[Retry] Magic, fantasy, or transformtion? [Player looking for a game]

[Kaedia]

Updated - 03/04/2014: The last plan fell through. That means the search is once again on. If you have anything feel free to post it.

Greetings~

So lately I've been sort of craving a new group game. There are tons on here... but I'm having a hard time finding one that fits my interests... and I can be a bit picky I must admit. So maybe a little help is in order? I'll divide this into three parts...

• What I am looking for~

The title gives a vague sense of what I'm looking for. I'm hoping to find a game out there either in the works or already in progress that has one or more of the following themes either actively or possibly.

The biggest theme I'm looking for is transformation. Namely physical transformation. I prefer said transformation not to be in control of the player being transformed but that's not a requirement. Not a lot to say here really. People who talk with me know I love anything to do with transformation. The only things I dislike are giantess and extreme age growth. Everything else makes me giddy.

Number two on my list is magic. I'm a sucker for anything magical. Magic in any sense. Magic is.. well... magical. An instant love is any game where I can play a character who dabbles in shadow magic. Magic, in my book, could be anything from as the name says to things like alchemy or high science that seems almost like magic.

Last on my list of themes is fantasy. High or low fantasy is perfect in my book. Magical schools, taverns, dragons, spells and swords, amulets, Gods and deities, the list could go on and on. I love almost everything to do with the hyper-fantasy genres. I even love things that deal with modern day with a magical twist. Magic is.. well... magical.

Other themes I would be willing to consider is anything that has an anime feel to it or something I just really love. I've been going through a body swap and magical girl kick so both those are on my list of want.

• The ideal group game~

This is where I get picky. I like detailed games. Like games with each player doing at minimal 2+ paragraphs. On top of that I can't enjoy super fast games or games with a lot of players. Super fast, as defined by me, is a game that requires one or more posts per day minimal. A lot of players, as defined by me, is a game that has more than five to seven total players. So what I'm looking for is a game, ideally, that you post into once every other day and has less than seven players. I'm more comfortable with four but since I'm not looking to GM at the moment due to college I'm not going to be super picky on the number of players if the group looks fun.

• Anything else?

I'm willing to help plan out a game should someone come up who shares similar interests with me. Just know at this moment in time I can't GM. College is busting my back at the moment and I can't take the mental stress of controlling a game. Helping build it... that's a different story.

I might also have a friend who will join in if the game fits her interests. Not a requirement but it's a possibility.

If you want an idea of what I write like or some of my ideas feel free to check out the links in my signature.

Have I been unclear? Want to know a little more about me? Ask and I'll answer. You can either post here or PM me. I'm usually pretty quick to reply in the afternoon hours. If you happen to know a game that is currently running that fits one of my desired themes please let me know, (^_^). If you would like to GM a game of that theme and need someone to help with the idea-crafting then I'm here for that too! I just need something fresh to take my mind away to a land of fun and sun.

Sorry if I've been overly vague. It's been a long day and I wanted to get this out before I pushed it off any longer.

~Zefie

[Cessali]

This is a general theme that would distinctly interest me as well.  I similarly don't have the time to take up full-time GMing for this thing, either, but would do my best to help plan/prep things as needed.

[Roxy Rocket]

      Zefster,

      Three questions here:

      How set are you on the anime feel?

      Is a system good, bad or a deal breaker for you?

      What parts of magical girl stories do ya find especially neat?

[Kaedia]

• How set are you on the anime feel?

Low to moderate. It's not something that is a strong requirement. It would be interesting but I could do without the anime feel and still find the game absolutely fun.

• Is a system good, bad or a deal breaker for you?

Depends on the system. Normally I dislike heavy, intrusive systems that revolve around a lot of dice. I make exceptions though. If I really like the concept of the system, the person hosting the story, or just the general story I can get over my dislike for a heavy system. In general my preferred route is a rules lite system or no system at all.

• What parts of magical girl stories do ya find especially neat?

I can answer this in layers. What would top my list is the transformation they undergo. Given my preferences I guess that is easy to guess, (>_>). Beyond that though I enjoy the magical battles, the fanciful costumes, the rivalries between the other girls, and the struggle to find balance in their life since outside of being a magical girl isn't the only element of their existence. Then depending on the story the questioning that sets in on whose fight is right and if they are truly fighting on the just side.   

[VonDoom]

While I fear my work schedule also leave me a tad too thin-spread to mastermind any group games myself, this does sound pretty interesting! If a good ST/DM/GM comes along, I'll see about writing up a character proposal for this game, if you'll have me. Transformation is great -- and the various themes and requests in the opening sound like I'd enjoy a game based on them quite a bit.

[Rune]

I might be interested once you have a more detailed setting or storyline.

[Kaedia]

Glad to see people with similar interesting poking in, (^_^). Hopefully someone who likes to host this kind of setting and has time to host will show up! Once we have that I believe we have a big enough showing of interest to get something going.

I'm also not picking out a detailed storyline/setting yet due to that I'm not looking to GM this setting. I figure if someone who can GM shows up they'd rather run with their own idea than try to pick up the idea of someone else. At least I know if I was in that position I would. So I've left the setting intentionally vague to give an idea of what would most be enjoyed to help either find a game already in progress or to let a potential GM see interest is there.

Should any potential GMs show up; I'm willing to help Co-GM as needed.

[Roxy Rocket]

      Alright. I'll throw my hat in the ring, hind bits in the fire, neck into the neck-unfriendly social upheaval apparatus.

      (I'd wanna borrow some things from the FATE system for structure. Mainly it's about building a character out of phrases instead of numbers.)

      Trying to keep these ultra short so no one drowns in the usual Roxy Flavored Avalanche. Failed at keeping these short. Leaning towards The Coil m'self, but I'm just brainstorming after all.

      Go from the modern... to the less modern.


terrible ideas are terrible

[AribethAmkiir]

Some awesome ideas here.  I think I'd be interested in playing any of them.

[Roxy Rocket]

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[Kaedia]

Epoch of Angels was going to be one the ones I suggested flushing out a bit more so yay. If I was voting on a third to flush out I'd say Better Late than Dead. I'm not picky though. All the idea look interesting so I'm sure any of them will look great once fluffed up and pitched, (^_^).

[AribethAmkiir]

Well, this isn't my request thread, but if I had to vote on the top 3 I believe I'd agree with Epoch of Angels, Exalted: Magical Girls, and Dresden Files. 

Honestly, though, I'd play any of them.  I like Better Late than Dead, too.  The Coil is probably the one that makes me most apprehensive, but I'd still apply to it.   

[Cessali]

My highest interest would be towards go with the Coil project, but the other three you've mentioned would also all be solid.  I like a bit of pliability in my pretendy-fun-time realities.

Do something you love; if you're running it you might as well enjoy the concept behind it, sez I. 

[Roxy Rocket]

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[Roxy Rocket]

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[AribethAmkiir]

Awesome!!!  *controls her giddy self*

Should this go full blown Magical Girls (only) in Steampunk Land?  Yes?  It doesn't matter to me... it is sometimes nice to have boys around too.

Should the tech level be downgraded to high fantasy? (And look even more like final fantasy nine than it probably will already.)  No?  Does it need to be?  Is there something wrong with it looking like FF9?

How monstrous or strange or obviously magical ought the action forms of be? Will there be negative side effects for having obvious action forms?  I kind of want an angel form *shrugs*  I think something obviously magical would be fun.

What should the overwhelming genre be? (Horror, Pulp, Noir, etc)  All of the above!?      I don't know, this one's too hard.  I'll let someone else answer it.   

What elements of reality should be emphasized? (Race relations, nationalism, revolutionary politics, environmentalism.)  Is awesomeness an element of reality?  Cuz, that's my answer.  Though, since we're supposed to be hippies, I guess any and all would work as well.  I'm easy.   shhhh, don't tell anyone.   

[Kaedia]

Should this go full blown Magical Girls (only) in Steampunk Land?

• I wouldn't say it's necessary to make it Magical Girls only... unless maybe the males who are influenced by the magic undergo a transition as the story progresses to make them into Magical Girls? Like a side effect of the magical influence... or something. Just a thought.
  
  All in all I have no problem with male characters.

Should the tech level be downgraded to high fantasy?

• I say no way! I love the steampunk feel. I like the tech where it is at, (^_^).

How monstrous or strange or obviously magical ought the action forms of  be?

• Yes. I think the action forms should stand out. Be it outright strange, overly monstrous, or simply magical.

What should the overwhelming genre be? (Horror, Pulp, Noir, etc)

• Probably the toughest question. Noir would be interesting... but I don't know what genre I would vote the best for the overall theme.

What elements of reality should be emphasized?

• Race and social relations would be a good area to cover. Revolutionary and politics as a whole would be another great area. The thing I want to see the most is the rift that is stirring between the people.

[Roxy Rocket]

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[AribethAmkiir]

Do we want to limit gore or language? 

While I don't want to see every other word out of a character's mouth be an f-bomb, I don't think either of these need to be limited.  Also, totally expecting someone's leg to evaporate now.  Cha!

Are there technologies people want to suggest including (or veto?)

Nothing that isn't already vetoed by the Steampunk genre.  I like the idea of sticking a big list together.  And now I expect to see the black-evil-bad-guy-skyship running on internal combustion cause the accident that causes the crash that causes the characters to find that special something that causes them to become magical.  Believe it!   

Are there culture objects people want to include?
We have to have pizza - I'm just saying.  Oh, and chocolate.  Chocolate is a must.  Oh!  And revolver-sniper guns... 

Are there culture objects people want to include?
Can we just say characters have to be human?   No, vampire-werewolf hybrid, demon cursed, elven-blooded, warrior-princess, loner, vampire-killer characters.   Actually, can we just have no complete "I will not talk to anyone because REASONS" characters?

Does anyone have story points they want to suggest or veto?
Awesomeness!  What?  It totally counts as a story point.   umm...  Monsters!  There should be no regret for killing monsters.  I don't want to get a letter from some monster's rights activists.  Also, no princesses/princes in disguise...

Dibs for my character model - this

[Roxy Rocket]

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[Kaedia]

Do we want to limit gore or language?

Personally I would rather go without a limit on either. However I do, at the same time, understand some players dislike excessive profanity. So if a limit does need to be put on for other players to enjoy the game I'm not going to get all fist-waving angry.

Are there technologies people want to suggest including (or veto?)

One of my biggest loves of the steam-punk style is anything and everything clockwork. I would love some clockwork technology and maybe even architecture. I believe clockwork robots are like my favorite thing ever. Not the talky-thinky kind of robots but the move, lift, drop, prance kind of robots.

I should note I'm running on two hours sleep so my replies may be subject to spontaneous combustion.

Are there culture objects people want to include?

Culture objects... culture objects... my brain is too fried to think of anything.
      
Character concepts people want to suggest or veto?

I don't have anything I'd want to veto. Personally I love demons and things that revolve around them, .
      
Does anyone have story points they want to suggest or veto?
      
For this question I think... is that a bed over there? I'm going to investigate. For science.

[Roxy Rocket]

      Bed, where sheep counting clockwork robots shall be dreamed of.

      *salutes*

      Guess I get to work out a flavor intro and some imaginary cities that are vaguely european. Anyone think of good stuff they better suggest it. I gonna call the first one We Need A Name Burg.

[Cessali]

I am interested in this proposition and wish to subscribe to the newsletter.

Because the cool kids are doing thoughts on it....

On the notion of the Girls Only Club, I don't have solid preferences; the first character ideas I kicked around while I was reading up on the setting were male, but I would be good with a surprise "by the way when you work magic you become a lady" twist on that.

The technology level will work for me either way.  I do like the aesthetics of FF9.  The major thought I have is questions on how easy it will be to get around in this brave new world; the more mobility a population has, and the more mobility an economy requires, the faster trade of Stuff and Ideas occurs.  Good for optimistic youths, not so good for people who want to stay in control of the social fabric.

The action forms, I think, should start off noticeable, and get weirder as a user gets stronger-- possibly fueled and directed by a person's steps psychological and physical steps away from rote humanity.

I tend to prefer my genre to be a relatively optimistic pulpy hero-y kind of thing-- they're easiest to do, easiest to maintain-- but I'm no stranger to (and have often enjoyed) unveiling existential dread, or idle, wandering internal monologues about the terrible consequences of decisions made long ago.

On what reality elements ought be thought of, a lot of steampunky settings either ignore or downplay the not-so-quaint Orientalism of industrial culture that have the military might to crush non-industrialized opposition.  It doesn't look like there's been much in the way of total, consuming wars in the past few generations (especially if the rise of the Mist has made military operations suddenly -tremendously- dubious) but a culture that gains military power and has a reason to use it usually finds an excuse to do so., and if they can't hurt somebody they hate with it, they'll use it on somebody they can exploit... which is something characters may well be inclined to stop.  I'd also like to know there are at least other lands beyond the nations of our collective births, even if those other lands amount in common knowledge to a squiggly shape on the map with 'here be dragons' in the center of it.

Gore and language are like ginger.  A bit of it can emphasize the flavors already extant; too much and all you end up tasting is the ginger.  I'm not against foul language or unusually descriptive violence, but characters will react accordingly.

Interesting technologies potentially worth including include telephone-like things in major cities in the houses of the Wealthy, scratchy phonograph players wound by cranks, steam-powered clockwork automata powering essential city functions, the germ theory of illness and a handful of folks experimenting with the newfangled notion of vaccination...

Aesthetic anachronisms are things we can put in as we go, because aesthetics.  You can't have a magical girl series without some form of cake involved.

My only real request on PC character bans is that they at least be decent people.  At least to start, before any induced insanity drives them over the edge into Crazy Towne.  Assholes in the rest of the world are to be expected.

Story points that interest me include the question of what exactly the Mist is aside from the herald of magic's reawakening.  I like my monsters good and guilt-free in flavors between horrid little goblin to evil violent orc to that-could-have-been-me Deep One to Horrifying Shoggoth Terror; sapient, non-violent mutants should at least be easy to identify, and if they constitute a significant minority of the population, how they relate to the non-mutant population (and are to be exploited by those In Charge).

[Vanetias]

I'm interested. Could I play as a head scientist of an govt organization, that has recently invented a 'transformation bracelet' that lets him transform into anything he desires?

[Roxy Rocket]

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