[Information] Dreamberry
dreamberry
❦ basics
The Dreamberry is basically a cell phone -- a glorified and slightly magical Blackberry ripoff. (These also work 100x better than real Blackberries.) However, as of June 1, 2011, the Dreamberry has evolved to version Dreamberry 2.0 and can take on different possible cell phone mock off forms. The Dreamberry is mainly used for communication and broadcasting dreams.
For some tips and guidelines about posting the following type of entries, refer to the Posting: Journals + Community entry.
Note: Characters will have a manual already installed in the Dreamberry to help them use it. The information will generally reflect what's written here. While this page is directed toward the player, the basic information found here will also be found in those manuals. So no fourth-walling in the manuals (for example, any use of "character" would be replaced by "user" and any links to other OOC playing guides would not even exist in the manual).
Structure
- Basic Structure
- Inactive Form
- Card Slot
- Camera
- Network
Use
- General Calls
- Dreams
- Texting
- Filtering
- Hacking
Features
- Inbox
- Folders
- Voicemail
- Contact List
- Caller-ID
Additional Functions
- Recorder
- GPS System
- DP Bank Account
- Weather Report
- Moon Phase Indicator
- Translator
- Misc
❦ structure & design
❖ basic structure
As mentioned, the Dreamberry is basically designed after the Blackberry. It has access to various applications as well as a camera and phonecam feature.
The default model will be based off any style of the Blackberry. However, the Dreamberry now has two additional models: touchscreen and slider. As you can imagine, the touchscreen functions like the modern touchscreen cell phones found in the real world. The sliders have a sliding QWERTY keyboard for those who may prefer typing on an actual keyboard than on the touchscreen or original keypad. These models are of course optional, and some characters may have more traditional, basic cellphones instead.
The Dreamberries are also customizable by size, color, and other aesthetic designs that could be included to make it unique for the character. Charging it is unnecessary, and a clip can automatically come with it for characters who may rather clip it to their belt rather than stuff it in their pocket. But there are other ways to "store" the Dreamberry.
❖ inactive form
When not in use, the Dreamberry will take the form of...well, anything. It can be a charm, a compact, an accessory, a bracelet, whatever, as long as it fits the character. We'll even allow the character's canon weapon, but it's better if you talk to one of the mods first to clear it. It can even just stay as a phone if that's what you want. Whenever the character wants to use the Dreamberry, it will automatically transform to its normal phone state.
❖ card slot
The Dreamberries have a mysterious slot on their sides, which various cards found lying around Somarium can be slid into. The slot is usually invisible, but when a character has a card ready for use, it will magically appear. In terms of actual technical detail, the slot is actually just covered by a thin piece of plastic that slides down when it senses the magical presence of the card. It's pretty unnoticeable. How it reads the card is similar to a normal credit card reader. For more information about cards, see the Cards page.
Update: As of March 1, 2011, special cards have been introduced to Somarium. Please refer to the Special Cards for more details, as some of these cards contain plot relevant information.
❖ camera
This can take both regular pictures and video. As mentioned before, there are two cameras. The one in the front (where the screen is) is primarily for calls. The one in the back is used for standard camera use.
❖ network
Somarium doesn't have the internet, but it does have its own little network that allows residents to view all of the recent dreams, voice, or video posts that other residents have made. The main network page, which basically looks like a LiveJournal friends page or a Facebook feed, is the first thing that will appear whenever the Dreamberry is turned on.
Characters can also browse old posts made on the network, even those from before their arrival; however, they cannot comment on a post that is over a week old unless it's backdated. They cannot view any dropped character dreams, either.
❦ phone calls
❖ general
The main use of the Dreamberry is the standard phone call, with a bit of a futuristic slant (that may not be as futuristic anymore at the time of this update). By default, the Dreamberry is set to make all calls in video, so the characters can see each others' lovely faces. The video can, however, be turned off without too much difficulty. Just be sure to specify in a call thread if the call is voice-only.
Phone calls will mostly be made on dream or voice/video posts in a character's journal, but they can also be used in face-to-face logs if so desired.
❖ dreams
The second main use of the Dreamberry. Dreams are recorded on these devices and can be viewable by anyone unless filtered (explained in the Posting guide). They could have a theme, be crack, or memories. They could even be a character's inner thoughts being projected into a dream-like form.
Not only can someone view the dream, but they can also feel the dream. It is possible for various effects to be transmitted from the dreamer to the viewer, though this seems to happen at random. Some dreams may have the effects, while others don't. The same is said for the viewers -- some feel the effects of a dream, but others may not feel anything from that same dream.
It only lasts for as long as the dream, but it may give the viewer a different perspective.
❖ text messages
For all the mutes or just plain shy people, text messaging is indeed available from the main menu. It can be used to broadcast across the whole network. The texts can also be customizable with some standard fonts, colors, and even emoticons! Not only can characters use standard ASCII emoticons, but there are also some set emoticons they can choose from a menu. Images can also be inserted into the text message.
❖ filtering
(Explained in the Posting Guide) Calls can be filtered to a specific person or group of people, and this option is readily available to everyone. Threads or posts would be marked "Private" or "Filtered." It can also be used if something important is brought up in conversation and the character doesn't want anyone to listen in.
❖ hacking
It is possible to hack any calls or messages, and it function the same way as phone/wiretapping. However, you must have player permission before your character hacks into the calls. Also, it is very difficult to do so, so only characters who would have the ability to hack things to begin with would be able to do this. If a thread is labeled as "Private" or "Filtered," the ability to hack will be reduced to almost zero.
❦ features
❖ inbox
It should be noted that when new Dream, Video/Voice, or Text posts are made, they are not played automatically. Instead, the Dreamberry has an inbox, much like an e-mail or text message inbox in which the messages will be displayed in. When a new post is made, if enabled, a sound notification will sound to alert the owner that a new post had been uploaded. This is again similar to when you receive a new text message on a real phone.
It is possible to have the Dreamberry set up so that it automatically plays/displays the posts in real time. However, they are now defaulted to be sent to the inbox so that the user can browse at their own leisure. They will be stored for open access for up to a week. HOWEVER, after a week, posts are Read Only, meaning a character can view/hear/read the posts, but would not be allowed to comment on them.
❖ folders
Like any other inbox, there are folders to help keep things organized should the user choose to.
The RECORDS folder holds various plot related documents that have been discovered in-game. They can be read here.
The WORLD MEMORY folder holds various visions that could be played through special cards. However, they have been stored on the network for more global access. They can be read about here. [Added June 1, 2011.]
❖ voicemail
Each character can set up a standard voicemail message for others to hear when they don't pick up the phone immediately. These can be personalized or just have the standard "Please leave a message after the tone *beep*" message.
❖ contact list
This is a list of all the current residents in Somarium. It updates itself automatically when new residents arrive. When a person leaves, the name is automatically removed. Also, a character can set a "default" picture next to their name. This would basically be the default icon of their journal. Information on where they live can also be listed here, but it is again optional.
Note: The name listed on the contact list is their most commonly used name, not their true name. Basically what you see on the Taken Characters list.
It is possible to change the name displayed on the list, but it's slightly limited. Characters can either change to their real name, or to a canon alias. They would not be able to change it to something completely random. Therefore, if a character has multiple names that they are referred to, they will be able to change it to any one of those.
❖ caller-id
Caller-id is available, and whenever someone makes a broadcast or responds to a post, the name as reflected on the contact list will be displayed. However, these can be easily missed depending on the circumstances. It is also possible to have the caller-id display "Anonymous" or even the other possible canon aliases, but only those who really have tinkered with the Dreamberry will be able to use this particular feature.
❦ additional functions
❖ recorder
This can be used to record voice messages or notes for later. It has both video and voice capability.
❖ gps system
The Dreamberry has a basic map of Somarium. It also functions as a modern GPS system in that it can help give directions. It will automatically update to include any new information about various locations, and can also save favorite locations. With the current upgrade, the maps are more distinct and have better graphics. It even tracks where the floating mountain is currently at the point.
❖ DP bank account
Formerly the Credits account, this will display how many Dream Points, or DP the character has. All characters will start off with 10,000 DP. It automatically updates and no OOC maintenance is required.
❖ weather report
Characters have access to a weather report application that is identical to the ones given in each Moon Cycle post. The screen will show the immediate weather, and accessing the application will give the whole day and weekly weather report. Past weather report records are also available for viewing.
❖ moon phase indicator
At the top of the screen, in the same bar where the time, notification, and signal strength are displayed, can be found a moon phase symbol that indicates what phase of the moon it is. The symbols will look just like basic shapes of the moon phases-one-quarter, one-half, three-quarter, and whole. White symbols indicate the waxing and full periods. Black symbols indicate the waning and new periods.
❖ translator
Obviously everyone coming in is going to be speaking a different language; the Dreamberry automatically translates anything said in its vicinity to the owner's main language, so don't worry about that. The translator also works pretty well with writing...except, it doesn't translate the native Somarium language very well, ironically enough.
❖ misc
It also contains a planner and a notepad function, if any characters are interested in that. If there's a similar minor function you'd like the Dreamberry to have, just go ahead and say it's there. It should have most, if not all, basic cellphone applications. You can now play music on it as well, though it has limited storage space. There are also BASIC STANDARD cell phone games available. Remember, Somarium may be similar to the real world setting wise, but it does not share the same specially customized features. So no Angry Birds or Robot Unicorn Attack. However, there may be a rip-off lying around somewhere...
❂ index ❂