PBEM Primer

[Spinward Scout]

I've never PBEM'd before and I was wondering if anyone would know of a primer or web page that could get me started. Eventually I would love to run something, just to stretch my creative wings a bit.

Any help would be hot,

Scout

 

[The Hinterworlds Rambler]

What version of Traveller do you play?

 

[vutpakdi]

The version of Traveller used in a PBEM doesn't really matter too much as long as everyone has access to the rules (or enough of the rules) being used.

I don't have access to a primer or webpage, but I've been thinking about writing up a list of suggestions and submitting them as a CotI article.

One ready suggestion that I have is to lurk on a running PBEM game just to see how things are working. If you'd like, you're welcome to lurk on my game which runs at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Travellogue2/

Ron

 

[The Hinterworlds Rambler]

(Hold Ron at bay with cane)

Back, you devil!!! Back I say!

I was asking the man what version, because i was going to invite him to join Corsairs of the Ebon Main, at the link below! we run a PBEM exclusively... but we use the T20 rules...

 

[Spinward Scout]

I can play any version of Traveller (I've got over 40 Traveller books). I'd love to check things out before I get into one, tho. I tried to get into a Star Trek game before, but it fell apart before it started. I'm not exactly sure how it works, tho. Does it go by turns like in combat? Each person adding to the story each turn as you go? And how do you roll dice?

Exploring in Confusion,

Scout

 

[vutpakdi]

I think that most PBEM games fall apart within a few months. Our game almost did when the original ref lost his job. I've seen a couple of others fall apart for other reasons ranging from real life intrusions to losing interest. We've had a number of players come and go too.

Games are probably run slightly differently. In our game, the ref (me) usually comes up with a post recounting actions for the last "turn" and then setting up the current situation. The players then indicate what their characters are saying or doing, often interacting amongst themselves relative to the situation.

The actual "turn" length varies on the situation. Anything from a day to 6-10 seconds (or less) depending on what is needed.

We've mostly been using the Irony games dice server with 6 rolls appended to posts. Players are also welcome to roll dice manually. I'm trusting people not to cheat with the rolls, though I will notice interesting patterns. Some rolls are hidden and rolled by me only.

Ron

 

[The Hinterworlds Rambler]

chip chip chip

At Corsairs, we use the t20/d20 mechanic as a common language for our characters, but do not rely on checked dice rolls and the like. As Ref, I handle most of the mechanical action, leaving the players free to focus on more "cinematic" details of the scenario. We basically focus on good Roleplaying without getting bogged in rules nitter nat, what?

 

[Andrew Boulton]

At Corsairs, we use the t20/d20 mechanic as a common language

Except for those of us who don't...

I've been running a game for 3.5 years, but half the players have left and it's really struggling now. Most games die young.

PBEM games work the same as normal ones. The GM describes the scene, and the players say what their characters are doing, ask questions, crack jokes, and end up talking about somethng else...

 

[The Hinterworlds Rambler]

3.5 years is a pretty good run... and you could always start a new game...

 

[rvatsaas]

Not having ever done so myself, PBEM or Online suggests alot of advantages to me.

1. Players don't have to wait patiently while the GM fumbles with the rulebooks.

2. In PBEM personal schedules are much less of an issue

3. GM can commumicate privately with certain players with out the others knowing, So that players can have secrets from other players. i.e. Player X is a double agent or stoolie.

Because I would have such a difficult time setting aside a day for rpgs, a play by mail campaign sounds perfect to me. BTW, I have be surveiling Travelogue2, interesting.