Post by Counterklock on May 11, 2016 3:47:12 GMT
The Continuity Error Forecast
FAQ
FAQ
Q: What’s up with this timey-wimey nonsense anyways?
A: The timey-wimey nonsense is entirely the result of the actions of Megatronus (Otherwise known as The Fallen), as detailed in The Plot; to summarize, Megatronus, in an attempt to destroy those who would oppose them before they even had the chance to do so, accidentally broke time itself and caused timelines and dimensions to converge. This in turn has lead to continuity errors.
Q: What does the Continuity Error Forecast refer to? Is it a scale?
A: It's just like your average weather forecast, only for giant glaring errors in the universe!
At the beginning of the main overarching plot of this forum, the universe will be diligently trying to repair the rips and tears in time caused by the temporal explosion. This means that, while continuity errors are present (represented by divergences from canon material, both major and minor), the universe is actively making everyone ignore them, sort of like how you can read and re-read a paragraph of a textbook and yet still not understand a single word. This corresponds to the lowest level of continuity error risk.
Green: Low Risk of Continuity Errors – The universe is trying to fix the rips in time. Characters might begin to notice inconsistencies and have a vague consciousness about differences in how they remember events, individuals, locations etc., but do not dwell on the issue, as the universe is actively making them ignore it.
As the plot progresses and the universe inevitably fails to fix such catastrophic wounds to the space-time continuum, we will move up to the second level of continuity error risk:
Yellow: Medium Risk of Continuity Errors – the universe is failing to fix the rips in time; characters become more and more conscious of errors and inconsistencies, and may become more and more confused. Depending on the nature of the error, they might even begin to feel a bit crazy, or maybe wonder if their memory banks have become corrupted. Characters will not yet be able to deduce the origin of these errors.
As we go along, we will increase to the third level of continuity error risk:
Orange: High Risk of Continuity Errors – Major inconsistencies are now glaringly obvious, and characters are fully conscious of them. It is clear to any scientists that there is something terribly wrong with time itself, what with timelines converging at such an alarming rate, and they may even be able to deduce that a temporal anomaly is to blame. It is at this stage that characters will likely begin to get rather concerned about the impending doom hanging over the universe.
Finally, we will arrive at the highest level of continuity error risk:
Red: Ultra-High Risk of Continuity Errors – There are continuity errors everywhere as the timelines overlap more and more. The universe will likely implode if the Convergence is not stopped.
Therefore, the Continuity Error Forecast predicts the progress of the Convergence. The higher we are on the scale, the closer we are to the end of the universe.
Q: So what are some examples of continuity errors?
A: Anything that might be a divergence from canon, as well as continuity differences between TFP and RiD!
For example, the fact that Cybertron is a shattered, lifeless husk in the memories of characters originating from TFP will certainly conflict with the memories of a vibrant, living Cybertron belonging to RID’s characters. Various characters who also died in-canon might also live again in our story, which might cause confusion for others. Changes in individual character appearance between these two series can also be a continuity error. The possibilities are there for you to explore (keeping in mind the Forecast, of course).
Within two or more roleplayers there might even exist conflicting headcanons. If no compromise can be made, exploit this! Having two characters ‘remember’ something two different ways may be a result of differences in perspectives, but it might also be a result of timelines converging!
It is important to note that since our forum is an alternate universe from the beginning of the Transformers: Prime storyline, characters have not experienced anything depicted in the show... but, due to continuity errors, they might vaguely remember the events that occurred. The extent that they recall things will vary due to both the Continuity Error Forecast as well as the character's own propensity for noticing such things. A character might be incredibly sensitive to continuity errors, be completely oblivious to them, or be somewhere in between.
Members are invited to join in on the master brainstorming thread for continuity errors, found here!
Q: The forum runs in liquid time. Does this mean that we can roleplay at any level of risk on the scale of continuity errors?
A: Not entirely. The main forum plot, by nature, must be linear and operate outside of liquid time. Since it is the main plot that influences the Forecast, any thread involved in the main plot must conform to the risk level displayed in the Forecast sidebar.
Any other thread may operate on whatever level you choose as per the constraints of liquid time. Please note, however, that no character may go about making major discoveries about the nature of the temporal anomaly outside the threads involved in the main plot (such as who and what truly caused it; the most they might be able to deduce is that it is a temporal anomaly), nor can they solve the problem entirely. These matters involve the main plotline and will be dealt with in designated threads that will be determined at a later date.
Q: So… what does all this this mean for me?
A: Participation in the main plot is entirely optional but strongly encouraged. The main plotline will not proceed we have enough of a character base to support it, but timey-wimey plotlines for individual characters may commence at any time. If you wish to abstain entirely from such plotlines, that is also completely acceptable: after all, not every thread need be influenced by the main plot of the forum!
Q: What if I have more questions?
A: Feel free to post them in the questions board, or send a PM in the direction of Admin Counterklock or Admin Jim . We are happy to clarify any of this timey-wimey nonsense!