Frequently Asked Questions

This is a list of some frequently asked questions. We'll endeavour to expand this section to include all those little details that you might need to know. If you have something you'd like to suggest for this page, email the webmaster.

How do I send a message to the list?
What do OOC, NPC, and other abbreviations mean?
How do I submit a character, and when will I know it's approved?
How many characters can I play?
How should I write subject lines?
How long should my posts be?
What are those little bios at the bottom of posts, and do I need to use them?

 

How do I send a message to the list?

To send a message to the list, simply use this email address nw_shadows@yahoogroups.com.

What do RPG, OOC, NPC, and other abbreviations mean?

RPG - Role-Playing Game
OOC - Out Of Character post. These off-topic posts can be questions to the list about issues that aren't a part of the role-playing. Most of these issues can be answered by the moderator or another player, however, do feel free to (sparingly!) use these as necessary.
MC - Major/main Character. These characters can only be played by their creator. Unless otherwise mentioned, assume any character you see is an MC.
NPC - Non-Played Character. These are unowned characters that can be played by anyone, and are generally used to set a scene or help spur a plot along.
ATTN - Attention. This is sometimes used in subject lines to alert another player that a post is relevant to them/their characters.
JP - Joint Post. This is a single post between two or more people from a chat room or instant messenger that is edited to read like a conversation or situation between the characters.

How do I submit a character, and when will I know it's approved?

To submit a character, please go here. On that page you will find the basic profile format, along with instructions on filling it out and a link to the online submission form. You will know your new character is approved when you receive an email from the moderator about it, which (unless serious RL issues occur) will happen within a week of sending the submission form through.

How many characters can I play?

Players can have as many major characters (MCs) as they believe they can handle. They can have as many minor or NPC characters as they might need for their plot without having them approved like MCs. This unlimited character rule takes effect after the moderator is able to see the player is comfortable with his or her first character and with the ways of the game so it can range from a month, two weeks or longer. During this time, players will be on moderation, which allows the moderator to look over any posts before they are sent on to the list.
Players need to be aware of other active character names in play so as not to copy them when writing profiles, and to not abuse the NPC rule. In other words, not so many NPCs that it becomes annoying. When you think your NPC might turn into a major character a complete profile needs to be sent to the moderator. Also, when you do reach the unlimited character phase of your roleplaying career, do not send the moderator more than one character at a time. She will only approve one, and tell you to send the next new one after a few weeks. It is too hard to look at each new character (if you send more than one at the same time) with fresh eyes. She has some sanity left, and wants to keep it!

How should I write subject lines?

Subject lines follow a very simple structure. The basic format is location, rating on a G to NC17 scale, a brief line relating to the post, and an optional tag for other players. Here's an example:
Streets: Jala: PG: Where have you been?! (attn. Aero, Bliss, Levi)
If you don't understand this structure or need help, don't hesitate to email the moderator.

How long should my posts be?

In general, posts should be at least ten lines long, preferably longer. While no one will kill you for writing one or two posts shorter than this, if you consistently write posts that are only five or six lines long you can expect the moderator to contact you. If you constantly post one liner emails to the list, even after being contacted by the moderator, any post less than at least those 10 lines will be deleted from the archives, you will be placed on moderation, and asked to rewrite the post. The moderator would hate to do this to any writer, but one liner posts are just no fun. Please don't write them. Put some effort in, and have pride in what is written for others to see!

What are those little bios at the bottom of posts, and do I need to use them?

The 'mini-bios' give other players some knowledge of your character without having to look up the profile. Generally, it's a good idea to include name, age, species, general appearance, what your character is wearing, and any information about family or a soulmate. While it would be nice to have mini bios as much as possible at the end of your posts, if you forget every once in a while and just put a name, or you want to keep it shorter than usual for whatever reason, no one's going to kill you. It happens. Even the best of players forget.

 

 

 
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