F.A.Q.
Apr 2, 2016 5:11:33 GMT -5
Post by Zercon on Apr 2, 2016 5:11:33 GMT -5
Welcome! In this section you will find the answers to some questions that seem to pop up from time to time, or just are common themes across many forum RPs. Whether you are a new or prospective player, or have been around our C-Box for awhile, you should be able to find what you need down below. Some of the information repeats itself, and is listed on other pages, but that’s usually because its critical enough to have in several places.
SETTING
When/Where does this game take place?
The setting for this game is the Transformers: Prime cartoon series; the storyline and timeline pick up on Earth after the events of "Crisscross" (Season 1, Episode 17). For ease of technological and overall reference, all events in the board are placed on a "present day" timeline as well. Also, because there can be a fair lack of background information on non-Prime characters being brought into play, we also take some information from Hasbro's Aligned Timeline.
So I can only use Prime/Aligned information?
Not at all! We welcome any canon characters as well as any Original Characters, be they mech or human, no matter what the continuity! All that we ask is that they be adapted to fit with both the TF Prime continuity and our existing Game Timeline.
But I don't know anything about the Prime/Aligned universes?
That is absolutely a-OK! You don't need to watch the cartoon, although it is a great series and we highly recommend it just for entertainment purposes. But leafing through the TF Prime Wiki, or reading through the Forum Timeline, will probably give you the basic information to get started.
GETTING STARTED
I can't join! My account request won't go through!
You will not be able to make a forum account until your first character has been approved and an activation code sent to your e-mail. However, keep in mind that you do not need an account to ask questions! You can contact the Mods on the c-box, post your questions as a guest on the Ask A Mod board (Located HERE) or email them at the Mod email account. Remember, to log in as a guest it is just username 'Guest' and password 'Guest'.
Ok, I'm ready to create a character! What now?
Great! The Character Creation process starts HERE, with the Blank Character Sheet. Once you have filled out the application, please email it with the text inline (no attachments please) to the Mods and wait for their response. The reason we request it to be submitted this way specifically is that the Mods use a variety of means to check in, and opening attachments isn't always possible.
We expect any and all applicants to have read The Rules before you submit a character, and this is non-negotiable. It might also be helpful to you to read the Character Creation section, and to leaf through the Glossary and the Timeline. One thing we have found helps a lot of new Players is to go through the Character Applications that have already been approved, and read through one or two to get an idea of what the Mods are looking for.
Yes, it may seem like a lot of reading, but remember: this is a literate, intermediate-and-higher board.
I can't find the answer to the Secret Question! I read everything, it's not there! Can't I just guess/Can't you just tell me?
No. The answer is there; the numerous applications already approved should prove that. However, speed-reading, skim-reading, or flat out not reading will not help you. Go through The Rules carefully, and pay attention to everything. And for the record, trying to guess blind will not make a great opening impression. When you do find it, refrain from saying it in the C-Box. It will earn you some unpleasant Mod points and can allow others to cheat.
What factions/races are there in the game?
Here's the quick answer to these questions, but you'll also find a more detailed answer in the Factions section located HERE. We accept Cybertronians and humans both. Currently, Cybertronians in the game can be Autobots, Decepticons, or Neutrals. Human can be civilians, or belong to one of two military forces: those under the command of Agent Fowler/NEST, or MECH.
What about Predacons and Insecticons? What about Dinobots or Maximals?
Currently we are not accepting applications for any mech with an animal, or animal-like, alt-mode, unless that character is a cassette and have no intentions of changing this rule. Before you get all excited about this apparent loophole, please read the information on Cassettes found in the Glossary located HERE. In short, most Cassettes can't survive without a host, and Carrier/Cassette duo applications are screened brutally.
Will you be doing Relics and things from seasons 2 and 3?
The current answer is no. We have no intention of introducing those elements at this time. The Moderators reserve the right to change their minds about this at a later date, but as of right now we are a TFP AU and new elements will only be brought in if they can do so without breaking our current game. The sad truth is that those relics are just too powerful to be fair in a RP setting, and would allow cheating in plots and other loopholes.
Which TF: Prime characters can be played?
Our list of currently available (and much wanted!) TF:Prime characters is HERE!
Can I be a non TF:Prime canon character?
Of course! If we only allowed characters from the show, we wouldn't be much of a RP Forum to begin with!
Can I make an OC?
Again, heck yeah. Submit them like any other character; however, be mindful of the Mary Sue dangers: you cannot make them Prime's long lost daughter/lover/brother destined to be the next Prime and have Megatron fall in love with them. By the same token, if you want to make them friends or relations of an existing character, clear it with the player currently playing that character first. You may NOT connect OC's to any canon characters that are not in play! That would tie future players who might want that canon character to your character and that's not fair. Mods will screen OC's for this so don't sweat it. We'll let you know if something is off.
Can I be a Vehicon Trooper?
Yes, actually! We'd love to see the Decepticon red-shirt army become a PC army for our RP. Refer to our Glossary to read up on some history on our Vehicons/Eradicons. But Note:
• The grounder and tech Vehicons in our game tend to take human office names based on human media figures (Example: Steve = Stephen Frye) and the jet Vehicons tend to be named for WWI and WWII fighter pilots. Keep this in mind.
• They also have serial numbers that served as their real 'names' before they picked their own. They start with three capital letters and end with three numbers. (Example: Steve's serial number is ERO-404)
Can I be a human?
Yes, you may! Go squishies! We have plenty of openings for civilians, but if you're wanting to make a human character please consider either a MECH trooper or a US military associated with NEST under Agent Fowler. CANON HUMANS do not count against the character limit if you want to adopt one of them, but OC humans do. Regular apps must be submitted for all humans.
I’d like to play a Canon Character but what's this "Adoption" thing about?
If a canon character is up for adoption, it means that they have some established history within the game because someone was playing them before, the broad strokes of which should be respected. If the previous player is still active within the game, you will be put in touch with them directly to discuss how the history may be adapted to suit your take on the character. If they are not, one of the Mods will likely provide you with links to that character's existing threads or a synopsis of what happened.
Please don’t be intimidated by an existing history. Consider this: all TF canon characters have a pre-existing backstory, and still all who play them have plenty of fun! See it instead as a character having an established place among other characters, which will likely make getting involved in the game a much smoother and easier process.
Only Canon Characters and characters from other Transformers continuities are available for adoption. If a player leaves an Original Character behind, for whatever reason, they cannot be adopted.
I don't really know what I want to play! Help!
That is perfectly alright! We have a list of Wanted Characters where existing players put up requests for either canon or OC-characters they'd like to see taken up/created so that they can interact with their own characters. Look about, talk to those players, and see if that gives you any ideas. You can also check out the Census area located HERE. This can show you what we may be low on, and help inspire something.
OK, I've emailed my application! Now what?
Now, the Mods must ask you to please arm yourself with patience. At least two Mods must review each application, and given the vagaries of Real Life that can take up to a week. We do try to get back to all prospective players faster than that, but it is not always possible. You can of course check to see if your application was received, but do not repeatedly harass the Mods as to the status of your application. As well, please do not assume that your application will be automatically approved and start making plans as if it were a given fact. If that is not the case, it puts a lot of strain on both you and the Players with whom you were making plans.
What if you’re not happy with my application/character?
You would be astonished at how rare it is that the Mods give a character a pass on the first submission. Detail helps, of course, but is no guarantee. Most of the time we ask for elaboration on some abilities, a bit of clarification in history, or for a few more weaknesses to be added to counter strengths appropriately. Also remember to describe your character adequately in appearance!
In addition, please bear in mind: the application process is as much about you evaluating us as a good fit for you (as a Player and for your character), as it is us evaluating you as a viable addition to the group. Some players are more interested in doing only combat RP, some want to play Beast characters, or some don’t want to be so wordy in their posts. We are only one of many Transformers RPGs, and all of them are different. Just because we are not a good fit for you doesn't mean there isn't a group out there that will be your perfect RP home!
There are no Stats in your application form; how do you do combat?
We are NOT a stat-based game, because we are not a combat-heavy game. Please do not include numerical statistics in your application. Combat, in both actions and consequences, is usually agreed upon by all Players involved at the time of play.
Keep in mind we take a very dim view of godmodding, metagaming, auto-hitting or power-playing. Unless specifically agreed upon and authorized, you may only control your own character's actions within a fight. By keeping in contact with the other players, you can negotiate how much damage you're willing to allow your character to take, as well as what is prudent for the current plot. Characters are killed ONLY with the permission of the Player, or when abandoned by a departing player.
I just got approved! Now what?
Congratulations and welcome! Now you may create an account for the forum using the approved character's name and the e-mailed code. Make sure to include a current email address, as that's the address that will be used for special announcements and activity checks. As soon as possible, a Mod will approve your account request, and from there you just need to post your Profile to the appropriate section, and have fun!
And this brings us to...
ABOUT THE GAMEPLAY
Your rating says you’re PG-13-ish. What kind of limits on content do you have?
For starters, we require all our Players to be at least sixteen(16) years old. We also abide by the Proboard rules. We do not permit sex for any character, and outright ban overt gore or excessive violence with humans. When it comes to Cybertronian, the rules against violence can be challenged, because of the fact they are robots.
I’m worried that there are going to be times when I won’t be able to meet the Activity Checks for my character, but I don’t want to be evicted from the game because of it. Is there any provision for this?
We understand that there are times when Real life shakes everyone around like a dog's favorite toy. It happens! And if the entire board is seeing a slow period, you really shouldn't worry about activity checks.
That being said, there are three provisions for taking a Leave of Absence, as we have to consider both you as a Player, and the rest of the Players. Regardless, we will always request that you post a brief notice on the Away board located HERE, to let everyone else know that you will be temporarily unable, or slow, to reply to any RP.
If you have an OC of any kind, you can take an extended hiatus, which can last up to four weeks. If you did not designate a "deputy", the character will still be played as an NPC, as listed above, by one of the Mods or a Mod-chosen player.
We are can be forgiving, but long absences on canon-characters are felt more, and ask that you limit such absences if possible. Other than that, the only excuse for lack of activity lasting longer than that is a lack of threads, or for other players to fail to respond and therefore leave the character hanging. We do expect the players of any and all canon characters to actively pursue threads and mini-plot of their own with other players.
How will I know what threads I'm in? Is there a way to set email notifications?
Yes! If you want to receive an email notification when a thread you're in, or following, has been posted to, you can use the 'bookmark' function. Follow the steps below:
• Bookmark a thread
• Go to your profile
• Click 'Bookmarks', it will then show you your bookmarked scenes
• Click ' Manage Bookmarks', it will let you select if you would like email notification of tags or PM notification. It's up to you.
Another option is to just log into the character you are questioning, and click the 'Participated' button located under the 'Logout' button. This will create a pop-up that lists every thread you have posted in, and who the last poster is.
Noooo, I just lost my entire post while I was typing! Help!
This is a fairly common accident, and boy can it ruin the flow of writing. It's happened to everyone! We cannot, unfortunately, restore lost posts mid-writing, but there are a few suggestions to avoid the issue:
Use a different writing program, like Notepad, or Word, OR
• Go to Profile
• Click the 'Edit Profile', up on the right-hand corner, just below the tabs.
• Go to Settings
• Scroll down until you find the option to 'Enable Drafts' and change it to 'Yes'.
Bear in mind, you'll have to do the latter for every character profile that becomes attached to your account.
So I worked really hard on my OC/canon application, got them approved and discovered during play that they are just not working for me. What do I do?
The first, most critical and simplest rule of RP is: if it ain't fun? STOP!
Seriously, it's OK. OC or canon, Prime or not, if a character stops being fun, if you feel you're incompatible, if for any reason at all writing the character has become more work and stress than it has become enjoyable, it is alright to drop them HERE. We are all Players here, we do understand.
Now, here is the more technical answer to this question:
If you have an OC, it's considered courteous to write them out of their threads where possible, but it's not necessary. Another option is for you to ask around and see if there are potential adopters for your OC. The Mods cannot adopt out abandoned characters, but you, as the owner, can.
If you have a canon, be it Prime or non-Prime, please bear in mind that killing or otherwise removing a canon from play is not likely to happen, as it is unfair to future players that might want to pick the character up; they'll go right back on the Adoptable list, so you don't have to worry about it. As with OCs, it's considered polite, but not necessary, to write canons out of their threads, and if need be they'll be NPC'd as background scenery by the Mods until they're adopted again.
Overall, always remember: if it ain't fun? STOP!
What is this Episode/Inter-episode thing?
We're basing this game off the TV series so generally we like playing our plots like an episode. Major Mod/player coordinated plots will basically start with a crisis and we play our character through that crisis to whatever end. This is an Episode. Afterwards, we have a cool-down period during which the characters can try to catch their breath. This is an inter-episode. Participation in a major plot is not required, but it's usually a lot of fun!
There’s a lot here, where do I start?
Best place to start is the Resources page listed HERE. It has the Rules, Glossary, Factions and other important pages that are good to get acquainted with. While you do this, check out the C-Box on the left side of the site and say hello!
The information pages include answers for a lot of specialty types you may be considering, such as gestalts, cassettes, and spark twins, as well as cultural things you might want to consider like the caste system, cohorts, and spark bonds. When you feel you're ready to create a character, the best place to start is the Character Creation section for those final few tips and tricks.
If you want to know what we're looking for in a character application, take a look around at the character profiles that have already been approved, which are all listed in the Existing Characters section.
I didn't find my question here. What do I do?
You can jump on the C-Box and ask your questions there! We take pride on our Players being friendly and helpful, and if they don't know an answer, there are several of them that can cast Summon Mod at different levels :3
You can also email the Mods, or leave your question in the Ask a Mod board. Remember, to post in that forum you need only be logged in with username 'Guest' and password 'Guest'. If you are, however, an existing player that has a suggestion for a question/answer to be added, then PM the Mods with it! We always welcome helpful, polite input.
SETTING
When/Where does this game take place?
The setting for this game is the Transformers: Prime cartoon series; the storyline and timeline pick up on Earth after the events of "Crisscross" (Season 1, Episode 17). For ease of technological and overall reference, all events in the board are placed on a "present day" timeline as well. Also, because there can be a fair lack of background information on non-Prime characters being brought into play, we also take some information from Hasbro's Aligned Timeline.
So I can only use Prime/Aligned information?
Not at all! We welcome any canon characters as well as any Original Characters, be they mech or human, no matter what the continuity! All that we ask is that they be adapted to fit with both the TF Prime continuity and our existing Game Timeline.
But I don't know anything about the Prime/Aligned universes?
That is absolutely a-OK! You don't need to watch the cartoon, although it is a great series and we highly recommend it just for entertainment purposes. But leafing through the TF Prime Wiki, or reading through the Forum Timeline, will probably give you the basic information to get started.
GETTING STARTED
I can't join! My account request won't go through!
You will not be able to make a forum account until your first character has been approved and an activation code sent to your e-mail. However, keep in mind that you do not need an account to ask questions! You can contact the Mods on the c-box, post your questions as a guest on the Ask A Mod board (Located HERE) or email them at the Mod email account. Remember, to log in as a guest it is just username 'Guest' and password 'Guest'.
Ok, I'm ready to create a character! What now?
Great! The Character Creation process starts HERE, with the Blank Character Sheet. Once you have filled out the application, please email it with the text inline (no attachments please) to the Mods and wait for their response. The reason we request it to be submitted this way specifically is that the Mods use a variety of means to check in, and opening attachments isn't always possible.
We expect any and all applicants to have read The Rules before you submit a character, and this is non-negotiable. It might also be helpful to you to read the Character Creation section, and to leaf through the Glossary and the Timeline. One thing we have found helps a lot of new Players is to go through the Character Applications that have already been approved, and read through one or two to get an idea of what the Mods are looking for.
Yes, it may seem like a lot of reading, but remember: this is a literate, intermediate-and-higher board.
I can't find the answer to the Secret Question! I read everything, it's not there! Can't I just guess/Can't you just tell me?
No. The answer is there; the numerous applications already approved should prove that. However, speed-reading, skim-reading, or flat out not reading will not help you. Go through The Rules carefully, and pay attention to everything. And for the record, trying to guess blind will not make a great opening impression. When you do find it, refrain from saying it in the C-Box. It will earn you some unpleasant Mod points and can allow others to cheat.
What factions/races are there in the game?
Here's the quick answer to these questions, but you'll also find a more detailed answer in the Factions section located HERE. We accept Cybertronians and humans both. Currently, Cybertronians in the game can be Autobots, Decepticons, or Neutrals. Human can be civilians, or belong to one of two military forces: those under the command of Agent Fowler/NEST, or MECH.
What about Predacons and Insecticons? What about Dinobots or Maximals?
Currently we are not accepting applications for any mech with an animal, or animal-like, alt-mode, unless that character is a cassette and have no intentions of changing this rule. Before you get all excited about this apparent loophole, please read the information on Cassettes found in the Glossary located HERE. In short, most Cassettes can't survive without a host, and Carrier/Cassette duo applications are screened brutally.
Will you be doing Relics and things from seasons 2 and 3?
The current answer is no. We have no intention of introducing those elements at this time. The Moderators reserve the right to change their minds about this at a later date, but as of right now we are a TFP AU and new elements will only be brought in if they can do so without breaking our current game. The sad truth is that those relics are just too powerful to be fair in a RP setting, and would allow cheating in plots and other loopholes.
Which TF: Prime characters can be played?
Our list of currently available (and much wanted!) TF:Prime characters is HERE!
Can I be a non TF:Prime canon character?
Of course! If we only allowed characters from the show, we wouldn't be much of a RP Forum to begin with!
Can I make an OC?
Again, heck yeah. Submit them like any other character; however, be mindful of the Mary Sue dangers: you cannot make them Prime's long lost daughter/lover/brother destined to be the next Prime and have Megatron fall in love with them. By the same token, if you want to make them friends or relations of an existing character, clear it with the player currently playing that character first. You may NOT connect OC's to any canon characters that are not in play! That would tie future players who might want that canon character to your character and that's not fair. Mods will screen OC's for this so don't sweat it. We'll let you know if something is off.
Can I be a Vehicon Trooper?
Yes, actually! We'd love to see the Decepticon red-shirt army become a PC army for our RP. Refer to our Glossary to read up on some history on our Vehicons/Eradicons. But Note:
• The grounder and tech Vehicons in our game tend to take human office names based on human media figures (Example: Steve = Stephen Frye) and the jet Vehicons tend to be named for WWI and WWII fighter pilots. Keep this in mind.
• They also have serial numbers that served as their real 'names' before they picked their own. They start with three capital letters and end with three numbers. (Example: Steve's serial number is ERO-404)
Can I be a human?
Yes, you may! Go squishies! We have plenty of openings for civilians, but if you're wanting to make a human character please consider either a MECH trooper or a US military associated with NEST under Agent Fowler. CANON HUMANS do not count against the character limit if you want to adopt one of them, but OC humans do. Regular apps must be submitted for all humans.
I’d like to play a Canon Character but what's this "Adoption" thing about?
If a canon character is up for adoption, it means that they have some established history within the game because someone was playing them before, the broad strokes of which should be respected. If the previous player is still active within the game, you will be put in touch with them directly to discuss how the history may be adapted to suit your take on the character. If they are not, one of the Mods will likely provide you with links to that character's existing threads or a synopsis of what happened.
Please don’t be intimidated by an existing history. Consider this: all TF canon characters have a pre-existing backstory, and still all who play them have plenty of fun! See it instead as a character having an established place among other characters, which will likely make getting involved in the game a much smoother and easier process.
Only Canon Characters and characters from other Transformers continuities are available for adoption. If a player leaves an Original Character behind, for whatever reason, they cannot be adopted.
I don't really know what I want to play! Help!
That is perfectly alright! We have a list of Wanted Characters where existing players put up requests for either canon or OC-characters they'd like to see taken up/created so that they can interact with their own characters. Look about, talk to those players, and see if that gives you any ideas. You can also check out the Census area located HERE. This can show you what we may be low on, and help inspire something.
OK, I've emailed my application! Now what?
Now, the Mods must ask you to please arm yourself with patience. At least two Mods must review each application, and given the vagaries of Real Life that can take up to a week. We do try to get back to all prospective players faster than that, but it is not always possible. You can of course check to see if your application was received, but do not repeatedly harass the Mods as to the status of your application. As well, please do not assume that your application will be automatically approved and start making plans as if it were a given fact. If that is not the case, it puts a lot of strain on both you and the Players with whom you were making plans.
What if you’re not happy with my application/character?
You would be astonished at how rare it is that the Mods give a character a pass on the first submission. Detail helps, of course, but is no guarantee. Most of the time we ask for elaboration on some abilities, a bit of clarification in history, or for a few more weaknesses to be added to counter strengths appropriately. Also remember to describe your character adequately in appearance!
In addition, please bear in mind: the application process is as much about you evaluating us as a good fit for you (as a Player and for your character), as it is us evaluating you as a viable addition to the group. Some players are more interested in doing only combat RP, some want to play Beast characters, or some don’t want to be so wordy in their posts. We are only one of many Transformers RPGs, and all of them are different. Just because we are not a good fit for you doesn't mean there isn't a group out there that will be your perfect RP home!
There are no Stats in your application form; how do you do combat?
We are NOT a stat-based game, because we are not a combat-heavy game. Please do not include numerical statistics in your application. Combat, in both actions and consequences, is usually agreed upon by all Players involved at the time of play.
Keep in mind we take a very dim view of godmodding, metagaming, auto-hitting or power-playing. Unless specifically agreed upon and authorized, you may only control your own character's actions within a fight. By keeping in contact with the other players, you can negotiate how much damage you're willing to allow your character to take, as well as what is prudent for the current plot. Characters are killed ONLY with the permission of the Player, or when abandoned by a departing player.
I just got approved! Now what?
Congratulations and welcome! Now you may create an account for the forum using the approved character's name and the e-mailed code. Make sure to include a current email address, as that's the address that will be used for special announcements and activity checks. As soon as possible, a Mod will approve your account request, and from there you just need to post your Profile to the appropriate section, and have fun!
And this brings us to...
ABOUT THE GAMEPLAY
Your rating says you’re PG-13-ish. What kind of limits on content do you have?
For starters, we require all our Players to be at least sixteen(16) years old. We also abide by the Proboard rules. We do not permit sex for any character, and outright ban overt gore or excessive violence with humans. When it comes to Cybertronian, the rules against violence can be challenged, because of the fact they are robots.
I’m worried that there are going to be times when I won’t be able to meet the Activity Checks for my character, but I don’t want to be evicted from the game because of it. Is there any provision for this?
We understand that there are times when Real life shakes everyone around like a dog's favorite toy. It happens! And if the entire board is seeing a slow period, you really shouldn't worry about activity checks.
That being said, there are three provisions for taking a Leave of Absence, as we have to consider both you as a Player, and the rest of the Players. Regardless, we will always request that you post a brief notice on the Away board located HERE, to let everyone else know that you will be temporarily unable, or slow, to reply to any RP.
If you have an OC of any kind, you can take an extended hiatus, which can last up to four weeks. If you did not designate a "deputy", the character will still be played as an NPC, as listed above, by one of the Mods or a Mod-chosen player.
We are can be forgiving, but long absences on canon-characters are felt more, and ask that you limit such absences if possible. Other than that, the only excuse for lack of activity lasting longer than that is a lack of threads, or for other players to fail to respond and therefore leave the character hanging. We do expect the players of any and all canon characters to actively pursue threads and mini-plot of their own with other players.
How will I know what threads I'm in? Is there a way to set email notifications?
Yes! If you want to receive an email notification when a thread you're in, or following, has been posted to, you can use the 'bookmark' function. Follow the steps below:
• Bookmark a thread
• Go to your profile
• Click 'Bookmarks', it will then show you your bookmarked scenes
• Click ' Manage Bookmarks', it will let you select if you would like email notification of tags or PM notification. It's up to you.
Another option is to just log into the character you are questioning, and click the 'Participated' button located under the 'Logout' button. This will create a pop-up that lists every thread you have posted in, and who the last poster is.
Noooo, I just lost my entire post while I was typing! Help!
This is a fairly common accident, and boy can it ruin the flow of writing. It's happened to everyone! We cannot, unfortunately, restore lost posts mid-writing, but there are a few suggestions to avoid the issue:
Use a different writing program, like Notepad, or Word, OR
• Go to Profile
• Click the 'Edit Profile', up on the right-hand corner, just below the tabs.
• Go to Settings
• Scroll down until you find the option to 'Enable Drafts' and change it to 'Yes'.
Bear in mind, you'll have to do the latter for every character profile that becomes attached to your account.
So I worked really hard on my OC/canon application, got them approved and discovered during play that they are just not working for me. What do I do?
The first, most critical and simplest rule of RP is: if it ain't fun? STOP!
Seriously, it's OK. OC or canon, Prime or not, if a character stops being fun, if you feel you're incompatible, if for any reason at all writing the character has become more work and stress than it has become enjoyable, it is alright to drop them HERE. We are all Players here, we do understand.
Now, here is the more technical answer to this question:
If you have an OC, it's considered courteous to write them out of their threads where possible, but it's not necessary. Another option is for you to ask around and see if there are potential adopters for your OC. The Mods cannot adopt out abandoned characters, but you, as the owner, can.
If you have a canon, be it Prime or non-Prime, please bear in mind that killing or otherwise removing a canon from play is not likely to happen, as it is unfair to future players that might want to pick the character up; they'll go right back on the Adoptable list, so you don't have to worry about it. As with OCs, it's considered polite, but not necessary, to write canons out of their threads, and if need be they'll be NPC'd as background scenery by the Mods until they're adopted again.
Overall, always remember: if it ain't fun? STOP!
What is this Episode/Inter-episode thing?
We're basing this game off the TV series so generally we like playing our plots like an episode. Major Mod/player coordinated plots will basically start with a crisis and we play our character through that crisis to whatever end. This is an Episode. Afterwards, we have a cool-down period during which the characters can try to catch their breath. This is an inter-episode. Participation in a major plot is not required, but it's usually a lot of fun!
There’s a lot here, where do I start?
Best place to start is the Resources page listed HERE. It has the Rules, Glossary, Factions and other important pages that are good to get acquainted with. While you do this, check out the C-Box on the left side of the site and say hello!
The information pages include answers for a lot of specialty types you may be considering, such as gestalts, cassettes, and spark twins, as well as cultural things you might want to consider like the caste system, cohorts, and spark bonds. When you feel you're ready to create a character, the best place to start is the Character Creation section for those final few tips and tricks.
If you want to know what we're looking for in a character application, take a look around at the character profiles that have already been approved, which are all listed in the Existing Characters section.
I didn't find my question here. What do I do?
You can jump on the C-Box and ask your questions there! We take pride on our Players being friendly and helpful, and if they don't know an answer, there are several of them that can cast Summon Mod at different levels :3
You can also email the Mods, or leave your question in the Ask a Mod board. Remember, to post in that forum you need only be logged in with username 'Guest' and password 'Guest'. If you are, however, an existing player that has a suggestion for a question/answer to be added, then PM the Mods with it! We always welcome helpful, polite input.