avalonooc | How's My Driving?

Entry tags:

hmd,
mod

How's My Driving?

Welcome to @isleofavalon's first "How's my driving?" post! Now before we get started, let's go over some basic ground rules so that we may maintain a respectful environment on this participation-optional HMD:

1. We will not be allowing anonymous comments on this meme.

2. You may comment with either compliments or criticisms

constructive in nature

Here are some examples for your reference:

UNCONSTRUCTIVE COMPLIMENT: You're cool, I get good vibes off of you.
◉ WHY? It's a nice compliment, but it's not adding anything to the conversation. It doesn't really speak to any level of RP or really say anything meaningful about the person you're replying to.

CONSTRUCTIVE COMPLIMENT: I love how you manage to use vocabulary unique to this character without abusing it like it's an obnoxious catchphrase. Your restraint makes the character feel realistic and more relatable in the setting, which makes it easy to get CR with them.
◉ WHY? Specifies something you like that the player does specifically and why that stands out to you.

UNCONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: I don't like how you play your character. It doesn't feel right. Your icons aren't 100x100 and it don't know how to describe it besides ew.
◉ WHY? Provides absolutely nothing that the player can do differently, really only gives them a way to feel shitty. Icons also don't really have anything to do with anyone's ability to RP, so while you may personally feel that way, you're not being helpful. If it really bothers you, maybe just offer a link to some icons that you found for the character and offer it in private instead of making someone feel bad because they either couldn't find preexisting icons and don't have the time/patience/skills to make them or just didn't think it was that important.

CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: Hi there. I wanted to say that I think the way that you play your character is interesting, but I feel like you're emphasizing their obsession with cleaning way too much. It was only in one scene in the series and an off-hand comment about a room being dusty, not their entire character. I would really love to see you bring out more focus on the character's drive to achieve their goal, and how that goal has changed in Avalon's environment.
◉ WHY? This comment points out a specific problem behavior that's causing the character to seem out-of-character. It offers a note to tone it down, as well as emphasizing an action they could take instead to make the character feel more interesting and closer to their usual, core behaviors.

If you aren't sure if your comment is constructive, run it by a mod or don't share it.

3. If you receive a comment you do not like or agree with, do not start a fight or argument with the person who said it.

Okay, now without further ado, here are the instructions:

• Comment with the character name, series, and your character's username for each character that you play in a single comment.
• Reply to other peoples' comments with constructive statements.
• If you have criticism for the game moderation (NOT how mods play characters within the game, as they reserve their right to optional personal threads as well), you can click here to provide it.
• Learn from the suggestions and profit!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I may be on my way out the door so the timing of this criticism is a little off, forgive me.

It might be long because I don't have time to write a short letter so I'm writing a long one.

I have been struggling a bit with the game's flow lately and I just wanted to leave my (admittedly disjointed, typo-ridden) thoughts about it. I genuinely believe my issues could be felt by others AND that the issues can be resolved without it being too big a burden on the mods.

1. Lack of ability to meaningfully engage in setting Right now the game feels like we are playing in a sandbox with a shifting backdrop. We can't really influence the direction of events except across broad strokes and there aren't any ways to really grow our characters. New titles grant things that we can use to facilitate CR but not much for plotting.

Some thoughts to address this!

1. Have character titles mean something. Maybe after unlocking titles characters can have more quests or more options within quests? Maybe they have some extra clout when interacting with NPCs? I am guessing these are things players CAN do but without visible systems to do it they don't know they can or doing so is too complicated.

2. Have growth within a character's school of magic mean something. Right now a character who theoretically has near mastery of a certain type of magic due to being in game for a long time has the same chances of solving event issues as a new character. Some of this is due to the RNG system. Maybe a +1 +2 etc could be given to characters who have mastered certain magic types? New characters would still have a chance, and it would increase the longer they are around, and not all schools of magic would apply to every event. For some events magic wouldn't grant any bonus at all so all characters would be equal.

There could also be specialty schools that allow characters to super focus on a particular aspect of their current magic type for potential bonuses? Just spitballing there.

2. Inability to engage with meta plot Right now it feels like the meta only serves to shift events in the background against which we're all playing. This would be fine except the big threat is the destruction of the multiverse and all characters learn about it as soon as they arrive. Many characters would feel particularly driven to solve the Calamity problem. It is a compelling meta, honestly, so it would be great if people could do more with it.

Some thoughts on addressing this!

1. Clear options in world events would be nice. During certain world events, have options that clearly contribute to meta progress depending on player action. Maybe sometimes there is an artifact we need to find or some old writings by the Knights of the New World etc.

2. A new faction centered around the Calamity Ambassadors who have their own quests posted like the Knigths and Unseelie do. Admittedly this would be the biggest lift for the mods in terms of work but it would give characters driven to solve the Calamity chances to work together towards that goal on a monthly basis.

And those are my major notes at the moment.

Hello! Thank you for your detail and candor! We see that you dropped after this comment and are sorry we didn't address it before then, but I want to still address some of these points for anyone else who may have been waiting for a response.

We would like to first address that we did announce ahead of time that the game would be slowing down after the fall of Celliwig/Lestari as we rolled into the holidays and from there worked on setting up the new area of the setting. Player choices are being reintroduced and the plot is getting going (starting this month actually). We do not intend on this becoming a rapid-paced game in terms of the plot, because we do want this game to last a while, but players can expect for engagement to increase in the upcoming months and for the plot to move forward... down whatever path that may be! So to address that concern, we've already got stuff planned/in the works!

Beyond that, I can address a couple of things of your specific concerns:

Titles: We actually recently announced increased title benefits, including quests specifically for Knight characters, townships for nobles, and other benefits for dark web titles however: the dark web title stuff is not being posted because there is no one who has claimed a dark web title. Someone claim a dark web title, content will follow. Since the regular title upgrades are very recent (the first knight's quest was only last month!) we ask that players check those out as well as upcoming opportunities.

Magic Development: We will admit we've been struggling on how to make this meaningful without stopping people from being able to participate in events meaningfully just because they're new or micromanaging players. (We trust players to be reasonable and guide their own adventure in terms of magic ICly and would like to keep it that way!) However, I like the idea of giving bonus effect points to players who have been in the game longer on certain things, so we may consider doing something like this in a future event that involves combat! It seems like a fair way to give weight to experience. (Though we do ask that if any players see this and see a problem with it or have a better idea that doesn't require modcromanagement, please let us know! We would love to hear more ideas to develop this particular section of the game if more people think it should be.)

Meta-plot engagement: First year was largely setting, NPC introduction, and getting information that maybe people don't see as significant yet but could decidedly effect future decisions as well as establishing relationships with various groups within the world (for example: if Camelot had gone to war with Celliwig instead of completing their trials, Elphame would've considered them an enemy and would not be assisting in the current storyline). I can't really.. explain too much of what that means without spoilers though, so I won't, but suffice it to say that year two is going to be about making progress toward solving the problem at hand. But yes! It's already planned to be so!

Ambassadors: This was not something that was developed by mods with the intention of it being large scale, it was created in response to a character creating an NPC appointment to confirm if the calamity problem was really real. That character was originally asked to designate a team, and the character who inherited the title was also asked to designate a team, and no one got back to the mods so we haven't really gone anywhere with it since. Since this was a position created in response to player action, we expect players to take the lead on following up with mods on this as we cannot feasibly create individual custom storylines for every character in a large game format and be in charge of making sure they go somewhere.

We hope this helps to address some of these concerns and thank you for the suggestions.

I’ve been really confused with the inconsistency of how rewards are handled. See, my submitted comment/request for rewards in September states that You guys don’t want hyperlinks in reward comments, just raw url.

But hyperlinks here are okay?

I struggle with hyperlinks, so it’s not really a matter of whether I’m allowed them or not. It’s just inconsistent and visibly different. Makes it hard to accommodate how you would like your players to submit for rewards.

And now the rewards are processed through google docs, which is honestly fine, but felt sudden and a bit jarring. Maybe announcing it to the player base might have been nice to see? I’d have appreciated it (and can’t speak for anyone else)

I know you guys are doing your best, and honestly, hiccups happen, html is hard, and you guys are people with a lot on your plates. It’s not a big deal, but the inconsistency makes things especially confusing. I’d have addressed the change in how rewards are submitted as part of the housekeeping announcement before making the change.

I hope this reads well. I love you guys and you work so hard, and I don’t want any of my concerns to come across like any kind of attack.

Part of the reason why we are switching to the new Rewards system is to cut down on inconsistencies by making it simpler to process. As the system was it could take many hours, sometimes even days for mods to process. It was a system that made it easy to miss a reward and also was one where different mods used different tricks to make the process more efficient.

The aforementioned links situation existed because raw links were easier to process for one mod but didn't make a lot of difference for another. Since it is such a time consuming task already, it was important to have all hands on deck for the upcoming app cycle and to make sure players aren't waiting too long on reward requests we generally try to just get rewards done as soon as possible and in whatever was was most efficient for the mod who had enough free time that month.

As for the google form being announced to players ahead of time:
1. In November, we announced it as an upcoming rewards update on the Monthly Updates post Here.
2. In December, a beta release of the google form was live for players a month ahead of the new system being implemented completely. It was announced on the Monthly Announcements under the new updates in the housekeeping announcement.
3. In January, we announced it as fully implemented Here.

We're sorry if the new rewards system may be a little more inconvenient for players, but it's important that the mods take care of ourselves and maintain a reasonable workload. Thank you for your understanding!

And with the new reward system there won’t be any miscommunication between mods and players whether they need hyperlinks or not. I won’t miss that.

Having a consistent system is important, and hopefully it makes everything easier for y’all.

I guess I’m just blunt/simple/dry and would have liked to see it plainly stated that it would be a google doc /shrug but that’s me. No need to apologize. I’m honestly happy with the change!

Thank you for the response! Keep up the great work, and hopefully I’ll fuck up less

player of

Gareth / Fate Grand Order (

beaumains)

Oda Kipposhi / Fate Grand Order (

owarifool)

Baiken / Guilty Gear (

garyoutensei

if you prefer a more private means of discussion, all three accounts have HMD posts with screened comments enabled.

May Chang | FullMetal Alchemist |

howcatty

I know I’ve been really slow on tags but I’m catching up! If you want a more private discussion with screened comments, I have an HMD on her journal!

Jade

Somnus Lucis Caelum | Final Fantasy XV |

luciing

Also a journal HMD here, and a opt-out here, if you'd rather not have CR with him! I can also be contacted via PM,

drinksteapots, and Jade294#6977. Feel free to hit me up, any concrit welcome <3

Robyn Goodfellowe | Wolfwalkers |

wolfhunted

If you want to discuss anything more privately, I have an HMD post for Robyn here where comments are screened.

Claude von Riegan / Fire Emblem: Three Houses /

leicesters
Susie / Deltarune /

facebite
Iskandar (Rider) / Fate/Zero /

gordianknot

Iskandar is a brand new muse this month and a total impulse decision, so if you have any feedback for how I'm doing with him in particular that would be much appreciated!

If you don't want to talk here, feel free to shoot me a PM instead.

Horse | Centaurworld |

crushtheskulls

Had a rough go of this game in the beginning due to some personal issues, but I'm back and ready to get back on the horse (harr harr)! Horse's personal HMD is here.

Monika || Doki Doki Literature Club (

peninhand)

Constructive criticism would be really appreciated! I aim to play Monika as well as possible, to make her replies interesting and engaging. But of course I'm plagued with self-doubt and I don't know whether I'm achieving this goal or not. So feedback and constructive criticism helping me do better where I fail is very much loved.

I have a HMD on her journal, should you wish to speak more privately or anonymously.

Just wanna slide in here to say that I have really enjoyed threading with you (even if these two just argued so far lmao)! I'm not totally canonblind but don't recall enough to comment on how she's written, but from what I remember I think you do a great job with her! Their discourse over the dragon is definitely one of my favourite threads because it helped him sort out some Thoughts. I thought it was great how she kept picking his arguments apart (even if he did not love that very much lmao) so it was definitely engaging and I enjoy all his cr, positive or negative! :3

Thank you so much! I'm very happy to hear that— I did enjoy this thread a lot as well, but I was afraid her arguments and behavior might have come off as annoying. I'll endeavor to keep things going this way if it works, and I hope those two will get more CR in the future, be it negative or positive.

Archer (EMIYA) 🏹 Fate/Stay Night: UBW 🏹

unknowntodeath 🏹 private HMD
Elsa ❄️ Frozen ❄️

readytolearn ❄️ private HMD
Jean Kirstein 🌟 Attack on Titan 🌟

rustyhonesty 🌟 private HMD
Mamoru Chiba 🌹 Sailor Moon 🌹

reincarnatedprince 🌹 private HMD
Ren Jinguji 🎵 Uta no Prince-sama 🎵

saxsongs 🎵 private HMD

You can also contact me through discord (Shiranna#8997) if that way is easier.

Edited 2022-01-24 02:38 (UTC)

Asriel Dreemurr (Undertale)

letmewin

He also has an HMD post on his journal.

Jean Gunnhildr (Genshin Impact)

actinggrandmaster
Camus (Uta No Prince Sama)

idoliceking
Lancer (Fate//UBW)

redeyedbluehound

Feel free to also PM me if you prefer~

Edited 2022-01-24 01:59 (UTC)

Shadow The Hedgehog (Sonic the Hedgehog)

ringsthatbind
and
Chara (Undertale)

corruptedsave

I have a private HMD up on Chara's journal, and will be putting one up on Shadow's as well, if you prefer a screened/anonymous venue.

Klaudia | OC |

sulit
Lan Sizhui | Chenqing Ling/The Untamed |

yunxiguang

Definitely looking for any and all feedback! Klaudia's an OC, and Sizhui is a new-ish character for me and a little outside my comfort zone; so it's always good to get some outside perspective, whether positive or negative. If you want to leave feedback but can't think of anything specific, I have some general questions that I'd like to hear responses to:

Do they feel consistent? Are their tags engaging ICly, OOCly? How's my writing in general? Are my tags long enough, do they move threads along at a good pace?

Both of my kids also have screened HMDs if that's more preferable. Thank you. ♥

Jade Leech | Twisted Wonderland |

mushroomaficionado

I also have a brand new HMD post in his journal complete with anon and screening!

Crow | Show by Rock!!|

milkmycattle
Chrome Dokuro | Katekyou Hitman REBORN! |

illusionaryskirt

Chrome has an old HMD on her journal that has comment screening, IP logging off and anonymous comments. I need to set one up for Crow, but if you want to give critique for him feel free to send a PM through his journal or contact me on Plurk

roniknowszilch or discord ronironi#1492

Dust | Dust: An Elysian Tail |

mithrarin
Morgan Knight | Mage: the Ascension (OC) |

morganknight
Venat | Final Fantasy XIV |

heartofthestar

Particularly curious about Venat, as she's new and takes a bit of interpretation, but I'll take anything you have to say.

Amy Rose | Sonic the Hedgehog |

pricklybloom
Fenton Crackshell-Cabrera | DuckTales 2017 |

doctorintern

I apologize for slow tags. I try to alternate days for each of their tags, but I know it might not always be consistent. Each of them also have a screened HMD post on their journals if you prefer something more private.

Bruno Madrigal | Encanto

sandinmyhair

I know I've only been here for, like, five minutes. Not much to go on. ^^;;;

Also, please excuse my Google Translate Spanish.

I've got a HMD on his journal, too.

Taichi Nanao | A3! |

arf
Emerald Sustrai | RWBY |

unhappy
Horus | The God of Calamity Wishes for Naught |

hor

I'm probably always gonna be slow 🦥💦 sorry

Edited 2022-01-24 03:23 (UTC)

Emet-Selch

emet_sulk

He has a screened HMD post on his journal that should allow anon comments. I'll double-check it later if I remember to.

(I am aware I have been very erratic with tagging lately. It is a combination of trying to play catch-up and also covid exhaustion.)

Rei Amayado | Hypnosis Mic | groundzeroes

Particular areas of concern:
Rei is a manipulating, information-collector type character. Unless otherwise given permission I try not to overstep (only taking things that are posted publicly on the network into account, but i Do assume anything in that category is fair game), but has this felt too infomoddy?
Rei has a weird mix of friendliness and assholery. How do you find my balancing act-- does it match canon closely enough?
rei is a programmer and i am not at All. how egregious is my technological (il)literacy? LMFAO

Rinea | Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia | silvergarden

Particular areas of concern:
Rinea's personality has evolved a bit as she develops outside of her canon. Is she still recognizable as "Rinea"?

Are my tags/open prompts with Rinea engaging enough to respond to?

And in general, I think my foremost emotion when writing is comedy... has this felt tone deaf at all in more serious threads? LMAO

Thank you for any feedback! Rei has an anon/screened HMD post in his journal! Rinea doesn't have one yet oops, I'll work on that but in the meantime you can post it in Rei's journal too LOL!!

rei's friend-holery(?) still surprises sasara (which surprises me in turn!!) sometimes and i think that's perfect, because even tho he has tried to dig deeper he has really only uncovered a little. i aim to keep away from having You have come up with excuses and explanations of rei's past that we haven't been told yet DKLJDDK But how you let him deflect when it does come up feels so 'genuine' (well you know...), in the mix of it--

you could be balancing on a sewing thread and it'd look like a leisurely walk❗️❗️✨😤✨

Aerith Gainsborough -

inemeraldfaith
Final Fantasy VII-R

This is actually the first time I'm playing Aerith seriously, and the first time I'm playing her from the Remake. (I once briefly played her from Crisis Core many... many years back.)

If you aren't comfortable saying something here, I also have an anonymous enabled, comment screened, and IP logging disabled HMD here.

I've admitted to this in less public circles, but Aerith is a consistently shaky voice for me and I'm not always certain I'm doing her justice. If you think there are aspects of her I ought to showcase more, don't hesitate to let me know. On the other side of things, if you see things you particularly like and want to continue seeing, say so, that I can further provide that.

It's my intention and desire to display the nuances of her character with a sense of realism and convincing portrayal based on her experiences and her reactions to said experiences.

Edited 2022-01-24 06:45 (UTC)

minako aino | sailor moon |

reloves

there's also a private hmd over here.

Toshirou Hijikata | Gintama |

mayoninofukucho

Lay it on me!! If you'd prefer to do so more privately he has a personal HMD here.

I'm currently doing a canon review, and sometimes I worry that I make my Hijikata too nice... he can be SO rude! But I partly justify this by people on Avalon often being nicer to him than people in Edo. Gintama characters tend to have a pretty wide range, so he'll cry buckets in the cinema over a kids' movie, grossly snarf up tons of mayonnaise, be all ~cool and aloof~ while slicing up bad guys, get super flustered and awkward... it's challenging to find a balance, haha. If you think I could stand to tone anything down or emphasise anything more, do let me know!

Something I'm already planning to do is have him suffer more consequences from meddling with Camelot's criminal underground so much. One of these coming months I'll have him cursed or injured or worse - if anyone has suggestions I'm all ears since I haven't really hashed out the details yet!

Also I'm sorry for having been so slow..!! Work really wiped the floor with me last week, so I'm still playing catch-up. Ideally I try to tag once every day or at least within 3 days, but sometimes life kicks me off track!

Edited 2022-01-24 17:00 (UTC)

Alberto 🛵

prontissimo
Zuko 🔥

rediscovering

Both have HMDs in their journals as well. Thanks, y’all!

Kazunari Miyoshi ☆ A3! ☆

natsupiko
Ichiro Yamada ☆ Hypnosis Mic ☆

ichibukuro

This is honestly mostly for Ichiro. Of course I'm happy to hear any input on Kazunari but Ichiro is the one I'm not as confident with!

He also has a HMD post in his journal.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

How's My Driving?

Moderation HMD Comment

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As usual I’m not sure how/where to address my concerns, but I got some! Hurray for participation!

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