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FAQ
WHAT SORTS OF CHARACTERS ARE ALLOWED IN GAME?
Canon Characters:
Goes without saying, but published characters.
Canon Alternate Universe (AU) Characters:
The game allows characters that deviate from the mainstream canon, but only those that are also published. For example, the Marvel Comics canon has a large number of alternate universes. Any and all of them are appable, but player created AUs are not permitted.
AU Duplicates:
The game does not allow duplicate characters in the most direct sense- i.e. the exact same character twice. However if they are notably different to a version already in game, they may be allowed to be applied alongside their alternates. The difference must be sufficient to justify this. The general rule of thumb is that if material aspects (appearance, history, powers etc.) are left out of the equation their personalities are different enough they might not be recognised to be the same person. A character that is no different between two universes even if the worlds are altered could be applied, but not alongside another version they are identical to. If in doubt, ask before starting on an app.
Original Characters:
Original characters can be applied for, but in general will require more detail in their applications.
Game Setting Originals:
Characters from the game world and therefore a completely ordinary human can be applied. This may not seem appealing in early gameplay, but will become more relevant in later seasons. There will also be chances in the future for players to apply for members of the enemy's army.
HOW MANY CHARACTERS CAN I PLAY?
Each player is presently allowed five character slots. This may actually be more than five characters, due to Combo Apps.
WHAT ARE COMBO APPS?
The simple answer is that they are apps for multiple characters that will count as one towards your character count. More information is on this page.
CAN I USE POSTS OR THREADS FROM OTHER GAMES AS SAMPLES FOR MY APP?
Yes, but we may ask for an original sample if it is felt it is needed. It shouldn't be a big deal, as long as you pick an example you are confident in. Note too that at least one of the samples must feature the reincarnated character rather than their canon counterpart.
CAN I CANON UPDATE?
Considering the nature of the game, that'd be unnecessary.
CAN MY CHARACTER LEAVE THE CITY?
Technically, yes. There is nothing physically preventing any character from hopping the next bus out of town. However, in gameplay terms a couple things are likely to keep them there. First and foremost, their ordinary life is still there. They'd be abandoning their home, job and family. Secondly, during the first few seasons travelling too far from the city will cause the traveller to temporarily lose all their Echoes and any Echo related memories, meaning if the decision to leave was related to the game's plot they will promptly forget why they are so distant from the city and probably just come back home anyway.
YOU KEEP MENTIONING SEASONS, WHAT'S THAT ABOUT?
A season is the term here for a period in which the game setting remains relatively stable. Once the player characters achieve (or fail) certain goals or certain plot points are completed, the setting will be changed.
THE SETTING WILL CHANGE?
Yes, in reaction to player character actions and the plot's advancement. Currently there are no plans to reveal future seasons, but please be aware that the game will change a lot as time goes on. This is not an exaggeration.
BUT I LIKE THE CURRENT/PAST SETTING MORE!
Whenever a season ends a dressing room will open indefinitely with the same setting as that season. Not quite the same thing but likely this is the best we can do, we're afraid. All players past, present and future will be able to play in the DRs even if they drop from the main game.
DOES THE GAME HAVE A PLANNED ENDING?
Short answer: yes. Long answer: sort of? The game will end whenever the conflict that is the crux of the game is over, either with the enemy or the player characters succeeding in their goal. No previously confirmed ending exists; whether it's a good ending or a bad ending is up to the players. It may take a year or it may take five or more. What happens then will be decided by the players.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A CHARACTER DIES?
They're dead, barring player character interference; there is no game mechanic to return the dead to life, and if the same character is re-applied, they will be a completely new 'version.'
WHAT HAPPENS TO A CHARACTER WHEN I GO ON HIATUS?
They temporarily lose all their memories, abilities and items from Echo related occurrences and once again become a completely normal person. Attempts to remind them fail and they then even forget those attempts. By default they are completely out of the loop regarding gameplay, although players can make other arrangements if they wish.
WHAT HAPPENS TO A CHARACTER WHEN I DROP?
Assuming you don't kill them? The same as above, but permanently. If applied for by another player, it will be new version. If a former player reapplies, they can choose to regain all memories and Echoes or start from scratch.
CAN I APP A CHARACTER SOMEONE ELSE PLAYED BEFORE?
Yes. In this case, the character is assumed to be from a parallel universe with an extremely minor difference that doesn't otherwise affect any major events. The reincarnated character must also be different from the previously-played character, with a different name, history, etc.
MY CHARACTER HAS AN INHUMAN APPEARANCE, WHAT HAPPENS?
You have two choices. Have them start as a human who will transform into their inhuman form through Echoes or start as the closest terrestrial creature to their inhuman form and have their first Echo give them sentience (but speech is optional).
ANY LIMITS TO WHAT WE CAN GIVE OUR CHARACTERS IN THEIR REINCARNATED LIVES?
Not really, so long as you're reasonable. It's fine to make them extremely rich, so long as you don't make them the richest man in the world, for example. Some characters will have IC advantages over others, but that's all they are. IC advantages.
ANY POWER LIMITS?
Not in the traditional sense. It just happens that powers are recovered bit by bit.
WHAT ABOUT THE 4TH WALL?
Intact at present. For now please just don't bring it up that characters are from fiction which should rightfully exist in the game setting. It'll be subject to a player vote at a later date.
IS THIS EXTRA-DIMENSIONAL HORROR INSPIRED BY LOVECRAFT?
Nope. If anything it's more inspired by Earthbound.
MY CHARACTER RECEIVED THEIR FIRST ECHO A LONG TIME AGO, WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR GAMEPLAY?
The network the characters use went live on April 1st, 2013. Any attempts to the number to connect to it before then simply didn't work and therefore its importance would likely be overlooked. At game start, a mysterious pink light in the sky reminded the characters of their number and a similar process, sans pink light, will awaken the number in the minds of characters when they join the game. This means that they can receive their Echo at any time, but be disconnected from the rest of players until the moment they join.
WHEN ARE EVENTS RUN?
Often, but chaotically. They will not occur at regular intervals to fit a routine. They will be no self resolving events. They will all require player involvement to end and may overlap with each other. Whenever an event is occurring a plotting post will go up to help OOC communication.
SEASON ONE SPECIFIC FAQ
WHAT'S DIFFERENT BETWEEN THIS EARTH AND NORMAL EARTH?
Only one noticeable difference so far, the existence of Locke City. The North American continent is a tiny bit bigger to fit it in.
CAN MY CHARACTER REVEAL THEIR SUPER NATURE TO THE PUBLIC?
Preferably not. The Season One dynamic is based around secrecy in the normal world, but there's no game mechanic to cause it. Characters will be pressured to remain in secret for their own safety by a number of in-character reasons brought about by plot circumstances. For that reason, please don't apply for characters that could not reasonably be persuaded to keep the secret. With permission, you'll be allowed to reveal the secret to a few ordinary citizens depending on circumstances. Additionally, they don't have to be particularly good at keeping the secret nor a willing participant.
WHAT NPCs CAN I USE?
Players have automatic right to use their character's direct relatives (siblings, parents, spouse etc) for any reasonable purpose. Similarly ordinary citizens can be used for anything reasonable, but people in positions of authority (politicians, military, police) require permission. If in doubt, ask.
WHAT ABOUT PLAYER PLOTS?
Outside of the guideline of keeping the secret and remaining IC, you basically have free rein to do as you wish. Particularly big stuff I'd appreciate being run by me first but otherwise I'm very open. Just be aware there may be consequences you didn't expect. I did say the setting will react based on player character actions, after all.
WHAT SORT OF EVENTS WILL RUN THIS SEASON?
The plots of season one will revolve around giving hints to the overarching plot that the players are already privy to by the characters are not. This will involve the enemy's forces trying to establish a foothold on Earth and the conflict beginning to escalate. Primarily they will be action and intrigue based, and relatively low profile in respect to how they effect the public. There will also be plots in relation to character actions.
We are currently approaching the END OF SEASON ONE.
If you are a potential new or considering player, please read up on what can be expected in the change in seasons here before you make plans on when and how to enter the game!
Reservations will remain OPEN until February 16th.
Applications for Season One will remain OPEN until February 23rd.
Canon Characters:
Goes without saying, but published characters.
Canon Alternate Universe (AU) Characters:
The game allows characters that deviate from the mainstream canon, but only those that are also published. For example, the Marvel Comics canon has a large number of alternate universes. Any and all of them are appable, but player created AUs are not permitted.
AU Duplicates:
The game does not allow duplicate characters in the most direct sense- i.e. the exact same character twice. However if they are notably different to a version already in game, they may be allowed to be applied alongside their alternates. The difference must be sufficient to justify this. The general rule of thumb is that if material aspects (appearance, history, powers etc.) are left out of the equation their personalities are different enough they might not be recognised to be the same person. A character that is no different between two universes even if the worlds are altered could be applied, but not alongside another version they are identical to. If in doubt, ask before starting on an app.
Original Characters:
Original characters can be applied for, but in general will require more detail in their applications.
Game Setting Originals:
Characters from the game world and therefore a completely ordinary human can be applied. This may not seem appealing in early gameplay, but will become more relevant in later seasons. There will also be chances in the future for players to apply for members of the enemy's army.
HOW MANY CHARACTERS CAN I PLAY?
Each player is presently allowed five character slots. This may actually be more than five characters, due to Combo Apps.
WHAT ARE COMBO APPS?
The simple answer is that they are apps for multiple characters that will count as one towards your character count. More information is on this page.
CAN I USE POSTS OR THREADS FROM OTHER GAMES AS SAMPLES FOR MY APP?
Yes, but we may ask for an original sample if it is felt it is needed. It shouldn't be a big deal, as long as you pick an example you are confident in. Note too that at least one of the samples must feature the reincarnated character rather than their canon counterpart.
CAN I CANON UPDATE?
Considering the nature of the game, that'd be unnecessary.
CAN MY CHARACTER LEAVE THE CITY?
Technically, yes. There is nothing physically preventing any character from hopping the next bus out of town. However, in gameplay terms a couple things are likely to keep them there. First and foremost, their ordinary life is still there. They'd be abandoning their home, job and family. Secondly, during the first few seasons travelling too far from the city will cause the traveller to temporarily lose all their Echoes and any Echo related memories, meaning if the decision to leave was related to the game's plot they will promptly forget why they are so distant from the city and probably just come back home anyway.
YOU KEEP MENTIONING SEASONS, WHAT'S THAT ABOUT?
A season is the term here for a period in which the game setting remains relatively stable. Once the player characters achieve (or fail) certain goals or certain plot points are completed, the setting will be changed.
THE SETTING WILL CHANGE?
Yes, in reaction to player character actions and the plot's advancement. Currently there are no plans to reveal future seasons, but please be aware that the game will change a lot as time goes on. This is not an exaggeration.
BUT I LIKE THE CURRENT/PAST SETTING MORE!
Whenever a season ends a dressing room will open indefinitely with the same setting as that season. Not quite the same thing but likely this is the best we can do, we're afraid. All players past, present and future will be able to play in the DRs even if they drop from the main game.
DOES THE GAME HAVE A PLANNED ENDING?
Short answer: yes. Long answer: sort of? The game will end whenever the conflict that is the crux of the game is over, either with the enemy or the player characters succeeding in their goal. No previously confirmed ending exists; whether it's a good ending or a bad ending is up to the players. It may take a year or it may take five or more. What happens then will be decided by the players.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A CHARACTER DIES?
They're dead, barring player character interference; there is no game mechanic to return the dead to life, and if the same character is re-applied, they will be a completely new 'version.'
WHAT HAPPENS TO A CHARACTER WHEN I GO ON HIATUS?
They temporarily lose all their memories, abilities and items from Echo related occurrences and once again become a completely normal person. Attempts to remind them fail and they then even forget those attempts. By default they are completely out of the loop regarding gameplay, although players can make other arrangements if they wish.
WHAT HAPPENS TO A CHARACTER WHEN I DROP?
Assuming you don't kill them? The same as above, but permanently. If applied for by another player, it will be new version. If a former player reapplies, they can choose to regain all memories and Echoes or start from scratch.
CAN I APP A CHARACTER SOMEONE ELSE PLAYED BEFORE?
Yes. In this case, the character is assumed to be from a parallel universe with an extremely minor difference that doesn't otherwise affect any major events. The reincarnated character must also be different from the previously-played character, with a different name, history, etc.
MY CHARACTER HAS AN INHUMAN APPEARANCE, WHAT HAPPENS?
You have two choices. Have them start as a human who will transform into their inhuman form through Echoes or start as the closest terrestrial creature to their inhuman form and have their first Echo give them sentience (but speech is optional).
ANY LIMITS TO WHAT WE CAN GIVE OUR CHARACTERS IN THEIR REINCARNATED LIVES?
Not really, so long as you're reasonable. It's fine to make them extremely rich, so long as you don't make them the richest man in the world, for example. Some characters will have IC advantages over others, but that's all they are. IC advantages.
ANY POWER LIMITS?
Not in the traditional sense. It just happens that powers are recovered bit by bit.
WHAT ABOUT THE 4TH WALL?
Intact at present. For now please just don't bring it up that characters are from fiction which should rightfully exist in the game setting. It'll be subject to a player vote at a later date.
IS THIS EXTRA-DIMENSIONAL HORROR INSPIRED BY LOVECRAFT?
Nope. If anything it's more inspired by Earthbound.
MY CHARACTER RECEIVED THEIR FIRST ECHO A LONG TIME AGO, WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR GAMEPLAY?
The network the characters use went live on April 1st, 2013. Any attempts to the number to connect to it before then simply didn't work and therefore its importance would likely be overlooked. At game start, a mysterious pink light in the sky reminded the characters of their number and a similar process, sans pink light, will awaken the number in the minds of characters when they join the game. This means that they can receive their Echo at any time, but be disconnected from the rest of players until the moment they join.
WHEN ARE EVENTS RUN?
Often, but chaotically. They will not occur at regular intervals to fit a routine. They will be no self resolving events. They will all require player involvement to end and may overlap with each other. Whenever an event is occurring a plotting post will go up to help OOC communication.
SEASON ONE SPECIFIC FAQ
WHAT'S DIFFERENT BETWEEN THIS EARTH AND NORMAL EARTH?
Only one noticeable difference so far, the existence of Locke City. The North American continent is a tiny bit bigger to fit it in.
CAN MY CHARACTER REVEAL THEIR SUPER NATURE TO THE PUBLIC?
Preferably not. The Season One dynamic is based around secrecy in the normal world, but there's no game mechanic to cause it. Characters will be pressured to remain in secret for their own safety by a number of in-character reasons brought about by plot circumstances. For that reason, please don't apply for characters that could not reasonably be persuaded to keep the secret. With permission, you'll be allowed to reveal the secret to a few ordinary citizens depending on circumstances. Additionally, they don't have to be particularly good at keeping the secret nor a willing participant.
WHAT NPCs CAN I USE?
Players have automatic right to use their character's direct relatives (siblings, parents, spouse etc) for any reasonable purpose. Similarly ordinary citizens can be used for anything reasonable, but people in positions of authority (politicians, military, police) require permission. If in doubt, ask.
WHAT ABOUT PLAYER PLOTS?
Outside of the guideline of keeping the secret and remaining IC, you basically have free rein to do as you wish. Particularly big stuff I'd appreciate being run by me first but otherwise I'm very open. Just be aware there may be consequences you didn't expect. I did say the setting will react based on player character actions, after all.
WHAT SORT OF EVENTS WILL RUN THIS SEASON?
The plots of season one will revolve around giving hints to the overarching plot that the players are already privy to by the characters are not. This will involve the enemy's forces trying to establish a foothold on Earth and the conflict beginning to escalate. Primarily they will be action and intrigue based, and relatively low profile in respect to how they effect the public. There will also be plots in relation to character actions.
If you are a potential new or considering player, please read up on what can be expected in the change in seasons here before you make plans on when and how to enter the game!
Reservations will remain OPEN until February 16th.
Applications for Season One will remain OPEN until February 23rd.
no subject
The canon is Ar Tonelico, if that helps, but if none of the mods are familiar - song magic works because the people who can use it have a link to these three towers around the world and are kind of channeling power from them. It's not like the user is their own power source. They create the form of the magic themselves, but they have to get the energy to actually make it real from the towers. Thus, I'm wondering about the viability of regaining those powers in a setting where the towers don't exist, since being unable to get back any of their powers would mean I'd probably just be better off apping something else entirely.
What I was wondering if it would be possible to do is to assume they just draw off the earth itself or something, even maybe spending one of their Echoes to establish the same kind of link to the planet that they had back home to the towers, before they could use their magic. (And then each spell/song would be an Echo in itself, but without spending one to link themselves to a power source, the songs are just songs - but I'd assume the link Echo would be a one time thing that would affect all their past and future Echoes.) Would that be an acceptable way of making their powers work without the towers needing to be present?
(Alternately, if there's a different way you think would be better to handle this, I'm flexible! This is just the simplest thing I was able to think up myself.)
no subject
As for the answer;
I see three possibilities, and none of them are mutually exclusive and you're free to layer as many as you like over one another.
1) Get the power from another character that produces magic in one way or another. Not to hint or anything but as an example, but Shendu would be a nice magic battery once he Echoes a bit.
2) Not to spoil future revelations, but there would be certain in game events which could offer a temporary 'charge' of power. Others in the future that could establish just the sort of the link to the Earth as you suggest, (although with some side effects). To let you know how possible it is, one of the first types of event has already happened and could (read: pretty much will) happen again several times.
3) It's entirely possible to Echo the towers. YEAH YOU READ THAT RIGHT. It'd take a fair few to get it to full strength and would probably be more viable in later Seasons, but it can be done.
As I said, all of those are possibilities individually or all together.
no subject
Thank you; I think there's a good chance I'll wind up drawing from all of those once I try and get this app hammered out. o7
no subject
Oooh. Oooooooooh.
I may have to do something with this. Possibly with Felix, possibly not, but there's a character I'm thinking of apping for whom I specifically would want to Echo in some changes to her house/apartment/whatever. And now I know that's valid!