Seeing as i'm unlikely to ever get to play a face to face game of Tal is anyone interested in a play by post game?

Sure, I might be interested.  Which edition are you going to use?  I remember reading that you wanted to play Tal4 (the big blue from Shooting Iron) in some post here, IIRC.

I would play. If it's to be 4e I'd probably be willing to scare up a copy of the big blue book, although my prefs lean toward earlier editions.

This would be my first pbp.

I only have 4e. I have no idea as to differences to earlier ones. I think it's the way that magic works that has been changed most, if i recall conversations i've seen.

Well, the magic system is one of the major changes from the earlier editions, and probably the most significant change.  I'd play using the Tal4 rules.  Although, I'm with Elliot, I personally prefer a blend of the 2e/3e rules (i.e. earlier rules).  However, that's not a knock on Tal4, it's an awsome and elegant system that deserves all its praise.  I like Tal4 very much as well.

Are there any special House Rules that you are going to implement?

I'd be in.

OHT, unless for some reason you have a strong desire to explore an earlier edition, you've got my support on using 4e...for whatever that's worth.

I would like to know what geographical region we will be playing in and what the focus will be on (action/adventure, cultural immersion, etc).

BTW I did go out and grab a Tal 4e...so I'm very much ready to go!

Me too. I am all geared to go.

Groovy.

You lot tell me what type of game you want to play.

I'm up for action and adventure so anything involving the exploration of strange lands, discovering ancient ruins, and escaping danger without worldwide repercussions would be great. Therefore, I would like something local scale and standard fantasy set in either the Wilderlands, the Southern Rim, or the Northern Reaches. However, I don't think such a campaign would suit the PBP format well so I'll defer to the others if they want something else.

I should probably point out my own preferences - not on game style, that's up to you, but on area. The only area that i find rather underwhelming to have a game set is the Northern reaches. Far fewer possibilities there, as far as i can see.

I'm flexible, so it really doesn't matter to me.  I think there's the opportunity for adventure almost anywhere in Talislanta.  The Seven Kingdoms offers a classic view of the Talislanta milieu.  I think that a campaign set in either the Eastern Lands or the Desert Kingdoms would be interesting.

Here are a couple of ideas i've had, with 3 game possibilities. If you want something else, pipe up. If one takes your fancy, do the same!

The Rise of the Ur

After centuries of fearing the eventuality, it has finally happened. A single King has united the three tribes of the Ur - The King of Grod. Reports have come from that blasted land of a great mobilisation and a great host forming. Mighty Ur warlords and their hosts are answering the call of their King, bringing thousands of fierce 7 foot tall warriors, countless Darkling slaves are corralled on the foul plains, waiting to go to war and die for their cruel master, stinking Stryx mercenaries and advisors fly with the host, adding an aerial danger to the land the host will assault. The Ur seeks new lands to despoil. But where will the hammer fall?

Will the Ur head into the Plains of Golarin? Will they assault the Ice Giants and reclaim the land they lost to them millennia ago? Maybe they will stream over the Obsidian Mountains and into the Seven Kingdoms. Perhaps the mineral wealth of Arim will draw their gaze and the Gorge at Akbar will see an assault the like of which it has never seen before.

Saving Private Iron – Western Lands

·   Since the news leaked about the gathering of the Ur, mercenaries have been gathering at the Citadel of Akbar in Arim. A cosmopolitan collection of warriors, wizards, rogues and...others have been trickling into the fortress for weeks, waiting to see if the hammer will fall on them. Some of the more gifted mercenaries are being pressed into assault and scouting groups and are being paid well for their services. Those services include ranging into Ur, spying on them, taking out leaders, sowing dissent and sabotage. Should the Ur come to Akbar, these mercenaries will be well used also. Behind the scenes move unknown numbers of Revenants, their purpose unknown. Your group is one of these mercenary companies.

This will be an all action campaign. The PCs will be an elite group harrying the Ur, gathering info, scouting, assassinating and all things in-between...and getting paid for it! Suitable archetypes: Go nuts!

Dangerous Liaisons – Seven Kingdoms

·   Your group is a diplomatic mission in the Seven Kingdoms. The Gnomekin have warned of the danger, but the interior of the kingdoms has become lazy and content. There have been no armies prepared; there have been no missions over the Obsidian Mountains to confirm numbers, deployment and weaknesses. Nothing has been done. Only your group are preparing. But you need help and that help can only be given through the courts of the Seven Kingdoms. You must travel to each and beg help and warn of the danger. Navigating the courts will be perilous; politics are another form of war, one that you must win first in order to win the second. Are you able to get aid? Even a small expeditionary force to verify your claims...you'd even lead it, if that got everyone's attention. Are other powers working in the Seven Kingdoms to thwart your efforts? If so, who are they?

This will be a political campaign containing skulduggery, diplomacy, networking, with a splash of espionage and action. Suitable archetypes: Gnomekin and other Archetypes from the Seven Kingdoms.


The Southern Rim

Ancient tales tell of a magical fountain to be found somewhere along the huge stretch of the Southern Rim. Every now and then, bold explorers set out to try and find it and make their fortunes. For it is said to rejuvenate any who drink from its waters.

Bazaar of the Bizarre

This year, you are determined to take part in the famous Festival of the Bizarre on the isle of Thaecia. To this end, you have decided that if you manage to find these magical waters, a prize of 10,000 Gold lumens must surely be yours. You have a motley crew, a talking Quaal (well, he says 'pants' a lot) and the gumption to search wherever you can to find it.

This will be an exploration type campaign that would suite nautical types – although nearly any Archetype you can think of could be a part of the crew.