Game Expectations READ THIS FIRST
This is a collection of norms and expectations that I find ensure the enjoyment for everyone in the game and helps to keep things moving.
I want this game to move quickly and so will expect a posting rate of at least 3-4 times per player per week of IC material, with GM posts interspersed when necessary to keep the game moving and answer questions. There will always be days where there are more posts than at other times, and there will be times where real life will get in the way and delay posts by a day or so. This is all normal and expected, and I will not be a jerk about this. My own personal situation may cause delays with updates, etc. and so I am an understanding soul. With that said, however, there will be times where speed is necessary (such as in combat) and I do reserve the right to either NPC a character or eject a player from the game should multiple, extended absences occur without notification.
I do not expect everyone to be a literary master, but I do expect more than a one-line response of spoken text in each post. Every post, even a simple “yes” answer should be accompanied by more describing stance, expression, emotion, or even something of the thought behind it. In short, there are few pictures here, you need to show what is being done and said with words. In addition, please proof-read before posting as a courtesy to your fellows and use a spell-checker and proper grammar. On the other side of the spectrum, we are all busy and if every post is a novella the principle of “the longer it is, the less I will read” will start to kick in. Keep it to the point and entertaining.
I expect from the players and their characters a certain level of interested involvement. That means not simply reacting to events as they unfold, but actively investigating leads, clues, and hints: your character should be motivated to act, and to act as part of a group. Discussion in-character of such leads, of possible options, and plans of action are important for character development and to move the story along. I encourage scenes where the characters are merely interacting with each other and NPCs to give opportunity to dig into their personalities. There will also be action scenes, in some cases initiated or avoided by the characters based on their decisions. Many of my games have creeping horror elements, adult situations, and moral quandaries. But foremost, the campaign is about player-heroes; neither I nor the campaign deals with hostile loners, apathetic brooders, psychotic serial killers, or other characters that must be coaxed into engaging with the world and cooperating with the rest of the group.
Do not wait for me as GM to post if your character has something to say. This is collaborative, not dialog. We are all playing this game with each other, not a series of individual conversations between each player and the GM. If you feel that it is time to move on say so, politely, and respectfully, but do say something. Also, after the initial start there is a certain sandbox element to how the campaign will proceed; I expect the players to tell me where they want to go and what they wish to do next, whether that involves following the leads and threads of the story so far or an entirely new direction.
Other Notes:
- Expect your actions to have consequences. Don't be stupid. Play smart. If I give you lots of hints that opening the Red Box will be bad, don't open the box and expect to live.
- I'm a storyteller and would like to follow the rule of cool. If it is cool, cinematic, and epic, screw the rules - I'll probably allow it. If you disagree with me, I expect a respectful appeal, preferably in private text or message. But rule of cool is not silly, this is not a comedy game, though light-hearted scenes and situations are fine.
- Unless I tell you otherwise assume you can play with the scenery to help craft the story. But don’t go nuts making up unverified (by me) facts that have an impact on the plot or story. You can always ask via private message if you can add something.
- Observe proper etiquette: it is bad form to remove another player’s agency from their own character; to perform an action on/against another player's character without that player having a chance to react. For example, Red’s player can't simply write that he picks up Mary and carries her into the building over his shoulder. Mary’s player would have to agree or have a chance to avoid Red's grasp. Likewise, with NPCs; they have agency in matters that affect them. I call this The Agency Rule and will remind players if they violate it.
- There will be no PvP in this game. Don’t argue with me that it would be in-character for your character to attack another PC. If that is the case, you and your character were selected for the game in error. Arm wrestling does not count as PvP.
- If it turns out you are not enjoying the game, don’t feel like you can continue to commit, etc. TELL ME. Don’t simply stop replying and ghost everyone. It slows the game down as people wait to see if you are coming back. Just politely pull out of the game, no hard feelings. Likewise, if you need to be offline for a period, tell us and we’ll accommodate.
When submitting a RTJ to this game, please include an acknowledgement that you have read and understood the above. Also, if we play together in any other game mention it in the RTJ as well.
Thank you
