The RPG Forum Bumper Compendium, FAQ, Links Page, & Newbies Thread. Est. 2004.

[VO]

Like it says on the tin, because people were asking me. :)


WHAT IS THE RPG FORUM? WHY IS IT HERE?

The RPG forum is a forum initially made to house the A Life of Shadow RPG, which before the illustrious founding of our glorious forum, resided in Fanfiction. However, as the RPG came to dominate that forum, after a healthy amount of bickering, under the table bribes, and sexual favours, a new forum was created specifically for the DEN's forum RPGs.

THESE ARE RPGS? WHERE ARE THE SWORDS OF +D6 SMITING AND THE DICE WITH FUNNY NUMBERS OF SIDES?

RPGs run on forums aren't commonly run similarly to their pen & paper counterparts, nor in a similar manner to RPG games such as Neverwinter Nights, Baldur's Gate, or Final Fantasy. A better word to describe the type of RPG that commonly goes on here is 'interactive story' (ok, that's two words :p), but it doesn't sound as snazzy.

INTERACTIVE STORY????/// OMGWTFBBQ!!11111

Yup, Interactive story - you create a character for the story (unless you're playing some RPG yet to be run on the DEN which uses existing characters), and control his/her/it's actions, detail their thoughts, and play an active role in interacting with other characters and help shaping the story. Using ShadowZero Chapter One as an example, the story thread can be found here (http://forums.cncden.com/showthread.php?t=2689), and the characters thread can be found here (http://forums.cncden.com/showthread.php?t=2590).

HOW DO I JOIN UP?

Generally, the best thing to do for joining up is posting in the 'main' thread for the rpg (NOT the story thread), such as here (http://forums.cncden.com/showthread.php?t=2420), in ShadowZero's case. Generally the main thread contains the background for the RPG, so it's a good idea to read it too. Alternatively you could PM the person running the RPG. It's probably a good idea not to post a character unless you can see the RPG hasn't started yet, or you've got the person running it's permission to join in, so you don't waste your time without being able to join in.


HOW DO I PLAY?

Generally, all you do to play is, once your character is approved by a GM, post regularly in the story thread, continuing the story but from your character's viewpoint. It is VITAL that you have the time to read everyone else's posts in the RPG, as often if you don't you'll contradict them. (not that it doesn't happen occasionally if you do, especially if you're me :p) You should only control your own character, although occasional 'borrowing' of other characters for a good reason isn't usually frowned upon.

HOW SHOULD I WRITE?

In good, descriptive English, unless someone wants to be brave enough to run an rpg in another language :p. Generally third-person and past tenseis being used at the moment, but RPGs in the future may concievably move into another tense or viewpoint.

WHAT'S A GM?

GM stands for Gamesmaster. They control the plot (so they have complete control over your character, as well as their own and everyone elses) Their word is LAW in their RPG, but generally, they're quite nice guys. I'm the GM for Winds of Change, and Wesforce is for ShadowZero, the two currently active RPGs.

WHAT RPGS ARE RUNNING HERE?

Below is a listing of the RPGs that are 'active' - I.e. are being run now, and those that are being planned, and those that are finished.

RPGs that were announced a substantial period of time ago but did not get launched are NOT listed.

Attention GMs : I have included a very simple blurb for your RPGs. If you want any more to be added to the description, or other threads linked to, please PM me the information. If you want to start an RPG, give me the information to go in this thread - I probably won't add it in automatically.

Active RPGS :

ShadowZero :

ShadowZero is an action-packed RPG set in a pseudo-mythological Cyberpunk world. Wesforce will edit in some more information about it into this slot. ShadowZero is currently in it's second chapter.

S0 characters thread (http://forums.cncden.com/showthread.php?t=2420)
S0 characters thread (http://forums.cncden.com/showthread.php?t=2590)
Chapter One (Finished) (http://forums.cncden.com/showthread.php?t=2689)
Chapter Two (Active) (http://forums.cncden.com/showthread.php?t=4286)
Chapter Three (Active) (http://forums.cncden.com/showthread.php?t=11275)
ShadowZero is GMed by Wesforce.

The Sensational Secret Reserve :

The world of SSR is an alternate reality. It's all those corny (and not so corny) comics you've ever read brought to life, with only one twist. It's not in America. Set in the city Lutonopolis, the financial capital of Neo-England, a city almost under the thumb of the business giant Wescorrp. Lutonpolis is a city that suffers not only from the ever growing terror of the Communist war machine, but also from violent gang wars breaking out in the slums, insidious super villains out to steal everything not bolted down, God's playing with the fate of men like a casual game of "Buckaroo" and Monsters set upon the defenceless city almost on a weekly basis by mad scienists driven insane by somebody spilling Wescoke on their research. Lutonoplis needs a hero... fortunatly, it has us!
The only thing I ask of new players is, if they want to join mid-chapter they should please wait for the next chapter to start or PM me to give me fair warning so I can fit you in somewhere.

SSR Main Thread (http://forums.cncden.com/showthread.php?t=4246)
SSR Characters Thread (http://forums.cncden.com/showthread.php?t=4390)
SSR Chapter 1 (Finished) (http://forums.cncden.com/showthread.php?t=4679)
SSR Chapter 2(Active) (http://forums.cndden.com/showthread.php?t=13368)

The Sensational Secret Reserve is GMed by Artificial Idiot and possibly VO.





Announced RPGs that have not been started:

Sundered Earth
Sundered Earth is a fantasy RPG run by SWFreak.
Sundered Earth Main Thread (http://forums.cncden.com/showthread.php?t=13665)
Sundered Earth Character Thread (http://forums.cncden.com/showthread.php?t=13860)

Project Eden
Project Eden is a futuristic RPG set in a world
Project Eden Main Thread (http://forums.cncden.com/showthread.php?t=11832)
Project Eden Character Thread (http://forums.cncden.com/showthread.php?t=13667)

Contacts
Contacts is an RPG.
Contacts Main Thread (http://forums.cncden.com/showthread.php?t=14529)

I WANT TO RUN MY OWN RPG! WHAT DO I DO?

In my opinion, the best thing to do is have a go at playing another RPG beforehands (Ideally for a chapter and not just joining in, making a few posts, and copping out). This should give you a good example of how to play in one. Probably the best choice for this currently running is The Sensational Secret Reserve (http://forums.cncden.com/showthread.php?t=4679), as it (in my opinion) requires the least pre-existing knowledge to jump into, although any other RPG currently running is a great substitute. Doing this isn't absolutely necessary, although it does come with the ultra-cool VOES seal of approval!

If you think you know what you're doing, make a thread outlining the basic idea of your RPG. Don't put too much effort into it, especially if it involves creating massive layers of background - this thread can turn into a background thread later once you find out if people want to actually play your RPG. If people post opinions, take heed of them - their criticism is likely to be constructive. Once you have at least a couple of people dedicated to posting (and this should probably include at least one or two people you KNOW will stick with the RPG and not drop out early on - i.e RPG forum veterans, or people who you know fairly well.), then post up background or link to sites with relevant stuff if it's based on a pre-existing literary franchise. You don't have to drop me a PM about running it - I keep a general eye on the forums anyhow and should notice. You don't need permission to run an RPG. :) - but if it doesn't take off I will unsticky it and maybe lock dead threads. It's probably a good idea to underline now that running an RPG means you have to be reliable and post regularly, and be prepared to move the story along often. If you don't think you can take charge like this, try joining someone elses.

Once you have people, they've made characters and you've checked them, then start the story. I'll sticky the thread and add you to the Bumper Compendium, but in most circumstances I won't actually read the story thread if I'm not taking part. It's the Gamesmaster (i.e. your) responsibility to keep an eye on other players. If you need to give directions to other players, put them in your posts or pming them. You've probably noticed you don't get actual moderator powers on becoming a GM, but your word is still law in your game threads - just private message me (http://forums.cncden.com/private.php?do=newpm&u=76) or Wesforce (http://forums.cncden.com/private.php?do=newpm&userid=93) and ask us nicely to do the actual law-keeping for you. If you have any problems running an RPG, feel free to drop me a line as well. :)

What is Dead Stars?

Dead Stars is a sci-fi RPG. It is on hiatus, and is not listed here.

What is Winds of Change?

Winds of Change is a fantasy RPG. It will return eventually, although not right now.

What is Estrus?

Estrus is a lighthearted furry RPG run by IK. It's currently not running.

What is Answer The Phone?

Answer The Phone is a RPG based on the matrix universe, run by SWFreak. It is currently not running.

What is Army Men?

Army Men is a RPG about toy soldiers, run by ImageKloona and based on a forum game. It is currently not running.




Feel free to ask any other questions in this thread, and I'll integrate them into the FAQ. :)

[Artificial Idiot]

Might I add, questions about a specific RPG is better asked over a PM to the GM of said RPG or in the main thread of the RPG. This is for general RPG questions, not about something that happened on the 15th page of Shadow Zero. :)

[CKW]

Nice one, VO.

And btw, I formally invite more people. The more the merrier.

[Master Chris]

Might I reiterate the comment I made in CKW's thread (SOH).

Perhaps it would be best to set up a cue of sorts for the RPGs. That is to say, only ever have 1-2 RPGs running at a particular time so that each benefits from the optimal(ie. maximum) number of players in turn.

I, as have others I gather, have had problems with coping with more than 2 RPGs running simultaneously as well as keeping up with other commitments (school, work, social gatherings etc.).

Personally, I only recently signed up to SSR once it was clear that WOC was on hiatus, my limit is 2 concurrent RPGs, otherwise I get confused and then don't post at all. I'd like to give CKW's, as well as BA's, RPG's a go (both could be good) but there's no way I'd be able to keep up with them as well as S0 and SSR.

I don't want to sound like a control freak, but I think that some ideas need to be stashed away for the time being so that they can wrap themselves in their own mucous, metamorphasise, and emerge from their cocoons as wonderful butterflies. Or something like that. I mean, I've kept "World War version 2.1" (my own RPG idea, remember it?) quiet for a fair while now, waiting for the right time to push it into the limelight as well as using that time to improve the RPG, concoct sample plots, characters etc. etc..

Hypothetically: Obviously, as ShadowZero still has patronage(and even new recruits as JTG has demonstrated), it would be top of the cue, followed by either SSR or WOC (though, SSR is currently more active which probably merits it as the higher priority), then our lovable dictators (VO and Wes) can determine the order in which the remaining RPGs can have their 15 minutes of fame.

Chaps? Agree, disagree, comments...

[Wesforce]

I wouldn't mind taking a break for a bit after this ShadowZero Chapter finishes, and true, you have been waiting a while for WWv2.1...

[Master Chris]

Oh, no no, I wasn't implying that WW2.1 get priority over any other RPG because its been around longer (gathering dust like old people in retirement homes). If anything, I'd like more time to polish it and would be quite happy to see other RPGs charge forth into the fray first.

I'm just concerned that the demand for RPG-goodness is quickly being dwarfed by the supply of RPG-goodness and you, my mod-like(God-like??) friends, should step forth and create order from the chaos.

[Jagged Tooth Grin]

although im new id happily run a RPG should a space/need arise. i have more plans than this post has icon bars, but i wont list them here. im all for ww2.1 or something of the like though

[VO]

I have a kind of semi-enforced policy about RPGs here - this is what I do.

- ANYONE can talk about running an RPG. That includes posting background and stuff, or doing whatever they want to apart from playing it.

- In order for me to allow an RPG to start, I want to see players in it. If you can recruit players with your interesting and involving background and setting, I'll let you start. Your story thread will then get stickied at the top. It's then up to you to keep it alive. If the story thread stops being updated, I'll unsticky it and lock it. You then need to get the players committed again to get the RPG unlocked and restickied.

- Hopefully, doing it like this will allow the more worthy RPGs with better background and more interesting for the setting to stay right at the very top of the page, even above the other stickied RPGs. This should allow them to keep going, although it may damage less sucessful RPGs.


However, I do agree with you that it would be nice to have some kind of priority system for RPGs. Older RPG ideas like WW2.1 deserve some kind of recognition. However, the way I see as the best way to do this is to get their background threads active again, allowing them to compete with the newer RPGs, and really if I was forced to choose between giving a go-ahead between 2.1 and SOH or the TT rpg, I'd give it to 2.1 because it's been waiting and I know RD will do a good job from what he's already provided us with.

It's also important to remember that not everyone has to play every RPG - I myself am not going to participate in any more than 3 rpgs anyhow, but that won't stop me keeping an eye on the rest. Having more running RPGs may attract more people here, which in turn generates more players for the rest.

In short, I have no fragging idea what to do, but want WW2.1. :p I also have something else I'll start talking about when and if I retire WOC, but that's just a twinkle in my octopussy eye for now.

[Master Chris]

It's nice to know that our superhuman Mods have been watching from the shadows and picking off the sick so that the herd may grow stronger. :D

What evils does VO have planned in the aftermath of WOC? I wonder...up to no good I'll wager!

[Nyerguds]

I might be a little late with this, but my re-exams have started, and I will most likely not be posting until after the 14th :\

Someone please take care of Bunny.

[VO]

Updated 28/10/04 with basic links to SSR updated and new ones for Inquisitor. JTG, if you want a better blurb than what I've done (which is mediocre to the extreme) PM it to me or post it here.

I may be adding links to planning threads in the future. I also will be doing another RPG purge soon and locking those that have not shown activity. If you are serious about continuing your RPG, post something in it's thread. (currently running RPGs are obviously exempt.)

[VO]

Updated again with some info on running an RPG, 29/10/04

[Artificial Idiot]

Hey voes, it's all good and well you saying that you'll unlock dead RPG's once intrest and players have been regained, however how can one actually prove that? And how do you actually go about the process of getting said RPG restarted?

I mean, what happens if said member regathers interest, regathers a fair number of players, how can he prove that the whole process won't happen all over again? And what happens if it does? Will this effect his chances of getting it reopened again or a new run by said person RPG started?

[VO]

Good question AI, now to skillfully avoid it. :p


What I'll probably do is this.

If an RPG progesses to the stage where it gets a story thread, I'll leave the main thread open incase it gets revived. The only exception to this is if I notice that he GM of the RPG no longer posts actively at the DEN - obviously it's a dead end by then.
If an RPG doesn't 'take off', I'll lock the one thread that's about it, as really, if one person comes along in 6 months and ressurects the thread asking to join, there doesn't seem to be much point if no-one else joined in/everyone else is involved elsewhere.
If someone asks me to reopen one of their threads, I will provided they actually plan to continue with it.

I don't care about track record generally - if your RPG is a spectacular failiure, I'll still reopen it, let you run another RPG, whatever. I don't mind it failing again - you can get unlimited chances as there's no real harm to it. The only exception of this is if you're a complete arse and are a total negative prescence in the forum. Then I'll probably have asked Moo to ban you from the forum or something, so no worries. :p

[Statalyzer]

I mean, I've kept "World War version 2.1" (my own RPG idea, remember it?) quiet for a fair while now, waiting for the right time to push it into the limelight as well as using that time to improve the RPG, concoct sample plots, characters etc. etc..

Now would be a cool time to start it. The Matrix deal has already gone a couple of days with no posts after less than two weeks of being active, and nothing else has posted recently. It'll take a while to start it up anyway, so I think you should begin soon. I'd definitely join.

[Artificial Idiot]

I think this is possibly the worst time to start an RPG. After all, people can't be bothered keeping the ones we have running... so why unleash a new one to most likely meet the same fate.

[Statalyzer]

I think a new RPG might renew some interest in this forum. If we don't get a new one, AND people continue to not post in old ones, it'll just wither a die. If this is the worst time to start a new one, then somebody better revive the old ones.

[VO]

Well, we just had a new one, didn't we... :rolleyes:

What I think would be more useful is a kind of role call when we find out who actually is interested in playing in any new RPGs in the near future.

[Artificial Idiot]

Or better yet, a role call finding out who exactly is still interesting AND willing to post in the ones we already have, and sort out any problems within them.

[VO]

Or better yet, a role call finding out who exactly is still interesting AND willing to post in the ones we already have, and sort out any problems within them.


Well, that COULD be done by the respective GM in the OOC topic for that rpg, hmmm?

[ImageKlonoa]

wel if this is the route were going, i ill try to help. If a mod could kindly unsticky the eyesore known as Estrus, that would be appreciated. that way you guys can focus more on the rpg's that people would actually want to play.

and to the guys who posted there, thanks for letting me waste your time.

[Artificial Idiot]

Meh, IK. I'm still interested... It's just I didn't want to intrude on whatever was going on with Wes or Nyer... :(

[Wesforce]

Um, you were already part of that Idiote :|

IK, I like Estrus and see no problem with it. In fcat I was one of the last few posters. Whats the problem? :(

[Statalyzer]

Well, we just had a new one, didn't we... :rolleyes:

Is there supposed be a minimum time limit between new ones? Why does one new one mean no new ones are possible.

[VO]

Now would be a cool time to start it. The Matrix deal has already gone a couple of days with no posts after less than two weeks of being active, and nothing else has posted recently

Is there supposed be a minimum time limit between new ones? Why does one new one mean no new ones are possible.

I think a new RPG might renew some interest in this forum.

If we've just had a new RPG, surely that would have 'renewed interest'? Just because it doesn't get a post for a few days, heck, even a few weeks, doesn't mean it's dead. :|

New RPGs are welcome. If there isn't a player base for them they don't take off anyhow.

[VO]

Updated, probably badly.

SW - what's the status of ATP? Should I list it as running? Announced? Or not at all?

[SW Freak]

No. It's still dead, I'm afraid. That was a mistake on Anon's part that's been rectified. No harm done, I hope?

[VO]

No. It's still dead, I'm afraid. That was a mistake on Anon's part that's been rectified. No harm done, I hope?

Of course not :)

[Daishi]

I'd liek to start one! I'm pretty active on the forums and I DM for my friends. I've gotten a loose plot drawn up.

Can the RPGs be sci-fi?

[Statalyzer]

If you want to be in an RPG, I suggest PMing VO. Contacts is going to start soon but we could always use an extra player, because the more people are in it, the longer the story keeps going. People always forget and drop their characters by lack of usage after a while so having more people means we can keep it going like it ought to.

[Daishi]

I wount forget.

PM'd!

[SW Freak]

Also, being in an RPG before running one is heplful. This whole dealy works different than DMing pen and paper RPGs. So, yeah, I agree with Stat. Join an RPG, learn how the machine works and then start your own.

And become...One of us. One of us. Etcetera ad infinitum

[Nyerguds]

Just thought I'd add this here...

http://c.1asphost.com/nyerguds/shadow/
The original Life of Shadow RPG.