WANTED: RPers to join strict group

[Pen N Popper]

Who would be interested in the following scenario:

• We OOCly decide upon a theme for an RP group (eg. An important merchant's household, a ship's crew, travelling gypsies)
• We come up with roles that must be filled in such a group and then each pick one of them.
• We then RP exclusively around this theme.

When I say RP exclusively, I mean that we play our PCs faithfully to their roles.  They don't go off on a random iron mining trip if their job is the house cook.

Some OOC rules:

• The group agrees at level "milestones" which can only be passed as a group.  For example, it may be agreed that no one goes to level six until everyone is at least level five.  This is to maintain group dynamics and equality.
• The group agrees that all travel must be in-character and involve at least one other group member.  This could be waved in some cases but the point of the group is to RP and build the dynamics and depth of our PCs with each other.
• Whatever group we pick should strive to be inclusive.  For example, if the house cook is tasked with throwing a party then they should seek outside merchants to help fill orders.  If the group decides to raid the town of Hlint and rob its bank, we should strive to blame it on others.
• You must agree to organize at least one player event every month for the group (more often is welcome, of course).
• When you logon and see another of our group online, you must attempt to coordinate meeting up with them via tells.  (I base this on the great success I had pulling the dwarves together.)

Another idea is to form two conflicting groups such as dwarves and duergar, elves and drow, dwarves and orcs, two rival merchant houses, two rival shipping companies.  

Taking this thought even further would be to find two competing WLs that would act as the "nobles."  The WLs would be expected to follow the same playtime rules as the rest of us.

Whatever we pick, the roles available must be varied enough to suit all of our playing styles.  Some will like to CNR, some will like to bash, some will like to play lovers across the party lines.

I know the leveling rules may seem pointless to some but I am very firm on them.  I don't want this to be about leveling for anyone.  Those that like to max out their firepower can do that when they get the greenlight to go to the next level plateau.

It should be understood too that you are making a commitment to stay with Layonara for the coming months.  Your departure would weaken the overall group and take away from the rest of us.  It won't be a huge time commitment so you can still play your other PCs.  (I'm hoping it's too much fun for you to want to, though. :-)

Some will say that this sounds like a GM quest series.  I agree, it does sound like that.  Anyone that has been on an extended series knows how well the PCs get to know each other, how the group dynamics build, how tempers flare, etc.  We don't need a GM to do that for us, we just need like-minded players.

So, let's here some ideas for a single group or for competing groups.  Please describe the roles within the group you are thinking of.  Even if you don't think you will sign on with this concept, submit your ideas anyway.

Let's have some fun out there!

[ycleption]

I would be VERY interested in this, if I had enough time to play an additional character. (I had thought about making a new character, and then 180ed, and decided to play one almost exclusively). Maybe when the next incarnation of layo starts, that would be a good time to have a group like this. Sounds fun though.

[thedagda]

Great idea!  First thought that popped into my head when reading this, was something along the lines of a traveling 'circus' or freakshow.  Possibly as a front more more shady late night activities in the towns they visit.  Bringing the show to towns to entertain for free, being the terrible economic situation, but attempting to alleviate the nobility of some of their wealth in the wee hours of the morning.  There could be a juggler/acrobat (rogue), of course the storyteller and performer, a monstorous race (probably fighter) caged and on display for the masses to jeer at, an illusionist, animal tamer, and many other possibilities.

Definitely sounds like a blast and I would like to take part.  Look forward to seeing other suggestions.

[_M_O_B_]

I'm really interested in this too, heavy RP tends to be my thing.

[LynnJuniper]

I say go with the traveling Faire as well. you never know what RP it could lead to. Interestingly enough a 'traveling faire' was my first REALLY good and long lasting (still going on) Text RP and is now the basis of a novel I'm trying to get written. I would love to play this again and be a part of it.

• Illusionist
• Body guards
• Monstrous Race(es)
• Cooks
• Diviner/Fortune Teller
• Acrobat
• Story Tellers
• Dancers
• Singers
• Musicians
• Merchant Traders
• Accountants/Managers

etc...

(This would mostly be a 'bard' thing)

[Masterjack]

I like the idea. I would love to be apart of this. What ever the group decides. I would like to see a group like the one's who stole the princess in "Princess Bride". I think that would be fun to RP

[Pen N Popper]

I'll toss out some of my ideas

Two feuding dwarf clans, miners

The MacThunders and the McForges have been feuding for centuries.  At one time the feuds were deadly, that much is known.  Nowadays it is more of a competitive rivalry with few rules.  The bulk of the two clans are made up of none-too-bright heavy lifters.  The leadership of both have an unspoken agreement to keep the two groups in constant contact for they believe the friction keeps their followers strong and ready for anything.  Indeed, when a common enemy is found they will fight shoulder-to-shoulder, saving the head cracking for the tavern later.

Between brawls both groups try to out do each other in the area of mining.  Whenever travelling each member has an oxen in tow.

Roles to be filled, all dwarves for each group

• Leader -- The "law" and final say in all matters
• Mrs. Leader / Aid -- The real leader and organizer of the bunch
• Camp cook
• Various miner types
• Flavor characters

Two noble households

The nobles would need to be WLs or other wealthy PCs.  This group would contain a broad range of PC classes and flavors.  Imagine a castle being run.

• Head butler, butlers and maids
• Head guard, and several ranks of guards
• Pages, scribes, tailors
• Cooks and kitchen help
• Stablehands
• Fair maidens

It is quite easy to imagine the cooks needing ingredients, asking the guards to escort them, etc.  Lots of RP potential as well as adventure associated with running a large household

[jecklar]

I think this is a great idea!
 
 I'm going to vote in favor of the "travelling circus" format, mostly because I was just getting ready to submit a character for approval who was a circus magician!  It would be great to actually have a circus to travel about with!
 
 Let me know if this comes about!

[lonnarin]

oooh, carnies!  I have a million ideas for a character based off that...

Somebody needs to play a sea elf known simply as "Fish Boy" who was raised in a tank and eats raw fish tossed to him by the trainer doing tricks like a circus seal.  If it's an evil carnival, you could even whip him a little and lock him in a cage.

[darkstorme]

To avoid nobility at all, why not make it rival merchant houses?  Each expanding peaceably, one from Alindor, one from Dregar, when they meet each other in the fertile trading grounds of Hempstead....

[Kolskeggr]

Would love to try this.  Count me in, just let me know what you need.

Kolskeggr

[Ioskeha]

I would be interested in joining something like this.  Sounds fun.  I'll have to consider it though and see if I can find the time to make a commitment.

[lolli_gagged]

I am really interested in joining this. I liked all of the ideas, the traveling carnies, the dwarfs, especially the two houses of nobility. Great great idea.

[LynnJuniper]

If we end up with 'carnies' Ill do it otherwise I'm not too interested in making another character. Its just not something that appeals otherwise. Not saying its not a good idea, but it either takes real prodding or a really good whim for me to make a new character (and usually I abandon them so I really want a good reason for making a new one)

But if I do make one, I call the Brownie!

[stragen]

Arrh, ye so eagar ter abandon ship me matie?  -Jake Saltpetre (spoken like a pirate).

I could join depending on the time and timezone of the regular sessions.  As this stage I am not really interested in making another character as the ones I do have get scant attention.  Jake Saltpetre needs some fellow sailors so I vote for the ships crew.   New layo might be a good time for this.

But if I do play another character, I call the gnome/illusionist/stage magician.

[_M_O_B_]

Arr... A pirate crew could be fun!

But since everyone is looking at a bunch of carnies...

I call dibs on the strange guy who promotes it all with bizarre sentences and a funny hat.

[gilshem ironstone]

How about a group of Dorandite dwarves, who are a mercenary crew and a trading company.  They could be hired out by an outside group to carry out tasks, and they could be equipped to be useful in a large number of situations.  I think it would be cool if they were all neutral and helped, to a large degree, whomever pays well.  When they are not carrying out mercenary contracts, they are running their own trade guild, making goods as only Dorandites can make them, and they would offer every item anyone could want.

Here are the ideas for members that I thought of.

Sapper/ Mining Engineer: Has training and experience in the environment of the underground tunnel.  Knows traps and tinkering generally... Extracts the ore to pass along to the smiths.  Is an expert of fighting in a vicious field of combat.  One might be a ranger of some sort, and the other a fighter/ rogue mix maybe.

Trade caravan Security/Administrators: The primary defense of the companies caravan.  Loads and organizes the caravan. Smiths weapons and armor for trade and to arm the company.  Very appropriate for a Fighter/ Dwarven Defender.

The spiritual guide: A hammer of Dorand. Helps the company understand the consequences of their actions but does not pass judgement.  Keeps the company morale and health up.  Cooks the communal meals.  Enchants potions and resistances, infuses staves and wands with magic, scribes scrolls, all for trade and to benefit the company.

The arcane guide: A wizard.  Is the loremaster, and advises on all matters arcane, magic or not.  Is there to provide information, but not give the order to action.  Lays enchantments, scribes scrolls, infuses wands and staves with magic, and brews potions, all for trade or the benefit of the company.

The leader: Possibly a gold dwarf to give someone a good charisma score for negotiation, and generally the first in-person contact for the group.  If a gold dwarf then I would make a bard of some sort, to give flavour and to utilize the  particular sub-race to its potential.  The companies gem-crafter and maker of musical instruments and fashionable goods.

The scout: I thought of a Deliar worshipping halfling, who is a tailor and an expert at appraisal of the value and authenticity of goods.

Those are a few ideas.  But lets all keep jamming on different ideas, and eventually we will make something great happen.

[Varka]

Another idea is to form two conflicting groups such as dwarves and duergar, elves and drow, dwarves and orcs, two rival merchant houses, two rival shipping companies.  

Taking this thought even further would be to find two competing WLs that would act as the "nobles."  The WLs would be expected to follow the same playtime rules as the rest of us.

Let's have some fun out there!

This is something that interests me, as we spoke of PnP

[_M_O_B_]

The scout: I thought of a Deliar worshipping halfling, who is a tailor and an expert at appraisal of the value and authenticity of goods.

Racism against dwarves! Let's have a dwarven scout!

[mixafix]

sounds fun, not sure about the best start time -perhaps it would be good to try it now, to see how it develops.


two other thoughts, a barbarian clan
a group of soldiers