Official PBEM Rules

First and foremost:
You must have AD&D and PBEM experience to play. I apologize to any newbies who may be interested, but this will be a daily 5th level game and I just don't have the time to explain detailed PBEM rules to players this time around. Here are the basics;

I, the DM, start off by sending an e-mail to the players. This letter will describe a scene. The players write back to me describing their PC's actions/reactions. Then I send out another letter describing what happens next.

It's that simple. Just like face-to-face, only much, much slower...

Rules will come from the DMG, 2nd edition revised and the Players Handbook, 2nd edition revised. I will need permission from all players to use your name and e-mail address. If you prefer to use a pseudonym, say so.

Character Classes/Races:
Characters can be of any class and/or race and or combinations, and I also allow kits. Since this is a 5th level game, and since it will be taking place in Waterdeep, I will allow races and classes not usually seen in AD&D gaming. However I, as DM, reserve the right to edit or disallow any class/combination that I feel does not fit in with the basic concepts of this game. Try to be reasonable. No 1/4 giant, 1/4 titan, 1/4 ogre, 1/4 cyclops type characters. Try to stick with the basics; human, half-elven, elf, dwarf, halfling, gnome. Psionics will be considered on an individual basis, but I prefer not.

Starting Statistics:
You have 82 points to spread between the six character attributes, making sure to observe the racial maximums, and no score should be over 18. If you want exceptional strength, call it a 19 (for 18/01 - 18/50) or a 20 (for 18/51 - 18/00) and I will roll your specific strength for you.

Level:
Characters will be starting at level 5. Due to the slow nature of online/PBEM games, characters probably won't be advancing rapidly through levels, so I'm starting off at a reasonably advanced level.

Hit Points:
PC's will have full hit points per their class for a 5th level character. This includes any constitution bonuses.

Money & Starting Equipment:
PC's may begin with 500 GP's to use for weapon's and supplies, as well as 2 magic items (one weapon, one of any other type). Again, I reserve the right to edit/disallow anything I decide is unfitting for this game.

Weapon/Non-Weapon Proficiencies:
All proficiencies listed in the Players Handbook are acceptable as are any others that you may come up with (diplomacy, bartering, etc.), as long as it is fitting for Forgotten Realms.

Spells:
Spellcasters are free to choose the appropriate number of spells for a 5th level character. 5th level Wizards get 4/2/1, 5th level Priests get 3/3/1, etc.

Skills:
Choose weapon and non-weapon proficiencies as normal, including any rogue skills, adjusting for level. Include languages known as well. No Combat and Tactics, Skills and Powers or Spells and Magic rules will be used unless you want to type the entire list of details and e-mail them to me. And even then, I may not allow it. I'm only human and I don't want to waste valuable game time by trying to learn a hundred new rules. I own a few of the 'Complete Book of ... ' series, and I can get a few more at the library, but I'd prefer to not run all around town.

Character Appearance:
I'll need a fully detailed description of your character's appearance. Note hair color, height, weight, facial features, etc. This is important, since it will be used when meeting with other PCs. And I love character quirks. If you can't come up with a fear or strange personality habit or behavior, then I get to choose one for you.

Character History:
I prefer to have well-thought out character histories, including developed background, motivations, friends, enemies, etc. I also need a physical description of the character, primarily for the benefit of the other players you may meet. I look for at least 1-2 pages. You should give a family history back at least to grandparents (if known) and being 5th level I need to know of battles and adventurers you've had previously. Detail is important! You will be of good or neutral alignment - no evil characters will be allowed in this adventure. I will allow any deity from the FR pantheon. All characters will be encouraged, but not forced, to follow a deity unless it's necessary for your class (i.e. priests, druids, paladins).

Frequency of Moves:
I generally try to send one major move per week, along with several updates to the move sent in by the players. I will try to mail daily, but I am only human. A job, family, friends, etc. take energy and time away from me. If you yourself only access your e-mail once a week, I doubt a PBEM game is for you. I recommend you check your e-mail at least once a day or you'll likely get left behind.

Damage Descriptions:
Descriptions of wounds will be like so: