conversations.from: system
conversations.value: Normally I would write some kind of preamble... some intro fiction to help set the mood... BUT...
  
  this isn't that kind of story. At least not yet. You see, I don't really know what kind of story we're going to end up with until I have my five players, and my own character.
  
  Why?
  
  Well... this is a Rotating Narration game inspired by the likes of *Cloud Atlas*, a film/novel where six stories in vastly different time periods and settings intersect and intertwine in so many subtle ways that after a while you begin to realize that they are really the same story told over the course of a millennium....
  
  and the adventure videogame series *Myst*, where certain books acted as gateways to other worlds that were beautiful, fantastic, terrifying, and above all, *impossible*.
  
  Where am I going with this?
  
  Well... I would like every player to play six characters... and narrate some scenes of their own.
  
  Wait wait! Don't go yet! Let me explain.
  
  1. You will NOT be asked to make multiple character sheets. Instead, you will be writing up all of your characters on ONE sheet... and even then, only a paragraph or two about their physical appearance, and the core of who they are... that is... what we as readers need to know immediately about them.
  
  2. When making a character application, you WILL NOT be writing more than one of these characters. Why? Well...
  
  3. As a Narrator, you will be picking a [genre of some kind](http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Genres) to Narrate... which means every player (including myself) will be narrating their own story one scene at a time in a rotating order that we'll agree on before the story starts (who knows, I might not even be the first narrator!)... whenever it is your turn to narrate, you will NOT be continuing on from the scene directly preceding yours, you will be starting or continuing from the last scene YOU narrated... because every Narrator/Player has their own unique story with its own setting, tone, genre, time period (possibly), and maybe even its own different rules.
  
  4. To clarify... each scene done by a narrator... only advances the story that narrator is telling. Each narrator is telling their own story, and every scene they narrate advances the plot of their story only. For example... the first chapter is going to be six scenes long, and each scene is going to be an introduction to each of the narrator's stories.
  
  For a visual reference, [take a look at the first few minutes of the Cloud Atlas film adaptation.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LI23sh5PZx8)
  
  Now... on to character creation.
  
  Instead of picking an archetype for one character as your nature.... you are picking an archetype for SIX characters. You are free to come up with your own, but I'd highly recommend looking at the ones I set up so you know just how broad they need to be. 
  
  Similarly, your starting Strength, Weakness, and Subplot cards should be something common to every version of this archetype... something that applies to every iteration of it... something that every single character within your chosen Nature/archetype can be described by.
  
  And now... for the character creation format:
  
  **Genre:** This is the genre you want to narrate.
  
  **Setting:** Please put a brief description of the kind of setting you want to set your scenes in. Having a name for it already is nice, but the key things to keep in mind are... time period, what kind of place it is (city, forest, mountains, volcanic doom fortress, etc.), what the overall feel of the place is, as well as a reasonably detailed description of a key landmark or two. If you are using an established setting, please provide a link to some material on it and explain how you are going to make it your own... how you are going to change it to make it more personal and unique to you.
  
  **Tone:** This is the tone your scenes will take... can be dark and serious, comedic, tragic, whimsical, bittersweet, whatever... just try to sum it up in NO MORE than two words.
  
  **First Character:** This is the first character you will make, and it is tied to setting and genre you want to narrate... and it will probably be the main character (in one way or another) in the scenes you narrate. Here, please include a physical description of your character... just enough to get a sense of their health, dress habits, and anything else that can be learned about them just by looking at them... as well as something critical to understanding who they are... like what their profession is and what their reaction to it is as an example (for instance, "I hate working for that idiot alchemist.") as well as why they can't leave that profession... or perhaps something else about them... whatever it is, we need to see some core aspect of the character here summed up as succinctly as possible.
  
  **Second Character:** And so on... here you will be doing the same thing for other characters in other Narrators' settings... DO NOT fill any of these out until the cast has been decided, and after that... we will be coordinating with one another to figure out how to fit the various archetypes into each setting and help each other build interesting characters out of it.
  
  **Narration Style:** In a few sentences, please describe your narration style... can be anything from how you approach designing challenges to just how you prefer to run things... and so on... something to give everyone a sense of who we're sharing a game with, and give us some idea of what to expect from you.
  
  Feel free to ask me questions [here](https://storium.com/forums#/category/lfg/thread/dcnncr)
  
  Or shoot me a private message... but since this will very much be a group effort... it'd probably work better in the long run to shoot a question over to the forum thread there... as it could answer questions for more than one person at a time.
  
  Oh yes... I'm also putting thus under NSFW because well... there's no way to predict what will happen yet... and I don't like to put constraints on people when they aren't necessary.
  
  If you make a character here... you are agreeing to narrate your own scenes as well. And as such, I am seeking some fairly active players/narrators... and if you are going to AFK for a while, let us know and we can work around that. But you need to give us warning... though that said... ridiculously long absences (a month or more) will see your story come to a sudden conclusion, and your character sheet being retired. Sorry, but have to keep things moving, okay?
  
  Current setting google docs:
  
  Gunslinger's Setting: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15AliPC3lBRnqd-jIP8WaR-NGx_mmSOwPszCBSoTz0-g/edit?usp=sharing
  
  TheDoctor455's Setting: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bh_1AQL1-l2RY_PEQS7-SOXlYpSUh8A32AYJeYDM0MA/edit?usp=sharing
  
  CoffeeNinja's Setting: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Os1g5Zy79oR6KZbCrZQ3WFqcn2Nz3gJrEvM5lKCuuhY/edit
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Commonly abbreviated as SF or Sci-Fi, this genre generally takes a temporal telescope to take a sneak peek at what the future may hold. Whether its five minutes or a few centuries into the future... the point is that there is something strange going on that can be more or less explained by rational means that is used to further the story in one or more ways.
  
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Science_fiction_genres
conversations.prefix: Science Fiction (DO NOT CHOOSE):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Whether High, Low, Light, Dark, Epic, Personal... whatever... if there be magic or elves or what have you in there... its fantasy. Typically set in eras involving swords and sorcery, this genre relies on or at least involves elements that would be utterly impossible in our mundane little world.
  
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Fantasy_genres
conversations.prefix: Fantasy (DO NOT CHOOSE THIS):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: This is fiction at least loosely based on historical settings and events. It may use historical figures for its cast, or it might use fictional ones. In either case it tries to be true to the times. It may be involve an alternate universe kind of setting where things worked out differently... or it might borrow elements from other genres. In any case... there is a certain gravitas to using history as a setting... one that should involve exploring uncomfortable territory when it comes up.
conversations.prefix: Historic Fiction (DO NOT CHOOSE):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Maybe it involves detectives solving a case, maybe it involves spies... or ordinary people trying to solve a problem everyone else is ignoring... or maybe its the lone honest detective working against the rest of the corrupt police force he is employed by... in any case... there is a mystery to be solved... and some element of suspense involved.
conversations.prefix: Mystery-Thriller Fiction (DO NOT CHOOSE):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: This is where things go bump in the night... where there are bogeymen and murderers hiding in your house. Right now, but don't look because that'll REALLY piss them off!
  
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Horror_genres
conversations.prefix: Horror (DO NOT CHOOSE):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: But as the starting strength, it should represent a universal strength of the archetype you're going for. Something that all of your various characters within that archetype have in common that helps them succeed.
conversations.prefix: Create Your Own!:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Again, as a starting weakness this should be something common to every version of the archetype you portray... some universal flaw they all share that holds them back and trips them up.
conversations.prefix: Create Your Own!:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: This should be kept nearly as broad as your Nature was... while also serving to expand on it...
  
  I'd recommend using this represent some kind of need common to all of your characters... some defining aspiration or emotional element that drives them forward... that keeps them from giving up.
conversations.prefix: Create Your Own!:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You are wise, whether through experience, education, or years... you know quite a bit, and more importantly, you always have some good advice for people. However... for one reason or another, you are often out of touch with your time and place in one way or another.
conversations.prefix: The Sage:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You are always the most ardent supporter of what you see as the defining cause of the day... whether its a religion, a political movement, a social justice movement, a revolution... or simply an important discovery. Whatever your cause is, you will defend it with everything you have... maybe even your life.
conversations.prefix: The Zealot:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Whether through trade or psychological pathology you are a skilled liar and swindler. You are good at getting others to believe in whatever you want them to. You dream big and always strive for the best that life has to offer, but if discovered... there are always dire consequences for your trickery.
conversations.prefix: The Con Man:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You always go against the grain... whether as an art or social critic... or a scientist, or a religious heretic, or a rebel, or a servant of the state... or even a simple curmudgeon... you always have something against what seems to be the popular view, whether in society at large or in your own little circle of acquaintances. You may conduct your objections with the pen or the sword... but you always make them known one way or another. 
conversations.prefix: The Contrarian:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Whether driven by duty, pride, or curiosity... you always need to uncover the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. You may show mercy to excusable criminals... or you might beat them to death with the iron fist of justice. Either way... you WILL find the truth, whatever it is... whether as a scientist, detective, religious inquisitor... or whatever. You hate secrets, you hate not knowing something, and always strive to find out more... no matter where it might lead.
conversations.prefix: The Inquisitor:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Local Pub, owned by Cassidy. It's not the hottest bar in town, but many enjoy the low key feel, plus the food here goes perfect with your beer
conversations.prefix: Cassidy's:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Owner of Cassidy’s, usually seen bartending, has the mouth of a sailor as they say, but a good heart. Only known as Cassidy to anyone, her last name is a mystery. She doesn’t like being called Cass, or Cassie, just Cassidy.
conversations.prefix: Cassidy (Harriet):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: These people are your friends, you came out to catch up right?
conversations.prefix: Catching Up.:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Seems like this guy can't catch a break, like ever.
conversations.prefix: Bad Luck Barry:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Some patient told David of a really interesting book, should the group look into it?
conversations.prefix: The Book:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Cassidy gave Harriett and Eddy a cash bonus!
conversations.prefix: $50 Bonus:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Nobody really want to live under Milan Ramada, maybe there;s a way to help Mr. Balor?
conversations.prefix: Save The Apartments:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: A bustling city in the East of England.
conversations.prefix: London (1880):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Establish your characters revolving around the crime.
  
  *One card per player.*
conversations.prefix: The Crime:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Greek, Latin, French; this person has picked up more than one language.
conversations.prefix: Foreign Language:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: It's not something you can just leave...
conversations.prefix: Discover the Truth (William Carver):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Find clues relating to the dead girl.
conversations.prefix: The Hotel Room:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: They must always look deeper into their problems, never wanting to stop with the obvious.
conversations.prefix: The Inquisitor:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The inner truth can't be seen, but observed.
conversations.prefix: Observant:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: They abide to the law and the terms of conduct, often telling on or punishing others who fall out of line.
conversations.prefix: Strict:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: They must make life work for them, whatever the cost.
conversations.prefix: Live in Content:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Whether through trade or psychological pathology you are a skilled liar and swindler. You are good at getting others to believe in whatever you want them to. You dream big and always strive for the best that life has to offer but if discovered there are always dire consequences for your trickery.
conversations.prefix: The Con Man:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: There is something about you that makes people believe your lies.
conversations.prefix: Silver Tongue:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Be it booze, coin, drugs or flesh, you are a slave to your vices.  You will do whatever it takes to satisfy that urge, at any cost. 
conversations.prefix: Vices :
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You've made it this far because you are looking out for numero uno.  That's you.  You will continue to survive if it costs you everything and everyone.
conversations.prefix: Survivor:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Through thick and thin, you will fight for the good fight, and defend your loved ones. What you consider moral and good may vary from others at times
conversations.prefix: The White Knight:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: When you say you'll have someones back, you really mean it.
conversations.prefix: Loyal:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You fight of what you believe in and are always there for your loved ones. sometimes that can come off as arrogance.
conversations.prefix: Self Righetous:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Your friends, your family. You will protect them, you have to. They need you to.
conversations.prefix: Protect:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You have a flame in your heart that can't be quenched. Whatever you do, you give it your all.
conversations.prefix: Passionate:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Be it a physical injury or a broken heart, you have wounds that run deep. Wounds that won't heal.
conversations.prefix: Broken:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You are always the most ardent supporter of what you see as the defining cause of the day… whether its a religion, a political movement, a social justice movement, a revolution… or simply an important discovery. Whatever your cause is, you will defend it with everything you have… maybe even your life.
conversations.prefix: The Zealot:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Whatever you're fighting for, you'll do anything to make a difference.
conversations.prefix: For the cause:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You are always the most ardent supporter of what you see as the defining cause of the day… whether its a religion, a political movement, a social justice movement, a revolution… or simply an important discovery. Whatever your cause is, you will defend it with everything you have… maybe even your life.
  
  
conversations.prefix: The Zealot:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You always go against the grain… whether as an art or social critic… or a scientist, or a religious heretic, or a rebel, or a servant of the state… or even a simple curmudgeon… you always have a problem with the current state of affairs.
conversations.prefix: The Contrarian:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You are intelligent and often come up with creative solutions to problems... often using very unconventional thinking to make your way through life.
conversations.prefix: Experimental Approach:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Sometimes your experimental approach to life works and wins you the day and some friends... this is not one of those times.
conversations.prefix: Divisive:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Whatever is accepted as "normal" you need to challenge it. If for no other reason than to get others to question it as well.
conversations.prefix: Upset the Status Quo:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: “The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the Grandest Intention."
  --Oscar Wilde
conversations.prefix: Kind:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: “We are like puzzle pieces who are perfectly suited to make a giant picture together, but we are assembling ourselves in the dark.”
  ― Vironika Tugaleva, The Love Mindset 
conversations.prefix: Out of Touch:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: “The trouble is not that I am single and likely to stay single, but that I am lonely and likely to stay lonely.”
  ― Charlotte Brontë
conversations.prefix: Find A Companion:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You are wise, whether through experience, education, or years… you know quite a bit, and more importantly, you always have some good advice for people. However… for one reason or another, you are often out of touch with your time and place in one way or another.
conversations.prefix: The Sage:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You have always had a sturdy soul. You know how to handle situations with a clear, calm mind.
conversations.prefix: Focused Mind:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You feel older than you should. You take everyone's problems onto yourself. You burn out easily and feel you've let people down.
conversations.prefix: Weight of the World:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You want to leave a mark... just a subtle one... something to show you existed. If you don't leave anything behind, how do you know your life had any meaning...?
conversations.prefix: Remember Me:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Bright eyed and naive, she attracts protectors, for though she is plucky, she rarely knows how best to take care of herself.  Still, she inspires the best in others, and though often in danger, she always manages to pull through somehow.
conversations.prefix: The Ingenue:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You know, the snarky asshole with whitty comebacks.
conversations.prefix: Cocky:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Giving always feels better than getting. 
conversations.prefix: Generous Soul:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Your input doesn't mean to much. If only you could add something useful to the situation...
conversations.prefix: Out of the Loop:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Sometimes your devotion to your art hinders your ability to do else.
conversations.prefix: Passionate to a fault:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You saw part of the crime firsthand. You might be able to shed some light on the situation.
conversations.prefix: Wide Eyes:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You have a sense of honor and justice, at least in your eyes, your way is just.
conversations.prefix: Sense of Justice:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You have a way, if not with words, then with the rest of your body.  Either way, you often get what you want.
conversations.prefix: Seductive:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You have friends, some of them may be able to help in your time of need.
conversations.prefix: Friends In Low Places: