Play-by-Post Tips

Yes, Adventurers League games can work as Play-by-Post (PbP) games. They can work very well using text mediums like Discord or forum posts.

These are my tips for successful games.

Set Expectations Upfront

Before the game even begins, post to your players any expectations you have. This includes any timing requirements, length of committment, etc.

I target a 4 hour mod to last 6 weeks. For you, it may be more or less. Ensure your players are aware of the length of time and are willing to commit to it.

What Not to Expect

I’ve seen many DMs request that players post at least once every 24 hours. That’s unrealistic. Players will come and go. Real life interferes.

Keep Things Moving

As DM, try to post every day whenever possible. When the DM disappears, so do the players.

Don’t wait for every player to respond to stuff. Sometimes, a single player responding during role plan (RP) is enough. Stopping to allow others to “chime in” can stall a good RP session between those that are available. If you’re able to respond to a player, do so. This is part of “keep things moving”.

If I need a player to respond or roll, I give them 18 hours. Then I “boop” them (this would be like a Discord ping). After another 18 hours, I move on best I can.

Players Will Be Absent

Real life happens. Sometimes, players may be away for a few days. If many things happened during that time, noting all of it when they return may be difficult.

Offer to summarize the situation if someone seems to be unaware of the situation.

Retcon Is Common

Allow players to retcon things. Sometimes they’re not there to know they can cast shield or do other reactions. Give them the benefit of the doubt, adjust things as best you can.

To add to the “let’s wait to see if others want to add anything…” Again, don’t. Instead, if someone shows up 24 hours later and says “my character would have said/done this”, then insert that into what happened before and just treat it like a flashback. Adjust whatever followed as necessary.

With PbP, things can get out of order. Just roll with it. But it can get tricky when something would have dramatically changed something. But I find that the more railroady nature of AL modules helps prevent that from happening.

Never Forget History

One “rule” I have with my PbP is for everyone to never delete/change what was put before, aside from correcting typos. If you delete or change a post, players reading though later may become confused. Instead, make use of strikethrough to edit old posts that need adjustments so people know something was changed.

Encourage Your Players

Allow your players to do their cool stuff.

Use Helpful Tools

I pre-write my big RP responses in a word processor. Sometimes I even pre-write stuff before it’s needed.

Discord Tools

If you’re using Discord, make use of Avrae and automated rolls and attacks.

Visuals help. Use Avrae’s !map tool and/or draw things in a paint program to give your players an idea of what’s going on.

You Run the Game

Don’t let players push other players. As the DM, that’s your job, if it must happen at all.