Overview
The game systems used for these chronicles vary according to genre. Most use either the Storyteller or Rolemaster games systems. However, game mechanics take inferior precedence to telling a story. The rules are guidelines and except for combat and maneuvers, exist to provide more of a framework than a literal reality. Participation in these chronicles is free to anyone. The only incidental cost, which is variable, is a requirement for permanent members to acquire the published rules governing their chronicle's genre. Some game vendors offer free starter kits on their web sites; some rulebooks can be had for relatively low cost on sites such as eBay for defunct systems used here. However, not everyone is right for these games and these games are not right for everyone. Anyone who is even considering auditioning for a character part needs to carefully read the audition guidelines and then come back to this section and thoroughly read these rules. Before undertaking an investment in rulebooks, try the game out first.
Please consult the main sections to learn how major aspects of how these games are run. Other miscellania are covered below on this page.
Method and Terms
Moves are submitted and received via e-mail; hence these are what are termed a Play-by-e-mail (PBeM) games. The mechanics for moves are discussed in rules section of the same title. Dialogue and Time are discussed in their respective sections. Combat and Dynamic moves are discussed in the Time section.
All material and characters submitted for game purposes remains with the Santa Cruz Chronicles for purposes of display and further game exploration, even in the event of the originator of the material or concept leaving the game. All players by default have agreed to this stipulation and use of any intellectual property as long as credit is given. Character concepts perpetuate beyond their creator, though credit for the original concept is given. All uncredited material has been created by John for use in the Santa Cruz Chronicles only.
Bylines
All participants receive credit for their work. This credit is commonly termed a byline. For artist credit, please consult the art guidelines in the stage area. Chronicle fiction, articles, and character concepts receive bylines. Stage-hands and storyline editors do not receive bylines but are listed in the program credits.
If a player or director received help with their work, they must share their byline. The first name is for the principal contributor followed the next significant, and so forth. Players and directors who did not do the bulk of their work and who had to have another step into their place will receive no byline credit at all and could face cast censure.
Leaving the Game
Two ways: you drop out; you get kicked out. Obviously players can leave the game at any time. Internet anonymity sometimes lends people to leave hanging threads, joining a game without a good idea of what it takes and a shallow concept of courtesy to buck up and say it's not their cup of tea. Lest the game unravel, those hanging threads have be dealt with, woven back into the tapestry of all the stories and not just cut off, leaving an obvious flaw in the fabric. But in fairness, things happen. Life goes in different directions and folks have to place new priorities. And an internet game that sucks up time just does not rate when such happens. The solution? Leave. As long as courtesy and communication were forthcoming, players who left in good standing can return if there is available bandwidth to deal with them.
Players will be removed from the game for rude behavior to other participants. Generally rudeness is not blatant hostile comments but rather inaction such as leaving a player or director waiting for critical dynamic moves such as dialogue and combat. Life comes first and players have to leave on occasion. If they left in good standing, and gave proper notice, they are free to resume their roles upon return if storyline editors are available enough to handle the extra workload. Otherwise, they are best to work as an understudy until an opening occurs.
Chronicle Reviews
Chronicle reviews are conducted in random order until all chronicles have been overhauled. During the time of review, each chronicle setting receives a face-lift (a new graphic design); all cast chronicles are thoroughly reviewed and brought up to date by adding fiction to each; and has new artwork added. Once all chronicles have been reviewed, the process starts all over again, in a new random order.
Character Experience
Experience, a subject dear to many players, is handled according to system. Below is the Storyteller scheme. Experience points are awarded after a significant plot thread has concluded. Rolemaster experience is awarded after each turn, based on travel, maneuvers, combat, and good storytelling. Understudies, as part of their last duty for a character, award that character's experience points to new skill and ability increases. Starring players always award the points for the characters they run. Characters run under the storyteller system will advance much more slowly than their Rolemaster counterparts. But such characters usually begin the games with supernatural powers whereas Rolemaster characters start off very weak and vulnerable.
In addition, players are eligible to receive a yearly award. In addition to prizes, winning players receive experience points and may award those points as they see fit to any character they run or have worked with. Understudies, starring players, even stand-ins are eligible. The choice of the performance is made by John and votes are cast accordingly. John also acts as a tie-breaker