Standardization of RPing

Jeffrey brought up an interesting point at lunch today - what would it be like if we standardized a system of magic, so that everyone would know what is allowed and what is not allowed? Which got me thinking; that's a question that could apply many different aspects of RPing.

While everyone can be as creative as they want when there are no rules, creativity might be prized all the more if it can be done inside of a restrictive rule set. I'd like to know everyone else's thoughts on whether or not RPing should be standardized (and/or which) parts should be standardized. If we agree on anything, we can start working out the details on here or on another Senate thread.

I'd say standardization is applicable only if everyone agrees to follow it. Generally I don't advocate it as most people object to the restrictions it inevitably entails, but it certainly has its benefits, especially if a consensus can be reached. The most pressing issues in my book would be a standardized magic system and methods for determining whether attacks hit or not. Also a universal Tier system would be nice and perhaps general agreements on what is overpowered/what is not.

Um..... wouldn't a standardized system also a cause a disruption between the amount of power plus a fight over who's poweful plus a system sounds like a really bad idea since it's mostly something that someone like me would most likely break and not follow. besides, it'd be easier if you just made 5 different classes, two sides (meaning: good side v.s evil side), and some restrictions on forbidden magic unless you perform rituals maybe? I mean, I can try to make a system like the one i just said while taking requests on the type of jobs and skills. With Jefferey's system, it'd turn out more like a...... communistic type of system -_- (the soviet version. No offense Jeff!). But a system over how powerful would be true. No one can be at the rank of a god or be immortal (unless you made a pact with the devil, a minion from Hell, etc., basically anything from black magic users). And a tier system wouldn't also really help, since some people may not be able to understand it.

This is my disagreement. Go to the other thread in THE SENATOR and take a look at what I wrote. I know alot about magic, though I may not look it.

Thanks, I appreciate the input, that's what these senate forums are for: general ideas and views, thoughts and opinions.

Death*Knight wrote: a system sounds like a really bad idea since it's mostly something that someone like me would most likely break and not follow.

That's kinda why I don't like systems.

Death*Knight wrote: With Jefferey's system, it'd turn out more like a...... communistic type of system -_-

The heck you get that from?

Death*Knight wrote: And a tier system wouldn't also really help, since some people may not be able to understand it.

How so?

You wanna know where I get that from, hmm? It's probably because I read previous posts in different threads and you mostly control soviet powers, i'm guessing. Why create a system when I have already gave an explanatoin in the other thread that Trey made.
If ya haven't looked at it, then go read it for all I care. And also: what is a tier? Because it suspiciously sounds more like another type of system that I would also break.

Tier is a classification of power; for instance, the characters I'm using currently in Halcyon are Tiers 4-5, the most powerful ones, and Tresse would be considered a Tier 1.

The reason for creating a system is that the way your magic works is different from the way mine works, which can cause problems if I do something that your magic wouldn't allow or the other way around. I've seen entire RPs degenerate into flame wars because of that kind of stuff.

Ok, give me an example that would cause a problem from if you were to use mine.
And I told you, if you need, i can add in more info. sheesh!

*thread revival*

Assume Magic System A requires magic to be controlled through material, somatic and phonetic components. Assume Magic System B requires only focus. This could disrupt RPs by people assuming different things about how to stop the other person from spell casting. And this is one of the simpler examples - when you get to paraphysical laws, all hell breaks loose.

That aside, I would also like to discuss RP rules in this thread such as the definition of puppeteering, tier systems, etc.

Many thanks for reviving one of possibly the most vital threads on this whole site. A few thoughts to put out into the ether, if I may.

I must admit, it makes the most sense to me that spells of different power levels have different casting requirements, and that when such requirements are neccessary, they be different based on the style of the caster. This obviously creates problems as people have different ideas of what is required within such a differentiated system, while it is logical.

I have high hopes for a standardized system, but it will require tiering of spell power levels, training for even the most basic spells, some way of determining talent and factoring that in to the system, and universal power requirements for higher power spells, which could be met in a number of ways. Also, you would have to make room for exceptions within the system.

Also, if I may define puppeteering. Puppeteering in an RP setting is the direct and unauthorized control of another players holdings, be that characters, countries, magic items, etc. by another player or the DM. You might assume what action they would take, or suggest action, but declaring they did it without speculative reference is puppeteering.

The DM has the right to control NPCs without interference, (The DM's job is essentially playing everything the players aren't playing, and adjudicating) and for anyone else to control them is puppeteering, but he (the DM) is also expected to clearly define all NPCs before, and adhere to in, the exercise of such rights. (Yes, that's directed at you Jeffrey.)

*Casts Raise Thread*

One thing we should probably focus on before anything else is core RP rules: metagaming, puppeteering, etc. Trey already put up a pretty good definition of puppeteering, but even so I'd like to hear what others think of it.

What you should do is define basic rules for the amount of power a character has. like for a level 1, animating small objects for a limited amount of time, changing the outward appearance of any small or medium objects for a limited amount of time, and maybe levitating things with a maximum amount of concentration. and so on getting a little more powerful for each level. for example doing anyone of the things i listed above for a longer amount of time, doing that action on a larger object, using less concentration, or adding in another power that they also have to build up in levels.

as for puppeteering it is useful if the main operator of that character is unable to be on for a while or if they ask the other person to do so with their character.

Oh Mai God! T.J lives!!! =D

What you should do is define basic rules for the amount of power a character has. like for a level 1, animating small objects for a limited amount of time, changing the outward appearance of any small or medium objects for a limited amount of time, and maybe levitating things with a maximum amount of concentration. and so on getting a little more powerful for each level. for example doing anyone of the things i listed above for a longer amount of time, doing that action on a larger object, using less concentration, or adding in another power that they also have to build up in levels.

I actually like this idea a lot. It would clearly define what could and couldn't be done. A thread's DM could state the level the characters start at, causing no confusing assuming the thread that listed the levels was easy to find.

Agreed, the tier system I use does leave a lot to be desired with stuff like that. But I'm not inclined to use actual character levels like in D&D - just a little bit too complicated for online RPing. Power tiers yes, and I agree on the "RP power level specified by DM" thing as well.

Which brings up something I've seen before: could we perhaps have an outline that prospective DMs (of non-sandbox RPs) fill out to start a new RP? It could definitely help by giving details on the magic system and levels being used, plus geography and important setting details as well as what characters can be allowed in.

We Could use a Ten scale System for magic and Strength Example:


0 is Non-magical
1: Barely magical
2: A bit Magical
3: Weak Mage
4: Modestly Magical
5: Average Magical Might
6: Above Average Magical
7: Superb Wizard
8: Advanced Magical
9: Destructively Magical
10: Demi-God

Less ambiguity pl0x.