[center][img]https://i.pinimg.com/originals/fd/de/68/fdde688b38736389658d737ee2e6d142.jpg[/img][/center][h1]What is 1968?[/h1][hr] [indent][b]1968[/b] is a collaborative semi-linear sandbox RP that utilizes creative interpretations of canon characters from DC and Marvel Comics. The main flavor of 1968 is in its name which indicates when and where the roleplay itself takes place. Primarily, the goal is celebrating the Silver and Bronze Age of Comic Books but looking with a modern perspective as we tell assorted stories that share a universe. Unlike a conventional narrative-based RP, as a sandbox it focuses on what one can create independently. Some players may be more keen on interacting with each other more actively than others. This game’s predecessors included talented solo writers and reactive role-players alike. The canvas of 1968 is blank, with very little pre-ordained outside of it being set beginning on the first day in a fictionalized version of the year 1968, basic events that are central to the foundation of the universe and how characters fit, and designing the spirit of things. Characters can be any parent or legacy character from DC or Marvel Comics as well as any of their imprints. It should also be kept in mind that the GM team will constantly be considering semi-linear events and sub-narratives that players can engage with, but generally the tools to the DC and Marvel universe are given to you. It’s all on you and your initiative and desire.[/indent] [h1]The Setting[/h1][hr] [indent]The idea of the ‘superhero’ is a modern convention. And for the last twenty-six years it has been something of a popular convention. From the exaggerated accounts of Captain Steve Rogers of the US Army overseas as [b]Captain America[/b] to the tales of Opal City’s enigmatic [b]Starman[/b] against mad scientists who wished to harm America at its most vulnerable. They were not the first nor the last of their kind. In 1942, the world was changing in many ways and it was through them that the public found a fondness for the supernatural and astonishing. For many heroes, they were the first they heard of. The advance of science seemed to be a cascading window. After the war, Starman would go on to create the Justice Society of America when [b]The Ultra Humanite[/b] conspired to destroy Washington DC and take his place as the ruler of the entire planet. This event in 1953 would begin part of an expanding era of superheroism; the era of the cape and cowl. In the years that followed many scientists began to study superpowers and where they come from. Beyond the idea of aliens or scientific accidents, it soon became apparent that a percentage of heroes could say that it was entire natural. Charles Xavier, a Professor of Genetics at Oxford University, soon pens papers detailing an inherent gene of extranormal peculiarities. The Metagene. Sarcastically differed to as the “x gene” after Xavier, it set the course for discourse regarding metabiology from that point forward. It would be later be used as a driving force to wedge division between the unpowered general public and superheroes. Though, as long as Starman did great things most people seemed to care little. The arrival of a fringe group called [b]The Purifiers[/b] changed discourse. Initially called the “KKK for superheroes” by The Gotham Gazette, The Purifiers organized themselves as a conscious group against people they called [i][b]mutants[/b][/i]. Unfortunately, as more accidents regarding untrained metahumans kept happening in quick succession the public soon bought into the narrative. By the time the 1960’s rolled around America was on the verge of a cultural powder keg as women’s liberation, the civil rights movement, and the youth counterculture put what was normal into question. This may have been all manageable in theory, but with the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, it appeared everything was ready to collapse. It’s been a few years since that fateful day. More heroes have appeared, metahuman accidents keep escalating relatively peaceful communities, and the War for Vietnam keeps getting worse. Anti-Mutant sentiment seems to be at an all-time high and things just keep getting rougher. The members of the JSA seem to not even be enough to turn things around. There’s talk of metahuman registration by members of Congress. Even with a new Captain America hunting down the remnants of HYDRA doesn’t seem to give people enough hope. This is all without mentioning that the supervillains seem to be changing from eccentric mad scientists and abominations to something more human and terrifying. But it is as the youth culture says… the times are a’ changing.[/indent] [h1]Timeline[/h1][hr] [indent]To be periodically edited and kept up to date following character sheet acceptances that determine the lore beyond the above. [list][*][b]March 12th, 1945:[/b] Captain America defeats the Red Skull but is lost in the process; several months later World War II finally ends.[/list] [list][*][b]January 20th, 1953:[/b] The Ultra-Humanite hatches a plan to take out the sitting United State's government to take power during the inaugaration of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. He is humiliated and stopped by Starman and his Justice Society of America.[/list] [list][*][b]June 20th, 1955:[/b] Dr. Arthur Light forms the [b]Injustice Society[/b] as a response to Ted Knight’s JSA and hatches a plan to embarrass them for years to come. By the end of the decade he would be placed in Belle Reve Penitentiary indefinitely when his schemes were finally put to an end.[/list] [list][*][b]October 11th, 1958:[/b] Sergeant William Stryker organizes a group of anti-metahuman extremists that come to be known as The Purifiers.[/list] [list][*][b]November 22, 1963:[/b] President John F. Kennedy is assassinated by a unknown assailant. Information would later come to the new president that HYDRA were responsible. This would lead to the creation of a new secret government initiative known as S.H.I.E.L.D.[/list] [list][*][b]January 1st, 1968:[/b] Present Date.[/list] [/indent] [h1]Expectations[/h1][hr] [indent][color=gray][quote]"Advanced roleplaying should focus on developing interesting and complex characters that become part of plot-lines which catch the imagination and inspire the writer behind them to exercise creativity. It is mature, humorous, imaginative, tragic, terrifying, passionate, and rife with descriptive language and characters with real personality and relatable cares. Quality posting is far better than needless novels, yet one should never neglect detail when one feels the need. However, while word and paragraph requirements ought to be unnecessary, single paragraphs cannot contain enough detail to suffice."[/quote][/color] Generally, the idea here is a simplified version of any sort of rules since we are “veteran” members of RPG and we pretty much know the big rules — follow the host site’s rules, communicate, collaborate, and don’t be antagonistic towards others. CS reviews aren’t going to be very strict, but to have a reference sheet is important. It doesn’t have to be extremely detailed; you could use bullet points to sum it up or just use brevity to get to the bulk of posting and telling the stories you want to tell. Legacy rules still apply for the most part, but if a parent character is absent just communicate what you want to do and let’s work together to make it happen. Some things to consider: [list][*]You may choose any character appearing in the continuities that envelope certain frames of DC or Marvel Comics. You can include aspects of the Bruce Timm continuity, Wildstorm, the Cinematic Universe(s), and so forth. Characters from Dark Horse, Image, IDW, and Archie are not acceptable.[/list] [list][*]Travel involving time, dimensional multiverses, or any other concepts would be on a GM-approved basis.[/list] [list][*]Please do not kill player-created characters or important NPC’s unless given the go-ahead to do so or are within your right to.[/list] [list][*]Do not impose on arcs without asking for permission; don’t jump into a scene for the sake of interaction, your characters should have sufficient reasoning to want to be in a cooperative scene. That said, do be courteous and respectful about approaching or possibly interfering in character arcs. While this is more a suggestion then a rule, we should be courteous to those who are planning arcs. Communication is the key. Also, don't shut people out for interaction either. Don't just hoard toys.[/list] [list][*]Respect the GM staff and their authority.[/list] [list][*]Be creative.[/list] [list][*]Notes are an optional and malleable part of your CS’s – just because someone has plans for Harvey Dent as the Batman player does not mean I can’t retrofit those plans to accommodate your interest in playing that character or characters related to them. Notes should be used as guides and pre-cautionary plans or pre-established lore points and do not mean to rule the role-play by disallowing concepts. Again, communicate.[/list] [list][*]Legacies (NPCs, sidekicks, rogues) fall under the jurisdiction of the hero they are traditionally designed around. If you want to play The Joker, The Batman player has to be okay with it and your information should never contradict what they have written in their CS. This one is malleable, but again, communicate.[/list] [list][*]No post should be made that contradicts the host website's rules, so keep those in mind.[/list] [list][*]Activity will be left vague as social obligations such as employment, academics, and so forth take precedent over a shared hobby. But we should at least have a post for [u]every fifteen to thirty days[/u]. Obligations will be reminded by the staff, but this is a low stress endeavor so we shouldn't feel the need to make extreme demands regarding this.[/list][/indent] [h1]Character Sheet[/h1][hr] [indent]Your character sheet should include details such as the character’s name, age, location, a character synopsis, your intentions of conceptualization, key notes to take into consideration, and either a sample post or references of your posting ability. I do not care what it looks like as long as I can read it. However, if you want brownie points I do have this CS Code for my own peruse shown below. Be sure to only post proposals in the OOC until they are accepted. In a hider. [pre][center][b][h1][color=colorofyourchoice]C H A R A C T E R N A M E[/color][/h1][/b][b]Character's Real Name[/b], Age (b. 19XX) [b][sub]Based in _____, __________[/sub][/b] [color=gray][sub]Active since approximately _____[/sub][/color] [img]characterimagelink[/img][/center] [INDENT][h3]Character Concept[/h3][hr.] [color=999999][i]Write your character synopsis here[/i][/color] [center][youtube]youtube of your choice/moodmusic[/youtube][/center] Detail your concept/goals/etc here. [h3]Key Notes[/h3][hr.] List important notes, dates/events, characters, and other things central to your character. Be as thorough as you want or need to. [h3]References / Sample Post[/h3][hr.] [indent][indent]Write your Sample Post or List of Hyperlinked References here. [/indent][/indent] [/INDENT] [/pre] Be sure to change the [b]hr.[/b] BBcode to [b]hr[/b] so you don't have code errors. I will approve character sheets prior to the IC launch after they are finished after a 20 hour window. But you can assume until there's a opening post that the IC is not open. As a final note I will be accepting no more than [b][u]two active character applications[/u][/b] per [u][b]player[/b][/u]. [h1]Discord Server[/h1][hr] As detailed below, here is the discord information regarding the RP: [quote]Alright, everyone. Bounce and Hound think we should have a central Discord so I've added a #1968 channel to my personal discord. You can join it [url=https://discord.gg/u8r7AyN]here[/url] and once I assign the right role you should be able to find said channel in the "active roleplays" section. Let me know if there are any issues.[/quote] [h1]Resources[/h1][hr] [url=http://www.karridian.net/dcatlas.html]Atlas to Cities & Countries in DC Comics[/url] [url=https://comicvine.gamespot.com/characters/]Comicvine[/url] [url=https://dc.fandom.com/wiki/DC_Universe]DC Wiki[/url] [url=https://marvel.fandom.com/wiki/Marvel_Database]Marvel Wiki[/url] [/indent]