For Barrayar mods (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
barrayarmods) wrote2016-06-07 02:10 pm
barrayarmods) wrote2016-06-07 02:10 pm
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[For Barrayar] FAQ
frequently asked questions
applications & activity
What characters are appable?
Canon characters, AUs (canon, player-made and CRAUs) and OCs are all welcome at For Barrayar. OCs and AUs native to the game setting are also welcome, and the mods are happy to coordinate with you for to work out details.
There are a few caveats when it comes to apping characters from The Vorkosigan Saga. AU iterations of NPC characters are not appable, and characters with knowledge of future events should be handled with care. We’d like to avoid any game-breaking timeline shenanigans here, and characters attempting to share knowledge of the future with NPCs will likely yield unintended and less than preferable consequences -- this may be met with mistrust and hostility...or they may decide they need to know everything you know, whether you want to share it or not. Characters familiar with NPCs may find them similar or different depending on player desire -- the mods do not wish to police headcanon or force individuals to conform to theirs.
How do I submit an app?
Apps can be posted to your character’s journal and linked in a comment under that month’s app thread. See the applications page for details.
How many characters can I have?
Only one character is permitted per player.
Can I app a character who is already in the game?
At this time, we are allowing up to two different versions of a given character.
What does an app cap mean? How does the queue work?
For Barrayar’s plot is intended for a smaller cast and is capped at 30 characters. Applications work on a queue system: apps may be submitted into the queue, and will be reviewed for consideration when available spots open up in the game. The queue operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reserve is needed for the queue.
What do revisions mean?
Revisions are not a rejection, so don’t worry! It just means we want more information about your character. The mods are happy to answer any questions about requested revisions.
What if my character isn’t human?
Due to the nature of the game, some characters may require humanization. Humanoid characters, such as Klingon or an elf, would generally not be required to be humanized. However, some non-humanoid characters may require humanization; this is handled on a case-by-case basis and the mods are happy to help you work this out prior to submitting your app.
Here's our quick guideline -- if your character possesses any of the following traits, they fall under the humanization rule:
⚔ Non-organic (such as robots or AI)
⚔ No corporeal form
⚔ Cannot communicate via human means i.e. speech or hand signed language
⚔ Cannot fit comfortably through human-scaled doors or in human-scaled buildings
⚔ No extractable DNA
However, humanized does not necessarily have to mean 100% human (although it is an option) -- they only need to be altered to the degree needed to match all of the above criteria. Characters who decide not to go the 100% human route may retain some physiological quirks from their original forms; however, all humanized characters will have roughly the same physical capabilities of your average human being.
Humanization is always an option, even if it’s not required.
Setting-native characters will react differently to non-human PCs -- they may not trust you if you don’t look human, or they may take a particularly keen interest in your physiology…
What if my character has superhuman abilities or magic or is otherwise superhumanly powerful?
Due to the nature of the game, superpowered characters will be depowered on arrival. If your character is reliant on their powers to survive/function, the mods are happy to help you work this out on a case-by-case basis.
What are the activity requirements?
Activity check is once per month. We require only one proof of activity; 5 comments by your character in a log count as one proof.
You can submit additional proofs for bonus AC in exchange for additional loyalty points. Each extra proof of 5 log comments earns you 1 LP. Each proof should be from a separate thread.
If you were on hiatus for two weeks or more during activity period, activity requirements for that month are waived and you only need to check in to AC.
If you fail to make AC, you can take a strike instead. That strike is removed if you make AC the following month. Two strikes mean a drop; this means that you will only be dropped from the game if you fail AC two months in a row.
What happens when I go on hiatus or drop?
Putting your character on autopilot is the preferred method of handling a hiatus; a brief description of what they’re up to during that period can be submitted along with the hiatus notice. If you prefer not to put your character on autopilot during a hiatus, you can have your character be put on medical leave or temporarily get “lost” outside the camp.
When characters are dropped, they will be assumed to be MIA or KIA by their respective side, but they do not go home.
game mechanics
What is the game's plot about?
The plot of For Barrayar revolves around two things: surviving the war and all its intrigue, and getting home. The war is much bigger than the outsiders' plight, and it will rage on even while they're trying to find a way to get themselves back home. And with the Cetagandans researching the anomalous wormhole activity that brought them here, helping with the war effort may be the only way for them to uncover the mystery of how they arrived on Barrayar -- and to survive. Both the Barrayarans and Cetagandans have a vested interest as well -- it just might not be the same as the outsiders'.
What is the game schedule?
For Barrayar is a plot-heavy game with a definite ending, expected to run around 6-8 months.
The game runs on a monthly cycle. At the end of each month, a Game Update is posted for the following month, laying out any changes to the status quo, such as the state of both camps and their resources, any intelligence gained, the weather for the month, and any significant changes resulting from the previous month's events. The OOC info for the first half of the next month's plot, as well as the Game Update, is posted in the last week of the month.. Activity check is the last week of the month. The game has a running TDM, though we may post a new one every few months. The game is paced at about a 1:1 ratio of OOC/IC time.
Each month's plot is broken down into two stages, which provide multiple plot activities/opportunities for each side. OOC signups are an important component of game plots and are highly encouraged, as they will impact the outcomes of plot events. OOC info and signups for specific plot opportunities will be posted around 4 days in advance.
The game calendar has all of the above information for easy reference.
What is the loyalty system?
The loyalty system is a core part of the game. Each PC has a score denoting the number of loyalty points (LP) they have; rather than indicating loyalty to either side, the loyalty score is indicative of how loyal they are perceived to be overall, and thus, how trustworthy NPCs will view them as. This score will fluctuate over the course of the game depending primarily on AC and the PC’s IC actions, and can influence such things as plot opportunities, available loyalty perks, and NPCs’ perceptions of PCs. For Barrayar is a game with very real IC consequences for IC actions, and the loyalty system is a part of that.
How does the system work? How do I earn or lose loyalty points?
LP can be gained and lost in a variety of ways. AC is the simplest and easiest way to earn LP; each PC gains 1 LP for AC check-in every month and 1 LP for each bonus AC proof, up to 5 bonus LP (a maximum of 6 LP per month via AC). Participation in certain plot opportunities can also yield LP (or, in some cases, result in a loss). Defecting to the other side costs LP, and further LP can be lost if the PC is is discovered to be a participant in activities viewed as dissenting or, in graver cases, traitorous to their side. LP from AC is gained on response to check-in; event LP is gained immediately on posting of the event results.
A character’s loyalty score is not an OOC evaluation of the player or character, just a reflection of their activity and in-game actions. It’s totally okay (and could be a lot of fun!) to play a character who loses a lot of LP or has an overall low score. Plot opportunities may arise for those with low loyalty scores as well as high.
What are loyalty perks?
Loyalty perks are optional rewards that can be claimed if the character’s loyalty score is high enough. Taking a loyalty perk can increase a character’s standing with the NPCs on their side and lead to unique CR and plot opportunities. New loyalty perks may emerge as the game plot progresses, so keep an eye out! Loyalty perks can be taken at any time.
Currently available perks can be found on the loyalty perks page.
Do I get to decide which side my character is on?
To an extent. You can express a preference (or lack of one!) in your app, and we will do our best to honor those preferences, but if the cast currently has a significant bias toward one side, some characters may be put in the opposite camp in the interest of keeping the game more or less balanced. Defection is always an option, but if you are really uncomfortable with your character’s assignment, please feel free to bring it up to the mods.
Can I canon update my character?
Due to the relatively short length of the game and the way the setting is laid out, canon updating is not an available option.
Is there a network or inbox system?
For Barrayar is a log-only game; there is no network in place. However, characters on the Cetagandan side may be given access to wristcoms (audio only) as a loyalty perk, but conversations conducted over wristcom belong in IC inboxes and do not count for AC.
Characters will have IC inboxes for the purposes of receiving messages from NPCs or, in some cases, PCs from the opposite side. Inboxes are written hand/text only, and such correspondence does not count for AC.
Are player plots allowed?
Yes yes yes! We heartily encourage players to bring plot ideas to us, and if we can find a way to tie your proposals into the ongoing game plot, we’ll be happy to offer that option. Suggestions/requests for unique PC involvement in upcoming plots is also encouraged; we want PCs to have an influence on the plot in ways unique to each of them, because that’s always fun. We encourage you to reach out to us at any time with requests or questions about plot involvement.
How are the outcomes of plot events determined?
PC participation is one of the determining factors in event outcomes. PC actions have a big influence on how plots turn out -- and that includes inaction. Plot events will have OOC signups prior to the event, and the number of PCs and their contributions will go a long way toward the end result. This is especially true of events where the Cetagandans and Barrayarans go head-to-head -- PC participation can make or break who comes out on top.
The other determining factor is a roll of the dice or two. The mods use a little RNG once all the OOC signups are complete to determine the ultimate outcome of events. After all, even the best laid plans at times go awry.
Why RNG? Doesn’t that make PC participation pointless?
Not at all! RNG is only part of it; PC participation still weighs heavily in the ultimate outcome. Think of it as the GM in your tabletop game rolling for your success -- your actions and stats still play a significant role in the outcome. A little bit of a tabletop gaming vibe is exactly what we’re aiming for, because it shakes things up and the element of chaos adds to the fun!
Plot events aren't the only aspect of the game influenced by RNG. The weather and resource changes month-to-month are also determined by RNG, and if your character is acting as a spy or double agent, they will be subject to monthly rolls to determine whether or not they maintain their cover. Other things that could be determined by a roll of the dice include the success of smaller tasks such as exploration, persuasion attempts, and more! However, while RNG will always be a factor in overall plot outcomes and Game Updates, otherwise it will be handled on a case-by-case basis of what people would have the most fun with.
Most of this game's RNG is rolled in actual dice, because the head mod is a huge nerd or something.
Can my character die?
War always comes with casualties, and this one is no exception. Death in this game is permanent, however; there is no come-back-to-life option. That said, PC death is always an optional method of dropping a character, and players are welcome to coordinate with the mods if they so desire.
ic info
What does my character know on arrival?
Each side gives their own briefing to the new arrivals, with their own version of events. From the second month onward, there will be a page laying out these briefings for each new wave of characters.
What does my character have on arrival?
Characters arrive only with the clothes on their back and nothing else -- no weapons, no equipment, no personal effects. If there is an item vital to your character's ability to function that they must arrive with, feel free to contact the mods prior to submitting your app and we'll work it out.
Can I request items?
No, characters cannot receive items from their home universe.
Who are the NPCs? Can I interact with them?
Please see the NPC page for the cast of each side. This page will be updated as new NPCs are introduced in-game.
Threading with NPCs is highly encouraged -- they are there to interact with PCs, and CR with NPCs may yield some interesting results, including LP gains or losses, IC information, and unique plot opportunities. NPCs will frequently appear in intro/event logs, and you can request a thread with an NPC at any time, although there may be the occasional period when certain NPCs are not available.
Are there language barriers?
Yes, although both sides are multilingual. The languages of Barrayar include local dialects of Russian, English, French, and Greek; Russian and English are the most commonly spoken languages on Barrayar, and speakers of Greek are a minority. Cetagandans speak their own dialect of English as their lingua franca, but most Cetagandans are fluent in several languages. If you’re curious as to whether any Cetagandans speak your character’s language, feel free to ask the mods.
Your characters can learn any of the NPC-spoken languages during their stay, either through immersion or education by NPCs or other PCs. If your character shares little or no language in common with others and you’re not interested in dealing with the language barrier, you can opt to have them arrive with the knowledge of one of the above languages.
For simplicity’s sake, Barrayaran and galactic dialects of the above languages are mutually intelligible with PC-spoken dialects.
Can my character communicate with the other side?
Yes, although communication is limited and risky. Characters on opposite sides of the war may meet in the field during missions or battle, and they can attempt to pass messages through the villagers, although the risk of one being intercepted is high. If some communique is intercepted that appears to be traitorous, there may be consequences when it comes to loyalty.
What if my character wants to change sides or act as a double agent/spy?
Characters can fill out a form to defect to the other side on the loyalty page. Defection will always come at a cost of loyalty points; however, if they can convince the other side’s command of their good will by bringing something with them such as supplies or information, the loyalty penalty will be reduced. The loyalty cost for defection is handled on a case-by-case basis. Just remember that defection always comes with consequences -- if a PC decides they want to change sides more than once, their old comrades may not be so eager to take them back.
Characters can also work as spies directly under a commanding NPC, although if they’re discovered to be working as a double agent, the consequences will be dire, and likely to come at a significant loyalty cost. Characters acting as spies or double agents will be subject to monthly rolls to see if their cover is still intact.
My character can't/won't fight. What else can they do?
There's plenty for non-combatant PCs to do! Both armies will ask all sorts of things of the PCs. Non-combatant field roles can involve intelligence and reconnaissance, and back at camp, the mundanities of daily life still need to be managed, such as cleaning, maintenance, and food preparation, and there may also be opportunities for PCs to work in scientific capacities. Befriending the villagers in Riverfall is a worthwhile endeavor, too, if you want to make a few allies of your own.
Is adult content permitted?
Adult content is permitted; however, please be sure to include warnings for content of a sexual or particularly graphically violent nature, or other potentially triggering content.
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