RPG Application: The All-Star Marvel Universe

[The Question]

Part of the reason is, I'm torn. You see, in my mind, the ideal purpose of an Ultimate style line is to take the distilled essence of a character with a long and complex history brought about by many writers over the years and put it into one cohesive narrative, much like T.H. White did with King Arthur in The Once and Future King, not to reinvent things all willy nilly. There's nothing wrong with doing the latter from an RPing standpoint, but I feel more inclined to play in a game that encourages the former, which I think 1963 does. At the same time, I'd also like to work in a more modern setting and se how everyone's new ideas bounce off of each other. Hence my wanting both. What can I say, I'm greedy?

 

[The Question]

EDIT: Nevermind.

 

[Byrd Man]

I hate everyone having to pick sides.

But yeah, as much as I absolutely would love to be a character in '63 and play through what, to me, was the most important American decade in the 21st century, I'll go with what the majority wants. I can see that, while '63 is a great concept, the potential for it to fizzle out is more apparent.

I'd rather have one RPG thrive then two RPGs putter along and die.

 

[Andy C.]

20th Century, Byrd. The 60s were in the 20th Century. Unless, of course, we're doing a 2060's game as a prequel to the 2099-verse.

Anyway, even if we only do the one at first, I don't see why the other can't be saved for later. Say, have ASM go up, let it get on its feet, then run the 60s one-shot. Or vice versa.

 

[Byrd Man]

Oh that's right, I forgot....ya'll can't see into the future. The 2060's feature World War IV, President Zombie-Tiger Woods, and the birth of the Ultra-Vegan, the vegetarian who won't eat anything that casts a shadow.

 

[The Question]

So, is there a consensus to put 1963 on the backburner to give All-Star some room to grow? Anyone not like that idea and/or have any other suggestions?

 

[Batman]

So, is there a consensus to put 1963 on the backburner to give All-Star some room to grow? Anyone not like that idea and/or have any other suggestions?

That seems to be the best option we have, right now. That's the only way I could see both sides being even marginally satisfied, while setting a definite path into get things going.

 

[wiegeabo]

Exactly. Both RPGs revolve around the idea of 'Marvels', superpowered beings making their (re-)entry into the world. The nature of 1963 (as I'm calling the RPG from now on) and All-Star differ only in 63's 'schedule', so to speak, with its three-year jumps.

Now, as to why I'd want to do the 1963 RPG: innovation. As a concept, it fresher than this, essentially the third/fourth rethread of both DoM and Ult. Marvel. It has a lot more going for it, with the chance to have a new style of storytelling (1963-1966-1969). It's also not set in the current day, which is IMO, quite a liberation. After all, I like sifting through wiki pages for days on end (although I'm quite sure I'm not alone in this). What I mean to say is this: 1963 has instant colour.

Also, if it gets of the ground, it'd be amazing to do sequels set in the 70s, 80s and maybe even the 90s.

This, IMO, is a unique opportunity.

I say only do one RPG at a time, in order to avoid people having to split their efforts. And do the 1963 RPG first.

Why? Because it's a rather innovative concept and is designed to be temporary anyway. Besides, how many chances has Ultimate had and it's still died? Let the Ultimate concept rest for a while and give something fresh a try. Once 63 becomes established (or it ends) and people won't want to leave their characters, then worry about getting Ultimate running again.

 

[The Question]

Question: For either RPG, what's going to be the application process for the more high demand characters. I know they'll be judged by GMs, but is there a set limit, either in terms of number of apps or time?

 

[Eddie Brock]

Since it's become clear that everyone's on the one-or-the-other philosophy, I'll give my two cents:

I vote All-Star.

1. Time period RPGs, traditionally, haven't fared well (Marvel 2099, DC: New Age, The Wild West RPG). In my opinion, it's taxing to write for a certain time period because you must always be conscious of the historical setting. It makes posts almost a chore.

2. I feel there's a greater demand - and need, even - for a long-running, alternative Marvel RPG. The "repeated failure" of Ultimate Marvel keeps being brought up, but people fail to recognize that the original Ultimate Marvel ran for four seasons. We're simply trying to deduce the formula for duplicating that success.

 

[Byrd Man]

Dammit, I want my cake and eat it too.

But, BUT, if we have to decide...I...choose....the RPG the majority picks. Like I said, I'm jazzed for either one. Both have huge potential, ('63 more so), but I'm cool with whatever.

 

[The Question]

Well then, I guess my vote's gonna go for All-Star for the time being. Now back to my initial question: What're the exact peramiters for applying as Spider-Man, because half of us are gonna want in on that. Most importantly, what criteria are we going to be judged on?

 

[Carnage27]

I'd totally be in for the All-Star game.

 

[wiegeabo]

Dammit, I want my cake and eat it too.

But, BUT, if we have to decide...I...choose....the RPG the majority picks. Like I said, I'm jazzed for either one. Both have huge potential, ('63 more so), but I'm cool with whatever.

*looks up from what's left of the cake*

Oh, was this yours?

 

[Byrd Man]

*looks up from what's left of the cake*

Oh, was this yours?

DAMN YOU, WIEG!!!!!!!!!!

 

[wiegeabo]

DAMN YOU, WIEG!!!!!!!!!!

I'd say I'm sorry...but it was soooooooo good

 

[Andy C.]

Question's question (heh) still hasn't been answered. And it's one that I'd be very interested in as well, since I'm gonna be throwing down in the War for the Webs.

 

[Byrd Man]

Yeah, I'd like to know too. I think I'm safe with DD, but better safe than sorry.

 

[Saved]

I'd imagine it's the same as any other character. Put up your version of the charcter and all other people put up their apps and the one the judges like the most gets approval.

 

[Eddie Brock]

I think a lot more weight should be placed on originality of concept than has been in the past. You may be able to put up a great application for a 616 character, but that's not what this RPG is for.

 

[Saved]

I think a lot more weight should be placed on originality of concept than has been in the past. You may be able to put up a great application for a 616 character, but that's not what this RPG is for.

I thought that was implied, but yeah, Ed's right 100%. Also, copying 616, Ultimate, or any other previous incarnation is not a good way to go about it either.

 

[The Question]

I think a lot more weight should be placed on originality of concept than has been in the past. You may be able to put up a great application for a 616 character, but that's not what this RPG is for.

I disagree. I think the focus should be quality and how well the character is portrayed. Yes, this RPG is about reimaginings, but reimaginings can be subtle just as much as they happen in broad stroaks. If someone has a great, never before thought of twist for a character, that's wonderful, but people shouldn't be forced to reinvent the wheel for it's own sake. What's important is how well they use and embody the character, and how good their story is.

 

[Saved]

Question, the idea is for the concept AND the portrayal to be good.

 

[Batman]

The fact is, we'll be judging apps based almost solely on how well their concept comes together in all facets. That means that every portion is going to be considered - backstory, sample post, motivation for the character choice, everything. Whichever application proves that the player would be "the right one" to handle the task of introducing Spider-Man and his world into this universe would be the one that I'd feel the most comfortable in approving.

 

[Johnny Blaze]

So, the consensus is that All-Star begin first and, once that's got it's feet firmly planted, get the 60s concept going, correct?

Oh that's right, I forgot....ya'll can't see into the future. The 2060's feature World War IV, President Zombie-Tiger Woods, and the birth of the Ultra-Vegan, the vegetarian who won't eat anything that casts a shadow.

You forgot Ronald Reagan rising from the grave and rampaging for the entire summer as he takes his vengeance on the Asians.