| Author |
Topic:
The Think-Tank: NSWRPF Flagship Planning and Discussion Thread
|
Darth_Elu
Registered:
Jan '03
|
Date Posted:
3/17 10:56pm
Subject:
RE: The Think-Tank: NSWRPF Flagship Planning and Discussion Thread
|
|
I am fine with staying on TFN for the discussion, DVC. But I'm unsure of one thread baring all of this. This is too much, IMHO, for one thread to bare. It'll actually be harder to be on one page with the RPG in just this thread.
-----signature-----
 Brittnee My love, my life E-married to the love of my life! "Ichigo! Come out and fight me, you *******!" Master to Yukari_Nahashi I am Death: RIP George Carlin
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
Imperial_Hammer
Title: Manager:
• SWRPF
• NSWRPF
• RPR
Registered:
Sep '04
|
Date Posted:
3/17 11:00pm
Subject:
RE: The Think-Tank: NSWRPF Flagship Planning and Discussion Thread
- Date Edited:
3/17 11:02pm (1 edits total)
Edited By:
Imperial_Hammer
|
Once the types of games are thought out here, I will allow individual threads for their planning, if the people here feel that is necessary. 
To get the best out of this thread, keep the conversation focused and methodological. Jumping around from X topic to Y topic will make things confusing here, yes.
-I_H
-----signature-----
Guildmaster of the GDG RPF Adopter of Sentinel001 NaboosPrincess The Jedi Way is something found within, not in the dead walls of any Order
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
Darth_Elu
Registered:
Jan '03
|
Date Posted:
3/17 11:05pm
Subject:
RE: The Think-Tank: NSWRPF Flagship Planning and Discussion Thread
|
|
Ok, that's good. And good advice. Main Storyline and How Things All Connect (more than just a nexus) is what needs to be decided on first.
-----signature-----
Brittnee My love, my life E-married to the love of my life! "Ichigo! Come out and fight me, you *******!" Master to Yukari_Nahashi I am Death: RIP George Carlin
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
Kalio_Dynkos
Registered:
May '04
|
Date Posted:
3/17 11:06pm
Subject:
RE: The Think-Tank: NSWRPF Flagship Planning and Discussion Thread
- Date Edited:
3/17 11:13pm (2 edits total)
Edited By:
Kalio_Dynkos
|
Dear friends, and Elu  ,
If we're going to succeed I feel we need to be on the same page and discussing the same idea. It seems, principally, that we're all working on different projects here. The Nexus, the single planet, the multi-planet, time travel, genres....wow.....wow!
So, let's clean house. Snap up, clean up and get down to business. This agenda will be our guide and I'd like to see us follow this. I'm not against us going back to a point, within in reason. So, let's look at this agenda and start following it.
We can cover the first two, I think easily enough at the same time. But, first, the agenda. Please read my explanation. It'll make more sense when we get going.
1. List of Think-Tankers
2. Interested Parties for Flag-Master
3. Appoint Flag-master
4. Worlds vs. One World & Nexus vs. Time Travel
5. RPF Poll conducted
6. Appoint Co-Gms
7. Finalize game mechanics/rules/first posts
8. Late Items
--------------------------------------------------------
1. List of Interested Parties
Briefly, this list is for two reasons. First, I think it's good for us to see who is involved in our process thus far. Second, we're melding two massive ideas into one idea that is going to work and a lot of people that have differing views. Out of our list of Think-Tankers, when we come to the close of our discussion on a particular topic, we'll conduct a PM-style majority vote process over 24-hours.
I see the list as follows. If I've missed you, please feel free to put your name in a list. I'll have I_H post it up in the first post and we can use that as our list of available voters. Argue your points, discussion, etc. and then I'll set up the 24-hour voting. That decided and all of us understanding where we are, we'll move on to the next point. This way, we can mow through things without side-stepping ourselves.
Saintheart
Kalio_Dynkos
darth-nemisis
Darth_Vaders_Cousin
Darth_Elu
DarthXan318
Lightwarden
Yuul_Shamar
Hammurabi
MASTERPRENN
SephyCloneNo15
Jango_10
2. Interested Parties for the Flag-Master position
Under the terminology we've already decided on for the Flagship NSWRPF, the Flag-master is the overall Gamemaster, followed by his Co-Gms (faction/world controllers), and their assistants, Sub-Gms. Their duites are laid out in the first post.
It's necessary for this to work that we have a flag-master appointed now to head up the rest of the project. They're the driving force behind the overall game after we get started and will keep things working. Right now, their vision and leadership should be apparent and is entirely necessary. As DarthXan318 has said, "That's why the GM of each thread is the thread author. They should be in charge from the start."
EDIT: I'd like to announce that I'm interested in being Flag-master
-----signature-----
Co-creator of RPF Holonet
In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and has been widely regarded as a bad move.
-Douglas Adams
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
MASTERPRENN
Title: JCC Man.
Forum Feud Winner
Reduced Time
Registered:
Dec '05
|
Date Posted:
3/17 11:23pm
Subject:
RE: The Think-Tank: NSWRPF Flagship Planning and Discussion Thread
|
|
I think Elu and Kailo should have a cage fight to determine the flagmaster.
-----signature-----
God is a verb.
And your mom is a theory.
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
Darth_Elu
Registered:
Jan '03
|
Date Posted:
3/17 11:28pm
Subject:
RE: The Think-Tank: NSWRPF Flagship Planning and Discussion Thread
|
It's a good idea, Prenn, but that wouldn't be fair to Kalio. 
I suppose it goes without saying: I'm interested as the Flag-Master
And, Kalio, I must disagree on one small thing on your agenda. We should focus on the mechanics before the Co-GMs. That is my opinion. Get what is important worked on first.
-----signature-----
Brittnee My love, my life E-married to the love of my life! "Ichigo! Come out and fight me, you *******!" Master to Yukari_Nahashi I am Death: RIP George Carlin
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
DarthXan318
Registered:
Sep '02
|
Date Posted:
3/17 11:31pm
Subject:
RE: The Think-Tank: NSWRPF Flagship Planning and Discussion Thread
- Date Edited:
3/17 11:58pm (3 edits total)
Edited By:
DarthXan318
|
I think the co-GMs should have a greater say in the mechanics of the game they're to be running - so we should pick them first. (Incidentally, I believe the "RPF Poll" is when we'll be picking worlds, and once we do that we need the GMs for them.)
Anyway... for what it's worth, (and nothing against Elu, here) I think Kalio would be great as a head GM.
-----signature-----
starlight
I will be chasing the starlight
until the end of my life
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
Darth_Elu
Registered:
Jan '03
|
Date Posted:
3/17 11:33pm
Subject:
RE: The Think-Tank: NSWRPF Flagship Planning and Discussion Thread
|
I can understand that, I was talking more Central Mechanics than Specific Genre/World/Whatever Mechanics however.
*shrugs*
-----signature-----
Brittnee My love, my life E-married to the love of my life! "Ichigo! Come out and fight me, you *******!" Master to Yukari_Nahashi I am Death: RIP George Carlin
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
Kalio_Dynkos
Registered:
May '04
|
Date Posted:
3/17 11:40pm
Subject:
RE: The Think-Tank: NSWRPF Flagship Planning and Discussion Thread
|
We are, Elu. Last time I was in school #4 came before #6. But I could be wrong there. j/k.
#7 I placed there as a "Finalize". I imagine after we get the ball rolling and the mechanics nailed down, as well as the genres most wanted by the RPF, it would be necessary at some point to change those preconcieved ideas. Say, we've worked on the planets and it comes up during the individual game creation that the idea before wouldn't work. Whatever idea it is, we change can change it there when actually put into practice. We finalize it.
-----signature-----
Co-creator of RPF Holonet
In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and has been widely regarded as a bad move.
-Douglas Adams
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
Darth_Elu
Registered:
Jan '03
|
Date Posted:
3/17 11:50pm
Subject:
RE: The Think-Tank: NSWRPF Flagship Planning and Discussion Thread
|
Ah, I see that now. *face palm*
Sorry, I've had a loooong bad day and I'm quite tired, so I'm not at optimal levels at the moment.
-----signature-----
Brittnee My love, my life E-married to the love of my life! "Ichigo! Come out and fight me, you *******!" Master to Yukari_Nahashi I am Death: RIP George Carlin
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
Kalio_Dynkos
Registered:
May '04
|
Date Posted:
3/17 11:52pm
Subject:
RE: The Think-Tank: NSWRPF Flagship Planning and Discussion Thread
|
|
No problems. I'm nodding here as well. Have a great night, all.
-----signature-----
Co-creator of RPF Holonet
In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and has been widely regarded as a bad move.
-Douglas Adams
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
Kalio_Dynkos
Registered:
May '04
|
Date Posted:
3/18 10:21am
Subject:
RE: The Think-Tank: NSWRPF Flagship Planning and Discussion Thread
- Date Edited:
3/18 10:27am (1 edits total)
Edited By:
Kalio_Dynkos
|
Sorry for the double-post, but it's been nearly 12 hours since the last post.
Just a reminder as to what we are talking about today. We want to set up the list of Think-Tankers and also look at who wants to be the Flag-master. Darth_Elu and myself have both put our names out there.
Something we've already worked out is the GM Structure, the duties of the GMs and the structure of the game. So, what we're looking at right now is heading this up by following the guidelines we created. As a reminder, here's the GM structure and what the Flag-Master would need to do. Remember that we're following a Flag-master, Co-Gms, Sub-Gms structure.
1.A. Co-Gm/Sub-GMs
The Co-GMs would be in charge of the development of a given civilization and thereby, that thread. Let's use the Earth-City. Mafia, crime-world, petty theft, cafe workers, cops, fashion, business moguls, actors, etc. What ever the ideas that could float out of that "world" or isolated civilization could give birth to a number of story arcs. It would be the Co-GMs responsibility to A) see this does not get out of hand and B)doesn't become a series of vignettes and C)the four goals are happening. Let's call them Cardinal rules of the Flagship.
----- Cardinal Rules of a Non-Star Wars Flagship
--------- Character Development
--------- Action
--------- Style (by which I mean IC/OOC/Tags/style/etc.)
--------- Interaction
They'd have the powers of a normal Co-Gm, having the ability to maneuver plot, deal with OOC issues, protect against god-modding and breaking the rules, encourage the Cardinal Rules, and accepting/refusing character sheets. Deference to the Flagship Gamemaster(s) would be nice on matters of plot.
Because that's a huge job and some threads may have more interest than others, sub-GMs could be appointed by the Co-Gm, after discussing it with the Flagship Gamemaster(s). The sub-GM would have similar powers with the exception of maneuvering game-effecting plot (like blowing up the planet) and accepting new players. Having one person accept/refuse sheets just cuts down on the confusion.
A sub-Gm would come in handy particularly when opposing factions become evident in the game. We can expect the generic good guys/bad guys. A Co-Gm may not have ability to play both sides well. A sub-GM could help him out.
Structure, at least, is never a bad thing. It shouldn't be all willy-nilly.
1.B. GM Structure
Nemisis makes a good point and a truly valid claim. How could it be managed? I mean, surely, we're talking about a huge community based game.
Utilizing the structure I laid out above (Flagship Gamemaster, Co-Gm, Sub-Gm) would be key in keeping this managed. Each individual civilization will have their own in-game problems and arcs inherent to that genre. These are the responsibility of the Co-Gm and his/her Sub-Gm for the civilization. I'd imagine that difference in GMing style and opinions would affect a due amount of variety. In the Gamemasters Guild for example, it's been postulated that there are a number of to GM-variants - either as a character, utilizing NPCs, as a main PC, etc. It depends on the Co-Gm.
However, I would encourage a resolution that the Flagship Gamemaster(s) not be active players in the game. Only because I expect them to have quite a workload. Hence the management. But, I digress.
The Co-Gm/sub-GM manage the thread under their jurisdiction, whatever they happen to be.
Ahead of them are the Flagship Gamemaster(s) - herein referred to as Flag-master. I am a great advocate of constant, honest and confidential discussion amongst the GM-Squad. It would be the Flag-master's responsibility to keep in contact with all his/her Co-Gms and their sub-gms. Perhaps more so with the Co-Gms than the subs.
This contact will be from every aspect of the game experience, so I would expect the Flag-master(s) to be dedicated readers of the entire Flagship RPG.
1.B - Subsection :Flagship Gamemaster's Duties
---Communication. That's first and foremost. From settling game issues to piece-by-piece introducing the secret of the civilizations' existence, communication is wholly necessary. I'd expect communicating with the Co-Gms, as stated. Communication will be necessary under the following aspects.
-----Encouragement -We all need it, player or GM. As a GM, you're the brunt of much strife. Some people are just not nice to GMs. Problems in a game can usually be traced to the GM of the game. Not always, mind you, but often. I'm not pointing at anybody. It's just an observation that bad GMing usually is what ends the games too briefly on these threads. I would say primary in the Flagship Gamemasters responsibility is to be an encouraging force for his CO-GMs. Congratulating them where it is due for good ideas, well-handled conflicts, out of game issues, etc. It's nice to hear these things.
-------Suggestions - Being an active reader of the threads, the Flag-master would be able to utilize his knowledge to encourage or outright force certain happenings (where necessary). EXAMPLE: One of the Cardinal Rules are being missed - perhaps too much action, not enough development. A suggestion to fix the problem, maybe even bringing the issue to the Co-Gm's attention, would be valuable. If it continues, the Flag-master can make a post putting a couple of players together where they must develop or DIE.
----------Hearing Complaints/Issues - I'd imagine the Co-GMs, sub-Gms, players, readers, and so forth will have a good deal of things going on. Via PM or messenger service, conversation with the big guy/boss lady, would be of great help. Of course, the Flag-master would not want to affect the leadership decisions taken by a Co-Gm/sub-Gm. For example, a player complains and petitions that their god-mod was viable. The Co-Gm says no. Appealing to the Flag-master and he changing that decision arbitrarily would disempower the structure. At times, perhaps it's necessary, but would take some careful talking with the Co-gm and those involved and/or neutral, hence communication.
-------------Game Plot - Because the Flag-master would be in charge of the whole deal, keeping overall game management is necessary. It'd be for the Flag-master to at times sufficient bring that into the games. Communication with the Co-Gms could balance how a civilization finds out certain things (for example, that there are others on the planet(s) besides themselves and how to travel there). Game plot communication with the Co-Gms, when in confidence, could also empower the Co-Gms to maneuver arcs and characters towards a certain climax for the good of the overlying arc for the whole planet.
Reading The Flag-master had better be well-versed on everything going on. Either from communicating with his Co-Gms that give him updates or reading himself. Reading may not be entirely possible, but I'd push hard for the one making the decisions to be an active reader. Here, while lurking, he can see the problems develop himself and maybe even single-out certain RPers for OOC commendation or PM conversation.
Revealer of Secrets and Keeper of "It" - Being the sole holder of the knowledge of everything, it would be the Flag-masters responsibility to keep things interesting. Part of the adventure would be finding out the secret of their existence and some of the problems that they are facing.
The Flag-master will be in control over the overlying storyline. Revealing points here and there via his own posts. Or, where applicable, giving the Co-Gms a portion of knowledge to reveal within their management. Basically, the Flag-master knows everything, but the game will flow on its own as to how it gets there. By having one or two in charge of the revelations, this will forego the problem of some threads being far ahead of the others - which could still be the case and work for the game. However, each civilization will get different or similar clues and will have to act on them to solve their problems.
This sort of timed-release management will also be good for keeping the threads active, the players interested and can be used as a cherry-bomb for dying threads. BOOM! This just happened! How do you react, etc.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
To RECAP
The Flag-master is the driving force. More than just the power behind the game and guardian of the game ideas and mystery, the Flag-master is going to be very busy keeping everything running. Particularly when we start the game with the external storyline, the flag-master should be careful that the game is running smoothly, that the seperate factions are contributing to and being affected by the overall story, and - more importantly - keeping in constant contact with the GM team. Particularly, because without the backing of the Co-Gms and their communication (as laid out above) the games can falter.
It's for this reason that I would like the Flag-master to not have a PC in any of the game or be involved in the outworking of the games from a player's standpoint. However, I do see the flag-master controlling the Super-Alien Race that's been discussed as mysterious faction.
Essentially, aside from the position of using the Alien Race and working to manuever plot, the flag-master is greatly to be considered the administrator of the game much like LS_A was of the highly successful IBoP.
To make this work, the flag-master will have to be willing, and able, to dedicate a hours a day to reading each of the threads, replying to and writings PMs, and other duties (as laid out above).
Any discussion on the topics?
-----signature-----
Co-creator of RPF Holonet
In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and has been widely regarded as a bad move.
-Douglas Adams
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
darth_nemisis
Title: Host:
Acolytes of Darkness
Registered:
May '04
|
Date Posted:
3/18 10:51am
Subject:
RE: The Think-Tank: NSWRPF Flagship Planning and Discussion Thread
|
Wow, this is going to be a lot for the GMs to handle. This is just a suggestion and some people, mainly Elu, may agree but it may be best if there is an offsite for the GMs all to discuss and post ideas and such, privately away from the members. Whether you use the Dreamwrights, or create a board solely for this new game, I think that'd be a great idea, and allow all the GM's to be in sync with each other.
I am going to go ahead and announce...I DO NOT want to be flagmaster.
-----signature-----
 ~Dark Lord - Acolytes of Darkness (SWC)~ My new homepage! http://www.aaronnemisis.com !~!~stormBoards now available~!~! http://stormboards.aaronnemisis.com/
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
SephyCloneNo15
Registered:
Apr '05
|
Date Posted:
3/18 12:49pm
Subject:
RE: The Think-Tank: NSWRPF Flagship Planning and Discussion Thread
|
I wouldn't trust myself as Flag-master, though I'd happily Wing-master one of the subsidiary threads (ideally my own, if the voice of the RPF permits it into the game...)
That's right, just as I went ahead and started trying to get "magick" accepted as the term du jour in the Dreamwrights discussions, I'm proposing Wing-master as the title for Thread GMs. It goes with the territory, and is a minor enough contribution that I don't feel too bad about posting it in class
-----signature-----
Member: GDG, GMG. Sub-GM: CDG
Zam Wessel Lives!
Recipient of Thrawn McEwok's Squib Creations Limited-Edition Replica Glove of Darth Vader™
"Samuel L. Jackson isn't only a fine actor, but a gamer. He's one of us." ~ Kotaku
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
Jango10
Registered:
Sep '02
|
Date Posted:
3/18 2:23pm
Subject:
RE: The Think-Tank: NSWRPF Flagship Planning and Discussion Thread
|
My name does not have an underscore! 
Anyways, I would probably consider being a Co-Gm or something along those lines. Although I would say I am better at designing games rather than actually running them.
-----signature-----
"I love the smell of Napalm in the morning."
McCain/Palin '08
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
