Category:Rules
From DirtyWiki
First of all, the mods reserve the right to edit or alter the rules as they see necessary. Whatever changes are made, if crucial, will not be done at random and will not be done at the expense of current plot/players without working with them first.
It may seem that there are too many rules and that the game is a cesspool of DO AND DO NOTs. But every single rule here was necessitated by something that happened in the game. Common sense does not always end up being as common as one might think.
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After Acceptance
General
Most experienced LJ-based roleplayers, or roleplayers in general, will be familiar with these rules. However, we have decided to include them, as the game does not cater solely to those with extensive roleplaying backgrounds. In addition, there are several rules that are game-specific.
Gameplay
If you want it in a nutshell, the basic premise of DL is to keep the entire game as IC as possible. That is, the LJs are only used for in-character journal entries and comments, the community is only for in-character, third-person roleplays, paper journal entries, e-mails, phonecalls, etc. (and with little OOC commentary and no use of "OOC" even if you have to make a note).
See Gameplay.
For Players
1. Ignorance is not acceptable. Your character(s) may be oblivious to much of what happens in the game, but you, the player, are not. When there is information presented in the OOC community, or in the game itself, you are expected to be on top of it. You are expected to know what is going on so that there are not overlapping plots, similar characterizations or issues with the rules and crushing of the toes of players who are aware of everything.*
* Please do not think we expect everyone to know everything that goes on at any given time, as we have over a hundred characters and over two hundred NPCs. Still, because these characters are not always in play and the game moves at a moderate pace, it is not ever okay to overlook every post just because they aren't immediately relevant to you or your character. That's not respectful.
2a. Along the same lines, while we understand that a majority of the characters are perfectly human, we ask that all players try to familiarize themselves with the fantasy world so that there is no confusion or contradiction if a character sees or interacts with anyone supernatural.
2b. That being said, please also remember that you can't play the 'I'm going to ignore this because it doesn't suit my interests/undermines my character's awesomeness' game. When there are creatures in a game that are predisposed to being somewhat attractive, or at least intriguing physically and emotionally, it is natural to want to be protective of your characters so that they don't get overshadowed. But remember that some traits just are and cannot be ignored and there is a difference between momentary or occasional appreciation or intrigue, and lust/desire/love. We have no species active in the game that are seductive by nature. Humans get as much if not more love than the most beautiful "angel". You have nothing to fear.
3. If one player is having a problem with another, they reserve the right to contact the mods. If a player is causing trouble, either by purposefully disobeying the rules, baiting characters or players, or simply not understanding how the RPG works, the mod has the right to warn or remove them.
4a. Do not godmod. That is, don't assume what a character's reaction to something would be, and don't put another character in a situation their player is not aware of. If your character smacks another character, wait for the reaction, don't type it out yourself. Don't severely mutilate or injure or kill another character without asking. Your character is not all-knowing and cannot be all-knowing. Whatever is happening where your character cannot see is not for your character to know or hint about knowing. ASK BEFORE DOING ANYTHING THAT INVOLVES ANOTHER CHARACTER.
4b. Many games require asking the mods before creating plot or doing something extreme, such as a pregnancy or a death. We do not subscribe to that here. You only need ask the players who may be involved.
5. Do not rip off other games/TV shows/books/films, etc. This is an original game for a reason. Also, you must give credit where credit is due. Ripping off or taking icons from other places could get everyone in trouble.
6. Don't take fighting in or out of the game. If your characters fight, don't spread the hate! LOVE ONE ANOTHER! Likewise, if you hate another player but the character is perfectly kind, don't take out your animosity in the game. Keep that sort of petty drama out.
7. Always listen to the moderators. This is their game, their rules, their vision. Unless they are being utterly unreasonable and you have the backing of other players to confirm it, do not defy what they ask. But the rules still apply to them and you have the right to point that out. However, and most importantly, they accepted you into their game. You are subject to their rules and that is how the game is played.
The best advice that we can give a new player is to explore what has already been done. Look around and see how roleplay posts are formatted and carried out, how LJ entries look and how people interact. If you're unclear about something, make a post in the OOC community and ask. We're a friendly lot. Once you get going, everything falls into place.
Fantasy
DL has a fantasy world all its own. We have generated an entire method of explaining the existence of these creatures, from the magic itself, to the tiniest little creatures that were spawned by it. This is still evolving but is generally complete and our rules are all based within this system of magic. We don't accept 'it is this way just because it is'. Everything fits.
Each set of rules was created by a different player within the game or by many people working on them together or supplying input. However, they are bound under this game only and cannot be moved to another. That being said, because they are created specifically for DL, we have OOC rules to follow in regards to how the fantasy is run.
Whether or not you intend to create a character that is a fantastic creature, please read these rules so that you know how to interact with the players/characters who do. Also, read the actual profiles for each species in order to help you understand how to have your character interact with those of a supernatural bent. There is a Fantasy FAQ for brief rundowns.
General Rules and Reminders When Dealing with Fantasy
1. This isn't Harry Potter. I realize that many of the participants began or are still involved in HP RPGs, but this isn't that world. Witchcraft is as it is practiced today, varying from person to person. But angels and other magical denizens are the only ones with real magical abilities, with real power. Humans can 'control' a small amount of magic (you can read this in the Magic section), but most people would be too naïve about the other world to even attempt confronting it, and are not physically able to do so.
2. Follow the rules that are already established. You cannot contradict or override what has already been approved. No matter what, angels are the cornerstones of the supernatural and natural worlds, and demons are their polar opposites, meaning that they are the most negative of any species (there is no good vs. evil here). There are no mystical higher beings that have not been discovered. (The intent in creating this world is to fit it into the current one, the real world as we know it, without making any adjustments. In a nutshell, Christians still think there's a god and Jesus was his son and angels are the messengers; it's a general consensus that things like mermaids can't possibly exist, etc. Doesn't mean any of it is right in this universe, but there's no way for most people, including supernatural people, to know otherwise.)
3. While the depth of this world does confirm the existence of most supernatural creatures documented through the ages, not every being could possibly have an LJ or operate in a normal life. Don't try to bring a half-dragon, half-mermaid thing into play (half-breeds can't and don't exist). Or even a dragon or mermaid. Therianthropes are about as far out as most of our characters can go simply because their non-human qualities are not always present. The only categories currently up for use are angels, demons, vampires, werewolves, therianthropes, and time-travelers. No exceptions.
4. It is not possible for any of the human characters to know everything about the fantasy world. There are no books that detail the correct history, and what has been written is usually lost or in the possession of the person who wrote it (personal journals are the most popular, and Claire Camden's great grandmother has a lot of them). Unless they were taught by a supernatural being, they will be clueless. However, even if they have a mentor, such as an angel or demon, they cannot be more knowledgeable than an actual supernatural being. It's doubtful a human could comprehend it all, anyway, and they haven’t got the proper understanding to even figure it all out.
5. Likewise, it is not possible for any of the supernatural creatures to know everything there is to know about the supernatural world. No one is born with a handbook or guide, only ignorance. Remember this. It is ten times more logical for an angel to be clueless about himself than to know everything about himself. Situations vary. If someone isn't raised a certain way, they won't have a certain kind of knowledge. Just because you know how it all works doesn't mean a creature will.
6. No species automatically knows how to control their powers after they initially manifest. It takes years. They need someone to guide them along the way, as well.
7. HUMANS ARE NOT NATURALLY MAGICAL AND CANNOT BE VERY POWERFUL. We would prefer it if humans were human. See Magic for more information.
8. Don't go overboard if you've got a naturally 'attractive' species. Mary Sue lines can be crossed if you abuse the beauty aspect of angels or the charming aspect of vampires. There are no veelas/succubi/magical temptresses in this world. Angels are certainly not anything like them, nor are vampires. HOWEVER, please acknowledge the fact that some species do have seductive or attractive qualities. Seeing them in reality would likely make anyone do a double-take, so do not ignore this or overlook it or pretend it doesn't exist. The whole concept of the supernatural world is that it is beyond human comprehension. Your human may not understand why he fancies this dark haired young woman (a vampire in the midst of charming someone), as he usually hates brunettes, but it's not a personal taste issue--it's psychological, magical, impossible to change. Only supernatural creatures can attempt to shut out the effects of other supernatural creatures. Obviously, they may or may not dwell on the creature later--that is the personal choice. There is a difference between stunned, momentary shock, and love/lust/serious interest.
9. Supernatural beings are rare. They have remained 'unnoticed' for thousands of years. Don't go blabbing about what you are and what you know. We have a disproportionate amount of fantastic creatures in the game (you'll notice most of them are related), but in reality, there are very few.
10. Accept the rules or find a different species.
Creating A New Species
Taking these basic rules into consideration, here are rules specifically designed for those creating a new type of species. You must be a current member of the game to make a new species.
1. Read Magic. This will help show you how the world is formed. You will require Scout to help mold your species to the form.
2. Be original in your concepts but do not go over the top. We often find a creature from mythology and alter it so that it fits this universe, but not every mythological creature could exist in the world as we have it, so you may be told to change your concept.
3. There are absolutely no 'half-breed' creatures of any sort. Do not ask.
4. Witchcraft is practiced as it is in reality--these are not supernatural beings. Elves don't exist, people who can morph into other forms don't exist, either. No gods. No truly psychic beings who can see into the future and present and past. Mermaids exist, as do fairy type beings, ghosts, and other oddities, but the mods and other players make the rules for these creatures. They will not have journals in the game.
5. No ultra-powerful, untouchable, all-knowing species. Everyone can be threatened or hurt or have faults. Ignorance is acceptable in any living being. That is just the way the world works. It's not fun to play with someone who looks down on all of the ignorant little people. We are not here to compete with one another. Dirty Life is not about good vs. evil. It's not about winning or losing. It's about life.
6. Stay away from extreme psychic abilities. Letting a character see into the future is risky in an RPG. Omens and premonitions and dreams are fine as long as they don't give away too much information. Consult with any affected players if you have a character who has a dream or premonition, in order to get permission.
Guidelines For Creating New Characters
These aren't rules, really, just some reminders.
- Try not to reuse names, both first and last, but especially last. Check the names of characters in the game to see what is available and what is not. Double names are not against the rules, but as these are original characters, it can become very confusing to figure out who is who. Of course, if your character goes solely by a nickname, that is easy to help distinguish them from others. Just let it be known that it is a good idea to pick a new, fresh name.
- Try not to reuse birthdays. There are 365 days in a year, sometimes 366, and not yet half as many characters. Again, while it is not and will never be against the rules to double or triple or quadruple up on birthdays, it's always best not to do what has been done before. We have a list of birthdays for you to peruse. (If a character listed by a date is an NPC, it's perfectly fine to use it, anyway. Same goes for names.)
- Check the PBs before you choose one. We will not allow double PBs unless something is worked out between players. If you were unaware because the list of PBs was not updated, or if you were unaware it existed, we'll simply ask you to find a new PB and ask players for suggestions in order to help you find someone appropriate.
- Don't draw all of your inspiration from canon characters. Sadly, the mods don't watch every show or read every book that has taken over pop culture. We won't honestly be able to tell if a character is closely related to a character in a show or movie or book unless we are familiar with it. However, other players may know. What is the point of making a character if you use a premade format? Be creative! You may be inspired by a character in a show you like, but alter that to make it your own so that it also fits in the world of DL.
- Go overboard! We have been told a numerous amount of times that an application is getting rather long, by both current and past players. Don't worry about it! The more you can tell us, the more detail you go into, the better off you'll be in the long run. It's a reassuring sign to see a player writing pages and pages of information on a character as that tells us they are really putting their all into it and are (hopefully) making the character their own. If you know their weight, their height to the tenth of an inch, what they did on 12 May, 1994, great! Don't be shy! Tell us everything! That being said, if you know very little, fill it out as best you can and be prepared for your character to develop itself after you've been accepted. Just look at basically everyone in the game.
