Let's start by summarizing what we know about the setting and then talk about possible story lines. Our GM tells us:



Is the fantasy series something we might read?

I like the Duchy -- implies a Duke (and Duchess) as well as other aristocrats. We could actually come up with a court (unless it already exists).

Anyhow -- how about a plot against the Duke that will start to become clear to the Players when they all attend an Event -- a royal Ball sounds good. An event for us all to plan for and then attend -- we can work on plot points as we go along, but I'm thinking that things will happen at the ball:

• A foreign ambassador will make a sudden accusation and then drop dead from a poison air gun dart before he can name the culprit
  
• The Lady Arielle, only daughter of the Duke, about to turn eighteen, is to be betrothed a Crown Prince from another Balkan nation, but he is a no show at the ball
  
• Revolutionaries protesting the monarchy explode an Infernal Device in an attempt to assassinate the Grand Duke

Any or all of these could catch up the PC's in a plot. The incentive to get involved will be that somehow the PC looks guilty and must solve the real crime to prove their innocence -- or that of someone close to them.

It's not steam punk, but technology will still be changing fast -- steam engines in factories, locomotives, hot air balloons, Babbage's Difference Engine.

And in the dark corners -- a vampire? A werewolf? Witches for certain.

I'm happy to build all of these, but the game still needs your help (I mean all the other players). Spend a bit more time on your character description. Pictures would be wonderful. Decide three things you would like to have happen to your character in Jolant.

And we'll go from there.

Thank you, dear GM, for entrusting me with your creation. I hope I can breathe life into it. And send along those stories. Sounds like you've already done a lot of the work yourself.

In reply to Camille Dubois (msg # 34):

Yes, that sounds like a great idea. The Duke has three daughters, Lucette, Roxane, and Lily; also a son, Vladmir. Yes, technology is coming into Jolant, especially in the well-populated north. The Ducal family lives in the east.

In reply to Camille Dubois (msg # 34):

Yes, there are vampires, werewolves, and witches! Also rusalkas, which are a kind of Slavic mermaid, and wilis, the spirits of girls who dance men to death- also from Slavic folklore- if you've ever heard of the ballet Giselle, you know what they are.

In reply to Camille Dubois (msg # 34):

The series is something I'm currently writing. It's on paper at the moment, I haven't got around to posting it online. When I do get around to posting it, I will probably provide a link.

Everyone still here?

Yes.

Me too.

I am indeed

Still here, my darling, but not quite sure what to do. Are you looking for story ideas? Do you have kernels you'd like help fleshing out?

In reply to Camille Dubois (msg # 42):

I believe we are going for the plot against the Duke of Jolant.

I hope I'm not being too forward with the Captain. Mostly just trying to provoke some action, dialog. Happy to pursue or abandon, based on preferences.

In other business, we have a new applicant who would like to know what we do behind closed doors. Shall we give her a peek?

I'm happy to post a synopsis of where we are, but hesitate to overstep myself. It's not my game. And as a game, it's rather more moody than most. Not much happening other than significant looks and a quick bottom caress.

Shall we step it up?

In reply to Camille Dubois (msg # 44):

Post a synopsis. I don't mind. And as for the Captain, his interest in Rowene is probably something that's expected of him in polite society. That is probably the only reason he went ahead with it in the first place, and it's not something that will last between them.

Ladies, ladies, the Captain will no doubt return! What fun.

In reply to Camille Dubois (msg # 46):

Definitely.

Happy New Year, everyone!

In reply to Gm (msg # 48):

Happy New Year.

In reply to Gm (msg # 48):

Happy new year!

Happy Valentine's day! Where is everyone?

In reply to Gm (msg # 51):

I'm here.

In reply to Countess Alisette Blackthorn (msg # 52):

Happy Valentine's day!

Happy Easter.

Where is everyone?

In reply to Gm (msg # 55):

I'm here.

In reply to Gm (msg # 55):

Me too.

Merry Christmas and happy new year, everyone.