InsaneJournal

The FAQs.

Technical Questions:

1. What kind of game is this? This is, first and foremost, a fantasy game. It’s not really a supernatural game. There are no demons, angels, or known deities of the supernatural realm. People may worship as they please, but there is no solid knowledge when it comes to higher powers. So, basically, we're working strictly with fantasy.

2. Why aren’t the species immortal and gifted with all of their mythical abilities? We wanted to have a game open to mythical/folkloric beings from cultures all around the world. Naturally, that means a lot of conflicting source material. Due to the conflicting myths on all fantasy creatures and beings, we’ve made a set of guidelines for each in order for things to make sense. We’ve decided to explain things through science, not the supernatural. There will be no super-powerful beings in game: #1) it invites power-tripping, and #2) super-powerful characters are very hard to keep up with. We don’t want god-like characters here. It’s too easy a thing to abuse.

3. What do you mean by species are biological, and how do you explain magic if that’s the case? Since there are no known deities and we are negating supernatural explanations for things, we’re going back to simple biology. All species are naturally occurring beings who give birth to other beings like themselves. Magic is explained, for the player’s knowledge, as a naturally occurring gene passed down from parents to children. Magic can be considered a science that is, in so far, unexplainable to the human mind — however, it’s still science.

4. Can I suggest a new species for the list? If you have a recommendation of something you’d like to do that isn’t on the list, you are welcome to suggest it to us! Just remember we’ll have to write up specific rules for any new species to fit it within the game’s setting, so be careful with what you suggest. Some things just may not work here.



Gameplay Questions:

1. Did humans know about praeternaturals before the outbreak of Pandora and the war?
There was no widespread knowledge of praeternaturals before the outbreak and the war. A small percentage of humans with contact to praeternaturals knew of their existence, which may include some secret government sectors, but there was no widespread governmental or popular knowledge of praeternatural kind in the world.

2. How did people find out about Elysium? How would they have known about it to go there?
There are many ways they could have found out about Elysium. Word about the havens spread amongst all praeternatural circles, so most praeternaturals would have heard about it through their connections to others of their kind. Humans could have known about the haven by connection with praeternaturals. Similarly, anyone nearby the haven would have been brought in for safety if they were looking for safe ground. They may have heard of it and wandered there in groups to be let inside, or they may have been found by scouts and brought into Elysium.

3. How long has everyone been there? Did they arrive en masse or did they all come into Elysium at different times?
Everyone has been in Elysium for roughly the same amount of time. Most people began arriving in between April and May of 2007. They all arrived there before the war began, but it wasn’t all at one time. There were different groups of scouts sent out to collect praeternaturals and humans. People often arrived in small groups. Those not specifically sought out by scouts that came close to the location of the haven on their own were spotted and granted access by the Guards of Elysium. Please contact the mods if you would like to discuss alternative routes into Elysium. We’ll be happy to provide you with some different ideas!

4. How does time work/move in Elysium?
We realize that everyone has lives and real life commitments that they need to tend to. In order to accommodate that we have literally slowed down time in the game. Each day in game, known as a “day announcement,” will last about 3 or 4 days in real life, though some may last longer if too much or too little is going on. We have recently incorporated Time Skips, which will allow the game to skip large periods of time. Day announcements will be posted by the moderators with information about the weather, any special events, etc.

5. Where can people live?
We do have specific residential cottages/bungalows, but no one is restricted to living in a cottage or bungalow. Pretty much anywhere that is feasible for your character to live is okay. A centaur could live in the Northern Forest or the Southern forests. Again, this is up to you. Just don’t make up any huge places, such as a mansion or a boarding house, for your character(s) to live in.

6. What about school? Do children go to school? Are they homeschooled?
That is entirely up to the discretion of the parent, parents, guard, or guardians. Most children and young adults are homeschooled by their parents or guardians, and there are teachers available in town if parents are busy.

7. Where can my character go? Can he/she go anywhere on the map?
Yep, the world is completely interactive!

8. Are characters allowed to wander out of Elysium?
No, players are not permitted to let their characters walk outside of Elysium. There are guards on watch around the borders to make sure things are secure, which means no one is going out and nothing else is coming in either.

9. How is the land protected from the radiation and disease outside?
Many of the older elves have erected a powerful magical barrier that surrounds Elysium.

10. What laws do the characters have to follow?
The government follows a similar law system to that of a democracy, only there are some noticeable differences. The moderators are ultimately in charge of laws that affect the characters should legality be brought up in the game. To ask about something specific, or to view a list of known laws, you may inquire on The Lawbook of Elysium page.

11. Will there be consequences for unlawful behavior?
Yes and no. Characters are allowed to break laws. The only thing we ask is that a character cannot murder another person, NPC or otherwise, without asking the moderators first. Everything else you do not have to ask permission for, and you may choose to have your characters be seen, get caught, or avoid trouble as you wish.

12. How does currency work in Elysium? What type of money do they use?
There is no currency in Elysium. Goods are handed out on an “as needed” basis, or through bartering if you choose.

13. What type of technology is available?
Elysium follows a “back-to-basics” approach. Food is grown in Elysium, livestock is raised, and everyday items are made by hand. Elven technology, however, is abundant in Elysium and this technology is based in magic: It’s been used so far for plumbing, freezers, refrigerators, and stoves. Thanks to the recent invention of generators, some modern technology is usable again, e.g. computers and laptops (but only for personal use; The Internet no longer exists), televisions, DVD players, CD players, stereos, iPods, etc. Phones no longer work due to no service providers like with the Internet. If you have further questions on any of these matters or need a more elaborate explanation, please contact the moderators.

14. Are there mystical creatures my character can interact with? Yes, there are! You may see the entire list of interactive mystical creatures on the Interactive Creatures page.

15. Can my character work in one of the shops or places in Helicharis or Elysium?
Yes, characters are allowed to hold jobs in town or around Elysium. There is no currency in Elysium, so your character will not get paid. Your character would however gain valuable experience, and it would give them something to do!

16. Can my character work any job they want?
Yes and no. Before being accepted under any position, they would have to take a test that shows their capabilities for that job. This is not played out in game; it is implied knowledge. Basically, all this mean is your character can’t be a doctor without proper experience to back it. The more complicated the job, the more experience it requires. People may serve as apprentices in order to learn the trade before actually being hired there, and this is possible for all jobs in Elysium. Some jobs do not require apprenticeship, such as working behind the counter at a store. However, anything that requires specific skills will require employees to learn those specific skills or to already know them ahead of time before they will be hired.

17. How do vampires walk around in Elysium during the daytime?
The magical barrier that keeps out the radiation and disease also blocks out UV rays as they are harmful.

18. Where do vampires get the blood they need?
It is against the laws of Elysium to randomly bite and drink from people without consent as this can be considered a violent or life-threatening attack against another person. There is a blood bank in the medical pavilion that provides vampires with stored human, praeternatural, and animal blood. They may drink whatever they prefer or feel most comfortable drinking. Occasionally, there may be blood drives in the community to replenish the non-animal stocks. Consensual blood-drinking between a vampire and another individual is legally permitted, but legal action may be taken against the vampire should the non-vampiric individual be harmed in the process.

19. What happens on the full moon with lycanthropes?
The lycans are taken to the Northeastern corner of the forest and enclosed there by elven magic. Centaurs, fauns, and other forest dwellers will have been removed before that time to ensure their safety. There will be plenty of prey for the lycanthropes to hunt throughout the night until the morning. The people in the town and outlying cottages are kept perfectly safe during the full moon.

20. If my character’s power affects another character or others, can I still use that power?
Yes, you may still use that power. However, before you use a power on another player’s character, you must ask them in advance if it is okay. Do NOT force your character’s powers onto another player’s character without asking them for permission. This is a form of godmoding that will not be tolerated. For example, a telepath can read thoughts, but they cannot read any particular character’s thoughts without the player’s consent. If you ask in advance, people normally don’t mind! Plus, it’s just the polite thing to do.

21. Can we play out pregnancies?
Yes, just be be aware you have to play out the usual amount of time. Pregnancies are a big deal considering we are playing out long periods of time. Each game day lasts somewhere between four to five real days. In reality, you would be playing a pregnant character for a VERY long time, even with Time Skips. It is not restricted in game, we just ask that you think through the decision very carefully since you will be committed to it for a long time.

22. Can I play an Head Council member? No, the Head Council are strictly moderator controlled characters who retain an oligarchic rule over Elysium. They are counted as NPCs since they are required for gameplay to help push along plot.

23. Can I suggest a game-wide plot for Elysium with the moderators?
Yes, you may! Keep in mind that we already have some plots planned for the game, and your idea may have to wait until these ideas come to pass. We’ll have to take it into consideration as well, and not all ideas may work for the game. We do love suggestions from players about extra things we can do in game, though, so pass along these ideas when you have them!