Plot change

Let me begin by wishing a happy new years to all the PA members. We hope you enjoyed your holidays and had a wonderful christmas and new years.

The last few months of 2010 were a bit of a disappointment in terms of stats, plot and activity. I myself only returned last week from a short break and have realized that the site needs a lot of changes. Currently, what concerns us most is both the activity and the plot, which is not as engaging as it was previously. As a result of this, the factions are not as active as before. Our update last month did not solve these problems but the admin team have had discussions about this and have agreed that the plot needs a new direction. By a 'new direction' we mean to bring it closer to the canon, as we hope that this will make people more keen to participate in the plot. This will mean restarting the plot to a more interesting one, and perhaps taking the year two or three years back.

Adding to this, we will have an update (perhaps mid or late january) in which we will change the theme to one that fits the winter season. We will also restructure the moderating team to a much lower number, perhaps 3 or 4 moderators. In order to promote OOC discussion, the points system will be restarted and you will only receive points for posting at an OOC forum. We are also thinking of a different way to run classes, so that more members participate in each class. As for the factions, we hope that the plot change will make them more active, as currently they don't have much to work with. Lastly, hybrid canon characters (ie: characters who did not exist in the canon) like Riddles, Grangers, Potters (not canon ones), Diggory's and etc. might have to change their last names as it is unrealistic.

These are major changes, as some of the canons ( canons whose age was stated in the book) might have to change their age by two to four years. As such, we'd like your feedback before changing the plot and year. Suggestions, such as what the plot should change to and anything else you want us to do in the update, will also be welcome. Just post at this topic here at PA discussion.

Since a few people were confused about what I posted yesterday, let me clear a few things up:

• We are not necessarily going to take PA back three or four years. As I said above, we are still discussing it, though we probably won't do that now. However, we will see how the members feel about this, which is why I asked everyone to post at the PA discussion thread.
  
  
• In case we do bring the year back, original characters and canon characters who were not mentioned in the books will not be affected in any way.
  
  
• The admin team has thought of two possible plots if we restart it. These are listed below. However, these plots are not complete yet, and we would love some ideas. Besides the two ideas below, you are free to make up any of your own and post it in the discussion thread. I will read all of your ideas and suggestions personally.
  
  
• Is this necessary? Well yes, we believe it is, for numerous reasons. As stated above, the stats don't make for a good reading: we haven't posted 5000+ posts in a single month since July, so no, its not just because of Christmas and the holiday season. This is not all though, the plot has gone to a standstill and the factions are inactive and need a push. A new plot will do that. Lastly, a new plot will allow us to bring crucial canons back to the site, such as Voldemort, or Harry Potter. Again though, we want your opinions here, so post at PA discussion please!
  
  
• Yes, a few people will have to make a few changes in their characters considering we restart the plot, but I don't believe that these changes will be major, especially if we do not take the year back.

Anyhow the plots:

Plot 1: An Alernate Reality Plot:

This plot is the more darker of the two. Yes, many sites have done the 'Voldemort returns' thing but this is a little different because in this plot Voldemort has won against the order and the UK is under his control. Harry Potter has vanished (dead perhaps?) and the only ones standing against him are the Resistance, led by Kingsley Shacklebolt. The good thing about this plot is that every faction has loads to do and we don't even have to restart the plot really. Voldemort could just come back, though that wouldn't exactly be original. The downside of this plot is that several muggle borns might have to change their backgrounds...

Plot elements:

The Villains - Quite clear in the plot. The DE's, headed by Voldy are the chief villains here. They openly attack muggles and muggle-borns.

The Good guys - The resistance. They aren't a very powerful organization and are mostly underground. They lack the numbers to openly take on the DE's but help when they can.

Death Eater controlled ministry - In this plot the ministry is under control of the Death Eaters. Therefore, the propaganda is pro-DE and is trying to convert people to their ideology. They also keep a close watch on every wizard to keep control. 1984 anyone? :/

Hogwarts - Heres the problem with this plot. If Voldy controls Hogwarts, muggle borns can't join and will have to fake their identity to get in. We could have it so that Voldy doesn't control the school, and that should solve the majority of the problems. On the other hand, a group called Potters army could rise against DE control which would fit the sites name well. meh.

Plot 2: Normal post Deathly Hallows

This plot is a normal post DH plot. Voldy is dead and Harry is alive. Death Eaters are a remnant of what they were, but due to the distinguishing of purebloods of late, more and more fanatics are joining their ranks, and all they need is a good leader to get them together. Otherwise, a few odd things have been happening, and the death of the Minister of Magic makes everyone start panicking. Otherwise, there are rumors on some odd discoveries in the Department of Mysteries, which the new minister wants to make use of this new weapon. This plot will not require a major change in the year or the site.

Plot elements:

Villains - Again, DE's. Not led by Voldemort though. Here the Death Eaters have the support of the pureblood families who are trying to keep their bloodlines pure.

The Ministry - Controlled by corrupt powerhungry wizards and witches. They are against the DE's but are also much opposed to the Order.

The 'weapon' - the DoM has created this. Both the DE's and the Order want to take it. The Order wants to keep it safe, and the DE's want to use it against the Order.

Plot 3

If you don't like the top three, suggest a third alternative. It could continue on our current one, or could be completely separate.


Thank you,
The Admin Team