Online Adventure

   Thanks to our exalted sysop, Paul Hanson, and myself, the Sage's Desk is
now hosting an online play-by-mail role playing game. Like any other role
playing game, this is a game in which different players assume the role of a
fantastic character and, through interaction with other players and the
Dungeon Master (the referee of the game, myself), attempt to accomplish a
goal, which is usually completing a quest in a fantasy world planned out by
the DM.

   The role-playing game we will have in this area will be one using the
rules set by by the Advanced Dungeons and Dragons Second Edition game
system, and its various addendums. Players do not need to have experience in
this sort of gaming to play, nor is anyone required to own any AD&D2 books;
everyone, novice and expert alike, is invited to join the game. The only
thing requested of players is that they be able to call at LEAST once a day
to update their character's actions. A maximum of 6 players will be allowed
in the game at one time.

   For those of you not familiar with BBS AD&D, or AD&D at all, here is a
basic outline of how the game is played: After everyone has created their
character, the game will begin. I will post a description of your
surroundings and describe any events that may occur, and each player may
post their response to it. Keep in mind that the group must move around as a
whole, so be sure to consult with the other players before attempting any
major action. Remember, you control only your character, and not the entire
group. After everyone has posted their actions, I will in turn respond to
those, posting a message containing the results of your players' actions.
The game thus progresses in this fashion.

   Now, for the technicalities, for those of you who already know quite a
bit about AD&D. I will be incorporating most of the optional rules found in
the Player's Handbook and the Dungeon Master's Guide. This includes a
slightly modified encumberance rule, so don't expect to be carrying around
six tonnes worth of equipment on your journeys. I will also be including all
the rules from the Priest's, Fighter's, Thief's, and Wizard's Handbooks.
This opens up a wide range of role-playing possibilities for your character,
since I will be allowing the use of special combat rules, character kits,
magic specialization, and priest dieties.

   And now, the "rules" for this area. DM rulings are not open for debate in
this conference; they are off-topic. If you have a problem with something I
do (unless it's a very obvious mistake) and would like to see a certain
ruling changed, please take it to private mail. Also off-topic is anything
not pertaining directly to the game. By all means, be as verbose as possible
when phrasing your actions, but please don't post anything unrelated to the
adventure at hand. Finally, kindly refrain from the use of swears. This
includes both what you say and what your character says. I believe this rule
applies to most of this BBS anyway, so it shouldn't be too much trouble. And
one last suggestion: please do *NOT* post any of your ability scores! That
really detracts from the game when everyone knows everyone else's stats. A
good guideline to follow is: don't post anything that your character
wouldn't say. Let's get real; you don't introduce yourself to people as "Hi,
my name's Barney and my strength is 17, my intelligence is 12, my dexterity
is 14, I've got a +2 saving throw against poison because of my high
constitution, and I've taken the 'gladiator' warrior's kit."

   Well, that should be just about it.. I believe the sysop has permitted
the use of handles in this area, so you may want to change your handle to
the name of your character to avoid any confusion when playing the game. If
anyone has any questions, and/or you'd like to get involved in the game,
please leave me email, and we'll try to get your character set up and ready
to play!

Sage's Desk AD&D