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urbanplannersThis post can also be used to ask questions of the mods, or to ask for suggestions on how to AU your character in the setting.
How did my character get here?
Your character was born and raised in this world. This is an alternate universe roleplay, which means you adapt the character's background to the setting rather than the setting pulling the character in from their home universe.
Are original characters allowed?
They are! As with all other characters, they should be written into the setting. Also your character should not share a close relationship with another character without their player's permission (IE no suddenly springing it on Cloud and Barret that you're their long lost mpreg baby!).
How do I join the game?
Simply make a character journal, then comment to the claim post. Then introduce yourself/your character on the OOC comm. You might also want to add a bit about your character's position in the game world (job, location, etc.) but that's optional.
What kindof activity is required?
Post or reply to an entry with your character once every two months. Make sure you tag that entry with your character's name, because we'll be checking activity with the tags.
Why the dressing room (IE no applications) format?
This RP is somewhat like an open beta test. We're planning to eventually make a more formal, application-required game from this setting. However we want to iron out the kinks in the setting and structure of the game first! Your input on this process is very much welcomed.
Is there magic/the supernatural/powers in this setting?
The Mortal Engines world is science fiction, not fantasy, and as such there's no magic per se. However belief in the supernatural is quite common. Most people believe in gods, spirits, the afterlife, etc. If you wish to play it a supernatural storyline, however, you can either note the difference in the post (see the world info at the very top of the post), or alternatively, use selective fading to black to leave what "really" happened vague.
OldTech, Stalker tech and ancient genetic engineering can account for many things that may be supernatural in your character's canon. For instance an undead character could actually be a Stalker or an elf could have genetically engineered ancestry. See the world info sections on Stalkers, genetic engineering and OldTech for more info.
Where does my character live?
Your character can live anywhere on the planet they want! If you're having a hard time thinking of a good place to put them, try making up a mobile or static town that imitates the setting of their canon. If they're a wanderer in canon, try having them traveling the earth on an airship or other vehicle! For convienence sake, we'll be setting most of the mod plots around the following locales: London (for tractionist characters), Batmunk Ghompa (for Anti-Traction League characters) and Fulfill The Vision Of The Wind Flower base and settlement, on the steppes of what was once Russia (for Green Storm members). However these are not restrictions!
Is there a network?
Although computers are extremely rare in this setting, there is a radio network that covers most of the world now. Characters who know cryptography can broadcast to each other in code over it and there's nothing to stop them from finding a private band and chatting over that. See the world info section on Truthiness And Consequences.
With all these factions, how do I get my character interacting with characters from other factions?
We definitely want to avoid having the setting ghettoize the characters. There are several options for getting them to interact:
1: The radio network is not faction specific, although broadcasts meant only for members of a specific faction can be made.
2: There are neutral locations where members of different factions must interact peacefully. Airhaven is one such location. Trading fortress caravans can also be found in most parts of the world. And of course if you're a trader yourself, you'll probably be selling to whoever takes your money.
3: War is constant in this world and even civilians are often caught up in it. Characters from opposing factions can be trapped together on the battlefield if the front lines or their home city moves on, captured as POWs, repeatedly meet in combat (like Amuro Ray and Char Aznable in Mobile Suit Gundam), etc.
4: The world is also rife with agents and double agents working for the various factions. It's quite possible to know someone for years and never realize that they're an agent! Thieves, whether Lost Boys or independent, also work deep cover jobs.
5: Mercenary characters may fight for any faction.
6: We will be creating events and plots that throw members of the different factions together.
The world of Mortal Engines thrives on absurd coincidences, so try contacting other characters and thinking of some of your own.
My character is all powerful in his canon! He can shoot nuclear explosions out of his butt!
Well that's not a question but uh, well, find a way to tune them down a bit. If they have unusual abilities, see the question on the supernatural and powers.
My character is socially powerful in their world (IE very wealthy or politically powerful). Can they stay that way here?
Absolutely. Characters in leadership positions can be highly placed in any of the factions or mayor of their own city. Rich characters can remain rich in the setting. We ask that you please not have your character become the head (president, dictator, emperor, etc.) of any of the following factions and cities (except if they're a Mortal Engines character that occupies that position in canon, such as Magnus Chrome or The Stalker Fang): The Anti Traction League, The Green Storm, The Lost Boys, Orla Twombley's Flying Ferrets, Anchorage, Armada, Arkhangel, Brighton, Harrowbarrow, High Cromlech, London, Manchester, Traktionstadt-Weimar or Truthiness And Consequences.
Is this RP officially endorsed by Phillip Reeve?
It isn't. However he's never voiced any objection to fanfic based on his works and frequently blogs about interesting fanworks, so it can be assumed he's not against it.
How did my character get here?
Your character was born and raised in this world. This is an alternate universe roleplay, which means you adapt the character's background to the setting rather than the setting pulling the character in from their home universe.
Are original characters allowed?
They are! As with all other characters, they should be written into the setting. Also your character should not share a close relationship with another character without their player's permission (IE no suddenly springing it on Cloud and Barret that you're their long lost mpreg baby!).
How do I join the game?
Simply make a character journal, then comment to the claim post. Then introduce yourself/your character on the OOC comm. You might also want to add a bit about your character's position in the game world (job, location, etc.) but that's optional.
What kindof activity is required?
Post or reply to an entry with your character once every two months. Make sure you tag that entry with your character's name, because we'll be checking activity with the tags.
Why the dressing room (IE no applications) format?
This RP is somewhat like an open beta test. We're planning to eventually make a more formal, application-required game from this setting. However we want to iron out the kinks in the setting and structure of the game first! Your input on this process is very much welcomed.
Is there magic/the supernatural/powers in this setting?
The Mortal Engines world is science fiction, not fantasy, and as such there's no magic per se. However belief in the supernatural is quite common. Most people believe in gods, spirits, the afterlife, etc. If you wish to play it a supernatural storyline, however, you can either note the difference in the post (see the world info at the very top of the post), or alternatively, use selective fading to black to leave what "really" happened vague.
OldTech, Stalker tech and ancient genetic engineering can account for many things that may be supernatural in your character's canon. For instance an undead character could actually be a Stalker or an elf could have genetically engineered ancestry. See the world info sections on Stalkers, genetic engineering and OldTech for more info.
Where does my character live?
Your character can live anywhere on the planet they want! If you're having a hard time thinking of a good place to put them, try making up a mobile or static town that imitates the setting of their canon. If they're a wanderer in canon, try having them traveling the earth on an airship or other vehicle! For convienence sake, we'll be setting most of the mod plots around the following locales: London (for tractionist characters), Batmunk Ghompa (for Anti-Traction League characters) and Fulfill The Vision Of The Wind Flower base and settlement, on the steppes of what was once Russia (for Green Storm members). However these are not restrictions!
Is there a network?
Although computers are extremely rare in this setting, there is a radio network that covers most of the world now. Characters who know cryptography can broadcast to each other in code over it and there's nothing to stop them from finding a private band and chatting over that. See the world info section on Truthiness And Consequences.
With all these factions, how do I get my character interacting with characters from other factions?
We definitely want to avoid having the setting ghettoize the characters. There are several options for getting them to interact:
1: The radio network is not faction specific, although broadcasts meant only for members of a specific faction can be made.
2: There are neutral locations where members of different factions must interact peacefully. Airhaven is one such location. Trading fortress caravans can also be found in most parts of the world. And of course if you're a trader yourself, you'll probably be selling to whoever takes your money.
3: War is constant in this world and even civilians are often caught up in it. Characters from opposing factions can be trapped together on the battlefield if the front lines or their home city moves on, captured as POWs, repeatedly meet in combat (like Amuro Ray and Char Aznable in Mobile Suit Gundam), etc.
4: The world is also rife with agents and double agents working for the various factions. It's quite possible to know someone for years and never realize that they're an agent! Thieves, whether Lost Boys or independent, also work deep cover jobs.
5: Mercenary characters may fight for any faction.
6: We will be creating events and plots that throw members of the different factions together.
The world of Mortal Engines thrives on absurd coincidences, so try contacting other characters and thinking of some of your own.
My character is all powerful in his canon! He can shoot nuclear explosions out of his butt!
Well that's not a question but uh, well, find a way to tune them down a bit. If they have unusual abilities, see the question on the supernatural and powers.
My character is socially powerful in their world (IE very wealthy or politically powerful). Can they stay that way here?
Absolutely. Characters in leadership positions can be highly placed in any of the factions or mayor of their own city. Rich characters can remain rich in the setting. We ask that you please not have your character become the head (president, dictator, emperor, etc.) of any of the following factions and cities (except if they're a Mortal Engines character that occupies that position in canon, such as Magnus Chrome or The Stalker Fang): The Anti Traction League, The Green Storm, The Lost Boys, Orla Twombley's Flying Ferrets, Anchorage, Armada, Arkhangel, Brighton, Harrowbarrow, High Cromlech, London, Manchester, Traktionstadt-Weimar or Truthiness And Consequences.
Is this RP officially endorsed by Phillip Reeve?
It isn't. However he's never voiced any objection to fanfic based on his works and frequently blogs about interesting fanworks, so it can be assumed he's not against it.
