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FAQ ∞
FAQ ∞
General
What is the Diadem?
The Diadem is an invite-only panfandom game set in a world built on the bones of cosmic dread and human endurance. The emphasis is on survival, exploration, and most of all, driving through long winding roads and eerie highways. Although Panorama is the big city where characters are meant to return "home" to rest, resupply, and make upgrades, you'll get the most out of the game by traveling and entering the diffusion zones. Its aesthetic is heavily influenced by the works of Simon Stålenhag. The game is about the unknowable, carving your place in the world, and discovering who you are when you're set adrift. The question is: will you like what you find?
The setting relies on retro-futuristic technology and science with a touch of the supernatural. See Setting and Locations for details.
The setting relies on retro-futuristic technology and science with a touch of the supernatural. See Setting and Locations for details.
What's with this debt? Are there consequences for not paying it off?
At the start, characters are saddled with a debt for their car that they gotta pay off within 6 months. In theory, there are consequences, but we won't track character debts. We don't expect you to, either. As long as you don't have them pay it off in a week or get filthy rich while ignoring it, you're good.
The main purpose of the debt is for characters to have a tangible reason to go out into the world. At the very least, they need a job. Maybe to do the job, they need a weapon, and in getting one, a deal goes sour. Before they know it, they're neck-deep in some plot.
The main purpose of the debt is for characters to have a tangible reason to go out into the world. At the very least, they need a job. Maybe to do the job, they need a weapon, and in getting one, a deal goes sour. Before they know it, they're neck-deep in some plot.
What ways can I dig into the plot or setting?
Players are encouraged to investigate, ask questions, and poke at things. The game is designed to adapt to player objectives as much as possible and to combine player initiative with mod-interactive opportunities. We'll have regular events, room for player plots, and a bi-monthly Bulletin. Posted during every non-event month, the Bulletin will report weather patterns, cosmic occurrences, and other incidents. You can use these as a springboard for threads.
What about stars, calendars, and time zones?
Months are named same as ours. The year is 125. For the lunar cycle, refer to the current real-life calendar. Kolliery is +1:00 hour ahead of Panorama while Acreage is -1:00 hour behind Panorama. Constellations are in flux. Panorama's light pollution makes it impossible to see the stars, anyway. Every vehicle has a compass, which is much more accurate for navigating.
Can characters find a way home? How will NPCs react?
The "local NPCs" are either fluxdrifts just like player characters, or they're flux-born natives who have parents or generational ancestors who have similar stories. None have found a way home, though some believe the answer lies in the storms or diffusion zones. In short, characters aren't the first arrivals, nor will they be the last; no one will blink at them. For more info about the non-player population, see NPCs.
What's the game schedule like? What's the IC:OOC day ratio?
Events and applications are every other month. The IC:OOC day ratio is 1:1. Check out the Calendar for individual dates.
How does the network function?
Characters' network devices are an old-school cell phone with texting and voice calls. There's also a "Forum" for public posts. Reception can be spotty when in a diffusion zone. See Network for details.
Why aren't the communities locked?
While we're invite-only, we want players to be able to use threads for samples in other games or to revisit old threads even after they've dropped from the game. We also encourage prospective applicants to peruse our events and logs freely to make sure this is the game for them. Players can personally lock any threads they want, but our posts will not be locked by default.
Is death permanent?
Yes, death is permanent (for mortals). However, medicine in the Diadem is semi-advanced, so characters can recover from more serious injuries. Severe fractures can heal within a couple of weeks rather than months, cleanly severed limbs have a chance of being reattached, and internal injuries might not be fatal if treated quickly. If a character is functionally immortal in canon, they can stay that way! Death is not the only way the horrors can get you. :)
The aim is to let you explore intense fights without worrying about whether your character will remain playable, but retain proper stakes in the narrative.
The aim is to let you explore intense fights without worrying about whether your character will remain playable, but retain proper stakes in the narrative.
Apps & Activity
How can I get an invite? How do I invite someone?
If you're a potential applicant, put down the name of who invited you when you submit your reserve. All invitations need to be confirmed by the mods. The person who wants to invite you must fill out the form before confirming your invitation with you. If you don't know anybody in the game, you can play on the TDM and express your desire to join under the designated mod comment. A player in the game can extend you an invite through this method. Although your request will be public so players can see it, our responses will be private. You'll be contacted via PM if you're invited.
Anyone can play on the TDM. No invite necessary.
If you're a current player and want to invite someone, submit your invite request on the Invites page. Once approved, you can extend that invitation to the player in question.
Anyone can play on the TDM. No invite necessary.
If you're a current player and want to invite someone, submit your invite request on the Invites page. Once approved, you can extend that invitation to the player in question.
What characters can I app?
Allowable characters are canon characters, OCs (TTRPG or fully original), and non-human characters. For malleable/silent protagonists, there can only be one of each (one Warrior of Light, etc.) Non-human characters will retain their original non-human form. Incorporeal characters will be addressed individually depending on the canon and the player's goals.
Non-allowable characters are CRAU, canon OCs, duplicates (includes canon AU duplicates such as variants), fanon AUs, and real people (highly fictionalized versions, i.e. Abraham Lincoln the vampire hunter, are acceptable).
All ages are acceptable (within reason). Atypically young characters will be judged on how well-suited we think they'll be. Regardless of age, if you're apping a character who might be noticeably out of place, tell us in your app how they'll adapt to the setting.
Non-allowable characters are CRAU, canon OCs, duplicates (includes canon AU duplicates such as variants), fanon AUs, and real people (highly fictionalized versions, i.e. Abraham Lincoln the vampire hunter, are acceptable).
All ages are acceptable (within reason). Atypically young characters will be judged on how well-suited we think they'll be. Regardless of age, if you're apping a character who might be noticeably out of place, tell us in your app how they'll adapt to the setting.
Can I app a character that can't drive or from a world without cars?
Yep! Learning's easy. Traffic laws are minimal and seldom enforced. Streets in the Fringes outside Panorama are virtually empty. In addition, Panorama itself isn't too crowded; its population is half what a city that size would normally be. Just don't run too many red lights. If you get into a fender bender or two, that's life.
Vehicle tech can also adapt to a character's physical capabilities, including seat height, steering, controls, and more. Regardless of your character's unique circumstances, there's probably a way to make it work. Ask if you're not sure!
Vehicle tech can also adapt to a character's physical capabilities, including seat height, steering, controls, and more. Regardless of your character's unique circumstances, there's probably a way to make it work. Ask if you're not sure!
How many characters can I play? Are there cast or player caps?
You can play 2 characters at a time. Players can app one character per app round.
No cast or canon caps. We may introduce a moratorium on certain franchises if the numbers grow excessive.
Player cap is 70 players.
No cast or canon caps. We may introduce a moratorium on certain franchises if the numbers grow excessive.
Player cap is 70 players.
Can I play two characters from the same franchise or canon?
Yes, with caveats. The rule is that the characters can't have existed together under the same series or movie title past a single-scene cameo and do not have a relationship where they are likely to interact with any version of the other character (including canon AUs). Therefore, if John comes from Bad End World X where his wife Sally from Regular World X is dead and never appears in the title, you still can't app both John and Sally because he'd likely want to interact with her if she were alive.
Additionally, in the opening application round, you can't app two characters from the same franchise or canon. You'll have to space that out.
Additionally, in the opening application round, you can't app two characters from the same franchise or canon. You'll have to space that out.
How long do I have to wait for a new canon or newly released canon material?
30 days. If TDMing before the 30 days, mark for spoilers. If a canon will hit 30 days within 2-4 days, you can go ahead and app. We won't make you wait until the next round.
How do canon updates work?
Within the game, canon updates can happen abruptly in any diffusion zone. Characters will experience a cosmic flux that gives them new memories. It may also change your character's appearance, or it may not. It may alter their power set, or it may not. OOC, you can request a canon update any time.
What is activity check like? Are there bonus AC rewards?
Activity check is 2 threads per month. Each log thread should have a minimum of 2 comments by you; each network spam thread should have a minimum of 4 comments by you. Only one thread proof can be network style. TDMs, inboxes, and threads started from the previous month are acceptable. Backdated threads must contain tags posted in the current AC month.
The AC Bonus system is built into your monthly AC. Rather than counting points or extra threads, you'll automatically earn in-game bonuses through your regular AC submission if you do more than the minimum requirements. See AC Bonus for details.
Overall, you are expected to keep a consistent pace with your threads, characters, and CR. Please see the Be active rule.
The AC Bonus system is built into your monthly AC. Rather than counting points or extra threads, you'll automatically earn in-game bonuses through your regular AC submission if you do more than the minimum requirements. See AC Bonus for details.
Overall, you are expected to keep a consistent pace with your threads, characters, and CR. Please see the Be active rule.
What if I need to take a hiatus?
You can take a hiatus every 3 months. This means if you hiatus in January, the next time you can hiatus is April. Submit your hiatus for the month directly under your character's AC comment. A hiatus exempts you from submitting your proofs to the AC post for that month. You can retract your hiatus if you have enough activity after all. To retract your hiatus, edit your initial comment with your submitted AC as usual.
What happens when a character is dropped?
Dropped characters will vanish. Their disappearance won't be that strange. Other fluxdrifts have gone missing in the past, too. It happens.
What about returning characters?
Returning characters by the same player can start fresh or retain their memories. They will have to start over with equipment, debts, etc. Exceptions might be made if your character was in the game for an extended period and made significant contributions to the setting. Talk to us if that's the case! Returning characters from another player must always start fresh.
Arrival & Powers
How do characters arrive?
Characters arrive after a sudden impact. It can be as simple as tripping on the sidewalk. Alternatively, you can pick a point in canon where something violent has occurred, like a fight or crash. When they wake up, they're in the Diadem. Their injuries will be healed enough for them to be on their way—with some painkillers in hand if needed.
What items and powers will characters arrive with?
Characters can keep most of their powers and anything they've got on their person. No pets or mounts. Tech that's too advanced (such as lasers, teleporters, and modern smartphones or laptops) will be missing, damaged beyond repair, or reduced in functionality. They will also be given a vehicle (see below).
There is also a modest power gain system through Bonus AC, but this is not the game's focus.
There is also a modest power gain system through Bonus AC, but this is not the game's focus.
What about weapons?
The majority of characters will be able to keep one weapon if they normally carry one. If it doesn't fit into the setting well (i.e. lightsabers, mech suits), we'll suggest an alternative. Non-combatant characters can find one generic weapon in the car (gun, knife, or machete).
Characters who have magic, abilities, or physiological enhancements that also function as their primary "weapon" in-canon cannot have any additional weapons. For example, Bucky Barnes' Vibranium arm is his primary weapon and is attached to him, so he can't bring anything else. Wanda Maximoff's Chaos Magic would also be considered her primary "weapon." However, Steve Rogers could retain his shield since it's his primary combat tool.
In short, if a character typically defends themselves in canon using abilities alone, they won't arrive with anything else. If they typically have a primary weapon to gain the upper hand, then you can have one. The goal is to let players keep at least one iconic element of a character while preventing things from getting too unbalanced. We might make adjustments on a case-by-case basis as needed.
Characters who have magic, abilities, or physiological enhancements that also function as their primary "weapon" in-canon cannot have any additional weapons. For example, Bucky Barnes' Vibranium arm is his primary weapon and is attached to him, so he can't bring anything else. Wanda Maximoff's Chaos Magic would also be considered her primary "weapon." However, Steve Rogers could retain his shield since it's his primary combat tool.
In short, if a character typically defends themselves in canon using abilities alone, they won't arrive with anything else. If they typically have a primary weapon to gain the upper hand, then you can have one. The goal is to let players keep at least one iconic element of a character while preventing things from getting too unbalanced. We might make adjustments on a case-by-case basis as needed.
What if my character's powers are reality or game-breaking?
While most powers can be kept, game-breaking powers will be subject to a high failure rate. This also applies to long-range teleports, flight, and portals since the game is designed around road travel. Teleporting a short range is fine; jumping across the city or the map isn't.
How it works is: We won't strip your character of the ability full stop, but ask us if you want to use it so we can work with you and make sure it doesn't break the setting. Outside of these agreed circumstances, any time your character tries to use the ability, it will be unstable and backfire in some capacity.
How it works is: We won't strip your character of the ability full stop, but ask us if you want to use it so we can work with you and make sure it doesn't break the setting. Outside of these agreed circumstances, any time your character tries to use the ability, it will be unstable and backfire in some capacity.
How will the game keep balanced with the powers and weapons allowed?
Many of the NPCs in this game are off-world arrivals, too. Flux-born individuals could have inherited something from their parents. They're also living on a planet where survival of the fittest reigns supreme. They might have powers, special weapons, and/or enhanced training. Most won't be easy to get the drop on.
Nonetheless, if any powers pose a high risk of unbalancing the setting, we'll make adjustments on a case-by-case basis. Our goal will always be to try to make sure a character remains fun for you to play.
Nonetheless, if any powers pose a high risk of unbalancing the setting, we'll make adjustments on a case-by-case basis. Our goal will always be to try to make sure a character remains fun for you to play.
Features & Mechanics
How intense is the horror aspect?
While cosmic horror is an important part of the setting, characters will have plenty of breathing room, and the strongholds offer a measure of protection from cosmic forces. That said, this world is often violent, lawless, and corrupt. Please expect dark themes and descriptions across the board. We will warn for standard triggers where applicable.
What vehicles are available for characters? Can it be a minivan or a motorcycle?
Players will have their choice of civilian-style vehicle. In-world, characters will have limited choices (or no choice, depending on how you want to play it), meaning if you want to give them the ugliest soccer mom van they would never pick for themselves, go for it. Just know it'll take some work to switch vehicles. You'll be stuck with whatever you choose for a few months.
What if my character doesn't want the car? Can they hitch a ride with another arriving fluxdrift?
A ride isn't needed only for the diffusion zones; they'll also need one to get around the strongholds. Panorama is the geographical size of a modern metropolis with no public transit. If they don't have a car, get ready to trek hours across the interstate. Though they can theoretically hitch a ride with another fluxdrift after arriving, characters will end up with a debt regardless. Their debt will be a medical debt instead should they refuse a car. So they might as well get a vehicle out of it.
Though we won't force you to participate in the driving aspect, the game is created with the assumption that most players will choose to give their characters access to a vehicle. If you sincerely don't want to have one, that's completely okay! Just be aware that our events and setting aren't designed with this in mind. You might have to sit things out or be extra creative in how you participate.
Though we won't force you to participate in the driving aspect, the game is created with the assumption that most players will choose to give their characters access to a vehicle. If you sincerely don't want to have one, that's completely okay! Just be aware that our events and setting aren't designed with this in mind. You might have to sit things out or be extra creative in how you participate.
Can my character do a little murder?
Your character can do a little murder. They can even do a lot of murder. If they go around knifing people in broad daylight, Enforcers will come, but outside in the diffusion zones? Anything goes. Even in Panorama, an alleyway fight that ends with two dead drunks won't cause too much issue.
What types of cosmic influences will affect the game?
The major cosmic influence that persists in the game (i.e. outside of game events) are the diffusion zones. Structures and non-human entities in diffusion zones are in flux. This gives you the chance to get creative for threading purposes without continuity issues. You won't have to come up with everything from scratch. We'll also provide regular setting prompts and details to give you a jumping point. See Cosmic Influences for details.
What can characters buy or find? Is there housing?
The Setting and Locations pages will give you a good idea of what you can buy and where you can live (when you're not sleeping on the road, of course), as well as the form of currency used, called joolies. The average character will stay in mediocre motels and hotels. They can rent a room for a month or pay nightly rates.
All items are generally attainable within the technological range and aesthetic specified, including branded items from Earth or from a character's canon world. There are also Diadem-specific brands and off-brands. Your best bet is to do a mix of looting and buying. Not everything can be looted in the diffusion zones, but you won't have money to buy it all, either.
Just keep it balanced! Don't give your characters anything important too easily. Having them loot a small pocket knife without much effort is fine. If you want them to loot a handgun instead of paying for one, check with us if you're unsure what constitutes as "too easy."
All items are generally attainable within the technological range and aesthetic specified, including branded items from Earth or from a character's canon world. There are also Diadem-specific brands and off-brands. Your best bet is to do a mix of looting and buying. Not everything can be looted in the diffusion zones, but you won't have money to buy it all, either.
Just keep it balanced! Don't give your characters anything important too easily. Having them loot a small pocket knife without much effort is fine. If you want them to loot a handgun instead of paying for one, check with us if you're unsure what constitutes as "too easy."
What about setting up a business?
In theory, anyone with a Sharpie and a cardboard sign can sell stuff on a street corner. For a proper storefront, you'll need to plot with us after your character's settled some. Though it's not out of the question, this world is not designed for easy and casual success.
∞ Asked Questions ∞
Setting Questions
Character Questions
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