Discuss Crossover Backstage

[GuyYouMetOnline]

[COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma][COLOR=black]This, of course, is the Backstage thread for my latest RPG, Crossover. The sign-up thread is located [/COLOR][URL="http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?p=795833#post795833"][COLOR=blue]here[/COLOR][/URL][/FONT][/COLOR].

[COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma][COLOR=black]I have a tendency to make long introductory posts, which has turned some people off of my RPGs in the past. In order to prevent that from happening this time, most information will be contained here instead of in the sign-up thread. Of course, that would make this a long post, but I’ve tried to keep it as short as possible. If I find anything more I need to add, I’ll do so, but what’s already here should be all you absolutely need to know.[/COLOR][/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma][COLOR=black]Just one thing first. I'd like to repeat what I said in the sign-up thread about the RPG's story. This RPG will have a definite plot, which does indeed involve the ‘Sinwall Incident’ (let me clarify that this RPG takes place five years after [I]Crossover[/I]’s release, which is one year after the Sinwall Incident). I have multiple story paths planned out to allow for player actions, so don't be afraid to introduce your own elements into the story. Pretty much anything that’s not godmodding is fine. Use your judgment, and I'll tell you if anything needs changing.[/COLOR][/FONT][/COLOR]


[center][B][U][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma][COLOR=black]Game Basics[/COLOR][/FONT][/COLOR][/U][/B][/center]

[LEFT][COLOR=black][B][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]Note:[/FONT][/COLOR][/B][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma] The Etheria system has its own section below.[/FONT][/COLOR][/COLOR][/LEFT]

[LEFT][COLOR=black][B][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]Game Flow:[/FONT][/COLOR][/B][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma] Much like in MMORPGs, [I]Crossover[/I] has no set story or gameplay path. The world is open for players to do essentially whatever they want. For those who want some kind of structure, that’s provided as well. Large-scale conflicts are not uncommon, and such events draw huge numbers of participants on both sides of the conflict. There is often a clear distinction between ‘good’ and ‘evil’, even though those terms aren’t applied to either side by any NPCs, and players can choose whichever side they want to be on. Of course, treason happens, and past actions reflect on a player, so if you betray one side, that side’s not exactly going to welcome you back. Just like in real life, actions have consequences.[/FONT][/COLOR][/COLOR][/LEFT]

[LEFT][COLOR=black][B][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]Player actions:[/FONT][/COLOR][/B][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma] Although there are many roles one can take on that don’t involve combat, combat is a central focus of [I]Crossover[/I]. Combat is completely real-time. Players fight using whatever weapons they want within the limits of [I]Crossover[/I]’s medieval technology level (swords, bows, that sort of thing). There’s no magic or other such abilities available for players to use, although weapons and equipment can come with certain support abilities, such as certain attributes added to a weapon. The only ability players have is calling Etheria.[/FONT][/COLOR][/COLOR][/LEFT]

[LEFT][COLOR=black][B][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]Player injuries: [/FONT][/COLOR][/B][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]Although combat is by nature violent, no injuries are sustained by players within [I]Crossover[/I]. The game does keep track of what injuries would have been sustained, however, and will downgrade the effects of player actions accordingly, so that if, say, a player would have sustained a leg injury, his/her mobility will be temporarily impaired.[/FONT][/COLOR][/COLOR][/LEFT]

[LEFT][COLOR=black][B][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]Player deaths:[/FONT][/COLOR][/B][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma] Normally, players retreat after sustaining sufficient ‘injuries’. All NPCs are programmed to allow this, and most players allow it as well, but some don’t, and there are also players who simply don’t run. If this is the case, the fight continues and the player may ‘die’. If a player is ‘killed’ within [I]Crossover[/I], there is no effect on the person in real life. Players are simply logged out of the game, and must log back in. Players are penalized for ‘deaths’. Penalties include loss of in-game money or equipment, and in some cases, loss of Etheria. However, to prevent ‘noob-hunting’’, new players are not penalized when killed by experienced players in a manner consistent with noob-hunting. Noob-hunters are tracked and warned, suspended, or if necessary banned completely.[/FONT][/COLOR][/COLOR][/LEFT]

[center][B][U][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma][COLOR=black]Etheria System[/COLOR][/FONT][/COLOR][/U][/B][/center]


[LEFT][COLOR=darkred][FONT=Tahoma][COLOR=black][B]Etheria basics: [/B]mentioned in the sign-up thread, the VR game Crossover uses what's called the Etheria system, in which the player calls upon creatures called Etheria (singular: Etherian). The variety of available Etheria is seemingly endless, and each has different abilities. There are almost no abilities unique to any one type of Etheria; there are so many types it's almost certain that at least one other type, and probably a lot more, has any given ability.[/COLOR][/FONT][/COLOR][/LEFT]

[LEFT][COLOR=black][COLOR=darkred][FONT=Tahoma][B][COLOR=black]Etheria:[/COLOR][/B][/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=darkred][FONT=Tahoma] [COLOR=black]All Etheria are NPCs with extremely good AI. Though they aren’t real, they are amazingly lifelike, and exhibit personalities just as real as those of humans. Etheria’s personalities are as varied as the Etheria themselves, and like real people, Etheria’s personalities are not set; they can change over time. The one constant is that an Etherian will never disobey or turn against the player it belongs to.[/COLOR][/FONT][/COLOR][/COLOR][/LEFT]

[LEFT][COLOR=black][COLOR=darkred][FONT=Tahoma][COLOR=black][B]Gaining Etheria:[/B] [/COLOR][/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=darkred][FONT=Tahoma][COLOR=black]Players can gain access to different Etheria by various means. When first starting, players are allowed to choose two Etheria from a given set. Other Etheria can be aquired by various means, including but not limited to completing a quest, defeating Etheria in battle, and purchasing them. A player can have up to 5 Etheria. If a player has five and wants a new one, the new one has to replace one the player already has[/COLOR].[/FONT][/COLOR][/COLOR][/LEFT]

[LEFT][COLOR=black][COLOR=darkred][FONT=Tahoma][B][COLOR=black]Choosing Etheria:[/COLOR][/B] [/FONT][/COLOR][/COLOR][COLOR=darkred][FONT=Tahoma][COLOR=black]When signing up, you will choose what Etheria you want your character to have. Almost anything you can come up with is okay, so use your imagination. There are only a couple restrictions. First, nothing overly powerful. Second, an Etherian’s abilities must match the Etherian in question (for instance, a water-based Etherian would have water-based abilities). And third, no copying summons from video games. You can use their names and images, but don’t just copy their abilities. The abilities can be similar, as long as they’re not identical.[/COLOR][/FONT][/COLOR][/LEFT]

[LEFT][COLOR=darkred][FONT=Tahoma][COLOR=black]Now, although players can have up to 5 Etheria, you don’t need to provide detailed information for all five. Give information about the ones you plan to use most frequently, but for the others, just names will suffice, if in fact you want to list them at all, which is not required. Just be certain to describe their appearances and abilities when and if you do decide to use them.[/COLOR][/FONT][/COLOR][/LEFT]

[LEFT][COLOR=darkred][FONT=Tahoma][COLOR=black][B]Using[/B] [B]Etheria:[/B][/COLOR][/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=darkred][FONT=Tahoma][COLOR=black] A player calls an Etherian with a simple verbal command. Different players say different things to call Etheria, which is okay, as long as the player says ‘call’ and the name of the Etherian being called. When a player calls an Etherian, that Etherian appears by the player, and is then said to be active. A player can have up to 5 Etheria, but no more than two Etheria can be active at any one time. If two are active, calling another will have no effect. An active Etherian remains active until it is dismissed by the player or defeated in battle. It should be noted that defeated Etheria are not permanently dead. They are restored with time, the amount of time varying depending on the Etherian. There are locations in many cities where Etheria can be restored (for a price), and various other methods exist, as well.[/COLOR][/FONT][/COLOR][/LEFT]

[LEFT][COLOR=black][COLOR=darkred][FONT=Tahoma][B][COLOR=black]Etheria growth: [/COLOR][/B][/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma][COLOR=black]There[/COLOR] are no especially powerful Etheria. Though some are of course more powerful than others, it’s never a huge gap. And Etheria don’t become more powerful with use, either, so the Etheria of new players are just as powerful as the same Etheria types are for experienced players. Instead, as Etheria are used, their abilities develop and expand. An Etherian that’s been used a lot will have a wider range of abilities and greater skill with them than a newer Etherian.[/FONT][/COLOR][/COLOR][/LEFT]

[LEFT][COLOR=black][B][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]Etheria defeats:[/FONT][/COLOR][/B][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma] As stated above, Etheria do not die when defeated in battle. They are restored with time, and can be restored via various other methods. There are special conditions in which Etheria can be lost permanently upon defeat, but these are rare, and players are always made aware of this in time to choose not to fight. There are no outright penalties when an Etherian is defeated, but defeats can have an effect on an Etheria’s personality. For example, if a player repeatedly sends an Etherian into hopeless situations where it’s defeated, that Etherian won’t like or trust the player.[/FONT][/COLOR][/COLOR][/LEFT]


[LEFT]Well, thats all I have right now. If you still have any questions, please go ahead and ask them.[/LEFT]

[Allamorph]

[FONT=Arial]Questions:

First, and definitely most importantly, how laid back is the participation factor? Would it be fine for players to spend long periods of time absent, or to post infrequently? (This may determine my participation. :animesmil )

Second, if an Etherian cannot disobey or turn against its caller, then what is the importance of its emotions concerning said caller?

Along the same lines, I think it should be clarified that Etheria's personalities would most likely not alter [I]radically[/I] as time went on ? i.e., from Millions Knives to Ikari Shinji ? without appropriate circumstances involved.


I had another, but I can't remember it now, so I'll get back to you on that one.[/FONT]

[GuyYouMetOnline]

On participation, yeah, it's all right if youyou can't post too often, and absences are fine, too. Remember, [I]Crossover[/I] is a VR game; it's not uncommon to feople to take breaks from playing.

On Etheria's personalities, it's true that an Etherian cannot turn against or disobey its caller, but those are the only restrictions. Etheria that don't like or trust their callers may not put as much of an effort into things, or may just decide to do things their own way (while still doing what they were told to do, of course). So basically, Etheria who don't like their callers won't be as helpful. The rest of the personality aspect is meant as a way of enhancing the in-game world. Etheria don't come across as artificial; they seem very real, and their personalities are a part of this.

Now yes, Etheria's personalities aren't likely to make huge transformations, but it is possible. Since Etheria's personalities are an element of realism, their personalites are affected much as humans' personalties would be. So no, complete personality transformations are not common, but something that would have an effect on a human's personality will likely have an effect on an Etherian's personalty.

[Annie]

[FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"][SIZE="1"]I hate to be a n00b, but when it comes to games, I am. So, is this based off of an actual video game? I would love to join, but I don't know if I need to know a game to partake in this RPG. Sometimes, some people create RPGs in which you MUST play the video game/watch the movie/read the book to understand.

Basically, is this an RPG anyone can jump into and not be left out if they hadn't played the game?[/SIZE][/FONT]

[James]

[color=#606060]I think that the game in this story is not real. Crossover is just invented for the purposes of the RPG.[/color]

[GuyYouMetOnline]

Nice sign-ups so far, everyone (even the incomplete ones are good; they just need to be finished). I hope to have the RPG started by Monday, but eben then, sign-ups will remain open for a while. After all, why close them when introducing new characters is as easy as someone else entering the game? So don't feel rushed if you still want to sign up.

Also, there's one thing I somehow completely forgot to mention, and one point I'd like to make sure is clear. I've mentioned this before, but just to be sure it's clear, players can change Etheria. If a player has five and wants another, that new Etherian must replace one of the player's current Etheria (and yes, the player would indeed choose which one is replaced). This includes everyone's characters, so if you want a different Etherian, feel free to make the change.

Now, the thing I forgot to mention: the world of [I]Crossover[/I] is populated by all your standard fantasy creatures such as gryphons and dragons. These are different from Etheria, though there are Etheria versions of these creatures. I hope that doesn't sound too confusing.

[James]

[color=#606060]The Etheria can be human-like though, right?

I'm honestly not sure which ones I want yet. Maybe I can just work it into the story that I'm going to change them...or something. Not sure. It's hard to decide without knowing much at all about the game world.[/color]

[GuyYouMetOnline]

Yes, Etheria can be humanoid (just look at my sign-up; two of Kiva's are humanoid). Almost anything is okay, as long as it's not too powerful. As for the game world, it's very realistically designed, with distinct nations and that sort of thing. I haven't mentioned nations yet because I didn't ant to make things sound too complicated. Don't worry about nations too much; I'll describe them when I start the RPG. Don't worry about interactions between them, either. I'll say how they feel towards one another, but I'll take care of the political stuff myself (unless you want to do that kind of thing, in which case feel free to post about it).

I've mentioned before that [I]Crossover[/I] is a basic fantasy world, with the exception that there is no magic or other such stuff that humans can use. So think a medieval technology level, all the various fantasy creatures (except elves and dwarves; there are none of those), etc. As for what's going to be going on in the game world when the RPG starts, I really don't have a lot of free time right now, but I'll make sure that's clear when I start the RPG. For now, I'll just say that a full-scale battle will be involved. If you want more information, James, please tell me, and I'll give it to you.

[Annie]

[FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"][SIZE="1"]I added my Etheria. Please let me know if there's anything I need to edit/add/change. This isn't my area of expertise, so forgive my ignorance :D[/SIZE][/FONT]

[Allamorph]

[FONT=Arial]I'm finishing my last research paper tonight, so I should have my sheet almost finished tomorrow evening, certain events providing.

I'm [I]so[/I] behind on life right now....[/FONT]

[GuyYouMetOnline]

EDIT: In regards to Athena's post: Athena, your description of a VR unit isn't quite how I've been imagining them (I've been picturing devices you lie down in), but it's all right. After all, there would undoubtably be different ways VR units could work, so some variety in VR unit types is quite fine (althugh I should mention that holograms have nothing to do with anything. This isn't Star Trek). However, I'd say that each VR facilty is unlikely to have more than one variety of unit (after all, why order from different suppliers when you can get them all from one? It's simpler that way). But don't feel like you have to worry much about this; it's not really all that important.


Okay, the RPG's up now. Just one note about my post: Kiva's job is nothing important. I just thought her interaction with Sako would be a good way to establish what's currently happening within [I]Crossover[/I].

Let me also say that although the RPG's story will begin as part of the battle about to take place, you don't have to participate if you don't want to. You can be drawn into the story in other ways, so just do whatever you want for now.


Now, I said I'd give some basics about the various major nations. Note that, like in real life, there are many smaller nations, but the ones I've listed here are the important ones. Anyways, here we go:

[B]Faltia:[/B] The kingdom of Faltia is mainly agricultural, but because of its proximity to Tameth, it's developed a large army. Faltia rarely initiates conflicts, but if provoked, it's quick to respond, and usually does so with force. Faltia's constantly at odds with Tameth, but usually gets along with the other major nations. Currently ruled by King Keose

[B]Tameth: [/B]The Tameth Empire is large and agressive. Tameth was originally a small nation whose territory was largely barren. Trade only got Tameth so far; expansion was necesary for its survival. Tameth conquered nearby territories, continuing even after aquiring sufficient resources to suppliment trade. Conquest has been Tameth's way for a long time. Most large-scale conflicts involve Tameth, usually as the agressor. Tameth isn't on very good terms with the other major nations. Currently ruled by Emporer Shalesk

[B]Kashimia: [/B]By far the largest nation in [I]Crossover[/I], the Republic of Kashimia is huge and largely self-sufficient. It does trade with other nations, but this benifits them more than Kashimia. Many smaller nations rely heavily on trade from Kashimia. It's a non-agressive nation, and nobody wants to provoke it. It's army is huge, but hasn't been involved in anything more than small-scale conflicts for centuries and would likely fare poorly in a full-scale war. It's large enough, however, that almost any enemy would be overwhelmed by sheer numbers. Kashimia is governed by a large Council that's constantly bogged down in internal disputes and never gets much done.

[B]Salkera: [/B]An isolationist nation near Kashimia. Self-sufficient and almost completely closed off. The only exports from Salkera are illegal, and the same is true of imports. Salkeria's leadership, a small body of both men and women, has something of a superiority complex, shared by most Salkeran citizens. They've decided that they want nothing to do with what they consider to be inferior nations. Most of the other nations don't like Salkera very much, but as long as it keeps to itself, they're willing to leave it alone.


Now, characters can be alligned with any nation, and if you want to, feel free to come up with your own. Like I said, there are many smaller nations. Also, you don't have to be with a nation to participate in conflicts involving it. For example, with the Faltia-Tameth conflict, players who tend to support other nations can still participate. They's just take whatever side they want to, usually the one they support more. Also, you don't have to be alligned with any nation if you don't want to be. 'Freelance' players aren't uncommon.

[Allamorph]

[FONT=Arial]All right, I've got a person, who I'll be working on 'til I sleep, and I have three final questions.

1.) Do Etheria have to have a shape, or can they be mostly amorphous? (Within reason.)

2.) To my mind, it follows logically that any skills a player gains in [I]Crossover[/I] carry into the real world. In other words, since this game is straight VR, not only would skills and trades have to be directly learned by the player, but because the player learns them directly he/she also knows how to employ them in the real world. Does that follow? (Kind of different from the Matrix, where skills were "uploaded".)

3.) Is clothing inside [I]Crossover[/I] specific to a certain time period, or are players free to wear what they will?

Thanks. (I tell you what: pulling a personality from a photograph is [I]so[/I] hard. Or I'm just not used to it. :p)

[B]Edit:[/B] Thought of another one. When Etheria are captured, do they retain the form that [I]Crossover[/I] predetermined for them, or do they reshape themselves to their new master's imagination?[/FONT]

[GuyYouMetOnline]

EDIT: Okay, since there doesn't seem to be much psoting activity right now, I've gone ahead and started the action. Things matter now, so those of you who haven't yet posted, please try to post as soon as possible. Oh, and don't worry about posting your characters entering [I]Crossover[/I]. It's okay if you start with them already in the game.


1: That can be a characteristic of an Etherian, yes.

2: Not quite. [I]Crossover[/I] simplifies things like that to make it easier for players to learn, but the basics would carry over, yes. And of course, people who know how to do those things in real life would be able to use the same skills in [I]Crossover[/I].

3: No real clothing restrictions. NPCs wear medieval-era clothing, but players aren't given that requirment. However, when fighting in armies, players are expected to wear those armies' uniforms, which are provided to them (in-game only. What someone's wearing in real life has no affect on their in-game clothing.

4: Etheria retain their predetermined forms.

[Allamorph]

[quote name='GuyYouMetOnline']As I said in the Underground thread, the action's started, so feel free to jump in.[/quote]
[FONT=Arial]Soon as I get time to think of something.

By the way, is it all right to call you simply Gymo? :p[/FONT]

[James]

[font=franklin gothic medium]Sorry for the lack of posting; I am having trouble finding a way to effectively introduce my character. I think a big part of it is having no idea about the motivations in the game they play - that is, it's a game but there's no in-game direction as such. It's almost as though the game itself needs its own sub-plot or something.

I'll try though; hopefully I can think of a good way to make the introduction.[/font]

[GuyYouMetOnline]

Well, I was thinking that the game would be more realistic in that sense, but don't worry about it, because it won't be that way for much longer. There's the war going on, and I'll be introducing a seperate in-game subplot before long. For now, I'd say just fight in the war on whatever side you think is more appropriate for your character, or maybe as hired help or something from a different nation. Don't worry about a lack of direction, because there won't be one for long. Get your character established within [I]Crossover[/I]. Soon, things will start to happen (hint: stuff will happen within the tunnels).

And yes, Allamorph, GYMO is fine.

[Allamorph]

[quote name='James][font=franklin gothic medium']I think a big part of it is having no idea about the motivations in the game they play - that is, it's a game but there's no in-game direction as such. It's almost as though the game itself needs its own sub-plot or something.[/font][/quote]
[FONT=Arial]Ahh, just think about the reason [I]anybody[/I] plays an MMO. :animesmil Or do some kind of distantly-related solo work. Personally, I'm loving the open-endedness. It's like writing for two worlds at once.

By the way, you got any Etheria yet? (Tell me to go fish and I'll throttle ya.)[/FONT]

[GuyYouMetOnline]

Well, there's a subplot going now. I know the whole 'Saleth' thing probably doesn't seem that interesting, but trust me, it'll get that way soon enough.