[Discussion] Storyboards rework

[Kettle]

After a bit of conversation with staff, it seems time for a look at the storyboard process! Below are my own messy thoughts based on experience with both ends of the storyboard process:

Also somewhat related: [Discussion] Secrets of Foresight rework

The current storyboard instructions: Peer Moderation Reminders and Notices

Goals for this revamp:

• Simplify and clarify in one easy to swallow checklist that explains what, when, and why
• Encourage hesitant players and assure them that they, too, can submit a cool storyboard
• Make the Telath Times easier to compile canon in-character events each month
• Reduce the need (or expectation) for staff to analyze actual threads and posts
• Stop having to scour the PMD looking for a certain thread's storyboard

Here's my interpretation for the reasons why we need storyboards and their ideal function, mostly based on my own mistakes:

• Track what's happening IC across the site
• Ensure storylines fit within the scope of the game
• Ensure risk/reward is balanced
• Ensure individual players are engaged
• Document thread events and rewards
• Keep SoFs updated appropriately

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What's a Storyboard?​

A Storyboard is a short synopsis of a thread's story, events, characters, and results. Think of the Storyboard forum as documentation of PC-earned rewards and an encyclopedia of in-character events.

Does every thread need a Storyboard?​

Yes, every in-character thread must have a corresponding Storyboard in order to be considered canon to the Telath universe. Storyboards are documentation of every canon event, whether it's a world-shaking cataclysm or two characters talking about turnips. If it happened, it has a Storyboard.

Who's responsible for posting the Storyboard?​

That depends on the scenario:

If one Storyteller is responsible for the plot, environment, and NPCs, the Storyteller posts the Storyboard.

If two or more players are collaboratively running a thread (such as a social thread or cooperative Storytelling), the players may cooperatively post to a single Collaborative Storyboard.

If two or more participants in the thread are responsible for plot elements that must remain secret from the other players, each player may submit their own private Storyboard for the same thread.

When should we post the Storyboard?​

If you are starting the thread, post the Storyboard around the same time you create the in-character thread.

If you are replying to an existing thread, post the Storyboard before you post your in-character response.

What needs to be included in the Storyboard?​

Your Storyboard must indicate all of the following:

1. A link to the in-character thread
2. The in-character location of the thread
3. A list of all participating PCs by name (if we search storyboards for a PC's name, yours should come up)
4. The main goal(s) of the thread
5. A summary of risks the PCs may face
6. A summary of rewards (exp, items, political/social standing, significant knowledge, etc) each PC may earn, balanced with the risks

How do we reference the Storyboard from the in-character thread?​

(could we add another custom field to IC threads for "storyboard link"?)

Does every Storyboard require Staff feedback before the thread can start?​

If any of the following apply to the thread, the Storyboard must be marked Feedback Required and Staff must review before the thread can proceed:

• PCs will earn rewards (exp, items, political power, etc) as a result of the thread
• A PC's Secrets of Foresight information will be utilized in the thread
• A recurring and/or high-level (skill level or political power) NPC will play a part in the thread
• Events in the thread may affect the surrounding area or cause long-lasting repercussions

If a thread is strictly social and does not meet any of the above criteria, mark the Storyboard In Progress and move forward with the thread. Staff review is not needed.

What if something happens during gameplay that changes the original plan?​

If the original Storyboard concept changes in a way that affects any of the criteria listed in the previous question, post again in the Storyboard and mark the Storyboard Feedback Required. Wait for Staff review before continuing the thread.

A Staff member reacted to the Storyboard with a thumbs-up. Is this approved?​

Yes. Staff may simply react to your Storyboard with a Like to indicate the review is complete and the Storyboard is approved.

Will Staff automatically change the Storyboard's status?​

Not usually. Once you've received approval and you're satisfied with Staff's response to your Storyboard, please change your Storyboard prefix to In Progress.

How do we close out a chapter or finished thread?​

If any of the below points apply, post again in the Storyboard, indicate all applicable points, and mark the Storyboard Feedback Required. Wait for Staff approval before publicly closing a chapter or thread.

1. A brief summary of the events that took place in the thread
2. The risks that each PC faced during the thread
3. The rewards that each PC earned, balanced with the risks
4. Any new or changed NPC relationships or faction connections for each PC
5. Updates to each PC's Secrets of Foresight and/or long-term goals
6. A summary of any circumstances, environment changes, or repercussions that could affect the world outside the thread

If none of the above apply (such as in a social-only thread) post again in the Storyboard to summarize the events of the thread and to confirm that there were no rewards or game repercussions. Mark the Storyboard Completed. No Staff feedback is required.

What should I post in the IC thread to close a chapter or thread?​

At the bottom of your post in the IC thread, indicate an OOC section (using a spoiler tag, a box, a line, etc) and indicate the following approved information for each PC that players can then add to their character sheets:

• Earned rewards
• Earned exp
• New lore knowledge
• New NPC relationships and connections

 

[Karrkh Ti'Praaal]

I think it would likely be easier to get players to create a storyboard if instead of, like, instructions, we just gave them a short template to fill out.

Here's my extremely sketchy draft of what that might look like.

Storyboard Template​

Serale!

Before you get started moderating a thread, please post a new thread containing this template (filled out, of course) to the Storyboard Forum! A staff member will look at it and either approve it or ask questions.

Who?​

1. Which Player Characters will be participating in this thread?
2. Which important or powerful NPCs will be participating in this thread, if any?
3. Who will be moderating this thread?

What?​

1. Give a summary of the intended plot of the thread.
2. What are the maximum rewards on the table for each PC for this thread?

When?​

1. When is this thread set?

Where?​

1. Where is this thread taking place in Telath?
2. Please link to the first post of the thread.

Why?​

1. Why are these NPCs participating in this thread?
2. Why are these rewards appropriate for these players to receive in this thread?

 

[Kettle]

I like this for an opener! The closer is the critical one imho. Using sort of your template, and also referencing some ideas from the SoF thread:

Newsworthy

• What stories will the locals tell about the events of this thread? What rumors might spread in the area?
• How has each PC's life changed as a result of the thread? How might future threads call back to these events?

Well-Deserved

• What did each PC risk during the thread's story?
• What has the PC gained as a result of this thread?

Snapshot

• Paste a copy of any descriptive scenes you wrote about any new or existing environment or location.
• Paste a copy of the introductory text and/or character-revealing descriptions about each significant NPC.

 

[Kettle]

Ok I've actually tried using these in real-time storyboard threads and... it's very thorough and forces me to consider things I might not have otherwise considered, but it takes quite a lot longer to fill out than the current bare-bones system.

Do we have volunteers to try it out in actual real storyboards, or mock up answers for threads that are ongoing? How does it feel?

 

[Karrkh Ti'Praaal]

Ok I've actually tried using these in real-time storyboard threads and... it's very thorough and forces me to consider things I might not have otherwise considered, but it takes quite a lot longer to fill out than the current bare-bones system.

Do we have volunteers to try it out in actual real storyboards, or mock up answers for threads that are ongoing? How does it feel?

Can you elaborate on where specifically you're doing your extra consideration?

 

[Kettle]

The Whys of yours and the Newsworthy of mine. I'm very over-explanatory though, and I end up starting with a thought and cascading into further explanations, so that's probably my own personal problem. 'S why I ask for volunteers who can do this concisely!

 

[Karrkh Ti'Praaal]

How about if we rewrite the Why's to:

1. Why are the important/powerful NPCs you listed in "Who?" (if any) participating in this thread?
2. Why are the events of this thread taking place? If the events of this thread are occurring as a direct consequence of any other threads, please link them here.

Specifying that it's just those powerful NPCs that you're being asked about reduces the storyteller instinct to go into the motivations of Every. Single. Character.

And "Why are these events taking place?" with specific reference to linking causal threads will give the storyboard desk more information to reference against.

I have a really hard time justifying RPG rewards, especially in the context of a more storytelling-driven than loot-driven game. Maybe if we just leave that out, and let storyboard helpdesk ask after for a justification if the rewards seem too strong? Maybe we would need to add an instruction to the reward question in the "What" section, like "Try to keep the rewards commensurate with the level of effort the PC has taken to get them." Although then the question is, what's appropriate for what level of effort...?

Do we have a guide, or better yet an infographic, for balancing thread rewards?

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As for Newsworthy, adding "if any" and "if at all" to those may give your brain relief from the feeling that you have to come up with something? Sometimes a thread isn't going to be a big deal in the scheme of things.

 

[Haku]

@Kettle
Hi, I’ve submitted a Storyboard per Karrkh’s template for a real collaborative monster hunt between myself and Amelie. So if you want to review it and see whether it meets the intention please feel welcome to do so (any advice or comments welcome too)

 

[Karrkh Ti'Praaal]

@Haku How did you find it?

 

[Haku]

@Haku How did you find it?

I liked it, the Why question were particularly useful in helping to hone my thoughts.

In the Who section I decided to use the ‘Adventurers Guild’ rather than a specific NPC so adding an option for Organisations/Factions might be a useful addition. Especially as such widespread IC organisations can help to build connection and continuity between players.

The What section probably needs a bit more guidance on what appropriate rewards look like and even on how to plot an forum adventure, though I accept those things are probably outside the scope of a Storyboard template

 

[Crimson]

Should we update this Guide based on this previous discussion?

Player's Guide to Moderation

An OOC Players' Guide to the moderation available during gameplay. Abstract While players write for their single character, creating, developing, and maintaining the narrative around the player character (PC) is the responsibility of the thread’s Storyteller. This includes creating and playing...

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