Posted by Mazur, the everlasting monk. on May 19, 1998 at 14:46:19:
In Reply to: Re: Vance Games, organising a world event -- YES!! posted by Robert Ruork on May 17, 1998 at 23:05:08:
: : Just a thought for one of those Fridays:
: : Vance has developed what is probably the finest set of alternative games ever to be thought up. Perhaps this has already - partially - been done, but I think it would be fun to set up the 'Vance Games' hosted by the IOC (Intermediary Oikumene-Games Council).
: : It should be possible to virtually fill a mirror olympic games site with stuff developped by Vance:
: : - Hadaul
: : - Hussade
The Dirdir had some ideas about sport, and the Wankh even so. In another life under the name of Aiken Drum, as a ranger I fell in a stadium, trying to rescue a friend from the jungle the Wankh had put him into. Alas neither race provides a consolence prize.
From vague memory I recall a game of balance and tactics between two teams in Waterworld, with columns and narrow beams between them, over the water. And a prize a man would go for. ;-)
I'm sure the rules can be widened to excite female interest in the game. Alas I do not own a copy of the book.
One of the books of the Devil Princes also briefly descibes a card game with tokens of value for the stakes. I'm due to reread them, so expect a fuller description soon, after my friend has returned them.
: : First steps would be:
: : - agree an inventory of suitable Vance games;
: : - agree rules
: : - inventory appropriate competing teams/individuals
: : Let me know if there are some kindred spirits around.
Aye, MacAllen, there are.
: Ah, Hadaul, Hussade! I am of like mind, trusty one, with not inconsiderable resources to contribute to such a project -- including real-estate, applications, servers (hard and soft), extensions, libraries, connectivity, etc.
: What I chiefly lack is time -- I can envisage many hours rapt (sic) in such a project -- yet the vicissitudes of housing and victualing my clan pose limits on my participation.
Time, my redoutable friend, is a scarce commodity for all. Yet, for all things of worth, time is found by the recognition of that worth. Time is an essence, to be distributed towards those that use it. By learning them to use time of themselves instead of yours, you'll gain time with them. ;-)
: However, I am ready to begin planning the rules and technologies such an application would require, and would love to be a member of the team you propose.
: Herewith my first observation, then: For example, if I remember correctly Hadaul is, in part, a game of trust mitigated by ever-changing circumstance. The application would have to include a form of "IRC" private chat mode between (and among) players and groups of players such that this trust (and betrayal) could be implemented in the true spirit of the game. Do you agree?
Hadaul is precisely described. Virtual implementation only demands the formulas for characters, most of which will be stoolen from some role playing game. Only the virtual tactics will be a real bonebreaker of a programming task. All the rest is rules and randomizing.
: I applaud your proposal.
The concept has merit.
Mazur, the everlasting monk.