How to Play a PBeM Game

(Note: this may seem self explanatory to some people, especially the folks who wrote for Vampires-l. Please bear with us.)

PBeM (play by email) games are, in essence, very similar to normal (real-time) role-playing. The Game Master (GM) will tell you what is happening, what you see, etc. In response, you tell the GM what you want to do.

Of course, the medium stretches things out just a little bit. Five-minute conversations could drag on for several days, depending on how often people check their email. So, we've created a few guidelines to help things run smoothly. We've also included two example postings, and the general rules.

Posting Conventions

It doesn't matter whether you use first-person or third person. If you use first person, be sure to sign your post with your character's name. Because this is a game instead of fiction, everything should be in the present-tense.

All posts should include the abbreviation of the game (SotP) in the subject line. Make sure that the subject line refers to what's happening. For example, if we're setting up camp for the night, the subject line might be:

SotP: Camping for the night

Any post to the the GMs or the group that is about the game, but not in character, should be titled with a SotP: Meta: tag, and then the subject. This would be for general announcements. Small out-of-character notes or comments within a post can be separated by using brackets and the OOC tag.

Also, if you're responding to something someone says or does, make sure to quote the section that you're referring to, so the rest of us can follow.

Remember that you only control your own player's actions. Don't make other PCs or NPCs do actions - even your hirelings have minds of their own.

And, as jenn points out in the example postings, make sure that both GMs get a copy of all postings, public and private, as well as any characters that are involved.

Example Postings

To: (SotP List)
From: ArcadianStormcrow@juno.com
Subject: SotP: Example posting

> [ooc - so where is the example post?]

Dustin walks into the room. "Right here," he says with a smile. "It's really not too difficult. Just like an email conversation."

He pulls up a chair, and sits down. "Except that there are actions, as well. Can't forget those. You are, after all, adventurers, not bumps on a log." He grins. "Yet, at least."

He leans back slightly, pushing up his glasses. "Anyway, I think this is fairly good. Any questions?"

To: (SotP List)
From: jarien1@juno.com
Subject: SotP: Example Posting

[I forgot the OOC tag, but the brackets indicate this to be non-game...]

[Dustin]
>"Anyway, I think this is fairly good.
>Any questions?"

jenn smiles back at him wickedly. "You forgot the part about copying to others, and especially GMs," she smirks. "Would you take a minute to do that?"

She brushes her red hair behind her ears patiently. "Now, how about making a map?"

Character and Karma Point System

Character and karma points are awarded for good role-playing. These will be a definite boon later on in the game, since they can be used (at the GMs discretion) to tip the fates in your favor. They can make a difference between a flesh wound and getting your head chopped off. Think of them as brownie points you/your character earn for doing something clever. Not cute or funny -- intelligence is key. Don't worry that 'dumb barbarians' will be at a disadvantage; your GM's are perfectly capable of grading on a curve if you force us to. *smile*

Character Points

There are three clear-cut ways to earn Character Points. That is not to say that there are no more -- as above, be creative and good things will come to you.

Figure out a mystery or correctly fathom the meaning of a new plot development;
Introduce a new line of thought when all else fails;
Re-direct the game somewhere that the GM's had not planned for.

Karma Points

But wait, there's more! All of the players know both GM's. Some of you know Dustin better than jenn, and vice versa... And therein lies the challenge -- can you tell us apart?

For each given plot point (murder, mayhem, betrayal, traps, etc.) you may try to determine (in private GM posting only) whose idea it was originally. No blind guesses - justify that shot in the dark, if you please. *smile* Correct answers earn a karma point, to be used as described below. . .

Using Your Character/Karma Points

Character and karma points are determined by GM conferencing, and will be posted publicly. In a critical situation, a player may be offered the chance to use his/her accumulated points to influence a favourable outcome. I did indeed say 'maybe', as there are no absolutes in this world, which includes a concept of Unavoidable Fate.

More general rules to come as they are decided.

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