[quote=Blackbeard]
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My basic point is I want to make an RP, set in a universe with a very very large cast. However I want the group of actual players to be small. How can I make this work without limiting the interaction the players can have? 

How do I control a massive cast of characters with only a few Roleplayers?   
[/quote]

Going to apologise in advance for not reading the whole thread but I gathered what I could and skipped back to check a few things before I thought of some ideas.

You mentioned that most Bleach RPs are around the Goti 13 and how people have to create a large database to play with. Have you thought of setting a Roleplay up about a group of people outside the the main hub of the Goti 13? For example the Visored, or a disbanded group of Shinigami that have come across a threat that the Goti 13 doesn't want to look into? It's just when I see you mention "There aren't really 'grunts' it's almost like an army of mini-bosses." I can totally agree and understand how it would be extremely difficult to write for a full squad.

It just seems, to me at least, like a very difficult concept to create only because a player would almost have to crank up the level in each post that extra notch just to better their previous post. I know a fight between Ichigo and Renji could last for a complete episode in the series and character development would take place over several episodes, often dedicating one compete episode to just how someone had a change in thought.

Not trying to rain on your parade. If it can work than I do wish you all the luck you can get. I'm just wondering if it'll become an iceberg of an idea where what you have envisioned is only the tip and the entire base that is 9 tenths is the work that people will have to do. :hmm