theearth | FAQ 2.0

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.

IMPORTANT! Characters that require more headcanon than canon to flesh out history and personality sections are not permitted.

CAN I USE SUPPLEMENTAL/SPIN-OFF MATERIAL FROM CANON?

Potentially.

Characters must be from one path/version of events. This also means that if there are multiple mediums that a character's canon is in (a videogame, a novel, whatever) and they contradict each other, you must choose which one they're from and stick to that line of events exclusively.

If the supplemental/spin-off material does not contradict a character's canon, it may be used.

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 PLAY MULTIPLE CHARACTERS FROM THE SAME CANON/FRANCHISE?

You may apply for the reincarnations of up to two characters from the same canon/franchise. Given the advantage that castmate characters can potentially give each other in-game, we ask that any two such characters are not close in canon, have no significant CR in common and won't be likely to specifically influence each other (such as by introducing Echo material that is especially relevant to both) in the game environment; they also may share no Pre-CR (what happens in game will happen, but they may not start out as connected).

CAN I APP A CHARACTER WITH A DIFFERENT RACE AND/OR SEX FROM CANON?

While this is allowed, we require the applicant to treat these changes with respect and supply sound reasoning for them. If we find the changes superfluous, we will not accept them.

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.

WHERE IS LOCKE CITY?

Previously left intentionally vague aside from "somewhere on the East Coast", Locke City now resides in New Jersey. However, the state is New Jersey in name only. We may reference the actual state for information, but reserve the right to be flexible.

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 traveler 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.

As of March 9th, 2014, the effect of leaving an Echo boundary changed. Instead of completely losing all Echoes and Echo related memories, reincarnates will lose the potency of their Echoes.

Abilities will weaken considerably (to approximately 10% of their original capability).

Physical changes will be naught but a hint and may cause a case of phantom limbs. For example, if a character was originally 5'6" and Echoed a height of 6'0", upon leaving the city, they would shrink to either their original height (5'6") or retain a small amount of their Echoed height (5'7"-5'8") and feel like they should be taller.

Memories (Echoed and associated with Echoes) will be so fuzzy that the reincarnate will wonder if they truly did such and such or met so and so -- like they simultaneously remember and don't remember doing something Echo-related.

In short, the reincarnate that passes the border will revert to almost the same as one who is Echo-less. They will, however, remember that they are part of a group ("the Network", "the Numbers Club", "the Numbered", or however that particular character regards the reincarnates).

Their Echoes will return when they return to Locke City or the designated locations of Season 2.

IMPORTANT! The Network still remains inaccessible outside of Echo boundaries.

WHAT ARE ECHOES?

Echoes are both integral to the plot and an important game mechanic. Their effects only exist within designated locations (Locke City, NJ and the Las Vegas Strip, NV). If a character leaves the city limits, they will immediately revert back to their pre-game self, losing all items/physical changes/memories as well as memories of interactions with people that came about as a result of game plot.

The full scoop on Echoes can be found here.

As of March 9th, 2014, what happens when a character leaves the city limits has changed.

WHAT IF AN ITEM/CREATURE ECHO WAS IN POSSESSION OF MORE THAN ONE CHARACTER IN CANON? WHO ECHOES THE ITEM/CREATURE BACK?

To whom the item/creature is Echoed back is mostly up to player discretion. If the characters are already in the game and each has a strong case as to why the item/creature is most important to that character, then players ought to discuss who eventually Echoes back that item/creature. If an agreement cannot be met, then we encourage players to bring the matter to us.

If the item/creature is most important to multiple characters, but only one of those characters is currently in the game, then we operate on a first come, first serve basis. Assuming the Echo is approved and the reasoning is sound, that character will receive the item/creature Echo and no others may (unless that character is dropped and thus loses their Echoes).

WHAT IS THE NETWORK?

When a character receives their first Echo they become unable to forget a long string of numbers. This number is used to connect to an otherworldly communication network, which does not exist on the internet or in any physical form. Ordinary humans cannot perceive the the network at all. They will only be able to sense the original string of numbers.

Almost anything can be used to establish a connection, so long as the number can be applied to it. A piece of paper, phone, computer, reflective surface etc.

The full scoop on the Network can be found here.

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.

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.

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. Powers dealing with time travel are the exception. They are currently not allowed.

WHAT ABOUT THE 4TH WALL?

The fourth wall is intact for any and all canons represented in the game, meaning that characters are not allowed to recognize others as fictional. Canons that have not had characters in play are fair game, though if relevant characters are apped after the fact, any references to their canon will need to be assumed ret-conned and/or replaced by an expy. The only exception to this are characters from canons based off of historical events, widely-recognized fairy tales, and things of that nature.

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.

As of April 1st, 2014, we are allowing new characters to use a Tier 2 Echo as their First Echo if and only if the character was present in Locke City near the Business District on March 9th, 2014 when Wise Snake awakened.

This Tier 2 Echo must follow the original rule on Tier 2 Echoes. Information on them can be found on the Echo Request page.

As a general rule, this Tier 2 Echo cannot be used to Echo back something that the character would not be able to hide from the public. For example, large robots or an unruly ability they cannot control and would have been noticed shortly after its regain are off-limits.

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 TWO 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.

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 should be run by us first, but otherwise we're very open. Just be aware there may be consequences you didn't expect. The setting will react based on player character actions, after all.

WHAT SORT OF EVENTS WILL RUN THIS SEASON?

The plots of Season 2 will revolve around the exposed existence of reincarnates and characters splitting themselves into a few different roles. Some will have to focus on political matters such as public opinion and others will have to be globe trotters to reach the locks before the enemy, whilst others will have to work on preventing other troubles in Locke City. After Wise Snake is destroyed, the next location will be possible to visit. A huge pink light will appear above the location so that the group will know where they have to go. Each locale is meant to be temporary.

There will also be plots in relation to character actions.

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

What happens to item and/or animal companion Echoes when you leave the Echo border now?

And what would happen to them if/when you re-entered a different Echo bubble (ie left Locke City and went to Vegas)?

Is it different for items left behind (like say Russel's Raiko costume) vs items brought with you (like his piano)?

A question about the no-apping multiple characters from the same canon rule. Tolkien's Legendarium is extremely broad. Does this still apply if I want to apply for someone in the Silmarillion since I already play someone from the Hobbit? Especially if the character I potentially want to app dies in the First Age.

Legitimate question: A Gundam leaves the echo barrier.

Does it vanish?

Or in keeping with reduced potency, does it just become something the size of like... a Perfect Grade Gunpla model kit.

I am legitimately serious about this question.

I've got two military brat twins that need to go to LCHS. They're both seventeen, so still too young to be legally capable of renting an apartment without a parent or guardian present and too young to enter a contract themselves. They've got the remainder of Junior year and all of Senior year to go through.

Ideally, I need a dormitory or on campus housing situation, but I don't know very many public schools with either of those. Is LCHS a possible exception? Do you have any other suggestions?

Edit: All else fails, and I'll see if my cohort wants to help design a small military or religious public/private school with dormitories that is on the north side of town not far from LCHS. There are usually quite a bit of schools in large cities due to districts, so even though there are a few academies and such on the setting page, it shouldn't be a major issue.

Edited 2014-03-24 16:10 (UTC)

Since we're getting a lot of superheroes of various stripes in the game: How realistic is the setting's treatment of secret identities?

We established that the Precure level of alter ego (different hair and outfit but otherwise pretty much the same) won't cut it here. What about the DC/Marvel level? Is a goofy outfit and a mask around the eyes area enough to form a passable secret identity, or will we need to redesign all our superhero outfits to have near-full face obscuring?

Answered in plurk by Mini! We'll be putting a new school on the City Development page, thanks!

The Gundam shrinking down to model size is definitely possible.

A minimal mask like the one pictured above is unlikely to cut it for the reincarnates. Strangers may not recognize their face on account of a lack of familiarity, but friends, family members, and folks who know the reincarnate will likely recognize them.

ANOTHER QUESTION this time on an app echo. Rin's first echo will be his sword, Kurikara. Unsheathing the sword is probably the Big Setting In Motion Plot Point in the series, so I was wondering if I could go ahead and request a tier 2 echo from that in the app itself?

Edited 2014-03-26 05:26 (UTC)

No, we would have you request all Echoes after his First Echo on the Echoes Request page after acceptance.

That's what I needed to know! Thanks!

If the characters are under different installments of the overarching franchise, then it's possible for one player to play them both at the same time. However, these characters should not interact with each other and should not trigger Echoes for each other, directly or indirectly. To avoid this, there should be very little, if any, CR overlap between these two characters.

Not in the traditional sense. It just happens that powers are recovered bit by bit. Powers dealing with time travel are the exception. They are currently not allowed.

I was considering Akemi Homura from Puella Magi. Obviously time travel would be off the table. Are her normal time powers (freezing time specifically) alright and just her ability to travel back in time the only thing barred? If actually stopping time during battle is an issue, could it manifest differently, like a teleportation instead?

Upon leaving the echo border, the echoed items and animals will become mundane. Say someone has a chocobo. Once they cross the border, it would just become a normal chicken up until re-entering an echo bubble (Locke or Vegas). The same thing occurs with items and any abnormal/magical qualities.

I have a couple of questions that haven't seen answered before on the current FAQ.

My first question is as a mod or even a player, what is the pacing like say in a week's timeframe? (Example: would it be superfast, slow, or somehow in-between)

The other is the whole Echo business. The character I have in mind has a device called an Advent Deck, a metallic card deck. How would this work with the particular character I have in mind? (The series is an adaption of Kamen Rider Ryuki named Kamen Dragon Knight.) I'm a little conused n the echo portion and any insight would be appreciated.

Hi, anon! Just wanted to let you know that we are discussing your questions. Thank you for your patience!

EDIT: Her time freezing powers fall under the blanket ban. As mentioned with previous inquiries to abilities that involve tampering with time, this ban may be lifted in the future.

Her abilities would not return as an altered Echo -- that is, they would not manifest differently.

Edited 2014-03-31 00:46 (UTC)

I'd wager the pace to be medium to fast, but pacing is kind of subjective so I'd suggest watching the community for a week and then deciding what sort of speed STE operates at for yourself!

As for your second question, I'm afraid it's too vague for me to answer properly. What is the Advent Deck and what is your concern with how it might operate in the game in regards to the character you're planning to app?

On the subject of race/gender: what constitutes a change and what kind of justification do you need? I'm looking at someone from an Asia-esque fantasy country (I think most reminiscent of China, Japan) and looking at reincarnating them as Nepali/Indian due to religious parallels rather than racial ones, so I'm not sure where that stands.

Edited 2014-04-01 04:53 (UTC)

I would have replied earlier than this, but I had a family emergency and didn't notice the reply until now.

The Advent Deck is a small rectangle shaped box that houses a few cards that Chris uses to either transform into Kamen Rider Sting, or use as offensive weapons. For example the Swing Vent card summons a whip, while the Attack Vent card has Evildiver (A small metal stingray) attack the opponent.

To answer your second part of my question, I'm not entirely sure how the echoes work with characters whose preincarnation form has powers via items rather than any natural abilities.

I also was wondering would it be too much to ask by having a character who has a parent who is either a police officer or in the military? I ask because of interesting connections between reincarnation Chris and preincarnation Chris.

Question! Are you guys okay with traumatic first Echoes which occur just seconds before them entering the game? The additional note on the Echoes page says the first Echo should be more of a transition, so if something is a bit too bombastic (heavy injury, death, etc.), I'll tone it down.

And another thing, when making posts with content like the loss of limbs and so on, is it too gory to post or do I need to hide it behind a marker?

One last thing! When they literally write a message to a network in blood on the floor, do replies just... fathom out of nowhere in their conscious or form words in blood again?

Sorry for these obvious questions, I hope I didn't just miss anything on the pages orz.

I was wondering, I'm considering apping a character who shares a brain with a second personality, something that is fairly central to the character and their development. How would something like that be handled? Would both personalities be reincarnated as someone new with multiple personality disorder? Or would they be reincarnated as normal, and then have to echo back the other personality?

Also, its canon that each personality can keep secrets and thoughts from each other, so would it be possible to have one of the two personalities echo back knowledge or a memory, while the other is left in the dark?

Brief question before I start doing things! I know the FAQ mentions I can borrow direct family as NPCs without needing permission, but I want to make sure I'm not overstepping. Winter's father, Rick Adamas, volunteered to chaperone the girls' trip to Vegas, but so far he's been almost entirely a physical presence with a driver's license. How much control do I have over him? There are one or two CR points I would be interested in borrowing him for, and it'll be good if he exists in case the student party stagnates and/or does something that wouldn't reflect well on themselves.

Basically, I need control of him to do mundane father/chaperone things. Am I kosher or should I be prepared to ask permission for anything more complex than "okay kids, get in the car"?

Apologies for the delay in replying! Changes done due to religious parallels sound completely fine by us as long as they're all handled with respect and whatnot.

Awesome, thanks a lot!

The cards in the deck could be echoed back one by one as the echoes permit.

And having a parent of that sort is completely okay! There are numerous cop/military characters and some likely have family members from either of those as well.

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

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FAQ 2.0

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Setting / Housing Question

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Re: Setting / Housing Question

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Question from a Future Apper

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Re: Question from a Future Apper

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Apologies for the lateness

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Apologies for our delay as well!