let's set d o w n some (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
groundrules) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
lostcompass2022-03-01 07:13 pm
groundrules) wrote in lostcompass2022-03-01 07:13 pm
Entry tags:
AC RESULTS + GAME PULSE
As a reminder, you do not need to do anything unless your character is on a list below. Please character tags when you make or tag into posts or logs — it helps find your activity!
Regular activity requirements are one of the following during the AC month:
- ■ a network post
■ OR 10 text/network-style comments across at most two threads
■ OR five log comments across at most two threads
Activity can be carried out on either the game communities or character inboxes. Drop a line until 5 March to reclaim a character, or if they have activity that hasn't been tracked.
Insufficient activity found in February for:
- Rufus Shinra | Final Fantasy — RECLAIMED
Rachel Silva | Original — RECLAIMED
Lorna Dane | The Gifted — RECLAIMED
Yan Zhengming | Liu Yao
Shen Qingqiu | Scum Villain’s Self Saving System — RECLAIMED
Jiang Cheng | The Untamed — RECLAIMED
Swept as a result of two consecutive strikes:
- Lee Chang | Kingdom
Emmet Fox Martin | Original
Bai Mingyu | Original Character
Please wait two weeks before re-applying for a swept character.
We're tweaking a few things to preserve mod bandwidth. Hopefully everything makes sense, but please don’t hesitate to reach out on the anon-loving mod contact post, if that's not the case.
■ AC requirements are tightening a bit to only allow one activity strike or one hiatus across a three-month period. To keep things even, we’re getting rid of the request for more AC if you’re reclaiming. That said, if you end up facing an emergency hiatus situation, please get in touch and we’ll work it out — we’ve all been there!
■ You can now apply for a third character, if you've met activity requirements for both your existing characters in the two months that precede the third application.
This shouldn’t conflict with the player cap, because most people tend to switch up whom they're active with plot-wise from one month to the next — so they don’t need much more mod support when they increase their character load.
It's been a while since our last check-in, so! If you don’t mind filling the below form and leaving your thoughts here, that would be great!
Just to make sure no one feels put on the spot, please don't respond to other folks' comments.
ACTIVITY RECLAIMS
Drop a line before 5 March to reclaim!
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
FEEDBACK
Please respond in a new comment here — and thank you for your input!
If you're more comfortable giving screened feedback, head over here.
Re: FEEDBACK
I can always find something to do, so I am happy! I like the pattern of downtime travelling plots then new arcs.
Currently, we have a large plot update roughly every three weeks. Do you prefer this, or smaller updates every 10-14 days?
3 weeks is good! It takes some people a little time to get going, and 10-14 days would put me at risk of backtagging old stuff and tagging the same people into new things, which feels like it would start to get messy and result in people dropping threads
Are there any plot ideas you’d be excited to run as player events?
Yes! I definitely have ideas for messing around with the Beastmaster, I am just waiting for when there is more information available to Wrathion ICly and also to me, so I can bring you ideas. That said if you'd prefer I come to you earlier anyway with my vague vibes I can do that.
Are there any resources that would make it easier for you to go from event plotting to threading? ( Info pages of any kind, etc)
Mostly, no. My questions are usually specific. In this last instance, some of the info on the plotting post translated slightly differently to what I expected once the log went off, so I had to mentally adjust some ideas, but I still managed to do things I wanted.
Currently, plot rolls are custom-written and randomly assigned to those who sign up. Do you prefer this system, or one where all plot rolls can be claimed on a first-come-first-served basis?
I do like the idea of custom written plot rolls, but I can see merit it first-come first served working too. Or something in between, where people can make a group and come to request a plot roll for that group with a specific theme? Regardless, I am happy either way.
Do you prefer mod-run AC, or would you rather track and post your own AC threads?
I track my own activity either way: handing it in or letting you track it makes no difference to me.
Do you enjoy eastbound as largely invite-only, or would you rather the game went fully public?
I enjoy it as largely invite-only! Feels cosy.
Do you prefer the current structure of perma-open applications, or would it be better if we had applications on a strict schedule?
My only fear is with perma-open means people coming in at awkward times, but I have no idea if that fear is valid. By and large, it impacts me very little.
Anything else?
Take care of yourself!
no subject
some of the info on the plotting post translated slightly differently to what I expected
You know, I was afraid of this — do you think it works out better (purely in your experience!) to have the full log info for the plotting/planning post?
no subject
In this case, there was just some stuff I had no concept of at all so didn't plan for, and some stuff where the information was vague enough that I wasn't sure how to plan for it so some of my plans were a little 'this MIGHT work DEPENDING how it looks on the log?'
If I'd had a clearer idea of the events going on I wouldn't necessarily have needed EVERY detail, but the fox wedding thing for example I just hadn't planned for at all because I couldn't conceptualise what exactly it was going to be like and I ended up largely not interacting with it after not planning to.
no subject
no subject
They're so interesting already! The most recent one is just /CHEF'S KISSIEST OF KISSES
Currently, we have a large plot update roughly every three weeks. Do you prefer this, or smaller updates every 10-14 days?
Hm, not sure. On the one hand I think once every three weeks gives us time to play out the plot beats we want to play out. On the other hand, I feel that every time I top level on an arc log, I falter when it comes to timing; something Hermione mind do in a thread set in scenario A might have repercussions in the thread in scenario B, but I can't predict it, and B could wrap up before A does - does that make sense?
I like being given time for the larger plot, though. And I'll +1 Wrathion-player up there when it comes to it taking some time to get going on the plot, and not wanting to backtag too much.
I don't know who'll find this feedback useful, but assume we can handwave and oocly discuss something in a log, if the log is from a few arcs ago. I'm flexible.
Are there any plot ideas you’d be excited to run as player events?
Would I? Like to cause? Chaos? Hell yes. But nothing comes to mind right now, I'm v sorry.
Are there any resources that would make it easier for you to go from event plotting to threading? ( Info pages of any kind, etc)
I keep thinking of getting some sort of tracker set up in my own character journal to keep track of mod-approved: plot reveals, story beats, items created/collected, npc rivalries. Not sure if there is interest for this, or enough interest for us to make it a habit?
Also appreciating that the plot is larger than one character can unveil, maybe it would be interesting to have some form of tracking of who said what to whom, even if we don't RP it out. I don't want to go around assuming Hermione knows everything, but I know we live in gossipy times here.
Currently, plot rolls are custom-written and randomly assigned to those who sign up. Do you prefer this system, or one where all plot rolls can be claimed on a first-come-first-served basis?
I think the randomly assigned to those who sign-up is a great arrangement, but I am hoping for a middle ground between 1. no plot roll, 2. a plot roll where you must work together with others to find out the answer to a mystery and 3. a mini-roll, aka 1 roll 1 character? This is less feedback than it is an I WONDER IF IT WOULD BE FUN.
Do you prefer mod-run AC, or would you rather track and post your own AC threads?
I'll do whatever's easiest for the mod, honestly.
Do you enjoy eastbound as largely invite-only, or would you rather the game went fully public?
Wouldn't mind it going public, if we continue to go based on character cap and same dynamic as it was originally intended.
Do you prefer the current structure of perma-open applications, or would it be better if we had applications on a strict schedule?
My preference goes more towards strict schedule, if you're going to open the game. Gives time for existing players to get the ball rolling on their own plots before a deluge.
Anything else?
no subject
Re: plot rolls — so you're thinking maybe do something like: opening plot rolls that are just for one character, versus multiple characters?
no subject
plot rolls — so you're thinking maybe do something like: opening plot rolls that are just for one character, versus multiple characters?
Yes, exactly.
no subject
no subject
Just commiseration on the “RPing smart people” struggle. It really is an issue, especially if you play a character who will try to make new connections with existing info.
no subject
I am happy with the way that events are structured/themed thus far. The information is delivered in a very clear way that is easy for me to be able to follow, and the variety of prompt options is such that there are enough to find MULTIPLE things for my peace-loving soft boy to get involved in, even if there is a conflict brewing!
Currently, we have a large plot update roughly every three weeks. Do you prefer this, or smaller updates every 10-14 days?
I think I'll +1 what has been said so far, I feel like it does take people a bit to get their feet on the ground sometimes so I think the current 3 weeks is good. I'm probably a more active player (I think so anyway) and so I'd want to get myself involved in everything I could and I think I would start to finish less threads than I do now. (Yes, I actually do finish threads!!)
Are there any plot ideas you’d be excited to run as player events?
As a player I have a sort of more organic approach to my plotting. I *REALLY* like to get involved in modplot stuff and let that determine where things go with my character. See: Rigarda. See: What may or may not happen with Wrathion and the Beastmaster... That having been said!!! I would definitely be into running player event type stuff that make sense for Anduin as a result of above. LIKE: I'd love for Anduin to prove himself as a LEADER of some sort (not to say that he leads the group ofc, everyone is their own person and its a bit like herding cats there anyway). But he took a stand RE: Rigarda and he's butting heads with the Merchant. He DID help to organize that rescue attempt??? Idk, JUST SOME THOUGHTS
Are there any resources that would make it easier for you to go from event plotting to threading? ( Info pages of any kind, etc)
I'm not sure if there are any necessarily that I can speak of off of the top of my head, though I do sort of agree with Cella about IC/OOC divide. I wonder if maybe one of the characters themselves might not be able to put something together as an IC document to solve this that we could link somewhere? We do have those infoshare sessions... (This coming from me, a person with an archivists degree and someone who literally ran a wiki to keep IC information for another game before HAHA)
Currently, plot rolls are custom-written and randomly assigned to those who sign up. Do you prefer this system, or one where all plot rolls can be claimed on a first-come-first-served basis?
PERSONALLY I prefer to be able to volunteer for as much as possible, since when I am volunteering I know that I am able to give the time and attention to that plot myself. I've only been in game for a couple months now and haven't run into the scenario where I've not been chosen yet, but I'd be bummed if I didn't get randomly selected BUT that's just me.
Do you prefer mod-run AC, or would you rather track and post your own AC threads?
If I had to track and post my own AC I wouldn't mind doing that, I do track it myself. If that took some work off of you!
Do you enjoy eastbound as largely invite-only, or would you rather the game went fully public?
I do like the current player atmosphere as it stands, the size and cap feels right. I think we could be a bit more active as players but I don't know that I would necessarily want to open it up to be fully-public, I've REALLY been enjoying myself in this game in a way I have not done in a long time.
Do you prefer the current structure of perma-open applications, or would it be better if we had applications on a strict schedule?
I don't know that I'm going to app another character so I don't know that this necessarily affects me but I will say that I do agree that it's probably easier for the incoming character if they have the structure of a new event to come in with, rather than being accepted in the middle of something? That way we are all posting new and tagging new and it's not just them struggling to tag out and find where to go from there, if that makes sense?
Anything else?
I said this above but I will say it again, my gushy feedback is that I have been really enjoying this game since I joined. A lot of games I've joined in the past few years I've found myself overwhelmed, difficult to get involved with both engaging in the game itself and with my fellow players and I'm really glad to have found my way here. I know being a mod is often a thankless job but I just want you to know that you are appreciated!
no subject
I see your point about activity — and re: player plots, maybe we can have some kind of regular plotting sessions, where we can all brainstorm ideas. Like a meme, maybe, with a bit of structure — much though I love a good CR meme, I'm not sure how much it delivers in terms of actual concrete plotting. So maybe we can make a meme more in that plotty direction, with room for both "I want super srs plot X" and the equally valid, "I'd like my character to lose their pants once every Arc" or some such.
no subject
no subject
Events are entirely interesting to me! What I have are issues on my end: time, energy, being in backthreads, and so on. I keep a finger on the pulse and see what everyone else is doing, within event logs particularly, but also the comms! So on a level of interest there's not anything lacking, there are many elements I find interesting to engage with. I more get caught up in the timing of things, and it sounds silly to say it, but at times it feels like there's so much happening I'm not going to be able to touch on it because of my own personal constraints of time/energy.
Currently, we have a large plot update roughly every three weeks. Do you prefer this, or smaller updates every 10-14 days?
Smaller, every three weeks, or mixing this with what's been said up-post: major update, but not needing to be tied to an event log. But! Specific to this, my thoughts on something that could be fun, and a touchstone for showing when aspects of the month's events are progressing: RNG for people signing up to post to the network to kick off each new "section" of happenings. In the case of the TDM vs rest, I realise part of it is hard because we have no idea who is apping in and thus sticking around, but even so! Since it had the thieving, a rally point of:
1. Someone announces the banditry, be it that "this has happened as we know" or "the hunters report they've got a track on the bandits, let's roll out."
2. The fox weddings are to happen, so someone announces, "Hey, did you hear about the fox weddings? The villagers are asking if any of us will volunteer as brides and grooms for this thing, based on the sins we're working off?" Or anything, this is me pulling it out of a hat.
3. Hunting down the foxes after, "What those foxes did, you've heard how upset the villagers are, that one rich guy? This is stupid, it happens every year, only now they give a shit? They've got dogs, we're going fox hunting, I'm asking for backup because I know people are going to get themselves mostly killed in this venture."
I'm not sure if this is making sense, and I'm still slow brained, so it may well not! It's basically seeing if we, as players, can end up being used deliberately to indicate in game comms when these things kick off, to provide a timeflow that's trackable off the massive log, where everything is happening all at once. The all at once part is what's a little harder to handle when it spans a decent period of eventful days/covers a good portion of time for me, but that could entirely be only me.
Beyond that, I really only think a mod-posted log for One Large Event happening is really needed -- I'm thinking back to, say, the TDM in Taravast where it felt more cohesively about breaking out people and defending from zombie witches + a dragon at the tower, because they were all happening in a more immediate sense/same location. The TDMers and the PCs in game were already all there and engaging, and the conceit of it made the fact it technically lasted 3/4 (or more?) days ICly blur until it just felt like a coherent Happening to me.
Are there any plot ideas you’d be excited to run as player events?
Yes! Here is where I'm not sure at times when I can trust my energy, but I like running plot things, and I know that I'm happy operating from that capacity (aware that my participation in any plot I run is small, unless my character is an info point, and thus is helping ICly coordinate other PCs). Current ideas are things like what if another, living clan of foxes ends up drawn into things due to recent antics? And having to deal with preventing a recurrence of the once tragedy with it, even though yes it's hilarious to think about when I play someone who can't really be around canids at all.
I'd love to work on a plot related to dealing with the undead lords we've seen, not strictly the lords, but ways of hamstringing resources (their legions), or taking these mirror incidents and pursuing that ICly as an ongoing group task, to all consequences, by sealing away someone else's power BUT NOT LETTING FIVE BREAK THE MIRROR AGAIN ahem what
Trying to go after the merchant to talk--lmf honestly even just trying to take off. On their own. Getting maps of the world to have some sense of being able to do that. Thanks, Asgeirr.
Otherwise ideas I have are just leaping into exploring the things already set out, like: investigating the sacrifices to see how/where/if they link to the human trafficking in the region, and coordinating people for that.
Getting a wake up call for Zeonobius, figuring out a means to resist the call of Undead Lords because he vehemently hated that experience, and can practice with the Beastmaster, why not, he didn't have an influence over him unlike certain other parties, ahem.
Are there any resources that would make it easier for you to go from event plotting to threading? ( Info pages of any kind, etc)
Nah, this for me is purely an energy and mental space thing, and I'm trying to get better about this... but for the reasons you know, it's likely to be shot for all March.
Currently, plot rolls are custom-written and randomly assigned to those who sign up. Do you prefer this system, or one where all plot rolls can be claimed on a first-come-first-served basis?
Random assigned works for me. I don't like first-come-first-served for timezone reasons, personally. I do like random, only caveat I have would be if during the timeframe of sign-ups being open, people could approach for less "plot rolls" and more "here's a thing to thread" where the player gets to invent what happens, and comes back to you with that thread going "please mod dish me consequences."
So it's voluntary all around, and in this case I mean it like... I come, say hey! Can I get something for Wei Wuxian to Encounter. For this example, say I'm told, "He stumbles across an animal den in the woods. He finds at least one very unusual thing there." So then I grab a buddy, and we go stumble across a fox den, and Wei Wuxian finds a locked box with a curse on it. In the course of the thread, he tries to take the curse on himself because of course, and then...
We turn the thread in and give the summary, "Wei Wuxian dragged Lan Wangji out to search in the woods far from where everyone else is, due to fear of running into dogs. They end up falling into a very large fox den, where they find a locked chest that's been cursed. Wei Wuxian's taken the curse on himself. Is there anything in the box?" IDK IM NOT MAKING SENSE hi
Do you prefer mod-run AC, or would you rather track and post your own AC threads?
Ambivalent! I admit my personal scatterminded nature lately benefits from Mod Run AC, but finding what I've been tagging to post it to AC isn't difficult. For me this is a more: what is more burden relieving for you?
Do you enjoy eastbound as largely invite-only, or would you rather the game went fully public?
Ambivalent! I'm the lowest key of inviters, I'll talk at people and slide a link, but /waves hand, I am also 100% not responsible for any of these lovely souls being here. Me, personally, gives no figs if we're invite-only or public. Whatever's easier for you to manage!
Do you prefer the current structure of perma-open applications, or would it be better if we had applications on a strict schedule?
How much do you like dealing with apps is my question in turn—because realistically if it's easier to do apps as they trickle in, I say perma-open. If it's easier to suck it up and deal with them just in a set period of time, then I'm for that.
Anything else?
I'm wildly tossing cooked noodles at the wall seeing what'll stick! I love all you've done with this game, I'm endlessly appreciative of what you do here, it's incredible work, and I know that much of it can feel thankless even with people telling you they appreciate what you're doing. We're generally slow enough as a playerbase I feel you can get away with scaling things back to be more manageable for you — where the balance is for forward momentum and all of us players is something I can better brainstorm not right now if helpful/wanted, but it's in there somewhere, for people to engage in things and carry forward too!
no subject
I really love the RNG idea — I'm not 100% sure if all event segments could be incorporated in this way, but I really think some could and you gave some great examples.
Oh, I really like the idea about "I need a consequence for X" — in my head, that's not unlike suggesting a plot, but I can see how it'd be more informal/less intimidating to just have it as a fixture. So I'm thinking maybe moving forward, instead of pure plot roll sign ups, what we can have is a post where you:
— ask for a plot roll if you want one
— pimp your plot ride / come up with your own ideas and see whom you can drag into it
— ask for any mod help/consequences
So a bit of a free-for-all!
no subject
Laughs, hey if any of that provided useful ideas, I'm glad! And yeah, I don't think everything could be RNG parceled out, but it seems like it could have some functional value in cases, and for that I'm glad!
I like the idea of the plot roll part being used like that more formally, and agree that the log posts of info can have people fall into the mental trap of "I'm too late" just because it's posted at the start of a longer period it's encapsulating, regardless of it being a very live event still.
Glad all this behemoth ramble seemed to have a few worthwhile points!
no subject
no subject
The events are so creative and varied, I am a huge fan. I am here for the plot and all the personal touches and options give us so much to work with. I'm usually slow with them personally because, while I like all the different aspects, it can be overwhelming on first glance to figure out where they are during different points in the event without playing out the previous points. That's my primary reason that I am late with top levels to big event posts or opt not to do them, but again-! That's pretty much on me, nobody says I have to do all the starters. (I also just haven't been at my creative best, so if I was more on top of my game I feel like this wouldn't be the case.) I think it's a great thing to have something for everyone, my tendency is to just think "well now I need to think of a starter for everyone too" and that's silly. Tell me to stop that.
I think also I just need to do a better job at plotting out specific things before the events go up so I have a clearer idea of where I want to go. The times I have done this I've felt much more confident when the event goes up. Self-critique: do better. I'm on it, me.
I will say that I enjoy the themes and how intense things get A+ on all fronts. The tone of the game is one of my favorite things. It's unpredictable and appropriately disturbing, and consequences are a real thing. Really cannot say that enough. Fox weddings wouldn't be nearly as cute without a murder element and I don't mind saying it.
Currently, we have a large plot update roughly every three weeks. Do you prefer this, or smaller updates every 10-14 days?
I said before, but the structure is that the events are a lot to take in. You really need time to sit with them to take advantage of everything in them and play them out. Which is great and works fine with a three-week span. The only downside is I think we don't get as many posts outside of the events because everyone is putting their energy into the event log. So maybe we could do half and half? Small updates more spread out one month, big event log every other month. Unsure if it's a good idea, but an option to think about!
I remember when we had a lot of little events on the calendar it was great, but not everyone paid attention to it and things got overlooked. This was cool because you knew things were going on around them when you needed something to pull from, but it also led to less reactions to some things than they probably should have. If we did that again, maybe they could be highlighted a little more... like a weekly weather report... this might be a bad idea but I've typed it out so I'm going with it.
Are there any plot ideas you’d be excited to run as player events?
Yes! I'd be very happy to arrange a player plot, and I've had so much fun doing my... very small contributions. I don't have a current idea, but that's something that I could definitely noodle on.
Are there any resources that would make it easier for you to go from event plotting to threading? ( Info pages of any kind, etc)
This is a great question. I cannot think of anything that could be more organized than you already are. The info pages you do, links, pictures, are all super helpful. I will say that I meant to do stuff during the departure and ship ride stuff and completely missed the ball there, so maybe just highlighting when events are happening in the background for dumb people like me who think it's all going to get thrown into the next event log.
Currently, plot rolls are custom-written and randomly assigned to those who sign up. Do you prefer this system, or one where all plot rolls can be claimed on a first-come-first-served basis?
I looooove the current way of dealing with plot rolls. It's Very Unique to Eastbound and I'd hate to lose that. Really good stuff and I'm always excited to see what everyone gets.
Do you prefer mod-run AC, or would you rather track and post your own AC threads?
I'm happy either way. I think mod-run makes it easy for you to track general activity over all, but I do know it's extra work. We could... do both?? if you like to track your numbers, I'm not going to say anything. It makes no difference to me, really.
Do you enjoy eastbound as largely invite-only, or would you rather the game went fully public?
I'm happy keeping it invite-only with TDMs being open. Speaking more for the people I've invited, having it invite-only has been a major draw for them and I think that's a big selling point when I approach people about the game. For people who joined specifically because it was invite-only it might be a disappointment to see it go public.
Do you prefer the current structure of perma-open applications, or would it be better if we had applications on a strict schedule?
I'm happy with perma-open because... the custom intros you write are brilliant when we get ones and twos coming in. I know that's more work, but it's a very unique aspect of the game and I love it. Mod-bandwidth is a real thing though, so I'm very receptive to anything that makes your life easier.
Anything else?
Thank you for all your hard work and for asking us these questions! I don't know if I'm helpful, but I see everything you put into the game and I'm forever impressed. I've been very happy to make this game my home and have no plans to go anywhere. And if there's something I can do from a player's perspective that makes running anything easier, I'm all for it.
no subject
I definitely see and understand your point — I think there's maybe a balance to strike between "too much" on an event and "not enough." It can be challenging to figure out what to do, in the face of an exhaustive feast — even if you like all the dishes!
So what you suggested about alternating a bit makes total sense.
I agree it'd be great to see more posts / etc outside of the event logs. I think possibly one way to do that would be to not have the events be actual logs — just information presentations, and then folks can start their own logs or make their own posts. Alternatively, again — maybe alternate an info post, a log post, to give it more variety.
Thanks for bringing this up!
no subject
We aren't lacking in any sense of the word when it comes to the world you've built, and I do love that the plot always feels forward moving and not one single thing has felt repetitive.
If we had more space between event logs maybe that would encourage player plots in the interim, although you've always been super accommodating to insert any ideas I've had into the plot. Maybe it's just that we haven't had many of them that people don't remember that's an option.
I am very happy even if we kept everything the same, these are just thoughts!
no subject
Is there anything that would make events more interesting to you? (Structure, approach, themes, etc.)
Nah, the events are already very interesting to me.
Currently, we have a large plot update roughly every three weeks. Do you prefer this, or smaller updates every 10-14 days?
I like things the way they are and, in some scenarios, might be OK with even slower updates. I am slower to get into stuff than a lot of players, because I may be having health issues when new stuff goes up, and because it sometimes takes me a while to parse and internalize setting details in a way that enables me to actually write in the setting. So I don’t expect everyone else to be as slow, but at the same time, this current pace does allow us some time to chew on stuff. That also probably allows for more interesting responses coming out of the player base. Finally, spacing things out like this gives us a little more time for coordination with other players when we’re supposed to be collaborating on something.
Are there any plot ideas you’d be excited to run as player events? I don’t have anything in mind right now, but I will let you know if I think of something. I feel like some of these curse expiations may require it, depending on the curse.
Are there any resources that would make it easier for you to go from event plotting to threading? ( Info pages of any kind, etc)
Bullet point lists of major setting details, especially status changes - like a “takeaways” list, not in paragraphs, just single-line outline form as part of the basic mod log post. I’m the fool who always misses things like weather conditions if they’re buried in a paragraph. If bullet point outlines do not exist, then I often have to make one for myself to be able to play in a game after a major setting shift. If a mod isn’t already working from one, though, asking for it as part of the info posts seems like it might be a waste of mod time/energy.
I haven’t read other responses in depth, but I have an impression from skimming over them that a few people felt that maybe the most recent plotting post preceded the log by a little too much. I agree with that, and also didn’t feel like I had the info I’d need to plot in any meaningful way for anything but “what happened on the sea voyage.” (Spoilers, I plotted nothing, but I am also very bad at plotting posts for reasons that that my other responses here might explain: I really need some time to chew over what I’m working with. Other people don’t necessarily, and not everything should be changed to accommodate me.)
Currently, plot rolls are custom-written and randomly assigned to those who sign up. Do you prefer this system, or one where all plot rolls can be claimed on a first-come-first-served basis?
I like things as they are. I feel like the proposed alternative could definitely favor people who happen to be online at the time, etc.
Do you prefer mod-run AC, or would you rather track and post your own AC threads?
If you need to stop running it, I’d understand, but I love mod-run AC.
Do you enjoy eastbound as largely invite-only, or would you rather the game went fully public?
Invite-only. You’ve made it available to people to ask for an invite and that seems like enough.
Do you prefer the current structure of perma-open applications, or would it be better if we had applications on a strict schedule?
What’s most convenient for you?
Anything else? I love the game (it’s easily in my all time top 5), I think you’re doing a great job, and I’m in awe at your imagination and ability to juggle all of this. Any suggestions or quibbles I have are minor. The only concern I can think of right now that didn’t really come up in your questions is that I am not sure really what to do about the family curses — it seems like the fox bride thing is meant to serve as a model, and we’ll probably get more ideas as more people figure out what to do about theirs. But right now I feel kind of adrift about it because it’s a new setting etc etc etc. It’s not reasonable to expect you to have the bandwidth for handholding through it, so I guess one option is simply bugging the network about it!
Ultimately, I agree with Sheep: generally I am in favor of stuff that doesn’t make things harder for you, and am willing to help in little ways if I can.
no subject
Completely agree about the last info post/log prep: I think in the effort to avoid giving you guys all the log info and making the log just a copy-paste of the info post, we ended up with too little for people to work with. That'll have to change! The goal was to try to give folks enough time to prep so that they could jump into the log and avoid some of the previous issues where it took days for anyone to tag in, which can admittedly be a bit concerning, especially on a tdm. But the method needs some tweaking, as you rightly point out!
On family curses: since a few people seem to be wondering how to approach them, I think what I'll do is have a brainstorming session in the upcoming player plotting & plot roll meme of next week. And I'll give you guys some ideas too! It's meant to be an easy, 'anything in the thematic ballpark goes' kind of objective — but I think it might be fun to see what other people suggest too, everyone's got such cool ideas!