The Free Company is almost about 16 months old. What began as an experiment has grown into a form of writer's workshop for those who wish to share in an on-going chronicle based in the world of EU II.
Over its history the Free Company has brought together some of the best writers on the forum; people who have collaborated to produce extremely memorable story lines and fascinating characters. Many of the contributors have used the experience to create their own AARs.
The Free Company is plot driven - an ever-evolving tale that features RPG interaction among characters, their surroundings and historical events.
For those of you familiar with the concept from Burgundy: Origin of the Free Company, King Harry and the Free Company, or The Free Company in Italy: Vae Victis, no further explanation is required.
For any newcomers who wish to join, or for those who want to read for enjoyment, you'll find the closest similarity is D&D. I sketch out a story line and introduce elements from which the writers respond and interact. Typically one writer will post and leave a 'hook' so another writer can step in and pick up the conversation or action. I refer to this as the 'tag-team' approach. More often than not the writers will have their own subplots, adding further richness to the Free Company world.
The stories' range from war, campaigns, political situations, quests, battles, even marriages. They will be serious and lighthearted, gripping, sad, and funny.
The rules are few: Stay within the spirit of the story-telling (i.e. - no silliness or introducing characters who fail to interact, or act in an illogical manner) and no killing off another person's character unless prearranged. Additionally I ask that dates/times be used in the headings for the sake of continuity and less confusion.
In the past I have asked that any OOC post be accompanied by a legitimate post to cut down on thread clutter. This time around I have introduced an OOC Thread for that purpose. I encourage everyone to use it for conversation, clarification, or questions out side of the game.
Two additional rules deal with writers who introduce a character, hang around for a few posts then disappear. If it appears the writer will not return, then the character will be assumed to have departed the Company's employ. I know the pace of this AAR is fast and can be complicated at times, so I ask that potential writers who wish to join think about what they're getting into.
The other rule involves the use of ESP. That is, one person taking a private conversation between two other people and twisting it for their own use, or gain. If it's supposed to be private, how would they know about it?
Even though the latest version won't be ready until after launch and the all the characters are in place, there will be a rather primitive webpage that shall contain as much background information as possible. Additionally, I will continue the tradition of campaign and battle maps and other maps of interest.
This is not a closed shop, and new writers are always welcome. If you have an idea for a character then I recommend that you PM me so we can work up an introduction.
Now, a quick word about the setting:
This Book takes place approximately 15 years after The Free Company in Italy chronicle. That means you don't have to know the history of the Company if you're starting with a fresh character.
Past knowledge is a plus, but not a necessity, and I can always fill in some background information by PM, e-mail or on the OOC Thread if you feel overwhelmed.
I hope you enjoy Book IV.
NOTE: The first five posts have been prearranged for story setup, so I ask everyone not involved to hold off posting until I give the go ahead. Thanks in advance.
Over its history the Free Company has brought together some of the best writers on the forum; people who have collaborated to produce extremely memorable story lines and fascinating characters. Many of the contributors have used the experience to create their own AARs.
The Free Company is plot driven - an ever-evolving tale that features RPG interaction among characters, their surroundings and historical events.
For those of you familiar with the concept from Burgundy: Origin of the Free Company, King Harry and the Free Company, or The Free Company in Italy: Vae Victis, no further explanation is required.
For any newcomers who wish to join, or for those who want to read for enjoyment, you'll find the closest similarity is D&D. I sketch out a story line and introduce elements from which the writers respond and interact. Typically one writer will post and leave a 'hook' so another writer can step in and pick up the conversation or action. I refer to this as the 'tag-team' approach. More often than not the writers will have their own subplots, adding further richness to the Free Company world.
The stories' range from war, campaigns, political situations, quests, battles, even marriages. They will be serious and lighthearted, gripping, sad, and funny.
The rules are few: Stay within the spirit of the story-telling (i.e. - no silliness or introducing characters who fail to interact, or act in an illogical manner) and no killing off another person's character unless prearranged. Additionally I ask that dates/times be used in the headings for the sake of continuity and less confusion.
In the past I have asked that any OOC post be accompanied by a legitimate post to cut down on thread clutter. This time around I have introduced an OOC Thread for that purpose. I encourage everyone to use it for conversation, clarification, or questions out side of the game.
Two additional rules deal with writers who introduce a character, hang around for a few posts then disappear. If it appears the writer will not return, then the character will be assumed to have departed the Company's employ. I know the pace of this AAR is fast and can be complicated at times, so I ask that potential writers who wish to join think about what they're getting into.
The other rule involves the use of ESP. That is, one person taking a private conversation between two other people and twisting it for their own use, or gain. If it's supposed to be private, how would they know about it?
Even though the latest version won't be ready until after launch and the all the characters are in place, there will be a rather primitive webpage that shall contain as much background information as possible. Additionally, I will continue the tradition of campaign and battle maps and other maps of interest.
This is not a closed shop, and new writers are always welcome. If you have an idea for a character then I recommend that you PM me so we can work up an introduction.
Now, a quick word about the setting:
This Book takes place approximately 15 years after The Free Company in Italy chronicle. That means you don't have to know the history of the Company if you're starting with a fresh character.
Past knowledge is a plus, but not a necessity, and I can always fill in some background information by PM, e-mail or on the OOC Thread if you feel overwhelmed.
I hope you enjoy Book IV.
NOTE: The first five posts have been prearranged for story setup, so I ask everyone not involved to hold off posting until I give the go ahead. Thanks in advance.