The inclusion of the [Pre-revision] tag on the main RP is probably confusing the hell out of you all except for those I've already discussed this with.
To put it bluntly, we're taking the roleplay as it is right now, changing the stuff we don't like or stuff that doesn't fit, throw in whatever else we want as canon, reconnect our characters in this 'updated' continuity, then pick up from where we left off in a brand new thread.
Why are we doing this?
Story answer: Luciano severely boned the timeline by preventing his mother's death, and Johnny, the heavenly guardian tasked with restoring the timeline, was too slow to roll back the change before it started messing up the universe's reality.
Mechanical answer: This is a perfect opportunity for people to revise characters and concepts that didn't turn out well or as expected, as well as add in new content that would otherwise be extremely difficult, like locations or large factions.
This thread will assume the function of a brainstorming and main RP discussion thread until we're done with revising/adding/retconning things and all agree on what's considered canon so we can continue in the new threads. General chatter still belongs in RGC, though questions and the like regarding the revision can stay here.
Posted: Mon Dec 16, 2013 10:52 pm
To start off, does anybody want to change (or rather set) the location of HQ and/or change what the building looks like?
As it stands right now, HQ is a mansion that reminds me of the Big Brother show, yet it's meant for gang business. Frankly I'm not surprised that it gets attacked as often as it does. I don't even think the Kuros would maintain such an expensive place at a huge loss when they could use the resources for other things and at least break even.
One idea is that the new HQ is built into a front, like a classy-looking hotel where not all of the rooms are actually available to the public, and what they do get offered is at a premium rate. The gang gets their own section of the hotel and get to stay and take advantage of the goodies without paying anything, but they have to chip in with some of the work.
To start off, does anybody want to change (or rather set) the location of HQ and/or change what the building looks like?
As it stands right now, HQ is a mansion that reminds me of the Big Brother show, yet it's meant for gang business. Frankly I'm not surprised that it gets attacked as often as it does. I don't even think the Kuros would maintain such an expensive place at a huge loss when they could use the resources for other things and at least break even.
One idea is that the new HQ is built into a front, like a classy-looking hotel where not all of the rooms are actually available to the public, and what they do get offered is at a premium rate. The gang gets their own section of the hotel and get to stay and take advantage of the goodies without paying anything, but they have to chip in with some of the work.
I actually have grown fond of the way it is now, and also would have difficulty adjusting. but I suppose I could get used to it being revisioned to make more sense. I would prefer if the changes were minimal, and only enough to fix inconsistencies or unexplainable oddities... nothing dramatic. but I understand if that's a tall order.
is it possible to just remodel the current map and call that the revision?
Posted: Mon Dec 16, 2013 11:25 pm
Chieftain Twilight
I actually have grown fond of the way it is now, and also would have difficulty adjusting. but I suppose I could get used to it being revisioned to make more sense. I would prefer if the changes were minimal, and only enough to fix inconsistencies or unexplainable oddities... nothing dramatic. but I understand if that's a tall order.
is it possible to just remodel the current map and call that the revision?
My original idea was to have it in an office building of some sort. That would have been even more of an adjustment to make (where would everyone sleep?)
The point of the hotel choice is to mimic what we have as closely as possible while also being somewhat more realistic for a mafia. The gang wouldn't be in some ghetto slum, yet they wouldn't be housed in some ridiculously huge and conspicuous mansion either.
There are a lot of features in common or easily convertable: - A reserved floor or two, maybe even three for the gang's dorm-like rooms with the others as a buffer zone or housing affiliates or other sub-branches of the Kuros. Aside from the additional floors thing, we have this already. - Current HQ's 'living room' would be equivalent to a rec room somewhere. - 'briefing room' -> soundproofed conference room - Kitchen (and possibly a bar) would still be there, but probably staffed by other people (( Perfect opportunity for chef characters like Giles of ages' past )) - Storage rooms would still exist of course.
The basement and its not-so-clean rooms would be the largest change, in that its entrance would be hidden pretty deep in some staff-only or maintenance passage. There are also some things specific to a hotel, but I figure those would be neat extras to add some potential stuff to do.
I actually have grown fond of the way it is now, and also would have difficulty adjusting. but I suppose I could get used to it being revisioned to make more sense. I would prefer if the changes were minimal, and only enough to fix inconsistencies or unexplainable oddities... nothing dramatic. but I understand if that's a tall order.
is it possible to just remodel the current map and call that the revision?
My original idea was to have it in an office building of some sort. That would have been even more of an adjustment to make (where would everyone sleep?)
The point of the hotel choice is to mimic what we have as closely as possible while also being somewhat more realistic for a mafia. The gang wouldn't be in some ghetto slum, yet they wouldn't be housed in some ridiculously huge and conspicuous mansion either.
There are a lot of features in common or easily convertable: - A reserved floor or two, maybe even three for the gang's dorm-like rooms with the others as a buffer zone or housing affiliates or other sub-branches of the Kuros. Aside from the additional floors thing, we have this already. - Current HQ's 'living room' would be equivalent to a rec room somewhere. - 'briefing room' -> soundproofed conference room - Kitchen (and possibly a bar) would still be there, but probably staffed by other people (( Perfect opportunity for chef characters like Giles of ages' past )) - Storage rooms would still exist of course.
The basement and its not-so-clean rooms would be the largest change, in that its entrance would be hidden pretty deep in some staff-only or maintenance passage. There are also some things specific to a hotel, but I figure those would be neat extras to add some potential stuff to do.
when you put it like that, it sounds very appealing... also, I miss Guiles. would be great to reintroduce him.
Posted: Mon Dec 16, 2013 11:58 pm
Chieftain Twilight
when you put it like that, it sounds very appealing... also, I miss Guiles. would be great to reintroduce him.
There's also a shitload of floorplans of hotels posted online. I won't even have to most of the footwork to make a map, only mirror/link to one and reinterpret it, or trace and then take some artistic liberty with it.
Angelo has a chef character mule that he wanted to do something with. It would be perfect...
I Sinistro I
Ya hear that? wink
The part-time working for the hotel thing will definitely be an adjustment, but it does give us something to work with and can lead to some major shenanigans.
(Yes, its oddly similar to that one Disney Channel show that I don't remember the name of, but you have to admit that the show had a good premise. It just sucked because the characters were annoying as s**t and the writing wasn't that great.)
when you put it like that, it sounds very appealing... also, I miss Guiles. would be great to reintroduce him.
There's also a shitload of floorplans of hotels posted online. I won't even have to most of the footwork to make a map, only mirror/link to one and reinterpret it, or trace and then take some artistic liberty with it.
Angelo has a chef character mule that he wanted to do something with. It would be perfect...
I Sinistro I
Ya hear that? wink
The part-time working for the hotel thing will definitely be an adjustment, but it does give us something to work with and can lead to some major shenanigans.
(Yes, its oddly similar to that one Disney Channel show that I don't remember the name of, but you have to admit that the show had a good premise. It just sucked because the characters were annoying as s**t and the writing wasn't that great.)
took me a sec to remember which show you were talking about. I had forgotten it existed.
Posted: Tue Dec 17, 2013 12:12 am
Chieftain Twilight
took me a sec to remember which show you were talking about. I had forgotten it existed.
I only remembered it when I was rereading what I had typed so far. My sister used to watch that s**t all the time every day whenever it was running. I think it got canned shortly after they did a totally forgettable crossover or two and changed the setting to a cruise ship.
But anyway, the HQ conversion to hotel front practically writes the plot hooks for itself: important people leaving scandalous material behind, eavesdropping, assassinations, raids, audits, etc. in addition to gang business.
took me a sec to remember which show you were talking about. I had forgotten it existed.
I only remembered it when I was rereading what I had typed so far. My sister used to watch that s**t all the time every day whenever it was running. I think it got canned shortly after they did a totally forgettable crossover or two and changed the setting to a cruise ship.
But anyway, the HQ conversion to hotel front practically writes the plot hooks for itself: important people leaving scandalous material behind, eavesdropping, assassinations, raids, audits, etc. in addition to gang business.
you're definitely right about hooks, I didn't doubt from the start. I was mainly concerned with having to learn a whole new layout. but that's just me not wanting to change. xd
Posted: Tue Dec 17, 2013 12:39 am
Chieftain Twilight
you're definitely right about hooks, I didn't doubt from the start. I was mainly concerned with having to learn a whole new layout. but that's just me not wanting to change. xd
Any maps will be extremely clear-cut layouts. The current HQ map is rather fuzzy and has inconsistencies of its own as it was done from memory/interpretation rather than being based on anything tangible.
I'm off to bed, but tomorrow I think I'll start posting the really really big changes that I'll be making to my own content. That will hopefully get the ball rolling.
I really like the hotel idea. I guess I hadn't really considered the mansion as being inconspicuous before mainly because it's so overused for villains in media. But logically, it wouldn't make sense to house gang members (especially ones with such inconsistencies of staying on the team) in such an elaborate place that couldn't turn a profit. I think I'd like to make Koji an event planner as his hotel personality cover. Set up events like conferences and such for Durem's elite and make sure there are ways of getting the inside scoop on what they're discussing. Maybe Sabe (since he's good with technology) could be the one to set up all the presentation equipment in the room and set up the bugs while Koji diverts their attention with details about the event(s)? [edit: hm.. idk, maybe event planner would be a better spot for Nari? But, she's already a business woman so I'm not sure she would need that cover? Maybe she could just say that she lives in one of the suites since she is a business woman in a large company? ok now I'm rambling nevermind..] Also, I imagine the best place for the gang's HQ floors would be above the 'regular rooms' but below the penthouse suites so that the super elite would assume those floors are for rooms that are beneath them, but the people in the floors below would just assume they're restricted penthouse floors. There would be service elevators that lead to the basement/sub-basement where the torture/interrogation rooms and the like are located. Also, any hotel is going to have service entrances in the back for receiving shipments, so that could pose as a good cover for bringing in prisoners and such.
Posted: Tue Dec 17, 2013 9:05 am
This idea sounds very good. Also, this could be a segue into rewriting our characters and giving them more tangible roles in normal society. On top of that, we could introduce new characters more freely since a hotel is not bound by a certain group of inhabitants. Yes, Jay does it again.
Nariana Vice Captain
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Maerua Vice Captain
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Posted: Tue Dec 17, 2013 2:15 pm
Oh, you guys ๏ผยดใปฯใป `๏ผ
Nariana
See? The ball is rolling already. I hope that people take on more characters (if they can handle it), whether it's hotel staff or recurring characters, so we're less likely to get the plot 100% deadlocked.
Also, I imagine that because of Luciano's family's connections, a lot of orcs would be working menial jobs at the hotel.
Koji Mitsukai
Sabe's tech prowess is actually an inconsistency in the RP that stuck for other reasons (if he didn't have it, he'd be a truly useless lump to the team). Considering his background as a housekeeper at a castle in a society where tech is present but not widespread (nor does it run on electricity), he ought to have no idea what he's doing. Waffle/Maerua at least has the excuse of five years in Gaia to learn some basics.
------ Have a rather long summary of the revised backstory of Sabe and Maerua:
- On Serole, Maerua accidentally enters a magical rift and is very luckily displaced into Gaia in one piece. She quickly runs into trouble with the Kuro Gang. Some of them want to make her part of a prostitution ring, but they find out about her magic and decide she'd make a better weapon. She becomes a regular gang member.
- A few months following, Sabe is sent out to find her. Because he has an intention of where he's going, he's able to use the rift to travel to Gaia too. He has a pair of enchanted boots that give him super-speed for up to 15 minutes at a time, five times a day.
- Sabe is unsuccessful and on the brink of starvation when he runs into some gang members. They were about to kill him before he offhandedly mentioned looking for a girl with a halo. They let their guard down and accidentally reveal some information. Sabe realizes he has leverage and uses it to land a job as a courier. At this point in time, Maerua is already managing a goon squad of her own.
- After some initial training (including tech use, sabotage, and a few other basic things) Sabe's job goes well, but with occasional close calls. The Kuros saw some value in an anonymous guy who doesn't ask any questions and is absolutely determined. Like Maerua, he works his way up the ladder, except he doesn't ever lead anything; he becomes a courier for higher and higher up groups.
- Eventually he's transferred to the Black Ops, and Maerua recognizes him on sight but pretends to not know him, asking him if he's the new cleaning guy.
- She tells him later that they are probably stuck here for good. Aside from that, everything goes somewhat as expected.
- A package eventually appears out of nowhere in their room. It turns out to be the parts needed to build a personal portal gate. Like in the current RP, this leads back to Serole, but this time its exit is into a shed on castle grounds, not actually inside.
- It's made clear that the two can't just ditch the Kuros and stay in Serole, as nobody else would be able to dismantle the gate and dispose of it properly (ie. without setting off an equivalent to a mini-nuke.
- Later, Maerua and Sabe are arranged to get married for political reasons (so none of the aristocracy can have a claim to the throne). Sabe strongly objects to consummating it, as even though Maerua's of age now, he's been her caretaker for the longest time and it would be wrong. He relents from pressure and attempts to, but finds himself unable to for exactly that reason. The king's appeased anyway, as it was the attempt that mattered more.
- Their relationship becomes dysfunctional quickly. Sabe's father intervenes and sends Maerua off to stay at her choice of religious institution for a few weeks as punishment for her abusive behavior. She joins the Order of the White Shield and pledges her service to the local goddess.
- By the current time, Maerua had come back to Gaia and everything had settled. The only problem is that Sabe still hasn't gotten over what happened earlier.
Posted: Tue Dec 17, 2013 2:31 pm
^
Maerua
Now that's the kind of storytelling I want us to do. All intricate, but sooo interesting. >u<
Nariana Vice Captain
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Maerua Vice Captain
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Posted: Tue Dec 17, 2013 2:46 pm
Nariana
Maerua
Now that's the kind of storytelling I want us to do. All intricate, but sooo interesting. >u<
And conveniently I wrote my own outline, and in more detail than I had planned emotion_dowant
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