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shiftmodsPlease keep in mind this is a pre-game FAQ and answers are subject to change while we discuss and figure out what works best. The FAQ will be finalized before apps open, however, and we will be sure to note when that happens! Until then, some answers may be incomplete and we will be adding more as we go!
GENERAL
What is Red Shift?
THE GAME. Red Shift is panfandom, mission-based roleplaying game based around a structured plot with emphasis on player involvement and worldbuilding that will impact both the narrative and the way characters interact with the setting. Science fiction, with a black sense of humor and a healthy dose of surrealism, Red Shift is a game about the perils of bureaucratic capitalism...at least at first.
THE STORY. Red Shift's plot begins when somewhere, in a different universe than our own, someone turns on a very old machine...and it doesn't work. A nasty malfunction causes a powerful space-time portal to simple pull people from their worlds and into this one, seemingly at random. Unfortunately, accidents are hard to replicate, and the users of the device can't send you back, you're stuck here...and they're stuck with you.
Given that you're essentially an unwelcome immigrant, who just used a very expensive mode of travel, something will have to be done with you. A bill, for one. Your one way ticket on a transdimensional express has cost you about 1,000,000 universal credits. Thankfully, there's plenty of work being offered to you...if you don't mind a little dangerous portal hopping. The people here are willing to put you up for room and board too, so long as you are working to pay off your debts. It might be a little cramped, and there might be no windows...but considering you can't breath the air outside and the gravity would probably rip you apart in a microsecond, you might want to get comfortable.
And one last thing; keep your number two pencil sharp, because at STATION RED, they really like their paperwork.
THE SETTING. You'll notice something in this world: nothing seems to be working. All of the equipment and technology seems to be quite old, and poorly maintained. In fact, although this is clearly a very advanced world, evidence of how it has been ravaged are everywhere, and denizens will be quick to tell you about something that caused them to turn everything off for centuries. They're only now making their repairs and getting things back into working order, albeit with supplies that are dangerously low. It's not wonder their not happy to have a pack of outlanders socking up supplies.
But the radios aren't the only things that don't work here. Physics - at least the way you know them - seem to be a glitchy as the rest of the equipment. Time will sometimes run a few seconds slower (check your watch), or you might wake up one day to find that gravity isn't quite doing what it's supposed to be doing. If there is a pattern or an explanation for these 'physics events' you're not being given one. But at the rate they're increasing...you might want to find one.
APPS
What kind of characters are appable?
Canon, canon au, original, CRAU, existing setting OCs (ie/ elder scrolls, DnD, etc) are all acceptable. Fandom OCs will also be allowed so long as they have no serious connection the characters or plot of the canon. Fandom AUs, and characters based upon real persons in a biographical context will not be allowed at this time. If you’re unsure if or how your character fits into one of these categories, just ask! There are a lot of variables, so sometimes checking is easier!
Will multiples of characters be allowed?
Multiple versions of a character will be allowed, so long as they are sufficiently separate in either characterization or canon. ie/ There can be one MCU Bruce Banner, and one comics 616 Bruce Banner. There can also be an Ultimates Bruce Banner. There can be infinite Bruce Banner's so long as each is a uniquely appable character, with a separate canon. Bruce Banner from two different 616 comics, however, will not be allowed, because this is simply the same character from different canon points.
Is there a game or player application limit?
Only a single character may be apped by a player per an app round (this limit is exempt for the opening app round), and players can each play up to three characters, and may petition for a fourth (or more?) if their AC is in good standing!
The game cap is currently set at a long term one hundred characters (100) and the opening app round will have a cap of fifty (50). Should we ever reach this limit, it may be changed!
Are there reserves and how to they work?
Yes. Players will be allowed to reserve one character per an app round. A reserve essential means that your app will be looked at first, both in terms of overall apps, but also should a non-reserve attempt to app the same character.
We do not do challenge apps.
What this means is if you reserve and app Yukon Cornelius, your app as well as all of the reserved apps will be looked at first. If those apps do not fill the available spots, we will next look at the unreserved apps. If the app for the reserved Yukon Cornelius was not accepted for whatever reason, only then will we look at the unreserved one. If it is accepted, the unreserved app will unfortunately not be eligible. The purpose of this is so that yes, you CAN still attempt to app a character if someone else has reserved them (they may not get in or they may never submit an app for instance) but also keep in mind that if they do get in, your app will automatically become ineligible. We will at no point be comparing the two. Whether you want to take that chance is completely up to you!
Reservations have neither a cap nor a time limit at this time. They will be open up until apps are open, and have no expiration; they will simply be viewed first.
What if my character isn't human?
No problem! Non-human characters should be able to come into the game without any alteration; exceptions will only be in cases where the character for some reason cannot function in their original form. These cases will be handled case by case, with rules being implemented only if they need to be.
But my character is very large.
Station Red is spacious; your 50 foot robot or two ton dragon character may well be appable. It’s really up to you; while these characters can be apped at their normal size, they may be limited in their ability to interact with their environment. Many areas and doors will be too small for them (the habitat suites and any small vehicles for instance won’t be doable for your character, for example). The game goes, however, revolve around a great many excursions to larger, outdoor places. Really, it’s up to you as the player if you want to play within these confines. We will certainly not stop you if you are okay with and willing to work around the limitations you might encounter!
My character is immortal.
Characters who are immortal will continue to be immortal...for now. They will notice with each subsequent death in this world their revival/regeneration/healing and general return-to normal will be less than that of before. Each 'revival' will be approximately half as regenerative as the prior. This means it will become more difficult, more costly, and less effective to come back to life. After a few revivals, they may very well not come back at all.
My character has a special diet/need.
The fundamental basics of your characters needs to survive will be provided at Station Red, regardless of what those needs may be. Oxygen, species appropriate sustenance, water, the blood of a virgin every fortnight etc. Specials requirements make require extra precautions during excursions however, and those needs should be noted in your app!
My character is dead and/or undead.
Any individuals with some sort of sapient life force will be pulled to the Interim. The definition of that life force has largely eluded the scientists who built it, and certainly doesn't require a beating heart or even a physical body. The portal will not pull individuals from a post-death point unless they are undead. From an OOC standpoint this means you cannot app your character after they have died...they can be apped from any time before their death or right up until the moment of it. If after they have "died" they otherwise have sapience (ie/ they are a zombie, a ghost, a rebuilt cyborg etc) then they are fair game.
My character has powers/abilities tied to their world.
This may depend on the circumstance; characters whose powers are completely dependent on their world or something from it that would not be attainable otherwise (ie/ their planet's atmosphere) they will lose those powers. It is up to the player to decide what makes more sense for the characters; the powers are either immediately inaccessible, or will fade over the course of their first in-game month. This is to allow characters to transition and for characters who might have power "reserves" that would be depleted without replenishment.
If the character's source of power/ability was merely granted by or aided by something from their world, but inherently stems from the character or other more easily attainable force (ie/ water bending) then it is likely they would still have their powers/abilities intact.
Note: in either case, the characters will be transported to a variety of worlds, and encounter a variety of atmospheres, substances, and materials. Any powers that are affected by outside sources may experience fluctuations.
How much canon is required to app?
Timewise, it is expected your canon have been in existence for a minimum of 30 days before apping.
Contentwise, character with little canon can potentially be apped if there is sufficient information about their background and personality to make them playable. It is expected, however that an app consist a greater proportion of canon material than headcanon.
Is there an age limit?
Players must be at least 18+ years of age.
For characters, there will be a soft age limit of 10 human years. Please contact one of the mods if you have a specific question or concern about the age of your character. Characters with different physiologies and/or who are mentally older may also be considered on a case by case basis.
GAME/IC
How do characters arrive in the game?
ANSWER IS WIP.
While what happens when characters come in will vary from app round to app round, characters all come in fundamentally the same way: a malfunctioning interdimensional portal pulls them from their world into this one. Standard RP fare. Only this time, the first thing that happens is your character will be handed a bill for their travels.
Details of exactly where your character is an what happens will be detailed before each app round, as it will be plot specific.
What physical condition do they arrive in? If they are injured/ill/dying etc?
With the exception of the TDM, characters will arrive in the state they were pulled through the portal in. During processing, all immediately life-threatening injuries will be healed, illnesses cured, and conditions erased. Minor injuries, illnesses and conditions that are not life-threatening will be, for the time being, left as is. There are only so many resources that will be spent on your initial arrival.
What kind of stuff do they have on them/can they bring?
Characters pulled into the interim are not pulled on their own; anything non-sapient, and not nailed down that they are in direct contact with will be brought with the character. That means whatever they are wearing, what’s in their backpack or pockets, the chair they are sitting on, or the car they are driving....it's all coming with. There is a catch; they and their belongings are being dumped in the interim where, if you haven’t read the full FAQ electronic items and devices will not work. If they can carry it, they can bring it with them to a place where they will work again. But if they can’t or won’t carry it, it’s going to be left in the Interim.
Does this mean my characters’ car/giant robo/ship etc will be inaccessible?
Not necessarily. They may have had to abandon it for the moment, but there will be opportunities to retrieve those items. How soon that happens will depend on plot and player input.
What about pets (pokemon, children, companion characters, familiars, summons etc.)
No sapient being will be allowed to app in with the character. Animals, pokemon, and low-functioning robotic companions will be allowed, assuming they do not meet the requirements of an appable character. (You might want to consider the logistics of bringing in an animal as well; a dog or a cat might be reasonable for your characters to have and care for...a horse may prove to be a highly inconvenient challenge.) Children and other human beings (or beings of human-like intelligence) will not be allowed as companions, regardless of their appability.
If the creature is essential to the characters' short-term survival, (ie/ a soul familiar, a daemon), or something not always present (a summon) and not in its own right, an appable character, the portal will recognize it and your character as one life force and bring both. Please check with the mods about this however, to be doubly sure of any of this though. There may be unique circumstances or individual cases that we have not anticipated!
Are there power caps or limitations?
Power caps are not strictly implemented but may be necessary if your character is game-breakingly powerful. This will be handled on a case by case basis directly with the player. More details will be updated as they are addressed, but feel free to ask if you have a specific question about a potential character!
What if my character dies?
As of right now; they die. Death should probably be avoided if your character is of the normal mortal type. Your character will never be put in a situation in which death is inevitable without your permission. Characters who have died will not be appable by the same player, but may, after two apps rounds, be appable by a different player if desired.
Where will my character live?
The residents and employees of Station Red will be provided housing in the form of HABITAT SUITES.
PLEASE CHECK BACK SOON FOR THE EXPANDED ANSWER.
What is "Station Red"?
Station Red is the name of the quarantine zone where your characters will be initially living. It serves as a central hub for the game, and will be a place your character does their living, sleeping, eating, socializing between missions.
Answer will be elaborated when Station Red makes an appearance.
Is there a language barrier? How is it handled?
For the sake of the test drive: no. Language barrier will be handwaved in the interest of playability.
During the game, yes and no. A language barrier exists, yes. Players will speak and write their native tongue, however, implants granted upon their arrival to Station Red will directly translate any spoken language for the character.
Is there a network? How is it accessed?
Yes. One of the first things your character will likely notice upon waking in their new quarters,
Is the network secure?
No.
These implants you keep mentioning...what are they? Arm they harmful? How did they get there?
The brain implants will be issued to all characters when they are processed for entrance into Station Red. They will be neither concious nor aware of its insertion until well after they wake up. The purpose of the implants is largely to access the network, for ease of communication, and as a very reliable tracking device. The implants are also responsible for translation. Any spoken language will be automatically translated for your character, and all text sent through the network will be translated as well.
The implants are not known for being harmful, although they have been, and can be used to inhibit powers or abilities deemed too powerful or dangerous to Station Red and its inhabitants.
What if my character doesn't cooperate?
It depends on how you mean; if your character doesn't want to complete a certain task or mission...fine. They won't get paid or receive any of the benefits of completing the job, but they are not obligated. Should it become a pattern however...
Or alternatively, f your character doesn't want to participate in paying back their debts, period, or it wouldn't be in their personality or motivation to do so, things could be difficult. They won’t be able to go back home; this is a strong motivational factor for most. If this is not enough, at the players’ discretion they can be bribed or strong-armed into the act. This is something that would likely be proposed by the player, if you feel it is the only way your character would participate.
If you are still struggling to find a reason for your character to participate, they might just not be a good fit. We will try and find a motivational factor with you if you are determined, but not all characters work for all games, and that’s up to you as the player to decide.
What if my character attacks/kills an NPC?
NPCs are largely treated as players in the sense that, they can be attacked, fought, harmed and potentially killed. It is however, expected that as you would with a player, action against NPCs will only be taken after first discussing it. The success of your characters’ endeavour may vary depending on the NPC...some are as fragile as their human appearance suggests. Other are less so.
Either way, the killing of an NPC, or a player character for that matter will be met with consequences; murder is not something that is seen as civilised or acceptable in Station Red. Like anything else, if you want to do this, and want to live with the consequences, talk to a mod.
What kind of consequences?
That depends on the action. In character consequences for acts of extreme violence or chaos will be handled with the player. Since it is expected they will be planned beforehand, the consequences will also be planned before hand. You will not be handed any severe consequences or punishments without your okay.
MECHANICS/OOC
What are the AC requirements?
AC will be held in the first week of every month and will account for all threads begun in the prior month.
Details can be found here, but the fundamentals are that any three proofs may be provided in the form of a network, log, or IC inbox thread with at least five comments from your character. We are also requiring that players provide a short summary of their characters' notable activity, especially in regards to plot. This will help us get an idea of what everyone is up to, and interested in, as well as make decisions about the direction of the plot.
Will there be bonus AC?
Yes! The exact nature of the bonuses, however, is not yet available but will be provided in the near future.
What if I can't make AC?
You can always contact us if something comes up and you are unable to make AC, no details required. A free pass is available for those who want to stay in the game, but for whatever reason were not able to play! There are few rules in regards to this...players with a sincere interest in staying just need to contact us, and we'll make it work.
If there's no unfortunate circumstances involved...just forgot, or got busy with another game, etc, we will have a make up rule in place; although you will receive a "strike" for missed activity, you can make up your AC in the next month by providing AC + the prior month's AC. This will clear you of the strike entirely. In these cases, the threads can have begun during any of the months for which you are making up. Missing activity two months in a row without being on hiatus or having spoken with and okay'd things with us will be grounds for an auto drop.
What happens when I drop?
If you have dropped, you can either have your character put into cryo, or killed.
CRYO. Your character will go into suspended animation, long term. You can re-app this character in the future, and they will retain all of their memories from within the game prior to having gone to sleep. If someone else wishes to app this character, they will have vanished from cryo, being pulled through the portal again, and having been reset.
DEATH. Your character will be killed in action; how they die can be up to you if you'd like, but you will not be able to re-app this character. Another player, however, will and they will be reset entirely.
If you are auto-dropped, you will not be able to app for another full round, so we recommend not idling out. If you are unsure or having trouble, please contact us so we know where you stand! Auto-dropped characters will be automatically cryo-reset.
What is the pacing like?
While there are goals, it’s impossible to know how the pacing will play out before the game is open! The initial pacing of events is slated to be relatively frequent, but players are the real pace setters, and we will accommodate the events and plots to suit what works best for everyone!
IC versus OOC days?
1:1 One in character day = One out of character day.
Are player run plots allowed?
Definitely. There will be a place to suggest, or inquire about player run plots. The only requirement is that they be run by the mods for approval. Red Shift is a plot-driven game, and as such, things might need to be checked so that they aren't directly impeding or changing anything. In most cases, we will work to make player plots work, however, so don’t be shy about their proposal! Player involvement is something that is very important to us and that we want to encourage in all forms.
Do players participate in world building?
They can, and it is welcomed, yes! Players will be given both specific opportunities to participate in world building (ie/ exploratory missions), as well as broader, less specific opportunities in terms of an always-open world-building post. World building is not mandatory, but rather is available as a supplement; some players love getting involved with this sort of thing, others would rather not. Your participation on that front is entirely up to you!
What are the game communities?
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
videodrome The main community, used for logsaudiodrome The network community, used for network postsrealitydrome The OOC community used for OOC plotting, modposts, drops, hiatus, AC etc.QUEUED QUESTIONS
- What is the technology like?
- What sort of missions will they go on?
- Can they leave Station Red?
- Who are the NPCs?
- What is commissary/how does it work?
