The great golden Horde

[Valier]

I came up with a new game and I was not sure where I should post this, so for now I will put it here. Ok the game is kinda like the mount zoom game just more serious. I will need help perhaps from Hookbill with the maps if he is willing...

There is a man who has found a Dragon hoard, the dragon is long gone, but the gold is still hidden. He sends out a summons for all able bodies who would like to participate. It is a foot race, from one side of M.E to the other, the first one to the Hoard wins all the gold. All players can choose who they would like to be and of what race. Then they start. I haven't worked out all the bugs yet, so I would love input on all this.

The game would go kinda like Werewolf, with days and nights. During the day, each player will choose to go either left, right or straight. There will be a description for each direction, each direction has it's pros and cons. Each choice they make will also be effected by what race they are and such. they will have the day to get through what they must, then everyone must camp for the evening. There will be choices as to where they will camp as well. This will be slightly RPGish, so posts about what is going on for each player is necessary. Things may also effect how fast each player moves, Ex: If you ate some mushrooms while you camped, you could be slightly sick the next day and therefore move more slowly, or if you found some edible plants, say, you could potentially go a bit faster with a full belly. (like I said, still in the works) This is sorta like a survival race.

Ex: Players three and four, lets say, have the choice of going left, through a green field, right towards a river or straight, into some woods. Depending on which way they go, I will setup a scene for each player.

Ok so I still have a lot of work to do still, but I definitely need some help. So if a couple of people would like to co-mod that would be great and Hookbill could you do maps for me? Also please let me know what you guys think about all this.

[Anguirel]

Valier, as a historian I have to make a pedantic point! Please forgive me...

But the Golden Horde means Batu Khan's Mongol invasion of Europe!

If you're talking about treasure you want golden hoard...

Um, anyway, apart from that, good idea Valier. Also a bit like my Survivor where there were tasks...I'm all for it...

[Valier]

I've edited....Thanks Ang!!

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Well, well.

It all sounds terribly interesting. Maps, yes I can do that if you wish. I'll make sure it's different from MZC. Although, I've had a few thoughts about it, mainly learning from where old Zoomy went a bit wrong...

- Make sure it's not going to go one forever! Work out how far you want people to go with each tern and then work out how long it will take for each 'challenge' or whatever, then work out how long the game is going to last. That way, more people will know if they can join in for the long term.

- Don't randomly change the length for each 'go' or 'turn' or whatever, like I did. It just gets all weird and annoying. So I found.

- Don't eat snow.

- Make sure you're a little stricter than I was on time limits and all that. Don't give too many extensions without a good reason.

So, all that in consideration... lets hop 2!

[Valier]

Thanks Hookbill!!! Ok so the race would start at the sea of Rhun and go to the Hills of Evendim. So about 16 days to complete..... more or less... depending on how long each day and night is (to be discussed more) I have a large map of M.E on my wall, so every day players will move an inch if they did good, half if they didn't. Also it is like WW days and nights. Each player MUST stop traveling at night and choose one of three given places to rest, so the time limit for each day and night will be the same throughout.

[The Saucepan Man]

Originally Posted by Valier

This will be slightly RPGish, so posts about what is going on for each player is necessary.

Please be sure not to use the term RPG when referring to Mirthful games like this, as it risks causing confusion with the much more structured gaming process that take place in the RPG forum. Games with a role-play element in the Mirth forum, such as that proposed here and the Mount Zoom Challenge are fine, but they are a far cry from proper Downs RPG'ing.

[Roa_Aoife]

So wait, what happens at night then? Are there evil forces? Do any orcs get to move at this time? Or is it just 24 hours of nothing?

[Valier]

Originally Posted by Roa

So wait, what happens at night then? Are there evil forces? Do any orcs get to move at this time? Or is it just 24 hours of nothing?

Ok so each night players will have three choices where they would like to camp, each with a different scenario, I am not sure if I will make them different depending on the race you choose or just keep them all the same. The players would then have all night to either get out of a mess (circumstantial) or explore their surroundings. In each direction I will lay out a description of where you are and what is around you. I may even let each player ask 3 questions about their surrounding, then they can do what they like, what they do will determine how they will do the following day or night. Does this make sense?

Originally Posted by SPM

Please be sure not to use the term RPG when referring to Mirthful games like this, as it risks causing confusion with the much more structured gaming process that take place in the RPG forum. Games with a role-play element in the Mirth forum, such as that proposed here and the Mount Zoom Challenge are fine, but they are a far cry from proper Downs RPG'ing.

Yes. Agreed, sorry bout that. I hope my description above makes it a bit more clear.

Just think.....It's all about the decisions you make, where you go, do, don't do, etc...

[Roa_Aoife]

Not to make things terribly complicated, but what sort of race/class diferences are we talking about? (*sigh* D&D is just so much fun...)

Like, if someone is an Orc, can they move through caves with greater ease, avoiding traps there? Do Elves have an easier time through forests? Are Hobbits penalized if they try to cross water? Do Ents pick up speed if they go South? Or are these things you want to avoid for the sake of simplicity?

[Valier]

Hmmmm I've thought about this a bit Roa...If we did allow this, the game could take longer....unless the maximum amount you could move in a Day would be 2 inches on my map, if you did poorly, less. But this could make the game a whole lot more complicated. Maybe we can use some things...Ex: I may put things in your scenario that are race ,tempting (in comes the role stuff) Like if you are a Hobbit...perhaps there will be some mushrooms....How could this work? I think only if we keep it limited...only use things that I tell you about, or things you have asked about in your 3 questions.

[JennyHallu]

Is there going to be some sort of preset logic, or actually dice-generated randomness in the results of players' actions? Or shall it largely be up to moderator's whim?

[Valier]

Originally Posted by Jenny

Is there going to be some sort of preset logic, or actually dice-generated randomness in the results of players' actions? Or shall it largely be up to moderator's whim?

The scenarios will be determined by myself and my co-mods. but I am unsure how to deal with the rest. I think things in the scenarios will be predetermined, like a stream being tainted or a large batch of berries being filling. stuff like that. then if you pick to interact with these predetermined things, consequences will be had I guess we could give the things ratings, like 1/2 inches per thing adding up to 2 inches. What do you think?

[Nogrod]

This sounds like those first word-based adventure games from the late 70's / early 80's! I remember the green letters on a small screen asking the player a question and giving some choices and as you picked one, the computer told you what happened and where you were...

Nostalgic!

But yes, this looks nice and interesting. But are you Valier quite conscious just to how much work you are committing yourself into?

I mean, if you will give the players a choice, you will have to have all those possibilities ready before the player chooses - otherwise it would result in the whims of the mod (as Jenny put it). And making all those ratings (race-relative)beforehand... That's a lot of work.

You get this thing going and you can count me in...

I'll be online quite erratically from tomorrow to August 4th, but will happily help if I can.

[Valier]

I would like to have most things worked out before hand, like a list of Scenario "things", most directions will follow the M.E map so if you are going through Mirkwood, you are faced with woody challenges, if you go around other things will happen. I know it may be alot of work, so I would love to have 2 co-mods, so if anyone wants the job.....

The actual game will not be too long, so the commitment from players won't be too much, the day/ night times can and will be discussed.

And Nogrod...Thanks!! The game is very similar, I took parts from many sources.

[Glirdan]

Well, this definetly seems interesting and I wouldn't mind being a part of it either.

If you can get this thing up on it's feet properly with all the kinks worked out, count me in.

As for input, all the questions that I have asked have already been asked and responded too.

Also, as Noggie said, this will require a lot of time commitment. Are you sure you're absolutely up to it?

Oh, if you would like my opinion on something, don't hesitate to ask.

Once again, great idea. Can't wait to see what you do with it!!

[Roa_Aoife]

Well, Valier, to make things easier, I would suggest dividing up the work. Like have someone come up with a list of scenarios to happen in Mirkwood, on the river, etc. The scenarios should have enough detail to to successfully answer the questions of the players. Then, when a player is in that area, dice rolls can decide which scenario they run into, and it will be up to the player to find a suitable solution. Now, who decides who does well and who doesn't? Do the mods vote, or do spectators and players vote?

I'd be happy to help out, if you'd like.

[Valier]

Roa I would love your help!! I don't know if letting outside votes count, I found in the Zoom challenge there were not many, but I think we could let the players vote if they like, if not myself and my co-mods can decide.

I still need co-mods though....Roa you want the job?

The game will only be no longer then 2 weeks, eight days at the least. I have worked out alot of the kinks now, I just need someone to go over them with me...hint, hint, co-mod....

[Roa_Aoife]

Sure, I'll co-mod. Just let me know what you need me to do.

[Nogrod]

I guess I already posted you my "off-line dates", but if not, then July 18th -22nd + July 28th- August 4th I will not be online. If this game goes on outside these dates, you can count on me giving you all back up as a co-mod (writing the scenarios etc.).

But if this starts after the August 4th, I might be interested to play it too...

[Valier]

The game will most likely start around the week of the 13th of August. Also if players want to sign up or ask more questions, feel free to do them here on this thread. I will be posting a new one for the game...(with the right spelling this time!! )

[Valier]

Some rules and guidelines

While this is not a regular RPG, it is not as farcical as the Mount Zoom Challenge. we ask that though play remain light and creative, it stick to the realm of Middle Earth. (That means no attack hamsters.)


All players must complete their scenarios within a 36 hour period, that includes picking your direction and moving in to it. Anyone not complete in this period will not move forward.

The Days will be 36, nights will be 12 hours.

You can be most Races (no bad races though! )

You must submit a character bio the first day of play, We will however need a quick one containing your name, race, age and such when you sign up

Players should be able to commit to about 2 weeks or perhaps a bit more.

we will need at least 10 players

[Roa_Aoife]

Order of Daily events

Point tallies, positions, and state of players posted
Given three directions and three questions, to be used via pm
Choose Direction
Given scenario and three questions, to be used via pm
Deal wih scenario

Order of Nightly events

Choose campground
Role play for the night
Players vote for best scenario (You cannot vote for yourself!)
Point tallies, positions, and state of players posted (start of next day)

The only thing that will take place in the public forum will be role playing and dealing with scenarios. If you and another player are in the same area at the same time, you may interact. You have the option of working with your fellows to solve the scenario (though you cannot post questions publically, you will be able to share the information gained from the questions.) You also have the option of working against your fellow players to move ahead of them.

[Roa_Aoife]

You cannot state what questions you are asking. However, if you so choose, you may share the information gained from the questions with other players that are in your area. You also have the option of misleading other players by giving them false information. (Note: No pming each other: this must be done in the RP only.)

You may not interact with players outside your location. (Obviously)

[Valier]

As soon as all our rules are concrete and revised, I will post them on the new game thread. Players are not to post on this thread until the game starts, but questions and such will be answered here.

[Glirdan]

Okay, quick question. You said something about a bio. Do you want it follow something like this (please note that I did get this from the Shire RPG Forum)

Character Description Form

NAME:

AGE:

RACE:

GENDER:

WEAPONS (No magical, super-hero, mithril weapons. Just good solid Middle-earth weapons and armor only that is appropriate to the race of the character and the time period.):

APPEARANCE:

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: (No half-Elven characters. No mixed-type characters. No super-heroes. No assassins. No one all powerful, martial arts proficient, or having any magical traits. Just regular characters with normal abilities for their races only):

HISTORY:

--------------------


FIRST POSTS ARE REQUIRED FOR THIS GAME BY THE PROPOSER

Also, you say we have to include our Username. Is it okay if we have our username as a first name and then a last name that's random??

[Valier]

Glirdan please have a look at the game thread as well.... Yes the bio will contain those things, just not like that. They are to be worked into your first post. Yes you can have your username IN your first name and a random last name, but you cannot just be say Glirdan the great, but you could be Gilifurd the great.

[Glirdan]

Okay. I have read the game rules and regulations. Thanks for clarifying.

[Valier]

No prob....happy to help! So your in then? The game will not start till at least the 4th of August.

[Glirdan]

Sure am!

[Valier]

Players:

Glirdan
Eomer

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

It sounds really special, and I'm interested; but I'm rather confused.

I'm not understanding how a player wins the game. It seems that the mods decide if the player has made the right decisions in the lands of Middle-earth to move across the map; and there are also points awarded for imaginative writing? What do these points contribute?

I'd like to play, providing I understand the rules aright beforehand.

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

I don't know if you have seen it but Valier has put up the final rules in another thread.

The mods don't decide wether the players get to move or not. Everybody will move 1 location each day, but if you win the vote for best scenario; you get to move two. I guess the votes was the points you were refering to and as I said they help you get faster to your goal.

(I hope this is right, otherwise it will be most embaracing as I am supposed to be a mod)

[Valier]

The first player to the Hoard wins. And Rune is right, all the scenarios are preset, there will be some that move you farther than the other players and some that make you go back or stay where you are. Also the daily winner will get to move two. I hope this helps you Eomer...

[Roa_Aoife]

Just to add to my fellow mods, if someone challenges the believability of your attempt at the scenario (such as pulling a magic cheese wheel out of your pocket to distract a troll) the mods will review the post and decide if the challenge is valid. You also would get an attempt to explain how it is believable (like... well, I don't know how you would make that believable). If we buy it, you can move on. If not, you don't move on. We encourage creative thinking, just keep it real. Your challenge is to come up with a creative solution while convincing everyone that it's plausible.

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

Oh, absolutely. I'm not interested in anything silly like that. Proper Middle-earth storytelling shall be done!

Count me in.

[Valier]

Great Eomer! Nice to have you aboard!! I have added you to the list above.

[Nogrod]

Valier: As we discussed earlier, count me in! This is looking like a lots of fun...

[Valier]

Players

Glirdan
Eomer
Nogrod


I guess it is up to you players if you would like to post your "new" names and where you are from here on this thread or you can all choose to keep it secret until your first game post. I will you players decide this.

[Valesse]

I'll sign up also, this sounds like it could get rather silly.

[Nogrod]

How about the duration of the Day/Night -cycle? 36 hours seems good enough for all the players to react and PM to & fro with the mods during the Day-phase, but how about the Night-phase? If we really wish people interacting with each other (that would enhance the RPG-element here), then 12-hours is a very short time which someone might just about sleep through...

So how about 36-hour Days and 24-hour Nights?