*If you accept a mission, please post every day if possible, but at least every other day.  The missions should go quickly.*

Please keep the following in mind:

Tips for becoming a good player:

1) Please keep your moves in the present tense. Write them as you want them to be seen by the other players. Don't create editing work for the DM. (He doesn't like the extra work.)

2) Likewise, only submit actions of your characters, not thoughts or internal monologue. If you submit thoughts or opinions for the benefit of the DM, separate them from the rest of the move by placing them in a private message to the DM. (Note that these can be placed inside your main message to the rest of the group on RPOL.) Do not use OOC or any other indication that you are a player. You have succeeded if others think your character is an NPC.

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 DM 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.

However, on RPOL, you can put these in an imbedded private message to the DM if it will look strange to the other PC's. If the condition is met, I can post for your character at that time (or you can repost if you want).

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.

5) IMPORTANT: DO NOT TURN BACK TIME. Absent very strong magic, 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.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:24, Fri 22 Sept 2006.

Battles take the most time for the DM to run, so I need your assistance.

When you post an action in battle, please list the following:

Your Roll (Use the dice roller and copy and paste, or include in a private line to me.)
NOTE: Rolls are optional.  I can always roll for you if you prefer, just give me any details you don't want me to forget.
THAC0
Your weapon (including any special bonuses)
DMG range (I will roll for actual damage if you hit; or you can roll and post the potential damage in a private line to me if you desire.)

For spells or other special actions, please copy and paste (in an inserted PM to me if necessary) the details of the spell if convenient. (I can look it up later, if needed or if you don't have the details handy, but it makes my work easier this way.)  For example:

"I cast Stinking Cloud" (Evocation)
[PM to Heath the following:]
Range: 30 yds.
Duration: 1 rd./level
Casting Time: 2
Area of Effect: 20-ft. cube
Saving Throw: Special

When a stinking cloud is cast, the wizard creates a billowing mass of nauseous vapors up to 30 yards away from his position. Any creature caught within the cloud must roll a successful saving throw vs. poison or be reeling and unable to attack because of nausea for 1d4+1 rounds after leaving the cloud. Those who make successful saving throws can leave the cloud without suffering any ill effects, although those remaining in the cloud must continue to save each round. These poisonous effects can be slowed or neutralized by appropriate magic. The cloud duration is halved in a moderate breeze (8-18 m.p.h.) and is dispersed in one round by a stronger breeze.

Include any other special information you want me to keep in mind (such as cover, protective spells, etc.).  Just pretend that I don't remember anything...which is up for argument...and you should be fine.
This message was last edited by the user at 15:17, Thu 17 Oct 2013.