This will help [spoiler]Hi there! You might be new. You might not. Either way, you should read this. 1) LES RULES: [spoiler]1) No plot (or character) hijacking. If you're asked to butt out, kindly butt out. In fact, if you're jumping into a story in progress (particularly a fight), ask to be included first. Also: don't rope anyone else's character into a story without their consent. Lastly, follow the wishes of the story-maker (the person who started the story--doi), within reason. 2) Don't be overpowered. This includes both your character's raw abilities, as well as how you present them in combat, as well as other situations. Do not, when fighting, assume that your attacks succeed. Example follows: >"I shoot Bob in his stupid face, killing him." That's wrong. The right way to word it is: >"I shoot at Bob's stupid face." Bob then has the option of "allowing" his character's face to be shot. Also: do not be a dick and block/ignore/dodge/shrug off every attack. Example follows: >"I ignore the EMP, even though I am in a super-science-tech-suit, and should be immobilized. I run forward and punch Larry." That's wrong. It should be something like: >"Since I was well within range of the EMP and had no realistic way of either dodging or resisting the effects, I am immobilized." Not in so many words, of course. 3) Don't be insane. Also, don't be a drama queen. You will be called on it, most likely by me. I'm the mean one. 4) By default, all deaths are permanent and irrevocable. Special exceptions [i]might[/i] be allowed on a case-by-case basis, but said case must be presented to and approved by Ranger or a trusted admin, in a PM. We are doing this to prevent this game from becoming a one-trick-pony. THIS IS NOT A RULE THAT MAY BE CIRCUMVENTED BY EITHER YOUR BACKSTORY OR YOUR ABILITIES, UNLESS THE FOUNDER GIVES YOU EXPLICIT PERMISSION IN A PRIVATE MESSAGE CONVERSATION. 5) Have fun, but not at the expense of others having fun. If you are making this unenjoyable for anyone, we will make certain that you do not enjoy yourself. 6) Learn to lose. Don't turn every battle between your character and someone else's into a pissing contest. 7) Don't be a jerk. That's my job.[/spoiler] [b][i][u]RECOMMENDATIONS:[/u][/i][/b] [spoiler]1) Collaborate with others (via PM) to build better stories. Don't fight one another for control and/or "victory" IRL; pit your characters against one another in a plot you worked to design, together. The end-result is much more engaging and satisfying, both to the participants and to the readers. 2) Don't focus on being in constant control--of your character, or of the plot. Let yourself be manipulated. Lose a fight now and again. Unpredictability and forced-improvisation are fun. Example follows: Narrator: "your rockets explode harmlessly against the tank's force field." You: "Damn. Screw it." *takes last grenade, sets it on a timer, shoves it in the barrel of the rocket launcher and wedges the whole thing right up against the tank's cannon, then runs like hell.* Narrator: (silently impressed by ingenuity) "The tank explodes in a glorious display of achievement and spine-shredding shrapnel. Dont worry; not [i]your[/i] spine."[/spoiler] [/spoiler]