A PBeM Aberrant Campaign
Project Hestia is a PBeM campaign set in the Aberrant campaign world utilizing the Marvel Universe diceless roleplaying system. If you have any questions or concerns or are interested in participating please feel free to email me at ProjectHestia@gmail.com
What's the Synopsis?
What is a PBeM, and how will this game be different?
This online FAQ has some great information on how PBeM games work. There will be a few differences between traditional PBeMs and this one. My goal is for this game to have the intimacy of a tabletop game with my bros, but with the flexibility and freedom of online play. We all have lives now. A few points to consider:
- This game will not be centralized. While the main Project Hestia blog is a primary source for adventure hooks, game information, and networking with other players, the game may be played in whatever format you wish. We run scenes through a variety of formats including blog, email, instant messaging, and chat. While players have the option of restricting their play to only some of these mediums you'll want to utilize all of them for maximum experience.
- While we are utilizing the Marvel Universe rules to handle game mechanic resolutions, knowledge of those rules is not required for play. Players will have the option of letting the game master handle game mechanics, or of handling them on their own. While no game books are necessary for play I do highly recommend purchasing the Aberrant (d20 or classic) rulebook to understand the setting and Marvel Universe to understand the rules basics. Again, not required.
- The measure of a PBeM's success is in the creative production of its players. Game play, in its simplest sense, is a written exploration of your character. Write a blog, post a jpeg of your latest hero machine character portrait, compose short stories unrelated to thread plotlines.
- Players will have a lot more creative control of the gaming environment than they might be used to. In tabletop gaming the game master has sole control of the environment and NPCs outside the player character. PBeM is a lot less strict. If you want to take a taxi across town you don't need to resolve the action with your game master... just write down that you did so. Feel free to describe the taxi driver's reactions if you're so inclined. Everybody's going to have to get used to this.
How can I make a character and start playing today?
Character creation is very simple! Just create a solid concept that works well with the game world and the synopsis, and email me as detailed a description of your character as possible. You'll want to give a lot of thought to roleplaying nuances and background as well as what powers the character will manifest. With this information I will build your 'character sheet' for you and you can jump into play immediately.
How can you start playing today? Easy! Writing a character background is playing. Discussing historical tie-ins with other players is playing. Creating a character portrait on Hero Machine or filling out a rpg character survey is playing.
Once your character is approved you can start participating on the Project Hestia blog immediately. This game will be very 'free form' as many of us, myself included, are exploring this gaming format for the first time.
If you're looking for some extra inspiration try filling out this voluminous character survey.
Here are some web resources that you may find useful.