Having written or imagined a few story arcs for my regular roleplay group, I've always stumbled now and then on 'What to do next?'.
Thanks for posting this, I'll certainly use it to better plan my usually on-the-fly events.
Issue 14: Mission Architect promises to multiply the possibilities with self-made story arcs. Assuming the system works like Base Architecture and Flashback Missions, you could draw-up your own missions for steps 2 - 5!
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Issue 14: Mission Architect promises to multiply the possibilities with self-made story arcs. Assuming the system works like Base Architecture and Flashback Missions, you could draw-up your own missions for steps 2 - 5!
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Which will rock.
~union4lyfe~
With issue #14 promised for early '09 we can all anticipate an exciting stream of player-written in-game story arcs. The idea alone sends bolts of enthusiasm shivering through my spine. I mean there are so many creative minds in our little community of roleplayers, all waiting to handle the Mission Architect, I just know I'm going to enjoy the experience. Now, I'm writing you another little guide that hopefully aids with story structuring. If you find it the least bit helpful then please invite me to your written missions once they're live! 
[u]Structure of your Arc[u]
A well-made mission arc must be constructed on the basis of a firm story structure so do spend some time arranging the action. When you pre-plan the story structure you are setting up your mission arc to have all the plot elements befitting a well-told tale long before you write a word of dialogue or position your villains. As a guide it might be helpful to model the plot for your mission arc along the following elements. Each stage could actually be achieved with one or two missions.
Initial Incident - The event that begins the action of your entire story arc.
Rising Action - A sequence of events in which your characters are developed and the 'plot thickens'.
Turning Point - The event which makes what follows inevitable.
Climax - The point of highest emotional tension. This is where the audience should laugh, cry or vex the most.
Falling Action - The tying up of lose ends in the action of your story.
Resolution - The event that ends the story and cues applause.
Cliffhang - You could even throw in a cliffhanger linked to your next arc.
Original Source
This is very interesting - but for someone toying with the idea of role play, would i be right to assume it would be better to join someone elses plot than making your own? Also, if you are not in a RP SG at the moment, is it not a bit rude to 'butt in' in PD and try and get in on the plot (sorry if i sound dumb, im kinda interested to try this kinda thing out but I am a coward and a bit scared of being rubbish at it
Most likely seen playing Abigail in Black or Abigail in White
Well...
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would i be right to assume it would be better to join someone elses plot than making your own?
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Probably. Learn by observation before trying to run something yourself.
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is it not a bit rude to 'butt in' in PD
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I'm not sure about PD, because I can't stand the place for longer than 20 seconds, but at GG, if the plot's happening out there in public, then it's theoretically open to all who think they can do something.
Disclaimer: The above may be humerous, or at least may be an attempt at humour. Try reading it that way.
Posts are OOC unless noted to be IC, or in an IC thread.
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Well...
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would i be right to assume it would be better to join someone elses plot than making your own?
[/ QUOTE ]
Probably. Learn by observation before trying to run something yourself.
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is it not a bit rude to 'butt in' in PD
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I'm not sure about PD, because I can't stand the place for longer than 20 seconds, but at GG, if the plot's happening out there in public, then it's theoretically open to all who think they can do something.
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Ohh...i see. Ive not really been to GG, only PD and it all seems a bit 'insular' there. I ay pop along one evening this week to take a look
Thanks Ravenswing
Most likely seen playing Abigail in Black or Abigail in White
It's worth a look. It's not for everyone.
And on any given night it can be plot heavy, or just people chatting IC.
Disclaimer: The above may be humerous, or at least may be an attempt at humour. Try reading it that way.
Posts are OOC unless noted to be IC, or in an IC thread.
Unless RPing with SG and friends in PD, I find now that GG > PD. The quality and helpfullness is that much higher. Also, im finally getting more RP on my much maligned Heroes.
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Originally Posted by Zwillinger
GG, I would tell you that "I am killing you with my mind", but I couldn't find an emoticon to properly express my sentiment.
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Originally Posted by Captain_Photon
NOTE: The Incarnate System is basically farming for IOs on a larger scale, and with more obtrusive lore.
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RPing with friend, where ever it happens, is better than GG or PD.
Disclaimer: The above may be humerous, or at least may be an attempt at humour. Try reading it that way.
Posts are OOC unless noted to be IC, or in an IC thread.
Heya ...talking of I14, i wonder how many will try to change the course of events of the past like mending situations *cough* lawsuits *cough* and how you all think it will work from forums to ingame plots?!?
Just being curious also on how many of you playing on the red side are willing to plot forward even with small Sg's like medusa *smiles*. Thank you for reading this!
Edit : My thinking is the following, mind you i am rather new to CoH/CoV, but if I14 is as i think it is wouldn't be great to revive and like really play out the plots that are on the forums and new ones as well? That reminds me, has there ever been an OOC talk about a generalized RP direction in this game? like SG's with GM's or SG's alone on I14 and plotlines? ... Just random questions i suppose at this time! cheers for reading some complete OOC randomness
Mission 1: Initial Incident & Rising Action - A sequence of events in which your characters are developed.
Mission 2: Turning Point - The event which makes what follows, the climax, inevitable.
Mission 3: Climax - The point of highest emotional tension, where the audience should laugh or vex the most.
Mission 4: Falling Action - The tying up of lose ends in the action of your story.
Mission 5: Resolution & Cliffhanger - You could even throw in a cliffhanger linked to your next arc.
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No idea what you're talking about. Can anyone clarify this? :S
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Originally Posted by Chemical_Clone
Heya ...talking of I14, i wonder how many will try to change the course of events of the past like mending situations *cough* lawsuits *cough* and how you all think it will work from forums to ingame plots?!?
Just being curious also on how many of you playing on the red side are willing to plot forward even with small Sg's like medusa *smiles*. Thank you for reading this! Edit : My thinking is the following, mind you i am rather new to CoH/CoV, but if I14 is as i think it is wouldn't be great to revive and like really play out the plots that are on the forums and new ones as well? That reminds me, has there ever been an OOC talk about a generalized RP direction in this game? like SG's with GM's or SG's alone on I14 and plotlines? ... Just random questions i suppose at this time! cheers for reading some complete OOC randomness |
[u]A simple guide to plotting your very own story arc[u]
As roleplayers, we get to write and enjoy our own story arcs. But not many people do this, probably because theyre unsure how to start. So here is my attempt to help, a very brief template guide to plotting a story arc.
Beforehand: Participants
Once you have an idea for a plot, character-orientated, supergroup-orientated or community-orientated, tell people about it (via forums, handbook or global chat) and invite anyone who shows interest to play a part.
Step One: Catalyst
Try to be creative with your story from the very beginning. How does it all start, think about what causes the need for the heroes to respond. Rather like logging into the game to find your contact telling you the Circle of Thorns have kidnapped police officers again. You then take to the skies to rescue them. Likewise, you can initiate your own story arc with a note from your supergroup contact or a city newspaper article publishing a villains recent atrocities.
Step Two: Investigation
This part can be played out on a forum or other text-based systems, but in-game missioning or stand-around role-play is also good. Your heroes search the crime scene, police databases, etc. for useful information that might help them find and defeat the villain. They would probably meet up to gather collected information and plan their response.
Step Three: Response
Set up one or two appropriate in-game missions or Task Force to represent your response attacks. Its good to engage in visually exciting, thrilling in-game action, but text-based or forum role-play is also good, especially to exaggerate your characters actions beyond what the game engines can.
Step Four: Resolve
Typically, the next step is when your heroes find and defeat the villain. It is not good to over-stretch the story, keep it short and spicy. However, if youre really clever, you can throw in a twist or two to entertain your plot participants. Afterwards, post a plot recap or publish a newspaper article applauding the heroics of your characters.
Step Five: Cliff-hanger
Right at the end of your story, you can actually link it with any other plot ideas you have lined up next. An ending scene with references to your next story will keep people intrigued.
[u]Sample Plot: This is a Template[u]
Meeting of the Lords
A group of political masterminds sit at a table, plotting the destruction of Paragon City. One of them proposes an ingenuous plan to tactically place high-powered explosives in the sewer networks. They send men disguised as sewer maintenance to position and install the explosives. However an honest maintenance crew witnesses the suspicious movements and informs their superiors. Word travels fast.
Militia Investigates
Word reaches two members of the Militia supergroup and they decide to look into it. Upon arriving in the sewer networks they find a number of high-explosives and immediately types in a report to the Militia leaders.
Containing the Blasts
A team of Militia heroes arrive at the sewers only to be attacked by the hostile creatures within. The false maintenance men finalise their installation and make a break for it. One of them is captured by the Militia but refuses to shutdown the explosives. Seconds away from nuclear disaster, the Militia must seek alternative methods to save the city. By superhuman ability, the team manages to gather all bombs in one area and shield the blast in a massive containment effort. The sole prisoner is telepathically invaded and links are made to a suspicious group of powerful influencers known as the Lords.
Night at Pocket D
The heroes retreat to the dimensional nightclub where they reflect on the days close-call. Incidentally, a known affiliate of the Lords gets compromised by the Militia telepath and is tricked into revealing vital information on the whereabouts of one of the Lords.
The Rogues Isles
The following day, the Militia calls a group meeting and the plans to infiltrate a vampire haven in the Rogue Isles are discussed. Within hours, the team stood unyielding, in the shadows of the Castle Bathory.
[Edit by GR: Thread title changed at Pious' request]