Welcome
to the Civ3 PBEM Rules 1.0.
Below
are described in detail the rules - plus recommendations and information - that
apply to all games using the Civ3 PBEM Rules 1.0.
Updates
and new versions of the rules will be publicly announced when and if available
in the appropriate sites and forums and will be automatically apply over the
previous rules unless specified differently to the games that use the Civ3 PBEM
Rules.
Author:
Keygen (costas_games@yahoo.com)
Site:
http://www.geocities.com/costas_games
Date:
February 2003
Disclaimer:
You may freely distribute this file as long as its content remains unchanged.
If you are interested in publishing or modifying its content please contact the
author. Commercial use of the content or part of it is strictly forbidden
without the written permission of the author.
A.
Rules
1. General
2. Players
3. Moderators
4. Creators
C.
Information
D.
Cheating
E.
Penalty
A: Rules
The
purpose of the following rules is to aid people experience and enjoy their play
time as efficiently as it takes and with the less possible problems. For that
purpose a moderator must be used to administer & enforce the rules
appropriately.
***ATTENTION***
Players and moderators that use PBEM Rules in a game accept to comply with all
the rules described below unless differently specified and agreed by all participants
in the game before it is started or during its process. Any special rule or
exception must be known to all participants, current or future.
1. General
(Apply
to all)
Commitment
When
someone joins a game commits to finish that game unless a serious reason arises.
If you are not sure that you can commit yourself then DO NOT JOIN! A withdrawal can cause problems to the other players
from short delays and diplomatic cancellations to long immobilization and
balance turn over.
However
a permanent replacement - player or moderator - has the right to test the
position offered for up to 5 turns before a permanent decision is made. After
the expiration of that period a choice between permanent continuation or withdrawal must be drawn. Either choice is respected.
Cheating
Cheating
is not permitted in any form. If someone is caught cheating will be permanently
banned from the game and will be charged with the label of the cheater. For
more details refer to the Cheating section.
Confidentiality
Critical
information passed between players and/or moderators that might hurt the
credibility and the dignity of the sender is considered confidential and should
not in any case been publicized or made known to other people without the consent
of the sender.
Temporary
substitute
When
a player is absent should be temporary substituted. His turn(s) will be either
played by the moderator or his permanent substitute.
However if there is no permanent substitute or for any reason he can’t sub and
if the period of absence is going to be more than 3 days then a temporary
substitute should be assigned and everyone should be informed about. Note that
the substitute, temporary or permanent, player or moderator has to manage the civilization
subbing according to the interest of the subbed player and not in any case and
purposely benefit another participant.
A
player cannot be temporary subbed by another player in the game unless it is a
team game and he is his team mate.
Moderators
should assign temporary or permanent substitutes as well.
A
moderator cannot be temporary substituted by a player who is playing in the
game.
Permanent substitute
Each
player and moderator can optionally assign a permanent substitute for each PBEM
game he is playing into (recommended). The same player can be assigned in all the
games as long as he does not participate in the specific game(s). The permanent
substitute will be used to temporary sub a player while on vacation, sickness
or absence for other reasons. It is preferable that each player assigns two or
more permanent substitutes in case the primary one can't sub or there are many
games to be carried out and should be shared into two or more substitutes.
Withdrawal
If
a player must withdraw from a game for any reason he must informs the moderator
of the game. Also he must find a permanent replacement and play the turns
according to the rules until is replaced. If a moderator withdraws then he must
inform all players and find a permanent replacement before he leaves.
Passwords
If
turns are password protected and an administrator password is set then the
latter must be sent to the moderator of the game. To avoid any unpleasant
surprise that password can be sent to a third party (recommended), for example
the creator of the game if he/she does not participate or moderates or a
regular and reputed player. Additionally all player’s passwords must be sent to
the moderator if any so he can apply the 24-hour rule without having to set a
new password for the offender.
2. Players
(Apply
to players)
Turn
dispatch
Each
turn must be sent besides the next player to the moderator as well if any.
Email
subject
All
emails referring to a specific game should contain the name of the game in its
subject.
Emails
that include the turn must refer to the game's name and the turn number in
their subject to be easily recognized (e.g. Game x Turn y).
Players
and moderators involved in many games have a hard time to recognize a game that
doesn't contain the game name in the subject or find a specific turn if there
is no turn number in the subject of the email.
Thread
posting
When
someone plays and sends the turn to the next player should post a notification
in the respected thread.
This
apply to the moderators as well when nexting.
Example:
Turn x sent to Player y
Email
notification
If
for a reason someone cannot post in the thread about turn sending then an email
notification that the turn has been played and sent to the next player must be
routed to all players and the moderator.
Example:
Game x Turn y sent to Player z
Note
that the correct way is to post in the thread and this solution should be used
only if there is no way to reach the thread or if the connection is very poor.
24-hour
rule
Each
player has to play a turn within 24 hours starting from the moment the previous
player sends it.
If
a player fails to comply for no reason then he will be nexted.
If
he can't play for a reason and if he informs the moderator of the game before
the time limit expires then he can have another 24 hours. After 48 hours with
or without reason the player will be nexted. If
there is a very serious reason, e.g. the turn is in a very critical point and
the player cannot play for a good reason and if all players agree then the turn
can be further held.
Subsequent
exceeding of this rule would be subject for permanent replacement.
Flames
Any
differences that might arise between two or more participants should be kept in
private. Posting flames in a thread could cause the frustration of the other
participants. The opinion of the moderator on the matter can be asked as well.
Public
accusations
Public
accusations regarding cheating or any other form should be avoided. The moderator
of the game should be asked to investigate the event and express his opinion in
private instead. Optionally a third party that does not participate in the
game, preferably an experienced and respectable person could be asked to ensure
a fair judgment (recommended).
Public
calls
Persistent
public calls to the rest neutral
player(s), to move against other player(s) in any form, should be avoided. It
can lead to the justified frustration of the defensive player(s). However
non-persistent calls to neutral player(s) or calls to allies in the spirit of
diplomacy and role-playing can be freely made. Private emails are not under any
restriction.
Orphan
civilizations
Civilizations
that are orphans, caused by the disappearance of its leader and need a
replacement should not get attacked while in the process of finding a permanent
or temporary replacement. Note that a moderator is always considered as a
temporary replacement/substitute so this rule would apply only in a permanent
or temporary absence of a moderator, when the traditional nexting is taking
place.
Suicides
Players
should not suicide their civilization in order to end their presence in a game.
If for any reason the player wants to get off the game then the choice of a
permanent replacement should be preferred. There are lot of newer players that
would possibly like to give it a try. This is essential for a player who has
taken control of a civilization for few turns only. However in special
occasions like having lost almost all of his cities he can evacuate the
remaining to allow allied forces have them.
By
the term suicide is meant to cause your elimination by all means with the only
purpose to get off the game.
3. Moderators
(Apply
to moderators)
Role
The
purpose of the existence of the moderator is to observe and maintain the
correct progress of the game by enforcing when needed the rules - PBEM rules or
special rules.
His
primary role is the maintaining of the turn flow and speed and the handling of
an orphan civilization where the player has disappeared until a permanent
replacement is found, without affecting the turn flow.
His
secondary role is to retain the game clean and fair for all and the appropriate
relations and actions between the players and towards the community itself.
Ethics
Moderators
are obliged to keep a neutral attitude toward the game and the players participating
when ever the rules do not prompt otherwise. Therefore they cannot flame,
promote flame or hate, influence negatively in any form another player or the
relations between the players or with the community, encourage any player(s)
taking any action against other player(s) in game terms or trigger any event
among participants in interpersonal terms, affect regard between players and
pass any information related with a participant to another participant or
person.
Moderators
must be as objective as possible avoiding taking place according to personal
sympathy or dislike.
Exceptions
Moderators
are not permitted to play in the specific game they moderate. Exceptions for an
extended temporarily playing can be done under special circumstances like no
permanent replacement has been found for some time or the civilization is in a
very disadvantageous position and the moderator is an experienced and reputable
player and can successfully lead it to a more advanced position. Any use of
knowledge that has been acquired during moderating cannot be used against
another player or pass it to another one, and its use to benefit the
civilization the moderator runs should be avoided if possible.
Turn
speed & flow
Moderator's
primary obligation is to retain continuing turn flow and acceptable turn speed.
This can be done by enforcing the 24-hour rule when a player hasn’t played the
turn within the specified period (24 hours). Moderators enforce the 24-hour
rule by using the method of nexting described below.
When
a player exceeds the 24-hour rule the moderator has to next him. He/She opens
the player's turn, plays it and sends it to the next player.
When
the moderator next a player, all queued actions (building queues & queued
unit moves) should be respected unless he judges differently for a serious
reason. Any diplomatic offers should be declined unless specified differently
from the player or judge that can benefit the player nexted. The rest are up to
the moderator’s taste. However he is not permitted to start a war with another
civilization unless specified differently from the player.
A
notification must be posted within the thread. It must specify the turn number
and the player to whom it has been sent to, followed by the player who has been
nexted and the word "nexted" after him.
Example:
Turn x sent to Player y (Player z nexted)
In
case that a player haven't played the turn and is reaching the time limit the
moderator should resend the turn to him followed by an email warning to all
participants that the turn has been resent to the specific player (e.g. Turn x
re-sent to Player y). The reason for resending the turn is the case that the player
hasn’t received it. The reason for the warning email is to inform everyone that
a player is subject of getting nexted and that the turn has been resent from
the moderator therefore a slight delay might occur.
If
the nexted player does play and send his turn after he is nexted and if the
next player in order hasn’t played his turn yet then the latter should play the
turn sent from the previous player and not the moderator.
Permanent
replacements
If
a player resigns or disappears a permanent replacement must be found. This
originally must be done by the resigned player but if for any reason isn’t done
then the moderator must find one. It is recommended that a newer player with
the list games in progress is chosen rather than the first who applies.
Reliability should also be considered a positive qualification. Players that
have a history of irresponsibility and tend to withdraw often should be avoided.
Note
that a player is considered missing and must be permanently replaced after 3
weeks of absence without notification. Within that period and until a permanent
replacement is found a temporary substitute can be used.
Cheating
check
Moderators
should periodically check the turns for possible cheats. If an accusation is made
then a detailed study of the turns must be made. And if someone is caught
cheating and is 100% confirmed then this event must be publicly announced and
the cheater been replaced.
Fight
resolving
Moderators
must prevent players from publicly flame each other. Public flames can
frustrate the other participants. Moderators must prompt them to solve their
differences in private and can volunteer to help them out to resolve the
difference.
Thread
posting & updating
The
moderator is responsible for posting the related thread in the forum. Player
list, rules, exceptions, settings, related threads or any additional
information should be added in the first post of the thread for easy and fast
reference. When the thread riches the 150 posts limits - set by the Apolyton
owners - a new one must be started and linked with the old one. The above can
be done by another person if agreed.
4. Creators
(Apply
to creators)
The
creator is responsible for setting and starting the game. He/She can be the
moderator of the game, a participant or a third party not participating in the
game at all.
He/She
collects all the information needed like the preferences of the participants
and assigns any special rule or exception or uses any special setting or mod.
The above can be predefined or determined during the preferences gathering
process but must be known to all participants, current or future either by been
posted in a thread (recommended) or sent by email. Predefined rules, exceptions
or settings are “de facto” pre-accepted by the players that join the game while
the ones determined afterwards can be settled and agreed upon by the
participants. In any case someone that doesn’t like a rule or setting can
decline joining the game. Simply as that :-)
He/She
may search for participants as well if needed.
He/She
launches the game, puts the players in the correct order, assigns to them the
correct civilization and leader name, adjusts the settings and the rules, saves
and sends the turn to the first player in order unless he is the first player
so he/she plays it instead.
Any
alteration or modification of the game files or saves before or after is
started, that might give additional benefits to another player without the
knowledge and acceptance of all participants is strictly forbidden and is
considered as a cheat regardless if the creator participates, moderates or none
of the above in the game.
Reference
settings
Generally
PBEM games are very slow in resolving and a typical game may take more than 2
years for completion. However some settings can increase or reduce the total amount
of time needed to finish a game.
Total
number of participants
The
rule is simple: The fewer participants the less time for completion. If
role-playing and diplomacy are important then a 6-player game is recommended.
It can combine a relatively fair speed and great diplomacy. If speed is what’s
important then a 4-player or less - even a 2-player - game is recommended.
Usually turn resolutions at these player numbers are pretty fast and can end in
half or even less time than an typical 6-player game. An 8-player game should
be avoided unless a 3 year period for completion is not scary :-) These games
tend to break pretty often and take ages to finish if not die in the process.
The main reason for that is the weakness of most of the players and moderators
to efficiently follow up with all turns in time in an extended period of time.
Map
size
Another
factor that can affect speed in long term is the size of the map. The smaller
the map is the faster the game will end. Small maps force players to meet
earlier and fight for land, and end up to total wars. Therefore these games
have high chances to end by conquest or domination rather than Space Race or
other peaceful means. For a long diplomatic 6-player game a large or even huge
map is recommended. For faster games up to 6 players a standard or small map is
recommended. Sometimes a large map can have relatively fast resolutions as
well.
Acceleration
Modifications
that accelerate the progress of the game or part of it (e.g. the start) can be
used for faster resolution. Modifications of that type can be found in the Apolyton
Directory, Apolyton Civ3-Files
forum, Civilization III Fanatic’s Center Civilization III
Downloads Collection or Civilization III Fanatic’s Center Civ3
- Creation & Customization forum.
Modifications
Non-tested
custom mods that modify original files and use extended modifications should be
avoided because unexpected and unresolved errors might arise later and prevent
the players from continuing.
Time
zone order
The
players in a PBEM game are recommended that they are sorted according to their time
zone for faster turn cycles. For example in a 3-player game you could have an
American, a European and an Australian sorted that way or in the reverse order.
Mixing time zones can cause significant delays in case some players have
limited or specific time they can play their turns. That should be taken in
account when replacing players.
Time
format
Time
should be reported according to the international format (day/month/year) in
the international spirit and avoid misunderstandings.
Moderating
tips
Moderating
a game can be sometimes pretty hard. The players depend on the moderator to
keep the game going and resolve any difference that might arise between them.
Frequent tracking of the game progress must be done so that the game doesn’t
stick. Balance must be kept when players confront each other in somewhat high
tone. There might be times that you might come in a dilemma. Consulting
another, experienced moderator or player can be quite helpful. Generally make
sure you know the rules well. They will guide you successfully in the most
cases.
Always
keep a record with past turns of all players. The more turns you store in your
mailbox the better it is. You might be prompt by a participant to investigate a
player for cheating. If you don’t have past turns, neither any other
participant you will have hard time to figure out if there is a cheat issue. Or
you might have to next somebody who is at war with someone else. It could help
you make the right moves if you open previous turns of his and study his tactics.
Avoid
unnecessary openings of participants’ turns. In case you have to next somebody
who is at war with someone else and have to conduct operations against that
other player, any knowledge of his army and its location might influence your
moves and unfairly favour the “nexted” player over the other.
Another
essential chapter is the “nexting” process. Each turn is
unique and requires different handling. When lot of moves and critical
decisions are involved it becomes a hard story. Generally keep track of riots,
barbarians or air units in flight. Always respect building queues or queued
unit moves unless you judge that there is a serious reason to act differently.
Don’t ever start a war unless it is absolutely necessary or instructed to by
the player. If you are uncertain of the situation or benefit, diplomatic
proposals should be declined and the proposing party be notified for the reason
so he/she can renegotiate next turn. If you start building something in a city,
get an in-game message or conduct diplomacy it would be a good idea to send an
email to the “nexted” player indicating them.
C: Information
Patches
Players
must have the Civilization III Play the World expansion and the same patch
installed in order to play PBEM games. The latest patch is recommended as it
resolves several bugs and usually adds new features. Currently the latest patch
for the expansion is 1.14f. While you read this a new patch might be available
as Firaxis is working in a new patch. Check the official Civilization III website or Infogrames for new patch releases and
more information. Patch 1.14f for Civilization III Play the World has been
released for Windows in the following languages: English (North America
| United
Kingdom), French,
German
& Italian.
The Spanish and the Portuguese versions as well the Macintosh port of the expansion are
pending.
Categories
Standard: Standard
games where default rules are enabled. Recommended for role-playing and
diplomacy funs and for micromanagement freaks.
Deathmatch: War games where each has to
eliminate all his opponents. Recommended for warmongers and faster resolutions.
Team:
Standard or deathmatch games where players are divided into teams and compete
and win as teams. Recommended for team spirit funs.
Special:
Games with special rules, settings and/or modifications that belong to any of
the above categories. Recommended for players that are looking for something
different.
How
to start a PBEM game
The
description below is for Windows
users.
1.
Insert the CD-ROM disk into the CD-ROM drive. If auto play is disabled or not
supported run the game by clicking on the game's shortcut or by manually
running the "Civilization3X.exe" file located in the \CIV3PTW folder
within your Civilization III installation path.
2.
You may skip the introduction by pressing the space key on your keyboard or any
mouse button.
3.
Double click on the Multiplayer link.
4.
If you have never entered the multiplayer screen before you will be prompt to
enter a nickname for multiplayer use. Type a name of your choice.
5.
If you are online click on the Location
button so that the button underneath changes from Internet to Local Games.
6.
Click on the Host button.
7.
Under the Game Settings and Game Type
select Play By Email.
8.
Under the Game Settings select a Game Mode. Select Standard for a typical game, Scenario for use of a scenario and Load Game to load an existing game. Note that clicking on
the game mode combo box and selecting any mode will force the game type to
switch to Turnless. So select
the game mode first and the game type after. This is an issue to the 1.14f update.
9.
Under the Game Settings and Turn Timer
select None. This is
essential otherwise you will be forced to play your turn within time
restrictions.
10.
The rest of the settings (World Size, Barbarian Activity, Land Mass, Water
Coverage, Climate, Temperature, Age and Difficulty) under the Game Settings are the same as in a
single player game. Water Coverage refers to the corresponding to the Landmass
and Water Coverage thumbnails in the Choose Your World screen that appears when
you start a new game in a single player game.
11.
If you want to limit your game in Turns
or Victory Points terms click
on the Game Limits button on the
lower left corner and set the desirable number(s). If 0 then the defaults
limits will be set.
12.
Under the Player Setup and Players select an open slot and click
on the Add Human Player
option. Enter the desirable Name
and optionally the Formal, Noun, Adjective and Title
to customize your tribe. Afterwards choose a gender, Male or Female.
Repeat this process for all the players that are going to participate. If you
wish you can add AI opponents by clicking on the Computer option instead of Add Human Player option in an open slot. Note that in a
standard game mode you can choose up to 8 players in total. By default the host
uses the nickname entered the first time the multiplayer screen was launched.
To change that click on the Rename
button under the Player Setup and
enter the name you wish.
13.
Under the Player Setup and Civilizations select an available
civilization for each player you set if you wish specific civilizations and not
random. Note that a specific civilization can be assigned to only one player.
14.
Under the Game Rules you may select
which ones will apply or not. They are the same as in a single player game.
15.
Have a last look at all the settings you have entered so far to ensure that
everything is correct and in their place and when done click on the Launch button.
16.
Enter a password for Administration. That will be used in case a password
protected player drops the game without notice for access. If left blank no
password for administration will be set. It is recommended that you set a
password however.
17.
Enter a password for the host (first player in order). If left blank no
password will be set (not recommended).
18.
Close the next dialog box. A) If you are the moderator and you start the game
then you should save the turn at this point and send the file to the first
player. B) If you are the first player then play your turn and when done click
on the Save & Exit and close the
dialog box.
19.
Give a name and a location and close the dialog box to save the turn in the
location and under the name you specified.
20.
Exit the game, locate the save file, compress it with an archiver to reduce its
size and email it to the next player.
How
to play a PBEM turn
The
description below is for Windows
users.
1.
Launch Civilization III Play the World and click on the Load Game link.
2.
Locate the save file and open it.
3.
If this is the very first turn you will be prompt to enter a password. Enter a
password to protect your turn (recommended) or leave it blank for no password
protection at all.
4.
Close the next dialog box.
5.
Play your turn and when done click on the Save
& Exit and close the dialog box.
6.
Give a name and a location and close the dialog box to save the turn in the
location and under the name you specified.
7.
Exit the game, locate the save file, compress it with an archiver to reduce its
size and email it to the next player.
D: Cheating
A sort note on cheating:
Cheating
is the most brutal action taken against fellow players!
It
is severely condemned by all!
What
is cheat?
1.
Open another player’s turn and intentionally watch it.
2.
Reload a turn and try different results.
3.
Utilization of a bug without the knowledge and acceptance of all the
participants. You can find update 1.14f, PBEM specific bugs in the “PBEM
players, lets report the bugs” thread at Apolyton Civ3-PBEM forum or update
1.14f general bugs in the “PTW
1.14f Bug & Crash Reports” thread at Apolyton Civ3-Play the World
forum. If you suspect of a bug that is not reported in the above threads make
it known to the rest of the players.
4.
Modifications that may give additional benefits to a player or reveal sensitive
data of another player without the knowledge and acceptance of all participants.
5.
Alteration of the data of the original – Civ3 or modification - files that may
give additional benefits to a player or reveal sensitive data of another player
without the knowledge and acceptance of all participants.
6.
Illegal use of the Civ3 Editor or Civ3 PTW Editor that may give additional
benefits to a player or reveal sensitive data of another player without the
knowledge and acceptance of all participants.
7.
Receive information from a third party who doesn't participate in the game
(e.g. the moderator).
8.
Use of a cheat code or a “trainer” program.
9.
Use of a program to exploit a turn (save file or through memory while running).
10.
Hacking in any way a turn.
What
is not cheat?
Generally
a replay of a turn is possible under special circumstances such as in the case
you made a mistake or forgot something as long as it does not happen in purpose
and does not reveal different information in the map whether it is unexplored
territory (dark tiles), fog of war (shady tiles), ruins or stealth units of
another player. If that is the case then a replay is not allowed. Any move or
action that had been taken before the replay must be played exactly as
previously had with no change.
Common
sense must be used.
E: Penalty
The
penalty for those that break the rules varies from simple reprehension to
permanent ban from the game. It is the responsibility of the moderator to warn
the transgressor. If the offence is serious the moderator should call a council
formed by the rest participants - known as the war council - to decide for his permanent ban and replacement. The
final decision will be drawn by the majority of the votes of the participants. The
offender and the moderator do not vote. If there is a draw in the votes then
the moderator should make the final decision, whether the offender will
continue or be banned.
To
avoid any misunderstanding or vendetta the voting process can be done privately
between the participants of the war council and the moderator and the result be
announced to the offender after, without having the details mentioned (for or
against votes and who voted what). Many thanks go to Frozzy (frozenfire911@mindless.com) for
bringing this up.
Note
If you have any question, objection
or proposal about the rules please refer to the Civ3 PBEM
Rules (version 1.0): Discussion thread at the Apolyton
Civ3-PBEM forum.
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Copyright
© 2003 Keygen.
All rights reserved.