FAQ
frequently asked questions
Q. What does becoming an Arcanarum denizen entail?
A. Essentially, you are becoming the fairytale character that you chose. This means that the Emperor and Empress are trying to make you become this character by means of events, using their strength to make you do things against your will, and even change your body. However, you may fight back by mentally fighting the changes or participating in the events and obtaining regains from your world, which are the only things that will keep you from changing completely. If you have any physical or mental changes, a regain will reverse them.
Q. What if my character isn't human? Would the Arcana still bring them to the Island?
A. Yes! The Arcana do not care about what you are or what you look like. If they feel you would be good for the role, they will spirit you away. You will maintain your form in this world, but your clothes will be that of the denizen you become (yes, that goes for the naked ones, too).
Q. Then if I app an animal or other non-human that can't communicate, will they be given the ability to speak?
A. That is up to the player. We feel that it is not needed for them to speak, as there are other means of communication, but if you would like your character to be able to speak, please contact the mods to let them know. Also keep in mind that the ability to speak may be given to them later on in the game, depending on their denizen.
Q. The Rulers are trying to turn our characters into their denizens, right? So what happens to my character whose denizen is a non-human, like an animal or an inanimate object? Alternatively, what about our non-human characters with human denizens?
A. When your character shows up, they will be themselves but will find themselves wearing the clothes of their denizen. If the denizen doesn't have clothes, your character will have to figure out what to do about that themselves. However, the only time they will change completely into their denizen depends on what an event entails. They may pick up various traits--such as personality quirks, physical changes, or mentality--throughout their stay, but the major changes occur during events. All traits can stick around for a player decided amount of time, or they can be taken away completely with a regain. It's really up to you!
Q. I want to app a character, but the 'denizen' they're based on is taken! What should I do?
A. If the denizen you want to apply for is taken, we apologize for the inconvenience, but you will have to choose someone else. You may, of course, use another character from that story, or something else! We have a few wonderful lists right here, here, and here for you to choose from! But, please don't think you're limited to these incomplete lists. We know there's an endless number of stories to choose from out there!
Q. What about if Character A (from Fandom 1) is a denizen in the story I want to app into with Character B (from Fandom 2)? Can different series all be part of the same story?
A. Of course! You most certainly can app a character into the same story, even if your storymates aren't from the same series. For example, if John from Homestuck is Peter Pan, then it's entirely okay for Teddie from Persona 4 to be Tinkerbell. It will assist in building character relationships outside your own cast!
Q. I want to app a character that doesn't have much canon information (a silent protagonist/minor side character). Can I still play them?
A. Yes! We won't reject someone based on something like that, but it would be best if you provided the most information you could on the character. If we don't know the canon ourselves, we will look into it to make sure that we believe you understand the character and canon well enough, and that any and all headcanon provided to flesh them out isn't outrageous or ill-suited to the canon/character. However, it may take the mods a little longer to process those particular applications.
Q. What's the Island like? Are there stores? Landmarks? Can we leave?
A. The Island is perfectly round in shape, the whole thing rising up from the ocean like a mountain in the water. The land itself has tropical forests surrounding the area around the castle. The town is around the castle, separated from the forest by a concrete wall. There are shops where the denizens may get groceries, and clothes, which are located in a closed off area north of the castle. There is also a port beyond the shops, but if any attempts to board a boat are made, denizens will be punished by Judgement. There is no way to get off the island, save for when the World returns a person home. A map and list of the locations can be seen here.
Q. Can characters enter the forest around the castle? If they can, how far can they go before the Arcana decide it's too far?
A. Yes, but there are many strange animals as well as the Arcana for you to deal with. They are alerted to everyone who enters the forest, and they send not only the animals, but if you get too close to the castle you have to deal with Judgement and Justice, who will decide how you will be punished.
Q. Our characters live in the castle town, but where, exactly?
A. Within the circular area between the coast and the forest, there are four-room houses in colored districts. The denizens all live in harmony, so the Rulers believe you should do the same. When you are placed in the house, you may change the rooms in the house to whatever you like, but so can your housemates. Imagination is wonderful, but unique after all.
Q. Can the communicators be broken?
A. Yes, they can be broken, but it certainly would take a lot for that to happen. But never fear, since, as magical communicators, they are able to repair themselves. However, it takes a full day for them to repair completely.
Q. You allow fandom and original characters, but what about alternate universe versions of fandom characters?
A. Sadly, we aren't going to accept AU verisons of characters. This may create doubles, and that sometimes makes people feel uneasy, or creates confusion. At this time, we will only accept canon based characters and original characters. This includes Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy doubles, in example. Only one version of a character may exist at a time.
Q. My character has died! Is the game over for me?
A. Certainly not! Your character is needed for the Arcana to play with! If you die during an event, your character cannot wake up until the end of it. If your character dies in game, outside the event for whatever reason, you have to wait 24 hours before bringing them back. The Emperor will not like it if you die, of course.
Q. Alternatively, my character has died in their canon! Can I apply for them post-death?
A. Yes, you may apply for characters post-death if you like. But when they arrive, they will be healed of any injuries or illnesses they may have had that caused their death.
Q. I want to pick up a character that's been dropped, but they had a lot of CR and were a different denizen! What do I do?
A. You may attempt to pick up where they left off, but we prefer you start over! If you have an idea that you want to bring to the game, please feel free to replace that character with your own idea of who they would be. After all, the Arcana might not be interested in the same person replacing the same denizen!
Q. What's the level of technology in this world?
A. The Island's technology is limited to standard household appliances, stereos, and televisions (though the shows are strange). All technology has a slightly retro appearance, and function more with magic than science. However, anything that can connect you to the outside world, such as phones and computers, are not able to be used and will promptly explode when you imagine them up or receive them as a regain.
Q. We can imagine things up, and use imagination to change the house, but what's stopping us from imagining up regains?
A. Imagining is limited to the interior of your home: you can change the layout of your rooms, your furniture, and your appliances, but that's as far as it goes. You cannot change the exterior of your home, and you can't imagine anything in from your world, as this would count as an attempt to get an unauthorized regain. If you try, the objects will explode just as phones and computers would, and there's a possibility you'll be punished for your attempts.
Q. Will our characters have to get jobs while in Arcanarum? What kind can we have?
A. If you would like a job, yes, you may have one! There are many things to do around the town, such as working in the market, working at the port unloading items, or otherwise. You don't necessarily have to take a job relating to your denizen, though you might find yourself interested in their career path the more "in character" you become. Please make sure to contact the mods should you want to start up a business, and if we get enough interest, we will set up an application post for businesses.
Q. How long will events last?
A. Small events will typically last a week, but when we have a big event that is plot changing, we will allow it to last through a month. Backtagging is also allowed for these events, as we realize that not everyone has all the time in the world to dedicate to a game.
Q. Can we use other sources besides fairytales for denizens? Like nursery rhymes, folklore, and other fictional stories?
A. Yes! This game is for any fantasy or fictional stories you can think of, however, if you do not use any of the tales we have in our lists, please link us to the story you are using! It's also possible to use folk and fairytales from your canon world, just remember, we would like to have a link to the story or proof that it exists in the work of fiction. For an example, a Harry Potter character could become a denizen from The Tale of Three Brothers.
Q. I want to canon update my character! How should I go about doing this?
A. Please send an e-mail to arcanarum@gmail.com with canon update: character name in the subject line containing what you would like to update, primarily the updated history as well as how this changes the character's personality and abilities. After approval, your character will fall into a deep sleep, unable to wake, while they are canon updated for a week.
Q. Where'd you get all your coding from?
A. Our layout stylesheet comes from here! As for the rest, Snow-mod did all of the table coding for the game.
Q. My character has died in-game! What happens next?
A. Basically, your character will be materialized back to their room and put into a deep sleep for 24 hours! When they awaken, all injuries and such will be healed.
Q. So the canon for my character has been updated, can I also update in game?
A. Of course! We ask that you please send the mods an email (arcanarum@gmail.com) with updated canon information, updated personality (if applicable) and any updated abilities. You cannot, however, change your denizen. Once you are accepted, you are locked into that position until you leave the game.
Q. What if my character isn't human? Would the Arcana still bring them to the Island?
A. Yes! The Arcana do not care about what you are or what you look like. If they feel you would be good for the role, they will spirit you away. You will maintain your form in this world, but your clothes will be that of the denizen you become (yes, that goes for the naked ones, too).
Q. What does becoming an Arcanarum denizen entail?
A. Essentially, you are becoming the fairytale character that you chose. This means that the Emperor and Empress are trying to make you become this character by means of events, using their strength to make you do things against your will, and even change your body. However, you may fight back by mentally fighting the changes or participating in the events and obtaining regains from your world, which are the only things that will keep you from changing completely. If you have any physical or mental changes, a regain will reverse them.
Q. What if my character isn't human? Would the Arcana still bring them to the Island?
A. Yes! The Arcana do not care about what you are or what you look like. If they feel you would be good for the role, they will spirit you away. You will maintain your form in this world, but your clothes will be that of the denizen you become (yes, that goes for the naked ones, too).
Q. Then if I app an animal or other non-human that can't communicate, will they be given the ability to speak?
A. That is up to the player. We feel that it is not needed for them to speak, as there are other means of communication, but if you would like your character to be able to speak, please contact the mods to let them know. Also keep in mind that the ability to speak may be given to them later on in the game, depending on their denizen.
Q. The Rulers are trying to turn our characters into their denizens, right? So what happens to my character whose denizen is a non-human, like an animal or an inanimate object? Alternatively, what about our non-human characters with human denizens?
A. When your character shows up, they will be themselves but will find themselves wearing the clothes of their denizen. If the denizen doesn't have clothes, your character will have to figure out what to do about that themselves. However, the only time they will change completely into their denizen depends on what an event entails. They may pick up various traits--such as personality quirks, physical changes, or mentality--throughout their stay, but the major changes occur during events. All traits can stick around for a player decided amount of time, or they can be taken away completely with a regain. It's really up to you!
Q. I want to app a character, but the 'denizen' they're based on is taken! What should I do?
A. If the denizen you want to apply for is taken, we apologize for the inconvenience, but you will have to choose someone else. You may, of course, use another character from that story, or something else! We have a few wonderful lists right here, here, and here for you to choose from! But, please don't think you're limited to these incomplete lists. We know there's an endless number of stories to choose from out there!
Q. What about if Character A (from Fandom 1) is a denizen in the story I want to app into with Character B (from Fandom 2)? Can different series all be part of the same story?
A. Of course! You most certainly can app a character into the same story, even if your storymates aren't from the same series. For example, if John from Homestuck is Peter Pan, then it's entirely okay for Teddie from Persona 4 to be Tinkerbell. It will assist in building character relationships outside your own cast!
Q. I want to app a character that doesn't have much canon information (a silent protagonist/minor side character). Can I still play them?
A. Yes! We won't reject someone based on something like that, but it would be best if you provided the most information you could on the character. If we don't know the canon ourselves, we will look into it to make sure that we believe you understand the character and canon well enough, and that any and all headcanon provided to flesh them out isn't outrageous or ill-suited to the canon/character. However, it may take the mods a little longer to process those particular applications.
Q. What's the Island like? Are there stores? Landmarks? Can we leave?
A. The Island is perfectly round in shape, the whole thing rising up from the ocean like a mountain in the water. The land itself has tropical forests surrounding the area around the castle. The town is around the castle, separated from the forest by a concrete wall. There are shops where the denizens may get groceries, and clothes, which are located in a closed off area north of the castle. There is also a port beyond the shops, but if any attempts to board a boat are made, denizens will be punished by Judgement. There is no way to get off the island, save for when the World returns a person home. A map and list of the locations can be seen here.
Q. Can characters enter the forest around the castle? If they can, how far can they go before the Arcana decide it's too far?
A. Yes, but there are many strange animals as well as the Arcana for you to deal with. They are alerted to everyone who enters the forest, and they send not only the animals, but if you get too close to the castle you have to deal with Judgement and Justice, who will decide how you will be punished.
Q. Our characters live in the castle town, but where, exactly?
A. Within the circular area between the coast and the forest, there are four-room houses in colored districts. The denizens all live in harmony, so the Rulers believe you should do the same. When you are placed in the house, you may change the rooms in the house to whatever you like, but so can your housemates. Imagination is wonderful, but unique after all.
Q. Can the communicators be broken?
A. Yes, they can be broken, but it certainly would take a lot for that to happen. But never fear, since, as magical communicators, they are able to repair themselves. However, it takes a full day for them to repair completely.
Q. You allow fandom and original characters, but what about alternate universe versions of fandom characters?
A. Sadly, we aren't going to accept AU verisons of characters. This may create doubles, and that sometimes makes people feel uneasy, or creates confusion. At this time, we will only accept canon based characters and original characters. This includes Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy doubles, in example. Only one version of a character may exist at a time.
Q. My character has died! Is the game over for me?
A. Certainly not! Your character is needed for the Arcana to play with! If you die during an event, your character cannot wake up until the end of it. If your character dies in game, outside the event for whatever reason, you have to wait 24 hours before bringing them back. The Emperor will not like it if you die, of course.
Q. Alternatively, my character has died in their canon! Can I apply for them post-death?
A. Yes, you may apply for characters post-death if you like. But when they arrive, they will be healed of any injuries or illnesses they may have had that caused their death.
Q. I want to pick up a character that's been dropped, but they had a lot of CR and were a different denizen! What do I do?
A. You may attempt to pick up where they left off, but we prefer you start over! If you have an idea that you want to bring to the game, please feel free to replace that character with your own idea of who they would be. After all, the Arcana might not be interested in the same person replacing the same denizen!
Q. What's the level of technology in this world?
A. The Island's technology is limited to standard household appliances, stereos, and televisions (though the shows are strange). All technology has a slightly retro appearance, and function more with magic than science. However, anything that can connect you to the outside world, such as phones and computers, are not able to be used and will promptly explode when you imagine them up or receive them as a regain.
Q. We can imagine things up, and use imagination to change the house, but what's stopping us from imagining up regains?
A. Imagining is limited to the interior of your home: you can change the layout of your rooms, your furniture, and your appliances, but that's as far as it goes. You cannot change the exterior of your home, and you can't imagine anything in from your world, as this would count as an attempt to get an unauthorized regain. If you try, the objects will explode just as phones and computers would, and there's a possibility you'll be punished for your attempts.
Q. Will our characters have to get jobs while in Arcanarum? What kind can we have?
A. If you would like a job, yes, you may have one! There are many things to do around the town, such as working in the market, working at the port unloading items, or otherwise. You don't necessarily have to take a job relating to your denizen, though you might find yourself interested in their career path the more "in character" you become. Please make sure to contact the mods should you want to start up a business, and if we get enough interest, we will set up an application post for businesses.
Q. How long will events last?
A. Small events will typically last a week, but when we have a big event that is plot changing, we will allow it to last through a month. Backtagging is also allowed for these events, as we realize that not everyone has all the time in the world to dedicate to a game.
Q. Can we use other sources besides fairytales for denizens? Like nursery rhymes, folklore, and other fictional stories?
A. Yes! This game is for any fantasy or fictional stories you can think of, however, if you do not use any of the tales we have in our lists, please link us to the story you are using! It's also possible to use folk and fairytales from your canon world, just remember, we would like to have a link to the story or proof that it exists in the work of fiction. For an example, a Harry Potter character could become a denizen from The Tale of Three Brothers.
Q. I want to canon update my character! How should I go about doing this?
A. Please send an e-mail to arcanarum@gmail.com with canon update: character name in the subject line containing what you would like to update, primarily the updated history as well as how this changes the character's personality and abilities. After approval, your character will fall into a deep sleep, unable to wake, while they are canon updated for a week.
Q. Where'd you get all your coding from?
A. Our layout stylesheet comes from here! As for the rest, Snow-mod did all of the table coding for the game.
Q. My character has died in-game! What happens next?
A. Basically, your character will be materialized back to their room and put into a deep sleep for 24 hours! When they awaken, all injuries and such will be healed.
Q. So the canon for my character has been updated, can I also update in game?
A. Of course! We ask that you please send the mods an email (arcanarum@gmail.com) with updated canon information, updated personality (if applicable) and any updated abilities. You cannot, however, change your denizen. Once you are accepted, you are locked into that position until you leave the game.
Q. What if my character isn't human? Would the Arcana still bring them to the Island?
A. Yes! The Arcana do not care about what you are or what you look like. If they feel you would be good for the role, they will spirit you away. You will maintain your form in this world, but your clothes will be that of the denizen you become (yes, that goes for the naked ones, too).