Game Expectations

I expect from the players a certain level of interested involvement. That means not simply reacting to events as they unfold, but actively investigating leads, clues and hints: your character should be motivated to act, and to act as part of a group. Discussion in-character of such leads, of possible options, and plans of action are important for character development. I encourage scenes where the characters are merely interacting with each other and NPCs to give opportunities to dig into their personalities. There will also be action scenes, in some cases initiated or avoided by the characters based on their decisions.  This is a game of Sci-Fi adventure.  The campaign will not tolerate hostile loners, apathetic brooders, or other characters or players that must be coaxed into engaging with the world and cooperating with the rest of the group.

I do not expect everyone to be a literary master, but I do expect more than a one-line response of spoken text in each post. Every post, even a simple “yes” answer must be accompanied by more describing stance, expression, emotion, or even something of the thought behind it. In short, there are few pictures here, you need to show what is being done and said with words. In addition, please proof-read before posting as a courtesy to your fellow players, and use a spell-checker and proper grammar. English may not be your first language, but there are many tools, some built into basic browsers, that will help make things easier to read.

Observe proper etiquette: it is bad form to remove another player’s agency from their own character; to perform an action on/against another player's character without that player having a chance to react. For example, Red’s player can't simply write that he picks up Mary and carries her into the building over his shoulder. Mary’s player would have to agree or have a chance to avoid Red's grasp. Likewise, with NPCs; they have agency in matters that affect them.  This is The Agency Rule.  Observe it. 

It also relates to time zones and general activity levels: giving an opportunity to act also means giving them time to react.  I don't want any player feeling left out because the narrative advanced while they were asleep or at work.  While I appreciate those who can post daily or more often, inclusiveness demands that we move at the slowest pace under ordinary circumstances.  If you plan to be away for  than two days, please notify me and I will advance the story based on your guidelines or reasonable actions for your character.

There will be no PvP in this game.  Don’t argue with me that it would be in-character for your character to attack another PC.  If that is the case, you and your character were selected for the game in error.  Arm wrestling does not count as PvP.

Finally, every character should have a goal from the very start. Whatever it is, it should give your character an immediate reason to go out and do something.