[OOC] Pacific Royal Collegiate & University - [CLOSED]

[Roman]

Honestly, Wraith's in a lose-lose situation here. Either he waits until September for his planned hiatus due to the arrival of his first child and drops the RP and we all get mad, or he gives us a heads-up now - and the choice to keep going until his hiatus if we're enjoying ourselves! - and we all get mad anyway.

Ultimately yes it's a bummer but cut the guy a break, it was a week-ish break while he worked on a narrative piece (and some other, equally severe life events were/are occurring to other players) and also allowing players more time to make important IC decisions and, again, he is preparing for a baby, it really doesn't get much more important than that.

I'd also like to say that the feeling of being 'abandoned' is also unfair, and while the majority player-base may not have been privy to such discussions, I'd like to vouch for Wraith and say he was working on and refining further narrative ideas to drive the game forwards post-team swap/house selection.
He's also had to work with a lot of curveballs and has done an excellent job of adapting to the evolving player base and narrative direction so, again, let's give some credit where it's due.

As Hound has mentioned (and the sentiment is shared among a lot of us it seems) we are workshopping new ideas to pitch to the wider group and find something to carry on writing with this group, so stay tuned for that this weekend, and I for one am looking forward to continuing to work with you all, and with Hound in a GM capacity.

[Hound55]

Pitch Platter!

[Lord Wraith]

Okay,

It has been an interesting couple of days. But I want to address a few things:

-I was never ready to abandon P.R.C.U., however, yes, I made you guys wait a very long time and did not hold myself accountable to my own rules. As most, if not all of you are aware, I am currently prepping for my first child. I am additionally taking on my responsibilities at work, volunteering weekly and going through my professional registration process. This has left me with less free time than when we started back in February before either my wife or I knew we were expecting for reference, that all said I should have more clearly communicated my time.

-I've given it a lot of thought and I would like to continue with P.R.C.U. If it's dead, it's dead and people have moved and that's fine and that's my fault. However, I'd like to keep this going. Many of you have noted the amount of work put into the front end of the RP, and it's true. This is a passion project designed for the long haul. That said, as the past month has shown and knowing what I'm expecting in the fall, I can't possibly promise or guarantee a post every fourteen days. So if we move forward, it will be without the post deadline in place, it'll be suspended and people will be responsible to post in their own time.

-There will be times when I will be hands-off and have to leave you lot to almost sandbox, this will be especially true in November and December I would imagine. However, I have no idea what to expect when the baby comes, so I'm dealing with a lot of uncertainty. But what I want to communicate is that I'm not abandoning this project, however, it might not have a consistent or regular pace. It will likely be feast and famine and if that doesn't work for you, I completely understand.

-That said, I'm not trying to rush the RP to a conclusion either. I want to have this place out and there might be times where it drags a bit, but we'll cross those bridges when we get there.

-I am in no way trying to stop Roman or Hound from carrying on with their project. I fully believe they should continue with whatever idea gets voted in. If only because it will have a more consistent and guaranteed pace. If you want to remain part of both, we'll all be happy, but we also understand if you only want to dedicate time to one or other.

-I apologize for all of the confusion, but must genuinely express that the idea of simply moving the RP to a slower pace hadn't initially occurred to me. No matter who is left, I will continue on with P.R.C.U. as long as it has interested players.

EDIT: Regarding the draft for Agents of H.E.L.P. in my workshop thread, that was envisioned as 1x1 or small group to finish the Hyperion portion of the story in the event P.R.C.U. was actually done as a whole. My thought process was having one or two partners meant easier communication and management of expectations. Your characters would not have been involved, nor referenced out of respect to your creations.

[webboysurf]

I am confused.

I have been enjoying my vacation, so I haven't been keeping up with the discussions as much as everyone else. Last I remember, the majority of us speaking and posting publicly were fine leaving this here. We were specifically asked if we wanted to continue with this. The answer seemed to be no. We were moving on, making plans and formulating new ideas. Hound and Roman have been hard at working trying to build something new for us to move on as a community. It is deeply disappointing that when you didn't get the answer you wanted from us, you decided to do what you want to do anyways.

I will not be continuing on here. I stand by what I said before: We should end it here. I wish you all the best if you want to continue with this, but I will not be joining you in this thread anymore. I hope to continue RPing with the vast majority of you in one RP or another, but I am sorry to say it won't be at PRCU.

[Carlyle]

Might be best to do a head count so you can see where everyone is at, then.

[Lord Wraith]

Might be best to do a head count so you can see where everyone is at, then.

@Kuro

Agreed, if you're still interested in continuing on, please sound off in the thread. There is no pressure to continue one way or another, I understand looking forward to what Hound and Roman are working on.

[Roman]

[Nemaisare]

I'm still in the same mood as when I first gave my two cents. If this continues, I'll stick it out to the end, if it doesn't, I... well, obviously I won't.

*Nem just sitting in a corner with a little stegosaurus stuffy and a Hyperion sock puppet. "Curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal!"*

[Tackytaff]

While I respect Wraith's hectic schedule and time, I do mine own as well. There's no way I'd be able to jump back in with any enthusiasm knowing that this RP may die at any moment on the whims of a mercurial GM. I'm not saying it to be snide, but as a player who was not privy to any 'backroom' discussions; this ride has given me too much whiplash, and I don't have enough faith it won't happen again to stay on.

Best of luck to everyone again, good stories to be had and hope to see you around.

[Pirouette]

Oh.

Weird spot for me to be in that I did not anticipate.

I’m kind of getting out of RPs, rn. Like I am leaving my other one that has been long term.

If this seemed like it wasn’t going anywhere, I would have stayed but Wraith made that post like he maybe couldn’t handle it. Which is fine, again, I don’t mind that, but rn, I’m kind of in the mood to be very selectively interested in stuff. If, for whatever reason, were to get postponed or put on Hiatus, I probably wouldn’t get a satisfying conclusion with Jo. And unfortunately, it does seem like this RP still balances on a knife’s edge.

For that reason, I’m out.

Good luck though!

[PatientBean]

So I am torn. As others have said, I was under the impression this RP would stop and our energies would be put into getting a new one going. From the sounds, the new RP is still going to be a thing and I was looking forward to it. If I opt for that, can I continue with PRCU?

I am also not the type of RPer who can sit comfortably for days or weeks when nothing is being done. I am not saying I expect Wraith or whoever to give this RP or any RP full-time commitment. I don't want that. If we, as players, are expected to push things forward, that's fine. But with some staying and some going...what are we going to do? Are they going to be NPCs? Written out? I am NOT going through another application run.

As of right now, I am tentatively staying put in PRCU. I said if most wanted to continue I would be happy to. I like everyone and the story we told, but if we are going to continue poking a dead carcass hoping it will move, then I can't say I'll stick around long. If we ARE committed to keeping this going, I am ready to help.

[Lord Wraith]

So I am torn. As others have said, I was under the impression this RP would stop and our energies would be put into getting a new one going. From the sounds, the new RP is still going to be a thing and I was looking forward to it. If I opt for that, can I continue with PRCU?

I am also not the type of RPer who can sit comfortably for days or weeks when nothing is being done. I am not saying I expect Wraith or whoever to give this RP or any RP full-time commitment. I don't want that. If we, as players, are expected to push things forward, that's fine. But with some staying and some going...what are we going to do? Are they going to be NPCs? Written out? I am NOT going through another application run.

As of right now, I am tentatively staying put in PRCU. I said if most wanted to continue I would be happy to. I like everyone and the story we told, but if we are going to continue poking a dead carcass hoping it will move, then I can't say I'll stick around long. If we ARE committed to keeping this going, I am ready to help.

@PatientBean

At this time, I can say I have no intention to do an application drive. Basically waiting for the dust to settle before I begin formulating a full plan moving forward.

[Wei Wuxian]

.......Okay, I'll stick around. I definitely understand and appreciate you being upfront with us and as transparent as you can be. That said, since I know what to expect, I am gucci.

[Lord Wraith]

So far, my understanding is that the following players have explicitly communicated that they will be staying:
@Roman
@Hound55
@PatientBean
@Nemaisare
@Wei Wuxian

Edit:
@Skai
@Junkmail
@Lawful Newtral
@earthtogab
@Mao Mao
@Theyra
@Zoldyck

Hoping to hear from more, and for those who have bowed out, you are always welcome to return should you change your minds down the road.

Edit Dos: Hoping to have a firm remaining cast list established by Friday, that way I can work on finalizing some plans over the weekend and guiding the IC where necessary.

[Lord Wraith]

In other news, @Roman is officially coming aboard as Co-GM for P.R.C.U., to both give me accountability and in the event I am unable to post or push the plot, Roman and I will both have the plot details and the ability to drive things.

Edit: I just want to add that Roman assured me this does not affect his promise to help @Hound55 with Ju-V and they are both still intending to carry that promise.

[Lawful Newtral]

Like I said in the other thread and the Discord, I'm still in this! Not opposed to a slower-paced game if that is indeed the new form PRCU assumes.

[Roman]

I mentioned in Discord a while back that I was considering tracking Luce's scars as her powers keep her alive through physical trauma. I've created a very basic diagram and for those interested or who would like a reference to use when interacting with Luce, IC, this image can now be found in the 'Notes' section of Luce's CS.

[Lord Wraith]

I mentioned in Discord a while back that I was considering tracking Luce's scars as her powers keep her alive through physical trauma. I've created a very basic diagram and for those interested or who would like a reference to use when interacting with Luce, IC, this image can now be found in the 'Notes' section of Luce's CS.

@Roman

It scarred me.

[Carlyle]

The past few days have been certainly something. I've thought about PRCU (and Ju-V) for awhile. Posted in the OOC/check a bit. Talked with some people here and there about their own thoughts and to just generally reflect on the situation.

To be honest, I do still want to RP Haleigh. She's a character I've had fun writing, one that I've constantly slung posts left and right out for. That being said, I was tempted to leave nonetheless. Admittedly, I've been simmering on issues with this RP, as seen above and in the DMs of the people I've talked to. This wasn't the first time I've had them, as @Lord Wraith would know when the "troll post" issue happened some months ago and ultimately led to a member of this RP being booted and banned from the thread (which itself is a whole another can of worms still half-open, IMO).

Despite all of this, I'm probably going to stay in the long run. However, this decision largely depends on whether or not communication and transparency can happen (for GMs and players). I genuinely do not think PRCU will survive without those two factors being part of it, as much of the drama we have had comes down to such matters. The inclusion of 12 new player slots. The "troll post". And now this. People on both sides end up feeling like they aren't being heard or consulted, leap to conclusions, lash out (myself included, which I apologize for if I've come off aggressive in the past), etc.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I need people to promise (and I mean actually promise, not "yeah, sure" and forget about it) to actually engage and consult each other for me to 100% confirm that I'm sticking around. There is probably a better way to phrase that, but if people are more willing to actually talk things out, rather than have a constant break down in communication like we've had in the past, then I can see this RP thriving and a lot of the drama we've had never occurring again. Otherwise, the cycle is just going to keep repeating and we're going to get nowhere, making it pointless to stick around.

[Roman]

The past few days have been certainly something. I've thought about PRCU (and Ju-V) for awhile. Posted in the OOC/check a bit. Talked with some people here and there about their own thoughts and to just generally reflect on the situation.

To be honest, I do still want to RP Haleigh. She's a character I've had fun writing, one that I've constantly slung posts left and right out for. That being said, I was tempted to leave nonetheless. Admittedly, I've been simmering on issues with this RP, as seen above and in the DMs of the people I've talked to. This wasn't the first time I've had them, as @Lord Wraith would know when the "troll post" issue happened some months ago and ultimately led to a member of this RP being booted and banned from the thread (which itself is a whole another can of worms still half-open, IMO).

Despite all of this, I'm probably going to stay in the long run. However, this decision largely depends on whether or not communication and transparency can happen (for GMs and players). I genuinely do not think PRCU will survive without those two factors being part of it, as much of the drama we have had comes down to such matters. The inclusion of 12 new player slots. The "troll post". And now this. People on both sides end up feeling like they aren't being heard or consulted, leap to conclusions, lash out (myself included, which I apologize for if I've come off aggressive in the past), etc.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I need people to promise (and I mean actually promise, not "yeah, sure" and forget about it) to actually engage and consult each other for me to 100% confirm that I'm sticking around. There is probably a better way to phrase that, but if people are more willing to actually talk things out, rather than have a constant break down in communication like we've had in the past, then I can see this RP thriving and a lot of the drama we've had never occurring again. Otherwise, the cycle is just going to keep repeating and we're going to get nowhere, making it pointless to stick around.

@Kuro

In all seriousness, Wraith and I both are glad that you, and everyone else, have decided to stay and continue writing for P.R.C.U.; it's been a wonderful IC so far, it's fantastic to see how much we're accomplishing (especially as a grizzled veteran of this setting), and Wraith cannot express many things, but one of them is how happy he is to see his magnum opus receive such an overwhelming response.

It's been a crazy couple days and, as you've said, I think the biggest takeaway is the how, ways, and wheres of communication, whether that be GM to player, player to player, or GM to GM. It's also been one big lesson on everyone's expectations of each other.

Ultimately Wraith expects to keep some degree of control and absolute verdict on how the game's run, and the players expect to be kept in-the-loop and properly consulted on impactful meta-game decisions. How do we marry up these at-times conflicting expectations, especially when clear and transparent communication is more important than ever?

Well, that's where we're planning I'll bridge the gap. It's common knowledge that Wraith has long discussed and consulted with me on the PRCU setting, and an open secret that he's continued to push ideas past and spitball off me over the course of the game. As a player, I couldn't (and didn't want to) offer much pushback or dissuasion; this is Wraith's opus, and I'd not do anyone the disservice of presuming to tell them how to run something so dear to them. Do I think the best decisions were made in the course of the game so far? No. Do I think Wraith still had good intentions, and wanted to provide the best possible condition for P.R.C.U? For the most part, certain incidents aside, yes.

Part of my evolving role as co-GM will be a kind of official GM-Player liaison. Wraith and I will always talk an idea or a decision out in the first instance, and then I can tell him what I make of that as a player and what I think the impact will be on the rest of the roster, and how we bring the idea to all of you before implementation. If a decision is completely immutable, then again I'm in a position where I can figure out with Wraith how best to deliver it, and the reasons behind it.

Alongside that, the progression of the game will now be a more collaborative effort with less snap decisions, and also more consistent as Wraith moves into a new stage of life and adapts to a new schedule (or, from what I've heard about other recent first-time-parents in my life, not having a schedule at all), which as we know was the very reasonable concern that spurred the announcement last week.

In the end - yes, we do promise - that's why I've been brought on board in an official capacity.