City of the Chosen: Discussion

[Raelifin]

OKAY! After much twiddling and tinkering, I think I have a working version of the rules up here: http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209841.msg221922.html

I'll make the character creation thread in just a minute, and I'll probably get around to writing the example of play in the next day or two.
I also know that a lot of things will depend on what events are like. I plan on specifying the events of the first turn pretty soon so that people can get a taste.

Any thoughts on what I have so far? Any requests for items, powers, or mundane traits? Any questions?

Edit: Character creation thread: http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209844.msg222038.html

[Steerpike]

This is truly fascinating - all the more so because it's so incredibly different from anything I would (or could) ever create.

Did I miss any soundtracks anywhere?  Suggestions: Track 1, Track 2, Track 3.

No idea if any of those even remotely fit.

The "events" structure is fascinating.  Have you by any chance played Agricola?  The "assign characters to events" mechanic reminds me of that game.

This is really very cool.  How much time do you figure a given turn will take on the part of players?  Comparable to Underdeep or less intensive?  If it's substantially less I might consider joining.

[Raelifin]

Thanks! Be assured that at least as far as setting, story, and choices go, there's more strangeness in store. Part of running a good mystery game, in my opinion, is being different enough so as to be unpredictable but consistent enough that it builds upon itself and leaves a honeycomb of possibilities. Like, it's not just enough to have a whodunnit, you have to have a mass of clues, and then have the clues grow into a web of intrigue and deceit, and all the while be questioning whether the killer is right in front of you the whole time. Not sure if that makes sense. We'll see if I can pull it off. :D

I didn't post a soundtrack. The third track you posted, from Riven, matches the game the best, I think. Consider it an unofficial soundtrack. :)

EDIT: It and a few others have been added to the top post.

I have not played Agricola.

I expect the game to be logistically much simpler than underdeep. There aren't going to be much in the way of maps and resources, for example. Basically all a turn requires is saying, for each event, "What outcome do I want?" then "What characters contribute to that outcome?" and then assigning those characters. I don't know how much people want to roleplay with each other and whatnot, but my expectation is that the gameplay aspects will be much quicker than the fluff bits for most folks.
Don't forget that you can wait a month or so if you want to join after it's more clear how much work it is. (Not that I want you to join later; I'd love for you to join now!)

[Raelifin]

With the addition of a simple Example of Play I'm now done with the rules thread. If anything is confusing, please let me know (You're probably not the only one who doesn't get it). And as always, let me know if you want me to add traits or items or whatever.

[Steerpike]

I wouldn't say I don't get it; just that it's very unusual - and intriguing.  I'm sorely tempted to join.  When do you plan on starting the game?  How many starting players are you looking for, ideally?

[Raelifin]

I didn't mean to say that YOU don't get it. I was encouraging hypothetical lurkers to speak up. :)

I plan on starting the first week of April. The 2nd was my target for a bit, and is still my ideal, but I'm willing to push it back some if people need more time.

Ideally I'd like around 7 to start. I expect between 5 and 6. I don't think the number of players will make that big a difference, though.

[Raelifin]

Attention players: Please select (or request) your Superhuman Trait before April 1st. I'll be building NPCs during the first week of April, and I think it'll make things less interesting to have overlap in powers. I'll then probably start the first turn on either the 4th or the 5th.

[Raelifin]

Thanks for posting your character, HippopotamusDundee. I want to point out that revealing your prayer beads was optional, as they're a small item. It doesn't really matter for something so mundane, but everyone should keep in mind that small items are not automatically public knowledge. (There will be important artifacts of small size and thieving opportunities, so I want to make sure people know the rules ahead of time.)

As a related addition, I've decided that arrows come with a bow (quiver is considered part of an outfit) and can be recovered/repaired after combat (unlike bullets). This is part of a general offset to balance bows against guns, which are generally better.

[Xathan]

I am still interested in playing, and I'm going to try to figure out a character by the first. Just letting you know I'm still pondering.

If I'm right, Sunday will be very, very slow at work, due to Easter, which (if true) means I'll 100% be able to join. If not, would it still be possible to join after the first week? Should I at least pick a Superhuman power by the 1st so you know what I'd be doing? Anything else you need me to have by the 1st if I'm not going to have a ready-to-play character?

[Raelifin]

Great!

It will be possible to join later, but there'll be a buffer period for the firstcomers to get situated. I expect the next opportunity to be early May.

If you can't make a character by the 1st, that's okay. Picking a power by then will help me balance out the NPCs, but even if you don't get a character written until the weekend after this you can still play. :)

[HippopotamusDundee]

Thanks for posting your character, HippopotamusDundee. I want to point out that revealing your prayer beads was optional, as they're a small item.

I knew that, but I thought he'd end up wearing and using them openly enough that it wasn't worth concealing :P

[Raelifin]

Are there any limitations on the time the person can come from? I was thinking it'd be cool to have someone from the far future (from a point where humanity is a type II or even type III civilization).

I'm going to have to say that there is a soft limit at about 100 years from now. While I think it'd be interesting to have characters from the deep future, I am concerned about the logistics of such a large future history and the weirdness that might result from questions about transhumanism, etc. Sorry, Nomadic.

[Raelifin]

Also, let me say that I'm psyched at the number of last-minute applicants to the game! I hope this isn't some sort of April Fool's prank. ;)

[BasnetI]

Also, let me say that I'm psyched at the number of last-minute applicants to the game! I hope this isn't some sort of April Fool's prank. ;)

Not a chance it being an april fool's prank with a set up like this. :)
Rael, i sent you an PM to resolve a little character related questions.
Need to say i'm excited to get a taste of the strategy.

[BasnetI]

Hi guys, I want to introduce myself
My name is Sebastian and i'm from a Spanish-speaking country, so i apologize beforehand if at any moment my English becomes bothersome to you. Despite English not being my native tounge i will do my best to keep it pleasing to see.