RULES
Communities require a solid foundation of rules to function properly. Our rules here at hogwartlife are fairly standard but it is still important to read through them so that both mods and players have a clear understanding of the conduct expected from both parties. As moderators it is our responsibility to enforce these rules just as it is your responsibility as players to pay heed to them so it is important to know what they are.
Preface.
As this was formerly hogwart_life, there were many characters that were played by original members. Each original member that wants to return has the right to pick up their previously played character- as long as it has not already been chosen by a new player. These original players, also, do not need to send an application for any previous character they have played as we know how they write and what they can bring to the community.
God-Modding.
For every action, there is a consequence. A character, regardless of how powerful or evil or awesome they might be, cannot get away with everything. Assuming a character’s actions or using out-of-game knowledge (that your character does not/should not know) when threading with another player is strictly forbidden and frankly, annoying. If there is something extreme you'd like to do: kill, maim, whatever- you must first run it by the other player. It's just nice. And we like nice.
The In Character/Out of Character Line
In-character drama is not only alright, it's welcome! However, if there is an issue between players, the mods strongly suggest that you come to them first before creating an issue with another player.
That said, it's perfectly alright to be upset about a storyline. Lots of people go to the movies and cry when a scene is sad. What's more so is that it's entirely normal for a writer to feel for their character. However it's not alright to take things that happen in character personally. If you feel as if this is happening, and that your character is being treated wrongly in character as a result of out of character issues that can't be resolved, please do not retaliate, but instead speak to a mod.
Characterization & Realism; Mary Sue Characters
Although the concept of being realistic in a fantasy universe is a little perverse, it is important that your characters conform to the restrictions the time period and canon put on your playing. Although all our characters are magical in some form, they're not going to be the next Merlin or Albus Dumbledore. Fact.
Also, the best characters come with flaws. Perfect characters are not only unrealistic but incredibly hard to play with. If your character tends to lean toward this extreme, they will not be accepted. On the same note, characters that have lived through treacherous crap upon more crap who can’t bring themselves out of bed because their lives are so hard are also incredibly difficult and will also not be accepted. Drama is great, but in moderation. Realism is key, even if you are half-mermaid.
It is also important to note that this is in it's most basic game a fandom game based on a previously played Harry Potter RP. It is also somewhat AU. However, we expect that all characters will be portrayed as being canon-compliant. Allowances can be made for shipping and orientation as detailed below, however all character backgrounds and personalities should remain the same.
Hiatuses
Hey, stuff happens. No one is going to chastise you for needing a little time to get through IRL things. However, repeated hiatus announcements and hiatuses that last longer than three weeks will bring about an email from the mods. We love having players, but we also love having plots move forward. If you’re not around, that can be hard to do.
Activity Requirements
Interaction and activity is important in a role-playing game. That much is obvious. We require at least three threads/journal entries a month. If four weeks pass by without a single post (this includes threads and journal entries), a mod email will be sent to the player. Mod approved hiatuses are an exception to this rule.
Original Characters
Applications for original characters will not be accepted. In addition to the books's canon characters, you will see a few original names on the character list. These are from the previous incarnation of the game (which unfortunately has been deleted and purged) and are the only original characters allowed. This may seem unfair but we'd really just like to have canon characters back! Outside of these characters we will not be accepting any other original characters. If you have a character concept you absolutely have to write but don't see anything that fits listed in the available characters, please leave us a note in the drop box and we will be open to discuss it, however we make no promises as to whether or not we will accept your idea.
Character Limit
I know we’re all adults, here, and know how many characters we can handle. However, due to the newness of the game, we would like to restrict character limit to six. And, if you pick up a major player (Harry, Draco, etc.) we would appreciate if your second character (and so on) is a more supporting player (Orla Quirke, Ritchie Coote).
Shipping
We understand that some characters may have more chemistry with some than others. We will not limit or cap any sexuality of any character nor will we forbid slash/non-canon relationships. However, these relationships must be thought out and properly worked up to. As Harry is established as someone who is interested in girls, it would be very out of character for him to suddenly want to go off and marry someone like Zacharias Smith. Make these relationships make sense, take them slowly. Character development is always welcome.
PB Requirements & Suggestions
We are very diverse in terms of PB choice. We only recommend that you use someone age-appropriate. Because we'd really rather not see Heidi Klum for Lavender Brown. The mods are in their power to reject a PB suggestion.
Plot & Plot Devices
The game-wide plot will head underway shortly and we encourage all characters to get involved. Whether it be picking a side in the war against magic or just trying to get through midterms, we strongly suggest that you create a personal storyline for your character. We'll also be posting optional weekly writing prompts for those who are feeling a little writer's block.
Journal Usage & First Person Entries
All in all, this is a thread-heavy community. We hope to see a ton of character work but we know that journal entries and first-person comments can be most of the fun. So go for it. Each character's journal is magically linked and they work as a great communicating device.
Third Person Posts
All third person posts can be posted directly in the player's journal. We know that in other RPs, they tend to have a strict thread community, but we don't really follow those rules. You can post the thread in whichever journal you'd like (eta: If Harry and Ron are having a thread, it can be posted in either Harry's or Ron's journal.)