Application: The Movie RPG

[Charlie No-One]

Indiana Jones isn't much of example, since there's no way he fits into the continuity. His story takes place in the 30s and 40s, so it's not like he can suddenly integrate into a modern setting. It'd have to be present day characters only, which...


...excludes guys like Darth Vader. The stories of Star Wars take place in a galaxy far far away. It's not like there's a feasible reason for Darth Vader to just suddenly show up on Earth, and since he'd be without the Sith/Empire, he wouldn't have much of a motivation either.

Indiana would fit in just fine. He appears in the current continuity for reasons that are explained by the player. Same for Vader.

 

[The Question]

- No characters are to ever, even if they've done it in their films, break the fourth wall. Ever.

Well, that's no fun. Why, may I ask?

Indiana Jones isn't much of example, since there's no way he fits into the continuity. His story takes place in the 30s and 40s, so it's not like he can suddenly integrate into a modern setting. It'd have to be present day characters only, which...


...excludes guys like Darth Vader. The stories of Star Wars take place in a galaxy far far away. It's not like there's a feasible reason for Darth Vader to just suddenly show up on Earth, and since he'd be without the Sith/Empire, he wouldn't have much of a motivation either.

Also, remember the "long ago" bit. I recall an extended universe comic where they actually came to Earth, and it was the 1850s.

 

[JinnSato]

All right I'm in way too many RPG's as it is. (For me at least) But I like the idea.

But I have questions. What do you mean by fourth wall??

And what about CG or animated movies??

 

[Matt Murdock]

All right I'm in way too many RPG's as it is. (For me at least) But I like the idea.

But I have questions. What do you mean by fourth wall??

And what about CG or animated movies??

The term originates from english theatre. In a play there are three physical barriers, or 'walls': stage left, stage right, and the backdrop. The 'fourth wall' is the invisible barrier of illusion between the characters on stage and the audience. When a character seems to step through this wall and addresses the aundience directly, or becomes aware of their existence as a piece of fiction, the character has broken the fourth wall.

I will deal with animated characters on a case-by-case basis. Some of those can get a bit muddled.

 

[Matt Murdock]

Please note: I am well aware that there are still many, many kinks to be worked out in this RPG, especially in the area of film-continuity. As of yet, my sole intention is to get a feel about the actual interest this rpg stirs up in people.

 

[JinnSato]

Well thanks. I get what you're talking about.

And I'm interested.

 

[Harlekin]

On the one hand, it piques my interest to play movie characters. On the other hand, I don't feel much for mixing them all together.

 

[LibrarianThorne]

In terms of continuity, there's an easy solution. Something warps the film megaverse, causing contradictory realities to intersect with one another. Gradually, the inhabitants of these realms come to realize this (imagine McLane looking out a window in Die Hard and seeing a Brontosaurus, or Rambo throwing down with a Predator). Eventually, one hero discovers the key between realities and goes about fixing what has been done (I propose someone who is iconic as the sort of first action hero, someone like Flash Gordon maybe), assembling as he does a group of heroes with like minds.

There, that's how you can explain Aliens interfering with the Matrix, Jason Vorhees and Rocky duking it out, or whatever you want to do really.

 

[The Question]

I still think breaking the Forth Wall should be allowed. If I were to play, I'd want to be Ferris Buler.

 

[twylight]

You can tell I'm one of like...3....females on this board.

Because if I wasn't so swamped with other RPG's, I'd totally think about picking up Jessica Rabbit.

 

[Harlekin]

I still think breaking the Forth Wall should be allowed. If I were to play, I'd want to be Ferris Buler.

Haha, that's exactly who I had in mind when the topic of fourth wall breakage came up.

 

[Matt Murdock]

I still think breaking the Forth Wall should be allowed. If I were to play, I'd want to be Ferris Buler.

I was making reference to the less literal meaning of braking the fourth wall, namely: the character understanding that they aren't real.

 

[Charlie No-One]

Why though? What is wrong with that?

 

[Matt Murdock]

It can get messy. I suppose that it could be allowed, but with mod approval; or at least that's what happened with the ultimate rpg.

 

[The Question]

It can get messy. I suppose that it could be allowed, but with mod approval; or at least that's what happened with the ultimate rpg.

I really don't see how it can get messy. At least, any more so than any other plot point. If the character is known for breaking the Fourth Wall (like Ferris), then it should be allowed. I mean, who the hell would want to play as Deadpool if they weren't allowed to break the Fourth Wall?

 

[Matt Murdock]

It's not so much the actual storyline that gets messy, it's the aftermath.

 

[Matt Murdock]

I know I didn't answer this before, but if a player has proven themselves a good and consistent rp-er, they will be able to*play up to three characters. Given that these are movie characters, 3 is not the maximum limit, but other characters that want to be taken on will be extremely carfully considered.

Also, I've removed the rule that people have to be one good guy and one bad guy. Movie villains ought to be popular enough that they don't need to be forced upon players

Reserved List.

Ash J. Williams
...Ash J. Williams

He-Man
Kaboom

Ting from Ong-Bak.
LibrarianThorne

Freddy Krueger
byrd_man

Darth Vader
Master Bruce

Marty McFly
Spideyssuperfan

 

[Matt Murdock]

Did I miss anyone?

 

[Charlie No-One]

Usually when characters break the 4th wall, it doesn't affect anyone but themselves. No one really notices them doing it.

 

[The Question]

It's not so much the actual storyline that gets messy, it's the aftermath.

How so?

Usually when characters break the 4th wall, it doesn't affect anyone but themselves. No one really notices them doing it.

Or if they do, they just think the person in question is a lil' off.

 

[Matt Murdock]

Oh, I dunno.

Lemme put it this way:

Characters can break the fourth wall. However, this can only occur if the storyline makes sense and is well thought out.

 

[Charlie No-One]

I don't think anyone is planning a storyline around the 4th wall breakage, they are just going to use it.

 

[JinnSato]

So what are our restrictions on movie characters. I know we can't play comic characters and stuff like that but is there anything else??

 

[Charlie No-One]

I think video games are also restricted.

 

[Matt Murdock]

What do you mean by video games?

I'm not going to restrict someone from playing as Vin Diesel's character from the movie Doom; or a predator from AvP.