Since "play by e-mail" and "forum" simm's are very alike in the way they are done, we will talk about them as one item. The only real difference is medium used to role-play over.
"Play By e-Mail" simm's use mail-lists as the medium to play, wile Forum simm's use fora. Forum simm's tend to be a bit faster and have the possibility of using more the one topic ( ex: for different locations, … ).
In these types of simming you "play" just like in any other role playing game, a specific character (role) in a story. Just like "live simms", PBeM and Forum simm's starts with a basic plot outline. In this outline a "start situation" for the story is lined out. This story is then played out by the characters. The way the story develops during the simm depends on the actions and decisions made by these characters. The stories used in PBeM and Forum simm's can be on any subjects. A basic knowledge regarding the subject your simming on is however required, even more then in "live simms". Since there is more time to do the needed research to make a post / story more true to the universe it is played in.
Due to the nature of this type of simming, the posts a player is supposed to make are larger then in live simms. In PBeM and Forum simms NPC ( non playing characters) are involved as well, this to widen the interaction and action possibility's in a story. It is in the posts made I these kind of simm's allowed to involve these NPC's in the story, It is also are allowed to use characters played by other players in your post, when you do this it is however FORBIDDEN for you to make ANY decisions with that character or to have the character evolve in a direction without having the players permission. Note: it is possible and allowed to write a combined post with 2 or more players and submit it.
For more information about how to post / play read the how section!
Just like the "live simm", these types of simm's are led by a "simm leader". The "simm leader" will make sure that the outpost 10f PD's and the the simming rules are follow. He / She will also make sure that the story develops to an end. If there ever is a problem in one of the simm's he / she is also the person to contact.
For more information about the outpost 10f simm's, see the event's section and keep an eye on the update boards!
