Everyone complains about drops. I don't have the numbers on
this, but I would have to assume that the majority of early
game drops are by first timers. I think part of the reason
for that "could" be because they aren't fully prepared for
what they're getting themselves into. The game has changed,
or at least the way the game is played has changed. What we
expect from each other is, I'm SURE, more than what was expected
in the early days.
As I don't know what brand new players are given before they
begin, I did this blind, but my intentions are good!
I'll take credit for what I've written below ( 
but the
reason for writing it is to suggest the type of things or the
kinds of ideas that I at least, feel should be stressed to new
players before the corporate types run their credit cards through!
If anyone wants to edit, or alter it in any way, the changed
version is all theirs, and their welcome to it. If anyone wants
to shred it and write a much better one, please do so! I'm
far from the most eloquent and able writer on this list!
Thanks!
···
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BEFORE YOU PLAY
Be advised that MEPBM is a multiplayer Wargame. While there
are various aspects of the game that can be used in a role-
playing sense, the balance between those 2 gaming styles has
tilted heavily towards Wargame. This is because of the sheer
volume of knowledge and game information so readily available
with new communication technology.
WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
While there is yet an Individual Winner, that player must be a
member of the winning Team. The most successful nation is WWII
couldn't have accomplished their feats without close coordination
(communicatin, information sharing, etc) with their various allies.
D-Day was NOT organized via bi-weekly postcards between world
leaders!
WHAT TO EXPECT:
As a member of an allegiance, your allies want to talk! They will
expect a commitment to see the game through, and a willingness to
share and compromise. Most players will want the team set up on an
email group to communicate and upload all players' turn reports for
all to share! Emails may fly, replies expected quickly... It may
seem like a lot at first! Players wil bombard each other with
plans, strategies, ideas, requests, questions. Some are more
demanding, others may seem intransient or downright authoritarian!
Be Prepared! Most though, are decent enough chaps (as most people
are...) more than willing to recall when they too felt overwhelmed
by it all. You'll find all types of personalities in our game, but
you'll always find an understanding ear ready to offer help, ideas,
advice and support.
The closer the 10 (+ neutrals...) players on a team are able to
coordinate the better. Ever tried to find consensus among 10
strangers from all over the world? In 5 days?!? It can be quite
difficult! But that's some of the fun. Intra-team diplomacy is
often forgotten as most people will have conflicting priorities
most of the time.
HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL
Be honest about your knowledge and experience level. Ask
honest questions. Don't take things the wrong way or personally,
if you aren't sure, and subsequently, don't react too quickly
(wait before hitting "Send"!) if you feel slighted right away.
Misunderstandings happen in stressful situations, and we're playing
with lives and the fates of Nations here! Best advice, of course,
is to have a healthy sense of humour!
Always remember: just as you'll never seem to have enough
characters/orders to accomplish all your goals, you can never
please all the people all the time! Pick as many orders as
possible that please as many people as much of the time as
possible! As your game grows, you'll be able to distinguish
between another's personal requests, greater team needs, and
your own personal desires.
WHERE TO START
Find yourself as much information as you can! Bookmark the
following websites:
The company's site. From there, link to Communicate with Players
and it will lead you to either the company email list, or the
internet Message Boards. You'll be able to find your new team-
mates there somewhere!
Bobbin's MEPBM site is a must! It has just about everything
that is known about how the game works. If you ever need to
know something to get you through your next turn, chances are
you'll find it here!
facade's site is great reading also! Nation strategy articles
and other game articles, written by facade and other guests.
Welcome to ME Games Middle Earth PBM and Good Gaming!
Brad Brunet
pbmnoot@yahoo.ca
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