Hello, and welcome to Spooky's RPG, a role playing game based on the TV show "The X-Files." While some games concern themselves with strict conformity and "all or nothing" rules, Spooky's focuses on the task at hand--to have fun. That said, there are still certain guidelines that we all have to observe. If you ever have any questions, you can e-mail the Moderator or Vice-Moderator at any time. And if you just want to say hi, drop by the Message Board.

Role playing "The X-Files."

Remember when you were a kid and played Cowboys and Indians? Or House? Spooky's RPG is similar, but we call it role playing because it sounds more respectable than "playing X-Files."

If you've never role played before, don't worry, it's easier than it looks. Basically, all the players take on the role of a fictional character and write from that character's point of view, making things up as they go along. The interaction between the characters creates the story and the game.

Some players pretend they are the character they're playing, like a self-induced schizophrenia. Others treat their character more like a puppet, writing as though they were working on a novel. Do whatever works best for you.

What's the catch? Can I play too?

Spooky's RPG is absolutely free. We have no interest in your mortal soul or firstborn child, and as much as we love money, we don't want yours. There are no punishments for mistakes. Refreshing, huh? If you like The X-Files and can write fairly legible English, you'll be a welcome addition to our group.

Spooky's RPG is a Nonzero-sum game. This means we work together as a team instead of against each other, and players are not opponents, though some characters may be. It's kinda like a Round Robin; you write a section of the story (in your character's point of view), then pass it on for the next person to play with.

Each player gets one character. This is known as a Player Character or PC. You control your PC's dialogue, actions, reactions, thoughts, etc.

Now, the only character you need to worry about is your own. When you come to the point in your RP where you need the input of someone else's PC, simply stop writing and let the other players take it from there. Granted, their reply might not be what you had in mind, but that's half the fun of role playing.

As a member you can move the plot in whatever direction you please, using whatever genre (drama, romance, comedy, et. al.) interests you. And if the current plot doesn't interest you at all, you can create a new, separate storyline. Known as episodes, they occur at different points in (virtual) time, so you can involve your character in as many as you have time for, from one to all of them. You can open a new episode by letting us know what you're up to when you write the trigger (the first RP) for it.

If you will be away for a few days, please let the others know. Abandoned characters have a bad habit of falling into trouble. If you want, you can have someone else write your PC until you return.

Who can I be?

The cool thing about Spooky's is you can be anyone you want, even a character from TXF. Think about how you would like to fit in the game, then choose a character that will help you achieve your goals. The more active your character can be in the game, the more fun you'll have.

When it comes to the big decision, you have several options: You can adopt an X-Files character, you can create an OC (Original Character), or you can snag one of the NPCs (Non-Player Character) and claim him as your own. The untouchables are the already taken PCs, listed on the Who's Who page.

Choosing an XF character:
This is easy. The hard work of creating a soul has been done for you by the infinitely wise folks at 1013. If you want, get to know your character better by studying a few episodes (you have the tapes and DVD's, right?)

Creating an OC (Original Character):

Here's your chance to make a Post-Modern Prometheus of your very own. Wring your hands like an evil scientist and create whomever you want. It might help to have a model--writers sometimes use photos of actors to help them describe their characters vividly.

A good way to make sure you don't confuse yourself with your character is to make a major trait completely different. For example, make your character of opposite gender. Also, don't make him perfect. Lovable people like Mulder have weaknesses. Flaws will make your character more believable and easier to play with.

To maintain balance in the game, any character with supernatural powers (shape-shifting, mind-reading, i.e., anything that a normal human could never achieve) has a teensy weensy little limit. Whenever you use any such goofy thing in your story, the other players get to vote on what the outcome is. Hey, you really didn't want your character to be magical anyway, did you?

How to make a character sheet:

A character sheet is basically a description of your character. If your character is lifted right off the XF roster, you don't need to make a sheet; the rest of us should know who he is (and if we don't, we can quietly slink off to watch a few tapes, hiding how unfocussed we really are).

When a player introduces an OC (Original Character), other players use the character sheet to see who the new kid on the block is, and get a better idea of how to interact with him. At the very minimum, the sheet should include your character's name (and gender if the name is weird), and a physical description. You can also tell us other things about him, such as who his friends or enemies are, beliefs, habits, career, education, what his childhood was like, strengths, weaknesses, or any other background information you want to share.

The format can be anything you want. From a text file to a preformatted set of html files complete with graphics, it can be a simple list of traits, a resume, a FAQ, an interview, a rap sheet.

E-mail your character sheet (and updates to it) to the GM who will put it on the website for all to see.

What are NPCs?

A NPC (Non-Player Character) is any character that is not a PC (that is, taken by a player). Essentially, they are like guest stars, supporting cast, or extras. They might be OCs or characters from The X-Files. Some might be opponents, some might be allies.

Players use NPCs any way they want. Everyone is allowed--encouraged even--to write NPCs that others have introduced.

When a player quits the game, their character becomes a NPC. OCs that have become NPCs can be disposed of in all kinds of fun ways. Have your character bid him farewell with best wishes for a better life. Or, murder him and throw a joyous party at the funeral.

Who plays Spooky at Spooky's RPG?

Fox Mulder is a reserved character that all veteran players can write at anytime. No one may adopt Fox Mulder as a PC.

Most role playing games have a GM (Game Moderator) to keep everything running smoothly. The GM acts as a referee, keeping the game alive, breaking up fights, stuff like that. The Vice-Moderator, who takes over when the GM needs a vacation to real life, also helps with questionnaires, graphics, and other related activities. Currently, the GM is Nancy and the Vice-Moderator is Brandi.

Things the GM might do:

Throw Snowballs:

The GM may write RPs whose sole purpose is to complicate the story or move it forward. To avoid having annoying acts of god added to your character's life, post regularly.

Pauses:

The GM may pause the game at any time for any reason (the reason is hopefully a good one) by posting "Pause" on the Message Board. Players don't post RPs while the game is paused. When the GM has it together again, she will post "UnPause" to the Board, and play can resume.

The GM is not a censor. She doesn't tell anybody what to write, how to write, what plot to follow, what football teams to watch on Sunday, etc. But remember, no matter what you write in your RP, the other participants are forced to read it, so please be considerate of others' feelings and limit your use of offensive language. Bad words and certain subjects (like rape, child abuse, etc.) can make others uncomfortable and should be avoided. A good rule of thumb is that if they don't say it on TV, you shouldn't say it here either, and since TXF is way tamer than, say, "South Park," this shouldn't hurt your story in the least.

Anyone may lurk or post to the Message Board. If you want to play the game, just follow three simple steps: