Structure
The game is played slowly, but surely. Each page is devoted to a Scene. A Scene is an imprecise story measurement that is dictated by the Game Master (GM). Scenes are grouped into Parts. Parts consist of complete story arcs.
The GM's Role
The GM sets the scenes, decides consequences of In Character (IC) actions, adjudicates disputes, and acts as managing editor of the scene pages as they develop.
GM Responsibilities
- Respond to player questions, actions, comments, suggestions, ect. as soon as is possible, and in a manner that is fair and respectful; IC actions do not represent Out Of Character (OOC) feelings and visa versa.
- Keep the game moving
- Roll all dice and post results when necessary
- Provide what is needed for players to successfully role-play (RP) their characters through the situations presented
The Players' Role
Players advance the scenes through their IC and OOC actions, aid one another in their mutual quest, and act as the authors of their characters' part of the story.
Player Responsibilities
- Respond as soon as possible to situations requiring their, or their character's attention (eg. their turn in combat)
- Allow their fellow players their turn to act or weigh in on situations before posing too many times and moving the plot too far ahead (rule of thumb: make no more than 3 updates before everyone has made at least one)
- Let their fellow players or the GM know if they have any questions, concerns, or comments related to the game, or each other.
- Adjust to the needs of their fellow players and the GM as needed and when possible with respect and kindness; IC actions do not represent OOC feelings and visa versa.
How It Goes Down
First the GM sets the scene on the page. Describing the relevant details, be they the setting, the people, the mood, ect. The players then describe their character's actions. Rules and OOC issues are dealt with in the accompanying discussion board for the scene (click 'Discuss' at the bottom of the page). The GM then describes the result of the actions, and, if necessary, edits the page thus far.
Actions such as speaking, interacting with the environment and friendly NPC's, and any other actions that would not normally require dice rolls can just be described by the player who's character is performing the actions. OOC discussion is not necessary in these situations, and is, in fact, discouraged to maintain the separation of IC and OOC knowledge. If dice rolling is required, or the action is impossible the GM will make a note OOC, generate rolls, and edit the page to reflect the results of the result. Repeat as needed. Stop when done.
The GM is responsible for all dice rolls when they are needed. For example when combat is initiated the GM will simply generate the initiative scores for all players, and then ask the first in the order to describe her action (both IC and OOC, in this case). Then after the page is updated the GM will generate both attack and damage and post the result (again, both IC and OOC). Skill and ability checks will be made either automatically without notifying players, or at the player's request when applicable. Saving throws will be generated by the GM as needed. When a player's action offers a Non Player Character (NPC) a saving throw the player should note this in her OOC description of her action. Numbers are generated using 'Rolldice,' a Linux dice-rolling program, and the output will be pasted into the accompanying discussion board post.
Marching order, combat, and any other in-game situations requiring a visual reference will be handled using JPG's that will be created by the GM and added to page or the discussion board.
When a scene ends the GM will distribute any experience points that may have been earned, handle any between-scene business that the players or their characters may need to take care of, and make any final changes that need to be made to the scene page before starting the next scene.
More Information
- Example of Play: An in-depth look at how the game is played.
- Ending a Scene: An explanation of what happens when a scene ends and how experience awards are distributed.
- Definitions of Terms: Definitions of the various terms we use on this site.
Required Software/Materials.
- SSA-X2 Character Sheet.
- An RSS Reader (Like RSSOwl: an Open-Source Muti-Platform reader).
- D20 3.5 Rulebooks, or access to The Hypertext D20 SRD.
- A few minutes a day to visit the site, read and make changes.
