@Ganymede said:
I'm going to give Kushiel's Debut a shot. I'm still waiting for approval, but it's Thanksgiving down here in the U.S.
Was that meant to be directed at me, Gany? Or a typo/quoting error? If it was meant for me then I'm unfortunately missing the connection.
@Arkandel Ah, let me clarify that. I didn't mean this trend happened in the past 12 months, or in the last few years. I have retired from active Mushing a number of years ago, but made sporadic attempts to get back into it; the last time I tried was in 2012-2013 on The Reach and yes, this trend was already evident then. I've just been making another attempt this past year and found that the trend has continued, arguably even more so than before.
Over the last 12 months I have made on-and-off attempts to dive back into Mushing, but I have noticed a culture change since the days of yore. Gone are the days where you can hit the grid and randomly find public RP, and interact with people you won't normally socialize with. The spheres are now more insular. RP, when it happens, is primarily private. OOC chatter is the new norm. Stories and plots only take place at scheduled events, almost disconnected from "normal RP". Somewhere along the way, the spontaneity of RP and story has been lost.
I hope this trend turns around. I say this not because I'm an old-timer longing for the 'good ol' days', but realistically in a world of flashy MMORPGs and other entertainment options that offer instant gratification, Mushing needs to be more welcoming and more exciting to stay competitive in attracting and retaining players. Falling into the role as a glorified chatroom is the exact opposite of what this hobby needs to be.
Personally I've stopped trying. It's a bit sad and disappointing, but after 20 years Mushing has lost that spark of wonderment for me.
Just to add my two cents, I've always wanted to see a well-run espionage-themed game, a la James Bond or Jason Bourne. I don't really know how that can be effectively run, but if someone figures that out I'd love to play.
I've also had a couple of ideas in the past for very niche themes, including an original Science Fiction survival setting on a speculative, but scientifically plausible alien planet. Another one was a period setting with supernatural mysteries. Unfortunately after batting around these ideas with a couple of friends, I have since been convinced that both would be better off as settings for some sort of fiction, rather than actual MU*s.
@tragedyjones said:
Well the ones in 2E are in color, heh.
Oh. I don't have 2E so I don't know which pictures you are referring to then.
@tragedyjones said:
Open up VtM 2nd Edition (or first) to the clan sections.
The heavily-stylized B&W pictures? Those are very doable, I think.
Not that I know anything about the art commission pricing, but I imagine $70-$90 isn't that bad for a fully-colored piece, because OMG coloring takes forever. B&W sketches like the VtM ones should be considerably less.
In the days of yore I used to draw my own characters (and some for my friends), but I haven't drawn in forever and never got into commissions. I recently got myself a tablet (artist tablet, that is) as a present, although I haven't taken it out of the box yet, this might get me to pick up a pencil (or stylus) again.
So $70-$90 is average, huh? Hmmm....
@tragedyjones What are these "splat pictures in the average OP book"? Are there any samples somewhere?
@Gingerlily said:
...TS is not banned from the game. It happens, it happens plenty enough, its just not the only thing there is to do.
It's not what you do, it's who you do. Ba-da-bum! 
Goes sit in a corner
@Glitch As did I. My experience is very similar, as in it was pleasant, but I also quickly discovered the setting and theme weren't my thing, and didn't hold my interest. Only difference is I didn't make myself read the books, for which I am quite grateful. 
That said, you (and by you I mean the rest of you out there) never know if this is your thing or not till you tried it; you might end up thinking it's the greatest thing since sliced bread.
@Ganymede said:
Deviant and the core staffers recently posted a projected withdrawal from active plot running, which I think have soured some of the playerbase. Add to this the edict that apps will not re-open for Demon and Vampire.
Does this mean the game is already on its way out? If I remember my WoD Mushes those are commonly the first signs of the end.
@tragedyjones Doesn't Eldritch have a limited number of slots in each sphere? Technically I would need to wait for a slot to open up before I can make something, no?
Adding my new, recently-approved PCs on Fallcoast, Sara and Ray.
I have to admit, coming back to WoD Mushing after two years is not easy; I am having some difficulty getting back into the swing of things, especially finding RP and engaging in channel chitchat. Clearly, mushing is NOT like riding a bike.
Just one thought about Actives versus Casuals: As someone who got sucked in MMORPGs BIG-TIME for the last two years, I have a new appreciation for the very cyclical nature of online gaming commitment. A lot of players go through alternating phases of very active play and barely-playing-at-all, so from a practical point of view I think it would be difficult to lock someone into an "active" or "casual" category.
This one farm, for some unknown reason, is applying manure fertilizers in the summer rather than the spring, starting today. They must've gotten some sort of discount on the manure because this is the worst stink I've smelled in 10 years; instead of normal cow shit, this smells like the cows had diarrhea, and then they all puked into their shit afterwards. This stench has spread over half the city and it's giving me a fucking headache.
There's gotta be laws against this sort of.... shit.
If I do, I don't remember which one is you. I've been away from Mushing for over a year and a half now, after all!
PM sent.
That was you? Wow! I still remember that scene where all of us colorful Nazi villains were having a meeting. 
I've been on a break from Mushing for over 18 months now, but otherwise pretty good! Where are you playing these days?
Seriously, this is crazy and funny. I was half-expecting to be recognized by old alts like Arkady, Isabelle, or Seanna/Rain, but so far I am getting tagged with all the odd ones. XD