Guild News 6.22.12

**Guru** · 06-22-2012

Lovely Image By: Chibisuke Chan

General News

Contest Manager Changes

After serving as a Devoted Manager of Writer of the Month for a long while, Dudel is finally stepping down. We would like to thank him for all his hard work and time he committed to running the Contest. So make sure to give him a big pat on the back! On a related note, we would like to welcome Kagamine to the Writer of the Month Team! Congratulations and Good Luck!

GM Interview

For this latest installment of the GM interview we spoke with Kadaeux who was gracious enough to get up early to do so. He's well known around the guild for his innovative use of systems within his Role Plays, something not often done here on the guild. His Role Plays range from Star-war's to Steampunk to Nations Role plays Come read and see what he has to say on the subject of GMing.

Also, in a few weeks look for an interview similar to the Arena one where we discuss Nations Role Playing

We really appreciate all the time that the interviewees put into these interviews, be sure to let them know if you enjoyed it. Want to re-read one of these great interviews again? They are all put into this thread for easy locating.

We are actively looking for GM's to interview so if you know of one you'd love to see interviewed please PM their name to
Lillian Thorne.

Lillian How long have you been Role Playing?

Kadaeux Hmm, *Checks age* about 14 years, close to 15 now in fact.

Lillian wow, nice. How much of that has been forum RP?

Kadaeux Maybe five or six years. Though before coming to the guild it was generally poor quality stuff.

Lillian so then how long have you been on the Guild?

Kadaeux About little over three years now. A hell of a ride too.

Lillian When did you start GMing?

Kadaeux Hard to pin down, if you mean all-together, probably about 10 years ago when enjoying other RPGs (On this ancient paper-like material, with physical dice even!), if you mean on the Guild, pretty much straight away. I decided I liked to create and see people explore my worlds more than just play in them.

Lillian Do you still do table-top?

Kadaeux Not as often as I once did but yeah. It helped inspire my tendency to create reasonably complex rules-sets for my RPs, though mine is quite different to most TT RPGs. *ignores the ocassional aneurysm a new player has*

Lillian So what do you love about GMing?

Kadaeux The ability to build complex rules sets and worlds around them and watch my players get horribly murderised ... I mean explore it and discover all there is to discover. And it throws out some interesting things due to my rules. For example, Sarz (Sarzu on the guild) last night in a collab was fighting a full scale battle. His leaders proved about as useful as a bag of rocks in it, but his men made up for it. And even got to promote one from the rank and file for badassery when he picked up a heavy weapon on his own and mowed down the enemy. Entirely unexpected.

Lillian So you use rules and systems more than is generally found on the Guild. Does that generally go over well?

Kadaeux In general yes, Sarz (mentioned above) has been RPing with me almost all my 3 years on the guild, and some other members of the old guard have as well. Additionally I regularly get new player. The trick is to strike a balance between complexity and fun, without being over balanced. I've gone the far too complex route a couple times and those RPs didn't fare well. Became too inundated with bean-counting. And that just wasn't fun. My people mostly love the random events I use.

Lillian You are well known around the guild and frequently lauded as a great GM, what would you say you do to have earned yourself such a great reputation?

Kadaeux Mind Control.

Lillian That works over the internet?

Kadaeux Indeed, fairly reliable too. But in all seriousness, I just listened to the players, made compromises, made things interesting and did my best to keep players talking amongst one another and... Well the biggest trick is to keep shitstorms from OOC or IC. As such when a player does something wrong I don't yell at them or give them orders. I punish their character IC. If a player's character god-mods they might get something like a broken leg for example.

Lillian And that doesn't produce whining?

Kadaeux It's never up for discussion, but no, the more a decision is challenged the worse it goes for a character. The worst examples for a God-Modder for example is the instant death of their character, thus removal from the RP. I've never had to go that far. But I make sure players know breaking the rules will effect them In Game more than anything. The nature of my rules that lets people make characters curbs the bad players usually though.

Lillian So do you employ stats.

Kadaeux Depending on the RP yes, my currently running RP does, and the next one on the rank will as well. But mostly I employ "traits". Most prevalent in my nation RPs, the next version of Stellar Empires will have a little over six hundred to choose from. Big enough I actually store the rules as PDF files on Scribed and just give out the link. For example: "Wealthy Parentage: You have good connections with your family and their deep pockets. As such when the pennies need to be pinched you might find yourself with a longer leash than someone with a tighter budget.” Lot of work though

Lillian I can imagine.

Kadaeux I have been known to spend more than six months on some rules sets.

Lillian Do you plot your RPs as extensively as you concoct the rules?

Kadaeux Depends on the RP in question. Usually for my nation RPs I’ll create a 'big bad' or two that will crop up to cause havoc but otherwise leave it relatively freeform. For character-based I do more plot-work. Like the next RP off my rank when I post it is actually going to be based off of the universe from the book I’m writing. Obviously it'll be more structured than is normally the case for me. Railroading players = evil to me though I've known a few GMs who the sound effects Chugga Chugga Chugga are constant.

Lillian Do you plot an end?

Kadaeux Usually? No. Especially with nation based, I'm happy to let it go as far as it goes, let the players define the length and depth of the story. I create the world to see what people do with it. For a character-based I might be more inclined to do a chapter-based structure, but I never plan for an end. After all, if I, and others, are enjoying it why should it end?

Lillian How do you handle drop-outs?

Kadaeux Again depends on the RP, in character based it's both easier and harder. Easier in that push comes to shove there's nothing to clear the metaphorical schedule like killing the drop-outs character (freeing other players of any obligations there). For nation RPs I tend to just go "Free for all aisle 5" The players are usually happy to invade and make it interesting.

Lillian When you GM for character based or Nations based, do you RP in them as well or just maintain GM distance and use only NPC's?

Kadaeux I usually participate as well. Since a lot of things I do are randomly generated for results participation works without being imbalanced. But they do serve as tools I use to help players do plots they want. And random results are fun. For example: Andi went on a small side-quest of her own the other day. Was supposed to just be a chat with an NPC, but the dice were nasty, by the time the event finished she'd been in two firefights, had two minor characters wounded, one nearly killed and failed to do what she set out to do all while attracting the attention of a big bad to herself.

Lillian Do you employ a dice roller or just roll them yourself?

Kadaeux I used to just roll the dice myself, but started using an online roller so I could take screenshots to show the player involved if the dice are being particularly nasty. (Or good for that matter)

Lillian So on the topic of nasty and good, Do you have a favorite RP or one you consider your biggest success?

Kadaeux*Whistles lowly* Now that is a hard question to answer. In a way I'd have to say despite its short length my biggest success was my first proper nation RP on the Guild, not because it was overly long or chock full of players. But because it served as the foundation for the continued use of my rules on the guild and was where I met the first few of my regulars

Lillian How about your biggest failure and what did you learn from it?

Kadaeux Now that one is easy. Stellar Empires 2. It was designed to be epic, unfortunately I overburdened it in complex rules and the numbers game played against it, so while it lasted a little while in its prologue, the main RP for it bombed out faster than a boat made of sugar. The numbers were far too much to keep track of.

Lillian So you mentioned earlier how you handled problem players, how do you handle accepting players/characters?

Kadaeux Well a player has to go through my rules sets to make their character or nation, there is always a provided sheet so people can see what is accepted. People spend their points and/or traits depending on the RP. Then they do the little details. Once done we go over the sheet, if it complies with the rules (haven't spent too many points or taken mutually exclusive traits) then typically we accept the sheet. It'd take a pretty badly done sheet to be denied and I have a habit of giving everyone a chance. If they're bad to start we might be able to help improve them with patience. If they're good well... good

Lillian So do you have any tips you'd give to a fledgling GM?

Kadaeux Be patient, listen to the players, help them where needed and give them a chance. But don't be afraid or hesitate to crack down on trouble elements, you let a god modder slip one thing through they'll expect to get away with it until you're awash in trouble. But most of all remember. The players are there to enjoy themselves. Remember that and act to make sure of it. The fastest way to get a ragequit is railroading or one player feeling left out or unrewarded. *Whispers* or hide the bodies.

LillianAnything else you want to touch upon?

Kadaeux Hmm, just remember. Reality is what you make it, just don't forget the players for your own vision. That is the path to the slightly vomit-coloured side.

Role Playing News

Featured Interest Checks

Title: Nations: Steel and Fire
GM:Shroud010
Level: Free

Title: Back in time
GM: Adjectives
Level: Casual

Title: Pirate Wars
GM: Chronicus
Level: Advanced

Featured Roleplays

Title: Boarding School of Freaks
GM: Gamer5
Level: Free

Title: When the Gods are Mortal
GM: Ayla
Level: Casual

Title: The Good Life
GM: Spade
Level: Advanced

The City of Crawston and her three boroughs are a massive miasma of conflicting ways of life. The working man lives next to the thief, the politician is partners with the assassin and the criminal works for the priest. You have Brewstone, home of the rich and prosperous who are protected by the Premo Family and their old ways. If you want to make noise in Brewstone, you need Premo permission, or you're made an example of. Want to work the Port? Fine, as long as you pay tribute to those you work with. Wrong enough people in Port Angelo and you'll end up with a price on your head. Kings Grove...Well, Kings Grove has always been the wild west. Dangerous men come out of Kings Grove, and outside organizations are weary of those who choose to set up shot there. They're just as likely to kill you as they are to work for you.

Crawston, is home to a very special breed of criminal. There is a class of brilliantly dangerous professionals who separate themselves from the amateur thugs and cheap stick up gangs. Those without affiliations are available for hire, some have ties to bigger organizations and others do it for themselves. It's a secretive lifestyle, that carries a fine share of perks if you're good at what you do. Some are friends, others are enemies, in the end it's all business. Why? It's Crawston, it's always been that way. It's the good life, and it comes with a hefty price and hard work, but if you want it enough, it's yours.

Being a part of a crew is a common occurrence. If you're not employed by an organization and under their protection, you turn to your peers and have each others back. Crews clash all the time, because crews get bigger jobs. Banks, casinos, armored cars, other crews, it's all for the taking you see. You either have to be smart or crazy, or both. It's good business to have a crew, but you have to have enough respect and money. There are roughly a dozen independent crews in Crawston, all in either Port Angelo or Kings Grove.
This is the story of a crew that had all the right things going for them, their conquests, their trials and tests. Their friendships, their enemies. The fights they fought, the guns they shot and the money they made. It's a story of those moments that would determine if they would falter under the boots of giants, or if they would light the city on fire and take it for themselves.

Arena

Title: WOTW II - Tamara vs Sigurd
Host: Rilla
Type: Tournament Match

Off-Topic News

Role Playing Discussion

Interesting discussions are always going on, come join in and chat about our mutual hobby

Quirks/OCDs/Ticks/Habits/Phobias

The Fauxtrot wonders whether or not other roleplays tend to add different quirks and habits to your characters to make them interesting. Have a look and tell others what makes your characters tick.

Featured Galleries

RPG has a lovely Gallery section that doesn’t see enough encouragement and attention. If you have some scribbles lying around or some art you’d like to share start up a gallery and show people what you can do outside of an RP! While you are there take a moment to offer some encouragement and insight in another user's gallery, maybe they will return the favor. If you'd like your gallery to be featured be sure to send a PM to either Lillian Thorne or Guru.

Art Gallery: Unleashed Caracter Comic Tournament

BehindmyMask has a link in his gallery to an Arena. But don't stop reading yet for the fights here are illustrated instead of being written. Check out his style of drawing and enjoy the comical drama between the fighters there.

Writing Gallery: Σ - Short Story by Me

StormHaiku has written a very well composed short story. And there seemed to be a song in the story as well. Do you think you can truly "listen" to the song the writer have mentioned? Can you tell what's the title of said song or by whom it's written by?

Official Contests

Don’t forget about RPG’s Official Monthly contests: Artists of the Month & Writer of the Month, the prize is a nifty colored user title not to mention the glory. The contestants work really hard and put out some outstanding work. Stop by and check it out and while you are there don’t forget to vote and comment on the contest entries. The more votes and comments, the more satisfying the victory is! The contests could always use more people. If you want to get involved and send in an entry, please see the Contest section of the site for rules and directions. Remember the more, the merrier!

This month's theme for WOTM is Friendship and voting is still open. Head over to the threads to give your vote: Casual, Advanced

This Month's theme for AOTM is Life vs Death and voting is still open. Head over to the thread to give your vote: Joint Thread

Other News

Completed RP Archive

StormHaiku has started up a Completed RP Archive in the Articles Section as a place to store and read that rarest of beasts: The RP that lasted long enough to have an end! Go poke through and see the few that have made it there. Also, if you know of any or are in possession of some feel free to PM them to StormHaiku so that all may enjoy them.

__________________________________________________ ____

All featured RPs and Linked threads have been chosen by random based on the number of responses to the thread and how active they are. If you'd like to have a IntChk, Roleplay, or Gallery featured in the next Newsletter, please send a message to Guru. Your thread may or may not be used, depending on the number of entries and random choice. We are also always looking for banners to top the newsletter.

This Newsletter is brought to you by your Comrades. Enjoy!
Guru, Lillian Thorne, Grif of Hearts, Lyzan

Next Guild News: July, 6th 2012

**Rilla** · 06-22-2012

Yeah man, one of them links, is messed up bro, well not named.

Originally Posted by Guru

Title: http://roleplayerguild.com/showthread.php?t=154532
GM: Spade
Level: Advanced

The City of Crawston and her three boroughs are a massive miasma of conflicting ways of life. The working man lives next to the thief, the politician is partners with the assassin and the criminal works for the priest. You have Brewstone, home of the rich and prosperous who are protected by the Premo Family and their old ways. If you want to make noise in Brewstone, you need Premo permission, or you're made an example of. Want to work the Port? Fine, as long as you pay tribute to those you work with. Wrong enough people in Port Angelo and you'll end up with a price on your head. Kings Grove...Well, Kings Grove has always been the wild west. Dangerous men come out of Kings Grove, and outside organizations are weary of those who choose to set up shot there. They're just as likely to kill you as they are to work for you.

Crawston, is home to a very special breed of criminal. There is a class of brilliantly dangerous professionals who separate themselves from the amateur thugs and cheap stick up gangs. Those without affiliations are available for hire, some have ties to bigger organizations and others do it for themselves. It's a secretive lifestyle, that carries a fine share of perks if you're good at what you do. Some are friends, others are enemies, in the end it's all business. Why? It's Crawston, it's always been that way. It's the good life, and it comes with a hefty price and hard work, but if you want it enough, it's yours.

Being a part of a crew is a common occurrence. If you're not employed by an organization and under their protection, you turn to your peers and have each others back. Crews clash all the time, because crews get bigger jobs. Banks, casinos, armored cars, other crews, it's all for the taking you see. You either have to be smart or crazy, or both. It's good business to have a crew, but you have to have enough respect and money. There are roughly a dozen independent crews in Crawston, all in either Port Angelo or Kings Grove.
This is the story of a crew that had all the right things going for them, their conquests, their trials and tests. Their friendships, their enemies. The fights they fought, the guns they shot and the money they made. It's a story of those moments that would determine if they would falter under the boots of giants, or if they would light the city on fire and take it for themselves.

Irish bastard slackin'

**Guru** · 06-22-2012

Well.. it is fixed now. I hope. lolz. >.< Too sick for this. haha. Same reason I have it up so late. I've been sleeping most of the day.

**love that panda** · 06-22-2012

Good news letter, thank you. c:

Congrats, Kagamine! I hope you bring some great ideas to the WOTM team.

**MelonHead** · 06-22-2012

Thanks for mentioning me. Not the most interesting arena fight I admit, but its got a shield in it, and its hit into a person a couple of times... so... yeah.

**Kagamine** · 06-22-2012

*runs off to provide links to everyone she knows*

**MelonHead** · 06-22-2012

Do it... embrace the dark side.

Gratz on joining the writing competition thing.

**Kagamine** · 06-22-2012

Originally Posted by love that panda

Good news letter, thank you. c:

Congrats, Kagamine! I hope you bring some great ideas to the WOTM team.

And thank you, Panda.

I already updated the WOTM account's avatar, lol.

---------- Post added at 07:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:08 PM ----------

Originally Posted by MelonHead

Do it... embrace the dark side.

Gratz on joining the writing competition thing.

Lol thanks.

**Tatoba** · 06-22-2012

Oh! So this what you were talking about! This really is big news, congrats! ^^ *hugs Kaga*

***Grif of Hearts*** · 06-22-2012

Cool beans with Kagamine.

Good luck!

Thread: Guild News 6.22.12

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