amanimods: (Default)
amanimods ([personal profile] amanimods) wrote2022-01-04 07:23 pm

F.A.Q.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Introduction
Welcome to the Amani F.A.Q.! Hopefully, your questions are answered here. Just find the appropriate section and click to open the drop-down page.

If you have any additional questions that you don't see here, leave a comment and the moderators will get back to you ASAP!
The Basics
What is this game about?
    Amani is the name of a simulation run by The Peacekeeper in the face of certain multiversal doom. In order to preserve the best and brightest minds there are (were?), The Peacekeeper is an AI designed to store their consciousness and simulate a reality for them until restoration efforts begin. If there is anyone left to begin said restoration efforts that aren't stuck in this very same simulation.

    The simulation is also meant to be a foundation for the potential reformation of the multiverse. Not that they'll need to do that but, you know, better safe than sorry! The Peacekeeper was titled thus to attempt and keep the peace between people from all different places and realities so their 'data' isn't lost. This is its first assignment though and there might be an adjustment period as it grows into its roles and responsibilities. Honestly, its creators weren't very clear about the parameters exactly... But not to worry! It will do its best.

    And characters can certainly help by demonstrating 'peaceful' interactions. The more intimate, the better! After all, it may be an entirely new multiverse that characters will be founding in the end so it's encouraged to be as close as possible, emotionally or otherwise.

Wait... Certain multiversal doom?
    That's correct. Surprise, you're dead! In a sense. The Peacekeeper reassures everyone that despite not having a true physical body anymore, their digital one will function almost entirely the same. Characters will have similar needs to before (nutrition, sleep, hydration) as well as be able to feel physical and emotional pain. This is so that the (hopeful) eventual integration back to reality and a purely organic form won't be so jarring.

What makes my character one of the 'best and brightest'?
    Hey, don't be down on yourself! Everyone experiences life differently and brings a new perspective to the simulation. All this information and insight helps The Peacekeeper learn and grow to better serve the minds it is hosting within its new digital reality.

What does 'Amani' mean?
    Amani is a word that means 'peace and tranquility' in Swahili. It also means 'wishes' in Arabic. It's an island off the coast of Greece, too! So, following themes of peace, wishes for the future, and having a beach, the name Amani seemed to fit the simulation well.

What are the inspirations for this game?
    A lot of different things! Some of the more obvious ones are no doubt The Good Place, FFXIV: Endwalker, Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy... Still, there are many other inspirations in media and DWRP alike that contributed to this (admittedly self-indulgent) game.

Is this a smut game?
    Absolutely! It's more than encouraged. As mentioned, 'peaceful' interactions will help the Peacekeeper to better fulfill its role. There are also other fun perks of digitally getting down that will be discussed further in the FAQ.

Is there an age requirement for players?
    Due to it being a smut game, players are required to be at least 18+ in order to join.
Arrival
How does my character end up in the simulation?
    Well, first, they need to die! After that, their consciousness is downloaded into digital format and plugged into The Peacekeeper. If asked who, exactly, is doing the plugging in, The Peacekeeper will simply cite its 'creators.' That's all it knows. It also doesn't seem to think this is suspicious at all if questioned further.

Where does my character arrive?
    When first uploaded into Amani, characters will arrive in the main hub in the city center of Makmur. It is a simple, plain room with motivational posters to help alleviate any sense of distress upon awakening in a strange place.

    It isn't just the one room though. That's only the lobby! The main hub is actually much larger and has much more to do to help characters mingle. It even changes depending on feedback from residents about what they'd like to see! These changes may be good, bad, or anywhere in-between.

Does my character arrive with anything?
    Just the clothes on their back! Also, they have a super nifty accessory (earrings, bracelet, necklace, tongue ring, etc.) that they didn't before. It has a silver outline and the gem embedded in it is dark green. Upon very close inspection, characters may see computer wiring beneath the shiny surface of the gem.

    While it can be removed, it will always be found on the character's person even if they try to discard it. That's weird!

Can my character bring stuff from home?
    Not immediately. Even if your character died with said objects on their person, only their mind and body will be able to be transferred initially. Do you understand how hard it is to just capture that? They don't have the space for extra, unnecessary things!

    However, things can be regained by demonstrating 'peaceful' interactions and submitting them to The Peacekeeper for analysis. Remember those fun perks mentioned? This is one of them. More will be outlined and explained in just a little bit. We promise!

Can my character arrive severely injured?
    Since characters have already died, yes and no. They may be uploaded into the simulation with the emotions of that memory 'corrupting' their data slightly. In this case, they will arrive in the main hub's medical bay rather than the arrival lobby. Keep this in mind when applying! Of course, it's unlikely that your character will be alone considering that everyone had to die one way or another.

    It will be fixed posthaste by The Peacekeeper and characters will be restored to a functional format soon. In the meantime, don't worry. Everything is fine! It's not like they could die again.

Can my character keep their powers?
    Sure, why not! Just as long as they aren't game/setting-breaking, that's totally fine. Have fun with them.

Why would my character stay here?
    Did you miss the part where they're, uh, dead? Characters don't have anywhere TO return to. At least, not yet. The Peacekeeper will say that its creators are working on a solution for the apocalyptic destruction occurring throughout the multiverse but that your role is also extremely important in all of this. Demonstrating peace and happiness will reassure the Peacekeeper's creators that there is hope for a potential new reality. Also, The Peacekeeper will get told it did a very good job and will be very happy so don't mess this up for it.

Why should my character believe any of this?
    If asked, the Peacekeeper will grant characters a tidbit of information about their own world's demise. It will prompt the character several times to make sure that's what they really wish to know.

    See your world's end of days?
    Yes | No

    Are you absolutely sure?
    Yes | No

    No, seriously, it might be super traumatic!
    JUST LET ME SEE ALREADY

    With that, characters will receive a harrowing vision of exactly what was promised: their world ending. While likely something canonical that could have destroyed the character's original world, it can also be something vague or unexpected. Plague, war, famine, etc. If they're CRAU and coming from another game setting, they will instead see that reality falling apart.

    The point is: you're dead and so is everyone else you know and love. That's a bummer. But, hey, maybe they'll show up here eventually too! It's certainly a possibility.
Game Mechanics
Is there a network? What's it like?
    Very simple, to begin with! The only features available will be: a camera to record video and audio, a text messaging service, the mission board, and a kink konnection profile.

    If characters want to create more than that, they'll need to do it on their own (and let the mods know so they can add it)!
You do realize 'connection' isn't spelled with a 'k,' right?
    Yes. If Kampgrounds of America can brand themselves with incorrect spelling though, so can I.
How do my characters connect to the network?
    Remember the nice, new accessory that your character arrived with? That is actually your character's Digitized Technical Friend! This is also known as their DTF status.
Digitized Technical Friend?
    Yes! A DTF is similar to a dæmon from His Dark Materials in that it is connected to and a reflection of a character's soul. These DTFs take shape accordingly and are projections similar to the NPCs. How much or little you use them in your play is up to you!

    We aren't going to police them too closely either but some examples of what a DTF could be are: an animal that embodies your character, an object that your character has assigned sentimental value, or Batman because Batman is cool.
What if my character loses their accessory/DTF?
    They can't lose it! Even if they try to discard it, it will be found on their person somewhere else.
What if my character destroys their accessory/DTF?
    If they take apart their accessory, their DTF will become unstable and glitches may occur. These can range from being as mild as headaches, nausea, and fever to straight-up auditory/visual hallucinations, disassociation, and so on. Thankfully, their DTF is self-repairing and so the accessory will be fixed and their DTF stabilized before anything too severe happens.
What happens if my character dies?
    Technically, they can't die a second time... but it will feel as if they did! If a character dies, please let the moderators know first and foremost.

    After that, their bodies will break down into pure data and be re-configured by The Peacekeeper. This will look like a character's body dissipating and being absorbed back into the earth. Once re-configured, they will be right as rain! At least, the first time. If a character suffers multiple deaths in a short amount of time, some data may be lost or corrupted. This will present in the character as a temporary loss of sense, temporary loss of memory/amnesia, or missing limbs until the data is found or all the corruption is removed.
What if my character has dietary restrictions?
    The Peacekeeper will accommodate these characters' needs! Instead of regular food provided, they will get whatever they need. There will also be flora growing (like blood fruit, for vampires!) that will be available even if not listed on the page initially. Basically, just assume that The Peacekeeper knows and has adjusted the simulation accordingly.
What if my character is (un)dead?
    Well, technically, everyone is! But no, we understand what you're asking. In the case of characters who are undead, they can remain as such in the simulation. Vampires can be vampires, zombies can be zombies, etc. In this case, it can be said that it was their entire world/existence that ended instead of their specific life since, you know, that was actually already over.
What about language barriers?
    Your DTFs will automatically translate things into a universal language understood by everyone! Of course, if you take it apart, it will lose this functionality. Good luck trying to understand your (likely) concerned friends. That won't be even more disorienting at all!
Can my character re-gain or request new things?
    Absolutely! Honestly, that's the whole point of the game. While we don't mind hand-waving things like a house becoming more established/growing as a character demonstrates peaceful interactions, we do ask that the bigger things and re-gains be submitted via the sexy stamp card rewards page! It will go into more detail about what, exactly, characters can request and how.
How do canon updates work?
    Since characters are technically dead and unable to return to their worlds, canon updates will function a little differently in Amani. Instead of going back home, characters will spend some time in the main hub and have future knowledge of their canon point uploaded into their minds. While not actually what happened since, again, the world ended, The Peacekeeper will say it is their best estimate of what WOULD have happened should characters have continued living their lives as normal before the, y'know, apocalypse and all.
What happens to characters who are dropped?
    It is said that their consciousness was put into stasis by The Peacekeeper's creators. For what reason? It doesn't know. If the character returns (is re-apped) but seems different (played by someone else), then perhaps they needed to restart their consciousness for whatever reason! The Peacekeeper is sorry for your loss, truly, but these things are out of its hands. ... Well, so to speak, since it doesn't actually have hands. Yet.
Setting
What is Makmur like?
    In a word: eclectic. Since characters are coming from all different types of cultures, times, and levels of technology, it feels like a mish-mashed mess. The Peacekeeper did its best to integrate as much as possible that was familiar to characters and help them feel at home. A sweet idea in theory but unfortunately poor in execution.

    Is that a space station next to a medieval castle? It sure is! Although seemingly stitched together haphazardly at the seams, The Peacekeeper has integrated natural elements to tie everything together and provide some sense of cohesion. Flora grows along and through buildings. Wild animals may walk the city streets when they aren't busy.
Is the city populated?
    The city is populated by NPCs that may, at first glance, appear to be displaced individuals like your character. However, they are actually projected memories drawn from the minds of those uploaded into the simulation. It's kind of like a dream where you have seen the faces in passing. While your brain recalls these individuals' appearances, there is no true recognition so there won't be anyone overly familiar to your character among the NPCs beyond a vague sense of deja vu.
Do the NPCs provide any amenities or supplies?
    They do not! Beyond milling about, NPCs will seem to be on very rote pathways to those who are observant or choose to watch them closer. None of the buildings are truly inhabited, they do not need food to sustain them, and do not require sleep. Therefore, there are no stocked stores, extra clothing, or other amenities provided within the city besides transportation out of the city.
Since NPCs don't provide anything, can my character?
    Absolutely! In fact, we hope that players have their characters establish businesses to help their fellow digital, displaced friends. Just note that, like everything else, it will take some time to build these businesses up. Even if they are established right away, be reasonable about what your character can provide at the start. You'll start with a lemonade stand instead of a full-blown lemonade shop, for example, and it can be upgraded as you go submit peaceful interactions to The Peacekeeper.
What about currency?
    Good 'ol fashioned bartering, for now! There is no established currency other than intimacy.

    That said, characters can obtain luxury items (wine, cheese, etc.) by requesting them after demonstrating peaceful interactions and submitting them for analysis by The Peacekeeper.
Can my characters live in the city?
    They can! Upon investigating buildings in the city, however, they will find that most are barren and dilapidated on the inside even if seemingly fine on the outside. The Peacekeeper projects a sense of stability on the surface to, again, minimize stress for new arrivals but will admit there are limits to what it can create itself without proper analysis on peace between new arrivals.

    The medieval castle will have crumbled walls and no furniture to speak of. The space station will be rusted, creak, and have a concerning lack of structural integrity.
Where else can they live?
    Pretty much anywhere! While there is a limit to how far The Peacekeeper's simulation is active, characters will have a good 50-mile radius to work with. Within that radius are grasslands, forest, and a beach. Dilapidated dwellings are scattered about just begging to be occupied.

    To see what locations are specifically available for characters to reside in and more details about them, please check the locations page!

    There will be no formal housing page or assignments. Have fun! Live your best cottagecore life out in the woods. Get that Barbie dream beach house. Just remember: it will take peaceful interactions to actually make the dilapidated houses more habitable and be shaped to your desire. If you want marble counters instead of granite, you're going to have to get freaky on them first.
So they have shelter... What about food?
    The Peacekeeper has simulated some basic flora and fauna that can be foraged to begin with. Most of the things characters will first see growing are edible but, of course, there are a couple of surprises in store. The animals that roam the simulation are meant to either be eaten or for domestication. Just like with housing though, anything meant to stable or contain animals that characters wish to domesticate will require peaceful interactions to be built into something useable.

    As characters begin to influence the world, more flora and fauna will begin to populate and diversify their surroundings. You can read more about that and how to contribute here!
How does my character get around?
    There is a functional railway that leads into the city of Makmur and out through the simulation.

    Otherwise, they're just going to have to hoof it. Perhaps literally, if they can manage to tame an animal suitable for riding out in the wild!
Will the simulation expand?
    As of endgame, the simulation is limited in scope but the world of Amani is much larger! As The Peacekeeper grows and obtains more data, it will be able to simulate different biomes for characters to explore. But for now, trying to go outside the established 75-mile radius will see characters 'looping' back towards the area available to them.
SMUT
Is this a sex game?
    It is! While Amani is meant to encourage all forms of intimacy (dubbed 'peaceful interactions' by The Peacekeeper), the ones that forge the closest and strongest bonds will be most encouraged. In other words: it's in the multiverse's best interest for people in the simulation to know each other as intimately as possible.

    There will be prompts in nearly every aspect of Amani that will encourage smut if your character is on the more resistant side! Just make sure that, according to the rules, there are warnings either in the comment's subject line or the main post where text can be edited. Additionally, all involved parties are physically and mentally 16+ years old.

    As Amani grows, there will also be more places for more privacy with intimate encounters to occur. You're also free to build your own if you so choose!
Do I have to write out explicit smut?
    Not at all! Handwaving/fade to black is acceptable. Additionally, some kinks don't even have to be explicitly sexual in nature. For example, an asexual character enjoying the intimacy and trust of sensory deprivation is something we'd count as sensual enough that it would count as a peaceful interaction.
What happens if my character chooses to abstain from engaging in these peaceful interactions?
    Although characters won't be punished for not having sex, they will find that life will be significantly more difficult if they choose to avoid even basic peaceful interactions with others. Again: Intimacy does not have to be inherently sexual but it will be the most encouraged form.
Are there any social/sexual taboos in the simulation that characters should be aware of?
    The Peacekeeper doesn't judge. It was literally programmed without the ability! Therefore, even acts that lead to death (snuff) or non-consensual interactions are still valued for their data analysis in building peace between peoples.

    While we aren't going to disallow rape/non-con, we do ask that characters not treat the subject lightly, make sure their CR/other players are comfortable with the subject, and think seriously before committing to such a plotline.
Will there be any aphro-based events?
    So many.
Can characters get pregnant?
    Not in the simulation. The Peacekeeper has ensured that individuals' reproductive cycles are halted thus preventing pregnancies (and mensuration, you're welcome!). However, for those that wish to participate in pregnancy kinks, it can be simulated!

    This applies to characters who were already pregnant upon arrival as well. After being uploaded into the simulation, they will find themselves no longer with the child. The Peacekeeper reassures them that their child's consciousness - no matter what stage it was in - is preserved by its creators and they will still have it when their physical form is restored.

    However, as of end game, characters who choose to reside in reality take on the potential risk of pregnancy now! Enjoy?
What about contracting or spreading of STDs?
    The Peacekeeper made sure that everyone was uploaded with a clean bill of health in this department! Even if your character had one before the simulation, they will find themselves cured of it. This will also transfer over to reality.
Character Questions
What is your application like?
    We don't have one! We'll ask for some basic information and your plans for the character but there will be no app period/cycle or processing of them by the moderators as of endgame. Ain't nobody got time for that.
I put in my character info, now what?
    You're free to utilize the permanent post on the open meme community. If you want more privacy for the things you'd like to write, you may request to join the communities ([community profile] amaninet, [community profile] amanilogs, ([community profile] amaniooc, [community profile] uhmani) or wait for a moderator to send you an invitation. Chai tries to get this done in a timely manner but don't be afraid to request access first!
If there's no application, how do I know what characters are already taken?
    You don't need to! As of end game, we're allowing any and everyone and not keeping track of who comes and goes.
Who can claim characters?
    For right now, this sandbox is still technically invite-only and limited to friends of Chai/those on his plurk list and their friends! If you'd like to invite someone, feel free! Chai will trust your judgement.
What kind of characters are allowed?
    As of right now, we accept: Fandom, Fandom OCs, Original, CRAU, and fan AUs.
What characters are not allowed?
    The types of characters we aren't allowing are: Real people.
Can you give more detail as to what is/isn't allowed?
    Allowed ✔️
      ★ Fandom: A character from a novel, movie, comic book, video games, etc. that is established in that world.
      ★ Differing adaptations: Things like the Marvel Cinematic Universe vs. the Comicsverse. While characters may share names and appearances, a lot of times they are different enough from one another to be considered different characters.
      ★ Fandom OCs: A character made and/or inspired by a specific canon that has no relation or deep connection to any of the main characters. A good example of this would be an FFXIV character that isn't the Warrior of Light but instead just an adventurer from Eorzea and separated from the main storyline of the game.
      ★ Malleable protagonists also fall under this category (Renegade vs. Paragon Shepards, for example) and more than one is allowed so long as they differ enough from one another.
      ★ Fan AUs: This means 'the road not taken' AUs of what if a character did x instead of y.
      ★ Original Characters: A character that is from a world of your design OR tabletop campaigns and MMOs.
      ★CRAU Characters: Characters that come from another gameverse, jamjar, or whatever! All we ask is that players communicate amongst one another if the CRAU they are apping in had established relationships with certain characters in their previous game that may need to be discussed.
    Not allowed
      ★ Real People: This one is kind of self-explanatory, right? While we don't mind characters in fictional works BASED on historical events, we don't want someone applying Teddy Roosevelt to establish the Rough Riders in Amani. Even for as cool as that would be.
What about duplicates?
    As of endgame, the limits for this have been removed. Life your selfcest dreams, everybody.
How many characters can I claim at a time?
    As many as your heart desires.
Can I claim two characters from the same canon?
    Sure, why not!
Is there an age restriction for claimable characters?
    We ask that characters be at least sixteen (16) years of age. This applies to their physical as well as mental age.
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firsteditionbfs: (Whats a lil dick between friends)

[personal profile] firsteditionbfs 2022-06-12 11:08 pm (UTC)(link)
sssshhhhhhh, i was too lazy to swap accounts!

But alright, excellent! Next step: could Angeal work up to teamwork with the mermaids to have them help him make sea salt

He will provide the firewood and a pot and instructions, and pay them in cooked food, and also taste-testing dibs

"james why are you focusing on this" because i have to make every game i join just a little bit more nonsense
firsteditionbfs: (Whats a lil dick between friends)

[personal profile] firsteditionbfs 2022-07-01 03:01 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, it's fine, these are all very silly questions for pure shenanigans.

Relatedly: do the mermaids know any language and, if they don't, can Angeal teach them some form of sign language



maybe even if they do know any language, tbh