- The first, introductory post will be sent by Seth. At the end of each post, it is the player's 'turn'. Reply to Seth with whatever actions you deem appropriate to the given situation.
- From time to time, a post may have an Instructional at the bottom. An Instructional is an added request, situation or circumstance which must be followed immediately. (detailed below)
- When starting a new night or from time to time in a post the time of night, current blood pool and/or Health level will be displayed for reference. Feeding and healing are the player's responsibility in game and not automatic.
- All posts will have a title and the character's name in the Subject section of your E-mail. If the Name shown is not your character, delete the E-mail without opening and notify Seth.
- Combat is run solely by Seth. A player may possibly influence combat based on what the character wishes to have happen between posts, abilities or the expenditure of willpower but remember, not everything happens as we wish. Especially in player vs. player actions, someone may come out the worse for wear. In posts involving combat, PC's are encouraged to explain in greater detail their character's actions, plans and desires. All combat and actions involving the traditional "roll of dice" will be handled by Seth. The use of a Discipline against an unknowing or unwilling individual is resolved as Combat.
- Seth will attempt to reply to posts no less that 1 per week. Please understand that Stockton by Night functions purely in the free time of Seth and is subject to ebb and flow as circumstances allow.
- Likewise, it is requested that a player take no longer than seven days to reply to any sent post requiring a reply. If a player is experiencing difficulty, extended absences, vacation, etc. Please inform Seth in advance if possible or as soon as possible to avoid confusion, delay for others or possibly unwarranted penalties.
- If a player leaves the game for any reason, the Character becomes the property of Seth and may be used as an NPC, made inactive, given to a new player or destroyed as Seth sees fit. If the character is still functioning and the player in question returns, Seth may return the character or require a new character be made. In the event of a returned character, events good or bad that may have happened are the new responsibilities for the player to deal with.
- There are no 'Do Overs' allowed in game. If a player disagrees with an action, encounter or result, they may appeal in private to Seth. If the player is found to have a valid complaint, then 'compensation' may be given or a 'second chance' offered in game but the event in question will not be redone. Seth is the final judge in all situations.
Instructional:
- (nothing): It is the 'Player's turn'. Respond as you deem necessary.
- Group Post: An occasion when two or more Players are together. In a Group Post, Players are to REPLY ALL in order to speed up communication or a situation. A second reply to Seth is acceptable in order to ask private questions or actions or to do 'sneaky stuff'. Keep in mind that if two or more very active players continue with a group post, it may take a moment for a private action to take place depending on when Seth can moderate.
- End of Scene/Story: A break in the game. End of Scene is when the night ends prematurely in order to 'fast forward' to another point in time. End of Story is when the current story line, quest, mission, etc is completed. In both cases, hold for further instructions from Seth and await the next post.
- End of Night: The coming of dawn which forces the Kindred to sleep. A pause in which experience points may be given and spent. Await the next post. Intermission.
- Stand By: Please pause and await instructions.
- Actions: A 'turning point' in the game in which a choice is to be made regarding the character or situation. An example would be if a Brujah was about to frenzy or a Toreador is mesmerized at a bad time, would you wish to spend a willpower point to resist?
Posting:
I encourage you to RP or write out your posts. If you are in a crunch, you may post general, broad objectives like:
"I want to go into the party, try to steal some valuables and talk to the doorman to learn information then spike the punchbowl."
These are acceptable, but keep in mind that broad, general posts like this produce broad, general results. As Storyteller, I may opt to 'fill in the holes' with whatever might come along based on what I think is possible and what is on your character sheet. RPing out events add flavor, creativity and help add to the possible outcome rather than just 'rolling the dice'. RP also has some effect on the experience points given at the end of a day.
Keep in mind that events happen much slower in this game than in tabletop RP. When I have posts like this, I have the opportunity to take what you have offered me and use it as I see events happening. Remember, things just don't always go as we plan in game. I have the option to take all of your post parts of it, or none of it as things progress. That said, never fear, I try to make things challenging, but fun too.
When posting, keep in mind that powers and abilities are not automatic. If you wish to use a certain power or skill, reminders are a good idea.
Example: "I'm gonna stomp right up to the bouncer and glare at him until he gets out of my way. (Intimidate 2) If not, I'll just pick him up and throw him aside! (Strength 2 and Potence of 1)
Notes like these save me the time of having to look up your character every time you do something or try to second guess your plans. 'What If's' are also suggested if the Player wishes.
Example: "My character is gonna drive by and throw the Molotov cocktail right at the front door! If I see the Setite I'm looking for in his car then I'm gonna side swipe it off the road first and just blast him. If the Sheriff or the Prince are nearby, I'll just lay low until I can get a clear shot!"
Taking no action (doing nothing): If a player chooses to take no action during or as a post, send a reply such as 'I do nothing' or 'stay quiet and hidden'. Any such thing is acceptable, but send something so Seth or other players are not waiting on a post that is not coming.
