Every game needs a few rules to keep order. Since people can't seem to agree how to do that, I'll get us rolling. Think of a rule you want included or changed and post it and your explanation, and if I agree and I'm around, I'll add it to the list.
- Follow the basic Bioware forum rules. In other words, be decent to each other, no harassment (unless it's in character), keep it PG-13 rated (or T for teen, or however you prefer). Mass Effect may be a mature-rated series, but people of all ages make their way to this site. If it's not safe for work, do not post it in this subforum.
- Use your best English. I don't mean "use flowery language," or even "type like a college English professor." Just type words out fully, and try to use decent grammar: no netspeak, no leetspeak, no texting shortcuts. Keep in mind that English isn't everyone's first language, and that kind of shortcut or abbreviation can confuse some people. Proper use of capitalization, punctuation, and grammar will also be a huge help.
- Post your characters to the characters thread. Only make one post for all of your characters, and edit it to add new ones. Update it as necessary. Individual character threads may be created for certain threads, at the thread owner's discretion (particularly if the characters don't fit into most other threads.)
- Set up your RP thread's setting in the first post. If it's before the events of ME3, or before the events of ME1, say so. Alternate universe? Explain what is different. If it's post-ME3, tell which ending was chosen. If you need an entire thread out of character for setup, go for it and then link to that thread in your RP thread. You may of course have any setting in the Mass Effect universe, as long as it is clear to everyone when and where that setting is.
- Do not enter someone else's thread as a Bioware-created character without the thread owner's permission. If they are doing a "Shepard and crew" RP and there is a spot left, check with them first if they want you to join.
- Only use the characters thread for your own original characters within the Mass Effect universe. Shepard is not your original character. Only play Bioware-created characters like Shepard or Lorik or Keeper 20 in threads that specifically allow it.
- Don't join other people's threads with a custom race (or a Prothean) without the thread owner's permission. Many people are simply not okay with custom, non-Bioware races in the first place. And in most settings, Protheans are going to be dead and gone, replaced by the Collectors. So, if you've made a custom race character (as in, not any of the in-game species we've seen), ask if the thread owner is okay with that.
- Don't use races/species from other settings. There aren't any Wookies or Vulcans or Zerg in Mass Effect. If you intend to do a crossover, state it in your thread rules, but I'm pretty sure Bioware would prefer you not involve other fandoms in their Mass Effect roleplaying thread.
- No powergaming. Don't assume your gunshot hit the other player or killed them etc. unless they say so. Let them react to your actions. Otherwise it's not really roleplaying, because you are trying to tell their stories as well--and it's kind of rude not to let them be their own character. In incidents of powergaming, you may feel free to ignore the powergamer's post. You may also request permission to force an action on another player, if you feel that your post requires that action. But if they say no, then don't do it.
- Don't try to be the ultimate badass. Leave room for character development. Maybe you can grow into being that ultimate badass.
- No, you can't be a Leviathan. Or a Reaper. Or a Thorian. If there's a thread that only includes Leviathans or Reapers, or is set up as a "versus" type setting intentionally, it may be okay. However, some things are too overpowered to play in other situations.
- Follow the rules of the thread owner. Each thread owner is allowed to set up rules for their thread about when and where it's set and which species are allowed to be there. If you don't like their rules, join another thread or make one for yourself.
- Keep private roleplay to private groups. Since this is in a publicly accessible part of the forum, don't post threads that can only contain you and your best friend. The exception is if the private threads are tied to some other roleplay on the forum, and others involved may want to see what is going on.
That's all I can think of right now. If anyone disagrees, wants changes, wants additions? Just post and say so. Give your reasoning if you think something needs to be changed. I have intentionally made this set of rules as open as I can, so that the people running each thread have control over what goes on in their threads. And yes, that means if an individual thread owner wants to override any of my rules (aside from following the general Bioware forum rules), they certainly can.
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