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toranmods2012-08-30 10:37 am
blinking_mirror) wrote in toranmods2012-08-30 10:37 am
Entry tags:
FAQ
Last Updated: 3/29/13
1. What is the premise of this game?
Characters are being plucked from across the span of space and time to form an army that will battle Chaos. There will be trials and tribulations to test the fortitude of the army. Not all of them will be serious, because, well, Viki is involved and your mods have a sense of humor. Anyway, for a short write up that serves as a “prequel” to the game, look at the Premise.
2. Is this game crack?
No, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously, either. There are plenty of games on DW and LJ that have stringent app processes, app cycles, character limitations, whatnot. We are not those games. Think of us as a modified, moderated, musebox.
3. Is smut allowed?
Yes, but it is NOT the focus of the game. If you want to RP sex (or extreme violence or other things that could be triggering) it MUST go behind a lock and a cut. Failing to cut and lock NC-17 material is one of the few things you CAN get banned for.
4. What are the rules on DW tags?
We only require that players tag posts with their character name and location in the castle. If you want to use *yourname to track your threads that’s fine with us. Silly tags amuse us, so if you want to toss on a few jokes, we’re fine with that, too.
5. So, where’s the app?
There isn’t a formal one. If you click on the Application link, you’ll see directions on how to join the game. Basically you need to contact one of the characters listed there ICly asking for an invite. The character will reply to you with a password. More in depth details about what exactly should be in your communication is available at that link.
Information about this process is also available below under the “Application and Recruiter Questions” heading.
6. So, anyone can get into this game? Does that mean it’s like a musebox and I can make my own settings and situations?
Consider it a modified, moderated musebox. We have rules, we have a setting, we have events, and we expect in-character play. What we don’t have is a lengthy or overly stressful application process. We figure if you want to join our game, you are willing to follow The Prime Directive, and you’re doing your best to write your character(s) you should be able to play.
7. If that’s the case, why do I need to contact a current player for an invite passphrase?
Because it’s Suikoden! If you know nothing about Suikoden, know that it’s basically a series of games where you have to recruit armies. Kinda like Pokemon where if you want the Good Ending ™, you gotta catch ‘em all.
8. But shouldn’t the current players be doing the recruiting?
Uhh…probably. But then you wouldn’t be able to get an invite if we don’t know who you are! Right? ☺
9. Is there an HMD? Do I have to participate?
We do them occasionally and they are totally optional. We realize people may have things going on IRL that make reading people’s critiques of your writing not something you need at that moment.
10. This sounds really laid back. What can I get kicked out for?
We pride ourselves on our laid-back-ness. So, there are only a few things that will get you the boot from Toran Castle:
--Ignoring the Prime Directive.
The Prime Directive is: Be Excellent to Each Other.
--Harassing players and/or mods. This includes using anon comms to vent your hatred for people in the game. See the Prime Directive.
--Using language that is considered hate speech (racist, sexist, homophobic, etc). If your character has to use a slur to stay IC, maybe think twice about bringing them to our happy place, mmkay? Once again, see the Prime Directive.
--Being underage. Players must be at least 18 years old.
--Writing adult situations with characters under 17.
--Failing to lock and/or cut NC-17 logs.
11. OMG I have a question or I need a mod!
Comment to this post (comments are screened) or visit the Mod Contact page.
1. How many characters can I play?
As many as you want as long as they are meeting the activity checks! The required activity is one post (either network or logs) OR five comments. That’s per character, per month.
2. What kind of characters AREN’T allowed?
So glad you asked. We do not allow:
--Original characters
--Alternative Universe characters
--Duplicates of characters currently in play (i.e.: If comic book Batman is in play, Nolanverse Batman is out)
--Real people unless they are historical figures in a highly fictionalized setting (i.e.: Nikola Tesla from “The Prestige” would be fine)
--Characters who appear solely in a webcomic. That means Hetalia is fine, but Homestuck is out.
3. My character is a giant mech, oversized animal, non-bipedal, or other non-human character. Can I play them?
These characters are welcome provided the player is okay with them being "shrunk" to a maximum height of six-and-a-half feet. While the castle bends at will, the doorways can't accommodate the shoulder width of Optimus Prime!
4. My character is a mallable/silent protagonist. Can I play them?
As long as they are from a recognizable canon, yes. This includes the Suikoden Heroes and characters like Shepard from Mass Effect.
5. My character is a god/goddess/super powerful. Can I play them?
Sure. If your character has the ability to level the castle, consider them restricted or silenced by The Magic That Is Toran Castle™. How much they are stunted is up to the player, though. Just don’t be breakin’ the game, k? K’Arthur will kill you if she has to code it again
6. My character is dead. Can I still play him/her?
Yes. You may opt to bring them in the instant before their death or they can find themselves magically resurrected by the powers of the castle.
7. My character would know another character’s canon is fiction. How do I handle this? For instance, my character is a huge Star Trek fan and there’s a Star Trek character in the game.
This is called “canon-piercing” and it can be a touchy subject. The best way to handle it is to talk to the other player and see how they want to play it. Some people don’t mind; others feel it might break their character. If it’s the latter case, you can claim that your character’s memories of being a Star Trek Fanboy are being altered by The Magic That Is Toran Castle™.
8. Are there special rules for Suikoden Characters?
YES. Suikoden characters may be pulled from any point in their LIFESPAN. The game takes place
9. I’m playing a Suikoden character who has a True Rune. Is that okay?
Yes. See #5 about game breaking, though! Suikoden characters that canonically have True Runes may keep them. For the sake of game play, we will assume True Fire went to Hugo, True Water to Chris, and True Lightning to Geddoe.
10. Characters from other canons can’t change their ages?
No, they need to be from some canon point, or post canon. Basically, if the story shows the characters as kids, then yes. If not, then no. Example: characters from Tales of Graces who appear as children during the course of the game can be apped as children, but characters from Tales of the Abyss who do not have a “childhood arc” cannot. Does that make sense? It’s kind of tough to explain without specific examples, so PM a mod for clarification if you need it.
11. Really? I can play a kid?
Yes, but characters that are younger than 17 cannot participate in “adult logs.” (That’s why they’re called NC-17, natch!) This is one of the few things you’ll get banned for, so just…don’t.
12. My character is 15. I want to age her up to 18. Is that okay?
Sure. You may age up. Put a note on your “Taken Characters” comment in the “canon point” section. Such as: “Post game, aged up to 20.”
13. My character looks 14 but is really 1000s of years old. Can s/he still participate in NC-17 logs?
We know this is normal in most anime universes, and yet it still it makes us uncomfortable. If you have a character that fits this dynamic and you really want to RP sex with them, please think about aging them up with a status effect.
14. I want to do a pregnancy plot! Can I?
No. The Magic That Is Toran Castle™ prevents pregnancy. Isn’t that the easiest birth control ever?
And, before you ask why not, let’s just say that every pregnancy plot we’ve ever seen has been horrible. It’s usually too much drama, and considering two of our mods are moms, we’d just rather not see people try and RP out awkward pregnancies, okay?
15. Status effect?
Oh yes, let’s say you want your character to temporarily turn into a werewolf, or lose their sight, or suddenly age 10 years…go to the Status Effect request post. More on that in the game play section of the FAQ.
16. I have this great backstory for my character because he has none. Can I use it?
Head-canon is perfectly acceptable to fill in blanks in a character's backstory. However, if said head-canon would affect another character, you must clear it with that player. For instance, Mathiu being Apple's father would need to be cleared by both players.
1. So, where’s the app?
There isn’t a formal one. If you click on the Application link, you’ll see directions on how to join the game. Basically you need to contact one of the characters listed there ICly asking for an invite. The character will reply to you with a password. More in depth details about what exactly should be in your communication is available at that link.
2. Why do only certain characters have invite rights?
It’s a privilege the player earns from game play. Also, some muns may not want to be a “Star Recruiter” or may be on hiatus.
3. Can I have all four of my characters be Star Recruiters?”
No. Only one character per player can be a recruiter at this time.
4. Do I have to be a “Star Recruiter?”
No, it is totally optional. When your character has been in the game and active for a certain period of time, you’ll get a PM from the mods asking if you want to be a recruiter. It’s up to you.
5. What is the benefit to being a Star Recruiter?
Recruiters may add as many of their own new characters as they wish without threading with another Recruiter.
6. Where do the recruitment threads take place?
In the void! Some place between the mirror’s pull and the character’s arrival at the castle, in some middle dimension.
7. Okay, so I want to join and I contacted a character and didn’t get a response within three days….now what?
If three days have passed and you haven’t received a response from the character you contacted, NOW send a message to the mod NPCs. Some of our players may be on hiatus or they may be busy. We don’t turn people away unless you’re underage or you’re bringing in a character that isn’t allowed per our rules.
8. Does my character arrive at the castle after their Recruiter thread?
Yes. The recruitment takes place in the void between the Mirror and the castle. Perhaps your character thought it was a dream and still doesn’t understand why they are in this strange castle…
9. Does my character remember their Recruiter?
Yes. It’ll be good have a friendly (or perhaps not-so-friendly) face! If you don’t want them to remember it, perhaps the Mirror is playing tricks on their mind, or perhaps that dream is feeling a bit too real right now.
1. What is backtagging? Is it allowed?
Backtagging means that even though your character is active in one post or thread that hasn't finished, you are playing him/her in other posts or threads. It is absolutely allowed in this game. So, don't think you have to stay in one post or even one thread until it finishes.
Backtagging can go on as long as both players are active and interested--some have spanned months.
So, feel free to spread your character out across the game!
2. What do I use my character's journal for since there isn't a friends add?
This game is community based which means there won't be a friends add. All of the action takes place in either
toran_castle or tc_comment_box. The OOC comm is for OOC stuff, and the mod comm is basically a documents locker.You can use your character's journal for whatever you'd like. Some common uses are: their personal thoughts, a private thread you want to do with another character, or a CR (character relationships) chart.
3. Private thread?
Some players like to do threads in private either on AIM or in their own journals. The most common reason is wanting to RP out an "adult" situation in private.
However, unless you link the thread in
toran_castle no one will see it. Thus, we can't count it for activity unless you do.4. Ok, what is this Suikoden that all the cool kids are talking about anyway?
Suikoden is a role-playing game. The player, using a True Rune, gathers people from around his nation to assist in his quest. Basically, Pokemon for armies, k? But really, the games are super cool and you should check them out. That was the mods enabling you. Yes, YOU. Reading this.
5. What are these "True Runes" I hear some people asking about?
In Suikoden, there are 27 True Runes that guide different forces acting upon the world. Some are obvious - for example, Suikoden 3 has True Fire, True Lightning and True Water. Others, such as Suikoden 1’s Sovereign Rune or the Hachifusa [Eight-Devil] Rune have less obvious effects or powers.
The legend says that Sword and Shield battled, and in the end Sword could not cut Shield and Shield could not deflect Sword, both ended up breaking apart. They fell to the ground in pieces, the largest pieces becoming the 27 True Runes.
True Runes supposedly “pick” their bearers and nations fight to get their hands on their power. They also grant their bearers the ability to not age at all.
Don’t think too hard on the True Runes. So, unless your character canonically has one, it won’t have much bearing on Toran Castle, k? ☺
6. What is the world like technology-wise?
It’s a medieval sort of place although there are a number of characters [Juppo, Meg, Belle, Gadget Z, Babbage, to name a few] who dabble in clockwork creations. Magic power and regular human power are the main methods by which things get done.
7. Is there indoor plumbing? Power?
Yes and yes. Runes provide the power. We’re not going to speculate on the plumbing.
8. How does this comment box work?
The comment box serves as a sort of network between players where they can send notes to one another or comment on the story at hand. It’s not always serious and is more often than not used for humorous purposes.
Note that the comment box DOES NOT have video or audio capabilities. What goes in and comes out are handwritten notes that are posted on the wall of the castle.
9. Can my character screen notes to other characters?
Yes. We will assume that The Magic That Is Toran Castle™ prevents others from reading it. Yeah, obviously we’re not thinking too hard one this one, but whatevs.
10. What does the castle look like because in the picture it looks like a cave?
We like to think of Toran Castle as being much like the Tardis of Doctor Who - certainly it looks small on the outside but it can fit anything you can imagine inside of it. Also: Magic.
For more details, head over to the Setting page and take a looksee at the rooms and levels that are currently available.
11. What kind of monsters or enemies does the world have?
Excellent question! Make with the clicky: http://www.suikosource.com/games/gs1/guides/bestiary.php
12. How deep is the lake?
As deep as you need it to be for plot reasons! Remember, venturing out into the water will only bring you back to the Castle, though.
13. What is in the lake?
Fish that can be caught and eaten, monsters that can be a hassle, and a variety of plant life. Need something specific to be there? Contact the mods so we can add it to the Setting page.
14. How does my character arrive at the castle?
Viki is bringing people using the Blinking Mirror. However, you are free to decide exactly how they drop in. Do they wash up on the shore? Find themselves standing in the kitchen? Drop in from the ceiling? Walk into a wall? Your call.
15. What does my character arrive with?
Your character appears with the clothes on his/her back, the contents of their pockets, and their weapon of choice.
16. Sweet! I’m bringing a tank!
Uhh…make that weapons within reason. Tanks, battleships, and planes are out. Use common sense, guys.
17. Okay, so my character really needs this one particular item…can I get it?
Yes, Viki can retrieve items for your character but be smart about this. She can get you a cell phone, but if there are no towers, how will it work? If you say The Magic That Is Toran Castle™, we can go with that, but who would they call? Other characters would need cell phones for them to be useful...
18. Do I have to ask Viki to get things for me?
Yes, you may leave her a note in the
tc_comment_box. The request thread is the sticky, so it should appear at the top of the box at all times.19. Can my character bring his pet/weapon/magic/bag of holding?
As long as it won’t break the game, sure. Remember, if K’Arthur has to re-code this thing, someone might die…
20. My character uses magic that is dependent upon his/her home world’s environment. (ie: fonons, eleth, mana, aer, etc) Will their magic work here?
Yes. The Magic That Is Toran Castle™ accommodates the magical needs of everybody. (Didn’t I say magic would be the answer to everything? Yeah. I did. Okay. There ya go…)
21. My character speaks [insert language here]. Will other people be able to understand him/her?
Yes, people will be able to understand them. The blinking mirror has set up a magical field that makes sure everyone can understand each other in writing and in person.
22. So what do we do at Toran Castle?
It’s pretty much a jamjar, so whatever you’d like. Maybe your character wants to kick back and catch fish on the dock, start a business, spend their days drunk and naked, or maybe they just want to try and find a way to get back home.
23. Where does my character live?
Excellent question. Every character will be assigned a room with roommates upon their arrival. Visit the Rooming List to see who your new best friends will be!
24. What does my character have in their room?
Every character has a twin bed, a desk with a lamp, a wardrobe, and a dresser. Some rooms may have two people, others three, or four. It all depends on the playerbase size, and rooms may be reassigned to accommodate.
25. Does my character have to sleep in their assigned room?
No. However, they may be teleported there during events.
26. For whatever reason, I don’t want my character housed with another particular character. Can I ask for a reassignment?
Sure thing. Just contact the Mods! We will definitely try to keep characters controlled by the same player out of the same room, too.
27. What kind of job/business can my character have?
Whatever they'd like as long as it falls within the setting. So, librarian would be acceptable, but cell phone salesman? Not so much.
28. My character won’t put up with this! He’s already on his way out the front door!
Well, he won’t get very far. The Magic That Is Toran Castle™ will just keep him lost in the fog. Same for anyone who tries to leave by boat. They’ll just go in circles until they wind up back at the castle.
29. I know Suikoden and I want to go to Gregminister or Kaku or one of the other local towns in Toran (formerly the Scarlet Moon Empire!)
Still, you won’t get there. We may open up more of the map at a later date, but for now, you’re stuck in Toran Castle.
30. What kind of events will be involved in the game?
Whatever you suggest! We also will do some time-travel with the entire castle, weather events, holidays and some status-change things.
You can also request a status effect on your character at the Status Effect Request post. The excuse is that the Mirror is acting funny. It does things like that, y’know?
31. What do you mean status changes?
Maybe your character wakes up and suddenly they are blind, or have regressed five years or aged up ten. Maybe Leknaat decides that there needs to be more love and less war, and suddenly everyone in the castle is feeling very frisky…
32. Do I have to play those events?
No, you are not required to participate in anything you don't want to. No explanation required.
33. Fine. My character is just going to break the Blinking Mirror! Hah! Then we'll be free of this madness!
Any attempts to break the Mirror will be met with quick and swift retribution in the form of a status effect (of the player's choice) for a week. Do not taunt The Blinking Mirror!
33. What kind of money does the castle use?
Characters are issued a plastic card (think credit card) that magically displays their balance. It can be used to pay for items in the shops, use the inn, the baths, etc.
34. How does my character earn money?
Characters earn money on their card by assisting with things around the castle. Perhaps they serve on the strategy committee or work in the kitchens. It's completely up to the player how much money is earned and what sort of work the character does.
35. So the mods have no control over the money?
As long as you're being reasonable, we honestly don't care how much cash your character has on hand.
1. What is plurk?
Plurk is an instant messaging type service. Think of it as a bastardization between Twitter and AIM. Many RP groups use plurk because it's easy, free, and mobile device friendly.
2. What’s the Spam Post on Tumblr?
If you have a Tumblr account, feel free to post links to threads, images, just random nonsense to Toran Castle on Tumblr.
3. Hey, I'd like to get the awesome navigation code that appears in the community journals on my character's journal and reading page. How can I do that?
PM
blinking_mirror and K'Arthur will be glad to send it to you. You may need to adjust your "journal style" to accommodate it; it requires a sidebar and textbox. She can walk you through that, too. 4. Can I use fan art in my icons?
We are not the fan art icon police. Feel free to use it, but we do ask if an artist contacts you and asks you to remove it, that you do. Beyond this statement, the mods will not get involved in this matter.