Yes, we have one of these too. We're also borrowing certain character/plot elements from our predecessor game, as this game is a sequel to that one. For those of you who were not with us during that era, we bring this FAQ. :)
Who are the mods, and how can I contact them? Ash and Pinky. They can be contacted by PMing the mod account, PMing their character accounts, emailing them, or sending them an IM on AIM.
Not quite so canon. What's going on?
So, obviously, our game is not exactly canon. There's more back story under the rules. One of the main differences between our game and canon is that as far as we're concerned dead characters did not die, so we allow characters like Cedric or Sirius or anyone from that long list of pointless deaths in book seven. In the application, where it asks if you read the rules, write "What do you mean, jelly bean?"
What's up with Merlin and all his little pink ponies?
The term was originally coined by our dear Pinky, who plays Harry Potter, Hannah Abbott, Charlie Weasley, Nica Smethley and Pansy Parkinson. It's our version of "For the love of (insert your favorite deity here)!" or other such creative exclamations. There are many variations of "For the love of Merlin and all his little pink ponies" that you may encounter, but they all have the same basic meaning. There are other various wizarding world-related exclamations you may hear; don't worry -- you'll catch on. :)
Okay, all right. What about icons?
As stated in the rules, your PB needs to be appropriate for your character. We're not going to pick at you if your PB looks a little old or a little young, because some celebrities have been in the business for a long time, and I know from personal experience that it can be difficult to use icons of only the most recent pictures of your PB. However, you can't use Orlando Bloom for someone who's in their fifth or sixth, even seventh year.
If you are playing a character, like Harry for example, who is very prominent in the films, then we encourage you to use Daniel Radcliffe, or the respective movie actor/actress. However, if you're playing a more minor character, or the movie actor/actress only has two or three scenes, then we ask that you pick a more unique PB. If you pick up a minor character whose clone is already in the game, then we ask that you choose a different PB from the one already in use. This is to reduce the confusion that would emanate from the fact that, sooner or later, both players would probably be using the same icons.
If your application has been accepted, although you're still unsure about a PB, contact the mods or post to the OOC community, and chances are, other players will have some pretty good input.
Okay, let's assume that you now have an appropriate PB. If you don't know how to make icons, there is a handy-dandy super-duper icon maker here. Also, every so often, there is a chance that players will randomly make icons of your PB. :) Our official icon journal is holypinkpony, which is run by Pinky.
So... Where is all this taking place?
Being that this game is taking place in 2000, most of the Trio-era characters would be out of Hogwarts. Therefore, Hogwarts is no longer the center of life -- at least, not in this RPG. Some characters may have decided to live somewhere in London, or Hogsmeade, or a nearby area. Some may still be in school if they were a fifth year or younger at the time of the war -- they also may have completed their education elsewhere. Some may have taken up spots as teachers at the newly reopened Hogwarts. You can decide what your character has been up to, and where they are now. For further information about what's been going on, see our first post.
Hogwarts is now more of a town square for the characters who are not in school anymore. It is a place of meetings, reunions, banquets, decision-making; you name it, that's Hogwarts. You are free to have your character in or out of Hogwarts as much as you please. If your character is out of school, you can invite another character over to your character's house/flat/cardboard box/other dwelling place of your choice. Want to throw a party? Hogwarts is the place!
Point in short? Your character is not restricted to spending all of his or her days in Hogwarts. Have fun!