Traveller's Cafe 3: Brainstorming, discussion, tea, advice

[Alleniana]

Under what conditions? IRL, the only Imperial China that had a flag was the Qing, and they were only imitating the Europeans.

Well, Modern since the early 20th century. Oh, I know the Qing flag and cool one too. But I don't think the dragon flag can fit in Modern settings due to how elaborate the designs despite how awesome it looks.

I made the alternative flags in order to decide which one is best based on what you guys thinks.

Hmm, surviving Imperial China...
I don't think there's any reason to avoid dragons, look at Bhutan.

[Altito Asmoro]

So we are all agree that 1 and 6 are the best.

So we all agree that AA can't read.

No! I mean, it should be Arum and you I quoted.

Oh well.

[Minroz]

Well, Modern since the early 20th century. Oh, I know the Qing flag and cool one too. But I don't think the dragon flag can fit in Modern settings due to how elaborate the designs despite how awesome it looks.

I made the alternative flags in order to decide which one is best based on what you guys thinks.

Hmm, surviving Imperial China...
I don't think there's any reason to avoid dragons, look at Bhutan.

Heh, true. I'll think about that.

[Alleniana]

Hmm, surviving Imperial China...
I don't think there's any reason to avoid dragons, look at Bhutan.

Heh, true. I'll think about that.

If you need any other vexillogical help, I'm here as a dabbler.

[Minroz]

Heh, true. I'll think about that.

If you need any other vexillogical help, I'm here as a dabbler.

Thanks. I'll ask for your help should I need so. Anyway, out of all the flags I posted, which one did you think is most appropriate for my surviving Imperial China?

Personally I was thinking, one or six. Well, the Yin-yang symbol is East Asian thing originates in China and this symbol is also featured in both Mongolian and South Korean flags. As far as I know, the Yin-yang symbol signifies harmony and eternity. And I felt it's appropriate to put 'em on my flags because for me it's more authentic for the Chinese nation, rather than the certain Commie and ROC flags. Cuz the latter two are more like Party flags than actual national flags.

[Alleniana]

If you need any other vexillogical help, I'm here as a dabbler.

Thanks. I'll ask for your help should I need so. Anyway, out of all the flags I posted, which one did you think is most appropriate for my surviving Imperial China?

Personally I was thinking, one or six. Well, the Yin-yang symbol is East Asian thing originates in China and this symbol is also featured in both Mongolian and South Korean flags. As far as I know, the Yin-yang symbol signifies harmony and eternity. And I felt it's appropriate to put 'em on my flags because for me it's more authentic for the Chinese nation, rather than the certain Commie and ROC flags. Cuz the latter two are more like Party flags than actual national flags.

To be frank, I'm not a big fan of any of them. Yellow was the most prestigious colour, so I'd recommend much more prominent use of it. Red was fairly popular as well, but is probably only so much more prominent than yellow today because of communism. The taijitu is a decent idea, but black and white would be better colours IMO considering the symbolism. I'm not sure what the three lines represent, but I could be convinced. Some ideas to consider would be some combination of the five colours (yellow foremost, black, white, red, and blue-green or qing following) depending on the dynasty's values/name, and symbolism like some characters (dynasty name, most likely) or stuff like the Qing dyansty dragon.

[Swith Witherward]

Thanks. I'll ask for your help should I need so. Anyway, out of all the flags I posted, which one did you think is most appropriate for my surviving Imperial China?

Personally I was thinking, one or six. Well, the Yin-yang symbol is East Asian thing originates in China and this symbol is also featured in both Mongolian and South Korean flags. As far as I know, the Yin-yang symbol signifies harmony and eternity. And I felt it's appropriate to put 'em on my flags because for me it's more authentic for the Chinese nation, rather than the certain Commie and ROC flags. Cuz the latter two are more like Party flags than actual national flags.

To be frank, I'm not a big fan of any of them. Yellow was the most prestigious colour, so I'd recommend much more prominent use of it. Red was fairly popular as well, but is probably only so much more prominent than yellow today because of communism. The taijitu is a decent idea, but black and white would be better colours IMO considering the symbolism. I'm not sure what the three lines represent, but I could be convinced. Some ideas to consider would be some combination of the five colours (yellow foremost, black, white, red, and blue-green or qing following) depending on the dynasty's values/name, and symbolism like some characters (dynasty name, most likely) or stuff like the Qing dyansty dragon.

Combo might be good.

MInroz,

There's always the shou - longevity.

Colors: "Red is considered the luckiest color in China, and it is widely used during festivals and important events like wedding. Yellow symbolized royalty and power of the throne. The first Emperor of China was known as the Yellow Emperor. China was often referred to as Yellow Earth, and its mother river is the Yellow River". You can get more info here.

Personally, I like #2 flag, but perhaps go with a darker orange similar to #5, or else a warm golden/yellow hue? If I understand correctly, orange can be interpreted as "balance" and that would tie into your yin/yang concept. #2's the three bars might be taken from the Bagua (one of the eight trigrams). The three bars represent heaven (tian) in Taoist cosmology.

[Alleniana]

Red is considered lucky, but in Imperial China, it was only an equal to qing, black and white, which had equally important functions (i.e. qing representing life). Yellow is always the paramount colour, so only consider red, qing, black and white for more specific reasons. Certainly, I don't think using a colour other than yellow as the primary colour is a good idea.

The shou character is a good idea, as is bagua, and previously mentioned taijitu, but consider some less holistic symbols. The Qing flag, for example, was derived from the flag of the Yellow Banner army; basically, the emperor thought "we need a flag to compete with the Europeans", and just took the flag of his favourite army and lopped a half off to make it look different. Using the symbolic character of the dynasty would be a good balance between overly moral/religious, and overly temporal/earthly.

[Yuzhou]

Red is considered lucky, but in Imperial China, it was only an equal to qing, black and white, which had equally important functions (i.e. qing representing life). Yellow is always the paramount colour, so only consider red, qing, black and white for more specific reasons. Certainly, I don't think using a colour other than yellow as the primary colour is a good idea.

The shou character is a good idea, as is bagua, and previously mentioned taijitu, but consider some less holistic symbols. The Qing flag, for example, was derived from the flag of the Yellow Banner army; basically, the emperor thought "we need a flag to compete with the Europeans", and just took the flag of his favourite army and lopped a half off to make it look different. Using the symbolic character of the dynasty would be a good balance between overly moral/religious, and overly temporal/earthly.

Yellow by far makes an excellent primary color. To me, none of the options really struck me "Chinese", and I think that's what is most important. He has to go with what looks and feels right. I'm no expert, but in the words of my digital media teacher: "It's got to flow."
Of course. my opinion on what looks Chinese is that of a whiter-than-chalk American with only a basic understanding of the culture and history of said nation.

If there is one thing I can draw out of this: it's that my own flag doesn't look quite centered...

[Alleniana]

Yes, indeed, it looking right is also something to consider. For example, I would heavily advise against using a canton, which is a fairly European thing from what I've seen. Circles would probably be more prominent than in western symbolism, but rectangles less so, and also, consider a triangular flag; a pennant. Both the Qing flag, originally, and the most popular speculation of one for the Ming were triangles.

In particular, disregard traditional western rules. Rectangular flag? Hell, go Nepal-flag shaped if you want. Symmetry? Not necessary. Clear shapes, colours, etc.? Not really much need for that either. Text on it? Discouraged in the west, absolutely fine in the east.

[Yuzhou]

:P Yes, indeed, it looking right is also something to consider. For example, I would heavily advise against using a canton, which is a fairly European thing from what I've seen. Circles would probably be more prominent than in western symbolism, but rectangles less so, and also, consider a triangular flag; a pennant. Both the Qing flag, originally, and the most popular speculation of one for the Ming were triangles.

In particular, disregard traditional western rules. Rectangular flag? Hell, go Nepal-flag shaped if you want. Symmetry? Not necessary. Clear shapes, colours, etc.? Not really much need for that either. Text on it? Discouraged in the west, absolutely fine in the east.

Better yet: Just pick a color (Yellow..it's gonna be yellow) and just start writing all over it. That way, it'll double as both a battle standard and a "nation flag"

[Alleniana]

Actually, last time I made an imperial Chinese flag, it was actually just a yellow right isoceles triangle.

[Minroz]

MInroz,

There's always the shou - longevity.

(Image)

Colors: "Red is considered the luckiest color in China, and it is widely used during festivals and important events like wedding. Yellow symbolized royalty and power of the throne. The first Emperor of China was known as the Yellow Emperor. China was often referred to as Yellow Earth, and its mother river is the Yellow River". You can get more info here.

Personally, I like #2 flag, but perhaps go with a darker orange similar to #5, or else a warm golden/yellow hue? If I understand correctly, orange can be interpreted as "balance" and that would tie into your yin/yang concept. #2's the three bars might be taken from the Bagua (one of the eight trigrams). The three bars represent heaven (tian) in Taoist cosmology.

Red is considered lucky, but in Imperial China, it was only an equal to qing, black and white, which had equally important functions (i.e. qing representing life). Yellow is always the paramount colour, so only consider red, qing, black and white for more specific reasons. Certainly, I don't think using a colour other than yellow as the primary colour is a good idea.

The shou character is a good idea, as is bagua, and previously mentioned taijitu, but consider some less holistic symbols. The Qing flag, for example, was derived from the flag of the Yellow Banner army; basically, the emperor thought "we need a flag to compete with the Europeans", and just took the flag of his favourite army and lopped a half off to make it look different. Using the symbolic character of the dynasty would be a good balance between overly moral/religious, and overly temporal/earthly.

Yellow by far makes an excellent primary color. To me, none of the options really struck me "Chinese", and I think that's what is most important. He has to go with what looks and feels right. I'm no expert, but in the words of my digital media teacher: "It's got to flow."
Of course. my opinion on what looks Chinese is that of a whiter-than-chalk American with only a basic understanding of the culture and history of said nation.

If there is one thing I can draw out of this: it's that my own flag doesn't look quite centered...

Awesome inputs. Tho' I was about to explain to Alleniana about my choice of bagua and taijitu into my flags but you guys answered it for me. And you made some good points too. So it's cool. Well, I want to make my Chinese flags as authentic as possible for my Middle Kingdom, truer to its culture if possible.

Initially, I was thinking of putting in Yellow as primary colour but hesistated cuz...well, yellow is associated with cowardice in the West you know. I don't wish to mock China because of it. :x

Anyhow, back to the drawing board I suppose, I'll try colouring my flags with yellow or orange as primary colours. Added with mebbe Dragon or Shou character or Taijitu designs. Perhaps with bagua as a nice decoration~.


On the unrelated note, Orange is my favourite colour~.

[The mages]

RP INTEREST AND FEEDBACK REQUEST

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Please provide as much detail as possible.
RP's Overarching Concept: Crossover (specifically a crossover between dungeons and dragons, and the popular anime Fairy Tail)
Genre/s: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Character or Faction Based: Character based though characters can command factions if they are a king or such but this is not reccomended.
Detailed Description: the RP is centrally based around the Idea that a portal opened up between the two multiverses, oh thats another thing for those of you not too savvy with D&D there is an entire multiverse that adventurers regularly explore in, this includes some places such as a giant clockwork world (mechanus) and places representative of heaven and hell including demiplanes (planes created by mortals) both universes (or multiverses if you count accessible dimensions in both series) have iconic characters but fairy tail has less obscure characters whilst D&D has relativley few (the only one i can think of from D&D is the vampire baron strahd von zerevitch) in short i really need somebody who is knowledgeable about fairy tail to be a CO-OP, another final thing before this lengthy verse ends, characters can control Iconic characters from both realites however they need to pass an aptitude test that is organized through telegrams in order to play them.

Need Help With: personally i need help with what i said before, and that is somebody savvy with Fairy tail to be a CO-OP i may also need someone to assist me with methods of improving grammar for RP, though i could likely do this in my own time.

Please leave this hashtag in place: #Mentorhelp

[Abserdia]

RP INTEREST AND FEEDBACK REQUEST

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Please provide as much detail as possible.
RP's Overarching Concept: A war broke out when a galactic president banned bounty hunting and and killing for sport.
Genre/s: Sci-fi, adventure, action
Character or Faction Based: Character
Detailed Description: For 100 years, bounty hunting was considered a service to humanity and killing for sport was televised. But when the newly elected president of the Milky Way banned them, riots broke loose. Hundreds were killed within minutes of the announcement, and thousands injured. For a year, the Milky Way was a battlefield.

Then, bounty hunters and murderers decided to elect their own leader. They raided almost the entire eastern Milky Way and captured it within 4 days, and by capturing it, they officially created a new region. Their newly elected leader declared war on the western Milky Way.

Need Help With: How would death be decided? (Dice-roll if the character gets a fatal injury, or the traditional way?)
The basic story, any ideas?

Please leave this hashtag in place: #Mentorhelp

[Kerzacistan]

RP INTEREST AND FEEDBACK REQUEST

---

Please provide as much detail as possible.
RP's Overarching Concept: Universal anomaly fixing children.
Genre/s: Sci-fi, action, character building.
Character or Faction Based: Character
Detailed Description: Misfits at school, these children discover they are to be the universe's clean up crew. They are given 'powers' (I use that lightly) to complete this task, they are often put into dangerous situations.

Need Help With: Its quite the general idea and I'm not sure its even a good one, I guess this is a "Hello is this right?" type of thing.

Please leave this hashtag in place: #Mentorhelp

[Benuty]

RP INTEREST AND FEEDBACK REQUEST

---

Please provide as much detail as possible.
RP's Overarching Concept: A war broke out when a galactic president banned bounty hunting and and killing for sport.
Genre/s: Sci-fi, adventure, action
Character or Faction Based: Character
Detailed Description: For 100 years, bounty hunting was considered a service to humanity and killing for sport was televised. But when the newly elected president of the Milky Way banned them, riots broke loose. Hundreds were killed within minutes of the announcement, and thousands injured. For a year, the Milky Way was a battlefield.

Then, bounty hunters and murderers decided to elect their own leader. They raided almost the entire eastern Milky Way and captured it within 4 days, and by capturing it, they officially created a new region. Their newly elected leader declared war on the western Milky Way.

Need Help With: How would death be decided? (Dice-roll if the character gets a fatal injury, or the traditional way?)
The basic story, any ideas?

Please leave this hashtag in place: #Mentorhelp

Sounds incredibly absurd, but the fun kind however. The lore needs a bit of fleshing out (of-course you know that), but the concept certainly has something going for it.

[Benuty]

RP INTEREST AND FEEDBACK REQUEST

---

Please provide as much detail as possible.
RP's Overarching Concept: Universal anomaly fixing children.
Genre/s: Sci-fi, action, character building.
Character or Faction Based: Character
Detailed Description: Misfits at school, these children discover they are to be the universe's clean up crew. They are given 'powers' (I use that lightly) to complete this task, they are often put into dangerous situations.

Need Help With: Its quite the general idea and I'm not sure its even a good one, I guess this is a "Hello is this right?" type of thing.

Please leave this hashtag in place: #Mentorhelp

I should have said this to the first one, you might want to unbolden the portions you put in so that it will be easier to read. The idea itself sounds interesting, but what is the lore? Does anyone manage these children at all (I mean in terms of their interesting status as a clean up crew)?, and what exactly do you have in mind for the roleplay in terms of lore, and actual characters?

Just curious is all.

[Gvozdevsk]

I kind of want to make a counter-terrorist RP, kind of more in the vein of Rainbow Six (in fact it probably would be at least loosely based around Rainbow Six) with small scale hostage rescue and direct action operations. But I feel like this might be tough to RP because you'd get stuck waiting for someone to make a post about their character moving down a hallway and stacking up on a door. Any ideas how I could make something like that flow more smoothly?

[Tiltjuice]

I kind of want to make a counter-terrorist RP, kind of more in the vein of Rainbow Six (in fact it probably would be at least loosely based around Rainbow Six) with small scale hostage rescue and direct action operations. But I feel like this might be tough to RP because you'd get stuck waiting for someone to make a post about their character moving down a hallway and stacking up on a door. Any ideas how I could make something like that flow more smoothly?

You could try giving each player two characters each, and making an element two players/four characters? So they'd be coordinated a little bit better. It might help, too, as far as collabing.

[Kerzacistan]

RP INTEREST AND FEEDBACK REQUEST

---

Please provide as much detail as possible.
RP's Overarching Concept: Universal anomaly fixing children.
Genre/s: Sci-fi, action, character building.
Character or Faction Based: Character
Detailed Description: Misfits at school, these children discover they are to be the universe's clean up crew. They are given 'powers' (I use that lightly) to complete this task, they are often put into dangerous situations.

Need Help With: Its quite the general idea and I'm not sure its even a good one, I guess this is a "Hello is this right?" type of thing.

Please leave this hashtag in place: #Mentorhelp

I should have said this to the first one, you might want to unbolden the portions you put in so that it will be easier to read. The idea itself sounds interesting, but what is the lore? Does anyone manage these children at all (I mean in terms of their interesting status as a clean up crew)?, and what exactly do you have in mind for the roleplay in terms of lore, and actual characters?

Just curious is all.

The idea is that they are managed by the one surviving member of the previous team who was too injured to leave with the others on the mission that killed them. When they are chosen to be on this team they cease to exist in their previous lives and that's the price for the realm shaking 'abilities' they get. And I mean misfits like that one Goth person in a rich-mans private school or the people who always get left out, that kind of misfit. Ooh I almost forgot, they get this really cool base in the middle of the universe called 'The Janitors Closet', that's a secret till I introduce it because I want it to be secret till then.

[Abserdia]

RP INTEREST AND FEEDBACK REQUEST

---

Please provide as much detail as possible.
RP's Overarching Concept: A war broke out when a galactic president banned bounty hunting and and killing for sport.
Genre/s: Sci-fi, adventure, action
Character or Faction Based: Character
Detailed Description: For 100 years, bounty hunting was considered a service to humanity and killing for sport was televised. But when the newly elected president of the Milky Way banned them, riots broke loose. Hundreds were killed within minutes of the announcement, and thousands injured. For a year, the Milky Way was a battlefield.

Then, bounty hunters and murderers decided to elect their own leader. They raided almost the entire eastern Milky Way and captured it within 4 days, and by capturing it, they officially created a new region. Their newly elected leader declared war on the western Milky Way.

Need Help With: How would death be decided? (Dice-roll if the character gets a fatal injury, or the traditional way?)
The basic story, any ideas?

Please leave this hashtag in place: #Mentorhelp

Sounds incredibly absurd, but the fun kind however. The lore needs a bit of fleshing out (of-course you know that), but the concept certainly has something going for it.

I've been doing some stuff to make it more realistic. Like the bounty hunters and murderers taking only a quarter of the galaxy and that quarter being inhospitable solar systems at the edge of the galaxy.

[The Flame Dawn]

Hello!

I love Magic the Gathering and I was wondering if there was any Magic The Gathering related Roleplays going on right now.

[Gvozdevsk]

I kind of want to make a counter-terrorist RP, kind of more in the vein of Rainbow Six (in fact it probably would be at least loosely based around Rainbow Six) with small scale hostage rescue and direct action operations. But I feel like this might be tough to RP because you'd get stuck waiting for someone to make a post about their character moving down a hallway and stacking up on a door. Any ideas how I could make something like that flow more smoothly?

You could try giving each player two characters each, and making an element two players/four characters? So they'd be coordinated a little bit better. It might help, too, as far as collabing.

This is kind of what I was thinking, requiring each player to control multiple characters to make things go more smoothly. But then it's a bigger problem when people stop posting because we lose two characters rather than just one.

[The Burning Sun]

Hello!

I love Magic the Gathering and I was wondering if there was any Magic The Gathering related Roleplays going on right now.

How does that even work? Wouldn't you just play it online like everyone else too poor to buy the cards?