conversations.from: system
conversations.value: I do not know if anyone else on Storium has attempted this, but I am opening up a way for creative people to come together to make a new, DETAILED and SELF-CONSISTENT world that can be used for Storium games, long before the actual playing of the game, as well make a world that can used for any other creative endeavor. This has been done previously in the world of fiction book writers with the shared universe concept, leading to long series of novels and story collections, such as Thieves’ World and 1632. Many of the great IPs have used multiple writers to expand their universe, such as Star Wars, Babylon 5, Forgotten Realms, and the Cthulhu Mythos. This project is different in that those who want to use it will not have to pay the traditional license fees. If this goes very well, this co-created world will lead to fan-fiction on individual websites, published stories and novels, and perhaps greater projects. 
  
  One major drawback to having multiple writers is that the canon can be decimated by conflicting versions of the setting and elements, which is frustrating to all. Just look at all of the reboots of the DC comic universe, or even the recent multiple reboots just in the Spider-Man movie franchise. That is why an overall editor is needed. I humbly nominate myself—my project, my sensibilities will the final arbiter, though I hope that it will be considered a light touch, and I will make every attempt to be fair and gentle. I also submit for free the PROCESS to anyone else who wants to create their own world—take a look at the following, and see if you would like to join in this experiment and/or create your own for other genres. 
  
  We will create a world with detail, which means there will be some give and take on ideas, as we mash various ideas over and over, in order to fit all concepts together logically. A team player mentality is necessary. We also need originality, so, though this may be inspired by many previous IPs (intellectual properties) such as Deadlands, the driving elements must be new. For example, magic is part of this world, but we will not be taking the fear mechanic from Deadlands that morphs the environment when the Reckoners have put enough fright into the local populace. That story element belongs to Pinnacle Entertainment, originated by their writers, and bless them for creating it for their universe. This will be an original world, created with original ideas, and must be different from what has been done before. 
  
  Before going further, I will give the legal foundation, which explains the way in which this is different than most other collaborative creative activities, then delve into the beginning of the story elements. 
  
  
  META-STORY PARTICIPATION
  
  Contributors, and creators of derivative works, by the act of participation, are agreeing to the following terms.
  
  Contributors release the intellectual property claims to anyone who uses their contributions regarding invented technology, gadgets, timeline, history, events, and organizations. There will be a list of specifically released world important characters, otherwise, characters remain the property of their creator, except in a use of mere reference. No one may use someone else’s created characters unless it has been specified as a released character, except as in a minor reference. No one may recreate someone else’s stories, nor use their created dialogue.
  
  Anyone may propose to create their own stories from this setting, using the above released elements for their own use, and release for free or profit from their own story creations in any medium, including, but not restricted to: posting on the internet; Storium games; printed and electronic role playing games; providing a story to a print or electronic magazine; publishing an electronic or printed book of a story of any length; contributing a story or stories to an anthology of fiction; create a collection of stories; radio shows; podcasts; television series or movies; a script for a motion picture. 
  
  Some of the conditions to creating works in this universe are those found on the website run by John M. Portley, the instigator of this project, who holds the copyrights to this universe. At this moment, his website regarding this project is:
  
  http://www.john-m-portley.com
  
  Permission to participate in creating works in this universe begins by communicating with John M. Portley regarding the medium to be used, the title and branding to be used, and whether payment will be made or value exchanged in the publishing and/or performance of the work. Notification of any payment is to communicated to John M. Portley within one month of payment. If compensation continues to be given to the author for the creative work, then updates of the on-going compensation must occur every three months.  
  
  Swearing is not to be present within any works of this universe, nor acts of a sexual nature. Titles and branding must be changed if the copyright holder deems it an infringement of another’s on-going or proposed title or branding, or if it considered in bad taste by the copyright holder, John M. Portley, or his legal representatives. 
  
  If an individual or collective profits from a creation that is set in this collaborative world, then ten percent of the revenue of that creation will be given to a legal charity, of the author’s choice, and proof of the income and gift to charity must be provided to John M. Portley, or his legal representatives within one month of that charity payment. 
  
  The charity payment must be made once annually, at the least.
  
  Failure to the stated conditions is surrendering the right to publish anything within this created world, any and all profits from using this setting are to be forfeited to John M. Portley, and will subject transgressors to legal prosecution for infringement, defamation, and court fees.
  
  META-STORY—STEAMPUNK WEIRD WEST
  
  Though I want to keep this open to most ideas, and encourage all to think outside of the box, I do have a couple of caveats upfront. I do not enjoy stories that take away a character's free will. I really do not see the point. So, in the desire to have consistency, the first guideline of this world is that mind control is something that will not be possible more than it is in our present world, and, by association, reading of minds. Time travel is not possible by any method in this universe. Aside from that, please generate ideas, even the crazy ones, and let's see what will work well together. 
  
  What marvels of transportation and manufacturing occurred? What technology or alternative science developed? 
  
  What mythological elements or elements of magic are true in this setting?  
  
  Because of the above alternative history, what organizations and conflicts have developed?
  
  Because of the above, what set of events occurred, and what were the repercussions?  
  
  Who are the important individuals in this world—the movers and shakers?  Let's create a list of people important on this world stage that others can use. 
  
  With each suggestion, let's work together to flesh out the idea, and see what works well together. 
  
  If this world is built up by numerous contributors, then I will create a wiki website at a timely junction to collect the elements into an encyclopedia of this world. 
  
  Please put questions to the Narrator in the Commentary section. Please suggest new ideas or tweaks to previous ideas in the Scene area. Just start a character with some references for yourself, such as country and a brief background of time wasters such as your various jobs in your life and what particular entertainments that you enjoy (yes, I will require to know something about the individuals with which I will be sharing a world). Let’s see how many characters a Storium game can take!
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: A successful outcome will be glory for all your days as creative, literary giants. 
  
  A poor outcome will be a daily sadness unequalled by anyone alive. 
  
conversations.prefix: Organizations, Conflicts, Events, and Repercussions:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO WITH A NEW WORLD? DO YOU HAVE ANY CREATIVE WORKS COMPLETED (there is no requirement for joining—I'm just curious)? 
conversations.prefix: WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO WITH A NEW WORLD?:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: DESCRIBE YOUR OWN NATURE
conversations.prefix: DESCRIBE YOUR OWN NATURE:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: DESCRIBE YOUR OWN STRENGTH
conversations.prefix: DESCRIBE YOUR OWN STRENGTH:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: HAVE FUN CREATING ONE
conversations.prefix: HAVE FUN CREATING ONE:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The above is clay to mold to our will. 
  
  Because of the above alternative history, what organizations and conflicts have developed? Please give detail. 
  
  Because of the developments above, what set of events occurred, and what were the repercussions? Think 19th century, and anywhere on the planet. 
conversations.prefix: ORGANIZATIONS, CONFLICTS, EVENTS, AND REPERCUSSIONS:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: I tell nonexistent people what to do for fun and profit.
conversations.prefix: Author:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: I constantly have new ideas. Who needs to sleep, anyway?
conversations.prefix: Creative:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: I'll write a description later.
conversations.prefix: Procrastinator:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: It's worth it, though. For the few who survive. Sometimes.
  
  I have published a medieval political intrigue game on Android and (soon) iOS, and I'm currently working on a novel about people dying.
conversations.prefix: Put my characters through hell:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Cartographer, role-player. Ample time spent drawing fantasy maps and creating worlds within them. Love history and incorporating it into the world created. Huge fan of Tolkien's style of world building. Start with Creation!
  
conversations.prefix: Geographer/World Builder:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Extremely handy with all aspects of how the world is created, formed and changed over time. Spent time studying geology and geosciences as well as History
conversations.prefix: Creation over time:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: I have plenty of ideas but no where to take them!
conversations.prefix: Lacking of Starting Piont:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: I want to create something that lasts! and to help in any way to make it perfect! Or not perfect! Thats perfect too!
conversations.prefix: CREATE:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: I work with data for a living but love writing in my spare time. I have a love for fantasy/history/sci-fi and love a variety in what I write. 
conversations.prefix: Database Administrator:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: I love coming up things that make sense given the world and it's given constants, taking them to be absolute can lead to some fun ideas. 
conversations.prefix: Creative:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: I can put off with the best of them.. like for instance finding any pictures for my cards/ avatar. 
conversations.prefix: Procrastinate:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: I want to help develop the very foundation of the world and then use and take advantage of said world. My last attempt was some years ago and it would be great to do this. 
conversations.prefix: Develop and use!:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: I love creating worlds. I enjoy the history and complex relationships of evolving cultures and how the landscape and resources shape the world. I am an architect!
conversations.prefix: World Builder:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: I justify my creations with explanations that can span back thousands of years into the lore. The ever evolving path from then to now exists, and nothing is out of place.
conversations.prefix: Deep Roots:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: I have an awful tendency to leave out bits and pieces of the story when writing. It's all in my head, and some stuff seems so obvious that I forget to mention it.
conversations.prefix: Omission :
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: I love designing magical systems that feel organic in the lore and world. Systems that fit in with the theme and feel like they are part of the world and not above it.
conversations.prefix: Design Magic:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: USN from 1975-2007.  Served as a Naval Flight Officer in a variety of wars, both Hot and Cold.
  
  Has a fondness for history in general, and most particularly military and ancient Roman history.  
  
  Physical Science major at the U.S. Naval Academy; Master's Degree in Education from Vincennes University.  Currently working as a defense contractor specializing in "drone" warfare and as an Earth Science college instructor on the side.
conversations.prefix: Retired Naval Officer:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: I enjoy stories that have a decent degree of cogency and plausibility.  Even if the story is some bit of science fiction built upon an impossible premise, as long as the story remains "tight" and internally consistent, I happily leave "the real world" at the door and plunge right in.
conversations.prefix: Enjoys stories that are cogent and internally consistent:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: I think history is exciting enough on its own without seeing the need to inject magic into the mix.  So a story based on "What if Robert E. Lee had a battalion of Fire Mages fighting for the Confederacy at Gettysburg?" type of premises don't interest me in the least. 
  
  That being said, I'm anxious to learn more about this whole genre, and perhaps my devil's advocate stance at times will serve to improve our final product.
conversations.prefix: Not familiar with the "Steam Punk" genre, and frankly not a big fan...yet.:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: I have no idea how I would apply our "product" to my own pursuits.  More than anything, I just want to be a part of the process, and hopefully contribute in a meaningful way.  
conversations.prefix: I want to just be part of the whole process.:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: I like building worlds and making concept art for fun races and characters. Though I can't draw very well I feel like they still express what I try to get through better then with words.
conversations.prefix: Timid Doodler:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: I like to create things with occult natures where the word 'magic' can be used as the kind of science that makes the impossible possible. In the end isn't magic just what we can't quite explain yet?
conversations.prefix: Strange creations:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: I tend to get nervous when others negatively criticize my idea's and when it seems like all I contribute is bad.
conversations.prefix: Anxious:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: I want to play in and narrate a game in a world I helped build with others.
conversations.prefix: I wanna play!:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: I love to build worlds and help my students learn how to stretch their creativity.
conversations.prefix: World Builder/ Teacher:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: As an English teacher, reader, and writer, words are my stock in trade.
conversations.prefix: Word Wizard:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Full time teaching takes its toll.  Add being a wife, having two dogs, family commitments, etc and it's hard to make time to write.
conversations.prefix: So BUSY!:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: My favorite question to ask is What if?  What if these two characters were related?  What if something VERY bad happened right here?  These are the most fun to ask and answer.
conversations.prefix: What if?:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Go to school, study, take exams... Yeah, it's the usual grind. I do at least have the benefit of enjoying what I study!
conversations.prefix: Student:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: My mind jumps from idea to idea so often that I can pretty much pull ideas out of the most random things.
conversations.prefix: Ideas Everywhere!:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Okay, so we've got this race with this culture and this kind of history... Wait, what was that? Oooh, shiiiinyyyy! /runs off
conversations.prefix: Ideas. EVERYWHERE.:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: I've got ideas. Lots and lots of ideas. I usually have issue with linking all the ideas into a coherent thing. Hoping to use this as a learning experience for that!
conversations.prefix: Form Cohesion:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: I cherish the creative process. Anything that sparks my imagination (which is pretty much everything) inspires me to create, learn and grow. 
conversations.prefix: Artistic Writer:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: My brain works differently than most people I believe. I tend to think outside the box. The advantage of a non-linear mind.  I love creating stories out of thin air.
conversations.prefix: Visionary Storyteller:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: I have so many ideas but have a hard time executing them. I work best in collaborations or with people who can bring forth my visions.
conversations.prefix: Execution:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Hmmm.... a new world brings endless opportunities to let loose my creative energy.
conversations.prefix: WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO WITH A NEW WORLD?: