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Battle Related Forums => Board Battles => Board Battle Suggestions/Creation => Topic started by: Cameron on April 26, 2011, 12:04:51 PM

Title: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Cameron on April 26, 2011, 12:04:51 PM
This thread is to facilitate the election of a new Battle Master for the Epic Battle. I will not be participating in this process, so this will be the only time I post in this thread.

Post your ideas for the next Epic Battle below. Once enough people have posted, a poll will be opened.
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Soul Reaver on April 26, 2011, 03:18:19 PM
Personally I would prefer if someone else would volunteer to host the next Epic BB (maybe Kitharsis, Faidth or Danyael?).  However, if nobody comes forward, I do have a suggestion of my own:

I'd propose a return (and conclusion) to the 'Salt in the Wound' plotline, the epic BB that ran just prior to the Eye of Terror campaign.  Jihon put a hold on that storyline with the intention of finishing it at some point in the future - due to some tragic circumstances, it never finished.  I'd like to see it concluded.

I have a few notes from Jihon regarding this, though they're sketchy at best.  I understand Cameron might have notes and things available too.  I'd have to come up with a rough plot arc, and I don't expect the overall storyline will be as long (or complex) as some we've seen in the past, but it's one possibility.

But I've already been Battle Master once, so if someone who hasn't had a go wants to, I'd be willing to step aside.
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Veldanya Venalla on April 26, 2011, 05:20:38 PM
well i have some ideas for a BB but it would require some retooling of Jharm's history as well as some additional work in general, and with me now having a job I have no idea when any of that will get done so I do not think i'll have anything rdy for people right now.
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Kitharsis on April 26, 2011, 05:48:56 PM
I have a fun battle, maybe even a sub-battle that I have in mind dealing with Kelvack.  I'm not sure how the rules would allow him being the focal point of a battle, as I do want to un-retire him some day.

It would be enough to get the newcomers involved and introduced, and we could go from there to finish Jihon's battle or move on to someone elses epic.
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Faidth on April 26, 2011, 06:21:06 PM
I always rather liked Kelvack and would actually like to see him return in some capacity. I'm also looking forward to getting the newcomers involved.

To be honest, I am not a proponent of moving into Jihon's battle next. Jihon's battle deserves the utmost respect and thoughtful planning. If we're going to pick up with that BB, I think it needs some extensive attention before we could release that one.
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Veldanya Venalla on April 28, 2011, 09:53:23 PM
Well, decided that Id at least post the concept I have cookin in my head and see what people think and if there is enough interest I can spend my free time fleshing it out and whatnot.  The companions will be recruited by Jharm and the Council to aid in their battles against the "darkness" (one of the components that is unfinished is a proper name...hence the quotes). 

The two biggest issues I've been having with completing the idea has been a) concern that everyone (especially veteran people) are all "demon'd/darkness/chaos'd" out after Salt in the Wound and EoT and b) self-doubt over my capability to be good at storytelling,  I can imagine it all really well but never seem to make posts on the level of quality as say Clutch or Faidth.  If you guys are willing to overlook or whatever these issues let me know and ill bust my ass to get everything together and finished.
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Soul Reaver on April 28, 2011, 10:51:42 PM
Faidth: Yeah, that's fine.  We've already had two other people volunteer, so my idea is already out of the running for now - I was only going to suggest continuing Salt in the Wound next if nobody else came forward.

Jharm: I think fighting darknesses is primarily what we do around here, so I'm not sure that basic premise will be a huge problem. :P

"I wanna cast 'magic missile!"
"Why do you want to cast magic missile?  There's nothing to attack here!"
"I... I attack the darkness!"
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Archdemon Stu on April 29, 2011, 01:45:54 AM
You're all good writers in my book, so whoever steps forward, I don't really see how it can go too far south. :P
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Kitharsis on April 29, 2011, 11:10:25 AM
Ok, so the last post I did with Kelvack was kind of foreshadowing.  Here it is to save some searching:

Quote
Kelvack is standing hunched over, off to the side.  His mouth is hanging open as he breathes heavily.  Four replicas of himself are standing behind him, doing the same.  Their bodies are still composed solely of energy.  The edges of their skin are blurry.  Gusts of wind catch the tails of tiny strands of energy that are tying to escape.

“This usually works a little quicker than this...”  One in the back says, between gasps of breath.

“Shut it, we all know that!”

“Don't yell at me, you idiot!”

The two Kelvack's in the back begin to brawl behind the others.  Kelvack in the front smacks his palm into his forehead and growls.

“Everyone back!  Now!”

The four figures lurch forward and are quickly absorbed into Kelvack's back.  Shaking his head, he stands there alone, watching the battle rage on before him.  His body wavers like an out of tune television.  Then, like a propane torch running out of fuel, his body sputters and extinguishes.

Kelvack stands in what one would can a human's body.  His face is strained and he is still gasping for air.

“I shouldn't be this tired.  Something is wrong here...”  He says as he goes to one knee, his hand hitting the ground hard and kicking up a small cloud of dust.  “This is not the time or the place to be having some sort of weird breakdown...  Dammit!”

He pounds the ground with his fist, cracking the rock below him.  He raises his fist again, this time his eyes go bright green at the apex of his swing.  His fist hits the ground again, but instead of cracking the rock he tears open a warp gate below him.  A shield snaps around Kelvack as he falls through the gate.

The gate dumps him out at his compound inside a small planet a galaxy away.  He lands in a heap on the floor.  Fluorescent lights flicker on as the compound begins to power up.  Kelvack grunts as he rolls over onto his back.

Staring at the lights above him, his thoughts go out to his companions.

I'm sorry...



Oh Noes!  He was in pretty bad shape.  Lets see where this leads: 


Quote
Ah, Kelvack.  The loveable, unstable shapeshifter. 

What has he been up to?

Why did he duck out of the battle with Abbadon with such haste?

Where is he?  ...All of him.


He's already died once.  Blown to pieces.  But then he suddenly appeared in a box of chinese food while helping Cameron (right?) move into his new house.  It seems that traces of Kelvack were left throughout the multiverse.  Through some sort of magnetic property his body has, they gathered and formed together into himself again.  Whoever that is...

When he ducked out of the battle with Abbadon he was strained and damaged.  Moreso than could be explained by the injuries he sustained during the melee.  As he lay on the floor in his compound with the flickering flourescent lights playing tricks with his eyes, he felt something.  A sort of pull coming from a great distance away.

He was drawn to it.  And regardless of his condition, he started travelling towards it.  It turned out someone had contained a stray part of his body and was using it for their own devices.  Each time the person used it, Kelvack would flinch and waver.  The effect became more drastic the more it was used.  Luckily, he was literraly able to hide as a fly on the wall and wait until the individual left for a moment.

Kelvack quickly broke the apparatus holding the piece of his body, absorbed it back into himself, and high tailed it out of there.

As he sat in his compound relieved that it was over, his head slowly rose and his eyes went wide.  He felt the pull coming from every direction.

A jolt went down his body that caused him to spasm on the floor before he passed out.



This battle would be a kind of collect the pieces story.  Each piece would be at a different location and I could even take suggestions or do a poll of where the next piece is.  Plenty of battles with nefarious creatures.  Lots of travel and colorful characters peppered throughout.

I would have a set amount of pieces to gather to start with.  Depending on group interest and my availability it could be expanded or shortened.  And if someone else would like to start their own adventure it can easily transition into theirs by having a piece on the planet/realm where theirs takes place.

Let me know if there is any interest and I can start fleshing it out more.
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Soul Reaver on April 29, 2011, 08:38:46 PM
I'm interested - I like adventures that go to a whole bunch of different settings.

I'm wondering if (once we're sure nobody else is going to volunteer) we can open some sort of poll thread, where Jharm and Kitharsis post a (non-spoiler) version of their ideas and then we decide whose we go with?
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Faidth on April 29, 2011, 08:43:24 PM
Post your ideas for the next Epic Battle below. Once enough people have posted, a poll will be opened.

Also, I definitely want to give this thread more time. It's only been open three days and I know of at least one other member who had an idea in the works.
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Veldanya Venalla on April 29, 2011, 08:57:09 PM
ok...i have no idea how the hell we managed to pull that off but both Faidth and I pretty much posted the exact same thing and at almost the exact same time cause when i entered the page to post her's wasnt there....now dont i feel like a damn idiot :-p
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Shadow Chorus on May 04, 2011, 06:14:46 AM
I would love to see any of these stories carried through with. I won't share any of my ideas because they're too hazy and complex to explain via a forum post, plus I'm still a newbie without any approved characters yet, so yeah. But I do love the ideas being puffed out.
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Cameron on May 04, 2011, 12:47:16 PM
I will wait till the end of the week for other suggestions. At that point, I will close the thread and we will vote on the suggestions put forward thus far.
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Veldanya Venalla on May 04, 2011, 09:55:19 PM
Well just so you know Shadow Chorus...you dont need to have any approved characters if you are interested in running a Board Battle (epic or otherwise).  Might it be a good idea to first make an Epic BB character and go through a story to see how everything works?  It wouldnt hurt but honestly if you have idea's feel free to post them, all else fails you can use like part of your idea to create a "smaller then epic" board battle as a trial run.
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Faidth on May 05, 2011, 07:47:23 AM
Well just so you know Shadow Chorus...you dont need to have any approved characters if you are interested in running a Board Battle (epic or otherwise).  Might it be a good idea to first make an Epic BB character and go through a story to see how everything works?  It wouldnt hurt but honestly if you have idea's feel free to post them, all else fails you can use like part of your idea to create a "smaller then epic" board battle as a trial run.

Agreed! I like the idea of another "smaller than Epic BB." Besides, you could customize it to suit your tastes and don't have to worry about previously generated characters or trying to keep any of the background straight. It might be good to test the waters first.
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Shadow Chorus on May 05, 2011, 09:21:57 AM
My plot idea was more of a short break from the constant physical and powerful tests that the Epic characters seem to face, and more of an emotional and mental trial. Sort of testing the bond between the brothers of the Epic Battle. Pitting friends against each other and putting people at odds and creating a sort of complex plot that weaves in and out of disaster for each character. Fighting will still be everywhere, but it would center more on the character's personality coping with a more ephemeral battle over emotion and reason and the fights between the heroes.

Like I said, hazy and complex.
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Cameron on May 06, 2011, 10:39:53 AM
My plot idea was more of a short break from the constant physical and powerful tests that the Epic characters seem to face, and more of an emotional and mental trial. Sort of testing the bond between the brothers of the Epic Battle. Pitting friends against each other and putting people at odds and creating a sort of complex plot that weaves in and out of disaster for each character. Fighting will still be everywhere, but it would center more on the character's personality coping with a more ephemeral battle over emotion and reason and the fights between the heroes.

Like I said, hazy and complex.

Is this an official suggestion? I need to know so that I can include you in the poll.
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Faidth on May 06, 2011, 12:12:44 PM
My plot idea was more of a short break from the constant physical and powerful tests that the Epic characters seem to face, and more of an emotional and mental trial. Sort of testing the bond between the brothers of the Epic Battle. Pitting friends against each other and putting people at odds and creating a sort of complex plot that weaves in and out of disaster for each character. Fighting will still be everywhere, but it would center more on the character's personality coping with a more ephemeral battle over emotion and reason and the fights between the heroes.

Like I said, hazy and complex.

Though I'm all about including emotional and mental trials, I am not interested in any battle in which the PCs would be pitted against each other. I hate PVP in any context as it usually devolves into one giant "pissing contest" so I wouldn't be interested in anything that involves fighting against other players.
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Veldanya Venalla on May 06, 2011, 07:43:55 PM
I gotta agree with Faidth, the PVP concept was tried via the old Board Battle Classics and I dont think it ever went that well.  That said though the rest of your idea doesnt sound too bad at all.
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Shadow Chorus on May 06, 2011, 09:58:58 PM
it's not exactly pvp. More of a diverging of interests. Something that makes them going after two different ends, whether they really want to hit each other or not.

Person A) goes after an object for one reason, person B) goes for another, and those reasons conflict, etc. Actual combat between the characters is entirely up to their typists. I'm thinking more along the lines of angry banter and threats that aren't often carried through on.

And I guess if people like it, I'll make it an official suggestion.

I'll give an example:


"Finally." Seth sighed, approaching the artifact. His hand outstretched to grasp it, when his ally stormed into the room. "Seth, I need that artifact!" they shouted, reaching for it, only to have Seth grasp it and pull it to himself. "And I too need it." He said, holding it in his hands.

"Seth, give me the artifact, or I swear I will regret what I will do to you."

"I'm already gone, brother. There's nothing you can do." Seth said, and with that he was, indeed, gone, his time magic having spirited him away.

Something like that. But with more angry death glares between Reaver and someone else and lots of angry threats and staredowns.
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Cameron on May 06, 2011, 11:17:31 PM
Seems like it could be an interesting idea, as long as players keep their egos in check.

We've had problems with that in the past.
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Veldanya Venalla on May 07, 2011, 12:08:53 AM
Exactly...trying to make sure people dont take things too far in situations like that can be quite difficult, especially online.  Still sounds like a decent idea to try but will probably require some more attention then most BB's would need, thats all.
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Cameron on May 08, 2011, 08:52:33 AM
Okay. I have started the poll. Voting will close on May 15th, at which point the new Battle Master will be announced.

Kitharsis, Jharm, and Shadow Chorus: Please repost your ideas, including as much detail as possible. I want to make sure that everyone knows exactly what they are voting for.
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Shadow Chorus on May 08, 2011, 09:50:44 PM
My idea was a step away from the traditional physical violence of the BB and into a more mental battlefield, stressing friendships and pitting allies against each other. While the character's won't necessarily fight each other, they will be striving to achieve conflicting goals, which will be decided with the advancement of the plot. There will still be some good traditional combat, but it will focus more on the characters' personalities and how they react outside of the battlefield. A test the characters likely don't see often, it will be a more subtle and intrigue-filled plot. It centers around the retrieval of an important item which will be said to be able to do exactly what each character wants it to do, by a wandering figure who whispers to them in the darkness.
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Danyael on May 09, 2011, 04:47:18 PM
Honest opinion: It doesn't really matter to me who wins this poll. Just as long as we get the battle under way and that the pace of the battle doesn't move lose any momentum. All three candidates I think have amazing ideas and I think any of them could make for an engaging battle, given the chance to do so.  I was always partial to Kith and the Kelvack character, and I think it'd be great for a reunion. I also always liked the growing complexity of Jharm, fighting against his nature. As for Shadow Chorus. i just happen to think Shadow Chorus' idea, while risky, has got some far spreading potential. And that's all I have to say.
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Shadow Chorus on May 09, 2011, 05:47:58 PM
Yeah, it honestly doesn't matter who wins, just so long as we get the plot going.
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Veldanya Venalla on May 09, 2011, 09:55:45 PM
K this is gunna be short and sweet due to posting using phone (no net at new place yet).

The companions will be summoned by jharm and the Council of Three to aid in the defense of the portal world leading to the plane of Light.  If the portal world falls to the forces of Darkness they (darkness) will finally be able to access the Plane of Light and the entire universe (and possible multiverse) could be destroyed.  Will try to post more tomorrow.  Gotta complete b4 phone restarts itself again.

Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Kitharsis on May 12, 2011, 02:07:49 PM
Sorry for being tardy.

Quote
This battle would be a kind of collect the pieces story.  Each piece would be at a different location and I could even take suggestions or do a poll of where the next piece is.  Plenty of battles with nefarious creatures.  Lots of travel and colorful characters peppered throughout.

I would have a set amount of pieces to gather to start with.  Depending on group interest and my availability it could be expanded or shortened.  And if someone else would like to start their own adventure it can easily transition into theirs by having a piece on the planet/realm where theirs takes place.

This is it at first blush.  It would be light hearted, but it wouldn't be so campy that it's ridiculous.  There will of course be serious moments and life threatening struggles to keep things interesting.
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Shadow Chorus on May 12, 2011, 07:20:05 PM
Definitely looks like you're up Kith. Can't at all say I don't like the idea, or that I didn't expect it. I voted for you, after all.
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Kitharsis on May 13, 2011, 12:41:27 AM
Oh wow. I hadn't even voted yet until just now so I didn't see the results. Thank you for the support everyone! I'll work with Cameron to transition things and get things started. We'll have to get the newcomers involved as well.
 
This will be my first time hosting the epic so bear with me. I'll give it my best!
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Archdemon Stu on May 13, 2011, 01:07:01 AM
Oh wow. I hadn't even voted yet until just now so I didn't see the results. Thank you for the support everyone! I'll work with Cameron to transition things and get things started. We'll have to get the newcomers involved as well.
 
This will be my first time hosting the epic so bear with me. I'll give it my best!
Hey, you never know. 7 people might become active suddenly, and all decide they hate your face.


Seriously though, you'll be fine.  Your writing skillz is 1337.
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Cameron on May 15, 2011, 08:50:52 AM
Voting is now closed.

With 85.7% of the total vote, Kitharsis is your new Epic Battle Master. Congratulations.

Kitharsis, I will be contacting you regarding the transition and other important information shortly.

As Kitharsis is not an Inquisitor, an Inquisitor will be assigned to him for the duration of his tenure as Battle Master. Kith, your assigned Inquisitor will be Faidth. She will monitor your battle once it starts to ensure that all rules are being followed, and she will be your player's direct contact for any issues they may have.

The Epic Battle will restart soon. For now, feel free to use this thread to discuss future Epic-related events.
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Kitharsis on May 16, 2011, 11:55:46 AM
Thanks, Jorum.  Your art and writing skills seem to surpass mine, so I take that as a great compliment.

There is some work to do before things get rolling.  I'll try and keep everyone updated on the goings on.
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Danyael on May 16, 2011, 03:29:49 PM
I couldn't bring myself to vote on anyone, as I think everyone would be fantastic. However, I have only one important question for Kith... since Kelvack is involved in this... will there be any comedy? Please tell me there'll be comedy. I love me some comedy.
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Kitharsis on May 19, 2011, 07:18:54 PM
Gears are turning, discussions being had, that sort of thing.

Comedy imminent...  At least I hope it's funny.  I'm sure a few drinks beforehand wouldn't hurt...
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Archdemon Stu on May 19, 2011, 07:37:06 PM
Booze helps everything.  It'd probably even help those lazy Ethiopian children find the motivation to drive to Del Taco at 2AM.

Once you've sorted things out, I do have a few quick questions about incoming characters and how they'll be implemented, but I'll hold off until all the gears of Epic Battle are moving.
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Kitharsis on May 19, 2011, 11:38:48 PM
Gah, that was quick.  I literally just got off the phone with Cameron (and Faidth and Fei, I suppose) and we had a nice dicussion.  We all feel that the Eye of Terror deserves to be finished the right way and not with a summary post as was Cameron's initial idea.  Cameron is a friend of mine and we've been battling on the boards for a very long time.  As such I wanted him to finish his campain the way he wanted to.  He has put a lot of work into it I think it deserves its proper ending.

Hearing Faidth in the background of the call, she seemed very convincing that she would handle the battle and keep things moving.

The plan is that I will take over once The Eye of Terror is finished at this point.

Yes, it may seem like a bait and switch.  But hubris has been the downfall of many a man, and I didn't want to see Cameron go out that way.

Besides, we're just getting to the good part!
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Veldanya Venalla on May 20, 2011, 12:06:21 AM
I personally am quite thrilled at the prospect of continuing EoT.  Its too big of a story and whatnot to condemn it to a simple 1-2 post end summary.
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Archdemon Stu on May 20, 2011, 12:52:30 AM
Yeah, after reading the announcements and stuff... I don't know about you guys, but I'm super pumped for this.  You know that speech the coach gives at the end of those sports movies with the dramatic music, and then suddenly the underdog team pulls an epic comeback and wins?

It's like that.
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Soul Reaver on May 20, 2011, 02:35:33 AM
I'm also pleased to see this dedicated drive to get EoT back on track.  It would have been really disappointing if it had ended with a whimper rather than a bang.

Doesn't mean you're off the hook though Kith... I still want to see you hosting an Epic battle!
Title: Re: New Epic Battle Master needed.
Post by: Shadow Chorus on May 20, 2011, 06:10:34 AM
I want to see the Epic Battles running, and soon is good. The EoT does need to be finished, for it has epic promise and power behind it. Seth needs to introduce himself in an epic way :D