Welcome to the final round of voting for the theme of our 11th Annual Ball! As we will be working with whichever theme is chosen for the next year, it is important that we put as much thought into our choice as possible. Therefore, for the final round of voting, you will be answering two questions. One of them will be specific to the theme, and the other will ask for your ideas on how it will be implemented. Please think carefully about your answer before posting it. We will be gleaning ideas for the plot from the suggestions that you post in here. Voting will end Sunday, September 16th, so please make sure that you cast your vote before then!
Thank you for voting for Zodiac! If this theme is chosen, we will be taking the characters (and possibly setting) from the Western Zodiac, and re-organizing the mythology to make new adventures. No special writing style will be necessary for this theme, but you will need to study the mythology of all zodiacal figures represented in your room.
1. Considering the fact that we want to have five or six rooms, how would you organize or pair the twelve signs of the Western Zodiac?
2. Please list one or more ideas on how you would unify the characters and mythology of the zodiac with the plot to make a fun yet accessible ball for those who might not be familiar with the mythology represented.
When you post your answers to the two questions above, that post is considered to be your vote. Therefore, make sure that you only vote in one thread or the other unless you want your votes to cancel out!
Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 9:08 pm
1. Considering the fact that we want to have five or six rooms, how would you organize or pair the twelve signs of the Western Zodiac?
Aries/Libra, Taurus/Scorpio, Gemini/Sagittarius, Cancer/Capricorn, Leo/Aquarius, Virgo/Pisces. After some research, I've come to the conclusion that this is the most accepted version of "opposites."
For example:
Aries is:
Adventurous and ENERGETIC. Pioneering and courageous. Enthusiastic and confident. Dynamic and quick-witted. **Selfish** and quick-tempered. Impulsive and impatient. Foolhardy and daredevil.
While Libra is:
Diplomaitic and urbane. Romantic and charming. EASYGOING and sociable. Idealistic and **peaceable**. Indecisive and changeable. Gullible and easily influenced. Flirtatious and self-indulgent.
(I actually feel like this example of traits isn't all that accurate, but just for example purposes..)
2. Please list one or more ideas on how you would unify the characters and mythology of the zodiac with the plot to make a fun yet accessible ball for those who might not be familiar with the mythology represented.
Setting: Zodiac residence. (Maybe a separate castle for each room, or a separate room for each.. Err.. Room. sweatdrop)
Possible Plot Ideas: XXXXX1. An awful fire has spread and destroyed half the Zodiac's castles! While repairs are being made, the zodiacs must reside in another's castle (or room, however it's being done). {This is to explain why the Zodiacs are paired together. It will also explain why the Zodiacs aren't completely comfortable living together yet. Insert lots of snazzy plot drama here.} XXXXX2. The Zodiacs used to be a widely accepted belief. People felt they could really relate their personality traits to when they were born. Recently, however, the faith has decreased dramatically. People treat the signs as a joke, something that hurts the Zodiacs. After much planning, it has been decided that the Zodiacs will host their Annual Ball, but this time with a whole lot more of invitations being sent out. They have opened their doors to the people, allowing them to see into their lives. XXXXX3. Idea similar to above, but this time instead of lack in faith it is an obsession over the beliefs of the Zodiacs. To fight this problem, the Zodiacs open their doors to show them that it is possible for the opposite signs to live well together... Or is it? {Insert even more drama here cool}
XXXXX4. A birthday party! Whatever date the ball falls on, the Zodiac that fits is thrown a surprise party. Or maybe not a surprise. But, this is a BIG birthday party, a year of special occasions, and so, not just any old party will do. Oh no, this party must have lots of lots of guests, to show the Zodiac how much we loooove them. heart {For this to work, the rooms would be different party rooms, each host having their own mini party for the Guest of Honor to accommodate all the guests, or maybe all separate planning rooms, each room preparing a gift for the Birthday Guy/Gal.}
Hosts: Leo is known as the King, so it would be logical for Leo to be the Main Ball Host. If the Birthday idea is used, we could also use that sign as main. Or, whatever Robayn's sign is.
However, with that being said, I think it would be beneficial for the Hosts to play something OTHER than what they are. I do have a reason for this. If a person is playing another sign, they'll most likely build off of the stereotypes associated with that role, allowing for more butting heads and distinct characters. If they're playing a character that's.. Well, them, they might not be as strong stereotypes. Just a thought, though!
For those who don't know: A quick description in each room. It would be totally fun if we could link to a personality test in the main room that helped users decide which room to go to!
(This is a lot of writing, but I'm so not done. ._. I will add more this weekend if not sooner!)
KissMeHappy
Familiar Exhibitionist
Offline
Meilkor
Tiny Inquisitor
Offline
Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 9:43 pm
1. Considering the fact that we want to have five or six rooms, how would you organize or pair the twelve signs of the Western Zodiac? I would base the rooms on elements - there are five elements right? All of the zodiac is aligned to a specific element anyways. Shouldn't be too much of a problem. Or we could pair two different elements together, for instance one room could be Leo & Aquarius or Cancer & Taurus. Twelve divided by Two is Six. Bam. Six rooms.
2. Please list one or more ideas on how you would unify the characters and mythology of the zodiac with the plot to make a fun yet accessible ball for those who might not be familiar with the mythology represented.
I've honestly got no good ideas for this or the other room at this time.
Posted: Fri Sep 07, 2012 12:18 am
1) We could use polar opposite pairing of the zodiac, cause tension that way due to the challenges of them being together
So pairings (got these pairings from a site that paired the exact opposite together already to test a love relationship): Aries/Libra, Taurus/Scorpio, Gemini/Sagittarius, Cancer/Capricorn, Leo/Aquarius, Virgo/Pisces
2) Have something similar to a few years agoto having a character that represent the zodiacs, even just the talking version of the animal, then maybe use the chinese zodiacs to be secondary hosts to match with the hosts so there are sides, then have co-hosts as servants or just trapped war prisoners, etc... from before they were locked up, but this time in like an arena of sorts. (Sorry was watching Hunger games XP)
I'll turn him into a flea, a harmless, little flea, and then I'll put that flea in a box, and then I'll put that box inside of another box, and then I'll mail that box to myself, and when it arrives..
1. Considering the fact that we want to have five or six rooms, how would you organize or pair the twelve signs of the Western Zodiac?
Opposites is always the best way to organize rooms I think: Aries/Libra, Taurus/Scorpio, Gemini/Sagittarius, Cancer/Capricorn, Leo/Aquarius, Virgo/Pisces
Side note: Think about the fact that there are only 12 Zodiac. If we have 6 rooms, two main hosts for each room, you've used up ALL the zodiac. So room co-hosts (we usually have 3-4 in each room) wouldn't have any zodiac to play. But if you use Western AND Eastern zodiac, you've added more zodiac to be able to play.
Side note #2: There are now 13 western zodiac: ya'll are forgetting Ophiuchus.
2. Please list one or more ideas on how you would unify the characters and mythology of the zodiac with the plot to make a fun yet accessible ball for those who might not be familiar with the mythology represented.
1 - I think it would be great to work with both Zodiacs. Eastern and Western. Matching up the corresponding zodiac from each wheel would define the beginning rooms and having the leftover zodiac be the room co-hosts. It could be something as simple as a Ball for all the zodiac. Every 100 years the Eastern and Western zodiac get together for a Ball to celebrate their effect on the world (Gaia). But this time, two "evil" non-zodiac are trying to infiltrate the Ball because of their jealousy of being left out: Ophiuchus and The Cat. In doing so they completely disrupt the balance of the Zodiac causing chaos in the world. The guests must restore balance to the cosmos before the ball ends.
2 - The above idea can be changed to just the Western Zodiac.
3 - the Zodiac are sad/angry that the Gaians don't believe in their power anymore, which is causing the Zodiac's home(s) to slowly fall apart. So they decide to throw a gathering/ball to bring the Gaians to the realm of the Zodiac......and I'm not sure where to go from here.
...I'll smash it with a hammer! It's brilliant, brilliant, brilliant, I tell you! Genius, I say!
Posted: Fri Sep 07, 2012 5:36 pm
1. Considering the fact that we want to have five or six rooms, how would you organize or pair the twelve signs of the Western Zodiac?
I'm still sticking with my idea with Ophiuchus being the antagonist in the ball. But since we're keeping it to 6 rooms this year, at most, I've come up with sometime else.
Ophiuchus will still be in the main room, whether it be as the main host or a secondary or whoever want to play him in the main room.
And the Zodiacs will still be together with their opposite Zodiac, personality wise and such.
Such as Capricorn is opposite to Cancer, Leo to Aquarius etc. So the rooms will be as follows: Aries-Libra Taurus-Scorpio Gemini-Sagittarius Cancer-Capricorn Leo-Aquarius Virgo-Pisces
Taking one room away because Ophiuchus managed to persuade one pair of Zodiacs to join his room. He constantly talks candy into their ears to make them do his own dirty work.
And the co-hosts would be constellations.
Eh?
2. Please list one or more ideas on how you would unify the characters and mythology of the zodiac with the plot to make a fun yet accessible ball for those who might not be familiar with the mythology represented.
I don't think we should use mythology at all. Yes, both Zodiacs and constellations has mythology origins, but I think that'll be too much of a link to the Greek Mythology theme.
Instead, we go completely Zodiacs, which most people should be relatively familiar with.
Idea number 1:: There is a universe out there, you know. A universe that is not ours. No, it is the universe of the stars. You see it every night. Or more, you see them every night. Twinkling out there, you see the stars waving goodnight to you before your eyes close. You know that one of those star you belong under. They are your Zodiac.
And just this once, you have been invited to meet them! You and your fellow Gaians have been asked to join the Gala of the Stars: a once in a lifetime opportunity to mingle with the constellations and enjoy the presence of real, live, literal stars.
But hiding behind the shadows is one Zodiac. New-found Ophiuchus is watching the 12 "main" Zodiacs become praised and showered with glory from the fellow humans. He has grown bitter waiting thousands of years to be found, thousands of years to be recognized. But he is still not recognized! Gaians bask the other 12 Zodiacs with fame and fortunes, while Ophiuchus is left with none. He could not stand for it! After many millennia he has grown to be bitter and cruel. With the help of his new Zodiac recruits, Ophiuchus starts putting his plan in motion: to take over the known world! Everyone would be forced to bow down to him then. Because attention is really all her wants...
And that's pretty much my best and only idea. ^^
Spottedteddybears Vice Captain
Vicious Pants
Offline
Gwendolyn Barrett Crew
Tricky Fairy
Offline
Posted: Fri Sep 07, 2012 6:55 pm
1. Considering the fact that we want to have five or six rooms, how would you organize or pair the twelve signs of the Western Zodiac? I say we organize the zodiac my elements. We use both the East and west zodiac so that makes five rooms and Five elements. There are more animals in the earth element of the Chinese zodiac than any other which is why wood is paired with earth and soil is it's own category. Found a table here) Water: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces, Rat, Hog. Fire: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius, Horse, Snake Earth/wood: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn,Tiger, Rabbit Wind/Metal: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius, Monkey, Hen Soilbiggrinragon, Dog, Cow, Sheep
There is Ophiuchus as well as the Cat and i was thinking he could be in the main room, played by two of the co-hosts of the main room While the main and secondary host would be like the Celestial ruler (Queen/Goddess/King/God) in the Main Celestial Palace. The Co-hosts that don't get to be a zodiac could be a priestess/priest/temple or Shrine helper of sorts
2. Please list one or more ideas on how you would unify the characters and mythology of the zodiac with the plot to make a fun yet accessible ball for those who might not be familiar with the mythology represented.
The idea I have is that there is the main palace in the heavens or zodiac domain and adjacent from the palace (which would be in the center) are five temples, one for each element. The members of the zodiac are housed in each temple The Way guests would get to the other temples would be by the star path that lead fro all corners of the Palace to the door of each temple. the Reason for the ball (like some had mentioned) is the presence of Ophiuchus and the cat are causing disruption in the zodiac realm and the Gaians are brought to the realm to help sort out the dispute because both Ophiuchus and the Cat want in, in their respective zodiacs. (this can be amended to just western or eastern)
Posted: Sat Sep 08, 2012 4:15 pm
Gwendolyn Barrett
1. Considering the fact that we want to have five or six rooms, how would you organize or pair the twelve signs of the Western Zodiac? I say we organize the zodiac my elements. We use both the East and west zodiac so that makes five rooms and Five elements. There are more animals in the earth element of the Chinese zodiac than any other which is why wood is paired with earth and soil is it's own category. Found a table here) Water: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces, Rat, Hog. Fire: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius, Horse, Snake Earth/wood: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn,Tiger, Rabbit Wind/Metal: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius, Monkey, Hen Soilbiggrinragon, Dog, Cow, Sheep
There is Ophiuchus as well as the Cat and i was thinking he could be in the main room, played by two of the co-hosts of the main room While the main and secondary host would be like the Celestial ruler (Queen/Goddess/King/God) in the Main Celestial Palace. The Co-hosts that don't get to be a zodiac could be a priestess/priest/temple or Shrine helper of sorts
2. Please list one or more ideas on how you would unify the characters and mythology of the zodiac with the plot to make a fun yet accessible ball for those who might not be familiar with the mythology represented.
The idea I have is that there is the main palace in the heavens or zodiac domain and adjacent from the palace (which would be in the center) are five temples, one for each element. The members of the zodiac are housed in each temple The Way guests would get to the other temples would be by the star path that lead fro all corners of the Palace to the door of each temple. the Reason for the ball (like some had mentioned) is the presence of Ophiuchus and the cat are causing disruption in the zodiac realm and the Gaians are brought to the realm to help sort out the dispute because both Ophiuchus and the Cat want in, in their respective zodiacs. (this can be amended to just western or eastern)
Sorry for having nothing original to bring, but yes this basically summed up most of my ideas for this. However I really like the idea of saying there is a war and the rulers of space and time are saying they are sick of the fighting and it is sending the constellations on the wrong track for fate if they keep this up. Thus to save themselves and all the other celestial bodies, they must solve this war once and for all and time is counting down before it's to late. I'm almost thinking there may be a hint of the sisters of fate here and if that comes up. They could be the main room and the cat/Ophiuchus pair could also be another room.
1. Considering the fact that we want to have five or six rooms, how would you organize or pair the twelve signs of the Western Zodiac?
I'm still sticking with my idea with Ophiuchus being the antagonist in the ball. But since we're keeping it to 6 rooms this year, at most, I've come up with sometime else.
Ophiuchus will still be in the main room, whether it be as the main host or a secondary or whoever want to play him in the main room.
And the Zodiacs will still be together with their opposite Zodiac, personality wise and such.
Such as Capricorn is opposite to Cancer, Leo to Aquarius etc. So the rooms will be as follows: Aries-Libra Taurus-Scorpio Gemini-Sagittarius Cancer-Capricorn Leo-Aquarius Virgo-Pisces
Taking one room away because Ophiuchus managed to persuade one pair of Zodiacs to join his room. He constantly talks candy into their ears to make them do his own dirty work.
And the co-hosts would be constellations.
Eh?
2. Please list one or more ideas on how you would unify the characters and mythology of the zodiac with the plot to make a fun yet accessible ball for those who might not be familiar with the mythology represented.
I don't think we should use mythology at all. Yes, both Zodiacs and constellations has mythology origins, but I think that'll be too much of a link to the Greek Mythology theme.
Instead, we go completely Zodiacs, which most people should be relatively familiar with.
Idea number 1:: There is a universe out there, you know. A universe that is not ours. No, it is the universe of the stars. You see it every night. Or more, you see them every night. Twinkling out there, you see the stars waving goodnight to you before your eyes close. You know that one of those star you belong under. They are your Zodiac.
And just this once, you have been invited to meet them! You and your fellow Gaians have been asked to join the Gala of the Stars: a once in a lifetime opportunity to mingle with the constellations and enjoy the presence of real, live, literal stars.
But hiding behind the shadows is one Zodiac. New-found Ophiuchus is watching the 12 "main" Zodiacs become praised and showered with glory from the fellow humans. He has grown bitter waiting thousands of years to be found, thousands of years to be recognized. But he is still not recognized! Gaians bask the other 12 Zodiacs with fame and fortunes, while Ophiuchus is left with none. He could not stand for it! After many millennia he has grown to be bitter and cruel. With the help of his new Zodiac recruits, Ophiuchus starts putting his plan in motion: to take over the known world! Everyone would be forced to bow down to him then. Because attention is really all her wants...
And that's pretty much my best and only idea. ^^
spotted and i worked together, bouncing idea's back and forth. and i'm feeling lazy so i'm just going to quote her rather than rewrite the whole thing anyways ;^; i think everyone saw how many pages we took up OTL
Posted: Sat Sep 08, 2012 6:15 pm
1. Well, I would pair up the zodiacs that are opposite each other on a circle, and then there would be 6 rooms!
2. A. The each of the zodiac pairs is holding a party, and they have a puzzle for the guests to solve. The puzzles could range from a murder mystery to a simple party game. B. that's all I got.
1. Considering the fact that we want to have five or six rooms, how would you organize or pair the twelve signs of the Western Zodiac?
As suggested more than enough times, opposites! Opposites attract, of course. They've stuck together for thousands now with little to no issue, balancing each other out. This doesn't mean that the zodiacs are limited to only seeing their opposite, they just sort of...live together/stick with eachother more often. They know all their other "siblings" (I'm calling it that but they don't have to be related) quite well.
That gets the two main hosts for each room down, but what about the two others that there usually are? Well, Zodiacs have feelings too! One is only limited to 11 to talk to, 1 that's always there. And they can't relate to some of them at all sometimes! So every now and then each zodiac will go out and find a companion. Human or animal, said companion comes of their own volition and usually shows a really strong personality of the zodiac they accompany. They are also sometimes granted things like extended life or ability to talk, etc. but that's neither here or there.
Or alt. just use the constellations nearby idk.
2. Please list one or more ideas on how you would unify the characters and mythology of the zodiac with the plot to make a fun yet accessible ball for those who might not be familiar with the mythology represented.
The zodiacs live in the stars.
Literally in them. An entire star for them makes up a room or house. Finely made and lavish, they're beautiful beyond belief, decorated with only the finest and most spectacular things you've ever seen. Their lives so fine, they've forgotten what it's like not to have such nice things. They feel as if they've lost touch with the humans, and so they all decide they should host a ball. For a few days they are able to open paths to their stars, allowing them to come up and have some fun.
ANTAGONIST I HAVEN'T THOUGHT OF YET notices. ANTAGONIST thinks this is a perfect opportunity to sneak in and take them down, come in while they're open and hit them while all their people are watching. ANTAGONIST has been waiting for this opportunity, and now's the perfect time...
The ballgoers must find and stop him before the zodiacs are done for!
Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2012 11:40 am
1. Considering the fact that we want to have five or six rooms, how would you organize or pair the twelve signs of the Western Zodiac?
Sticking to Westerns Zodiac only, we would make 6 room with opposing signs. Everyone has been stating them in thread already. I see no need to repeat them.
2. Please list one or more ideas on how you would unify the characters and mythology of the zodiac with the plot to make a fun yet accessible ball for those who might not be familiar with the mythology represented
The Main Host, as whichever sign they pick, and their opposite sign have been thinking that people don't understand who they are anymore. So they craft out a place where people can visit them, The Celestial Palace, and invite everyone to attend a ball as a kind of meet and greet. Now around this time, some powers that be (not really important) decided to add a 13th sign to the mix: Ophiuchus. But since he's so new, he never got an invite. Feeling spiteful, he would go around and cause mayhem with each rooms guests trying to entertain guests without getting into fights with their co-host in front of everyone. Throwing Ophiuchus into the mix could cause outright brawls to start. Everything would wrap up with the Main Host and their Co-Host finally getting Ophiuchus to listen long enough to realize they didn't snub him on purpose.
It would give us 12 Hosts and one VIRP (Very Important Role Player) since Ophiuchus wouldn't be connected to a room. Each room could determine in what way they would have co-hosts, ranging from none to quite a lot. It would give rooms flexibility in how they would like to set up and keep things fairly casual to start things out for all the new guests who might attend.
1. Considering the fact that we want to have five or six rooms, how would you organize or pair the twelve signs of the Western Zodiac?
I'm still sticking with my idea with Ophiuchus being the antagonist in the ball. But since we're keeping it to 6 rooms this year, at most, I've come up with sometime else.
Ophiuchus will still be in the main room, whether it be as the main host or a secondary or whoever want to play him in the main room.
And the Zodiacs will still be together with their opposite Zodiac, personality wise and such.
Such as Capricorn is opposite to Cancer, Leo to Aquarius etc. So the rooms will be as follows: Aries-Libra Taurus-Scorpio Gemini-Sagittarius Cancer-Capricorn Leo-Aquarius Virgo-Pisces
Taking one room away because Ophiuchus managed to persuade one pair of Zodiacs to join his room. He constantly talks candy into their ears to make them do his own dirty work.
And the co-hosts would be constellations.
Eh?
2. Please list one or more ideas on how you would unify the characters and mythology of the zodiac with the plot to make a fun yet accessible ball for those who might not be familiar with the mythology represented.
I don't think we should use mythology at all. Yes, both Zodiacs and constellations has mythology origins, but I think that'll be too much of a link to the Greek Mythology theme.
Instead, we go completely Zodiacs, which most people should be relatively familiar with.
Idea number 1:: There is a universe out there, you know. A universe that is not ours. No, it is the universe of the stars. You see it every night. Or more, you see them every night. Twinkling out there, you see the stars waving goodnight to you before your eyes close. You know that one of those star you belong under. They are your Zodiac.
And just this once, you have been invited to meet them! You and your fellow Gaians have been asked to join the Gala of the Stars: a once in a lifetime opportunity to mingle with the constellations and enjoy the presence of real, live, literal stars.
But hiding behind the shadows is one Zodiac. New-found Ophiuchus is watching the 12 "main" Zodiacs become praised and showered with glory from the fellow humans. He has grown bitter waiting thousands of years to be found, thousands of years to be recognized. But he is still not recognized! Gaians bask the other 12 Zodiacs with fame and fortunes, while Ophiuchus is left with none. He could not stand for it! After many millennia he has grown to be bitter and cruel. With the help of his new Zodiac recruits, Ophiuchus starts putting his plan in motion: to take over the known world! Everyone would be forced to bow down to him then. Because attention is really all her wants...
And that's pretty much my best and only idea. ^^
This is pretty much what I've been wanting, so I'm just going to quote and add a bit of thoughts. Keep out the original mythology (This way we avoid religious problems and stray from past balls). Make it about the stars, a little bit about personality (hell, we can come up with out own mythologies about how they tie into personality) and make Ophiuchus a problem maker. His presence in the Zodiac is causing chaos in general. I like the idea of him going beyond joining, though, and trying to take it entirely over. I hadn't thought of that.
I like the idea of having Ophiuchus a 'floating' character. I also like the idea of having two signs support him in one room, while he floats about, trying to convince Gaians and other signs to let him join the Zodiac and of his superiority. We could even have a vote during the ball as to whether he should be a Zodiac member.
Otherwise, each room could have it's own conflicts. It would be a super flexible plot and allow for more diversity, imo. /ramble
