VoidTrecker Express Mods (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
voidtreckermods) wrote2021-09-26 09:00 am
voidtreckermods) wrote2021-09-26 09:00 am
FAQ
F. A. Q.
APPLYING: Who/what can be apped, CRAUs, ratings, cast caps, etc.
CHARACTER SPECIFICS: Power nerfing, diets, disabilities, etc.
ITEMS: Items characters can come in with, obtain, limitations.
HIATUS, AC, REWARDS: Rules, posting for others, how everything works
MISSION, TEAMS, EVENTS: How mission works, teams,
GAME MECHANICS AND MISC: IC:OOC time, life on the train, items of importance, language and accessibility (electronic, spiritual), etc.
Feel free to CTRL+F to find the answer you're looking for. Clicking on the headers of sections will close that section.
CHARACTER SPECIFICS: Power nerfing, diets, disabilities, etc.
ITEMS: Items characters can come in with, obtain, limitations.
HIATUS, AC, REWARDS: Rules, posting for others, how everything works
MISSION, TEAMS, EVENTS: How mission works, teams,
GAME MECHANICS AND MISC: IC:OOC time, life on the train, items of importance, language and accessibility (electronic, spiritual), etc.
Feel free to CTRL+F to find the answer you're looking for. Clicking on the headers of sections will close that section.
APPLYING
♦ Is there an age limit on players or characters?
Players have to be 16 to play. Potential players should bare in mind that some of the worlds and plot of Voidtrecker may be darker in nature. There is no limit on character ages.
♦ What is the rating then? What are you policies on NSFW and violence or other graphic content?
Generally speaking the game will be PG13. However higher ratings are fine!
NSFW content is fine as long as players involved are over 18, characters over 16, it is locked to the comm, under a cut with appropriate warnings. (Though bare in mind this train has little privacy!)
Any very violent or otherwise graphic threads should likewise be under a cut with the appropriate content warnings.
♦ What kinds of characters does Voidtrecker Express accept?
All kinds! OU (Canon characters), OC's, AU’s (both ‘canon AU’s’ and ‘Fan made AU’s’). CRAU’s are also allowed. Characters from video games with player choices are allowed as long as they have sufficient personality of their own that we can see from how other characters act and in world descriptions (eg Shepard from Mass Effect).
♦ What about OCs from existing worlds??
OC’s from ‘canon’ worlds with build-your-own characters such as D&D, Pathfinder, etc are allowed. We would expect as much personal history and depth of personality as any other DWRP character. Fandom OCs are allowed provided they are not part of the canon story line or know any of the canon characters. If they are an AU (for example you are apping as part of an AU group with an OC made for that AU) then that will be allowed but we ask that you check in with any existing cast so communication is established.
♦ What is the definition of an AU for this game?
An AU would be a character who is placed in a different situation (be that setting, different fork in the road, different body, a what if? etc) in a way that is significant to the character or the story. For application purposes we would be looking for how the changes effect them. How it changes how they interact with their world or how their world interacts with them. They should be recognisable as the original character but also not just an excuse to play a taken OU character.
♦ What about gender-swaps or other changes that don't have big story impact?
They are also fine. We would still want to know how this changes the characters outlook or the way they are perceived. At the very least we would want to see what you are looking to explore with the AU. Why the swap? What questions are you asking/answering about the character or the world or the story? What themes are you exploring? Does this effect things? Why? Why not?
♦ If a CRAU character was from a game that has required humanization/depowering, will they come to the void train in their powerless human form instead of their original form?
CRAU characters would arrive in the form they were in in their previous game.
♦ Your premise speaks of heroes. Does my character have to be heroic?
Nope! The train is not being picky despite calling all those they grab ‘heroes’. Characters who are not traditional heroes, cowards, villains, people who would rather just not~ all are welcome on the Voidtrecker Express.
♦ Can I app a character from a canon point not necessarily shown on screen. For example way in the past or post death?
Yes as long as there is enough canon to extrapolate how the character would be that far in the past (through flashbacks or internal dialogue etc) they can be apped pre-canon. Post death canon points are also allowed. They can be apped after death either in the moment after they die or later on if they canonically are a ghost/other afterlife alternative!
♦ Are casual trans headcanons of canon characters okay, or would the character need to be apped specifically as an AU like a genderswap? Is that different depending on whether they are using the same pronouns as in canon? Does an AU for trans headcanons have to have big theme-reasons or can it be more casual?
Casual trans headcanons of canon characters are fine. In general if the characters pronouns match the ones they use in canon and you deem nothing else to have changed/affected them then they would be ou. If their outlook, experience or story would have changed in any way they would be an AU. It depends on the character and how much being trans would effect them/their story for how much AU explanation there would need to be.
♦ Do you allow duplicates of characters?
Yes! We allow the OU (original universe) version and up to two AU versions of any character in game at one time.
♦ How about an OC version and a CRAU version. Is that allowed?
CRAU and OU would be allowed- though we would want to see some level of development etc that makes the CRAU distinct from their AU counterpart. Because of their close-ness it would be preferable if you spoke to the OU player before hand as well!
♦ Is there a character cap? A cast cap?
There is no character cap on the game on a whole. To start with there will be no cast cap though that will be up for review as the game grows.
♦ How many characters can I app?
At a time: 1. One character per app round per player. In general you can have four characters in game at one time.
♦ Can I app more than one character from one canon?
It depends on the characters. It would be a case by case basis depending on how close they are/how likely they are to interact. We ask that you come and chat to a mod before you app from a cast you are already in so we are all on the same page.
♦ What's the policy on canons without an official English translation, provided there's fanmade translations available?
Provided there are available fanmade translations or you speak the language the canon is in they are allowed. You will need to either link to information in English like a wiki or write up a history for the app.
♦ Is there a grace period between a canon coming out and apping from it and if so, what is it?
We would ask that you wait at least a month between a new canon/part of canon coming out before apping from it. Depending on how popular and big the canon is it is likely you would wish to keep larger spoilers behind cuts and use warnings for a longer period than that.
♦ Can I challenge app?
Nope! If a character is reserved then you must wait until the reserve runs out before you app.
♦ When are reserves and apps open?
Reserves open two weeks before the end of the month and close two days before apps close. Apps are open the last week of every month. For specific dates go here and here.
♦ Is the test drive meme game canon?
In general the events of the test drive meme are not canon. However if you have a thread that could feasibly have happened (so one of the on-train prompts) and both you and the other person agrees then you are welcome to handwave it into happening sometime in your characters first few weeks!
♦ Can I canon update my character?
No. Traditional canon updating is not allowed in Voidtrecker Express so choose your canon point wisely!
We would allow you to play an 'updated' version of your character but they would be starting anew. Your character would leave the train like they had been dropped and the updated character would board without any memories of their time on the train.
♦ I dropped my character but wish to re-app. Can I do so? Will they be able to remember their time on the train?
If a dropped character is returning you can choose whether to start them fresh or bring them in with memories of the train. If they have their memories they must be from the exact same canon point as their first app and will not remember anything from leaving the train to being on the platform once more. They will start with a point count of 3 again but they can have any items or companions they bought previously.
[ back to top ]
Players have to be 16 to play. Potential players should bare in mind that some of the worlds and plot of Voidtrecker may be darker in nature. There is no limit on character ages.
♦ What is the rating then? What are you policies on NSFW and violence or other graphic content?
Generally speaking the game will be PG13. However higher ratings are fine!
NSFW content is fine as long as players involved are over 18, characters over 16, it is locked to the comm, under a cut with appropriate warnings. (Though bare in mind this train has little privacy!)
Any very violent or otherwise graphic threads should likewise be under a cut with the appropriate content warnings.
♦ What kinds of characters does Voidtrecker Express accept?
All kinds! OU (Canon characters), OC's, AU’s (both ‘canon AU’s’ and ‘Fan made AU’s’). CRAU’s are also allowed. Characters from video games with player choices are allowed as long as they have sufficient personality of their own that we can see from how other characters act and in world descriptions (eg Shepard from Mass Effect).
♦ What about OCs from existing worlds??
OC’s from ‘canon’ worlds with build-your-own characters such as D&D, Pathfinder, etc are allowed. We would expect as much personal history and depth of personality as any other DWRP character. Fandom OCs are allowed provided they are not part of the canon story line or know any of the canon characters. If they are an AU (for example you are apping as part of an AU group with an OC made for that AU) then that will be allowed but we ask that you check in with any existing cast so communication is established.
♦ What is the definition of an AU for this game?
An AU would be a character who is placed in a different situation (be that setting, different fork in the road, different body, a what if? etc) in a way that is significant to the character or the story. For application purposes we would be looking for how the changes effect them. How it changes how they interact with their world or how their world interacts with them. They should be recognisable as the original character but also not just an excuse to play a taken OU character.
♦ What about gender-swaps or other changes that don't have big story impact?
They are also fine. We would still want to know how this changes the characters outlook or the way they are perceived. At the very least we would want to see what you are looking to explore with the AU. Why the swap? What questions are you asking/answering about the character or the world or the story? What themes are you exploring? Does this effect things? Why? Why not?
♦ If a CRAU character was from a game that has required humanization/depowering, will they come to the void train in their powerless human form instead of their original form?
CRAU characters would arrive in the form they were in in their previous game.
♦ Your premise speaks of heroes. Does my character have to be heroic?
Nope! The train is not being picky despite calling all those they grab ‘heroes’. Characters who are not traditional heroes, cowards, villains, people who would rather just not~ all are welcome on the Voidtrecker Express.
♦ Can I app a character from a canon point not necessarily shown on screen. For example way in the past or post death?
Yes as long as there is enough canon to extrapolate how the character would be that far in the past (through flashbacks or internal dialogue etc) they can be apped pre-canon. Post death canon points are also allowed. They can be apped after death either in the moment after they die or later on if they canonically are a ghost/other afterlife alternative!
♦ Are casual trans headcanons of canon characters okay, or would the character need to be apped specifically as an AU like a genderswap? Is that different depending on whether they are using the same pronouns as in canon? Does an AU for trans headcanons have to have big theme-reasons or can it be more casual?
Casual trans headcanons of canon characters are fine. In general if the characters pronouns match the ones they use in canon and you deem nothing else to have changed/affected them then they would be ou. If their outlook, experience or story would have changed in any way they would be an AU. It depends on the character and how much being trans would effect them/their story for how much AU explanation there would need to be.
♦ Do you allow duplicates of characters?
Yes! We allow the OU (original universe) version and up to two AU versions of any character in game at one time.
♦ How about an OC version and a CRAU version. Is that allowed?
CRAU and OU would be allowed- though we would want to see some level of development etc that makes the CRAU distinct from their AU counterpart. Because of their close-ness it would be preferable if you spoke to the OU player before hand as well!
♦ Is there a character cap? A cast cap?
There is no character cap on the game on a whole. To start with there will be no cast cap though that will be up for review as the game grows.
♦ How many characters can I app?
At a time: 1. One character per app round per player. In general you can have four characters in game at one time.
♦ Can I app more than one character from one canon?
It depends on the characters. It would be a case by case basis depending on how close they are/how likely they are to interact. We ask that you come and chat to a mod before you app from a cast you are already in so we are all on the same page.
♦ What's the policy on canons without an official English translation, provided there's fanmade translations available?
Provided there are available fanmade translations or you speak the language the canon is in they are allowed. You will need to either link to information in English like a wiki or write up a history for the app.
♦ Is there a grace period between a canon coming out and apping from it and if so, what is it?
We would ask that you wait at least a month between a new canon/part of canon coming out before apping from it. Depending on how popular and big the canon is it is likely you would wish to keep larger spoilers behind cuts and use warnings for a longer period than that.
♦ Can I challenge app?
Nope! If a character is reserved then you must wait until the reserve runs out before you app.
♦ When are reserves and apps open?
Reserves open two weeks before the end of the month and close two days before apps close. Apps are open the last week of every month. For specific dates go here and here.
♦ Is the test drive meme game canon?
In general the events of the test drive meme are not canon. However if you have a thread that could feasibly have happened (so one of the on-train prompts) and both you and the other person agrees then you are welcome to handwave it into happening sometime in your characters first few weeks!
♦ Can I canon update my character?
No. Traditional canon updating is not allowed in Voidtrecker Express so choose your canon point wisely!
We would allow you to play an 'updated' version of your character but they would be starting anew. Your character would leave the train like they had been dropped and the updated character would board without any memories of their time on the train.
♦ I dropped my character but wish to re-app. Can I do so? Will they be able to remember their time on the train?
If a dropped character is returning you can choose whether to start them fresh or bring them in with memories of the train. If they have their memories they must be from the exact same canon point as their first app and will not remember anything from leaving the train to being on the platform once more. They will start with a point count of 3 again but they can have any items or companions they bought previously.
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CHARACTER SPECIFICS
♦ Does this game nerf powers?
Characters can keep their powers on board the Voidtrecker Express. There are some exceptions: Characters that have any ability to travel between worlds cannot do so here; characters with shifting abilities in general will find that while they can shift around inside the train they cannot get out. Likewise a super strong character can wreck the inside of the train as much as they like but the outer doors and windows seem unbreakable. Some worlds may limit characters powers but that will be detailed in the event posts.
♦ If a character's powers are linked to an external source, or require recharging from that source, is there a way to actively recharge magic available?
It would depend on the source. In general if it is something super specific to the world there isn't going to be a way to recharge it (for example if they have to go to a sacred mountain once a month or something). If it's smaller it could be their item. If it is linked to a source like a god then they could have their magic on the train.
We would work with you to make them as playable as possible, so it would depend on the specifics of the character and canon! Please come and chat to us about specifics!
♦ Do non-humanoids change shape/receive a human body? Do they receive clothes?
Non-humanoid characters will not be changed. The only change that may be done to any character is if they are too tall to fit in a train carriage. So such characters will be brought down to this height to continue to enjoy the experience of awkwardly getting through doors and the such. Characters would receive clothes suitable to them. For example a dog character would find a dog jumper in their team colour.
♦ My character would have trouble accessing this setting because of a disability. Anything you can do??
Yep it is a magical train. It can make itself accessible. Please just note down what your character would struggle with in your app and we will let you know how the train modifies to accommodate them.
♦ What if my character needs something to live? Do I have to forgo their item?
If a character needs something to live, or it is medically important to them they will be able to bring that item and another item from home. So a wheelchair, a pair of glasses or an item that houses their soul would all be something they could bring and it not take the place of their one item.
Any medications will be provided for them in the medical carriage. If they have a life threatening disease that cannot be cured, it will be 'paused'; their SCA will exceptionally slow the progression of the disease. So while they have not made a recovery, they will not suffer a deterioration on the train.
♦ What if that 'item' is a body my character is housed in?
Yes that is alright too. If they are in a specific body in canon they will continue to be in it when they come to the train. If they are some sort of AI without a 'body' they will find themselves in a very simple robotic form.
♦ How about zombies, vampires or other characters with specific diets?
Any characters with specific diets will be granted said foods/drink on the train. This will be stored discreetly in the kitchens and labelled with their name.
♦ My character can't be in sunlight/My character's form normally can't manifest for long/Some other more supernatural reason why existing is hard. What can be done?
Their SCA will keep them safe. Trust in it. Characters with existences that are limited like this will want to wear their SCA all the time. Even on the train and will still feel pretty uncomfortable if facing situations that would normally kill or seriously harm them (such as a vampire in sunlight).
♦ My character died/was badly injured at canon point. Are they injured on arrival?
They will be stabilised so that they will not die and will be able to recover from their injuries. Past that it is up to the player how much you wish them to be injured when they arrived. They can be fully healed if you wish or still suffering from injuries. They will be cleaned up and in their train uniform clothes.
[ back to top ]
Characters can keep their powers on board the Voidtrecker Express. There are some exceptions: Characters that have any ability to travel between worlds cannot do so here; characters with shifting abilities in general will find that while they can shift around inside the train they cannot get out. Likewise a super strong character can wreck the inside of the train as much as they like but the outer doors and windows seem unbreakable. Some worlds may limit characters powers but that will be detailed in the event posts.
♦ If a character's powers are linked to an external source, or require recharging from that source, is there a way to actively recharge magic available?
It would depend on the source. In general if it is something super specific to the world there isn't going to be a way to recharge it (for example if they have to go to a sacred mountain once a month or something). If it's smaller it could be their item. If it is linked to a source like a god then they could have their magic on the train.
We would work with you to make them as playable as possible, so it would depend on the specifics of the character and canon! Please come and chat to us about specifics!
♦ Do non-humanoids change shape/receive a human body? Do they receive clothes?
Non-humanoid characters will not be changed. The only change that may be done to any character is if they are too tall to fit in a train carriage. So such characters will be brought down to this height to continue to enjoy the experience of awkwardly getting through doors and the such. Characters would receive clothes suitable to them. For example a dog character would find a dog jumper in their team colour.
♦ My character would have trouble accessing this setting because of a disability. Anything you can do??
Yep it is a magical train. It can make itself accessible. Please just note down what your character would struggle with in your app and we will let you know how the train modifies to accommodate them.
♦ What if my character needs something to live? Do I have to forgo their item?
If a character needs something to live, or it is medically important to them they will be able to bring that item and another item from home. So a wheelchair, a pair of glasses or an item that houses their soul would all be something they could bring and it not take the place of their one item.
Any medications will be provided for them in the medical carriage. If they have a life threatening disease that cannot be cured, it will be 'paused'; their SCA will exceptionally slow the progression of the disease. So while they have not made a recovery, they will not suffer a deterioration on the train.
♦ What if that 'item' is a body my character is housed in?
Yes that is alright too. If they are in a specific body in canon they will continue to be in it when they come to the train. If they are some sort of AI without a 'body' they will find themselves in a very simple robotic form.
♦ How about zombies, vampires or other characters with specific diets?
Any characters with specific diets will be granted said foods/drink on the train. This will be stored discreetly in the kitchens and labelled with their name.
♦ My character can't be in sunlight/My character's form normally can't manifest for long/Some other more supernatural reason why existing is hard. What can be done?
Their SCA will keep them safe. Trust in it. Characters with existences that are limited like this will want to wear their SCA all the time. Even on the train and will still feel pretty uncomfortable if facing situations that would normally kill or seriously harm them (such as a vampire in sunlight).
♦ My character died/was badly injured at canon point. Are they injured on arrival?
They will be stabilised so that they will not die and will be able to recover from their injuries. Past that it is up to the player how much you wish them to be injured when they arrived. They can be fully healed if you wish or still suffering from injuries. They will be cleaned up and in their train uniform clothes.
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ITEMS
♦ Can my character bring things from home? How about pets?
Characters arrive with a rucksack containing the clothes and items they will need for their journey. None of this is what they owned before but instead a standard set of kit. For more information go here!
However characters will find in their rucksack one item of their own. This can be anything as long as it feasibly fits inside a rucksack alongside the other items. Alternatively if a character has a pet or animal companion they would want instead they will find them next to them/on their person. This animal can be any size, provided they fit within the train and are not a mount, and must not be an app-able character in their own right!
♦ What if items are linked/not workable without two components?
If there is a pair or set of items that need to be together they can be brought as the starting item. For example bow and arrows. Or a gun with a (not ridiculous) amount of ammo.
♦ What about clothes? Do they need to wear the train clothes
Yes characters arrive in the uniform and that is all they will have in their rucksack. You may have a (non bulky) outfit as their one item if you wish. Otherwise there are options on the shop to buy clothes later down the line.
♦ What about jewellery, will that come with characters?
No characters would have to either have a piece of jewellery as their item from home or buy it back from the train shop.
♦ When you say animal companions must not be an app-able companion what exactly do you mean?
An 'appable' animal character would be one who either is the star or a character in their own canon (as a basic example, Scooby Doo) or a companion who can generally get around/communicate with others in a meaningful way. If a creature can get things done without any help from their person they would not be able to be a pet companion. The only exception to this would be a creature that was part of a characters soul/lived inside them and could manifest etc. If in doubt come chat to us and run it past us first!
♦ Can companions be non-organic non-animal companions like robots?
Yes robots and other non-organic beings can be a characters starter companion as long as they meet size requirements and are not app-able characters.
♦ My character can access hammerspace/has an armiger etc. How will that work?
If summoning a weapon/item or accessing hammerspace is part of a characters powers and items or weapons are tied into their soul/self (such as a Kingdom Hearts characters keyblade or Noctis' armger ability in Final Fantasy XV) then it will be function-able and will not count as their starter item. If a character has a bag of holding etc then they will not have that item on arrival unless it is their starter item. If not they will be able to regain it through Team Points later into the game.
Any character with any kind of hammerspace type ability will find that this gives them access to up to five items that they had in that space before the train. The space isn't limited outside that so they can put as much into it as they could before but these would have to be items they have collected on the train and worlds they have visited.
♦ When buying items in the shop do they need to be owned by the character? Do they need to exist at their canon point
As long as the character knows where the item is/was then it doesn't have to be theirs. Items can be bought from a previous canon point (for example if it is destroyed in their canon point). However items that are very secretive, hard to get to or have been used or destroyed because of major plot points would not be buy-able. So for example your character could buy their old diary that no longer is in their possession, they couldn't buy the One Ring.
[ back to top ]
Characters arrive with a rucksack containing the clothes and items they will need for their journey. None of this is what they owned before but instead a standard set of kit. For more information go here!
However characters will find in their rucksack one item of their own. This can be anything as long as it feasibly fits inside a rucksack alongside the other items. Alternatively if a character has a pet or animal companion they would want instead they will find them next to them/on their person. This animal can be any size, provided they fit within the train and are not a mount, and must not be an app-able character in their own right!
♦ What if items are linked/not workable without two components?
If there is a pair or set of items that need to be together they can be brought as the starting item. For example bow and arrows. Or a gun with a (not ridiculous) amount of ammo.
♦ What about clothes? Do they need to wear the train clothes
Yes characters arrive in the uniform and that is all they will have in their rucksack. You may have a (non bulky) outfit as their one item if you wish. Otherwise there are options on the shop to buy clothes later down the line.
♦ What about jewellery, will that come with characters?
No characters would have to either have a piece of jewellery as their item from home or buy it back from the train shop.
♦ When you say animal companions must not be an app-able companion what exactly do you mean?
An 'appable' animal character would be one who either is the star or a character in their own canon (as a basic example, Scooby Doo) or a companion who can generally get around/communicate with others in a meaningful way. If a creature can get things done without any help from their person they would not be able to be a pet companion. The only exception to this would be a creature that was part of a characters soul/lived inside them and could manifest etc. If in doubt come chat to us and run it past us first!
♦ Can companions be non-organic non-animal companions like robots?
Yes robots and other non-organic beings can be a characters starter companion as long as they meet size requirements and are not app-able characters.
♦ My character can access hammerspace/has an armiger etc. How will that work?
If summoning a weapon/item or accessing hammerspace is part of a characters powers and items or weapons are tied into their soul/self (such as a Kingdom Hearts characters keyblade or Noctis' armger ability in Final Fantasy XV) then it will be function-able and will not count as their starter item. If a character has a bag of holding etc then they will not have that item on arrival unless it is their starter item. If not they will be able to regain it through Team Points later into the game.
Any character with any kind of hammerspace type ability will find that this gives them access to up to five items that they had in that space before the train. The space isn't limited outside that so they can put as much into it as they could before but these would have to be items they have collected on the train and worlds they have visited.
♦ When buying items in the shop do they need to be owned by the character? Do they need to exist at their canon point
As long as the character knows where the item is/was then it doesn't have to be theirs. Items can be bought from a previous canon point (for example if it is destroyed in their canon point). However items that are very secretive, hard to get to or have been used or destroyed because of major plot points would not be buy-able. So for example your character could buy their old diary that no longer is in their possession, they couldn't buy the One Ring.
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AC, HIATUS, AND REWARDS
♦ What is AC?
To pass AC you need two proofs. These proofs must be a thread of five comments from yourself. They can be any mix of logs and network.
♦ Do I do AC in my first month?
AC and apps run on the same week of the month. Obviously if you app and are accepted in that week then all you need to do is make sure your housekeeping (taken, contact and passenger roster) tasks are up to date.
If you joined the app round before and have IC-ly been on the train since the 1st of the month then you should do AC as normal.
♦ What about the Test Drive Meme? Does that count towards AC?
No, unfortunately the test drive meme doesn't count towards AC. If a thread is adopted into game canon but continued in the TDM post, the following may apply:
♦ Does the thread have to have been started in the current month to count towards AC?
For AC only the comments have to be from the same month. So, for example, a September thread can be used in October AC as long as five of the comments from you are from October. Obviously this cannot be a thread that was used for September's AC.
♦ Can I post AC for someone else?
In the case of an emergency when the person has the AC but cannot physically post it on time someone else may submit that AC for them. The person must confirm that AC by responding to the comment or speaking to a mod by the end of the calendar month.
♦ Do you have AC rewards?
Yes we do! We have Team Points and they can be earned both during missions and on the train.
~ Characters get 3 Team Points on joining
~ If you successfully pass AC without ending up on the warned list you get 5 Team Points!
~ Characters that help out doing chores on the train earn a Team Point that month (this can be hand waved, it is a question on AC)
~ If your character takes part in a mission they earn 5 Team Points
~ Mission goals have Team Point awards. Event posts will ask for threads of ten comments where mission goals are being worked towards. You will earn 10 Team Points per thread.
~ At the start of every IC month (every two OOC months) there will be ‘thought of the month’ which will be linked to an ooc ‘roleplay challenge’ which will earn you team points (eg thread with new cr).
Team Points are calculated by mods and will be announced both OOC and update on character tickets and the roster on ‘station’ days (new character intro time).
♦ For the bonus challenges- can threads submitted for normal AC or as mission rewards also be submitted for bonus challenges if they meet the challenge?
Yes as long as they meet the challenge they can be used. For example if the challenge was 'thread with new cr' and you had a thread with someone you had not threaded with before, on a mission and it had surpassed 10 comments that thread would be eligible for mission awards and the bonus challenge. It could also be used as AC if you wished.
♦ Is there a minimum tag count for Bonus challenge threads?
Short threads can be used for the bonus challenges as long as the challenge doesn't involve getting a thread to a certain number of comments (i.e threads of 15 comments to earn points). However what we don't want to see if people tagging a bunch of threads to get the bonus points (for new cr or tagging into threads etc) and then dropping them within a few comments.
As long as you have made an honest attempt at a thread- especially if you are not the one who has dropped the thread or the other player has left the game then they are fine to turn in for bonus points.
♦ Do characters have inboxes on their journals? How does that work with AC?
Due to the nature of the network characters won't have traditional inboxes. You are indeed welcome to have an interaction post on your journal for smaller character interactions you don't want to put a full log up for. For example short roommate conversations.
These will be considered part of game canon and can be used towards AC. However it is expected that the majority of your AC will come from threads on the game boards.
♦ What if I can't make AC this month?
If you don't have the required comments to pass, you are able to take a strike on AC. In doing so, the next month will require full AC for the characters you've had a strike against. You cannot strike for two months in a row.
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To pass AC you need two proofs. These proofs must be a thread of five comments from yourself. They can be any mix of logs and network.
♦ Do I do AC in my first month?
AC and apps run on the same week of the month. Obviously if you app and are accepted in that week then all you need to do is make sure your housekeeping (taken, contact and passenger roster) tasks are up to date.
If you joined the app round before and have IC-ly been on the train since the 1st of the month then you should do AC as normal.
♦ What about the Test Drive Meme? Does that count towards AC?
No, unfortunately the test drive meme doesn't count towards AC. If a thread is adopted into game canon but continued in the TDM post, the following may apply:
♦ Does the thread have to have been started in the current month to count towards AC?
For AC only the comments have to be from the same month. So, for example, a September thread can be used in October AC as long as five of the comments from you are from October. Obviously this cannot be a thread that was used for September's AC.
♦ Can I post AC for someone else?
In the case of an emergency when the person has the AC but cannot physically post it on time someone else may submit that AC for them. The person must confirm that AC by responding to the comment or speaking to a mod by the end of the calendar month.
♦ Do you have AC rewards?
Yes we do! We have Team Points and they can be earned both during missions and on the train.
~ Characters get 3 Team Points on joining
~ If you successfully pass AC without ending up on the warned list you get 5 Team Points!
~ Characters that help out doing chores on the train earn a Team Point that month (this can be hand waved, it is a question on AC)
~ If your character takes part in a mission they earn 5 Team Points
~ Mission goals have Team Point awards. Event posts will ask for threads of ten comments where mission goals are being worked towards. You will earn 10 Team Points per thread.
~ At the start of every IC month (every two OOC months) there will be ‘thought of the month’ which will be linked to an ooc ‘roleplay challenge’ which will earn you team points (eg thread with new cr).
Team Points are calculated by mods and will be announced both OOC and update on character tickets and the roster on ‘station’ days (new character intro time).
♦ For the bonus challenges- can threads submitted for normal AC or as mission rewards also be submitted for bonus challenges if they meet the challenge?
Yes as long as they meet the challenge they can be used. For example if the challenge was 'thread with new cr' and you had a thread with someone you had not threaded with before, on a mission and it had surpassed 10 comments that thread would be eligible for mission awards and the bonus challenge. It could also be used as AC if you wished.
♦ Is there a minimum tag count for Bonus challenge threads?
Short threads can be used for the bonus challenges as long as the challenge doesn't involve getting a thread to a certain number of comments (i.e threads of 15 comments to earn points). However what we don't want to see if people tagging a bunch of threads to get the bonus points (for new cr or tagging into threads etc) and then dropping them within a few comments.
As long as you have made an honest attempt at a thread- especially if you are not the one who has dropped the thread or the other player has left the game then they are fine to turn in for bonus points.
♦ Do characters have inboxes on their journals? How does that work with AC?
Due to the nature of the network characters won't have traditional inboxes. You are indeed welcome to have an interaction post on your journal for smaller character interactions you don't want to put a full log up for. For example short roommate conversations.
These will be considered part of game canon and can be used towards AC. However it is expected that the majority of your AC will come from threads on the game boards.
♦ What if I can't make AC this month?
If you don't have the required comments to pass, you are able to take a strike on AC. In doing so, the next month will require full AC for the characters you've had a strike against. You cannot strike for two months in a row.
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MISSIONS, TEAMS, AND EVENTS
♦ How do events work?
Here in Voidtrecker Express we have two types of events running alternatively on an OOC monthly basis.
Month 1~ A mission based event. The train will end up somewhere and characters will be given their mission. World events last between 1 and 2 ooc weeks and have more than one part. Check out our mission guide for more information.
Month 2~ A general event. These are shorter/smaller in scale. They might be more slice of life based events, the DWRP staples, player plots or events that hint at the meta plot.
♦ Wait! What are these teams anyways?
When you app to Voidtrecker Express your character will be assigned a colour (one of blue, orange, red or purple). This is their team. Their clothes, sleeping bag, Safety Control Apparatus strap, etc will be in this colour. Mission briefs will split missions into four tasks, each assigned to a team.
♦ What are Team Points Spent on?
There is an on board shop. It is ever expanding so there is plenty to spend those points on! The team with the most points each IC month will also get a reward! (It will be really dumb, don’t get too excited :P)
♦ Does my character have to do the mission assigned to their team? What if I think they would be better at something else?
That’s fine! The missions are assigned to the teams but there is no IC enforcement of this so if they believe they are better doing something else (or nothing at all!) they are welcome. Bear in mind there will be consequences if parts of the mission end up not being done by anyone at all.
♦ Can my character switch teams?
Not usually. However it might be that character development leads into a character switching from one team to another.
In general purple team deal with general hero things- fighting monsters, helping people, saving the day. Red team tend to have a goal they have to complete- taking down a target, reaching a place, etc. Blue team tend to do more protective missions focussing on the people who live on the worlds they visit. Orange often investigate or deal with any technology or strange magic.
Because of how teams are chosen it might be that the tasks given are not quite suited to the character- that wouldn't mean a team change (they can do whatever missions they wish). However if a character has developed enough that you feel they fit another team better please come and speak to the mods- it won't always be granted but we will always hear you out!
[ back to top ]
Here in Voidtrecker Express we have two types of events running alternatively on an OOC monthly basis.
Month 1~ A mission based event. The train will end up somewhere and characters will be given their mission. World events last between 1 and 2 ooc weeks and have more than one part. Check out our mission guide for more information.
Month 2~ A general event. These are shorter/smaller in scale. They might be more slice of life based events, the DWRP staples, player plots or events that hint at the meta plot.
♦ Wait! What are these teams anyways?
When you app to Voidtrecker Express your character will be assigned a colour (one of blue, orange, red or purple). This is their team. Their clothes, sleeping bag, Safety Control Apparatus strap, etc will be in this colour. Mission briefs will split missions into four tasks, each assigned to a team.
♦ What are Team Points Spent on?
There is an on board shop. It is ever expanding so there is plenty to spend those points on! The team with the most points each IC month will also get a reward! (It will be really dumb, don’t get too excited :P)
♦ Does my character have to do the mission assigned to their team? What if I think they would be better at something else?
That’s fine! The missions are assigned to the teams but there is no IC enforcement of this so if they believe they are better doing something else (or nothing at all!) they are welcome. Bear in mind there will be consequences if parts of the mission end up not being done by anyone at all.
♦ Can my character switch teams?
Not usually. However it might be that character development leads into a character switching from one team to another.
In general purple team deal with general hero things- fighting monsters, helping people, saving the day. Red team tend to have a goal they have to complete- taking down a target, reaching a place, etc. Blue team tend to do more protective missions focussing on the people who live on the worlds they visit. Orange often investigate or deal with any technology or strange magic.
Because of how teams are chosen it might be that the tasks given are not quite suited to the character- that wouldn't mean a team change (they can do whatever missions they wish). However if a character has developed enough that you feel they fit another team better please come and speak to the mods- it won't always be granted but we will always hear you out!
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GAME MECHANICS AND OTHER MATTERS
♦ What timescale is this game?
Voidtrecker Express runs in 2:1 time. That means for every 2 days that pass out of character 1 day has passed in character. Here is a calendar to help you keep track!
♦ What's the deal with the passenger roster?
The passenger roster is an IC list of passengers on the train. If the name is in gold it means the character has either dropped or is on a disappeared hiatus. You will notice that some of the names are not the names you may know the characters are. This name is also the name on their rucksack, ticket and belongings as well as the name shown outside their cabin.
The train uses characters full, true names. Even if they may go by something else or a nickname.
There are some exceptions to this. The most obvious being trans characters who will have their true name that is theirs now, even if it is not the name they have used their whole lives- the mechanic is there to rumble secret identities not to dead name people. Likewise if a characters name has changed because of important events in their past (a spiritual awakening, a people who take on a new name at adulthood, other similar reason) then it will be the current name that is theirs and true that will be used. If you are unsure for your character just come and chat to a mod.
♦ Can I pick my character's living arrangements?
Characters will be sorted into a cabin initially by mods, however players may ask for a room change if the arrangement doesn't work for OOC reasons. Characters can also ask for a room change themselves though it won't always be granted.
There are double carriages on board, characters can apply to move into them if they are over 16 and have been on the train 3 IC (6 OOC) months. More information on that is here. These applications will be granted as long as the conditions are met.
♦ Does my character age and grow?
Yes, but please remember the time difference (1 IC:2 00C Days). So birthdays will take 2 OOC years to reach!
♦ How do characters understand each other/the people in the worlds they visit?
I have a magical train that travels through reality itself! In other word, the train allows communication inside it and the Safety Control Apparatus allows understanding off the train.
♦ For characters who are fluent in multiple languages, when someone is speaking their secondary/non-native language in the train/etc, does the autotranslate kick in and "translate" it to their native language anyway, or do they hear their other language?
If they are fluent they will hear it as the correct language. Other languages will get translated into whatever language they are most comfortable with.
They probably won't get much of a sense of separation between things they are hearing between languages they know and translated languages unless they are really concentrating.
♦ SCA? ICP? What do these terms mean?
SCA is Safety and Control Apparatus. ICP is Information and Communication Points (our network). To read more about them go here
♦ What is this I hear about mandatory sleep? What's the deal with time?
Time in the void is weird and doesn't seem to follow a 24 hour clock at all. Instead as explained in gameplay there is 12 hours of 'light' and 9 hours of 'dark'. After 9 hours of darkness characters find themselves 'waking' in their bed, no matter where they were before. To them it feels as if no time has past. This affects characters who do not sleep and do not need to sleep.
Through IC discoveries characters have discovered that this 'missing time' is about 6 hours. It doesn't affect sleep patterns (for example it doesn't mess up nocturnal creatures) and those who do need to sleep will still feel unrested and tired if they are pushing themselves through the entire 9 hours of darkness.
♦ My character doesn't need to sleep! Are they still forced to?
Though it doesn't feel to them like 'sleep' they will still find themselves waking in their bed, no matter where they were at the moment before the reset. It will not cause them any harm or issues if they do not usually sleep, cannot sleep or should not sleep.
♦ Is that a dreamless sleep? Or do characters dream/have nightmares in the time between passing out wherever and waking up in their bed?
Characters who normally dream/have nightmares will seem to in that time between passing out and waking up.
♦ Can a character hand their ticket to another person for ICP use and cabin entry?
Yes they can hand their ticket to someone else who would then be able to access their part of the ICP (training saves etc) and their room. However whichever room you sleep in you will still end up in your own bed at morning announcement regardless of who's ticket you hold.
♦ Are the tickets destructible and are there any immediate consequences to destroying a ticket? Is there any way to get a new ticket?
It takes quite a bit of destruction-its pretty impossible to destroy them by accident but if one was really trying it is possible.
Without a ticket they can not access their cabin (though they will wake up there each morning still). They cannot use the icp or the shop. There would be trouble if there were to be another ticket inspection.
A passenger who managed to destroy their ticket would be re-issued one on the next train platform (it would just appear when new arrivals did)
♦ Can my character wreck things inside the train? What are the consequences for property damage?
The outer walls of the train are not able to be damaged, nor can the engine room. However inside the train things can be wrecked as much as characters wish. Any major damage will be repaired on platform days. Please let us know about any damage.
♦ Can characters learn abilities from other canons?
If the characters are compatible and it doesn't require any outside force to do so (the powers aren't granted by a god/high power or require specific things or requires someone to have inborn magic etc) then characters can teach each other magic.
♦ My character can plug into networks/is able to access networks and computers. Can I hack the ICPs?
Not very deeply. If your character has tech that can interface with computers they will be able to hook it up to the SCA to be able to use the comms remotely in missions. Depending on how they can access technology and what kind of technology they use they may be able to access parts of the ICPs. Let us know here if your character is trying to tinker with things!
♦ My character has a spiritual/mental bond to another character not in game. What happens to that bond?
Mental bonds are not broken on arrival! The bond will still be there, just muted. So characters wouldn't be able to sense anything more specific than if their bonded person/creature is alive and the bond is still intact. Communication won't be possible. If one part of a bonded pair leaves the train the other will feel the bond dim but not break or vanish.
♦ I see that the game has a Discord! Is it open to prospective players?
Yes you can jump in and say hi if you wish!
♦ I thought of a better journal name. Can I switch?
Yes. Just remember to join all the communities and friend the modjournal with your new journal. Please also reply to the taken page again so we can switch out the journal, permissions and hmds to reflect your new username.
♦ So this game has been running a while... Do you have a guide to the plot?
Yes we do! Don't worry if that all seems a lot, you don't need to know it to play!
♦ How do characters arrive? What does it look like when a character drops? How about hiatus? I have more questions about day to day life!
Check out Gameplay which sets out a lot of the information you need to jump into the game. If you still have questions just ask them below or come and speak to one of the mods!
[ back to top ]
Voidtrecker Express runs in 2:1 time. That means for every 2 days that pass out of character 1 day has passed in character. Here is a calendar to help you keep track!
♦ What's the deal with the passenger roster?
The passenger roster is an IC list of passengers on the train. If the name is in gold it means the character has either dropped or is on a disappeared hiatus. You will notice that some of the names are not the names you may know the characters are. This name is also the name on their rucksack, ticket and belongings as well as the name shown outside their cabin.
The train uses characters full, true names. Even if they may go by something else or a nickname.
There are some exceptions to this. The most obvious being trans characters who will have their true name that is theirs now, even if it is not the name they have used their whole lives- the mechanic is there to rumble secret identities not to dead name people. Likewise if a characters name has changed because of important events in their past (a spiritual awakening, a people who take on a new name at adulthood, other similar reason) then it will be the current name that is theirs and true that will be used. If you are unsure for your character just come and chat to a mod.
♦ Can I pick my character's living arrangements?
Characters will be sorted into a cabin initially by mods, however players may ask for a room change if the arrangement doesn't work for OOC reasons. Characters can also ask for a room change themselves though it won't always be granted.
There are double carriages on board, characters can apply to move into them if they are over 16 and have been on the train 3 IC (6 OOC) months. More information on that is here. These applications will be granted as long as the conditions are met.
♦ Does my character age and grow?
Yes, but please remember the time difference (1 IC:2 00C Days). So birthdays will take 2 OOC years to reach!
♦ How do characters understand each other/the people in the worlds they visit?
I have a magical train that travels through reality itself! In other word, the train allows communication inside it and the Safety Control Apparatus allows understanding off the train.
♦ For characters who are fluent in multiple languages, when someone is speaking their secondary/non-native language in the train/etc, does the autotranslate kick in and "translate" it to their native language anyway, or do they hear their other language?
If they are fluent they will hear it as the correct language. Other languages will get translated into whatever language they are most comfortable with.
They probably won't get much of a sense of separation between things they are hearing between languages they know and translated languages unless they are really concentrating.
♦ SCA? ICP? What do these terms mean?
SCA is Safety and Control Apparatus. ICP is Information and Communication Points (our network). To read more about them go here
♦ What is this I hear about mandatory sleep? What's the deal with time?
Time in the void is weird and doesn't seem to follow a 24 hour clock at all. Instead as explained in gameplay there is 12 hours of 'light' and 9 hours of 'dark'. After 9 hours of darkness characters find themselves 'waking' in their bed, no matter where they were before. To them it feels as if no time has past. This affects characters who do not sleep and do not need to sleep.
Through IC discoveries characters have discovered that this 'missing time' is about 6 hours. It doesn't affect sleep patterns (for example it doesn't mess up nocturnal creatures) and those who do need to sleep will still feel unrested and tired if they are pushing themselves through the entire 9 hours of darkness.
♦ My character doesn't need to sleep! Are they still forced to?
Though it doesn't feel to them like 'sleep' they will still find themselves waking in their bed, no matter where they were at the moment before the reset. It will not cause them any harm or issues if they do not usually sleep, cannot sleep or should not sleep.
♦ Is that a dreamless sleep? Or do characters dream/have nightmares in the time between passing out wherever and waking up in their bed?
Characters who normally dream/have nightmares will seem to in that time between passing out and waking up.
♦ Can a character hand their ticket to another person for ICP use and cabin entry?
Yes they can hand their ticket to someone else who would then be able to access their part of the ICP (training saves etc) and their room. However whichever room you sleep in you will still end up in your own bed at morning announcement regardless of who's ticket you hold.
♦ Are the tickets destructible and are there any immediate consequences to destroying a ticket? Is there any way to get a new ticket?
It takes quite a bit of destruction-its pretty impossible to destroy them by accident but if one was really trying it is possible.
Without a ticket they can not access their cabin (though they will wake up there each morning still). They cannot use the icp or the shop. There would be trouble if there were to be another ticket inspection.
A passenger who managed to destroy their ticket would be re-issued one on the next train platform (it would just appear when new arrivals did)
♦ Can my character wreck things inside the train? What are the consequences for property damage?
The outer walls of the train are not able to be damaged, nor can the engine room. However inside the train things can be wrecked as much as characters wish. Any major damage will be repaired on platform days. Please let us know about any damage.
♦ Can characters learn abilities from other canons?
If the characters are compatible and it doesn't require any outside force to do so (the powers aren't granted by a god/high power or require specific things or requires someone to have inborn magic etc) then characters can teach each other magic.
♦ My character can plug into networks/is able to access networks and computers. Can I hack the ICPs?
Not very deeply. If your character has tech that can interface with computers they will be able to hook it up to the SCA to be able to use the comms remotely in missions. Depending on how they can access technology and what kind of technology they use they may be able to access parts of the ICPs. Let us know here if your character is trying to tinker with things!
♦ My character has a spiritual/mental bond to another character not in game. What happens to that bond?
Mental bonds are not broken on arrival! The bond will still be there, just muted. So characters wouldn't be able to sense anything more specific than if their bonded person/creature is alive and the bond is still intact. Communication won't be possible. If one part of a bonded pair leaves the train the other will feel the bond dim but not break or vanish.
♦ I see that the game has a Discord! Is it open to prospective players?
Yes you can jump in and say hi if you wish!
♦ I thought of a better journal name. Can I switch?
Yes. Just remember to join all the communities and friend the modjournal with your new journal. Please also reply to the taken page again so we can switch out the journal, permissions and hmds to reflect your new username.
♦ So this game has been running a while... Do you have a guide to the plot?
Yes we do! Don't worry if that all seems a lot, you don't need to know it to play!
♦ How do characters arrive? What does it look like when a character drops? How about hiatus? I have more questions about day to day life!
Check out Gameplay which sets out a lot of the information you need to jump into the game. If you still have questions just ask them below or come and speak to one of the mods!
[ back to top ]