Strike One

from Rumblings of Discord 15

Unfortunately, the recent spout of "submissions" has resulted in a change of topic for this issue's instalment of Musings of a Madman. Before I launch into the new subject matter, instead of sex as was planned, I will like to clarify a few points as well as keep you all up to date on the future of The Arcane.

Tales of the Jedi or Traveller: The New Era

Despite the rumours that Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi was going to be the next campaign to be played, we are returning to Traveller: The New Era. The Executive Committee discussed Mark's rash decision to thrust David back into the Games Mastering position, as well as what would benefit the group the most. In his first press conference, President Davis issued the following statement:

"I believe it would be unfair to snatch the Games Mastering position away from Mark, just because some of the players have been unruly and causing chaos in the roleplaying sessions. I call upon all the current members of The Arcane to display a bit more tact and understanding with their roleplaying, instead of the wild display of immaturity that has occurred over the past few sessions. This is a new era for The Arcane and I hope each member will show this in a new level of maturity.

"Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi will be a campaign for The Arcane, but I think we would all benefit if David was allowed more time to prepare, as well as take the pressure of him in these difficult times."

Crescent Moon and Miasma

The next campaign which I will run is Crescent Moon, mentioned last week. As it involves the creation of an entire universe, it may take some time. I envisage that the campaign will not be available for use until June or July at the earliest. The adventure mentioned, and the sky is full of stars, will leverage the rich environment created and I estimate it will take approximately thirteen sessions to complete. The adventure will consist of a number of "small encounters woven into a larger tapestry". For more details, look for previews which will be available on the World Wide Web.

Miasma, the name of my latest Earthdawn project, will utilise the newly release Prelude to War campaign book by FASA to shake the very foundations of society in Barsaive. It will also utilise Parlainth: The Forgotten City and Sky Point & Vivane to expand the characters' experience of Barsaive. Depending on when FASA releases Blood Wood, a sourcebook covering the area of the same name, I may also include the Blood Elves in my plans as well. Most of the material is currently up in the air, but I see it as a minimum of two adventures encompassing at least four to six sessions.

Contributions

With the recent spate of contributions to Rumblings of Discord I thought I would take a close look at what a contribution really is, not just what you think.

1. Definition
   The definition of contribution, according to The New Collins Concise Dictionary is to "supply (ideas, opinions, etc.)" or to "write . . . for a publication". It is a combination of these two which I want, a supply of ideas and opinions written in the form of an article for submission to Rumblings of Discord.
2. Submission Guidelines
   I kept on publishing the submission guidelines in Rumblings of Discord only to receive the comment back that I "cut and paste issues". I subsequently stuck our submission guidelines on the Internet for all to read. Why am I telling you this? Because I like the sound of my own voice? No, this is a written piece, remember! I wrote the submission guidelines for a purpose? Yes. The guidelines are there because I will not just accept anything you throw at me.
3. Significant
   Contributions have to be significant. I am not going to put up with what has been presented on the bottom of this page for your "viewing pleasure". [Removed from online version - Ed.] As amazing and cuttingly witty as it is, it is neither significant nor informative. Opinions can't be described in three sentences. Ideas can't be explained in four words.
4. Quality
   I am looking for quality submissions that reflect the thought processes of the author as well as displaying an element of originality and interest. Robert's series entitled "Wildlife of Earthdawn" was both funny and interesting. When was the last time you read one?

This is not to discourage you, but instead to encourage you to strive for something bigger and better.