[OOC] The Prophecy

[Dark Jack]

So, shall I post or do you want to go first, Merc?

[Mercinus3]

You can go first, Jack.

M3

[Rhaevnn Xeno]

@mercinus3,@yoshua171 - feel free to go ahead and post, unless either of you would like to me to respond to the sister before Ixion/I'on respond

[yoshua171]

What's up with the link for the Compendium? It's not working properly for me. I'm waiting till I can reread the Harvester lore to refresh myself (as I'on would be aware of their existence, what with his being a scholar and a mage).

[Shienvien]

Yeah, the host was apparently under attack, again, and this time, the Compendium took a hit. Since the host is a lousy deal when informing their members, it was down for long enough to the domain to be released (the domain provider informed me, but since the domain service changed hands in between, the spambot promptly decided this suspiciously threatening thing from some company I've never interacted with must be a scam, and ate the warning).
Oh and this changing of hands apparently also compromised my domain account, so I had to sort *that* out, too. Among other things, I received a support ticket reply message that quoted back the entirety of the help page I had quoted a section from in my query...
I'm back in my own country now, but not home for a few days yet. Will try to finally roll it back up when home. It's been busy and something's eaten a couple of weeks in between.

[Sent Yoshua harvester article for now; feel free to ask me for any you might need.]

[yoshua171]

Alright folks, I've finally posted. Sorry for the wait, got distracted on the day I'd intended to do it originally then Shien reminded me today and here we are.

Hope it's enjoyable @Mercinus3 @Dark Jack @Rhaevnn Xeno. Probably Merc's turn now, unless anyone else wants to go first. I don't care haha.

[Dark Jack]

@Shienvien, @cthulu, @yoshua171, @Mercinus3, @Rhaevnn Xeno, @Legion X51, @ASTA and @Ashgan... may I have your attention please?

Am I doing something wrong?
Right from the time when I started this RP, which by now is a fairly long time ago, I have endeavored to be a forthcoming, understanding and generally amicable GM who, while stressing – as I will do again today – that I am indeed dedicated to this RP, its story and its continuation, but also time and time again reminding you all that real life comes first. Of course it does, and it has always been my policy that temporary inactivity was fully acceptable as long as I received some kind of forewarning, and/or some kind of assurance that you are still in the RP and haven’t dropped it.
But right now, the way things are looking, I cannot help but to wonder if I have perhaps been too lenient and too understanding, to the point where my failings have brought the health of this precious old RP of mine – which has admittedly been deteriorating slowly but inexorably for a long time – to what feels unnervingly like close to the brink of death. I know of many other GMs who would have decided that their RP had died long ago with the level of activity The Prophecy has had for the past months, if not even the past year, and quite frankly I think that the fact that I’m still fighting for this RP even at this point should demonstrate the level of sheer stubbornness with which I pursue its survival, deepened even further by my knowledge that there are also still players who not only want to participate in it, but who remain passionate about it too.
Several times over the course of this RP I have faced vaguely similar issues with single players, and during these times I had to invoke deus ex machina or downright cut those players from the story one way or another in order to enable the RP to continue. Now, however, it is not one player, not one story; in the three branching stories of The Prophecy currently active, none are particularly active. The most active one has gone half a month without seeing a reply, which would be acceptable... if it was the exception rather than the norm.
I am understanding and try to help you get through the hardships of your real lives without having to worry about the RP, and I realize that writing posts of the level that has become a hallmark of this RP can be taxing and time-consuming, but I have to realize that there is something seriously wrong when huge amounts of time pass without any activity whatsoever. Even in the most active branch of the story, it feels as though posts only occur when I grow impatient and request posting to be resumed. I spoke of this briefly in a previous “recent” - which one month ago is according to the standards currently in place – OOC-post, but nothing happened.
If you will permit me to do so, I would like to quote the rules-section of the OP of this RP; a rule that has been in place since the beginning of the RP:

- If you are unable to post for a longer period of time (more than four days, for instance) tell us first.

Four days was originally considered a longer period of time, warranting a warning to one’s fellow players. That is where we came from, and this is where we have gotten. One of the three branches of the story has been stuck for over a quarter of a year, and the last of the three is not far behind that one. You know which branches I mean without me naming them. I’m not mentioning anyone in particular in relation to this, not calling anyone out, and I leave it to each of you individually to consider whether you feel responsible for the current state of the RP, and whether you really are that extraordinarily preoccupied, or if you have perhaps just gotten bored with the RP or a “little” lazy. Some players are commendably ready and rarely delay for long once their turn comes around before they post, but those are regrettably in the minority... and quite frankly, recruiting new players for the RP will do nothing for the health of the RP if those new players still have to wait months for the old players to post their turn.
I may sound like I am being harsh, and for that I apologize. I realize from experience that a post like this will most likely make one or several people feel so particularly targeted – though I truly am targeting no one in this post – or so guilty that they feel pressured into leaving the RP, and I realize that including a disclaimer saying that I do not want this will probably not change that. But even so, I have come to the conclusion that it needs to be said.

Which brings me to the ultimate purpose of this post: what needs to be done?
Clearly I need to do something different, or this incarnation of The Prophecy really will die. What am I doing wrong? Should I hound you for not posting whenever a few days have passed? Should I be less polite and more resolute in my requests for posts? Or are my expectations unreasonable? I don’t think they are, but at this point I can’t be certain about anything.
All of these question marks aren’t there just for appearances’ sake, and they have their name for a reason: I am genuinely asking you all real questions here, and I would like to hear your thoughts on the matter.

Please, help me be better if I have performed poorly as GM; please help restoring The Prophecy.

[Shienvien]

Here and in position. *salutes*

I sent Jack a bit longer PM - mostly detailing the situation as I see it, but might at least provide some insight.

PS: Even if you haven't got anything useful to add to the current concerns, feel free to say hi just so we know you lot are still there and about.

[Dark Jack]

You did, and I appreciate that (I will get to replying to that PM, by the way, there are just some of the things I want to say in it that still require some mulling over), but while it is somewhat assuring to at least hear such things from you, I find it fairly disconcerting that I practically only hear it from you. I mean, I'm pretty sure that a short notice of "sorry, can't post right now because I'm busy" or such would take a minute or two to write, and I don't think I've ever given anyone any reason to expect that I would respond poorly to that.

A note on the rule I quoted back up there, the way it's meant to be read is "post four days from when your turn rolls around", not "you personally post every four days". I do agree with what Shien brought up in her PM about it being a rule from a different time with different players and not entirely applicable now, but even so a week's delay would probably be a more suitable milestone for when it's a nice move to drop a comment about there being a bit of an extra wait.

And yes, as Shien pointed out - and I previously specifically requested - hearing from everyone, even just a short comment, would be greatly appreciated.

[yoshua171]

I was getting into bed when I saw this so, in my tired state, decided to reply when I woke up--apologies for that small delay, as I understand the anxiety of a fellow GM who feels they may be losing, or perhaps have lost their precious creation. Especially considering that I myself have recently started up a RP of my own. That nonwithstanding I hope that my semi-frequent forgetfulness in regards to posting (as it is a mixture of a terrible forgetfulness and an annoying lack of time due to work) has not greatly contributed to this incredible lull in activity.

Regardless, I again feel the need to express that I have no intention of disappearing or going anywhere. I'm not entirely certain in regards to what you ought to do Jack because if anything I believe you have been one of the most exemplary GMs I have had the pleasure of playing with/under during the 6 or so years of time that I have RPed. Hell, I've even adapted some of my own GMing style in regards to revelations regarding what I could figure about yours.

So yeah, consider me here until the point where I decide/state that I don't wish to continue--which I don't see occurring any time soon if at all as the world of the Prophecy is absolutely phenomenal and so are the players I have come to share it with (not to mention, you our stellar GM).

I hope the others find time to reply, at the very least to express that they remain, or to help rejuvenate the flow of the IC and assuage your quite warranted concerns. Regardless, I will be here waiting and listening patiently with hope that things will turn out well. If not, I'd be all for joining a reboot/remake if that does become necessary--though I hope it doesn't have to come to that point.

Anywho, for now, I shall cease my ramblings haha, and once again wait for a response :)

Hopefully this helps ease at least a small portion of your worries. I wish I could do more to that effect, but sadly I am only one person so here I sit.

Ciao

*fades into the background, remaining alert, if otherwise occupied*

[Legion X51]

Right, I suppose it's time for me to finally face the music on this, considering I'm the reason behind much of the stalling.

Iridiel isn't a character that I've liked writing for a while now. She's always felt rather forced to me, she didn't feel natural, didn't feel as if she fit in with the setting - heck, I had to make a whole new race for her and her partner, and that attracted a bit of flak, which looking back is pretty justified. What makes the eireannach actually any different from your traditional fantasy stereotypical race? Nothing, really, aside from the metallic compound used in their blood. They're not relevant to the story, they're not even part of the world in which the story is taking place, these just make me realise that there isn't much point in me playing Iridiel, in my view. I'm not enjoying writing as her, and this lack of enjoyment has impacted on other people, for which I am truly sorry, I really am, and it's not fair on others for them to be penalised because some eejit from the north can't be bothered to make his character fun to write for again.

So, what's to do about it? Well, I'm retiring Iridiel. But I'm not retiring from the RP. Shien and I (and Jack has had a PM sent to him about this) have been collaborating to create a new character of mine. And this one will be more intriguing, more enjoyable to roleplay and more able to be interactive with the other members of the party.

Who is this new person? Well, until she's finalised, all I can give is her name: Angora the Untamed.

Once again, I want to apologise for the awful delays, and I'm really sorry for the inconvenience caused...

-Legion

[Rhaevnn Xeno]

Hey Jack (and every one else!),

First and foremost, I think you are doing a fantastic job with the RP, regardless that it does need a little life breathed into it. It's definitely a world that I throughly enjoy being apart of and watching others play in it. Likewise, I think you're doing a great job of being a GM - understanding of people's lives, providing interesting characters, and etc.

To answer your question - what needs to be done, I believe, is perhaps a more strict posting requirement. I'm not sure what this would like, as I'm not sure of what severity this posting requirement should be, but I do believe something needs to be implemented. If you, Jack, were to implement something like this, I trust your judgement. Echoing what Yoshua has written, it has been an absolute pleasure being a player for the game you are GMing, even though I have been here for significantly less time that most players here.

Also to echo what Yoshua has stated, I plan on staying with The Prophecy for long time - I even see myself going down with the ship, so to speak, as this is a world is an absolute pleasure to be a part of (both in character and with such talented writers). If this comes in the form of a reboot, or something along those lines, count me in. Would love to see the Prophecy on a regular posting schedule, and it would be my privilege to be a part of it.

On a side note - thank you, Jack, for providing such a beautiful playground for our characters. Such an environment is a lovely and rare thing to stumble across.

[Mercinus3]

Hey Jack, still here and busy with real life as always.

Much with echoing with what Yoshua and Rhae have said, I am not planning on going anywhere, regardless of my busy state to make sure I am still on course with getting my Masters degree on time. This is despite losing 3 months at the beginning of the year due to concussion and the lasting effects it has had on my psyche. I also owe a lot since I had been one of the people who brought down a previous incarnation of the Prophecy before.

Do not think that you have been a bad GM. You have always been a good GM and a pleasure to play with. It's one of the major reasons why I signed up to RPG in the first place. Heck, it's because of this is why The Prophecy has succeeded for long periods of time compared to my RPs.

From looking in the past couple of pages of the IC, there is one thing that is in common with all three of the storylines: They do appear to be in a conversation with each other. It doesn't appear to show a sense of urgency with the further progress of the stories apart from further information for characters to consider.I would say perhaps getting some form of an event to bring things out of this lull would probably help with the RP.

Anyhow, I should make some progress with my post. I do believe I am next for the Zerul-side of the RP.

M3

[Shienvien]

Well... I've the feeling the conversationing might be interrupted soon enough for at least one of the branches. Conversations as such aren't an issue, though, more real life affecting various players and some less than ideal choices. (There have been just as significant halts mid-combat, and the aforementioned previous incarnation actually did die with an engagement.) Constant fighting can get tedious more quickly than well-written dialogue...

[Lightning Fast]

Sooo... I uh... saw your RP and I think it looks cool.

I've been out of the play-by-post scene for a while, but I was actually hoping to make a duo of characters (a father and daughter) to contribute to the story and hopefully tug at peoples' heartstrings.

If elected president admitted into this RP, I can promise you HIGH OCTANE ACTION, HEARTWARMING MOMENTS and MISCELLANEOUS SHENANIGANS. And, if the situation permits it, LIGHT ROMANCE.

[Dark Jack]

Oh, well, this was unexpected... to have a new player take interest in the RP while the Compendium with all the background information is unavailable, that is. I would recommend either waiting until the Compendium is back in working order before starting to make your characters in detail, or I suppose you could just ask for the information you need (generally you can ask about anything, and I'll try to supply a satisfactory reply).
Eh, but in case it wasn't clear from what I just said, feel free to submit a character for review. Having a suitable character is really the only requirement for being admitted into the RP.

[Legion X51]

Link to Angora's new Character Sheet

[Dark Jack]

Yeah, everything seems to be in order (as you know from my collaborating its creation). Character accepted; it'll be added to the list in the OP shortly.

[Rhaevnn Xeno]

Name:
*CS Goodness Snip*

@Legion X51

I see that the furiously scribbling paid off. Can't wait to see her in action! :3

[Dark Jack]

While I would have liked at least @Ashgan's response as well, I don't really feel as though I can delay reacting to your feedback anymore, so here I go. Thank you, obviously, for your assurances, and thank you for your thoughts on the subject as well. It's good to see everyone posting in the OOC, and in case there was ever any doubt there is an eternally open invitation to do so whenever you want, about whatever you want; anything, frankly, that works as evidence that the RP is still alive and to amuse and intrigue everyone involved, even if the IC pace is slow.
Now, the recommendations you've given me...

To answer your question - what needs to be done, I believe, is perhaps a more strict posting requirement. I'm not sure what this would like, as I'm not sure of what severity this posting requirement should be, but I do believe something needs to be implemented.

Rhaevnn Xeno

I've taken this into consideration in regards to some of the changes listed at the end of this post, but actually imposing a posting requirement is something that I've been reluctant to do from the very start, even if it is something that I think a lot of GMs use specifically to sustain the flow of the RP and keep their players active. The problem is that as soon as an actual deadline is established, many things for a lot of people - a decrease in creativity and fun possible, an increase in stress - are negatively impacted. It conflicts with the message that I have tried to convey from the very start on "real life comes first", so I'm afraid this - in its exact form - is not something I'll ever want to do.
That said, however, you are correct: something needs to be implemented. More on that later.

From looking in the past couple of pages of the IC, there is one thing that is in common with all three of the storylines: They do appear to be in a conversation with each other. It doesn't appear to show a sense of urgency with the further progress of the stories apart from further information for characters to consider.I would say perhaps getting some form of an event to bring things out of this lull would probably help with the RP.

Mercunis3

Shien already expressed some of what I think about this, concerning the fact that dialogue can be interesting - particularly if it concerns important subjects - and that non-stop fighting can be a chore as well. There is also the fact that it would be (forgive me for including a bad word) unrealistic, irrelevant though such a property seems to be particularly in fantasy, if the action happened all the time. For all the clichés and tropes featured in the RP, I'm still reluctant to include random enemies behind every corner and a landscape ripe with inexplicably untouched ruins, dungeons and caves in a land with an apparent surplus of adventurers and vigilantes. To be honest the main branch - the one on the road to Zerul City - has already seen a fairly unrealistic amount of action compared to the IC time that has passed, as the thoughts of the characters frequently remind me. The characters have pretty much been begging me to give them a chance to breathe, and I really can't imagine that their stance on this or the enjoyment gotten from playing them would improve if they were to be exhausted even further.
Action is coming, particularly once the main group's long prophesied arrival to Zerul City comes to pass and I have some more wriggle-room. Honestly, I'm not even sure what I would do to inject a further sense of urgency into the current three story branches. Whatever I do with the main group Aemoten still needs to wake up, and beyond him resting they have actually been fairly focused on getting to Zerul City. At the Drunken Dove, those three have already just fought Fixer and subsequently had an unfortunate brief but intense clash with Rose of the Sisters of Torment, and are currently in the company of two very powerful and famous allies in the middle of a population center. Jillian and Gerald just escaped the Battle of Anaxim Forest and have been making deals that have allowed them to learn the full truth of the Withering and how to end it, and - on top of being in a secluded area, in the company of two powerful allies, one of which is probably imposing enough to make would-be meddlers reconsider what they're doing with their lives - are speaking with a projection of the Grand Master himself. Though the OOC tension has gotten low due to delay between posts, the IC tension is practically at the breaking point; even in Ixion's own branch the characters seem pretty weary and to want nothing more than to get some sleep.
Hmm... I also realize that I've lost track of when the different branches are again. Damn.

There has been said more in PM, but I'm not going to quote or respond to those things here. I have your advice now, however, and I have decided to make a few changes to the OP to reflect the efforts to improve the flow of the RP:
To begin with I renamed the "Rules" section "Guidelines", since that is more in line with reality and better reflects my stance on the various entries there. Additionally I've also moved the statement of the player-limit out of said section and further up, to just beneath the introduction.
I've removed the entry I previously quoted about giving a warning if one is delayed by four days, and replaced it with:

- Once it is your turn to post, please at least give a situation- and/or progress-report if you are delayed from posting by a week, and another periodically at least once a week from then, if the delay becomes extreme. If you expect to be unable to post for two weeks or more, please tell us in advance.

On the same topic I added another guideline:

- If you find yourself unable to post for a long period of time (a month or more), please consider allowing for your character to be carried during your incapacitation, preferably while giving relatively brief and manageable instructions on how to handle this OOC.

And finally, one last additional guideline:

- Communicate. If there is any doubt as to which player is the next to post, please address this doubt OOC as soon as possible; ask if the other player intends to post rather than waiting to see if they will. In fact if you have questions in general, don't hold back: a question asked is potentially a mistake avoided.

That's about it. Thank you again for your assurances and your input.