1. I'm not that guy with a super large list of rules so we'll keep it simple. Guild rules apply, please use common sense in all situations and scenarios, and please treat each other nicely.

2. This roleplay may have darker themes and elements so know that up front. With regards to sexual conduct however, keep in mind the Guild rules. Fade to black is fine by me, but let's at least keep ourselves out of trouble with the mods. That said, I have no problem with players pursuing romance or bringing romance into the mix.

3. Quality over quantity. I know this is the Advanced section, but I am always an advocate for quality posts over a mass of generally terrible writing. That being said, a three paragraph minimum should be easy enough to hit for most everyone and it will help other players out as well.

If you take the time to join this roleplay—i.e create a character and have it approved—then I do expect you to be committed to the game. I understand that things come up and life happens at the worst moments, but what I'm referring to are controllable situations. For example, if you know that you're the type of person to lose interest soon after a roleplay begins then please don't join. I appreciate the interest shown, but what I appreciate more is a player who will stick with a game until it either dies or is complete. I can work with you when bumps in the road appear, but I also ask that you let me know as far in advance as possible. With your commitment, we can have the most exciting roleplay possible and that's what I strive for.

In regards to consistency, I am referring to the frequency in which posts happen. In earlier days I would sometimes implement some sort of minimum time frame to post, but this is the Advanced section. I only ask that you post in a timely manner. For example, if you see that everyone else has posted for a round, you probably should think about when you're going to put yours up. In the same manner, if you see that most of the cast hasn't had a chance to post for a while, it might be a good idea to let a few others go before you go again. I have no problems with people posting again before a round is over, but just try not to drown out the other players.

Finally, we have communication. I'm referring mainly to the OOC when I say that. In my years I've found that a barren OOC will often lead to a dead IC and, thus, a dead roleplay. I'm not one of those people who dislike general chit chat so what I'm asking is that the players be communicative with one another. The OOC thread is for discussing the roleplay, planning stories or collaborations with one another, etc, but I don't mind some general conversation every now and then. An active OOC is all I ask.

So now I'll explain the open world elements I spoke about in the interest check. As I said there, this roleplay will basically be an open world for players to explore. Unlike most other games though, I won't be providing a map. Why, I hear you ask? This is because the entirety of the roleplay takes place in the city of Regalia. Much like your other massive cities, Regalia houses most of the forms of entertainment and leisure one can imagine. This is also done so players can provide their contributions to the world in the form of “Notable Locations”.

As we progress, I'll add to the Notable Locations list. Locations I, myself, create and locations players create will be part of it so that they have the opportunity to be revisited later. It will also help build the world a bit and give players a chance to participate directly in that world building. I will provide a picture of the entire city and then I'll leave the rest to your imaginations.

Next up is scene structure. This is basically my way of keeping track of main narrative events and the sub-stories created by players. For the most part, players will be allowed to position their characters wherever they choose in the city with the plot providing context as to why they would want to go where they are going or what have you. When a particularly important event is going to happen though, I'll label my post differently and you'll know that something important is coming up. You'll have the choice to either go to the location where it is happening or continue doing what you're doing. Keep in mind however that I'm watching everything and every action will be taken into account to be woven in the narrative. No one will escape the plot completely!

Sub-stories are side plots created by the players. They can be used for character development, to introduce a new element to the ongoing plot, or any number of reasons. To keep them organized however, I have a Sub-Story Form below with the Character Sheet. Basically, whenever you want to begin a sub-story, just fill out the form and PM it to me. I'll look it over and then give you the okay to incorporate it into the game. Now obviously we can't have every single person engaging in a sub-story at the same time because then the IC thread would just be a bunch of separate plots. If you intend to create a side plot, do so with multiple characters in mind. Never do a sub-story where it's just you and your non-playable characters because that will end up splintering you from the plot and wrecking the pace of the roleplay a little. It doesn't have to be every single player, but involve at least one or two other players so we can organically link what you're doing to the main narrative.

And now we've come to the character sheet. I know these things are divisive, but I do prefer having them done in some form so other players have a bit to work with. These sheets will be really simple though as I want most of your character revealed through your writing.

Name (No, your last name does not have to be Ariella. This is not your traditional mafia family where everyone is blood related. This is more in line with the mob or yakuza where most anyone can join)

Nickname (Only if you want one)

Age (Minimum 21 please)

Physical Description (I do not require a picture, but I do require a written physical description of your character even if you do include a picture. For pictures, please stick to realistic ones only. No anime/manga images for this RP)

Syndicate Class (Obviously an organized crime syndicate has different roles for different people. Here you will choose a class for your character. This does not mean they can't be good at other things, but let's say this is what they chose to do or were assigned when they joined. Choices are: Enforcement, Prostitution Management, Weapons Smuggling Management, Financial Management, Security, Legal Business Management, Eraser

A description of each class can be found below)

I don't mind if there are multiple people with the same class because this roleplay does not rely on the assumption that everyone will choose something different. However, I can say the game might feel more immersive if different players take on different roles.

Enforcement - Enforcers are the muscle of the Ariella Syndicate. They are usually sent out on jobs that require intimidation or possible fighting ability. They routinely collect on loans, collect on protection money, intimidate certain important people, and quell small-time gang wars just to name a few things. This is the traditional tough guy/girl role though not all Enforcers are actual tough guys/girls. That's just a stereotype.

Prostitution Management - This is the department which oversees all the prostitution rings in the city of Regalia. They also scout new talent regularly in the seedier areas of the city. Prostitution is one of the more lucrative revenue streams for the Syndicate so this job is especially important. It takes a person who is a bit more intellectual than physical. Not that they can't be both.

Weapons Smuggling Management - This is the department which handles the acquisition, sale, trade, and smuggling of weapons. Regalia is very strict on firearms and is known to be for harsher gun control so this particular segment isn't as lucrative as it should be. Couple that with the fact that it's difficult to smuggle guns in and out of the city and you're looking at the job not many people want. However, it is important to maintain because when turf wars do happen, having stock is better than no having no stock. It's also necessary to sometimes outfit the smaller gangs of the city because they are always repeat customers.

Financial Management - This is the department which is in charge of the accounting for the Syndicate. Because the Syndicate is far bigger than one city, each separate branch has its own Financial Management department so this particular one is in charge of the Regalia account. These guys maintain all the necessary info on the cash flow and revenue streams of all the arms of the organization. If money can be traced to the Syndicate, these guys know about it. Their most important activities involve the legal businesses however. They have to make sure that money stays clean and that any money made from illegal activities is properly laundered and so on.

Security - Not to be confused with Enforcers, the Security division is responsible for security in the legal businesses of the organization and the security of the organization itself. Each branch of the Syndicate has a main HQ and Regalia is no exception. HQ has to be properly secured and certain businesses like night clubs and banks need to be secured by Syndicate personnel to ensure control stays in place. When things get overwhelming, Security can call in Enforcement for help, but Enforcement is expected to handle problems on their own without pulling Security away from their posts.

Legal Business Management - This is one of, if not, the most important departments in the entire organization. The Ariella Syndicate prides themselves on the citizens on the city loving them rather than fearing them and this department handles the affairs of legally owned businesses that ensure that love. From nightclubs to banks to supermarkets, the Syndicate legally owns a lot of business that provides a front for their illegal activities and a direct connection to the citizens by giving them jobs among other things. This department can have members running these businesses, working in these businesses, or simply checking that everything is still in order from time to time. Without this department, the entire organization could crumble under the weight of the law.

Eraser - This is the department that handles up the clean-up duty after a particularly messy situation. These are the guys you call when you need to make a situation disappear or create a false scene in place of the real one. These guys make murder look like suicide and clean areas of evidence that might negatively lead back to the organization just to name a couple scenarios. They are more comfortable working behind the scenes than out in the open brazenly acting on emotion or something. They're extremely thorough, detailed, and calculated. Erasers may even be above Legal Business Management in order of importance to the Syndicate.

This is the form you submit to me via PM if you'd like to begin a sub-story. Refer to the sub-story section for rules and guidelines involving them.

Name of Character (Who is the sub-story about?)

Brief Description (Give me a brief description of what your sub-story will entail. Feel free to keep the more surprising details to yourself. I am the GM, but I'm also a roleplayer who enjoys a good surprise or two. As long as it does not directly veer the main narrative in any direction, I'm fine with it.)

Players Involved (At least one other player should be involved in a sub-story, but I'd love to see multiple)

Once you've filled this form and I've looked over it, I'll give you direction as to when the best time to implement this side plot should be. Sometimes it will be immediately, sometimes it will not, but bear with me; if I've approved it, it will definitely be added.

Also keep in mind that your sub-story could easily span beyond the range you thought it would. If it's good enough, it may even go on to involve all the players and become a direct part of the main narrative. If that happens, rest assured I will PM you in advance and discuss that direction with you.

I will add more locations as we progress, though they may or may not have pictures accompanying them.