| How to Create a Thread (and keep it running!) So, you've finally got your character down. You've ironed out all the little problems, toned down that urge to be a god in mortal guise, and now you're ready to get into the action. But where do you begin? Well, you have two choices. If you're a veteren of online rp'ing, if you're feeling particularly brave, or if you have a huge, wonderfully exciting plot idea, you might want to start your very own thread. Alternatively, if you want to ease in gently, don't have the time to run a campaign, or have your eye on the perfect thread in action, you might want to join one (in which case, you're in the wrong place. Check out 'How to join a thread' and/or 'The Chronicles'). Leading a thread can be a different experience, depending on what kind of thread you want to run and how much effort you want to put in. For instance, you might want to run a very free form story, in which case other players might have quite a lot of input over what happens (there have been instances where the original poster has disappeared and yet the thread has kept on running). Or, you might have a detailed outline in mind, and run the thread like you would run a D&D Campaign. It's up to you. Freeform Play: When you post your own thread, you don't have to have a plot goal in mind. In fact, many new members tend to post their characters arrival into the city, usually starting in a local tavern. Sometimes this might lead to a huge, epic thread as ideas mesh together and suddenly a quest is formed, sometimes nothing happens. This style of thread can be useful if you're new to online rp'ing or want to explore your character before setting up or joining an adventure thread. This is usually where already designated cities like Ebonloch come in handy; you can find information on these places under 'References' and 'Cities' on the side bar. Moderated Thread: If you have a plot in mind, you might want to consider running a moderated thread. There are varying degrees of moderated thread, and they depend on how much control is needed to ensure the plot runs smoothly. -
You may wish to create a thread similar to a freeform one, where you are guiding the plot but allow the other players to input as they wish, including NPCs and side-quests. This is especially suitable if you are not entirely sure where the thread is going, or would like to see where the thread takes you. -
If you have a goal in mind, you may wish to have it so that you control all NPCs and surroundings as well as your own character. Players are restricted to their own characters only, and must wait for the orginal poster to control the pace of play. -
If you are a fan of D&D, you might want to control only the NPCs etc. but have no character in the party: acting as a sort of dungeon master. Misc. Threads: Although Tales of Adventure is a medieval style rp'ing site, exceptions to this are allowed (within reason). Futuristic/modern threads should for the time being set on the Undiscovered Lands message board. Please check with one of the management before setting up your thread. Members are also welcome to start up quiz and game threads on the Expressions board. | Remember that once you have started your thread to submit a summary on the General Message Boards, so it can be added to The Chronicles page. That is where all the active threads are stored, so it is a good place to advertise your thread. As the story-line progresses, you might want to update your summary so that new members looking to join have a brief synopsis to get them started. | I started a thread and no-one joined. Now what do I do? Unfortunately, this happens. Tales of Adventure is a small-knit community. Members are encouraged to put thought and effort into their posts to make for engaging threads, but this, of course, means people can only be in so many threads at once. That no-one has joined is no indication that your post was bad, so please don't be disheartened by a seeming lack of interest. Get involved in the OOC message boards, and maybe you can snag a few members to join. Alternatively, join a current thread. Don't feel you have to delete your new thread; new members are always looking to join infant threads, so it may well see some action eventually. Of course, another tip would be to invite your friends over to TOA. The more active members we have, the more active threads there will be. Keeping your thread running and running and running. Well, actually, this isn't strictly in your hands. How successful your thread is depends on the players in it as much as the effort you put into it yourself. However, the good news is that successful threads tend to be those with dedicated original posters. When another member sees how much effort you've put into your work, they'll be more likely to do the same. Good threads start with good characters. That's a fact. Interesting, orginal and realistic characters aid the longevity of any thread because they are fun to write and write with. Similarly, intruiging plot-lines and a devious, unpredictable moderator ensure players want to continue with the thread, and often will entice other members to join. So. What makes a good plot? Just like in fantasy books, that is entirely subjective. The best advice is to create something you will enjoy, because the chances are someone else here will too. Even a simple quest for the <INSERT amazing magical item here>can be fun when done in a quirky, original way. Keep your readers and players on their toes; make life difficult for the characters, make them think they are fighting for good and then reveal (complete with manical laughter, of course) that actually, they have been serving the Dark Lord all along. The only limit is your imagination. But, in case your muse has taken vacation and left you in in the lurch (...again) here are some quick start scenarios to get you going. -
The local villagers have suddenly come down with a strange and inexplicable illness. What could it be? And what, or who, has caused it? -
A sudden death in a nearby forest sparks fear and outrage. What is going on? -
You and your party have been hired to find a missing person (a noble? royalty? or maybe you aren't told!) but it rapidly turns into a wild goose chase. When you go back to get answers, the man who hired you is nowhere to be found. -
In a tavern one night you hear the tale of a magical artifact said to be buried in a cave. One of your companions remarks that it isn't far from here and you decide to investigate. -
You have been away from home for far too long. Deciding you have had enough of travelling, you take the soonest ship back. Only you hit turbulent waters and end up ship-wrecked on a strange island. -
There is a mysterious man in the corner of the tavern...and he keeps on looking at you...
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