Discuss Original RPGs

[Beorhun]

I'm posting this because...well, I looked around and there didn't seem to be a thread like this, but maybe I didn't look hard enough. I don't know. I was wondering if there was any untouched territory left in the RPG world here on Otaku. I'm not going to use the info gleaned from this for an RPG, I'm just wondering.

How long have the Adventure Square and the Inn been here? From what I understand, it's fairly new compared to the rest of the site. Still, looking at the Inn, and all the signups there, it's mind-boggling why anyone cares anymore. How many times do you have to start from nothing, romance the girl, save the world, and kill the villan before it gets old? I shouldn't talk about being jaded (I'm at 71 posts) but there just seems to be a lack of variety in terms of the RPGs. I understand occasionally you get a gem of an RP, one that rises to become one of the most epic and treasured threads in the inn. Still, how many RPs have you seen that seem like a recycled story from a thread that got two signups the last time it was posted? Now, the majority of the time, that can be attributed to noobs (I'm a member, I can talk.) but still, members can be attributed to it, as well, we all can't be saints of the boards. lol. :demon:

So, does anyone else think that the inn is getting a little...repetitve?

[James]

[color=#707875]I think it's like any area of OB. You get periods where you'll find a few really innovative and interesting RPGs and then you get periods where you find little but the "standard fare".

It's worth noting that although most recent RPGs may not be highly innovative in concept or execution, many of them at least manage to retain a sense of quality in the writing that has not traditionally been the standard. So at the very least, I am pleased that quality of writing is improving across the board.

In terms of new ideas and originality...I agree with you. I'm disappointed, for example, that so few people have adopted the Chapter System. That system was created so that everyone might benefit, but only a few RPGs have used it. I don't believe that most people yet understand how it is capable of saving an RPG from death and confusion, lol.

But that's only a small part of it. What disappoints me most is that lately, we haven't seen many RPGs that have attempted to experiment with the fundamentals. If you think about it, there's so much that you can do here on OB. You can use HTML in new and unique ways, you can use imagery (perhaps even have a "manga RPG") and you can utilize sound and music. Unfortunately, few people are taking advantage of the varied palette of options that they have here.

But having said all of that, I can understand it. Many people just want a quick and fun RPG; they don't want something too laborious or difficult.

Still, I think it's possible to have an interesting concept without it being overly-difficult or challenging.

And I must say, the Inn has had a [i]lot[/i] of creative and new concepts within recent months. But some of those RPGs haven't taken off -- perhaps they were a bit too unique for the mainstream RPers. I don't know. But whatever the reason, it's still somewhat disappointing.[/color]

[MoonlitStairway]

[color=DarkSlateBlue][size=1][font=Times New Roman]All I can really say for this is that regardless of the cliche's and such that Otaku Board RPs and many other RPs outside of this site have presented, I'm willing to do just about anything. I RP with the newbiest of the newbs to some experts, anything that can raise my brow in interest. If any of you want to rp with me, you can go to [font=Trebuchet MS][color=Red][link removed][/color][/font] to check out some RP information. And I know I probably shouldn't use this to recruit, but an RP that I do not find cliche, you can apply for at [font=Trebuchet MS][color=Red][link removed][/color][/font] if you'd like.

Jay

[color=Black][size=2][font=Trebuchet MS][color=Red]Er, if you know you shouldn't be recruiting here, then don't. ^^ You should also use your signature for advertising. Thanks.

-Bio
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[Annie]

[color=darkred][size=1]I understand what you are talking about. It's hard for me, or anyone, to create a new and original RPG anymore. In honesty, it's impossible to create an "original" RPG. We all get influences from movies, songs, books, et cetra; thus giving inspiration for an RPG idea. The thing is, is that everyone has their own variation of the basic concept of that idea. Of course, there are many RPG's that I have either read or been a part of that have burned a place here on the OtakuBoards based off of the media surrounding us. Repetition in the Inn cannot be controlled really. You'll always have someone with the similar idea, it's innevitable.[/color][/size]

[Sir Gawain]

Really! New members aren't always the causes of this! But what do I know?

:D

There's a reason I'm Kid Anime! But you must remember, not all new members are the stereotypes that you think of. Not that !I'm saying anything bad about you!

[Wondershot]

Well, I don't mean to advertise my ideas too much, but I'm hopng to put up "Senpai" sometime soon, despite the apparent lack of interest in the Underground. Why? because for the way it is set up, I believe that it can fly with the help of a few dedicated writers I know. It's set up to be extremely short in terms of actual storytelling, and will require a lot from each individual writer all at once. In a way, it's a spinoff of the Kill Adam Chapter System, since each person will usually spend more time and effort on their own work and can post whenever they need to, rather than always having to adapt to what other people are typing in the same story at erratic intervals.

I'm only using my work as an example, though, so you'll forgive me if I refer to it once in a while.

An original idea in AI might not always fly, because original ideas usually require something that your average RPer is not really prepared to give. Usually, if you are given a story with more or less "carte blanche" as to what you are going to do, it's easy to develop a character around the wide borders that the creator is looking for. An adventure RP gives a clear idea of what the creator is looking for, and so the writer in question can just go crazy with his idea and not have to conform to many standards. In Senpai, for example, the standards and character borders will be a lot more strict, because the characters themselves, going to a private school film class, will all be in uniform and therefore eliminates the need for specific appearance description, which is what some people may like doing. Also, the requirment of submitting of scripts means that a few people will have to do a lot of writing in an undefined amount of time, limiting time for character development significantly.

[quote name='James']Many people just want a quick and fun RPG; they don't want something too laborious or difficult.[/quote]

Well, I'm guessing that's exactly why K.A. had a limited number of RPers. I admit, at first I was a little surprised since so many people had recruited for K.A. Vol.1 and only about seven or eight were accepted. In retrospect, I understand that you had the concept right on the money, James, as I see that with just a few RPers, K.A. turned out quite well.

As for the issue of sound/HTML in RPs, I'm working on it, but not everyone is willing to learn enough HTML to try and make it look much better. I can understand why, though, as the background for Senpai took more time than I think it was worth after all. As for sound, well, K.A. Vol. 2 used mp3 files, and not everyone is willing to search for webspace to put up their music (especially since most of it would require payment). This is just my opinion, but I'm not sure people would be quite so willing to put up MIDI, either, as I think most MIDI sounds too poor to set an adequate mood for a scene. If I need to set a mood, I can always just write the lyrics in the post of the song I have in question (see my latest post in terra's "stress relief"). Otherwise, I allude to the song in question some other way.

Otherwise, I agree in the sense that someone out there sould try and break the norm of RP's, and try something unusual like the Chapter System or anything else that they can come up with. That's why I RP so rarely now, as I am always trying to find a new (and hopefully appealing) way to present an unusual idea.

Either way, I think that RPs should be fun, too, and if you want something very original, work hard and try making it. If it doesn't work in the actual Adventure Square, I feel that the experience should be validating enough. (I did have a lot of fun working on Senpai, so you should have fun making your own RPG idea. Otherwise there's not much point, is there?)

[Brasil]

[quote name='James']And I must say, the Inn has had a lot of creative and new concepts within recent months. But some of those RPGs haven't taken off -- perhaps they were a bit too unique for the mainstream RPers. I don't know. But whatever the reason, it's still somewhat disappointing.[/quote]
As a small footnote to what you said here, I think we should define what "haven't taken off" means, because with the variety of RPGs, and the expectations of their creators and participants, the rate and speed of progression will vary. Even though an RPG may be getting buried on the third page of AS now, it may be because those participating would rather have quality over quantity.

I'll use Rebel Scum as an example, heh. Shy is very dedicated to the RPG (he probably is more excited about it than I am, lol) and doesn't want to post something that isn't up-to-snuff. He's been apologizing to me here and there for the delay, but I'd much rather have an excellent post later than have a weaker post earlier.

Quality over quantity is definitely important to consider, I think. I find that the faster and haphazardly an RPG becomes, with posts every hour or day, the quality will be less than an RPG where there's a post each week, but each post is fine-tuned and honed to near-perfection. ~_^

[James]

[QUOTE=Wondershot]
As for the issue of sound/HTML in RPs, I'm working on it, but not everyone is willing to learn enough HTML to try and make it look much better. I can understand why, though, as the background for Senpai took more time than I think it was worth after all. As for sound, well, K.A. Vol. 2 used mp3 files, and not everyone is willing to search for webspace to put up their music (especially since most of it would require payment). This is just my opinion, but I'm not sure people would be quite so willing to put up MIDI, either, as I think most MIDI sounds too poor to set an adequate mood for a scene. If I need to set a mood, I can always just write the lyrics in the post of the song I have in question (see my latest post in terra's "stress relief"). Otherwise, I allude to the song in question some other way.

[/QUOTE]

[color=#707875]I should probably point out a couple of things, at this stage.

In regard to HTML, I'm terrible at it. I'm worse than most people, lol. But I received HTML assistance in all of the RPGs where I've used it. That's where collaboration has been key.

Kill Adam (both volumes) wouldn't have been HTML-ized without Semjaza's assistance in that regard. He took my graphics and built the code for them to be used.

In regard to music...I recognize that not everyone wants to use MP3s. That's cool. However, I'm able to host them (as are some), and so, I've chosen to take advantage of that by hosting an official soundtrack of sorts.

But I do recognize that not everyone can do it. And I really don't expect them to. Music is nice, but it's not the be-all and end-all -- it merely enhances the experience further.

What I'm more interested in are unique concepts and unique uses of the Underground and Anthology forums.

Kill Adam has worked so far (even though my current post is lagging behind, lol) primarily due to the chapter system. Even if I had double the members involved, it would still run properly, because it's under a slightly more controlled system.

This does not mean that there are no freedoms though; I have absolutely no idea what the contents of each person's post will include, other than some vague directions that are set out at the start of each chapter. And that's the beauty of the system.

Having said that, I simply didn't want to have too many people because otherwise the RPG would be too long and too laborious.

Don't forget that a lot of people have said that Kill Adam is "short". It's not. It has less posts, but each post in Kill Adam is probably worth five or six regular RPG posts. In other words, if you look at Volume 1...you get quite a long read. Even Volume 2 is no quick, five minute read at the moment.

The problem is that too many people are using old standards to judge RPGs. It's as though people are afraid to experiment, which is a little disappointing.

Another example would be Reanimatrix, which took a unique approach in OB Anthology and ended up becoming reasonably successful (with 51 + unique stories and poems).

So...there is plenty of room for experimentation. And that's really what I want to see (and I hope it's what everyone wants, as it tends to provide a more exciting atmosphere).[/color]

[Mr. Maul]

[font=Garamond][size=2][color=seagreen]I have just a few comments to post about all of this (okay, maybe it's going to be a little bit longer than a few).[/color][/size][/font]
[font=Garamond][size=2][color=#2e8b57][/color][/size][/font]
[size=2][quote name='Beorhun']"How many times do you have to start from nothing, romance the girl, save the world, and kill the villan before it gets old?" "...how many RPs have you seen that seem like a recycled story from a thread that got two signups the last time it was posted?"[/quote][/size]
[font=Garamond][size=2][/size][/font]
[font=Garamond][size=2][color=seagreen]Finally! Someone else besides me who has noticed this! I used to think I was imagining this whole "I'm-too-lazy-to-come-up-with-an-original-idea-to-save-my-life" epidemic, but now I realize it's true. [/color][/size][/font]
[font=Garamond][size=2][/size][/font]
[size=2][quote]"I understand occasionally you get a gem of an RP, one that rises to become one of the most epic and treasured threads in the inn."[/quote][/size]
[size=2][/size]
[font=Garamond][size=2][color=seagreen]These are almost always Adam, James, or Adam & James productions. Such as the Kill Adam series, and that one Nintendo crossover game who's name escapes me at the moment. This is highly due to the fact that they actually SPEND TIME on their games- Amazing! A higher-level of game will attract a higher-level of gamers (and a higher number of them, as well).[/color][/size][/font]
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[size=2][quote]"I shouldn't talk about being jaded (I'm at 71 posts)..." "Now, the majority of the time, that can be attributed to noobs (I'm a member, I can talk.)..."[/quote][/size]
[size=2][/size]
[font=Garamond][size=2][color=seagreen]I completely aggree. With the rapid and almost mind-boggling amount of new members that sign up everyday, you can be certain that the post quality and originality is dropping. Since the n00bs haven't been on the boards nearly as long as a lot of the older members, they don't know what's been done and what hasn't been done; what's hot, and what's pass[size=4][size=2]é. [/size][/size][/color][/size][/font]
[font=Garamond][size=2][color=seagreen][size=4][size=2][/size][/size][/color][/size][/font]
[font=Garamond][size=2][color=seagreen][size=4][size=2]On the other hand, this could also apply to the veteran members as well. They have an "I've seen it all" attitude, and a "Been there, done that, got the T-shirt" mindset. If it isn't wild and crazy, or outlandishly original, then they don't want to have anything to do with it. (Oh, and P.S: If we were back in V4, you'd still be a n00b).[/size][/size][/color][/size][/font]
[font=Garamond][size=2][color=seagreen][size=4][size=2][/size][/size][/color][/size][/font]
[color=seagreen][size=2][color=gray][quote name='James]"[color=seagreen][The Chapter][/color'] system was created so that everyone might benefit, but only a few RPGs have used it. I don't believe that most people yet understand how it is capable of saving an RPG from death and confusion..."[/quote][/color][/size][/color]
[color=seagreen][size=2][color=#808080][/color][/size][/color]
[color=seagreen][font=Garamond][size=2][color=seagreen]An RPG is meant to be played like a book, and if it's a written one (like on the boards) it is essential that it reads like a book. Some may think it should run like a movie, but this is not true, as a movie is visual. It might play out in your head like a movie when you're reading it, but it shouldn't jump around the way movies oft' do.[/color][/size][/font][/color]
[color=seagreen][font=Garamond][size=2][/size][/font][/color]
[color=seagreen][font=Garamond][size=2]Another name for the game master is the story-teller. So, if a story is being told, shouldn't it be divided into chapters? This is only logical, and not only does it help with the organization of your game, but it raises the quality of it, too.[/size][/font][/color]
[color=seagreen][font=Garamond][size=2][/size][/font][/color]
[color=seagreen][size=2][color=#707875][quote]"What disappoints me most is that lately, we haven't seen many RPGs that have attempted to experiment with the fundamentals."[/quote][/color][/size][/color]
[color=seagreen][size=2][color=#707875][/color][/size][/color]
[color=seagreen][font=Garamond][size=2][color=seagreen]Again, since they're n00bs, they wouldn't know an original idea if it walked up, slapped them in the face, and yelled, "HEY! I'M AN ORIGINAL IDEA!" They don't know that you can create an RPG on here that goes outside the box. In fact, if I created an RPG titled, "RPG: A Journey Outside the Box"(patent pending) they wouldn't even stop to look at it unless I threw in the words "Magic" "Dragons" "Elementals" "Guns" "Medieval" "Big Guns" "Save the Kingdom" "Really Big Guns" or some other simmilar to the lot into the title. They are just are afraid to try new things.[/color][/size][/font][/color]
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[color=seagreen][font=Garamond][size=2][/size][/font]
[/color][size=2][color=#707875][quote]"You can use HTML in new and unique ways..." "Unfortunately, few people are taking advantage of the varied palette of options that they have here."[/quote][/color][/size]
[size=2][color=#707875][font=Garamond][color=seagreen]Most likely, it's because they don't know how, or they don't know that it was even possible. I know even I have problems with the HTML. Every time I post, I have to look up in the FAQ how to do some of the things. And I am almost certain I could not upload music onto a post without a PhD in computer science. Someone should write an in-depth, yet comprehensible to the average layman guide to doing these things, and post it. There probably already is one in the FAQ section, but I don't know.[/color][/font][/color][/size]
[size=2][color=#707875][font=Garamond][color=#2e8b57][/color][/font][/color][/size]
[size=2][color=#707875][quote]"...some of those RPGs haven't taken off -- perhaps they were a bit too unique for the mainstream RPers."[/quote][/color][/size]
[size=2][color=#707875][/color][/size]
[size=2][font=Garamond][color=seagreen]This has happened to every singal one of my RPGs on here.[/color][/font][/size]
[size=2][font=Garamond][color=#2e8b57][/color][/font][/size]
[size=2][font=Garamond][size=1][color=#8b0000][quote name='Annie']"...it's impossible to create an "original" RPG. We all get influences from movies, songs, books, et cetra; thus giving inspiration for an RPG idea."[/quote][/color][/size][/font][/size]
[size=2][font=Garamond][color=seagreen][/color][/font][/size]
[size=2][font=Garamond][color=seagreen]That's how I get my ideas. I take all those thing and think to myself, "How can I twist these around and distort them so that they're mine?"[/color][/font][/size]
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[size=2][color=#707875][quote name='James']So...there is plenty of room for experimentation. And that's really what I want to see (and I hope it's what everyone wants, as it tends to provide a more exciting atmosphere).[/quote][/color][/size]
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[size=2][font=Garamond][color=seagreen]One would hope that, wouldn't they?[/color][/font]
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[Zidargh]

[QUOTE=Mr. Maul][font=Garamond][size=2][color=seagreen]
[font=Garamond][size=2][color=seagreen]These are almost always Adam, James, or Adam & James productions. Such as the Kill Adam series, and that one Nintendo crossover game who's name escapes me at the moment. This is highly due to the fact that they actually SPEND TIME on their games- Amazing! A higher-level of game will attract a higher-level of gamers (and a higher number of them, as well).[/color][/size][/font]

[/size][/QUOTE]

Um, the Nintendo crossover one was mine, lol. [b]Plumber Bros. Incorporated.[/b][ (If that's what you're talking about.) Though James played a hefty graphics design role.

But saying that, mine was no means an epic tale. It was innovative sure, but overly ambitious. It died very quickly, and that was my fault because I just really didn't know how to direct it(So many apologies to those involved).

As much as James has created his wonderful little gems, people are forgetting Shy's [b]Hero[/b].

Sure it's a slowass production, but every post is worth it, and the way you'll see them interwine eventually will stun you.

If you want a decent RPG, you have to have everyone committed to a degree, and for it to be imaginative. But for an epic you need; Imagination, Innovation, High levels of Commitment, and most of all, Communication.

Everyone needs to know what they're doing.

It's ashame really, RPGs are being compared so much that members are getting competitive. Anyone's capable of creating a kick-scrotum RPG, you just have to put in the effort.

[Annie]

[color=indigo][size=1] "A kick scrotum" RPG idea? ^_^ That was cute.

Yes, anyone is capable of accomplishing gems such as [b]Kill Adam v1, v2[/b] or[b] Black Horizon[/b]. It just takes a little bit of thinking to turn an idea into your own vision, with a few extra spices of your own. Rather than just plagiarizing someone else's story/idea.

I won't deny that alot of the RPGs these days are cliche` or that it is tiring. Sometimes, it's just hard to create an "original" idea.[/color][/size]

[Xander Harris]

[QUOTE=Beorhun]I'm posting this because...well, I looked around and there didn't seem to be a thread like this, but maybe I didn't look hard enough. I don't know. I was wondering if there was any untouched territory left in the RPG world here on Otaku. I'm not going to use the info gleaned from this for an RPG, I'm just wondering.

How long have the Adventure Square and the Inn been here? From what I understand, it's fairly new compared to the rest of the site. Still, looking at the Inn, and all the signups there, it's mind-boggling why anyone cares anymore. How many times do you have to start from nothing, romance the girl, save the world, and kill the villan before it gets old? I shouldn't talk about being jaded (I'm at 71 posts) but there just seems to be a lack of variety in terms of the RPGs. I understand occasionally you get a gem of an RP, one that rises to become one of the most epic and treasured threads in the inn. Still, how many RPs have you seen that seem like a recycled story from a thread that got two signups the last time it was posted? Now, the majority of the time, that can be attributed to noobs (I'm a member, I can talk.) but still, members can be attributed to it, as well, we all can't be saints of the boards. lol. :demon:

So, does anyone else think that the inn is getting a little...repetitve?[/QUOTE]

Oh yah, definately.

I think it is mainly because save the world, romance the girl, kill the villain are the kinds of threads people will sign up for.

I've attempted to launch some rpgs in the past that break this mold, but no one signs up. Why? Because they were mainly designed to be about character or idea explorations, not about KEWL POWERZZZ.

So the threads here continue on, with the zillionth Demon Saga about ninja warriors harnessing elemental magic to kick the butt of the reincarnated evil guy.

That's why I hardly ever post in the Adventure Inn anymore. It's so repetetive, and no one is receptive to things that don't fit the formula.

Its too bad, because I enjoy pbp games. But the other forums I look at for these are either too swamped with people or have crappy post quality. The OtakuBoards could be a much more effective force in the internet pbp scene, simply because of the mod dedication to good post quality, if they could ever break out of their rut.

That's my thoughts on the subject.

[O-Ushi]

Well, I for one am trying to break the mould right now with my RP [URL=http://otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=43894]Ivory Tower[/URL] (shameless plug, shameless plug), with an idea of not only setting, but character mindset and (hopefully) interaction. I think having a world full of two-face little so-and-so's intent only on their own personal power is cool, so I made an RPG in a pseudo 19th century setting (think the Jane Austen period) where the player's jobs are to wine, dine and deal with each other (and, of course,s tab them in the back) for the eventual goal of becoming the head Family. I wanted an RP where the player could indulge their sweet tooth, having everything material they wanted, and letting them loose.

Basically, I believe what needs to happen is not to have great, inovative plotlines or bizarre concepts, but change little things. Things like "No, you can't have powers...figure out how to beat the bad guy yourself" or "Ok, you can have powers...but no set spells". That sort of thing...

Hmmm...this has inspired me somewhat. How about a concept of "Alterna-Fantasy?"

[Mr. Maul]

[quote name='Zidargh]Um, the Nintendo crossover one was mine, lol. [b]Plumber Bros. Incorporated.[/b'][ (If that's what you're talking about.) Though James played a hefty graphics design role.[/quote]
[font=Garamond][size=2][color=seagreen]My appy-polly-loggies to you. I couldn't remeber who actually created it, but I did remember James' involvement, so naturally I assumed...Anyway, I was merely pointing out that good games are well thought-out and created with a lot of dedication. Sure it didn't last, but it did have potential. [/color][/size][/font]

[James]

[color=#707875]I'm not sure if I really agree that new members are responsible for some general decline in quality or anything.

Bear in mind that the "low quality" new members are usually filtered out pretty quickly. So we are left with those who are making the effort.

In addition, bear in mind that new members are [i]often[/i] the mould-breakers. This could be because they haven't seen the conventions at OB and therefore they are really going out on a limb. It doesn't always work, but sometimes it does. Just look at both terra and Arcadia as examples of "new members" who very quickly branched out and did some amazing stuff in the Square.

In regard to HTML, I can only really repeat what I've said previously. I am awful with HTML, so I seek assistance/collaboration to make it work. In the same way, I make graphics for some people (like Zidargh). So in that way, people can still produce their ideas, as long as they're willing to collaborate with those who have the skills they require.

This is also why Arena Underground is so potentially beneficial; you can actually gain interest in your concept and hopefully recruit people who might have the skills you need.

Actually, the Inn is doing quite well at the moment. When I look at it right now, I see a lot of interesting concepts and most of them are executed very well (both visually and in terms of the writing).

Also, just as a footnote...the Chapter System does not imply that an RPG is closer to a piece of literature. In fact, the system is used in a movie-like way in Kill Adam (Kill Adam, despite being written, is more movie-like than novel-like). However, the system can be adapted in a number of ways. The end result is that it can keep a story focused, while still allowing plenty of creativity and experimentation.

And to be clear, Kill Adam was a James and [b]Shy[/b] production. Out of all of the members involved, Shy was the person who most closely shaped the story with me. All of the members have produced amazing writing in that RPG (among the very best I've ever seen on OtakuBoards), but Shy is really my number one collaborator, in terms of plot mechanics. And then there's Tony (Semjaza) who is responsible for all the lovely HTML.

[/color]

[Wondershot]

If I may, I think that we could explore the subtle difference between an original RPG in terms of [i]story[/i] and an original RPG in terms of [i]structure[/i].

[quote name='Annie']In honesty, it's impossible to create an "original" RPG. We all get influences from movies, songs, books, et cetra; thus giving inspiration for an RPG idea.[/quote]

Which is why RPGs like Kill Adam, among many others, are so essential. It's not necessarily the story that is original, but the interested way in which it is presented. I've seen (and participated in) some older RPGs (by Zidargh and Sage, for example) which used older and, to a certain point, overused storylines, but made them new and interesting to participate in because their style was so different. Sage's was even based on the Final Fantasy series, but structured to be more or less like a pen & paper RPG, where our characters would actually describe and follow the flow of an ATB style battle system. It was quite amusing at times, leading me to believe that Sage might have been thinking satire when he started writing it.

K.A., somewhat based on the movie, used both changes in story and structure to make a now greatly-revered RPG on the boards. Solo Tremaine also wrote Anime Stereotype High School (how is the title [i]not[/i] supposed to convey a sense of satire?) and he even constructed a regular school day timetable to make things a little out of the ordinary, giving the characters a structure to follow.

So...it doesn't always have to be the story that's original, but an intriguing structure can be effective for making one of the "outside the box" RPGs, even if it doesn't necessarily attract more readers/writers. It takes an RPG somewhat beyond just the writing, and tries to make the experience a little more than just following a prose style.