PbEM throne wars?!?

SunBoy · June 03, 2009, 02:52:28 AM

In another thread, Croaker mentioned this. So, I'm honestly asking you and anyone who's done this before... was that fun? I mean... I can't really picture what is like to play like that something that should (in my mind, at least) be fast & furious... Does that work? How long does it take? Does it plays like a free-for-all, or the somewhat more pacific medium leads to a somewhat more pacific game? What kind of work does it need?
I must say, I'm baffled at the concept. I've been toying with the idea of some PbP or PbEM lately, but I can't compromise myself to that, given my somewhat... chaotic working schedules... Maybe this could be an answer?
I'm really interested.
Thanks in advance.

Croaker · June 03, 2009, 06:50:00 AM

Well, to me, this was a fine way to do a PBEM. Since, in a throne war more than any other game, the action is made by the PCs, who are the each other's main antagonist, you have less work to do than in another, more normal, game.

This is also easier for the players, because they can tell you their plans, discuss between themselves, shapeshift and fool each other, spy each other way more easily than in a face to face game.

How it worked? I had each player tell me his actions, and gave them results. When players were in the same place (unless one was hiding), they could talk freely to each other, so long as i had a copy.
If players had spies or such, I fed them infos on other players's actions and plans.
I also had some NPCs, some run by players

The time, as each PBEM, depends on each player (and the GM) ability to post and actions.

And, on 3 games, I had one in which a player attacked Amber by force, and another (avorted) in which one was ready to (while trying to put sibling vs sibling). That's for pacifism

SunBoy · June 04, 2009, 02:02:36 PM

I does sound cool, I've got to say. What I meant with time is, how long would you say it takes, the whole thing I mean, in weeks or months?

Croaker · June 04, 2009, 02:49:05 PM

Oulala!!! Can't remember it. But it can vary wildly, depending on posting rates, and average player aggressivity/cooperation.

For exemple, if one player tries to seize the throne by force and his sibling are all apathic, the game may be over quickly, unless you turn it into a "normal" amber campain.
OTOH, if the players do little but talk, enjoy roleplaying, and are very cautious, or if no one accepts to lose and is utterly defeated, this can go on forever.

I'd say, try it, and don't bother if it falls appart, you'll still have had good times

SunBoy · June 04, 2009, 04:41:05 PM

Don't encourage me... oh, man, you already did! I'm so running through this in my head... oh my giddy aunt...

RPGPundit · June 05, 2009, 12:40:13 AM

I ran a PBEM amber throne war once; it lasted for about 5 months, if I recall correctly.

RPGPundit

boulet · June 05, 2009, 08:13:34 AM

Quote from: RPGPundit;306498I ran a PBEM amber throne war once; it lasted for about 5 months, if I recall correctly.

RPGPundit

And ? Give us a little more... I guess it wasn't so great or we would feel enthusiasm. Is Amber something you want to run via email ?

gabriel_ss4u · June 08, 2009, 06:32:53 PM

It seems to me, that if it IS at all possible, one of you experienced Pbemerz should start one exclusively for us rpg-siterz. The anticipation is catching... and I have faith that it was fun Pundit, I know I bring excitement wherever I go.

So what say you Pbemin'GMs?

Croaker · June 09, 2009, 12:55:07 AM

As before. Sorry, but no

jibbajibba · June 09, 2009, 11:59:39 AM

Quote from: gabriel_ss4u;307178It seems to me, that if it IS at all possible, one of you experienced Pbemerz should start one exclusively for us rpg-siterz. The anticipation is catching... and I have faith that it was fun Pundit, I know I bring excitement wherever I go.

So what say you Pbemin'GMs?

Okay I will run something in the Autumn. Won;t be an out and out throne war but will keep to an open agenda.
What sort of game do you want what level of power? you want a small scale group based game or a large Amberesque multiple cabals across the Amberverse type game?
Want to include Chaos characters or not?
Anyone else on here would be willing to participate? so far I think we would have 3 or 4 players which is not really enough for a fully blown Amber in my opinion (I think you need 6-10 PCs).

boulet · June 09, 2009, 12:11:04 PM

JibbaJibba : I'd be interested. I'm not picky about what you'd prefer to run. And yes PCs from all horizon would be a plus in my mind.

Croaker · June 09, 2009, 02:38:31 PM

I'd love it, but I KNOW I won't be able to keep up

jibbajibba · June 09, 2009, 05:05:22 PM

Quote from: Croaker;307303I'd love it, but I KNOW I won't be able to keep up

always an option to make a character with the proviso that if real life gets in the way the GM can take control for a while. kind of a psuedo NPC.

gabriel_ss4u · June 09, 2009, 09:14:52 PM

Natch!
"comon Jibba.... we're waitiing!

:::Already thinkin of stuff!:::

SunBoy · June 12, 2009, 12:18:13 PM

Quote from: jibbajibba;307334always an option to make a character with the proviso that if real life gets in the way the GM can take control for a while. kind of a psuedo NPC.

Then, HELL YEAH. I'm in. My un-schedule-y work sucks for gaming, but I'd love the experience. As for the power level, I'm cool with whatever you choose, but I guess you'll have to wait until you know how many players you'll get.