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yokotomods) wrote2025-09-24 11:20 pm
yokotomods) wrote2025-09-24 11:20 pm
faq
in a little town far, far from home...
FAQ
This is the primer for all the information about Yokoto and the game as a whole. Please feel free to leave questions in the comments below! All questions should be asked to this post, though very minor things can be asked in the Discord. Please remember that not everyone uses the Discord, so direct most general questions here!
JOINING
WHAT IS YOKOTO?
Yokoto is an invite only sandbox, a game with a claims system that allows for most characters to be apped in as either their OU selves or an AU version, as decided by the player. We do not have strict rules on cast caps, character caps, or player caps, but this game likewise does not have a metaplot or heavy mod involvement for NPCing, events, and the like. This is a fun little place to hang out and have fun with your characters whenever you'd like!
As for Yokoto itself, it's an idyllic little town situated near a very large river and a set of train tracks that run far into the distance. There isn't much in the surrounding area other than farmland and monsters, but you're free to roam beyond the town if you'd like. The biggest claim to fame Yokoto has is the bath house, run by a mysterious woman known only as the Witch. She runs both the town and the bath house with an iron fist, but she is fair to the workers that please her. Rumor has it that she'll even grant patrons' wishes... for the right price.
Characters are brought in by magic and either lose their memories and become spirits themselves, believing they've been living in this world all along (AU version) or awaken here after signing a contract with the Witch to keep themselves safe while they're in this strange new world (OU version). Either way, characters are welcome to live their lives in Yokoto, adapting to the strange new world, moving up in the ranks of the bath house, or even getting their own jobs and branching out.
As for the rest of this world? Well, perhaps you'll find out someday.
As for Yokoto itself, it's an idyllic little town situated near a very large river and a set of train tracks that run far into the distance. There isn't much in the surrounding area other than farmland and monsters, but you're free to roam beyond the town if you'd like. The biggest claim to fame Yokoto has is the bath house, run by a mysterious woman known only as the Witch. She runs both the town and the bath house with an iron fist, but she is fair to the workers that please her. Rumor has it that she'll even grant patrons' wishes... for the right price.
Characters are brought in by magic and either lose their memories and become spirits themselves, believing they've been living in this world all along (AU version) or awaken here after signing a contract with the Witch to keep themselves safe while they're in this strange new world (OU version). Either way, characters are welcome to live their lives in Yokoto, adapting to the strange new world, moving up in the ranks of the bath house, or even getting their own jobs and branching out.
As for the rest of this world? Well, perhaps you'll find out someday.
HOW DO I JOIN?
As Yokoto is an invite-only game, you must have an invitation from one of the mods or a +1 from a player currently in the game. Anyone on any of the mods' plurks is welcome to join (just cite which mod plurk you're on), but any +1s will have to fill out an invite on the invitations page. Make sure the person in the game fills out the initial form, and then comment to confirm.
Yokoto is a comm-based sandbox game, meaning that all posts will go up in![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
yokoto. There is currently no network (nor any plans for one to be created, though you are welcome to try to create one if you'd like) though you may post fliers, bulletin board messages, or the like to this comm as well. Players may make their own logs as they'd like, otherwise there will be one mod-posted event per month. This post will also have an OOC plotting post go up in the OOC comm, yokotooc.
Yokoto is a comm-based sandbox game, meaning that all posts will go up in
yokoto. There is currently no network (nor any plans for one to be created, though you are welcome to try to create one if you'd like) though you may post fliers, bulletin board messages, or the like to this comm as well. Players may make their own logs as they'd like, otherwise there will be one mod-posted event per month. This post will also have an OOC plotting post go up in the OOC comm, yokotooc.
CAPS?
At present, we do not have any caps on players, casts, characters, or the number of characters and player may bring in. This is unlikely to change.
WHO CAN I APP?
You may app almost anything. Canon characters? Fandom AUs? OCs? Fandom OCs? That one super minor character? CRAUs? Customizable protags? Almost anything goes! The only hard rule is no real people, though heavily fictionalized versions of them (such as Servants from Fate/) are perfectly fine. If you aren't certain if your character is allowed, please feel free to ask!
CANON POINTS?
Any canon point is applicable, as long as it is out and available to be consumed in some manner. There is no limitations for when you can play from a newly released canon/canon point, but please do warn for spoilers accordingly.
DEAD CHARACTERS?
Congratulations, now they aren't! They may retain a cool scar from their death if you'd like, but otherwise they are fully healed... likely thanks to the Witch. You'll probably have to work even harder to repay her for that!
NONHUMANS?
Never fear, there's no humanizing here! Characters will remain exactly as they are if they are brought in as an OU version, though the NPCs will consider them "human" no matter how different they look and/or act. AU versions may be altered in any way the player would like, but should be somewhat different from their OU version - they're an elemental spirit of some kind, have fun with the design! This is purely optional, however, and characters may retain their exact appearances.
As for dietary restrictions, those will likewise remain untouched. Your vampires will still need to consume blood, and your cannibals will still be able to eat human flesh. Good thing the kitchens happen to always be stocked with all sorts of things, right...? Even robots will be accounted for, though you'll likely need to visit the blacksmith for oil or whatever else you need.
As for dietary restrictions, those will likewise remain untouched. Your vampires will still need to consume blood, and your cannibals will still be able to eat human flesh. Good thing the kitchens happen to always be stocked with all sorts of things, right...? Even robots will be accounted for, though you'll likely need to visit the blacksmith for oil or whatever else you need.
POWERS?
All OU characters will enter the game with powers intact - however do keep in mind that if your character would cause problems or threaten the Witch, she would be totally fine sealing your powers away. We want everyone to have fun here, so this is opt-in, but please consider how your character agreed to the contract in the first place and why they were allowed to keep their powers! All OU characters will start at the lowest rank in the bath house regardless of whatever powers they might have. No favoritism here!
AU characters all start with a different set of powers - depending on what element of spirit they are, they can control earth, wind, water, or fire. Their OU powers are gone and replaced with these, which they feel like they've always had and likely know how to use very well (though how powerful they are is up to you). They may feel as though something is missing... or they might not. AU characters will regain any powers they had in the OU.
AU characters all start with a different set of powers - depending on what element of spirit they are, they can control earth, wind, water, or fire. Their OU powers are gone and replaced with these, which they feel like they've always had and likely know how to use very well (though how powerful they are is up to you). They may feel as though something is missing... or they might not. AU characters will regain any powers they had in the OU.
ITEMS?
Characters arrive with the clothes on their backs, and any non-magical items that were on their person. Weapons are gone, as is anything magical that is not strictly needed for survival. Though if your character would desperately want to keep something, the Witch can be persuaded to add that to your contract... Basically, roll with whatever's fun for you, but your character should have to regain some things!
Non-magical medieval weaponry can be purchased at the blacksmith for gold, though it will likely take you around a month of hard work to earn enough for one. (Or a set, if that's what you're in the market for.) Things like guns are not in this setting, but I guess your character could try to recreate them if they want to? You can also have the alchemist enchant your weapons, but that's going to cost even more gold (or monster parts, as she trades in those).
For things like pets/Pokémon/etc, your character may start with one, assuming they had said pet on them. Pokémon trainers may regain their 'mons at a rate of one per month. Summons are a little different as that is tied to powers and powers are not nerfed. Feel free to ask us about specific situations!
Non-magical medieval weaponry can be purchased at the blacksmith for gold, though it will likely take you around a month of hard work to earn enough for one. (Or a set, if that's what you're in the market for.) Things like guns are not in this setting, but I guess your character could try to recreate them if they want to? You can also have the alchemist enchant your weapons, but that's going to cost even more gold (or monster parts, as she trades in those).
For things like pets/Pokémon/etc, your character may start with one, assuming they had said pet on them. Pokémon trainers may regain their 'mons at a rate of one per month. Summons are a little different as that is tied to powers and powers are not nerfed. Feel free to ask us about specific situations!
NAMES?
All characters in this setting have been given a new name. "Human" characters signed their name away in a contract to the Witch, and may have forgotten their name entirely. Feel free to play with this as you'd like - you can also say your character hasn't forgotten and still uses their real name. However, the Witch, and their bosses, will use the name that the Witch bestowed on them.
Spirits likely have a different name as well, but this is flexible! If you would like your spirit to have the same name, that's totally fine. They will eventually regain memory of their name, though whether they use it or not is up to them.
As for castmates, they will not remember their castmate's true name as long as they are in game. So for example, if Ash and Misty are both in the game going by Pallet and Cerulean, they would only remember the latter two names and be unable to recall each other's true names. This is true for any variation of a castmate, even if they are from different worlds (AUs, etc).
THE WORLD
Spirits likely have a different name as well, but this is flexible! If you would like your spirit to have the same name, that's totally fine. They will eventually regain memory of their name, though whether they use it or not is up to them.
As for castmates, they will not remember their castmate's true name as long as they are in game. So for example, if Ash and Misty are both in the game going by Pallet and Cerulean, they would only remember the latter two names and be unable to recall each other's true names. This is true for any variation of a castmate, even if they are from different worlds (AUs, etc).
HOW DID WE GET HERE?
OU characters will wake up after a good night's sleep in the community dorm rooms with the spirits working in the bath house. They will have a contract on them, signed in their signature, with a name that is now theirs. They may not even remember their original name! They are now bound to the Witch, and forced to serve in the bath house. In return, the spirits of this world will leave them be instead of hunting them down - essentially, you've made a deal to protect yourself. If necessary, the Witch would be glad to throw an incentive on top of that - serve her for some time and she'll grant you a wish. How long? Well, that part isn't very clear in the contract...
AU characters believe they've always been a part of this world, and all of the spirits will treat them as one of their own. They have an elemental affinity and likely have a different job here in Yokoto - or maybe they're a wealthy patron come to visit the town and bath house? Regardless, they do not have a typical start here, but will slowly regain memories, physical appearance quirks, and powers as they recover who they once were.
AU characters believe they've always been a part of this world, and all of the spirits will treat them as one of their own. They have an elemental affinity and likely have a different job here in Yokoto - or maybe they're a wealthy patron come to visit the town and bath house? Regardless, they do not have a typical start here, but will slowly regain memories, physical appearance quirks, and powers as they recover who they once were.
ITEMS FROM HOME?
Items may be regained at any time, without mod permission. Generally try to keep weapons/magical items/anything particularly important to one big item a month, but otherwise go wild! These items usually come from the Witch, delivered to your living quarters with a bow stuck on top of them and only a note praising your good work. You can receive these items even if your character isn't doing a good job. Spirits can likewise obtain items from the Witch, though those will just mysteriously be left for them without a note. They still get the stupid, pointless bow, though.
WHAT'S IN TOWN?
Aside from the bath house, where most of you are working, there's plenty to see in Yokoto. The train tracks continue for miles in either direction, and while you're welcome to walk alongside them, bath house workers under contract will find themselves eventually turned right back around and returning to Yokoto. The same is true of the river - wandering along its banks will eventually lead to returning to the town. There is a stand for tickets for the boat and train station... but they perpetually remain empty.
The bigger attractions are the stalls and stores within Yokoto itself. There are a great many competing food stalls that vie for attention from the traveling spirits, along with a great many carnival-style games, trinkets, and booths. You will find most of these active at night, when the boat arrives to bring new patrons to the bath house and travelers to the town.
During the day, the farms are busy at work, as are the blacksmith, alchemist, tailor, and the like. These NPCs will gladly serve even "humans" knowing that some new arrivals will pay plenty of gold for the things they want. The alchemist in particular is quite popular due to this being where workers can trade in monster parts for various potions.
The bigger attractions are the stalls and stores within Yokoto itself. There are a great many competing food stalls that vie for attention from the traveling spirits, along with a great many carnival-style games, trinkets, and booths. You will find most of these active at night, when the boat arrives to bring new patrons to the bath house and travelers to the town.
During the day, the farms are busy at work, as are the blacksmith, alchemist, tailor, and the like. These NPCs will gladly serve even "humans" knowing that some new arrivals will pay plenty of gold for the things they want. The alchemist in particular is quite popular due to this being where workers can trade in monster parts for various potions.
MONSTERS?
That's right. Unfortunately, this world isn't nearly as peaceful as it once was, and rogue monsters roam the land. They even get into town sometimes, which is why there's a town guard and a magic barrier to try to keep them out. Monsters can range in shape, size, and form - basically any RPG/JRPG monster is completely applicable here! All monsters pose a threat no matter how powerful you are - "humans" (OU characters) will find themselves struggling a bit more with monsters than spirits (AU characters) just because of experience.
Monsters do not drop gold, but they do drop monster parts. These can be exchanged for various alchemical concoctions that can do all sorts of things - feel free to make up your own!
Monsters do not drop gold, but they do drop monster parts. These can be exchanged for various alchemical concoctions that can do all sorts of things - feel free to make up your own!
HOW DOES COMBAT WORK?
Combat will not be run by mods and will instead be handled by the players. If you'd like to have someone NPC the monster, go for it! Roll die to see what hits land and don't? Sure! Even in mod events, we will not be handling combat and will leave this up to the players.
WHAT ABOUT NPCS?
NPCs will likewise be handled by the players. You are free to make up reoccurring NPCs or one-offs, as well as handwave interactions with them as you see fit. The Witch is an exception to this - we would prefer that you message the mods if you would like to handwave interactions with the Witch. She is an elusive character who is rarely around to talk for long, after all.
GAME MECHANICS
AC?
AC is a monthly check in. Please be sure to get your check in done by the end of the month! Do not make the mods chase you down, we will not be happy about it.
CANON UPDATES?
You may canon update your character at any time without asking for mod permission. A head's up on your app acceptance would be nice, but it isn't strictly necessary! AU characters may regain those memories at any time, while OU characters will vanish for a day or so (up to you how long) and will return as though they experienced the new canon point. This includes any new physical changes, but does not include any new items - you will still need to regain those.
AU MECHANICS?
Characters apped in as an AU will regain memories of their OU selves; you may approach this in any manner you like. We will not be keeping track of your regained memories, etc. We just ask that you space it out a bit so that your character doesn't regain everything immediately! Your character may believe that they're a reincarnation of the OU character or that they lost their memories when arriving in this world... or anything else, really. The world is your oyster. There should be some recognizable aspects to the character regardless of their status as an AU, but we are playing fast and loose here, so have fun with it!
ANYTHING ELSE?
CODE CREDITS?
Codes are from 10billionghosts and sadge, with edits by Redd! Images are by Nin!
10billionghosts and sadge, with edits by Redd! Images are by Nin!
OTHER QUESTIONS?
Feel free to leave any other questions in response to this entry here or message the mods on the mod contact post! Please do not message us individually.
a very specific question...
:)
no subject
But we play fast and loose here; if one name would be more fun to lose, go with that one!
EDIT: Or you could have them forget both names, that is always an option as well!