Play by Mail / Online?

[Krallek]

I have heard people mention from time to time about forming groups online to play by email or using online tools. I am just curious how it works, what people think of it, and where to go to find such a group?

Having never done this before I would think that it would be a much slower pace of play? How is die rolling accomplished?

Thanks for your comments in advance.

[Squeek]

I actually play online quite a bit, using tabletops like Maptool (rptools.net). It's, admittedly, slower than a live game, but it is certainly just as fun, if not sometimes more. there are communities, like thetangledweb.net that has a large base of players and DMs constantly looking for new players for games. the best thing to do is to find a newly starting game and jump right in. :)

[hogarth]

This thread has some interesting discussion on PbP/PbEM games.

On PBPs: A General Discussion For All Pbpers

To answer your questions:

• Yes, it's slow (although you can easily play several games at once). I like it, but it's not for everyone.
  
• You can find a game on the "Gamer Connections" forum here, or on various web sites (e.g. MythWeavers for PbP, PbEM News for PbEMs).
  
• Play-by-post games are usually on a web forum with a built-in dice roller. Play-by-email either has the GM make all the rolls (usually) or an on-line die roller like Invisible Castle is used.

[Krallek]

Thanks for the links and advice. I shall look into it today! It sounds like it might be a fun way to play.

I assume there are different rule sets? For example, some might play the pathfinder rules, while others are 4th edition, or even older versions as well?

Cheers!

[Squeeks]

Just like with any other game, you'll un into people playing every type of game. In the community I frequent, we're got some playing Warhammer 40K, D&D 4e, we had some Exalted players for a while... Just depends on who's around at the time. :)

[Leonal]

The people I play with use Fantasy Grounds exclusively, as each of us moved to all parts of the world with time differences ranging from GMT-6 to +9 it's the only way to play and socialize at the same time.

[Waylorn]

Programs like maptools, d20 pro, fantasy grounds etc enable online play. Pick up a ventrilo server and your good to go. But be aware that it doubles the load on the DM. The other part is keeping an online group together. My current group (second darkness and kingmaker) are falling apart due to COD black op's. So I am looking for a new group myself....

If anyone needs 2 to 3 DEDICATED, ON TIME (never missed or been late), somewhat noobish gamers.(8 months with PF after about a 15 year layoff) All of us are 21+ and are serious about playing. Hit me up! I am looking very hard for a fun, interesting online game using any medium. I am pretty good with maptools and we have a vent server. DM NEEDED! Any AP, etc.

waylorndnd AT gmail.com