[[The Game Master]]

To participate in Utopia on Hold, you must have an approved character application.

Applications are to be posted in this forum, using the following format, with the proper field headers. To make it simple, we have included the template for you. For your convenience, it is highly recommended that you copy and paste.

Keep in mind that you need to use the correct form for your application. Certain characters are restricted to limited type, while others are free to be active. Also keep in mind that you must have an active character at all times. Through simple sentential logic, this must mean that your first character has to be an active character. However, you are free to have any number of limited, plot (with prior approval), and background characters as you like, provided that you have at least one active.

Please remember that the administrators will be legitimately looking through these applications for logical inconsistencies and suspension of disbelief. In other words, expect these applications to be reviewed more thoroughly and harshly than most other RPGs. UH has a little bit of a reputation for that.

Click below for more information.

At Utopia on Hold, there are 4 different types of characters possible. Each type plays on a different level of UH; some more critical to the plot and others simply filling in the roles of daily people.

As a preliminary rundown, the four types are as follows: Active, Limited, Background, and Plot. Active characters are generally autonomous adults. Limited characters are characters that have obligations towards certain locations, such as Triwizard students or Valinsbourghians. Plot characters are characters that have specifically designated a plot tag, and thus have parts of their history and detail withheld. Finally, background characters are generally important NPCs.

Spoiler for For a more detailed explanation...:

Active
This is the most versatile sort of character. These are generally adult characters who can interact with any other type of character and can play a role in the plot. For student or muggle characters to play an active role, they must have special permission and good reason. Active characters are the hardest to approve, but they are capable of playing in a practically limitless spectra of threads. In short, active characters have almost no restriction upon their thread involvement.

Active characters need the most intricate and involved application. This usually means you must explore active characters in more detail. You must have at least one active character to play on Utopia on Hold.

Limited
These characters are not played as frequently as Active characters. Their roles are usually minor in comparison. They will most likely have very little active implication on the plot. They may be mentioned in passing or interact on a limited basis with other characters. Most likely, they will either highlight threads with other limited characters, or play minor roles with active characters. Limited characters are those who inherently have some limitations imposed upon them because of the nature of the character; they can not have unlimited effect on the plot. A limited character can not be your primary account.

Limited characters can have limited profiles of only the relevant information.

Background
Background characters are not active participants. They are most likely NPCs. They have such a limited role that it is unlikely a post would be dedicated to them. Most of the time, these characters are mentioned in passing or are used to supplement the history, motivations, and actions of another character. The bartender at the local pub or the deceased grandparents of a plot character may qualify as a background character.

Background characters tend to only require skeleton profiles. These characters can have barebones applications and still be approved.

Plot
Plot characters can range from extremely active to extremely inactive. These characters are critical to the plot and affect the dynamic of the entire realm. Lady Abeni is likely one of the most crucial Plot characters. You must apply to play as a plot character, and all plot characters must be pre-screened before registered. The primary distinguishing factor of Plot characters is that they can be more nebulous than Active or Limited characters and may even play large roles without an appearance.

Plot characters must have their applications pre-screened and then undergo all the normal steps of a limited application.

F.A.Q.s

Why do we have different types of applications?

It really makes things more convenient. For the staff, it ensures that the players are playing the characters that would best fit into the realm for everyday play (Active Type). For the members, it allows them to register NPCs, flesh out background, or create secondary characters that helps enhance their gameplay experience.

What exactly qualifies as an active character?

The main criteria for active characters are as follows:

• Must be capable of roaming throughout the realm. Most Triwizard students are hereby eliminated, as they are simply unable to apparate or move fluidly. There are some exceptions, but this is the rule. Professors are exempt from this rule, as they are permitted and capable of leaving the premises.
• Must be capable of using magic. You can play squibs and muggles on Utopia on Hold, but they would most likely be background or limited characters. Active character can currently consciously use magic with at least decent proficiency (some basic schooling).
• Must not be inherently bound to a location for the majority of the year. Academy Students are exempt from this rule. Because of this rule, most Valinsbough and Triwizard student characters are limited, as they have regular meetings and events that they are expected to attend, and because, typically, only those from the Inner Sanctuary choose to roam anyway.
• Must be capable of living in the magical realm. This is obvious enough; if your character has no idea about the magical world, they aren't going to have much say in it.

These qualifications determine if someone is an active character. An active character must fulfill all of these requirements. They are given freedom to post in any forum they wish (within reason).

What exactly are the other types for then?

They are there for your convenience, believe me. A lot of people are turned off by the prospect of needing another account and going through the process to register a massive character sheet in order to play them. At Utopia on Hold, you have other options. You can play a character that is not active simply by submitting a background sheet. Background characters are largely NPCs, and can not be used for game-influencing events. They do not need their own accounts.

Limited Characters are the same way, they do not fulfill all of the criteria for an active character, but they do need their own accounts. However, limited accounts can not be your only character. This is a wizarding realm RPG, and we need active players who can populate the wizarding realm.

Why are there different types of applications?

Again, this is solely for your convenience. The applications posted represent the minimum required to approve a character of noted type. You do not have to use them. You may, for example, use an active application for a limited character, but you may not use a limited or background application for an active character.

What if I'm still confused?

Roughly translated: Active characters are adults; Limited characters are students (Academy exempt), background characters are NPCs, and Plot characters are essential storyline characters. If you have carefully read through this thread several times and are still confused, you may PM an administrator or post in Your Corner with your question.

View the applications below:

Active Application
Limited Application
Plot and Background Application