FAQ: Read Before Asking

[Admiral Striker General]

Hello, and welcome to Vicious Circle's handy dandy FAQ. This topic will answer several basic or previously-asked questions about VC and RPing in general. ^^ We hope this proves handy~

===============================================

Q: What exactly is text-based Role-Playing?

A: To RP in a setting like this, you will first create a character using basic guidelines offered in the Character Creation forum. Then, once approved, you write an on-going story about him or her in collaboration with other members, each of you controlling only your own character in response to each other or moderator-controlled events. ^^ Doing this, you can have your character pursue most any goals, within reason.

(Note: Becoming a werewolf or discovering a magical hidden world, etc, are not within reason in a setting like VC's; world domination is a fine goal, though. )


Q: So I read the plot, but I was wondering, when did ___ actually occur?

A: An exact timeline for VC's history is still in the works, but you can see the most current version here. If the event you want isn't on there, please feel more than free to reply bringing it specifically to our attention. ^^


Q: When it comes to Pokemon--

• Can I start with this?
  Unless it is a fossil (Kabuto, Armaldo, etc) or Legend, yes. Remember, however, only one can be evolved; others you'll have to have in their lowest form.
  
• Is this considered evolved?
  If it has a lower form, yes. This goes for both Pokemon like Pikachu, who are always born in their Baby stage, and those like Chansey, who can be born as Chansey or Happiny. It's not the most logical system, but it does keep things as fair as possible.
  
• Can I use this move?
  Yes. If it could learn it in any Generation third through fifth via Level-Up, TM/HM, Move Tutor, Breeding, or Dream World. Very special moves, such as Riolu using Aura Sphere, are allowed but require mod approval.
  
• Can I start with a Shiny?
  You can start with three Shinies for all we care. ^^ Have fun.
  
• Can I say a Pokemon I got later was Shiny?
  No, a mod will inform you if Pokemon you catch, buy, hatch, or win in contests are Shiny or not. You can only decide for your starter(s).
  
• Can I start with a Shadow?
  MAYBE. A Shadow. This is very very rare, needs excellent history backing it up, and must be approved by Ether personally.
  
• Can I have an extra Pokemon to start if it can't battle?
  If, somehow, you have a Pokemon which literally CANNOT battle (or would ALWAYS without exception be obliterated nigh-instantly if it tried), WILL NOT EVER be able to battle, that you will NOT use as breeding fodder either, and has literally NO extra power or other benefit to make up for this, then sure. This companionship-only still takes up room in your six-slot party if you carry it, too.
  
• Are there variations other than Shiny?
  Yes. Minor deviations from standard design are acceptable in color, marking, and form. Spiky-Eared Pichu, for instance, with either or both ears spiky at that; or a Meowth with a FEW stripes; or a deeper green Roselia with a red rather than pink rose; etc. Just don't deviate too far, and make sure it's still clearly whatever species. ^^ (Yes, this means in species where Shinies barely vary at all, you could have one that looks Shiny and isn't; the difference would be true Shinies sparkle at least a little. )
  
  As a more major example, once you have at least 200 posts, you are allowed to have a Pokemon retain its coloring upon evolving. That is, remember that Red Gyarados in the Lake of Rage? :3 Technically, despite the game mechanics making it so for ease of coding, that WASN'T actually Shiny, but just retained the red coloring from being a Magikarp. ^^ You can do this with your Pokemon as well- for example, a blue Dragonite or a green Ariados. You can only have TWO of these, ever, across ALL chars, however: one normal and one shiny. To reiterate, this is not two mutations per character, but two per member. :3 Obviously, these are very rare, so choose wisely!

TO BE CONTINUED.