Sci-fi Island/roleplaying Area

NOTE: If you read this post please respond to it. 95 views and 4 responses? That's crazy. Please, I need your feedback. Good. Bad. Indifferent. Just please post!


At the risk of someone implementing my ideas before I can, I am going to post here. The benefit will be feedback and ideas that I need very much.

My name is Adem Echegaray, and I own a marketing firm in North Carolina. I am a huge Sci-Fi fan, mainly focusing my attention on Stargate, although there are many many other sci-fi shows I love as well. I was the guy starting the network of radio stations in SL, which had to be postponed to work out a few bugs. So, whilst we are working out our bugs I want to propose an idea and see if anyone has any feedback about it.

Folks, welcome to Sci-fi island, the place for everything sci-fi. Sci-Fi island will be a 262,000 square meter island containing among other things a large roleplay area for Stargate, Star Trek, and Star Wars.

The north half of the island will be devoted to roleplay, while the other half contains housing, business spaces, and sci-fi related exhibits and attractions. Here is a working list of attractions.

SCI-FI OPEN AIR MARKET: Sci-Fi items will be sold here: Phasers, uniforms, stargates, costumes, avatars, etc.
SCI-FI AMUSEMENT PARK: Features the space wheel, bumper shuttles, 8 Gs simulator, the mothership (haunted house with features) and other rides
STARSHIP RACING: Race around a huge track in your favorite mini starship and fire on other vessels to get them out of your way.
FANTASY ZOO: Featuring scripted animals that behave and move as real animals do. Many regular animals as well as dragons, unicorns, and other sci-fi fantasy creatures.
SCI-FI MUSEUM: Featuring exhibits from the worlds of sci-fi. Pictures, Re-creations and other exhibits.
SCI-FI PLANETARIUM: Featuring 3-D models of fictional solar systems, including our own.
SCI-FI SANDBOX: A 10,000 square meter sandbox for residents of Sci-Fi island.

There will also be housing areas.

ARTHUR C. CLARK TOWERS: A 3 bedroom large apartment for families. Living room, kitchen, dining room, bathroom, closets and 3 bedrooms. These will rent for L$1000 per month
ABYDONIAN APARTMENTS: A one bedroom bachelor apartment. Features a living room, small kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. These rent for L$400 per month
SKYWALKER MEADOWS SUBDIVION: Huge, 3-4 bedroom homes to rent. These are split level homes featuring: A living room, huge kitchen, dining room, pantry, den, 2 home offices, two car garage, bonus room, 2 and 1/2 baths and the bedrooms of course. These will rent for L$1800 per month.

Okay, lets move on to the commercial areas.

JAMES TIBERIUS KIRK SHOPPING MALL: Four floors. 200 shops. Beautiful futuristic design. Courtyard and common areas. Teleporting and directories everywhere to provide ease of travel. These spaces rent for L$1000 per month

DOWNTOWN: 512 sm plots and 1024 sm plots available for rent ina beautifully landscaped downtown area. Parking, streets and sidewalks are all provided. Imagine the most beautiful small town downtown area you have ever seen and you have a good idea of what this will look like. The 512 sm plots will rent for L$1300 per month and the 1024's will be L$2500 per month.

VARIOUS OTHER COMMERCIAL PLOTS AROUND TOWN (near the attractions): Probably 512 and 1024 again, with the same prices.

Okay, lets move on to the north side of the island. The roleplay areas.

Access to the roleplay areas requires a monthly membership L$350 per month to use them, unless you rent a house or apartment on Sci-Fi island and in that case the membership is included. The roleplay areas aren't just free-for-alls. There are many areas out there where you can dress up in your favorite star trek/star wars uniform and play. This will be a campaign oriented roleplay, with a new campaign starting every three weeks. I'll describe each in detail.

STARGATE ROLEPLAY AREA: A roleplay area set in the Stargate SG-1 universe.

FEATURED BUILDS:

Stargate Command/Cheyenne Mountain Complex, Levels 27, 28, infirmary level, crew quarters level.
Partial build of Tollana (The Tollan Homeword)
Partial build of Apophis' homeworld
Partial build of Revanna (The primary Tok'ra base)
In air Goa'uld ship
In air Promethius
In air Death Glider
Large blank set for creating alien planets

CAMPAIGNS:

Players will split up into two groups. The Goa'uld and The Tau'ri. Each will begin at respective base camp. All players will wear HUD's that visably Hit Points remaining, Experience Points, and Stats. All stats will calculate automatically. It works similar to pen and paper rp but faster.

Let me try to explain a little better:

Say that Players W, X, Y and Z are assigned by General Hammond/O'Neil/Whoever (played by GM) to visit a planet designated P3X-000. They send a malp thru (No, they really do!) and the pictures/intel comes back based on the rp script which has already been designed. Say in this case they learn the atmostphere is breathable, the planet is a deset planet and it is a cooking 104 degrees there. "SG-4 you have a go!"

At the same time, The Goa'uld system lord players "Jaffa Kree!" are assigned to visit the planet Helturn, a desert planet. They are attempting to obtain a code embedded in a Furling device that will enable them to access the stargates of the Asgard fleet (come on guys this is all off the top of my head ok?) So, each at whichever time the party leader decides go thru the gate and arrive at Helturn/P3X-000. They may or may not run into each other, and the SG team may or may not learn of the Goa'uld mission. Although opportunity will be laid out for them to do so. Each team will be given a fair shake, which means the campaign designer and GM have no prejudice against one side or the other.
(this isn't the tv show. The good guys don't have to win!)

So, devices like SG rifles, binoculars, staff weapons, hand devices, sarcophagus', will all work. If a player takes damage it comes off of their damage points and with enough damage an animation will ensue that slows the player down. If a player dies they have to wait until the campaign starts again(different campaign that is), or get resurrected somehow.

There will be information available to both parties on the planet or ship, whereever they are going. and since each doesn't know the intention of the other, the surprise is real. Teams can communicate by group chat, or in open chat.

Each campaign will have an "ultimate goal" for each side. If one side acheives thier goal, the campaign has ended, and a new one begins.

SCI-FI Island will employ 2 builders, 2 scripters, and a GM for the stargate roleplay. They will be responsible for designing, scripting and buiding the next campaign, possibly while the first is going on, or sometimes a delay of 2-3 days will be neccessary to build the sets.

STAR TREK ROLEPLAY AREA:

FEATURED BUILDS:

Starfleet Academy
Partial build of Vulcan
In air model of the USS Enteprise D
In air model of a Klingon Bird of Prey
In air model of a Romulan Warbird
In air model of the USS Reliant
Large Alien Planet area

The Star Trek roleplay will be slightly different in that everyone is a StarFleet Officer. The "bad guys" will be 3-D dummies with damage indicators. They will also fire back. The ships computers will respond, the holodeck will function and the viewscreen will show the correct images for the campaign. Rank is decided by drawing straws at first, and later by experience points/levels acheived.

How it works:

Start out on the bridge of the USS Enterprise. Everyone is lounging, the captain has just announced shore leave in a few hours and everyone is looking forward to some R and R. Of course this will never happen.

The script notifies the comm person that there is a distress signal coming from the USS Gifford at Coordinates X, Y, Z. The captain orders it on-screen and they learn that the Gifford has been disabled by Romulans. They lay in a course to intercept the disabled craft. Once there an away team boards the ship and learns from the ships computers (or any ppl they might find alive) (remember this is all scripted beforehand) that the romulans have stolen the Giffords cargo, a whatchamacallit, and it is necessary to get it back before they discover how to use it.

The captain orders a scan, they find the ships trail, and begin a course to pursue.

Et Cetera..Et Cetera...You get the idea.

All phasers, comm badges, tri-corders, medical devices, ship's computers and usable objects will be scripted.

The Star Trek Roleplay will employ 2 builders, 4 scripters and a GM.


STAR WARS ROLEPLAY AREA:

FEATURED BUILDS:

In-Air model of the Death Star
In air model of the Millenium Falcon
In Air model of a mon calmari cruiser
Partial builds of Coruscant, Naboo, Degobah Tattoine and Alderan


This is more like the stargate RP in that there are both Jedi, and Sith. Each has a specific mission, they will likely run into each other, and there will be lots of lightsaber battles. Since I don't know as much about Star Wars (love it but don't have it memorized) I'll leave it to the experts to come up with a campaign. Oh, and expect fully funtional droids.

The Star Wars RP will employ 4 builders, 2 scripters, and a GM.


Also, one thing I failed to mention is the laws of Sci-Fi island, which will be enforced 24 hours a day by the (SOON TO BE HIRING) Sci-Fi Island Police Department.
NOTE: The police department doesn't patrol of interfere in Roleplay areas unless by special request. (such as a griefer within the roleplay). If you receive a ticket from the police you are requred to pay the fine, or appeal to the mayor within 30 days or you will be banned from the island. Police also have the power and ability to eject people from the sim.

1. Drive Slowly. Not because you'll kill someone but becuz there are other cars on the road, and it makes it easier for everyone who wants to drive.
2. Follow the traffic laws, stop signs, stop lights are all applicable
3. Don't bring any trouble scripts onto the sim (self replicating objects, self shooting guns etc.)
4. While you are allowed to wear a gun/phaser/lightsaber they are only to be used in the roleplay areas.
5. Don't walk into private residences. KNOCK! This is considered breaking and entering. Each residence area has a demo apartment or house to be viewed.
6. Don't use any scripts to take items from vendors without paying. This is considered stealing.
7. No shields in public areas. They restrict others movement and slow down the sim.
8. No nudity in public areas. There are children who will be living on sci-fi island.
9. No businesses in residential zoned areas and vice versa.
10. Particle emmission scripts are considered on a case by case basis. A flashing red light to attract business is ok. A fireworks display is not.
11. Vehicles must fit on the correct (United States Correct) side of the road.
12. TOS
12. Community Standards


Okay, here's what I need from ya'll...

First, I'm spending $5000 (REAL MONEY NOT LINDENS) to buy this island. That's about all the money I have so the initial building, scripting and clothing design may have to be done as a "labour of love". This means I can't really afford to pay much or anything to build Sci-Fi island. So volunteers would be great to build and script this thing. (as well as "creative consultants" and supervisors to maintain authenticity) Anyone who helps with the island will receive free roleplay membership for the first six months.

Second, the tier fee is $780. Please let me know who all would like to rent a house, apartment or commercial space on Sci-Fi island. This will pay for the tier fee and the salaries of the builders, scripters and GM's that create the campaigns.

Also, let me know which attractions appeal to you, which don't, and which new ones you'd like to see. Attractions will cost between L$30-L$80 per day per person (or race for the starship racing)

Third, let me know who all would like to roleplay and which roleplay(s) you would like to participate in. Any ideas for campaigns, scripted objects, roleplay system design, or anything else may be posted here. Also let me know if L$300 a month is fair, or if you would rent a house or apartment to be able to rp for free.

Fourth, if you are interested in being employed by Sci-Fi island either as a campaign builder, campaign scripter, GM or Police Officer, post it here.

Fifth, if you have any additional ideas for sci-fi island, or any questions about specific details please post it here. I'll try to check it each day and answer as many as possible.


Thanks guys! See you in the "future!"

Now, if someone could only tell me how to convince my wife to let me spend our savings on virtual land.

This should be really really kool!

..Er, I mean...

It sounds like a great idea, if you can pull it off. May I suggest finishing the residential area before the RP area, and let people move in as soon as possible so you'll have an income to help build the RP area? The RP area sounds fun, but also expensive if you end up hiring outside help...

Besides, most good builders/scripters that you hire permanently will probably want paying.

Besides, most good builders/scripters that you hire permanently will probably want paying.[/QUOTE]


As, I mentioned in my post the purpose of the residential and commercial areas is to

1) Pay the tier fee

and

2) Pay the employees of Sci-Fi island (builders, scripters, GM)

and awww...thanks...I'm very proud of my geekiness

That was the reason? I just thought you wanted some like-minded geeks to cluster around you.

Consider me sold (you had me at "At", although whether I'll be able to afford to rent a place is another matter entirely...

Sounds enjoyable but I think its a bit more than will materialize. Though I wouldn't mind seeing what can be donw with the concept. Anyway it comes out though the price is far too steep for even the RP for myself let alone any of the other stuff once the novelty of the amusement park wore off. Ill stick with the sci-fi tower myself.

Ok..so you don't think I'll be able to pull it off. Ok, I can understand that although I think you'd be surprised to know what I've already "pulled off" in my 26 years of life. The price is too steep? Perhaps, but the point is to entice rpers that want to participate to live on the island. Most everyone has some land or rents a house or apartment. The point of the membership to to entice people to avoid paying it by moving to Sci-Fi Island. (My evil plan ha ha ha) lol. By the way, Sci-Fi island rent is MUCH lower than other places I've seen. So, while I appreciate the critiques please post suggestions too, K?

Just a note to those of you reading this who are thinking of pushing the back button. Hey, if you're interested in this type of idea, please post. 4 responses and 95 views is crazy. I am not going to spend $5000 on an island unless I get some serious response proving that its worth it.

Thanks

Not everyone who plays Second Life reads the forums. Even if you do get a lot of response, it wouldn't be good for any kind of market research.

There may be hundreds of people who'd love the idea but will never read this, so perhaps you could start advertising in world?

I'll do that

Adem, what a great idea. I have been thinking about something similar but was stopped by the money.

You have a well thought out plan here. I am a builder and would be willling to help out. I would really like to talk to you more about this I have a ton of ideas.

If your interested contact me in world. Good luck with this, I hope it works out.

For those interested parties that have requested I explain in full detail my ideas for the stargate RP I have posted a new thread entitled "STARGATE Roleplaying" It is probably above this one somewhere.

Between the three roleplay areas I see mention of at least ten in-air ships and ten ground-based settings. That's just the roleplay half, it doesn't count the shopping, residences, or attractions.

Is there enough space on half an island to put all that? Can you build all those things -- including furniture, props, 'bad guys', and even trees/roads/vehicles -- in 7500 prims? Some of this you've planned out very carefully, but I have my doubts that this will all fit on one island.

I have similar thoughts about the south half of the island -- 6 attractions, 4 shopping areas, and many apartments and houses. That's a lot to fit in half an island.

Oh, and about rules 5 and 8. You DO plan to have some private areas other than the residences, right?... themed skyboxes maybe? This is SL after all and the RP will sometimes tend to run into rule 8 quite a bit.

Speaking of rule 8... Children on the island? Well, I guess it was a nice idea, but since you're going to be banned ...

Wow, one island does not seem like enough for all this, but I wish you well. You might consider linking with the other Sci-Fi islands (Star Wars = Dantooine, Star Trek = Galaxy). Not that they or you would want to be linked, but the posibilities are there for you to work together.

Cheers and good luck,
MM

EDIT: I realize this may sound negative. I did not mean to sound that way, I just am wishing you luck and I am glad to see dedicated islands. The more Themed islands in SL, the better!

And actually, this must be a 2x2 island (512m x 512m). If so, that is quite impressive. I will have to check it out tonight.

I still recommend at least communicating with the other sci-fi sims for advertising, etc.

MM

Adrian, you're thinking of a small island. One region. This is a large island the size of four regions. the prim count is 50,000 and the square meters is around 270,000



Roleplay areas aren't considered public areas. I'm referring to the downtown area, the amusement parks, the roads etc. when I say no nudity. Therefore nudity IS allowed on the rping part of the island.



Children refers to Child AV's. Families rent out houses and move in with thier adopted "kids".

Sounds great. I can't help you out by doing it all. But if there is a waiting list for the apartments on the island, I would liek to get on it. Sounds like a fun place.

If you manage to get it up and going, I will certainly be interested in a shoppe and in the roleplay. Many of my products are sci-fi oriented...so I prefer to open stores in Sci-fi RP sims...not to mention that as a RP of more than 25 years, I tend to support other RPers.

I will be keeping my eye on this closely.

You get this up and going, and I will at least be there. I love all the shows and movies mentioned, but am an enormous fan of Stargate. I've been thinking for years that SG would make a fantastic online game, so many possiblities. But putting it in SL would allow me to live my SL and live my SG fantasy. I will be watching this thread and will be more than happy to visit if it becomes reality. Hmmm. now to just find some decent khakis for the journey. Oh, and maybe a zat-gun.

This sounds like an exciting project!

As a past theme community developer I have a few advices I learned the hard way I might share:

1. Plan big but start small. Things last longer if they are never quite "finished" but continue to have room to expand into.

A subtext of this that would make an interesting variation from the usual run of things is to insist on individual pieces being properly textured and detailed even if the total project is always under construction.

2. Getting enthusiastic people and giving them room to come up with stuff out of their own creativity.

3. You're going to be king whether you like it or not. Treat the good'uns with utmost favoritism and effusiveness and smash the jerks hard.

what the name of the sim its on?

surely the sims not called sci-fi island

Is this idea still in the works? I love the concept, and would love to contribute what I can in the way of ideas, effort, or whatever....

Sounds like a great idea - make sure it doesn't stay with a concept alone. If worked out well, this could be huge.
Yo

Heck, i love making starwars builds....i might be interested in building stuff for this.

yay! an excuse for me to start making more space ork junk! WAAAAGGHHH!!!