[@lydyn], I'm not quite sure if a strict 10 slots for the whole RP is a good idea. Considering how this is a collaborative effort, if any one player were to suddenly drop due to real life issues (and this is almost a given for this time of year, finals are a [i]nightmare[/i] to some people!), the results would be disastrous.

Considering how all the characters will start off separated from one another, I feel that letting everyone join (assuming their sheets are acceptable) and seeing who stays with the RP long enough to join up with the group would be best. 

Speaking as a veteran roleplayer, a relatively nonlinear story like this works best with a plethora of players, as each of them can continue the story even in your absence.