pbem role-play - hints? From: tim@leaphome.pelican.org (Tim Franklin) Date: Mon, 05 Jan 1998 00:00:00 +0000 Hi all, I'm looking to start a pbem using AD&D rules (which I don't think is relevent to my question, so please don't start on the deficiencies or otherwise of that system) and I'd like to sound people out on some tips before I start. I've DM'd table-top games for many years, but never by mail (electronic or snail) previously. Really, what I'm a little unsure of is how to get the players to send in their actions. If I only get their instructions up to the point where there's any kind of choice, it seems like it's going to be *very* slow (especially in any combat-style situation). I'm thinking the best way would be to get people to write up their responses to a handful of anticipated ways the session might go, and stop for more input if "something different" happens. For example, an adventurer (it's easier for examples than the whole party) encounters a knight and his two squires travelling on the road: "I approach the knight with a friendly smile and bid him good-day. Should he respond in kind, I will exchange pleasentries with and ask him if he has heard tell of the McGuffin I seek. "Should he be surley and not appear to wish to speak with me, I will chide him for his uncharitable attitude, and make to continue on my way. As I pass him by however, I will twist my magic ring two turns to the left to activate its powers to sense those of an evil nature... "In the worst of cases, should he move to the attack (being clearly a minion of evil), I will draw my sword in readiness, but call out that I have no quarrel with him, and would rather see no blood shed today. My quest is too important to waste time on incidental fights." Or in a combat situation, where the party is being charged by a groups of orcs: "I quickly gauge whether the orcs appear fast enough to reach me this round, or if I can see any missile weapons being readied. If so, I heft my warhammer and stride forward into combat. "If it seems likely to me that I won't immediately be attacked, I'll cast /spiritual hammer/ spell, preferably at anyone in any sort of regalia or other gear that suggests a shaman (top choice) or a leader (second choice). Failing that, at the largest orc of the bunch." The idea I'm trying to get across is not that the player is trying to second- guess everything that I might throw at them, but is providing alternatives for what they see to be the most likely outcomes. Is that the way pbems are normally (or even sometimes) run? Does it seem feasible to anyone who's done this kind of thing before? Any thoughts from players - is coming up with the alternatives too much like hard work? Apologies if this post is a little long, but hopefully some useful discussion will come of it. All comments and suggestions most welcome... Regards, Tim. Referenced By Up