Play by Post: A Unique Take on Tower Defense
For those unfamiliar, Play by Post (PbP) is a form of tabletop gaming where players interact with each other and the game world through text-based messages. This form of gaming allows for a rich narrative experience and often encourages creative storytelling.
Tower Defense is a popular genre of strategy game that involves defending a base or point from waves of enemies by strategically placing towers or other defensive structures.
So, how do these two concepts come together? Play by Post Tower Defense offers a novel way to experience the excitement of tower defense while embracing the storytelling and creative potential of PbP. Let's explore how this genre works, its benefits, and where you can find it.
How does Play by Post Tower Defense work?
In a Play by Post Tower Defense game, players typically take turns describing their actions within a set timeframe, such as a day or week. Here's a glimpse of how it might play out:
1. Setup: The game master (GM) or organizer sets the stage, describing the location, the threat, and the resources available to the players.
2. Building: Players take turns describing the defensive structures they want to build. These could be classic towers like cannons or archers, or they might be more unique structures with special abilities. The GM then determines if the placement is valid and assesses the cost of building the structure.
3. Enemy Waves: The GM describes the incoming wave of enemies, outlining their strengths, weaknesses, and any special abilities they possess.
4. Defense: Players describe their actions to defend against the enemy wave. They may choose to fire their towers, use special abilities, or reposition their structures to create a more effective defense.
5. Results: The GM narrates the outcome of the players' actions. Did their defenses hold? Were any enemies able to break through? Did any structures sustain damage?
6. Repeat: The cycle of building, defending, and experiencing the results continues until the players either achieve victory or suffer defeat.
Advantages of Play by Post Tower Defense
- Flexibility: Players can participate at their own pace and schedule, making it ideal for busy individuals.
- Creative Storytelling: The narrative-driven format encourages players to describe their actions with detail and imagination, adding depth to the experience.
- Collaborative World Building: Players can work together to build a unique and engaging game world through their descriptions and interactions.
- Strategic Depth: The turn-based nature of PbP allows for thoughtful consideration of each action, making it more strategic than real-time tower defense games.
- Community: PbP games often foster strong online communities where players can interact, share ideas, and build lasting friendships.
Where to find Play by Post Tower Defense games
- Online Forums: Websites like Something Awful, The Forge, and RPG.net often host communities dedicated to PbP gaming.
- Dedicated Websites: Websites like PbP.org and Play By Post Games offer forums, directories, and other resources for players to find and connect with others.
- Discord Servers: There are numerous Discord servers dedicated to PbP gaming, including dedicated spaces for tower defense games.
Remember: When joining a PbP game, make sure to read the game's rules and guidelines carefully to understand the expectations and the tone of the game.
Tips for playing Play by Post Tower Defense
- Communication is key: Engage with the GM and other players actively, providing detailed descriptions of your actions and thoughts.
- Embrace the creative potential: Don't be afraid to think outside the box and come up with innovative ways to defend your base.
- Be patient: PbP games typically move at a slower pace than real-time games. Enjoy the process of building, strategizing, and narrating the story with your fellow players.
- Be open to feedback: The GM and other players may provide constructive feedback on your strategies or descriptions. Take this feedback as an opportunity to improve your gameplay.
Conclusion
Play by Post Tower Defense offers a unique blend of strategy, creativity, and community. Whether you're a seasoned PbP gamer or just starting out, this genre provides a fascinating and engaging way to experience the world of tower defense. So, grab your keyboard, get creative, and prepare to defend your base in the world of PbP!
