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17:37, 16th April 2024 (GMT+0)

Private Lines.

Posted by Gaffer
Gaffer
member, 1760 posts
Ocoee FL
45 yrs of RPGs
Sun 27 Nov 2022
at 01:41
  • msg #1

Private Lines

When I post a Private Line to multiple characters, do they get it individually, or do they all see to whom it has gone?
LissaAzules
member, 36 posts
Sun 27 Nov 2022
at 04:14
  • msg #2

Private Lines

They will see everyone to whom it is sent
LissaAzules
member, 37 posts
Sun 27 Nov 2022
at 04:22
  • msg #3

Private Lines

Just as a heads up, if you click the Preview/Delay button on your post, you then have the option below your preview window the view the post as another character would see it...
Gaffer
member, 1761 posts
Ocoee FL
45 yrs of RPGs
Sun 27 Nov 2022
at 11:35
  • msg #4

Private Lines

Thanks, LissaAzules, that's what I thought.
Ameena
member, 222 posts
Sun 27 Nov 2022
at 11:37
  • msg #5

Private Lines

I was playing a purely telepathic character in a recent game, and would write all my dialogue as private lines - if I was talking to more than one group member at once I'd just copy-paste it into separate private lines addressed to each one. Because they'd have no way of knowing if I was saying the same thing to each of them. I usually was, but wanted to be prepared for the possibility of that not being the case >:). Unfortunately the game has died so I'll never find out, but it was mostly fun while it lasted :D.
Gaffer
member, 1762 posts
Ocoee FL
45 yrs of RPGs
Sun 27 Nov 2022
at 11:49
  • msg #6

Private Lines

Thanks, Ameena. That looks like the only way.
tmagann
member, 820 posts
Sun 27 Nov 2022
at 17:54
  • msg #7

Private Lines

There is another way that may or may not work for you, but needs to be set up by the GM.

I use Language groups to set up private categories, usually for Lore Skill training. That way I can send one PM to everyone trained in a particular skill the same message/bit of common knowledge. Saves some work when giving out specialized background info.

It can be used for other things, of course. Private Telepathic groups, or, really, any specific category the GM wants to set up.

Of course, it's still obvious that it's being sent to a group, just not who is in the group. And it could well be a group of one person, even. But, as time goes on, players are likely to learn who is in the group through play.
LissaAzules
member, 38 posts
Sun 27 Nov 2022
at 20:20
  • msg #8

Private Lines

I think that using language groups would be a little problematic for telepathic communication as the recipient(s) could change from use to use.

Secret To might actually be better... It works the same as Private To but you can't see who else received the message...  the downside is that the recipient also doesn't know it is a private message but you can always add "Private To You:" (or something similar) before the text of the message...

Example
<Secret To pc1, pc2, pc3: Private To You: message>

 (replace <> with [])
This message was last edited by the user at 20:31, Sun 27 Nov 2022.
tmagann
member, 821 posts
Sun 27 Nov 2022
at 23:44
  • msg #9

Private Lines

I was referring more to situations where the group is fixed. Hive minds or cyberware using the same protocols and frequency, etc. It won't apply in many cases of telepathy (or the equivalent), no, but there are some where it's handy. It rather depends on the game, both setting and rules.
Ameena
member, 223 posts
Mon 28 Nov 2022
at 12:44
  • msg #10

Private Lines

Secret text can only be sent by the GM so wouldn't work if it was the player who was trying to do the sneaky telepathic stuff.
LissaAzules
member, 39 posts
Mon 28 Nov 2022
at 13:38
  • msg #11

Private Lines

In reply to Ameena (msg # 10):

Thanks, I didn't think about that since I'm usually the DM
donsr
member, 2723 posts
Mon 28 Nov 2022
at 13:42
  • msg #12

Private Lines

some of my players  will use  Private Lines  and adrees  the player and  Me(GM). they really don't have to , since GMs  see it  anyway.

 for my part, and so i don't mess up. I just use PMs to the players . that way, only those in the address can ever see it.
LissaAzules
member, 40 posts
Mon 28 Nov 2022
at 13:50
  • msg #13

Private Lines

PM is ok but I prefer the conversation to all be in the posts so I can go back and reread quickly if I need to incorporate previous actions/comments into the story
donsr
member, 2724 posts
Mon 28 Nov 2022
at 14:14
  • msg #14

Private Lines

yeah, That's  what private lines  are designed for . But  i like the  'locked away', PMs..each to their own, especially if you run alot of games.
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