Below is the FAQ I've constructed, with a lot of help from people here on the boards. Special thanks to Rob Rogers, who had a copy of the old FAQ.
Constructive criticism is always welcome. If anyone wants to start an argument, go elsewhere.
Global Guardians Universe FAQ
What is a PBEM?
A PBEM is a game played through email. Chess, for example, is played through email by each player taking turns exchanging chess moves. When we use the phrase PBEM on this website, we specifically mean a role-playing game played through email.
What is "role-playing", and how does one "role-play" in a game?
Role-playing is the assumption of a character or a role in the same manner as that of an actor. In role-playing games, each player is represented by a character. The player decides what the character will do in an impromptu fashion and must then deal with the results of his actions.
How does a PBEM work?
The GM will send out a public post via email to all players in the game describing the surroundings and current situation of the character. This post might also contain dialog from non-player characters or summaries of previous actions. If there is specific information that would only be available to a smaller group of players or to only a single player, the GM will send a separate email to them. Players in turn send a reply via email to the GM and the other players that describes their characters reactions to the given situation. Again, private messages are sent when necessary.
Is playing in one of these games going to cost me anything?
While there are PBEMs out there in which you have to pay to play, this is not one of them. Participation in the Guardians Universe is free. You may feel free to donate something to help us keep going, but we're not going to charge you for it.
How long do these games last?
The Guardians campaigns are open ended. Technically, they could last until the sun explodes and the world ends. Realistically, they will last for as long as there are players interested in participating.
If these games can last literally forever, how much time am I required to spend playing?
In general, it takes anywhere from five minutes to an hour per week to come up with a response to a game turn. Some things can increase this time (such as being a GM or being in more than one campaign). As for how long you stay as a player... well, that's up to you.
Do I have to know a lot about comic books to play?
You have to be basically familiar with the way a comic book superhero is supposed to act, but you don't have to be the World's Foremost Authority on comic books.
What game rules are being used?
The Global Guardians Universe campaigns are all using the Hero System 5th Edition rules.
Are there any special rules?
Yes. There have been additions and changes made to the rules as they are found in the GMB. You can find those extra rules on the house rules page.
What do you mean by "GMB"?
"GMB" stands for "Green Man Book", which is what the Hero System 5th Edition rulebook is sometimes called. The book has a big green man on the cover, hence the nickname. The book is also sometimes called FREd, or Fifth Revised Edition, but we prefer GMB.
Do I have to know about the Champions game to play?
Not at all. There are people here willing to help you get started with a character. You can ask on the Questions Mailing List for help.
How do I submit a character?
First, subscribe to the Guardians Admin Mailing List. This is required of all persons who intend on participating in any campaign. Once you're on and a call for submissions has been put out by a GM, email a character background and sheet to the GM who reviews all character submissions to make sure they are compatible with the background information and needs of their campaign.
What should I read before designing/submitting a character?
Read the character construction guidelines on the individual campaign pages, and read all the character advice found on the character submission pages.
Just what are the players responsible for?
The players are responsible for fully creating their character, making sure their character is updated on the website, and responding to game moves.
Just what are the GMs responsible for?
Everything else that deals with their specific campaign.
Which mailing lists do I have to subscribe to in order to play?
You must be subscribed to the mailing list belonging to the campaign in which you are interested and the Guardians Admin Mailing List. If you are not subscribed, you will not be permitted to play.
What do I need to start playing immediately?
Technically, all you need is a character to play. Realistically, it is very unlikely that you will start playing immediately. Most new players start out as lurkers, and sometimes you end up lurking for some months. However, the only place that embassy games get new players is the lurker list, so its worth it.
What is lurking?
A person is said to be lurking if he or she is subscribed to a campaign's mailing list, but is not an active player.
Do I need a character to lurk?
Only if you intend on eventually playing. If all you want to do is read the story, go for it.
What happens if I miss a move?
The GM writes your character's actions for you. However, if you miss two in a row without adequate explanation, you can be summarily removed from the game by the GM with no warning.
What happens if I go on vacation or am otherwise unavailable for a couple of weeks?
If you've given your GM warning, nothing. He keeps writing for your character until you get back. If you haven't given him warning, most likely you won't be playing when you get back. Also, if by "a couple of weeks" you mean "a month or more", you will likely be replaced. If the circumstances were beyond your control (for example, if you took suddenly ill and were in the hospital on life support for a month or so) you may or may not be let back into your game, but if not we'd put you at the head of the lurker list.
What happens if the GM goes on vacation or is otherwise unavailable for a couple of weeks?
If he's given Rebecca Butler warning, the game goes on hiatus until he gets back. If he hasn't warned Rebecca that he's going to be gone, most likely he will no longer be the GM when he gets back. Also, if by "a couple of weeks" he means "a month or more", he'll be replaced.
If I get banned, is there any way I could be allow back into the game?
That depends. If you get banned from a single game, the decision to let you back in is up to the GM of that game. If you get banned from all Guardians campaigns, you will not be allowed to participate again, ever, without first apologizing for the offense for which you were banned. If Jack and Becky accept your apology, you'll be let back into the games but will forever more be on "Sudden Death Probation". What this means is that if you ever cause any amount of trouble again, for whatever reason, you'll be gone permanently.
Who are Jack and Becky, and why do they act so damned pushy all the time?
Jack and Rebecca Butler are the creators and owners of the game world used in these campaigns, and are the founders of the Guardians games.
What exactly does that Kara person mean by "ROFLMCLAO"?
ROFLMCLAO is short for Rolling On The Floor Laughing My Cute Little Ass Off. Having seen it, both Jack and Rebecca can testify that it is both cute, and little.
What is a 'Jack Power'?
A Jack power is any power which has been purchased to what might seem to be a ridiculous extreme without actually being abusive. Its called a "Jack Power" because Jack Butler has a tendency to take a character concept and run it out to its obvious extreme conclusion; his characters tend to shove the boundaries of what is or is not acceptable around a little. Its understandable that he would be the one to do this, since he is one of the people who created the game world and thus best understands what's acceptable in a character. Keep in mind that if its okay for him to do it with one of his characters, its okay for you to do it.
How should I deal with minor NPCs? Do I need to wait for the GM to respond for their actions?
Minor NPCs that do not alter the story can be dealt with by the player. Any NPCs introduced by the GM that have information that impacts the story should be left to the GM to handle.
I have this really cool concept, but I'm not quite sure if it fits in this setting. What do I do?
I'm a newbie and this game is confusing. Can somebody help me write up a character?
Subscribe to the Questions List and ask for help. There are a number of players in the GGU who are very knowledgable in HERO rules and the GGU setting. Getting help is never a problem.
How quickly will I need to post when I join a campaign?
In most games, posting once a week is a requirement. Always check the campaign page of the game you’re applying for or contact the GM, to be sure.
My GM is being a butthead or Jack is being a butthead, what can I do?
Contact the Player Liaison with any complaints or concerns about how the game is being run or how you are being treated.
