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I have been thinking, and thoughting about this for about 17 hours now, and about an hour ago decided to just post it and get some input, it took me that hour to decided where to post it, since its not really learning or teaching anything, and its not an RP. I guess this forum is probably the right one, and if it isn't, it will be moved.

Currently the accepted form of RP mainly consists of a single person making a general outline of a story, and some characters, then other people take up those characters and fill in the finer details; or, in the Open-Ended/World types one or a group of people develop the details and workings of a world with no definite story line, ususally including more then one location(a whole world), or one fairly small location(bar/grill/inn) then people make up their own characters and live out there own little stories in the story-world presented.

Either way this usually ends up as a bunch of people trying to make and/or maintain the most successful character possible. And while this is a time tested and successful method, I don't think it writes a good, readable story;

So, I had the thought, the problem is that everybody controls a character, and are unavoidably bias to that character, not to mention everybody deals with situations different, and has their own personal style of writing making the end result the a frankenstienish mess of people trying to be the most important thing and writing in totally different ways; unfortunately this can have hte effect of causing the story to not come alive, leaving you with a pile of rotting flesh on a table. Not a pretty sight, and saddening for the original writer.

So I had an idea, there are some problems with the idea but new ideas always do. What if, we removed the definite connection between the RPer and the character, I think technically they wouldn't be an RPer anymore, but its for the better, we would end up with a group of writers filling in a story, instead of a bunch of players puppeteering individual characters.

There would still be characters and the writers would probably still kinda zone in on one particular one, but heres the main point; The whole thing is fluid, if something that did happen makes something thats gonna happen not work right, the writers can rework the story, their not trying to win, their trying to make something they'd like to read, this does however make it "Gaia-Incompatible" as gaia working on a system of posts it would be immensely difficult to change things from so many people unless everyone was crew, I have thus given the idea the working title of "WikRP" a combination of wikipedia and RP, wikipedia being based on communal collaboration to make things better, and RP being RP, leaving you with a system of collaborative writers making a story in semi RP form; you would however, need a wiki. And i happen to have one, from a free wiki host site, their a bit ugly but it works.

http://greys.pbwiki.com/
http://www.pbwiki.com/
the first is my site, the second the site you go to to get your own.

I think this system would work with a few very fluid presets, that you could write on your own or as a group.

First, you would want a very generalized idea of how the stories gonna go, and remember, things can change, but it would mostly consist of the huge events, like introductions of characters, deaths of characters, relationships, or other major story points, try not to go into details yet.

Next, you would want somewhat generalized depictions of the characters and their currently expected roles, these don't need to be included in the actual story but somewhere else on the site, for reference when writing it, so "Dale" doesn't have blond hair in one scene, and blue in the next, and stuff like that.

then you'll need a few pages, "Firm Writings", for parts of the story that are generally accepted as the way they need to be, i say firm because you might have to go back and change things; "Idea Bin" for things people have thought of, but cant fit into the story yet, these things might not get used but you want to remember them just in case; "Current Workings" for the part your fannagling* right now; the generalized character bios page, with links for each characters major events. and the general outline, remember, this is only for reference and a really basic guide for the story, and if you feel like it separate articles for chapters.

I think, the idea is still flawed in some way, can't quite tell what it is but some edge is catching in my mind, but its got good potential... I think...

like any well built non-story based rp, you could take it until all parties involved felt that the story was done, after all, how many years has spiderman, or superman, been a comic book?
A story based would have to have its end, but as long as you avoid any story ending events(killing off the lead) you could just keep going.

I like your idea of using normal rp as groundwork, it would definitely help things keep going.

Remember Halcyon's Demise Pen? It was to be done in chapters and eventually closing to the climax or midpoint of the RP, the rest of the chapters is to be planned so it could end. XD

And I maybe working on a comic too! Though, its probably just going to be lil' comic strips making fun of friends, politics and such.

As for the idea lily, you could always start out by making a collaborative a short story? Then maybe lengthen the story by using it as an outline. XD

You'll have a beginning, a middle, an end, and some characters. Just gotta add some details in there. smile

I believe that a rp like would be really interesting! It would be really hard to accomplish, but then ending product would be really great! Still, I really like "unscripted" rp. It is a relief to just type, not paying attention to spelling or giving any deep thought. Still, your idea is really good! You should get the word out!