[OOC] (Discussion) A different type of MB for us.

[Rilla]

Has anyone considered doing a more structured, we'll call it, style of multi verse. Lemme preface by saying I'm not savvy to the current going on of the Arena.

What I mean by a structured style is instead of, 'Hey, this is the overall story, go in and have at it.' It would be something like, "This is the world, in this thread the story is -insert story- and each character would play a role. for instance. One group would be trying to retrieve a mystical artifact from a ruined temple, while the other side is either attempting to do the same. Or trying to defend it.' story over. Thread ends.

The main problem I've seen with our versions is that they tend to be open ended, no apparent end game, so they just taper off. People are able to create their own stories, and hope that someone comes along and competes with them.

In my suggestion, the stories are provided, rules are set by the GM(either an overall one or the thread creator), and the story progresses. Results get posted in a large timeline, so it's easily followable.

This is just the gist, as I am currently on a small break at work.

[MelonHead]

So in a sense you're talking about running a series of campaigns or 'events' that are all interconnected? Over at Gaia they do events like that and I must admit the idea is appealing

[ImportantNobody]

I'd be up for this method.

[Rilla]

Essentially, yeah. Like how Malaria as meant to run and all.

[MelonHead]

Essentially, yeah. Like how Malaria as meant to run and all.

@Rilla

Malaria does run pretty well.

I assume you mean Allaria, and yeah, it would be very similar.

I might actually start thinking about this, this is something I could probably run.

[Rilla]

Malaria, is, Allaria's cyberpunk esque cousin.

[Vordak]

All hands for this. Back in the day i tried to push the idea of faction wars between players, but it didn't really take off if i remember right.

[MelonHead]

Malaria, is, Allaria's cyberpunk esque cousin.

@Rilla

You are... incredibly lazy when it comes to thinking up names.

[LeeRoy]

@Rilla
@Vordak
@MelonHead
@ImportantNobody

Well, drawing on Vordak's idea and the MV run by Crapton(Shitty as it was.)

Maybe a map where factions exist, and their influence wanes or grows depending on whether or not they win or lose battles.

This would be represented by colors on the map pushing into enemy territory.

[Rilla]

@MelonHead Did you honestly expect different?

[MelonHead]

Hmm, I think if we do something like this it need a proper planning phase. No half-assing it, proper story boarding and an idea of the sort of events that could be run, with points of divergence to account for what happens in them.

It needs to be designed like a series of DnD campaigns with way more PVP and a clear background to influence with character actions. The only problem with this approach is that it limits people who want to enter the world just to be whimsical and mess around, but honestly, we need more direction. Sandboxing it right up hasn't worked.

No Rilla, I did not. ;d

[Vordak]

Rather than territory, i offer we use several battlefields centered around key objective points, such as factories, mana wells, strongholds and the like, which would double both as arenas and influence zones that can be captured and used somehow story-wise - for example, a faction that holds a heavy industry zone could roll out tanks in a non-PvP oriented event.

[MelonHead]

I think whatever we do has to be more complex than just 'factions fightin.' That strays too closely to the old iterations of the multiverse.

The big question, in my mind, is what setting do you choose? Do you try to create something that allows every type of character in, and deal with the absolute shit storm that will eventually unfold due to inherent mismatches? Personally, I've always been inclined to create something a little more contained. A medieval fantasy world where the characters all start at a reasonable level, human peak with spells or abilities limited in scope but with the potential for growth. Its a world where the most variety of characters can exist, at the cost of anything more technologically advanced than black powder weaponry.

Then, if desired, you start weaving in other settings for different character types to engage in the story. There is no reason whatever overarching theme can't be carried over to a world more advanced in technology. But to start with, keep it simple.

Just my feels on things.

[ImportantNobody]

We could have campaigns in addition to one central thread where characters of all shapes and sizes can enter to mess around more.

[Rilla]

Let's say you guys use a mix of the two ideas. An old fantasy world, where warring factions are engaged in a battle to determine the ruler of said world. Henceforth known as LeeMel, the Republic of Skallandia.

There would ideally be no more than two or three factions, tops. Any more than that and it gets messy. Depending on the amount of people, maybe only two. One led by an NPC charismatic rebel leader named, Shin, and one led by the vicious fist of an NPC robot named Clockwork.

Each skirmish would take place in a predetermined land. Where the victor would gain some type of overall advantage. Perhaps Shin sends two of his lesser leveled rebels out to the crimson badlands, where they run into trouble with the tyrant, Clockwork man's equally leveled soldiers sent to set up shop.

Now you have an overall conflict. What is your goal? Is it for Shin's men to esscape? Is it for Clockwork's to wrangle up any rebel supporters? Is the sin condition capture or escape? Win by defeating the opponent? The GM decides such things and the players play it out, with the GM providing some commentary and background as the battle occurs to help flesh out everything.

Well, what is the prize? For the rebel leader is it more men for his cause? For The tyrant is it the decimation of his foes, conquering more land as he proceeds?

Let us say, for this, Shin's men are captured,after a ruthless game of car and mouse. The thread is awarded to Clockwork and his faction. What are the reaults of such, again. Up to the GM, but for this:

A marked increase in Clockwork soliders in the area, making future camapigns. Harder for the rebels in the area. Clockwork's presence is further felt in surrounding lands he may not have reached yet.

I foresee the map, if there is one, being colored based on who controls what, the beginning it is slanted towards Clockwork by one, a lot of unclaimed land, etc. Each had a xerttain number of victories needed to be claimed by either party. For instance, The Dreamers Forest would require three wins by either side to be claimed, while the Olde Wood needs only one

[LeeRoy]

I think another thing we need is another LOTO.

A shared GM account that can be handed off in case the current GM has to bail. No offense to @Rilla, but it did take me a couple months to finally get a response from you. So just in case you have to leave, the RP won't be left in the aether.

[ImportantNobody]

Taking place in a single fantasy world means, from my point of view, that it shouldn't really be a multiverse, but instead a roleplay simply for this epic world we all add ideas to. That would also help wrangle in the characters to a more consistent level rather than have Super Saiyans existing in the same setting. There would always have to be a hand wave why they couldn't help out in the lower tier fights otherwise.

Our setting could allow a lot of different paths that magic could take so characters like Evvie can still exist, or people with unconventional magic. Basically, a sort of magical evolution can take place in idviduals.

[LeeRoy]

Ever read The Ballad of Edgardo?

Why not use that as a world?

[Rilla]

Because the answer to your first question would be 'No' bahaha.

It could still be a MV, just taking place in a single part of it.

[Rilla]

Also yes, creating a God-type account would be ideal.