PBTRPG: Blog, Rules, etc.

[trodgers]

Play By Text RPG

These rules are going to need to be prettied up a bit, but here are some initial thoughts:


1. ACTION
For now, just assume that any typed message is read as what the character is doing or trying to do. It is all very straight forward.

Examples:
[text]Stop where I am.[/text]
Means: That character wishes to stop where she is.

[text]Attack the orc with my shortsword.[/text]
Means: That character wishes to attack the orc, using her shortsword.

[text]Look to sell blue potion for at least 2 silver[/text]
Means: The character is looking to sell a blue potion, and is looking for a sale of at least 2 silver pieces.

2. COMMUNICATION
At some point, characters are going to interact with other characters. The best way to do this is clear enough: use quotes for anything a character will speak. Use quotes and all capital letters for something someone will shout.

Examples:
[text]Stop where I am. “Who’s there?”[/text]
Means: The character will stop where she is and ask, “Who’s there?”

[text]Run up the stairs. “GET DOWN HERE”[/text]
Means: The character will run up the stairs. She will then shout, “Get down here!”

3. USING
Because we have set aside quotes-only for communication, we can use quotes plus a keyword or key letter for usings and doings.

Examples:

[text]c’flamestrike’ on lead guard[/text]
Means: The character is going to cast the spell ‘Flamestrike’ on the lead guard.

[text]u’speedattack’ on goblins[/text]
Means: The character will use the skill ‘speedattack’ against the goblins.

Abbreviations:
a attack; c cast; u use

More to follow.

[trodgers]

I've added a second post at the blog site.

Currently working on converting an adventure module I found online, just to see how difficult it is to translate into PBTRPG rules.

[trodgers]

I've completed the conversion of a D20 RPG to PBTRPG rules.

I've also posted the core mechanics on the blog.

http://pbtrpg.wordpress.com

[Rob Lang]

YAY! Now you need to run a game! If you need a setting, may I recommend one of the 24 Hour RPG settings or a Cyberpunk Revival Project.

[trodgers]

That's actually a good idea for some playtesting.

The module I converted was a pretty straightforward dungeon crawl from d&d. It's not particularly good, but it is converted. I might just start with that.

[trodgers]

Knocked out some advancement/training rules. Awaiting a text from a friend who made a character. Wouldn't mind getting this testing started.

[Rob Lang]

Me ME ME ME!

I think it might be a good idea to set up special twitter accounts for specific characters. Otherwise, you'll get personal messages mixed up.

[trodgers]

[Rob Lang]

I think a PBT name is a good idea. Think it needs to be short though as 6 characters is rather a lot and cuts away a lot of the game.

[misterecho]

Why not use a call of duty style clan tag i.e.

@Zeek[PBT]

OR

@MrFantastic[PBT]