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From RollForScience
Roll For Science is an experiment in comics, alternative education, and hyperlink technology. It discusses the scientific basis behind role playing game "super abilities" through the antics of a group of young MMORPG and Pen & Paper fans.
Contents |
Episodes
Characters
Plot
Alyssa Marshall, her brother Dustin, and their friends Ethan Randall and Kendra MacCaulay are playing the popular massively multiplayer online role-playing game known as World of Warcraft. Their guild, the "Nearly Epic Red Dragon Squad", is preparing for a raid while waiting for their fifth member (Derek Baird) to join them. They begin discussing aspects of the game. Eventually, Derek arrives with his pet rat Wistar. He is excited to discuss his new discovery -- a paper-and-pencil role-playing game called GURPS. The group decide to log off and head over to Derek's house to check it out.
Once they arrive, they head to the basement, or as they call it, the Bairdcave. As they are reading about the various abilities available to characters in the game, Derek's little brother Phillip comes down and begins antagonizing the group. Derek heads upstairs to inform his father Logan of his younger brother's antics. Logan explains how Philip has rights to the basement as well, and soon a confrontation arises over how much time Derek spends playing games instead of getting a job or enrolling in college. Derek angrily heads back down the stairs and attempts to tolerate his brother. The group begin discussing how the super abilities would function in the real world throughout the evening.
The next day, Dustin, Ethan and Kendra are brainstorming ideas during class. Meanwhile, Derek is at the mall looking for a job, while Alyssa is reading the GURPS book and drawing up diagrams between classes. She is approached by her Economics professor Donald Edwards who sees what she is working on and casually mentions he used to play an earlier version of the same game. Alyssa and Derek chat via phone and decide to invite Donald over to the Bairds' home to talk with them about the game. Donald realizes that Derek's father is the same Logan Baird he knew in high school, and prepares for the visit.
Later that afternoon, the group is at Derek's house going over their ideas from the day. As the evening progresses, Donald shows up and reunites with Logan. After catching up, Logan confesses that he is worried about Derek's lack of ambition and obsession with his games. Donald reassures him that the games aren't the problem -- as both Logan and his star pupil Alyssa both play them and are doing quite well for themselves. He suggests that Derek just needs some time to find his place, and not to rush him or else he may do more damage to their family relationship.
The two head downstairs and overhear the discussions taking place. Donald joins them and contributes to the process. Derek gets a call informing him that he has been offered a job at the mall. Logan, realizing that Derek is capable of finding employment AND is learning a great deal from this new game, decides everything will work out just fine in its own way. He tells Derek he's proud of him, and to enjoy his game, before returning upstairs. The group, having filled their heads with new ideas from just the FIRST ability on the list, can't wait to see what's next.
Format
My latest idea was an experimental comic/wiki hybrid. Sample concept demonstrated by Just Another Dave.
