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frequently asked questions
F A Q s / / G A M E
What's the game pacing? Activity requirements? Pacing will likely be slow. While there will be events and an overarching story, it's a very easy-going in terms of pace. Activity requirements will be one log thread of five comments per month. All five comments must be within the month (ie. five tags in February).
What is the AU part of the game? The AU is that the world is an alternate Earth, although location is vague and elements are fictional — it is implied to be very remote Northern America/Canada, which is something characters will soon realise. How the world is different will be within the lore characters will discover in game over time.
Do you allow sexual content and graphic violence in game? Graphic violence and consensual explicit sexual content are allowed in game, but we ask that players label their content with warnings appropriately.
Do you allow original characters? Yes, absolutely! Writer-created-world original characters are accepted, along with D&D/Tabletop RPG original characters. No Canon Original Characters, with the exception of characters such as the Dragonborn from Skyrim, or the Inquistor from Dragon Age.
What about CRAUs/AU's? Yes, and yes. CRAU's from previous games are accepted. Canon AU's are accepted, for example: Endverse!Dean Winchester from Supernatural.
What about character duplicates? Due to the character limit, we will only be allowing a maximum of two duplicate characters at any one time in game. This would be, for example, having both Comic!Peter Parker and MCU!Peter Parker in game, but not allowing Raimi!Peter Parker in addition to this. Another example would be a maximum of two incarnations of The Doctor. It would also be a good idea to check in to make sure that players would be okay with duplicates in the game too. Players must also be sure to specify which flavour of the canon their character hails from in their application.
Do you accept real people as characters? We will accept fictionalised versions of real people/characters based on real people, ie. characters from The Terror are acceptable characters. But we will not accept players playing actual real people, ie. if someone was role-playing Harry Styles, for example. If you are unsure, please ask the Mods.
Do you allow Transformers characters? Unfortunately, no. We don't think the game would be a good fit for a Transformer character. Given the heavy nerfs of the game, there would be too many nerfs needed in place for a Transformer to work/function in the setting. Which at that point, it wouldn't be appropriate or fair for a player to play them in that state. In addition, in terms of logistics (and without spoiling upcoming plans) it also wouldn't be feasible, as the character would be essentially stuck within Milton and would not be able to leave to explore the rest of the world — even with having them at the lower end of their size-range. And unfortunately, as vehicles do not work in the game due to environment — vehicle mode would also not work for them.
Do you allow proxy reserves/applications? We will allow proxy reserves, but not proxy applications. Please PM the mod account for permission for a proxy reserve.
Are there events? Yes, there will be events. Events will include (but are not limited to) instances of extreme weather; dealing with predators; dealing with cryptid or folklore-type creatures of both malevolent and benevolent kinds; the unlocking of new areas of the world to explore; exploration and discover of story/npc lore; gaining helpful loot/items; gaining powers to help survival. Frequency of events will be every other month.
Is there a network log? There are currently no plans for a full-fledged network. However, there will be an opportunity for characters to communicate via walkie-talkies or radios on both public and private frequencies, provided they find batteries or are able to build/repair radios themselves.
Is there electricity? Technology? There is no electricity, but the remains of technology from 1900's to early 00's can be found in the world. There's nothing overly high-tech here, it seems that the people who lived here had very basic technology just to get through day to day lives. Internet is completely down globally, and most technology is more for function over form. However, the Aurora can make electrical devices/power come back on. So you could absolutely spend an Aurora just hiding in an abandoned house binge-watching old VHS tapes, if you wanted to.
What about vehicles? Cars, trucks, farm equipment such as tractors and ploughs, small snow plows and snowmobiles can be found dotted around the world. None of them will work, due to the Aurora. Looks like you're going by foot.
What kind of guns can be found in the world? Guns found will roughly follow Canadian gun laws in real life. Shotguns and hunting rifles will be found, being the most common finds in terms of firearms — along with manual-loading revolvers. Some short-barrelled semi-automatic handguns may be found. Automatic weapons will not be found.
What's the water situation in game? Water does work in most of the buildings within Milton, given how well equipped/altered plumbing was made to withstand a colder climate. It will continue to work for some time, but characters may face issues much further down the line as things degrade, and it would still be wise to boil water for drinking/cooking purposes. There is no hot water. Characters will need to boil their own water for bathing purposes. Sorry, guys.
Okay, so the power's out and only works during Auroras. Would AA battery-operated things such as a flashlight (as opposed to things that need to be charged or plugged in) still work during the non-aurora? Yes, small items such as flashlights, alarm-clocks, (or perhaps even things like walkmans or gameboys if characters find such things) that only require batteries will continue to work when the Aurora is not active.
What happens to my character if I drop? There's three options: the Aurora takes them home; they can die offscreen (or you can play it out) and another character could find you or your bodily remains are never seen again; or you're devoured by the Darkwalker. Probably don't pick the last one.
Well, what if I want my character to be eaten by the Darkwalker? Just don't, my friend.
What is the AU part of the game? The AU is that the world is an alternate Earth, although location is vague and elements are fictional — it is implied to be very remote Northern America/Canada, which is something characters will soon realise. How the world is different will be within the lore characters will discover in game over time.
Do you allow sexual content and graphic violence in game? Graphic violence and consensual explicit sexual content are allowed in game, but we ask that players label their content with warnings appropriately.
Do you allow original characters? Yes, absolutely! Writer-created-world original characters are accepted, along with D&D/Tabletop RPG original characters. No Canon Original Characters, with the exception of characters such as the Dragonborn from Skyrim, or the Inquistor from Dragon Age.
What about CRAUs/AU's? Yes, and yes. CRAU's from previous games are accepted. Canon AU's are accepted, for example: Endverse!Dean Winchester from Supernatural.
What about character duplicates? Due to the character limit, we will only be allowing a maximum of two duplicate characters at any one time in game. This would be, for example, having both Comic!Peter Parker and MCU!Peter Parker in game, but not allowing Raimi!Peter Parker in addition to this. Another example would be a maximum of two incarnations of The Doctor. It would also be a good idea to check in to make sure that players would be okay with duplicates in the game too. Players must also be sure to specify which flavour of the canon their character hails from in their application.
Do you accept real people as characters? We will accept fictionalised versions of real people/characters based on real people, ie. characters from The Terror are acceptable characters. But we will not accept players playing actual real people, ie. if someone was role-playing Harry Styles, for example. If you are unsure, please ask the Mods.
Do you allow Transformers characters? Unfortunately, no. We don't think the game would be a good fit for a Transformer character. Given the heavy nerfs of the game, there would be too many nerfs needed in place for a Transformer to work/function in the setting. Which at that point, it wouldn't be appropriate or fair for a player to play them in that state. In addition, in terms of logistics (and without spoiling upcoming plans) it also wouldn't be feasible, as the character would be essentially stuck within Milton and would not be able to leave to explore the rest of the world — even with having them at the lower end of their size-range. And unfortunately, as vehicles do not work in the game due to environment — vehicle mode would also not work for them.
Do you allow proxy reserves/applications? We will allow proxy reserves, but not proxy applications. Please PM the mod account for permission for a proxy reserve.
Are there events? Yes, there will be events. Events will include (but are not limited to) instances of extreme weather; dealing with predators; dealing with cryptid or folklore-type creatures of both malevolent and benevolent kinds; the unlocking of new areas of the world to explore; exploration and discover of story/npc lore; gaining helpful loot/items; gaining powers to help survival. Frequency of events will be every other month.
Is there a network log? There are currently no plans for a full-fledged network. However, there will be an opportunity for characters to communicate via walkie-talkies or radios on both public and private frequencies, provided they find batteries or are able to build/repair radios themselves.
Is there electricity? Technology? There is no electricity, but the remains of technology from 1900's to early 00's can be found in the world. There's nothing overly high-tech here, it seems that the people who lived here had very basic technology just to get through day to day lives. Internet is completely down globally, and most technology is more for function over form. However, the Aurora can make electrical devices/power come back on. So you could absolutely spend an Aurora just hiding in an abandoned house binge-watching old VHS tapes, if you wanted to.
What about vehicles? Cars, trucks, farm equipment such as tractors and ploughs, small snow plows and snowmobiles can be found dotted around the world. None of them will work, due to the Aurora. Looks like you're going by foot.
What kind of guns can be found in the world? Guns found will roughly follow Canadian gun laws in real life. Shotguns and hunting rifles will be found, being the most common finds in terms of firearms — along with manual-loading revolvers. Some short-barrelled semi-automatic handguns may be found. Automatic weapons will not be found.
What's the water situation in game? Water does work in most of the buildings within Milton, given how well equipped/altered plumbing was made to withstand a colder climate. It will continue to work for some time, but characters may face issues much further down the line as things degrade, and it would still be wise to boil water for drinking/cooking purposes. There is no hot water. Characters will need to boil their own water for bathing purposes. Sorry, guys.
Okay, so the power's out and only works during Auroras. Would AA battery-operated things such as a flashlight (as opposed to things that need to be charged or plugged in) still work during the non-aurora? Yes, small items such as flashlights, alarm-clocks, (or perhaps even things like walkmans or gameboys if characters find such things) that only require batteries will continue to work when the Aurora is not active.
What happens to my character if I drop? There's three options: the Aurora takes them home; they can die offscreen (or you can play it out) and another character could find you or your bodily remains are never seen again; or you're devoured by the Darkwalker. Probably don't pick the last one.
Well, what if I want my character to be eaten by the Darkwalker? Just don't, my friend.
F A Q s / / S T O R Y
What are the themes of the game? The game largely focuses on themes of survival and exploration within a post-apocalyptic setting in a world of eternal winter. In addition, there are themes of supernatural horror and folk horror, with inspiration drawn from both fictional and real-life examples. Additional themes include isolation, community, being trapped in another world, and themes of morality.
What general content warnings can be found in this game? Characters will generally face death, harm and illness in game. Extreme weather will occur often. Dead bodies can be found in the world. Nature is harsh and unforgiving. Themes of hunting/animal death/animal attacks can also be a huge part of the survival gameplay, as is possible destruction of wildlife.
What is the calendar/year details for the game? The year is 2014 in game. It runs on a 1:1 calendar transfer. Characters are able to get the dates from things like computers during Aurora nights, which is when they will be able to turn on. But it's hard to tell if that might be reliable, given the fact said computers are kinda borked from the Auroras, and they might otherwise struggle to track the date normally. They can vaguely track the time of year by the amount of daylight there is. Some characters might simply track how long they've been in the world from the date of arrival by the number of days/weeks/etc rather than going off the actual date.
Is there a story to the game? The game does have an over-arching story plot, yes! While the main chunk of gameplay will be character-led survival of the world and players making their own stories and connections, that is only one part of it. There is a reason why characters have been pulled into this world, along with lore concerning the world and the NPCs and how that's related to the story.
What's that, then? Shh, spoilers. ;)
Are there NPCs? There are so far five confirmed mod-controlled NPCs: Methuselah, Enola, Young Bill, Marra, and the Darkwalker, who are related to the Main Story. There will be other NPCs of sole natives who will live in the world that characters can interact with, that are TBC.
What about creatures or monsters? Creatures and monsters in events will be mod-guided but players will essentially interact with as they see fit (within reason). Some creatures are there to be killed, or banished. Some are friendly and will vanish once the event ends, that sort of thing.
What general content warnings can be found in this game? Characters will generally face death, harm and illness in game. Extreme weather will occur often. Dead bodies can be found in the world. Nature is harsh and unforgiving. Themes of hunting/animal death/animal attacks can also be a huge part of the survival gameplay, as is possible destruction of wildlife.
What is the calendar/year details for the game? The year is 2014 in game. It runs on a 1:1 calendar transfer. Characters are able to get the dates from things like computers during Aurora nights, which is when they will be able to turn on. But it's hard to tell if that might be reliable, given the fact said computers are kinda borked from the Auroras, and they might otherwise struggle to track the date normally. They can vaguely track the time of year by the amount of daylight there is. Some characters might simply track how long they've been in the world from the date of arrival by the number of days/weeks/etc rather than going off the actual date.
Is there a story to the game? The game does have an over-arching story plot, yes! While the main chunk of gameplay will be character-led survival of the world and players making their own stories and connections, that is only one part of it. There is a reason why characters have been pulled into this world, along with lore concerning the world and the NPCs and how that's related to the story.
What's that, then? Shh, spoilers. ;)
Are there NPCs? There are so far five confirmed mod-controlled NPCs: Methuselah, Enola, Young Bill, Marra, and the Darkwalker, who are related to the Main Story. There will be other NPCs of sole natives who will live in the world that characters can interact with, that are TBC.
What about creatures or monsters? Creatures and monsters in events will be mod-guided but players will essentially interact with as they see fit (within reason). Some creatures are there to be killed, or banished. Some are friendly and will vanish once the event ends, that sort of thing.
F A Q s / / C H A R A C T E R
Do characters in game have a name to refer to them collectively? Methuselah will refer to characters as 'Newcomers'. But generally characters in game are simply known as 'Interlopers' or 'Lopers' for short.
Is there an age requirement for characters? Characters must be over the age of thirteen to be in this game.
Is there a rule about when I can app a character from a new canon? In terms of new canons/canon points, a full month following the release of the film/episode/series/etc. is suitable time before a character can be apped in.
My character doesn't look human. Or has non-human physiology such as wings/horns/etc. Will they have to be changed aesthetically to be in the game? No! Inhuman physical characteristics would not be altered, regardless of whether they give a character powers or not. They're simply just completely depowered of all abilities, whether that's magic/powers learned, or ones that are natural to that particular race. They look the look, but do not do the do.
My character is a shapeshifter. Will they lose their ability to shift? Yes. Shapeshifters will be stuck in one form and be unable to shift. We would recommend shapeshifters remain in their human form for character playability/longevity. In addition, their 'animal senses' will be reduced to that of a human's capability.
My character is injured at their canon point, how does this affect them in game when they arrive? This will be left down to player discretion. The Aurora may heal wounds/bring characters from the brink of death, or players could choose to have their characters turn up injured — although bear in mind how a character is going to cope with no hospitals or surgeons. If you chose to have your character healed, you may play your character as having scars from where the wound once was or have no mark indicating the injury.
Can my character's canon point be after they've died in their canon? No. There is no mechanic for bringing characters back from the dead, characters should be taken from the moment before their death — which can be even seconds before it occurs. This is not to say you cannot take any additional canon information/lore about characters that was released to the audience following their death into consideration for character building. But in terms of canon-point, it should be before/the point of death.
My character is a Vampire. How will they function in game? Please see these following answers on vampires: one, two, three.
Why can't my character have powers? Because that would make things too easy. The point of the game is the focus on survival, with characters working out how to survive. Powers are great and all, but it's no fun when magic/abilities just solve everything. There will be opportunities for characters to gain some powers in the game, however.
If they're regaining powers, will that mean their canon powers? Unfortunately, no. Characters will not regain their canon abilities.
What powers will be available? How will characters earn them? There are currently nine powers that will be available to characters, which will be offered at particular intervals of the game. At these intervals: three powers will be offered and characters will choose one. Characters will be able to have a maximum of three of these powers. Some of these powers will be inspired by feats from The Long Dark game such as being able to withstand the cold, or speed and stamina bonuses, or being more refreshed at night but fatigued in the day. Powers will have benefits and drawbacks. Some will be a little more 'flashy' and non-source canon, like telepathy, for example. These will be earned during events. The Aurora will be part of the process.
My character has a magical/hi-tech weapon/gadget. Can they bring this into the game? They can, but will find that it will not work as it should. Things like magic swords would just be regular swords, for example. However, it might be possible during the Aurora Nights that their weapons may behave erratically. For a more specific answer, character weapons will be dealt with on a case by case basis between player and mods.
What's the limits on weapons/ammo? Characters can bring in as many weapons as they want. If they want to bring in three knives, they can bring in three knives. A weapon will take up one item slot. Ammunition for the weapon will count in the same slot, to a reasonable amount. A bow with a quiver of arrows would could as one item, for example. Anything additional to that will count as another item slot.
Can my character bring a pet? Mundane animals such as dogs or horses or birds may be brought into the game. Magical creatures or creatures such as Pokemon or magical companions cannot. Please keep in mind your character will be responsible for keeping their pet alive in the harsh, freezing conditions.
My character doesn't speak English, how can they understand other characters? All characters will be ~touched by the Aurora, which essentially gives them a universal translator. Any and all characters will be able to understand one another both in spoken word and in written word, along with any literature they may come across.
Can characters who speak/read multiple languages tell which one is being spoken/written? Yes!
Can my character get pregnant? Not at this time, no.
Can my character get sick? Absolutely. They can get all the usual sicknesses found in the real world. Players are encouraged to play around with this.
What happens if my character dies? Then they're dead, Jim. Death is permanent in this game. Within the game The Long Dark, permadeath is a huge component of gameplay. If you die, your run/save is lost forever, and it's a component that is being brought over into Singillatim.
Is there an age requirement for characters? Characters must be over the age of thirteen to be in this game.
Is there a rule about when I can app a character from a new canon? In terms of new canons/canon points, a full month following the release of the film/episode/series/etc. is suitable time before a character can be apped in.
My character doesn't look human. Or has non-human physiology such as wings/horns/etc. Will they have to be changed aesthetically to be in the game? No! Inhuman physical characteristics would not be altered, regardless of whether they give a character powers or not. They're simply just completely depowered of all abilities, whether that's magic/powers learned, or ones that are natural to that particular race. They look the look, but do not do the do.
My character is a shapeshifter. Will they lose their ability to shift? Yes. Shapeshifters will be stuck in one form and be unable to shift. We would recommend shapeshifters remain in their human form for character playability/longevity. In addition, their 'animal senses' will be reduced to that of a human's capability.
My character is injured at their canon point, how does this affect them in game when they arrive? This will be left down to player discretion. The Aurora may heal wounds/bring characters from the brink of death, or players could choose to have their characters turn up injured — although bear in mind how a character is going to cope with no hospitals or surgeons. If you chose to have your character healed, you may play your character as having scars from where the wound once was or have no mark indicating the injury.
Can my character's canon point be after they've died in their canon? No. There is no mechanic for bringing characters back from the dead, characters should be taken from the moment before their death — which can be even seconds before it occurs. This is not to say you cannot take any additional canon information/lore about characters that was released to the audience following their death into consideration for character building. But in terms of canon-point, it should be before/the point of death.
My character is a Vampire. How will they function in game? Please see these following answers on vampires: one, two, three.
Why can't my character have powers? Because that would make things too easy. The point of the game is the focus on survival, with characters working out how to survive. Powers are great and all, but it's no fun when magic/abilities just solve everything. There will be opportunities for characters to gain some powers in the game, however.
If they're regaining powers, will that mean their canon powers? Unfortunately, no. Characters will not regain their canon abilities.
What powers will be available? How will characters earn them? There are currently nine powers that will be available to characters, which will be offered at particular intervals of the game. At these intervals: three powers will be offered and characters will choose one. Characters will be able to have a maximum of three of these powers. Some of these powers will be inspired by feats from The Long Dark game such as being able to withstand the cold, or speed and stamina bonuses, or being more refreshed at night but fatigued in the day. Powers will have benefits and drawbacks. Some will be a little more 'flashy' and non-source canon, like telepathy, for example. These will be earned during events. The Aurora will be part of the process.
My character has a magical/hi-tech weapon/gadget. Can they bring this into the game? They can, but will find that it will not work as it should. Things like magic swords would just be regular swords, for example. However, it might be possible during the Aurora Nights that their weapons may behave erratically. For a more specific answer, character weapons will be dealt with on a case by case basis between player and mods.
What's the limits on weapons/ammo? Characters can bring in as many weapons as they want. If they want to bring in three knives, they can bring in three knives. A weapon will take up one item slot. Ammunition for the weapon will count in the same slot, to a reasonable amount. A bow with a quiver of arrows would could as one item, for example. Anything additional to that will count as another item slot.
Can my character bring a pet? Mundane animals such as dogs or horses or birds may be brought into the game. Magical creatures or creatures such as Pokemon or magical companions cannot. Please keep in mind your character will be responsible for keeping their pet alive in the harsh, freezing conditions.
My character doesn't speak English, how can they understand other characters? All characters will be ~touched by the Aurora, which essentially gives them a universal translator. Any and all characters will be able to understand one another both in spoken word and in written word, along with any literature they may come across.
Can characters who speak/read multiple languages tell which one is being spoken/written? Yes!
Can my character get pregnant? Not at this time, no.
Can my character get sick? Absolutely. They can get all the usual sicknesses found in the real world. Players are encouraged to play around with this.
What happens if my character dies? Then they're dead, Jim. Death is permanent in this game. Within the game The Long Dark, permadeath is a huge component of gameplay. If you die, your run/save is lost forever, and it's a component that is being brought over into Singillatim.
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