[COLOR=1E90FF][INDENT][B][SUP][SUB][H3]Ω R U L E S & R E G U L A T I O N S:[/H3][/SUB][/SUP][/B][/INDENT][hr][/COLOR][INDENT][INDENT][HIDER=1.0.0 - Character Creation:][COLOR=SLATEGRAY][B]▼ 1 . 0 . 0 - C H A R A C T E R C R E A T I O N:[/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=SILVER][INDENT][B]► 1 . 1 . 0[/B] - You may choose any character appearing in the continuities that envelope certain frames of western comic books, through the core game is a DC/Marvel collaborated universe and emphasis will be on such. However, this is not to discourage concepts which come from outside those brands as characters, concepts and locations from other publishers are more than welcome. You can include aspects ranging from the Bruce Timm continuity, to Wildstorm or the Cinematic Universes. Many characters from Dark Horse, Image, IDW and even Archie comics are welcome within the world of Absolute. Exceptions do exist and will be noted on a case by case basis per the GM’s discretion. [B]► 1 . 2 . 0[/B] - Manga/Anime based characters are heavily discouraged due to their incompatibility with western superhero comics. Other comic titles discouraged are those of belonging to science fiction genres such as Star Trek, Star Wars and Transformers. Properties from outside of the Marvel and DC Universes will be judged on a case by case basis but the above limitations are definitive. [B]► 1 . 3 . 0[/B] - Competing applications will be requested to submit a sample post providing an example of their vision for the desired character. This sample post should include dialogue and be representative of the average portrayal. Competing applications will be given a deadline in which both players must submit their samples. These samples will then be judged by other accepted players who will vote on the sample they believe portrays the character better, as in any vote, the majority will win and that player will be given the character. [B]► 1 . 4 . 0[/B] - It is requested that the first character that you apply for as a player be a character that you will be using to participate in ‘Crossovers’ and/or ‘Crises’. This is to encourage a community within the IC and help flesh out the lore and timeline up front by establishing superhero teams and careers. [B]► 1 . 5 . 0[/B] - Subsequent characters may be applied for after five consecutive posts have been made with the first character. To is to ensure that players aren't simply bloating the roster with characters that aren't being used and making the game overall more welcoming to new players. Subsequent character applications also do not require any further references as you will have already posted in the game by that point. [B]► 1 . 6 . 0[/B] - Every player will be entitled to three character slots to start. Ideally, this allows you to have a ‘Crossover’ Character, a ‘Chapter’ Character to spin your own stories and plots and a Villain Character if so desired. Villains are ideally to be used for player versus player stories but can also be used for ‘Chapters’ or even ‘Crossovers’ although it is not encouraged to apply with a villain as your primary character. You are under no obligation to play three characters and can simply play one. Players who post regularly and desire so can be allotted an additional two character slots. Posting regularly is defined as posting at least once per week and includes participating in the ‘Crossover’ events as well as the OOC. [B]► 1 . 7 . 0[/B] - In terms of character creation you are free to completely overhaul and redesign any canon character from one of the aforementioned publishers. This means you can tell the story of the character how you believe it should be told. However, there is one major limitation, the heart and soul of the character must stay intact. The character should not be changed so much that they're unrecognizable. This means that Batman can't be a cold-blooded killer any more than Spider-Man can be a rich, well off playboy. Every aspect of the character that isn't key to their major identity is malleable, this can even include sex and abilities if so desired.[/INDENT][/COLOR][/HIDER] [HIDER=2.0.0 - Parents, Legacies & Villains:][COLOR=SLATEGRAY][B]▼ 2 . 0 . 0 - P A R E N T S, L E G A C I E S & V I L L A I N S:[/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=SILVER][INDENT][B]► 2 . 1 . 0[/B] - First and foremost, Absolute is focused on being as welcoming as possible. For this reason, it is requested that players accommodate each other in the event of interest when it comes to a character directly related to one already in play. Having an active player portraying a character is more important than another player having an NPC claimed on their character sheet. [B]► 2 . 2 . 0[/B] - Characters are claimed on a first come, first serve, basis. For this reason, if the parent hasn’t been claimed, the legacy is just as available. If another player comes along and expresses interest in the parent, it’s requested that both players be as accommodating as possible to allow the other to express their vision. It is understandable that sometimes two visions will not mesh, and in this case the player who came first will be given precedence. If a GM needs to step in as a mediator or an arbiter, this can be arranged in a group PM. [B]► 2 . 3 . 0[/B] - Heroes and Villains alike can not kill off their personal nemesis off screen. Especially in the case of a familiar name. As much as killing off a big name ‘ups’ the other as a bigger threat, it’s a cheap and overdone device. However, if two players come to agreement and write a scene where the Joker finally kills the Batman, this is acceptable and encouraged even. Make waves in the IC and conversation in the OOC.[/INDENT][/COLOR][/hider] [HIDER=3.0.0 - Timeline & Lore:][COLOR=SLATEGRAY][B]▼ 3 . 0 . 0 - T I M E L I N E & L O R E:[/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=SILVER][INDENT][B]► 3 . 1 . 0[/B] - The timeline and lore of Absolute will be primarily defined by the submitted sheets of each player. After this, it will be determined via events told through the IC. As time is fluid in the IC, meaning stories can be told in parallel spanning the past, present and future, events will constantly be added to the timeline as players finish ‘Chapters’, ‘Crossovers’ and ‘Crises’. [B]► 3 . 2 . 0[/B] - In the event of a ‘Crisis’, the timeline can be changed and it will be up to the players to voice any desires they have to change or keep specific events. Characters who have been abandoned by their player will have their contributions to the timeline wiped clean so that the character is more accessible for the next interested party. If that character was part of a group event, any remaining members of the group can decide the involvement of the character in question.[/INDENT][/COLOR][/hider] [HIDER=4.0.0 - Chapters, Crossovers & Crises:][COLOR=SLATEGRAY][B]▼ 4 . 0 . 0 - C H A P T E R S, C R O S S O V E R S & C R I S E S:[/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=SILVER][INDENT][B]► 4 . 1 . 0[/B] - Chapters are solo stories as told by the player and revolve around their character(s). These can be one off stories told over the course of a post or planned arcs which take readers through several constructed posts. While it’s not mandatory for players to write alone, it’s also considered poor etiquette to insert one’s character into another player’s story without first asking or being invited. Players are free to collaborate on Chapters together, and are encouraged to do so, provided the desire is voiced in advance to avoid any awkward situations. [B]► 4 . 2 . 0[/B] - For freedom of writing and world building, original antagonists and supporting casts may be included in personal chapters. This should not be abused and is only to be used for characters who have lacking or underdeveloped casts. Characters with strong and well-formed supporting casts and large rogue galleries should not be using this feature, (I.E. Spider-Man, Batman etc). [B]► 4 . 3 . 0[/B] - Crossovers are the bread and butter of the RP and provide a group roleplaying experience. It is requested that players participate in crossovers as often as they can although you are under no obligation to participate in each one. Crossovers may be one off events or may link together to form a linear story. Crossovers will be GM moderated and as such, the GM will provide an antagonistic force to defeat or goal to be achieved. Crossovers are also a great way to interact with your fellow players and mingle characters together that haven’t had a chance to mingle yet in the IC or wouldn’t meet otherwise. [B]► 4 . 4 . 0[/B] - Crises are culminating events that occur at the end of a series of Crossovers. The only difference between a Crises and a Crossover is that the outcome of a Crises has a major effect on the roleplay, and can completely change the state of the IC. A Crisis is an event comparable to ‘Flashpoint’, ‘Civil War’ or ‘House of M’. While all players need not participate in the Crisis directly, it is requested that they respond appropriately when playing their character. Again, given the fluid flowing of time in Absolute, it’s not necessary to change past events (although there could be exceptions…) but during Crossovers and even ‘future’ story lines, it is important to align your lore with the current status quo. Crises will not happen often but when they do, they will make an impact.[/INDENT][/COLOR][/HIDER] [HIDER=5.0.0 - In Character:][COLOR=SLATEGRAY][B]▼ 5 . 0 . 0 - I N C H A R A C T E R:[/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=SILVER][INDENT][B]► 5 . 1 . 0[/B] - Absolutely no 'OOC' chatter in the In Character Thread. If you have a question or anything to explain there is an Out Of Character Thread provided. You have no excuse to make an 'OOC' comment in the IC and if done it will be heavily frowned upon. [B]► 5 . 2 . 0[/B] - You are your character(s), so act like them. Create or portray their mannerisms, powers, and ideals to how they have been established in the game. BE the character, not just yourself with the character's powers. The notes section of your CS has been provided for such a reason, use it to help yourself remain consistent in character portrayals. [B]► 5 . 3 . 0[/B] - Writing expectations for this roleplay are at least two (2) well developed paragraphs as a minimum per post. Three (3) to five (5) paragraph posts however would be awesome so long as you're not simply chewing the scenery. Proper spelling and grammar is also expected but small mistakes here and there are understandable. Blatant offenses will be called out. [B]► 5 . 4 . 0[/B] - You are required to post at least once per character within a fourteen (14) day period. Extensions will only be given in extenuating circumstances. Please recognize your limitations before joining the RP, if you are unable to post once every ten days, then it's highly likely that you do not have enough time to keep up with the RP. [INDENT][B]► 5 . 4 . 1[/B] - In the event that you do miss the deadline, your character will be listed as 'inactive'. After a further week of inactivity, your character will be expelled, and dealt with as necessary in the IC, whether killed or used as needed and then discarded. This whole process is simply easier if you just let the GM know if you're unable to keep up or simply have lost interest in the RP. [B]► 5 . 4 . 2[/B] - If you find yourself in a plot with another player and they disappear, do your best to move on without them and quickly finish the arc to the best of your ability, or ask for the help of a GM.[/INDENT] [B]► 5 . 5 . 0[/B] - No God-Modding or metagaming. This refers to controlling or manipulating another player's character in way that is completely self-beneficial and not pre-approved by the other player. This also includes being untouchable against NPC characters as well as being all knowing. Keep your character humanized or risk being expelled from the RP. [B]► 5 . 6 . 0[/B] - This is a Character Driven RP, and as such you are encouraged and expected to take charge of your character's sub-plots and storylines. There will be a heavy emphasis on collaborative activities and team building as well. The GMs will be leading the RP in the traditional sense with a driving plot and will ensure the RP keeps moving however we do want to see you develop your characters and produce your own plots. However we don't want to see you lock your character out of interaction and focus solely on your character and their 'world'. No one enjoys watching you play with yourself, it's always better to let someone else join in on the fun. [INDENT][B]► 5 . 6 . 1[/B] - Player Character's are not to be killed without permission nor that player's supporting cast members. It is fine to kill nameless NPC's, but PC's or important NPC's will require authorization by their creator except in the event of a GM event.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/COLOR][/hider] [HIDER=6.0.0 - Out of Character:][COLOR=SLATEGRAY][B]▼ 6 . 0 . 0 - O U T O F C H A R A C T E R:[/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=SILVER][INDENT][B]► 6 . 1 . 0[/B] - Respect the Game Masters. The GM's words are to be adhered, don't argue or disregard them unnecessarily. If a GM asks you to stop doing something please do it. Likewise if a GM asks you to change something in your post please do it. Failure to adhere to any GM or Moderator requests will result in expulsion from the game. [B]► 6 . 2 . 0[/B] - Respect the other players. Constructive criticism is fine, but flaming or trying to run players off just because you don't like the way they do things is not okay. Remember, it's the GM's job, not yours, to point out if there's a problem. If you feel that there is a problem, then contact a GM directly. [B]► 6 . 3 . 0[/B] - Likewise any quarrels will be dealt with by the GMs. Don't take them out in the OOC, arguments should be dealt with between the two parties through private messaging. If the involved parties truly can't solve their issues a GM can act as an arbiter upon request. [B]► 6 . 4 . 0[/B] - If you've read all these rules and agree to them, include the word 'Pineapple' somewhere in your character sheet. [B]► 6 . 5 . 0[/B] - No GIF Wars. This is a thread for discussion of the roleplay, its characters and plots. This is not a Spam Thread. Chat is allowed and encouraged but within reason, please try not to fill the OOC with numerous pages that have little to nothing to do with the roleplay itself. An active OOC generally means an active roleplay so feel free to chat up your fellow players about characters and events in the RP.[/INDENT][/COLOR][/hider] [HIDER=7.0.0 - Sexual Content:][COLOR=SLATEGRAY][B]▼ 7 . 0 . 0 - S E X U A L C O N T E N T:[/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=SILVER][INDENT][B]► 7 . 1 . 0[/B] - This is an open world RP and I realize that relationships are a part of this. While I have no problem with this I do want it kept a specific way to avoid breaking any rules. As part of RPG's rule, mature content is forbidden on the forums. You may however use the standard fade-to-black technique if you desire and that will be fine, just keep it PG-13/14A (May contain: violence, coarse language and/or sexually suggestive scenes.) both leading and following up. I implore you to keep within the age restrictions set up already by administration. As such, let’s keep it simple, ages 14-17 can have relationships with each other and likewise for 18-22. Obviously there's some grey area in there and I'd understand 16-18 should also be a range but please just use your common sense if you're going to seek a relationship within the RP. You have been warned of my expectations on this matter and should you fail to follow through you will be asked to leave the roleplay and reported for breaking site rules.[/INDENT][/COLOR][/hider] [HIDER=8.0.0 - Commitment & Consistency:][COLOR=SLATEGRAY][B]▼ 8 . 0 . 0 - C O M M I T M E N T & C O N S I S T E N C Y:[/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=SILVER][INDENT][B]► 8 . 1 . 0[/B] - If you join this RP, if you take the time to submit an application, I'm putting my faith in you that you'll be committed to it and that the character you play will be consistent with the one in the agreed upon CS. Personally, I have a hard time with this sometimes and I understand that things just happen. That said I’m referring to suddenly giving a character new powers with no explanation or completely changing their backstory in order to add new skills. I’m okay with changes but I’d like a heads-up first so perhaps we can work a more natural way towards these things happening. In terms of commitment, dropping out of the RP randomly for whatever reason is a pain or a GM. Simply put, it wastes my time along with the other players. If you do not think you can join and you're sure something will come up, do not join. Tendency to not care about an RP after a while? Don't join. Simple as that. I will work with you when it comes to bumps in the road. If you think you're going to be out for a couple of days, that's fine. I'll find a way to excuse you from the story or play your character. However, please let the group known as far in advance as possible. If you're going on a trip, tell me something. Do not leave me wondering where you are. Let me know so I can keep things going. I will work around you if you work with me when you can.[/INDENT][/COLOR][/hider][/INDENT][/INDENT]