Questions for Vamp ST applicants

[Deimos]

So I am curious to know how the Vamp ST applicants feel about a few issues/processes. This will help me pick the best candidate and maybe help others do the same.

Questions:

1. What is one thing you are bad at when it comes to everything that is included in storytelling a larp. How do you plan to get around/fix that?

2. What do you think is the difference between a good storyteller and a bad storyteller?

3. What is your feeling/future plans about large events?

4. How strict should an ST be about character generation limitations compared to how they are currently?

5. If you become head ST what changes do you plan to make?

Thanks for your time.

Chris S - player advocate

[Kaine Chandler]

1. I feel like I'm not too good at combat, but this is one major reason we have combat advocates who have to be approved by someone really good at combat, ie Broney, and we also have a wide range of books to look up stuff, which addresses another weakness, that of rules. Unfortunately I cannot commit all the rules to memory, but I can always look them up, and several people have made helpful "cheatsheets" for fast rules reference that help as well. I have heard that there are some who are dissatisfied with my storytelling, but I'm not really sure how to fix that without some constructive criticizm, i will be happy to take advice on how to make positive changes in this regard.
2.the difference between a good storyteller and a bad one? well, the obvious answer might be creativity, but i think that that's part of the reason we have a team of sts, my main one would be communication. a good st can communicate effectively with the staff and players, not just in getting thier own ideas out, but in listening to the ideas of others and incorporating them into thier storytelling methods.
3. I love events, I want them to continue, we would love to find a venue other than the garage to hold some nice ones in, but the players have been doing a great job making the atmosphere for each even special, and I really want that to continue... I'd like to see between 3 and 6 a year, but its negotiable.
4. i see chargen limits as a way to balance the game, and i think our current limits are doing a good job of this. i know its hard when you're the one being turned down or restricted, but an ST has to consider the good of the game above all, and i feel that more relaxed (or for that matter more restricted) chargen limits could unbalance it too much.
5. I do want to try to impliment a mass combat system which would reduce the time of mass combats, but this would be done based on player approval following a demonstration. Other than that, I have no plans for change, but am always open to new ideas from staff and players.

on a side note, my internet is down, so if you have more questions and i don't respond immediately, don't panic, i will get to it as soon as i can.

[Thornstar]

Answers:
1. I am bad at collecting information from people. I have already begun to remedy that by opening up on the Vamp OOC board in an attempt to gain criticism and praise of both the system as it stands and the idea of myself as VHST. As time would go on, I would continue to stay open to this information, and would approach others to ensure that communication continues unhindered. I will encourage people to keep emails coming in to not only clarify game issues, but to accept the inevitable criticism directly. I want people to know they can reach me, that I will hear them out, and I will do my best to accommodate. Not that Ill be giving away Tzimisce to everyone who writes in, but I’m not afraid to admit that I’m wrong. Which leads me to my next answer…
2. I think the primary difference between a good storyteller and a bad one is their ability to differentiate between game and real life. A Storyteller who expects or assumes the same control over players as they have over characters is a bad storyteller. Additionally, we need to remember our on fallibility as humans. We must remain aware that out side of making the decisions on a storyline, that we are simply human. Players most often deserve more respect than their characters, and should be shown that when interacting with an ST.
3. I feel that due to the social nature of Kindred, these events are absolutely necessary to enhance the experience of playing one, and as such should be continued. While I do very much enjoy the large events we’ve had, I’ve only been peripherally involved. As such, I’d be learning during my month trial period the ins and outs of our associations with other entities, such as the Prop Shop, as well as the finer points of how these relationships are upheld. As for the events themselves, I am willing to make myself as available as possible to aid players in planning their own, as I feel major holidays are not the only time things should be set up. Perhaps a Toreador wants to set up a salon, but has no materials for it at all? Well, then I start organizing some things and seeing what I can do to aid that player in setting it up.
4. I feel the CharGen limits right now are just about right. There are some small changes I’d like to make, but honestly I don’t really want to tip my hand to that too much. On the other hand, I have no problem saying that I don’t feel everyone in this city truly needs to be 9th generation. I'll be asking for some justification on the reasons a character picks their backgrounds. I want to see information logged on peoples retainers. I want to know why your ghoul is able to help you with some highly specialized field. I want to know where your money comes from. Also, after chargen, Id like to see write ups on havens. After you’ve been welcomed and you know your place in the domain, I want to know where you’re (un) living so you can be given a fair chance to respond to localized events, as well as making the importance of secrecy in such things more important.
5. I want to make any number of small changes, mostly to the flavor of the game. I want more politicking, less Kindred Social Club and Bingo Hall #104. I want accountability for actions. I don’t just mean making Humanity rolls for actions you take; I mean I will seek to make characters and players responsible for their actions. If you talk trash to the agent of the Prince, you talk trash to the Prince. The prince will talk back. If you go hunting in the same area, dominating your victims, you might start seeing the same ones coming back again to satisfy some deeply repressed (by you) fantasy of having some unknown pleasure delivered to their subconscious… for some reason they cant explain. There simply is not enough time for me to go into all the changes I’d like to make, and again, there are a number of them I’d like to reserve. Things, which happen behind scenes. Things not public. There’s lots I want to change, and most of it can actually be accomplished via role-play, so I’d prefer to have it happen there.


Aything else? Need clarification? Lemme know. Thanks.

-Aaron

[Stocks]

1. Well I dont know ever rule in the book so I have the disadvantage of not knowing the answers to every rules question at the drop of a hat. So I plan on having plenty of rules advocates and Ast's that excel at that exact talent. I also can't come up with every single dark deed and sick idea to torment the players with so I plan on having a very creative staff.

2. A good storyteller can tell a fast, entertaining story while breaking the smallest number of eggs as possiable. Storytellers have got to be able to have a good time and know what their players want out of their game. It's all in the attitude.

3. I think a former St marked a great standard of having events at least monthly. I plan on having as many events as I have the manpower to see done. I think events are important for really bringing out the mood of the larp. It attracts new players, gives people something diffrent from the same old same old elysium night larping. Events are also just really fun.

4. I believe alot of the rules currently in place are put to keep the game in check. I feel the game now adays is alot more balanced, even and fun. Of course there are always things that can be improved.

5. There are some things that players want clarification on. Styles of play that players want to see but as of yet have not. Staff changes of course. I would like to take the game in a new direction more player on player plots, and other things i'll let the players find out if I win.

[derrikruik]

Questions:

1. What is one thing you are bad at when it comes to everything that is included in storytelling a larp. How do you plan to get around/fix that?

"I would have to say that keeping notes is my weak point. I come up with things on the fly sometimes and I won't make a note so it gets overlooked. To fix it I am going to have a notebook devoted to the Chronicle and keep all of that info backed up on my computer, and set aside some time each week to update it and refresh myself."

2. What do you think is the difference between a good storyteller and a bad storyteller?

"There are many ways of storytelling, not just a right way and a wrong way. Good storytelling involves colorful descriptions, unique NPC's, the ability to react with great mental alacrity. A bad storyteller might be bad for many reasons that cover a huge spectrum from playing favorites, to unwise rule calls, or trying to force the story in a direction against the will of the players. That really just scratches the surface though. "

3. What is your feeling/future plans about large events?

"The events are great, as many events as you 'kindred' want to sponsor I will do my best to make it happen and work with you guys to create some awesome events.

4. How strict should an ST be about character generation limitations compared to how they are currently?

"I will say this, I will know your character almost as well as you do. I will dig into your backgrounds and find out what your backgrounds are and why you have them. It is your story, you guys are the stars. It is a by the book game it should be by the book so 8th gen. would be Ok, but I would cap the number of them or require the player to show me how their elder will add to the story in a unique way. If I see a bunch of character sheets that say 8th gen something is wrong. I expect to see a character who is deeply connected to the world of darkness already. Really playing an elder is a serious choice and only serious applicants should apply, and if you don't know your stuff you will be turned down."

5. If you become head ST what changes do you plan to make?

"I will stick to the book as my reference on how to do things. If it isn't broke don't fix it. Any of the AST's who want to stay on are more than welcome to, I have good feelings about all of their abilities, as well as probably adding an AST position to give you guys more access to us. I also intend to take a long look at combat to make sure that it is being run properly and will iron out the kinks that it has. Making changes is something that I want to only do if it is required, and will use only balanced and fair methods to enact those changes.

Any other questions will be answered promptly. thanks