Proposal: Narrative framework for our version of the realm

[Swift]

Some meta would be good. Nay, I would say some is required. If it is purely going to be about what is happening in areas along the sword coast and the North that's not on our servers, we could just grab a FR time line and go "this is what's up".

If we want players to feel like there is some lasting impact on the world from their passing, we need to cover significant events by player factions eg Swords Edge or what took place during the Orc Horde on TSM. These are big events, big moments that can have lasting effect.

We should encourage their inclusion.

[Ithildur]

If we make it clear that none of this is something that DMs HAVE TO run direct tie-in stuff for, DM buy in shouldn't be an obstacle. I would think that most DMs would be glad for the possibilities of inspiration/plots/schemes/stories that are ongoing to refer to as inspiration and weave what they do in/around, just make it clear they're not forced to directly incorporate it into everything they do... as long as they're not running around saying 'well I run my sessions on BG as if the SE never existed and the mercenary group I work with wiped out all their competition lololol' etc.

[Swift]

They would never be forced to hook into any of it.

What I meant by DM buy in is that if DMs do hook into it, giving the writing team information what they did and what events came from it would be more than useful. Even if they did not directly hook into it, some information would be great.

For example, let's say the overarching story covers increased zhentarim trade activity. If a DM ran a separate campaign that led to trade interruptions of some degree, even if they did not involve the Zhentarim, they would be affected by the trade disruption and thus feeding that knowledge to the writers (even with all the meta details of who, what and why removes) would see it reflected. If no DM information is forthcoming, the story would develop in a more general sense.

I think this is a very good idea. We have some very talented people who could work on this (and have already volunteered) and I am confident that even if every DM refused to pass information on, a compelling narrative of events could be created. Having DMs buy into that and feed pretty much any information on what is happening on each server would simply enhance it and (hopefully) make players happy and give them a sense of pride.

One moment I have always remembered was being added to one of Mikalyas 'Lord of the ALFA' stories as a minor, expendable extra. At the time, it was some small recognition that I had really become a member of this community.

To be absolutely clear. At no point would any DM be forced to hook into the story. At no point would any DM have to give information to the story team. If they choose to do so, it can be hoped it can help shape the story as it progresses.

Also, I volunteer to be a part of the team.

Edit: My apologies to Boom if it feels like I am taking control of this idea. I am simply fully behind it.

[boombrakh]

Edit: My apologies to Boom if it feels like I am taking control of this idea. I am simply fully behind it.

Not a problem, Swift. We're on the same page here and I follow the discussion with great interest.

[Castano]

you could start fleshing this project out in the library forum for example. i do not think you need official approval or anything - what are the rules for posting in there?

[Swift]

I would imagine something like this would require quite some planning, with input from HDMs/DM teams.

For example, what factions (both good and bad) exist in each region (whether they are represented or not). What motivations do some of these organizations have? What sort of story would be preferred by DMs? Do we go conflict or do we go with more a more social/less confronting slant? How close in do we go? (ie do we name drop known figures often/rarely/not at all or keep it to a broader, organizational level).

[boombrakh]

*casts Raise Dead*

[Stormbring3r]

*casts Raise Dead*

*cast again*

[Castano]

well start writing guys....

[Veilan]

There are vast caches of chronicles of IC events - written from an IC viewpoint of the involved characters - in form of written reports for the various TSM organisations.

Since EADM Swift seems on board with the idea, the older ones could be made available to someone planning to cover those parts of the ALFA story. They are, however, very sensitive to meta as they often times include behind-the-scenes knowledge or character information. I'd be happy to help sorting and condensing for the angle covered by those, but due to a timezone that leaves me out of the loop of almost all major events, I'm not feeling confident to cover canon events in writing myself.

Obviously, the creation of a (shared by DM teams?) IC chronicler who could be used by the volunteers to actually perform this effort in game, with interviews and archive insight, would add an extra layer of awesome to this.

Cheers.

Also:

[Swift]

well start writing guys....

About what? And for who?

Admin never got around to looking at the idea and I see no point spending time and effort on something that is not going to get the support it actually needs to be worth doing.

[Adanu]

well start writing guys....

About what? And for who?

Admin never got around to looking at the idea and I see no point spending time and effort on something that is not going to get the support it actually needs to be worth doing.

For once, Swift and I agree.

[Veilan]

For once, Swift and I agree.

[Castano]

well I'll support it. Please submit outlines for anything you wish to write about MS and I will help edit them to remove any horrid meta. You can then feel free to interview the necessary participants, get their version of events and write. I will help edit your final draft to add narrative perspective. Subjects can include:

(1) The Vampire/Lich denizens of Castle of Skulls who have featured prominently in the background of the MS server
(2) The fey attempt to rebuild the kingdom of Sarifal
(3) The Broken Ring Thief's Guild
(4) The Amnish occupation of Snowdown Isle and their encroachment into southern Alaron
(5) The deep gnome refugee settlement under Jotunspine Isle
(6) The beast lord's attempt to retake MS

Appropriate background for most of this is found in the darkwalker series. Basically we can write a sequel to the series in the form of some short narratives.

I'm not sure why we need Admin to approve every single thing done here - that's one way to kill any community - to micromanage decisions at the brand of toilet paper we buy level. If you want to write, write. I will at least use it.

[Ithildur]