WS OOC

[Vivi OOC]

Thirded! I think that would go a long way toward letting people actually accomplish tasks/goals and not feel stuck while waiting for things to resolve elsewhere.

[Nina]

the suggestion has merits, we can try it

 

[Nina]

GDB gave me some suggestions I will put somehting together for this soon

 

[Nina]

I will not lie WS has become somewhat unmanageable for me. Too many Characters, both pc and npc, too many side stories that are drifting further and further away from the main story so much so that with RL and everything else even i am lost half the time.

Max came up with an idea to help and GDB expanded on it. I have thought a bit about it and here is what we are going to do.

Using the quest and task post 

 

I will create separate Task threads for those things there that need to be played out in some manner, I will assign characters to that  specific thread. each thread will be set to occur at a certain time/day during the week and will need to be completed within a set amount of Real Time which will be measured in days not weeks.  When these Task Threads are complete I will then create a story tread where general rp can take place that may or may not be related to the plot.

if anyone has any personal development / relationship-building / drama thread ideas: Sara and Jase try to settle their differences over a drink and smoke / Charlie goes on a date with Sophia / Sean helping Cade with Calculus, etc., Let me know and i will either add them to one of the task threads or create a separate one for those characters that would be involved.

In both cases these small side threads will need to be completed before the next general thread. for instance

Rainbows will be over on monday night the following weekend will be the camping trip. The camping trip while not a plot episode will be a general RP episode. I will create a couple of task threads which occur during the 4 days between rainbows and the camping trip I will add any character arcs or threads that you request as well. we will do the short threads over the remainder of this week and probably next week and then the camping trip thread will be started.

I also would like some assistants, co-gms, whatever we want to call them who can take some of the pressure off of me for guiding the task threads and and non story line character arc threads. I will give these co-gms a bit of a clue in to what is going on and where I am going with things. 

 

Anyway that is my idea for how to do this mashing max's and GDB's suggestions together. If anyone else would like to suggest something or can refine or has any questions this feel free to do so here if there are no suggestions I will begin implementing this.

I need two volunteers for the co-gm spots 

[Jaunt]

4 minutes ago, Nina said:

I will create separate Task threads for those things there that need to be played out in some manner, I will assign characters to that  specific thread. each thread will be set to occur at a certain time/day during the week and will need to be completed within a set amount of Real Time which will be measured in days not weeks.  When these Task Threads are complete I will then create a story tread where general rp can take place that may or may not be related to the plot.

I was under the impression this is what we were doing to begin with.  Still waiting for Lona or Cade to reach out to Devin about breaking into the prison.  After all, that was the whole point behind the 'quest thread': to track what needed to be done, and go do it.  I've given up on motivating people and I get bitched at when I blatantly say I want to leave people behind who are simply dead weight or not pulling their own.

Honestly, just assign me something, and my PCs will go do it.

[Vivi OOC]

One clarification, one  question, and one thought:

1. I know you were just using it as an example of how the system might work, but I just wanted (for sake of chronology) to clarify that the camping trip isn't intended to be the weekend after Rainbows (Labor Day weekend), but the following one. Autumn is showing Jase the campsite on that Friday/Saturday and getting it cleaned up for company. If there's a reason it needs to happen that weekend specifically, let me know so that I can adjust the proposal post before it goes up.

2. Would it be easier, for development/drama/relationship stuff to keep them out of task threads, and let people start them on their own? These are things people are doing on their own initiative, after all, although they could easily be tagged to help keep them organized ("non-plot," "character development," "side story," "solo," etc.) along with the episode to which they belong. I ask because a lot of these options begin with, "I will create a thread," which isn't really a simplification or lessening of the work load for you. The requirement to have them finished by a certain time could still be applicable, but it wouldn't require you to create literally every thread that might crop up, or for players to wait until you're available to do that.

3. We're all doing this because we enjoy it. We're having fun with the game, and we love to write. When you need help, and you're overwhelmed, please tell us. Some of us have been playing and writing together on this site for well over a decade; we understand being frustrated, not knowing where to go with a narrative arc, or just needing some objectivity to help put things in perspective. We want you to have fun with us, because telling stories is an amazing way to connect with other people and create something together. If you're having trouble with something, let us help you- even if you just send a PM in Discord. We want the game to succeed, and for everyone to have a good time.

[GDP_ST]

I'll throw my hat into the ring here as co-GM.  Ask not what your GM can do for you, but what you can do for your GM, and all that.

If I had to describe my management style it would be 'Vetinari crossed with Vlad Tepes and a healthy dose of Edward Teach'. 

 

[Nina]

1. yes i got the weekend wrong . but it is the next general thread which was the point

2. they won't necessarily be in a task thread but I or one of the co-gms will be creating the threads and placing it in the timeline schedule or at the very least coordinating with one of us to do that. 

 

[Vivi OOC]

I'm happy (after this week, obviously) to chip in and help keep things organized and running as smoothly as possible with tasks, minor plot threads, or side stories so that we can all create something cohesive and engaging. I'm not especially bothered about the title, but I would enjoy the opportunity to help move things along as events unfold. If you're interested in an interview, copy of my resume, or samples from my portfolio, I'm happy to provide any or all information on request.

[WS ST]

Ok GDB and ViVi will be my new co-gms

i will fill them in on things and get this organized and back on track

[GDP_ST]

Whoo!

[Nina]

sorry but that isn't happeneing now.

if there is anyone who wishes to take over with this as storyteller please send me a pm otherwise i am shutting it down

 

[Dawn OOC]

While we do have people willing to pick up the game, can I ask that we all take twenty-four hours to stop and let things cool down? Emotions are running high, and what seems incredibly intense right now could feel better tomorrow after food, rest, and reflection. 

Can we call a cool-off break?

[GDP_ST]

Sent you a PM here and on Discord, Nina.

[Dave ST]

Nah.

This is like the 12th or 20th time she's done this.  Frankly I'm sick of the emotional roller coaster.  Let her step aside (since she's offered to) and allow other people to step in and make it work.  It'll offer her the opportunity to play her character, cool off, and let herself regain control of whatever it feels like she's lost.  If she wants to step in the driver's seat again later, I'm sure no one will take issue with it.

[Nina]

refer all further ws subjects to GDP 

[GDP_ST]

Thank you, Nina.

Okay, I'd like to get things moving with WS reasonably promptly over the weekend.  Rainbows ideally I'd like to wrap up tonight.  I'm happy to do this with an ST post if no-one has anything in particular they want their characters to say or do in the various interactions.  PM me on Discord - I don't bite much - if you have something you want included in said ST post, but don't feel it's enough for a full post by itself.

Once that is done, we'll commence execution of the next phase.  I call it 'Order 66'-  Wait, no.  These are the wrong notes...  *mutters*

Ahh, found them.  I want people to make use of the Character Development Ideas and the Quest Journal threads.  Figure out what your character wants to do that's plot related, what side-fic personal development or bonding exercises you want them to take and with who, get the consent if it involves another PC and post it up:  Bannon's example is a decent template to use, feel free.  It shouldn't take long, and will give me a general road map of what people want to compare with what I'm planning to happen.

Something to note:  From this point, I will be rewarding effort, not just with XP but with my attention.   I'm a firm believer in character-driven narrative.   If you aren't proactive in planning and playing your character, they're likely to miss out on anything other than major plot events they can't possibly avoid (a meteor hitting Shelly, for example).  They will be little better than NPCs and the narrative will stop revolving around them.  They are your characters, your babies.  If you don't care enough, why should I?

You want to be a mover and shaker, then shake it and move it, even if it's something small like "Hey, I think it'd be cool to involve my character's mom in a fic.  Can you help please ST?"  I will work with, and act as a sounding board for, any ideas you want to pitch.  But you have to pitch them.  Evil, I know.

[Jaunt]

So, about Chronokinesis...

[GDP_ST]

Time travel will be a thing.  It will not be a good thing - it will be the equivalent of juggling nitroglycerine to use.   There will be no 'Chronokinesis', but there will be noetically-empowered ways of moving through time.  At some point.

[GDP_ST]

XP and Character Creation / House Rules threads have now been tidied.  There is now one XP chart, and it is in the first post of the XP Rewards thread.

There have been a couple of minor changes to House Rules and some clarifications, but nothing I believe will seriously impact anyone, if it has any impact at all.  If I am wrong, by all means corner me in Discord and shout at me.

[GDP_ST]

Functionally, the Interrogation party is now over barring socialisation if any takes place.  Charlie's part in Rainbows is likewise wrapped.  I hope to wrap Cassie and Cade's Big Adventure up by this time tomorrow, at which point I will be awarding XP. 

There will be a minimum amount everyone gets, and then addtional pts for creativity / clever RP/ entertaining dialogue / good drama.  I am also considering a small bonus to everyone for sticking with WS over tumultuous times.

Important Note regarding XP Logs:

Have one.  Keep it handy - update the one you already have in PM with Nina, have a google doc, whatever you want to do, but have a log.  I don't want to see any of them at this stage - I'm not going to look over your shoulders and count beans on an abacus.  But I might want to check if I review a character sheet for some other purpose and have a 'hmm' moment.  Please, please be ready to display your papers on request.  

Additionally, please also make sure your Yearbook thread entry and your Signature character sheets match up.  If they don't and it comes up during a dice-roll, I WILL  require you to use whichever sheet is worse.  I trust this will not be considered unfair, given that a warning has been issued.

 

[Lilly Pryor]

I always took the yearbook sheets as us at the beginning of the game, before xp, much like in AWS we kept a baseline sheet. If you are looking at the yearbook entry then a person's sig is gonna be right there too. 

[GDP_ST]

Well, now I have clarified my expectation, so you don't need to assume.

You're welcome!

 

[GDP_ST]

FYI: A new edit to the top of the XP thread.

Quote

How I will award XP - GDP_ST

All XP will be publicly awarded down below.  It will also be individually awarded.  There will be a minimum amount everyone gets for participating in a thread and group challenges overcome - and then addtional pts for creativity / clever RP/ entertaining dialogue / good drama and proactivity.

A short term Aspiration is worth 1XP if attained.  A long term Aspiration is worth 2XP.  PM me here or  in Discord if you believe it has been attained and I shall add it to the award for the session if I agree.

I will also be sometimes assigning projects: bonus XP will be awarded for these depending on how demanding they are and how well people engage.

 

[Dawn OOC]

I'm out for the weekend in a self-care way due to site toxicity. I'm unavailable for RPG Post stuff until Monday. Have a good weekend.

[GDP_ST]

Firstly, thank you to Matt for giving us 20 years of his time, and I'm sorry we've been a trial lately.  Thank you also for allowing us to keep alive such games as we wish to - I'm hoping we don't give you cause to regret it.

Going forward

I'm going to need an interest check / Mouseketeer roll call of those still interested.  I think most of the core group are still invested in Weirder Stuff, but it doesn't hurt to ask for a show of hands.  Please reply below with a simple indication of whether you're staying or going over the next few days.  It will be appreciated.

We have a new Discord server set up.  But we don't have Matt's notification system, and I R t3h n00b and don't know how to emulate it.  This means being proactive, announcing posting and poking people in Discord when it's their turn to post.  I'm sure we'll muddle through.

Still hoping to have Rainbows wrapped by the end of this weekend following Cassie's talk with Dylan, at which point I will award XP.  Once the plot part is concluded, the thread will be left open for a few more days to allow Clara to decide what to do with Etienne while the other ladies have pizza.  After a few days, if there's no activity it will be locked and un-pinned.

[Vivi OOC]

Still here!

[Sean Cassidy]

Still here.

[SalmonMax]

If you don't see me, just turn around.

I'm there.

[Dawn OOC]

I'm withdrawing from WS, since my mental health issues prevent me from being around all the time and that apparently means I don't count anymore. I've filled in the ST on Lona's immediate plans and otherwise given him free rein to do with her as he will. 

Thanks for the fun times, guys. I've enjoyed Lona but all things end. 

[Noir]

Not everybody was in chat to see it...
 

I am withdrawing from WS too. I would prefer Lilly's dad get transferred or something so she has to go, as I would rather her not be NPCed for any length of time.

[Dave ST]

I'm withdrawing as well.

I can't effectively communicate with people and my personality will never mesh with any of the players here.

Enjoy.  Have fun while it lasts and I wish you all the best.  I mean that, sincerely.

[GDP_ST]

I can't say I'm happy with some of those leaving's decision, but I respect you've made it.

Dave and Dawn, your characters will be written out in such a way that, should you change your minds later on, a door will be open to return. 

That's not due to any expectation on my part, merely a token of courtesy and a teeny bit of hope. 

[Justin OOC]

I'm still here

[GDP_ST]

Reminding all remaining players - if you haven't already, now is a good time to get book-keeping, XP spending, and Aspiration overhauls done.  If you've completed any, let me know.  If you're at a loss with them or indeed with anything, hit me up in Discord for a brainstorm session.  I'm here to help.

 

[GDP_ST]

Please Note:  I will be hiding inactive player characters in the Yearbook thread.  If at some point any players of those characters want access to that data, please PM me and I'll unhide it.   

[GDP_ST]

Smol point of order from Sean's "Telling Kat stuff" post - this line:

Quote

"... at school. Autumn got clobbered by a door and an eggplant - I'll explain later - but our powers were starting to grow. This is when Dr. Cook first..."

Has been edited to remove the eggplant.  So far as I'm aware, the only characters that knew what Autumn was looking at when she smacked into a door are Autumn, Jase and Clara.

We now return you to your scheduled programming.

[GDP_ST]

Achtung!

I have started awarding XP for Ep. 5 and the Rumors project - details can be found in the XP thread.  I'm giving everyone until midnight GMT on Sat 28th March to enter their Rumors and post their wrap-up post for Ep. 5, after which both the project and the thread will be closed, at least so far as XP awarding goes.

A word about my award scheme to make it clear.  I award a base level of XP for the thread - this will reflect the length, challenges faced, and milestones / revelations that the PC(s) uncover.  There are then a potential 3 (or more, depending) XP that can be earned through consistent writing quality, roleplaying of your character, and overall participation and pro-activeness.  Effort and quality are attributes I want to encourage, so I will reward them tangibly.  If you feel my judgement has not taken something into account, by all means we can discuss it in DMs on Discord or even in the open on the WS-OOC channel.  I'm not going to get precious about it - speak your minds if you see the need but be ready to defend your position.  We're all adults here.

Additionally, if anyone feels they've accomplished a short or long-term Aspiration, poke me in DMs and we can hash it out, and I will add it to the award given.

[Marissa Jauntsen]

Marissa purchased:
Integrity +1 (w/Poker Face) 8XP
Persuasion +1 (w/Captivating Personality, Easy To Love) 11xp
Hardy +1 3XP

That takes her total from 24XP to 1.

She is currently at 1/66XP.

Notations have been made to her sheet and sig.

Aspirations are updated.

Technically she did confide in Autumn, and Technically she and Autumn did become friends... that +2 XP if you approve it.  If approved it will take her XP from 1/66 to 3/68.  That three will be spent later as she's done enough 'training' in between session 5 to session 6.

[Jaunt]

Jaunt purchased:
Enhanced Attunement 3XP
Favored Mode (Translocation) 6XP
Transportal 3 (Window, Skein, Multiportal) 24XP

That takes his total from 34XP to 1.

He is currently at 1/66XP.

Notations have been made to his sheet and sig.

Aspirations are updated.