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starseedmods) wrote2023-03-30 09:25 am
starseedmods) wrote2023-03-30 09:25 am
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FAQ
Basic Information
This is basic information about the game. Such as game size, who you can app, limits, and other general information.[ More Basic Info...]
What do I do in this game?
This is a story-based game with (typically) bi-monthly story events. The goal of the game is for your character to find out why they are here, find a way home, Become Better, or Become Worse. Your character will face circumstances that will encourage them to make CR, learn new skills, plot to further their own ends, and the like! Off-months will have more slice-of-life or lighthearted plots that are not meant to further the overall goal of the game.
What kind of characters can I app?
You may app canon characters, OCs, Canon OCs, CRAU, Normies, and characters of any age. Characters must be able to handle a variety of game tones and subject matters. Younger characters will not be allowed to participate in prompts with potential adult content. (Will be marked.) Please do not apply as political figures or real/world persons. Canons must be at least 30 days old since release.
How many characters can I play?
You can apply for one character for now.
Is this a capped game?
Yes. The cap has not been decided as of yet, but I was considering around 50 players. This may change and be updated to scale up or down.
Is there a character/cast limit?
There is not as of yet.
Do you accept duplicate characters?
No. Only one iteration of a character is allowed.
Can you elaborate on Malleable Protagonists or Canon OCs?
While only one character is allowed from a canon, some protagonists assume the same role and develop into drastically different characters or are tailored by the player to be Canon OCs. (MMO Heroes, Multiple Path Characters with different outcomes, etc). These characters are welcome with some caveats!
They must be their own character and not all assume the same role given the difficulty it imposes on their canonmates. So there can not be multiple "Wanderer" characters who are all the canon Wanderer or multiple "Warrior's of Light" who are all the canon Warrior of Light. You can apply as these kinds of characters if you tailor them in such a way that they have their own sense of uniqueness in personality and story.
Do you allow companion characters?
Yes, but companion characters must be limited to 1 and must be earned as the game progresses. Special circumstances may apply depending on the situation. If you think you have a special situation please let us know.
Can I use threads from other games as samples on my app?
The application doesn't require samples.
Do I use brackets or prose in my tags?
Use whatever you and your thread partner prefer.
Rules
What are the rules for this game? We have a few basic ones.[ More About Rules...]
1.) Please Remain drama-free.
2.) If in doubt, ask.
3.) Spicy content is allowed. Please apply proper tags and ensure that both parties consent and are of a consenting age. (The exact age may vary depending on location, but please take the highest common denominator of 18 for Age of Consent.)
4.) Maliciousness toward others is a bannable offense.
5.) Respect the permissions of others. Ask if you're unsure.
6.) Everyone is your canonmate. Please try to tag around!
Getting Started
This is information to help you get started. This will include what happens after you first apply as a character, general questions about characters, and some overviews of mechanics.[ More Getting Started Info...]
What's the first thing I should do after I join?
Take a look at our Welcome Package! It includes all the things you need, such a permissions template, links of what to join and where to post, a recap of the story, dates, and links to all of our social channels that you have the option to join.
Elaborate on character arrivals.
At the beginning of the game, one of the Gates was broken and it released Starseeds into the world. Your characters Starseed held just enough energy to form into a (typically fully clothed) physical being and derive one unique ability from the seeds energy.
Does this mean all my canonmates are technically ingame...?
Technically. The Starseeds from many worlds spilled out when the gate was broken. They exist in the world as nearly imperceptible energy... but it is possible that someone may find the Starseed of a beloved comrade or enemy if they look hard enough.
What about abilities? Can my character keep them?
Yes and no. Characters will be granted one of their former abilities by default. Others can be regained as the game proceeds.
What if my character is a Normie?
You have the option of playing characters as normie characters if you’d like. But if you’d like to grant them an ability they never had before, they will be granted a special Starseed with memories of an ability that you’ve chosen for them. It will take them time to master this ability, whereas other characters with abilities have had time/memories to master their skills.
What if my character learns an ability they've never had?
It will take them time to master it. How difficult that ends up being is up to you.
My character has a special form. Can they keep it?
Yes! They may need to regain that form with time.
Activity Check
Our AC is pretty easy, but there are a couple of questions that may warrant an answer. Below are a few bits of information about AC![ More AC Info...]
Do Inbox threads/TDM threads count toward AC?
We don’t count tag numbers in AC here. But if you check in and include links from a TDM or Inbox thread, then Yes, they will count toward your Bonus AC.
What do I get for Bonus AC?
Bonus AC will give you a token that you can use to participate in the
For a certain number of tokens, players may request an RNG roll that will net them something from a preset pool of rewards. There will be three pools, one where you can submit a minor number of tokens for a small reward, a second pool with a mid number of tokens for a larger reward, and a third pool where you can submit many tokens for a big reward. (This is a work in progress!!)
However, if you would rather not participate in the Gacha because your drop rate is terrible, you can simply spend tokens to get whatever perk on the list you want.
What happens if I miss AC?
AC is just around to make sure you're present. Those who don't respond will be removed unless we're informed otherwise. If something came up, let us know or there is no way for us to know.
What if I need a Hiatus?
If you need to take a hiatus for any reason, put that in your AC for the month. You don’t need to post it anywhere else. It can be something like “I took a hiatus this month” any maybe a couple sentences of what your character has been doing in the interim.
What if I got booted and want to re-apply?
If no one else has applied for that character, you may re-apply with the same application and keep the same character history as you had.
World Mechanics
There's a few basic questions about the world you may have. We will try to cover a few of them here![ More about World Mechanics...]
Where will my character live?
Accommodations will be up to your character. Each area generally has a free hostel or you may try and obtain your own accommodations through working in game, garnering connections with the locals, or the like.
Are there network devices?
Yes! Communication devices are a subject of fascination for local tinkerers. There is a network of folks who love to toy with communication technology and maintain the network that allows characters to communicate. (They even have their own cute little "radio" station. Aw...) Seeing as the network is a work in progress, filtered and private communications are not available to start with! But they may be features down the line.
What language does everyone speak?
Upon arriving in the world all characters will speak a common tongue. They may switch back to their own native language at will, but will will take conscious effort.
What does the sky look like? Are there any stars that can be used for navigation?
Abystine has a sun and moon, which are practically the only celestial bodies. When characters look at the night sky, they'll notice that it's nearly entirely devoid of stars. The sky will look like a swirling mass of black, purple, and blue.
What currency do they use?
Most use rather basic coins that are judged for their weight in metal. You could also use precious stones, valuable items, physical labor, or the like if you find the right person.
Is there a local religion?
There is. The religion of the region revolves around Three Dieties called the Precursors - commonly refered to as Precastats. It's believed that these three deities have created all of what exist in the world. Ancient texts are inconclusive on what happened to the Precursors, but many believers say that the Precursors still walk among them and watch their actions. You will find a couple of temples scattered throughout the region.
What kinds of foods do they eat?
This depends on the region you're in. Each area has slightly different cuisine depending on the environment and people in that area. Check the expanded info pages for each region for more. (When I finish them, anyway...)
Can my character start a business?
They may start a business if they wish. A business tracking page will be coming soon.
Game Mechanics
This game offers a few unique mechanics to make the game interesting for all! This section will highlight a few of them and explain some common questions folks may have.[ More about Game Mechanics...]
Is there a power cap in this game?
There is, but it's pretty high. The intention here is to not limit having fun. So if your character has cool powers then let them use the cool powers. But please don't use powers that can godmod a character without consent, destroy the world effortlessly, force people into conflict, and the like.
A good example of a reasonable limit would be teleportation. Instead of limitless teleportation, have them teleport within a localized area. (You can rationalize any power dampering by saying it's the Starseed dampering their powers.) Always get permission and if you're unsure, check!
We regain one power upon being accepted to the game. What about abilities that don't rely on magic? (example: my character is good at hand-to-hand combat.) Do they keep those skills?
Abilities that are within the natural scope of human abilities can be kept without a regain. So in this case, your character would still be good at hand-to-hand combat! They only require a regain if that ability is superhuman.
What do the Stealing Gates look like? Will we be able to recognize them?
The Sealing Gates look like Large Ebony structures that have been carved with intracate detailing. There are flecks of white stones throughout. Some of the Sealing Gates will be time or weather-worn, but they are distinct and recognizable.
Is there a level beyond Starblooms?
Yes. Those who have attained that level will have an additional progression mechanic available. This is still a bit of a work in progress, but there are some framework notes set in place on the info pages. At this very early development stage, they will consist of a couple new Starseed types and some additional abilities but more may follow.
Starseeds
A Starseed is a fragment of a soul. It contains memories, experiences, abilities, appearance, and everything that makes up a person. Many Starseeds will be needed to make up a complete person, and the "completed" person is called a Starbloom.[ More about Starseeds...]
What do Starseeds look like?
Starseeds vary from person to person. Generally while they sit in the wild unattended, they look like small stones with light contained within. (Similar to this concept). When someone obtains the Starseed, the outside shell will crack and it will take the shape and color that is suitable for your character. Feel free to be creative with its appearance!
My character acquires a Starseed and then another Starseed later to get more abilities. What does that look like?
Starseeds can evolve as you get more abilities and you come closer to becoming your truest self. The new seed will fuse into the one you already have. If you so choose, it can slightly change the appearance of your Starseed.
For example, my character has their base Starseed which looks like a faint blue fire. They participate in an event and obtain another seed! The seeds fuse together and create a large blue flame, similar to a Wil-o-Wisp!
Do regular NPC characters have Starseeds? If so, can I just murder them and make my character all powerful?
Starseeds are defined as those who have arrived on this world from a distant world. Therefore, the people here are native to this world and do not have a Starseed. Sorry. 😘
What happened to my characters home? Their canonmates?
What happened to their homes will be revealed as the story continues. However, their canonmates are technically all in game. Their Starseeds are somewhere in the world... but if they have not manifested into a person (IE, been applied for ingame) then they are too weak to be visible with the naked eye or be much value to anyone. Characters still may try to track down their comrades Starseeds if they wish for the sake of protecting them....or harming them. 🤗
Does this mean there are Starseeds just out there in the world? What prevents my character from trying to hunt down Starseeds and use them to gain ultimate power right away?
When the gate in the North was destroyed, Starseeds were let into the world. Ambient Starseeds exist in the environment, that is true. However, if they are not strong enough to obtain a physical form then they wouldn't be much use in terms of power. They would probably provide a small boost in Stamina and mess with your characters' memories a little. But if you want to go Sicko Mode and do that, then contact a mod!
How will I know when a Starseed belongs to my character?
When you come across a Starseed that belongs to your character, you will be able to sense that it's yours. Looking at it or picking it up will give you a sense of "rightness". Conversely, picking up a Starseed that belongs to someone else will give you an extreme sense of wrongness.
Can characters manipulate Starseeds?
Yes. Characters can try and manipulate Starseeds in multiple ways. They can tear them from themselves, donate seeds to others, or even try and take seeds from others. Manipulating them in any way can cause loss/gain of powers, loss/gain of memories, physical effects.
Misc Questions
If something isn’t covered above, why not look here and see if it’s mentioned? You never know![ Some Misc Questions...]
I have an event idea/player plot.
If you have an idea for something cool involving the setting or something with multiple characters, let us know here!
Can I run a gamewide plot?
You can. Just submit a comment in the mod inbox that you're interested.
Can I make a suggestion for a new game mechanic or addition?
Yes. Just as above, leave it in the mod inbox to be considered! I can't guarantee it'll be integrated in the game, but I'll give it consideration.
Do you have a Plurk/Discord?
Yes we do. The Plurk is located at
Are TDMs canon?
The Premise for TDMs will always be canon to the game story. However, players can decide if they want their threads within that TDM to be canon to their character after the TDM is finished. (If both participating players end up apping both characters and are accepted, please coordinate this with your thread partner!)
I have a question not listed here.
Comment below and ask away!
no subject
What that means is that protective gear and armor are fine! But they can not have a supernatural amount of impenetrability off the cuff. Superhero suits are fine! But they can not provide special abilities (Flight/Computers/Strength/etc) and would largely be for cool aesthetics.
Outside of that, they can arrive in clothing of your choosing. You can have them arrive in their canon attire or you can choose to have a more medieval set of attire manifest for them if you'd rather they blend in.