Welcome, ghosties and ghouls! Please read all the rules below to ensure a smooth shift!

etiquette

• Be kind, courteous, and respectful of each other and the host.
• Let folks know if you plan to be away for a while or if you need to drop the game for any reason.
• Play fair with other players in mind. Communicate plans that heavily involve other player characters and give room for responses to big actions.

collaboration expectations

• Collaboration style has been set to limited - this means only writing for the actions, thoughts, and dialogue of your own character, even for small actions like moving a box or raising an eyebrow. This is to simplify the rule. NPC’s are the exception.
• Quoting or referencing another player’s post or character to bounce off of them is welcome.
• Collaborations between two or more players built on an outside platform like Google Docs is welcome! When you plan a collab, please give notice in the commentary (ie “A and I are planning a collab!”), and when you post the collab, note it is a collab and with who (ie “part one of A and I’s collab!”)
• You may write for NPC’s and create your own!

activity

• This game is set to slow. I am fairly active and am on a few times a week, and am flexible to the pace players set. I will give you 2-3 days head’s up if I’m planning on ending a scene.
• Life happens and may take priority, and it’s totally okay to take a break from the game and Storium for a bit. Keep in mind that the game may move on in your absence, but that you are always welcome back. We can always work your character’s absence into the narrative!
• I will not retire nor delete your character unless you request it, so you can always hop back into the action.

literacy

These rules apply to in-game moves, not character bios or the commentary.

• For consistency, please use prose in the third person, past tense.
• Use italics for thoughts and “” for speech.
• Add a space in between each paragraph.
• When it comes to grammar and spelling, prioritize clarity. Posts can be as short or as long as needed, though note that this game will encourage a greater focus on writing and character-building. Aim to build off of another’s post and offer something for another player to bounce off of.

content

• Strong and suggestive language is permitted.
• Keep in mind that characters may be rude and antagonistic. A character’s thoughts or actions do not necessarily parallel a player’s. I do recommend maintaining healthy communication in the commentary for a more comfortable experience.
• No explicit sexual content (innuendos and suggestion is fine) and no mention, threat, or allusion to sexual assault or harassment.
• Lgbtq+ themes and characters are welcome and to be expected in this game! Please no explicit hate-based violence or speech.
• Respect other player’s boundaries, and ask first if a move will impact another player character in a significant way, ie “Okay if my character tries to steal from you/go for a slap?”

do’s and don’ts

• Do make up new recipes, drinks, and brews! This includes pastries like croissants and muffins!
• Do create customers and other NPC’s for you and other characters to interact with! Feel free to add to the world and creature lore!
• Don’t introduce supernatural creatures without a human origin, such as angels, demons, and fae. The game’s central focus is on human spirits and struggles. The uncertainty of what happens after moving on and the fear that comes with the uncertainty of what happens next is a key theme. Characters may hold any belief.
• Don’t destroy the cafe or bring in a mythical dragon of yore, or other game-changing plot points. Propose them in the Green Room first!

Thank you for applying to The 3am Cafe. Our mission is to provide a welcoming space for any of those who need the warmth of a coffee cup in the dead of night. Please fill out the following job application:

Name:
Cause of Death:
Position applied for (barista or supervisor):
Work Experience:

Interview Questions for Applicant

• Why would you like to work for The 3am Cafe, and what makes you a strong candidate?

• What are two to three struggles you still face as the undead (including any unfinished business)?

• Tell me about a time you had to grapple with the meaning of life and/or your own mortality.

You may write out the interview as a short scene, or respond to the questions in character!

Your Subplot is your character’s unfinished business. Once your Subplot is fulfilled, your character may choose to move on. From that point, you may make a new character.

Any original Subplots must be attainable or have a tangible end goal.

If you’d like an example, I have a Sample Character sheet under “Characters” for your perusal.

Thank you for applying for a position at The 3am Cafe. Expect a response within 1-2 business days.

NEW: Cafe Visitors

If you would like to create a character that would visit the cafe as a guest, please mention in your submission and include the following info in your character’s bio:

Name
Cause of Death (if any)
Occupation
A struggle or problem they face
A time they struggled with their own mortality and/or the meaning of life

Thank you for joining us at the 3am Cafe!