SPREADSHEET (ROUGH DRAFT) DELIVERY /o/

[uncalled_for]

All right guys! Please read through this whole post *AND* the Detail/Instruction post before voting or commenting. I will try to make it as TL;DR as possible!

I have created the spreadsheet template (along with some examples please thank Kal for the extra input/example) and the sister-detail post to go alongside the spreadsheet.

These are *ROUGH DRAFTS*. They can be altered and changed or even scrapped entirely. And even when the final skeleton is decided these will have the ability to be expanded upon and altered and changed as your characters progress and develop!

!! THIS IS STRICTLY OOC KNOWLEDGE. This has nothing to do with your characters ICly. This is organized so that IF the idea of teams or groups or anything ever arises ICly THIS INFORMATION will be there. I cannot stress more how this does not correlate with IC info.

!! The sister-detail post is currently on Fiona's own account but will be moved once the rough drafts are complete. Please don't comment on there just yet. Chances are the current comments will be lost during the move so! ONLY COMMENT HERE FOR NOW

!! The spreadsheet is currently not available for editing and requires a link to be seen. When the rough drafts are complete anyone will be able to edit (PLEASE ONLY EDIT YOUR CHARACTERS' OWN PORTION EVER) so long as they have the link which will be within a friends-only post.

!! NONE OF THIS IS MANDATORY. It is optional and for your own pleasure. Please do not feel pressured to do any of this when it is complete and we are agreed upon. It'd be nice for all of us to do, sure. But don't get stressed on this.

!! The scales are lenient and can include decimals and whatever in-between! The spreadsheet is to give a quick overview and the sister-detail post is to get to the nitty gritty that the spreadsheet fails to adhere to as well as an explanation of each category and scale.

!! Questions, concerns, suggestions, you name it please reply to this post! I have taken whatever was previously brought up into consideration on this rough draft and there is ALWAYS room for improvement so don't feel discouraged if it looks nothing how you may like.

!! You guys are awesome and thank you for letting me fiddle with this. \o/ Also thank you very much Kal for offering your characters as examples. As well as the mods, naturally~


SPREADSHEET LINK and DETAILS POST AND EXPLANATION LINK


NOW FOR THE POLL.

Poll #11160 SPREADSHEET & DETAILS

Open to: Registered Users, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 12

View Respondents

Spreadsheet & Details Rough Draft

View Answers

LOVE it no changes are necessary and I will participate
7 (58.3%)

I will not participate in adding my own data
2 (16.7%)

Changes are needed (please list in a comment below)
3 (25.0%)

HATE it the idea should be scrapped
0 (0.0%)

The poll will be open for 1 week! (July 22nd) Afterward I will take all comments/suggestions/etc. into account and make changes where it's needed should a majority approve that it would be useful to keep etc.

Thanks guys~

Comments

[noble_nate]

Love it! Having the numbers flexibility is perfect!

[onemoredeath]

It looks pretty good so far. I know that I have done a geek thing and tried to put my not!Gackt into a class and alignment just to see if he would fit in the idea of a D&D group. Course, he ended up a half-elf sorcerer. Pfft.

But I could work with what you've set up for the most part. One of the problems I can see is that Takegami just doesn't think like a normal person, so there might be stuff popping up like that that'll definitely make his stats somewhat whacked.

[district7]

Maybe its because I've caught the dumb but I don't understand what this scale is supposed to be based on. I've read the descriptions and fiddled around with trying to do the list but each time I do, I think of instances in canon to use to compare my characters strengths/weaknesses/abilities or I start comparing them to other characters which apparently we're not supposed to do. Just an example but Johanna is pretty strong and capable within the confines of her canon but she's not gonna be in this place.

This scale doesn't really take in the full spectrum of a character's capabilities, either. Maybe someone's well versed in magic but they can't read or maybe they fall under street smart vs bookish intelligence, so where would people put them? I think having this form is a good idea in general but I'm still really for scrapping the number system and including brief summaries of the sections you provided, maybe scrapping the spreadsheet in general.

Its easy to say that this shouldn't bleed into character on character situations and that since we've got a really chill group right now it won't ever come up but it could. I'd really not wanna have to cross that line if it comes up, especially since this isn't a mod run project. Not trying to be a jerk in that respect because I think its cool that you went through the trouble to do this, I just really don't want there to be a moment when this could become a problem instead of the helpful fact sheet its supposed to be.

[616]

For full disclosure, she has been communicating with me in regards to the development of this spreadsheet and has received a green light for everything!

As far as (and this is my own personal opinion, of course) the numbering system goes, I am okay with either of these things (as a player). I don't so much mind the numbering aspect; I believe it could be helpful, and perhaps a combination of both of these things below will function for all players. Those that are more comfortable with the numbering system and have an easier time grasping characters' abilities that way versus interpreting it from a list, and those that do not have difficulty interpreting it from a list but may have trouble with numbering.


- Doing away with the numbering system and replacing it instead with a notes section, where characters' skills can instead be detailed — then their skills in battle can be inferred from that.
or
- Keeping the numbers system and writing in the character's skills based on the rank they would hold within their own canon. So, while someone could be a 9 in certain skills in their canon (battle, for example); it would already be known/anticipated that they would not necessarily have the same skills within battle in Exsilium.

In the way that characters' skills are evaluated by the Initiative before they are brought into game, it is on a system based on their usefulness in their own canon. So it would make sense to approach the numbering system as though filling it in within the context of the character's canon. (At the risk of confusion, I wouldn't recommend a "Skills within Exsilium" category as it's inferred to be different, however, that could be an additional option).

Apologies for the length of this—it is both a reply to your comment to let you know that I am definitely involved and she's been a-okay'd with me to approach this with freedom, and also a comment just to detail my own input and touch on some points you've brought up!

IN SHORT: It could work with numbers, it could work without. Maybe we can combine it so that it is both. Also, approaching the numbers to number your character using their skills in their canon (and not their perceived skills in Exsilium) seems best.

[uncalled_for]

Ffft, I saw this after I threw in my own comment. Thanks Ophelia /o/

I'll take these ideas also into consideration, of course. And a note to all: I might be setting this up and all but it is meant for everyone to use and put together. Not just me. The whodunnit doesn't so much matter with this.

[whatatool]

Not a problem, I figured she had contact with you in regards to this and had your approval.

Its more that I'm worried that because it isn't being run directly by you guys, this could have potential for abuses. If it gets brought into a situation of two characters fighting ICly and there's a contest of "Well my character is stronger than yours because their points are higher." This could happen without the scale, sure, but I think the number system just makes it more likely based on similar lists I've seen in other games even if it isn't supposed to be applied to anything but missions.

If the numbers stay I'm not gonna be terribly upset about it, just saying it is a little confusing on my part even with the added explanations. I'm also running on a lack of sleep so this might be why. Two of the examples on the post she linked had descriptions with the scale which looked good, though!

[616]

I understand what you mean re: potential for abuse! I hadn't thought of that initially, but I will keep it in mind and keep an eye on it definitely!

Should anything of the sort occur, we'll approach it in the same way that we would were the chart not involved; god-moding and issues related to it most certainly are against the rules, so I'm glad you've brought this concern up.

[uncalled_for]

Nah, you ain't caught the dumb. It's meant to compare your character to the scale itself. Really, just the scale. Not even to Exsilium. I've got 5 instances of brief ideas on each scale, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10.

It's meant to be a super lenient spreadsheet and the numbers are totally allowed to have ranges. On top of that, the spreadsheet and general topics are meant to be general so that you can expand on them within the details post. So you can say that Character A has got an 8* in intellect on the spreadsheet. Then on the details post it can be added that they aren't book smart but instead are more street smart. You could even have the spreadsheet appear as 4/8* 4 being books, 8 being streets. Does that help at all?

The spreadsheet is more for a quick overview. If you wanna look up a character's stats really quick or glance at how they have improved over time, the spreadsheet can save you sometime in that sense. It is a little redundant, yeah. But I don't tooootally wanna take it out just yet.

And nope, not run by a mod but it is mod approved and they are fully aware of what's going on and backin' me up for it. So! That shouldn't be an issue and you are not a jerk for bringing it up or anything. Who makes the spreadsheet hardly matters is what I'm saying. If that makes sense...

Anyways! If you are still concerned at all with these explanations in mind, lemme know and I'll see what I can do. :)

[whatatool]

Yeah, the examples and descriptions you provided on your post were what actually had me confused. Lemme give an example because I'm not sure how to explain this otherwise.

For Johanna, I'd probably put her between 7-8 based on the scale for Intelligence/Infrastructure on what you've got up there now. She's not charming naturally but she's great at lying when she has to and she's definitely not book smart since Panem really doesn't care about how educated a person is, for the most part. If I didn't know the canon, I'd look at the spreadsheet for a quick peak and assume that she was on Anora's level of competence with social graces and education.

I think that it doesn't give enough leeway for the full spectrum of what a character could be capable of plus without the details that come with the actual form it gives people the wrong impression that they're better at something than they are. Maybe adding more sections or being less specific in the commentary would help? I'm not sure.

It's not who makes it that's my problem, more how do you guys deal with fallout if there is any? I just don't wanna see this abused because two players can't agree OOCly on how an IC character fight would turn out.

[uncalled_for]

Ah yep. Okay. I seeee where you are coming from. The best I can suggest (given everything as it is) is that I am hoping/assuming that when others glance at the spreadsheet they'll take into consideration things like * and then read on about the details. That's what it's for anyways. But I see the concern indeedy. The intellectual section is just one thing where as physical battle has a couple more categories. Would you suggest refining it to a section on Social and a second section on Intelligence. For the social we could (if we keep numbers, of course) 1 anti-social, 10 social butterflies ain't got nothin' on this person. And for the intelligence we can have a scale that more resembles book smarts on one end of the spectrum and street smarts on the other. Would that help at all or..?

As for the potential conflict with character vs. character. I am thinking of two ways of running this. Not that either have to be used but lemme run it by you anyways. We can have it so that this should only be used FOR missions and group battles and big letters highlights, yada yada saying not for A vs B.

But at the same time I am also thinking that if A were vs. B they would battle it out in a log rather than just look at numbers and point saying mine is better than yours. The whole purpose for the details is to highlight the fact that despite any amount of categories or spreadsheet, this is still impossible to being made into a linear graph. BUT YES. The issue could arise.

My other idea is that IF this abuse happens and I'm really crossing my fingers that it wouldn't... BUT IF it were to occur. Then the spreadsheet, details post, whatever can be scrapped. I'm just thinking it's too useful to give up just yet. But if there is a fallout with it, it can always be taken down or otherwise set aside. I'm peachy with that. And more so, I'm positive the mods can help handle that sort of situation should it arise. As you said yourself. This place is pretty fantastic with an awesome player base. So I'm thinking it could work.

Did that make sense or help at all? Again, these are sorta me thinking out loud and ... yeah. Very malleable. Tell me what you think of these possibilities. (Brain storming /o/)

[danno_williams]

Just a few things...

I don't know if combining charm and intelligence into one number is a good thing. For example. My character has pretty average to maybe slightly above average intelligence, so 5 or 6? However, I'd classify him far higher on the 'charm/people skills' category. As a cop, he's learned how to manipulate emotions, read people etc. So, in all honesty, I'd classify him in the 'charm/people skills' category as maybe a 8-9. (Even if he doesn't always use it/is more find of ranting in cannon)

So, I'm utterly confused as to the number to give him on that count.

I think it's a good idea? But I think I'd like some element of chance added in? Like, if we're going into combat with this, there's always the chance that say, the guy with the lower number gets the drop on the guy with the higher numbers.

I'm also worried that if we become to much of a slave to the numbers, that we loose some of the spontaneity that comes from the writing/journal format?

Last but not least, if we're going to do classes, can we like, have one set of 'definitions'? because like, a Paladin in WOW is different from a paladin in D&D which is probably different from one in another RPG.

So, yeah... just some thoughts.

[vestigiaflammae]

- Charisma
- Intelligence
- Perceptiveness

?

/D&D nerd sneaks quietly back out.

You have a good point about the classes - I'm not sure there's much use for that at all in a game that draws from so many different canons. Maybe we should retitle that section something like "Description," or "Combat Type," and leave it up to the individual player if they want to say Wizard or Mage or Sorcerer, Fighter or Brawler or Duelist or whatever. As long as it gives a general idea of the character's area of specialization!

[noble_nate]

*D&D nerd fistbump*

[vestigiaflammae]

I like it a lot, and I'll throw Lea in! One caveat; since we have a mix of magical and non-magical characters, I'd like to see a "magical skills" section on there as well (ranging from, say, 1: no magic whatsoever, completely mundane/5: capable and powerful/10: epic-level sorcerer) to appropriately reflect a character's skills.

It might also be a good idea to include some details on the spreadsheet itself if it's a major qualification: for instance, a "7" intelligence could represent someone very smart but uneducated, or geniuses in one very specific area of expertise and hopeless outside it.

That, or link directly... can Googledocs incorporate links to particular comments? If each character's name linked to their comment on the separate post, it'd be a lot easier to compare abilities and understand fine details.