InsaneJournal

Here is our list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to deal with general questions that most players, both potential and current, often ask. The FAQ is currently broken up into two sections.

GENERAL covers all of the 'general' questions such as the premise of the game, what sort of characters can be played, etc. SPECIFIC covers all of the 'specific' questions such as nitpicks about the application, where to reply to things, etc.

If you don't find your question asked and answered in one section, please check the other. If you don't find it in either section, please respond to this post in order for us to answer it.

Is Parabolical a multi-fandom game?

Yes. This is a game for all fandoms.


So, if the game is set in the BtVS/AtS fandom, I can only apply for a character from those shows, right?

Wrong. As stated in the previous question/answer, this is a multi-fandom game. Any and all characters can be applied for. The setting is merely Los Angeles, following the finale of Angel the Series.


What if I don't know anything about Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Angel the Series?

See, that's the beauty of Parabolical. Although it is set in their fandom, very little to no knowledge of the shows are required in order to play. All you need to know is that a large, epic-type battle took place approximately six months before the game's doors opened, and your character for whatever reason you so choose (either summoned there, arrived by accident, of their own accord, whatever) is now in Los Angeles, California.


I know you said that OCs are off limits, but what about Mythology characters, such as Hermes, for example?

All characters from Mythology must come from a specific fandom. The best example we have of this is Ares, the Greek God of War. To just play him is not allowed. To play him as he is portrayed on (for example) Xena: Warrior Princess is allowed. However his personality must be the same as the one from the show, and it is strongly urged that the PB be the same as well in order to keep confusion to a minimum. (Unless, of course, the character is from a fictional novel [such as the novel American Gods], in which case the PB must match as close as possible whatever description is given in the novel for that character.)


What year is the game taking place?

Good question. The current year is 2006. When the finale happened on AtS, in canon the year was 2004. So technically speaking, the game opened in-game on November 21, 2004 (approximately six months after the finale aired). It's only a technicality, though, so to avoid confusion simply try your best not to mention a specific year in your posts and/or any current events that may not have occurred by that point in time. If you aren't sure and really want to mention these things, we ask you please research a little first.

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Specific
One of the mods knows me from another game/recruited me here. Do I have to supply writing samples in my application?

Yes. Because we believe that everyone must follow the rules and are striving for a game that is fair to everyone - from the most seasoned RPer down to the newest newbie - we require writing samples for all applications. However, you do not have to write a new sample for your character. A simple link to a scene/journal entry in another game, bit of fanfiction from that character's POV, etc. are acceptable. The only requirements are that the links be open to the public so we can see them and, of course, about the character for which you've applied.


I want to play a character that died on BtVS/AtS. Is that allowed or are they off limits?

No, they aren't off limits at all! There are no 'off limits' characters at parabolical, provided they are from a fandom.


I'd prefer to keep my contact information private. Is that possible?

Yes, and no. You aren't required to offer any contact information to the players in general. However, the mods need a way of getting in touch with you outside of the game if necessary. That can be via your AIM screenname or your email. If you wish for us to keep it from the rest of the game, however, simply note so in your application and we'll happily keep both your application screened from public viewing, as well as the contact information to ourselves. The only time we will offer the information to another player is with your permission. Although you will still need to put up your information in the player contact post so fellow players will know who you are playing, but feel free to leave the email and/or AIM areas blank should you wish to do so.


What about slash? Incest? Relationships not supported by canon?

As this is a multi-fandom game, of course interaction amongst characters not from their own fandom is strongly encouraged. Obviously, this means that relationships from characters of two seperate fandoms is likely to occur. Provided the characters are kept in character, there is no problem with this.

As far as slash goes? Yes. We allow same-sex relationships. Within reason. If your character is heterosexual in their canon, they are not going to suddenly become homosexual no matter how much you might wish otherwise. Keep them in character and this should not become a problem, however.

Now about incest. If your character is involved in canon with someone else related to them in an incestous way, then it is allowed at parabolical. (Think Flowers in the Attic by VC Andrews, for example.) If, however, there is not a clear and obvious relationship between them in canon that shows them to be both related and still involved in a sexual relationship of some sort? Then the answer is no.

Keep in mind, slash and incest are both covered in the rules. Failure to adhere could result in removal from the game.


What's your policy on canon puncturing?

Good question! That's actually something we mods are going to tackle in the next few days insofar as getting a list posted and whatnot. For now, though, the general rule of thumb is:

Check with the player of any specific character (either via AIM, email, OOC, or just in smaller font and {}'s in the thread you're in with them if necessary) and make sure it's okay if their canon is punctured. If the player of that character agrees, it's okay.


Where is my character supposed to stay? Make money? Become a contributing member of society?

That is entirely up to you. Los Angeles is a very large city with all sorts of options available. All we ask is you keep your character in-character when deciding how they are going to survive. You know your character and what their strengths and weaknesses are. Use them and get creative!


I don't understand paragraffiti and paracomms. Help?

paragraffiti is, in the game, an online posting board for the inhabitants of Los Angeles. Much like posting boards available in real life, your character can make posts that are available to the public, or filtered so only a select group of people can view what they've written. You can use it as a way for them to introduce themselves to other folks in L.A., ask general questions (ie: Where can a girl go to have some fun around here?), or use it as a virtual bulletin board (ie: Has anyone seen my cat, Fluffy?), or whatever else you might come up with. The posts should be made from a first person point of view, as though your character was writing it his/herself.

paracomms is a communications journal for characters to reach other characters. This is the place for them to email someone, send a text message, or what have you. This journal is primarily meant for personal messages between characters that know one another in-game and have a way of contacting one another outside of typical means. The entries should, again, be written from a first person point of view, as though your character was writing it his/herself.


I have a question that isn't answered here! How do I contact you?

Simply reply to this post and we'll happily answer any question you have! Or, if you would prefer to keep your questions private, you can submit it in the Mod Contact Post. All questions/comments/complaints/suggestions in that post will be screened to protect your privacy.