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FAQ
FAQ
- What is the premise of Vault 66?
Vault 66 is set in a world based on the Fallout video games series. Loosely speaking, an oddly 1950s sci-fi-esque version of the Earth an atomic war between the United States and China ended civilization as it was known. The only forms of shelter from the destruction were deep-underground constructions known as vaults (brought to you by the defense corporation Vault-tec). These vaults were spread across the United States and 'lucky' individuals were selected to shelter in them when the bombs dropped. However, little did many of these individuals know that Vault-tec had set up experimental scenarios in the majority of vaults to study human behavior- theoretically in order to best rebuild society when the outside world was finally safe to enter once more.
The results were mixed.
Vault 66 is one of these vaults. After untold years in stand-by mode, the vault has finally begun to reactivate. Pods filled with survivors are woken in rounds to repair the vault and venture to see what has become of the surrounding area. Some memory issues appear to have happened overtime, however, with people waking up from their pods believing the strangest things, like being from different worlds or times, or even different vaults. Characters apped into the game will be one of these newly awoken vault dwellers, attempting to make sense of this new world and each other.
Overall, Vault 66 is aimed at being a survival/exploration game that relies both on mods and players to progress. While mods will set goals and important quests for expanding the world, we will not be micromanaging player plots or activities. As long as nothing is setting breaking, we hope to allow characters to help establish the shape (and fate) of this corner of the Fallout world. - Do I need to be familiar with the Fallout series to play?
No! While familiarity with the series is certainly a plus, we aim to make Vault 66 accessible to anyone. Anything not in one of the mod posts or info pages will not be needed information. Further, in order to adapt the video game series into an RP, we will be playing a little fast and loose with canon and making some adjustments as needed, so even die hard fans will find some new or tweaked aspects to the world.
- It seems like the world information pages are incomplete?
Correct! Vault 66, as the name suggests, will begin in the activation of vault 66. As characters escape the vault and explore, new information will be added to the OOC pages. We don't want to spoil too much yet.
- What is the rating of this game?
This game is very much M for mature. The post-apocalyptic world of America is not a terribly kind or sane one. There will be violence, horror, sexual content, and so forth. While most plots can be opted out of, or characters can simply hide away in a safe corner of the vault, to expand the world some interaction with the unpleasant world outside will be needed.
- How will the plot work?
This will vary as the game progresses. In the beginning, plots will mostly be run by the mods with the use of the plot/exploring post. Blocked off areas or plot clues will require work to gain access to. The plotting post will contain hints or outright requirements for how to gain access to those areas or move forward in solving a problem/mystery. Individuals or groups of characters can team together, submit a plotting comment, and work to gain achieve these goals (preferably through IC logs). Sometimes what will be needed is just someone that knows how to use a computer. Sometimes a group of charismatic individuals will solve the problem. Sometimes a request for creative solutions will be the only guidance given. Typically, the bigger the area to be accessed or reward gained, the more effort and characters cooperating that will be required.
In the case of a new area being accessed, a mod log will go up detailing the region and allowing access to any NPCs that may be available in the new area. For plots or solving other items, a variety of effects may occur depending on what the goal was.
In the case of a new area being accessed, a mod log will go up detailing the region and allowing access to any NPCs that may be available in the new area. For plots or solving other items, a variety of effects may occur depending on what the goal was.
These logs will happen more frequently at the very start of the game, and slow as the world is explored and a more established and vibrant game setting is available to be interacted with. Mod plots to advance plot will still occur, but more infrequently.
Outside of these mod-led updates, characters will have the world of the vault and (once opened) beyond to interact with as they please. Smaller mod events will be run from time to time, and player plot submission will always be welcome to further explore the world, or to just have a fun event. Mods will help players develop and run these events as wanted/needed.
- Is fourth walling allowed?
Only with player permission.
- What kinds of characters may be applied for?
We accept canon characters with enough established backstory/personality that less than 3/4 of the overall application is head canon. Characters from a canon AU (such as the Marvel What If? series) count as normal canon characters. We do not accept non-canon AU characters.
Original characters from original canons are acceptable, but not OCs from established canons (no original Harry Potter. The exception to this is OCs from table top campaigns or the like, so long as they come from an individual campaign.
Canon malleable protagonists may also be applied for so long as the applications outlines a consistent personality.
As this is a character capped game, we do not accept duplicates of any form.
Original characters from original canons are acceptable, but not OCs from established canons (no original Harry Potter. The exception to this is OCs from table top campaigns or the like, so long as they come from an individual campaign.
Canon malleable protagonists may also be applied for so long as the applications outlines a consistent personality.
As this is a character capped game, we do not accept duplicates of any form.
- Can I apply with a Fallout Character?
Yes! Fallout characters are welcome, just keep in mind the world may be a little different than they remember.
- Can I apply with a Fallout AU?
Not at this time. Characters AUed into the Fallout universe will be allowed at a future point.
- Can characters keep their powers?
No, characters will not have any powers on entering game. There will eventually be opportunities to gain some powers back/gain new ones as the game progresses.
- What if my character isn't human or needs special items not found on Earth to stay alive?
All organic characters under 10 feet tall will arrive in their original form, unless the player selects otherwise (see next question for details). Characters that would normally need special food, air, gravity, or other unique conditions to survive will no longer have these restrictions and will be able to thrive on vault 66's Earth.
All non-organic characters will have to come in one of the three organic forms below.
All non-organic characters will have to come in one of the three organic forms below.
- What do you mean select my character's organic form?
No matter what the character is in canon, there are three forms your character can awaken from their pod in, with advantages and disadvantages to each:
Baseline: If your character was human in canon, then they arrive just as themselves. If your character was an organic non-human under 10 feet tall (a Mass Effect alien or Detective Pikachu, for instance) the character arrives in that form. If non-organic or over 10 feet tall, pick a human PB for your character because they are stuck in an average human body now. Humans are the 'default' biped in the wasteland and tend to run most everything.
Ghoul: AKA 'necrotic post-humans.' Ghoul's are a far more resilient form of humanity, but far from the prettiest. While their skin, some muscle, and a few other bits and pieces may have been ravished by radiation, rather than dying terribly ghouls managed to hang on. Most go insane, turning into nothing more than wandering feral monsters- zombies. But some hold on to their minds and live normal, albeit very long, lives- some ghouls have been known to live over 200 years. Ghouls don't age and are healed by radiation, a useful skill in the irradiated wasteland outside the vault. However, they are often discriminated against, both because of their looks and the general belief they will all eventually lose themselves and become feral.
Super Mutant: Super mutants stand at 7-10 feet tall and weigh an average of 700-800 pounds. Their skin ranges from dull gray to green to blue, and males and females appear more or less identical. While their large fingers make using computers or writing difficult to impossible, they are strong, immune to radiation, and heal at roughly twice the speed of a normal human to boot. Some are prone to lapses in mental abilities from time to time (hulking out, if you will), but super mutants in the vault are spared the insanity and ruthless need to kill that most super mutants in the wasteland display. Because of the typically unstable/murderous nature of their kind, super mutants are feared by most humans.
Baseline: If your character was human in canon, then they arrive just as themselves. If your character was an organic non-human under 10 feet tall (a Mass Effect alien or Detective Pikachu, for instance) the character arrives in that form. If non-organic or over 10 feet tall, pick a human PB for your character because they are stuck in an average human body now. Humans are the 'default' biped in the wasteland and tend to run most everything.
Ghoul: AKA 'necrotic post-humans.' Ghoul's are a far more resilient form of humanity, but far from the prettiest. While their skin, some muscle, and a few other bits and pieces may have been ravished by radiation, rather than dying terribly ghouls managed to hang on. Most go insane, turning into nothing more than wandering feral monsters- zombies. But some hold on to their minds and live normal, albeit very long, lives- some ghouls have been known to live over 200 years. Ghouls don't age and are healed by radiation, a useful skill in the irradiated wasteland outside the vault. However, they are often discriminated against, both because of their looks and the general belief they will all eventually lose themselves and become feral.
Super Mutant: Super mutants stand at 7-10 feet tall and weigh an average of 700-800 pounds. Their skin ranges from dull gray to green to blue, and males and females appear more or less identical. While their large fingers make using computers or writing difficult to impossible, they are strong, immune to radiation, and heal at roughly twice the speed of a normal human to boot. Some are prone to lapses in mental abilities from time to time (hulking out, if you will), but super mutants in the vault are spared the insanity and ruthless need to kill that most super mutants in the wasteland display. Because of the typically unstable/murderous nature of their kind, super mutants are feared by most humans.
- I want to play a ghoul or super mutant, what do I do for icons?
Understandably, it's difficult to PB for a zombie or giant green monster. While we encourage getting creative with photoshop, you are free to use your normal icons for expression purposes (but please remember to bring up your characters new IC appearance in tags). Your character tags in the communities will include their organic form.
- What is the game / canon cap?
There is a starting character cap of 35.
The first few months of the game are expected to be particularly interactive due to the limited area available for characters to play in (the vault). As new areas open and characters have more to do that does not require heavy mod involvement, this cap will likely rise.
There is a canon cap of 5. This will increase as the game cap increases.
The first few months of the game are expected to be particularly interactive due to the limited area available for characters to play in (the vault). As new areas open and characters have more to do that does not require heavy mod involvement, this cap will likely rise.
There is a canon cap of 5. This will increase as the game cap increases.
- Is there a waiting period to app a character?
There is a three week waiting period after the release of the canon in the United States. For canons that can take time to get through, such as new video games or long series, we ask players to be respectful with using spoilers warnings even after three weeks have passed.
Characters from an ongoing TV series cannot be apped until at least one season of the canon has been released.
Characters from an ongoing TV series cannot be apped until at least one season of the canon has been released.
- How many characters can I play?
There is currently a cap two characters per player. These characters may not be from the same canon.
- Can my characters bring in anything from their canon with them?
- What is the game AC?
Two threads of at least 5 comments (from your character) in each, made in the main or pip-boy network community. Test drive and personal inbox threads do not qualify.
- Is there a reward for doing more activity?
You bet! For every additional 5 consecutive comments beyond AC, you will earn 5 bottle caps- the currency of the Fallout world! These caps will be available at the start of the next AC period and can be traded for IC goods and services or OOCly to make challenges easier or gain other rewards. These can be earned per 5 comments in single very long threads (ie, your character has 50 comments in 1 thread = 50 caps) or across multiple smaller threads (10 threads with 5 comments from your character each = 50 caps).
Personal inbox and test drive threads can be used to earn caps.
It is the responsibility of players to keep track of this extra AC and provide links on the AC post to prove totals each month (see example post on AC page for further detail).
Personal inbox and test drive threads can be used to earn caps.
It is the responsibility of players to keep track of this extra AC and provide links on the AC post to prove totals each month (see example post on AC page for further detail).
- What if I miss a month of AC?
AC exemptions will be granted on a case by case basis so long as you communicate with the mods. RP isn't a job, we understand needing a month off every now and then, case by case is simply in place to prevent abuse of the system.
Missing one round of AC without communication with the mods prior to the end of the AC period (last day of the month) will result in a strike. This strike will remain in place for two months, then be cleared on the start of the third. Two strikes will result in auto-drop from the game. Characters dropped due to lack of activity cannot be re-applied for by the same player for one month.
Missing one round of AC without communication with the mods prior to the end of the AC period (last day of the month) will result in a strike. This strike will remain in place for two months, then be cleared on the start of the third. Two strikes will result in auto-drop from the game. Characters dropped due to lack of activity cannot be re-applied for by the same player for one month.
- What happens if I drop my character?
The character will develop a terrible headache that eventually results in unconsciousness. They will be returned to their pod for rest and a 'returned to stasis' status will be visible on the pod monitor.
- Can I canon update?
Yes! Your character will develop a terrible headache paired with an irresistible urge to return to their pod. On entering a 're-calibrating' status will be visible on the pod monitor. After at minimum eight hours of rest, they will awake with their updated memories in place.
- What happens if my character dies?
The body will remain where it fell. On the 2nd of the next month (the normal pod opening day) your character will awaken in a pod, naked this time. It doesn't matter if your character died on the 3rd or the 30th, pods only open on the 2nd. If the character's body/the items on it were not recovered, spare vault jumpsuits and pip-boys are located in the storage room. Anything not recovered will be lost. However, if the body was preserved it is possible for the character to see their own corpse(s). Creepy.
- Are there consequences for dying multiple times?
Not yet.
- I want to change my character's organic form, can I?
For now, yes. When your character dies you can chose to have them wake up in a different organic form. This will only work well for the first time or two, so be sure.
- Can I re-app my character with their in-game memories?
Yes. Characters apped by the same player may return with their previous in game memories. Returning characters apped by a new player, however, will return with no memories.
- When are application rounds?
Applications will be open for the last week of each month until the character cap is met. On the 2nd of each month new characters will be accepted to the IC communities and the next wave of pods open in the vault to allow characters to enter play.
- How does this whole pip-boy network work?
- What happens when my character arrives in game?
- How does time work in game?
1 OOC day = 1 IC day
- What time zone is the game in?
OOCly everything runs on EST.
- How are language barriers dealt with?
All characters are fully fluent in American English upon waking from the pods. They don't lose any other languages they may know, but speaking, reading, writing, and all other forms of understanding English are now completely natural.
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If I'm reading this right, I could give him a fully human body? I'm interested in playing out that aspect, but just want to check if that's an option since he's part cybernetic, or if he'd fall under the mandatory humanization (for future applications of cyborgs!).
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Also, are aviod aliens considered baseline due to their size, or would Teruv here be forcibly humanized?
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So long as the character is less than ten feet tall, they can come in as their normal form!
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Hmmm, Teruv has some pretty big primary feathers on his wrist-is there any way to use the pip-boy without ripping those out or cutting them back? Can he just carry it around, rather than wearing it?
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for example say my lone wanderer hates three dog because he's always following his every move and reporting on it, and also thinks he'd make for a better radio host. so towards the end of his "campaign" he kills three dog and, i imagine, usurps his position by taking over GNR and broadcasting across the capital wasteland himself.
basically i'm wondering how much headcanon based on how i actually played the game/character is permitted before it becomes AU, as i like to elaborate a lot on my character's personal narrative when i play fallout
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Once we're accepted by the OOC comm it's OK to post a little intro correct? I mean I know it said to do so in the Acceptance post but I wanted to double check and make sure we weren't waiting for anything else before we post.
You know how it is sometimes, no one wants to be the first one to speak upno subject
Will we have a discord channel?
If not an official one can one of us make an unofficial one?
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Also, there is no official channel, but you are welcome to make one and post about it in the OOC community.
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2. I assume that by nothing from canon being able to come with a character that would include pets/companions/specifically for my question, pokemon?
Thanks for your time! c:
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You are correct, no pokemon would arrive in the pods. Future plots may allow things from home to appear, but at this time characters only arrive with themselves.