The History of the World ^tm
PBEM Guidelines

• All games will be run by a moderator. This person will be the final arbiter of any issues or questions. Games may be "normal", "bidding", or with approval of all players, a special game (if played for ladder points, the keeper of the ladder must also approve).
  
• It is suggested that all players swap phone numbers with the GM. This will allow them to communicate problems such as modem or computer failure or other things that might cause them to be "AWOL".
  
• Games will be played using the Honor System. That is, the player taking the turn is responsible for rolling all dice, both offensive and defensive. The player then reports the results of the turn to the rest of the group.
  
• Play can be by e-mail, or by posting to a central board. This is determined by the capabilities of the players. The game must be by e-mail unless all agree to a different method.
  
• The moderator will draw all cards for the players.
  
• Any "secret" information will be passed by e-mail only (such as the event cards and empire cards drawn by each player).
  
• In a bidding game, the GM will either randomly pick a player to place the Sumerians or the GM may place them. This will be done prior to the first round of bidding. In a 7 player game, the Sumerians will be an available empire to be bid on.
  
• In a non-bidding game, the GM will, one at a time, e-mail the drawn empire cards to the appropriate players. In addition to the card, the GM will let each player know what their order is for choosing to hold or pass the empire card. The players will then post specify the card's use by sending e-mail to all other players and the GM. When there is only one empire left, the GM will e-mail to each player which empires they kept or were passed.
  
• The players will then begin taking their turns. When one empire finishes, the other players should check that turn for errors. If they find none, the next empire can begin.
  
• To speed play, the GM should tell the player if the empire held follows one that is missing that Epoch. This will allow that player to start play as soon as possible without waiting for that information later.
  
• To speed play, a player who has an army (armies) that might need to retreat should specify the retreat rout as soon as possible, preferably as soon as the previous empire completes its turn.
  
• Errors: It is quite possible that a turn can be in error. This us usually due to someone missing a difficult terrain defense but this is not the only reason. If an error occurs, the GM can (in order of preference):
  1. Reroll the erroneous attack. This usually is just rolling one or two additional die(ce). If there is no change, the turn stands. If the attack fails when it had originally succeeded, then you "roll back" the turn. I.e. if one attacking army lost, then the final attempted attack of the turn does not occur. If two were lost, then the last two attacks did not occur. This can obviously result in a changed score. If the incorrect attack succeeds when it originally failed, then the player will get one or more additional armies to attack with, and will be told to complete the turn.
     
  2. Rerun the turn from the point of the first error. This should be used only when there are many errors or the outcome would not be too effected.
     
  3. Replay the entire turn. Obviously this is only to be used in extreme cases. As always, the GM has discretion. Use common sense.
  
  
• Players should always look to keep the game moving. Let the others know when you will be gone for more than a couple days, etc.
  
• At the end of each Epoch, the GM will post or email all players a summary of the board and player positions for verification prior to the beginning of the next epoch and at the end of the game.
  
• If played for ladder position, all games must be registered with the Keeper of the Ladder prior to play and reported when completed.
  
• As always, the main issue is good sportsmanship and fun.

Greg Courter       :)er
Keeper of the History of the World PBEM Ladder

To join the HotW ladder, report on ladder information, etc., drop a line to Grinner.

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Copyright © 1998, Gregory S. L. Courter
Revised -- 01/19/1998
URL: http://www.iserv.net/~grinner/HotW/HotW_PBEM.htm