[quote=Ellri]The final thing we think can help an RP survive long is permitting players to introduce their own plot lines. The GM(s) shouldn't have exclusive right to making the plot. Often players will have excellent ideas that improve the RP in the long run. Granted, the GM(s) should always have a certain control in place so that the RP isn't completely taken off the network of tracks, but He/she/they should not try to keep the RP on a single track. That would be railroading, and that is not a fun thing to go through.
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I think this is one thing that has kept the "Create-A-Hero RPG" going ever since Guildfall. This roleplay kinda of survived Guildfall (we rebooted it. Many of the major characters have been carried over or represent alternate versions of characters from the previous roleplay). Combined with allowing players to have 3 characters (per player), this provides the players with enough tools to keep the thread rolling with both solo arcs and collaborative stories.