There are 10 basic rules to thriving in an rpg.
This is a personal list. You might have your own
(and if you do, please share!). For now, consider
the possibilities.
Number-1: It takes Players to make a game. When there are just 4 or 5 routinely playing, it gets boring as hell.
Number-2: A Battle is not a Plot. If you aren't fighting for something then the battle's useless & makes no sense. It comes down to just a battle for bragging rights. Big deal. The "something" is the plot.
Number-3: Everybody deserves a turn in the spotlight. Sometimes it's more fun to help somebody else shine & follow another's plot idea even if it may not seem the best. Yes, even if it means your character(s) become subservient for awhile. So what? It's just a game.
Number-4: Everybody has ideas. They like their ideas. They deserve a chance to try them out. They don't need somebody to tell them their ideas are useless or could be better. They just need somebody to go along & give it a try.
Number-5: The best stories are surprises. You could also call this one Be flexible. Nothing's written in stone. I don't always need to know what the long-term plan is or how something'll end. I LIKE SURPRISES! Even some of my own ideas, I got no clue how they'll end. Our game has multiple players, and I want some of those players along on the same ride with me. If they have ideas or think something might work better if we change this or that...I don't mind. We're writing together. That's a helluva lot of fun.
Number-6: If you really don't like a player, don't play with him/her. Don't beat the dead horse, just go in a different direction. Enough said.
Number-7: There's always NPC-land. I've been there a few times. If you want to try out your own ideas & write your own story, NPC-land is perfect. But if you want to interact with others & write a better story, you need PEOPLE. People are human. NPC-land has no humans. Well, except for you.
Number-8: Three-plus years so we must be doing something right! We have a lot of active players & more storylines than I can keep up with and I'm constantly surprised! That is priceless!
Number-9: If it ain't fun, what are you doing here? Do what it takes to MAKE the game fun for you. Nobody else is gonna, and bitching doesn't help. It just makes people not want to talk to you. Or it hurts feelings.
Number-10: Lighten the hell up! This is fantasy, not real-life. While it can be a good idea to USE those real-world emotions as a creative force in the game...it's really not a good idea to take out anger, rage, frustration, etc. on the PLAYERS. Nope. Not good at all.
Like I said, these are just kind of personal lessons
learned, and they're in no particular order. Anybody
else has a list, I'll be more than happy to publish it for ya!
-Chyna
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Fast Forward
We're almost to the end of Season-6 in our "Tribe"-inspired rpg. It's been a bumpy ride for the past 8 months--escalating action, new characters, new players, compelling storylines, drama, mystery, comedy, you name it. But 8 months is definitely long enough for a season. With the end of the current slavery scenario, we'll move into Season-7: Yet-to-be-Named.
And here's the kicker: A time-jump for the game has been proposed. We've done this before, just not with so many character storylines occurring simultaneously.
What is a time-jump? Simply put, a fast-forward. In this case we're looking at jumping ahead one month, from our current late-May timeframe into early July & full-on summer.
Why jump at all? There are reasons for or against. "For" includes giving everyone a fresh start and a whole summer of possibilities. Sometimes players write their characters into corners, totally without meaning to, and find themselves trapped with no way to move. A jump is like a kickstart. "Against" includes missing out on the day-to-day development of characters for the missing length of time. Sometimes that growth is really fun to watch.
What do you do with the "lost month"? Lots of ways to cover the time you fast-forward through. Easiest--or maybe hardest?--is to have each player write a catch-up post that lets everyone know in some way (for example memories, a diary, thinking, a conversation) how his character(s) changed.
How do you set the stage? That is pretty easy. Me (as owner & a principal writer) will collaborate with other players & write a season introduction. It will introduce Season-7 and summarize details of what happened during the "lost month"--including any major changes to the city landscape, major plot points moving forward, pivotal facts that players need as we go into the new season (for example weather changes, deaths/births, economic or power changes). So players will have all the parameters they need for summer in Fort River.
Do you need player agreement for the jump? Well...technically no, but then I'm not exactly techno-girl. That's why our game-site has a player poll up now asking players for their thoughts, feelings, objections or endorsements for the fast-forward. This game isn't about just one person. We have lots of players, and their feelings & ideas need to be included when a decision this big is made for the game.
I've let all our players know to be sure and email me with any questions/concerns/problems they might have. [And any KTDARPG players reading this: Talk to me!] If this is going to happen, it could be really good for the game but ONLY if we're all on the same page moving ahead.
The one think I DO NOT WANT to happen is to spoil any of the fun or momentum we've built in recent months in the game. And only our players can help me decide on that one.
-Chyna
[KTDARPG game-owner]
And here's the kicker: A time-jump for the game has been proposed. We've done this before, just not with so many character storylines occurring simultaneously.
What is a time-jump? Simply put, a fast-forward. In this case we're looking at jumping ahead one month, from our current late-May timeframe into early July & full-on summer.
Why jump at all? There are reasons for or against. "For" includes giving everyone a fresh start and a whole summer of possibilities. Sometimes players write their characters into corners, totally without meaning to, and find themselves trapped with no way to move. A jump is like a kickstart. "Against" includes missing out on the day-to-day development of characters for the missing length of time. Sometimes that growth is really fun to watch.
What do you do with the "lost month"? Lots of ways to cover the time you fast-forward through. Easiest--or maybe hardest?--is to have each player write a catch-up post that lets everyone know in some way (for example memories, a diary, thinking, a conversation) how his character(s) changed.
How do you set the stage? That is pretty easy. Me (as owner & a principal writer) will collaborate with other players & write a season introduction. It will introduce Season-7 and summarize details of what happened during the "lost month"--including any major changes to the city landscape, major plot points moving forward, pivotal facts that players need as we go into the new season (for example weather changes, deaths/births, economic or power changes). So players will have all the parameters they need for summer in Fort River.
Do you need player agreement for the jump? Well...technically no, but then I'm not exactly techno-girl. That's why our game-site has a player poll up now asking players for their thoughts, feelings, objections or endorsements for the fast-forward. This game isn't about just one person. We have lots of players, and their feelings & ideas need to be included when a decision this big is made for the game.
I've let all our players know to be sure and email me with any questions/concerns/problems they might have. [And any KTDARPG players reading this: Talk to me!] If this is going to happen, it could be really good for the game but ONLY if we're all on the same page moving ahead.
The one think I DO NOT WANT to happen is to spoil any of the fun or momentum we've built in recent months in the game. And only our players can help me decide on that one.
-Chyna
[KTDARPG game-owner]
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
The Early Days
Reading posts from KTDARPG during the past couple of months, I get the feeling we've gone back to the early "Tribe" inspiration & power.Season-1 of the tv show is hard to beat. The real-life impact of the Virus, the way the world turned upside down, the raw power of the tribes, the dark gritty action of survival & trying to carve out a new world ... it seems like our game has gone back to that level.
Examples are always helpful.
While tv Season-1 into Season-2 probably had less violence than what we saw with the Chosen or the Technos, I think it was more powerful. It felt more ... dunno, personal maybe. Kids tied up. Kids beaten. Kids chased by other tribes. The strength and violence that seemed to radiate from Zoot and the Locos ...
We have that now. Tristan & Cecily. Blasko & the 100, even the various vigilante groups out on the streets of Fort River these days trying to track down the slavers & stop that particular nightmare.Then there's just plain "survival." There are not and have never been "magical" suppliers for our characters. If something isn't available, you make do. You figure out another way. Our city has a weekly Market Day when traders come in from regions around the city for the day, but that's just once a week. And that does put some crimps into your plans if there's no one else who has what you need.
Maybe what I'm saying is ... well, all of a sudden our little city of Fort River, after 3 years of playing, learning & growing ... it seems different. Not so well known. Not so ... safe?And I don't think that's a bad thing, actually. What I think our players have found are ways to make everything that's old New Again. We're looking at our game-world in a different way--and I like it!
The fun is back. The mystery is back. We honestly don't know what's gonna happen next.
And thank goodness for that!
-Chyna
Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Winter 2008 TRIBE AWARDS
Time once for the KTDARPG Council of Tribes TRIBE AWARDS. There's no better way to say "thanks!" for all the work our players have done while tipping our hats to the great show that gave us our start. Everyone continues to do a GREAT JOB in a game that keeps getting more complex, dramaticand riveting!
Here are game highlights since July 2007--standout scenes, character moments & accomplishments--from the Keep the Dream Alive rpg.
...and the winners are...
AMULET AWARD goes right back to "Fort River After Dark." Breaking the story about underground slavery in Fort River...that was hard core and took guts.
ANONYMOUS BARTENDER AWARD--remember the bartender dude who tried to give Lex up when he was in disguise in Ebony's holding cell? The Council thought that was a perfect match for Blood, who seems to always land on his feet.
BRADY AWARD for most innocent character goes to Pink. Taken into slavery and waiting on her rescuer...we have faith.
BRAY AWARD for "what the hell do I do now?"--there was a lot of debate but Scarecrow, this one's yours. You've been drifting since you walked away from the Misfits. Time to pick a direction and go with it.
BRAY & SALENE AWARD for "is this love meant to be or what?" goes to Eris & Ace. C'mon, you guys keep dancing around it...but just like Bray & Salene, a love that isn't acted on can be forgotten as life moves on.
DAL AWARD for a supreme act of self-sacrifice is given to Carossa. He would have given his life to save Pink from Saint's goons. At least...we think he's still alive?
DEMON DOG AWARD for uncaring, unfeeling brute force goes to Urick. 'Nuff said.
EBONY AWARD for exotic beauty that you'll NEVER be able to predict, given to the only one who meets that description--congratulations, Blackrose.
JAY AWARD for being irresistible to the ladies is given to Vincent. The chick-squad may want him, but Valentine's got him...at least for now.
KC AWARD for having whatever you want, when you want it--Saber, this one's yours. And now that you got a store? We're thinking the deals will only get better.
LEX "THIS IS THE PLACE" AWARD was brought out of mothballs because of just one man. Vincent, your stage presence & performances deserve the recognition. Bravo.
LEX & TAISAN AWARD for best romantic moment--VERY hotly contested. The Council debated DAYS on this one & finally agreed to a split decision: Villa & Marionette (that glowing moss was killer) and Jade & Zero (dancing until dawn with fairy lights and violins...yeah...).
MAY AWARD for strong girl making stupid decisions goes to Maggie. She had to be strong to last in slavery as long as she did, but it was totally stupid the way she related to Johnny. Get him back, girl--now!
MEGA AWARD for Great Manipulator can only go to Ace. For whatever reason, every move he makes has an ulterior motive you gotta look for. We don't judge his motives, just wait along with the rest to see what he's gonna do next.
MOUSE AWARD for gentle soul...given this time to Krystal. She's holding up under really difficult circumstances with Jason gone.
POWER & CHAOS AWARD, PART 1--the "power" part goes to Rio. What can we say? He switched the power on. Now we're waiting to see where this one leads.
POWER & CHAOS AWARD, PART 2--the "chaos" part goes to...well, there was finally a compromise split decision. This award is shared by Blasko for the 100's "organized chaos" and Villa for chaos uniquely her own--and weirdly intensified now that she's a girl in love!
PRIDE AWARD for natural talent goes right back to Oliver. Take that bow away from him and we don't know what he'll do. But with it, he seems unstoppable.
RUBY AWARD for entrepreneurial spirit goes to Valentine. From Crown Street to Industrial Way, Home to the Mirage, she's got the touch. The best part is, this girl also has a heart. We're thinking her success will be good for the whole city.
RYAN AWARD for sweet, dependable, stand-up guy goes straight back to Johnny Ohm. He may get angry & confused but there's no question he's one of the good ones.
SALENE AWARD for she who mothers us all goes to--we've been here before. This award belongs with Lady Arianna. Whether it's her own tribe of Misfits or kids on the street who need a hand, she's right there. Nobody does it better.
TAISAN AWARD goes to the mysterious Nightshade, who shares both Taisan's knowledge of herbal lore and her aura of "what will she do next?"
TEENAGE-CLOE AWARD for rapidly developing teen-aged angst stays right where it's always been, with Lily. The attitude just keeps growing. Now that she's got a job, who knows how far she can go!
TRIBE FLASHBACK AWARD goes to Prince & Ace. The flashbacks they set up going back to Fort River High added a totally new dimension to the game. Nicely done, guys.
TRIBE STYLE AWARD for best makeup goes to Hawk, the epitome of what a tribe member is and looks like. From her glass eye to her facial markings to her distinctive clothes...this woman IS the ultimate River Rat.
TRUDY AWARD for "brainwash me now, please!" goes to Cecily. She let herself be used by Saint in his slavery scheme...now she's letting Tristan turn her into a good little slave-wife. Kinda sad, but we can always hope she snaps out of it eventually.
ZOOT AWARD for most untimely death...well, we don't understand why he offed himself. He was nice to Maggie when she needed it. This award goes to Stiff.
ZOOT & EBONY AWARD for absolutely craziest couple--they had some pretty stiff competition but the award goes right back to Villa & Marionette. The closer they get, the crazier they get and we couldn't ask for better.
ZOOT LIVES! AWARD for best evil mastermind--again VERY heavy debate and a lot of fantastic candidates, but the award goes to Tristan. We don't know what's coming next but we know it's bound to be...icky.
Congratulations to all our winners!
If you were disappointed with this round?
There's always next time--lots of game still to get through!
-Chyna
Here are game highlights since July 2007--standout scenes, character moments & accomplishments--from the Keep the Dream Alive rpg.
...and the winners are...
AMULET AWARD goes right back to "Fort River After Dark." Breaking the story about underground slavery in Fort River...that was hard core and took guts.
ANONYMOUS BARTENDER AWARD--remember the bartender dude who tried to give Lex up when he was in disguise in Ebony's holding cell? The Council thought that was a perfect match for Blood, who seems to always land on his feet.
BRADY AWARD for most innocent character goes to Pink. Taken into slavery and waiting on her rescuer...we have faith.
BRAY AWARD for "what the hell do I do now?"--there was a lot of debate but Scarecrow, this one's yours. You've been drifting since you walked away from the Misfits. Time to pick a direction and go with it.
BRAY & SALENE AWARD for "is this love meant to be or what?" goes to Eris & Ace. C'mon, you guys keep dancing around it...but just like Bray & Salene, a love that isn't acted on can be forgotten as life moves on.
DAL AWARD for a supreme act of self-sacrifice is given to Carossa. He would have given his life to save Pink from Saint's goons. At least...we think he's still alive?
DEMON DOG AWARD for uncaring, unfeeling brute force goes to Urick. 'Nuff said.
EBONY AWARD for exotic beauty that you'll NEVER be able to predict, given to the only one who meets that description--congratulations, Blackrose.
JAY AWARD for being irresistible to the ladies is given to Vincent. The chick-squad may want him, but Valentine's got him...at least for now.
KC AWARD for having whatever you want, when you want it--Saber, this one's yours. And now that you got a store? We're thinking the deals will only get better.
LEX "THIS IS THE PLACE" AWARD was brought out of mothballs because of just one man. Vincent, your stage presence & performances deserve the recognition. Bravo.
LEX & TAISAN AWARD for best romantic moment--VERY hotly contested. The Council debated DAYS on this one & finally agreed to a split decision: Villa & Marionette (that glowing moss was killer) and Jade & Zero (dancing until dawn with fairy lights and violins...yeah...).
MAY AWARD for strong girl making stupid decisions goes to Maggie. She had to be strong to last in slavery as long as she did, but it was totally stupid the way she related to Johnny. Get him back, girl--now!
MEGA AWARD for Great Manipulator can only go to Ace. For whatever reason, every move he makes has an ulterior motive you gotta look for. We don't judge his motives, just wait along with the rest to see what he's gonna do next.
MOUSE AWARD for gentle soul...given this time to Krystal. She's holding up under really difficult circumstances with Jason gone.
POWER & CHAOS AWARD, PART 1--the "power" part goes to Rio. What can we say? He switched the power on. Now we're waiting to see where this one leads.
POWER & CHAOS AWARD, PART 2--the "chaos" part goes to...well, there was finally a compromise split decision. This award is shared by Blasko for the 100's "organized chaos" and Villa for chaos uniquely her own--and weirdly intensified now that she's a girl in love!
PRIDE AWARD for natural talent goes right back to Oliver. Take that bow away from him and we don't know what he'll do. But with it, he seems unstoppable.
RUBY AWARD for entrepreneurial spirit goes to Valentine. From Crown Street to Industrial Way, Home to the Mirage, she's got the touch. The best part is, this girl also has a heart. We're thinking her success will be good for the whole city.
RYAN AWARD for sweet, dependable, stand-up guy goes straight back to Johnny Ohm. He may get angry & confused but there's no question he's one of the good ones.
SALENE AWARD for she who mothers us all goes to--we've been here before. This award belongs with Lady Arianna. Whether it's her own tribe of Misfits or kids on the street who need a hand, she's right there. Nobody does it better.
TAISAN AWARD goes to the mysterious Nightshade, who shares both Taisan's knowledge of herbal lore and her aura of "what will she do next?"
TEENAGE-CLOE AWARD for rapidly developing teen-aged angst stays right where it's always been, with Lily. The attitude just keeps growing. Now that she's got a job, who knows how far she can go!
TRIBE FLASHBACK AWARD goes to Prince & Ace. The flashbacks they set up going back to Fort River High added a totally new dimension to the game. Nicely done, guys.
TRIBE STYLE AWARD for best makeup goes to Hawk, the epitome of what a tribe member is and looks like. From her glass eye to her facial markings to her distinctive clothes...this woman IS the ultimate River Rat.
TRUDY AWARD for "brainwash me now, please!" goes to Cecily. She let herself be used by Saint in his slavery scheme...now she's letting Tristan turn her into a good little slave-wife. Kinda sad, but we can always hope she snaps out of it eventually.
ZOOT AWARD for most untimely death...well, we don't understand why he offed himself. He was nice to Maggie when she needed it. This award goes to Stiff.
ZOOT & EBONY AWARD for absolutely craziest couple--they had some pretty stiff competition but the award goes right back to Villa & Marionette. The closer they get, the crazier they get and we couldn't ask for better.
ZOOT LIVES! AWARD for best evil mastermind--again VERY heavy debate and a lot of fantastic candidates, but the award goes to Tristan. We don't know what's coming next but we know it's bound to be...icky.
Congratulations to all our winners!
If you were disappointed with this round?
There's always next time--lots of game still to get through!
-Chyna
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