lazlosociety.org as a GM tool

[dhorn]

Hey folks. I wanted to get your take on what you feel are the best ways in which lazlosociety.org can be used as a GM tool. I just recently joined the site and I'd like to incorporate it somehow into my soon-to-be up and running BTS2 game. Any suggestions from your personal experience with the site would be helpful.

Much obliged!

[Grell]

It's a great way to plant clues, mislead or guide your players and even inspire events.

[vika]

You can take a war story or something in the other topics whether finished or unfinished and put your own spin on it.

Or you can use it more directly in your game.

What kind of game will you run?

[dhorn]

The story will follow a group of young paranormal investigators as they come to grips with their new profession and explore the connections between their past and their future. Will start out with a series of shorter investigations with pieces of the deeper plot being revealed along the way. I can't say much more than that right now 'cuz they might be watching.

*opens curtains and looks up into the sky for the black helicopters*

[Cybermancer]

You can work with the players on the site as well. Nemesis was passing gibberish disguised as code at one point because a GM requested help messing with his players.

If other players are dropping clues for you, it adds new dimensions to your game. I would definitely collaborate with other players. The PM tool is an excellent means of doing this.

BUT I would provide this proviso. Or rather, proviso's.

Don't involve persona's found on the Lazlo Society as NPC's in you game without permission. If you do, keep it to yourself.

If you are using persona's as NPC's, even with permission, don't expect what happens at your table to be reflected online (IE Don't page someone telling them they can't post anymore because your player group killed their character...).

The player (at the Lazlo Society) owns the character and their destiny. Respect that.

Everyone who plays has something different that they want from the game. That may not actually include helping you (although I think most the players are helpful). Don't take it personally. It may also be possible that at the moment, they can't help you. Plots tend to advance at 'real time' so a character in hiding on a ranch in Utah, for example, might not be able to post a clue for you until later.

As has already been mentioned, posting war stories or requests for help in Community Outreach can help as well. Just be sure to guide your players to the right ones.

[dhorn]

Thanks for the replies! I'm very excited to incorporate LS into my game.

I fully understand that the lazlosociety.org is an in-character communication tool. That said, is it acceptable to PM folks OOC to request assistance, ask for clarification on a post, or to help thicken the plot? - plotting and scheming?

[Cybermancer]

Thanks for the replies! I'm very excited to incorporate LS into my game.

I fully understand that the lazlosociety.org is an in-character communication tool. That said, is it acceptable to PM folks OOC to request assistance, ask for clarification on a post, or to help thicken the plot? - plotting and scheming?

YES! Absolutely!

Plot and scheme away! PM is for OOC (and IC) use. You can also post stuff on this board.

We really need a "Guide to the Lazlo Society". *nods*

[vika]

Where does your game take place? Might help you to know who to contact, too.

[dhorn]

I plan to start the game in the southwest U.S.

[dhorn]

Another mechanics-type question: do you have to create a new account for each of your online personae?

[Cybermancer]

It depends. Some NPC's have made their presence well known through other posters.

I think most "PC" types have their own log ins.

[Grell]

I only have the one and I get along just fine!