Edit: This post was imported from Point of Play, my gaming blog, which I’ve collapsed into this one.

I plan on getting around to my history sooner or later. For now, my thoughts on our game-to-be.

When Matthew initially brought the basic game archetypes to my attention, I came to the realization that I had mostly played in games with a GM-centric, play-to-win, low-variable, “railroad” feel. Even my time playing SOLAR has mostly been within the confines of a given set of premeditated plot possibilities. I can only think of one character I’ve played who I was able to become during play—because I never needed to do it to achieve set goals.

Then we started discussing PTA and the appeal of a character-centric, conflict-based (as opposed to combat-based,) more freeform game really caught my interest.

When we got everyone together and sat down Saturday night, I got the feeling that Matthew was still trying to “sell” the game somewhat, but that passed as we started discussing the mechanics more in-depth. It really felt like everyone liked the system as well as I do, and were eager to get started.

Matthew came pre-armed with several brainstormed settings, including one that he and I discussed for a while that seemed like it would have a sort of Firefly-esque feel to it. Rob threw out one that really got the crowd’s attention. Several of the others he had were discussed, mostly in my absence, due to interruption by work.

We eventually came to a consensus to attempt a compromise between Rob’s and Matthew’s ideas and, through discussion, it was nearly abandoned, but then it was salvaged and evolved into something almost completely different from both, with some of the main thematic elemets of each intact.

Suggestions for the group: I really think it’d be a great idea for everyone if, in addition to the traits listed on the protagonist sheet, we also list which actor or actress would best portray our protagonist. (This idea is inspired by Dungeon Magesty) It’ll give the rest of us an idea of what the character’s like, physically, adding to the immersion factor.

Once we have our protagonists pulled together, we could make a “trailer” for the pilot.

Also, those of us who’re registered with the blog (hint, hint) can use the Pages feature to create Protagonist profiles, Episode summaries, etc.