> In short, I don't think 'ensemble play' means "everyone gets to roll
> dice." I think it's more "everyone contributes to overcoming the
> challenges."
In a perfectly tailored scenario, every player has a chance to have his character provide a crucial contribution, at one stage or another.
Unfortunatlely, such a scenario is almost impossible to prepare, since just as no battle plan survives first contact with the enemy, no evenly balanced scenario survives player interaction. (I tried, years ago, then stopped bothering... now I go for the group plan.)
> So the shipwright is going to be the guy who rolls the die,
> but everyone else is going to contribute their blood, sweat,
> and labor (APs and augments).
In order to make it heartblood, maybe have them contribute Hero Points. (The relationship to the ship could be an unexpected payback...)
> I guess I really can't see anyone interested in
> narrative role-playing getting upset because they didn't get to roll
> dice to build the ship too.
The ensemble should exit the scenario thinking "it wouldn't have been the same without me" to convey the sense of achievement. I don't think that rolling the dice is necessary at all. Some rituals or community efforts are made successful by the various contributions. Take for instance the Arming of Murharzarm. While failing an etiquette role while presenting one of the ritual components might be a major embarrassment, the outcome of the the ceremony depends on the nature of the components (and the community support represented by them). Building a ship or preparing a heroquest will be similar undertakings.
I'd love to see a few more "ensemble" myths, stories, or scenarios.
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