Getting Started

Setting up the software

In order to play in FUMBBL, you need to have the following software installed on your computer.

• SkiJunkie?'s JavaBBowl Client (mirror)
• Java Runtime Environment 1.3 or higher
• Any fairly recent web browser
• An IRC client is not necessary, but highly recommended

Read the Rules

This step is of course vital. If you don't have it already, go to www.bloodbowl.com and get the latest Living Rulebook (LRB) and the details of the 2003 BBRC Rules Review. FUMBBL follows the LRB and the latest possible BBRC rulings as closely as possible, except where specifically noted otherwise. Then go to the rules page and read the things in there. While you're at it, click on the divisions tab (above) to get an overview of what the divisions mean.

Creating a Team

First off, sign up on the site and log in. You will get a list of the rules of the league to which you can either agree or disagree. Read through them. Really read them. There's some important stuff there and you have to agree to abide by the rules if you want to play.

To get started with your team, click on the Overview button on the top of the screen. This will take you to the page showing an overview of various information that might be of interest to you.

On this page you will find a list of teams you own. Of course, you don't have any teams yet so it's empty. However, there is also a link there ("Create Team") which will take you to the team creation page.

Now, the system will ask for a division. Did you remember to read the information on the divisions? Ok, good. Select the division you want your team to be a part of and off you go to the next page. For most cases, you'll want to start with an Open division team, as that's where the majority of games are played. You can start with whichever division you please, however, if something else looks more interesting.

Now is the time to select race and team name. This is the only place you will be able to choose the race and if you realize it was the wrong choice, you will have to scrap the entire team. The team on the other hand is editable as long as your team is incomplete.

After you have decided on race and team name, you will get to the main team edit page in which you will be able to buy players, rerolls, fanfactor and coaching staff. When you're happy with your team, press the "Submit for Approval" button on the bottom of the page.

Now you have to wait until a team approver checks your team. They make sure the team and player names are not offensive or plain stupid. Just make a small effort and you'll be fine.

Playing Games

When your team has been approved, you are ready to start playing. Go to the FUMBBL chat and you'll soon be on your way. You'll find it's pretty easy to pick up chat etiquette and terminology?, but here's a primer for you.

Here are some step by step instructions on SettingUpGames. Note that the client wants the "Roster" page which you will find by clicking on the icon. Simply copy and paste the roster URL into the client (use Ctrl-V to paste as there is no context menu).

Reporting Matches

After your match is completed, you will have to upload the result to the website. You will find the result in a folder called "results" in your JavaBBowl directory. The filename will be something like "AaaavsBbbb.zip", where the A's and B's are the first letters of the involved teams. Take note that it is the ".zip" file that is required. In Windows, you can make this easier by viewing the files there by Details (available from the context menu by right-clicking), and then sorting by Date.

Ready to upload the result? Good. Press the "Report Result" button and when the new page appears, press the Browse button and locate your result file. Finish it off by pressing "Upload".

The site should respond by saying that the match has been reported or that it is now waiting for your opponent, depending on who uploads first. When both players have uploaded the result file both teams will be updated with the SPPs and injuries they managed to attain during the match.

If the match resulted in one or more of your players to gain skills the team will be marked accordingly with an orange "S" icon on your overview page. You will then be able to go to the team edit page by clicking on the team's name and make the skill rolls by clicking on The "Skill" link next to the player in question.

You will also be able to purchase new players and make any changes you might want to do from the same page. When you are happy with the team, you can go right back to the chat and search for another opponent.

Naturally, things don't work perfectly all the time. If you run into trouble of any kind, contact an administrator and explain your problems. This includes everything from opponents disappearing to rightout bugs in the match report system.

And finally, keep in mind that this is a game. Have FUN!