IC Applications

Pokemon Wisteria is a unique game that puts the power in the hands of the players to shape the world as they know it through RP. Players may feel that due to their actions in character, that they warrant some additions to the game. Due to the unique design of the game itself many features such as maps, perks, ranks, and custom buffs can be added at runtime. IC Applications provide the means for players to directly apply for something they feel their characters should achieve/receive due to their actions through the course of roleplay.

What are IC Applications?
As indicated above, IC Applications are the means by which players can apply for something that they feel their IC actions and RP have warranted in game. The reason the above statement seems so general is because the scope of IC Applications are that large.

For example, let's say your character is the leader of a criminal organization. You are seeking a place to build a hideout, and you have the idea of building a hideout that is underground. Currently, in the game, a hideout of this sort most likely doesn't exist. However, if you make events creating this hideout, post in #reportstory and #ic-dev-diary about the process of building the hideout, and overall demonstrate the appropriate amount of time and effort such a project would take, then you can make an application to have your hideout built. If approved, you would be able to select the location where the entrance would be built, restrict access to only those with knowledge of the place, and even have the place decked out to your specifications with the help of admins.

Another example, say your character has roleplayed as being an individual who was a sort of "hermit" in the wilderness. You lived amongst pokemon and avoided people for the most part. You spent a lot of time RPing communicating with pokemon, and you over time begin developing a sense of what they are saying. You could, theoretically, apply for a "Poke Whisperer" Perk, which would allow you to understand what pokemon are saying. Even though this perk may not exist in game, if your application is approved, it can be possible to create it!

Overall, IC Applications are the way you can apply for just about ANYTHING you want to accomplish in character, but that would require Admin intervention to have it done. The sky is the limit, and you can always ask an Admin if what you are planning would be appropriate for an application.

Submitting an IC Application
In order to submit an IC Application, you must go to the #ic-applications channel in the Discord. When there you will need to post your application using the following format:

.suggest 

(SEE FORMAT FOR REQUEST BELOW)

BYOND Key/Account Name: (Insert Key/Account Name here)

Character Name: (Insert the name of your character here)

Applying For: (Insert what you are requesting)

Summary of Request and Reasoning: Explain what you are requesting and how granting the request makes sense given your actions in character. Also, how would granting the request further RP?

What Happens Next
Once you post your application in #ic-applications, then it will be sent to a private channel where Admins can review your application and vote on whether or not it should be approved. For the purposes of allowing sufficient time for the Admin team to vote, we allow votes to be taken for 72 hours before closing the voting for final approval. Once votes are tallied, the application is either approved or denied. You will be contacted by an Admin to notify you of the results. If your application is denied, the Admin Team will provide you with feedback about the application, so you can reapply at a later time for possible approval.

1.) Show your RP and Progression
When an IC Application is submitted for review, Admins will read the content of the application and check both #reportstory and your Personal Journal in game to determine the RP and Character Development that took place towards meeting your goal. For example, let's say you want to be approved to be given the buff to become a "Psychic". You apply for the buff, and Admins look over all of the areas listed above. If they don't find any sort of mentions about how you worked to develop your powers or any indication of any RP whatsoever to meet your goal, then they would have to assume it didn't happen. You have to record your development in the appropriate channels in the discord, otherwise we will have no information to reference to approve your application.

2.) Be Descriptive and Clear
Often, we receive applications that are just a few lines long and simply list the request without much background information. This can hinder your chances for approval, because it can create the appearance that the idea is not well thought out or one was too lazy to submit a good application. Also, some people submit applications where it isn't clear exactly what they are requesting. They may request something like a "Magikarp Type-Spec Buff", but then they don't provide any information as to what that would look like. How much of a percentage increase are they wanting? How does this further RP? What sort of IC Development took place that merits the buff? When submitting an application you want to make sure that you submit an application that is concise, but descriptive enough to give admins a good idea of what you are looking to have approved along with some solid reasoning.

3.) Be Patient and Open to Criticism
Applications are going to get denied (heck, many admins have even been denied in their requests, since we have to utilize the same system). The most beneficial thing you can do is to engage in a dialogue with the admin giving you the results of your application. Don't get defensive or upset that something wasn't approved. Instead, ask for specific reasons that led the Admin team to make their decision. Also, it can be helpful to ask for suggestions on how to improve your chances of having the application be approved in the future.

4.) Big Requests Require Big RP
Certain projects or requests you may submit are much larger than just performing two events or a day or two of RP. For example, if you wanted to build an underwater tunnel from Pallet Town to Fuschia, would this be something you should expect to complete in one event or one day's worth of RP? The answer is a resounding NO! Such a work of structural engineering would take a LOT of manpower, time, and money in order to build. Thus, if we were to grant the request after a single event or something, not only would it make no sense, but it would sorta cheapen the sense of accomplishment in a way. Therefore, here is a huge tip: Instead of requesting the immediate completion of a project in one IC Application, instead approach the application process in steps. So, for example, say you wanted to build the underwater tunnel that we mentioned earlier. Instead of after a couple of events asking for the entire bridge to be built, you can instead apply for the entrance nearest to Pallet Town to be constructed along with the very beginnings of the tunnel underground. Then, as time goes on, you can apply to have more of the bridge added following successful events and investments of cash. Sometimes, the best way to completing a goal and getting IC Applications approved, is through baby steps towards your larger goal.

5.) If You Are Unsure: Ask
If you have an idea in mind for something that you THINK would be a good IC Application, but you are unsure, then please don't hesitate to shoot an Admin a message to ask. We can provide you some great feedback then, and we could even provide you some tips. We are here to help, and we want to approve applications if we can.

6.) Perks Are Important
One huge factor in approving requests is considering someone's perks. For example, if you wanted to create the first "Pokemon Trading Machine", but you aren't an Engineer, you may have a lot of trouble getting that task completed. In fact the invention of a lot of new technologies requires the Genius Perk, which is a perk that may, at first glance, seem to be useless given it's limited benefits mechanically. However, it is one of the MOST incredible perks when it comes to RP development and getting IC Applications approved. However, sometimes you may not have all the Perks/Knowledge to complete a task...in which case....

7.) Form a Team
Every character is limited to six perks, and the largest and most complex projects/requests will require knowledge in various fields in order to complete them. For example, your character may be a Genius Engineer, who wants to revive fossilized Pokemon. You may be able to create the machine, but would you be able to make the chemicals needed in order to have the machine work in reviving dead pokemon? Most likely not! This is why cooperation with other players is INCREDBILY important. Just like in real life, large projects require the knowledge and expertise of many different people, so don't be afraid to ask others in character for help. When applying for something after doing the work, make sure to mention how the other people in your team helped to fill in the areas of knowledge your character may lack.