Resources
Time Management

I figured that something be said on this subject so we can help everyone get the type of gaming experience they’re looking for out of Flesh & Blood. So today I’m going to address the heavy correspondence some players are going through due to the heavy use of email this game has utilized. Like any tool we need to be careful how we employ it, and with something like LARPing this is usually limited to the frequency with which they’re used.

I’ll be the first to attest that this game does generate a lot of email. Remember I’m supposed to be CC’d on all game mail so I can keep abreast of the turns that the game is making, and be on hand incase I’m needed in any capacity. Not to mention it’s one of the things I really do enjoy about the game. Watching all of these interactions is a great source of entertainment for me and keeps me enthused about the game proceeding along its story arch. But I also know that not everyone has the same level of commitment to the game; the time available to get involved in the correspondence like others; or at times, the interest to be involved to the same extent.

All of these are extremely valid reasons, and should be respected. You should not be expected to be available for every scene. You should not be expected to keep on top of what can sometimes be extensive email correspondences. But there are people who will. And you need to respect their wishes as well. What I’m proposing for the aforementioned group is to insist that most of your communication be handled at Elysium. It is after supposed to be the social centre of kindred community. One of the reasons for that is the skepticism that many older kindred hold for the conveniences of modern technology. Many of them fear these things – though they would never admit as much, and instead would either call upon the individual they wish to converse, correspond via letter (which often means delays in planning), or gather at the Elysium and discuss what portions of their plans they can publicly.

Insist that if someone wishes to make arrangements to meet with you outside of the Elysium, that they first need to meet you there as that is one of the few reliable means of getting in touch with your character. If you want to cut back on the level of email correspondence this is a viable means of integrating it on an in character level that is consistent with the world setting. And to be honest there should be kindred who are like that. As I pointed out on the front page of the website, and the promotional material I’ve splashed around the net, there are many reasons why vampires attend Elysium. Catching up on the latest news and getting in touch with specific individuals to set up meetings for later in the week are two of many motivations for being present at a gathering.

Don’t ever feel like you’re pressured to be available all the time. Don’t feel bad if you can’t be involved in everything. Focus on the things that you want to do with your character, and where you can limit yourself to these interests. There are multiple plots on the go at the moment, and if you show an interest in something and continue pursuing it I will take that as a clear sign this is what you would like to do with your character, and will endeavor to the best of my abilities to bring those stories to life for you. Ask anyone who has had me ST for them in the past, I love to do both the epic storylines, as well as the more personal ones that only a few players get to see. Don’t ever feel like you need to ignore these types of stories. Take a breath, let it out slowly, and remember it’s just a game. We’re all here to have fun. This shouldn’t ever feel like work to you.