Am I just unlucky?
The best thing you can do to up your odds of finding a game that lasts is research. Research the GM. Click on his name, check out his posting history under all his aliases. Is the recruitment thread his first post on the boards? Outlook is dim. Does he say something like, "I've never GMed a PbP before, but how hard can it be?" Run for the hills. Has he started several other games that have petered out? Has it been because he was the one to disappear?
This is definitely the #1 factor I've seen for a game's longevity -- whether the GM is likely to stick around or not.
As far as getting into a game goes, I admit that the deck is stacked against you if you're not into writing lengthy back stories or if you're not constantly searching the recruitment board for "first come, first served" openings.
Personally, when I started a game I picked names out of a hat to give anyone a fair chance to join. Of course, I ended the game early (after 6 months), so that wouldn't have solved your problem either...
I also agree with Azure_Zero -- if you have a problem with the quality of the average PbP game, start your own and raise the average!
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I wonder what should I end up if I like a character so much but then don't get accepted into a game.
Also when running a game is asking the player who they want to take care of their character if a leave of absencse is required.
I can't help you on the first. On the second, generally people play nice with other people's characters during a temporary absence, and don't put them in harms way more than might be expected. It's fine to ask someone to look after your character, but most people in the game would happily do it and it's probably better for the flow of the game if you just let whoever is available take your turn.
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What do you guys think about giving a player a cursed item?
I have been running an AP for about a year, and my players are third level. In a face-to-face game, I would not hesitate, but due to the much slower nature of a pbp, and the fact the players are nowhere near being able to remove a curse themselves, I worry. What would you do?
I will also add that a GM should give a heads up on potential difficulty. A game where the PC's are the heroes, and the ones where you are only given the chance to become the hero will normally have a vastly different level of difficulty. The latter normally leads to more chances for player death, while some players only want to die during certain parts of the story, or they expect to not die at all. I was somewhat heavy-handed in a game I just ran, and I think it killed the game.
It is also important that if you run a high level game to make sure the players involved have relevant experience, or they can't take advantage of all the option they have available.
I would be unlikely to hand out a completely cursed item in a pbp. Effectively you're slowing down the already slow and reducing a player's effectiveness (or that of the whole party). Items with dubious side-effects - yes. But if you do that, it needs to be offset by something that makes the side-effect worth it and give the choice to the players about whether they keep it or not.
If it's in the adventure path, I think it's fair game. The only exception I'd make is if your particular campaign makes Remove Curse super-rare or something like that.
Get the handouts into image form,
and host them in a image hosting site, like google docs or photobucket
then use the url tags to link the thread to the images.
@DM Choppy: The dice rolls are [dice]1d20+1[/dice (just put in the last bracket and presto!)
Put semi-colons between different rolls for multiples. Also, at the bottom of your posting box is a button that shows all the BBC code formatting tools at your disposal, right under the FAQ link.
As for handouts, I use Photobucket to post with. This also incluses my maps and other things like mood-setting pictures. You can link to sites like Photobucket or other pic sharing sites with [url=www.whateveritis.com]>name of link<[/url} <--same thing with bracket.
Hope this helps.
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@DM Choppy: The dice rolls are 1d20+1[/dice (just put in the last bracket and presto!)
Put semi-colons between different rolls for multiples. Also, at the bottom of your posting box is a button that shows all the BBC code formatting tools at your disposal, right under the FAQ link.
As for handouts, I use Photobucket to post with. This also incluses my maps and other things like mood-setting pictures. You can link to sites like Photobucket or other pic sharing sites with [url=www.whateveritis.com]>name of link<[/url} <--same thing with bracket.
Hope this helps.
it does thanks
I saw a PBP where some of the text in the posts was colored green (not just the dice-results). What formatting must be used to accomplish that?
I saw a PBP where some of the text in the posts was colored green (not just the dice-results). What formatting must be used to accomplish that?
you mean
Copy and paste the line below, but remove the '?'
[?dice=Title]1d6[/dice]
Thanks :)
Darn, I completely missed the discussion about campaigns not lasting and players vanishing - my (very late) advice:
Actually, I don't have anything to add, everything important has already been said...it's just my hubris that forces me to post something :)
Oh and about lurkers:
My campfire ooc thread has so many visitors/lurkers that I haven't recruited anyone for about a year and was able to fill all player dropouts with people who were lurking, which is very nice, because I already knew them from ooc chats.
Step 1: The GM posts a link to a map of the current situation, either as an image (created using Maptools and posted on Photobucket, say) or as a spreadsheet hosted on Google Docs.
Step 2: The players describe their actions.
Step 3: The GM resolves the actions of the PCs and NPCs. Go to Step 1 and repeat as needed.
Alternately, you can just skip the map stuff altogether and everyone just describes stuff. I usually make a rough sketch for myself so I can keep track of where everyone is and let people know if they have the option for an AoO. This does require a decent facility with description, but speeds up play considerably.
I do mine in Photoshop, since I've got that. Though I keep meaning to look at Maptools as a possibly better option.
I use maptools, easy to handle and quick.
You can just scan the maps from the AP or module you use and then use them in maptools.
Works perfectly for all of my campaigns.
I use Photoshop, and photobucket.
Photoshop has some really nice tools in it.
I use Powerpoint... saved to jpg then cropped to fit. Works nicely with the PDF versions of the tiles and being able to rip images from just about anywhere.
But Maptools is a more elegant tool.
I have a question - is it acceptable to post ads on these messageboards for PbP games being hosted on other sites?
Some sites do not allow it, hence I thought I would ask.
I've seen it done often and havent seen anyone counter it so I can only assume that it is acceptable. I havent seen any rules posted against it either. That said, Im not sure how succesful theyve been in. Best bet would be to post this question as its own thread in the Website Feedback page.
How about a compiled list of do's and do nots for a PbP? Topping the list of things that really should not be done(and might even be up for getting blacklisted):
1.If you are the GM, do not drop out of the game without notice if at all possible. If you don't want to game any more or cannot, just say so. Really. People will be dissapointed but surprisingly understanding if you put up a simple explination.
2.Players, do not drop out without saying so. This is not as bad since the GM can shunt the missing PC off and continue.
3.If you are just starting out as a GM, solicit suggestions from other GMs on what to play.(ex.Shackles isn't good for first timers, try Runelords or even a short module.)
4.GMs when recruiting should list method of stat determination, books allowed, number of players wanted and posting requirment.
I'm late to this thread but I would echo what Andrea mentioned about communication. It's a two way street between the DM and players, simple courtesy. Everyone should understand the time and posting requirements for the game.
When I began my Council of Thieves game 6 months ago, I was a first time PBP DM, and I initially did not use any sort of maps. It was suggested by a couple players that I look into MapTools and Dropbox, boy am I happy that I did. From my point of view, it makes it easier to communicate with my players. The AP modules maps are easily copied in Maptools.
A few folks mentioned lurkers in games, I've seen plenty in my game. I take it as a compliment and I get PMs requesting to join when a slot opens up.
As far as taking a chance with a new PbP GM, or player, I would say don't be afraid to try. I was a new PbP GM 6 months ago but game is approaching 9000 post already, and at least half my players were new to PbP games. Be careful of GM's and Players that overextend themselves. At least you can do some research on DM's and Players that overextend themselves, look a the quality of the posts. Running a PbP is much harder then it looks, it takes time.
One other thing to mention I've DM'ed for years before PbP DM'ing but PbP has made me a better DM. The ideas and player concepts that are posted are incredible, I'm always digging deeper in the rules because of my PbP players.
Most of all have fun.
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Yeah maptools and dropbox are great but don't be afraid to go sans map, just make sure you warn players ahead of time and assume the players will be smart to avoid all the back and forth.
PBP is also excellent for GMs like me who normally run completely off the seat of their pants. You can look up past events to tie them forward a lot easier and you can spend a few minutes formulating a good response rather then needing to reply instantly (which got me into trouble a couple of times around the table, when I did the badguys turn or some hidden thing, I sometimes got so focused that I answered a players question without thinking, with horrible results, that is easily avoided online)
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Yeah maptools and dropbox are great but don't be afraid to go sans map, just make sure you warn players ahead of time and assume the players will be smart to avoid all the back and forth.
In my experience, if not using a map, you are taking a little bit of the players control of their character (the characters movement, specifically, but also use of AoE spells, etc.) from them and dealing with it 'behind the scenes.'
That's more work for the GM in that sense (although quite a bit less than mapmaking, for some!), and also, IMO, it may make things more palatable if the GM is somewhat generous when dealing with charge lines, flanking, allowing players to sidestep to avoid passing through a threatened space, and positioning to get color sprays, etc. where they need to be.
It could lead to some sour reactions if the mapless GM arbitrarily moves PCs through threatened areas, or has a player fire off an AoE spell in such a way that it affects only a single target (when that player, if a map was available, might have moved in such a way to hit two or more foes, or, if that wasn't an option, chosen a completely different tactic suitable for a single target).
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That's what I really intended with my "assume the players are smart" comment.
And yeah it takes a little bit of control away from players but I can't make maps without a computer, and even if I could it takes time that I otherwise don't have to spend. Generally I can think about my replies, responses, and behind the scenes actions or prepare for a post while doing whatever work I have to do (which is generally mindless stuff), but maps can only be done when doing maps (if a computer is available) and takes more time then anything else.
It is sometimes a good trade off even for those with the ability.
Mapping and nonmapping each have pros and cons.
Maptools is easy to use for basic maps. With a little tinkering the maps become more complex. The learning curve is easy enough and it has a tutorial. Plus there are a several sites on the net with free maps. I've stockpiled a lot to use for most situations.
What I find difficult in games that don't have maps is visualizing the scene, especially if there are delays in posting. Simply trying to remember where everyone is located in a battle can be a task.
Sorry for typos this was created on my phone.
I'm considering DMing a game on these boards. I've been skimming this thread and have some great tips, but are there any guides posted anywhere?
This is a great thread about many of the conventions of PbP gaming on this site.
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Is there protocol for reporting a habitually flaky player as a warning to other prospective DMs and/or players?
There's a player in a couple games I'm in that disappears for days on end and then returns with the excuse of being 'too busy' to keep up and yet is in several games and posts in each of them regularly.
If you notice them applying for a new game, you could PM the prospective GM to give them a heads-up, but they're under no impetus to believe you. Might come across as sour grapes or a personal vendetta. However, wise GMs will research their applicants' previous PbP history before selecting players. There are lots of people who can throw out a great backstory or post constantly in an "RP tavern" recruitment when all they have to worry about is showing off their chops but fail at paying attention to what others type or keeping up with a storyline that doesn't center around themselves.
Alternatively, you could confront the player and tell them that they're overextended and/or inconsiderate of others. Either way, it's probably going to lead to unpleasantness.
Honestly, unless I know the GM fairly well and think they have reason to trust my judgment, I just bite my tongue. I certainly don't think we need a public blacklist; just keep your own personal one of people you don't want to play with again. :)
Does a PBP campaign go inactive after a certain amount of time with no posts, or is the GM marking it as inactive the only way to stop actively tracking it?
A campaign will move to your Previous Campaigns area when 3 months have gone by without a post in the game thread, but it will only actually get marked as Inactive if the GM marks it so.
If you simply want your Campaigns tab not to be cluttered up with abandoned games, you can hide the game thread with the crossed-out-circle button on the main messageboards page, and it will disappear from your Campaigns page.
Re-posting from my blog. Wrote this last month and it may be helpful to someone.
I just read this. Very well written and contains some great advice.
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At what point is it acceptable for players to seek out a new GM? I certainly understand that life happens, but I'm in several dying adventures at the moment.
In one, the players decide after a week of inactivity from the GM that we need to consider looking for a new GM. We set a deadline for some kind of activity from the GM before we post in the recruiting forum. Then the GM posts a 10 or so word post in the thread before disappearing again.
Others are fresher and less dramatic.
Is there any advice out there in the PBP community.
I fully admit that this might be discussed at length somewhere in the ~500 posts of this thread. I did not take the time to read the entire thing as much of it seemed to be discussing GMing techniques.
I don't know about any set standards, but I would say generally speaking two weeks to a month at the longest is acceptable. I do think a week is a little short--sometimes crap happens like your Internet goes out and you don't have a chance to post for a few days. And I might be flexible around things like holidays/finals periods. But other than that--utter disappearance with no word for two weeks or more probably means you've been ditched (or at least that the GM is incapable of keeping a commitment he himself asked other to make).
I would agree with DQ, having been in the GM spot and not posting for an extended period of time, things do happen. A Real Life week isn't really all that long in PbP time.
Having said that, when I have been not posting in my PbPs I have endeavored to remain in contact during those times. I think communication is the most important thing during a long period of inactivity. If a GM literally drops off the face of the Internet without notice that is not cool. It doesn't take much to post "hey I'm sick/busy/other and wont be posting PbP updates for a while"
Agreed. When it looks like they have disappeared - we are on our third or fourth in two different threads - I start looking for activity on aliases, trying to see if that are around at all. The PM works great if that's something they look at.
If you find a way to get a hold of them, just make sure you don't get all up in their face about the lag. Real life happens and should take precedent. Just touch base to remind them you are out there or ask them if everything is cool.
Just my $0.02
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Thanks for the advice all. The GM for one campaign did come forward and say that he wasn't able to continue. Everything was well offline, he just couldn't handle the burden he'd taken on with running 3 games in his first week of PbP.
Another thread has just died, and I'm sorry to see it go.
The last has had the GM return and posting is more frequent, though less frequent than he demands from his players.
Again, I appreciate the help.