btd_mods (![[info]](http://www.insanejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} btd_mods) wrote,@ 2007-12-27 13:58:00 |
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Community rules
Must be read by all players. Not reading them does not excuse you from following them.
Activities such as starting or participating in wank, lying to or about fellow players or mods or talking about rather than to people (ie badmouthing or spreading rumours) in game will get you immediately warned! Two warnings of this kind and you are removed from the game.
Minimum:
Every player should try to post or join a thread at least once every two weeks, though key characters should post more often than this (around once a week) and should make sure to be an active part of ongoing plots. Individual threads that are critical to large plots must be finished within a short window of time (a week, unless there are extenuating circumstances). After all when key characters stagnate, so does the RPG. There is no maximum number of posts.
Absences:
Contact one of the mods if you can't post every two weeks. RL can be a bitch, and it's not the end of the world, just let us know so we're not left wondering where you are (see below on hiatus for how to do this). If the mods try to reach you twice within two weeks and get no response, your character may be reassigned.
Hiatus
Is for resting a character or a player - it's not the same as giving the character up. A hiatus can be taken whenever there is a good reason, but should be discussed with the mods first. A reason for the character's absence (or an explanation of what the character is doing while not being played) is required. When on hiatus a charrie is not up for recasting!
Character limits:
At the moment you're allowed to play five canon characters (ghosts, NPCs, children and family members not counted), however before picking up another character think long and hard if you have the time for it, as all canon characters need to keep the posting minimum. If a character is not played enough, the mods reserve the right to take it back and give to another player.
Game time:
Posting done in real time (March 17 2007 = March 17 2005 in game, Monday = Monday). Backdating should be used with care and only when necessary (ask a mod if you're uncertain).
Canon:
Canon up to book six should be followed at all times. For the purposes of this community, "canon" is defined as anything from the 6 first published books, the 2 charity booklets, information on JKRowling.com, and information shared in interviews prior to gamestart. The best place to check your information is the HP Lexicon.
Any new canon (book seven included) will be taken into consideration as long as it doesn't contradict what has been already established in game. If you are unsure, talk to a moderator.
In game canon:
What happens in game is game canon and must be followed to the best of your characters knowledge (if a road has been flooded, your character can't walk there without getting wet). The writer comm is a good place to get information about plots that involve more than a few charries.
Character development and staying in character:
You must stay in character at all times.
With that said – characters can have sides we don't know of, and things do happen to change people's way of looking at life. This game is set about seven years after the end of HBP, and a war is still going on. Changes and development are therefore reasonable to expect.
Therefore - If you want to turn Draco compassionate, that's fine, just show us how he got that way and make it plausible.
This also means that if it's logical for two characters to interact, the players are expected to try and find ways to thread with each other. Refusal to play with another player (in cases where it's logical and plot relevant) can lead to a warning and eventually removal from game.
Taking over previously played characters
When taking over a previously played character you sign up for keeping that character in character. Ie no large personality changes or change in PBs without modly consent. Of course things can develop in game, but for any major changes have a chat with the modlies first, and keep in mind that characters doesn't just magically change over night. If Percy is an arse one day, he's not going to wake up all cuddly the next one.
Reference to other characters:
If you mention another character in your entry, always make sure you have that player's permission and that they are aware of the relevant content in your entry prior to posting. Also be prepared to change anything concerning that other character if asked to do so.
Chats and Plots:
Plotting and chatting on YIM is recommended, and remember to always contact all players needed for/affected by a plot before setting something in motion.
Conflicts:
Conflicts do occur sometimes – the key is communication. If you feel a player has done something wrong talk to the player and politely tell him or her what you think has gone wrong. It may just be a misunderstanding. If you feel the problem continues contact a mod and a monitored chat could be arranged. If the player continues with his or her behaviour, or if the situation is serious enough, the mods will take over and warn the player of his or her behaviour.
Note: No player will be given an official warning without the opportunity to explain themselves.
Complaints and suggestions:
No game is so perfect that it cannot be made better, and who better to discover that than the players? If you have a complaint, or a suggestion, use the complaints form and send to btd.mods@gmail.com or reply to the post. The post is flocked so you'll need to friend this journal in order to see it.
Fan Interaction:
There is a fan community![[info]](http://www.insanejournal.com/img/community.gif)
beyond_readers where players and readers can interact. You're free to interact both as yourself (the player) and as your character(s). Drabbles, fun things, games - all is allowed in the reader journal.
Ownership:
All character journals remain the property of the game even though you as a player have full control over the journal while playing. (updated passwords must be sent to btd.mods@gmail.com).
This also goes for journals of family members and children for next_gen.
Age Limit:
You must be 18 or older to play and a legal adult in your own country. The game will contain content of an adult nature. As sexual or violence related post are very likely to happen, warnings will be encouraged on such posts.
Quitting/Giving a charrie up:
When you give up a charrie/quit the game the character will go out to recasting and the player won't be able to get the charrie back until, at earliest, a month later.
To get a dropped charrie back, send a mail to the mods with plot ideas for the charrie in question (after the month has passed). If there are no other applications for the charrie, and if the plot ideas are good, then we'll most likely give the charrie back the first time.
If you quit the game/give up a charrie, you may be asked to provide a write-up about your character's background, depending on how active they have been.
Icons and PBs:
Your character must have a play-by (PB) and icons to go along with that person. Players are not required to use HP movie actors as their PBs.
Please make sure your PBs are somewhat age-appropriate and not unrealistic in their way of appearance (Ginny can't be blonde, Millicent should have a heavy jaw).
Check the list of used PBs and ask for mod approval before choosing one. Someone else may already have asked and gotten approval to use the one you had in mind, or it could be used by an NPC in game. If you're having trouble finding a PB, ask your mods and they will do their best to assist you
Animagi:
Animagi are not common – there are less than 10 in total in Britain according to canon. If you wish your character to be an Animagus, contact the mods for approval and be aware of the fact that we will be very restrictive. (Also keep in mind that not all characters can Apparate or cast a Patronus or an unforgivable. Keep your character realistic)
Werewolves and Vampires:
We know from canon that the werewolves are supporting the Death Eaters, in game this generally goes for vampires as well. Since we know from canon that at least Greyback is trying to create more werewolves, we will be delighted to see people turning their charries into character a werewolf or a vampire (with mod-approval of course). Just know that there is only one half werewolf and that is Bill Weasley.
Dead Characters
Dead characters stay dead! There is no coming back from the dead, and there are no spells to bring people back from the dead. This doesn't mean that your character can't try - but she/he can't succeed. Also if your character is planning something like this, the mods need to know in advance.
Muggle References:
Try to keep muggle references to a minimum. There is no electricity or computers in Hogsmeade. Only the Muggle born/raised characters could make any plausible reference to these items. Arthur's fascination with and knowledge of muggle things is a good guide to show the average level of understanding of these items.
Spelling and Grammar:
Proper spelling and grammar is expected at all times, but we are only human. A few spelling mistakes are allowable, but no netspeak. British spelling is encouraged, but not required. There is a spell checker in IJ (or automatically in Firefox) so please use it before posting or commenting.
Shipping:
Is allowed and encouraged. Note that canon ships must be addressed. This is an adult community that is het and slash friendly. We ask that shipping doesn't overshadow plot, but as relationships form in real life they do in RPs as well. Seek mod approval if you wish to ship with any NPC characters or characters out of play, as well as if your characters want to do something like move in together, get married or have children. We generally won't say no, but we might ask you to wait if there is a lot of that going on at the same time. After all, we can't have ten kids with the same birthday.
There is no such thing as a male pregnancy.
Plots:
There is a major war plot arch overseeing the game. The Mods will help guide and direct the course of the war and battles that are to be fought, as well as decide when the war is over. Important politics or strategy will be decided by the mods, but do not let that stop your characters from wanting to be involved. Just send an email to the mods prior to plotting so that you (and we) know what is to happen next. We the mods will also strive to keep you informed of what is to come.
Battles will be staged by the mods. It is voluntary to take part in these battles but doing so will involve a risk of your character getting injured. However, no permanent injuries will be given to anyone without prior consent of the player, and the player can also request to have his or her character injured. The outcome of the battle will be decided by the mods.
Other plots are your own. If you think your plot will have effects that will reach further than the characters in question, or change the course of the game as a whole, then please send an email to the mods before playing it out in game. If you are uncertain, ask before proceeding.
Must be read by all players. Not reading them does not excuse you from following them.
Rule number one
Activities such as starting or participating in wank, lying to or about fellow players or mods or talking about rather than to people (ie badmouthing or spreading rumours) in game will get you immediately warned! Two warnings of this kind and you are removed from the game.
Posting Requirements
Minimum:
Every player should try to post or join a thread at least once every two weeks, though key characters should post more often than this (around once a week) and should make sure to be an active part of ongoing plots. Individual threads that are critical to large plots must be finished within a short window of time (a week, unless there are extenuating circumstances). After all when key characters stagnate, so does the RPG. There is no maximum number of posts.
Absences:
Contact one of the mods if you can't post every two weeks. RL can be a bitch, and it's not the end of the world, just let us know so we're not left wondering where you are (see below on hiatus for how to do this). If the mods try to reach you twice within two weeks and get no response, your character may be reassigned.
Hiatus
Is for resting a character or a player - it's not the same as giving the character up. A hiatus can be taken whenever there is a good reason, but should be discussed with the mods first. A reason for the character's absence (or an explanation of what the character is doing while not being played) is required. When on hiatus a charrie is not up for recasting!
Character limits:
At the moment you're allowed to play five canon characters (ghosts, NPCs, children and family members not counted), however before picking up another character think long and hard if you have the time for it, as all canon characters need to keep the posting minimum. If a character is not played enough, the mods reserve the right to take it back and give to another player.
Game time:
Posting done in real time (March 17 2007 = March 17 2005 in game, Monday = Monday). Backdating should be used with care and only when necessary (ask a mod if you're uncertain).
Canon and character development
Canon:
Canon up to book six should be followed at all times. For the purposes of this community, "canon" is defined as anything from the 6 first published books, the 2 charity booklets, information on JKRowling.com, and information shared in interviews prior to gamestart. The best place to check your information is the HP Lexicon.
Any new canon (book seven included) will be taken into consideration as long as it doesn't contradict what has been already established in game. If you are unsure, talk to a moderator.
In game canon:
What happens in game is game canon and must be followed to the best of your characters knowledge (if a road has been flooded, your character can't walk there without getting wet). The writer comm is a good place to get information about plots that involve more than a few charries.
Character development and staying in character:
You must stay in character at all times.
With that said – characters can have sides we don't know of, and things do happen to change people's way of looking at life. This game is set about seven years after the end of HBP, and a war is still going on. Changes and development are therefore reasonable to expect.
Therefore - If you want to turn Draco compassionate, that's fine, just show us how he got that way and make it plausible.
This also means that if it's logical for two characters to interact, the players are expected to try and find ways to thread with each other. Refusal to play with another player (in cases where it's logical and plot relevant) can lead to a warning and eventually removal from game.
Taking over previously played characters
When taking over a previously played character you sign up for keeping that character in character. Ie no large personality changes or change in PBs without modly consent. Of course things can develop in game, but for any major changes have a chat with the modlies first, and keep in mind that characters doesn't just magically change over night. If Percy is an arse one day, he's not going to wake up all cuddly the next one.
Player interaction
Reference to other characters:
If you mention another character in your entry, always make sure you have that player's permission and that they are aware of the relevant content in your entry prior to posting. Also be prepared to change anything concerning that other character if asked to do so.
Chats and Plots:
Plotting and chatting on YIM is recommended, and remember to always contact all players needed for/affected by a plot before setting something in motion.
Conflicts:
Conflicts do occur sometimes – the key is communication. If you feel a player has done something wrong talk to the player and politely tell him or her what you think has gone wrong. It may just be a misunderstanding. If you feel the problem continues contact a mod and a monitored chat could be arranged. If the player continues with his or her behaviour, or if the situation is serious enough, the mods will take over and warn the player of his or her behaviour.
Note: No player will be given an official warning without the opportunity to explain themselves.
Complaints and suggestions:
No game is so perfect that it cannot be made better, and who better to discover that than the players? If you have a complaint, or a suggestion, use the complaints form and send to btd.mods@gmail.com or reply to the post. The post is flocked so you'll need to friend this journal in order to see it.
Fan Interaction:
There is a fan community
beyond_readers where players and readers can interact. You're free to interact both as yourself (the player) and as your character(s). Drabbles, fun things, games - all is allowed in the reader journal. Journals, players, PBs...
Ownership:
All character journals remain the property of the game even though you as a player have full control over the journal while playing. (updated passwords must be sent to btd.mods@gmail.com).
This also goes for journals of family members and children for next_gen.
Age Limit:
You must be 18 or older to play and a legal adult in your own country. The game will contain content of an adult nature. As sexual or violence related post are very likely to happen, warnings will be encouraged on such posts.
Quitting/Giving a charrie up:
When you give up a charrie/quit the game the character will go out to recasting and the player won't be able to get the charrie back until, at earliest, a month later.
To get a dropped charrie back, send a mail to the mods with plot ideas for the charrie in question (after the month has passed). If there are no other applications for the charrie, and if the plot ideas are good, then we'll most likely give the charrie back the first time.
If you quit the game/give up a charrie, you may be asked to provide a write-up about your character's background, depending on how active they have been.
Icons and PBs:
Your character must have a play-by (PB) and icons to go along with that person. Players are not required to use HP movie actors as their PBs.
Please make sure your PBs are somewhat age-appropriate and not unrealistic in their way of appearance (Ginny can't be blonde, Millicent should have a heavy jaw).
Check the list of used PBs and ask for mod approval before choosing one. Someone else may already have asked and gotten approval to use the one you had in mind, or it could be used by an NPC in game. If you're having trouble finding a PB, ask your mods and they will do their best to assist you
Other Miscellaneous Things
Animagi:
Animagi are not common – there are less than 10 in total in Britain according to canon. If you wish your character to be an Animagus, contact the mods for approval and be aware of the fact that we will be very restrictive. (Also keep in mind that not all characters can Apparate or cast a Patronus or an unforgivable. Keep your character realistic)
Werewolves and Vampires:
We know from canon that the werewolves are supporting the Death Eaters, in game this generally goes for vampires as well. Since we know from canon that at least Greyback is trying to create more werewolves, we will be delighted to see people turning their charries into character a werewolf or a vampire (with mod-approval of course). Just know that there is only one half werewolf and that is Bill Weasley.
Dead Characters
Dead characters stay dead! There is no coming back from the dead, and there are no spells to bring people back from the dead. This doesn't mean that your character can't try - but she/he can't succeed. Also if your character is planning something like this, the mods need to know in advance.
Muggle References:
Try to keep muggle references to a minimum. There is no electricity or computers in Hogsmeade. Only the Muggle born/raised characters could make any plausible reference to these items. Arthur's fascination with and knowledge of muggle things is a good guide to show the average level of understanding of these items.
Spelling and Grammar:
Proper spelling and grammar is expected at all times, but we are only human. A few spelling mistakes are allowable, but no netspeak. British spelling is encouraged, but not required. There is a spell checker in IJ (or automatically in Firefox) so please use it before posting or commenting.
Shipping:
Is allowed and encouraged. Note that canon ships must be addressed. This is an adult community that is het and slash friendly. We ask that shipping doesn't overshadow plot, but as relationships form in real life they do in RPs as well. Seek mod approval if you wish to ship with any NPC characters or characters out of play, as well as if your characters want to do something like move in together, get married or have children. We generally won't say no, but we might ask you to wait if there is a lot of that going on at the same time. After all, we can't have ten kids with the same birthday.
There is no such thing as a male pregnancy.
Plots:
There is a major war plot arch overseeing the game. The Mods will help guide and direct the course of the war and battles that are to be fought, as well as decide when the war is over. Important politics or strategy will be decided by the mods, but do not let that stop your characters from wanting to be involved. Just send an email to the mods prior to plotting so that you (and we) know what is to happen next. We the mods will also strive to keep you informed of what is to come.
Battles will be staged by the mods. It is voluntary to take part in these battles but doing so will involve a risk of your character getting injured. However, no permanent injuries will be given to anyone without prior consent of the player, and the player can also request to have his or her character injured. The outcome of the battle will be decided by the mods.
Other plots are your own. If you think your plot will have effects that will reach further than the characters in question, or change the course of the game as a whole, then please send an email to the mods before playing it out in game. If you are uncertain, ask before proceeding.