PBeM, play-by-e-mail, rules and hints

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Play By e-Mail Example Introductory Letter 1

THIS IS NOT AN INVITATION FOR AN EXISTING PBeM GAME. This information is provided as a guide to prospective PBeM GMs. Anyone who writes to me with a character for the game will be ignored. You have been warned.

The aim of this letter was to give people the outline of the game and as much information as they needed to start thinking about their characters, without overloading them with background to the setting. It also says which kinds of characters I would not accept, and sets a time limit for replying. Time limits are very important, for GMs as well as players. The game has to keep some momentum, or people will drift away.

We have worked out the general basis of the chronical. Before we do all the datail, we need to know what your characters plans and goals are. Below is some general info on the campaign and some guidelines for character creation.

Chronical Background

The name of the Chronical is to be 'Set in a silver Sea'. The chronical will start in Roman Britain, in the years immediately following the Invasion. There are no changes to mortal history, so if you want to look up Roman Britain, everything will be 'true'. I'll send more details of the setting out later, probably on (date).

As far as supernatural inhabitants, I don't possess the Werewolf or Mage books, so at the moment, all characters should be Kindred. If the game goes well, I may well go and buy at least Werewolf.

We are planning to run a very player driven campign, where you will tell us what your character wants, rather than us forcing you into action with external threats and plots all the time. Of course, there will be those things, but I think (hope) that the main strength of PBM will be that everyone can do their own thing, and there can be lots of juicy politics and conflict.

Guide to Character Generation

Characters (PCs, it's a lot quicker to type), should be of 7th or 8th generation. These are the lowest generations commonly found at this time, so you don't need to spend any points, just pick one or the other. If you want a different generation, send me details of why.

The PCs can come from anywhere you fancy, although mainland Europe is probably most likely. If you want to pick somewhere unusual, please include a few details.

Ideally, the PCs should have been fairly recently embraced, or at least not done much to gain experience or Status.

The PCs will be the first Vampires (as far as they know) to settle in Britain. All the characters should have only recently travelled to Britain.

Please don't use Sabbat Clans, as I don't have any stuff about them (unless, of course, you're willing to send me a cheque to go out and buy a copy...no, guess not). If you want to use any unusual bloodlines, just send me the details. I have the Player's Handbook, so Assamites etc are OK.

What I Want Back

There's no need, as yet, to send me the full character with all attributes and abilities detailed (although you can if you like of course). At a minimun I would like

PC description: clan, personality, appearance etc.
the PCs goals and ambitions
any enemies and and associates
brief description of any allies/retainers/mentors etc. If you want to provide fuller details, it will save me work and provide more variety in NPCs.
the reason(s) why your PC has gone to England: fleeing enemies, sent by their Clan, anything you like really.

When By

I'd like the stuff back by the end of next week (date). If you're in the US, this of course means you should post it on (previous day). I'll try and reply on (date). By then, I should also be able to send more setting details and also how the 'turns' will work.

Sorry it's a bit vague at the moment, but we thought we'd get things moving.

love

Anna