Follow up important announcement: looking for mods + more
Laena here. With Lari's resignation as my co-mod, this means I'll be in need for some co-mods. I'm also taking this time to announce and give some heads up about a few important things regarding the game so please read!
mod application
I, Laena, will still be around as head mod for Somarium. Now, while I wouldn't be opposed to running the game by myself, that's fairly unrealistic with my second year of law school just around the corner and the game growing as large as it has. Therefore, we would like anyone who feels comfortable and confident to help mod the game to go here and apply.
Experience helps, but it's not a requirement. Everything is detailed on that page, but we're basically looking for anyone who 1) loves the game; 2) can handle anything that's thrown at them in a friendly but diplomatic and tactful manner; 3) won't be too hampered by any RL obligations; and 4) won't mind my constant pokes for certain mod-related things.
Don't worry, I'll be bearing the brunt of the mod load. But co-mods would be responsible for picking up the slack in case one or more has to go on hiatus. Maintenance-wise, co-mods will also help updating pages, keeping track of the player/game-base as a whole, applications, be involved and helping with plot/event ideas, and help with any player/game issues that may occur.
Applications will run until the end of the month, July 29, so that's about two weeks. Lari and I will choose up to two co-mods. Of course, players can still help out with the game even without being a mod. We value all player feedback, and if you continue reading, there's a chance to be involved with the game even more.
future of somarium
The gears have been shifting, and though it has been slow, we've finally reached the "turning point" of the game. Only, it's not so much a turning point and just more of another stage of development. As many have noticed, since the castle's fall last year, a lot of the New Moon events have been darker. There have also been more plot related events occurring.
To give everyone an idea of what to expect within the next couple of months, we are basically bringing the nightmare elements of Somarium more to the foreground. Spoilers: there is a nightmare land (except most of you probably figured that out by now so it's not really a spoiler-remember Noctaerium?). We'll be slowly teasing out everything that's important about Somarium's plot and world these next few months. The game's atmosphere may change a little because of this, which is why we want to give this heads up.
Somarium will not turn into some kind of horror/survival game. Yes, the nightmare stages may be worse than before, but that won't be the point of the game as a whole. The darkest points will only happen during the New Moon months, which is every other month. The Full Moon months will have its usual normal and brighter tone. In fact, Somarium may take on more of an action adventure theme for a short period of time and still retain the simple city life for those who don't want to be involved. Basically, you could think of it like an RPG game. You have the group of active heroes and villains who go out into the world, but you also have those who stay behind and still live their daily lives and only get involved when they have to. True, everyone as a whole will be affected in some way. But not everyone has to actually be involved.
We want to try to keep this balance as we are aware that some players and characters are just not meant for a full-out "action" type of game. Somarium was never meant to be as such, either. It will also be a slow progression with just a few short bursts during events like it has in the past. There will still be that cool downtime to allow players and characters to do what they want.
If that still leaves you a little uneasy, that's perfectly understandable. We only ask to bear with us as we try to make this sort of "stage of the game" run as smoothly as possible.
However, this means we will need more time to do everything and unfortunately, the one to two weeks between each application cycle won't be long enough. Which takes us to our next point.
september application will be closed + other thoughts
Before anyone freaks out, this will only be the September Application Cycle. August will still remain open for the usual two weeks, and applications will be open for October as well. Depending on how this works, we may have to do it again in the future, but we cannot say for sure when. We will, like this time, have a warning a month in advance if we do.
The only reason for closing the applications for a month is for plot related purposes. Also it's the New Moon month. What could be more ominous and suspicious than having people not arrive during a New Moon month? But yes, to help with moving the plot and to get everything done, the September Application Cycle will be closed. We sincerely apologize for anyone who may have been planning to app during that month rather than next month. But we believe this will help progress the game faster than in the past.
We have also received concerns that the two weeks between the application cycle isn't long enough to get any player plots in or for the newest characters to settle in before the larger event. Unfortunately we've noticed this as well. Therefore, we are also considering shortening the application cycle to one week. This will of course risk a higher application rate and intro flood, but it would also give everyone an extra week to work with. Again, we are still only considering this and would greatly appreciate and love any feedback about this possible change. It is not set in stone. This is also in consideration that the application cycles would run on their normal monthly schedule.
As a side note, should we switch to 1 week monthly application cycles, in the event we ever have to close applications down for a month, we could have the following month last for two weeks to make up for the lost time. So something like: 1 week -- 1 week -- Apps Closed -- 2 weeks -- 1 week. This is of course just another possible idea.
get involved and sign up
With the upcoming plot advancement, we would like to request player/character involvement with the game plots. That's right, we want YOU in on this! There are two ways you can be involved:
So if you want in on this delicious piece of future action, just fill out the form and comment here.
The more merrier, and you don't have to feel too obligated. But just be prepared to get a ping if we do need you. We really want to incorporate more players and characters to "liven things up" so to speak.
That should be it. There will be a "Pimp My Character Meme" in the next couple of days, too, so be on the lookout for that for CR building!
If you have any questions, feel free to comment to this post.
mod application
I, Laena, will still be around as head mod for Somarium. Now, while I wouldn't be opposed to running the game by myself, that's fairly unrealistic with my second year of law school just around the corner and the game growing as large as it has. Therefore, we would like anyone who feels comfortable and confident to help mod the game to go here and apply.
Experience helps, but it's not a requirement. Everything is detailed on that page, but we're basically looking for anyone who 1) loves the game; 2) can handle anything that's thrown at them in a friendly but diplomatic and tactful manner; 3) won't be too hampered by any RL obligations; and 4) won't mind my constant pokes for certain mod-related things.
Don't worry, I'll be bearing the brunt of the mod load. But co-mods would be responsible for picking up the slack in case one or more has to go on hiatus. Maintenance-wise, co-mods will also help updating pages, keeping track of the player/game-base as a whole, applications, be involved and helping with plot/event ideas, and help with any player/game issues that may occur.
Applications will run until the end of the month, July 29, so that's about two weeks. Lari and I will choose up to two co-mods. Of course, players can still help out with the game even without being a mod. We value all player feedback, and if you continue reading, there's a chance to be involved with the game even more.
future of somarium
The gears have been shifting, and though it has been slow, we've finally reached the "turning point" of the game. Only, it's not so much a turning point and just more of another stage of development. As many have noticed, since the castle's fall last year, a lot of the New Moon events have been darker. There have also been more plot related events occurring.
To give everyone an idea of what to expect within the next couple of months, we are basically bringing the nightmare elements of Somarium more to the foreground. Spoilers: there is a nightmare land (except most of you probably figured that out by now so it's not really a spoiler-remember Noctaerium?). We'll be slowly teasing out everything that's important about Somarium's plot and world these next few months. The game's atmosphere may change a little because of this, which is why we want to give this heads up.
Somarium will not turn into some kind of horror/survival game. Yes, the nightmare stages may be worse than before, but that won't be the point of the game as a whole. The darkest points will only happen during the New Moon months, which is every other month. The Full Moon months will have its usual normal and brighter tone. In fact, Somarium may take on more of an action adventure theme for a short period of time and still retain the simple city life for those who don't want to be involved. Basically, you could think of it like an RPG game. You have the group of active heroes and villains who go out into the world, but you also have those who stay behind and still live their daily lives and only get involved when they have to. True, everyone as a whole will be affected in some way. But not everyone has to actually be involved.
We want to try to keep this balance as we are aware that some players and characters are just not meant for a full-out "action" type of game. Somarium was never meant to be as such, either. It will also be a slow progression with just a few short bursts during events like it has in the past. There will still be that cool downtime to allow players and characters to do what they want.
If that still leaves you a little uneasy, that's perfectly understandable. We only ask to bear with us as we try to make this sort of "stage of the game" run as smoothly as possible.
However, this means we will need more time to do everything and unfortunately, the one to two weeks between each application cycle won't be long enough. Which takes us to our next point.
september application will be closed + other thoughts
Before anyone freaks out, this will only be the September Application Cycle. August will still remain open for the usual two weeks, and applications will be open for October as well. Depending on how this works, we may have to do it again in the future, but we cannot say for sure when. We will, like this time, have a warning a month in advance if we do.
The only reason for closing the applications for a month is for plot related purposes. Also it's the New Moon month. What could be more ominous and suspicious than having people not arrive during a New Moon month? But yes, to help with moving the plot and to get everything done, the September Application Cycle will be closed. We sincerely apologize for anyone who may have been planning to app during that month rather than next month. But we believe this will help progress the game faster than in the past.
We have also received concerns that the two weeks between the application cycle isn't long enough to get any player plots in or for the newest characters to settle in before the larger event. Unfortunately we've noticed this as well. Therefore, we are also considering shortening the application cycle to one week. This will of course risk a higher application rate and intro flood, but it would also give everyone an extra week to work with. Again, we are still only considering this and would greatly appreciate and love any feedback about this possible change. It is not set in stone. This is also in consideration that the application cycles would run on their normal monthly schedule.
As a side note, should we switch to 1 week monthly application cycles, in the event we ever have to close applications down for a month, we could have the following month last for two weeks to make up for the lost time. So something like: 1 week -- 1 week -- Apps Closed -- 2 weeks -- 1 week. This is of course just another possible idea.
get involved and sign up
With the upcoming plot advancement, we would like to request player/character involvement with the game plots. That's right, we want YOU in on this! There are two ways you can be involved:
- NPC control. We used to have active NPCs, but they've been quiet/killed off. Now we want them back, and the more players to help control them the better. This is for both the Noctarium side and the Somarium ones. They won't be necessarily "constant" and will appear for certain events, but having more than one person control a single NPC will definitely help-especially if the usual player wants to involve his/her own character. We will of course debrief everyone their role so they know what they're talking about in responding threads. You can kind of think of yourself as a mini mod! Just remember that you'll be sharing the NPCs, so more than one person (including the mods) may also take control if they're needed.
- Character involvement. We also want actual characters in on the plot. NPCs will contact various individuals and basically work with them. They could bestow knowledge, gear, secrets. As you may have guessed, this is also double sided. Miss Nightmare Lady wants some people on her side, so she'll be more than happy to sway any of the more evil characters to her side. For what purpose? That won't be revealed until later, but anyone could guess. The same goes with Somarium NPCs. They will also be seeking out certain individuals for their own needs.
So if you want in on this delicious piece of future action, just fill out the form and comment here.
The more merrier, and you don't have to feel too obligated. But just be prepared to get a ping if we do need you. We really want to incorporate more players and characters to "liven things up" so to speak.
That should be it. There will be a "Pimp My Character Meme" in the next couple of days, too, so be on the lookout for that for CR building!
If you have any questions, feel free to comment to this post.