Gameplay
From PatchworkWiki
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Patch Forums
Each patch is represented by a forum. Basic information about the patch and its inhabitants is placed as a ‘Sticky’ topic which appears at the top of each patch forum. Other topics represent the plotlines recently active in the patch with the most recently posted appearing first. For more about Plotlines see 4.
Out of character notes are in posted as part of messages as follows: [OOC: this is an Out of Character note]. These are used to clarify things or request further information.
Entering a Patch
Characters can only enter patches from those horizontally adjacent or via a patchwork transport system. Diagonal movement is not possible.
Some patches are closed or accessible only by a few characters. To enter a patch post to a current story thread in that forum or create a new story thread. Make sure to post an OOC note stating what thread and patch forum you have come from.
You can cross from one story thread to another in a forum the same way. Make sure that the thread you are moving to is current and in an area that your character can access.
If you need clarification of any aspect of a patch please Private Message the patch moderator.
Leaving a Patch
Characters can leave a thread by posting as appropriate with an OOC message saying what thread (and patch) they are departing to or, in case of absences from the game, an indication of direction or intent.
If you have reason to believe the patch may be difficult to depart or other characters may prevent you from leaving please email the patch moderator or Local GM of any conflict.
Passing Through a Patch
If you intend your character to pass through a patch you should post a topic when entering, describing in-character your intent to travel though. (With the standard OOC note about where you came from.) If the patch moderator has not replied to your post in three days you may then add a following post to your topic describing your departure (again with the standard OOC note). If you are aware the patch owner is absent from the game or have reason to believe leaving may be difficult please email or PM the GMs for help.
Brief Visits
Occasionally, characters may wish to enter a patch and immediately return to the patch from which they came: This has occasionally happened when the map has changed and characters begin looking for specific patches. It is usually acceptable to write a very brief visit like this in a single post, but individual patches may require a player to wait for a response even then. In such cases patch owners should post a sticky thread in the patch forum stating any problems with leaving, but even if such a thread is not present it is always best to check with the patch owner before entering.
Characters
Although all your posts are made using the name of your Player Character, you may have additional Non Player Characters also present in the game. Please indicate clearly when you are writing the story of a character other than your PC.
Player Characters
Your PC is the character you created when signing up to the game. They can cross the universe and enter most patches. You can find a list of PCs in the Players Guide area of the website. Players are signed up to the forums with the name of their PC and the icon of their Patch.
Non Player Characters
NPCs are the other inhabitants of patches. Originally linked to the patch they came from they can change PCs if they change allegiance or residence. If you have created or acquired important NPCs you should list them in a sticky thread at the top of your patch forum.
PCs may deliberately take NPCs with them when crossing boundaries. This includes the station network transport system.
NPCs can only cross mist boundaries between patches on their own to return to their originating patch or associated PC. Only one boundary may be crossed to achieve this. (NPCs may use the station network to travel between patches if they have a ticket. See the Frequent Questions.)
See more detailed notes on characters.
Types of NPCs
They come in several flavours (or rather on a sliding scale between the following):
Unique NPCs These are people with special significance for the PC of their patch, people with whom they have a strong emotional connection. Unique NPCs can comprehend complicated concepts and be aware of the nature of the patchwork universe.
‘Ordinary’ NPCs These NPCs are created to make a patch more interesting, to further a plotline or as part of the background information of a patch. NPCs should only be created in a patch by the moderator or with their consent.
Twilight Zone people Some NPCs behave as if they were in the original world. These are usually (though not always) minor characters. They not only don’t perceive the mists but may appear to PCs to disappear into them, transacting the daily business of the originating world. Note that they do not appear in the adjacent patch. If cunningly questioned they will act strangely, appearing to ‘forget’ any mention of the patchwork and ignoring anything out of the ordinary.
Any player may create Twilight Zone characters while writing their PCs interaction with the patch. Of course, as with any interaction this needs to conform to the nature of the patch.
Plotlines
Plotlines appear as topics within patch forums. Be aware that some patches have different naming conventions for topics to indicate location or other significant information. When naming a new topic feel free to use your imagination but please don’t include numbers. Posts are added to the topic in sequence with the most recent at the bottom of the list, and the thread may run to multiple pages.
Plotlines are normally written in conventional prose in the past tense.
PCs Exploring Alone
When a PC is travelling alone or with their own NPCs they should normally take it in turns with the patch moderators concerned to write their interactions in each patch they encounter.
PCs Travelling As a Group
When PCs travelling as a group enter a patch the first to arrive should start a new topic indicating either their own arrival or that of the group with the appropriate OOC information. Normally they should then take turns to post the plotline of their experiences in the patch. There’s no need to be rigid about this but characters should give each other and the plot moderator three days to respond to any major decision affecting the party. See 1.2.5 on stalled threads.
NPC Plotlines
In addition to your PC you can create any number of NPCs you want in your patch and write plotlines for them, either for your own amusement or as a plot hook for any PCs entering your patch.
Conflicts Between PCs and/or NPCs
In cases of conflict consult the system to see who is the Local GM. If you need information about the geography, physics or metaphysics of a patch please consult the patch moderator.
When carrying out actions that could be seen as contentious, aggressive or problematic, please wait for each member of your thread to reply before posting again.
It may be practical to declare action turns, using an OoC note to decree a turn order for players to post in.
See speeding.
Stalled Threads
If you believed your plotline thread has ‘stalled’ waiting for someone to post (and have been unable to contact the relevant player), please contact the GMs by email or PM asking to be un-stuck.
GM Rulings in Threads
In cases of conflict or confusion a GM may issue an OOC ruling in a thread. If you have an issue with the ruling please send an email to the GMs or post in the Instant Help and Troubleshooting Support Forum. Do not post out of character complaints to a patch thread.
