Re: Best open-ended PBEMs ???

From: ColinForbes <timewyrm@suilven.demon.co.uk>

Date: Tue, 09 May 2000 00:00:00 +0000

Hi,
> About two thirds of this list are GM's. I wouldn't trust them (should I
> say us...)

Speaking as more-or-less an ex-GM, albeit one who cant really comment
about pure PBEM games, I'd certainly recommend the following commercial
games...

Chevian Chronicles
Although not strictly speaking open-ended (having a predetermined life
cycle of about five years) this is an excellent fantasy
pseudo-roleplaying game with free-form orders. Plenty of politics in
addition to the usual adventuring stuff. Unlike most free-form RPG's
this one has a regular turnaround. Rob has a new game of a similar type
in playtest, called "No Quarter" it's based around piracy in the 17th
century Caribbean.
http://users.breathemail.net/stateofmind/

Any of the En Garde games
Some people dont like this swashbuckling game, but personally I think
it's brilliant! Possibly the best is the Sun King, you can find details
at:
www.users.dircon.co.uk/~redessa/sun-king

DungeonWorld
Graphically gorgeous to look at and with a huge amount of player-drive
politcis which all add to the basic bash-an orc feel. If you hanker
after Sunday afternoon roleplaying sessions in your youth, give this one
a try - or...
www.play-by-mail.com

Quest
I think you can even play this online now. Been going for ages, but
recently been updated with additonal atmospheric stuff. Basic dungeon
bash and wilderness adventure stuff, but again with loads of player
factions, newsletters etc.
www.kjcgames.com

If you're looking for a more complex game, how about...

Kings of Karadon
Big world / power game, most games are closed ended, but there is one
open ended game now running. Lads to do, complex economics, ongoing
plot-lines, quest options and huge amounts of politics and diplomacy.
www.sjasystems.co.uk/karadon/index.htm

Lords of the Earth
This historical game seems pretty vast in scope and has loads of details
to get your teeth into if you're so inclined. Lots of diplomacy
required. A number of games running world-wide, check out the lastest
list at:
www.throneworld.com/lords/index.html

Primus Inter Pares
Brilliant Roman historical simulation with an excellent reputation.
www.interesting-times.co.uk

Or if roleplaying's you're thing, how about the grand-daddie of them
all, Saturnalia?
http://members.aol.com/SatSouthGM

or Chaos Trail (been running for ages too)
www.chaostrail.pbmworld.net

All are good games - but there's loads more out there too. Check out
Greg Lindahl's site or look in the pages of Flagship for more info.

Good luck finding a game to your liking!

Colin

References

Best open-ended PBEMs ???
jonds_001@my-deja.com
Mon, 08 May 2000 00:00:00 +0000
Re: Best open-ended PBEMs ???
treasonmaster@my-deja.com
Tue, 09 May 2000 00:00:00 +0000