Secnario idea.

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AuthorTopic: Secnario idea.
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I'm not sure if anyone's done this before, nor am I sure if anyone actualy still makes BoE scenarios, but does it sound a good idea to make a never ending scenario?
Basically, kind of like an exile game, start of with a new party, do quests, kill monsters, gain levels. Just, there's no real story. Only loads of quests to do and hundreds of different options to make.
Does this sound like a good idea or just a major disaster :confused:

[ Wednesday, January 11, 2006 04:39: Message edited by: Commander Edward ]
Posts: 275 | Registered: Sunday, January 8 2006 08:00
Shaper
Member # 73
Profile #1
Probably not a "major disaster", but it wouldn't be very popular either.

First of all, it's impossible to make a scenario that never runs out of quests to do, unless you have the quests repeat themselves.

Second, for the majority of BoE players, plot is an important part of the scenario experience. Also, quests are vastly more interesting and enjoyable when they are within the context of and part of a story.

Third, it's really difficult to make a large scenario with many different choices for the player to make, especially if you have no previous designing experience and no plot to keep you interested in designing it for an extended period of time. Many people try, but very few succeed.

Fourth, there are already several huge, epic scenarios with lots of quests to complete, notably the Spheres trilogy, At The Gallows (probably its sequel, Spears, as well, but I don't know much about it), and (especially) the Adventurer's Club trilogy, and all of them have plotlines.

But why don't you try and come up with a plot? It doesn't have to be big and complex. Many popular scenarios are actually quite short and linear. There are several experienced designers and plotwriters here who can help you with pretty much any aspect of scenario design you can think of. There's currently a thread in the BoA forum called "I Want To Crush Your Dreams". Even though it's in the BoA forum, it applies to BoE as well. Might be worth a look.

Glad to see a new prospective designer, at any rate. Welcome to the Spiderweb Software forums! Leave your sanity at the door, and don't expect it to be there when you leave. For that matter, don't expect to leave at all.

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Posts: 2957 | Registered: Thursday, October 4 2001 07:00
...b10010b...
Member # 869
Profile Homepage #2
There was an early BoE scenario called "The Wreck of the Slug". It was pretty much as you describe; large, many quests, no overarching plot. While this scenario was well-received at the time it was originally released, it's not very popular among modern players.

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The Empire Always Loses: This Time For Sure!
Posts: 9973 | Registered: Saturday, March 30 2002 08:00
Shock Trooper
Member # 2626
Profile #3
Also, in line with what you asked, realize that you can take your Party from one Scenario into another. There are several Scenarios that are sequentially written for that very reason.
Although there are others, one set that everyone is familiar with is done by the Author, Alcritas. They're often referred to as, "The Arc".
The stories are "linked" so there is a progressing story line and certainly sufficient activity.
Also, as most of us have found, a Scenario that is very long wears on you after a while, so if it doesn't have something to hold your interest, redundant battles and treasures will turn you off rather than on.
Look around. Play a few of them. Then, I believe, your idea of an "infinite" scenario will fade like a snow Florida.
me

[ Wednesday, January 11, 2006 04:27: Message edited by: Ahbleza ]
Posts: 257 | Registered: Wednesday, February 12 2003 08:00
Master
Member # 4614
Profile Homepage #4
A scenario like that would take forever to make. And only get a 5.

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-ben4808
Posts: 3360 | Registered: Friday, June 25 2004 07:00
BANNED
Member # 6655
Profile #5
quote:
Originally written by The Almighty Doer of Stuff:

Glad to see a new prospective designer, at any rate. Welcome to the Spiderweb Software forums! Leave your sanity at the door, and don't expect it to be there when you leave. For that matter, don't expect to leave at all.
Thanks, I'm glad I'm here. :)

P.S. My idea melted :(
Posts: 275 | Registered: Sunday, January 8 2006 08:00
Master
Member # 4614
Profile Homepage #6
No, it didn't melt. It just transformed.

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-ben4808
Posts: 3360 | Registered: Friday, June 25 2004 07:00