Eventide is Stalled

[Nightbow]

As much as I hate to admit it, it can't be helped; Eventide is stalled. I still try to log in once a day to help, but my heart isn't in it. Your moderator is looking the other way, feigning blindness. But there is a reason for that.

This game started slow. It never flowed, and I'm sadly growing weary of trying to kick-start this game.
In the beginning we were two mods with a vision and a dream to re-awaken RPG sessions long lost, but never forgotten.
Quite a few people joined, one after another, but one by one they have slowly disappeared from the board, leaving me to run things on my own. I have merely been waiting for things to kick up phase, for people to start their first characters off. The first main plot event is waiting around the corner, but as it is, to my regret, I can't put it in motion.
Some pieces are still missing. Important roles, players that would be on board. And my characters feel locked, even if I'm filled with ideas for them.

I'm not blaming anyone.
I'm considering the possibility that I may not cut out to run a community. To roleplay. Heck, I'm not even sure I can write. I just know I enjoy making up stories, and believe me, a big portion of Eventide's story is already planned to provide you with tasks, challanges, and surprises - just the way I prefer roleplaying.
I'm not sure what the problem is, or what is causing people to turn their backs on the forum. Maybe it is ... too strict? Too many rules? Any input would be valuable to me. To Eventide.

The simple truth is, I can't go this alone.

So, um, where do we go from here?
Honestly, I don't have the slightest idea, hence the delay of posting this thread. I know I must man up and take charge, but it's truly hard. It's hard to watch player after player disappear. It's hard for me to face the fact that this thread is the first piece of official info I must provide all new members, who are hopefully eager to get started. I just can't tell if I'm still as eager.

It feels as if I'm waiting ... for Eventide to self-die. Which is a weird, unwanted feeling on my behalf. I need help.

All I can ask is this:

If you are a previous acquaintance to me, and you're reading this - would you please like to extend a hand in managing the boards alongside me?
I need someone to have an eye on the boards, but also to drive the plot along with me. So far Becka and I have been the only ones to discuss details of the plot, all in order to keep gameplay mysterious and fresh.

And to everyone else - please tell me what your hopes for the future are. What do you expect of Eventide? What are your drives and ideas?

[Person]

I really like Eventide and want it to flourish with players! All I really want of it is to have a fun time with an epic plotline that seems only a post away. At the moment, I'm attempting to rally some brony and pegasister troops to join in and give this place a boost. Just a thought; a serious and immediate conflict may spur on some worthwhile gameplay.

[Kiernan]

Allow me to share with you an anecdote:

Roughly a month ago, I was looking for blind bags near to my home, when I found a forum that pointed me in the right direction. Unfortunately, the only way to see the information was to join the forum. I figured, While I was there, I might as well invest myself. Unfortunately, they didn't like the idea of me writing an RP, so they sent me here. I've been here twice a day since, doing what I can to keep my character alive.

I'm well practiced at writing alone, else my character wouldn't be torturing himself by going home as I write this. Unfortunately, it's not nearly as much fun as writing with other people. Writing alone, you know all of what's going to happen when it's going to happen. When other people are involved, You can experience the order of your own realization, as well as the chaos the others bring. It keeps the writing from becoming boring.

That's why, after I joined, I asked three of my friends to join. Why only three? because I don't have many friends, one of them is incredibly incoherent, and we are left with the three that can tolerate Ponies. Of these three, only Luemas joined. I asked him (though I can't remember how at the time) if he had any friends who might want to join. I suppose that's where Eloc came in.

Now, I've been in an RP before. I even exploited an illness to try to keep it from dying. Lue should remember, he was there (his character was burned alive). It started, people got involved, the initiator left, and everyone just stopped posting. It was at this point that I used my illness to try to keep it alive, but to no avail. It died, with no one to mourn its passing.

I have since not been in an RP, because of the fate of the last one, but rather, writing fiction, which is basically the same thing, but lonelier, and much more boring. I've also been third-partying, that is, using my character to speak as I would, but that's nothing short of speaking to oneself through oneself, and people tend to think that I'm a bit crazy. But I'm so much more than crazy.

I was inspired by this being here, and more importantly, smoldering. I thought to myself, with any luck, I can kick this back to life, since it's not entirely dead,but I'm going to need help.

Recently, I've been debating on whether or not I should pull in a second character, and who it should be. I'm really in a jam, here, because I don't want this place to die. It's given me hope, that I may let my mind roam a larger area than it's normal bounds (not freely, because that would create a huge mess). I've seen RP's die in their youth, I don't want another one to die in my arms. At least, not until the story is done.

At this, I leave you to your will. I will continue to try to find people that would want to join, though I have but one idea left for who to ask. But moreso, at the end of this post, I will submit another character, one of the eight I have yet to show, and hopefully, I can drive some more life into the story.

Inveniatur pax et sapientia inveniet vos

[Nightbow]

Thank you, El. I kinda dreaded coming back here to read the responses to this post, but I'm glad did. Thanks for your input.

I didn't imagine that we would have to gather many more players in order to start this game, but with people dropping I've been thinking that it might be necessary. New players are of course welcome, but now I actually don't think the plot start has to be that far away.

To push it in the right direction, I need a bit of help. This could be fun.

This much I can reveal about the ongoing plot:
Rainbow Dash has been sent to the Everfree forest to check on Zecora. She's unharmed, but barricaded in her home surrounded by monsters tha have inexplicably started to roam the area. After rescuing the zebra, Dash is going to arrive at the Sun Celebration with the dazed Zebra.
When the sun becomes uncloaked Zecora, prone to spiritual influences, falls into a trance in front of a sea of eyes. She starts reciting the words of an ancient prophecy, spelling the impending doom of Equestria.

We did have a player who put a claim on Zecora, but it has timed out long ago. Anyone interested in taking on her role should definitely apply. But we can still do it by NPCing.

What I need is to work out the words of prophecy. Now that I don't have my fellow mod to bounce ideas with, I think it would be best if we did this together.
What I want included is the return of a queen (Eclipse), a vague reference to the Opaque, the blame put on the main six (wielders of elemental harmony) for opening the Rift, the continuum being messed up - and finally, that nifty line about building a new civilisation on the graves of the of thine friends.

I'm also contemplating to claim more characters for myself. I hate injustice and special rules for "higher-ups", but I think it would help at least in the beginning.
Many of my characters are more of NPCs in a sense, and take up valuable space.

[Nightbow]

Double posting since former post was so friggin' long. Forgive me.
Sorry Kiernan for not addressing your post - I spent so long typing my former response that you managed to slip in between, ha ha.

Thanks for sharing.

I think this is where I am flawed as a Game Master. I am supposed to push the story forward, but I keep telling myself that I can't, that I am not ready yet. And I think the reason is that I am uncertain about how much of the plot I want the other players to know in advance. I have been to afraid to spill the beans!
In order to inspire you, I must share some of the story. And I might have to be prepared for it to go in a direction that I cannot control, hence why we must discuss it and be in it together, so that it can be pushed from somewhat the same angle.

Now, about new characters ... don't be afraid to claim more characters!
I was initially afraid that we were going to have a bunch of "bad-guys" joining Eclipses ranks, and no common citizens of Whinnyapolis. Now it looks like we have it is the other way around.

This is what I'm thinking. There are going to be three factions of characters within the game, and they exist to create tension. Thus I believe we need to fill the groups that have so far been overlooked, or don't exist yet since the plot is at standstill. Ponies may, of course, change factions during the course of the game.
One doesn't even have to have a "fraction", or a fixed group. These are simply ideas and examples to build your character around.

Concerned Citizens;
These ponies are faced with an invasion of both monsters ans strange ponies. They will fight to restore their home, or flee.

Lost Children;
Ponies lost in the time-space continuum who seek comfort in Whinnyapolis. The only way to return home, if it is at all possible, must be to ally themselves with the princesses.

Darkness Embracing;
Rift ponies who believe the words of Eclipse, either counting on her to take them back home or thirsting for power in the coming new world.

Ponies from any fraction may or may not blame the main six for the ongoing events. They have "enemies" in all fractions.

[luemas]

I'm afraid I've been busy the past few days and only just recently saw this. Now I see what Eloc meant by Save Eventide.
I suppose I hadn't even really realized that Eventide was supposed to have a plot. I mean of course it did, but I guess I just got distracted. But I'll definitely claim another character to try and advance the story as well as I can.
But December is always a very busy month unfortunately.

[Kiernan]

Don't I know December is clustered. Not only for those monotheists that celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, and Kwanza, but then there's polytheists like me who have multiple holidays, as well as the obligatory "I recognize your religious beliefs, and am allowing you to act on them, so here is my contribution to your holiday."

We may wear thin, but expect a full return when this is over.

Also, if you're offering, I could contribute to Zecora's ancient prophecy. I am decently versed in the elder tongues, I speak a small amount of Latin, and I'm a religious nutcase. All I would need is someone to bounce ideas off of, or someone to bounce ideas off of me. Either way works for me.

[Nightbow]

I suppose I hadn't even really realized that Eventide was supposed to have a plot.

That's okay. I think it is very important that players get time to develop their characters and their own sub-plots.
Actually, with December being a busy month and all, I think now would be a perfect time to reveal the return of Eclipse. Then next month will give the characters time to let that message sink in properly.

kiernan said:

All I would need is someone to bounce ideas off of, or someone to bounce ideas off of me. Either way works for me.

I swear I'll try my best to contribute. I think writing prose and such is tons of fun, but please know that English is not my first language.
You may of course post any parts or verses of the prophecy in this thread. That way anyone who wants to can read it and give feedback!

Edit: Oh, and while I'm on it;
I wanted to remind you that there are characters of the main six available for play. Heck, I'm contemplating whether or not to grab one for myself.

[Kiernan]

First off, let me say that I take note of the fact that English is not your first language. I understand, and will try not to stray too far into my own mind, as the concepts get more and more ridiculous as I progress.

Now, I think it would be best if Eclipse returned right after the reading of the prophecy, with some kind of fog whilst it's being spoken, something dark and dramatic like that, to set the mood for the opening of a conflict.

Now, I have several ideas for when to do this, but I feel that some time should pass in-game. Now, I went and checked the in-game timer, and the latest notation of the time is the 47th of summer. I've also taken note of the Summer Sun Celebration on the 45th of summer. the party being set up in Facade, I take it to be a set-up for a later party, which is taking place as a distraction. Now: If Rainbow Dash left to collect Zecora, I doubt it would take that long, but should something occur to slow them, it would take presumably longer. That is why I'm suggesting the timestamp for the prophecy at about midday on the 48th, with flyers being spread around town of the party to take place at that time on the 47th and beginning of the 48th, giving everypony time to gather before the prophecy takes place, as well as work on their sub-plots.

There's a weekend coming up, so I'll be spending some extra time writing the initial draft of the prophecy, which I should have ready when I log on on Sunday evening (my time).

If there are any objections to what I've said here, please let me know. I don't want to run the entire game, I just want to get it moving again. I won't gather everypony for the party until everypony is ready to go, and we're ready to see Eclipse's return. If there are no objections, then let's get some sub-plots rolling, and some characters developed!

[Nightbow]

Nov 30, 2012 2:05:22 GMT -5 Kiernan said:

Now, I think it would be best if Eclipse returned right after the reading of the prophecy, with some kind of fog whilst it's being spoken, something dark and dramatic like that, to set the mood for the opening of a conflict.

I was thinking that Zecora would scare the ponies by looking and sounding possessed. When the eclipse slides off of the evening sun, the blinding light would fall upon her and put her in a trance.
The ponies would be left not knowing what to believe, with only the eeire eclipse and prophecy to mess with their minds.

And then we have a cliffhanger before Eclipse really shows up, and she even gets some time to gather followers (from the lost Rift ponies).

Now, I have several ideas for when to do this, but I feel that some time should pass in-game. Now, I went and checked the in-game timer, and the latest notation of the time is the 47th of summer. I've also taken note of the Summer Sun Celebration on the 45th of summer. the party being set up in Facade, I take it to be a set-up for a later party, which is taking place as a distraction.

Oops, I honestly think I messed up here. The party was supposed to take place during the evening of the Summer Sun Celebration, but looking into it I see the dates don't match up.
And, consulting the show cannon, shouldn't the partying technically be going on the night between the 44-45th of summer?

Actually, I think all dates need to be changed. That is, 46th to 45th and 47th to 46th. Would that make sense?

Now: If Rainbow Dash left to collect Zecora, I doubt it would take that long, but should something occur to slow them, it would take presumably longer. That is why I'm suggesting the timestamp for the prophecy at about midday on the 48th, with flyers being spread around town of the party to take place at that time on the 47th and beginning of the 48th, giving everypony time to gather before the prophecy takes place, as well as work on their sub-plots.

I'd prefer it if Zecora shows up in Facade. Let's say that the ongoing gathering there is merely an opportunity for Rarity and Pinkie to spread word of the actual party.

I like that. 'Cause that would be a good time for Eclipse to crash the party. >:]

[Kiernan]

First, I will agree that the timestamps need to change, and move on day back, in order to set the date correctly for the Summer Sun Celebration. And yes, you're absolutely right, the party would be on the evening of the 44th, and the morning of the 45th.

However, this also means that if the prophecy is read at that time, Prof Geoff and Akaitora had to have missed it, unless we send them back a little further (one more day backward, and they'll be right on time). Now, I can fix the time lapse that causes Akaitora to miss his lunch with Usutora with some clever editing, and still cause them to show up for the party, but if we don't send them back the extra day, the whole chaotic shouts emanating from the crowd at the party in Facade wouldn't make sense in Wrong Side of Town, where it's quiet enough that neither of the characters involved would have any idea that there was something big going on just a few streets over. If I may quote the rules,

It is not reasonable that you have ice cream in one thread while the bad guy is rampaging through the streets in another, if things are not taking place at different times (or places). Otherwise, your characters should be affected and react to the noise.

It's already written that there was no indication of anything involving mass panic at the time of Wrong Side of Town, so I think that thread should move back just a little further.

Now, if the Party in Facade was to match up with show cannon, Facade should be at the 44th, Leading into the celebration, rather than following it. So all timestamps should move at least two days back, to make this work. Worst case scenario: two characters miss the big, important prophecy (which I have finished a few lines of, to be posted when the first rough draft is complete).

Lastly, now that I think about it, I like the way your prophecy citation works better. TEAMWORK!!

[Nightbow]

Then I'll start by editing dates and the timeline thread.

I have one big bother though. If Facade actually takes place on the night of the 44th, that means that when Celestia rises the sun one the longest day of the year, the 45th, that should be the day of the eclipse.
But I'm sure I could fix that too, but changing dates of Alea Iacta Est.


I've refrained from posting any further in Facade, since I thought it would be appropriate for Rarity to invite Turnkey to the party.
Also, that thread should keep going until sunrise.

(Ow, my head hurts. I'll have to go over this tomorrow.)

[Kiernan]

I've factored in the timing, which is why I had to have at least this part I'm about to post done by the end of this weekend, in twenty-two minutes and forty-three seconds. Forty-two. Forty-one.

Anyway, what I've done was the initial draft of the prophecy. Now, this can be changed, because it's the initial draft, not necessarily the final draft, so if anyone feels that something's out of place, or doesn't make sense, or you just want something said differently, let me know.

So here goes:

Awakened by the bearers of six
Harmony now has fall'n betwixt
All parallels have come to group
casting all but faithful troupe

Cast eternal, for her sin
To empty realms, the Opaque within
If you hear the call of arcane lore,
Your world shall rest on Equestria no more

Those that she would choose to save
will not befall a fate most grave
But shouldst thou scout for greater power
Time immense wouldst make thou sour

Anew civilization, there to last,
Atop the graves of friends soon past
Embrace her, run, or stand and fight
Ruler of time 'tween day and night

Feel free to comment on what needs to be done. I'll try to help in any way I can.

[Nightbow]

As far as I can tell, it seems to have all the vital parts.
I really like it.

[arulinlightwind]

Nightbow, I see and hear your plight... A few suggestions to you.... narrow the boards down, too many boards are very confusing to new players. Secondly, place keywords on the board that you want search engines to index you under. This will make your board more search friendly and dear please submit your board to at least Google once a month for indexing.

As far as getting stuff going, please learn from other boards. First of all, be flexible to others in your story. Do not BASH, CREMATE, or in any way slander a character even if they are non-mlp( glares at Becka). If a creative mind comes in with ideas to liven the story let them trail run and introduce the element in. The moment rookie or veteran players see that you are running "Hilter" rules you'll find a sharp decline in creativity, posting, and you will end up with a ghost town.

Many role plays , the more successful ones are in a rate R catagory. Castle Beware being one of the most successful not only in role play but in cash in take is the finer rps. But that one also has pay for accounts for private room creation, custom text/fonts, etc... You would need a programmer for that or you learning to build and stand up a web forum as such. These boards are usurally slow moving and as inherited issue the latency bores the playship. Maybe getting into a habit of having times for folks to be on and a chat room might spice it up. Green Dragon's Inn the last time I saw had many in their room settings, IRC chats are still popular.

Allowing everyone to be involved in the story plot and to have say in what is going to be in the flow of the story will promote the longevity of this game. In my experiences, those who have control freak dominion are unlikely to be around for long.


Examples of what I mean:
Your idea is fairly decent but I'll point out another potential issue, Becka is by far one of the most closed minded (if you aren't a multi-colored pony you weren't welcome though the Ponyland realm had many other races and ways of thing in the original), most hateful (had issues with every aspect of my character), and is by far one of the worst RP Admins on the web in the past. Controlling, dominating, and right out stiff as a bar of steel people should NOT be in role play leadership roles.

Stormrunner was a better admin when I use to post on her stuff. Life got busy on me and had to give it up though my characters were heard, allowed to exist, gave my element to the story. Had fun when I could get into the realm. That is the key, having fun.

So I would consider a more active and open minded person to admin with.

Now if you wish to know a little about how I role play:

I usually play "planewalkers"/dimenional travelers so they existed outside of the realm yet they came into the world and may just be passing through or just seeking what is unknown, that way my rp isn't neck deep in shit (having to follow so deeply in lore and can learn at my pace) nor am I getting beaten to near death with as powerless character (earth pony equal that for me, I am more a mind mage style role player not physical beat down). I can basicly walk the streets and get involved as little and as much as needed yet not having to have a complete knowledge of the lore in the beginning.

Shit my character may just let your bleed to death and not even bother to spit on the corpse or maybe save yours just off a whim. That the thing, my character is my own element interacting with the rest of the elements.

That is what role play is about, and having fun while in it. Not forcing one into a 'cookie cutter' role. I do not do well with forced roles because it is not my character unless I play it my way, same goes for everyone else in my honest opinion. Do not except everyone to play like everyone else. The best role players are those who can create the centergy of all the elements, even randomly introduced elements, even new unknown characters.

I think goals and rewards are a plus but your admin must be able to "Dungeon Master" the game. If you do not have the basic concepts of Dungeon and Dragons DM'ing in your resume then you might want to look into a book called "Dungeon and Dragons for dummies" , it got a chapter or two that gives great information in this subject. Playing NPC plus, but admins playing PC (playable chatacters) is a real hassle to the non-admins unless the admin shows a major understanding of keeping the game alive and not being unreasonable. I would suggest a mandatory understanding of dungeon master rules of some sort of the admins.

I hope this post gives you a bit more help on this story.