Support Admin (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
supportadmin) wrote2014-01-14 09:11 pm
supportadmin) wrote2014-01-14 09:11 pm
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potentially asked questions
What is the current in game year?
How does posting work in this game? What are the player expectations?→ Directory ←
2020 by the Gregorian Calendar. The game is set in an Alternate Universe Earth, inspired by Guillermo del Toro's Pacific Rim. The physical location of the Shatterdome used as home-base for this game is in Valparaíso, Chile, South America.Will I have had to watch the movie or read any of the affiliated materials to play in this game?
Absolutely not! While the game is inspired by the universe created in the film and affiliated materials, it is diverging and following it's own internal logics and storylines as guided by the actions of characters in game.How does my character arrive at the Shatterdome?
After having been screened and given time for deliberation, your character has decided to enroll in the Jaeger Academy program. They will be flown out of their home location to Valparaíso, from where they will be driven to the Shatterdome location near the city's port, on the peninsula.What are the IC benefits to having enrolled in the Jaeger Academy program? The character(s) I have in mind aren't exactly the fighter robot type.
The benefits are multifold, and the influences can come from inside or outside of an individual family or life circumstance. Ultimately, the reason is up to you, the player, and is a required section on character applications.How do I know if my character will make a given cut?
However, in the game world, enrolling into the Academy and surviving through the first three months will guarantee the following:Ultimately, upon determination of an individual's Drift Potential, there are many reasons to enroll into the Jaeger Academy, regardless of where they intend to or desire to be by the end of the program.
- Better rations for their immediate family.
- Immediate cross-enrollment into the other branches of the PPDC upon transferring out of the JA program.
- Free accommodations and high level educational opportunities.
- Transfer opportunities to Shatterdome facilities throughout the Pacific Rim upon program completion or transfer into another branch of the PPDC.
Activity Checks determine whether or not a given character makes the first cut to stay in the Jaeger Academy program. Subsequent activity checks determine how well any given individual is doing in the program, and later how they're doing in the scholastic programs if they're participating, or for characters not participating in the JA, how well they're doing within the PPDC. It will determine performance evaluations, promotions, increased leave time and other benefits, and similar IC achievements that are otherwise difficult to "grade."How does Activity Checks (AC) work in this game?
Activity Checks will run once every three months. They will be a point based system, where points are earned through participating in posts, threads, and building CR within the game itself.What do points earn my character(s) in game?
The minimum point total required to pass AC will be 100 points. Points are earned in the following ways:
25 points for tagging to a character you have never tagged before. New CR, baby! This includes tagging active NPCs as well as PCs.
15 points for making a post.
10 points for tagging any player thread in a group log.
5 points for tagging into a post.
5 points for reaching 10 comments in total in any given thread. (Minimum of 5 comments from you.)
5 points for reaching 20 comments in total in any given thread. (Minimum of 10 comments from you.)
5 points in reaching 50 comments in total in any given thread. (Minimum of 25 comments from you.)
5 points in reaching 100 comments in total in any given thread. (Minimum of 50 comments from you.)
5 points for bringing any given thread to completion, regardless of comment count.
All points earned are counted toward activity. I.E. points will be "stacked."
If you join the game within the two weeks prior to the Activity Check being run, you have two options. One, you take an automatic 100 points for your AC, to spend as you see fit over the next AC period. Two, you tally your points based on your activity since joining. As long as that total is greater than 100 points, you may instead use that as your spending points for the next AC period.
Note, threads in IC Contacts posts do count for AC credit points. Tagging around to threads of potential applicants within a Test Drive also allows you to earn AC credit points with the exception of the 25 point new CR bonus. You may only claim that bonus when threading for the first time with characters officially accepted into the game.
The full extent will be explored over time, but from the start, points will be used to determine class tier rankings, a character's ability to survive in the Jaeger Academy past the first cut, their overall success at Drifting (though not who they're Drift Compatible with), and also be used for things such as promotions, raises, extra leave days, and various special or unique items.What kinds of characters am I allowed to apply?
This will include options to purchase special care packages from "home" or from the Canteen, along with deciding how much spending cash individuals may have on hand for forays into the city of Valparaíso proper.
Any, given the fact this is an Alternate Universe (AU) game and most characters will need to be altered to fit the setting. For a reference of important world events as of 2013, please reference the Creating a Jaeger Academy AU HandbookCan I app a Pacific Rim canon character into the game?
Note, no one is allowed to apply in as a Jaegar pilot as of this moment, with the exception of era-appropriate pilots from the Pacific Rim film/supporting materials. (i.e. Mako Mori would be a student transfer from the Alaskan Jaeger Academy, while Raleigh Beckett would still be piloting with his brother at the Alaskan Shatterdome.) Determining why those pilots are present will be a matter of mod-dialog, so if you're interested, please give a shout!
As a further note, characters will all be human and living for purposes of this game.
Yes! Though this game is not going to follow the canon of the film or novels as far as the progression of events, and any character applied would be coming from their 2020 version of themselves, 5 years before the majority of the film is set. Please contact the modteam in order to discuss particular details!What types of characters cannot become a Jaeger Pilot, and/or would not be accepted to the Jaeger Academy?
Characters under the age of 14, characters over the age of 50, and characters without a firm grasp on reality or an inability to empathize and properly emotionally connect with other human beings will fail or not be accepted into the JA program. With age, it's about physical compatibility. With mental stability or the ability for characters to empathize with each other, it isn't a block on applying them, but they won't be able to progress as Jaeger Pilots -- character dependent, they'd be welcome into another branch of the PPDC.Do I have to bring my character in through the Jaeger Academy program? May they already be a part of the PPDC?
The answer to the first is no, you don't need to bring characters in through the JA program. It's easier when you do, but not necessary. The answer to the second question is yes, with a caveat: anyone under the age of 18 will not be accepted into the PPDC unless they've come through the Jaeger Academy program.What happens when I go on hiatus?
Characters are considered to be on auto-pilot for the duration. It is possible for characters to have been on medical or family leave at the time, to explain why they may not be around during large-scale events. This is left to player discretion. Hiatuses will not excuse players from meeting minimum required AC except in extenuating circumstances, as AC runs once every three months.What happens when someone drops?
Characters are generally considered reassigned without notice to another PPDC location. Players wishing to have their characters die will be given that option, pending approval by the modteam. Keep in mind that in this setting death is permanent and cannot be undone.I want to apply for a character that had previously been in game. Do I have to take over their CR?
No! The basic mechanism is this: the technology used for simulating Drift sessions has a small percentage error in which cases it can cause backlashes that wipe out portions of short and long term memory. If you want to keep the former player's CR, that is up to you!What is the ratio of In Game Time to Real Life Time?
However, you do not get to ask other players to have their characters forget yours prior to your bringing them into game. The physical age (timeline) of characters must remain the same between all versions of the same character in order to maintain a fluid actual game timeline.
1 In-Game Day = 1 Real Life Day. That's for passage of time, and should not be an indication of how quickly threads should be begun or finished. Players are invited to backdate and forward-date as best fits their schedules. Events should be announced ahead of time with enough leeway for people to plan how and when they want to participate, if they're choosing to participate.Is there an IC Network in this game?
No. Characters are required to have IC Contact posts in their journals after they are accepted into the game, for the purpose of email, phone, or physical mail contact. What means of contact they have available is dependent on player choice.Does my character need to speak Spanish to be understood by others?
This is intended to be a face-to-face interaction heavy game; however, IC Contact post threads will count toward AC Requirements.
No. There are language electives offered to characters who would like to learn to communicate more easily with the locals, especially those who might frequently have a reason or desire to leave base.
The official language of the PPDC is English. If your character does not speak English when they arrive, the elective language classes will become mandatory English lessons. There is no magical universal translation device, however they will have access to phrase books and technology such as Google translate. To use this option, you may wish type out tags in English, translate them to your character's language, and then back into "English" again to achieve a realistic, garbled result.
Characters who speak the same non-english languages are welcome to communicate to one another in those languages, as long as players include an OOC translation note. And if you aren't a native speaker of said language, note that once in the subject line or translation notes of your thread to avoid confusion for those who are.
You may wish to add a reason for your character to know at least some English to their history for ease of IC communication, but it is not required. There is no IC punishment for poor English skills, but your characters will be expected to keep up with all of their training regardless. Realistically, those with poor ability to communicate will struggle ICly. (As grades are based on activity, OOCly there is no consequence.) Communication breakdown and Lost in Translation moments are to be expected. They're encouraged!
How does posting work in this game? What are the player expectations?
Posts will be made to the main community, located atI noticed there's a PPDC Cadet Handbook in the information. Does my character have to follow all the listed rules?jaegeracademy, using the following header format:
Prose is preferred, in third person past or present tense. Add your character tag to all posts in which they actively participate, either as a poster, or a responder.
Please indicate if a log is open or closed in the subject line, and use the appropriate #closed & #open tags on the community.
Community tags, explained:
#open Anyone may respond to this post without permission.
#closed This post is invite only.
#crash Our party crashers' tag was invented to encourage a random element. Because of the public nature of the game setting, it is entirely possible for intimate moments or conversations to be walked in on by others with clearance to the area. The addition of this tag to an otherwise closed log will indicate that it is open to surprise guests. (OOC communication is encouraged.)
Rating tags:In lieu of warning descriptions, tag posts by a standard video game rating system. As per esrb.org
#t Teen: Content is generally suitable for ages 13 and up. May contain violence, suggestive themes, crude humor, minimal blood, simulated gambling and/or infrequent use of strong language.
#m Mature: Content is generally suitable for ages 17 and up. May contain intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content and/or strong language.
#a Adult Only: Content suitable only for adults ages 18 and up. May include prolonged scenes of intense violence, graphic sexual content and/or gambling with real currency.
If the rating level on a log changes over time, swap the original tag out for the appropriate tag. All posts that are rated #a must be community locked.
The technical answer is yes, as far as your character's superiors are concerned, but as far as game play goes, working against and around IC rules is a definite go! Be aware, blatantly flaunting them will have IC consequences, so be prepared to have IC Actions meet up with IC Consequences in those situations.
Some rules will only apply to characters enrolled in one of the academic programs offered to Cadets through the PPDC.
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1. How long is someone expected to be in the JA program? Can non-universe characters transfer in from other academies?
2. What sort of discipline will characters who break the rules face?
3. Would someone with a criminal record (juvenile or otherwise) be eligible for the JA program?
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This is meant to keep everyone in the JA program at the same level. It can, and should, be frustrating for some characters ICly.
2. Discipline will depend on which rules are broken, but it can range from simple things (being disallowed access to the Cantina for a while, being disallowed desserts) to more serious ones (having leave time taken away, loss of free time, increased workload) to being expelled out of the program for serious infractions. They're very harsh during the first three months of the program, and are less stringent after that period.
The harshness in the beginning comes out of needing to set a baseline that's being respected, and it is not excepted OOCly that characters follow all the rules provided. Flaunting rule breaking ICly will have consequences, but rule breaking is expected and embraced OOCly.
3. Yes! Depending on what their record is, they will have more attention paid to what they do, and how they're interacting with others or behaving in general. Since it's going to be case by case, I'd suggest asking any specific questions about your own character's criminal history as you'd like to adapt it to a world more like the modern day to get a feel for what will and won't work as well in the game setting.
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In this particular case, the charges would probably be along the lines of disturbing the peace (public fighting), resisting arrest, and maybe loitering--mostly petty stuff. Will those work?
He also probably murders someone, but that one wouldn't be going on his record.
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Also, what will determine whether characters are drift-compatible with each other?
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What determines character drift compatibility ICly is the whole gambit of things mentioned above. OOCly it's going to be a mixture of what kind of CR the players feel their characters have developed, an AC point spending program to help aid in determining Drift Compatibility, a general scoresheet based on IC interactions and OOC discussions, and a check on what seems sensible.
For example, people who are rivals will have to learn to be teammates before they'll be Drift Compatible. If they're truly competing against each other, they won't be able to compromise and work with each other in synchronization, as is demanded in the Drift.
Given that the JA in Valparaíso is specifically working on creating Pilots who can Drift with more than one partner, there shouldn't be pressure to find exactly one person who is absolutely perfect to Drift with, and we will look to community feedback for what seems to be working as it becomes more relevant in gameplay. It's a heavily tested process that still has elements of trial and error ICly and in canon. We're bound to have some of the same OOCly!
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For example, do they believe it's possible to find and train Rangers who can work more interchangeably with each other, even if it's only three people on rotation as pilots? Do they want to get the hell out of Alaska? Were they ordered to come down, and they're resentful/happy/neutral on the change in location? Do they think this is a waste of time, but hey, it pays the bills, so they go where they're ordered?
It's still a general sense of why are they here specifically that I'm wanting to see.
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However, I do have a question regarding roles characters can have! The guy I'd want to play here is pretty old and comes from a military background, and would work best in a veteran/instructor role. Meaning he would be an ex-pilot, or at least not an active one (he's actually pretty similar to Pentecost in a lot of ways). He's a combat instructor & commander in chief of his army in canon, so playing him as a fresh recruit would feel pretty weird even in an AU setting. So, just wondering if it was possible to have him be part of the staff and act as an instructor or something similar that fits him better. Thanks!
EDIT: Oh my god, I'm sorry, I just saw that the exact same question was answered before here. Disregard this :(
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5 points for tagging into a post » I'm assuming this one refers tagging the IC contact post or making a top-level comment in an open/closed/event logs, etc.
10 points for tagging any player thread in a group log » And this one is for replying to a top-level comment in a log. And group log meaning an open log, right?
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I apologize if it sounds confusing.
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If you are posting an open log, which is not a group situation log, you get 15 points for posting the log itself. You will not earn points for tagging back to the people who tag you until you hit the ten comment marker, where you will then earn an additional 5 points (for having commented five times in a thread). Threads add up from there going forward.
If you post an open group log, you get the initial 15 points for posting. You then get 10 points per each person you tag into within that log, as they're independently creating top level comments to set up personal scenes for their own character. Unlike the first scenario, they aren't responding to your character's current predicament. They're responding to an overall situation that the group log is presenting to the game as a whole.
I feel I should clarify that a group log is similar to what I've just posted to the community for the game start. In this case, it's an arrival log in which each individual character is arriving or reacting to one of the given prompts, or generating their own. Similar logs will be used for events as they happen in game, such as Kaiju attacks (around the world), group training exercises, or festivals located within Valparaíso. This is different from an individual log, where you are writing up one or more scenarios your character may be encountered in, and people are tagging in to specifically reply to your character.
Group logs foster people branching out to new CR. Individual logs foster CR with the original poster. Does that help clarify the difference in how points would be earned between the two?
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One last question, if the thread becomes a three-way conversation between three characters, I'm assuming that instead of a 10-comment string, it becomes 15 comments (5 per character) in order for you to get the initial 5pts, right?
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After the first three months, they can have a pet on their own expense, which is another possibility.
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Which I guess comes back around to asking: what sort of test pilot are you thinking about? One who was testing early pons systems, or in the first generation of Jaegers, etc? I want to be sure I'm properly understanding where you're coming from.
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I was thinking about him being part of the early pons system testing or other Jaeger systems. I'm not sure exactly what, I'm really just poking at options here, and wanted to see if these things were cool.
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I got a partial answer to a question above, so... based on that info, I'd like to app a character in as staff. However, I'd like her to have been involved in the PPDC for quite some time, either on strictly medical research prior to Drift tech being established, or on something regarding the Drift tech, i.e. being an assistant working on the tech for the pons and then later on leading some of the compatibility testing. That's what I'd plan for her to do at the Academy, honing the suit tech and monitoring and tweaking things with regard to the Drift compatibility science-y bits.
Basically I don't want to break canon too much, but in her universe she'd have been the rank/importance equivalent of Lightcap. So I want to get as close to that as possible, but in a different department, so to speak? Would that be doable?
Also, what would be the policy on mute characters possibly becoming pilots?
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Mute characters can become pilots, and presumably will be taught a form of sign language if they don't already know one. They'll be expected to write in English and whatever is their native language, and the PPDC may even be able to bring in a sign language instructor should other students or PPDC staff want to pick up sign language as well.
Characters are not mute in their own minds, since it's not language but memory and sound and all sorts of emotions and thought impressions and such in the Drift, so it would have no effect on their technical ability as a pilot.
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And YAY on the second one. She's very fractured in canon but I'd adjust everything to suit the academy setting and what's realistic and possible.
Thank you so much! I'm so looking forward to hopefully joining up soon!
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Best of luck to you, and hit me up if you have any other questions!
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