murder mechanics

[rearranger]

Hey all!

There's been some discussion about the consequences for murder, etc. Right now, a character suffers the pain of the victim, loses their powers, and then post-counselor visit loses one memory. But since it came up, I though it was worth revisiting since I still realize this doesn't feel like much of a consolation and unfortunately we can't have a 10 body pile up in which we all just keep killing each other (probably.)

I've also had it suggested by a couple people that they'd like a scapegoat mechanic - i.e. if a person is "caught" that didn't commit the crime, they can be subjected to murder consequences. This would be opt in and players would have no obligation.

Finally, I'm also looking at incentive to actually solve the murders since right now it's just for the deed well done. I've seen merit points and small items suggested as rewards, but I'd love to hear thoughts on this one since I've been struggling with it a bit.

So, I was hoping I could get some thoughts, ideas, etc, on how people feel about it and what they might like to see! I've got my own idea that I'll drop in the comments.

Comments

[notsosou]

Agreed, I particularly really like the idea of rewards for solving a murder being less merit points or items you get, but things that follow more naturally on from the murder itself; like how if we found out Maya's killer early Hiro might not have died, that sort of thing, but also like. NPCs getting closure, or even everyone getting a piece of lore, plot clue style, because right now the murders are pretty thematically separated from the rest of the goings on at the school.

I also do want to say if there's rewards to figuring out the murder we need to figure out in advance and be clear on who gets them and what for and in what amount; is it everyone that participated? How is that measured? Is it all the transfers? Right now there does seem to be an accidental reward for participating even if the murder isn't solved, which is that you get to loot the bodies rip.

I also want to kind of like. Put down that it should be okay if the murder isn't solved. Sometimes everyone will die like in July, or have brains full of bees, or there'll be people on hiatus, so I'd prefer reward over consequence if possible, or at least consequences that are opt out-able. Incentive to participate and incentive to solve are also separate things to be considered.

[sunstead]

Right now there does seem to be an accidental reward for participating even if the murder isn't solved, which is that you get to loot the bodies rip.

i fucking spit out my drink i hate how right this is

also yeah tbh re: it's okay if murders go unsolved, i think what's more important is that there's a satisfying conclusion to either ending... something something "if you get away with it for at least x months then you get your murder reward" so the murderer doesn't have to keep it a secret forever and can eventually share with everyone what the solution was, i think that part's fun too even if the mystery goes unsolved IC. gestures at Komaeda.