AAMST Forsaken

A meme...

2008-10-21T04:27:26Z

As requested from a friend's LJ, since I participated there....

--Think of the first word that comes to mind when you think of me.
--Go to Google Images and search for that word.
--Reply to this post with one of the pictures on the first page of results.
--Put this in your own journal so that I can do the same.

This could be amusing - or scary!

Haven't posted in a bit....

2007-08-24T00:23:02Z

And I really should.

Although, at present, I'm not sure what else to add at the moment that isn't either already included in my report, or isn't something that I can't really talk about yet.

The venue Themes project looks pretty nice; I've seen some really good things come up through, and that pleases me greatly. I hope to see some more good workable themes come up - I'm really excited about this project, and I like involving the players as much as possible.

In fact, I have a contest that I'll be unveiling soon-ish (once I get out from under a pile of work, that is!) that will be quite involved. I just need to sort out all the details for it.

I will be sending a few discussion points (at least one - depends on how many I can remember that I wanted to do, plus I don't want to swamp the OOC list with several discussions at once!)

Also...once I figure out how to post a poll to an LJ.....expect a poll regarding Approval Levels for Renown. It's just to get a gauge of opinion for some options - *not* as a means to make a final decision.

Until next time, then, I'm off.

AMST Forsaken report (Public version)

2007-08-23T23:53:16Z

Cross-posting from the Settings-Office LJ:

MST Office:AMST Report for (GL-000-A White Wolf)
Submitted by (US2003122583) James Fisher
On 2007-08-16 13:34:25 and due 2007-08-17
Status is Entered

1) Executive Summary
2) Staff
3) Projects
4) Other Activity
5) Questions and Concerns

Executive Summary
A bit of an extended time here, as the reporting date has changed, and a lot has happened. First, Custom Reviews are moving decently (although I'd like to speed it up a bit, if my work will cooperate), with all current applications either gone through, or in discussion. There are two of the latter; I've seen no further feedback on the Custom Review list, and I am going to take silence for assent, and make decisions accordingly.

I've done a lot of work with Erik Blair, ICC Forsaken Venue Lead, to get plots in place to lead in to ICC. Two of these plots are currently in the CRD, under the "Files" section - if you should have access to this, but can't see them, email me privately, and I'll get you the plotkits to distribute. We've talked with folks from various affiliates about getting certain items seeded in various locations (Australia and the UK in particular have events planned before ICC, so they will be perfect for seeding). I'm rather excited about the plot for ICC, and I think it will be a great convention.

I did my usual rounds on IRC, answering questions, cheerleading the venue, and otherwise being as visible and accessible as possible. I starting using my AMST LJ to put up information about what I do as AMST; I need to post this week yet, as I think I missed last week. I did put up a demographic lists of lodges, although I'm aware (and pointed out) that it's entirely possible those numbers are off, as there was a time that many lodges were Low Approval, and therefore, I'm sure many ST's didn't require their players to enter them into the Database.

I'm also working on various things to update the Addendum - specifically, the wording on Merits (specifically the Spirit's Tongue Merit) from Book of Spirits, as well as the Shield Bearer Merit from War Against the Pure. Also, I'm going through the Gifts in game to determine how many require multiple points of Willpower to activate, and will be working up a rule that will handle all of them, rather than individually pointing out each instance, as we did with Legacy (Endurance 5). I'm planning on having this all completed by the next Addendum update, which I see no problem with. The next step will be going through the Forsaken section of the Addendum step-by-step to see what improvements could be made. I'm not terribly fond of the double form bonuses, for instance, favoring pack-oriented things, but we'll see how that turns out.

The AAMST Forsaken position should be all-called soon, so for those that have poked me, chomping on the bit to apply, I thank you for your patience. I'm looking forward to reading the applications, as I know several very qualified people are going to apply, although I'm not looking forward to making a decision, for the exact same reason!

Lodge Demographics, 3 August 07

2007-08-03T13:54:59Z

Just because this is interesting stuff, I combed through the database to see how the lodges stood at present. Now, keep in mind that this only counts lodges that actually show up in the DB, and there was a period of time during which many lodges were Low Approval. Also, not everyone uses the DB, so keep in mind these numbers are likely not hard-and-fast, but rather, general indicators. However, if you play a member of a lodge that is -not- represented on this list, please let me know. I've grouped them by tribe, and the lodges are in alphabetical order within each tribe category.

There are two custom lodges - the Grey Lodge and the Turtle Shell lodge. I've included them for completeness currently, although they will be subjected to the Custom Review process (and now that we're pretty much done with new custom applications, we'll be going through previously-approved items shortly).

In any event, without further ado:

Blood Talons (24 total in lodges)
    - Cerberus: 3
    - Garm: 6
    - Night: 12
    - Swords: 3

Bone Shadows (21 total in lodges)
    - Death: 5
    - Doors: 8
    - Harbingers: 1
    - Prophecy: 6
    - Turtle Shell: 1

Hunters in Darkness (11 total in lodges)
    - Ashes: 1
    - Harmony: 1
    - Ruin: 1
    - Seasons: 4 (1 Spring-aspected, 3 Winter)
    - Wrath: 4

Iron Masters (12 total in lodges)
    - Lightning: 5
    - Metal: 2
    - Scrolls: 3
    - Stones: 2

Storm Lords (10 total in lodges)
    - Crows: 2
    - Maelstrom: 2
    - Salvation: 1
    - Thunder: 4
    - Winter: 1

Open (any tribe can join; 7 total)
    - Crossroads: 1
    - Lost: 1
    - Luna's Devotees: 1
    - Savior: 1
    - Silence: 1
    - Unity: 2

There are a grand total - according to these figures - of 85 characters currently associated with Lodges. I'm sure there are actually more (see note above in regards to accuracy of these figures), but this is still interesting, I think. I'd love to see more folks get into lodges; players, if you need any help, that's what your ST chain is there for. Please use them.

What I've been doing.....

2007-07-31T12:55:09Z

In the interest of making my office a bit more transparent, I’ve decided to do something similar to what Alex T. did when he was MST – namely, put updates on my LJ as to what I’ve been doing. Now, I’m not going to do it daily, as I think that’s rather overkill (and doesn’t give me a lot of time to actually *do* things!), but I’m going to aim for weekly, anyway. At least it’ll get me posting on my LJ more often than I currently do, which is to say, not really at all.

As this will be the first one, it’ll be rather hefty, I imagine. Note that, for the past month and a half, I’ve not really had solid computer/internet access, so I’ll freely admit that I haven’t been able to give the AMST position the attention I believe it deserves, and I’m now playing catch up. There’s a lot on the plate, and a lot of things that *will* be coming out in the (hopefully, as I can manage) future.

Without further ado, this is what I’ve been doing so far as AMST Settings: Forsaken:

- We’ve had quite a few discussions about solid topics on the League list, from chronicle direction to Renown (Approvals/Stripping), the possibility of Forsaken CDM’s (or something similar), tribal/auspice identities, and more.

- Worked recently on a Custom Rite that will be introduced via plotkit (the ANST’s have until Friday for final commentary, when the Rite goes into the DB and the plot is written).

- Working on getting the affiliates tied into the Global game, and making sure they are involved. On that – any affiliate ANST who wants tie-in for ICC, please let me know ASAP.

- Worked on ICC plot, have introduced a side plot for ICC, whereas Erik has the main plot which should be released shortly.

- Advised on GenCon plot/have helped with questions from the Venue Lead.

- Spending as much time as possible on IRC, to cheerlead for Forsaken, answer questions, formulate character ties, and otherwise push the venue whenever possible. Have helped players and ST’s alike in PM – from character concepts to XP expenditures to issues with getting games off the ground.

- We went through two Project Leads for the Forsaken Custom Review project; I ended up heading that project myself; the current applications are just about done (should be done later today, actually); then we can go through already-approved applications.

- Sanctioned three books (The Rage, The War Against the Pure, Book of Spirits); will be taking another look at WAtP shortly – discussion has begun on that.

- Instituting Global projects (two are active; more to come soon, once write-ups for them are complete, and All-Calls go out)

- Networked with players on various subjects; ties in somewhat with IRC traffic, above.

- Provided input for implementation of PoA plotkit for CAINE, discussing points with the PoA PoC.

- Provided input and feedback on a number of Global policies/suggestions/rules that affect either just the Forsaken venue, or all venues, including a clarification to a Gift that will be in the next Addendum update (due out tomorrow!)

- I was part of the Red Team for the Forsaken game at USCC ’07

- Handling complaints

- Reading plotkits from affiliates, considering for Global implementation.

That may or may not sound like a lot, although it’s certainly *seemed* like a lot, especially with the lack of regular computer/internet access, to really do projects that require a lot of time. That problem has been (largely) fixed at this time, so I can spend more time on the position, as well as my other duties for the Cam, so that’s all good.

I hope that provides some transparency/insight into what I’ve been doing so far. I know some things were a bit vague, and might seem easy, but that’s because I can’t share everything. J

First post

2007-03-18T14:08:58Z

Just a first post to put something into the livejournal. I'll put more up later on, once I get things set.