How to Play
From Age of Intrigue Wiki
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Intro | |
Contents |
What does Play-By-Post mean?
Play-by-post, or pbp, means that Age of Intrigue is played on an online forum located here, and the game is played by making posts to threads. Players and moderators usually alternate posting to threads, in order to write a story together. The locations are found in a sticky topic on top of the forums and here in the wiki.
What does Semi-freeform mean?
Semi-freeform, also known as moderated freeform, means that while we do not use dice, there are still rules. Players make a character of their own, and this is all they control. Players may not control other player's characters (PC's) or NPCs, they may not create or dictate location or setting, and they may not assume the success of their actions. In essence, all the player has control over is what their own character thinks, says, does, and tries to do.
A moderator will write locations, NPCs, and tell the player whether or not they succeed at actions they attempt to do. Bear in mind that discretion is key when deciding the success of actions - players may assume they succeed at lifting their own drink, or tying their shoelaces, of course! But they may not assume they manage to trip that NPC, or steal that purse, or scale the sheer wall - a moderator must decide that.
Lay Out of the Forums
The Forums or Boards is where the actual game takes place: London Court. The IC forums are on top. They are based on their geographical location:
- London
- Whitehall
- Westminister
- West End
- London Centre
- Charring Cross
- East End
- Countryside (outside London)
- South of the River
- Chelsea
- Travel
Each IC forum has a set of predefined locations, listed in the Guidebooks. You can use these standard descriptions to create new posts with. We have a separate set of forums for large events that may otherwise clutter the geographic forums. We also have a set of forums dedicated to letters, publications and rumours. Characters are always part of the circle of Court, but may gain access to more secret Circles.
Below the IC forums you'll find the OOC forums. They are geared at an optimal experience by players, both relaxing and giving you a voice in how the game is designed. It is also where you will find your secret Player Compendium, for which an example is given.
Playing the Game
In Age of Intrigue we expect our players to co-write their stories by taking initiative and explore opportunities. Your character is offered plot hooks based on his or her background. That however is not all. Player characters move from thread to thread as they move through our world, and what they do influences other storylines, sometimes across the entire game.
Once you feel confident you are ready you can make your first post by joining an existing thread, or create your own using the descriptions of locations in the guide books that are sticky on the forums but can also be found in the wiki. Remember that this is your PC's introduction into the game, so consider making your first post a bit longer than usual to include background material. It is advised that you include in a logical writing style why your PC is in the area, with a description of how your PC looks. It also helps if there is a reason for others to interact with your PC. Maybe you can react to other characters, or ask them a question.
Getting Involved in Scenes & Plot Direction
At first it may seem not much is going on. The first steps of your character will likely consist only of meeting, or trying to meet ,the right people. Under the surface however there is a lot going on (this is a game of intrigue after all) and it is up to you to get involved.
There is not a list of scenes available, though sometimes the moderators post currently running threads. You will have to read the threads out there and choose to join in. You can also create a thread of your own, using the location description in the Guidebook sticky on top of the forum (or here in the wiki). No permission is needed to enter a thread, but you need to have IC logic. You also need to post within a certain timeframe, always moving forward. Read more on Entering Threads & Timekeeping.
During your threads the mod will help you by pointing out ongoing events. Age of Intrigue believes in player interaction and weaving all plotlines together, so behind the scenes there is some active plotting going on. You can be part of that by asking questions or make suggestions in your Player Compendium. We encourage proactive play. You are a co-writer in this game! Now you have entered the game what are you going to do? It is entirely up to you! The whole world is at your disposal, and the only limits are your creativity and your imagination.
Your PC can pursue what plots that involve him or her in whatever fashion he or she wishes. That's your responsibility as a player. Plots in Age of Intrigue are living things that continue with or without player involvement, but they can be shifted, changed, adjusted, and even capitalized by a clever player character. If you're worried that your character is following content you don't want... then stop following it! If you are concerned your character is being rather inactive... go do something.
Mortality
Yes, player characters can die, and they will. Moderators are not out to get you, but we apply the logics of the environment. If we can see it in the tealeaves in time we'll help you avoid it by making the thread impassable and serve you a mortality warning, however death can occur at all times. If the scene warrants it, death will knock on your door.
Does it end there? For your character it does, but you are free to create another character, one with a bit more seniority. The Privy Council will work with you to find a new challenge. In general 2nd PC's and replacement PC's are treated with a bit more leniency.
Alternate History
Our setting started in 1675. What will happen next? We don't know. Maybe the King gets a son, or publicly announces he is Catholic, calling on Louis XIV to invade England. Or the Monmouth rebellion happens after his death, but this time it is York that gets his head chopped off.
Are these things possible? You bet. Like any living system, Age of Intrigue moves and changes by virtue of the forces that interact with it... and the greatest forces interacting with Age of Intrigue are you, the players. Naturally, some goals will be harder than others... and some will be virtually impossible. However nothing is static. Everything is subject to change... and if you don't stay awake, you just might miss it.
Joining Clubs, Parties & Families
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Shopping and Socializing | |
We do not have simple lists where you can choose from, no sign up forms, no canons. That is not what this realistic game is about. What we do have is a very extensive list of Biographies of both Player Characters and Non Player Characters along with their associations (Catholic, French, Whig etc.). During Character Creation you can request becoming a family member to a NPC or PC, in some cases even a wife/husband, or perhaps simply have them as a patron. It is considered a Benefit. Your Player Character will always be an original.
During the game you can attempt to become a member of several IC clubs and organizations, such as the various committees of the Privy Council and the Royal Society, the Life Guard, various political factions etc. In addition you can gain membership to a circle if you are recognized by your peers.
