entartungmods (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
entartungmods) wrote2017-02-17 02:07 am
entartungmods) wrote2017-02-17 02:07 am
Game Documentation
1. Game Information
1.1 Arrivals
A force unknown has interceded in your character's life. The character becomes aware of being in a time and a place that is neither—to their senses this dimension is vast and formless and without end. It seems to be stark white, with no sustenance for their body, neither air nor water nor food. It is here they are held and questioned, interrogated ceaselessly until they are willing to do whatever their captors want.
After this, characters awaken inside the Temple of the Abyss, finding themselves back in a physical state. They are sedate and calm, taking in their surroundings with curiosity, without panic or distress. Humanoid characters will find they are dressed in clean white robes, with any injuries having been miraculously healed, although old scars remain. All new arrivals are seated in a circle around the altar, gazing at a logo suspended in midair: SYNC.
There are few answers as to how characters come to find themselves here. The only consensus among the residents of this place is that a mysterious and powerful force is at work. There is no sign that any technology is at work, only some kind of supernatural power. Because of this, some have chosen to worship this force, which is why the arrival point has come to have a temple built over it. The new arrivals will soon begin to realize the logo they have been viewing is a menu, and that the network device has been installed in their heads. Soon after their arrival here, a doctor made the rounds with an installation gun, piercing the backs of their heads to secure the chip in its proper place.
Upon selecting the option to open the menu, characters are presented with a EULA and are forced to accept it before they can move any further. The doors of this place are barred against characters leaving without accepting the agreement.
Characters will have only what they had on their person at the time they were taken–the items are held in storage bins within the outer doors. They will be allowed to choose their display name for the network at this time. This cannot be changed (except upon potential canon update), so make sure to choose carefully.
This premise may be tweaked for non-human characters; robotic characters and aliens, as well as other creatures, will find the technology in Entartung exists to install a network chip in them as well.
Part of the premise is that your character was absolutely unable to hold out under questioning by the Nachdruck—feel free to assume the character underwent weeks, months, or even longer of interrogation before giving in, if that's IC for your character.
(Note that although bodily injuries will be healed upon arrival, chronic illnesses or those requiring daily medication will still afflict the character.)
1.2 The Setting
Characters awaken in the city of Centre, which contains a bustling network of streets, trolley lines, and various housing and business districts. The newcomer to the city will be able to view more information on the network that explains the history of the place as it is known, and more about the geography of its location.
They will learn that Centre is located on Entartung, a segmented Dyson ring. The inside of the ring always faces its star, meaning there is no day/night cycle here.
⇀ Read more about the city and other specific game locations.
1.3 The Network
Characters receive a SYNC chip upon their arrival—the first concern of the attendant medical staff is characters' ability to interface with the network. For this reason there is no opt-in to using the network; characters are presented with an end-user license agreement, but there is basically no choice but to accept.
The SYNC menu is accessible at all times in the corner of one’s field of vision, and can be navigated via eye gestures. The submenus allow people to access the many functions of the device. In addition to accessing the network, this includes allowing them access to the door controls to their living quarters, the controls to the food replicators, and their bank account information.
1.3.1 Types of communications:
Characters can broadcast via voice, video, or text, although they should keep in mind video transmissions will show what they are seeing and not themselves. The keyboard layout is Dvorak and is accessible by selecting to send a text message.Incoming messages will not open without being selected by the user. The message window will not open if the character is actively carrying out some important task, such as driving or walking.
1.3.2 Accessibility:
All characters with disabilities will find the network device compensates for their abilities. Blind characters will still be able to see the menus because of its ability to interface directly with the optic nerve, and will be legible because of the network’s ability to upload knowledge to the character’s head. Similarly, for illiterate characters, they will find themselves able to decode the symbols involved in reading shortly after arriving. Deaf characters will find that audio and video transmissions are automatically transcribed for them (although in-person interactions will not be transcribed, nor will SYNC be able to interpret for those who speak sign language).1.3.3 Hacking and anonymous:
There is no anonymous function on the network. All communications will be sent with the user’s network ID and a link to their profile information. Hacking is not possible because of the nature of the implants.1.3.4 Languages:
The lingua franca of Entartung is English. Because the character's language has been downloaded to the network, messages are auto-translated by their SYNC chip upon receipt. For this reason, to an English speaker, everything that they receive will seem to be in English. The exception is if a foreign word is the given name of a place or character. In that case, the translation software knows not to translate the word.⇀ Read more about the mechanics of the network.
1.4 Housing
Housing is assigned to characters at the time they leave the temple. This initial residence consists of a furnished studio apartment. This residence is provided at no cost to the character. Larger or communal living arrangements can be made, and as long as the character remains in the newcomer’s district, no further costs will be incurred.
1.5 Jobs & Businesses
There are some jobs listed on the jobs page, but most any kind of work is available. Feel free to use your imagination when applying your character for work. They can also start their own business.
1.6 Birth Control & Pregnancy
All characters become sterile upon their arrival. Characters who were already pregnant at the time of their arrival will eventually notice their pregnancy does not progress. It simply enters into stasis. Prophylactics are available for paranoid characters, although it is impossible for anyone to get pregnant.
1.7 Finances
We don't expect players to keep track of a full budget, but we do expect there to be some parity between what your character chooses to do and how they plan to pay for it. For example, if they decide to move into a penthouse suite, they need to have a well-paying job to be able to compensate for the added expense.
Studio apartments (or communal housing in the newcomer’s district) and the three base meals per day are free. Anything else the character wants to partake in will cost.
Money is given in tokens. However, much of the economy on Entartung is barter-based. The exchange rate is approximately 100 tokens:1 US dollar.
1.8 Enhancements
Technology on Entartung is such that characters may request repair of old injuries. For example, damaged or amputated limbs may be replicated via a DNA sample in the medical replicator. As these sorts of enhancements are very costly, in addition to payment, the administrators of the city may request exchange of expert knowledge or other information that they may deem helpful to the city's population. However, this exchange of knowledge may have a consequence of deleting important or cherished memories from the user's mind.
1.9 Law Enforcement
Law enforcement is administered by neighborhood police captains, and trials and administration of punishment are rendered swiftly by the members of the city board of directors. Characters can consult with law enforcement, but the policies of the city as they stand do not allow characters to become full members of the law enforcement organization.
2. Gameplay
2.1 Game Communities
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
entartung is where all network interactions will begin. Although threads that begin here may lead to in-person interactions, if the post was made to the network, it should appear here.entartunglogs is where in-person interactions should be threaded out. All in-person starters should be posted here.entartungooc is for out-of-character notices by players and mods. Mod announcements will be made from the journal entartungmods. Players may also post memes and crack on this community.Test drive memes will be posted to the
entartungmods journal, as well as HMD memes.2.2 Game Rating & Content
Players should be 16 years of age or older to play. Characters may be of any age, but players of minor characters should be certain to keep them out of situations where there may be sexual or disturbing content.
Please cut and warn for adult or disturbing content in threads. Please move explicit smut to an off-community locked post or other designated place, such as the character inbox.
2.3 Pacing
Presently we expect Entartung to be a medium-paced game and will stick to a IC-to-OOC ratio of 1:1. This means 1 IC day equals 1 OOC day.
2.4 Plots
Plot elements will include puzzles to solve, clues that may unlock vital game information, and monthly plot elements which will affect all characters in game. Puzzles will be posted to the network or log comm, and clue drops will be made on an opt-in basis, with players expected to collaborate on the OOC comm to solve. Though it’s possible to opt out of some plots, for the most part the events in game will be an overarching environmental effect. Plots will take place on a monthly basis, and may lead to interactions with NPCs or data to unlock.
Future plots will also involve the option for exploration.
2.5 Plot Drops
Please only involve yourself in plots if you intend to follow through. If your character makes a discovery, for example, please have them reveal the information to other characters within two weeks, rather than having them hold onto it for their own personal use. This rule is to help move the plot along and prevent the action from becoming stagnant.
Please try to do plotting for events and plot drops on the OOC comm, rather than using a third-party service such as plurk. This is to ensure visibility and communication among all players.
2.6 In-character actions have in-character consequences
Keep in mind that as Centre is a contained population, actions such as the killing of an NPC or destruction of property in the city would not be taken lightly by the local citizenry. It’s likely it would be a potential lead-in to a plot concerning your character and their punishment. We ask if you plan to do anything like this, that you drop an explanation of your plot in the mod contact.
2.7 Death
All deaths are permadeath situations. You may not bring your character back, though another player may be able to app the same character in at a later time, depending on the situation.
2.8 Canon update
Characters who undergo this process, known as Revival among the denizens of the ring, will be missing some important memory or a cherished piece of knowledge. They will otherwise be updated to the point in canon you wished to update them to.
As a consequence of going through this process, characters will also gain additional sensitivity to one or more of their five senses. For example, they may find bright lights unbearably intense, but be able to see on a molecular level while this effect lasts. This uncontrollable effect lasts for about two months.
Characters may not gain additional superpowers via canon update.
Characters who have been canon-updated will be missing from the ring for 5 days (or more, if canon update is combined with a hiatus). They will awaken in the temple with no memory of how they arrived there, and will be free to leave once they awaken.
2.9 Fourth-Walling
Our preference is to avoid characters fourth-walling one another. We know that sometimes characters have canon knowledge of other canons, but we ask that in those situations you simply invent a canon the character is invested in—such as some generic sci-fi exploration canon rather than explicitly Star Trek, for example.
2.10 Muncest
Please don’t allow your characters to become embroiled in situations where two of them need to interact. We don’t allow players to app two characters from the same canon for this reason, but we also don’t want you to apply them for work in the same department, or similar situations where they would need to interact.
3. Applying
3.1 Reserves
Reserves are taken monthly, for four days before apps open mid-month. Reserves are not necessary, but players who have reserved their characters will find their applications are processed first.
3.2 Applications
Applications are taken monthly, for a five-day window every month, ending a week before the next AC period. Application challenges are allowed. Application contents can be recycled from an old app, but the information must be placed into our form. Apps are to be posted to the application page, not linked from the character journal.
3.3 Accepted characters
3.3.1 Original universe (OU) canon characters:
The character as they appear in the main media presentation.3.3.2 Alternate universe (AU) canon characters:
The character as they appear in canon-created alternate universes, but not player-created alternate universes.3.3.3 Original characters (OC):
Characters sourced from player-created fiction. They may not be OCs created for other canons (an unknown Star Trek ensign, for example).3.3.4 Malleable protagonosts:
Characters from video games where the player choice helps mold the character are allowed. In this case, a bullet-point timeline will be required in the background section of the app for explaining how the player choices have molded the character.3.3.5 Character relationship alternate universe (CRAU) characters:
Characters who will arrive with memories and experiences from a previous experience in a game. These characters must have met the requirements for this game at the time they were apped into the previous game. This means no player-created alternate universe characters, for example.3.3.6 Duplicates:
Only 2 versions of a character may be present at the same time. This includes variations such as Tony Stark from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Tony Stark from Marvel 616. Characters who are duplicates of one another in canon, such as Alpha and Epsilon in Red vs. Blue, will be taken on a case-by-case basis. In these cases we want to see their experiences and personalities are unique enough to each be considered their own person.3.3.7 Non-human characters:
Characters who are not human are allowed. If your character is disembodied, such as the case of an AI or a ghost, you can pick a PB and have them arrived humanized. This is the only case where we allow humanization. Players who would prefer not to have the character be humanized can instead have their AI character installed in a delivery robot, which will enable the character to be mobile and have a job.
3.4 Major & Minor Characters
Characters who are well-developed in canon are eligible for applying to the game, while more secondary characters may require too much headcanon to be appable. The general rule of thumb is that if you need to justify your characterization with more than 40% headcanon the character may not be appable. Characters whose background is not known in canon may fit under the minor character rule.
Please contact the mods to inquire about specific characters if you are unsure.
3.5 Historical & Mythical Figures
Characters based in whole or in part on historical figures, such as Alexander Hamilton from the musical Hamilton, may not be applied. Characters based on mythical figures may be applied as they appeared in any work of fiction, such as Perseus in Clash of the Titans.
Please contact the mods to inquire about specific characters if you are unsure.
3.6 Character Caps
We allow any player to play 3 characters in the game at any one time.
3.7 Powers
Characters will arrive with the powers they had in canon. However, some will find their powers altered or nerfed in some way. This will mostly be taken on a case-by-case basis. For example, Superman will have little to no powers, as the ring world surrounds a white dwarf star and not a yellow sun. However, in general, abilities that interfere with game play or game mechanics, such as conjuring, reality warping, time manipulation, teleportation, and flying, will be removed. Please note in the powers section of the app whether the character has any abilities that should be nerfed, altered, or removed.
Magical or supernatural powers will be allowed, but will not interface with the technology on Entartung.
Characters such as vampires and others with special dietary needs will need to make their own arrangements to feed. However, there are medical replicators that eliminate the need to feed from living creatures.
Werewolves will find that although there is no moon, there is still a thirty-day cycle that their powers center around. Simply pick a date for their transformation and be consistent.
We basically ask that you keep in mind the enjoyment of other players and ensure your character is not overpowered compared to others. Please include notes about your character’s powers in the section indicated on the app.
3.8 Character Inventory & Companions
Characters will only arrive with what they had on their person at the time of their being brought to Entartung. They will not be able to arrive with companions or pets, etc. If the character has an onboard companion, such as an AI, the presence of such a companion will need to be enumerated on the application, and acceptance of such companions will be on a case-by-case basis.
3.9 Canon Points
Character will be accepted from media for canon points that have been out to the public for at least 1 month. The same rule applies to canon updates.
3.10 Canon Sources
Players may not app two characters from the same canon.
3.11 Game Caps
As of now, the game cap is 100 characters, and the cast cap is 10 characters. This may change depending on mod workload, additional mods being added, etc.
3.12 Played-Bys
PBs are allowed in the case of OCs, book characters, or characters with little to no visual resource available. For example, a character who always goes about wearing a mask in a visual canon may have a PB for the purposes of facial expressions.
In all other cases, such as those of a character who comes from a comic, movie, or video game that includes a canon appearance, we do not allow the use of a PB. If you feel your circumstance allows a PB exception, or if you are using the PB images as a supplement, we ask that you contact the mods to explain.
3.13 App Recycling
You may reuse sections from applications you have written for previous games for that character, such as parts of the history and the personality section. However, you must be certain that the name fields in both apps contain your current handle, or situations like this that are pointed out to us may be considered in violation of plagiarism rules.
3.14 Test-Drive Memes
Test drives are posted on the mod journal on a monthly basis and will be linked on RP anons and on plurk. The test drives will include one or two prompts that simulate gameplay and may eventually be used as game canon if the scenario fits into the narrative of your character’s later arrival.
4. Activity
4.1 Monthly Activity
Any of the following may be accepted for activity on a monthly basis:
Network or actionspam:
A comment thread with at least 10 comments authored by you in rapidfire comment threads, such as tend to be seen in network postings, but may sometimes also happen on the log community, depending on the action taking place. Character inbox threads are also acceptable under this set of guidelines, although IC inbox threads may not be submitted two months in a row.Lengthy prose:
A comment thread with at least 5 comments authored by you in a more lengthy format, such as may be seen on the log community. Each comment should average about 200 words if a thread with only 5 comments is being submitted. Character inbox threads are also acceptable under this set of guidelines, although IC inbox threads may not be submitted two months in a row..Post:
An open network or log post or closed log with at least 4 comments in response in a single thread from you.
4.2 Hiatus
Hiatus may be taken for up to 1 month out of every 3-month period. If this is split into multiple hiatuses, they should total no more than 30 days.
You may be exempt from activity for a particular month if you take 14 or more days of hiatus during the activity period. You will still need to post a check-in during activity check, or have a friend do it for you if you are going to be away when activity check is posted.
If you have special circumstances and you feel you may need to take a longer hiatus, please contact the mods privately.
When filling out the hiatus form, please note which option for hiatus you are taking.
4.3 Activity Strikes
A strike can be taken one month out of every three if special circumstances kept you from meeting activity requirements. Please contact the mods about taking a strike.
5. Rules
5.1 Game Environment
- Treat others the way you would want to be treated. The Golden Rule applies. Really, it’s common sense.
- Conversely, do not treat others in a way you would not like to be treated—i.e. whatever-the-inverse-of-the-golden-rule is applies. The Shitlord Rule.
- Essentially, be kind and welcoming to fellow players at all times. A welcoming atmosphere and kind behavior do a lot to set the stage for gameplay, and we expect players to be generous toward others when there is otherwise potential for misunderstandings and poor communication.
5.2 IC/OOC Divide
- Players are expected to remain in character when engaging in play. If you apped a character you are expected to play That Character. Deviating from what was initially given in the app—without reasonable in-game character progression—is gonna mean we’re gonna watch you.
- Conflict between characters should not be reflected in interactions when out of character. If you have a problem with a character ICly, don’t transfer that to the person playing them. They’re not that character. You aren’t yours either.
- Don't use IC conflicts to pick on someone you don't like.
- Relatedly, using IC confrontation or conflicts to harass another player OOCly for personal reasons is cause for mod intervention.
- Mandatory HMD memes will be posted every other month in place of an HMD post requirement on each character’s journal. Please both be gracious when receiving crit, and considerate when delivering it. Also, please don’t use the HMD as a means to simply compliment everyone—that isn’t what it’s there for.
5.3 Basic Roleplay Etiquette
No godmoding:
Don't play out another character's actions. You play your character. Let the other person play theirs. Knowing something OOCly is just that—out of character.No metagaming:
Character decisions should come from IC knowledge, not OOC knowledge. If your character has no reason to know A Thing, then you have no business using A Thing in a thread.No infomodding:
Don't give your character knowledge of the other characters or plot elements they couldn't possibly have. Infomodding and fourth-walling are to be left to the other character’s discretion. Don’t utilize either mechanic without checking with the other player first. If you’re in doubt as to whether something falls into either category, contact them before you tag.No powergaming:
Don't assume your character is always going to win or have the last word without discussing the outcome with the other player. Your character is the best at what they do in their canon. Coincidentally, so is mine! Don’t assume your character is still going to Always Be The Best—this is outside their setting, and there are a skajillion variables that go into this. Discuss shit with the other person before you just decide anything.
5.4 Strikes
There is a three strike system for most infractions. Mod discretion applies.
5.5 Autobans
5.5.1 Plagiarism
- If there is any copying of other players' work in your app or other materials related to the game, that will be grounds for your immediate removal. If evidence is brought to the mods that any part of your application or other materials (IC contact, threads, etc.) that proves substantial, it is grounds for your immediate removal from the game. This is a creative hobby—it completely defeats the point.
5.5.2 Creating a toxic environment
- Harassment of other players: just don't do it! This can take many forms but should be self-evident.
- Constant public complaining about fellow players, the game, or the mods. If you don't want to be in the game, the door is easy to find.
- Overt hostility toward fellow players over things like being slow to tag. (This includes multiple edits to send notifications, haranguing someone via plurk or discord, or any other means of repeated pressure to tag back.)
- Hate speech by players in any venue. Proven hate speech even tertiarily related to the game may be used as grounds for dismissal/a future ban, as long as whatever speech is used causes an unwelcoming environment for others, either in the game or looking to apply into it.
- Continued threats to quit the game.
5.6 Prebans
The mods reserve the right to refuse a player admittance to the game based on previous reputation, past behavior, or recent actions. Preference will be displayed for game members who admit to being uncomfortable with the application of someone with such a reputation, provided there is proof of their behavior in screenshots or pastebins.
6. Mod Info
6.1 Accounts
Mod Journal:
entartungmodsEmail: entartungmods at gmail dot com
Plurk:
Discord: entartungmods#9616 (PMs disabled)
6.2 Time Zone
The mod calendar is on Eastern Standard Time in the US. Most mod posts will be made at 9:00am on the date posted on the calendar. Deadlines also fall at this time.
6.3 Questions
Please feel free to ask a question below, or privately on the mod contact page.
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Revision: 2.2 Revised: 4.26.2018
3.3.7 Non-human characters
This SOUNDS to me like animals and incorporeal creatures are not allowed because the concern is their ability to interact with the universe. What's the ruling on characters such as those from Land of the Lustrous, where the characters are humanoid but technically inhuman? (They are human-shaped rocks.)
Thanks for your time!
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You specify that the SYNC will transcribe transmissions for deaf characters, does this only refer to network posts, or does it also transcribe in-person interactions? (Personally, I'd rather it only apply to the network, but I can work with either.)
ADDENDUM: Same for the reverse direction, does SYNC transcribe sign language and would it only do so on the network?
Second, I know all injuries are healed upon arrival, but what about chronic illnesses or other conditions that otherwise require regular medication?
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SYNC will only transcribe network interactions, and only transcribe audible speech. It won't be able to interpret sign language.
Chronic illnesses will still afflict the characters who suffer from them.
Thank you for your inquiries; these will be added to the FAQ!