Prepare for the #LodanRespawn2024 Existing characters may choose to be displace from/have memories of different timelines, thereby allowing returning members the option to retcon their whole character. These changes are the result of the "Unnatural Fog" plot device that is running between now and the Respawn. The plot is simple: no matter where your character is, that place is shrouded in a thick fog that suspends time, but not thoughts or memories, so even if they're repeating the same day over and over again, they continue to remember, so each time feels like a new day. For those retconning OCs; this is where new versions of themselves have the opportunity to replace the old versions. Official lore and tree updates will be announced asap
No Flooding Some people can't swim! Be considerate and wait for other members of the RP to post before you post again
No Flaming There's no fire alarm for being a jerk.
No OOC Drama Save that for the threads.
No Offensive Content No surprise bewbies! -PG13 and fade-to-black acceptable, but please resist the Rated R materials, we aren't interested in super violent or disturbing images/stories
No Advertisements Don't promote other sites unless they're going in the Affiliation Portal. Simple.
No Copyright Infringement If tempted to use copyright materials, dont. Please leave photos of famous people out of it. This is your original character, make it someone original
1 - Lodan is based mostly in the London Victorian era. If you're interested in understanding the setting a little better, feel free to research the era we're roleplaying in, just please bear in mind that a liberties have been taken with the group and some back story has been rewritten for this group.
2 - This is a roleplay AND art group. We will be doing regular things related back to art. It is not mandatory to participate but it is encouraged and members will not be judge by skill.
3 - Short script and wall of text RP styles welcome. We do request that players make an effort to use full sentences and proper spelling. Avoid using txt type and acronyms whenever possible. Besides the forums we have the Easychat (shoutbox at the bottom of every page) for players to interact. There is a sound box that you can check to ping whenever someone makes a comment. Occassionally the easychat can lag, and to reset it just click the refresh circle in the bottom right corner (looks like a circle shaped arrow).
4 - Tagging threads: In order to identify who is invited to join an RP, the first post of every thread should be "tagged" at the top with "OPEN TO..." followed by either A) all B) specific member names C) specific guilds D) a number (indicating how many players you are welcoming to join at random)
5 - Age is just a number. We believe that members should be accepted based on their ability to write and play believable characters. As such, there is no defined age requirement to join Lodan. Your application and initial RP's will speak for your maturity level and ability to fit in. If this is your first RP group, just read and follow the rules, and remember the mods are here to help you.
6 - Some Lodan themes can be dark; like murder, necromancy, blood, gore, torture, etc. We aim to keep the content PG13, occasionally content a bit more mature may bleed through (pun intended).
7 - We do not allow smut or overly sexual content (flirting, courting, shipping etc is acceptable), if your roleplay is heading toward detailed accounts of intimacy then we ask that you take it to private conversation (i.e. Notes, skype, msn, etc. ) and keep in mind the lack of age restrictions before engaging another player in rated-R content. We recommend taking the initiative to confirm you're both consenting adults before proceeding. Following under the PG13 rule, We do not allow underage characters to be depicted in sexual ways.
8 - Be respectful and friendly. This is a group where people don't want to have to deal with real-life drama on a regular basis. If you don't get along with someone, take it to a private message or even onto msn/skype/aim etc. Do no publicly air grievances of each other, if there is an issue that needs resolved consult the admin team. Also, listen to the mods, if you don't listen you will be warned, and if you still don't listen then you will be kicked and banned.
9 - Do not GOD MOD. It is frustrating and ruins everyone's fun. The mods may sometimes use it to get a plot going, but we will never use it at any other time or in a normal roleplay. If you are not familiar with god modding, it is the act of controlling another person's character, actions, or having techniques or attacks succeed without giving their opponent a chance to respond. Unless the other person gives you permission to do so, you can not control another character.
10 - No MARY SUES/GARY STUS. The leaders will go through the applications thoroughly before accepting anyway, if they feel like your character isn’t original enough or overly idealized, then they will tell you. If you’re unsure what a Mary Sue is, they’re usually characterized by unprecedented skill in everything from art to zoology, including karate and arm-wrestling, typically at an unbelievable young age. This character can also be found narrating his/her way into the good graces/heart/mind of everyone powerful or desirable in any given story.
11 - Do Not METAGAME: Metagaming is the use of out-of-character information or resources to affect one's in-character decisions. While you may be aware of something your opponent is doing, your character is not. Using knowledge such as the fact your character cannot be injured, maimed or killed without your express permission to play your character in an unrealistic way is a form of Meta Gaming and is not permitted.
12 - If its not broke don't fix it. But if there is some rule breakage, notify an admin! The mods are very friendly and are always here to listen, if you're unsure about something, drop the group a note or note me personally. (~Admin)
13 - We ask those who join this group to be active. UPDATE: we do not kick players in this group for inactivity (only for inappropriate behavior) If you've been inactive for 9 years and choose to come back the tenth we're just as happy to see you as the first day you joined! If you know you are going to be leaving us for a while (Studies, Holiday, Etc.) please let your guild leader know. We will be holding regular events, art and theme contests, etc. that rely on your participation to get points, so its important to keep in touch and join in when you can; but we're all adults and understand how free time can be very limited in different seasons of life.
14 - Understanding liquid time. Which happened first, The chicken or the Egg? Liquid time allows writers to post their characters in several threads at once by saying that each consecutive story either happened before or after the other. Sort out the timeline of each thread with your co-posters ahead of jumping in to make sure timelines aren't being crossed for all parties involved (don't worry, this is rarely an issue and timelines are generally flexible and generic). Liquid time cannot be used to account for time jumps or the ability to be in two places at the same time (we don't carry time-turners, here, Harry Potter). Liquid Time should not be used to push time forward beyond a day or two or create threads in the future. We still need to account for Lodan's overall timeline of events.
Epic Events (like the Post-Century War) and Mini-Epics (such as a Queen's Garden Party) are used to progress the community timeline as a whole, and help players sync up. Please be mindful of the timeline when aging and progressing your character, and if ever in doubt or question, ask an admin what is or is not acceptable.