Players are allowed to create, and manage, settings-within-the-setting that we call “Shards”. So long as it doesn't impact the broader universe or break site rules, Shards can do or be just about anything.

The space a Shard is allowed on the map is limited to three systems, although its influence may be further reaching. Within a Shard, the player/s in control of the Shard have the final say on what is allowed¹⁾.

If you're looking for a Shard, check the Sidebar to the left or the list below.

Shards with active player communities and plots.

Each Shard has its own fundamental laws that dictate the strength of the forces within, such as magic, technology, divinity, and so on. Characters and objects within that Shard must follow its laws. When they leave the Shard, they take the influence of those laws with them. So long as they do not enter another Shard, the laws will stay true, providing a consistent experience for characters (and players!) as they explore the universe - no matter their means of transportation.

Stories that take place solely within their 'home' shard are made canon at the discretion of the Shard Master. So long as they don't impact the broader setting, no staff approval or involvement is required.

If a Shard Master hasn't given a plot or setting element in their shard their official stamp of approval, that doesn't necessarily mean it hasn't happened or doesn't exist. Until something has been made canon, they're just considered tall tales or rumors by uninvolved characters. “Did you hear so-and-so blew up a moon?” “Yeah, I heard that one, but have you met anyone who can actually prove it?”

Just because something works within one Shard doesn't guarantee it will work within the next.

Example: If I want to make a starfighter that can blow up stars for a plot, that's fine. That starfighter should not be used in other Shards without those Shards giving you permission to use it there.

Example: A player wants to fly their starship into Magic Elf Land. The players of magic elf land specifically don't want technology in their RP, so the player can't bring their starship. The Shard Master for Magic Elf Land ultimately gets the say in what, and how, various elements of the setting are brought into their Nation.

Anything happening within a Shard is wholly subject to its influence, even if it means negating the influence of another Shard. It is up to the involved players to decide to what extent one Shard can affect another.

Shards don't take up all of the Calliope Cluster. Between Shards lie open or unclaimed space, where the laws of one Shard no longer apply.

Here, the influence of each Shard may come into conflict. In most cases, the influences attempt to co-exist in the most permissive way possible - in other words, if one Shard allows technology and another magic, then both will be allowed outside of their Shards.

Please keep our Fairness rules in mind when deciding how to handle these intersections. Those rules cover basic etiquette and conflict resolution and provide a guideline for an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Should the elements of a Shard prove to be too disruptive to the rest of the setting, staff may get involved to find a way to ensure that things are fair.

Shards are managed by one or more Shard Masters (SMs). They have control over what happens within their Shard, including who can write within it, what content can be created for it, and what stories can be told within the Shard's space. SMs should try to be hands-off where possible, only stepping in to ensure that the Shard's theme/purpose remains consistent and that no major story goals will be derailed. To a reasonable extent, SMs should moderate interactions between players in their Shard and try to help everyone have a good experience.

Ultimately, a Shard Master is simply a Game Master with a larger scope.

So long as your idea doesn't conflict with anyone else's, you are free to make new Shards whenever you'd like.

As your Shard gains more players and tells more stories, it may become prominent enough that it warrants additional visibility/support. At staff discretion, your Shard's world/s may be placed onto the universe's map, Discord channels may be created to let your players discuss the Shard more easily, and so on.

If your Shard becomes inactive, it will simply fade into the background, unless other plans have been made. See our rules on Content Submissions for more.

The only real ask we have for Shards is that they have clear themes and purpose. This makes it easy for players to 'align' themselves with things that interest them, as well as leaves room for other Shards to fill other niches.

Given that each Shard is essentially a setting unto itself, these themes may be broad. We encourage players and Shard Masters to think of ways to create things that are uniquely theirs.

Shards with inactive player communities/or and plots.

• Player Whisper created this on 2022/10/21 14:17.

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