MW Starter Module
I was just in another thread and I thought of a great new project!
As many are aware, I helped develop the MW GUIDES with the aid of many other members and quite a few articles from the community. (They are still in the fine tuning mode, but the major bulk is laid out.) Even though that project isn't entirely complete I've received many letters from new and old members about their usefulness and other people using them as reference. The GM guide itself has around 1.5k views, so it makes me think the information is getting around
Someone was just discussing with me (nautillus project) about making some generic maps for the map section (a new expansion I'm intending to add) to use as a resource for GM's.
This led me to a whole new idea... what if new GM's really just needed a good shove to get them started in their experience?
I remember GURPS 3rd ed. had a great little adventure or three built right into the book that my friends and I played at least 1/2 a dozen times.
Granted one could get a premade module for the same effect, but ugh, those are usually really combat heavy and not much suited to PBP and sometimes other things are a factor like not realizing the module you just bought for your first game is for level 13 characters and now you wasted your cash because there is no way you can handle characters of that level. This adventure would be specifically geared towards new PBP players and GM's.
So here's the pitch (and this is only brainstorming as I can't jump in on this project just yet as I still have to finish the guides):
A royalty free starter adventure module with easy potential for GM expansion.
Base story will be written as Generic Tolkien style fantasy and include lots of classic/tropetastic elements (such as you start in a bar) while avoiding exotic elements (everyone has four arms, wings, a tail and telekinesis) and conversions are made for DnD 3.5, 4 and GURPS, as well as any other system anyone is willing to donate time to convert.
Story is for 2-5 size group of starter level characters and base characters are included, probably a dozen or so sheets being written up for FIGHTER, CLERIC, MAGE, THIEF, and some other popular variants like ELVEN ARCHER, DWARVEN AXEMAN, etc.
Depending on some suggested various endings there will also be suggestions for what KINDS of adventure to run next, but the second adventure will be up to the GM to make based upon the play experience with the group.
Application: This could be used by new GM's to run their first adventure (and possibly help more players become active GM's) and also used as a starter adventure for newbie players that just joined the site, helping MW get more experienced players and gamers simultaneously. Speaking from experience too, these one shot starters can be fun to play repeatedly for experienced gamers too, almost as an RP challenge
Tone should mix various story telling elements but keep "FUN" as the primary concern (though not necessarily campy, as that portion should be left to the GM's discretion).
This is a very large project and I'm just brainstorming it now, so all you writers out there, throw out those ideas, links and concerns.
Eventually once the idea is together more I'll set up ad ad to attract the attention of additional interested parties and we'll all work on it in a game board. Once it is in good working order, like the GUIDES, we'll send it up the chain of command and see if we can get it approved for integration into the site.
What say you MW community?
Some Jobs We'll need to fill:
-Map Makers
-System Experts (generation and conversion)
-Writing Team Members
-Consultants with lots of RPG experience
-Visual Artists
-Playtesters (GM's and PC's)
Please apply for any of these positions by expressing interest posting a sample (or list experience if a sample is not appropriate) below.