Note: Not all the information here is set in stone. I'm always open minded to all content and ideas.
What is PbP(play by post)? Players and DM play using a forum. This slows things down, but also makes it very easy to play and can add more depth to roleplay. PbP campaigns are LONG. This is something you will have to accept before you start playing one. Expect to take 1 to 10 minutes of your time a day playing the game.
I know there are problems with meeting online. Using Pbp, it's much easier to game no matter what you do in real life or in FFXI or any other game you spend your time with.
Prepare for some text...
Rules/Expectations/Stuff
*You should be able to post at least once a day, or at minimum view the thread once a day. You will also be expected to check the OoC thread(this one after campaign begins) to keep up to date with important game details. If something comes up and you are unable to do this, please send a message and we'll work it through. The goal is to have everyone post at least twice a day during combat, but this is rarely possible. It's not a big deal if you miss this sometimes, but can a campaign killer if people go MIA. Also, the quicker the campaign flows the more things the group gets to do and the funner it will be.
*You should have a basic understanding of the rules presented in PHB. If you don't quite "got it", but really want to play PM me and I'll guide you through the basics. If you think the rules are too complex, but still want to play: Don't be intimidated, I'll lend a hand and I promise you will be able to understand it if you were able to understand FFXI.
**If anyone needs help making characters, PM me and I'll help.
*Please be familiar with house rules and campaign specifics listed in the posts below.
*No being dicks to each other as players. I have no problem with party tensions being roleplayed. However there is a line. When someone isn't having fun because their character was killed by another character or they had a magic item stolen, that line has been crossed. Players are always free to do what they like as long they are not destructive to the campaign and its fun for everyone.
*No cheating. I will be able to check this as you'll see below. I REALLY hope I don't have to enforce this.
*Not so much a rule but some general directions.
-Pick a font that is readable on a white background. This is your talking font color. When characters speak in is in this font. Quotation is optional. Describing actions should probably just be in normal fonts.
-Out of character is anything that isn't describing a character's actions or speech. This also includes combat decisions/actions. Two ways of speaking OoT: 1) In parentheses/brackets and in a separate paragraph; 2) Spoiler Tag(preferred). For big OoC messages use this thread once the campaign starts.
-In battle, include your characters current HP and action points if he has any.
*Again, not rule... more a tip.
At the beginning of combat initiative is rolled as normal. But, players describe what they do in any order. At some point when enough players have gone so that the monsters can, I will play some or all of the turns(if all players went) in order. This is quite a bit different than normal. Ideally you'll to list a plan B and make good use of readying actions.
Example:
"Tordek attacks the Goblin, unless Party Member Rydar has already taken care of him, then Tordek instead moves blah blah, etc etc".
Another tip would be to wait for others if you are the way down in the initiative line. If something happens that changes your turn too much, I'll let you redo it.
Finally, Interrupts are tricky things. Say if you want to use them if something happens or have some general condition "If x gets attacked", "If he attempts to do x"... and so on. If you didn't get to use an interrupt because I didn't give you the chance to, say you do, and I'll change the outcome. If the turn has just ended, you'll have to be quick with this.. OAs will also be controlled by players, I'll tell you to roll. This whole blurb is tricky because 4e is not as pbp as previous editions were, I will change if it becomes difficult in play.
*Yeah, okay... none of these are rules anymore.
During combat I will post a grid(maybe even a pretty map to go with it! but I wouldn't get your hopes up). 4e is very tactical miniature based. Use the positions(letter-#) to describe where you move.
*Optionally, if players give their character a background/personality they will be rewarded. I'm thinking some extra action points. Background can include details about cities, countries, or religions you can make up and will be apart of the campaign world. Naturally, there is some limitation. It has to fit in with the default DnD setting, a few specific campaign details of my own, and I usually mold it a little so it fits in nicely with everyone(Example: if two character come from an Elvaan empire located far away, I'll make them come from the same empire; Example: If a character comes from a fallen kingdom I'll make it so that he comes from a nearby nation I already had in mind). Backgrounds will likely be used as hooks for adventuring plots.
*For dice rolls we will be using invisible castle's "roll dice" feature.
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/
It's explained fairly well within that page, but there are a few more guidelines I'd like to add personally.
-You must always use the same character name for rolls. Make sure this name isn't already in use by searching it. If it is and you don't feel like changing it, just as BG or something to the end of it. Rolls must ALWAYS been made with this name.
-Link the BBcode given to the forum.
-Use space under Note describe simply what a roll is for. If you are doing multiple rolls separate them the same way you do rolls( ; ).
-Always roll things like Attack(To Hit) and Damage together unless you have some kind of power that let's you decide to use it after you succeed at it.
Here is an example:
Attack; Damage (1d20+5=8, 1d8+5=9)
Roles and Size
It would be a good idea for each role (leader, striker, defender, and controller) represented at least once. This is entirely optional though.
Likely, there will be a maximum of 5 players. I may stretch to 6. Minimum will be 3 players.
Game will start in roughly a month. Distracted a little and need to iron out a few 4e details. Will edit for a specific date.