Below is the list of rules of Time of Chaos. Please take time to read them before you join the Yahoo group.
There is a specific key within these rules which you need to write in the comments box when you request membership.
Without mention of this key, your membership won't be approved.

If you have any comments or questions about the rules, then please drop an email to the Chaos Council.

1. Writing Style

The posts in Time of Chaos are written in the past tense and the third person (so was instead of am, liked instead of like, her/he instead of I etc.). This makes the post easier to read and also avoids confusion (if everyone was writing I, it would get very messy, very fast!).

It is very important to follow all the rules of grammar, so capitalisation, commas, periods, use of paragraphs and such are essential. This keeps the posts up to a high standard and makes sure everyone can read them with ease.

The first few times you post, polite reminders will be sent if this rule is not adhered to. These will contain tips on how to improve the post, point out any problems and give solutions to bring them up to standard. In the following two to three weeks, if the problems still continue, you will be sent more advice plus sample posts to show you what is expected. However if the problem continues after another week, your posts will be put on moderation, which means your posts will be read by a moderator and reviewed before being released to the board. If the post is rejected, the post will be sent back to you with the necessary modifications listed on them.

This rule is here to keep the post quality consistently high, not to impede anyone's creativity.

2. Original Characters only

In Time of Chaos, only original characters created by players are allowed. So no book characters or any characters who are or are based on characters from other series (such as Underworld, Marvel, Buffy to name a few) will be accepted. If such a bio is sent in, it will be rejected. So please take your time to create your own unique character.

Also please bear in mind that some species and powers are not allowed in this game. For a list of allowed species, please consult the Allowed Species page (to be added). For a list of banned species, powers and bond, along with explanations as to why, please consult the Banned Species, Powers and Bonds page.

For further information on character creation, please consult the Character Creation Section of this website.

3. Ratio of Characters, Capping and use of NPCs

For every two alpha/master characters you create, you must create at least one beta/non-master. This ratio is to keep the number of alphas and betas in proportion. Of course you can have as many beta characters as you want but there is no negotiating on the alpha ratio. Humans do not class in the rule nor do at this time witches and psychics, though this may be reviewed in future so you can also have as many characters of these varieties as you want.

Currently there is no character capping in place so you can have as many characters as you want. Please bear in mind the Posting Policy however and make sure you can handle the number of characters you have before creating more.

NPC (non player characters) are also allowed in game. These can be used temporary or as employees for locations for example. These characters don’t require a bio and do not fall under the Posting Policy. NPCs are currently also not capped.

4. Leaving the game

If you do at any point choose to leave Time of Chaos, please write out your characters. This usually can be done in one or two posts and allows you to have control over how the character(s) is/are written out. If you do not, then please at least leave instructions as to what to do with your character(s). Otherwise, the moderators will write out your characters in whatever way they deem fit and this can include killing them off.

If you play a power position, it is ESPECIALLY important that you write out or inform what should happen with your character(s). Not doing so causes difficulties for other players and moderators and is not fair on all involved.

Before you leave, please drop a message to the Council Council to inform them of your intentions and also leave a message on the OOC board so the other players know you're leaving. You do not need to write anything on the main list, other than your post. When you write your post, it is helpful to add the words 'Write Out' to the header so players know it is the final post(s) for the character(s).

Once you have done the above, then feel free to unsub yourself from both lists.

5. Returning to the game and Banned Players

If however you decide you do want to return to the game at any point after leaving, this is allowed. It is suggested you use the same ID as before if possible, if not then to write a comment when joining that you are a returning player.

Obviously however if you have been banned in the past, you should not try to rejoin. Any players joining under another ID who have been banned before will be immediately removed from the game without warning.

If anyone suspects a player has returned who has been removed or banned in the past, please inform the Council.

6. Absence of Leave (AOL)

Absence of Leave (AOL) is when you need to take time away from the game, whether it be a couple of days, weeks or months. The reasons can include but are not exclusive to holidays, going away on business, lack of access to the internet or illness. If you know you are going to be away for a while, please let the Council know.

In cases of long periods, please let the Council also know what you wish to have done with your characters. Temporary write outs are allowed if you feel that is the best option. In some cases however, adopting out characters may be allowed.

If your absence period is unknown, you can be put on permanent AOL. This will then be reviewed at regular stages. However if it is looking unlikely you will be able to come back to the game, it may be best to give your characters to the Council or write them out. This will only be suggested in extreme cases and more commonly will be up to the player to decide.

Also as a courtesy, if you could post a message on the OOC board to let players know of your absence, or you can instruct the Council to do this on your behalf.

7. Power Playing

Power playing involves writing the actions of other characters other than your own without permission from the player. This includes moving characters, writing thoughts and feelings, hurting/killing them etc. This also applies to the beasts of lycanthrope characters (such as making them react to action such as calming and powers) and creating a history between your characters without permission. If you wish to create a history with another player's character, please contact the player offlist first.

This rule operates under the three strike rule. The first time, you'll get a polite warning. Twice, you'll get another warning and a reminder that the third time you will be removed. Third time, you will be unsubbed from the list and not allowed back in.

If however you would like or need someone else to play your character, please contact the Council so we don't think the player is play powering. Also in game please use OOC notes of PPs if you have been allowed to move someone's character (say for example to a different location), so we know that you have permission.

8. God Modding