Welcome to Hogwarts! [[Must Read]]

[Karime Blackwing]

SCHOOLRULES - - - -

User-to-User and Out of Character Relations
As per usual with any roleplay, some basic rules apply. You will follow all Gaia ToS. If you are unfamiliar with it, I suggest that you read it. Also, if myself or one of my crew members flags you and warns you against a certain action, offense, language, etc. you should heed them. I have no set number of offenses until you are banned, since different offenses vary in their severity, however I expect mature behavior from everyone here. I don't mind a few swears here and there; I use them myself. But if you must use them excessively, at least be good humored about it, or maybe switch to 'wizard swears' such as 'Voldemorts n****e.' : ) If nothing else it's good for diffusing a tough situation with a laugh. As for discussing character relationships, plot twists and developments, relationships, etc, I expect that you users can manage perfectly well on your own, wither in out provided OoC thread or via pm. Should an issue arise between users that cannot be civilly resolved, you are adzised to consult a crew member. If you feel that the crew member passed an unfair judgement or was biased, talk to me. But, in all likelihood, I'll agree with the crew member.


Acceptable Characters and How they Relate to the Books
All right, so first things first. This timeline takes place AFTER the series ends. Now, for the sake of convenience, we're not going to concern ourselves with the specifics of the epilogue.
SPOILER WARNING! DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVEN'T FINISHED THE BOOKS!
So Harry might not be married to Ginny, etc. Or maybe he is, but maybe he doesn't have a son named Albus Severus Potter. Poor kid.
[ end spoiler ]
I've bent this because I want to enable players to be related to canon characters. Of course not everyone can be one of Harry's kids, or a Malfoy (there are a s**t-ton of Weasleys, however) but I will allow a few. If you WANT to play a canon epilogue 2nd gen character, you may. If need be I will post a list of wizarding families and who is already related to them so that, if need be, collaborating may be done on just who is related to who. Let it be known that it is NOT necessary for timelines to line up with the books, or even with each other, necessarily. I made the timeline of this roleplay vague for a reason.
To make things more interesting, we will be accepting all creatures listed in the book of magical creatures who are defined as 'beings' as well as centaur (who are technically still classified as beasts) but again, in limited number.

Next up, acceptable bios and pasts. Mostly, I want believable-ness. Not everyone grew up an abused muggle and then was whisked away to magic land. Most of you will probably have grown up learning magic at home with your parents and save for a magical mishap or two, probably had relatively normal lives. There will be a few life-changing events which define your character, but nothing too out of the ordinary by most means. These are nice, and good to have. BUT, I also want to encourage really out-there stories! The more original the better! The weirder the better (still needs to make sense, tho!). I want a good mix of 'magical average' and 'WTF' characters in this school. Variety is the spice of life. I still won't tolerate mary-sues, but I'm looking forward to some awe-inspiring backstories. Truly, you have free reign. Just make sure it makes sense and don't godmod major points of our world.

Roleplay Courtesy
This paragraph will be shorter than the others. In accordance with rule one, keep everything pg-13. If you want to go further, blackout, or take it off-site. I won't encourage cybering, but what you do offsite is your own business.

Next up, literacy. This is a literate guild, and so I expect you to be as literate as possible. I won't put a paragraph minimum, but THREE to FOUR PARAGRAPH MINIMUM!!! D< And I mean good, thick, meaty juicy paragraphs. But, of course, if you have been accepted into this guild then you have already passed these requirements. ^^ How delightful. I needn't say more.

And finally the givens; Try and post at least once every two weeks, preferably once a week, if your character is on the floor/active. feel free to remove your character to wherever at any time to get them out of play. We all need to take a break sometimes, and this especially comes into play with a long term rp like this guild. No Godmodding, no Flaming, no Spamming, no being a d**k, no Mary-sues, etc. Good good.


Applying for Characters, Side-characters, and limits
There is a separate thread which will contain all the skeletons that you need to get started! There are separate forms for teachers and students. If you're interested in a position that is neither teacher nor student, pm me! All character profiles will be posted by their makers in their own threads in the 'Character Files' subforum. Do NOT post until you are accepted. In each house thread there will also be a list of students for quick and easy access. Once you have filled out the form, pm it to ME, Karime Blackwing. Then, when I say go, you go. Title said pm with which house your character will be in.
As a side-note, I do allow 'side characters.' Basically, there are npcs which you control from time to time. Plot devices, if you will. For example, maybe your familys house elf comes around to assist you every now and then. Or your annoying little first-year brother bugs you about potions homework. Basically anyone who your character can or does interact with on occasion, but no one actually plays. I don't want these characters going about changing anything for anyone but your own characters, but for that purpose, have at it.
Finally, character limits... there are none. I strongly encourage doubling! As many as you can handle.

And finally...
Have fun! Really, this is a rule.