Avatar of Lord Wraith

Status

User has no status, yet

Bio

Reluctantly retired roleplayer.

Except when I'm not.

Why are you here when you should be writing posts?

You can edit a bad draft, but you cannot edit a blank page.

Most Recent Posts

Howdy y'all.
P R E M I S E:
P R E M I S E:

'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.

S O U R C E M A T E R I A L:
S O U R C E M A T E R I A L:

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'.

G A M E P L A Y:
G A M E P L A Y:

PLAYER ROLES:
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.

H E R O:
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.

V I L L A I N:
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 N V A D E R:
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.

ROLE SWITCHING:
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.

CHARACTERS:
Players are allowed and encouraged to apply as either heroes or villains. Players are not allowed to shoot down other apps unless they are A) already accepted to the game and 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.

COMIC BOOK TIME & GHOST WRITING:
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.

CHAPTERS:
'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.

CROSSOVERS:
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.

CRISES:
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.

R U L E S & R E G U L A T I O N S:
R U L E S & R E G U L A T I O N S:
▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅
▅▅▅▅▅

-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
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.
Hard heels clicked rhythmically along the cobblestone alley as the redhaired woman maintained a brisk pace. The cold night air showed her breath from between a pair of pursed, ruby lips. One hand was slipped into her jacket, resting at the ready on her standard issued firearm. The other gingerly touched against the stone wall while emerald eyes darted about recording every inch of her surroundings. Clandestine meetings on a foggy night were a Hollywood cliché, but yet, here she was carrying one out on behalf of S.W.O.R.D. The Sentient World Observation and Response Department was a counter part to S.H.I.E.L.D., the Strategic Homeland Investigation, Espionage and Logistics Division. Developed in response to the world's so-called heroes and villains, it was these beings of power that had long since confirmed humanity's question of what was out there.

Turned out, most of it wasn't as friendly as the one with the hammer or the boy scout in blue.

Ahead of her, a tall figure loomed in the shadow cast by the overhead footbridge. The sounds of the city were louder here, able to cover their conversation as splashes of colourful lighting could be seen beyond the figure at the alley's exit.

"The sun is very bright today." The male stated as Agent Morse approached him.

"But the ice is still very slippery." She replied with a bored tone.

Again. Cliché.

"Thank you for meeting with me.* The other figure nodded appreciatively before producing a small flash drive from within their palm. "Everything you're looking for is on this drive. Recorded footage, your analysts will be able to tell it's not doctored or forged. There were three of them, big, green and with pointy ears."

"Skrulls." Morse snarled before reaching for the drive. "They're not usually so careless."

"<Then you shouldn't be surprised that this is a trap.>"

Morse moved to draw her weapon, but the familiar hum caused her to hesitate as she looked towards the male in front of her. The glowing barrel of his weapon pointed directly towards her abdomen as two others appeared from the shadows, transforming from inanimate objects back to their true form.

"<Easy, Red-Eyes. This is a Shi'ar Disrupter, it'll put a hole even in your durable carapace.>"

The agent smiled before her voice suddenly filled the heads of her three would-be assailants.

If you knew what I was, then you should have brought more men.

The Skrulls shrieked in agony, purple blood spilling from their ears before their eyes rolled into the back of their heads. All three corpses dropped to the ground simultaneously as Agent Morse brought her phone to her mouth.

"I have three specimens for transport."
C A P T A I N A M E R I C A
C A P T A I N A M E R I C A

"Witty Quote"
C H A R A C T E R P O R T R A I T
C H A R A C T E R P O R T R A I T
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
C H A R A C T E R S U M M A R Y
C H A R A C T E R S U M M A R Y
_________________________________________________________
James Buchanan 'Bucky' Barnes
_________________________________________________________
Professional Soldier | The Strategic Scientific Reserve
_________________________________________________________
Multiverse 82225 | Open to Crossovers

C H A R A C T E R N O T E S
C H A R A C T E R N O T E S
_________________________________________________________
P O S T C A T A L O G
P O S T C A T A L O G
_________________________________________________________
C H A R A C T E R C O N C E P T
C H A R A C T E R C O N C E P T
________________________________________________________________________________________
WHAT IF BUCKY AND STEVE RECEIVED THE SUPER SOLDIER SERUM?

This is where you outline your vision for the character including any notable changes or differences from the regularly accepted canon. This should be a short summary that provides insight into where the character is in terms of their overall progress and development. You could also include any notable differences from the standard canon you've added to your character.

P L O T ( S ) & G O A L ( S )
P L O T ( S ) & G O A L ( S )
________________________________________________________________________________________
Why do you want to play this character, what is the driving motivation behind both this desire and the character themselves. What do you hope to accomplish and where do you want the character's story/stories to go? For a driving character, there should be enough of an outline present to interest other players along with specifications towards how many players you're looking to involve or available roles. For supporting characters, this should indicate either a plot you've arranged to be part of or the type of plot you're looking to be involved in. Roaming characters have the privilege of doing either or simply stating a roadmap for the character to exemplify how you'd ideally like them to move between plots.


"Witty Quote"
C H A R A C T E R P O R T R A I T
C H A R A C T E R P O R T R A I T
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
C H A R A C T E R S U M M A R Y
C H A R A C T E R S U M M A R Y
_________________________________________________________
Carter Hall/Katar Hol
Koriand'r
Rocket
Groot
Korg
Cosmo
Yondu

_________________________________________________________
Various | Guardians of the Gakaxy
_________________________________________________________
Multiverse 668 - Prime | Open

C H A R A C T E R N O T E S
C H A R A C T E R N O T E S
_________________________________________________________
P O S T C A T A L O G
P O S T C A T A L O G
_________________________________________________________
W H A T I F...?
W H A T I F...?
________________________________________________________________________________________
...CARTER HALL FOUNDED THE GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY?

Katar and Shayera Hol were a pair of alien law enforcement known on their homeworld of Thangar as 'Wingmen'. Thangar was the Capital of the Thanagarian Empire, the successor to the Polaran Empire which had previously ruled the Polaris System. In the spirit of their predecessors, the Thanagarians had become an expansionist race that plundered other worlds and stripped them of their resources and treasures to fund their ever-expanding fleet. Numerous members of their conquered worlds were taken as slaves and used to further the goals of the Thanagarians.

As Wingmen, Katar and Shayera were responsible for ensuring the general populace's obedience to the Empire and among their duties was prisoner transportation. It was this duty they were carrying out when the pair's patrol craft was pulled through a wormhole before crashlanding on Earth nearly five thousand years ago. Surviving the crash, Katar and Shayera found themselves on an unfamiliar world in a foreign system. Seeking out a settlement, the pair found their way to Memphis.

The Egyptians were astonished by the pair of Thanagarians and immediately became enamoured with their visitors due to the resemblance of their armour to the god, Horus. Welcomed with open arms, the pair were worshipped as gods by the people who believed that Horus had blessed them with his children. However, one of the high priests, Hath-Set, grew envious of the attention and worship the pair received. Craving it all for himself, Hath-Set began to covet Shayera as well, stalking the woman until he began to obsess over her.

However, when the high priest finally confessed his feelings to Shayera, she spurned his affections choosing to remain loyal to Katar. In vengeance, Hath-Set planned to murder the two aliens exposing them as flesh and blood instead of the gods the people believed them to be. Poisoning their drinks to weaken the pair of Thanagarians, Hath-Set had their unconscious bodies moved to his sacred chamber where he planned to carry out their murder as a sacrifice to his god. Using a knife made from the heart of a meteor, the blade cursed Katar and Shayera to forever be reincarnated, only to fall in love all over again. Then, at the point when their love for each other was greatest, the hourglass would turn, and they would both die before their time.

Since that first death, Katar and Shayera have lived hundreds of lives, each different from the last and plagued with the memories of those who came before. Each life followed the same template, the pair would grow up, start their lives and eventually find the other, fall in love and then watch the other die. Often, Katar would die first, sacrificing himself for Shayera. The other times they would die together. However, no matter the lifetime the pair were forced to endure one tragic end after another.

<Bridging Paragraph>

On an archeological dig, Dr. Carter Hall recovers the buried Wingman ship that his original incarnation crash-landed on Earth thousands of years prior. Upon restoring power to the vessel, it begins to receive a distress signal from the reigning Princess of Thangar asking all active Wingmen to return home. With some help, from his friends, Carter ventures into the stars only to find himself once again shot down and captured on the planet Hny'xx, otherwise known as...

Hope's End.

P L O T ( S ) & G O A L ( S )
P L O T ( S ) & G O A L ( S )
________________________________________________________________________________________
Why do you want to play this character, what is the driving motivation behind both this desire and the character themselves. What do you hope to accomplish and where do you want the character's story/stories to go? For a driving character, there should be enough of an outline present to interest other players along with specifications towards how many players you're looking to involve or available roles. For supporting characters, this should indicate either a plot you've arranged to be part of or the type of plot you're looking to be involved in. Roaming characters have the privilege of doing either or simply stating a roadmap for the character to exemplify how you'd ideally like them to move between plots.



A L I A S
A L I A S

"Witty Quote"
C H A R A C T E R P O R T R A I T
C H A R A C T E R P O R T R A I T
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
C H A R A C T E R S U M M A R Y
C H A R A C T E R S U M M A R Y
_________________________________________________________
Given Middle Surname
_________________________________________________________
Occupation | Affiliation(s) [If Applicable]
_________________________________________________________
Multiverse | Open or Closed to Collaborators

C H A R A C T E R N O T E S
C H A R A C T E R N O T E S
_________________________________________________________
P O S T C A T A L O G
P O S T C A T A L O G
_________________________________________________________
C H A R A C T E R C O N C E P T
C H A R A C T E R C O N C E P T
________________________________________________________________________________________
This is where you outline your vision for the character including any notable changes or differences from the regularly accepted canon. This should be a short summary that provides insight into where the character is in terms of their overall progress and development. You could also include any notable differences from the standard canon you've added to your character.

P L O T ( S ) & G O A L ( S )
P L O T ( S ) & G O A L ( S )
________________________________________________________________________________________
Why do you want to play this character, what is the driving motivation behind both this desire and the character themselves. What do you hope to accomplish and where do you want the character's story/stories to go? For a driving character, there should be enough of an outline present to interest other players along with specifications towards how many players you're looking to involve or available roles. For supporting characters, this should indicate either a plot you've arranged to be part of or the type of plot you're looking to be involved in. Roaming characters have the privilege of doing either or simply stating a roadmap for the character to exemplify how you'd ideally like them to move between plots.

Compared to past 'One Universe' games, 'What If' is focused on the concept of the multiverse meaning players are concurrently running their own universes alongside the one run by the GM. While the GM multiverse will consist of the game's primary narrative, players are also encouraged to build the world with their multiverses and collaborate with other players to tell those stories. Players will be presented with opportunities to cross between their multiverse and the GM multiverse for 'Crises' events with individual 'Crossovers' left up to the discretion of each player and their concept.

The game will, as it has in the past, run in 'Seasons' with the Season concluding when that Multiverse's narrative has resolved. Each season, the GM directed multiverse will pivot on a different multiverse with players being able to continue their characters in the previous multiverse or swap out for a new concept to keep the game feeling fresh.
Players can opt to either create their own What If and tell contained stories within that setting with the possibility of multiverse jumping for crossover events or players can tell their What If within the RP's overarching universe. Players may work together on contained multiverses and create essentially a micro RP within the RPs greater scope.

Players are allowed multiple concepts thus you are able to set one story in the 'main universe' while simultaneously exploring another in a separate multiverse with the ability for the Watcher to gather together heroes for a greater purpose.

This means that players can explore multiple iterations of the same character. At the time of acceptance, pending the players' desires, the GM can designate a main universe version to the game. Exceptions fall under the clause of being an invader masquerading as a hero.
Hero - 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.

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.

Invader - On a voluntary basis, 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.
P R E M I S E:
P R E M I S E:

Sensation & Wonder 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 great 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 'Driving', 'Roaming' or 'Supporting' character. Driving characters are assertive players who wish to create plots and story arcs that no only they can write out, but also invite others to collaborate on and complete with. Roaming characters are for players who want to mingle with the greater game and write both solo and with as many other players as possible. Lastly, Supporting characters are for players who want to lock in on a specific plot being direct by someone else and write alongside them.

In-game history is decided on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, it should not be designed in a manner that locks out another player from taking on a favourite role. To give an example, if a player applies as Dick Grayson before an application has been received for Bruce Wayne, then the player applying as Grayson can decide to portray Dick as Robin, Nightwing or even Batman. No matter which of these roles the Grayson player chooses, it has an effect on a future Bruce Wayne player.

Due to the inclusive nature of the roleplay, a Bruce Wayne player would have to craft their CS to reflect a Bruce who allows for opportunities for a Grayson player or other notable members of the Bat-family. For instance, if the Grayson player chooses to be Nightwing, then the Bruce Wayne player will need to portray an older Batman. Even if a ‘Dick-Bats’ could block a player from playing Bruce Wayne as Batman, it shouldn’t necessarily block Bruce Wayne as a character. If so desired by both parties, a Batman Inc.-like scenario could even be worked out. It should also be noted that villains are just as viable of characters and applying for Captain America does not mean another player can't join as Red Skull.

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 teams 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.

S O U R C E M A T E R I A L:
S O U R C E M A T E R I A L:

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'.

G A M E P L A Y:
G A M E P L A Y:

PLAYER ROLES:
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.

D R I V I N G:
Driving Characters are built around the idea that a more assertive player will produce an application containing not only their desired character POV but also a story arc that encourages other players to join up with them. To give this idea a practical example, say Player A applies to the game as Batman in a Driving Role. The player could then state in their sheet that they are desiring to play Batman at a later point in his career when the Joker after a long time absent has returned to Gotham to torment the Bat.

This gives others an idea of what sort of plot they'd be signing up for if they applied as a Supporting Character or even a Roaming. Player A could then state in their application that they're specifically looking for two or three other players to help them out, or one dedicated supporting player to portray Robin while one or two others are encouraged to jump in as Roaming Characters to aid for shorter Chapters or arcs.

R O A M I N G:
Roaming characters are the middle ground for players who don't quite want to commit to driving plots constantly but also don't necessarily want to tether themselves to another player. A Roaming Character is designed to jump in and out of various plots where there's a role or need they can fill. That said, being a Roaming Character doesn't give you a free pass to jump-in where you please. You as a player should still be invited to the plot.

Keeping with my theme, Nightwing works well as a Roaming character because he can easily aid Batman for one arc, pal around with the Titans the next, and then face off against a villain player for a third arc. Roaming characters are aided by having a loose personal plot connecting the reasons why they bounce around, but it's not necessary if you just want to have some drop-in and out fun.

S U P P O R T I N G:
Supporting Characters are a more passive role in this game. Closer to traditional roleplaying, a Supporting Character is created to fulfil a particular purpose or plot. Keeping in line with the above example, if a Batman player wanted to play through a retelling of 'A Death in the Family', a supporting character could sign up as Robin or Joker. Both characters have an expiration date at the end of the plot, but the Driving Character would go on to create a new story to carry out upon its completion. Supporting Characters are also ideal for players who like to write as a character for a bit and then swap to someone new.

Supporting characters do not necessarily have to be dropped upon the completion of an arc however if you're enjoying your character, you can continue to play them and change to either a Driving or Roaming character if your original writing partner has no further plans for you or you could join up with another Driving player.

ROLE SWITCHING:
You may switch the role you wish your character to play as at any time it makes sense to do so. By this, I mean that if you're currently driving a plot, don't decide to suddenly want to play only in a supporting capacity. However, if at the completion of that plot, you decide that you'd prefer to play a Supporting Role moving forward, you are well within your power to do. Likewise, someone who started in a Supporting or Roaming Role may take the reins and become a Driving Character when the opportunity presents itself. There is no requirement to resubmit a sheet when switching roles, however, if transitioning to driving you should make your plot known so others have the opportunity to express interest.

CHARACTERS:
Players are allowed and encouraged to apply as either heroes or villains. Players are not allowed to shoot down other apps unless they are A) already accepted to the game and 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.

COMIC BOOK TIME & GHOST WRITING:
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.

CHAPTERS:
'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.

CROSSOVERS:
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.

CRISES:
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.

R U L E S & R E G U L A T I O N S:
R U L E S & R E G U L A T I O N S:
▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅
▅▅▅▅▅

-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
All players will initially be allotted one Driving Character Concept, to begin with. However, players may have as many Roaming and Supporting Characters as they feel they can handle. These concepts may be any character from the Marvel or DC Universe. If applying as a 'Team Concept', a combination roster may be allowed at the scrutiny of the GM Team. 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 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.

We will grant a second Driving Character to players at the end of their first season within the game, provided they meet the following criteria. We will grant secondary concepts to players who remained consistent throughout the season, posting regularly of their own accord. The player should not be abrasive towards either the GMs or the other players, instead, inspiring the community and helping the game flourish. To summarize, players need to meet three criteria:

  • Be part of the game for a minimum of one Season
  • Post consistently over the course of the Season preceding the application
  • Contribute to the game and community positively (i.e. Comment on posts and discussions, take part in Crises, create Crossovers etc)

Players can compete for characters if an application for your desired character is posted ahead of yours and has not yet been accepted. 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, 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 a key to their major identity is malleable, this can even include sex and abilities if so desired.

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 in order 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. 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. 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 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.

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. 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 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.
© 2007-2026
BBCode Cheatsheet