[The Game Master]

This thread assumes that you have already read and understood the rules and guidelines for Utopia on Hold located here. If you haven't, please go and do so before you register a character. Honestly, it is usually very easy to spot someone who has skimped on the rules, so please don't take any shortcuts.

That said, there are some rules regarding the actual process of character creation. Please make sure that you have read through all of these rules, and make sure that you not only follow them, but can continue to follow them, before you apply.

1. Be Substantial
   
   I'm not expecting everyone to be a novelist here. I'm expecting you to spend the effort on what will arguably be the most important post you will ever make about your character. Trust me, our application requires detail for a reason. Forcing the roleplayer to think of their character on such a level makes the author flesh them out. It ultimately works out much better in the course of writing, both because the posts tend to be richer, more multi-dimensional, and more fulfilling.
   
   Please do not think that we're doing this solely to set an elitist benchmark. That's not our intention. We honestly don't care if you classify yourself as an "advanced" roleplayer or a "beginner." The application process is all about giving us the effort to demonstrate that you care enough to devote the time and thought to your character that this RPG will demand. The staff has spent time constructing a three-dimensional plot and immersive realm, so we expect the members to devote a fraction as much to the development of their character's minutia.
   
   
2. Be Realistic
   
   Please. 75% of applications will be rejected because the character simply doesn't make much sense, especially not in our context. The other 25%? Well, by and large, the remainder of the rejected applications did not follow the very first rule.
   
   Your character should be a fleshed out individual. Think of him or her as a close acquaintance or a family member. How would you describe him? What would you write for their background? Remember, every universe has their rules and boundaries. Just because people can lift cars with wands does not mean that other, implied limitations don't apply.
   
   Also remember the timeline. Utopia on Hold's timeline starts in the second half of the year 2002 (dates will be posted and updated). Also remember that active characters, by and large, are adults. So there is literally no excuse for posting an "active character" born in 1992. As much as we'd like to give the player the benefit of the doubt, a 10 year old is not going to be regarded as an active player in this realm… sorry.
   
   This ties in to rule one. We want you to give us good, believable substance. If you simply post drivel, expect to be treated accordingly.
   
   
3. Be Sensible
   
   Not everyone has more gold than King Midas and a bigger arsenal of spells than Dumbledore. While Utopia on Hold chooses not to denote a Mary Sue simply with a list of arbitrary features (as we feel that misses the point of what a Sue really is), this does not mean that you can make your character have everything with no drawbacks. Please show some sensibility in creating your character. Remember that other people have to play with this individual. If we feel that something in your application is unbalanced, we will ask you to change it.
   
   This has nothing to do with you as the writer. Even the best of us may slip and have applications that border on the nonsensical, but please be willing to adapt and change it.
   
   
4. Be Patient
   
   We all know the feeling: the antsy and anxious feeling. You may even refresh the page a few times to check if your application is currently undergoing approval. But please be patient. I will say this much, very few people get their application approved on the first go. Most people actually need several revisions before their characters are ready for inclusion within the Utopia on Hold universe. Do not feel bad if we point out a flaw in your application.
   
   We will give fair warning: we are demanding. Through experience, we are some of the more demanding RPGs that you will find. If that is not your cup of tea, please do not apply. We will give you constructive criticism and cite how we feel about the application, and we expect you to go and fix them thoroughly and to the best of your ability. We ask that all applicants be willing to undergo this process. If you simply don't want to take any criticism, or if you believe that you are above criticism, you better be able to back it up, because if we find something we don't like, we won't hesitate to say it.
   
   
5. Be Dependable
   
   Yes, we want people to be reliable. Utopia on Hold is not a fly-by-night venture. You will not see our board-wide plot wrap up in two days. This means that you, as the applicant, should be prepared to stick around for a while and make a consistent effort for your entire stay. We love to have you, but we should warn you that UH is not a springboard or stopgap between other roleplaying games. We want dedicated and active members who know they can be depended upon for the long haul.
   
   This should mean that you make Utopia on Hold at least a moderate priority. We know that life gets in the way, but if you aren't willing to check the site if and when you are online, please do not make the commitment.
   
   
6. Be Respectful
   
   The board staff has worked hard to make this roleplaying venue possible. The other members have worked hard to create the most realistic, multi-dimensional, and feasible characters as possible. Please respect that. Respect goes more than words, too. Please make sure that you act in a conscientious manner around others.
   
   Before applying, take a look at other applications. Take a look at applications that have been denied and look at what was cited for the reason. Look at the precedents set with the board. There is no reason for you to disregard these things. Many people have worked many hours to make this entire experience possible for everyone. If you notice that applications have been rejected before because of lack of substance, please do not make an application with even less substance and expect to have it approved. On the contrary, we will probably be very annoyed that you are wasting our time.
   
   Likewise, don't plagiarize or rip elements of other applications. Other applicants have taken the time and effort to think through their characters and transcribe their character onto the page. You should to. By plagiarizing, not only are you disrespecting the original author of the work, but you are also disrespecting this site, its staff, and its members by trying to gain and advantage and take shortcuts that no one else has taken.
   
   Simply put, treat others in a way that is fair and courteous in both words and action.
   
   
7. Be Original
   
   Applications should not be based off of canon characters (except when they are in fact the canon character ); they should not be based off celebrities; they should not be crossover characters from other fiction. We appreciate it if you take the time and effort to develop a character that fits within our timeline and universe, preferably in a niche that we need. This enriches the environment of our roleplay tremendously.
   
   Furthermore, we do not appreciate it if you play the same character in different locations. While we do not prohibit this, we find that this kind of activity is largely self-destructive. Our timeline will be different from the timeline of the other RPG. Our environment is also likely very different. You are doing a disservice to us, yourself, and your fellow roleplayers by playing one character in two different locations.

That said, if you are willing and able to follow these guidelines for your application and beyond, we're certainly very happy to have you.