![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
sixthiteration) wrote2016-03-04 07:01 pm
Rules & FAQ
The Big Rules
Don't be a dick.
Our game is low-key and friendly, and that's how we'd prefer to keep it. We expect maturity and respect from everyone who plays here. When we say "mature," we don't mean "act polite and then bitch behind everyone's back because the internet is an excuse to be hateful," we mean legitimately mature enough to be aware that this is small potatoes and to let petty frustrations go. We're really not interested in player drama; it's pointless and exhausting, and the mods have no patience for players who cannot maintain proper perspective. If you stir shit or show your ass, it is grounds for removal. Please note that showing your fellow players respect also means not godmodding or metagaming their characters in any form without explicit permission. Do not make assumptions about characters that aren't your own. And if you're a new player and you mention that you read this paragraph at the top of your app, your character will start the game with a sixty point bonus.Be active.
Our game can be pretty slow. However, that does not mean you can app in and then just faff off most of the time. Because we're on the small side, active players are all the more important to keep things moving. We do not allow character sitting; you have to actively play, or your character will be removed.FAQ
CHARACTERS
What type of characters do you accept?
We accept virtually every type of character except for RPF/non-fictionalized real people. (Fictional versions of real people are okay, but they have to come from a fictional canon and cannot just be based on themselves.) We allow regular fandom characters, general OCs, fandom OCs, fandom AUs, and CRAU from other games. We treat protagonists from games like Dragon Age as fandom OCs, and they are appable.
HOW DO YOU HANDLE NON-HUMANS?
We accept non-human characters provided they have a human-like personality and are humanoid in appearance. By humanoid, we mean has physical human characteristics, slight variations on physical human characteristics, or the equivalent. What we are looking for is a human-based, roughly level playing field for all characters. This ties into the Observer meta plot.
EXAMPLES:
YES: Traditional vampires, elves, Klingons, human-appearing cyborgs
NO AS-IS: Anthropomorphic animals (such as Disney characters), Transformers, AI or robots without a human-presenting "body"
That said, characters who don't fit the criteria from canon may be humanized to be app-able. We know this can be a gray area, so if you are uncertain, please just drop us a line; we're happy to work with you.
Please note that all characters are subject to a dampening of special abilities/powers from canon, although there are other powers options and the ability to buy certain canon powers back. (See the next question, below)
If your non-human character meets the criteria from canon (eg, is a vampire, elf, etc.) and they have a biological condition tied to their non-humanness which renders gameplay difficult (such as sunlight being lethal to a vampire), you may opt to have that condition removed or not, depending on what challenges you would like to set yourself. Again, anything that gives them a "leg up" or could be construed as an ability beyond the capabilities of a normal human will be nerfed.
How do you handle powers and magic?
Any powered characters or magic users will be subject to a dampener, and they will lose their special abilities upon arrival. However, characters may regain limited powers by two methods:
- All characters have powers associated with their assigned color that may be used under specific conditions.
- Players may purchase canon-based abilities (and/or others) for their characters using points.
Characters also have free access to abilities through the local wildlife and environment, as detailed in the guidebook.
If your character is a robot or cyborg, any enhanced abilities they have must be reduced to the equivalent of what a high-functioning but still normal human being could accomplish.
IS THERE A CHARACTER AGE LIMIT?
Characters must be at least 15 years of age at the time of their arrival.
Does my character automatically speak English?
As an Observer, you have the ability to have your character speak and understand English. However, you are free to not provide this if you'd like the challenge.
May my character get pregnant?
Due to the unstable and occasionally dangerous nature of the environment, pregnancy is strictly controlled through biological means by the Observers. Your character may not get pregnant at this time. You may not apply for a character who arrives pregnant; you will need to choose a different exit point in their timeline or create an AU version of the character who is not pregnant.
Do I need a PB? May characters have the same PB?
A PB (face claim) is not required for our game, although we do need at least one icon to use for the cast list. Your PB may be animation or other art.
Duplicate PBs are allowed, however, these characters do not look like doppelgangers. They simply look a lot alike, such as close relatives: Siblings, cousins, etc. Not twins. This applies to characters recognizing celebrities, too; they just look a lot like the celebrity used for their PB.
DO YOU ACCEPT DUPLICATES OF THE SAME CHARACTER?
In an effort to keep things less complicated and more diverse, we do not allow multiples of the same character. Yes, this includes AU versions, including from other versions of the canon.
May I apply for more than one character from the same canon?
This can vary depending on circumstances, and you should always contact the mods about this before beginning an app. We make exceptions allowing an additional character from the same canon only if the characters are highly unlikely to ever cross paths in canon, but this is entirely up to mod discretion.
How do you handle drops and IG death?
Death is semi-permanent at 6I, and characters who die in-game are not available for application for an extended period of time. (Typically at least 6 months, up to the discretion of the mods.) Characters which are dropped normally, however, are immediately open for application. If you have dropped in good standing and would like to return to the game with the same character, please contact the mods.
MY CHARACTER IS DISABLED/REQUIRES MEDICATION/HAS SPECIAL NEEDS. DO THE LIMITATIONS STILL APPLY?
This can be tricky to answer because of the breadth of possibilities. Generally, we err on the side of allowing assistive technology and medication and leave the extent to player discretion. The best thing to do is drop the mods a note so we can all discuss how to help the character be playable without breaking the meta plot. If you have someone like Matt Murdock whose loss of powers would also result in a significant loss of personal autonomy, please drop us a line; we're happy to find a middle ground!
If your character requires glasses, they may automatically arrive with those, but not contact lenses. If the glasses break, however, you will need to use points to purchase a new pair.
My character has an injury; are they healed upon arrival IG?
Generally speaking, characters are medically sound upon arrival. However, if you have an injury that significantly relates to the character's personal plot arc, we leave this up to player discretion. You're allowed to keep an injury for plot purposes, do away with it completely or simply leave a scar.
GAMEPLAY
HOW FAST DOES TIME PASS IG?
Time at 6I is 1:1, or real time. The current day IG is the current day in real life. You are, however, allowed to take as long as you need to write threads.
What type of writing style is allowed?
While our logs used to be all prose-style, we now allow any sort of writing style as long as it makes sense and is legible. This may include prose, brackets, etc. You may use whatever tense and point of view you like.
Similarly, you may use whatever style you like for the IG network, ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
sixthiterationtexts. You're welcome to include narrative in brackets or italicized or however you choose, if you like. Just follow the "make sure it makes sense and is legible" rule and you're all good.
How do I make log posts?
All posts should include the header below, which is also permanently available on the top navigation bar on sixthiteration, sixthiterationlogs and sixthiterationooc.
We don't have a requirement for post length, but OTAs should be 200 words to receive the points bonus or qualify for AC.
If any part of your post (including subsequent comments) becomes adult in nature, please 1) list a warning on the post header, and 2) change the post's age restriction to 18+ on the post's edit page.
Last but not least, please make sure that you add your character's tag to the post.
How do I reply to open posts?
An open post can have as many simultaneous threads as the poster feels comfortable with. All new threads start from the end of the post and happen concurrently through the magic of RP unless you've agreed to something different with the poster. (i.e., Threads do not take place linearly, one after another, unless you want them to.) No thread-jacking (replying/tagging into the middle of a thread other than your own) without permission.
Keep in mind that while a very short reply is okay every once in awhile when the narrative pace calls for it, please make sure you're giving your writing partner something to work with and respond to.
Please make sure you add your character's tag to every post you reply to.
May I forward/backdate my posts/threads?
Yes! We allow both.
Is adult content allowed?
Yes, adult content is welcome! However, it's imperative that you properly warn for such in the header of your post.
REGARDING ADULT CONTENT IN MINGLE POSTS:
If you are threading in a mingle post (shared by the entire game as opposed to your own personal post) and adult content is imminent, we ask that you move the thread to a brand new post with proper warning header to avoid someone accidentally stumbling on something they don't want to read. To be clear: This is only necessary in MINGLE POSTS. Adult content in personal posts and OTAs are fine as long as you warn clearly in the post header.
How do you handle fourth-walling?
Fourth-walling/canon puncturing (A character realizing that another character is fictional and telling them so) is not allowed at this time. Characters have had their memories altered so that anytime they might make the fictional connection, they run up against a mental block, sort of like having a name on the tip of your tongue but being unable to recall it. They might feel like they know the character from somewhere but can't recall where. Characters may even say/think something pop culture related and not make the connection with someone they know.
This also applies to memories from previous games, but this rule strictly applies to a character's fictionality, not any other CR.
How often are there IG events?
6I has meta plot events on a monthly basis. We also typically have supplementary, secondary plots or events each month, as well. Players are given the information on the upcoming month's plot in the middle of the current month, and are able to volunteer as needed. Most events are opt-in and do not require participation if you prefer to skip it.
How is technology handled IG?
The game has modern technology restrictions. With the occasional exception dictated by mods, IG tech may not be more modern than the Edwardian era (1890-1910). Please see the technology page of the guidebook for more info.
I would like my character to use a community building/start an initiative/take charge of something. What do I do?
We encourage all our players to take the initiative to get things happening IG. If your idea could impact other characters, please post to the OOC community with your ideas so that other players may weigh in, as there could be circumstances you're not aware of.
If you're looking to start a community group/committee/etc, we strongly recommend doing most of the organizing IG rather than simply having OOC sign-ups, as this keeps reactions clearly IC. We have a list of current IG initiatives here. Please check this page and/or post to the OOC comm before moving forward with an initiative! It may already have been done!
Your character may use community buildings for any reasonable use, just remember that it's a shared space. Please let the mods know on the lodging page if you use a space for something other than its original purpose.
Private bungalows may be "claimed" for use as a domicile on the lodging page, provided it isn't already claimed. If a character would like to claim an additional private building for some other use (such as a business), that may be purchased with points.
How does my character arrive IG?
Details on where and how characters arrive into the game can be found here.
Where can I find out about the latest events and meta plot?
All the details on the ongoing meta plot can be found on the "monthly plot discussion" tag on the OOC community.
I have a plot idea! What do I do?
Drop the mods a line! We can't guarantee that we'll use your idea, but we save all the ideas we receive, and if we do end up using it in the future, you get bonus points for the suggestion.
If you have an extensive plot you'd like to personally plan and coordinate for the game, we can also help you with that. Send us the details and we'll discuss whether it conflicts with the meta plot. Creating and organizing this sort of plot gets you even MORE bonus points.
SETTING
Where do I find my character a place to stay?
The IG lodging page is here.
What is the IG weather like?
Unless otherwise specified, the weather is whatever is current at Crater Lake, OR.
What tools and weapons are available?
Tools and weapons are limited IG, although there is a cache shared by the community, with weapons that may be "checked out" from where they are stored at the 6I Inn. That list, as well as a list of personal tools and weapons characters are willing to loan out can be found here.
What sort of supplies are available?
For most intents and purposes, characters must provide for themselves. That said, the community has been around long enough at this point that it has developed its own social safety net to make sure everyone has, at minimum, the basics of what they need.
Daily Lunch: There is a community lunch at the 6I Inn everyday, organized by Kate Kelly. It is free to everyone. Your character is also welcome to donate supplies for the lunch or volunteer time to help prepare and serve it.
Storehouse & Fields: The community maintains a storehouse as a means to make sure everyone is fed and has enough firewood, particularly in the winter. The storehouse is currently overseen by Gaius Gracchus. The stores are free to everyone (within reason) regardless of whether a character has contributed. The fields overseen by Mark Watney are the principle source for food stores, and all characters are welcome and encouraged to work in the fields when they can to help provide this crucial service.
Many characters also keep their own gardens, raise livestock and hunt or fish for themselves and the community.
Storeroom: The 6I Inn has converted one of its rooms into a "catch-all" for any non-perishable items left by disappeared characters not explicitly left to someone else. It includes things like blankets and clothes. The list can be found here.
What are the IG constellations like?
Nothing like anyone in the game has ever seen, although they do obey the laws of physics.
What happens to the stuff that belonged to dropped characters?
Their clothes and the items which arrived with them disappear as well, but any points-purchased items stay. The player doing the dropping may designate where those items go; otherwise, in an OOC capacity, they are placed in a pool for general use by anyone to keep things simple.
APPLICATIONS
Is there a player age limit?
We recommend that our players be at least 25 just because we're an older group of players, but anyone over 18 is welcome to apply.
What is the application limit?
A player may submit up to 1 application per calendar month. If your application is declined, you must wait 30 days from the time of your original hold comment before placing the same character on hold again. The application page is here. Beginning January 2019, 6I will only accept 12 application submissions per month, regardless of whether they are approved.
Is there a character or canon cap?
Player Character Cap: Players may have up to 5 characters in the game simultaneously. If the player has enough points, they may trade those points for up to 2 additional character slots, for a total of 7 possible characters in the game at once.
Canon Cast Cap: As of February 2019, 6I has a canon cast cap: We will not accept further applications for any canon which comprises 20% or more of the game. "Canon" here means an umbrella canon and all of its sub-canons. (So Marvel, DC, Final Fantasy, etc. each as a whole, as opposed to individual movies, shows or games within.) If the game grows and/or the canon's total drops below 20%, we will allow applications until it hits 20% again. Please see the holds page for which canons are currently at capacity.
Are holds required?
Holds are required for all applications. This helps make sure that you don't waste your time writing an entire application for a character that isn't eligible for apping. Players may only have one hold at a time. You can place holds here.
How soon may I app from a new canon?
At this time, we do not have a waiting period for applications from new canons.
Is there a game test drive?
Yes! You can find our latest TDM here.
When may I submit my application?
Holds and applications are always open. The mods may occasionally take breaks from processing apps for things like holidays, but apps are accepted anytime.
I dropped a character and would like to reapply for that character. What do I do?
If you left the game in good standing (Meaning you left voluntarily and your character was not purged for inactivity), please contact the mods.
Dropped characters who return have the option to remember their past 6I experiences if the player likes, even if they have been updated on canon in the interim.
ACTIVITY
What is the activity requirement?
To meet the AC, characters must demonstrate ONE NEW, VERIFIABLE PROOF OF REASONABLE ACTIVITY, which must have been begun and reached the listed requirement WITHIN THE PREVIOUS TWO CALENDAR MONTHS:
- 1 open (OTA) logs post or top-level of at least 200 words, provided you make a reasonable effort to reply to new threads ("Reasonable effort" here means that you have replied at least 3 times to all threads in the OTA unless the other player has taken 7 or more days to reply, or they have otherwise given the impression the thread has been dropped. Please note that if you turn in your OTA for AC credit, it must have already reached a "reasonable effort" threshold regardless of when it was posted.)
- 1 single logs thread to a post containing at least 5 comments from your character
OR
Failure to meet the AC 2 months in a row without a hiatus pass is an AUTOMATIC PURGE. You will not be warned. Please see the next FAQ question for more on hiatus passes.
Network threads do not count toward activity, REGARDLESS OF WHERE THEY ARE POSTED. We allow combo prose and network posts on the logs community, but only prose-style threads (Traditional or brackets) count toward AC.
PLEASE NOTE: If the mods feel you are abiding by the letter of the AC but not the spirit of it — e.g., chronically skating by and not substantively contributing for months at a time — they reserve the right to ask for additional proofs of activity, per the big rules at the top of this page.
If you have extenuating circumstances that make it difficult or impossible to meet your AC, please let the mods know as soon as you're able so that we can work with you.
ALL CHARACTERS MUST BE CHECKED INTO THE AC POST EVERY MONTH. Even if you have not met the AC or are on an "off" month for needing to meet AC, you must check in. We consider this an interest check which helps balance out having a very low AC requirement. If you fail to check into the post, your character will be placed on the "at risk" list, regardless of whether they were active or not. Characters on the "at risk" list must meet the AC requirement for the following calendar month AND check into the next AC post, or they will be removed from the game. Even if they technically made AC in the prior month, they will have to make it again before the end of the new month.
Brand-new characters may technically take their first month as an "off month" for showing AC proofs, but their arrival post will need to be made within 2 weeks of approval regardless, and they will still need to be checked into the AC post.
How do I check in to the monthly activity post?
The AC post is open from the 1st-7th of each month. Proofs must be itemized in the player’s AC comment, and instructions are included on the post. Failure to check in could mean removal from the game.
You must check into the AC post even if you have not met the AC.
What happens if my character is purged?
If your character is purged for inactivity or failing to be checked into the monthly AC posts, you may not apply for or otherwise bring that same character back into the game at a later date. Typically we allow the player to apply for a different character, but this is entirely up to mod discretion.
If you're having issues with activity and/or need to quit the game, please drop properly. If you fail to do this and try to come back, you might not be able to.
I need to go on hiatus; what do I do?
Because our activity requirement is so low, you must still meet the AC even if you've gone on hiatus unless you have a hiatus pass as detailed below. The only exception to this would be extenuating circumstances beyond your control, at which point you'd need to contact the mods. Otherwise, hiatuses should be posted about at sixthiterationooc with the "hiatus notices" tag.
What is a hiatus pass and how do I use it?
A hiatus pass allows you to take a second month not meeting the activity proofs without penalty, but they come with conditions:
- Each player is allotted TWO hiatus passes to use within a 12 month span.
- Hiatus passes are allotted by PLAYER, not by character. If you have multiple characters and you only need it for one, that's just how it goes.
- You may not use hiatus passes two months in a row, giving you three months without any activity proofs.
- If you have recently used a hiatus pass, you must show you've met all your next required activity proofs before placing a hold for a new character. You don't need to wait for the next AC post, you may link us your proofs in your hold comment.
To use a hiatus pass, simply check into the AC post as you would normally, and state on your form that you are using one.
What are points and how do I use them?
Points are OOC incentives awarded for things such as IG activity, coming up with wide-scale plots, and referring other players. Points may be exchanged for a multitude of things both IG and OOG, such as being able to play more than 5 characters and temporary IG plot devices like magical abilities/powers. Please see the full list here.
ETCETERA
I have a question I can't find the answer to!
Drop the mods a note via this post. This is always the best way to get in touch, because it allows any of the mods to answer. We do our best to answer as quickly as we can. We love getting questions, so please don't be shy!