| Frequently Asked Questions |
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Q: What is dark academia? A: Dark academia is both an aesthetic and a subgenre of media. Typically dark academia is concerned with the allure of prestigious institutions and the sinister truths that lie underneath, as well as class issues, academic ambition, and coming-of-age. Examples of dark academia include The Secret History by Donna Tartt, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake, and Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke. Aesthetically, dark academia is marked by old books, libraries, and ivy-covered buildings. Q: How do students get in to Crestmore? A: Students are admitted to Crestmore after an application process (like any other university), which includes a magickal aptitude test. Students may apply if they are aware of their magickal talents, whereas some students may be offered entrance by the Crestmore administration if they have not yet discovered their talents on their own. Crestmore employs psychic mages to discover students with such potential. They can begin at the start of fall or spring semester. Q: Do students stay on campus all year? Are they allowed to go off campus? A: Yes, students are allowed to go off campus any time they please. While they are welcome to stay year round, students can also return home over the summer or for holiday breaks. Q: Can I bring in a character who is neither faculty or a student? Are non-magickal characters allowed in this game? A: We'd prefer you didn't, but are open to pitches. Q: Do other magickal species exist in this world? Are mages considered human? A: Mages are considered human still. Other magickal creatures do exist, and some students may have non-human ancestry. Q: Can I bring in a character with a type of magick that isn't already listed? A: Sure! We're left things kinda vague on purpose. Q: Do mages have enemies? Is there a villain in this game? What might we need combat magick for? A: While we wouldn't ever call Mercywood forest a "villain" because we love her, she does serve as a type of antagonist for this game, and will be the source of much disruption on campus. While mages don't have natural predators per se, there are certainly anti-mage hate groups out there just as there (unfortunately) are for any marginalized identity or subpopulation. Combat magick can be used either offensively or defensively, and generally is applied against forces of nuisance and destruction (ie, magickal creatures, aforementioned hate groups, or persons attempting to invade the campus). Also, some mages fight other mages. If you get into a bar fight, that's on you. Q: My character is a student of psychic magick. Are there any limitations to psychic power? A: We ask that you keep things reasonable and realistic with regards to the age and experience of your character. The only caveat we will put on this for now is that you will need ooc permission from other writers for anything that affects them, their character's mind or storylines, or major comm plots. Q: My character is a student of physical magick. Are there any limitations to physical power? A: Again, we ask that you keep things reasonable and realistic with regards to the age and experience of your character. We will not tolerate violence against other characters without consent (like, go nuts with regards to mage v. mage fights if that's what both of you agree to, but try not to kill each other). You will need ooc consent from other writers for anything that affects them, their character's body or storylines, or major comm plots. Q: My character is a student of theoretical magick. Are there any limitations to their skills? A: The primary work of Mercy House students is the discovery and development of magickal practices—they study how magick works, search for ways to improve it, and research/create new forms of spellcraft. The only limitation as such is their education and experience. Most likely, a student at Crestmore is not going to break the space-time continuum, but they're welcome to blow shit up in a lab and try their hardest. You will need ooc consent from other writers for anything that affects them, their chracter's wellbeing, or major comm plots. |