Gullible Stranger: So what is this game all about?
GM: Avada Kedavra is a freeform Pbem sim played over a Yahoogroups list. Because our intent is to explore the darker implications of Voldemort's Reign, I will only allow players aged 18 + (if you are younger and you want me to consider you, you're welcome to try and convince me). This is not purely because of possible adult content but because we've found that older players are more likely to stick with the game.
Gullible Stranger: Fair enough! When you say "freeform", do you mean there's no plot or are we working toward a particular goal?
GM: A bit of both, actually. There is a goal, but how the players discover and reach it is their decision and depends entirely on the creativity of the individual.
As GM I'm not here to hold people's hands; every now and then I ask players if they would mind if their character did a certain something to help move the plot along, they're usually happy to oblige.
If you feel that the game is not varied enough for your liking then please make something happen, start a new plot thread, ump in on existing one. That is what freeform is all about -- it is non-restrictive with minimum rules. You are in complete control of your character!
If you don't want to take control of your characters existence then I suggest you stick to games with dice (this is a sore point with me right now).
Anything goes but please don't contradict the main plan of your GM (there is a plan, honest). Unwinding plot contradictions is a pain in the neck.
Gullible Stranger: Can I play a character from the books?
GM: Simple answer -- NO! All player characters must be originals.
Due to the nature of the story, however, it is inevitable that we will use characters from the books as NPCs (Hey, it would be a pretty dull Death Eater who'd never met Voldie!). As a player you are free to interact with these on any level you wish, as GM I occasionally write a post concerning the major NPC's (Dumbledore and Voldemort) which have a major effect on the plot. I have also been known to provide cameos of canon NPC's for players who prefer interactive writing.
Gullible Stranger: Canon?
GM: Anything that happened in the Four Books (the Sorceror's [or Philosopher's] Stone, the Chamber of Secrets, the Prisoner of Azkaban and the Goblet of Fire) is canon and cannot be changed. Be as creative as you like with new stuff.
Bear in mind that the AK Potterverse is set in the past (I would estimate that we are currently round about 1975) so we are basically free to do what we like.
Gullible Stranger: Doesn't that mean that James Potter and freinds are still at school?
GM: It does, so hopefuly we'll not have much to do with them. It also means that Lord Voldemort is still alive, well and supported by a lot of very unpleasant people and that we are at the beginning of a very long war. As this is freeform we don't actually know how it will end...
Gullible Stranger: Let me get this right... someone writes, I respond and so on?
GM: Yes, you may also create posts offline with other players and post them when finished. This is often used when the plot thread is very involved and contadictions may arise from tag posting.
All posts should be in third person prose, like a book. Don't worry if English is not your first language, give it a go (there's much more to life than punctuation; certain people would laugh if they knew I'd said that).
Gullible Stranger: That sounds okay but I do have a life. Does this mean I'm going to be stuck at my keyboard every day?
GM: Life, what kind of a luxury is that?
Seriously, we all have lives. Please try to post at least twice a week (real posts, not one liners) to the Yahoogroups list, several times a week would be even better.
I understand that this is not always possible. If something that will take you out of the game long term comes up let me know.
Gullible Stranger: I can manage that. Anything else I should know?
GM: Respect one anothers characters, we're here to have fun not make enemies, if you want your character to have an antagonistic relationship with someone it is sometimes better to use an NPC (non player character).
That way, no-one will be unintentionally offended when you turn them into a stick insect or send them insane due to over zealous usage of the Cruciatus curse.
Use your magic responsibly. Remember, even powerful dark wizards have their limits!
Gullible Stranger: Okay, but this game has been running for a while ... where do I fit in?
GM: It's quite easy. Play isn't restricted to Hogwarts (though that is where the game began). Whilst you become acquainted with the current plot threads you will be doing whatever it is that a witch or wizard of your chosen profession would be doing.
As soon as you feel comfortable with a thread you may come up with a premise for joining it (the delay also gives our existing players a chance to get to know your style). Simple as that!
Gullible Stranger: I'm convinced! How do I apply?
GM: Go to our joining page and come up with an original character. If you need ideas look at some of the existing PC's. Then submit the completed form and a writing sample. The latter is very important as we are predominantly writers; the sample makes it easier for me as GM to integrate you into the game.