Elan En Garde! Game

How do I contact other players?

There are three ways. First is via All_Of_Paris@yahoogroups.com. This sends mail to the entire game list. Most correspondence should be directed this way. This is usually done "in character"; you write as your character to the other player's character. It's a fun exercise in creativity, and you don't need to be verbose. I request that whatever you write be kept to a PG rating. These must be signed with your character's name (no anonymous submissions), and I approve all notes sent to the list.

The second way is that you can e-mail them directly, and that you copy your notes to me so I have an inkling about what is going on. This is only to be used when planning something secret, where other players' knowing about it can spoil your plans.

Rosters with e-mail addresses for players are always at the end of the e-mail versions of the turn resolutions and the issues of Le Sport de Paris.

The third way is via a letter to the editor of Le Sport de Paris, the monthly newspaper. These letters may be signed with your name, a pseudonym, or no name.

How can my character join a regiment?

Your character must first meet the required minimum social level (SL) for the regiment. See the regimental tables for the minimums -- they are different for each position and regiment. Next, determine who commands the regiment. See the last turn resolution (always on the web page). Near the bottom is the list of ranks held within each regiment. If the senior officer in your intended regiment (usually the colonel) is listed as "N" then an NPC commands the regiment. Success in joining rides on a die roll (see the Application to Regiments table in section II of the rules).

If the commanding officer is a set of initials then a player character commands, and the decision to join is his to make. You must write him a note, in character (i.e., your character to his character), and ask to join his regiment. This need not be lengthy or difficult -- essentially, you need communicate only that you are new in town and seek to serve the King in the fine regiment of [insert regimental name here].

Note that if the player character accepts you into the regiment your character must still perform a "join regiment" action to become a member of the regiment. This simulates being introduced around the regiment, signing commissioning papers (if any), getting equipment, etc.

I want to join a regiment that is on campaign now. Can I do that?

Yes. I use a non-player character "retired colonel" in each regiment to do interviews for NPC regimental commanders who are on campaign. The retired colonel interviews and makes his recommendation to the colonel. It's a stretch, but it's conveniently playable.

I just joined a regiment that is on campaign. Do I have to go on campaign now, too?

Not in the first month, normally. NPC commanders, and most decent player character commanders, allow a new member of the regiment to have his first month in Paris to settle in and get ready for campaign.

If you wish to go to the front immediately with a campaigning regiment or batallion, you may go straight there without the usual one week joining activity.

What is the highest social level player characters may advance to?

SL 23. To add some perspective, the King is SL 24, the Cardinal is SL 23, and the Crown Prince is SL 22.

Help! I've started play and now I discover I don't have as much time as I hoped. What do I do?

Tell me (Elan). You are under no obligation to continue play, and may drop out at any point. But I do ask that you tell me if you've quit so I don't waste time running characters without a player. I will either convert your character to an NPC or allow him to retire to his country estates, if of sufficient SL. If you find you are later able to play, you'll start with a new character.

Is there a point at which characters are removed from play?

Yes. If no turn orders are received for two consecutive turns the character is converted to an NPC.