Hello there! My name's xCRAZYxFACEx, and I have an idea.
Have you ever wanted to create a world, a setting, or something, but felt it was too daunting a task? Perhaps you wanted someone to bounce ideas off of, but could never find the right person? Or maybe you're really great at certain aspects, like the broad strokes of a setting, but the details always eluded you? (Or maybe it's the other way around, where the details come easily but the big parts are just too big to handle).
In short: you feel like you might want a helping hand or two.
Well, this thread is for you, the dreamer, the creator, the collaborator. What I'm trying to create here is a spot for two or four other people that want to worldbuild something epic by collaborating with other people. The ideal scenario is to create something unique and refreshing, where everyone brings something to the table, and thereafter we can run a game for people that want to join in.
So, how would this work? My thought is this: Everyone is a co-GM, so to speak, but we take turns being the overall GM.
Let's assume two people join me in doing this. What would likely happen is that I start off being the GM, and I ask a question: What is the genre of our RP? Everyone takes a vote, with the GM also taking the role of moderator. We might decide sci-fi, fantasy, modern, or something in-between. But, what if we can't decide, or if everyone wants to do their own thing? At that point, we talk it out, with the current GM leading the conversation. We argue for our vote, and we listen when others do the same. We come to a conclusion, and we vote again. In the scenario that we cannot decide on a solution, the tie-breaker has the final say on what it is, just so that we can move on. (I'll explain the role of the tie-breaker in a bit).
Ultimately, this comes down to trust. Trust that the others won't try and screw everyone over, and trust that everyone wants to come together to create a wonderful setting. And the most important part: when a decision is made that you don't agree with, we move on. You might not like it, but for the sake of the group I ask that you not sulk or complain about it. If you commit to this, I really want you to commit. The idea of collaboration doesn't work if people leave after not getting their way.
Back to the idea of the Ubermensch the overall GM. We take turns. Once a decision is made and the details are ironed out for a question, the next person in turn asks a question. At first we'll start with broad strokes, like, "What's the genre?" and, "Do we want an epic setting or something more concise and compact?". But as we move on, the questions will become smaller, like, "What's such-and-such companies' name?" or, "What's the name and background of a particular ruler at this point in time?" Here, the idea is that the current GM decides what's the most pressing issue to focus on, and we focus our efforts on said question. We don't question it, we just do our best to answer and come up with more details for the setting. Don't like a question, or feel like we should be focusing on something else? Wait your turn, and then you can bring it up.
Now, I'm hoping for at least two people to join, and I'm doubtful about taking more than four people in for this group. And hopefully, there's not just three people clamoring for a spot. I want an uneven number of co-GM's, so that we don't run into a case where there's a fifty-fifty split down a certain issue. Majority should decide what happens, and if there's no cohesion then the tie-breaker breaks the question and we move on. Now, who's the tie-breaker?
The tie-breaker is the one that will ultimately decide the answer to a question in the event that no compromise can be reached. How do we decide who's tie-breaker? Easy, it's either the previous GM if we have a group of three, or the GM from two questions ago if we have a group of five. That way, the GM cannot both decide on a question and then immediately answer it based on what he/she wants.
So, is this world-building thing for you?
I highly prefer people that have done some form of world-building before, and/or people who have GM'ed a game before. I want someone that can take charge of a situation for a small group of people, and has the creativity and gumption to back it up. If you feel like you meet these requirements, go ahead and show your enthusiasm in a post below. Feel interested but not sure if you'd fit the bill? Shoot me a PM about this topic, and we can talk it out and see if you're a good fit.
Now, in your post, I want you to just talk about what other games you've been in before, and what experience you have in world-building and GM'ing. No experience isn't a deal-breaker, but if there's somehow an abundance of people wanting to join, it might prove to be a problem. Also, leave down your preferred method of communication (e.g. Skype, Discord, standard PM/posts, what have you), and if you have a suggestion for where to keep all of our writings down, go ahead and mention it. Personally, I would prefer a Skype group to communicate with y'all, and we'd use a collection of Google Docs to write down the story, background, and setting. But, I'm definitely open to other methods, if people prefer something else.
Got a question? Go ahead and ask, either in PM or in a post (preferably a post, that way everyone else who might have a similar question can see it and the answer). If I feel your question is especially pertinent, I'll add it to the FAQ.
Got a comment about this idea? Feel free to share your thoughts! Feedback from anyone would be greatly appreciated.
Alrighty then, on to the FAQ!
Q: What if I want to join this project, but don't want to help with GM'ing a game afterward?
A: That's perfectly fine! I'm looking for people to help create a setting first and foremost, the game afterwards will just be icing on the cake. Just mention if you'd like to help with a game afterwards or not in your post.
Q: I joined, but something IRL is keeping me from the collaboration. What do?
A: I get it, real life can be a pain. It's certainly knocked me down a peg or two before. If you feel like you can't devote as much time as before, just shoot me a message or post it here. I'd prefer if you didn't leave entirely, but then again I can't exactly stop you. Just let me know if you're quitting or just taking a break due to something. If it's a break, give me an estimate on how long until you can make it back. If you leave and don't give me a heads up, that's a quick way to get booted entirely. Don't make me be mean, I don't like it.
Q: How will we communicate?
A: I'd prefer Skype, since I already have it, but that ultimately comes down to what people want to use. If you've got a better alternative, please, mention it!
Q: How will we write down and keep notes of the stuff we're doing?
A: I was thinking of using Google Docs, and having a hub page of sorts with the the links to all the other pages. I could also create a Advanced Topic where we discuss things in OOC, and the IC will hold down all our official notes and decisions. I'd prefer not to use the last method, in the event we create a setting with a twist or some secrets. Don't want a game based on the setting to have all it's secrets spoiled, right?
Q: Memes?
A: Pls no
Have you ever wanted to create a world, a setting, or something, but felt it was too daunting a task? Perhaps you wanted someone to bounce ideas off of, but could never find the right person? Or maybe you're really great at certain aspects, like the broad strokes of a setting, but the details always eluded you? (Or maybe it's the other way around, where the details come easily but the big parts are just too big to handle).
In short: you feel like you might want a helping hand or two.
Well, this thread is for you, the dreamer, the creator, the collaborator. What I'm trying to create here is a spot for two or four other people that want to worldbuild something epic by collaborating with other people. The ideal scenario is to create something unique and refreshing, where everyone brings something to the table, and thereafter we can run a game for people that want to join in.
So, how would this work? My thought is this: Everyone is a co-GM, so to speak, but we take turns being the overall GM.
Let's assume two people join me in doing this. What would likely happen is that I start off being the GM, and I ask a question: What is the genre of our RP? Everyone takes a vote, with the GM also taking the role of moderator. We might decide sci-fi, fantasy, modern, or something in-between. But, what if we can't decide, or if everyone wants to do their own thing? At that point, we talk it out, with the current GM leading the conversation. We argue for our vote, and we listen when others do the same. We come to a conclusion, and we vote again. In the scenario that we cannot decide on a solution, the tie-breaker has the final say on what it is, just so that we can move on. (I'll explain the role of the tie-breaker in a bit).
Ultimately, this comes down to trust. Trust that the others won't try and screw everyone over, and trust that everyone wants to come together to create a wonderful setting. And the most important part: when a decision is made that you don't agree with, we move on. You might not like it, but for the sake of the group I ask that you not sulk or complain about it. If you commit to this, I really want you to commit. The idea of collaboration doesn't work if people leave after not getting their way.
Back to the idea of the Ubermensch the overall GM. We take turns. Once a decision is made and the details are ironed out for a question, the next person in turn asks a question. At first we'll start with broad strokes, like, "What's the genre?" and, "Do we want an epic setting or something more concise and compact?". But as we move on, the questions will become smaller, like, "What's such-and-such companies' name?" or, "What's the name and background of a particular ruler at this point in time?" Here, the idea is that the current GM decides what's the most pressing issue to focus on, and we focus our efforts on said question. We don't question it, we just do our best to answer and come up with more details for the setting. Don't like a question, or feel like we should be focusing on something else? Wait your turn, and then you can bring it up.
Now, I'm hoping for at least two people to join, and I'm doubtful about taking more than four people in for this group. And hopefully, there's not just three people clamoring for a spot. I want an uneven number of co-GM's, so that we don't run into a case where there's a fifty-fifty split down a certain issue. Majority should decide what happens, and if there's no cohesion then the tie-breaker breaks the question and we move on. Now, who's the tie-breaker?
The tie-breaker is the one that will ultimately decide the answer to a question in the event that no compromise can be reached. How do we decide who's tie-breaker? Easy, it's either the previous GM if we have a group of three, or the GM from two questions ago if we have a group of five. That way, the GM cannot both decide on a question and then immediately answer it based on what he/she wants.
So, is this world-building thing for you?
I highly prefer people that have done some form of world-building before, and/or people who have GM'ed a game before. I want someone that can take charge of a situation for a small group of people, and has the creativity and gumption to back it up. If you feel like you meet these requirements, go ahead and show your enthusiasm in a post below. Feel interested but not sure if you'd fit the bill? Shoot me a PM about this topic, and we can talk it out and see if you're a good fit.
Attention: Here's what to include in a post if you're interested
Now, in your post, I want you to just talk about what other games you've been in before, and what experience you have in world-building and GM'ing. No experience isn't a deal-breaker, but if there's somehow an abundance of people wanting to join, it might prove to be a problem. Also, leave down your preferred method of communication (e.g. Skype, Discord, standard PM/posts, what have you), and if you have a suggestion for where to keep all of our writings down, go ahead and mention it. Personally, I would prefer a Skype group to communicate with y'all, and we'd use a collection of Google Docs to write down the story, background, and setting. But, I'm definitely open to other methods, if people prefer something else.
Got a question? Go ahead and ask, either in PM or in a post (preferably a post, that way everyone else who might have a similar question can see it and the answer). If I feel your question is especially pertinent, I'll add it to the FAQ.
Got a comment about this idea? Feel free to share your thoughts! Feedback from anyone would be greatly appreciated.
Alrighty then, on to the FAQ!
FAQ
Q: What if I want to join this project, but don't want to help with GM'ing a game afterward?
A: That's perfectly fine! I'm looking for people to help create a setting first and foremost, the game afterwards will just be icing on the cake. Just mention if you'd like to help with a game afterwards or not in your post.
Q: I joined, but something IRL is keeping me from the collaboration. What do?
A: I get it, real life can be a pain. It's certainly knocked me down a peg or two before. If you feel like you can't devote as much time as before, just shoot me a message or post it here. I'd prefer if you didn't leave entirely, but then again I can't exactly stop you. Just let me know if you're quitting or just taking a break due to something. If it's a break, give me an estimate on how long until you can make it back. If you leave and don't give me a heads up, that's a quick way to get booted entirely. Don't make me be mean, I don't like it.
Q: How will we communicate?
A: I'd prefer Skype, since I already have it, but that ultimately comes down to what people want to use. If you've got a better alternative, please, mention it!
Q: How will we write down and keep notes of the stuff we're doing?
A: I was thinking of using Google Docs, and having a hub page of sorts with the the links to all the other pages. I could also create a Advanced Topic where we discuss things in OOC, and the IC will hold down all our official notes and decisions. I'd prefer not to use the last method, in the event we create a setting with a twist or some secrets. Don't want a game based on the setting to have all it's secrets spoiled, right?
Q: Memes?
A: Pls no
