(05-23-2015, 04:58 PM)Nero Wrote: - Snip-There may be several points in which you misinterpret the intent, this may be due to my poor presentation, and I apologize. This sort of feedback and back and forth discussion is the reason why I started this off as a discussion thread first.
First is the linearity of Outbreak in general. All of the events happening on the exterior can attempt to, or completely neglect ties to the initial plot. This is completely optional. The additional information that leads to the source are for those who wish to attempt to tie their plots into the source plot in particular. At this point, the work is pre-loaded and the burnout burden that would be on me is marginalized in the absolute worst case scenario. Public information is there, and all anyone has to do is roleplay within those functions. Whenever I decide that public knowledge increased beyond what is spread through inter-player play, I update the thread.Â
The linearity aspect you mark is unique to my own, and does not have to be followed by exact. I figured giving mine leads more to the aspect of mystery and sources to be found, and part of the objective is to get people to start interacting with one another more, I'm utilizing my plot to begin to give those who are interested into starting it, more info as interest progresses.
Individual stories that grow from the plots other makes are the sole jurisdiction of those who are creating those side stories. I don't have to lord over them because of the flexibility of the concept of the Parasite. All the information needed is there in the thread.
The Voidsent parasite is a linchpin to the theme of mass infection, an 'Outbreak' of voidsent infected creatures and people. We can debate the semantics of the use of 'theme' but it's criticism falls flat given that this example case is not conducive of how every occurrence must play out. It just so happens that this theme surrounds a central plot element, while in other cases it may simply be a string of rumors, or and ideal that has spread around, or what have you. I had designed this this particular pilot with something more concrete on propose, as it's an easier premise to follow when you're using a solid plot device.
That said, the word can be dropped all together if it becomes too much of a semantic issue. "Cascading Plot" just sounded too finite to my tastes. I'm open to an alternative suggestion.
As far as 'trimming the fat'; A summary in addition to the actual storyline behind the piece is a good bit of feedback. However, 'trimming the fat' in and of itself betrays the 'sharing' aspect of the Cascading Plot. You might not give a toss why Eric wound up where he was, and how he was there, but others will - furthermore, I as I hope others, am interested in seeing the plot you generate off the premise, and hope that you are as descriptive as I have provided as an example.
Put to your analogy, the Parasite is the toy. The way its deisgned, they can play with it how they see fit, and some details and ideas on how to play with it are listed. If they want to play with others playing with the same toy (including the toymaker) I've left breadcrumbs and guidelines (some of which actually serve as obstacles so that a direct line cannot be drawn from toy to toymaker.)Â
I swapped "Investigating the Cause" and "Villainous Exploits" order in the document to help facilitate that the former is an optional pursuit for those who wanted to start RPs on that vein, which I hope will start to clarify things. Furthermore I've taken your summary verbatim and put it at the start of the plot background, and marked the larger story to be put behind spoiler tags. This should facilitate both desires.
