abraxasmods | FAQ & GAME INFO ◎

FAQ & GAME INFO

Basics

Game Caps & Allowable Characters

What is the current game cap?

The current game cap is 60 players.

Is there a cast or franchise cap?

Casts are capped at 7 characters per canon and franchises are capped at 10 characters per franchise. Franchises include Marvel, DC, Final Fantasy, Star Wars, and others of a similar nature. For example, the Star Wars sequel trilogy could have a cast cap of 7, and 3 from the other Star Wars canons could app and that would fulfill the 10 character franchise cap.

How many characters can each player play?

Each player may have up to two characters, but can only apply for one character per round. While a third character is possible, this is determined on a case-by-case basis based on player engagement with the game.

Are there restrictions on canons that have recently been released or aren't in English?

We ask that you wait 30 days after a canon's release to apply for them in game (in case the canon has both a limited and wide release, use the wide release unless the limited release is easily accessible. A game that releases on one platform before others is easily accessible, a movie that screens at a few film festivals is not).

Canons that are not in English may be applied from as long as there is an English source, even if it is an unofficial source.

What characters are allowed in game?

Canon characters from any medium. Yes, this includes silent protagonists. Minor characters will be looked at on a case-by-case basis but are generally acceptable as long as they have a clear personality.

Original characters. Multiple players may app OCs from the same world.

Malleable protagonists. Only one of each malleable protagonist will be allowed; no duplicate Inquisitors or Warriors of Light. If you have castmates please be open to discussing your character's relationship with them.

Dead characters or characters who are close to dying. They will be revived and/or no longer dying when they arrive in Abraxas (even if they were dying of old age - strange!).

Non-human characters capable of communication and participation. Characters such as animals from Beastars or Zootopia can be applied for and will not be humanized. Certain characters may need to be scaled down size-wise; we'll look at this on a case-by-case basis.

What characters aren't allowed in game?

CRAUs. Your character cannot bring memories or CR in from previous DWRP games.

Fan-made AUs of canon characters. This includes role swap, rule 63, canon divergence, and so on.

Canon AU or alternate versions of a character that already exists in-game. Any canon version of a character may be applied for, but once a version of that character is in the game, variants of the same character from an alternate canon source or universe will not be accepted. For example, if the game already has Steve Rogers from the MCU, then a Steve Rogers from What If would not be accepted.

Fandom OCs. This does not include malleable/customizable protagonists, who can be applied for (see above).

Characters incapable of (or very limited in) communication. This includes characters like infants and toddlers and non-sapient animals. If you think your character might be close to this line feel free to ask us below.

Real people. Fictionalized versions of real people will be looked at on a case by case basis.

Is there a minimum age for characters who can be applied for?

As a general rule, characters must be 14+, as the territories will not summon characters younger than that for their cause. We will also take suitability into account for characters in terms of their maturity, life experiences, and other unique circumstances (i.e. an android like Connor from Detroit: Become Human would be acceptable despite only technically being a year old). If you're unsure about the character you're thinking of, please simply ask!

Schedule & Pacing

What's the game pace like?: The plot of Abraxas and how fast it moves will be dictated by player involvement. Player action is needed to keep the game moving forward. We anticipate a medium pace. Be aware that the game plot will be moving at a consistent speed. While we don't expect players to do hundreds of tags each month, we encourage you to carefully consider how many threads you're taking on at once and to wrap up a few. This will help keep your character current to the game's setting.
Are there regular events?: Mod-created events occur every other month around mid-month. Typically, this will be the month in which new applicants are accepted. On off months with no mod events, we'll provide quests and background developments (known as Interludes or Preludes) for you to participate in or use as flavor for your personal logs. Off months are also an excellent time for you to plan any player-run plots!
What's the application schedule?: Apps will open on the 1st of every other month at 12:01 AM (ET). Each round will be open until 11:59 PM (ET) on the 4th. Although we will only accept as many new player applications as we have slots in game, applications are not treated on a first-come, first-served basis. All submitted applications within the application period will be read and considered equally. There is currently no wait list.
When do reserves open?: Reserves will be open for one week before the application period goes live. Reserves will be good for the first 72 hours of the application period.

Canon Powers & Restrictions

How are canon powers handled?

Characters can keep the majority of their canon powers. We want to do our best to keep things open and flexible. However, we do ask that when applying, you add limits to any powers that you feel may unbalance the game. Don't worry about this too much - we'll let you know if a power needs to be limited further. We just want to see some consideration put into how you plan to have your character reasonably coexist so that they won't get in the way of anyone else's fun.

Mod and player discretion is key. Just because a power is allowed doesn't mean it'll always work against every character or NPC. Respect player permissions, and respect that there may be situations in which, for the sake of the plot, your character will be limited in how effective their powers are. Please contact the mods if you want to have your character attempt to gain sensitive information or otherwise significantly impact the game (for example, if they want to burn down every forest). If we need to step in to a situation where a player is breaking the game, powergaming, ignoring permissions, or otherwise ruining plots or events for other players we may need to put hard restrictions in place for the characters involved.

Are there any broad restrictions for commonly overpowered abilities?

Yes, we have some basic restrictions for some common abilities. Please note these when writing your application.

Immortality. All characters must be killable. They can be very hard to kill, but even if your character is fully immortal and invincible in canon they must be able to be killed here.

Teleportation, Portals, or Flight. Teleportation and flight are restricted to territory borders. Abraxas is well-warded, so teleporting too far will bring suspicion and cause an alarm with various territory officials. Please contact the mods if you wish to teleport or fly to a very important/undiscovered location. We'll usually allow it, but prefer it's done as part of a quest or player plot. This will let us space out major information reveals for our players and give us some time to write any needed setting details. Moreover, characters can only transport themselves. Other characters will not be able to take advantage of portals or teleportation magic created by another character.

Interdimensional Travel. Characters cannot teleport to, create doorways/portals to, or otherwise travel to other worlds and dimensions (such as their home world or another character's home world) with the exception of the Horizon at this time. Characters who can teleport or create portals to other locations within Abraxas may keep those abilities to an extent (see above).

Creation Magic. Creation magic refers to the ability to create something out of nothing, such as summoning objects or tools that will permanently persist in the world. While we do allow this, we ask that you respect the game's setting and environment. Please don't summon massive weapons, highly advanced technology, or other creations that will bypass restrictions and elements that have been put in place for a reason. Sentient or high intelligence creations are equally disallowed. Small animals such as chickens, goats, or rodents are acceptable within reason. For anything else, you can check in with us.

Reality-Bending. Reality-bending refers to altering the state of reality itself such as time and space. Moderate aspects of reality-bending is allowed, such as slowing time in a small bubble. However, time travel, reviving the dead, or inter-dimensional travel is not allowed.

Necromancy. Necromancy has partial restrictions. As death is supposed to be rare and, in most situations, permanent, characters with necromancy powers cannot fully revive dead player characters or sapient NPCs. Fully reviving animals or plants is still fine, as is the sort of necromancy that creates zombies/ghouls/corpses/skeletons/etc. but does not fully restore a person to their former alive state, even if the revived creations have some free will. There is a form of full necromancy native to Abraxas that your character can pursue, but this is both a difficult ability to obtain and cannot be performed often.

Activity Requirements

When does Activity Check take place?

Activity Check will run for the last week of each month, closing on the final day of the month at 11:59 PM ET. We'll put up a post when Activity Check time comes and all players are expected to reply to that post, including if they've submitted a hiatus. Failing to post to AC before closure will count as idling out. If you think you'll be unable to post during this time period or extenuating circumstances prevented you from posting please contact the mods.

What are the activity requirements?

You'll be required to submit a minimum of two threads with a brief summary of what each thread entails. While there's no minimum comment count for linked threads, please note the following:

Interactivity with other players and overall engagement is important. We haven't implemented a minimum comment count since we understand threads might be started late in the month or are slow for reasons of conflicting availability. That said, we are not a check-in AC game. Submitted threads should demonstrate a level of interaction with the game, its plot, and the wider playerbase. If we notice a pattern of responding to threads only after the AC post has gone up, making threads solely to fulfill AC requirements, or frequently dropped threads (especially after AC is approved), we will have an individual discussion with the player in question.

TDM threads, network threads, and inbox threads are acceptable as proofs for AC, but should not make up the total of both proofs (i.e. your two thread proofs submitted for AC cannot consist only of inbox threads). At least one proof should be a log thread - both proofs cannot be network-style comment spam.

Backdated threads from the previous month are acceptable, so long as the comments linked take place during the current AC month and the thread has not been used for a previous AC or for AC rewards. Backdated threads that were started at the end of the previous month are especially fine. If we notice a consistent pattern of backdated threads started at the beginning of the previous month with very sparse comments or regularly dropped threads, then we may have an individual discussion with the player in question.

Link individual threads rather than entire logs or top levels if you plan on using any additional threads in those logs or top levels to purchase bonus Activity Rewards (see below). This will help us keep keep track which thread has already been submitted where.

Hiatuses can be taken once every four months. Hiatuses are applied per player. Once you use your hiatus ("Hiatus Pass"), you must make activity for the next three months with at least one character to remain in the game, and you will be asked to drop any characters you cannot show activity for. You are not required to hiatus in advance of AC. If you find yourself without the necessary activity you can submit your Hiatus Pass directly on the AC post. Additionally, if you requested a hiatus just in case but end up having sufficient activity, you can submit your activity instead and your requested hiatus will not be counted.

Abraxas does not have a strike system. If you do not have a Hiatus Pass or the required activity, you will be dropped from the game. If you have extenuating RL circumstances that would require you to hiatus more, please contact the mods.

Is there bonus activity or activity rewards?

Yes! As of May 2022, we're offering Activity Rewards as an optional method of participating in the game. It has no impact on our main Activity Check and players are not required to use Activity Rewards to make any notable progress in the game - it's strictly a perk for those with extra activity. See here for more information.

What happens if I idle out?

If you idle out you will not be able to re-apply for at least 30 days. If the game reaches player cap within that time period you will need to wait until slots are open again. If you idle out twice, you will not be permitted to re-apply.

What happens if I fail to make AC more than once in a four-month period?

If you fail to make AC with all characters and you've already used your Hiatus Pass, you will be removed from the game and will not be able to re-apply for at least 30 days. If the game reaches player cap within that time period you will need to wait until slots are open again.

If you are removed from the game for failing AC more than once, you will be required to wait 60 days before re-applying. Third removals (and higher) for failing AC will be looked at on a case-by-case basis but be aware that you may be asked not to re-apply.

Gameplay

Plot Engagement

How collaborative is the game between mods and players?: Our goal is to create a collaborative narrative experience between players and the mods. Generally, the response to "What if my character does this thing?" will be "Try it and find out!" Similar to a tabletop game, there are a variety of different actions you can take and we may RNG outcomes using dice rolls. Our plot will grow and change depending on which aspects of the game players are interested in and work towards. However, we'll always make sure that nothing is sprung upon your character that'll make it difficult for you to proceed. We'll do our best to balance surprise elements and planned plot arcs so you aren't stumbling through the dark, either.
What kinds of plots can I pursue for my character?: Anything and everything! Some plots will be more difficult than others depending on how much of an impact they'd have on the game's plot, but nothing is absolutely impossible. Events will often open doors for you to engage with the plot beyond it, but don't feel you're restricted only to what events and mod-plots introduce. The best place to workshop your ideas with us and get started is by approaching us on the Plot Engagement page.
What about quests and influence?: Quests are available as one of several methods for characters to gain influence and other rewards. Quests may be done solo or as a group, and in some circumstances NPCs will be offered. For more information, please see the Quests page.

Characters can also gain influence in the world, either by quests or, in some cases, major plot reveals or participation. Influence can grant a variety of effects, including titles. See the Influence Roster for more.
What are some of the consequences my characters might face?: What your character says and does will have an impact on their reputation and place in the world. If they attack or insult an NPC they may be less inclined to help your character in the future (and your character may even be arrested if the attack is severe enough). Or, who knows, the NPC may respect the guts your character has shown and buy them a beer. Some actions will be risky and come with a chance of failure, and we expect that our players will be able to roll with potential negative consequences.

That said, we want you to be aware of potential consequences (as in, don't just have your character beating up civilians as an easy hook for an open top level unless you want that to be part of their reputation), not afraid of them. Don't feel pressured to lay low and play it safe. Negative consequences will still be fun to play and you will never be punished OOCly for getting involved. We'll always let you know if something your character does will lead to consequences so you can choose to proceed or not.
Are there any personalization elements in the game?: Yes! In addition to custom plots you can workshop with us through Plot Engagement, we also have mechanics such as Fortunes where your character can receive a custom reading from Lady Elin, one of the game's NPCs. Certain game events could also have aspects of personalization, and we may introduce more personalization elements in the future.; There will be several opportunities to interact with mod NPCs in the game. These opportunities can develop through individual Plot Engagement requests or may be a part of certain events. Depending on the circumstances and your goals, NPC interactions might have an Influence Rank requirement. NPC threads will generally be kept short and to the point. Although player characters can have unique CR with NPCs, be aware that mod NPC threads are limited and thus they are not sources of significant CR in the same way other player characters are.

Death, Drops, & Canon Updates

Can characters die in-game?: Death is, with very few exceptions, permanent. In the future, there may be opportunities to kill your character off in the narrative without having to drop them, but revival isn't easy and death like this should be the exception. Generally speaking, death in-game should be treated as final. If you wish to permanently kill your character, you may, but be aware that if you ever decide to re-app them they will have to start fresh without any in-game memories.

Disclaimer: You will never be forced to play or engage with content that makes you uncomfortable. If you dislike the direction of an NPC thread you're playing or some plot hooks you've been given please contact the mods in private and we'll arrange something else. You will also never under any circumstances be expected to permanently kill or otherwise drop your character as a result of a plot unless you want to. If an action your character is taking would result in permanent death you will be warned and given the chance to back out.
What happens when a character drops?: Characters who are dropped will vanish at a point that may be considered "between spaces" (passing through a doorway, going behind a large pillar, being alone in a forest, going into a closet or other enclosed space, and so on.) No one will actually see them do so; they'll either be taken when they're unseen or for example, the people in one room may see them enter a doorway but the people in the other room never actually see them come in.
Can characters who are dropped return with their memories of Abraxas?: Yes, characters who are dropped can return with their memories of having previously been in Abraxas, including if you've taken them from a different canon point. This may be explained by the Singularity returning their memories to them once they've been re-Summoned into the world. However, you can also choose to re-app them fresh.
What happens to a character's Horizon domain when they've dropped?: With no one to maintain the domain itself, it will fade and absorbed or built over by other domains, either from existing characters or new characters. Elements of the domain can be taken by characters who remain in the game if they wish, such as a pet or a vehicle.
How do canon updates work?: In-game, characters will receive their new memories overnight through a series of vivid dreams or visions. Characters do not return to their canon world when a canon update occurs. As a result, they will not experience any major physical changes and will not physically age. However, modest scarring, ghost pains, and new abilities are possible.
How do I request a canon update?: You can request a canon update by replying to the Taken page. Please include your new canon point, major personality changes, and any applicable new powers or abilities.

Territories, Borders, and Tensions

How do territories affect characters?

Abraxas is divided into three main territories that have conflicting philosophies. Due to tensions, it will be highly difficult for characters to freely cross between territories. This doesn't mean they can't; opportunities can and do arise where this is possible, but these are heavily plot-dependent. Which territory your character resides in impacts the type of Abraxan Magic they have the ability to learn, as well as what they can investigate or study.

Does my character have to side with the territory that summons them?

Nope! Since their arrival choice will not be theirs, but rather of the territory that's brought them to the world, characters don't need to side with their territory's philosophy or decisions at all.

Does being from opposing territories mean characters can't interact or need to fight each other?

Not at all. Abraxas is not a PVP game. While the territories themselves don't encourage intermingling between their respective Summoned, players can make use of places like the Horizon or Nocwich to have characters interact across territory lines. There might be a point when characters need to make difficult choices about loyalties - but part of the fun and drama is having cross-territory relationships that will cause as much internal conflict as external!

What are the territories my character can join?

There are three major territories characters can be "Summoned" into: the Kingdom of Thorne, the Free Cities, and the Solvunn Commune. This will be the territory they join. Each territory has its benefits and drawbacks:

The Kingdom of Thorne has more restrictions in movement and weaponry, but provide ongoing comforts and resources that characters don't need to purchase such as comfortable rooms, clothes, food, and wine. Here, characters can best progress their magical ability, ingratiate themselves with the royal court, and openly explore the secrets of the Singularity, including its impact and role in the universe. They can also delve into the mistrust between royalty and the commonfolk in the city of Nott.

The Free Cities provides no free resources beyond the barest necessities for a limited time - earning money is vital to survival. Magical teachings are limited and studying the Singularity directly will be difficult. However, characters have the freest movement, minimal oversight, and a better ability to earn currency how they like. Weaponry is available for the right amount of gold. They can explore more advanced (for the setting) technology and sciences, delve into the politics of war and corruption, and journey into the harsh desert wasteland full of dangerous creatures.

The Solvunn Commune provides a welcoming and neighborly atmosphere. While their comforts are not luxurious, characters are invited to share equally in what the local population has to offer. Pitching in to help the community carries more value than any amount of gold. While advanced magic, technology, and weapons are largely unavailable, characters can best explore the secrets of the gods in Solvunn and how it connects to the larger world of Abraxas. There is much to uncover within the darker underbelly of this seemingly quiet community.

Is it possible to change territories?

Yes, but this is a difficult undertaking unless an event mechanic provides the option. We recommend approaching us on the Plot Engagement page if you'd like your character to change territories so we can help you plan your path.

Can my character be unaligned?

Yes, but only to a certain degree. Characters can disagree morally or philosophically with the territories, or refuse to openly declare their loyalties. However, they'll find it's difficult to pursue their goals or go at it completely solo without using the resources of the territories surrounding them. Characters will also need to obey the general law and rules of the land regardless of where they are. Even seemingly neutral territories have their own agenda and goals.

Be aware that the game's central conflict does not have a purely neutral solution, either. There will still be plots for peacemaker sorts because the divides between specific groups may be mended, but the entire world is never going to agree.

World

Arrival & Setting Overview

What is the world of Abraxas like? Can characters buy a house? What jobs can they have?: See the Setting page for details on the currency in use, jobs available, housing, and other information, as well as what life is like in each individual territory.

As a brief summary: Abraxas is a fantasy setting full of magic, monsters, and war. Technology ranges from closer to medieval times in some parts of the world (Thorne and Solvunn), to the industrial revolution in others (the Free Cities). Some technology is available and what isn't there is often accomplished by magic instead. Guns (and ammunition) are rare and expensive, and are only available in the Free Cities to a limited degree. They resemble what's available in the 19th century, with a steampunk edge.
What does my character have with them when they arrive?: Nothing. No pets, vehicles, weapons, clothes, or sentimental items. If a character absolutely requires a small item to live (because their soul is inside it or it's fused to them or something like that), we'll look at it on a case-by-case basis. Limited hammerspace powers are permitted as well.
What language does everyone speak in Abraxas? Are there different languages between territories?: Everyone in Abraxas speaks a common language that's understood by the entire world. Although other languages exist, they're rarely used except in isolated places such as the Feywilds, or in ancient ceremonies and rituals.
Is language automatically translated?: By default, player characters will be able to speak and/or read the basic common language of Abraxas, as well as understand each other through a similar method. Anything outside of the common tongue as noted above will not be auto-translated. Additionally, characters who deliberately use another language they know outside of the common tongue in their canon (for example, Elvish or Klingon) to keep communications secret will also bypass the auto-translator.
How does traveling work? Can my character go from one town to another within the same territory?: Travel details and any applicable restrictions are detailed on each individual territory page. Generally speaking, portals may be available for ease of crossing in certain circumstances, but otherwise characters will need to rely on horses and wagons. The world of Abraxas is reasonably large - typically, crossing by horseback from one city to another will take about 1 week each way.
Is there a network?: Yes! However, the network may function a bit differently than what you might be used to, as it does not use any sort of physical device and only works between player characters. See here for details. The rest of Abraxas relies on magic or letters to communicate with one another.
My character really wants to go home! Will this be possible?: Well, it's not impossible as far as the narrative goes, but getting home won't be a major focus of the game. The NPCs don't know how to do it, especially not in a way that returns you to the correct world and time period.

Magic, the Singularity, & the Horizon

How does magic work?: Characters will be able to learn Abraxan magic, regardless of whether or not they have any magical aptitude in canon. It is also possible for characters to teach other player characters their own canon brands of magic, within reason. Since each territory practices their unique style of Abraxan magic, where your character ends up may impact the type of magic they can easily learn.

See the Magic page for details.
Is learning magic a requirement for the game?: No, it is not necessary to learn magic to progress in the game. Characters can delve deep into the plot without any magical aptitude. However, be aware that certain goals might be more difficult with zero magical involvement due to the world's limited technology and reliance on magic to fill in those gaps. This doesn't mean your character needs to have any magical skill themselves. Collaborating with other player characters for their help is both a viable solution and encouraged.
What is the Singularity?: The Singularity is an ancient artifact of considerable power that is the source of the primary conflict in Abraxas. Its influence over the world is unknown and all Summoned characters have a unique connection to the relic. See the Singularity/Horizon page for details.
What is the Horizon and how can my character access it?: The Horizon is an alternate metaphysical plane of existence where characters, regardless of physical location, can access and visit each other, as well as create their unique space, or "domains," inside it. Only the Summoned can access this realm; native residents of Abraxas cannot. Characters who have already been to the Horizon can access it at any time, although they must be in a state of undisturbed meditation to do so. Accessing it for the first time requires making physical contact with someone who's already been inside before.

See the Singularity/Horizon page for details.

Arcana Signs

What are the Arcana signs for?: The Arcana signs will offer some small and varied bonuses and hinderances to your character. Some events will have different effects for different signs. NPCs may treat characters differently based on their sign as well. You will not be locked out of any game plots based on your character's sign, so don't worry that your choice will limit you in the future.
How do I choose a sign?: Any sign that fits your character will do! Many characters will have two or more signs that fit them. You don't have to choose the best fit as long as it fits. The mods will not choose signs for characters but you're welcome to ask your friends or Plurk list to weigh in.
Are the signs treated differently by the citizens of Abraxas? Are any of them seen as more powerful than the others?: Some individuals have stereotypes about certain signs but they are not held so strongly that your character can't prove them wrong. Most people won't know your character's sign unless they advertise it, and although the nobles, magic users, and major political figures will consider it important, many common folk take it just a bit more seriously than astrology.

No sign is seen as more powerful than any other. There is still a wide range of aptitude within each sign; it aligns more with someone's internal goals and values than their outward ability.
What impact do the Arcana signs have on Abraxan society?: Some territories treat the Aracana more seriously than others, and it also depends on the individual. Much like horoscopes and zodiacs, there are those who will consult the signs carefully before marriage while others will refer to Arcana personality traits only for fun. Arcana symbols can be found made into jewelry or decorated on clothing items. In Thorne, Arcana decks are especially important in spellcasting.
I'm familiar with tarot, and some of these sign descriptions don't exactly fit the card meanings in real life!: You're right; we tried to keep our signs close to the meanings of the real cards but in some cases we had to make changes to suit the game. We incorporated other personality systems like MBTI and Enneagram into our sign creation, so it's a bit of an amalgam. Abraxas is a different world from ours, though, so their tarot has different meanings. If your character does tarot readings, the locals would be fascinated to hear about the differences.

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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Piggybacking off this to ask if we could get a rough idea of some of the things that can be found in the castle and surrounding city? As in what kind of areas our characters are currently able to explore. Just to make sure I'm not getting it wildly wrong when I add in setting details/locations in my tags. Thanks mods!!

In Thorne, you will find any of your garden-variety fantasy businesses: taverns, blacksmiths, inns, stables, a market full of merchants shilling their wares. We do not have a strict layout in mind, so you can feel free to use any setting-appropriate locales that you can think of.

If there is something specific you would like to use and are unsure of, please feel free to ask us.

Thank you!

also piggybacking! how friendly will they be to people that want to chatter to them (or shop)? thinking for the minute their initial feelings

It varies from person to person. There will be people who are eager to chat, people who'd rather not, people who are polite, and people who are rude to the newcomers. There will be plenty of people willing to talk...and plenty who'll tell them to do their business and get out.

thank you ♥

FAQ & GAME INFO ◎

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