Prologue
It is October 15th, 2016 in our world, a time where superheroes are firmly a thing of film and comics, where powers are something dreamed of by children, not seriously regarded in this time of technological progress. Most everyone is too busy in their lives to give much thought to such flights of fancy, to really consider the possibility of superhumans in their midst.
But it is October 15th, 2016, and in a few days, such a luxury will not be afforded to the world, and soon the question must be answered: how will the world look when Gods walk amongst Men?
How To Play
GAM returns, but now very different. Just as I've removed a great deal of the campiness, so too have I changed the mechanics for how this game will run. Both as a test-run for a future project's viability and simply because I love narrative-driven games, GAM: Awakening will be wholly driven by ICs and player choices.
How will this look? For one, this game will be heavily reliant on the players, whether that's making decisions, introducing options for where they want to go and so on. Because of this and my desire to make a very focused adventure, I forsee this game having a core base of 4-5 players, who will be the generative force behind the game as a whole. Yes, I have been drafting story arcs and yes I will be introducing antagonists/plot points/general information, but player reaction and interaction will be the key point of action, facilitated through ICs.
I am giving players a strong degree of freedom when describing the specifics of their setting as well as their interactions with side-characters. Undoubtably, this game will require a hefty level of cooperation with your fellow players through joint-ICs, and cooperation with me when dealing with important events - like talking to an important NPC or taking a strong action. I understand this sounds vague, and that is because it simply is. We won't be having real stats nor concrete mechanics as some may be used to, but I hope that this freedom fosters creativity.
Signing Up
The first step in joining this adventure will be to post your character using this handy-dandy template:
Most of these are self-explanatory, however I am sure that the free-form nature of the abilities section may produce some questions. In short, I ask that players be sensible in their powers, and that they establish some sort of central theme, rather than a mish-mash of random powers (see: Superman).
Understanding that this could be a messy system, I've decided to implement guideslines in the form of the progression section. Essentially, no one will begin with their powers manifesting, and when they do, they will behave similar to a muscle. Undeveloped at first, only through use and understanding will they reach their full potential. Thus, I ask everyone to submit a five-point path of general progression.
To give an example using the power of pyrokinesis:
1) Can manipulate small flames, bending them and extinguishing them
2) Can control existing flames of any size, begin to produce sparks out of nothing
3) Can produce flames from thin-air, skin develops minor resistant to burns
4) Can masterfully control fireballs, skin unfazed by heat
5) Can produce devastating fire-storms and become an avatar of fire
Consider this a loose thing to emulate, but I am really opening this part up to how players interpret, to be approved by me on a case-by-case basis. I'll be clear on when I see players ascend through the levels, but don't take them as gospel, so to say. Theoretically, a "level 2" could do a "level 3" amazing feat under extreme stress and exertion, but relating to the muscle analogy, you risk overexerting yourself to detrimental levels of strain.
General Guidelines
____
So here's my sample OP for an upcoming game by yours truly. Given its intensive demand for involved players, I of course wanted to gauge opinion and get people interested. Feel free to submit questions, queries, letters of admiration, and cease-and-desist orders in this thread. I whipped this up quick, so if anything was vague, I'll be happy to clarify.
Expect a setting post later today to introduce our city and give general guidelines for how it looks, which will be important for determining location in the character sheet.
It is October 15th, 2016 in our world, a time where superheroes are firmly a thing of film and comics, where powers are something dreamed of by children, not seriously regarded in this time of technological progress. Most everyone is too busy in their lives to give much thought to such flights of fancy, to really consider the possibility of superhumans in their midst.
But it is October 15th, 2016, and in a few days, such a luxury will not be afforded to the world, and soon the question must be answered: how will the world look when Gods walk amongst Men?
How To Play
GAM returns, but now very different. Just as I've removed a great deal of the campiness, so too have I changed the mechanics for how this game will run. Both as a test-run for a future project's viability and simply because I love narrative-driven games, GAM: Awakening will be wholly driven by ICs and player choices.
How will this look? For one, this game will be heavily reliant on the players, whether that's making decisions, introducing options for where they want to go and so on. Because of this and my desire to make a very focused adventure, I forsee this game having a core base of 4-5 players, who will be the generative force behind the game as a whole. Yes, I have been drafting story arcs and yes I will be introducing antagonists/plot points/general information, but player reaction and interaction will be the key point of action, facilitated through ICs.
I am giving players a strong degree of freedom when describing the specifics of their setting as well as their interactions with side-characters. Undoubtably, this game will require a hefty level of cooperation with your fellow players through joint-ICs, and cooperation with me when dealing with important events - like talking to an important NPC or taking a strong action. I understand this sounds vague, and that is because it simply is. We won't be having real stats nor concrete mechanics as some may be used to, but I hope that this freedom fosters creativity.
Signing Up
The first step in joining this adventure will be to post your character using this handy-dandy template:
Name:
Age:
Abilities:
Ability Progression:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Location:
Background:
Age:
Abilities:
Ability Progression:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Location:
Background:
Most of these are self-explanatory, however I am sure that the free-form nature of the abilities section may produce some questions. In short, I ask that players be sensible in their powers, and that they establish some sort of central theme, rather than a mish-mash of random powers (see: Superman).
Understanding that this could be a messy system, I've decided to implement guideslines in the form of the progression section. Essentially, no one will begin with their powers manifesting, and when they do, they will behave similar to a muscle. Undeveloped at first, only through use and understanding will they reach their full potential. Thus, I ask everyone to submit a five-point path of general progression.
To give an example using the power of pyrokinesis:
1) Can manipulate small flames, bending them and extinguishing them
2) Can control existing flames of any size, begin to produce sparks out of nothing
3) Can produce flames from thin-air, skin develops minor resistant to burns
4) Can masterfully control fireballs, skin unfazed by heat
5) Can produce devastating fire-storms and become an avatar of fire
Consider this a loose thing to emulate, but I am really opening this part up to how players interpret, to be approved by me on a case-by-case basis. I'll be clear on when I see players ascend through the levels, but don't take them as gospel, so to say. Theoretically, a "level 2" could do a "level 3" amazing feat under extreme stress and exertion, but relating to the muscle analogy, you risk overexerting yourself to detrimental levels of strain.
IRC Channel
Link: Coldfront
Channel: #GAM
Instructions:
1) Use the link provided above.
2) Choose the Flash app or the Java app.
3) Create a screen name; it’s recommended that you use your forum name, if available.
4) Close the #coldfront channel that opens automatically.
5) In the command box, type “/join #GAM” without the quotation marks.
6) You’re in the chat! Welcome!
Link: Coldfront
Channel: #GAM
Instructions:
1) Use the link provided above.
2) Choose the Flash app or the Java app.
3) Create a screen name; it’s recommended that you use your forum name, if available.
4) Close the #coldfront channel that opens automatically.
5) In the command box, type “/join #GAM” without the quotation marks.
6) You’re in the chat! Welcome!
General Guidelines
- Pretty standard, no metagaming, powergaming, and the like
- Keep it PG-13, don't get freaky with it, this is an adventure, not a teenage romp. Some romance is fine
- Paradox Rules, of course, apply
- Other common sense rules that I have failed to specifically list out
____
So here's my sample OP for an upcoming game by yours truly. Given its intensive demand for involved players, I of course wanted to gauge opinion and get people interested. Feel free to submit questions, queries, letters of admiration, and cease-and-desist orders in this thread. I whipped this up quick, so if anything was vague, I'll be happy to clarify.
Expect a setting post later today to introduce our city and give general guidelines for how it looks, which will be important for determining location in the character sheet.
.