More Fake IDs?

[Passacaglia]

For those not following along in the GM sign-up thread, I asked Barkeep49 about getting permission for an idea I had which would copycat what we just did in the last game, with people having fake IDs. We're okay to create more IDs if we want, but here's his opinion:

I do wonder about the wisdom of using the same anonymous mechanic two games in a row. I think it's a great occasional mechanic, but could really impact our forum if used regularly.

I definitely agree. One time is neat, but is two in a row a trend? I've got an idea that I think will make a fun WW theme which uses this fake ID concept, but I can also run something else if people are worried about it becoming a trend (or just don't want to do it again).

The theme is Halloween Party. Your fake ID is basically your costume. So if you want to come dressed as a Pumpkin, you'll have an ID called Pumpkin. Every Halloween Party has lame-os that don't wear a costume, so you're totally welcome to come as yourself, if you don't want to have to deal with using two IDs, or just can't think of a good costume. Also, you might be able to try dressing as another WW player. This would obviously require another WW player to volunteer to let someone else use their account for the game, so you wouldn't get to choose who you dress up as -- you just PM me that you want to dress as another WW player and I'll assign you someone if anyone volunteers -- otherwise, you'll have to choose something else.

So let me know what you think. Since it's Halloween time, I thought the theme was pretty timely and could be fun, but like I said, I don't want to make this an every game thing, or even bug people that are already sick of this mechanic. Poll coming.

[Alan T]

For those not following along in the GM sign-up thread, I asked Barkeep49 about getting permission for an idea I had which would copycat what we just did in the last game, with people having fake IDs. We're okay to create more IDs if we want, but here's his opinion:



I definitely agree. One time is neat, but is two in a row a trend? I've got an idea that I think will make a fun WW theme which uses this fake ID concept, but I can also run something else if people are worried about it becoming a trend (or just don't want to do it again).

The theme is Halloween Party. Your fake ID is basically your costume. So if you want to come dressed as a Pumpkin, you'll have an ID called Pumpkin. Every Halloween Party has lame-os that don't wear a costume, so you're totally welcome to come as yourself, if you don't want to have to deal with using two IDs, or just can't think of a good costume. Also, you might be able to try dressing as another WW player. This would obviously require another WW player to volunteer to let someone else use their account for the game, so you wouldn't get to choose who you dress up as -- you just PM me that you want to dress as another WW player and I'll assign you someone if anyone volunteers -- otherwise, you'll have to choose something else.

So let me know what you think. Since it's Halloween time, I thought the theme was pretty timely and could be fun, but like I said, I don't want to make this an every game thing, or even bug people that are already sick of this mechanic. Poll coming.


I thought the anonymity was nice, but the second login ID really drove me crazy for the most part to the point of not enjoying it at times due to my constantly mixing up windows while working. I think I am in the minority on that though, it seems most people really enjoyed it.

That said, I personally think any "unique" game mechanic that gets used too much ends up not being as "unique"

[Passacaglia]

I thought the anonymity was nice, but the second login ID really drove me crazy for the most part to the point of not enjoying it at times due to my constantly mixing up windows while working. I think I am in the minority on that though, it seems most people really enjoyed it.

That said, I personally think any "unique" game mechanic that gets used too much ends up not being as "unique"

Yeah, you were the first person I thought of when I made it optional. I think it works for the theme pretty well -- you can come in a costume, or just be yourself and chill.

[jeheinz72]

I for one, would welcome it again. Especially if our fake ID's are more like costumes than actual role playing.

I'd even consider letting someone else "dress up" as me.

Sounds fun

[BrianD]

I thought the anonymity was nice, but the second login ID really drove me crazy for the most part to the point of not enjoying it at times due to my constantly mixing up windows while working. I think I am in the minority on that though, it seems most people really enjoyed it.

That said, I personally think any "unique" game mechanic that gets used too much ends up not being as "unique"

As a potentially helpful thought for the future, use two different browsers when you play a game with an anonymous ID. I normally run Firefox but used IE to play the game. It was the only IE window I had open and was very easy to identify. I also used a different color scheme to help with identification.

[PackerFanatic]

I think it could be fun, especially since I didn't play in the Marvel game. Although I don't know if I will be playing in this one either (hopefully)

[Alan T]

As a potentially helpful thought for the future, use two different browsers when you play a game with an anonymous ID. I normally run Firefox but used IE to play the game. It was the only IE window I had open and was very easy to identify. I also used a different color scheme to help with identification.

I can't do that when working. We don't allow web access to go through to FOFC from work (even the work around IP address and such are blocked). Since I am a network engineer I have a work around where I point one of my browsers through a back door to a proxy server I run. So when working i have one browser only able to get to FOFC :) Like I said though, I'm sure I am in the minority on this.

[Narcizo]

I can understand Barkeep's worry here - using this mechanic too much could do away with a lot of the sense of community that's here. Personally I don't really mind either way - it's no benefit to me as I won't be able to hide my identity (one would have thought although the last game apparently dispells that notion). If it's not going to be tied to role-playing I guess I just don't really see much point in it, other than a gimmic. Dunno, basically.

[Lathum]

I'm on my hiatus, but I think the costume concept would be fun.

I also know Saldana was pretty juiced when he first thought this idea up so I think he needs to be given the option to run a game with alter egos at some point.

[Quicksilver]

I wanna be lathum!

[claphamsa]

funny thing is... ive been wondering why every time i go to work, all the threads are unread :)

[Passacaglia]

I'm on my hiatus, but I think the costume concept would be fun.

I also know Saldana was pretty juiced when he first thought this idea up so I think he needs to be given the option to run a game with alter egos at some point.

I don't think that's an issue. No one said anything about refusing people the option of running a game like this. We're only talking about the next game, and if people think it will become too much of a trend if we do it twice in a row. A vote against the mechanic in this game doesn't relate to future games at all.

[Passacaglia]

Oh and by the way, 25% of the characters in the game will have the ability to possess 1-3 other accounts each day, depending on my mood when I wake up. No one minds that, right? ;)

[Passacaglia]

No, but seriously, this will be a pretty straightforward game other than the costumes. Standard roles -- seer, bodyguard, duke, are there other roles that are standard? We've had so many crazy games I forget the standard roles. There will also be a 'costume peeker' who can see who's behind each costume.

It looks like this game will happen, by an overwhelming 5-0 majority. Please PM me with your costume ideas, rather than posting them. Also, if people can come up with 'paired' costumes, then they will be brothers who can PM each other and die together.

[Passacaglia]

Oh right, and let me know if you would like to volunteer to have someone else use your ID, or if you would like to dress up as someone else (or both).

[Passacaglia]

I'll close signups Monday at 10 AM Eastern, and Day 1 will end Tuesday, 4 PM Eastern. Every day after that will end 4 PM Eastern, with a 24-hour clock.

[hoopsguy]

Oh and by the way, 25% of the characters in the game will have the ability to possess 1-3 other accounts each day, depending on my mood when I wake up. No one minds that, right? ;)


So help me, I'll never play another game of werewolf again if my account is possessed!!!! :eek:


:p

[BrianD]

I can't do that when working. We don't allow web access to go through to FOFC from work (even the work around IP address and such are blocked). Since I am a network engineer I have a work around where I point one of my browsers through a back door to a proxy server I run. So when working i have one browser only able to get to FOFC :) Like I said though, I'm sure I am in the minority on this.

Can you open back door access for a VNC connection to a home computer?

[Crim]

Oh and by the way, 25% of the characters in the game will have the ability to possess 1-3 other accounts each day, depending on my mood when I wake up. No one minds that, right? ;)

That's cool, but only if the possession lasts for a random number of days, from 4 days to eleven days inclusive.

Otherwise, this is a deal breaker for me.

[Vision]

If the Vision were participating, I would elect to disguise myself as Crim.

Sadly, my presence will not be found in this endeavor.

[The Jackal]

I guess I'm the only one that enjoys character possession. :)

[Tyrith]

Personally, as one of the behind the scenes guys from the last game, I'd be quite content if the false identity thing went away and stayed away for a while; it is both time consuming on both ends and a distraction to the village, whereas wolves typically have a much easier time staying focused on winning the game.

[Subby]

Just fyi - there is a vBulletin plug in that allows for fast switching between user ids.

It's called quick account switch - you can get it here (http://www.vbulletin.org/forum/showthread.php?t=132741).

Obviously it would have to be installed by Ryan S, but it might make games where you have anonymous identities a little easier to manage.