[discussion] Idea for a new story

[Kuno]

Ok folks, as I mentioned in the Tavern I once had in mind an idea for our next stroy (of course we first have to finish the old one!!!)
The only reason why I post it already before the old one is finished is the following: As some of you might already know I have to fullfill my military service as a citizen of Switzerland in less than 3 weeks and won’t be able anymore to come online through the week (only on weekend when I’m at home) And the week before military I'm in holidays.
So I took some time today and tried to expand the idea to make it presentable before I leave:

It starts with gererating the political situation, we could invent our own land and kingdoms or we take something from the KoH-map (which I wold prefere)
What seems to be quite ideal here are the British Islands because they are seperated from the rest of the map by the sea but still have a number of kingdoms on them. (as well the map can be expanded easily to the Normandie or Norway if more space is needed) Depending of the number of bards we have to decide which period we choose as the number of kingdoms from one period to the next differs quite a lot.
But the idea would work with any other part of the map…

To give an example I took the high medieval map of the British Islans:

http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/5481/mapah1.png

Depending on the number of interested bards we decide how many kingdoms we „open“ for our story. (Bards who join later can then pick up the free kingdoms) Afterwards we set the kings (how can be discussed later). The remaining bards then take up the positions they would like to have These can be those from the game (marshall, spy,…) but as well other professions who fit in (bards, „doctors“, heretics,…).
When these settings are made we start our story…

I didn’t find a solution yet how to deal with wars between the kingdoms, how do we decide who wins? I’m quite sure that there won’t always be a bard who takes up the position of the looser out of free will. So if you have ideas here, feel free to suggest them.

Now I would like to hear what’s your opinion about this. Do you think it could be a good idea or do you think it’s stupid and isn’t worth trying?
What would you like to change?
What are your own ideas?

[Xuca]

Well, while Britain would be a good place for the new story, I think we should choose a different location, because first story already happened there. We also did Balkans, so I'd suggest some other region, for example Holy land with crusader and muslim states warring, or Iberian penninsula with similar theme.

For the rest, I think certain rules should be placed, for example not being able to control what others do or anything else someone can come up with to keep it realistic. Also, I think the loser/winner can be spontanious and maybe the one who's able to write better can make it so that his opponent just can't get out of the situation victorious. I don't know how much sence I'm making because I was very distracted while writing this. :rolleyes: :)

[NikeBG]

Perhaps it would be easier if it's like some form of a role-play, i.e. with a "dungeon" master, who would act as a "judge", general "story-teller", "fate/god" etc. However, that would require a good organization of both the master and the "bards" and I think at least many of the old ones are a bit tired after our current huge story. At least I am a bit (and also quite busy at work with not enough time to think about writing stories).
Another solution for the battles could be a KoH multiplayer game, although that would require organization as well! ;)
As for the story's location - the British islands sound nice indeed. The current story did start in Mercia, but that part of the episode was rather short, so I think it wouldn't be a problem. And if the period is the early one, there could also be Viking/Norman influences etc. Of course, Germany (or best would be if HRE could be made), the Russian principalities, the Near East (Palestine, Egypt), Iberia might work nice as well...

[Navatar]

I fully support a new story! I'm boiling over with creativity :D

So far there's has been many good ideas. That you can choose your place will bring more freedom and depth to the story and I also fully support that :go:

The thing that seems most complicated in my eyes about this setup is the "I steal your crown and kill your family. Your turn"-scenario. If it was a individual story then this wouldn't be any problem but now that we (might) have many different bards, this will surely ensue into quite the racket.

That "the one who writes the best, survives" (in a duel for example) is not a very valid point either. Reason is quite clear.

Then how should we "fix" this future problem? Make up some rules (rules of engagement if you will) on how these situations will be handled? Or will rules spoil the fun? Do we really need rules (we all know each other fairly well here and won't surely destroy each others story's..)?

[Xuca]

What Nike said, a "dungeon master", or in this case, the "story master" could be a solution. Rules should exist, of course, but only a few easy to follow and understand ones.

[Kuno]

I thought about some "story master" as well, but what happens if he doesn't have time?
But maybe if we give someone ot two or three people the authority to intervenate if someone is trying to exterminate the other bards this could already be enough. Maybe best was if we give these people as well a high position in the story (king, pope,...)

But overall I think we do not have to fear this as Navatar said, we know each other for quite a long time now and as well new bards should easily see that it doesn't work like this.

I didn't think about the fact that the beginning of the story was in England so maybe Iberian penninsula or Crusader states would be a good idea as well, I think. This would bring up some cultural differences between the states as well...

[Mephistopheles]

If two bards are struggling to come to an agreement the rest of the bards could democratically decide on how to solve the situation.
We won't be more than 10 story tellers any time, so a solution could be reached within a sensful amount of time. If there's a stalemate we'd just ask the other bards, give it 7 days time and then count the votes. Based on the result of the vote the situation can be solved (crushing victory, draw, barely won, etc.).
But the general rule of thumb should be that no bard should be forcefully removed from the story. If a player wishes to make a comeback of some sort he should always have the possibility to go somewhere to start over.

Oh, and post to the old story! Yes, you! Now! Go and write! :)

[Hawk Knight]

I will join the new story again :) If possible i would like to be a lord/king of teutonic order :cool:


And yes we will need some guidlines to have a straight story line and not going sideways. But i also like the idea of some people being more powerfull wo can interviene if something goes wrong.

[Dobber]

I think I will sit out this story! I will just quench the parched thirst of the bards!