First Things First
Assuming you have already posted in the "Recruitment" thread and have interest for your game, follow these basic steps to get your forum-based game up and running.
- Query for Interest Posted
- Min number of players interested
- Ask an admin to create a game thread and a PC thread. Give them the title and a short blurb describing the game.
Once the Admin Has Created the Thread
The vast majority of games on a PbP site have an IC (in-character) thread and an OOC (Out-of-Character) thread. These are up to the GM to create.
- The IC deals with everything that happens in character from PC interactions with NPCs, to combat, to everything in between. If it is happening between characters, this is where that is happening.
- The OOC is a place where players can interact with one another outside of their respective characters. This is the place for questions for the GM, where skill tests and rolls are posted, etc. etc. Some GMs also like to create a "General OOC" that is not necessarily immediately related to the current mission. For example, I will have a "Chapter 1" IC and a "Chapter 1" OOC for everything dealing with that chapter of the game, and I will also have a "General OOC" for anything not immediately related to that chapter. Keep in mind, these are more soft-rules than hard and there is some overlap. But that's not an issue.
- The GM also has free reign to create any other threads they think are necessary. For example, in all of my games I have an "NPC/Location" & "House Rules" sub-forums, etc.
State of Play
- GMs and Players should agree on a post rate they are both comfortable with. The general rule here is to be checking these forums once/day at least if you are in one or more games. Again, this is a soft rule as real life is a thing, but when combat is on and narrative time has ended, this rule should be abided by more strictly. If players cannot post, it is on them to ask the GM to NPC their characters.
- Take a look at some of the established games on the site. You will notice that in the IC, players are able to write rich narratives from their perspective. Like in any game, the GM should be guiding the story how they see fit and allowing players to interact with that story in a similar fashion. Rolls are (usually) made in the OOC and the GM can give the results right there or, if they are secret, can PM them to the player.
- Combat is when things change. When narrative time ends and structured time begins, most GMs LOCK the IC to prevent anyone from posting. This is to keep the IC clean so that the GMs can post each round in one large block post. Players are expected to post both their in-character dialogue or action descriptions, as well as their relevant rolls in the OOC. The GM then places them in initiative order in the IC. This gives every encounter a clean Round 1, Round 2, Round 3, etc. look without random posts breaking it up.
- It is worth noting that some GMs keep the IC open and have players post their rolls and OOC actions in spoilers. In larger games, however, this not as manageable, as it is a bit more chaotic.
Expediting the State of Play
- GMs should set deadline for players to post, especially when in structured time. If those players don't post, the GM has full reign to NPC them. Keeping the pace of the game up is absolutely essential to prevent stagnation, the great PbP killer.
- To further expedite the process, all players are heavily encouraged to download LINE on their phones. This free texting app allows GMs to create groups for their games and communicate in something of a real-time OOC. Currently, everyone on the site save 1 player are using it. It really speeds things up and allows GMs/players to know when things are on them, what they need to do, etc.
- Stick to schedules. If you can help it, stick to update schedules. If you tell your players you are going to update on Tuesday come hell or high water, and a few still haven't posted, too bad and tough shit. Update the game.
- Keep communication open. Always have open lines of comms between players and GMs and realistic expectations. As long as that is in place, the game should run smoothly.
