AMIA ARCHIVE • View topic

Talk is cheap, or so I like to think when I read countless threads of "why evil failed". I see numerous suggestions of how to fix it, and just like the dozen threads that precede each iteration it crumbles without follow through, having done little more than be a soapbox for the concerns of the players who cared enough to bring it up again.

I want to break that, it's part of my personality to be antsy for action, I firmly believe you can talk and talk, but ultimately action matters, and here's how I want to tackle the issue.

First of all I'll preface with some gems of the most recent evil thread: The server is a fertile ground currently for something to really make waves on otherwise calm waters.

Now this might frighten some, because they recognize how quickly it is to become reviled and "outcast" by the largely "good/good-neutral" population. To that I say who needs to be liked ICly? Infamy is beautiful, and there's a stark difference between being liked ICly and being liked OOCly.

I digress, and return to the point: I want, no I need to make this faction on Amia, it's why I'm here, more or less and above that? Conflict is key to all stories, and no matter how it unfolds it always generates more roleplay outside of itself in a spiraling inferno, it's why we see groups of 30 pillaging shortly after a banditry act.

My personal thoughts have always been that faction-oriented DMing was the direction Amia would be most suited to facilitate the players and enrich the environment.

I left the bones rather meatless intentionally, so that the interested could come to a consensus on how they want their faction to operate, I have plenty of ideas but ultimately I want the group we play with to be kosher with the details.

So... who is interested?

The Idea

An evil faction with a functional and accountable support system to ensure it does not stagnant under inactivity outside of itself.

The Framework

1 dedicated DM
1 dedicated builder
3-6 core members

Week 1:
Gather group:
Now for the core I believe the key aspect of having a strong core is having strong characters, and respectable personalities behind them. For this I aim to have the group get together for OOC discussions so that they can learn about one another, and help design their characters in a way that gives all involved a reliable wall to sound off of.

This is the hardest step because of the requirements of the players to be able to work together and to have complimentary OOC attitudes, as well as a program to relay the conversations and spitball the future of this faction. I don't aim to sound elitist, this isn't the case. It's exclusively for the integrity of the core, so that the apple isn't rotted from within, as it were. Much meat will be gained ICly as traction continues, and if it's the groups nature? The faction might grow and a new core would begin to form and insulate the forming faction.

This is only applicable for the core members, the DM and the builder merely have to have a desire / intention to work with the group to facilitate them.

Week 2:
Finalization of week 1, or continuation if a group identity cannot yet be hashed out.

Week 3:
IG implementation, staging and expansion beyond the core members through the natural interactions both alliance and rivalry that are destined to follow this group's come-uppance.

Week 4 and on?:

The same thing we try to do every night Pinky, try to take over the world.

The Goal

To create roleplay through gritty interactions and to reshape the IG world as the group advances on their dominating ambitions. This includes conquests of land, gold, and bodies, but ultimately.. Our goal is to start a fire in your heart.

OpenTheRift wrote:

1 dedicated builder

I'll be watching you guys as best I can, I'll volunteer to help, should things take off. All for development.

If you need a DM to facilitate evil things, I'm all yours. :mrgreen:

Core member 1

Given the level of OOC communication and careful crafting I intend for this I should clarify that this is more to see who is interested, not who is definitely going to play the roles. Wanna hash it out on skype? PM me your deets.

I know that may come off as elitist but in reality it's a precaution requisite of a well-oiled and functioning evil faction as I've come to be made aware of over time.

Why make an Evil alone toon, when I can make an Evil toon with more Evil people!

Skype - lilmarcat

As someone with a fledgling evil PC at the moment, who has a rather ambitious long-term goal I'd be interested what way you're going with this.

Skype - Strom

(If more than one, situated: Uk, Wales, Pembrokeshire)

From someone who plays primarily good aligned characters, (or good perceived characters

)I just wanted to voice my support for this endeavor! I'm rooting for you guys to make a really awesome evil faction with good OOC communication between all players, and tons of IC fun for all. Good luck!

this is by no means a promise, but I have been considering going back to Amia. My play time is limited, at best, but I have a level 10 surfacer drow necromancer (and former member of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse) who I might be willing to drag out of retirement for the right group.

If play times work out I think this could be a good match. That being said, its been like 2 years since I played, and far long than that since I played on the surface.

And i'm going to be honest here, I don't think I have the time availability to be a core member. I am taking a couple graduate classes and I am looking for a full time job while working a part time and doing an internship. But I would be willing to be an associate

Skype - Maverick00053@hotmail.com

I have two-three individuals I could add to the core group -if- everything works out. Send me a message so we can talk.

I've recently returned after a few years away, and would love a core evil group to play with! I'm in the Aussie time zone, though so not sure if that would add up right, but anyway. Skype, nicinator.92

I'd love to see one of my characters in a group, spreading evil. sad thing is, due to school and other OOC stuff, I am extremely limited to almost exclusively play in the central european afternoons... often a bit later or earlier on firday and saturday... If this works out anyways, I'd be happy to join. So in case this os fine, my skype: Robbi3201 - just maybe PM me your skype names on the forums in case you want me to accept any friend requests xD (or whatever they are called on skype)

Oh oops, forgot to add my Skype name. SamLuvsYou12

Good luck.

inb4shifterseverywhere

Let's keep this civil folks, please. Thank you.

I like the idea. PM me details, will you?

Skype is not an option for me.

We're using the group Texting function of skype to communicate really. So you don't need a mic to join us on it. Unless of course you don't want to join for my private/personal reasons.

Good luck with this, I just hope it doesn't devolve (as such things tend to do here) into powerbuild powering power trips and god mode rp to provoke idiotic pvp with no real rp basis. From what I have witness and experienced directly this is a very real problem which often generates counter god mode rp...

SC

Strikeclone wrote:

Good luck with this, I just hope it doesn't devolve (as such things tend to do here) into powerbuild powering power trips and god mode rp to provoke idiotic pvp with no real rp basis. From what I have witness and experienced directly this is a very real problem which often generates counter god mode rp...

SC

due respect, but you know we're all thinking it. Also, i'm curious if those involved plan on getting their toons to max level as a priority before anything substantial comes of the RP. Don't take this the wrong way though. It's just another thought that I know we're all thinking.

no offense but if you aren't interested in playing in the faction, then you're not posting for the right reason. :lol:

That doesn't mean it won't affect me, or anyone else. They're fair concerns. That's all I'm saying.

this faction does aim to affect you, and everyone else with much needed conflict my dear. you needn't be concerned, only open minded.

Analog Kid wrote:

That doesn't mean it won't affect me, or anyone else. They're fair concerns. That's all I'm saying.

Seconded.

From my experience with many factions over the years, feedback and communication is absolutely important from both sides (this includes potentially negative feedback/concerns, like the above) if you want this faction to go anywhere at all. If you don't like your fellow players commenting in this thread with no intention of joining it, then I highly recommend making a separate thread for it.

Are you people really against someone's effort to make game more interesting even before he/she/they start it, just because you are too afraid of your past experiences? :roll:

Last edited by Guardian on Sun, Dec 06 2015, 13:29 PM, edited 1 time in total.

Well from my personal experience, anything that even "might" resolve into PvP or IC conflict is often frowned upon.

Sad, really, as the server is already in a phase where the most people are sitting on their arse all day doing nothing. Talking about weather, pets and hair style is NOT role-playing, it's teenage Facebook puking.

Go for it, OTR - server needs a spark of life. The best time I've had was always with an active evil faction - no matter if I was a part of the faction or in opposition. It gave the right inch, the right feeling of danger un-easiness (if that's even a word). Right now there is none, and the only conflict I've seen in ages was few days ago in Dale, and I can't tell you enough how rejuvenating it was. At least for me (kudos to Kenpachi_From_Zaraki for it).

Just make sure you are mentally ready for the crying that will eventually come. And it will come, because, as my beloved Miss Shirley Bassey sings, 'it's all just a little bit of history repeating'.

Guardian wrote:

Well from my personal experience, anything that even "might" resolve into PvP or IC conflict is often frowned upon.

Sad, really, as the server is already in a phase where the most people are sitting on their arse all day doing nothing. Talking about weather, pets and hair style is NOT role-playing, it's teenage Facebook puking.

Go for it, OTR - server needs a spark of life. The best times I've had was always with an active evil faction - no matter if I was a part of the faction or in opposition. It gave the right inch, the right feeling of danger un-easiness (if that's even a word). Right now there is none, and the only conflict I've seen in ages was few days ago in Dale, and I can't tell you enough how rejuvenating it was. At least for me (kudos to Kenpachi_From_Zaraki for it).

Just make sure you are mentally ready for the crying that will eventually come. And it will come, because, as my beloved Miss Shirley Bassey sings, 'it's all just a little bit of history repeating'.

+1

PvP is part of the game, you can always avoid it, if it's pointless. Almost every time, it's as easy as just turning your camera direction 180° and walking away.

But not all PvP is pointless, and sometimes people have reported that playing the mechanics of the game can be fun at times.

Yes, yes, you heard it. Underneath all that roleplay, you are still playing on top of a game.

@OP - gl!

I-... I'll join. W-w- where do I si- sign up?

I have been watching this thread with interest and if the time comes you ever need a warm (cold?) body IG do not hesitate to let me know. I've only been on Amia for a little more than a month and the lack of evil factions can be a bit boring if the majority is goody two shoes or neutral leaning on good at best.

I don't figure that I'm suited to participate as a core member, but I have an actually-neutral character that might be able to be recruited as a (I hesitate to use the term) lackey, if you're looking for that sort of thing.

I'm all in as a member.

I don't use Skype tho. It slows my computer down too much.

I'm keeping watch with interest. Consider me intrigued.

Every handshake should have a knife behind it, a smart knife.

As long as you keep things IC, the important stuff I mean. If there's a chance there's an argument, somewhere.

I always hear these horror stories, so manage it smart, yeah? Flesh it out in a web of IC.

Even in the core members, actually... especially the core members. Anything you share/envision in these initial steps should be IC knowledge between all the initial member characters.

Plans like "the leader is the only one who knows" can fall apart OOC during the IC transition. Especially when someone outside the group comes at you with something no one "should have known". Mistakes happen, and they ruin wonderful things, so don't let the chance happen. When something is on the line people can betray themselves.

Information Traceability.

Share meeting times, share the OOC things that make sense, you want to blow up... a rock on the coast, don't ask for opinions on skype, hold a meeting.

Sit down at the big evil table and have a proper evil meeting, then have the real meeting at a different evil table with those you trust cause they are actually the ones you are keeping tabs on.

Oh, and really, don't pm your plans cause you're excited... you have no idea who has what IC info, and sending an OOC message is dangerous for everybody.

A has full knowledge of your stuff, cause IC secrets.
B blurts to A in a fit of glee at the latest evil mustache and things OOC
A knew, but now can't use his IC knowledge while keeping his IC knowledge a secret.

Eh.. don't take this the wrong way, I'm just trying to help and see you all flourish!

I'm seriously in as a core member. What's the next step?

I don't know if its too late to join but but me and 2-3 friends would really like to "join an evil faction".
We made some "evil aligned" characters but (maybe because we are pretty new) we haven't had much contact with other characters with similar objectives!
If there's gonna be a meeting I would really participate! are you gonna hold this meetings via skype? If that's the case I would really like to participate!!

Post or pm your skype name to opentherift to get in on Skype

Galenson wrote:

I'm keeping watch with interest. Consider me intrigued.

Same here. Feel free to lay some evil intent on any of my pcs with no fear of any OOC stuff hitting the fan. Conflict is good. Make a plan and carry it out. Some of the most memorable moments I've had here were made by evil groups with a plan.

Nalkanar wrote:

Are you people really against someone's effort to make game more interesting even before he/she/they start it, just because you are too afraid of your past experiences? :roll:

George Santayana wrote:

those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it

No idea where you get the idea that anyone is against someones effort, quiet the contrary but periodically we see an initiative to "fix evil" or to create some predetermined faction and we often then see that it is still born or quickly fades to nothing, or worst it is hijacked and destroyed from within with or without malice by the so called munchkin player.

Expressing or raising a concern about the facts of life on this server from those with more experience of such matters is hardly being against any attempt to do better.

Please try to read and comprehend what is said rather than just blurting out your ignorance, I mean these words quite literally not as an insult.

SC

I love to facilitate me some evil, and the fact that people are already squirming amuses the crap out of me. I don't have the time or desire to make a new person, but let me know if you need any ancillary help.

lilmarcat wrote:

Post or pm your skype name to opentherift to get in on Skype

Pmed OTR and I'll put my skype name in here also: Yimmi.93

I'm "dar_cinyc". Not online very often, but I'll try.

Please post the time you will have the initial meeting stage so my character can attend in-game.

Last edited by Blue Moon on Fri, Oct 20 2017, 5:59 AM, edited 1 time in total.

I don't have the consistency to be a core member, but I love your idea and agree with you about conflict. I have a neutral PC you're more than welcome to attempt to pull to the dark side once you get this going. You also have my full cooperation as a participant on any of my characters- do you need a good PC to be your nemesis? Do you want to create an 'encounter' so that my PC can run and tell people how bad you are? I gotchu. Unless you're trying to permakill me, there's no possible way you could fuck me up in CvC that I would get angry over (I come from a server that makes Amia's PvP look like a vacation), because... I love attention. And I love conflict. And I am just way too mature and busy to complain to DMs about you.

I urge you to aspire to not rely too heavily on a DM or even all core members as this progresses. If you need all of these people in order to work, your fun will crumble once people flake. Be the rock yourself. Be so fucking funcreepyawesome on your own that EVERYONE wants to encounter you and your kind. If you can't impress people with just 1 or 2 members... it's nah.

any news about this

?

Were currently looking at having everyone meet up in game this weekend. Except maybe my char. as im waiting on a Dm request. If your not in the skype chat ill add you in 15 when i get home

We've gone rather dark of late, and that's been entirely due to the fact that our conversation and direction for the faction went to skype with the involved players.

We've ironed out the faction, and objectives/dogma/mission statement as well as a architecture. IG implementation is being slowly worked into the mix. I wanted to say we really appreciate all the encouragement and support the community has dished out.

You may consider my character as a potential contact for your dastardliness. She fits the bill, as dark/neutral. Maybe she can be convinced to help.

Well tell me if you still got a spot left! I really like this idea!

[Evil] faction ambitions.

Who is online