How does an Email Simulation work?

Email simulations are broken down into missions, or chapters, as you read in the previous page. If you have not read and understood the 'What' of an Email simulation, it is highly suggested you go back a page and go through it as we will be making passing references to it here on in.

As mentioned, the Episodes last at least two months, but usually stretch a little longer, around three months. This allows the writer some movement in getting involved with the plotline, Joint Posting (which is where one or more writers pen a piece together), or just getting a feel for the sim if they arrived while a chapter is in motion.

As to the hows of the simulation? Firstly, the GM posts a teaser or mission opening post to the common mailstring being used; we use a listserver here, which I will get into later. When this teaser is posted, the chapter begins. There are some limits to what can be written on your character's behalf, but those limits are well within reason, which we will also get into later when we discuss etiquette. Otherwise, you can pretty much do what you want.

If you join the simulation during a mission, the GM will introduce you to the listserver, detailing a synopsis of the current chapter and introducing your character to the masses.

It is on this same mailing list where you will post your own stories of your character's experiences, whether it be as a subplot of your own creation, or as a posting to further the plot along either through conjecture on your part or as part of a request from the GM in private.

For more information on how a Play by Email RPG works, click here.