Post by Akira on Jan 3, 2007 2:43:12 GMT -6
General Rules
1) Read the rules, and I mean all of them. I know there's a lot of them, and it's a pain to read all of it, but they're there for reason. A defense of 'I didn't know it was against the rules' will not get you very far if you get in trouble.
2) Don't be a jerk. Honestly, this should cover most things on its own. Show respect for both members and staff, don't bring in any drama out of character (and don't let IC or OOC drama affect the other), don't insult or slander others, and don't set out to cause trouble. We tolerate a little rudeness if it's not done with bad intentions, but if you're making someone uncomfortable and they or the staff ask you to stop, please do. As an extension of this, if you have a problem with another member or something they're doing, take it up with them or bring it to us directly through PM. Don't cause a scene.
3) Do not argue with the staff. If we tell you to stop something, or that you can't do something, our word is final. Arguing will only worsen your position. If you feel you have the grounds and need to defend yourself, do it through PM. If it's something in regards to a site policy that affects everyone, do it either through PM or the suggestions board.
4) Content: Please keep in mind that this is a public forum. Foul language is fine, but try to keep it tasteful. Anyone swearing every other word or being deliberately insulting with their word choice will be asked to tone it down. On this note, racism, sexism, homophobia, etc will not be tolerated OOC at all. In-character is another story, since sometimes that's just the way characters are written, but please keep it tasteful. In addition, as far as adult content goes, this is a proboards site, and even if we wanted to allow it, it's against the terms of use. Seriously, we'll get shut down for it. This primarily means sexual content, although we may ask you to tone down or remove anything involving excessive violence and gore as well. Just don't post it. And if you must RP it, take it off-site.
5) No posting in the RP area until your profile has been approved. If a staff member hasn't looked at it and given it their okay, then it hasn't been approved. It's that simple. You're free to post in any of the OOC threads, though.
Roleplay Rules
1) Be as realistic as possible. I know this is set in a world where animals run around breathing fire and shooting electricity from their bodies, but there should be at least some level of realism. For example, unlike the anime, a person would not be able to take a point blank Flamethrower to the face and emerge only slightly charred but otherwise fine. They would die...quite painfully, I might add. So yeah.
2) Don't be a jerk. No one likes to RP with someone who disregards the other players or thinks their own character is perfect. This means no godmodding, no powerplaying, and no blatantly disregarding other players' characters. This doesn't mean that a character can't ignore another if it's IC for them to do so, but please don't ignore another player in a thread because of OOC issues or unwillingness to RP with them. Again, if you have issues with another member in one of your threads, take it up with us through PM.
3) This forum uses Liquid Time. This means that you're allowed to be in more than one place at once. Of course, this does not mean what <insert character name> experiences in Thread A is at the same exact time that they are experiencing something in Thread B. Generally, it will be assumed that Thread A takes place before thread B. If, for whatever reason, you want Thread B to predate Thread A, then it shouldn't be an issue so long a they don't contradict each other. Just make a note somewhere so that everyone else will be on the same page.
4) Post templates: I'm personally not a fan of using them, but I know a lot of people are, so feel free to have at it. All we ask is that they're legible, and that they not stretch the skin. Of particular note, hard to read font styles and small font sizes are highly discouraged. If people have to copy and paste a post into notepad in order to read it, we're most likely going to have a problem. Naturally, they are not required to RP, so those (like me) who aren't a fan of using them can rest easy.
5) This RP has a word count minimum of 150. What this means is that, whenever you make an IC post with your character, you try to make it so that it's at least 150 words long. This won't be strictly enforced for casual threads between two members, but anything requiring staff intervention, as well as any official battles (tournaments, gym challenges, etc) will need to meet this bare minimum. If you can't quite make it, we won't get on your case if you're just a few words short; just try not to make a habit out of it. If it stars getting too bad, we will start cracking down.
Application Rules
1) Please, please, please avoid making a Author's Darling. What's an Author's Darling, you ask? Well, most people just call them Mary Sues, which are one form of it. But more generally, it's exactly what it sounds like - a character that the writer is overprotective of and obsesses over to the point where they have to have everything, have to be the center of attention, and can't have anything wrong with them or anything bad happen to them. Don't do this.
2) Regarding character histories: This one isn't so much a rule as it is a personal request. However, I would much prefer it if we kept the ultra-dark pasts full of rape, abuse, and/or death to a minimum. It's not that I have anything against them. Hell, I've been known to make some pretty dark characters myself. Still, this is a Pokemon RP. Even if a lot of Pokemon RPs tend to be a bit darker and edgier compared to the most of the series as whole, having a teenage assassin who's out to take revenge on the person responsible for the brutal slaughter of their parents and/or little sister seems...well, stupid (yes, these are actually characters I've encountered on actual Pokemon RPs, and yes, it was every bit as ridiculous as it sounds). Basically, what I'm saying is I don't mind a a bit of edge, just so long as you try not to go overboard with it.
3) You may not role play a canon character from any Pokemon series. Having your character related to a canon character in any way is also not allowed. So yeah.
4) Accounts, Face Claims, etc. This part is probably the same, or at least recognizable, from any board you go to. One account per character, with your character's full name as the account name. Face claims must be from an animanga series, or another medium of a similar style. No CG or real life FCs. Original art is allowed, but you must link to the source. We would prefer that you obtained permission as well, but we understand that this is not always possible or reasonable. Also please try to avoid changing FCs. If you absolutely must, please ask us first and give a reason for the change.
5) Multiple Characters: Yes, multiple characters are allowed. However, while there is no hard cap on how many characters you can make, only two will be "free". For your third character and beyond, you must have at least 15 posts on each character you already have. If you wish, you may drop one of your characters and replace them with a new one, but if this starts to get abused, we won't be afraid to put our foot down and say "too bad". So you have been warned.
6) On a related note to the above: If you're dropping a character to make a new one, it needs to be on a new account. No changing the name and apping a new character on the same account. Not only does this get confusing when others try to tag you or search through your character's posts, but it's just...really lazy. Naturally, it's also so you can't cheese your way to having enough posts to make an additional character. If you drop a character, you drop everything that comes with them; that includes their post count.
7) Characters should fit the setting: While we will accept most types of characters here, please keep in mind that they should be able to fit the setting. There is a certain amount of wiggle-room here: a character could cosplay as a medieval knight, or have a certain degree of tech on them that would be beyond modern day (we're already in sci-fi land just with Poke Balls, after all), but an obviously medieval or obviously futuristic character would not be accepted. Again, be reasonable.
8) Regarding atypical and "out there" ideas: We'll keep this one simple. If you have an idea that you're not sure if it will work in the setting, then don't be afraid to ask. It never hurts, and it's certainly better than making a wild assumption only to be shot down.
Technical Rules
1) Returning Players: We do not delete profiles or accounts, except in the cases of a member being permanently banned. If you drop a character or leave the site and later return, just ask and we'll restore it. The exception to this is special positions like gym leaders. In that case, you're still welcome to bring the themselves character back, but you can only reclaim your former position if it is still open when you return. If not, then they'll be treated as a normal trainer form then on.
2) Avatars and other images: This site uses 150x150 default avatars, and 250x450 hover images, and we recommend you stick to those sizes. Images within posts will resize automatically to fit the skin. We do not recommend using Imgur as a host due to their content policies, but we won't stop you either. Just be aware that accounts on Imgur have been deleted in the past due to a violation of their CP.
3) Characters belong to their respective players. If we find that a character does not belong to their player (meaning it was stolen from another player on another site), the character and all related material will be archived and the player will be banned. Likewise, if we find any stolen content from this site on another one, we will see to it that the staff of that site does the same.
Do not take roleplay too seriously. Roleplaying is a hobby done for fun, entertainment, and the ability to flex creative muscles. It is not your job*, it is not school, and it is not a debate hall. We're here to have fun.
*If you are a professional writer, we still welcome you, but keep in mind that what you do here still qualifies as something "for fun" because you are not getting paid for it.
1) Read the rules, and I mean all of them. I know there's a lot of them, and it's a pain to read all of it, but they're there for reason. A defense of 'I didn't know it was against the rules' will not get you very far if you get in trouble.
2) Don't be a jerk. Honestly, this should cover most things on its own. Show respect for both members and staff, don't bring in any drama out of character (and don't let IC or OOC drama affect the other), don't insult or slander others, and don't set out to cause trouble. We tolerate a little rudeness if it's not done with bad intentions, but if you're making someone uncomfortable and they or the staff ask you to stop, please do. As an extension of this, if you have a problem with another member or something they're doing, take it up with them or bring it to us directly through PM. Don't cause a scene.
3) Do not argue with the staff. If we tell you to stop something, or that you can't do something, our word is final. Arguing will only worsen your position. If you feel you have the grounds and need to defend yourself, do it through PM. If it's something in regards to a site policy that affects everyone, do it either through PM or the suggestions board.
4) Content: Please keep in mind that this is a public forum. Foul language is fine, but try to keep it tasteful. Anyone swearing every other word or being deliberately insulting with their word choice will be asked to tone it down. On this note, racism, sexism, homophobia, etc will not be tolerated OOC at all. In-character is another story, since sometimes that's just the way characters are written, but please keep it tasteful. In addition, as far as adult content goes, this is a proboards site, and even if we wanted to allow it, it's against the terms of use. Seriously, we'll get shut down for it. This primarily means sexual content, although we may ask you to tone down or remove anything involving excessive violence and gore as well. Just don't post it. And if you must RP it, take it off-site.
5) No posting in the RP area until your profile has been approved. If a staff member hasn't looked at it and given it their okay, then it hasn't been approved. It's that simple. You're free to post in any of the OOC threads, though.
Roleplay Rules
1) Be as realistic as possible. I know this is set in a world where animals run around breathing fire and shooting electricity from their bodies, but there should be at least some level of realism. For example, unlike the anime, a person would not be able to take a point blank Flamethrower to the face and emerge only slightly charred but otherwise fine. They would die...quite painfully, I might add. So yeah.
2) Don't be a jerk. No one likes to RP with someone who disregards the other players or thinks their own character is perfect. This means no godmodding, no powerplaying, and no blatantly disregarding other players' characters. This doesn't mean that a character can't ignore another if it's IC for them to do so, but please don't ignore another player in a thread because of OOC issues or unwillingness to RP with them. Again, if you have issues with another member in one of your threads, take it up with us through PM.
3) This forum uses Liquid Time. This means that you're allowed to be in more than one place at once. Of course, this does not mean what <insert character name> experiences in Thread A is at the same exact time that they are experiencing something in Thread B. Generally, it will be assumed that Thread A takes place before thread B. If, for whatever reason, you want Thread B to predate Thread A, then it shouldn't be an issue so long a they don't contradict each other. Just make a note somewhere so that everyone else will be on the same page.
4) Post templates: I'm personally not a fan of using them, but I know a lot of people are, so feel free to have at it. All we ask is that they're legible, and that they not stretch the skin. Of particular note, hard to read font styles and small font sizes are highly discouraged. If people have to copy and paste a post into notepad in order to read it, we're most likely going to have a problem. Naturally, they are not required to RP, so those (like me) who aren't a fan of using them can rest easy.
5) This RP has a word count minimum of 150. What this means is that, whenever you make an IC post with your character, you try to make it so that it's at least 150 words long. This won't be strictly enforced for casual threads between two members, but anything requiring staff intervention, as well as any official battles (tournaments, gym challenges, etc) will need to meet this bare minimum. If you can't quite make it, we won't get on your case if you're just a few words short; just try not to make a habit out of it. If it stars getting too bad, we will start cracking down.
Application Rules
1) Please, please, please avoid making a Author's Darling. What's an Author's Darling, you ask? Well, most people just call them Mary Sues, which are one form of it. But more generally, it's exactly what it sounds like - a character that the writer is overprotective of and obsesses over to the point where they have to have everything, have to be the center of attention, and can't have anything wrong with them or anything bad happen to them. Don't do this.
2) Regarding character histories: This one isn't so much a rule as it is a personal request. However, I would much prefer it if we kept the ultra-dark pasts full of rape, abuse, and/or death to a minimum. It's not that I have anything against them. Hell, I've been known to make some pretty dark characters myself. Still, this is a Pokemon RP. Even if a lot of Pokemon RPs tend to be a bit darker and edgier compared to the most of the series as whole, having a teenage assassin who's out to take revenge on the person responsible for the brutal slaughter of their parents and/or little sister seems...well, stupid (yes, these are actually characters I've encountered on actual Pokemon RPs, and yes, it was every bit as ridiculous as it sounds). Basically, what I'm saying is I don't mind a a bit of edge, just so long as you try not to go overboard with it.
3) You may not role play a canon character from any Pokemon series. Having your character related to a canon character in any way is also not allowed. So yeah.
4) Accounts, Face Claims, etc. This part is probably the same, or at least recognizable, from any board you go to. One account per character, with your character's full name as the account name. Face claims must be from an animanga series, or another medium of a similar style. No CG or real life FCs. Original art is allowed, but you must link to the source. We would prefer that you obtained permission as well, but we understand that this is not always possible or reasonable. Also please try to avoid changing FCs. If you absolutely must, please ask us first and give a reason for the change.
5) Multiple Characters: Yes, multiple characters are allowed. However, while there is no hard cap on how many characters you can make, only two will be "free". For your third character and beyond, you must have at least 15 posts on each character you already have. If you wish, you may drop one of your characters and replace them with a new one, but if this starts to get abused, we won't be afraid to put our foot down and say "too bad". So you have been warned.
6) On a related note to the above: If you're dropping a character to make a new one, it needs to be on a new account. No changing the name and apping a new character on the same account. Not only does this get confusing when others try to tag you or search through your character's posts, but it's just...really lazy. Naturally, it's also so you can't cheese your way to having enough posts to make an additional character. If you drop a character, you drop everything that comes with them; that includes their post count.
7) Characters should fit the setting: While we will accept most types of characters here, please keep in mind that they should be able to fit the setting. There is a certain amount of wiggle-room here: a character could cosplay as a medieval knight, or have a certain degree of tech on them that would be beyond modern day (we're already in sci-fi land just with Poke Balls, after all), but an obviously medieval or obviously futuristic character would not be accepted. Again, be reasonable.
8) Regarding atypical and "out there" ideas: We'll keep this one simple. If you have an idea that you're not sure if it will work in the setting, then don't be afraid to ask. It never hurts, and it's certainly better than making a wild assumption only to be shot down.
Technical Rules
1) Returning Players: We do not delete profiles or accounts, except in the cases of a member being permanently banned. If you drop a character or leave the site and later return, just ask and we'll restore it. The exception to this is special positions like gym leaders. In that case, you're still welcome to bring the themselves character back, but you can only reclaim your former position if it is still open when you return. If not, then they'll be treated as a normal trainer form then on.
2) Avatars and other images: This site uses 150x150 default avatars, and 250x450 hover images, and we recommend you stick to those sizes. Images within posts will resize automatically to fit the skin. We do not recommend using Imgur as a host due to their content policies, but we won't stop you either. Just be aware that accounts on Imgur have been deleted in the past due to a violation of their CP.
3) Characters belong to their respective players. If we find that a character does not belong to their player (meaning it was stolen from another player on another site), the character and all related material will be archived and the player will be banned. Likewise, if we find any stolen content from this site on another one, we will see to it that the staff of that site does the same.
Do not take roleplay too seriously. Roleplaying is a hobby done for fun, entertainment, and the ability to flex creative muscles. It is not your job*, it is not school, and it is not a debate hall. We're here to have fun.
*If you are a professional writer, we still welcome you, but keep in mind that what you do here still qualifies as something "for fun" because you are not getting paid for it.