Welcome to the RPG Subforum.







~Raven.
Senior Super Moderator.

A Searching:



So the idea is that people who had horrible lives or still have horrible lives are searching for the knowledge of why their lives are horrible.
Since I am the Gamemaster I own a mysterious bookstore that holds all this knowledge. I am the creator of the worlds and I am the one who writes your lives in my books.
When you pick up a book at my store you realize that the book is exactly like your life. The next chapters are what you do in the present.
Say your name is Gem and read: Jane goes to La Cafe to consolate with her friend.
And Gem is about to enter La Cafe and meet with her best friend.
That is the first half.

The second half is when you figure out this knowledge you try to keep.
You try to make it as secret as you can just like the bookstore owner who tries to keep the information out of you.


The third half is the council of knowledge creatores try to kill you and try to gain the information back.
That is the part where you get a weapon or some magical power.

So its a human condition RP, but at the same time an action RP

Stupid question: These are PbP mostly? I just read the rules and I was a little confused.

PM is sent :) I'll help you answer your question.

Can I make a suggestion? Could there be a pinned thread in this forum which lists all the currently active RPGs along with a brief summary and whom to contact if you're interested in participating?

I'm working on the list right now. :)

You're a sweetheart, no matter what they say. ;)

Posted :)

Awesome! Now I've just got to pick one. ;)

just wanted to say all the RPG's up at the moment are awesome

Yes they are :)

Hello. :0)

I hope this is an alright place to post this question. If not, I apologize in advance! :0)

I'm an experienced rper and rpger and writer, however, I've never GM'd a game that had "rules" beyond text for battles. I've written in them before, but never gm'd one. All of the games I've GM'd were mainly text based. I have an rpg that I would like to start at some point (I've had it in mind for years) but was hoping to get a little bit of battle guidance.

My rpg has some definite direction and some specific baddies and I'm wondering if someone would like to share with me their methods for doing battle. In the past I have developed relationships with writers that I had gotten familiar enough with that we didn't need "rules of engagement" but since I'm new here, I thought it might be helpful?

I would just love to get all of the technicalities of gming with a bit more structure down before I launch my rpg. Thanks in advance for your help. :0)

Raven, I read the rules you posted and you did a nice job explaining the different rpg styles. Thanks for being so helpful.

~Salinye

PM me your questions. :) I will gladly look them all over and answer them individually. I am more than happy to help you as much as possible throughout any of our endeavors around the site.

Thanks. :0)

I'll do that tonight when I get settled in the hotel.

You all are wonderful, thank you.

~S

There's a story that I've started writing quite a while back and plan to make into a full novel. I believe that the plot would play out great as a roleplay so is it alright to use the plot since it is basically the same within my story? (I'm not posting the story on any forums, it's my own personal piece.)

I don't see why it wouldn't be ok. If I ever start a rpg; I probably wouldn't have it take place during the plot, but I would probably use the same world that my stories take place on.

The RPG that I'm starting in August is a piece of a novel I'm writing. I always thought it would be fun to see how it would play out in an rpg. It just means I'll be more particular about who writes in it and will probably have a little more guidance as the GM. :0)

I think it's a completely fair thing to do. :0)

~Sali

I'm also concidering using an novel for an RPG that I've been working on

I'm thinking of creating a rpg. I'll probably do it a couple of weeks from now. Would any want to play a zombie survival game?

I'm thinking of creating a rpg. I'll probably do it a couple of weeks from now. Would any want to play a zombie survival game?

Zombies!? Did I hear zombies...? *eyes roll back into head*
I'm so there.

Well, atleast I got one person. I was thinking about going with the normal zombie cliche and having the characters stuck inside a mall.

Sounds like lots of good, violent fun. :D

Wreybieas and I were mulling over an RPG version of the Golden Orb Game. I got the proposal fleshed out, and then we both decided that neither of us wanted to be GMs. The proposal is as follows:

Dear Recipient;
You have been invited to participate in the QUEST FOR THE GOLDEN EGG. This Quest will be held on my private island, ISADORA'S HEART. The island resembles a bar, which is part of your journey. You will be transported to the mouth of the island and must get to the heart of the island. Only one person may reach this location*, and this person shall receive the GOLDEN EGG, a prize with greater value than it appears.

Every five days, the participants must stay at one of my lodges. The entry fee is five quality posts, ten or more sentences each. Unforunately, failure to enter a lodge on time will result in expulsion from the island.

Only one may possess the GOLDEN EGG. If you are interested in this quest, please click the {something specific about your avatar} to your left, and PM {whomever mods the game} your name, and all vital information, as well as which FOUR items you wish to bring to the island with you.

Your participation is greatly appreciated,
Alexandra McCraig
*I would like all participants to remeber that senseless killing is another reason for expulsion from my island~ AM

I thought somebody might want to run with this, tweaking as he/she sees fit. Have fun or ignore it depending on your preference:)

Hey guys!
Well, I'm in the process of being an RPG player and thoroughly enjoying myself. TONS of fun. I'm thinking I might just try my hand at GMing sometime soon, and I had an idea.

What would you guys think of an RPG set in my own fantasy world? I have links in my sig to my blog, which contains some world information (gotta get more up there), and to my story thread (gotta get more up there ;) ).

The focus of the game will likely be relationships over combat. Don't get me wrong, we'll have a lot of action to get mixed up in, but character conflicts (internal and external), romance relationships, and general character growth and building will be primary objects of affection (for lack of a better term).

This likely won't be starting until the beginning of September. I'm starting my fourth year of university, working over the Net, and I'll have a little more free time to check the posts and such. I just figured I'd post here first to see if there'd be any interest in something like this, and if maybe I should start my planning right now.

Anyway, lemme know what you think!

That idea sounds interesting. I'd join that game. :)

Ok, I have an idea for an RPG that I pulled out of my butt while I was bored reading and watching movies.

I'm not sure if anyone has thought of this before, and I really hope to make this work, but I had an idea for a vampire-type of RPG. Not just vampires though, that's just an example.

I have the idea of making a story based on old fashion horror architypes such as vampires, witches, goblins, werewolves, and stuff like that but set with a modern feel to it. I don't want to work on this thing alone and I'm hoping that I can find someone who feels compelled enough to work with me on this idea.

In all honesty, I want this to be as big as Phoenix Colony which I'll say Foxee did an awesome job doing and I wish I would have participated in.

Ok, I have an idea for an RPG that I pulled out of my butt while I was bored reading and watching movies.

I'm not sure if anyone has thought of this before, and I really hope to make this work, but I had an idea for a vampire-type of RPG. Not just vampires though, that's just an example.

I have the idea of making a story based on old fashion horror architypes such as vampires, witches, goblins, werewolves, and stuff like that but set with a modern feel to it. I don't want to work on this thing alone and I'm hoping that I can find someone who feels compelled enough to work with me on this idea.

In all honesty, I want this to be as big as Phoenix Colony which I'll say Foxee did an awesome job doing and I wish I would have participated in.

What are you trying to do with this?

Or more to the point what type of help or assistance are you looking for?

Well...

I would like to collaborate and work with someone who would like to do an RPG that involves monsters from classic horror stories set in a modern day era. Something dark and horrifying but with enough action provided for those who love it.

I don't have a general story down yet and I've been asking people lately about ideas but I'd like some help from anyone who's passionate about action-horror.

Please people do not post pictures in the RPG games. Its fine to post them in the discussion forum but not the active games I appreciate everyone taking time to work on their character profiles but the pictures are kind of a distraction.


Thank you kindly.




~Raven.
senior Super Moderator.

does anyone wanna collaborate on making a Survivor type RPG? i have the idea but am having trouble trying to shape it not a feasible RPG also im not sure i'd be able to run it on my own so a partnership would be better.

does anyone wanna collaborate on making a Survivor type RPG? i have the idea but am having trouble trying to shape it not a feasible RPG also im not sure i'd be able to run it on my own so a partnership would be better.

*raises hand*

I might be interested.

Survivor the show? Or just a survival type RPG?

Survivor like the show where you got the tribes and that famous presenter dude giving out challenges and stuff, im having an awful headache trying to come up with things like challenges which can be done by teams and stuff. do you guys have any ideas?

Survivor like the show where you got the tribes and that famous presenter dude giving out challenges and stuff, im having an awful headache trying to come up with things like challenges which can be done by teams and stuff. do you guys have any ideas?

Why the show?


Unless we have Crocodile wrestling.

when i say like the show i mean like the concepts of the tribes, challenges and of course tribal council. i dont know if it would work or whether it'd need to be really modified to play like a good RPG

Actually we could do it like the show.
We could have some people as the camera crew and it would be fun because then we would finally understand what the crew thought.
We can have a few people be two different tribes like Indigo and Violet.
Then you could be the host.

And what we could do is because if you have ever seen the show they have the times when the tribe isn't do anything just a lot of drama. And we can see the exiled ones life alone.
Then you can be the host who gives them a letter or coconut some kind of message telling them to come down to the beach. Then you tell us what we do.

Like we could do it where we have to eat disgusting things, or go across a some obstacle course.

I think it would be interesting.

If you're looking to make it a little more involved, you could have the RPG set on a remote island where two different cultures (tribes) inhabit. The years have strained relations, and one of the tribes needs to go. The tribes agree on a set of games and contests to determine the superior tribe. You could even push this further and make them life or death contests.

You could include a council who makes the decisions, and throw in a corruptness to them to sway them one way or the other.

That could be a start if that's what you're looking for.

these are both great ideas:) but i was looking for a more direct interpretation of the TV show. I like Leaka's idea though. i never thought that making a RPG would be so much thought and work and stuff. Kudos to GMs all over the forum.

these are both great ideas:) but i was looking for a more direct interpretation of the TV show. I like Leaka's idea though. i never thought that making a RPG would be so much thought and work and stuff. Kudos to GMs all over the forum.

But its a lot of fun to make them as well.
The thought and work make it fun.

Just wondering what the wait times are like for new games at the moment. I have a little something up my sleave

As do I.

Just wondering what the wait times are like for new games at the moment. I have a little something up my sleave

I put one in about two days ago and my wait is six days (total including the two days that have already passed).

Hmm so that's two, So i might need to wait until the end of October to put mine up

Before I forget, anyone with some time on their hands looking to co-GM give me a pm.

What do I have to do to get in on one of these RPs?

Join when they open before they reach the Mx limit which is 12 players. Although some games cater for more players.

Just to let you all know I will be opening the final Rybok's Rat Pack game in January.

For those of you who don't know the famous Rybok and his Rat Pack unit Rybok's rat pack is basically the Dirty Dozen kind of thing only done in the future.

However this one's going to be done somewhat different.

I've now moved all the dead and closed threads to rpg archives. So you can still use them for reference if you decide to create sequels. It also cleans up the dead threads that clutter everything.




~Raven.

Okay, so, I know that many of you were/are expecting me to fire up another Crystan RPG soon, and I know we've had quite a couple of sci-fi RPs happening lately as it us, and I know that I might have another engagement once Rouge is done...

BUT....

I had this idea.

Its another sci-fi thing and here's the tale: Earth is dead. Gone. History. Its been devastated beyond going back. Only a billion humans have survived as refugees, and they are scattered throughout the galaxy. Several advanced alien races have been traveling the universe for centuries, and they see the humans as primitive scum who somehow escaped the obliteration of their pathetic planet. Most alien races persecute the humans, but there are a few who are sympathetic.

Now, the twist of the game is this: I would let the players create key elements of the universe. Each will run a human player, but each is also permitted to create one alien race, and may be as detailed as he or she likes. There would be some required information, but anything on top of that is fine, even down to the types and classes of starships they've invented, technology they've introduced to others, the range of their territory within the galaxy, etc etc etc.

Once everything was up, we'd dive in on a generally-guided plotline. Focus, though, would be creativity and building and exploring the world. As GM, I'd provide less of a hard-coded guiding hand, and rather encourage players to introduce their own situations and encounters (for the most part) as they went along.

Questions? Comments? Is there anyone who'd be interested in joining such a game? Maybe co-GMing? It likely wouldn't happen for a while, yet, but just thought I'd toss it out there and see what the interest was. :D

Sounds really good to me. Makes me think of Titan AE ... I hope this is a good thing :p I'd definitely join in and help out if needed.

Yup! Kinda like that. Only I'd like it to have a more crude, 'used' feel to it. Sort of like, 'its a dark, rough universe out there,' sorta thing. :D

Interesting. I think you'd get a lot of players but I warn you (as someone who had trod the GM path before) that they need the 'guiding hand' more often than you think. Phoenix was meant to be 'unconstructed' much like this but found a plot anyway. Humans usually do. ;)

LOL! Aye. That, in a way, is part of the point. The plot is built more by the players than explicitly ruled by the GM. Its one thing I admire about Raven's games; he lets the player do their thing while keeping them in the general path of the plot. This encourages a lot of creativity, which I theorize is a huge part of why his games have been so great, as opposed to spoon-feeding a plot to the players (like I tried to do in Dawn of War).

Another thing I'd be wary of is the potential for Godplex in this game. Which is to say, I'm not so sure about the "letting people create their own Alien race" part.

I can see that getting sour really quick, when one person doesn't want their race to have the smack down put on them. Or someone belittles anothers race just to promote their characters "bad ass" nature. I can see it now:

Convo before post:
"Hey dude, my Velornians are going to raid Ryzer's home and kidnap his family."
"Well that's fine, buddy, but just know that Ryzer is going to kill every one of them except the one that kidnaps his family."
"But Ryzer only has a bat, how is that possible?"
"Because he's super fast and an expert bat swinger. He used to play baseball duh?"
"But the Velornians would just shoot him or fry his bat to a crisp."
"They can't. It's an anti-everything bat."
"Well...their technology cancels that out."

Post 1:
Velornians enter Ryzer's house, snatching up his bat before he can grab it and taking his family, they flee back to their ship as quick as they came.

Post 2:
Ryzer gets up and runs after them, he catches the one with his bat and, in a flash of blinding speed, kills all the aliens except the one that has his family.

Convo after:

"Dude, wtf, that's not possible for Ryzer to do."
"I told you, Ryzer is super fast and his bat is anti-everything."

And on and on.

Egads. That's a good point, Flake.

LOL. I see the point. But, I think this comes down to obeying the rules: keeping it realistic and fair, leaving God-moding (i.e 'anti-everything bats' ;)) out, and communicating.

Also, as I said, the creation of the alien races would simply be to create the environment; each player would be required to run a human character as part of the story, rather than a member of their race. Thus, even if they WERE permitted to make their alien race ultra-epic, it could just as likely end up being a detriment to their character as an enhancement.

Sounds like a really cool idea Teele.
I'd play.
But Flake makes a very important point.
That people may do that.


I think all in all if something like that is going to happen.
A raid between Velronian and Ryzers.
You allow them to fight it out for a while.
But the winner is picked by the GM.


For later though, I have one coming out soon, but:
I had an idea, I was thinking of an army game. Science fiction of course.
We have people doing martial arts and able to make enchantments.
Magical enchanting martial arts.

But in this army game I would a three factions and to keep things top secret I would tell the generals through a PM what your mission is.
So every mission you get would be through a PM.
And you work around my underline idea and create your plans.
Or something along those lines.

I see what your saying, Teele, I was merely pointing that out as an aspect that would need more GM guiding than anything else in the game.

I definitely appreciate the concern and the input, Flake! We'll see what happens for the next little while. If things slow down RPG-wise around here (i.e. After ICE), maybe I'll throw this together and give it a go.

Sounds interesting, Leaka. I enjoy epic martial-arts goodness. :D

lol! Its martial arts with magic, who could ask for more.
No, I'm going to turn the magic thing into something more science fiction.
Sorry to disappoint.
Still it looks like magic.

Cool Teele, I'll be there.
This sounds like a really interesting idea and I want to be part.
Also I want to create an alien race that is so freaky it gives AVP a run for there money. :)

Just one final bit of advice...

...Don't ever, ever, ever, EVER expect a game to run itself. It's just not possible.

Oh, definitely not! Nope, that's not the implication I was trying to make. Emphasis here is gonna be creativity. Besides, I'm gonna WANT to be active. :)

Just one final bit of advice...

...Don't ever, ever, ever, EVER expect a game to run itself. It's just not possible.

This is the best advice actually. I've seen so many games fall when the GM lets the players carry on without any navigation. What you have to remember is when you create a game its your creation and although gamers will sign up to play they in effect are stepping into your universe. and to keep them there you have to steer them to a degree and create interest so as they will want to continue to play.

God knows GMing in itself can take great bouts of time and patience but I always feel that games need a strong GM that can put the situations in there and keep the players gripped.

Plus a good game will have good background and character plot and villains atmosphere and a world ready to step into.

Take Carnopolis for example the world is there Flakes has created the scenario and the atmosphere. The background has been well revised and input. The descriptions have all been mapped out and his main plot is done from the start. And that’s what made the game work.

Then Take my Rybok's Rat Pack. Its a world I've created a Mission that’s been explained to has narration of background actions and Villains that are there. The characters are well placed and the interaction gets up close. The game starts and ends in the same line keeping the story ongoing throughout. The narration of the background characters keep the player guessing on what’s coming and wondering what situations will pop up next. Keeping the game play active and alive.

Hm! Excellent advice indeed. With that in mind, perhaps I should be aiming for something a little MORE structured and well-planned...

I shall ponder these mysteries...

:D

Well when Ice is running through you could see some styles in action.
Its best to observe when trying to make an RPG.
Observation is probably one of the best keys in any kind of writing, especially RPG.

Definitely, Leaka. In light of all the advice given, I may end up just going with my original plan and doing another Crystan RPG. The world is already fairly well-established, and many of you have had an intro to it already. As you said, Raven, I'm going to have to give it more thought and planning than last time. Mayhap I'll begin doing that soon. :D

If Crystan is coming back.....Aida is coming back.:)

Teele, if it helps any, this how I plan out Carnapolis based games:

I do an A-K-Z plot line (more letters depending on how separated characters are). A will definitely happen, K will definitely happen, and Z will definitely happen. The rest of the alaphabet is filled in by the players. If a person wants to participate in the overall story arc, they can, or if someone wants to just explore the city I've built for them, they can do that also.

Yeah, it can be boring for people who don't integrate their character into the rest of the story since there isn't such a hard line to follow, I'll admit that. But it allows me a little more down time since I only need to tell the story only as much as those three (or four or five or six) plot points.

And it also allows for a lot of adjustment if someone decides they want to throw a curveball before consulting with the catcher.

:D More great advice. Perhaps this shall become the method of choice for my next game. But hey, since we're on the subject, how exactly DOES each of you plan your games?

I plan my game in my head.

No in all seriousness I just think of a story and how I want it played out. It all, for me, depends on the story.

Like my idea with the army and all that top secret stuff. Where I would have to send the generals their missions and what not, that would be a very heavy GM story.

But for something like Supernatura or Free Spirits, I only need to GM when I know their is suppose to be something going.
Usually for something like Supernatura or Free Spirits, I let the story create itself.
Because that is what an RPG is, a creation among everybody.

For me it all depends on the story and what I want.

Hope that helped or made any sense.

Definitely, Leaka. In light of all the advice given, I may end up just going with my original plan and doing another Crystan RPG. The world is already fairly well-established, and many of you have had an intro to it already. As you said, Raven, I'm going to have to give it more thought and planning than last time. Mayhap I'll begin doing that soon. :D

Id like to see you create another Crystan or even re-do the last version. You certainly had the main background. But if you want my honest opinion You need to be a more hands on GM. Create scenario's and Villians that keep popping up. Remember the famous Vornn. Everyone hated him But he kept them wondering if they'd be struck by him. Be discriptive and with a world like Crystan I think its important to have that background narration and events with character's in story. Like The King ordering his Lieutenant to ambush the players at location X or the King having a conversation with someone else that will later pop up. or two knights chasing the good guys. Do you get the meaning.

When I'm planning an RPG I establish the world, and what, if I was writing it as a story, I would like to happen: I have a beginning, and an ending I'm aiming for. I also have a few plot twists/action triggers planned out.

But you have to be aware that players will have other ideas and turn things around. I think the best GM's are able to be flexible with where the players go but keep the triggers ready to guide them towards the ending.

Id like to see you create another Crystan or even re-do the last version. You certainly had the main background. But if you want my honest opinion You need to be a more hands on GM. Create scenario's and Villians that keep popping up. Remember the famous Vornn. Everyone hated him But he kept them wondering if they'd be struck by him. Be discriptive and with a world like Crystan I think its important to have that background narration and events with character's in story. Like The King ordering his Lieutenant to ambush the players at location X or the King having a conversation with someone else that will later pop up. or two knights chasing the good guys. Do you get the meaning.

I certainly understand! A world with consistency, interesting characters and situations that the players can interact with, and elements that will keep the players guessing...all excellent things to aspire to.

When I'm planning an RPG I establish the world, and what, if I was writing it as a story, I would like to happen: I have a beginning, and an ending I'm aiming for. I also have a few plot twists/action triggers planned out.

But you have to be aware that players will have other ideas and turn things around. I think the best GM's are able to be flexible with where the players go but keep the triggers ready to guide them towards the ending.

Yes indeed. This mix of planning and spontaneity required in a good RPG is what draws me in a big way toward Flake's A-K-Z style. It sounds like you have a similar sort of thing; plan the beginning, end, and a few points in between, and leave the rest to the players. And of course, the actions of the players will have the potential to shift some of the points slightly.

Thanks and kudos to everyone, by the way. I'm soaking up everything I can here!

Don't you mean you are soaking up whatever you read?

Yes, yes, that's precisely what I mean. :D

And you are pounding whatever key you can reach.:)

Something like that. :p

Good you are learning.
:)

I actually have an RPG questions.
How do you guys think of stories?
Or how do you make them more RPG?

Now, I'm not the authority on this one, but here I go. Creating a story for a novel, and creating a story for an RPG are very different. In your own story, you control everything. In an RPG, you need to give the players leeway in crafting the majority of the tale.

However, like general story-writing, coming up with an RPG story begins with an idea. Essentially, this idea could be anything. In Crystan, for instance, I began with the idea of the Upheaval and asked myself a question: "How exactly would it have started?" And from there, I started brainstorming. The basic idea, once you have it, has to be fleshed out, and some background to it drawn up. Almost always, an idea will raise many questions that must be answered.

The most important, and (for me) the most challenging part of turning the story into an RPG story is getting the players involved. How do 12+ random characters get tangled up in this tale? The answer depends on many things, and it is one of the more essential things you'll have to deal with.

That's my two bits, for what its worth. Which isn't much. But hey! :D

You're very helpful Teele. I like what you said.
I think the hardest thing for me in an RPG is letting go.
I love getting people to help me write the story.
Instead of me designing every little plot twist or anything, I like to have them make their own.
But even though I love to do this deeply, I have a problem with letting go.
Like I always feel because I had these ideas in my head...sometimes I feel this isn't going the way I want to go.
I have a hard time letting people make part of their own plot because I had this idea in my head.
I'm always stubborn with my ideas.
What's the hardest thing for you when you create a RPG?

Well, really, I've only done the one RPG so far to any degree. Creating it was generally the easy part. In creation, my mistake was to assume that I could leave the majority of the plot to chance and spontaneity. And of course, as we saw, that burned itself out after not too much time. So, I think the main challenge for me is planning out the elements that will keep the story moving and keep the players interested.

But again, this is based on one failed RPG, so yeah. :D

I tend to run into a pattern.
I end my RPG, never feeling satisfied or I end up never being able to finish my RPGs and I end up upset because I never got to finish them.
I really want to try something new.
But I just don't have the style or the technique down.

Makes two of us, mate! Although I'm hoping to try and nail the style in my next RPG. I'm looking forward to the challenge.

Of course, since being here, I've had about 1034231 ideas for RPGs, so I've got plenty of experimental ammo left. :D

I have a whole bunch of RPG ideas as well.
I really want to start this one called Edge. Its in my blog.
And I made up my own races and stuff.
But its an alien one and these are alien race.

My RPGs (I'm GMing one other successful one over on wf.com) tend to start with the idea for a world. I have a habit of picking little things out from books I read or films I see and melding them together into a foundation for a world that I then build on. Once I have the world established, I can usually see space for a story. For example, Exodus started with the post-apocalyptic, survival of humanity ideas. I had the idea of a world being destroyed, and since I've been reading this webcomic Drowtales, I saw the humans retreating underground.

Thus I had a basic world established - which I then embellished on. And the story just kind of evolved itself. If humanity had fled to subterranean caverns, it was a pretty natural step to then thinking that eventually they would want to explore the surface again. The story developed from there.

For me, designing an RPG is kind of like working out a basic plotline for a story or novel - like I said before, I have a beginning, an ending to aim for, and trigger points in between. The only difference is with one I let other people run with my ideas and just guide them towards the ending, and with the other it's my character's following my ideas - and often they veer off in totally unexpected directions too as they evolve!!

Half the fun for me is letting go and seeing how things unfold. It means I often have to think fast to keep things rolling and on track and I have to be flexible and change my ideas and triggers to fit where the characters are headed. I like to think that helps my creativity.

The hardest part for me is adapting when things go in a completely unexpected direction. Usually I have an idea of where I want to go, but I also have an idea of where things could go. But occasionally players have totally surprised me - a few times I've been left reeling and going "Whaaaaat?" Then I have to really change and adapt things to keep the RPG on track to the ending I have mapped out and I find that a lot harder that adapting to foreseen changes.

That's my experience from playing in several RPGs and GMing three.

Sorry, I kind of rambled on there ... anyway. Hope it answered your questions.

It did help, thank you Blossom.

So um my next question, how do you develop a technique for Gming?

You're very welcome.

Um, I don't know if I have a technique as such ... but really, just getting experience teaches you a lot about how to effectively GM. The RPG I'm GMing over on .com is about two months away from its two year anniversary (!) and over the course of that time I've learned a whole lot, and improved both my writing and my GMing. I'm taking everything I've learned from that and using it when GMing Exodus.

I think my personal number one weapon when GMing are plot twists and triggers. If I had to name one thing every GM should know it's this:

Players like action.

Character interaction and dialogue is fun, but usually only involved two or three players at a time and after a while can get forced or just flood the RPG. So you need to have action posts and triggers at your fingertips, ready to go.

But don't set them in any particular order or on a timescale - be flexible with them. Say you have five ideas for triggers - A, B, C, D, E. Don't plan to post them in that order, because you might find your players veer off in a different direction where C would be great for guiding them on and spicing things up a little.

Be able to shuffle your ideas, basically, to keep your players interested and your RPG exciting.

(I hope that made sense but I'm really quite tired, so I think I'm gonna be quiet now and toddle off to bed.)

Everyone has their own technique but it isn't something they chose to do. It just grows as they gain more experience.

Hey, I've got a good idea for an RP I'd like to pitch. What do I do? Where do I pitch it?

Do I just start a thread in the RPG section, or what?

While you're here, maybe you could answer my question: how do I pitch a new RP? Just post it up?

Thats what I do...you could PM Raven about it but it isn't really necessary I don't think. Just post everything up and after a time Raven will approve it.

post up your idea and rules and everything, then raven will either approve or deny it. If it's approved then he'll give you a start date and then people will start joining.

Basically thats the gist. I'd rather you not PM me your game because I come online to a lot of Forum related PMs and your game could get forgotten. So if you post your game in RPG you'll get a message explaining a Moderator will approve the game later. I'll give the game a read through then approve or Deny. You'll know if its approved because I'll put it in the RPG games coming soon thread stickied in the main RPG section.

It will be deneid if its weak and you've not put enough background and game play effort into the game post.

Providing the game has been given good background and a good fair set of rules as well as a good discription I'll approve the game.

Are Zombies too cliche?

Depends what we get to do to aforementioned zombies. :D

Running and screaming only? :(

Attacking with shotguns and chainsaws? :)

Well I was thinking RE meets Silent Hill.

So yes heavy artillery if wanted.

Sweet. I'd join it. I'm not big into the horror/zombie/vampire/ghost type stuff, but what the heck. Gotta start somewhere. :D

I think I might go and start on one.

But with all the games coming out I don't want to take away from any of the other ones.

Like Carnapolis 2 and Ryboks Rat Pack, no including the RPs that seem to still haven't neared the end

Aye, I've got one planned meself, but like you said, I'm gonna wait for the smoke to clear a bit before I dive into that.

Yea I am siked to finish ICE and hopefully get on the boat for Ryboks and Carnapolis

i want in on that Carnopils... i can damn near taste it...

It is gonna be hella nasty when the flags have to be put down. lol

Is it just me or has it been slow lately?

I know I haven't been around for personal circumstances but doesn't seem like anything major has gone on in anything

a little slow... and i been waiting to start work, so i've had hella time on my hands...

Yea I thought the government would give me back my license yesterday.

But nope, It wasn't the SIXTH... It was the sixthTEENTH...

Raven approved my RP, 51, and set the opening date at the 14th. Somehow I get the feeling that, being a noob around here, I wont get as much attention as the big boys, though :p

Anyway, is shooting/sawing all you guys care about in an RP? :p

I like good chances to solve problems and interact with other characters.

Uhhhh, If you haven't noticed or read any of the other RP's that isn't all that goes on but ok