Something new
So far in considering how to remake the site, it’s been an interesting balance between that something old and that something new. In many ways, there’s no point in trying to reinvent the wheel. You might notice in our Rules that a lot has carried over from the last version of the WoT RP (though with some major edits). But, I’ve also had three years to contemplate what we could have done better last time, and The Gathering Storm was a wonderful book for exploring more within the White Tower. Since that’s where the site is starting, it’s shed light on a few facets that will be rather new for the site.
To keep this short and sweet, here are the top points for ‘something new’:
– Increased faithfulness to the books. Kind of. In rereading the Wheel of Time, a lot of things have stuck out to me in ways that seem like they’d make for better role-playing. Maybe they’re just details, but ones that seem kind of important in the long run. One such realization? That the Training Grounds—where men (and the occasional woman)—come to study under Aes Sedai’s Warders, are actually studying under Warders. Gaidin are Warders, and aren’t some rank unto themselves. Those who study under the Warders are expecting to become Warders themselves. Which brings us to the next point.
– Sections that are more integrated together. In a few ways, I hope that characters from each section get to know each other better; novices and Accepted and Trainees have requirements that ask them to write together, for example. While this had better not result in more cheesy romance strings, I hope that this will result in more PC Aes Sedai and Warders who are bonded. If you haven’t noticed already, one of the requirements to become full rank in the Training Grounds is to actually become bonded. Being bonded is great IC and OOC; it gives you someone to write with all the time, and once you’re done developing your character on their own during training, you then get someone dependable to write with once raised.
– A more flexible administration. In some form or another, my hope is that we’ll have more people involved in helping to run the site beyond the traditional IC roles. This includes expanding the IC roles so that Sitters, Ajah Heads, and Blademasters have increased responsibility and visibility. We’ll see how this works over time, but there are so many people so far who’ve indicated interest in various roles at the site that I truly want to find a way to include everyone. It’ll happen, one way or another!
– One website, not five. We used to have a lot of different “section” sites (such as the Amyrlin’s Study, the Gates of the Black Tower, etc.), but with the new fandangled web technologies, it’s now far easier for us to maintain one site all together instead of each section leader taking care of their own part. I hope that this will result in better integrated information and resources for everyone, not just one section or another.
Of course, there’s more to come, but I just wanted to point out those top four things so far. Also, I’ve been getting emails from folks asking about characters and stuff, and keep those coming! I can’t wait for when we can have a grand opening of sorts and the join forms start slewing in. Woohoo!
Joni
I just found out from Amy that WoTRP was being reborn. Truly Joni? ‘Tis wonderful! Words cannot describe how much I’ve missed it and all the wonderful writers who became friends. I’ve never found anyplace else that quite fills that void. I’m really excited to see it come back!
Oh, and I have a few questions… First of all, will the in character Tower be something completely new or will it follow (at least loosely) from the old site? If it will follow from the old site, will we be allowed to bring back characters if we’d like? Would we be allowed to bring them back in some form even if the in character Tower history was different? If not, I’m still psyched to come back, but I was wondering because I was rather attached to my three little voices. (I promise, I’ve got a novice already ready and waiting to go too…)
Yay, Tiffanie! I’m glad Amy got you on to it. Once the site is a bit closer to being done, I’ll be sending out notifications to everyone. But it’s great that the word is already getting out. :)
The Tower will be very similar to what we had before, but with some changes too. I think I’ll write a blog post / page / whatever about it soon, because there’s a bit more going on than what I can squeeze into a comment. Also, yes, characters are allowed back! Though people will be encouraged to also make new ones. I’m only bringing back one or two of mine, for instance. But more on that later as well. :)
Excellent! This news makes me happy. Like I said, I’m definitely going to want to bring mine back, but I’ve got a pretty much ready to go novice I’d like to go through the new system with as well. I can’t wait to hear more about it as the site takes shape again!
I jsut heard from someone that he site is coming back! So I thought I would come and check it out and offer my encouragements to help you along. I was only here towards the end – the last year in fact – but I have many happy memories of saying up late and writing at the WoTRP. I shall look forwards to submitting a joining form as soon as I am able.
*goes off to brainstorm an acceptable character*
Oh? Am I getting ahead of myself? *grins*
Can’t wait!
Wow, I can’t believe that the first time I stumble here in years results in finding out that the site is coming back. With full force, it would seem! I can’t wait to see things rolling again. =)
Wow. Just…wow.
I’ve been writing a series of journal entries instead of a biography for a character that I plan on re-introducing, and I have to admit, being here for the “grand opening” or rebirth, as it were, is pretty exciting. It makes my nerves run and my spine tingle just thinking about it. I’ve been spending a great deal of time constructing the background, piece-by-ever-loving-piece, but doing it all in first person has been a powerful exercise in creativity.
Most people probably won’t know me; my previous foray was a little more brief than I’d have cared to admit, but I think I managed to make a positive impact on a few people before I dropped off of the face of the Earth. Needless to say, I don’t plan on doing that again.