1) Please keep your moves in the present tense. Write posts as if they are happening right now (just like a movie script).

2) Likewise, only submit actions of your characters, not thoughts or internal monologue. If you submit thoughts or opinions for the benefit of the GM, separate them from the rest of the move by placing them in a private message to the GM. (Note that background issues and beliefs and other publicly known facts can be placed in your character description for everyone else.)

REMEMBER:  This is more like reading a script than a book.  Thoughts cannot be seen.  Show, don't tell.

As a corollary, enunciate the thoughts of your characters by having them speak what they are feeling (or even mutter something to themselves) or give a vivid physical description.

EXAMPLE: Do not post: "Thor is angry at the merchant and not wanting to be surprised, he draws his sword,"

Instead, post something like this: "Thor's eyes narrow in anger and his face begins to redden. He looks around suspiciously and draws his sword while constantly glancing over his shoulder. [PRIVATE MESSAGE TO GM HEATH: Thor will be watching for any surprise attacks from the merchant or his cronies.]

3) It is okay to use conditionals and contingencies. This speeds up the game and clarifies exactly what you mean.  Please put these in an imbedded private message to the GM if it will look strange to the other PC's.

4) Give feedback. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT.  I want you to develop your characters how you want them developed. If there is some connection or personal fact, or if you would like to see situations where your character can exploit a certain skill, LET ME KNOW! I enjoy interweaving stories and motivations, but juggling all the characters, adventures, and an entire world can leave me forgetful.  Don't feel bashful about suggesting ways to integrate your character.  I may not always be able to use the ideas, but I often can do something just as helpful.

5) IMPORTANT: DO NOT TURN BACK TIME.  Absent very strong technology to manipulate the space-time continuum, your characters cannot go back and change something that happened, even if that character did not mean to act as he or she did.

--Never say your character "did something when...."

--Do not pick apart the last move piece by piece and announce what your character is doing for each part of that scene.

We are always moving forward. Always address your moves as though they immediately follow the last move sent to you. Otherwise, your move may be ignored.  The unfortunate consequence of RPOL is that we aren't live and immediately able to make responses.  Sometimes I have to infer, especially about the little things.  However, this speeds up the game.  If I ever do anything contrary to what you wanted, send me a PM so I know for the future.

(6) POST OFTEN! Once or more daily is great, hopefully at least every other day, even if it's just to let us all know you are there. The game is propelled more by the players than the GM, so I am willing to go forward as fast as you want to take me.

Remember the 48 HOUR RULE.  If you go 48 hours without posting, your character will be moved by me.  If you continue to not post, your character may become increasingly suicidal.  (So please notify me if you will be away from your computer for awhile.)
This message was last updated by the GM at 18:05, Thu 07 Mar 2013.