[D&D-3.5e] The 200 Word Adventure

[Togot]

Originally Posted by Raylorne

It wasn’t a hard and fast rule, but given the ad was exactly 200 words I’ll definitely be checking.

guess i should edit my app then

[MundayKnight]

Super interested in the layout and think it will be a fun exercise in concise writing but yeah didnt consider it for my app which is... a bit longer.

[Cristal08Darkmoon]

Still interested. And still working on things.

[Admin Dirk]

Velox leaned back, pressing his back against the cool wooden logs of the tavern wall behind him. The inn was quiet this time of the day, between the midday crowds and before the sun set. A motion brought a serving boy over, and he ordered a small flagon of wine.

He sipped the wine, and decided not to waste a spell on it. He had tasted worse in his time. He tossed a copper to the lad, instructed him to be on the watch for three other people, and to alert him to their arrival.

He leaned back, and placed his leather boots on the bench. His lanky frame was wrapped in layers of thin cloth, greens and browns of wispy silk and homespun alternating in a dozen different hues. Eyes closed, the human hummed a tune to himself, listening to the bustle of the staff behind the wall of the nearby bar. Behind him, a pack lay on the floor, a quiver alongside, and a bow leaned against the same wall he did. Four rings adorned his long, thin fingers, thickly calloused from years of bow practice, and under his layers of cloth hung several chains, amulets, and bracers.

[orcbane]

I think I've crafted myself an application for a character I wouldn't want to actually write in-character posts for. I'm going back to the drawing board on my application and I'll update my original application post.

[Remorazz]

Aw, I really liked your unhortodox application!






(But also, I'm not the one choosing characters)


.

[Admin Dirk]

Question for our wondrous GM…

Is the expectation of the game that ALL posts are 200 words, or just some of them? I see the challenge of the 200 word post goal, because that would stretch people into really working when they are just doing something like answering a question. It also really works those more verbose into writing more like Hemmingway and eliminating the superfluous words, paring back down to only essentials.

Must they be exactly 200 words, or just “close”? The goal of 200 words will require more brainpower be utilized, to craft a perfect post. For instance, is 125 words enough in order to ask a simple question like this, or do I require more, in order to hit the perfect enumeration of 200?

If the 161 is enough, then it should be stated, so that people do not continue to write things, in order to perfect the word count, and reach that 200 mark. But I must admit, I do like the idea, the challenge of making every post 200 words. Might be hard for the GM, however, in summarizing action, and then moving forward. Perhaps two posts, each of 200 words, to do that trick.

[orcbane]

I think (but could be very wrong, since I'm not the GM) that the idea is that it's a 200-word maximum, not bullseye.

Originally Posted by Remorazz

Aw, I really liked your unhortodox application!

Thank you for the positive reinforcement! I enjoyed writing it! But, then I tried writing some follow-up posts and I realized part of why I likely wrote it from an outside perspective was my lack of being in the character's mindset. I'm still 50% trying to get into his headspace and 50% developing a new character. We'll see!

[Raylorne]

200 words max, but I’ll be eyeballing it. Probably won’t notice more than 220. There are in game benefits to writing a post exactly 200 words though.

Here’s my rough draft of the game rules.

Welcome to the 200 word adventure. As the DM please allow me to lay out the following rules for this game.

1) Rule Zero: I can invoke it. The player’s enjoyment is always my first priority. You’re the players. This works well in your favour. 3.5 has a robust rule set which is why I chose it. If a rule sucks we can discuss that together and make a new rule.

2) Move the game forward: At the time of writing this there are four of you. None of you are the main character. Work together towards moving the story forward. The direction does not matter. All directions are forward. Be advised that the law of inertia applies to storytelling as well. Abruptly trying to change direction will be met with strong friction.

3) Be kind: Just as like a general rule in life.

4) Canon Points: Every post of exactly 200 words awards the poster with 1CP. You can spend 1CP to make up a canon detail about the game world. Anything at all. If you want the town inn to be named “Sparkle Pony’s Palace” then you would be welcome to do You could also create an evil kingdom which requires purging and a plot hook, but you do you.that. Players can spend 2CP to override another player’s detail henceforth called the “Sparkle Pony Clause”. Cost will increase by 1CP per override.

5) Post Limit: It’s called 200 Word Adventure for a reason. I’m going to be eyeballing the posts for the most part. I’m unlikely to notice anything under 220 words if I’m being honest. At any time anyone can call shenanigans and we will run a post through a word counter. Long posts will be subject to a CP penalty. Instead of a chart just refer to rule 1… 0?… that one up there at the top.

As the DM some of my posts might be longer than 200 words.

6) Have Fun: I’m mashing two game ideas into one game here, so I hope you enjoy yourselves. In addition to the word limit challenge I’m trying to disprove “sandbox” games don’t work. If the group wants to go fight a wyvern or some giants then let’s go do that. If the group wants to go mess around with sailing mechanics and take down some pirates that’s an option too. Want to overthrow a local lord and use the city building and economic charts that is totally something to do as well.

I’ve learned in PbP that one shots take months and large overreaching plots can take years with a dedicated group of players. Let’s just see where this journey takes us, and have some fun along the way.

[Admin Dirk]

So far, in this thread, I have earned 2CP.

I'd like to spend one, and name the GM "Pooty headed GM Hurt Butt", and the other to name myself "Awesome Max Admin Dirk the coolest".

[orcbane]

Will the little title bit at the top of the fieldset (everything between the "[fieldset=" and the next "]") count toward the 200-word limit?

I wrote my application as though it does, but since the stakes are up, I want to know for sure.

[doggius]

Unfortunately, I will have to pull my app. Due to the fact that my contract work is ramping back up, my time will become limited again. This looked to be extremely fun, but...

[Raylorne]

I’m going to rule zero Dirkoth. Not sure how yet but it’s coming.

A copy paste of the body of the post is 202 words it appears.

[Admin Dirk]

So, what's the dealio, Pooty headed GM Hurt Butt?

Are we still two weeks out from closing the thread?

[Raylorne]

Yeah it appears we’ve capped out interest.

Here’s the kicker. I’m impetuous, and don’t always look at a calendar when planning things. I’m going to have a scheduled absence from the boards coming up which is expected to last a couple months as I take care of some family issues.

Everyone who applied and is still interested will have first crack at a spot in late February when I return. Starting a game just before the holidays doesn’t seem prudent regardless.