By taking the time to write this list of rules/guidelines, I hope to answer some general questions about the way I run a campaign. In addition, these rules/guidelines set the standards of conduct that I expect each player to live up to (I will, as well). And finally, by reading these rules/guidelines, you will have advance knowledge of how I treat certain aspects of gameplay, especially how to question or dispute one of my judgements or statements. I have taken the time to write this list, please take the time to read it.

1. The Goal. The goal of this game is to have fun within the context provided by the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (AD&D) game system and the campaign created by the Dungeon Master (DM)—me. For the entire game, I will be using the 2^nd edition rules as published in the Player’s Handbook (PHB) and the Dungeon Mater’s Guide (DMG). While I do have some of the accessory books, I do not intend to use the rules outlined only in them, as I cannot assume that all players have access to those rules. I assume that you have access to a copy of the PHB.

 

2. To dispute the DM’s judgement or ruling. There will invariably come a time when you dispute a judgement or other statement I make as DM. I am most definitely human, and have been known on more than a few occasions to make a mistake. If you feel that you have been slighted or otherwise disagree with something, you are more than welcome to send me a message pleading your case. Especially if the problem deals with a topic explicitly discussed in the PHB, references to page numbers is particularly helpful. I will, in every instance, review the rules in the PHB and DMG and reassess the situation. It is quite possible that, in the event of an error, I will either have to make a correction on the next turn or compensate your character in another way. However, it is also possible that, because the characters (and therefore the players) don’t always know all there is to know about a situation, monster, etc, I will stand with the original ruling. In this case, to preserve the fluidity of gameplay, I will most likely tell you that I stand with the original ruling to "best facilitate smooth, exciting gameplay." (This way I do not reveal the information your character does not know.) I’m sorry, but in this case, you’ll have to accept that.

 

3. About dice. To preserve honesty, I will do nearly all of the dice-rolling. I will then weave the results of the rolls into the fabric of the story narrative. When there is a case that you, the player, can make an official die roll, I will invite you to do so.

 

4. Character records. To maintain up-to-date records, I keep running files on each character. I call these "Character Information Sheets" (CIS). You received an initial CIS with your "acceptance letter," per se. Each character’s CIS contains not only their permanent stats and numbers (e.g. Strength, Intelligence, Constitution), but also stats and numbers which often fluctuate, as well as your character’s background/appearance. When there are updates to your CIS, I will send you a new copy of the file (which is in Microsoft Word97 format). I have set these files as protected, such that any changes you make will appear in a different color than the normal text. This way, if you need to send the file back to me, I can quickly and easily identify the changes you made.

 

5. Turns. While the characters are not involved in a combat situation, the game will progress in Turns. Each Turn I post will be numbered in the subject heading, beginning with "1.0". When you respond to a post, please be sure to keep the Turn number to which you are responding in the subject heading of your message. (Most email programs will simply add a "Re:" in front of the subject heading of the message you are replying to—so a response to Turn 3.0 would read: "Re: Turn 3.0".)

 

6. Rounds. While the characters are involved in a combat situation, the game will progress in Rounds. These are roughly (but not always) equivalent to rounds as described in the PHB in chapter nine (p. 91). There are roughly (but not always) ten Rounds per Turn, so that each Round will be posted as "T.R" where T is the turn number and R is the round number (e.g. Turn 3.4 would indicate the fourth Round within Turn 4).

 

7. Frequency of posts. Turns will be posted two or three times per week, to start. If I find that people usually take longer to respond, then I will post less frequently. If people are generally quick to respond, I may be able to post more often, if my schedule permits (I have a life, too!).

 

8. Responding to posts. The game works best when everybody responds at least once to every post. In the event that someone hasn’t responded when I am ready to post the next turn, I will wait a day. If they still haven’t responded, I will assume control of their character’s actions for that Turn in order to keep the game moving (they will, of course, be able to play their character for the following Turns). If someone is consistently missing posts, I will deal with that person individually.

 

9. Leaves of absence. If you are going to be unable to respond to posts for a known period of time, please let me know and I will play your character while you are away. It is best if you let me know this in advance so that I don’t assume you’re being delinquent!

 

10. Writing for your character. When replying to posts, write only for your own character. Don’t assume another character’s dialogue, actions, or intentions. Keep in mind, also, that I may have to slightly alter each individual player’s response in order to encompass everyone’s actions into the next Turn.

 

11. Side conversations. It may be beneficial, and is certainly encouraged, to have some "side conversations" between characters. If you decide to do this, please send a Carbon Copy (CC:) of each of the messages to me. This way, I am aware of what’s going on and can best direct gameplay.

 

12. About language. When replying to posts, please be courteous in your use of language. In general, don’t write anything that you wouldn’t say out loud in public. In addition, proper spelling, capitalization, and punctuation are preferred. That way, there is no doubt about what you are saying.

 

13. Optional rules. If you are not sure whether or not I will be using or applying an optional rule (usually encased in a blue box in the PHB), please feel free to ask me, especially if the use or nonuse of the rule will influence your character’s actions. In general, (a) I do not use encumbrance unless a character has an excessive amount of gear, in which case I’ll warn that character that they are in danger of application of the rule (see PHB 76); (b) I do not use spell components (see PHB 85); (c) I do not use "weapon type vs. armor modifiers" (see PHB 90); (d) I do use the standard initiative procedure (see PHB 94); (d) Characters may choose to parry in combat (see PHB 100); (e) There may be instances in which I do apply these optional rules, but I will let you know when those cases exist—in general, I will follow the guidelines above. (The list above is not, and is not meant to be, all-inclusive.)

 

14. My email. You may email me at dm-rinder@lycosmail.com I check my mail multiple times a day on most days.

 

15. Your email. Unless you have told me otherwise, I will email posts in such a way that other players can see your email address. You may not distribute anyone’s email address without their prior consent, including my email address. I cannot speak for everyone, but I hate spam, and if I begin to receive a lot of spam due to someone in this game, I will not be a happy camper.

LAST UPDATED: 10/25/98

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