Well-Known Member
Immediately looking at the Omega role play forum, something becomes immediately apparent:
At first, this seems strange to me, because the typical idea on the board was that Fleeters were by and large a minority... no one seems to have thought that it is the ground battle which is the true minority. Only about thirteen people are participating in the NPC battle here. We're only a couple of rounds in, and we already had one member become frustrated enough to threaten backing out, and the entire thread has been held up for a number of days due to two people not participating between two map updates.
Now, I'm not in any of the other threads, and I don't know what kind of 'drama' is or isn't going on, but the Rains of Castemeer has shed some light onto something that I think we can work together to improve as a board.
First, let's look at Deadly Void. It seems like everything is going fairly well for everyone. Moderately quick pace for the number of people involved, and as far as I can tell, no real grief or crazy movements (except for the occasional accidental bumping into places which are already occupied).
Now lets look at Starship Factory Submissions. The one below is for a Star Destroyer for nor real reason:
Now lets look at an NPC Unit template:
Next, let's look at the qualities they share, those being Intent, Affiliation, Classification/Type, Production/Availability, Description, and Development Thread/Links. This all makes sense, and clearly NPC Unit won't have any categories for "length", hangar, or hypderive rating; however, I feel that units would benefit from some aspects of the Starship templates which seek to "Game-ify" the capabilities of Starships, by adding in categories that help "Game-ify" units beyond that rather basic and vague "Quality" rating.
One thing I would consider, is a speed and/or maneuverability rating. Usually it is expected that infantry units will be much slower than armored vehicles and other such things, but if they've got some "special feature" about them (i.e., they are composed entirely out of members of a really fast species OR they have specialized equipment designed for tough terrain so they don't have to slow down in swamps, etc.), it can change the way they can operate in a game environment.
Another thing I would definitely consider, is a range rating. This is critical information to know, especially in a setting with rules like those found in Rain of Castemeer, and may even provide better opportunities to realistic role playing in a non-game environment without going "I shoot you" and the opponent saying "nope, dodged, suffered minimal if any damage'. In Rains of Castemeer, we determine our ranges by utilizing the effective or maximum number of meters the individual weapons our troops are using. It would be a lot easier if we knew just exactly how far every unit could reach, without doing any other leg work.
It would also probably help if the Unit template had a devoted strength/weaknesses section that almost any other template for most types of submissions posses, especially considering Units are primarily a combat orientated type of submission (as opposed to a planet, which has no strengths or weaknesses inherent about it).
Essentially, I want better guidelines to the capabilities of every NPC Unit in a similar fashion to how starships and their ability to travel through space is determined.
Do you see this as something potentially doable?
EDIT: Refer to this post for further explanation in regards to concerns expressed below.
- Rains of Castemeer has a markedly fewer number of posts to any other event thread, and even has less posts than an "unofficial" Omega thread.
At first, this seems strange to me, because the typical idea on the board was that Fleeters were by and large a minority... no one seems to have thought that it is the ground battle which is the true minority. Only about thirteen people are participating in the NPC battle here. We're only a couple of rounds in, and we already had one member become frustrated enough to threaten backing out, and the entire thread has been held up for a number of days due to two people not participating between two map updates.
Now, I'm not in any of the other threads, and I don't know what kind of 'drama' is or isn't going on, but the Rains of Castemeer has shed some light onto something that I think we can work together to improve as a board.
First, let's look at Deadly Void. It seems like everything is going fairly well for everyone. Moderately quick pace for the number of people involved, and as far as I can tell, no real grief or crazy movements (except for the occasional accidental bumping into places which are already occupied).
Now lets look at Starship Factory Submissions. The one below is for a Star Destroyer for nor real reason:
Image Source: (Please link to where you found the image, or to the original artist if possible. TinEye or Google Image Search can help.)
Affiliation: (Example: The TIE (Twin Ion Engine) Starfighter was primarily created for the Galactic Empire. Do not put the company unless the product is only for your company's use. Common choices include 'Open Market', Personal, or the name of a specific Faction/Major Faction.)
Manufacturer: (Kuat Drive Yards, BlasTech Industries, [Insert Major Faction Name], [Insert Character Name], etc. You must link to any Chaos Company submissions.)
Model: (Example: TIE (Twin Ion Engine). For submissions where a model wouldn't be appropriate, such as a custom walking stick, put 'N/A' for 'Not Applicable'.)
Modularity: (Can you add components to this submission? If so, link to all Approved Factory Submissions applicable. For most submissions, put 'No'.)
Production: (The scale is Unique (Only One Character), Semi-Unique (Only A Handful of Characters), Limited (Only A Select Group Of NPCs/PCs), Minor (Any Character, Only Select Groups Of NPCs), Mass-Produced. (Anyone.))
Material: (What is your submission made out of? Certain materials are more resistant, or vulnerable, to certain weapons. Example: 'Durasteel.' Typically requires development: Restricted Materials. Link:
Classification: (Cruiser, Assault, Anti-Starfighter, Escort, Exploration, Heavy Cruiser, Medical, Patrol, Transport)
Length: (Via Metric System. Max: 1000 meters. Examples: MC40a Cruiser: 500 meters, Dreadnought-class Heavy Cruiser: 600 meters, Victory-class Star Destroyer: 900 meters)
Width: (Via Metric System. Max: 1000 meters. Examples: MC40a Cruiser: 200 meters, Dreadnought-class Heavy Cruiser: 116.5 meters, Victory-class Star Destroyer: 450 meters)
Height: (Via Metric System. Max: 1000 meters. Examples: MC40a Cruiser: 130 meters, Dreadnought-class Heavy Cruiser: 250 meters, Victory-class Star Destroyer: 270 meters)
Armament: (You may provide your armament in list format and must provide your vessel an Armament Rating on a scale of 0-20, where 0 is no weapons, 1 is very light weapons, 5 is light weapons, 10 is average weapons, and 20 is heaviest weapons. Armament Ratings are scaled in relation to the class of ship, meaning a Starfighter will not equate to a Destroyer. Armament Ratings provide only basic weaponry unless the ship also has a breakdown of weapons. Please link to all Factory Submissions used. Typically requires development: Anything above 16 for a max size vessel. Links: Starship Weapons, Approved Technology)
Defenses: (You may provide your shield and armor systems in list format and must provide your vessel an Defense Rating on a scale of 0-20, where 0 is a man in a space suit hanging on to an engine, 10 is typical defense, and 20 is heaviest defense with heavy plating and multiple layers of shields. Defensive Ratings are scaled in relation to the type of ship, meaning a Starfighter will not equate to a Destroyer. You should list particular systems under special features. Please link to all Factory Submissions used. Typically requires development: Anything above 16 for a max size vessel. Links: Starship Weapons, Approved Technology)
Hangar: (Please provide the amount of fighters this submission can hold in it's hangar by count of Squadrons, which hold 12 average Starfighters. The higher your squadron count, the lower your Armament and number of Special Features should be. Typically requires development: Anything above 6 for a max size vessel with low armament. Optionally, Feel free to provide a list of names for your squadrons, like the notorious Red Squadron. Alternatively, you may swap squadrons for Vehicles or other items of note.)
Special Features: (Provide all of your submission's special features, including non-combat items and special weapons, here in a list. Please link to all Factory Submissions used. Typically requires development: Stealth technology. Ensure capabilities from features are included in the Strengths list. Links: Starship Weapons, Approved Technology, Shields, Engines)
Maneuverability Rating: (The lower the number, the more agile the ship. How agile is your ship? Can it take tight turns? Please provide your vessel a Maneuverability Rating on a scale 0-20, with 0 being infinite agility, 1 being crazy agile like a TIE Interceptor, and 20 being slower to turn than a bantha. Typically requires development: Below 10 for a 500m vessel with a low armament.)
Speed Rating: (The lower the number, the faster the ship. How fast is your ship in normal space? How fast can it take off, how fast can it speed through a planet's atmosphere? Please provide your vessel a Speed Rating on a scale 0-20, with 0 being infinite speed, 1 being crazy fast like the Millenium Falcon and 20 being slower than the Dewback. Typically requires development: Below 10 for a 500m vessel with a low armament.)
Hyperdrive Class: (The lower the number, the faster the ship. You may use decimals. (Minimum: .5 | Max: 10.) Average Hyperdrive Class: 2 Typically requires development: Below 1. Links: Hyperdrive, Hyperdrive Comparisons)
Strengths: (Provide, in list format, a minimum of 1 strength of this submission.)
Weaknesses: (Provide, in list format, a minimum of 1 weaknesses of this submission.)
Description: (Describing your submission's history is optional. Please provide a detailed account or link of each special feature that is listed in this submission. All miscellaneous descriptive elements go here, such as Cargo Capacity, Passengers, Consumables, Crew, etc.. There is no requirement for amount of words here so long as you meet the minimum requirements for your special features.)
Development Thread: (The main way people work for their toys, though most submissions don't require a development thread. Restricted items require specific development threads. Substantial development threads can help judges approve more powerful submissions. If in doubt, put 'If necessary,' and a judge may or may not ask you for one. Threads cited here must be at least 10 quality posts and must be cited as the full thread title, no abbreviations.) Links: Banned & Restricted Items)
Intent: (Please describe your reason for submitting this. It may be simple or complicated. The Factory Judge will take this into consideration.)
Who Can Use This: (Optional. If you chose Limited, Semi-Unique, or Unique in Productivity above please list what groups/characters can use this submission in role-plays.)
Primary Source:(Please link the source of another writer's submission that you are modifying for your use; only necessary for "Chaos Canon" submissions)
Affiliation: (Example: The TIE (Twin Ion Engine) Starfighter was primarily created for the Galactic Empire. Do not put the company unless the product is only for your company's use. Common choices include 'Open Market', Personal, or the name of a specific Faction/Major Faction.)
Manufacturer: (Kuat Drive Yards, BlasTech Industries, [Insert Major Faction Name], [Insert Character Name], etc. You must link to any Chaos Company submissions.)
Model: (Example: TIE (Twin Ion Engine). For submissions where a model wouldn't be appropriate, such as a custom walking stick, put 'N/A' for 'Not Applicable'.)
Modularity: (Can you add components to this submission? If so, link to all Approved Factory Submissions applicable. For most submissions, put 'No'.)
Production: (The scale is Unique (Only One Character), Semi-Unique (Only A Handful of Characters), Limited (Only A Select Group Of NPCs/PCs), Minor (Any Character, Only Select Groups Of NPCs), Mass-Produced. (Anyone.))
Material: (What is your submission made out of? Certain materials are more resistant, or vulnerable, to certain weapons. Example: 'Durasteel.' Typically requires development: Restricted Materials. Link:
Classification: (Cruiser, Assault, Anti-Starfighter, Escort, Exploration, Heavy Cruiser, Medical, Patrol, Transport)
Length: (Via Metric System. Max: 1000 meters. Examples: MC40a Cruiser: 500 meters, Dreadnought-class Heavy Cruiser: 600 meters, Victory-class Star Destroyer: 900 meters)
Width: (Via Metric System. Max: 1000 meters. Examples: MC40a Cruiser: 200 meters, Dreadnought-class Heavy Cruiser: 116.5 meters, Victory-class Star Destroyer: 450 meters)
Height: (Via Metric System. Max: 1000 meters. Examples: MC40a Cruiser: 130 meters, Dreadnought-class Heavy Cruiser: 250 meters, Victory-class Star Destroyer: 270 meters)
Armament: (You may provide your armament in list format and must provide your vessel an Armament Rating on a scale of 0-20, where 0 is no weapons, 1 is very light weapons, 5 is light weapons, 10 is average weapons, and 20 is heaviest weapons. Armament Ratings are scaled in relation to the class of ship, meaning a Starfighter will not equate to a Destroyer. Armament Ratings provide only basic weaponry unless the ship also has a breakdown of weapons. Please link to all Factory Submissions used. Typically requires development: Anything above 16 for a max size vessel. Links: Starship Weapons, Approved Technology)
Defenses: (You may provide your shield and armor systems in list format and must provide your vessel an Defense Rating on a scale of 0-20, where 0 is a man in a space suit hanging on to an engine, 10 is typical defense, and 20 is heaviest defense with heavy plating and multiple layers of shields. Defensive Ratings are scaled in relation to the type of ship, meaning a Starfighter will not equate to a Destroyer. You should list particular systems under special features. Please link to all Factory Submissions used. Typically requires development: Anything above 16 for a max size vessel. Links: Starship Weapons, Approved Technology)
Hangar: (Please provide the amount of fighters this submission can hold in it's hangar by count of Squadrons, which hold 12 average Starfighters. The higher your squadron count, the lower your Armament and number of Special Features should be. Typically requires development: Anything above 6 for a max size vessel with low armament. Optionally, Feel free to provide a list of names for your squadrons, like the notorious Red Squadron. Alternatively, you may swap squadrons for Vehicles or other items of note.)
Special Features: (Provide all of your submission's special features, including non-combat items and special weapons, here in a list. Please link to all Factory Submissions used. Typically requires development: Stealth technology. Ensure capabilities from features are included in the Strengths list. Links: Starship Weapons, Approved Technology, Shields, Engines)
Maneuverability Rating: (The lower the number, the more agile the ship. How agile is your ship? Can it take tight turns? Please provide your vessel a Maneuverability Rating on a scale 0-20, with 0 being infinite agility, 1 being crazy agile like a TIE Interceptor, and 20 being slower to turn than a bantha. Typically requires development: Below 10 for a 500m vessel with a low armament.)
Speed Rating: (The lower the number, the faster the ship. How fast is your ship in normal space? How fast can it take off, how fast can it speed through a planet's atmosphere? Please provide your vessel a Speed Rating on a scale 0-20, with 0 being infinite speed, 1 being crazy fast like the Millenium Falcon and 20 being slower than the Dewback. Typically requires development: Below 10 for a 500m vessel with a low armament.)
Hyperdrive Class: (The lower the number, the faster the ship. You may use decimals. (Minimum: .5 | Max: 10.) Average Hyperdrive Class: 2 Typically requires development: Below 1. Links: Hyperdrive, Hyperdrive Comparisons)
Strengths: (Provide, in list format, a minimum of 1 strength of this submission.)
Weaknesses: (Provide, in list format, a minimum of 1 weaknesses of this submission.)
Description: (Describing your submission's history is optional. Please provide a detailed account or link of each special feature that is listed in this submission. All miscellaneous descriptive elements go here, such as Cargo Capacity, Passengers, Consumables, Crew, etc.. There is no requirement for amount of words here so long as you meet the minimum requirements for your special features.)
Development Thread: (The main way people work for their toys, though most submissions don't require a development thread. Restricted items require specific development threads. Substantial development threads can help judges approve more powerful submissions. If in doubt, put 'If necessary,' and a judge may or may not ask you for one. Threads cited here must be at least 10 quality posts and must be cited as the full thread title, no abbreviations.) Links: Banned & Restricted Items)
Intent: (Please describe your reason for submitting this. It may be simple or complicated. The Factory Judge will take this into consideration.)
Who Can Use This: (Optional. If you chose Limited, Semi-Unique, or Unique in Productivity above please list what groups/characters can use this submission in role-plays.)
Primary Source:(Please link the source of another writer's submission that you are modifying for your use; only necessary for "Chaos Canon" submissions)
Now lets look at an NPC Unit template:
Name: (What is the name of this type of unit, or the name of a unique unit? For instance "Republic Infantry" or "The Chancellor's Guard")
Intent: (What is the purpose of this unit, why are you making it?)
Affiliation: (Who is this unit loyal to? Mostly this will be major factions, but companies and minor factions are possible too.)
Availability: (How common is this unit? More powerful units are not as common, and specific named units are often unique. The available designations are: Common, Uncommon, Rare, Unique. Common are the main backbone units of the army using mainly mass produced items. Uncommon are unusual or less common units sometimes using minor production. Rare are special, elite units using limited production items. Unique are one off variants of the other type which have special features that makes them one of a kind.)
Quality: (What is the overall quality of your unit? This includes battle experience, training, equipment quality and leadership. The possible ratings from highest to lowest are: A - Elite, B - Veteran, C - Trained, D - Untrained, E - Rabble. Typical major faction military units are C - Trained. Higher quality units are usually rarer and smaller, and quality is not a guarantee of victory.)
Type: (What type of unit is this? Is it infantry, artillery, armored, motorized?)
Strength: (What is the total strength of this unit? Typically a company numbers between 80-150 soldiers and usually a 10th of that number for tanks and artillery. Your unit may be smaller than this.)
Description: (Please describe your unit, how they came about, any special features or noteworthy features. This must be at least a paragraph in length.)
Links: (Please link all relevant threads here. This can include tech submissions, development threads or previous RP usage.)
Intent: (What is the purpose of this unit, why are you making it?)
Affiliation: (Who is this unit loyal to? Mostly this will be major factions, but companies and minor factions are possible too.)
Availability: (How common is this unit? More powerful units are not as common, and specific named units are often unique. The available designations are: Common, Uncommon, Rare, Unique. Common are the main backbone units of the army using mainly mass produced items. Uncommon are unusual or less common units sometimes using minor production. Rare are special, elite units using limited production items. Unique are one off variants of the other type which have special features that makes them one of a kind.)
Quality: (What is the overall quality of your unit? This includes battle experience, training, equipment quality and leadership. The possible ratings from highest to lowest are: A - Elite, B - Veteran, C - Trained, D - Untrained, E - Rabble. Typical major faction military units are C - Trained. Higher quality units are usually rarer and smaller, and quality is not a guarantee of victory.)
Type: (What type of unit is this? Is it infantry, artillery, armored, motorized?)
Strength: (What is the total strength of this unit? Typically a company numbers between 80-150 soldiers and usually a 10th of that number for tanks and artillery. Your unit may be smaller than this.)
Description: (Please describe your unit, how they came about, any special features or noteworthy features. This must be at least a paragraph in length.)
Links: (Please link all relevant threads here. This can include tech submissions, development threads or previous RP usage.)
Next, let's look at the qualities they share, those being Intent, Affiliation, Classification/Type, Production/Availability, Description, and Development Thread/Links. This all makes sense, and clearly NPC Unit won't have any categories for "length", hangar, or hypderive rating; however, I feel that units would benefit from some aspects of the Starship templates which seek to "Game-ify" the capabilities of Starships, by adding in categories that help "Game-ify" units beyond that rather basic and vague "Quality" rating.
One thing I would consider, is a speed and/or maneuverability rating. Usually it is expected that infantry units will be much slower than armored vehicles and other such things, but if they've got some "special feature" about them (i.e., they are composed entirely out of members of a really fast species OR they have specialized equipment designed for tough terrain so they don't have to slow down in swamps, etc.), it can change the way they can operate in a game environment.
Another thing I would definitely consider, is a range rating. This is critical information to know, especially in a setting with rules like those found in Rain of Castemeer, and may even provide better opportunities to realistic role playing in a non-game environment without going "I shoot you" and the opponent saying "nope, dodged, suffered minimal if any damage'. In Rains of Castemeer, we determine our ranges by utilizing the effective or maximum number of meters the individual weapons our troops are using. It would be a lot easier if we knew just exactly how far every unit could reach, without doing any other leg work.
It would also probably help if the Unit template had a devoted strength/weaknesses section that almost any other template for most types of submissions posses, especially considering Units are primarily a combat orientated type of submission (as opposed to a planet, which has no strengths or weaknesses inherent about it).
Essentially, I want better guidelines to the capabilities of every NPC Unit in a similar fashion to how starships and their ability to travel through space is determined.
Do you see this as something potentially doable?
EDIT: Refer to this post for further explanation in regards to concerns expressed below.
