Guide to IRC

The following is a compilation of the basics and pieces of advice that have been floating around for online GMs, players, and coordinators. Thanks to everyone who contributed to and reviewed the document!
 

Please send comments to webmaster@kellscaer.net .

Last updated 01/28/2012.

A detailed update history can be found below.

What is IRC?

IRC stands for Internet Relay Chat and is an Internet messaging protocol designed for text-based group discussions. General information (probably more than you want!) can be found at the original home of IRC, irc.org, and at the IRC help site irchelp.org.

Using IRC

First, find and install an IRC client, or use an IRC service. There are a large number of clients and services available, for prices ranging from free on up. Some of the ones in use by players are:

• Chatzilla - free browser add-on for Mozilla's Firefox browser. Supports the Dicesuke and Etaroller die rollers.
• Pidgin - free client, also handles a bunch of other chat networks such as AIM, Yahoo!, MSN, etc. Supports the Dicesuke and Dice_Eta die rollers.
• mIRC - client, free for a 30-day trial period, then available for a one-time lifetime registration fee. Supports the Dicesuke and Dice_Eta die rollers.
• mibbit - free web service, runs on PC and MAC browsers, PS3, Wii, and iPhone. Support for die rollers: unknown.

IRC defines the chat space by specifying the server and a channel. If you're playing Heroes of Rokugan, use server irc.sandwich.net and channel #Rokugan or #Rokugan2 (your GM will tell you which). Create a username - again, for HoR, it's usually your PC name in the form FamilyName_GivenName.

On Pidgin, the server name is on the Accounts setup. So, to set up for Heroes of Rokugan:

• Go to Add Account (or modify, if you have a username created)
• Choose PROTOCOL = IRC
• Username = your_username (generally your character name)
• Server - irc.sandwich.net
• And SAVE. Then you can go to JOIN CHAT and choose that username and fill in the channel.

The first one on the channel should invite the die roller (/invite Dicesuke <channelname> or /invite Dice_Eta <channelname>). Everyone can then simply issue die rolling commands.

• Dicesuke
  • Type "4k3" (without the quotes) to throw 4 d10 and keep the highest 3.
  • "4k3+5" throws 4 d10, keeps the highest 3, and adds 5 to the result.
  • For emphasis, use 4k3e to reroll 1s.
  • For mastery, use 4k3m
• Dice_Eta
  • Type "r 4k3" (without the quotes) to throw 4 d10 and keep the highest 3.
  • "r 4k3+5" throws 4 d10, keeps the highest 3, and adds 5 to the result.
  • For emphasis, use "r 4ke3" to reroll 1s.
  • For mastery, use "r 4km3"
• DiceSan
• DiceSama
• DiceKami

Specific instructions for Chatzilla

(Courtesy of Don Riddick)

• Once you have installed the Chatzilla add-on and restarted the browser, you're ready to join the chat.
• Type in "/attach irc.sandwich.net" to get into the gaming chat area.
• Type in "/join rokugan". This puts you in the online gaming channel. There are people on each night, so it is a great way to chat with people and learn more about the on-line HOR gaming community.
• Chatzilla has two online dice rollers: Dicesuke and Etaroller. Either type in 5k3 (xkx) for Dicesuke, or if you have emphasis, use Etaroller.
• Pro-tip- You can also send private messages to the GM and other players in Chatzilla or Skype chat, when you need to be crafty or don't want to disturb the other players.

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Update History

• 2010-12-12
  • Added the second IRC die roller
• 2010-12-09
  • Created IRC information

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New material copyright Maryrita Steinhour 2007,2010 with thanks to all contributors!