PBEM opening

For those interested,  I have one opening for my PBEm game-the
guidelines are below:

I need a spellcaster (including psioncists) for my current game,  which is
a bit heavy on fighter types.  before submitting a character,  please take
a look at the groups webpage and see what the tenor of the game/party is:
http://www.ozemail.com.au/~bowley/mercs/index.html
Read this message through completely before submitting.

Note:Characters that have never been played before should start at 1st
level.  If using a preexisting character the chracter should fit the
guidelines below,  but stays at current level/equipment.  Do not send you
submission as an attachment,  send it within the
message body.

The Black company needs a recruit!
The current adventure in my on going PBEM campaign is heading towards its
climax and it's time to prepare for the next episodes.  With that in mind,
I have decided to accept one new player into the group.  There is no
closing date,  once I have found a player who presents well thought out
character with interesting backgrounds (generally this is a good indication
of Roleplaying ability) I will close the game again.  I currently have a
great group,  and want to be certain I do not add any disruptive elements
into the game.  For that reason I will be very selective.

>The game requires that each player post once each week,  minimum.  If you
>cannot regularly meet that schedule (special circumstance and advance
>notice for short absences is allowed) please do not send a character.  I
>will kick players out for not posting if forced.  They game is long term,
>I expect it to run for another year.  I don't need a commitment for that
>long of a period,  but I do ask that you give me several weeks notice prior
>to your leaving,  so I can arrange a logical reason for your characters
>departure.
>
>Okay,  here's the set up.
>The campaign is set in the Forgotten Realms,  1367 DR,  in the city of
>Hill's Edge. I will choose players who send a well thought out,  detailed
>character background.  Munchkins shouldn't waste their time.

>Okay,  a few guidelines on characters:
>
>_NO_ "Players Option" garbage.  Non-negotiable.
>
>Levels-1 to 7  Be sure to give me a background.  PCs from previous
>campaigns are welcome,  provided they have a detailed background.
>
>Classes- Psioncist,  Mage (including specialists),  Priests (inc
>Specialty),  or other spell casting character.

>Races-No dragons,  beholders,  _drow_,  illithids.  Most from the Complete
>Book of Humanoids will get through. If you look weird expect npcs to treat
>you weird. Planescape and Spelljammer races may be allowed.
>Also; NO ELVES.  Sorry,  but the current group is a bit full of them.  I'd
>like to see some other races in the mix.  1/2 elves are also unlikely to be
>approved.
>
>Kits-Complete thieves, fighters,  priests,  mage,  psionicists,  Will and
>the way,  City of Splendors,  elves,  dwarves,  humanoids,  Runecasters
>from the Vikings book,  possibly some from Dragon or other sources-try me.
>I highly encourage kits.
>
>Alignments-Choose carefully,  I'll hold you to it.  If your actions are
>severe enough to warrant a drastic change,  characters above fourth level
>_lose_ a level,  dropping to the min xp needed for the next level down.
>I'll warn you if I feel you are slipping.
>
>Equipment-beginning PCs start with standard gp for their class and kit,
>they can purchase items from Aurora's whole realms catalogue,  arms and
>equipment guide,  thieves'handbook,  PHB.  None of the players should be
>rich,  otherwise why would they want a merc job?  Pre-existing characters
>from other campaigns start with what they've earned.
>
>Ability Scores-  I recommend using 4d6,  dropping the lowest,  roll six
>times and then arrange to fit.  Honestly,  I don't care how you do it,  but
>overwhelmingly high scores will get your PC rejected as Munchkiny.  18 is
>the highest score allowed,  and all racial limits apply.  PCs of some races
>_might_ exceed the 18 limit,  I reserve the right to make a judgement call
>based on the PC's other stats.
>
>Be sure to send a complete list of Stats,  abilities,  spells,  equipment,
>and especially background explaining why you are in Hill's Edge.

>_Do not_ send your submissions to the list.  Besides being bad form,
>several of my players are on the list and I try to keep player stats secret
>from other players.  There is a wide variation in levels in the group,  but
>the heavy roleplaying aspect of the game makes this usually unnoticeable.
>Sending your stats to list means I won't even read them.

Some points to keep in mind:
1)I am not sure about other games,  but I expect to receive many submissions for
only one opening.  That means I have to be picky, though I admit even if I
only receive 1 submission for the 1 opening I will be equally
picky.  I put too much time into my game to just accept players
willy-nilly.  When I invite players into my house for at home games,  I
insure that they are not only good roleplayers,  but basically polite
individuals who won't do stupid things like expect my wife to fetch them
beer.  I learned from hard expirence I needed to be very discriminating.  I
apply that expirence to PBEM games as well,  I have a good group currently.
I owe it to them to insure new players will fit into the system.

2)The biggest problem I run into with PBEM players is failure to post.  I
only require one post a week (more often is _very_ welcome) but that is a
locked in stone,  you will get kicked out if you break the rule, period.  I
look for a general sense of responsibilty in prospective players.

3)I require a rich,  detailed character background.  This is hard to
quantify in words.  It is _not_ simply submitting a "wierd" character.  (an
elf who hates elves,  or a LG ogre paladin,  for instance).  Instead,  it
involves creating a character whose background and motivations might come
from a good (I mean really good) novel.  PBEM is basically a writing
exercise.  Writing a good,  rich,  detailed background is my best gauge of
a player's ability in PBEM.  Good table top roleplayers do not always make
good PBEM gamers.  I know one truely horrid tabletop player who is actually
quite a good PBEM gamer.

4)  You proposed character must "fit" with the current party.  If your
submitting a paladin and the rest of the players are running CN thieves,
party conflict will rule.  I want _mild_ or low key party tension,  and I
look for "hooks" with other players.  I don't want my game to turn into me
refereeing  intra-party violence.



"We look on the same stars,  the sky is common,  the same world surrounds
us.  What difference does it make by what pains each seeks the truth?  We
can not attain to so great a secret by one road..."
Symmachus,  "Memorial on the Occasion of the Removal of the Altar of
Victory from the Senate House" (392 AD)

westermeyer.3@???.edu
Paul William Westermeyer