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[paramods]

 

Is this game journal based? Community based?

Paracosm has three different communities.

a_paracosm  is for third-person prose threads between two or more characters. Any and all RP done over chat rooms and Instant Messengers will be posted here for posterity as well.

para_network is for short-format posts.

Threads in the IC communities can take place in reality or in VR simulations. All OOC and meme posts will be on para_ooc.

Is there an activity check?

No, not at this time. With a small game comes responsibility. Mods may poke you if you are being inactive without letting anyone know. This is subject to change.

Why does this game have a combat system?
Simply put, the combat system exists for the purpose of creating dramatic tension. The game is primarily focused on character growth and development, but much like the video game series, will feature dungeons and battles against Shadows and other sinister enemies. By using a simple, unobtrusive combat system, these encounters can be made more fun and less predictable, and will add to the roleplaying and character development aspects of the game without dragging on forever or feeling like an exercise in futility. Paracosm is not Dungeons and Dragons- combat is not a main focus, and dungeons are just as likely to feature quiz shows, puzzles, sneaking missions, and dance battles as they are to feature fights against enemies.

Can there be two characters of the same Arcana?

No, like the Persona series of games, each character has their own Arcana. So while we ask that you choose an Arcana that fits your character, there will be flexibility regarding tailoring your character to their Arcana, depending on how many are actually available to you when you create your character. NPCs, however, can be associated with any Arcana- they are just not the representative for said Arcana.

Can there be two characters with the same Persona?
No. A Persona is a reflection of an individual character's psyche, and should therefore be unique to them and only them- after all, every person is a unique individual. Their Persona should be a mythological or folklore figure or creature that reflects them as a person, and secondarily embody the "flavor" of their Arcana- a Persona for the Devil Arcana will typically be a demon, High Priestess Personas are typically female, and Sun Arcana Personas are typically associated with the sun in their lore- but there are no hard and fast rules other than "don't use the same Persona as somebody else".

Should my Persona be one from the game series?
No! You should not feel obligated to pick a Persona from the limited options available in the four Persona games. All of the world's mythology, folklore, and fairy tales are yours to find an appropriate Persona in.

Does my character have to be a student?

Not necessarily, but it is preferred. With a small game we want characters to have something important like the same school in common to keep them together and growing closer. They will face the same problems by all being students together. At the same time, if you come up with a character that isn’t a student but you feel will fit into the cast well, please talk to a Mod. For NPCs, there is less of a need for them to be a student, but it is generally more convenient in terms of CR for them to be.

Can I play a teacher?
Talk to the mods about it. There are options available, though only for NPCs, not Persona-users.

Is there a limit to the number of characters I can play?
You may only play one Persona-user. There is currently no limit on number of NPCs you may play, but please try to stay active with them and not clutter up the cast with NPCs that do not get played beyond one or two scenes.

What can my played-by be?

Played-by’s, the images used to represent each character, are expected to be anime/manga or original art. This game is based on Persona, and set in Japan, so we’d like a bit of consistency in that.

Can my character be related to someone from the Persona games?

No.

I haven't played [one of the Persona games]. Am I still allowed to participate?
You aren't required to have played any specific Persona game, though familiarity with Persona 3 and Persona 4 is recommended for understanding the general tone and direction of the game. Familiarity with the games through Lets Plays is also fine. If you haven't played any of the series before, we'd recommend familiarizing yourself before you apply. It's more important to understand the tone, game structure, and general world-building of the series than it is to know individual characters or plot points in order to get the most out of Paracosm.

Will the game last for one IC school year?
The current expectation is for the game's storyline to cover one school year, just like in the video games. However, this is not a hard-and-fast rule, and as the decisions players make influence the direction of the game, this may change. Nothing is set in stone.

I have a question about the game's setting that is not answered in the "Setting" page.
Contact one of the mods, and we'll be able to clarify any questions you have about Paracosm's setting. We're here to help you get the most out of this game, so you should never be afraid to come to us with such questions.

Do I have to have AIM?

AIM is necessary for both OOC communication and for IC events and dungeons. Without it, the mods and other players will face serious difficulties contacting you and playing the game alongside you.

Do I have to participate in OOC chat?
Participation in the game's OOC chat room "paracosm" is not mandatory, but highly encouraged! It is a convenient place to drop in and talk to other players, keep up to date with game planning, and plan ahead for threads, CR, and other fun stuff. There is no need to wait on an invitation, though you may be invited to the chat by the mods or other players- the room is always there and always available for use.

Do I have to have Plurk?

No, but we do encourage it!

What is the IC to OOC day ratio?

It will vary. About a week OOC will equal a week IC. The idea is that with a small number of people time can slow down or speed up depending on activity.

Is this game private? Why have applications?

The game is semi-private. Friends of friends, type deal. And applications are just a simple way of keeping track. The standards are lax, and the mods are willing to work with you as much as you need.

Have more questions? Ask in a comment!

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