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Entry tags:
STATE OF THE GAME: JUNE
State of the Game
APPLICATIONS
It's come the time where we, the mods, have to consider how we want to go forward with applications. As it stands, there are only 4 slots available for new characters, which would make for a fairly awkward application round. Based on general DWRP probability it's likely that will be 5 or 6 by the end of the month, but it would still be a fairly heated process, and so we are looking to you for opinions on how you'd like us to handle apps going forward.
Our main options would be to move into a rolling apps system with a wait list, or to just continue doing regular app rounds but putting less emphasis on advertising. Both options have the possibility of congestion (opening the rolling apps may have a lot of simultaneous applicants anyway) but it would allow for more flexibility as to when new characters are brought in. On a lore level, either option works, it's just that rolling apps would result in a less guided introduction to the game for new players, which presents its own challenges.
We'll be putting up a poll sometime soon to get your opinions on this, but in the meantime, if you have any tweaks or alternate ideas please let us know in the comments below!
Our main options would be to move into a rolling apps system with a wait list, or to just continue doing regular app rounds but putting less emphasis on advertising. Both options have the possibility of congestion (opening the rolling apps may have a lot of simultaneous applicants anyway) but it would allow for more flexibility as to when new characters are brought in. On a lore level, either option works, it's just that rolling apps would result in a less guided introduction to the game for new players, which presents its own challenges.
We'll be putting up a poll sometime soon to get your opinions on this, but in the meantime, if you have any tweaks or alternate ideas please let us know in the comments below!
EVENTS & NPCS
There will be an event this month, but we are intending for it to be a more lowkey, ambient effect on the setting rather than anything tightly plotted or location orientated. This will be both to provide some space for player plots and also to give the mod team some time to actually do the mod projects we were talking about in the last SOTG. After we've finished wrapping up things with our recent Regent log, we will be being a bit more cautious when it comes to taking on NPC threads this month. That said, we are definitely available for questions pertaining to play-run plots and setting interactions, we just can't guarantee any NPCing for them! If you have general questions to ask any NPCs we can default to summary exposition and go from there.
Plotting for this month's event will go up soon, but as it won't be set in any specific location, there won't be a mod written event log for it.
On a related note, we do want to mention that while monthly events will sometimes be focused on the relevant Legacy (and we'll generally try to give a shoutout to the Legacy of the month as a treat!) we won't be able to always make them a plot-heavy blow out like the Innocent's event was, for pacing reasons if nothing else. We also don't want to focus too hard on the monthly Legacy rotation to the point where it prevents us from seeding and following through with more general, meta plotlines. This is really just to say that the Innocence event was a perfect storm of the right month and the right metaplot hooks, and we don't want people to end up disappointed when future Legacy moon events aren't as intense.
Plotting for this month's event will go up soon, but as it won't be set in any specific location, there won't be a mod written event log for it.
On a related note, we do want to mention that while monthly events will sometimes be focused on the relevant Legacy (and we'll generally try to give a shoutout to the Legacy of the month as a treat!) we won't be able to always make them a plot-heavy blow out like the Innocent's event was, for pacing reasons if nothing else. We also don't want to focus too hard on the monthly Legacy rotation to the point where it prevents us from seeding and following through with more general, meta plotlines. This is really just to say that the Innocence event was a perfect storm of the right month and the right metaplot hooks, and we don't want people to end up disappointed when future Legacy moon events aren't as intense.
GAME UPDATES
Regrettably, our mod to-do list is close to the same as it was last SOTG. There has been progress made on the bestiary and some progress made on the extended city write ups (as per the recently released Godsblood entry), but not as much as we would have liked. As something that has come up a lot with regards to player plotting, we will be trying to get the Alchemy info released ASAP. For the reference of new players, our to-do list is below.
❖ CURRENT MOD PROJECTS
❖ CHANGE LOG
❖ CURRENT MOD PROJECTS
◆ EXTENDED SETTING PAGES: We'll be adapting the details presented in each location's intro logs (Achamoth and Greentruth, now) to create extended information pages for each settlement. Along with that, we will also be taking question asked on the FAQ and other places and consolidating that information onto the relevant info pages (IE. moving all the Shard questions to the Aion 101 page.)
◆ HOROSIAN BESTIARY: This will contain examples of notable/supernatural creatures by location, as well as rules for taming and/or partnering with them. There will be a difficulty system by which all creatures are categorized, indicating how plausible they are to be made into a personal ally. This process will involve providing activity proofs of your character working towards the goal of attaining the cooperation of a creature type.
◆ ALCHEMY RULES: This will provide guidelines towards IC potion making. All characters will have the capacity to learn basic potions, if they are inclined towards such tasks, but moderate and advance potion making will require buying a minor or major power respectively. As an ability primarily limited by ingredient scarcity, it will be our intent to give a process for obtaining particularly rare potion materials.
◆ HOROSIAN BESTIARY: This will contain examples of notable/supernatural creatures by location, as well as rules for taming and/or partnering with them. There will be a difficulty system by which all creatures are categorized, indicating how plausible they are to be made into a personal ally. This process will involve providing activity proofs of your character working towards the goal of attaining the cooperation of a creature type.
◆ ALCHEMY RULES: This will provide guidelines towards IC potion making. All characters will have the capacity to learn basic potions, if they are inclined towards such tasks, but moderate and advance potion making will require buying a minor or major power respectively. As an ability primarily limited by ingredient scarcity, it will be our intent to give a process for obtaining particularly rare potion materials.
❖ CHANGE LOG
◆ ATTUNEMENT TIERS: Characters from the first app round have now met the time requirement to apply for Tier 2 of their relevant sect. We thank you for your patience with us as we work out our process for judging these applications. The ones we've receive so far have been helpful in letting us know what we want to encourage in tier applications, so we apologize for any bumps in the road or inconsistencies that arise. We've talked at more length here about what we are looking for. One thing we can add from the submissions judged thus far is we do want to hear about your character's emotional state and their motives for the actions linked, and if we don't have a solid idea of where they are coming from, we may have to decline or ask for revisions.
FEEDBACK
Now that we've talked about what we're up to, we'd like to hear your thoughts! How have you enjoyed the recent events? Was there anything in particular you liked that you want more of? Was there anything that could be done better? Do you have any questions about the concepts listed above? Feel free to +1 other comments if you feel so inclined. Naturally, we'll weight ideas more heavily if there are multiple voices behind them.
One thing we'd also like to hear about is event wish lists. What sort of events are you hoping to see in the future of Aion Teleos? These don't have to be super specific, more just generally vibes and event types you're hoping to see. We have our own plans for things coming up, but it helps to know what the player base is hungry for, too. We can't guarantee we'll use these ideas, but they will provide us with inspiration at very least.
Thank you for playing, everyone!
One thing we'd also like to hear about is event wish lists. What sort of events are you hoping to see in the future of Aion Teleos? These don't have to be super specific, more just generally vibes and event types you're hoping to see. We have our own plans for things coming up, but it helps to know what the player base is hungry for, too. We can't guarantee we'll use these ideas, but they will provide us with inspiration at very least.
Thank you for playing, everyone!
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Speaking for myself, I wondered at first if it wouldn't be a good idea to keep app rounds but skip months where we don't have that many slots open. The primary reason for this coming to my mind first and foremost is that I really loved the last TDM and how it basically functioned as a game event. New Aions gives the two factions a reason to rush out in opposition to each other, even allowing for threads that don't involve new characters. I imagine that this context allows for a lot of really interesting ways for new characters to find themselves introduced to the setting and their future comrades and enemies alike.
Of course, it's possible to have similar event-like TDMs even with small app rounds, but I guess I like it when they feel like big events, if that makes sense.
I am probably in the minority on this though, from what people said in the Discord, because the logistics of applications and app rounds themselves might make this impossible. I'll let others chime in with their thoughts when it comes to that. It does seem like a waiting list is probably the best idea from a moderation & game health standpoint, but I wanted to say that I really hope we don't lose out on TDMs where current characters are rushing to "claim" more Aions for their side, because I super loved that last time and I want more of them!!
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OOCly, my thoughts were that rolling applications make things more chaotic from the perspective of prospective players (not knowing when slots will be open to app) as well as you guys as mods, as opposed to when you can just do all the modwork around apps and new characters in one swoop, even if it's a reduced round of entries. It also justifies having TDMs still where people can come and test different characters to see what does or doesn't work for them with the setting and unique game premise, which would avoid people apping characters, finding out they don't work, and dropping them later, when that slot could have been given to someone else. It also gives a space for existing players who might want to bring in a second to TDM characters they might be considering and seeing what works.
tl;dr I think smaller app rounds are still a good idea and work well as a format, but i'm ultimately in favour of whatever makes life easiest for you guys as mods.
In regards to event feedback, I still feel very new to the game and am feeling things out, but I wanted to thank you for all the hard work you've been putting in! The game has been a blast so far and it's so much fun to see so many players engaged and excited to plot and thread with one another. For more specific feedback, I enjoyed the unpredictability of the last event's outcome a lot and similar events that can throw a wrench into characters' plans in unexpected ways, while still being influenced by characters' IC decisionmaking, would be awesome to see more in future too.
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I'm just gonna drop my quick opinion on apps: I think if we can routinely expect only a small number of slots opening up rolling apps would be best. Mod choice reduces the issue of the initial hunger games rush but it does seem inherently discouraging for new players to still be having to fight fresh for a very limited slot count every few months in cases where they were only rejected for space.
From an OC standpoint I don't think the rush to claim aions is tenable with only a handful to fight over anyway, because that's going to require a lot more picking and choosing which tag-ins are canon, or just a lot more players sitting out the TDM event anyway because there isn't enough aions for everyone to be involved. I'm reluctant to anticipate existing players apping seconds as a way to fill out the character count each round since it's a lot more demanding to balance two in a plot-driven game.
I do think there should still be regularly refreshed TDMs for players to tag into so existing players can onboard them. And people could still individually plot out claim fights similar to the previous TDM where people could post their toplevel to request collection.
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HOWEVER, I'm not entirely sure if future TDMs can work quite the way the second one did. It was a lot of fun — but iirc, it was 30-something characters converging on 20-something new ones, which is a pretty good balance. If we end up with 40-something characters converging on 10 newbies I can see that potentially being overwhelming for both new and current players alike. I know there was some joking in the discord earlier about having just one free slot open, so it'd be 49 players all converging on one (who would be Lady Dimitrescu, of course), and while that's fun to joke about, the closer we get to seeing that actually happen in practice... it's a little unhinged. Furthermore, the second TDM essentially being a game-wide event was awesome, I loved everything about it, and the mechanic it created to get people to tag out enthusiastically was probably the best I've seen, but as we get deeper into the game I am a little worried about new TDMs being new game-wide events on top of current ones, potentially for limited IC payoff due to the nature of a TDM, creating burnout. I'm sure that can be nullified by the timing of other events, but I do think it's something to consider.
tl;dr on apps and TDMs, I think sticking to a regular schedule would be for the best, BUT I also think the TDMs themselves are going to have to be scaled down ICly, both to compensate for the limited number of newbies the game will likely have room for, and for the sake of the current player base. (If we end up with like, a 35 current player/15 open slots divide then I think things would be all good to go with the style of the second TDM again, but fewer slots than that and we start to get into dicier territory, imo.)
Re: settings, extended info, etc — it should be linked on the main pages, I think! Like if I go to the settings page and want to read more about Godsblood, the extended info page should be linked under the main Godsblood blurb with a "read more" or something. I've already instinctually tried to find the info multiple times by doing just that, so that'd be helpful in keeping things organized, I think. (Disregard if you were already planning on doing this and just haven't gotten around to it yet!! I just wanted to bring it up in case it actually did slip anyone's mind, but there's certainly no rush.)
And man... I got nothing to add re: event wish lists, but more of a general comment here, in that with the number of player plots I see brewing I think you guys have done an outstanding job with regards to the game's worldbuilding that people are able to start creating the things they want to see on their own, and that's definitely a very strong feature here, so I just want to thank you for that.
That said! I have noticed that the heavier events (1 and 3) have involved characters of both sects converging in one setting together, and I do think it'd be interesting if a heavier event was a bit more spread out over the continent — not necessarily having people divided by their sects (although maybe that too!) but just something where it isn't all concentrated in one area. I understand the logistics for that might be a bit time intensive so this is just a very wishy-washy easy-to-ignore suggestion I'm not married to, but seeing the structure shaken up a bit for a heavier event in the future is definitely something that'd appeal to me.
... I'm sorry this ended up so long, squeezes my eyes shut and hits post anyway
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Alternatively, instead of maintaining a traditional waiting list, everyone rejected due to space could maybe get a number that says they're guaranteed a spot if they resubmit their app next app round or something assuming there is enough room for them to get in at that time. It would save the mods a little effort by axing them needing to track people down and "wait on them" to reply to see if they are interested after x-months on the waiting list. If they don't put in the app during the next round that there are openings then they lose their spot. While the new app round is open you guys can still accept more apps for the waiting list, but you won't have to be watching out for apps and review them constantly, and you can compare them for best fit.
I also think doing it this way could allow the mods to keep their desire to judge the best qualified characters/apps and let those in rather than default to first come first serve (mod top choice for acceptance would get a number 1, second 2, etc.) It'll also help minimize the waiting list from looking absolutely daunting and still encourage new perspective players I think.
I hope I made sense. :( Regardless of what the mods choose, I will wholeheartedly support it!
Lastly, and most importantly: I just want to say, especially since I didn't get around to commenting last round that you guys are amazing and thank you so much for all your hard work on this game and taking care of us. You've helped me, at the very least, really enjoy RP as a daily hobby again.
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ADDITIONALLY, I would like to suggest maybe consider placing priority on apps with Legacies that we need to fill.
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I really want to thank you guys for all of your hard work though during the event. I am sure that it was exhausting, and whether or not you guys also play in the game, taking this much on was a ton, you guys really knocked it out of the park, so you all definitely deserve the break! Especially since you've been working hard behind the scenes to fill in a lot of the info pages, which look awesome. I'm really excited to see more of those over time, but I can tell y'all are swamped!!
I think as far as events go, I definitely don't think it's a bad idea if some of the player plots have room to grow a little bit -- but as far as event wishlists go... I'm always a fan of events that either force characters out of their comfort zones -- either by making them lose control over certain aspects (mind, powers, bodies, etc.) or by forcing characters to collaboratively work together (or in this case, one faction or the other) toward a major attack, fort, whatever the case may be. (This is definitely more like herding cats, and probably better for player plots, though!)
Thank you all for your incredible work so far! I am totally on board with whatever you guys end up doing, playing in game has really been stellar so far!
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getting people from shrines is necessary and offers a lot of compelling opportunities to build cross-faction CR/organically decide which sect a newbie will go with, but “intro events” is the number one thing keeping me from voting in favor of having app rounds. i worry after a few rounds, the introductory period might be a little bit difficult to keep interesting for existing players, and/or there may lead to some IC ennui about the arrival of aions if it feels too regular. i also just personally find it kind of difficult to get involved in detail when characters have to run around to too many locations—some limitations are really helpful, but since i want to maximize the spread of things i can do especially with new players, making decisions about where my character can feasibly be IC feels occasionally stifling.
ALL THAT SAID, if there’s some kind of unique hook to TDM/arrival/shrine-based events that take advantage of the actual physical locations to give a little more spice and make it OOCly easier to choose where a character would go as opposed to “there are characters here, here, and here,” i am all in favor!!! some interesting features of each shrine have already been introduced, and i think something as simple and natural as “there’s some weird weather happening at this shrine” or “some dinos from the forest have come to sniff out this shrine” gives some OOMPH.
overall, i am really loving this game and the detail put into the aspects of it, and i think the fact that everyone has given such long thoughtful answers means that y’all mods have done a really great job at cultivating an atmosphere that makes everyone want to be engaged both IC and OOC as much as possible. i love u aion teleos
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APPLICATIONS
◆ Rolling apps with a waitlist system sounds like the best way to address the small number of slots. I think you can still keep the acceptance criteria as mod choice, judging apps based on character suitability, etc., but with this system in place, perhaps it won't be as stressful for both mod team and new applicants alike.
◆ Maybe there should still be a regular acceptance schedule, if that makes sense. Like you'll only accept apps at the end of every app month and so on. That way, there could be a mini-intro available for any newcomers?
◆ Regarding TDMs. While the TDM from April was an amazing way to get any newbies integrated, along with giving the old guard IC reasons to show support for their cause, repeating this event might eventually become harder to keep engaging, like Mary said. I think Harry's suggestion of having a TDM that's meant to last for a longer period can be an interesting way to showcase what the game has to offer but not necessarily make it a big game event (even though I understand canon TDMs are part of the appeal).
EVENTS & NPCs
◆ The Innocence event was an amazing way to quickly get integrated into the story. There were plenty of hooks that made it easy to jumpstart CR with characters from the opposing sects, and you can't go wrong with a good ol' memshare event tbh. Plus, the NPC threads you guys did throughout that event... I can only imagine the effort that took, but it was amazing to watch everyone literally at the edge of their seats, waiting for what was going to happen next. I haven't felt that spark of excitement over spontaneous RP in so long too. This event is gonna stick with me for a while, haha.
◆ As someone fairly new to the game, I just. Can't get over how expansive and imaginative the world you've crafted is? The worldbuilding that went into this game is so amazing and inspiring, to the point where it's easy for players to come up with their own plot without much handholding for you guys. I think that's an incredible accomplishment, so major kudos!!
WISHLISTS
◆ Can the Kenomies be ordered to destroy a city... Or just ordered to do something really awful in general? It'll be another PVP event but at least there can be rescue efforts, maybe early reconnaisance work. There could be room for a smaller group to do a special ops mission for something — idk like kill an important NPC before destroying the city, and the opposing sect can plan to stop that.
◆ Gonna +1 the suggestion to have events happening at two separate places, maybe for a part one of the event. Then the two sides can converge again for part two at a later date. It could be two separate missions that both sides need to do (maybe the Kenomies have to infiltrate one city by pretending to not be what they are while the Pleromies gotta figure out what's going on at a separate city because the first city was doing Something) in order to achieve one goal. I just thought of this on the fly so it's not the best example...
◆ Subterfuge missions in general, even if it has to be on a smaller scale, like a sub-plot that players can stumble upon while investigating and such.
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so about that beach episodei think i mostly went over what others have already said, but once again, thank you SO much for an amazing experience thus far. here's to many more awesome months & pls enjoy your break this june!! you guys def. deserve it. 💜