State of the Forum

[VO]

Anyone around?

Looks like Contacts and Bloodlines are dead in the water (seing as I've been told by various people they aren't interested in them any more, from what I've heard from those of you I have on msn)... is anyone up for anything at all?

[Daishi]

I'd like to join the RPG forum, but I'm afraid I won't catch on...

[SW Freak]

Well you never know till you try. So try, damnit.

[Daishi]

I have a report to do: lemme finish it furst.

Whose the best DM in this forum?

[Nyerguds]

We call em GMs :p
Wes prolly, but he's never around.

Anyway, as for me... I'd really wish I had time to play on...

[SW Freak]

Daishy, there is no "best GM." VO, Aies and Wes are generally the three considered to be the GMs, but classing any one of them the best wouldn't really work.

Although, a three way combat royal to decide would be interesting :p

Why do you ask anyway?

[ein1017]

I would but usually I don't have enough time. Thinking about it, I do have time know, except on mondays, wensdays and Friday.

[SW Freak]

Well, if you want to try it, give it a try. We're open to anyone. And what's the worst that could happen? If you enjoy this sorta stuff, go for it.

[Statalyzer]

State of the Forum: most people give up too easily (which is disrespectful to the others who are serious about it and put in a lot of time creating their characters and scenarios). And the 3 or 4 people who give a care get frustrated because everyone else bails on them every time.

[CKW]

We all are martyrs and demons, Stat. Frustration often leaves to quit.And if one quits, others might follow.

[SW Freak]

Y'know, Stat, I fail to see how, given your track record, you feel the need to preach to us. If you're so concerned about our subpar RPing and the like, why arn't you keeping them alive? Why not start your own RPG, show us how it should be done? Hmm?

EDIT: Aies is right. This isn't the flamers board. My apologies. For the record, I'd be interested in seeing Shadow and SSR finished up, and maybe giving a few RPG ideas of mine another go.

[AI]

Whoa! Steady on SW! Stat isn't the enemy, you know. And challenging him to 'do better' isn't really the attitude I think we should be promoting.

Right, Stat, you might want to watch the tone of your posts there - Or at least consider the actual state of the forum before you do post. As far as people not commiting to RPGs - We've had two that have run well over a year. I wouldn't call that a case of everyone 'bailing all the time'. We have a commited group of players here, who are all wonderful, but you have to remember this is a pass time - And there are very few of us. Sometimes, we just take on more than we can realistically commit too.

To answer the question that VO originally asked: I'm interested in Shadow. I want to at least see it run to the end of this chapter, and I hope to see it run longer. It's the original and the best, with a world that seems so well crafted it survives anything. What d'ya say, Wes? :D

I'd like to see Bloodlines continue running - It's a fresh idea that I feel has plenty of life left in it. Or, if VO doesn't feel like running something quite as large scale (and I can completely understand that), mayhaps something else in the Bloodlines verse?

SSR... Hm... Well, personally, as a GM, I'm having problems. I've plotted myself into a corner, and I'm not sure how to get out. However, I don't want to let people down that are still enjoying it - So what do you say? Should we just solider on? Perhaps do a ShadowZero Ch.2 and end the chapter prematurely? Restart with a clean slate? Or would it be best if I just laid down my GM cap and let some other young, fresh RPG take it's place?

That's pretty much it...

[SW Freak]

Statalyzer, stop being childish. Please change your user title. It's offensive.

[AI]

Hm, Stat, if you do think there's a serious problem with commitment of the members of this forum, why don't you take it upon yourself to recruit some new ones? Or contact VO, find out what he thinks the problems with the RPGs are, and help him to fix them? I'm not saying you have to do this, but surely it's a better, more proactive opition than sitting there, moping and implying that everyone but you is lazy.

[VO]

As far as I'm concerned, it's fairly obvious that about half the RPGs started on the DEN fail to launch properly. While there are several RPGs that have run for long periods of time (Shadow, SSR, WOC), there are more that have been started and simply burnt out after a few posts. It's just the way that it works.

Admittedly, over the last few months the RPG forum itself has been quieter... which is really what this thread is about. I'm not really concerned about what is running, as long as there's something going on that allows fresh people to use the forum.

In my opinion, there's only so much any one person can do towards keeping an RPG alive. While a hefty responsibility lies on the shoulders of the GMs, without a player base that actually wants to participate you can't get much done. I'd like to apologise to anyone who's actually been interested in either Contacts or Bloodlines and who's spent their time on them.

As far as both of them go, I'm not continuing either in their current form - two major Bloodlines players have dropped out, and I took so long getting Contacts going that it's not a shock that there have only been two follow up posts. I am willing to give either of them another shot, though - wiping the slate clean and starting the chapter again (this will allow players to change characters/nations if they wish, although anyone who wants to keep their current profiles is fine to carry on as they are). I'll only do this if there's sufficient support, though - and I don't mean saying "I want to play", delaying the start of the RPG while we wait for your profile, then dropping out as soon as it begins. :rolleyes:

In the past it's been difficult to run RPGs over sustained periods of time - especially the summer, when people have other commitments. Some RPGs can cope well with the odd player dropping out, and others decidedly less so. As far as Bloodlines is goes, it definately falls into the second camp. Bloodlines was a bit of an experiment, testing something far more complex than your average RPG, and I'd like to see something along those lines continue.

As far as anything GMed by me goes, these are the options:

1) Run Bloodlines, but check who's actually still interested and restart to accommodate this.
2) Run Contacts, likewise.
3) Run an new RPG. I've had several people asking about a fantasy RPG, so this is what it would probably be. It probably wouldn't be a restarted WOC, however. I've bounced a few ideas about a fantasy setting around, but if anyone else wants to suggest one, or facets of one, it would be fine and hopefully accommodatable.

Obviously these won't ALL happen. However, two of them could. Bloodlines as origianally invisaged wasn't meant to be directly GMed by anyone, so I wouldn't have to devote quite so much time to keeping this running, as long as Wes/AI anyone else passionate enough about it could keep the ball rolling when I wasn't. That leaves something else that I could run - if I feel like it, and if other people want to participate.

[Statalyzer]

Y'know, Stat, I fail to see how, given your track record, you feel the need to preach to us. If you're so concerned about our subpar RPing and the like, why arn't you keeping them alive?

My track record? Every RPG I've joined I've been serious about.

I did keep them alive until I was one of the last two guys standing and nobody had made a post that allowed me a follow-up. What should I do? Post 3 or 4 times in a row and develop a story on my own?

As VO just said "In my opinion, there's only so much any one person can do towards keeping an RPG alive."

Why not start your own RPG, show us how it should be done? Hmm?

Because I don't know if I'd be a good GM or not. I never get far enough into an RPG before everyone quits to have enough experience to think I'd make a good GM.

I'd like to apologise to anyone who's actually been interested in either Contacts or Bloodlines and who's spent their time on them.

Thanks. I have a hard time understanding why people dropped out of Bloodlines in just a few days especially. I spent 2 or 3 hours thinking typing up my sections and several people had longer stuff than I did. So I know I didn't come across as too nice, but all that time spent plus all the looking forward to the stories playing out has got me a little upset. Obviously Contacts didn't take so long but I had put a lot of thought in some deep, complex pesonalities of my character, so I had a lot of myself invested in playing that out.

As far as Bloodlines is goes, it definately falls into the second camp. Bloodlines was a bit of an experiment, testing something far more complex than your average RPG, and I'd like to see something along those lines continue.

What gives you hope that it would work though? I'd be hesitant to try it again since I dont' want to (especially once school starts) spend that much of a chunk of time only to get abandoned again.

Hm, Stat, if you do think there's a serious problem with commitment of the members of this forum, why don't you take it upon yourself to recruit some new ones?

I tried to recuit the ones who originally said they'd do contacts. None of them responded except for SW Freak, who was the one guy I didn't need to contact since was the one guy who had already posted. Neither one of us really had anything to go off of for a second post yet, and everyone else ignored me.

So, VO, I'd love to do #2 (based on the investment in my characters personality, obviously in Bloodlines no individual had nearly that much depth thought out), but I already tried checking and got nothing. Maybe people would listen to you since you are the GM and everyone knows the RPG forum means a lot to you?

Statalyzer, stop being childish. Please change your user title. It's offensive.

I don't think telling it like it is is childish. It's a fact that most RPGs are quickly abandoned by all but a couple of folks. I'm not tactful, I'll admit that, and most people will probably tell you that. I've joined 4 RPGs and all 4 have died despite me posting whenever I could to keep it going.

The user title, if you'll notice, has a question mark, not a period. It's saying "Am I the only one left?" As in - if I'm not, then step out and join me!

[SW Freak]

Fine, you may glorify your position in an RPG all you like. Maybe that's true, I don't know.

But I still want you to change your user title. I don't care if you're "Telling it like it is," your user title is simply downright offensive to the GMs who've given their time to these RPGs, as well as all the players who, wheter or not you wish to admit it, have done their best to keep RPGs (Shadow and SSR are prime examples) going. To call yourself the only RPG poster left, even in speculation, completly disregards the effort that is put in on a regular basis by players like AI, VO and Wesforce. And when they can't post in an RPG for the reasons you've stated, then they go and get other players to post. They pester if they need to, but they get it done. They don't just sit by and watch it go down the drain, complaining and whining. So, please, change your user title.

[VO]

Guys, if we want to bicker, can we take it to Flamerz or PMs or something?

[AI]

VO: Is there any real need to restart Contacts? If enough people are still interested, couldn't we just carry on? I mean, we're only two posts in so I doubt anything would be upset if anybody did some character juggling. Surely it'd be worth waiting till Wes gets back at least.

And Stat, trying to provoke people into posting when even the GM's either aren't clear on the direction the RPGs are going in, or simply aren't around, is a bit of a pointless excercise, isn't it?

[Daishi]

I'm joining Contacts, I made a character.

[CKW]

Just what the hell are you on about, Stat? Angering people kills their creativity and discourages them. You have to be patient about these things. After all, a topic might be revived when you least expect it. Plus, take in account, most people want to give a break to their minds aswell in vacation. I understand your situation. It is annoying, true, that you put much effort when creating a character. But think it this way: you've had one hell of fun thinking each bit and bob of the character, even before you actually played it.
You have to take in mind that in this RPG forum, we do not commit to post. We just do it because it's fun. If it has ended, well, resign and move forward. It's not the death of anyone or a grave insult.
With that said, i'd personally go for contacts or a light format. Bloodlines needs to be polished to have a less sluggish handling.
That said, you're not invited to my birthday cake. It doesn't fit the scanner :P

[Statalyzer]

But I still want you to change your user title. I don't care if you're "Telling it like it is," your user title is simply downright offensive to the GMs who've given their time to these RPGs, as well as all the players who, wheter or not you wish to admit it, have done their best to keep RPGs (Shadow and SSR are prime examples) going. To call yourself the only RPG poster left, even in speculation, completly disregards the effort that is put in on a regular basis by players like AI, VO and Wesforce. And when they can't post in an RPG for the reasons you've stated, then they go and get other players to post.

Fair enough, and well-stated. I'll change it as soon as this post is done.

And Stat, trying to provoke people into posting when even the GM's either aren't clear on the direction the RPGs are going in, or simply aren't around, is a bit of a pointless excercise, isn't it?

I'm not trying to provoke people into posting.

You have to take in mind that in this RPG forum, we do not commit to post. We just do it because it's fun.

I don't have a problem with people doing it because it's fun. With Contacts, people (except SW) didn't do it. Playing an RPG is fun. Not playing an RPG isn't. When I join an RPG, I am committing to post, because I don't want to kill someone else's fun.

I'm joining Contacts, I made a character.

Yay. If VO is okay with it, I'd go ahead and post something that has your guy set to to join one of the storylines.

[SW Freak]

Thanks, Stat. I apologise again for my rash and angry behaviour.

As to this forum; I'm thinking of giving GMing another try with an RPG set in the Sundered Earth universe. It's going to be more open than the one I first posted, and the world is going to be wider. It'll be a fairly generic fantasy RPG, but I hope it will be fun and interesting. If anyone's interested, drop me a PM, just so's I'll know it's worth cluttering the board up more for it.

[Wesforce]

For my part, I'm still well up for Shadow, Bloodlines, SSR and Contacts. I really don't find myself with much time for RPGing these days though, what with work and housekeeping and wanderlust-ing and a million other things, so I ask people to please be patient with me, because I am still doing things :/ Its good that Shadow is back and running again anyway.

[Statalyzer]

Wes, if you're still up for Contacts, do you think you could post something there in the fullness of time since I'm still ready to go and Dashi has a new character ready.

Dashi, if you need help thinking of a storyline for your character, send me a PM if you want and we can have our characters end up in the same situation the way a couple of others are coming together in the street accident scene.

Thanks, Stat. I apologise again for my rash and angry behaviour.

Well, you ticked me off the first time, but the post of yours that I most recently quoted is an excellent example of how to tell someone you think they are wrong, without launching flames or disrespecting the person. I was wrong and somebody needed to tell me.

[VO]

As far as Contacts goes, this this plan:


If you still want to play, tell me.

If you don't want to play, tell me.

If you want to change characters, tell me.

If you want to join and haven't played before, tell me.



Once this is worked out, I'm going to edit the starting post to clean up characters that aren't in it any more, and to add anyone new. If you've already replied, that's fine, your post will still be valid.

[Nyerguds]

I want to... but right now I'm leaving for a week...

[VO]

I want to... but right now I'm leaving for a week...

That's fine - It will still be here when you come back.

[SW Freak]

Likeiwse, I'll stay playing.

[Statalyzer]

In case you didn't already know, I'll stay playing. :cool:

[Serenla]

Well, I was never in Contacts and I doubt I'd start now, but I'm still interested in Bloodlines should it continue.

[CKW]

I will try to keep us as well and play. I might do some changes to my character, though.

[SW Freak]

Um, by the by, in regards to Sundered Earth; I'm not taking it as granted that, if you signed up for the old one, you still want to play. So so's you know.

[Wesforce]

I was going to update but, damn it, I was in Basingstoke all weekend, without even a toothbrush or change of pants. I will be active again soon though.

*Moves smellily to the writing corner*

[Statalyzer]

All you who said you're still interested in contacts, send me a PM if you want to combine for a storyline.

I could have a next post ready but I already had something 2 posts ago so I don't want to move my character too far ahead of the rest of the story.

[Daishi]

z'it just me an' Stat, then?

[VO]

CKW - are you still playing?

Likewise with AIES.

Nyer - are you back?


Everyone else, just hang on or something.

[Zancloufer27]

Hmm, I don't quite understand this fourm...
How do I get started here? I am interested, but I don't know what to do...

[Wesforce]

Well, what do you understand about Roleplaying games?

[Zancloufer27]

I have been playing D&D(Duengeons and Dragons) for a while, and have been a DM(D&D's GM) for a good part of it:D
Also I really like the Baldur's Gate Series, and have played that quite a bit.
So I am not new to RPing.
Did that answer your question?

[Daishi]

Well, these games are a bit different. For example, there's bunnyhopping, or playing as someone else's character.

[Statalyzer]

Depends on how much playing you do.

[AI]

I can't think of a new character that I

A) Like.
B) Fits the setting.

So no. I guess I'm out. :\

[Nyerguds]

Well this is mainly differens in that we usually don't do any stats/dice junk, and that you have to write it all out as storytelling.

Anyways... I'm back. Sort of.

[Zancloufer27]

I want to join.
How do I get started? Tell me that, and I'll get started.

[Zancloufer27]

Can someone plz help me!
I don't know what to do to get started.
Will anyone help me?

[Wesforce]

Well you can start by not double-posting.

You need to choose an RPG. If its already started, read up on it, see if you like it, and think you can write in the style the others are doing. Or if its a new one, ask the GM. They'll ask you if you have any characters ready: Each RPG has a character thread, so take a look in there, and create a character. Try and be original and distinctive - Don't just make someone who';s a cold-eyed, silent professional killer, for example, maybe make a manic-depressive security guard who likes tiddlywinks and Cats and punches anyone who insults his hockey team, for example.

Most GMs will want to take a look at your character, and then they'll tell you how you can start the RPG.

Are things any clearer?

[Zancloufer27]

Where do I post my 'character profile' for the RPG I want to join.
I'll start looking aroung for a RPG I like.
P.S. sorry about the double post.

[Wesforce]

Each RPG has its own character thread - Clearly marked. Search around.

[AI]

Character threads for all the currently active RPGs are as follows:

CONTACTS: http://forums.cncden.com/showthread.php?t=15230

DARKVILLE: http://forums.cncden.com/showthread.php?t=16781

SSR: http://forums.cncden.com/showthread.php?t=4390

SHADOW ZERO: http://forums.cncden.com/showthread.php?t=2590

[Statalyzer]

Please considering joining Contacts. :cool:

[Zancloufer27]

Contacts... hmm...
So, what do I do? PM VO my idea for a character, and then if its acepted, post it in the offical character thread?

[Daishi]

That'd be smart. Also plz Understand that this ain't the beanpaste thread. You can't grab things outta nowhere, can't kill anything without provocation, can't show much of a sign of being psychoneurotically impaired, even. In all the RPGs, especially contacts, I get the idea that we're being a lot more sensible and collected in our characters' actions.

RPG golden rule:
you are an actor and your character is your role.

At's all.