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The Plot System
Our last announcement was centered around Non-Force users and levels. This announcement will introduce you all to the new plot system:
What is a plot?
A plot is a story comprised of a series of threads that gets a character and its supporters to a specific goal. The goal can range from something small (i.e, buying a warehouse) to something large (i.e., overthrowing the existing Exile Leader). The thing that sets plots apart from regular threads is that at the completion of the plots, staff will review the threads and reward credits as warranted. Rewards will always vary on a case-by-case basis, so no two stories will have the same outcomes.
The concept of the plot is being introduced to encourage you guys to submit stories for your characters that have goals and would like to grow as individuals. Complex plots, where a character wants to take over a faction or have extensive fame, will require other PCs to be involved in the plots so the ascension is realistic. The character will not rise without the aid of actual support.
Note: While members can RP just fine without ever submitting a plot, rising through the ranks in the main factions will have plot requirements to show that the member can lead stories and truly make an impact in the faction with supporters who’ll back them.
Do I have to do a plot?
It is not mandatory to do a plot! Plots are just a great and more effective way to have a bigger impact in the story. If you want to simply do low-key threads that don’t heavily tie into the main factions or overarching story, you can keep doing regular threads and gaining the credits for them. Plots will be mandatory if you want to greatly impact the story or if you want your character to be important in the overall galaxy and interact with high level NPCs.
Yes, you can get to Level 4 solely by RPing on your own and never submitting a plot; however, you will not be able to obtain official ranks within a faction or be widely recognized in the story. For example, if you’re a Level 4 bounty hunter, who has never done a plot, you will be known (somewhat), but you likely won’t have any impacts at all on the overall story.
How does a plot differ from my personal stories that I don’t submit?
Once again, it’s not necessary to submit a plot. However, plots are generally different than regular roleplay threads because they must have a clear story objective. It could be to defeat someone in power, to take over something, to establish something, to gain supporters or resources, etc. Your plot submission will include your objective and what you plan to do in order to get to it.
Interactions with important NPCs controlled by staff will always need a plot submission as no character will willy nilly be able to bump into them. Rising through the ranks will also involve plots to show that the member can take on leadership roles and successfully drive a story.
Personal social threads, though great for character growth, don’t necessarily need to be submitted for plots. Plots are mainly to allow characters to make a difference in site canon and story.
Note: If there are successive threads done as part of a story and it ends with an objective, members are free to retroactively submit these as part of a plot. If they can show that there was a clear beginning to end with reaching an objective, staff will review the threads and award credits if warranted.
How will plot submissions work?
Before you start a plot, you need to fill out a template for plot submissions and submit it to a special forum, which will be linked and announced after release. You may not begin your plot until you have the green light to start. This is to ensure that no plots get too far along and need to be restarted. It will also help with cohesion.
When your plot is completed, you will need to submit the plot for evaluation by staff. We will announce where to submit plots for submission closer to release of the new timeline. Please be sure to include links to all threads in the plot, a summary of the events of the plot, and a list of all characters involved (supporters and opposition), with links.
Remember, all threads need to be completed in order for them to count. Completion is marked by a clear conclusion at the end of the thread.
What if my plot needs to interact with an NPC?
Since we will be reviewing all plot outline submissions, we will let you know how your plot can weave in an npc and whether your idea works.
Some plots will have required NPCs for opposition. For example, if you’re plotting to become an Exile Lord, chances are you’ll have PVP scenarios to fight through. If there is another player pursuing the same goal, we will notify them and they will have an opportunity to interject into your plot. Plots around rise to power or gaining influence will need some measure of challenge and staff will help work with you on how that might look.
Remember - the more ambitious the goal, the more risks might be involved. The plot might not go your way. If you’re planning to assassinate an NPC, they might have ways to thwart your plans organically. Your end goal in this case is not guaranteed. This is why each plot will be reviewed case by case. If your plot is deemed to warrant an interjection from opposition, you will be notified of this before your plot starts. Opposition does not automatically mean pvp, as it could also mean political counter-manipulation and other scenarios. It is your responsibility to notify staff when you reach the point in your plot where you were told an NPC would interject. If you do not do so and your plot was flagged for NPC intrusion, you will not get credit for your plot.
Your plot may get credits for completion even if the outcome doesn't go your way.
We will have another announcement following shortly regarding Main Faction plots, ranks and events so stay tuned!
As a reminder, please keep all questions related to this announcement, such as clarification on anything mentioned here. In some of the other announcements, we're seeing a lot of tangents and derailments occurring and we would like to keep things on topic. Please thoroughly read the responses others have made before asking a question, to see if your question has already been answered. Thanks!