The Rules
Rated R. Yes, this rule has changed. So, rather than worrying about what you shouldn't be doing, you must ask yourself what you're willing to deal with. The average age of the cast is 18, and its players are 18+, so chances are some more adult-oriented things are going to happen. You're not required to participate, but be aware that there will be violence, sexual content, etc.
No personal drama or RPG politics. If you don’t like someone already in the game, or you know someone you don’t like is applying and this will become a problem, don’t bother. If you can handle things maturely and deal with the fact that this is a politics-free zone, then by all means apply anyway. You don’t have to communicate with anyone on AIM, MSN, Y!IM, or through e-mail except to talk about a story idea or contribute to a story.
Also, know that I don’t care who you are or what you have done. If you apply, and make a good character, I’ll accept you. Even if I don’t like you, you have a fair chance. It is not my place to judge you; I just want this to be a game where people can write and have fun.
Contribute at least one paragraph once every four-five weeks. I feel that this is a reasonable grace period, as many of us are busy as hell. I will allow you to go longer without contributing if you can provide a good reason (school, work, family matters, etc.). This game should not be stressful; it should not be a struggle to meet deadlines. If you need more than four-five weeks all the time, you probably shouldn’t apply.
Yes, this will be a slow game. If you need more, go ahead and write more, or chat, or whatever. Just be aware that only the PbEM stuff is legitimate. But also understand that you do need to participate. Characters who do nothing but take up space on the cast page will not be tolerated. If you're not involved in a story, -get involved in one-, or at the very least remain active on the LJ community.
All story ideas should be run by me.
Any two-sided relationships must be mutually agreed upon. Contact any other players that you want your character involved with in any way. Crushes, obsessions, or anything along that line do not need permission because they are one-sided.
Common sense is a virtue. Think before you speak. This applies to both in and out of character interaction. Know that your character will and will not do or say certain things, and stick with it. You are stuck with whatever personality you write in for your character. Of course, as you get to know your character, things will change slightly. If at all possible, keep these changes reasonable. Does that make sense? I hope so. If you have a problem with someone or something, bring it up to me. Consider me a mediator. I will not tolerate pointless squabbling, blaming, or otherwise immature behaviour. Again, this is supposed to be a fun game, so don’t take it too seriously.
No random Japanese words or phrases. I speak English. Chances are, you speak English too. Although it's fun to speak the little Japanese we know, there is no real reason for it. I'd rather see "Everyone, transform!" than "Minna, henshin yo!" Some people might not know what the heck you're talking about.
No characters from other games or preexisting anime. No Sailormoon/Usagi, no Ranma, no Naruto. And no bring-your-own-tarot card, either (there are other tarot decks that have different names for cards). You are to create your own original character using the information given to you on this site. And please, PLEASE read all of the information here, because it’s rather important that you know what the hell you're talking about. It gets easier from there, I swear!
No overlapping or annoying stereotypes. By overlapping I mean make sure you’ve read all of the pre-existing character profiles to make sure you’re not repeating any major features, personality traits, etc. We don’t want hojillions of blue-eyed charmers, or four dozen black-haired Scorpios. By annoying stereotypes I mean that working with an archetype is fine, but don’t make it cheesy, typical or stupid. I don’t want to be getting all happy upper class white people and low-class Mexicans or something. I’d like to set this in a slightly more ideal world, where anyone can come from anywhere, socially and economically speaking. Does that make sense? I hope so.