Post by Jericho on Sept 14, 2009 1:13:43 GMT -5
We understand that people are creative and would like to play original characters within the DC universe. Perhaps they don't want to play actual DC characters, or they want to play something "original", or perhaps they don't like any DC characters but want to play in Ultimate DC. We can respect that, and even encourage it. Whatever your reason, there are some rules to keep in mind. As you read these, keep in mind that we don't want to stifle creativity, but neither do we want to create "monsters" that make the room less fun for the other players either.
When submitting a created character for play within Ultimate DC, the following rules will apply.
1. As with Canon DC characters, a maximum of three characters are allowed (including canon characters). As well, there will be a waiting period of two to three weeks in between submitting each character. The only exception to this is the possibility of a 4th character slot. This 4th character slot is not mandatory, however, it can ONLY be occupied by a Lantern (created or canon and any color but Black, see this thread regarding Lanterns in Ultimate DC).
2. Copies of characters from other comic universes (i.e. Wolverine, Hellboy, Spider-man, etc) will be denied. If we wanted these characters, we would have allowed them to be played directly. Likewise, copies of existing canon DC characters (i.e. a created character that is exactly like Batman in every way except the bat suit, etc) will be denied. There is plenty of room to be creative without "ripping off" other characters. In addition, no created characters will be allowed that are based on iconic imagery from any source. An example of this would be anything recognizable from Star Wars, World of Warcraft, Dune, Star Trek, etc. We realize that some of that stuff can be an excellent springboard for ideas, but having that in room can sometimes be distracting to other players. That said, if you feel that it wouldn't be so recognizable, by all means discuss it with the Council. In cases such as this, it will need approval from every council member. Once a decision has been made, it's final and no amount of arguing is going to change it. Arguing with the Council about it after the fact will result in the character being denied.
2. No new player will be allowed a power ranking above Amazing for a period of six to eight weeks. This will allow the Ultimate DC Council to watch how you roleplay, how often you roleplay your character, and whether or not granting an increase in rank would be beneficial in any way to your character and the room. If you already have an approved character already, the determination on power ranking will be determined by the above criteria, though we'll be a little more flexible. At the very least, if you hardly play in the room, be sure you won't get approved for any power higher than Amazing. If, after this probationary period, it is determined that your character is to be granted a power rank upgrade, it will only increase to the next level. Any power ranking at Unearthly and above will always be subject to Council approval, regardless of standing in the room. As always, the Council reserves the right to approve or deny power rankings regardless of level, depending on whether that power is deemed too powerful for the room.
In addition, created characters will also be limited to having a MAX of two stats or powers at Amazing rank. Amazing is already a powerful rank and it's conceivable that the character has developed at least two areas up to that level. Any character sheet that has more than that will NOT be approved. The goal here is to make it believable, not create a power grab fest. Generally, keep the stats and powers believable for your basic character concept.
3. If your designing your character to have a history that is integrated with existing DC characters (such as parent, sibling, child, friend, enemy), it is advised that you ask the person playing that character, if it is in play at this time. If the character is NOT in play, please get permission from the council first. If you get permission, please state that at the bottom of your submitted sheet. In addition, if you'd like your character to be a part of one of the teams in the room (i.e. Justice League, Teen Titans, etc), please get permission from the Council.
4. In keeping with the DC universe, created characters with extensive powers will not be approved, regardless of ranking and regardless of whether you're a new player or veteran. Any long lists will need to be trimmed before approval is considered. For those with powers, they need to also be related in some form. The idea is to keep it realistic and within the setting, not making it a grab for as many powers as possible that you wouldn't find in an existing canon character.
A general idea of what is considered possibly acceptable is no more than four complimentary powers. Anything that deviates from that, the Council will work with you in an attempt to bring it into a playable form. However, keep in mind that while you may well be envisioning a character who doesn't use most of those powers (and if that is the case, why have them?), but we the Council have to take into account the power balance of the ENTIRE room.
5. This is not so much a rule as a general information kind of thing. When submitting a character, the Council will try to work with you to give you a character that you'll actually enjoy playing, however keep in mind that we are human, we make mistakes, and we won't always see eye to eye. We are more than willing to work with you, however we ask that you be willing to work with us in return. We will endeavor to get your character approved, or to help get it to a point where it can be approved, however we also have r/t needs and things that the Council needs to deal with as well. So, we ask that if you haven't been approved fairly quick, please be patient with us.
Thank you for your interest in playing in Ultimate DC. We hope that your time with us is a fun one.
When submitting a created character for play within Ultimate DC, the following rules will apply.
1. As with Canon DC characters, a maximum of three characters are allowed (including canon characters). As well, there will be a waiting period of two to three weeks in between submitting each character. The only exception to this is the possibility of a 4th character slot. This 4th character slot is not mandatory, however, it can ONLY be occupied by a Lantern (created or canon and any color but Black, see this thread regarding Lanterns in Ultimate DC).
2. Copies of characters from other comic universes (i.e. Wolverine, Hellboy, Spider-man, etc) will be denied. If we wanted these characters, we would have allowed them to be played directly. Likewise, copies of existing canon DC characters (i.e. a created character that is exactly like Batman in every way except the bat suit, etc) will be denied. There is plenty of room to be creative without "ripping off" other characters. In addition, no created characters will be allowed that are based on iconic imagery from any source. An example of this would be anything recognizable from Star Wars, World of Warcraft, Dune, Star Trek, etc. We realize that some of that stuff can be an excellent springboard for ideas, but having that in room can sometimes be distracting to other players. That said, if you feel that it wouldn't be so recognizable, by all means discuss it with the Council. In cases such as this, it will need approval from every council member. Once a decision has been made, it's final and no amount of arguing is going to change it. Arguing with the Council about it after the fact will result in the character being denied.
2. No new player will be allowed a power ranking above Amazing for a period of six to eight weeks. This will allow the Ultimate DC Council to watch how you roleplay, how often you roleplay your character, and whether or not granting an increase in rank would be beneficial in any way to your character and the room. If you already have an approved character already, the determination on power ranking will be determined by the above criteria, though we'll be a little more flexible. At the very least, if you hardly play in the room, be sure you won't get approved for any power higher than Amazing. If, after this probationary period, it is determined that your character is to be granted a power rank upgrade, it will only increase to the next level. Any power ranking at Unearthly and above will always be subject to Council approval, regardless of standing in the room. As always, the Council reserves the right to approve or deny power rankings regardless of level, depending on whether that power is deemed too powerful for the room.
In addition, created characters will also be limited to having a MAX of two stats or powers at Amazing rank. Amazing is already a powerful rank and it's conceivable that the character has developed at least two areas up to that level. Any character sheet that has more than that will NOT be approved. The goal here is to make it believable, not create a power grab fest. Generally, keep the stats and powers believable for your basic character concept.
3. If your designing your character to have a history that is integrated with existing DC characters (such as parent, sibling, child, friend, enemy), it is advised that you ask the person playing that character, if it is in play at this time. If the character is NOT in play, please get permission from the council first. If you get permission, please state that at the bottom of your submitted sheet. In addition, if you'd like your character to be a part of one of the teams in the room (i.e. Justice League, Teen Titans, etc), please get permission from the Council.
4. In keeping with the DC universe, created characters with extensive powers will not be approved, regardless of ranking and regardless of whether you're a new player or veteran. Any long lists will need to be trimmed before approval is considered. For those with powers, they need to also be related in some form. The idea is to keep it realistic and within the setting, not making it a grab for as many powers as possible that you wouldn't find in an existing canon character.
A general idea of what is considered possibly acceptable is no more than four complimentary powers. Anything that deviates from that, the Council will work with you in an attempt to bring it into a playable form. However, keep in mind that while you may well be envisioning a character who doesn't use most of those powers (and if that is the case, why have them?), but we the Council have to take into account the power balance of the ENTIRE room.
5. This is not so much a rule as a general information kind of thing. When submitting a character, the Council will try to work with you to give you a character that you'll actually enjoy playing, however keep in mind that we are human, we make mistakes, and we won't always see eye to eye. We are more than willing to work with you, however we ask that you be willing to work with us in return. We will endeavor to get your character approved, or to help get it to a point where it can be approved, however we also have r/t needs and things that the Council needs to deal with as well. So, we ask that if you haven't been approved fairly quick, please be patient with us.
Thank you for your interest in playing in Ultimate DC. We hope that your time with us is a fun one.