important post - World Plot Information
It has been a while since we've touched the World Plot and the questions that came up when we made the actual initial start to it during the Wild Wild West plot. First we'd like to apologize for taking so long to put this together to address your concerns. We have all been busy these past few months, and we wanted to make sure that this was something coming from all of us, and that we all agreed that what we were saying was something we all were comfortable with. When dealing with all of our conflicting schedules, vacations, and internet troubles we needed to make sure we all saw this and all had input on it, hence the delay.
We all know that you have concerns, and we're hoping that the following post can address these concerns as well as give you all a chance to voice your opinions on this. At the time that the first post was placed up in regards to the start of the World Plot, we weren't aware that there would be any reaction like the one we got. It's good though, it allowed us all to get a feel for what was going on and we appreciate the feedback.
Here are the facts of the matter. We asked back in June what you all thought about having some of the questions of Paradisa answered. At the time the response was very positive. Moving from that Jenn and Christina started to sort out the details of Paradisa as a World. They worked out a large amount of the world of Paradisa, from the very beginnings of Paradisa to the different aspects we see currently in the game today. It is important to understand that although all the details are being worked out, there is a vast majority of this information that will never be revealed, doubtfully even on a Player Knowledge Level either. It's just vital to know the big picture when trying to plan out what small details to show to others.
During the Wild Wild West plot, the first seed of information was planted in the characters of Whip Wilson and Miss Reno Browne. They hinted around about knowing more about the castle than the usual world change characters, and even knew someone from an earlier world change plot. From there investigating was done, and more information was gathered. So far, no one has really figured out what it all means. Miss Reno Browne was taken back to the castle, and she bolted as soon as she could.
In the last OOC post that mentioned the World Plot, there were a number of anonymous comments. We've selected some of them here, and plan on addressing each one so that you can further understand how we, as a moderation group, would like to reply to these questions and worries.
Whatever happened to the old Paradisa where things actually made sense and I didn't feel the urge to drop out just because people are trying too hard to make the community 'better'?
We'd like to reassure you that we aren't trying to fix something that isn't broken. This isn't intended to create some huge change, it's going to be a subtle thing. Small parts of other plots will incorporate key events that will allow characters to question things in the castle, to cast doubt on their surroundings and more importantly group together to try and figure out what they can as a team. This is going to be something that characters can either go with it or ignore easily because it won't be the main focus of the game.
The changes lately feel like they're more suited for a few people rather than the entire community. It's gotten way too confusing.
Without knowing what specific changes are being brought up here, we'd like to express that the reason we are looking to inject new elements to the game is because it's been around for almost three years now, and it's probably for the game's best interest to not remain stagnant. We know some people might argue that, but we feel that this is true. We're not looking to single out players, or groups, nor are we trying to make it more confusing. We're just looking to peel back a few layers and give you something new to scratch at.
The reason it might seem that we are making this fit for a smaller group, is simply because of how it gets played out. We realize we are trying to work through a way to make this open for everyone - but there is also the fact that the castle is going to want to protect itself, and its mysteries. Our goal is to make this into a viral campaign type plot. Where when something happens, it's not spread to everyone all at once, but relayed from person to person. We want it to build CR, and create new groups of people that normally wouldn't know each other. It's not a perfect system by any means, but with your input and your help we're hoping to come up with good ways to involve as many people as possible, regardless of time zone.
Finding out about little things is one thing, but unraveling the mystery that makes Paradisa what it is, well... takes away what Paradisa is. Sure, it would be cool to find out what makes it tick, but then what would be left once that dies off?
The Mystery of Paradisa will hopefully always remain a Mystery. Even though we have worked out a lot of the inner workings, and mythology of the castle, there is only a very small fraction of that information that will ever reach the residents of the castle, and a small amount of it that will actually be revealed on a player level. We don't want you to be able to guide your character toward new revelations, and the castle won't want that either. The pieces that we're choosing to share aren't meant to give your character those "Ah-Ha!" moments, but instead make them question their comfort level in the castle. Put them back onto that more aware setting, and give them something to doubt instead of just seeing it as a vacation with the occasional horrible event.
The main thing to consider here is that we're not trying to change the game or the feel of the game at all. What we're trying to do is give the people that have characters in the game for the long haul, or for long periods of time something to do other than explain that the kitchen is on the first floor. We want to give them some sort of "reward" in a sense, so that the time they spend in the castle isn't just time. The World Plot is just that, it's a plot designed to explain parts about the world that can be discovered. We're not pulling back the curtain, and we're not going to do it all at once. We just want to give the game something to continue to think about in the middle of all of the other plots. We want to be able to let you put parts of the World Plot into your own plots to help move things forward.
Most of all though, we want you to enjoy the game and find it worth staying in for another three years and beyond. We want your input, and we want you to know that your opinion does count, and we do listen to you. Now that we've gotten all of this addressed, we'd like to once more open up to questions and comments. Please keep in mind, that if you have a problem or concern please be specific as to what it is. It's difficult to reply when we're not sure what aspect of the game you are talking about.
If you would feel better addressing us personally, or via PM please do so. We want to incorporate this into the game, and we will work with you to make it work. We just needed to ensure that you knew our intentions as a moderation team before we opened it up to more questions and concerns.
We all know that you have concerns, and we're hoping that the following post can address these concerns as well as give you all a chance to voice your opinions on this. At the time that the first post was placed up in regards to the start of the World Plot, we weren't aware that there would be any reaction like the one we got. It's good though, it allowed us all to get a feel for what was going on and we appreciate the feedback.
Here are the facts of the matter. We asked back in June what you all thought about having some of the questions of Paradisa answered. At the time the response was very positive. Moving from that Jenn and Christina started to sort out the details of Paradisa as a World. They worked out a large amount of the world of Paradisa, from the very beginnings of Paradisa to the different aspects we see currently in the game today. It is important to understand that although all the details are being worked out, there is a vast majority of this information that will never be revealed, doubtfully even on a Player Knowledge Level either. It's just vital to know the big picture when trying to plan out what small details to show to others.
During the Wild Wild West plot, the first seed of information was planted in the characters of Whip Wilson and Miss Reno Browne. They hinted around about knowing more about the castle than the usual world change characters, and even knew someone from an earlier world change plot. From there investigating was done, and more information was gathered. So far, no one has really figured out what it all means. Miss Reno Browne was taken back to the castle, and she bolted as soon as she could.
In the last OOC post that mentioned the World Plot, there were a number of anonymous comments. We've selected some of them here, and plan on addressing each one so that you can further understand how we, as a moderation group, would like to reply to these questions and worries.
Whatever happened to the old Paradisa where things actually made sense and I didn't feel the urge to drop out just because people are trying too hard to make the community 'better'?
We'd like to reassure you that we aren't trying to fix something that isn't broken. This isn't intended to create some huge change, it's going to be a subtle thing. Small parts of other plots will incorporate key events that will allow characters to question things in the castle, to cast doubt on their surroundings and more importantly group together to try and figure out what they can as a team. This is going to be something that characters can either go with it or ignore easily because it won't be the main focus of the game.
The changes lately feel like they're more suited for a few people rather than the entire community. It's gotten way too confusing.
Without knowing what specific changes are being brought up here, we'd like to express that the reason we are looking to inject new elements to the game is because it's been around for almost three years now, and it's probably for the game's best interest to not remain stagnant. We know some people might argue that, but we feel that this is true. We're not looking to single out players, or groups, nor are we trying to make it more confusing. We're just looking to peel back a few layers and give you something new to scratch at.
The reason it might seem that we are making this fit for a smaller group, is simply because of how it gets played out. We realize we are trying to work through a way to make this open for everyone - but there is also the fact that the castle is going to want to protect itself, and its mysteries. Our goal is to make this into a viral campaign type plot. Where when something happens, it's not spread to everyone all at once, but relayed from person to person. We want it to build CR, and create new groups of people that normally wouldn't know each other. It's not a perfect system by any means, but with your input and your help we're hoping to come up with good ways to involve as many people as possible, regardless of time zone.
Finding out about little things is one thing, but unraveling the mystery that makes Paradisa what it is, well... takes away what Paradisa is. Sure, it would be cool to find out what makes it tick, but then what would be left once that dies off?
The Mystery of Paradisa will hopefully always remain a Mystery. Even though we have worked out a lot of the inner workings, and mythology of the castle, there is only a very small fraction of that information that will ever reach the residents of the castle, and a small amount of it that will actually be revealed on a player level. We don't want you to be able to guide your character toward new revelations, and the castle won't want that either. The pieces that we're choosing to share aren't meant to give your character those "Ah-Ha!" moments, but instead make them question their comfort level in the castle. Put them back onto that more aware setting, and give them something to doubt instead of just seeing it as a vacation with the occasional horrible event.
The main thing to consider here is that we're not trying to change the game or the feel of the game at all. What we're trying to do is give the people that have characters in the game for the long haul, or for long periods of time something to do other than explain that the kitchen is on the first floor. We want to give them some sort of "reward" in a sense, so that the time they spend in the castle isn't just time. The World Plot is just that, it's a plot designed to explain parts about the world that can be discovered. We're not pulling back the curtain, and we're not going to do it all at once. We just want to give the game something to continue to think about in the middle of all of the other plots. We want to be able to let you put parts of the World Plot into your own plots to help move things forward.
Most of all though, we want you to enjoy the game and find it worth staying in for another three years and beyond. We want your input, and we want you to know that your opinion does count, and we do listen to you. Now that we've gotten all of this addressed, we'd like to once more open up to questions and comments. Please keep in mind, that if you have a problem or concern please be specific as to what it is. It's difficult to reply when we're not sure what aspect of the game you are talking about.
If you would feel better addressing us personally, or via PM please do so. We want to incorporate this into the game, and we will work with you to make it work. We just needed to ensure that you knew our intentions as a moderation team before we opened it up to more questions and concerns.