Swampside Sanctuary

In a similar vein: no hateful iconography, slurs, or references to hate groups in a positive manner are permitted in or out of character.

The topic can be covered in a historical context but must adhere to the rules stated above.

Do not argue with each other, please!

Do not continue a topic if someone else expresses discomfort.

In general, tolerate each other and be cognizant of other people's feelings. We're here to have fun, but understand not everyone wants to be friends.

If a mod ends a conversation any further discussion will be met with a strike.

Guilt tripping people for role plays, responses, character relationships or other reasons will not be tolerated. It makes the whole server uncomfortable and creates a hostile environment.

Begging for roleplays is also frowned upon. People are busy or may not feel it's a good fit. Respect other people's time and choices.

Repeated instances of guilt tripping or begging will warrant a strike.

Native-type characters can be involved in harkness test passing romances, but please please please no suggestive or sexual content involving them!

Mistakes happen! Just communicate the issue with your rp partner and move on. We're all adults here!

ie. In a fight scene, give time for others to react to a punch, don’t automatically say it hits.

Talk about outcomes or use dice rolls if needed.

This goes for other sensitive topics as well. If you’re not sure, ask!

Children/minors cannot be depicted using these substances in or out of character.

RPs that will be featuring these heavily should be put in a thread with a content warning in the title. You do not need to spoiler in a thread where a warning has already been given.

This includes starting physical or verbal conflict. Check with your fellow RP partners before creating an argument!

All RPs with violence must be moved to or done in a thread with a content warning in the title.

If a RP begins moving in that direction you must change the RP to a thread (if not already in one) and title it with a content warning.

Please make sure to spoiler explicit content and put a detailed content warning so those looking know what to expect.

For example: a character reference, a character swimming topless, classical art, anatomy references, a character mowing the lawn on a hot day, a character breastfeeding, etc. would be permissible.

Meanwhile: a character in lingerie, a character squishing their breasts, a character in a risque situation of any kind, a fully nude character reference with genitalia, etc. would need to be in nsfw art.

When in doubt, slap a spoiler on it or send it to nsfw-art.

This means non-con of any form is not permitted within the group.

If using another member’s character, their creator must also consent to them being used in the art/content.

Incest will not be permitted.

Underage characters/loli will not be permitted.

Native-type characters cannot be involved in sexual content.

This includes the “she’s 1000 years old but looks like she’s 12” trope. If they age differently than humans, they must be physically and mentally adults in order to consent.

This does not apply to more anthro-leaning characters. If they’re regularly on two legs it's fine and dandy.

Sheaths, cloacas, ovipositors and other noticeable sexually related anatomy are considered NSFW and therefore must be censored.

On a similar note please keep all kink/fetish content, sexually explicit or otherwise, in the NSFW section!

In general, be respectful of other people. We don’t all like the same things and may be more comfortable with certain art/topics than others.

This includes non-meaty characters like robots, gargoyles, etc. If it is analogous to “regular” gore and/or has an implication of pain it needs to be sent to NSFW.

On a similar note, body horror is to be expected as we’re dealing with monster people here! If you make any particularly disturbing images it's best practice to spoiler, tag it with an appropriate content warning and send it to NSFW.

Your art/content will still be available to the rest of the group.

We’ll make a list in the discord of any unusual triggers; like specific animals, situations, or themes.

Characters that are minors cannot answer NSFW asks that are sexual in nature. They may make snarky comments as long as they are not sexualized.

Do not steal from other residents.

Do not harm the other residents or townsfolk.

Keep the existence of monsters hidden from the humans of Shadewood.

Do not purposefully damage the grounds.

Do not steal from the townsfolk unless absolutely necessary.

Solve disagreements peacefully, seek a mediator if needed.

First Strike- a verbal warning from a mod

Second Strike- Muted for 48 hours/2 days, you cannot participate in group activities during this time.

Third Strike- Muted for 5 days, you cannot participate in group activities during this time.

Q: Is it okay to make edits to the background of the app? For example, messing with colors, adding flowers, etc.

A: You are free to edit/interpret the app as you wish, just make sure the info is all there!

Q: For characters that were/are human or are humanoid, is it okay to make them belong to a specific ethnicity?

A: Absolutely! Just make sure you handle it with care and be respectful. Some groups have been historically compared to monsters in order to demonize/other them, so bear that in mind.

Q: Can someone's app art be made by someone else as long as credit is given?

A: Yes!

Q: Are there limits on the size or amount of alternate forms a character can have?

A: Nope! As long as the character is written reasonably (can’t immediately solve every issue, doesn’t constantly have 100% of the focus on them, etc) you are free to express their abilities, lore, and forms as you wish!

Q: If I have a character that shapeshifts, what happens to their clothes?

A: That's up to you, my friend. Maybe they change with them, maybe they have to shed or destroy their clothes to change, whatever you like! Just don’t be creepy about it.

Q: Can I change an NPC into a Character or vice-versa?

A: Yes! As long as you have the appropriate slots, just let us know so we can update their status. Be sure to bear in mind the difference between characters and NPCs, as well. Remember, NPCs must have a connection to a full character.

Q: Can app art be counted for Faeshards?

A: Yes! This is encouraged. The art must be done by you to be claimed however. You are also welcome to claim the written portion of the app for shards!

Q: Can I have a workforce for my character/their business without making a bajillion NPCs?

A: Yes! Just keep their details minimum and don’t actively roleplay them and they don’t need an app. You could, say, have your character directing them to do something or have brief convos, but if you’d like to expand them out past “here is a name and a vague vibe” you’ll need to make them a proper NPC. This would also go for other nondescript groups of people, like families or classmates!

Q: I would like to change something about my character, do I need to repurchase a slot or contact a mod?

A: If the change is to name, type, species, or pronouns, you will need to contact a mod. These will change how they are listed in the inventory, and species can only be changed with the use of items. Details like personalities or appearance are up to your discretion, though major changes should be discussed with mods beforehand to avoid confusion. If you’d like to rebuild/reboot the character you would need to buy a Time Wizard.

Q: How many Character slots do we start with?

A: 2 character and 2 NPC slots! Pet slots must be purchased.

Q: Is there a limit on how many characters we can have?

A: Nope, if you are active enough to afford your character slots we trust you can handle whatever character load you have chosen. If they ever get to be too much for you, or you lose interest in them, you can always remove them with an “Eviction Notice” or kill them off (both would return the slot to you!)

Q: What is the Graveyard for?

A: It is for Characters and NPCs that have been killed off. We figured it would be fun as a place to record canonically deceased characters, as well as provide the possibility of resurrecting them as cursed undead.

Q: Does death require an Eviction Notice?

A: Nope, and it returns a slot! Just remember this is a major plot decision, and you can’t bring them back unless you revive them with a Soul Crystal into an undead.

Q: Okay, but what if I don’t want them to be undead?

A: You would also need to use a Tome of Beasts AND Moonlight Tonic to get them exactly as they were before.

Q: What time period is the group set in?

A: Modern-times! Bring us all your cellular phones, tik tacs, and hip hop music.

Q: What does “ps” or “pr” mean in front of a location?

A: This is a Player Shop or Player Realm! This is a space owned by a specific character within the town or surrounding area.

Q: Can I play in a Player Shop?

A: You can with the owner’s permission. Make sure you ask first as many of these places will require you to interact with the OC who owns it! It isn’t fair to jump in and assume the person will roleplay with you, or assume you can use their OC as an NPC in your roleplay.

Q: Can I create a Player Shop?

A: You can! You must check in with mods first in order to do so and purchase a Bubble in a Box from the shop. As it expands the group, it is one of the biggest purchases you can make.

Characters must be sapient - as in having coherent thoughts and having a higher understanding.

Characters may be any age.

But characters under 18 years old or the species’ equivalent of a minor can absolutely not be involved in any overly violent or sexual rp/content.

Characters must be decently clothed (no genitals exposed) in their official reference and main-chat content.

This excludes more animal-like or amorphous characters who are covered appropriately in fur, scales, feathers, etc.

Sheaths, cloaca, ovipositors, etc must be covered or barbie dolled in this instance however unless in NSFW.

This does include characters who can turn invisible or camouflage, they need at least minimal clothing- maybe even specialized magical fabrics that can morph with them.

A scar/marking/tattoo ref can include nudity so long as it is non-sexualized and sent to the appropriate art chat or barbie doll’d.

If you want to use a species from indigenous folklore, we suggest researching it heavily beforehand. Some, particularly [REDACTED] , are considered closed practice folklore- not open for use outside of their specific contexts. Please respect that.

If you want a creature with similar theming or aesthetic, but can’t find the right fit, make a new one! The Chimera and Hybrid options are there for a reason.

If you have a character with a sensitive background/mental illness/etc. Be sure to handle it with care and research the topic being explored!

It's fine to draw from your own experiences but it never hurts to have more information! It helps to avoid generalizing and creates a better balanced character that draws from a multitude of experiences.

Please reach out to the mods when creating a character like this, so we can help with the process!

In general, townsfolk are unaware of the supernatural stuff- but there are some witnesses that carry on the folklore and rumors of the town.

Pets must make sense lore wise and cannot be humanoid.

Pets must also be of limited intelligence, some anthropomorphism is expected but remember they should think and act like animals/creatures/whatever.

Sentient pets or familiars should be Native-type NPCs.

Familiars and magical creatures have a bit more leeway.

Unusual type pets will need an illusory charm to explore the human side of town if they cannot otherwise change their shape/appearance.

Unusual type pets are ones that are magical or who’s ownership cannot be explained away with special circumstances/permissions. Like a dragon, unicorn, etc. or something that would typically be impossible or even dangerous to keep as a pet, particularly large wild animals like bears, rhinos, and big cats.

Groups of three or more Pets who are essentially interchangeable aside from name and/or minor traits can be counted as one character and will only consume one pet slot.

For example: a fish tank with multiple fish, colonies or hives of eusocial animals, herds of livestock, packs of work dogs, etc.

Characters and NPCs can be hive minds! Fun!

As in, a group of characters who share a mind and act as one organism.

Such characters have to be interchangeable, each member of the hivemind thinking and acting the same as another.

Individuals can have quirks, though.

For example: The cells that make up a body have different shapes and functions, but all work towards the same goal as part of a unified whole.

Characters can hold jobs or own their own businesses, but here are a few things to keep in mind:

Any job listed/implied to be in town or the bubble is fair game.

If a job puts a character in a position of power (I.e. mayor, sheriff, principle) you must check with the mods first.

If you wish to open a storefront, you must purchase a “Bubble in a Box” to obtain an rp chat for that location.

If you wish to join a workplace with existing characters, especially one created by another member, be sure to reach out to them first! They might be too full, or wish to keep their small business to themselves.

You can imply/headcanon a workforce if you wish, even with names/basic descriptions of the employees! As long as they are used minimally and are not active participants in roleplays. If you wish to expand on any of them, you have to turn them into an NPC or Character first.

Ask before connecting your character’s backstory to characters or places created by other members.

This includes group NPCs, just shoot the mods a message!

NPCs- Non-Playable Characters are meant to be just that, minor characters who exist to support one of your main characters.

Think: A spouse, parent, child, or friend who isn’t really a fully fleshed character in their own right.

An NPC’s connection cannot be to other NPCs, characters only.

They can be used in roleplays, just remember they aren’t the star of the show!

Group NPCs, on the other hand, are meant to flesh out the world. They are created by the mods to fulfill a specific purpose, like running a store or hosting an event.

They can be mentioned or have minor appearances in roleplay without contacting a mod. If you need them to have a more active role in an rp, you need to correspond with their creator.

Native-type characters must be bubble-only if their species is something magical.

If they appear like a mundane animal (i.e. a talking beaver or something) or can shapeshift, they can venture out so long as they are careful.

A particularly corpse-like Vampire, like a Jianshi, might feel more at home with the Undead than with the Others or the Unseen.

A Vampire with lil baby fangs who occasionally sparkles would probably prefer to live with the Others or the Unseen.

A leafy Dryad who needs regular sunshine might be happier with the Phytos.

A Dryad who can transform into a tree, but normally looks human, would fit right in with the Shifters or the Unseen.

If compiling sketches into a sketch dump, each sketch must be counted for shards individually.

For easier organization, we suggest numbering sketches in sketch dumps.

Head Shot (20% or less): 3 shard

Partial Body (50% or less): 5 shards

Full Body (More than 50%): 9 shards

(Apply this to each character in an image)

Solid colors, gradients, patterns, etc.

Per image, not per character

Clear singular object or sketch of BG

Per image, not per character

Must be a clear scene with discernible details.

Fully colored with shading.

Per image, not per character

Pets and NPCs count as additional characters.

For complex animations where each frame is significantly redrawn (ie, running images where the legs all move, head nods where the head is redrawn) you add the whole unique image. So a full body running animation would be +9 shards each unique frame. Add shading bonuses as applicable. Similarly with the background, a basic static bg would receive +3 shard only, while a scrolling bg would receive +3 for each unique frame.

For simple animations where small portions of the animation were changed (ie, blinking, bouncing, etc.) the same rules apply but the levels will be halved. Any half shards will be rounded up so if the total comes to 9.5 shards it would actually be 10.

Pets and NPCs count as additional characters.

Stacks with prompt bonuses.

Be sure to let us know who gifts are for when you turn them in, so they can get shards too!

For example, you draw a little scene with you and a friend’s character that would earn 33 shards (9 Fullbody x3 + 3 basic BG + 3 Additional Character.) You would receive 35 shards (33+2 bonus) and your friend would receive 17 (33/2=~17)

Also applies to written works

Cannot be counted for commissioned works

All drawing prompts require at minimum: a partial body (20-50% of the character shown), clean lines, and flat colors.

All writing prompts require at minimum 500 words

Completing a prompt awards +25% (+¼) of your shard earnings on the piece.

So, say you made a piece that earns 12 shards. 12/4=3, so your total would be 15!

This means your bonus scales with your effort!

Request a random palette or five random words and earn an additional +5% shards for using them in your drawing or writing prompt respectively!

Prompt bonus will always round up to a whole number.

For example, two people create a 2050 word story together. They would both earn 5 shards.

Provide a photo/image/screenshot of the piece when turning it in and let us know how long it took to complete so we can better estimate your shards earned.

For comics, each panel counts as its own image and earns shards accordingly.

All submissions for shards must be your own. You cannot claim art that is commissioned, bought, requested, or created using a base for shards.

Completed prompts should be similarly sent to prompt turn in.