(Dawn, MST) Hi everyone, and welcome to office hours. Thanks for coming. As a procedural note, PM your questions to Tammie at AMSTSpecProj_PM_Qs_HERE. We've got this channel moderated, but will unmoderate the channel periodically for discussion. Try to focus questions for MST office members who are here, and also take a look at previous office hours so we aren't re-asking the same questions

Question: How long does it take for a book to go from Released by WW to Sanctioned for play?

Answer: (Dawn, MST) This depends on the book and how quickly we're able to get it done, really. To run through the process of how books get sanctioned, WW sends us a pre-release roughly 1 month before street release, although sometimes if they're behind on production, it may be a much shorter timeframe. On occasion, we haven't gotten books until a day or so after street release. We then give about 2 weeks to read the book (remember were all busy, and often times WW releases 2-3 books at the same time, so that's a lot of reading for those of us who oversee all the venues.) Then we start the sanctioning discussions. Those usually take 2-3 weeks to hammer out something that Global and all the affiliates are comfortable with. Then we post a final draft to the ANSTs and make any changes. Then we post it to a group of beta readers who go over it to ask questions, find grammar errors, etc. Then we code it and post.

Question: How hard would it be to petition to have certain bloodlines put back at top from high? Bloodlines that are supposed to be rare have gotten (in some opinions) too large.

Answer: (Dawn, MST) Not too difficult. Send a request up through your ST chain. If it's something others agree with you on, it's certainly possible we could raise it.

Question: So, what sort of feedback do you want from the vsts that you haven't been getting?

Answer: (Tammie, AMST Spec Proj) From an App Db/Web page standpoint, I'm getting a lot of great contact from folks who are detailed and specific in what issues they're having. We currently have Web things in development that have been on hold from the App Db code issues. But if there's any way to utilize web pages and documentation to help VSTs do their jobs more effectively, then my inbox is always open. :)
(Dawn, MST) I'd love to know what you want from Global. How we can help that we aren't, what doesn't work for you, what changes we've made that do work so we can implement more of that kind of thing, etc.
(Jim, AMST Forsaken) For Forsaken, what I'd love see passed up from VST level is what works and what doesn't with Antagonists - where the Pure may have massed, for instance, or if there are a number of Hosts that have grouped (or, conversely, have been scattered or met with a sorry defeat, in either case). Also...what local structures have worked well (particularly in multi-pack venues) to get the packs at least somewhat working together, that may be a model for higher-level structure as well.
(Kylee, AMST PL History: Requiem) While you all think of more questions (and please do) I'll say a few things. As many of you know I'm the girl writing the Requiem History - which is a challenge as it's the most popular venue, with plots that draw out for years (so it would seem). Mainly, I want storytellers to reply to my queries simply because if they don't, I have no way to put them into the 'historical scope' of the chronicle. Likewise - I hope players will also send their stories and query responses, not just to myself, but other historians as appropriate to the venue you wish to send history about. I think it's important to get this work done (and I know I've been slow : / so I'm doing my best to catch up). But I don't want to exclude, so please reply to our queries, and get your storytellers to reply as well! : ) Also, you can check this out: http://requiemhistory.livejournal.com/ . It's an interactive approach to this project - and I hope people take advantage of it. I'm also open to questions and suggestions. : ) That would be all from my part, for now : ) (Oh - by I have no way to put them into the 'historical scope' - I simply mean 'the chronicles and plots they run' but I figured you knew that : )

Question: Is it possible for a dead PC to be returned to play?

Answer: (Dawn, MST) The short answer is no. Although there are some kinds of magics that allow for it, it's not something we're wanting to allow in the global game. Occasionally, deaths can be appealed and a char resurrected if it doesn't hurt continuity, although in general we're shifting to granting other forms of compensation more than hurting continuity with a resurrection.

Question: I'm not sure how to phrase this without coming across as rude or disrespectful towards the MST's office, but I'm wondering why, in the custom power creation application process, it seems to be much more difficult to get a "fluff" power - aka one that's primarily a role-playing tool - approved than it is a combat-oriented ability.

Answer: (Dawn, MST) I've heard those comments, and I'll be honest that I don't know where they're coming from. In general, we're much more inclined to approve a "fluff" power than a combat one, and those that appear to be "purely combat" are often denied purely on those grounds. The thing to keep in mind regarding fluff powers, though, is that they do need to be in line with paradigm, which at times they haven't. But generally the fluff powers that do match paradigm are the ones that get approved the fastest and easiest. I expect the perception is otherwise, however, because they aren't the ones that get talked about or taught, so most people don't realize they're out there unless they happen to live somewhere they're used locally.

Question: The plot bus at USCC was handled really, really, well, especially with the IC scavenger hunt type thing that was done. What are the chances we'll see this happen again at future cons?

Answer: (Dawn, MST) Hopefully a lot. It's something we very strongly encourage. However, the global office isn't responsible for any conventions (including ICC) so if you want to see more of these, you'll need to pass those requests on to the con leads who are preparing the storylines

Question: Whether we have a reset next year or 5 years from now, has any thought been given on what you plan to do with already created custom items in play, and if so, then what?

Answer: (Dawn, MST) At this time, it's not certain if a reset will be hard or soft (meaning XP only or continuity as well), so we haven't spent time sorting out specifics of what to do with current devotions, since they may all go away anyhow. However, we have talked about what we want of custom stuff next time around and it's safe to say it will be considerably reduced.

Question: I have seen both at local games, and at national cons and ICC the same players getting thrown plot, while othres chase it and come up empty. What can be done from an MST level to rectify this?

Answer: (Jen, AAMST DpotM: Mage, Ling) Okay. I'm going to address this one from both sides. Sometimes it seems the same group is getting all the plot cookies, when honestly it's not the ST's intention. Early plot goes to other people who bring them into the plot because of IC connections, loyalty owed, or something similar. That's not something that can be really changed at this level, due to it being born of how people play their characters. That being said – Look at the number of casting calls and ST's asking for interested players that have gone out before USCC and other cons. It's a tool the ST chain can and has used to get people involved that might not otherwise be front and center. But that dose requires a certain amount of work on the part of the player that wants to get involved, to contact that ST and go "Hi, I would like to do this." Having interesting plot hooks that an ST can mess with also helps. You can't just sit back and expect plot to fall on you, there is an active component of looking for it and networking with the other players. In short – If you want plot, be proactive.

Question: How comprehensive is the Chronicle history Kylee talks about intended to be?

Answer: (Kylee, AMST PL History: Requiem) Initially, what I see is a Chronicle History that will highlight the major events for each year that have had international and national impact enough to shake the game. The goal is to fit this in to 2000-4000 words, so what this will mostly be is a timeline of major events. It will mainly draw on in character knowledge. I also would like to go into further depth via clan and covenant after we have the highlights. The goal of this is to give people a sense of 'why we are where we are' in the historical scheme, and it will give a platform for people who have to build new characters in light of the chronicles recent history. I also hope to draft major ic events (Emperor of the night, camarilla) that occurred before chornicle as a sort of prelude to this history - but first and most important is the chronicle history itself (By chronicle history - I mean everything that has been 'live play' since the start of chronicle

Question: In regards to the comment about Global not being involved in convention plots, why is Global not involved in ICC plots when it is the Global Convention?

Answer: (Dawn, MST> That's being run by Michelle Webb rather than the MST office. The simple answer is because both Global MST work, and con lead work, are full time jobs. And so it works better to have two people who can handle them both.

Question: With the release of Tribes of the Moon, it seems that canonically, interaction with the Firstborn (on a purely Fluff level) seems to be much more common than the current Cam setting is letting on. Is this going to be adjusted at all?

Answer: (Jim, AMST Forsaken) Certainly, although slowly. It's much easier to add to the soup than to take away, so this will increase via plot cautiously. Lower-level ST's are more than welcome to use the various sensations from the Firstborn (such as Fenris' Fire, or "Living the Night" for the Hunters) - found in Lore of the Forsaken - a bit more than they may have in the past, but as with any potent spice, keep an eye on it. Too much will ruin the soup, and spoil its special flavor. There is plot currently in the works/somewhat in play that will address this, but will certainly not have a big stamp on it that says "Here be Global Plot".

Question: If a pc was retired, but not killed, due to ST inactivity on approvals, can they be brought back later?

Answer: (Brian, AMST Archivist) On retirement...Per the Addendum, a retired PC can be returned to play with High approval. Depending on the continuity - if any - that could be possible (or if the continuity rules that out, however...) If any required approvals to play the character, still have't been approved yet, those would still be required of course.

Question: A topic came up today on the Ordo-Dracul-ooc list regarding how we're not able to create custom coils. We know the original reason was due at least in part to the fact that the book wasn't out at the time. But the ordo book actually states the process by which custom coils can be created. Is this restriction in for another reason? And if not, can we expect a time in the relatively-near future where custom coils will?

Answer: (Dawn, MST) We want to keep the development of new coils extremely rare, with maybe 1 in the chronicle. However, it is something we're willing to consider. We'll handle this as a contest of sorts, rather than a straight approval, with preference being given to PCs (or PC groups) that have been working towards such a development in game for a while.

Question: Um I have a question about golconda. If its not defined at all , how do we know when we are making steps toward it? Beacuse I have a character that I would like to ultimately start taking steps toward it..but I have no idea where it is. how can I hope to make it there?

Answer: (JoN, AMST Requiem) Golconda is a personal journey for each character, along different paths, and perhaps even to different results. If the MST office were to define Golconda in black and white, the number of vampires who would immediately begin taking steps to Golconda -- which is an extremely rare and personal journey -- would balloon. If the goal of a player for his or her PC is to reach Golconda, then he or she should have a decent idea of what kind of journey the PC should take, and should begin making steps down that journey. Determining the end results after much work and RP are part of the journey that the player and ST staff will take together.

Question: So to confirm... a RST or NST can -not- rewrite the continuity of a scene if doing so restores a dead PC to life?

Answer: (Brian, AMST Archivist) Per the Addenda "Dead characters may not be resurrected." A dead character may not be resurrected by a High or Top approval ST in a scene or a rewritten scene.

Question: Any word on the APP DB becoming more functional? Seems to be kind of broken again (doubling every app I post).

Answer: (Tammie, AMST Spec Proj) I'm working closely with Adam in Global Tech to get a timeframe on when the outstanding App DB issues will be resolved. A list of these known issues will be in my utterly late AMST Report coming out after Office Hours. We won't know until we get that document from them. Please do continue to place Mantis Issues tickets, they are being addressed for the App Db!

Question: With the upcoming implementation (possibly?) of clan book information in Requiem, is there a way for players to get involved with things like the introduction of Malkavia and the like?

Answer: (JoN, AMST Requiem) There is a way for players to get involved with the implementation of new material being released in the clan books. In fact, talk of Patient Zero at USCC -- and the IC and OOC mystery surround it, and Malkavia -- has been a point of excitement for many players. However, with some things, the process of implementation needs to be finalized before players are included in too much in bringing anything forward, lest they be left holding something that wasn't originally intended. Along any of these lines, the best way to get involved is to send your interest up the ST chain, and attending large conventions usually doesn't hurt, either. However, those that have mentioned an interest are kept in mind.

(Dawn, MST) As a reminder, we're not taking rules specific questions. Questions asking for rules clarifications need to go up through your ST chain

Question: Any timeline on when the FAQ on the cam website will be updated to something more consistant and user friendly?

Answer: (Tammie, AMST Spec Proj) Justin has actually started to post some of the QnA to the cam-rules-answers list. The bulk of questions is complete, with more recent ones being processed. Justin, Steve, and I are currently looking at how to best put it on the Web page and maintain it's organization and make it searchable. As far as being on the MST website, I'd estimate it at a month. It's starting to be released on email list in parts now, however.

Question: The USMH says that a High or Top Storyteller -can- retcon in such a fashion. Why does the global addenda overrule the US Membership Handbook for the US game?

Answer: (Dawn, MST) Note that the US MH says an RST can rewrite continuity as needed, but does not specifically address resurrecting characters. However, to answer the question, the US is only one affiliate, and the USMH does not dictate global policy for all the affiliates. The decision was made with the support of the US NST office, and in agreement of the MST, and CD office.
(Tammie, AMST Spec Proj) To add to that, the US NST issued a statement that RST/NST scenes could not be rewritten so that a PC never died, as that would violate the Global-level resurrection requirement. You can follow up with him on which report it was in, if it was not put into the US Addendum.

Question: Do you have any suggestions on how to make a Gloconda story include others in the game?

Answer: (JoN, AMST Requiem) Not to seem too evasive, but again it is a personal journey for each character. However, as any journey of this significance should take at least a couple of years of in-game pursuit, then it will undoubtedly involve others in one sense or another. Whether you struggle with trying to reach and maintain Humanity 10, take the road on the edge of Wassail, experiment in mass diablerie, or take another route... it should most definitely provide a great deal of trial and struggle, both internally and with others.

Question: Please correct this if it's wrong, but I heard the mechanics for the Silver Crusade are possibly under revision. If so, when can we hope to see this storyline moving forward (my apologies if this is more of a question for Lino on the Canadian NST staff)?

Answer: (Jim, AMST Forsaken) The bulk of this is more for Lino and the Canadian NST staff, but in regards to the mechanics: The mechanics themselves are not under revision. The criteria for when they apply, and the procedural requirements needed for the Cam, have been decided upon and were should have been posted. That's my fault for not following up on that - I want to do a final check with the Canadian staff to ensure they're okay with that, then they'll be posted to the lists.

Question: Would it be possible at some point for the MST's office to create sort of a "How To" guide for proxies? I ran into an issue recently where an ST didn't really understand how proxies worked, and it caused all sorts of problems, that actually led to formal complaints against the ST. I'm not talking about specifics, but more a guideline of what's expected from STs and players both in regards to proxies.

Answer: (Dawn, MST) We've avoided being too formal about proxies (beyond what is already stated in other documents) because it depends on the nature of the proxy and what the local ST is looking for. However, this would be an excellent player-submitted outline if someone is interested in writing it up and sending to me. Quick follow-up to proxy (or any other documents). Any documents accepted for publication by the MST office is worth national prestige

Question: Are there plans in works to codify policies similar to 'no retcon to never have died', which are not written in Addenda, in one spot for any such policies Global may currently or in the future have?

Answer: (Tammie, AMST SpecProj) These will be on the MST website once it's overhauled. If you have suggestions for policies that you as a player and as a ST would like to see, please email me - amst.admin@gmail.com - and I'll confer with the education team.

Question: I heard something about new ordeals that are worth xp? is this true?

Answer: (Dawn, MST) These are the character certificates. There will be one for clan, covenant and char background. They're being written right now. For further information, please see my previous MST reports posted to cam-announce and the MST website.

Question: I'm concerned that there are Venue AMSTs not present at Office Hours. Can we be guaranteed that there will be someone available to answer all possible Venue questions for the players?

Answer: (Dawn, MST) All AMSTs who are able to attend do attend. However, AMSTs have real lives and schedules just like everyone else, and we can not require them to skip work or wake up at 2 am in the morning to attend office hours. This is why we hold office hours on different days/times, so that at one point or another, all can attend. It's also why we post which AMSTs will are expected to be in attendance when we announce the office hours on cam-announce, so if people have a specific question, they'll know who will be present. Questions for AMSTs not present can be sent in email. All addresses are listed on the MST site.

Question: Any word on whether the spirit Discipline from Book of Spirits will ever be introduced into he Chronicle?

Answer: (JoN, AMST Requiem) In all honesty, I am hesitant about spirits in the Vampire venue. After all, we use the rules that Crone have it wrong about spirits, and Ordo realy don't understand ley lines (and actually damage nests in ignorance). However, I have allowed some of those who have expressed fervent interest in bringing Blood Tenebrous into the game to try and work on a model for a means of bringing balanced versions into our chronicle in a way that will be more benefit than headache. So the answer isn't a "no, never."

Question: At ICC when we can buy IC goodies for our characters at the charity auctions, do we still need write ups or is it more or less a gimmie ?

Answer: (Dawn, MST) The IC goodies you purchase at charity auctions may be used as justifications for the approvals. However, they do not replace the approval process. You still need to write up a full approval.

(Dawn, MST) Okay, our time is up. I want to thank all of you for coming, and for the questions. Anything that didn't get answered, please send as email.