Attestatio de Vita Maintainers (![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} attestatio_mods) wrote,@ 2008-01-09 22:03:00 |
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Faq
Faq
Note: Last updated Feb. 20th, 2008
1. "Do you allow original characters?"
Do we ever. We are very OC friendly. We are always looking for quality created OC characters. We especially are in need of OC baby slayers, and male characters.
2. "Do you allow crossovers from other shows?"
Sorry, Clark Kent can't come to play with us.
3. "Can I be exempt from sending in a writing sample?"
For first-time applicants, unless you have express permission from the moderators, you must send in a writing sample. If you are already in the game you do not need a writing sample - unless you are applying for a canon character.
4. "I see you allow characters to be brought back from the dead, is there anyone that can't be?"
Yes. Darla, Fred, and Joyce are dead, and will not be returning in Attestatio de Vita. We would also not like to bring back any big-bads which have been killed, this includes: The Master, Adam, Jasmine, The Beast, and Caleb.
5. b. "What is the deal with bringing so many characters back from the dead, anyway?"
We just think it's fun. No, really, where else can we have all the characters we want interact? We get to be surrounded by all the characters we love. And we brought them all back in different ways that were justified.
6. "Where and when is this storyline set?"
Hope Falls, Rhode Island, modern day. Hope Falls is located on a Hellmouth.
7. "Do I need to friend everyone? Do you have a handy friend-all button?"
There's no button, because we do not require you to friend everyone. Everyone posts to the communities. As long as you've friended both communities, you'll be set.
8. "Is there a new watcher's council?"
When the Scoobies made their way from Sunnydale, they set up shop in England for a few months, helping to form a new Watcher's Council. Giles is in charge of it, although he does not stay in England - he lives in Hope Falls. Buffy and the Scoobies were instrumental in setting up the new watcher's Council. Children of prior Watcher's were contacted, as were people with mystical contacts. And these people accepted positions as Watchers. Others were recruited - and continually are. The Watcher's Council works with the Slayers now, as opposed to making the slayers work for them. Watchers have been sent out all over the world to help individual girls. A handful of watchers work in Hope Falls, with the Slayers there.
9. "What happened at the end of the series finales, according to Attestatio de vita?"
The Scoobies recuperated for a week after closing the Sunnydale Hellmouth, then got to work. They had Willow do a spell to find new slayers, and spread out to find them and inform them of what they were. Giles worked on building the watcher's council in England. Buffy went to Rome with Dawn and Andrew. Xander went to Africa. Willow and Kennedy traveled all over. And so on. Buffy dated 'Sean,' The Immortal.Angel, meanwhile, was waging his war against the Circle of the Black Thorn. In the end of the big fight, Buffy and the new slayers arrived and helped Angel et al defeat their opponents. All of the Scoobies decided to position themselves on a new Hellmouth, on Cleveland. This was financed by the Immortal. Payments for things were made by people getting jobs and by selling certain artifacts on ebay. Angel and Spike were drawn to the Hellmouth by a demon they knew wanted to kill Buffy. They managed to kill the demon. They realized that Cleveland was the new 'it' town, and with Wolfram and Hart on a Hellmouth, they stayed. Other people migrated to the Hellmouth over the years. Angel worked on setting up Angel Investigations, but both groups work together. Buffy eventually revealed to a select few that she was dating the Immortal because Giles and others suspected him of still being evil. She dated him for two years, collecting intel on what his big plan was. His plan was to become a power, as in, the 'powers that be.' He was eventually defeated, and killed. Since then, the groups have faced several problems with the Hellmouth acting up, and Wolfram and Hart targeting them.
9. b. "What about the Season 8 comics that Joss and others wrote?"
While we think it's great that there are comics, we have had this storyline for years now. We obviously couldn't anticipate a season 8, and have played things according to how we envisioned them. So while there is a season 8 in comic book form, we have not embraced it as what is canon for our specific storyline.
10. "What's going on with Wolfram and Hart?"
There are branches in several places, including Cleveland - where our group was for a while.
11. "What should I do if another player wants interaction with my character but I don't agree?"
You should very politely let them know that you are not interested, especially if they are trying to pursue a romantic relationship. But we do hope you give people a chance, and interact with as many people as possible in the storyline.
13. "What should I do if I want my character to become involved with another character?"
You should talk to that person! Don't be scared. But don't be offended if they have other plans for their characters. Romantic relationships are best built through slow building interactions.
14. "What are the limits on PBs? Can I use myself as a PB? Can you help me pick a PB? Can I hold a PB? Can my PB be a comic or an illustration?"
There are no limits on PBs - although we ask that you are able to use pictures of a good quality. As common sense dictates you should use someone that looks the age that you're playing. We do not encourage people to use themselves as PBs. We can most certainly help you pick a playby. But no, your PB cannot be a comic or illustration. Please see question 23 for more about PBs.
15. "I need icons, where can I look?"
Find_icons is a great place for finding icons. Buffy_Icons on Livejournal has great icons for canon characters. Another great way to find icons of actors and actresses - canon or not, are to do an interest search for their name, on Livejournal or Greatestjournal. You will find icon communities for them, where you can snag icons. Also, if you ask nicely, we have some members who may even make icons for you. Once you are accepted, you will be able to see our 'Resources' post on attestatio_mods, and that lists some graphic communities. Please see question 23 for more about PBs.
16. "If I have an idea for a storyline, what should I do?"
We LOVE when people suggest plot ideas. You can post it on the OOC board for people to give input, and have the mods contact you about it, or you can tell the mods. If it involves only a few characters, just contact those few characters.
17. "I see there is a post for testimonials for the game, how do I add one?"
Simply write your testimonial, spellcheck it (please) then post it to that entry. It will be screened at first. The testimonial should ideally include what you like about the game, how it's different than other's, and why other's should join.
18. "Can I write my character into the canon of the show?"
Well, if you really want it done, then please appeal to the mods on your application, and state your case for why your character should be allowed to be written into the canon of the 'verse. What's more reasonable is if you're apping as a relative of a canon character, or someone's old friend from 3rd grade. What's not cool is saying that they were one of Buffy's best friends in high school. We saw Buffy in high school. We already know her best friends. We know who worked at Angel Investigations. Don't write your character into it a history we already know. Also, if you want to be related to someone, or be connected to another character, please private message the character/s before you ask the mod. The mod will assume you have done this, and if you haven't, you will have written an entire application for nothing. And that's no fun at all.
19. "Are there examples of posts I can see?"
Naturally, you can always check the Attestatio de Vita IC board to see what we're playing lately.
20. "Do you have any preference as to who I play?"
Well, we have a Wanted page, on attestatio_mods. There are canon characters that are open, as are many examples of original characters. We want you to play who you can play best. If you can handle more than one character, feel free to take on another. We do suggest that if you play an evil character, you also play a good, or neutral character - as to interact with more people. If you need help choosing a playby, join this community and ask: find_a_pb. You can also see #23.
21. "Why is Dawn a key? I thought she wasn't?"
In season 6, Dawn says, "It's not like anyone's coming after me. I'm not the Key. Or if I am, I don't open anything anymore. It's over. Remember?" This is open to interpretation, but we've chosen to have her be a key. In Attestatio de Vita Dawn is very curious about who she is, where she comes from, and what she can do.
21. "I'm new to journals, I've never actually used one, should I not bother applying?" You should apply! Journals are very easy to learn, and one of your mods, Jessica, has a guide for you. Indicate that you need the guide on your application, and it shall be sent to you if you are accepted. If additional help is needed, it can be provided.
22. "I see you had a Jewish character. Does a Jewish Star work the same way a cross does?" This was never, ever firmly given a position on the show. While there was a Jewish character on the show, she was not very religious. So we've had to make our own stance on the issues. And here it is: "This is completely open to discussion and debate, but the cross itself is not a wholly Christian symbol, it's much, much older, dating back to pre-Christian Druidic cults. It's also got a completely non-Christian background in the Romany-Gypsy tribes. Essentially, the symbol of the cross, or two intersecting lines, is a hex sign...a sort of pre-Christian, Paganistic symbol to ward off evil. So, that being said, it could be that the cross doesn't effect vampires because of Christian symbology, but that it's power as a symbol against the darker beings of the world dates back to pre-Christian mysticism. Any symbol of faith would work in the same way, so long as the holder believes enough in that symbol of faith and protection.
The cross just works for anyone, regardless of religion because of it's use as a symbol in majorly ancient magic mojo." - Casey
23. "I need some help looking for a playby, can you help?"
Yes. You can contact the moderator directly for suggestions. If you are already in the game, check out the resource page. You can also join this community and ask: find_a_pb.
24. "Why can't you answer my question about something in the storyline or about a character?"
In an interview with Marti Noxon, she explains something that occurs in Attestatio de Vita - sometimes we don't properly document something in our storyline updates. And then you might ask a question, and if someone can't answer you - the reason isn't that there wasn't a reason, it's that it's been a long time and we can't remember what every reason for every decision was.
J: Last one… season seven, there is a whole thing with Buffy’s resurrection being the cause for the First Evil’s appearance and that was never really explained…?
MN: I know that we had a rationale. There was definitely a reason but it was never very clear. But we had one. We talked about these kinds of things endlessly. Nothing was ever, at least for us, not explained. But I’ll be damned if I remember what it was.
Source: http://www.stakesandsalvation.com/2
25. "How can I use tags to locate all of my threads?"
When you're not in an one on one thread, it can be a little difficult to keep track of your threads. That's why the tags are great. An easy way to get to this, if you lack a photographic memory (heh!), is to click on your character's tag that is always listed on the IC community page.
You can also copy this URL and supply your characters name instead. If there's a space, you use a plus sign.
http://www.livejournal.com/community/wh
26. "What is tracking? How do I track a thread?"
We highly recommend using the tracking method when you are in a thread with more than two people. This way you will stil be e-mailed the updated replies from the thread. To learn how to use this function, go here: click me!
Faq
Note: Last updated Feb. 20th, 2008
1. "Do you allow original characters?"
Do we ever. We are very OC friendly. We are always looking for quality created OC characters. We especially are in need of OC baby slayers, and male characters.
2. "Do you allow crossovers from other shows?"
Sorry, Clark Kent can't come to play with us.
3. "Can I be exempt from sending in a writing sample?"
For first-time applicants, unless you have express permission from the moderators, you must send in a writing sample. If you are already in the game you do not need a writing sample - unless you are applying for a canon character.
4. "I see you allow characters to be brought back from the dead, is there anyone that can't be?"
Yes. Darla, Fred, and Joyce are dead, and will not be returning in Attestatio de Vita. We would also not like to bring back any big-bads which have been killed, this includes: The Master, Adam, Jasmine, The Beast, and Caleb.
5. b. "What is the deal with bringing so many characters back from the dead, anyway?"
We just think it's fun. No, really, where else can we have all the characters we want interact? We get to be surrounded by all the characters we love. And we brought them all back in different ways that were justified.
6. "Where and when is this storyline set?"
Hope Falls, Rhode Island, modern day. Hope Falls is located on a Hellmouth.
7. "Do I need to friend everyone? Do you have a handy friend-all button?"
There's no button, because we do not require you to friend everyone. Everyone posts to the communities. As long as you've friended both communities, you'll be set.
8. "Is there a new watcher's council?"
When the Scoobies made their way from Sunnydale, they set up shop in England for a few months, helping to form a new Watcher's Council. Giles is in charge of it, although he does not stay in England - he lives in Hope Falls. Buffy and the Scoobies were instrumental in setting up the new watcher's Council. Children of prior Watcher's were contacted, as were people with mystical contacts. And these people accepted positions as Watchers. Others were recruited - and continually are. The Watcher's Council works with the Slayers now, as opposed to making the slayers work for them. Watchers have been sent out all over the world to help individual girls. A handful of watchers work in Hope Falls, with the Slayers there.
9. "What happened at the end of the series finales, according to Attestatio de vita?"
The Scoobies recuperated for a week after closing the Sunnydale Hellmouth, then got to work. They had Willow do a spell to find new slayers, and spread out to find them and inform them of what they were. Giles worked on building the watcher's council in England. Buffy went to Rome with Dawn and Andrew. Xander went to Africa. Willow and Kennedy traveled all over. And so on. Buffy dated 'Sean,' The Immortal.Angel, meanwhile, was waging his war against the Circle of the Black Thorn. In the end of the big fight, Buffy and the new slayers arrived and helped Angel et al defeat their opponents. All of the Scoobies decided to position themselves on a new Hellmouth, on Cleveland. This was financed by the Immortal. Payments for things were made by people getting jobs and by selling certain artifacts on ebay. Angel and Spike were drawn to the Hellmouth by a demon they knew wanted to kill Buffy. They managed to kill the demon. They realized that Cleveland was the new 'it' town, and with Wolfram and Hart on a Hellmouth, they stayed. Other people migrated to the Hellmouth over the years. Angel worked on setting up Angel Investigations, but both groups work together. Buffy eventually revealed to a select few that she was dating the Immortal because Giles and others suspected him of still being evil. She dated him for two years, collecting intel on what his big plan was. His plan was to become a power, as in, the 'powers that be.' He was eventually defeated, and killed. Since then, the groups have faced several problems with the Hellmouth acting up, and Wolfram and Hart targeting them.
9. b. "What about the Season 8 comics that Joss and others wrote?"
While we think it's great that there are comics, we have had this storyline for years now. We obviously couldn't anticipate a season 8, and have played things according to how we envisioned them. So while there is a season 8 in comic book form, we have not embraced it as what is canon for our specific storyline.
10. "What's going on with Wolfram and Hart?"
There are branches in several places, including Cleveland - where our group was for a while.
11. "What should I do if another player wants interaction with my character but I don't agree?"
You should very politely let them know that you are not interested, especially if they are trying to pursue a romantic relationship. But we do hope you give people a chance, and interact with as many people as possible in the storyline.
13. "What should I do if I want my character to become involved with another character?"
You should talk to that person! Don't be scared. But don't be offended if they have other plans for their characters. Romantic relationships are best built through slow building interactions.
14. "What are the limits on PBs? Can I use myself as a PB? Can you help me pick a PB? Can I hold a PB? Can my PB be a comic or an illustration?"
There are no limits on PBs - although we ask that you are able to use pictures of a good quality. As common sense dictates you should use someone that looks the age that you're playing. We do not encourage people to use themselves as PBs. We can most certainly help you pick a playby. But no, your PB cannot be a comic or illustration. Please see question 23 for more about PBs.
15. "I need icons, where can I look?"
Find_icons is a great place for finding icons. Buffy_Icons on Livejournal has great icons for canon characters. Another great way to find icons of actors and actresses - canon or not, are to do an interest search for their name, on Livejournal or Greatestjournal. You will find icon communities for them, where you can snag icons. Also, if you ask nicely, we have some members who may even make icons for you. Once you are accepted, you will be able to see our 'Resources' post on attestatio_mods, and that lists some graphic communities. Please see question 23 for more about PBs.
16. "If I have an idea for a storyline, what should I do?"
We LOVE when people suggest plot ideas. You can post it on the OOC board for people to give input, and have the mods contact you about it, or you can tell the mods. If it involves only a few characters, just contact those few characters.
17. "I see there is a post for testimonials for the game, how do I add one?"
Simply write your testimonial, spellcheck it (please) then post it to that entry. It will be screened at first. The testimonial should ideally include what you like about the game, how it's different than other's, and why other's should join.
18. "Can I write my character into the canon of the show?"
Well, if you really want it done, then please appeal to the mods on your application, and state your case for why your character should be allowed to be written into the canon of the 'verse. What's more reasonable is if you're apping as a relative of a canon character, or someone's old friend from 3rd grade. What's not cool is saying that they were one of Buffy's best friends in high school. We saw Buffy in high school. We already know her best friends. We know who worked at Angel Investigations. Don't write your character into it a history we already know. Also, if you want to be related to someone, or be connected to another character, please private message the character/s before you ask the mod. The mod will assume you have done this, and if you haven't, you will have written an entire application for nothing. And that's no fun at all.
19. "Are there examples of posts I can see?"
Naturally, you can always check the Attestatio de Vita IC board to see what we're playing lately.
20. "Do you have any preference as to who I play?"
Well, we have a Wanted page, on attestatio_mods. There are canon characters that are open, as are many examples of original characters. We want you to play who you can play best. If you can handle more than one character, feel free to take on another. We do suggest that if you play an evil character, you also play a good, or neutral character - as to interact with more people. If you need help choosing a playby, join this community and ask: find_a_pb. You can also see #23.
21. "Why is Dawn a key? I thought she wasn't?"
In season 6, Dawn says, "It's not like anyone's coming after me. I'm not the Key. Or if I am, I don't open anything anymore. It's over. Remember?" This is open to interpretation, but we've chosen to have her be a key. In Attestatio de Vita Dawn is very curious about who she is, where she comes from, and what she can do.
21. "I'm new to journals, I've never actually used one, should I not bother applying?" You should apply! Journals are very easy to learn, and one of your mods, Jessica, has a guide for you. Indicate that you need the guide on your application, and it shall be sent to you if you are accepted. If additional help is needed, it can be provided.
22. "I see you had a Jewish character. Does a Jewish Star work the same way a cross does?" This was never, ever firmly given a position on the show. While there was a Jewish character on the show, she was not very religious. So we've had to make our own stance on the issues. And here it is: "This is completely open to discussion and debate, but the cross itself is not a wholly Christian symbol, it's much, much older, dating back to pre-Christian Druidic cults. It's also got a completely non-Christian background in the Romany-Gypsy tribes. Essentially, the symbol of the cross, or two intersecting lines, is a hex sign...a sort of pre-Christian, Paganistic symbol to ward off evil. So, that being said, it could be that the cross doesn't effect vampires because of Christian symbology, but that it's power as a symbol against the darker beings of the world dates back to pre-Christian mysticism. Any symbol of faith would work in the same way, so long as the holder believes enough in that symbol of faith and protection.
The cross just works for anyone, regardless of religion because of it's use as a symbol in majorly ancient magic mojo." - Casey
23. "I need some help looking for a playby, can you help?"
Yes. You can contact the moderator directly for suggestions. If you are already in the game, check out the resource page. You can also join this community and ask: find_a_pb.
24. "Why can't you answer my question about something in the storyline or about a character?"
In an interview with Marti Noxon, she explains something that occurs in Attestatio de Vita - sometimes we don't properly document something in our storyline updates. And then you might ask a question, and if someone can't answer you - the reason isn't that there wasn't a reason, it's that it's been a long time and we can't remember what every reason for every decision was.
J: Last one… season seven, there is a whole thing with Buffy’s resurrection being the cause for the First Evil’s appearance and that was never really explained…?
MN: I know that we had a rationale. There was definitely a reason but it was never very clear. But we had one. We talked about these kinds of things endlessly. Nothing was ever, at least for us, not explained. But I’ll be damned if I remember what it was.
Source: http://www.stakesandsalvation.com/2
25. "How can I use tags to locate all of my threads?"
When you're not in an one on one thread, it can be a little difficult to keep track of your threads. That's why the tags are great. An easy way to get to this, if you lack a photographic memory (heh!), is to click on your character's tag that is always listed on the IC community page.
You can also copy this URL and supply your characters name instead. If there's a space, you use a plus sign.
http://www.livejournal.com/community/wh
26. "What is tracking? How do I track a thread?"
We highly recommend using the tracking method when you are in a thread with more than two people. This way you will stil be e-mailed the updated replies from the thread. To learn how to use this function, go here: click me!
