Twilightpeaks.net
RoE General => The Herald (DM announcements) => : DM B July 05, 2012, 02:00:18 PM
-
Hello,
As you may have noticed (pun intended you dimwits!) RoE has halted - again. RL interfered again, dumping a load of work on me. I'm still swamped, but floating. So theoretically I could resume playing. But it would be slow and prone to sudden and lengthy halts. Combined with the extra effort needed for me to 'restart' every time there has been a halt...very counterproductive.
The end result is frustration for me and frustration for you. And a game that is less than it could be. Should be I mean. RoE should be nothing less than amazing.
It worked better for me when Jon was around. He helped do 2 things: He eased the workload and he helped motivate me. Both equally important. I still have Brandon - he's helped me enormously with the P&H over the turns - which is a great motivator in itself.
So I am looking for 1-2 people to help me run the game. A basic understanding of the rules is required. A basic understanding of the setting is needed. A basic understanding of what is RoE is required. But you don't need to be an expert in any field. Dedication and interest goes a long way.
I should have brought up this a long time ago, but I haven't. The reason is simple: I don't really want to lose any of my core players! To me dedicated players are worth much more as players than as DMs. That's been the reasoning. But obviously it doesn't work anymore...
So to get RoE up an running again I need 1-2 (preferably 2) people to help me run the game. They may be able to continue playing a domain depending on what tasks they take on (ref. Brandon), but if they take on the full DM role they will, at best, be allowed to run a small/fringe domain.
-
This is very difficult for me. As much as I would like to help RoE live and thrive, I don't know how much time I will in the near future. One thing I'm sure of is that trend of my free time will be far from flat line and far from predictable, which makes it very difficult to plan and promise anything.
How about you put up a list of tasks which you want to delegate, then we can apply for some of those. It is difficult to apply for something without knowing what you are getting yourself into and how much you will be able to keep your promises. I (and probably others) would hate to give up on playing in RoE just to find out my help is of marginal use to the DM.
That said, my exam term is ending in a couple of days and I will have more free time. Not much of it, but certainly more as it couldn't be any worse than it is now. I planned to code some stuff for my own pleasure, but I would gladly exchange that for something that would help RoE. Web is my speciality but I can also do desktop apps. Keep this in mind and contact me with ideas and I'll be happy to make an attempt. For example, I think P&H would do well with porting to a web app. Sheets are quick and nice when you need something without a lot of coding, but they look fugly, aren't very user-friendly and the more complex they are the less cross-platform they become. A web-based P&H would certainly reduce the amount of work for both DM(s) and players.
-
Do you need help running npc? Or is it the technical stuff you need done?
-
I love to play this game, so my dilemma is can I contribute something meaningfull and helpfull while still playing? In the end I will chose to change over to a DM if that is what it takes to keep the game running.
I'm no wizard with code or such, but I like role-playing NPC when I DM games with friends so some form of supporting DM role replying to mails and acting out some distant NPC would be great fun. I would see that as a form of separate game in many ways if it is far away from Tuornen. All I need are some guidelines, goals and don't-go-there borders so I dont mess up some big story I dont know about.
-
I love to play this game, so my dilemma is can I contribute something meaningfull and helpfull while still playing? In the end I will chose to change over to a DM if that is what it takes to keep the game running.
I'm no wizard with code or such, but I like role-playing NPC when I DM games with friends so some form of supporting DM role replying to mails and acting out some distant NPC would be great fun. I would see that as a form of separate game in many ways if it is far away from Tuornen. All I need are some guidelines, goals and don't-go-there borders so I don’t mess up some big story I don’t know about.
I totally agree with Geir's proposal.
My tech knowledge is little but I'll aplly to help B to role-play minor or even major NPC
-
I need at least 1 person to help do the stuff I do, including:
- answering rules questions
- interactive actions; replying to IC emails/posts regarding wars, adventures and diplomacy
- processing some DOs
- giving me input/editorial aid with the SR
Brandon is already helping with the P&H - the amount of effort that the P&H requires from me is minimal.
-
I can do that. It will be more fun for me to help running the game than play while the game is running this slow.
Plus it will give me valurable practice if I start a pbem of my own some day.
-
I need at least 1 person to help do the stuff I do, including:
- interactive actions; replying to IC emails/posts regarding wars, adventures and diplomacy
- processing some DOs
- giving me input/editorial aid with the SR
I think I can match these 3
-
I need at least 1 person to help do the stuff I do, including:
- answering rules questions
- interactive actions; replying to IC emails/posts regarding wars, adventures and diplomacy
- processing some DOs
- giving me input/editorial aid with the SR
Brandon is already helping with the P&H - the amount of effort that the P&H requires from me is minimal.
I can do this.
-
- answering rules questions
We can all do this. Seriously. Most of us have been around for a time. Still, from time to time, DM's final word may be required. You made the rules. No one can replace you there. Sorry.
- interactive actions; replying to IC emails/posts regarding wars, adventures and diplomacy
This is a bit more tricky. Not a good idea to let a player or his enemy roleplay his vassal, unless the vassal is charmed or dominated or something like that. You could create a thread here on the forums where you would request assistance in roleplaying NPCs. We could then apply whenever we want to help.
For example, imagine Tristan Bellamie has a diplomatic misunderstanding with his cousin, who is an NPC, and you need someone to help roleplaying the cousin. Assume I'm playing Aerenwe. I wouldn't even apply to help because I could get some information my character is not supposed to know. Someone playing far in the north would probably be ok, though.
- processing some DOs
I doubt this can be done by a player. You get to know someone's darkest secrets by looking at his DO. I'd be happy to build a web app for DOs if you want me to, though. Would be fun.
- giving me input/editorial aid with the SR
If you want to put SRs online, I can do nice stuff with html and css. Editing docs and pdfs is not my thing. Do you also need us to remind you about events in our domain we think should make it to SR? We can all do that. Also, it would be mighty nice if someone could make the SR looks like a newspaper, like what we had in those older PBeMs in the previous decade and... well... in the previous century, damn I'm old :(
-
On role-playing NPC I would think only minor players should do this, and only with NPC that are sufficiently far removed from their own main characters. Still then there could be events in the future that would close this distance between characters so this would be a difficult system. And naturally only one person should ever act the role of a particular NPC, any secrets or lack off must be guarded carefully.
Maybe this is impossible. Then maybe the next solution would be to have sub-DMs that only play NPC. Could be fun, but I would miss not to able to invest in one realm over time.
-
I need at least 1 person to help do the stuff I do, including:
- answering rules questions
- interactive actions; replying to IC emails/posts regarding wars, adventures and diplomacy
- processing some DOs
- giving me input/editorial aid with the SR
Brandon is already helping with the P&H - the amount of effort that the P&H requires from me is minimal.
I'm guessing the biggest chunk of that role is going to be dealing with player actions and NPC diplomacy. Reading and writing my own diplomatic correspondences takes up a startling amount of time already - I can't imagine things from your end, Bjorn.
Answering rules questions is something a lot of us could do, as Milos says, and working on the SR should be completely doable. I'd be more than happy to take that responsibility on, as would others, I think. The DO's would be trickier to do with an active player, though. As we're seeing this turn intervening in Aerenwe, even players widely separated in area and activity can wind up interacting heavily. Similarly for interactive actions. I'd like to say you could use active players to take the load off of you without losing them as players... but I think what you really need is a dedicated assistant DM. Possibly an assistant AND have one or more of the active players do supporting work, but you need someone committed to the role that you could give anything to without worrying about whether it'll damage the game.
I'd be willing to take that role on if need be. I'd hate to give up Tristan, especially now, but I'd hate to see the game falter even more. Obviously, there's several of us who feel that way. I guess the biggest question I have is how much time do you need from an assistant? How much time each week do you spend on this game when it's running properly? In other words, what would we be committing ourselves to?
-
Time use: Not something I've actually measured. It varies enormously. Sometimes, when I'm having fun, there is lots of interaction AND I feel like developing additional stuff...I don't know...20 hours a week? 30? More?
But on average, when the game is actively running, I may be using 1-2 hours a day to keep things going. Some days less (or nothing) other days more. DO processing requires more time, as does writing the new SR. Which is why I usually add a spell of doing little the week after a new turn launches.
Adding more stuff - maps, domain descriptions, Regent Guide etc. is in addition to this.
Also in addition is time spent on engaging interactive actions: Sometimes there is a diplomacy or adventure or whatnot that COULD be solved with a few short sentences, but I elect to spend more time on it because its fun. Been less of that lately.
-
I would be loathe to give up playing the paragon of virtue and honour that is Ghorien, but not as loathe as I would be to see the game wind down. So same as Bobby really for me. If you need it you have the offer.
-
- interactive actions; replying to IC emails/posts regarding wars, adventures and diplomacy
- processing some DOs
I'd expect that I could divorce myself from HA if I assisted in either, but the issue is not just to be independent, it is to be seen as independent.
An existing player turning junior DM solves the problem (assuming that they can hack it), having a player from the other end of Anuire to play the NPC/sort the DO may solve the problem but does nothing for the perception of a problem. More importantly it means that central domains are excluded and in practice only the players of more isolated domains can assist. Those players however can only help "at the other end", and presumably choose their realm in part due to it's low interactivity meeting there time/etc needs.
Since I enjoy DMing even in the absence of players, and I play a peripheral realm which is mainly re-active, much as I enjoy HA I'd swap if you wanted to try me.
In terms of time I've spent 20+ hours a week on HA fairly often during active phases of the game, so if you wanted to try me out co-DMing time wouldn't be an issue in the near future. I'm likely - well, near certain - to leave my current employment at the end of the year however and I have no idea where I'm going to go next, I would however expect to be able to devote around 10 hours a week minimum.
- giving me input/editorial aid with the SR
That should be relatively simple for any of us to help with - as its a public document it sounds more like a 'player plus' role rather than a 'dm-type' role though.
Also, it would be mighty nice if someone could make the SR looks like a newspaper, like what we had in those older PBeMs in the previous decade and... well... in the previous century, damn I'm old :(
It is worse than that Milos, it's last millennium. :P
-
Is the "spell of doing little" a realm spell? ???
..but seriously, I just wanted to chime in about the rules questions topic. There are some times when a rules question needs to be answered by a DM so that it will not undermine plotting... or at least I could see this as a possibility. So, even though most people with experience could answer a question, they shouldn't always be aware of it.
In my rookie opinion, two people should volunteer to run their domain as NPCs, so as not to succumb to withdrawal, and pitch in for the greater cause and run a few more NPCs, help with SRs, help with DOs, etc.
Also, in my rookie opinion, major domains should not be abandoned.
I would volunteer if I had experience. I suggest that Bjorn contacts those few that he trusts to help, and we proceed. I know that I will try and help fill the ranks of players if I can, and if we all try to bring in more players, we could recover and continue with more strength. . . theoretically.
-
To clarify the bit about a DM playing a domain:
I meant playing a minor domain. It would obviously be impossible to continue playing a major domain. I also mean it was possible, but not required or expected.
-
Which domains count as Major or Minor?
-
Which domains count as Major or Minor?
Those that can project their military power all the way to Aerenwe it seems, or at least that's the way everyone is trying to prove their majorness. ;)
-
Which domains count as Major or Minor?
Those that can project their military power all the way to Aerenwe it seems, or at least that's the way everyone is trying to prove their majorness. ;)
I do not have a clue what you could mean. :)
-
Which domains count as Major or Minor?
Those that can project their military power all the way to Aerenwe it seems, or at least that's the way everyone is trying to prove their majorness. ;)
I do not have a clue what you could mean. :)
Simple - those who do not occupy at least one province of Aerenwe are considered minor ;)
Back to topic - I can offer only my coding skills, if ever needed (C, C#, Java, SQL).
-
Lets solve it one by one. I propose rules interpreting contest. Bjorn will produce few hideously difficult questions or hypothetical situations to solve. The one who answers them most to Bjorn's liking will be then new certified auxiliary authority regarding the rules. Sounds good, doesn't it? :)
-
Lets solve it one by one. I propose rules interpreting contest. Bjorn will produce few hideously difficult questions or hypothetical situations to solve. The one who answers them most to Bjorn's liking will be then new certified auxiliary authority regarding the rules. Sounds good, doesn't it? :)
That is more work for Bjørn. Although it would be a one time effort I feel we should avoid giving extra chores to him.
I think most of us will be able to answer questions from other players. Except for combat resolution that feels a bit arbitrary. And there I still think we can agree that fortifications/assets, xp, commanders and number of units influence the outcome.
-
That is more work for Bjørn. Although it would be a one time effort I feel we should avoid giving extra chores to him.
That can be circumvented. Lets say each contestant publish one question for the others. Answers will be also publicly visible (posted to forum perhaps). Winner will be determined by voting of all RoE players.
-
That is more work for Bjørn. Although it would be a one time effort I feel we should avoid giving extra chores to him.
That can be circumvented. Lets say each contestant publish one question for the others. Answers will be also publicly visible (posted to forum perhaps). Winner will be determined bys.
That is more work for Bjørn. Although it would be a one time effort I feel we should avoid giving extra chores to him.
That can be circumvented. Lets say each contestant publish one question for the others. Answers will be also publicly visible (posted to forum perhaps). Winner will be determined by voting of all RoE players.
Sure. We could have a rules contest just for the fun of it. But I think it a poor method for choosing a 'rules question assistant'
If the players are knowledgeable enough of the rules to judge the contest. Then why should we have an official rules question assistant? Just post your question and we will all gladly share our wiew of the rules.
If Bjørn need someone other than him to interpret the rules, Then I think he should appoint one of the voulenteers. A contest wont assure the best candidate. Bjørn have years worth of mail and forum posts from all of us. And I am sure he knows us well enough to make the choice himself.
-
The paradox of a rules competition. :D
I second the notion that Bjorn can figure out who can handle the rules questions.
In fact I'm relatively certain that Bjorn has an idea of the members who are willing and also able.
We had better hurry before I start stirring up more trouble in the CoT. . . ;D
-
I'm heading for a short trip to Finland - Moomin World here we come!
Aim to settle this once I get back.
-
You mean you want to finnish it when you get back?
-
Wow. That was bad.
-
I was afraid that my bad joke shut down the forum. It went 5 days as the last post.
-
For Rules: I think you can choose 3 players, and have then rotate turns on fielding questions and/or making rules calls. For the most part, as has been said, many veteran players have a pretty good understanding of the rules, and many more actually understand the intent behind them.
Minor and/or Fringe Domains: There is a potential that some players might be able to run multiple domains with adequate supervision by the DM staff to ensure that things don't get wonky/crazy. If fact, this might be another instance, where a few players trading DO submission of a domain, could ensure that a domain is played while mitigating the potential for meta-gaming.
Second DM: Any of the veteran players could potentially fill this role, and I think I can say that nearly all of them would be willing. I think it is just a matter of you saying what you want done and asking someone to do it.
-
I am game to help in whatever capacity needed.
-
Week 3: I've got a special form of pneumonia. On medication. Not feeling very well at all.
-
Get better soon, Bjorn.
-
Swift recovery Bjorn!
-
Week 4: Antibiotics working. But slowly. Another week away from work. The good news is that the sun came out. Finally!
-
Awesome, B. Get better dude.
-
First of all, I too would like to wish Bjorn a speedy recovery
The other reason for posting is to elaborate on my offer made last month. Since I am not a player and thus an unknown to you all, I thought I would treat this as sort of a formal application and make this a bit of an introduction and gaming resume.
I feel I have a lot to offer this game, and, to be honest, I think I am THE answer to your problems.
Experience
I have been running D&D/AD&D campaigns for 35 years now (I started just after the original 1st edition AD&D Monster Manual was published), and have been running Birthright campaigns on and off since it first came out.
Rule familiarity
I am quite familiar with the ROE rules, as I use them as the basis for my own current homebrew Birthright campaign.
Rules design
Like most DMs of my generation, I am an inveterate rules writer and tinkerer, having had to make things up as we went along for many years simply because there were no published rules for it. Furthermore, I am a relatively skilled writer, proofreader, and editor. I have posted two examples of my work in the Regent Guide section.
http://www.twilightpeaks.net/forum/index.php?topic=2209.0
http://www.twilightpeaks.net/forum/index.php?topic=2210.0
Availability
As far as the time commitment required, I am retired, so I have lots of free time to put into this.
Neutrality
And finally, as a stranger to everybody here I have no biases or grudges.
The offer is there, and is genuine. I would very much like to do this.
Arpig - aka Bob.
-
Knocked back the last of the antibiotics today. Feeling much better, but I don't think I qualify as fully recovered yet. Haven't been ill for such a long time since I was 18, which is about 20 years ago. Hmm, getting old...
Did some more reading in the Regent Guide today. Opened up the P&H. Did I write all those data? I guess I did - except the stuff Brandon has added of course :)
Maybe I'll rummage through the DOs later today.
-
HE'S ALIVE, I TELL YOU...ALIVE!
-
Cough cough...
-
WOOHOO!!!!
-
Update: I'm reasonably well. The second cure took care of the pneumonia. Resuming work tomorrow. I'll keep you posted.
-
That is good news; nice to hear you are really on the mend Bjorn.
-
Current plans:
Complete Chapter 4 and 5 of the RG
Hire a Co-GM
Finish processing turn
Launch next turn
Resume work on RG
Hard to say how long that will take. Chapters 4-5 mostly done. So I'm guessing at some point during October, new DM permitting.
-
This thread is still relevant. I now have set a (latest) date for resumption of play (is that good English? resumption of play?).
Assuming your offers still hold, these are the possible candidates:
Andy
Matt
Bobby
Hartwig
Arpig - aka Bob: Your offer is genuine, but you have not been playing with us, so I must decline.
-
Resumption of play is excellent English and is exactly the term used in Cricket for example.
My offer still holds; I would rather keep playing but am also aware that a co-DM would make it more likely that there would be more game and I would rather more game for us all than less. So in short, offer still holds. :)
-
Well, if it works in cricket* it damn well works everywhere else!
Well, I'd rather have you as a player, but someone has to help carry the burden...it's actually quite a lot of fun most of the time, but it can also be pretty tiresome.
*Speaking of cricket - we have a big big lawn a few hundred yards from the house: It must be the only place in Trondheim where genuine Indians (at least I think they are) gather to play cricket on a semi-regular basis.
-
Perhaps Bob could take over a player spot from whomever is selected as co-DM?
-
Perhaps Bob could take over a player spot from whomever is selected as co-DM?
That would be a very good solution.
-
This thread is still relevant. I now have set a (latest) date for resumption of play (is that good English? resumption of play?).
Assuming your offers still hold, these are the possible candidates:
Andy
Matt
Bobby
Hartwig
Arpig - aka Bob: Your offer is genuine, but you have not been playing with us, so I must decline.
My offer still stands. HA is in reasonable shape if Bob wants to take it on albeit beset by enemies and friends with the two often difficult to tell apart (so about the same as everyone else then).
-
Bjorn could make this very easy on himself. Have Bob determine which domain he likes... among the group above and poof, there is your Co-DM. :)
-
My offer still stand
-
No problem, however, I do think that the fact that I have not been playing is my greatest strength as a DM in your game.
Consider it a standing offer.
-
I would agree with that in part because it would allow the least amount of shuffling players to continue but I do understand that lack game play in this game could hurt the understanding of these rules.
-
In the alternative, if we get a player for every single domain in Cerilia, Bjorn can just roll dice and edit the rules.
-
I would be willing to take over any domain and play it, though I did have my heart set on the Western Isles.
-
So, is there any word on a domain for me to play?
-
There are a couple temples I could recommend. . .
-
Any news?
-
Happy Holidays All :-)
-
Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year all.
-
So, what is our status? There is a new ass-DM?
-
Anyone have any news?
-
I'm on hold - I pop in every now and then but expect that in practice the game has ended :(
-
I'm still here as well, but I think we're missing the key man :(
-
There was activity 30.January :-)
I'm still a believer :D
-
I am still here, I just installed drobpox on my laptop (lmde64) so I can receive files.
please keep me updated
-
me too still here. I'm checking regularly the forum.
-
I check through every so often.
-
I'm still around too.
-
I still loiter around. Currently not much spare time, but would love for things to start happening again.
-
I'm still around too, waiting for a doctor to start resuscitation on the game or call the time of death. The first option being preferable, of course.
-
Still around ...
-
*pulls on the rubber gloves*
Working on Resuscitation now!
-
Still around ...
Im not ;)
-
Once in a while I drop by too!
-
On a more serious note:
I'm amazed there still is a desire to see the game resume. You truly are a great bunch of players - I could not have hoped for better!
I also feel the urge from time to time, but I cannot find the motivation required to manage the game on my own. It takes too much time - and I have various other projects* I'd like to see finished.
So if RoE is going to roll again - not just for a turn, but steadily onward we need to put together a DM team to manage the beast. Matt and Andy being obvious candidates. I realize I've put off making some difficult decisions for too long. I'll remedy that shortly. Either we'll get a team together and resume play or we'll formally shut down, including an epilogue for all domains.
*My plans for 2013 are, by priority:
1. Spend time with family and friends in RL (one can always hope!).
2. Finish my first novel. It's a 'fan fiction' novel in that it's set in the 40k universe. In English. Looks to be around 150k words, but that's not 100%. The primary reason for writing: Getting training writing in a novel format. The book is coming around quite nicely. I hope to have it done by August/September. I already have a creative consultant, but I may ask around to see if someone wants to help edit/proofread it (I'm notoriously bad at that).
3. Continue to tinker with project Starfall. It's my homegrown DnD campaign setting. Combining many of my favorite fantasy elements and putting them in a mythic version of Europe. I haven't really updated the Starfall blog, but I'll get around to it eventually.
4. Finish the Regent Guide. I was well under way as you save from the first chapters. Now I just have to streamline and improve the hardest parts :'-(
5. A zillion other things, but none of them major.
-
Have there been thought on scaling down somewhat rather then the sizable steady expansion of last few years? One could always scale up again later if things gets too easy.
-
Lol, even though I'm no longer technically here and just lurk from time to time this was a great game so you should be proud of what you've accomplished.
-
Have there been thought on scaling down somewhat rather then the sizable steady expansion of last few years? One could always scale up again later if things gets too easy.
I has been discussed. Probably a good idea.
It has even been suggested that we might go for a mini/compact RoE 2.5 with just a handful of players.
-
Lol, even though I'm no longer technically here and just lurk from time to time this was a great game so you should be proud of what you've accomplished.
Great games are made by great players. The Govminator is fondly remembered.
-
Have there been thought on scaling down somewhat rather then the sizable steady expansion of last few years? One could always scale up again later if things gets too easy.
I has been discussed. Probably a good idea.
It has even been suggested that we might go for a mini/compact RoE 2.5 with just a handful of players.
That could be a good way to get the turns rolling again. And I guess there should be a co-DM or two that actualy do the work so you can get some time off without all the stress.
-
Great games are made by great players. The Govminator is fondly remembered.
He fondly remembers you all...well not all of you...or many of you lol
-
More than 10 years ago there used to be a game called In the Shadows of Deismaar which had a DM team. They (and later we) split the workload by having a DM for each region. You could do this too. Delegate regions to new DMs. Keep one for yourself or delegate them all and just guide the whole game.
-
Hey Bjorn, are you doing a Kick-starter campaign for the new book? ;)
I am (obviously) still here - though busy (as usual).
-
The internet is ADDICTED to kickstarter these days. ::)
Bjorn, however you decide, I'll second on this: RoE, both versions, has been remarkable. I've never encountered a game like it. And while I think the players were a big part of that, it HAPPENED because of you. The DM made the difference. If another game gets going, or this one continues, and it's a success, it'll be because the new/additional DMs have your example to work from.
So basically: Thanks! :D
-
Yes, excellent idea. Everything I'll do from now will be a kickstarter!
The turn 72 kickstarter, the turn 73 kickstarter... :o
-
The internet is ADDICTED to kickstarter these days. ::)
Bjorn, however you decide, I'll second on this: RoE, both versions, has been remarkable. I've never encountered a game like it. And while I think the players were a big part of that, it HAPPENED because of you. The DM made the difference. If another game gets going, or this one continues, and it's a success, it'll be because the new/additional DMs have your example to work from.
So basically: Thanks! :D
Thanks!
I may have contributed somewhat. Not in the least by finding and keeping the bestest players*!
* I managed to scrape together all the BR players in Denmark didn't I? One whole country's worth of players!
-
Thanks!
I may have contributed somewhat. Not in the least by finding and keeping the bestest players*!
* I managed to scrape together all the BR players in Denmark didn't I? One whole country's worth of players!
Likely an ill-conceived Dane plot for world domination.
-
The Danelag will rise again!
-
The Danelag will rise again!
I never considered it completely gone. As far as I'm concerned, great chunks of every country surrounding Denmark belongs to us!
-
The Danelag will rise again!
I never considered it completely gone. As far as I'm concerned, great chunks of every country surrounding Denmark belongs to us!
I completely understand how you feel ;)
-
Have there been assigned new/additional/co- DMs ?
I would like to contribute but I could do with some direction from the famed hardcore players of the central heartlands. Im after all more on the fringe, borderland inexperienced.
And for you psychoanalyst, yes the above is very much influenced by what character/realm I play ;D
-
In all honesty, I think some sort of closure would be the best.
I like ROE. It's been a huge part of my life over a long period, and I know its been a lot longer for many of the others. But perhaps this long break has been an indication we are reaching a breaking point and people (no less our DM) is finding it a chore more than a pleasure. If that is the case, I'd rather stop now, cherish the fond memories and then dedicate my next ten years to something new and exciting with you lot. Playing with you guys takes precedence over *what* we play.
Whatever may happen in the future, it will likely require enough changes that RoE II isn't "itself" anymore. If we wind down where we are, and move on from there, it is also a lot easier to start afresh in another part on Anuire, reduce our active game area and whatever else ideas we have (timeskip, character changes, New DM's etc). I'd even be inclined to suggest we step completely out of our Birthrightean comfort-zone (well not *completely* completely) to play in Bjørn's Starfall-thingy, because it sounds interesting and Bjørn usually does an awesome job of making things interesting (we could be his beta-testers for when he kickstarts his own little RPG-publishing project).
Just my 2-cent.
P.S.
Bjørn, I'll trade you my novel(s) for yours. You read proofread mine and I'll do the same for yours. There's nothing worse than having to correct your own work time and time again till the point where you grow sick of just looking at it.
-
P.S.
Bjørn, I'll trade you my novel(s) for yours. You read proofread mine and I'll do the same for yours. There's nothing worse than having to correct your own work time and time again till the point where you grow sick of just looking at it.
Done!
-
You know, my offer to help out still stands.
-
I think Thorsten is right...
-
There is a certain poetry that exists when the RL imitates a central theme to RoE: summarized by Seneca the Younger, "every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end."
For certain, the decade I have spent in RoE has been a good decade. In fact, some things I learned here I used when the Kings I were speaking too were known as professors, bosses and clients. I am not necessarily against closure, but it might be worthwhile to try and get a few more turns it to reach that closure and allow a new DM team the chance to get acquainted before moving off to something else.
Then again, I am not truly that picky. So, shall we travel together a bit longer?
-
So, shall we travel together a bit longer?
would been nice :)
-
I know I have not posted in a while but I was unsure of what the plans were. I am always ready and still here. If we must end then I would say thanks a million for the chance to play, I really enjoyed it even if it was short lived for me! I Hope all is well with you and your families!
-
Still checking
-
Still here, happy to move on either in a new game or continuation of this - it's been a good group.
-
Here as well. Lots of good memories (thank you Bjorn, Alan, and everyone else!)... yet I am also interested in adding new memories! If its a wrap ( i hope not, but understand if it is), then lets wrap and try to get something new started... Perhaps something Bjorn could enjoy as a player?
-
That would be awesome
-
It IS a wrap. I cannot find the neccessary time/energy to keep things moving forward. Not for any length of time anyway; and the incessant star-stop was what killed the game in the first place.
So, the question is: What do we do now?
I understand there is quite som interrest in setting up a new game, but in what form? A RoE 2.5 that continues the current timeline - or soemthing entirely new?
I can contribute, either as a player or DM, but I have limited time until the end of 2013. So the new game will need a DM team of at least 2 people.
-
I understand there is quite som interrest in setting up a new game, but in what form? A RoE 2.5 that continues the current timeline - or soemthing entirely new?
I'm interested.
IMHO I think it would not be fair a RoE 2.5. The RoE II's storyline and metaplots are B's ideas, known only to him, and a continuing the current timeline would require his support and so it will eventually lead the new game to a lot of start and stops.
I suggest a game based in another area of Cerilia parallel to RoE II.
I'm ready to be a player or also a Co-DM.
-
Things to think through:
- DM team; how many and who?
- how many players?
- geographic location (there are several good spots)
- geographic extent (from a local game with just a few realms to a really big RoE-type game)
- what types of domains will be available
- frequency of turns
- amount of interaction vs. focs on strategy
- number of turns to be played
- should agendas be used?
- rules?
-
Also: Should MiloS be allowed to play a headless, possibly undead, regent or not? ;)
-
- DM team; how many and who?
Can't help there. No time.
- how many players?
Always interested.
- geographic location (there are several good spots)
- geographic extent (from a local game with just a few realms to a really big RoE-type game)
- what types of domains will be available
I suggest picking a small location, like a realm or a region, the expanding as it fills up with players.
- frequency of turns
As a player, I can take anything less frequent than daily :)
- should agendas be used?
I loved agendas.
- rules?
As usual?
[/quote]Also: Should MiloS be allowed to play a headless, possibly undead, regent or not? ;)
Headless One
-
Things to think through:
- DM team; how many and who?
- how many players?
- geographic location (there are several good spots)
- geographic extent (from a local game with just a few realms to a really big RoE-type game)
- what types of domains will be available
- frequency of turns
- amount of interaction vs. focs on strategy
- number of turns to be played
- should agendas be used?
- rules?
My two cents
I suggest a small number of players (i.e. the forum's members still active).
1) choiche of the area (any except Anuire)
2) rules same as RoE II
3) agendas must be used
4) landed realms of the area first assigned to players. When they're all filled up tlet then pass to temples and guilds
5) a new turn every 2 weeks
-
Things to think through:
- DM team; how many and who?
- how many players?
- geographic location (there are several good spots)
- geographic extent (from a local game with just a few realms to a really big RoE-type game)
- what types of domains will be available
- frequency of turns
- amount of interaction vs. focs on strategy
- number of turns to be played
- should agendas be used?
- rules?
My two cents
I suggest a small number of players (i.e. the forum's members still active).
1) choiche of the area (any except Anuire)
2) rules same as RoE II
3) agendas must be used
4) landed realms of the area first assigned to players. When they're all filled up tlet then pass to temples and guilds
5) a new turn every 2 weeks
1)no problem with that
2) I'm cool with the idea since I did not get enough practice to completely master the rules. I'll need to read again through them but it will be easyer than learning again from scratch, furthermore the current rule set seemed pretty much flawless to me
3) nothing to say 'bout that
4)I'm ok with that too and want to be part of it if I can still be considered as an active member
5)this should be discussed some more with the other players since it should take into account the number of interactions between players and players and the DM as well. Also wether or not this kind of schedule is doable would depend on the size of the domains.(I guess? Just saying that because at first I got a bit lost with the bookkeeping part)
-
Things to think through:
- DM team; how many and who?
- how many players?
- geographic location (there are several good spots)
- geographic extent (from a local game with just a few realms to a really big RoE-type game)
- what types of domains will be available
- frequency of turns
- amount of interaction vs. focs on strategy
- number of turns to be played
- should agendas be used?
- rules?
- DMs: small team. It would have to be someone very experienced, of course.
- Geographic location: don't care as long as the backstory is insteresting.
- Geographic extent: Leaning towards local.
- Domains available: Mainly landed regents, but I like having some additional domains mixed in. Though if anyone suggests we have another CoT in the game, I'll ask to play a wizard and leave delayed blast fireballs under his bed.
- Frequency of turns: 2-4 weeks? Depends a lot on how much work would have to be put into domain orders and such.
- Interaction vs. focus on strategy: Up for debate, I'm a bit undecided at this point.
- Number of turns? Depends on the frequency. Having chapters/milestones are a good way to have shortterm goals and still be able to continue if we're still up for it.
- Agendas: yes please.
- Rules: I'm actually leaning towards a simplification of the current rules, to keep the "work" down to a minimum. And don't get me started on the building/ruling costs... :-D
-
- Domains available: Mainly landed regents, but I like having some additional domains mixed in. Though if anyone suggests we have another CoT in the game, I'll ask to play a wizard and leave delayed blast fireballs under his bed.
Pls, leave at least one temple domain open for me ... ;)
And of course, agendas ! :)
-
I would love to get in as a player.
Also, I am still available to help DM, being retired I have lots of time to process turns and do the tedious data entry stuff (I actually kind of enjoy that).
As far as the scale and scope, I always sort of liked the idea of the players being the lesser nobles of an NPC realm, so there could be lots of petty court intrigue.
As far as agendas go, well I haven't used them in play, obviously, but I did like the idea of them.
-
- Rules: I'm actually leaning towards a simplification of the current rules, to keep the "work" down to a minimum. And don't get me started on the building/ruling costs... :-D
That's the way to go I think; but I've put all rules development on hold until I'm done with current projects. But perhaps an enterprising DM can manage to simplify a bit within the existing framework?
-
:) love to see there is activity on the forum.
If it would reduce the workload of DMs I can offer to play the "enemy". I refer to those unavoidable but often temporary powers that the regular players interact with.
Naturally I would prefer to be a regular player but we all have to do our share. And there can me much fun in playing an ogre raiding force for a few turns. They have their goals as well and such :)
-
The distinction from regular player-powers would be such as stricter goals, lack of lands, prospects for survivability :)
-
Things to think through:
- DM team; how many and who?
- how many players?
- geographic location (there are several good spots)
- geographic extent (from a local game with just a few realms to a really big RoE-type game)
- what types of domains will be available
- frequency of turns
- amount of interaction vs. focs on strategy
- number of turns to be played
- should agendas be used?
- rules?
1) I have loads of time right now, but that will end late august or early september when my daughter is born. So I would like to be a player or co dm in a 2-3 dm team depending on geographical extend and number of players.
2) A few or many... As long as we can manage to keep the game flowing and it is fun for everyone
3) Any.. I am also open to using other settings if dm team so choose
4) any.. Depending on number of players.
5) Depending on geographical extend in order of importance to me: Landed, Temple, Guild, Mage.
6) 1-2 weeks for email interaction and DO creation followed by 1-2 weeks with interactive forum actions followed by 1-2 week of DM resolving turns and returning them.... So 3-6 weeks per turn depending on number of players.
7) For me it is a strategy game with interactions as a vital part of pushing through your strategy... 50/50
8) A four year realtime game... so depending on scope 36-72 turns... 9-18 years of game time.
9) YES. Agendas are super. But I would like comprehensive rules for agendas and what you gain for solving them, compared to focusing on the fun of doing other stuff... VP wise.
10) RoE ish. Simpler though.
-
Things to think through:
- DM team; how many and who?
- how many players?
- geographic location (there are several good spots)
- geographic extent (from a local game with just a few realms to a really big RoE-type game)
- what types of domains will be available
- frequency of turns
- amount of interaction vs. focs on strategy
- number of turns to be played
- should agendas be used?
- rules?
1) As many as it takes? I would suggest one "Head DM" however.
2) I don't think it should be that many more than what we've been working with so far - if we could group people better together too, that should be sufficient. Seems to me it wasn't as much a lack of players as it was a lack of common areas of interaction between them that we ran into last time.
3) If we're playing paralel to present time, I've always wanted to look closer at Rjurik. There's quite a few scandinavians among us too, so digging into vikingy things could be interesting :) Brechtur might work too, for a more political/hansatic league and less warmongering game. If time and space doesn't matter, I wouldn't mind having a go at Adurias, pre-exodus. Little is written so it could make a good opportunity to create ancient history. Or perhaps we could even play around the time of exodus - like a colonization game, with humans landing on Cerelia. Mass invasion of goblin/elven lands should give everybody common grounds for interaction. And it poses lots of possibility for both adventuring, backstabbing and politicking. Also gives the opportunity to meet a young(er) Ruobhe and pre-arachnid Spider as a big badguys. But really, as long as the story's there, I'm good.
4) I'd do what you guys initially did with RoE (only in English this time). Start small, and if needed, enlarge the scope.
5) Primarily landed, with temples/guilds in second line and wizards last.
6) A month, give or take. Any less, and I fear I'll be stressing to meet deadlines each turn.
7) I liked how things where in RoE. What's that? 60/40? 50/50?
8) As cool as it would be, to see children grow into men and women who in turn will wage their own wars, I'd start with something "manageable". 20 turns? And if we get that far, we could always decide whether we just push on as is, or take a small leap in time. That'd also be a natural point to switch realms.
9) Yes! Agendas was part of the awesomeness that is RoE. Ambition is the motor of this political beast!
10) I struggled with the micromanagement of realms in RoE from time to time, but loved the complexity of its warfare. I wouldn't mind simplifying things a bit, though.
-
Or perhaps we could even play around the time of exodus - like a colonization game, with humans landing on Cerelia.
[/quote]
I really like that idea! It would give Temple/Guild/Source holdings a real good reason to work with the landed regents.
-
Or perhaps we could even play around the time of exodus - like a colonization game, with humans landing on Cerelia.
I really like that idea! It would give Temple/Guild/Source holdings a real good reason to work with the landed regents.
[/quote]
Not sure how much I'd like it in a PBeM game, but it would be real nice setting for a MMO or a web game ;)
-
I'll put in my 2 cents.
Region of Play: The size of the area in which we play is not too important, but the related factors that are important are how much players interact, and whether the DM can play all the NPC domains efficiently and consistently. Overextending a DM can make NPCs feel like NPCs, when they should optimally feel more like players.
Rules: Oversimplification of rules might be good for LARPers, but it's not necessary for PbEM. Some simplification is good, but when rules get too simple, it can feel dumbed down.
Turn Frequency: Every two weeks is too frequent. It would be good to set a timeline, however, like 2 weeks for the players and 2-4 weeks for the DM. Setting a timeline would provide a little more structure and realistic expectations among all the players. Turns involving combat are understandably longer, but as long as everyone knows, then it's not a big deal.
-
For me the big things to simplify are battles and adventures - both can be sucking quagmires of DM time and have really slowed things down in the past - particularly forum adventures.
I'd suggest making armies smaller, having an outset die rolls to dictate how badly/well people do and each person issue a paragraph or two summary and then run each "chapter" of a battle by simple DM fiat - a big battle might have 2-4 chapters, most however have only 1 or 2. Lack of communication with generals was a common issue in medieval war anyway,
Adventures, most could hopefully be run as simple actions/outcomes - there was a die-roll outcome sheet that arpig did. Only the bigger adventures would then play on the forum / over email.
Rules - keep the same, it saves fiddling the sheets and they aren't the big issue, particularly for the veteran players.
Turns - no more than 1 a month, and preferably 6-8 weeks - that was enough to keep RoE II alive and leaves people plenty of time - in practice the problem for players was prolonged time in purdah waiting for turn resolution but if we expect a longer timescale from inception that's less of an issue - but I'd add a DM rule - no big stuff in the week prior to submission, if you have a bomb to drop, do it in week 1-2 or wait a turn, the post-scrummage issues tended to occur when something blew up at the end, some players had already submitted, others had RL issues, and suddenly a months worth of diplo had to be done in 2 or 3 days - and if DOs are getting hastily re-written then they are more likely to be incoherent, full of errors, etc and thus take longer to process.
I'd co-DM if people wanted me too, I'm not hot on the rules but I've got time.
As a minor point, the P&H is a real hog, if we cut down I'd suggest cutting down peripherals a lot, so if we do Rjurik then the north and west coast of Anuire are in but the rest would be cut off, we could do a single "Brecht sheet" for holdings in a few provinces if people wanted but the bulk would go.
-
*sobs*
I would suggest that Bjorn plus a couple of people sort out a narrative wrap up to close the chapter. We can all submit a broad plan of our intentions and a small team can take direction from Bjorn of the likely end results of that fun to produce a lovely write up of how it panned out - I think we have the writing chops amongst us to make it so that even the Green Knight will want to read it ;)
Then set a new iteration of the game perhaps 5, 10 or 15 years afterwards, resetting some of the balance and with a few of the developing power blocks splintering to make more game. I would be happy to help run the game or support the setup of the next phase.
-
...and in the end there was only one man to rule them all, and his name was Ghorien Hiriele. End of story.
Sufficient for a wrap-up!? :D
Lots of good input here.
-
I could live with that ending Bjorn but I think others might object a little? :)
-
Ok, I'll do a little epilogue. Based on what MIGHT have happened had we concluded the chapter. OK?
-
Late but nevertheless here are my few thoughts ...
Things to think through:
- DM team; how many and who?
- how many players?
- geographic location (there are several good spots)
- geographic extent (from a local game with just a few realms to a really big RoE-type game)
- what types of domains will be available
- frequency of turns
- amount of interaction vs. focs on strategy
- number of turns to be played
- should agendas be used?
- rules?
- One head DM and 1-2 assistans/NPC caretakers. I volunteer for the role of assistant
- 10 - 15 players should be optimum I think
- I would opt for "tightly packed" scenario with minimal number NPC domains and relatively isolated from the rest of the world (justified by geography and/or by story). Thus all types of domains should be filled.
- 1 - 2 months per turn
- Lets try 8 turns (2 years of game time) as a pilot
- Agendas certainy yes!
- RoE rules should do just fine, so that I don't have to learn anything new :)
I would be interested in exodus settings, but that would require somewhat different rules and/or playstyle due to nonexistence of bloodlines and RP collection.
-
Ok, I'll do a little epilogue. Based on what MIGHT have happened had we concluded the chapter. OK?
Of course, we are all eager to hear how Milos turns around his current misfortunes, that spike looks an uncomfortable place to let things rest :-)
As a side point, In the P&H what does the phrase "lubberly" mean? I sea it on lakes, rivers etc but the only translation I get is landlubber-like, clumsy, etc - does it refer to freshwater?
-
It means that province doesn't get a bonus to max level from being adjacent to the sea/major river.
-
The bonus to max prov level from river/ocean is largely based on the assumption that it generates extra trade opportunities - so goblins without anyone to trade with or elves who hide in their forest don't benefit in the same way humans do.
-
Ah, thanks Bjorn.
I've been converted the P&H to "turn 1" and kept wondering about it.
My plan is a "turn 1 Bjorn-ised" and "turn 1 vanilla" versions, with the second having the vassals either removed, or perhaps more simply, having the area summaries assign all the vassals income/regency to the canon regent.
It is taking a little while 8)
-
It is not quick work is it? :)
-
It is not quick work is it? :)
Anuire's realms are mostly done, the summary sheets (incl sorting out vassalage links) will take more time 8)
-
Since the game is offically closed, would you mind sharing your agendas, the way you pursued them and your plans for future? I think it could give interesting and fun insight into the game for other players.
If more people agree with that idea, I will start it with my own statement.
-
I've no problem with this: But perhaps a new thread is in order?
It's voluntary though; if people don't want to share that's ok too.
-
Ah, thanks Bjorn.
I've been converted the P&H to "turn 1" and kept wondering about it.
My plan is a "turn 1 Bjorn-ised" and "turn 1 vanilla" versions, with the second having the vassals either removed, or perhaps more simply, having the area summaries assign all the vassals income/regency to the canon regent.
It is taking a little while 8)
Initiative is good!
I'm taking this to mean your definitely on the team Andy?
Also we need to find out just how many turns have conceptually passed - to make room for all sorts of alterations to the provinces and holdings.
-
Things to think through:
- DM team; how many and who?
- how many players?
- geographic location (there are several good spots)
- geographic extent (from a local game with just a few realms to a really big RoE-type game)
- what types of domains will be available
- frequency of turns
- amount of interaction vs. focs on strategy
- number of turns to be played
- should agendas be used?
- rules?
1) I think there definitely needs to be a lead DM. This can be Bjorn acting as Executive Producer while one or more lesser DMs do the actual writing work, or someone else, but one mind should guide the overall story.
2) I think the group that's still coming back here to the forums is more than enough.
3&4) I'd love to get into Brechtur or the Khinasi lands. I agree with the common attitudes here, that a tighter, denser population would work better. It'd also reduce the number of NPC vassals and whatnot that the DMs are having to play. Having played a minor noble both games, I can vouch for it being just as entertaining as playing a sovereign ruler.
5) I think we can do the full range of domains as long as the overall scope is kept limited, but I would actually suggest temples as NPCs if we want to cut some out. Temple regents get sucked into being Blessing Engines pretty easily, and playing them right seemed to be tricky. But I'd rather we had the full range. Keeping the character level of casters low would cut a lot of complexity, too.
6) A month to a month and a half. Having a kid has cut into my time, but longer than that and we'll start to lose steam again.
7) I've always found more fun in diplomacy and adventures than massive warfare, but if we reduce the scope of the game, that'll keep the warfare more functional too.
8') 20-30 turns would work for me. I just want enough time to settle into a character and really DIG at my Agendas.
9) YES. Agendas MADE this game. PERIOD.
10) I'd argue for simplifying the rules, but that just winds up putting workload on the DM at the start instead of through the game. We'd probably be best off keeping the rules as written for the most part. I'd be happy to dig into them some and rewrite - I love game design and balance and often do House Rules for my tabletop games - but it'd take some time and delay the actual game's start. If you'd like me to take a crack at them, though, let me know what you'd like me to accomplish and I'll set to work. 8)
-
5) I think we can do the full range of domains as long as the overall scope is kept limited, but I would actually suggest temples as NPCs if we want to cut some out. Temple regents get sucked into being Blessing Engines pretty easily, and playing them right seemed to be tricky. But I'd rather we had the full range. Keeping the character level of casters low would cut a lot of complexity, too.
Agreeing with Bobby. Temples can be a lot of fun, but the bless game does get a bit tiresome. Maybe increase the costs and change the benefits so that won't be seen as mandatory to perform them, more like a actual blessing (pun intended) that only happens on rare occations?
10) I'd argue for simplifying the rules, but that just winds up putting workload on the DM at the start instead of through the game. We'd probably be best off keeping the rules as written for the most part. I'd be happy to dig into them some and rewrite - I love game design and balance and often do House Rules for my tabletop games - but it'd take some time and delay the actual game's start. If you'd like me to take a crack at them, though, let me know what you'd like me to accomplish and I'll set to work.
I'd suggest to hand out domains first, and then every player can start working out the details of that domain (under DM supervision where needed ::)) in parallell with some of the rules being rewritten. As long as it didn't take too much time to revrite what we deem most needed, I wouldn't mind spending that time just fleshing out my domain. The more I prepare my domain beforehand, the more I will be able to immerse myself right from the start.
-
Ah, thanks Bjorn.
I've been converted the P&H to "turn 1" and kept wondering about it.
My plan is a "turn 1 Bjorn-ised" and "turn 1 vanilla" versions, with the second having the vassals either removed, or perhaps more simply, having the area summaries assign all the vassals income/regency to the canon regent.
It is taking a little while 8)
Initiative is good!
I'm taking this to mean your definitely on the team Andy?
Also we need to find out just how many turns have conceptually passed - to make room for all sorts of alterations to the provinces and holdings.
I'd be very happy to be on the team, co-DM, player, npc+turn churner, whatever.
I was turn 1'ing for br.net as I've had a few people ask me for your rules and P&H, they tended to blanch at the turn 70-odd P&H though ;-)
-
That merely shows they do not understand the GLORY of that which Bjorn created! 8)
-
I'm all for expanding the P&H to have a lot of complicated VB macros!
-
I'm all for expanding the P&H to have a lot of complicated VB macros!
Mad! Mad I tell you! :)
-
I would agree that 1 turn a month is realistically the most you could expect out of players, plus a fudge week for the inevitable late orders. I think 40 turns (10 game years) is a nice window, though more would be even better. Keep the rules the same, or simplify if it can be done without dumbing it down.
-
Trying to push things along here: What's the status? It seems we're still enough people checking the forums that we can get a big enough playerbase to start up - once we have a DM team that's willing and able.
Feeling very motivated for a new game of RoE these days :D
-
I am willing to go for it - my other major project is now live (ie Empire http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk ) and accepting aplications from non english native speakers to play special roles so I could do with something else exciting to do.
Andy and Bjorn - time to chat I think :)
-
Yes; it's time to chat!
-
I'm awake... I am awake! :)
Now, where do I start?
-
the poll thread!