"You Pay To Stay" -- OOC and Admin

"You Pay To Stay"​

An SRP ​

To view the Story Line Thread, follow this link: "You Pay To Stay"


This Thread is intended for the HOST -- WriteWithMe -- to maintain communications with the Writers.

NOTICE TO WRITERS: There will be new links added to this site on a regular basis. New links will be posted in RED until I believe everyone has had an adequate time to review them. REMEMBER: Do not post here; if you have questions or comments, please PM the appropriate person.


Administrative Links

Character Profiles
Character Profile Page and Instructions.
List of Characters and their CPPs.

Time Jump: What it is and When it Happens.


Visualization/Description Links:

Back story: The Bug, The Facility, and the Trek to SecureStore
Details of how "Sally's People" got to where they are today.

The SecureStore Building
Description of the building and our "neighborhood". (Pics to follow.)


Story Links


"Assault": Our First Big Collaboration
***** Instructions and Guidelines

Time Jump


SO ... WHAT IS TODAY'S GAME DATE? HMMMM ... GOOD QUESTION.

The passage of time within THIS particular RP is not set in stone and, often, may not even be relevant to your Character(s) actions and relationships with other Characters.

If your Character is simply reflecting on his/her past, that can be done anytime, no? Or perhaps discussing some new possession she/he received and is currently toying with ... again, whenever.

And for the Relationship factor, if two Writers have their Characters in a mini-thread -- if you don't know what that is, feel free to ask -- conducting a private conversation or, dare I say it having sex, when exactly they are doing that doesn't matter -- unless, of course, one of these Characters is talking or having sex with another Character somewhere else at the same time! But that can be resolved (see below).

Time is a very fluid object. I may be posting what my Character is doing now, and the next Post after mine may be yours, telling what your Character is doing in his or her now, which actually came before my own now. Confused? So am I.

So ... to solve these potential confusions, here is the solution:

(1) Before you post, you should have already read the Posts before yours ... I'm hoping, as are all the other Writers. If your Post involves another Character and you're saying that you had sex with him/her; yet that Character's post following yours says he/she is still a virgin ... well, something's not right. (I only used this sex example cuz I knew it would get your attention! )

(2) If you wish to make a post that falls on the Game Calendar prior to the last post, and it is important that other Writers understand that it is before prior posts, "back date" it: either add something at the top like "Earlier..." or "Flashback: Last Week" or simply add an OOC that explains where it falls in ... that's fine, too, just keep it short and to the point.

(3) I don't like this next one, but you can do it if you need to. (This should ONLY be done if you know for a fact that an upcoming Post -- perhaps from a collaborator -- is going to cause significant Calendar confusion. I beg you to PM me -- WriteWithMe -- first and explain what's up; if I don't respond in a timely manner, do what you have to do):

"Reserve" your Character a "parking space". What I mean by this is: open a reply and explain that a Post is imminent, but that you don't have it ready yet. Give just the very basic details -- the Characters involved, and what the event is, generally speaking -- that you feel should be known by other Writers. Later, after you post the actual Reply, please PM all of the Writers who have posted after you to tell them you have, essentially, changed the past. And I mean PM -- do not put an OOC Post in the story thread explaining that you have inserted the "missing" Post, as the main story line thread is for story; and do not simply add a line to your post saying that it is ready to read, because how will anyone know its ready -- sending a PM gets attention, while editing a prior post does not. Understand?)

Enough of that. On to ...

TIME JUMPS​

Those of you experienced in Role Play already know what a "Time Jump" is. (It is known by many other terms, but I am going to stick with this one.)

A Time Jump establishes the current Game Time beyond any uncertainty by, essentially, "jumping" all Characters and all activities to the same day.

Why is this important?

If I am posting frequently, my Character may be burning up two or three Game Days to each Real World day; while you may be posting once a week, with your Character still talking about the same day, again and again. See the problem?

So, here's the solution: No matter how fast or slow your Character's life is going in the game -- AND THERE IS NO CORRECT SPEED!! -- the First Day of each Real Month will be the First Day of each Game Month.

So ... February 1st (real world) = February 1st (game world).
... and ... March 1st (real world) = March 1st (game world)

So, now you're asking yourself one of -- or both of -- two questions:

***** What if my Character is posting more than 30 "game" days in a "real" month. That's simple: don't! Slow down ... do some reflection ... build a history ... anything to slow down "game" time. You can't be in "December" when the rest of us are in "August".

***** What if my Character is posting much slower "game" days than "real" days. Also easy: at the end of the month, the host will post a "Time Jump" posting in the OOC Thread -- this thread -- with some basic facts and events that happened in the latter part of the month. You can either create a fun post, employing some of those facts to talk about things that happened to you or things that you did during those "lost" days; or you can simply pretend you played tiddly winks for all those days in your unit and did nothing worth discussing.

If you have questions about a specific time jump, please PM the Host -- DO NOT POST here.


Thank you sincerely,
WriteWithMe
(aka tony)

Multi-Character Collaboration

"ASSAULT"​

If you have joined YPTS after "Assault" has begun, PM the Host (WriteWithMe) for additional instructions and guidelines. Do not simply leap into the fray.



NOTE FROM YOUR HOST: The earliest posts in each stage will generally be from your Host's PCs and NPCs for the purpose of describing the situation and -- this is important -- creating opportunities. You will find lots of references to "people" doing stuff -- lots of "he" or "she" or "someone" -- with virtually no clarification whatsoever. These "people" can be you; pick a "he" or a "she" or a "someone" and claim that it is your Character; or, if it does not fit your Character, go do something else. Make sense?

Oh, and -- this should be obvious -- read what the Writers have posted before you to ensure these vague "people" have not already been claimed. (There are advantages to being early, sorry.)

(1) Prior to "Assault" beginning, choose a starting point for your Character. I want every Writer to start their Character with spontaneity, not with a plan already in place.

(2) React as you believe the nature of your Character would cause him/her to react. NOT EVERYONE CAN BE A HERO, so if you're character is not one, run and hide (for example).

(3) EARLY POSTERS: Be creative: I have left a great many things vague. HOWEVER ... use common sense and courtesy; do not tie the hands of the Writers who follow you by saving the world single handed; do not "direct" other PCs or NPCs that are not yours without asking (via PM; no OOC posts in the story line thread); and do not "direct" the "bad guys" what-so-ever without PMing the host, who is writing them to provide an underlying story.

(4) LATER POSTERS: Build upon what the Writer(s) before you already posted. Do not contradict earlier postings (for as I said, there are advantages to being early); look for clues in all earlier postings as to sounds or activities that you can incorporate into your own postings; and, where possible, be creative as well, bringing new activities and observations into the story.

(5) And for goodness sake, don't be afraid to ask questions. If you don't understand another Writers post, PM them and ask. I guarantee there will be confusion and/or contradictions that will demand answers; PMs are free at Lit, so ... use them!

The Stages​

NOTE: Each Stage will have a HOST's NOTE in the Introductory Post (#1); please read this, as it will both have news and updates as to the progression of the Collaboration thus far. Thanks.

Stage 1: "Blood"

Stage 2: "The Reaction"

Stage 3: "The Conflict"

Stage 4: "The Aftermath"

Stage 5: "Conclusion? I think not" (also coming soon)

New Back Story Post

Hey all,

I wrote this days ago and thought I had posted it. Wrong!

It explains in much greater (and, now, established) detail some of the facts -- some vague facts, which may be an oxymoron, I'm not sure -- about ... well, look at the title, right?

"The Bug, The Facility, and SecureStore"

It's very helpful for story creation.

There will be a second such posting -- to be linked here -- concerning The Facility, specifically; and I will attempt my best to link Writers' posts that have expanded upon the Facility and their Characters' recollections of what they remember of the place.

A NOTE TO WRITERS CONCERNING THE FACILITY: I have been vague about what happened at The Facility, to allow you to create your own back story; however, please restrict your Character's "recollections" to what they themselves experienced, enabling other Writers to write about other things that may have happened to them as well. And remember, the Staff of the Facility were not simply sociopaths and psychos, but doctors and administrators with a goal -- albeit outside the norms of polite and civil society; if you have a question about what may or may not be appropriate, please PM me. I will guide you without stifling your creativity.


Just a friendly reminder: please don't post in this "OOC" Thread, so it stays clean for communications. PM me (or others) with comments and questions; and post in the regular Story Line Thread (below).

"You Pay To Stay" -- Story Line Thread

PICS: SecureStore

What does SecureStore actually look like?

To help "visualize" what our new "home" looks like, here are some photos with descriptions. I hope they help you conjure new writing ideas.


EXTERIOR PICS

SecureStore--Exterior view from ground level. -- SecureStore is in what was once a light industrial zone on the edge of downtown; it is a 12 story tall building. Most storage facilities are in suburban or rural areas and are several single floor buildings scattered over many acres.

Rooftop Water Tower -- The "retro" fire suppression water tower is now used to supply rain water collected from the roof; a "gazebo" -- fashioned from dark garden netting wrapped about the legs -- gives the roof "lookouts" some concealment from anyone who might be looking on from the city.


INTERIOR PICS:

The interior layout of the 3rd Floor is, essentially, two parallel aisles -- "Broadway" and "Main" Street" -- connected at each end by halls as well. (Look at the pics for the two aisles; it's easy to imagine.)

"Broadway" -- The main aisle upon which Noodles, the Sweat Shop, etc. (all 20x20s), and including Sally's office, are located.

"Main Street" -- The aisle upon which the 5x8s that the majority of the Characters live in are located. More details at: [link coming].

The "residential" units: An empty 5x8 -- This is where the majority of the Characters live; this pic is actually bigger than the 5x8 foot unit ... so, think smaller ... sorry. NOTE: Specific details about the units are available at this link: [have not created it yet.]

An empty 20x20 unit -- These units are used for Noodles, the Sweat Shop, etc. NOTE: Specific details about the units are available at this link: [have not created it yet.]


One note: Dan is a "man with a plan": Remember, when we started, Dan had intended to use SecureStore's inventory to "get what he wanted" from the other Characters. It enhances the storyline for him to withhold items; while at the time the Characters are trying to either get along without or figure out ways to get what they want or need. I included the pics of rental storage lockers for the purpose of allowing Writers to see what kind of things real people keep in their storage lockers. This in no way implies that "Dan" would have actually allowed your Characters to have these items. PM me if you have a question about this; don't just go "shopping" on you own. It kind of takes away from the story if your Character just has everything ... get it?

Sample pics of rented storage spaces. These reflect the type of possessions (sometimes known as "our crap") that we pay good money to store away. (Trust me, I have been there.)
Pic 1
Pic 2
Pic 3
Pic 4
Pic 5
Pic 6
Pic 7
Pic 8

A Heads Up

For all writers, this is just a heads up on OOC stuff and the current collaboration, which I have begun calling "Assault", because it's easier to write then "our first big collaboration".

First, if you haven't already looked at them, I created some OOC Thread Posts that are -- or can be -- very helpful. Use them or don't; totally your decision. They were created for various reasons, one of which was to create continuity and prevent contradiction.

YPTS OOC and Admin Thread -- This is the OOC thread that most of you have already told me you are subscribed to. If you are not subscribed to it, DO SO. Soon, I will stop posting "universal" PMs -- I already explained why, but if you don't recall, feel free to PM and ask -- and the only place you will find new information is here. Why am I posting this link if you all are already subscribed? Because I updated it, added stuff, and I just wanted everyone to glance at it.

Profiles -- It is not necessary to subscribe to this thread; you can always get to it via the OOC thread.

Time Jumps and Game Calendar -- An explanation. I have not established a Calendar; this is just a conversation about time. But I would like everyone to read the part about Time Jumps and be aware that we will have one near the end of every month, beginning with the end of this one. I will keep everyone informed. (Time jumps are not a big deal; don't sweat it, but feel free to PM me if you have questions.)

"Assault": Our first big collaboration -- This link will get you to the Introductory page for "Assault". Most of you have already posted -- and by BTW, I'm impressed! -- but take a look at this anyway as it it GREATLY UPDATED.

Back story: Post #1 -- this Post has great info as well as a link to The Bug, The Facility, and SecureStore. THIS IS NEW: Read it! I think it is very helpful.

SecureStore -- Description and pics of storage facilities that really bring to life what SecureStore might look like. These pics ARE SecureStore ... for game purposes. No more trying to imagine our world; here it is in living color.

Stage 3 Recap

Okay, so ... for all of you out there who -- like myself -- may be asking yourselves, "What the hell...?" ... here is a recap of the events so far. I am not dividing these events by stages, so if there is something you missed and want to go back and read specific posts, just do a search for either the Character's or the Writer's name within the threads and you will find what you need.


THE ASSAULT TEAM
*** 8 men total: Team A and B, four each with bean bag shotguns for taking as many of the Immunes alive as possible; their orders were to take all the females alive, with the males being expendable.
*** Team A went for the stairwell near Heaven and discovered Jane their; 1 was captured by Jane, delaying their assault; 3 were killed when Gabe ambushed them.
*** Team B went for the stairwell leading up to Dan's 4th floor; were repelled by the unexpectedly well armed Immunes, with one man being killed (see Dale); and the other 3 were killed later (see Jane and Gabe).

DAN
*** Wandered onto Broadway from the 4th Floor, shot; collapsed.
*** Carried to 4th floor dining area (by Gabe and 2 unidentified males).
*** Is now stable but badly in need of AB negative blood to live.

SALLY
*** Is currently carrying for Dan and others, including the NPC Jacob, who was shot -- presumably by a sniper -- while on the roof with Dan while on lookout duty.

JANE
*** Was in Heaven when the assault began.
*** Evaded one of the two 4-man assault teams.
*** Discovered Tes outside of Heaven (see Tes below).
*** Ambushed one Team Member -- who it turns out she recognized from "somewhere" -- and got a weapon.
*** As she formulated a plan, Gabe arrived (see Gabe below).

GABE
*** Helped Dan to 4th Floor, where he was later armed for defense.
*** Aiding an injured man, discovered a non-lethal shotgun bean bag round and concluded that the assault team was there to take the Immunes alive.
*** Remembering Jane had gone to Heaven, he hurried there.
*** Outside Heaven, ambushed and killed the 3 Team A members about to kill Jane.
*** Went on the offensive with Jane; between them, ambushing and killing the 3 remaining members of Team B (see Dale).
*** Aided Jane in "securing" the only living assault team member ... presumably for torture.
*** Discovered maps of SecureStore that would seem to indicate the Assault Team has a (wo)man on the inside.


DALE
*** As Team B attempted to assault the 3rd floor, leaped down into the stairwell and knifed one man.
*** Was nearly killed himself when the others, above in the 3rd floor stairwell, released a hail of gunfire through the smoke of a flash bang grenade; only the Team Member's body and flak jacket save him.

TES
*** Fled in fear to Heaven, where she was knocked "loopy" by Jane flinging a door open.
*** After Jane and Gabe took out Team A, returned to 3rd floor.
*** Learning she was a blood type match for Dan, went to 4th floor, where she is now Dan's only hope.

ALEX
*** While attempting to help carry Dan to 4th Floor, lost footing and fell down into stairwell.
*** Was knocked unconscious by flash bang grenade.
*** Is currently laying, half conscious, in a unit somewhere ... alone, or not?

MARIA
*** On 3rd Floor.

SIMON
*** While aiding Alex after his fall, was also injured by flash bang grenade.
*** Currently in makeshift triage center (Dan's 4th Floor dining room).
*** Bleeding ears may be indication of shattered ear drums.

VIVIEN
*** (Writer unable yet to post; default location is 3rd Floor, hiding from danger.

MARYANNE
*** Was first to see Dan injured.
*** Aided in Dan's care.
*** Went to 3rd Floor to find a blood donor; discovered Tes.

RICK
*** Armed himself to defend "home".

KATHERINE (KAT)
*** Hid on 3rd Floor, per orders from Rick (her brother).

SOPHIE
*** Armed herself to "defend" the building.

IF I MISSED ANYONE, PLEASE TELL ME. IT'S LATE AND I'M TIRED AND I'M GOING TO BED.

For All Writers... Please Read And Understand

THIS IS AN EXPLANATION ... AND APOLOGY


As always, please do not reply in this thread. Please pm me with comments, questions, and criticisms. Thanks, Tony


Straight to the point: I allowed "Assault" -- what I originally was referring to as "the big collaboration" -- to move to quickly. That's the point. And I am sorry.

Okay, so ... if you want more, here's the explanation.

About me, I am home from work with an injury and have all the time in the world to work on YPTS. Some others have ample time as well; I won't discuss why they have the time because I don't recall what is common knowledge and what was intended to between them and me, but that's not the point anyway.

But some of us -- deary me -- have real lives and can only post periodically. And this apology is to them. Excited to get "Assault" going, I made the decision to do so; the three Writers who had the most time got things going with their characters (PCs and NPCs both) and attempted to leave a lot of things for the other Writers to do when they posted later.

My purpose for moving ahead so fast was to lay ground work for the later Writers, BUT WE ALSO STOLE THE GLORY -- two Characters killed most of the bad guys, for example -- and for that I am sorry.

Anyway, it will not happen again. For the next big collaboration, which won't occur until later in February -- I'm taking us out into The Mayhem -- I am posting each of the three stages 3 or 4 days apart and not allowing the next stage to continue until a vast majority of the Writers have posted their Characters.

I WOULD VERY MUCH LIKE YOUR FEEDBACK ... EVERYONE. ALL COMMENTS WILL BE BETWEEN YOU AND ME. I TAKE CRITICISM WELL, SO ... HIT ME!! I like this collaboration stuff, so I want to get better at it and continue onward.

SPEAKING OF WHICH ... I have learned the errors of my ways... I am beginning another thread called "AI" (with a colon and more title following it, I just haven't decided that the rest of the title will be). Basic plot: The AI -- artificial intelligence -- guiding a deep space colonization vessel has gone berserk and is randomly waking settlers and crew from cryogenic sleep and putting them into "dramatic" situations -- from violence to deprivation to ... dare I say it ... sex!.

The SRP will be operated VASTLY different:
(1) Players will be able to join at will, because anytime we want someone knew, the AI simply awakens another body.
(2) Players can virtually create their own story lines ... virtually. (More on that inside the Thread itself.
(3) Players who want to totally write their own interactions with only NPCs can; the AI will trap you in a portion of the ship where only your character and NPCs are currently at ... then you write and post.
(4) Collaborators only have to inform me that they have a concept the want to run with and I will set it up: I will create a mini-thread, send you the links, you play them out, and then we post them ... it'll be fun.

Anyway, more on this later.

Again, I apologize for going so fast.

Tony

Don't worry it's working - those that can contribute and the good rp'ers get around things where they can.

count me in on AI and the rest of ypts if you'll have me!

Pete

Ooc Concerning The Fighting

It's all over...

I'm sorry to say this -- because it reflects on my poor showing in running my first big multi-player collaboration -- but the fighting portion of Assault ran far ahead of the rest of it, and things got unbalanced, and Writers got lost ...

The fighting has concluded, though; and unfortunately, until the MIA writers post their characters, the post-fighting part can't continue.

So ... for today at least ... YPTS is on hold at the end of stage 3. if you have posts OTHER THAN FIGHTING that need to be made , please do those.

If you need something to do, I have started a new thread that ... well come look. It is very fluid; you can post ten times a day or once a week. come look at it while we wait for YPTS to balance.

And I am sorry for any misunderstandings or inconsistencies. DO NOT GO BACK AND CHANGE ANYTHING. It is absolutely unnecessary; we will start Stage 4 out on an even keel.

PM me with questions or comments

Tony