CLOSED (carnaval_mod) wrote in carnaval_ooc, @ 2013-08-28 13:17:00 |
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Entry tags: | !modpost |
Epic Post
Hi Folks,
Firstly, sorry for what will likely be a barrage of posts over the next few days. This one's going to cover some IC things we've been asked about and some things we feel the need to cover. It is epically long and we highly recommend taking it a section at a time. Before you run for the hills, though, please ask us your questions and state your concerns here. It is not our intention to alienate you with AH, RULES or anything like that, but rather explain our reasoning and highlight the TALK TO US. If we're being too crazy, let us know. XD We want this game to be fun, but we want there to be restrictions on the character due to the setting/environment and Management's desire not to cause TOO much trouble. So it's something they have to adapt to 'realistically'. If that makes sense? We want it to be /part/ of the fun, not hamper the fun.
Arrival
We've been asked whether everyone arrives at once or if some people have been with the carnival for a little while now. Our answer is that we don't want to deny anyone the craziness that comes with pulling a character from their time and place and putting them into what is clearly not their time and place, but we would love it if some characters were a little more settled and used to the madness by now. This is up to you, though, we're not going to force everyone to have one of their character's be there already or anything like that. :)
One thing we wouldn't mind, though, is if people with multiple characters maybe split their arrivals up a little bit. Again, we're not going to demand it of anyone - we understand that not everyone has a lot of time and getting things up on the weekend is best, etc., but we're thinking more of a steady flow than a flood would be nice. Although it's going to be a bit of a flood either way, really. XD
As stated in the FAQ, not long after a character's arrival they will have a run-in with one of the NPCs (Art or Carl). We've also stated that we'll be happy to play this out with you if you like.. and while this is true, we're not sure we can cover everyone right out of the gate. :E So what we'd like to do is give you a little information on how those run-ins are likely to start out, and then work out with you what would have happened after that. We may still throw them into opens, but we simply don't think we can hit everyone.. especially with timezone differences and the fact that neither of us are the speediest. We don't want to drag those out for you.
Okay, that said, both Art and Carl have been with the carnival for years. They're used to this insanity by now. So they'll probably notice you're new, looking lost/confused and connect it with the fact that they were expecting a new [insert job]. Art will generally be more sympathetic, explain that yes, this is real. That you've been brought from your time and place (most likely back) to this time and place and, as crazy as it is, trust those senses of yours. You're not the only one here from somewhere else and they have something else's too. He'll then tell you that he'll get you situated and beckon you to follow. He'll say a bit about the carnival along the way, point some things out, and before you know it you'll be receiving a pile of clothes and things and be pointed to your accommodations. He'll suggest you change into the day wear supplied so that you fit in - you don't want anyone thinking you're actually a witch and burning you.. which is a joke, of course. Carl will impart a similar amount of information to your character, but with more seriousness and practicality.. and without the jokes about witches. He'll be less sympathetic and will point out more practical things, like the showers and the latrines. He will demand more than suggest, also. But give you a sort of sympathetic smile at the end of it all. We'll put up a separate post for working out 'what will happen' tomorrow.
IC/Management Rules
We wanted to talk to you all about this and explain why we're taking certain stances on things, etc.. We know we've asked some of you to remove or change a thing or two on your app, or to consider the repercussions of certain plans you have for your characters. We're not trying to be difficult and we're more than happy to talk things through with you in order to work out what will work. What it comes down to, though, is the fact that we want this game to feel authentic. Well, as authentic as it can feel for a game in which a bunch of fictional characters, many of who aren't human or have some sort of power, are dealing with supernatural situations. ;) And before we go any further, we want to point out that if we do bring something up, it's not necessarily a no - we really do want to discuss these things and work out how they'll work! That said, the reason we added the section on the app about Management is so that you think about what your character might get out of this experience, but also as a reminder that this is sort of a deal - Management gets something out of it too. And not every character is going to fly as well here because of that. If they'll be more trouble than they're worth, then Management doesn't want that and that's generally what we're trying to balance out when we bring things to you. If we can't balance that out, then we may have to ask that you let them go as maybe they aren't the best fit here. :E
Sorry for all the words. We know this sounds terribly restrictive, but please do keep reading. We know that your characters are their own people and you can't force them to do certain things or act in certain ways and we're not asking you to. What we are asking is that you're aware that there will be IC repercussions for certain actions. This isn't a particularly tolerant time. For example, residents in the states where refugees fled from the dust bowl tended to be quite suspicious and disdainful towards these poor people. Communities were very insular, especially the ones they'll be traveling through. So while a carnival might come to town and offer some enjoyment, if things go awry the blame is going to fall squarely on the carnival and they might just end up with a mob at their gates. Management doesn't really want to have to obliterate every town they go through.. it's bad for business. So if your character does cause trouble with the town and isn't particularly subtle about it, expect that to come back to them in one form or another. THIS IS OKAY. But if they don't learn from it they might be returned home.. or find themselves a little different. >D
This touches on some questions we were asked though, so we'll cover that here for everyone else. Firstly, what happens if your character refuses to work? They are entitled refuse, of course. If they do either Art or Carl will have a bit of a chat with them about their options. Those options are stay with the carnival, perform the duties asked of them, get paid to do so, get three meals a day and have a place to sleep OR be left in the middle of nowhere with no cash, no food, no place to sleep and attempt to find their way in a world that doesn't have a lot of jobs or money to go around, not to mention no account of their existence if they want welfare/public works work. An additional disincentive is the idea (no-one can confirm it) that by leaving, they break this 'deal' they've entered into with Management (even if unwillingly) and maybe they'll never go home or maybe they will to their death if that's what awaits them..
Secondly, what if they still/just leave? They're entitled to do that, as well. If they find that the picture painted to them by Art or Carl is actually pretty accurate, they're welcome to return to the carnival and no-one will say any more about it. If they don't want to come back, well, maybe they'll wake up a week later back at the carnival. This is obviously a bit contrived, but it's going to be the ultimate way to make someone who doesn't want to stay stay. Plus we get to imagine the amusement on the carny folk's faces when they get pulled back.
Thirdly, MUTINY. Management says BRING IT. Okay, maybe not quite. ;) But if there is dissent amongst the ranks and that dissent gets organised, we're happy to make this some sort of plot. Keeping in mind what we've said about IC repercussions.. ;) Management will deal with it, but there's no reason we can't all have some fun with that!
Supernatural(/Murdery) Issues
Okay, given all that business about IC rules and such, the carnival doesn't want to be too obviously supernatural. The world is generally unaccustomed to that. Yes, there is a child who can lift bigger weights than a grown man or someone who seems to be immune to fire or whatnot. People will be amazed, some of them may believe that there is some magic involved, but others will assume there is a trick to it. The carnival wants to keep this balance and not tip people over the edge. There's a limit to seeing this and being amazed and seeing this and being afraid. Again, Management wants to avoid any angry mobs. So character's will be encouraged to keep things at non-insane levels. If you do want them to go too far though, IC repercussions! Please, talk to us. <3 That said, when the shit hits the fan - which it will - you can probably have at it. There's already something insane going on, so holding back isn't going to matter so much. ALSO, during weekdays/practice - go nuts. Walk around piggybacking the elephant, shoot lightning at trees, have a magic fight, etc..
Vampires and other beasties(/people.. c.c) who are inclined to get a bit murder happy.. this part is for you! In terms of vampires, if yours is the kind that can glamour/mind manipulate people, we highly recommend they use that (subtly) on townsfolk/patrons provided they're really not going to remember being nommed on. If yours doesn't have that luxury, there is at least one (and probably more in time) character at the carnival that will offer to donate. If they are the killing type, Management will ask that they don't do so on site.. follow someone home or sneak into the town. Subtlety, disposal of bodies, etc. will be appreciated. And not too many per town, as that's only going to raise suspicion. If people dropping characters are happy with it, we might even be able to work in some dropped characters for accidents or otherwise.
Seriously, sorry for the essay. We just wanted to be clear about our thoughts and motivations. But really, if you have any thoughts/input/questions/anything, post them! <3
Thanks,
Nina and Sara