The Guide

The Nocturne Alley Universe is set during Harry Potter's Sixth year at Hogwarts.  There will always be some element of darkness lurking beneath the storyline, however it is not the focus of the game. First and foremost, most of these characters are teenagers. This means they have the same concerns as most teenagers do such as growing pains, adolescence, crushes, rivalries - normal things.

This RPG is not a "dark" universe. There are no explicit murders, suicides or rapes. There are plenty of other RPGs that offer that. We strive to provide a good storyline and a realistic universe without anything that's over the top. Having said that, this isn't an exclusively slash RPG or an exclusively Het RPG. We have them both.

At the same time, we try not to have anything too "camp" in this RPG. That's why you will never see a Dumbledore or a Voldemort. I have one huge reason for this. If these characters were actually in the game, they would probably hinder eventual plot developments. Dumbledore would nix anything too wild and Voldemort would probably write about murdering Muggleborns. 

If you are interested in joining us, please refer to the Cast list. We are always looking for a few good witches and wizards to join in the game. All you have to do is write a mock entry in the character of your choice and email it to me at nocturnealley@vitreoushumour.com. 

One of the things that we look to have in this game is the consistency of characterization. If you have a role, and you create a set of traits that define your character, please stick to that. Consistency and believability is the key to a good game. That's probably the biggest "rule" we have here at NA. 

A minor thing that goes hand in hand with this is Muggle knowledge.  Often, players forget that their character simply knows nothing about Muggles.  As we've seen in the books, witches and wizards often have a hard time even pronouncing Muggle things.  While some knowledge may be acquired, it is not likely that a character would suddenly know everything that we take as common knowledge.

Likewise, another small thing with inconsistency is the word "Voldemort."  We, as players and writers, throw the word around at the drop of the hat, as it is simply a fictional character.  However, it is a very strict rule in canon that few people actually say his name.  Please remember that your character may very well never say "Voldemort".

Also, if your character hasn't posted in a while, and hopefully this won't be the case, please refrain from using such phrases in your entry such as "sorry I haven't posted in a while, but..." Entries that begin this way do not move the story along and brings attention to a player's absence from the game. 

One big thing that we ask for is commitment to your role. For key players, we ask at least two posts a week. We realize that sometimes it's just not feasible to update twice a week, but it is preferred. Everyone needs to post once a week. It does not matter if your character is a major character or a minor character.  This is a courtesy to the other players that should be considered. When one player fails to communicate with others, it stifles the game and is unfair to the other players. It is not necessary for everyone to communicate by instant chat relay programs, however if a player can't be available that way, they should be available by email communication. 

One of the biggest means of communication is the comments feature on Livejournal.  We would like for people to make an attempt at commenting on the journals of the characters they would interact with.  Obviously, it isn't mandatory to comment, and you certainly don't need to comment to everyone.  However, it would be greatly appreciated if a comment could be made here and there.  Many players fall into the trap of replying only to their own comments, which is fine.  At the same time, that doesn't give other players anything to respond to themselves.  The comments are viewable to everyone, of course, and are definitely a great way to get characters interacting.

Comments to other players' journals do not count as entries for that week. All entries should be open for comments by other players. This is an issue we've had in the past and I'd like to address it here. Please restrict those who are able to comment back to your character. People who are not involved in the game that comment to the players detract from the careful atmosphere that everyone is trying to create. This is something you can control in your individual character accounts.

As for plot developments, I will work to provide major events for characters to talk about. Usually these are big enough to affect several players. However, your character's involvement in that big event is up to you. For example, we had the Bleu Ball where most of the characters participated, however some participated more than others, which is perfectly fine.

If you are in a difficult position where you don't know what to write about, I will do my best to help you. However, I cannot provide side plots for everyone in the game. One of the responsibilities that you have as a player is initiative. You need to actively get in touch with the other players and work a plot development out. 

If you do have a plot that you would like to write about, I would ask that I be informed so that I can accommodate that. However, please be aware that you need to get approval if your plot affects the lives of other characters. Respect player boundaries. Avoid actions that have prolonged/permanent affects (be it emotional, psychological, physical) on another person's character without that particular player's permission.* (taken from the Double Cross Rules)

If you have a plot that would involve the actions of another character, please try to contact them and see what they think.  The mailing list has a character database set up, in which giving contact information is encouraged for the benefit of those who need to contact other characters.  However, if the player does not respond to you in over 24 hours, you may integrate their character into your entry, as long as you do not do so in a manner that would greatly affect the character.  For example, if you would like to write about spending the day with another character who has not responded to you, feel free to do so.  Please do not, however, write that the character broke their leg and was sent off to Durmstrang.

Similarly, this also means that it is important that you give some means of contact for your fellow players to use.  While it is understood that many players appreciate their privacy, an RPG really hangs on the balance of character interaction.  Whether it is by email or messaging services, it is strongly encouraged that you make yourself available.  Many of our players who wish to have their privacy in tact have chosen to create a web-based email for their character, and simply use that for interaction.  Messaging services are, of course, much simpler, and if you do not mind another character knowing who you are, this would be an ideal way to plan things out.  If you wish to literally role-play the scenes, this would also be greatly helpful.

Of course, people have personal emergencies, and they do go on vacation. This is something that we do work around. If you find that you're going to take an extended leave, I ask that you give your character journal to me in the interim and I will find a way to keep that character involved while not creating a major plot device. This is solely to contribute to the continuity of the game.

Unfortunately, when a player does not update, it does affect other people and it does interrupt the atmosphere of the game. I usually do try to be lenient with players. Usually, I'll either ping on AIM or Yahoo, or I'll email requesting the player to update the character. I usually ask three times, and if that player still hasn't updated, I'll have to ask for that player's resignation. 

If a player leaves the game, it is requested that they surrender their character's journal. Once again, this contributes to the continuity of the game, and is less of a hassle to the other players by having to add another journal name for the same character if another player assumes the role.

A lot of respect for your fellow players is required in an RPG, and please treat others as you would want to be treated.  Please remember that your character is flawed, and does not know everything that you know.  For instance, most characters would not automatically assume that two male characters were shagging when they spent time alone.  Likewise, your character does not know of the grand scheme of things, as most of the players do, so it is a good thing to keep in mind.

Most of all, we are trying to create a fun atmosphere of creativity and imagination. If you have any questions or you need any assistance with anything with regards to the game, then feel free to contact me anytime. Thanks, and have fun!