The Spotlight System
Managing Asynchronous Play: The Spotlight System
To make sure everyone stays engaged and the story keeps moving, we use a flexible system called the Spotlight System. This approach gives every player a chance to shine, even when schedules are inconsistent. It helps balance narrative attention, keep scenes moving, and accommodate groups of different sizes or activity levels.
What Is the Spotlight System?
The Spotlight System allows Game Masters to shift narrative focus between players or groups based on who is available, who is actively posting, and what’s happening in the story. This isn’t a hard rule—it’s a storytelling tool to help everyone stay engaged without feeling rushed or left behind.
Group Spotlight
When there are four or more players in a scene, GMs may divide the party into smaller groups of 2–3 characters. Each group will take turns having the "spotlight"—that is, a short stretch of narrative focus where they drive the story forward.
How It Works:
- Rotating Focus: Each group gets a chance to post and progress. These scenes might include:
- Character downtime or conversation
- Investigating a location
- A single character performing a key action
- Small-scale interactions with NPCs
- Spotlight Extension: If a group is actively posting and engaged, their spotlight can continue. To keep it, at least one member of the group must post within the agreed timeframe (see below).
- Crossover Participation: Even when it's not your group's spotlight, you’re welcome to contribute if your post supports the flow and doesn’t disrupt scene order.
- Balance Matters: If one group is taking up too much of the focus, the GM will gently shift attention to others so everyone stays included.
Full-Group Spotlight
When all players are present and active, the GM may declare a Full-Group Spotlight, where everyone shares the scene equally.
This can be triggered by:
- A scheduled weekly post or scene
- A major in-game event (e.g., boss battle, political summit)
- A vote among the players to focus on a shared moment
Duration:
- A single dramatic scene
- A stretch of connected posts
- A longer shared story segment, depending on the needs of the scene
Combat Spotlight
Combat is one of the most structured parts of play-by-post, and we use the Combat Spotlight system to keep battles smooth, clear, and fast-moving.
How It Works:
- Combat Spotlight Period: Each round of combat happens within a short timeframe (suggested: 6–12 hours per turn depending on group pace).
- Turn Preparation: Players are expected to be ready to post when their initiative turn comes up.
- Delayed Actions: If a player doesn’t respond during their turn, they may be skipped, delayed, or moved to the end of the initiative. Their character may take the "Delay" action by default.
- Roll Ahead: Players should roll their attack and damage together to streamline resolution. GMs will apply damage and request clarification if needed.
- End Your Turn: Clearly mark the end of your turn so the next player knows to go.
What If a Player Can’t Post?
Two options are available:
- Out of Combat Temporarily: Their character sits out of that Combat Spotlight but may return when available.
- GM-Controlled Turn: The GM may act for the character, using their established tactics and preferences. This keeps combat flowing while respecting the player’s style.
Posting Timeframes
To keep scenes moving and expectations clear, each group or thread chooses a posting timeframe when requesting a GM.
Available Options:
- 12 Hours: For fast-paced scenes with active players
- 24 Hours: The default pace for most threads
- 48 Hours: Ideal for slower, more narrative-heavy scenes or players with limited availability
If your GM hasn’t responded within the agreed timeframe:
- Gently ping them once.
- If another full round passes with no reply, you may open a support ticket to request another GM.
Communication & Collaboration
The Spotlight System thrives on good communication. Here’s how to stay connected:
- Let your fellow players know your availability ahead of time.
- Coordinate with your group about who’s active and who might need a break.
- Guest star in another group’s scene if invited—it’s a great way to stay involved and explore new dynamics.
- If you want to step back for a bit, let the GM know and they’ll shift the spotlight accordingly.
Final Thoughts on Spotlight Play
The Spotlight System is designed to keep the story flowing and ensure that no one gets left behind. It’s not meant to restrict or force action, but to highlight players in a dynamic, balanced way while respecting real-life schedules.
Be flexible, stay engaged, and most of all—have fun. Your moment in the spotlight is always just a post away.
Comments