[indent][sub][SUP][h3][b][Color=#431310] P R E M I S E:[/COLOR][/b]
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[INDENT][INDENT][COLOR=DARKGRAY]'What If' is a collaborative linear sandbox roleplay that uses the ideas presented in Marvel and DC Comics' various media to create new and exciting stories using familiar elements and characters. To those of you asking exactly what a collaborative linear sandbox is, I define this style of game as a compilation of linear stories written by multiple groups of people that interact and mesh to create one persistent game within the same sandbox. If that's as clear as mud for you, let me try to clean it up.

Players will apply to the game using one of the provided character skeletons. Using these skeletons they'll choose a character and indicate whether they wish to be a 'Hero', 'Villain' or 'Invader' character along with whether they intend to participate in the GM-driven 'Prime' universe, or a multiverse of their creation. 

Compared to previous One Universe-style games, 'What If' has less of an emphasis on a collaborative history or shared universe due to the encouragement to expand the multiverse. As such, it is only in the 'Prime' multiverse run by the GM where collaboration and cohesive history are emphasized, the rest is ultimately up to the players themselves and those they opt to work with. 

The other difference this time around is that players will have the option to indicate if they want their character to have been, or to be replaced by a member of the warring alien factions. If this offer is accepted, they will receive a private message from the GM, informing them that their offer has been accepted and any further required details can be determined at that time. This allows players to take ownership over parts of the main plot, and contribute to driving the antagonistic side of the RP. In some instances, it may even be a member of a character's rogue gallery that has been replaced rather than the primary POV themselves so that players can unravel the mystery of the Secret War and prevent the Invasion

It is important to remember that interaction, much like any role-play, is the bread and butter of the game. To that end, players are encouraged to work together to create a mutually desired outcome for all those involved. Classic team-ups such as Batman and Robin or Wolverine and Hawkeye are always welcome but don't forget, this is a One Universe RP where the Devil of Hell's Kitchen can work alongside Gotham's Dark Knight.[/COLOR][/INDENT][/INDENT]
[indent][sub][SUP][h3][b][Color=#431310] S O U R C E   M A T E R I A L:[/COLOR][/b]
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[INDENT][INDENT][COLOR=DARKGRAY]As previously mentioned this roleplay allows players to draw upon characters from not only just the DC and Marvel Universes, but also other characters may be considered on a case by case basis if they fit the tone and feel of the game. Priority, however, will be given to characters who originate from within either DC or Marvel Comics and their subsidiaries. 

Your character concept can be based on any iteration of the character. In terms of career, try to keep the greater goal of the game in mind, and characters with legacies ideally should be further along in their careers to allow for inclusivity of other players. That said, please don't let this lead you to believe origin stories have no place here. Origins can be told conventionally, with the assistance of other players or through flashbacks and other framing devices. 

In regards to what any iteration of the character means for you as a player, is that this world's Spider-Man could currently be Miles Morales, Iron Man could be replaced by Iron Heart, Batman could be Terry McGinnis. This also means that some heroes might just be starting out, perhaps the Teen Titans were just formed? Maybe Scott Summers just found out he was a mutant? The changes and possibilities are near endless but are sure to create a unique world for us to tell our own takes on these 'modern myths'.[/COLOR][/INDENT][/INDENT]
[indent][sub][SUP][h3][b][Color=#431310] G A M E P L A Y:[/COLOR][/b]
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[INDENT][COLOR=DARKGRAY][INDENT][color=915356][B]PLAYER ROLES:[/B][/COLOR]
[INDENT]In past games using the Absolute Comics format, the idea has been to submit a character and then write that character and its numerous supporting cast. This system has had mixed results with some players excelling particularly well with where others felt locked out of the game very quickly. Unfortunately, the biggest downside to that system has been the latter result with numerous fan favourites being locked up in another player's NPC list. For Sensation & Wonder, I wanted to take a crack at changing that system. Instead, we'd like to encourage those players who enjoy driving their own plots to do so but to also consider taking on other players in the place of NPCs. Almost like a 'micro-RP' within an RP so to speak. Below are the three player archetypes, each with more information laid out about the expectations of each role.

[SUB][color=LIGHTGRAY][B]H E R O:[/B][/COLOR][/SUB]
[INDENT][i]The default role the majority of players will take on. Antiheroes are included under this umbrella. As a hero player you may submit a character either to participate in the main universe or you may submit your own 'What If' and play within that multiverse with the option to either open it up to other players or crossover with the GM-run 'main universe' at a later time.[/i][/INDENT]
[SUB][color=LIGHTGRAY][B]V I L L A I N:[/B][/COLOR][/SUB]
[INDENT][i]Villain - Some players may opt instead to write as a villain. There are a couple of additional guidelines associated with this role. Anti-villains are included under this umbrella. As a villain player you may submit a character either to participate in the main universe or you may submit your own 'What If' and play within that multiverse with the option to either open it up to other players or crossover with the GM-run 'main universe' at a later time. However, as a villain character, if the 'parent' hero character is in play in the 'main multiverse', the villain character falls under their purview within that universe. Outside of that, you are free to play the villain in their own 'What If' or on invitation from another player to their own multiverse.[/i][/INDENT]
[SUB][color=LIGHTGRAY][B]I N V A D E R:[/B][/COLOR][/SUB]
[INDENT][i] Voluntarily, players may take on this dual role and be either a Skrull or a Martian in addition to their choice character. For example, if a player is writing Batman, they might also want to secretly be a Skrull and it would be up to other players to suss that information out. In the event of two players both wanting to be Batman, one can volunteer to be a Skrull in a private conversation between both players and the GM so as not to spoil the surprise in the IC. Invader characters can only be played in the main universe.[/i][/INDENT][/INDENT]
[color=915356][B]ROLE SWITCHING:[/B][/COLOR]
[INDENT]Switching between a Hero and Villain role can either be done naturally throughout the narrative process, as part of the application or through swapping a character. This isn't really something that needs to be declared, however, as we all enjoyed Loki's journey through the MCU and I personally at least would love to see similar long arcs played out in the RP. Swapping to an Indvader however, can be done if a player wishes or if a character is abandoned. Compared to 'Sensation & Wonder' however, switching between player roles is less impactful in 'What If' than it was in that game which used the 'Driving', 'Roaming' and 'Support' mechanics.[/INDENT]
[color=915356][B]CHARACTERS:[/B][/COLOR]
[INDENT]Players are allowed and encouraged to apply as either heroes or villains. Players are not allowed to shoot down other apps unless they are [b]A)[/b] already accepted to the game and [b]B)[/b] that particular character is directly named in their plot and they already have someone lined up to play the part. If a player expresses interest in a character you want to appear in your plot, it is highly preferred that you take the time to work with them and collaborate instead of simply denying them. That said, I understand some players are about as compatible as oil and water.

If two players truly can't get along, the GM will side with the player who was accepted first. For example, if Player A was accepted as Green Arrow and detailed a plot involving Brick, they can't protest if Player B applies as Deathstroke. If Player A however did include Deathstroke in their plot, then it would be preferred they find a way to include Player B. If neither player is accepted and have conflicting applications, then it is encouraged they find a way to compromise. GMs will intervene when necessary.

With the inclusion of villains, there is potential for player versus player combat. Players should discuss in advance the desired outcome of their story or collaborate on it in some way. If both players were accepted with plots separate from one another and Player A finishes their plot and decides they want to fight the character that Player B holds next, they must coordinate with them. They can't poach the character, nor can they force the ending they want. Likewise, if Player B for some reason found themselves without a plot, they can't simply jump into Player A's story unless it is agreed about outside of the IC thread.[/INDENT]
[color=915356][B]COMIC BOOK TIME & GHOST WRITING:[/B][/COLOR]
[INDENT]Sometimes as a writer, you're tied up in your own plot but another pops up that you'd like your character to be part of. As a comic book game, posts in the IC thread do not necessarily need to be linear. If you as Player A are running a plot but Player B is doing a Cross-Over with a team your character is affiliated with, you can write both simultaneously. 

Likewise, characters appear in numerous issues each month written by several different authors. In Sensation & Wonder, we're inviting you to also use that to your advantage. If you're particularly fond of someone's interpretation of a character and would like to use them in a 'Supporting' or 'Roaming' spot for a Chapter, you may approach the controlling player and ask to do so. That player is allowed to flat-out deny you, or they can lend their character out with as many or few guidelines as they see fit for you to write the Chapter with. In this instance, you're given temporary control over a character as a guest or ghostwriter to carry out a Chapter elsewhere while the controlling player continues their own story. The controlling player may ask to proofread any or all posts or ask for you to retract or edit posts as they see fit if actions or instances don't match their vision.[/INDENT]
[color=915356][B]CHAPTERS:[/B][/COLOR]
[INDENT]'Chapters' is simply a fun name for contained player plots and story arcs. These are the stories told by you the player and governed by those of you who take on the 'Driving' role. Sometimes these Chapters may be the work of one person, other times it may be the work of a duo or even a small party of players who created something together. 

This is the bread and butter of the RP, moving it forward and filling out the world as players work together to tell stories and build the setting that directly impacts not only their character but also those playing alongside them in 'Supporting' and 'Roaming' roles. There's no defined length for a Chapter, it could be as short as a single post or as long as a story spanning over thirty posts. Think of a Chapter as an episode of a television show or a single comic issue. 

It is essential that all players contribute towards the Chapters in the IC and drive their characters both independently and together. Equally, it is important to read other player's Chapters and make note of significant events or even just 'broadcasted' ones to reference and relate to within your own posts. Small efforts like this go a long way in making the world feel alive and connected.

Don't feel you have to be joined at the hip at all times though, the same plot could be told through two characters without them constantly need to be in the room at all times. To bring about a great recent example, re-examine 'Falcon and the Winter Solder', while Sam and Bucky spent the impactful scenes together if it wasn't for the events they accomplished apart the story would not have fully come together. [/INDENT]
[color=915356][B]CROSSOVERS:[/B][/COLOR]
[INDENT]Crossovers are the icing on the cake, this is where the larger picture starts to form. A crossover is defined here as a player coordinated and driven interaction between two or more character plots in the IC. To phrase it another way, it's when two or more 'Driving' character plots converge on the same thread. Like a 'team-up' between Flash and the Green Arrow that brings in all those associate characters. A Crossover may be as simple as a one-time team up or a small part of a larger over-arching story depending on the ambitions of the player(s) coordinating the story and those involved. There is no limit as to how many crossovers can take place at any one time as they will be completely moderated by those involved and not the GM Team.

Crossovers may take place in a single city or even multiple, spanning up to a national event depending on the number of players involved in the current crossover. Players are not required to participate in a crossover if they do not want to, and if you have approached a player and they have turned you, we ask that you please respect their wishes. That said, all players should consider participating in a crossover from time to time if only to recharge and avoid burnout due to lack of interaction. You will never be required to remain within the crossover for its entire run unless you become integral to its story, which case it is only respectful to do so. 

Ultimately, the structure of each crossover will be dependent upon the player(s) organizing it. It should be noted that a crossover should never change the status quo of the game, and while consequences and fallout is encouraged, it should be limited to only those involved unless special permissions have been granted.[/INDENT]
[color=915356][B]CRISES:[/B][/COLOR]
[INDENT]Crises are large-scale events that affect the roleplay on a massive scale. These events can be global, universal or even multi-dimensional. Ideally, the occurring Crisis will affect all players, but all players need not directly contribute to the Crisis at hand. The outcome of these events will affect the roleplay's status quo, wiping the slate clean or drastically changing the present world. This could mean something like DC's Rebirth where abandoned characters can be reset allowing new players to assume their roles without the need to continue previous stories, or Marvel's Civil War where characters and their beliefs will be challenged, changing the alignment of different characters and the shape of different team rosters. These events won't take place often but when they do, they will be designed to directly impact the RP.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/COLOR][/INDENT]
[indent][sub][SUP][h3][b][Color=#431310] R U L E S   &   R E G U L A T I O N S:[/COLOR][/b]
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◼[/COLOR][/INDENT][/INDENT][/cell][cell][COLOR=darkgray]Players may take the role of any hero or villain from the DC and Marvel universes. Exceptions to this include characters which appeared due to crossovers with other franchises. Characters originally appearing in Manga or Anime are heavily discouraged because of their incompatibility with Western superhero comics. Other comic titles discouraged are those belonging to science fiction genres such as Godzilla, Power Rangers, Transformers, Star Trek, and Star Wars. We will judge all properties from outside of the Marvel and DC Universes on a case-by-case basis provided they fit the themes and tones of the game, but the above limitations are definitive. 

Team applications may be submitted by one person, or a group of players may collaborate on a Team of characters and have a designated player submit one sheet on their behalf. If applying as a 'Team Concept', a combination roster may be allowed at the scrutiny of the GM Team. Teams exempted from team applications include the Justice League and the Avengers. Not all teams are equal and the eligibility of each team application will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

If a player applies as a team by themselves but are open to other players taking the reigns of specific characters or otherwise helping with their concept, they may indicate so on their sheet. In this case, perspective players will fall primarily under their purview, although the GM reserves the right to final say in all player acceptances. Should a solo player not want anyone else involved with their team, they have no obligation to entertain inquiries.

In the event of competing applications, if both parties are amicable to it, one player may opt to have their interpretation be an alien imposter if both wish to be in the Prime Multiverse. The players need only declare this via PM, the imposter does not need to be identified publically in the OOC at the time of applying to encourage development in the In Character thread. Otherwise, multiverse concepts of the same character are both welcomed and encouraged, although over-saturation of a specific character or concept may result in some applications being rejected.

If players choose to compete for a character, you have a twenty-four (24) hour window to state your intent to compete. The competing application(s) will then be given a seventy-two (72) hour deadline in which both players must submit their samples if they have not done so already. The GM Team will then judge the two competing applications. The winner will be selected by who the GMs believe portrays the character better and has a stronger concept. During this competition, the GMs may also vet a player's history to check for posting consistency or previous incidents of abrasive behaviours to better weigh their options.

In terms of character creation, you are free to 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, the character should remain recognizable, though given the inspired source material, you may make any change necessary to tell your story. Every aspect of the character is malleable within the combined universe, this can even include sex and abilities if so desired. You will have more freedom with this in your multiverse than within the Prime Universe.

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. If you require a more immediate answer, don't hesitate to directly ask the GM Team or relevant player through tagging, PM or other methods. 

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 are also expected but small mistakes here and there are understandable. Blatant offences will be called out.

You are required to post at least once per character within a fourteen (14) day period. There will be a post-check-in, once per week performed by the GMs to ensure the IC is moving consistently. Extensions will 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. If 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. 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.

This is a Character-Driven RP, and as such you are encouraged and expected to take charge of your character's subplots 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 plots. However, we don't want you to 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.

If you join this RP, if you take the time to apply, 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. 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 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. The 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 know 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.[/COLOR][/cell][/row][/table]