Description
Before we begin, note that these rules will be ongoing, and as we receive more questions, there will be more added to it.
Also, the best way to contact us with a question not on here is via group note. Thanks!
GENERAL
We will not tolerate any form of harassment, and persistent harassment will result in removal in the group. Please do not harass the admins, and if an admin doesn't answer your question right away, understand it is because we are all busy. It should be answered in time.
All art must be drawn by yourself. We will not accept official Pokemon artwork, traces of official/existing artwork, or sprites. Altered sprites should be used only for icons, not for the application. Otherwise, sprites are only acceptable if they are done from scratch.
Respect others and their artwork.
PLEASE. PLEASE: do NOT remove the bottom row of slots on the contestant application! Yes, you only fill in for three, but the bottom row WILL BE FILLED OUT LATER! Cropping this can get your app easily confused with being an NPC application!
Do not submit your app multiple times to the group. This clogs our messages. There is a two week expiration on voting on apps; if after two weeks your app is not in, there might have been an error, and you may resubmit.
For this I'll take it in FAQ form:
Sixfold Leagues? What’s that all about?
Sixfold Leagues is a Pokemon Trainer OCT (Original Character Tournament), where members will create a character to compete in a tournament through a series of rounds.
That’s cool! About how many people are allowed to join per tournament? And how many rounds will there be?
Sixfold Leagues will always be open to members, though after the tournament begins, we will no longer accept contestants (NPC’s will be allowed). Rounds depend on how many members we get.
What are the instances that will have me kicked out / banned / enrolled in the “yellow card” list?
Any instance of harassment and persistent rule breaking. We are to withhold banning until it is absolutely necessary, but please avoid harassing admins and other members, and keep to the rules. You should be fine.
Are you guys looking for more staff? Can I be a member of staff?
Currently we have enough members in our staff. Most of us have been in on this since January. If the group gets larger than our expectations, or some other event that might spur us to need more moderation, we will announce it via journal.
APPLICANTS/POKEMON
I want to use a trainer character I've had prior, but they don't really fit any of the themes of the factions. What can I do?
Unfortunately, we can't alloy trainers who break the themes in. You'll either have to adjust your character to fit, or create a new one. But there is truly no harm in creating a new character, or changing one around! If anything, the Cita Erbonde faction is likely your best bet, because it has a more classic trainer theme.
Are Legendary Pokemon allowed?
No. Even "minor" legendaries, such as Shaymin, Phione, Heatran, etc. Please avoid having a legendary in your app. (Unown do not count as legendary)
Say I want to join Moeras, but the Pokemon I want to use for it is only half Poison! Can I still use it?
Yes. Basically, as long as one of the featured types is present, it is acceptable. Therefore, if you wanted to use a Bulbasaur, for example, you could, because it is part Poison. If you are lost, try looking up one of the types you want into Veekun or Bulbapedia . Anything listed there can be used in the faction of that type. (Barring Legendaries)
Can my Pokemon have different colourings, or markings?
Yes, to an extent. For the colours, they cannot be too drastic. For an example: a Vulpix that is a deeper red than a regular one; this is acceptable. A blue Vulpix would not be acceptable. For markings, as long as its design permits it: a Growlithe with more/different stripes, etc.
Different colourations are also acceptable if they are justified. Such as Sneasel, who's first sprite colouration was brown with blue feathers. If you are able to prove at some point the Pokemon did have these colours, then it shall be permitted.
No albino Pokemon are allowed.
Are "Fakemon" allowed?
No. Only official Pokemon can be used.
Can my trainer be a gijinka/Pokemorph/Something-fused-with-a-Pokemon?
Your trainer must be human. There are no exceptions. Also, please refrain from the 'raised by Pokemon' backstory.
Can I have a Shiny Pokemon on my team?
You are allowed ONE Shiny per team.
What about Normal types? Those aren't listed in any of the factions.
Pure Normal types will be included later in the competition. Until then, refrain from putting them in your team.
The only instance you are allowed Normal types from the get-go is if you create an NPC from Epicent City.
How evolved can my Pokemon be when we start?
Your Pokemon are allowed to be at the final stage of evolution. In fact this is encouraged, as this is an important competition, and therefore requires strong trainers. You may, however, have them below their final stage, but note that although these battles are not the same as the game mechanics, less-evolved Pokemon are still considered "weaker" than those who have evolved. However, if your character feels evolution is not necessary, then it is not necessary.
How many Pokemon can we start out with?
You may begin with a maximum of three Pokemon.
What about Pokemon that can change their types?
For this, whatever the Pokemon's "default" typing is, is what will be used to sort it. For example, Kecleon and Castform would be considered pure Normal types, and therefore aren't attainable from the start, unless you create an NPC from Epicent City.
However, for the Pokemon Rotom, here are the specifications: in Lochesh or Terran Alto, the regions of its original-form typing, it can be swapped to any form. However, outside these factions, Rotom must stay in the form which type matches the faction ie) in Cita, it cannot change to a Flying type, or revert back to normal.
Are Dragon types the only Pokemon allowed in Ladon or can I have dragon-like Pokemon?
All dragon types are allowed plus all dragon type pre-evolution like Trapinch or Swablu. You may also use any pokemon that fits within the Dragon Egg Group as well.
Do our trainers have to fit the race of the faction?
Not necessarily. Your character can be of any race in any faction.
Are there age restrictions for trainers?
The minimum age you can have is 10 (that's even pushing it, considering that's the age people become trainers), but after that there is no limit.
Can my Pokemon have accessories?
All information on accessories can be found here.
Can my character have been born somewhere else? Such as Hoenn or Kanto?
Yes, but they also must be living in Saros now, and in a faction. This also goes for if your character was born in a neutral city, such as Epicent City.
Are our characters allowed companions?
No. You are more than welcome to have your Pokemon outside their Pokeball at any time, though, as long as it doesn't overcrowd the area.
Can the Pokemon here communicate with trainers?
Pokemon can communicate empathically and verbally with their trainers, but no one else. Otherwise, Pokemon can all universally understand each other, such as trainers can all understand each other.
Can I change the colour of my app?
You may mildly change the colour of the app, preferably, if you do, to a colour which matches your faction.
How many trainers can I have?
For the competition, you can only have one trainer. This way you can direct your focus on one, and it's more fair. However, you are free to create as many NPC's as you like, on top of your competitive trainer.
What's the difference between a competitive trainer and an NPC? Do NPC's have to be important side characters, or...?
For one, competitive characters are the focal point of the group. They will be entered in the OCT, where they will battle, have the chance of elimination, but also will allow you access to the prize at the end. NPC's are for those of you who want to participate, but do not want to go through the stress of completing rounds. NPC's can be any kind of character you like--from any faction, even from the neutral Epicent City. NPC's are limited to three Pokemon, and it will remain three. There will be ongoing events for NPC's to complete during the competition as well.
When a character in the tournament is eliminated, they are allowed to be transformed into an NPC, with all their Pokemon as well, and can participate in these events.
NPC's can also be called spectators, if you like.
Does my character have to have a last name?
They do not, but know that, especially if you use a common name, there is a chance it might be used by another character. A last name is a good way to identify your character.
What about held items? Are my Pokemon allowed those?
At the start, your Pokemon cannot yet have items. Further in, you will be allowed to obtain them.
What do we do with Pokemon Abilities?
Your Pokemon do have abilities. If your Pokemon has a choice between two abilities, please pick one. Certain abilities, we'll say, only activate during battle, ie. Sandstream. No Dream World abilities.
What moves can my Pokemon know? Do they have to be based on a level?
They only have to be based on it if you like. Your Pokemon is allowed to know any move available via level up, along with TM, Egg and Tutor moves. However, no Dream or event moves.
Say, I want in Moeras, but I want a Seel, which is just Water type. But it evolves into an Ice type. Is that allowed?
Considering you are allowed to have your Pokemon at its final stage when you first get it, no. Your Pokemon must fit the types, so if the pre-evolution doesn't, you must have it evolved. THE EXCEPTION is the Dragon faction, Ladon. Since there are so few choices for this faction, all Pokemon permitted and their pre-evolutions can be used, regardless of types.
Say I start out with a Nincada. Does this mean I get two pokemon when it evolves?
The only instance in which you can obtain both pokemon is if you are in Moeras. So if your nincada evolved and you were in Terran Alto, then you would only be able to keep the ninjask. You can only obtain Shedinja in Moeras and Lochesh.
COMPETITION
Wait, Wait, Wait! Is the tournament faction-based (As in, one tournament per one faction), or the entire group will be participating in the tournament? (One tournament per the entire group)
The latter. All the factions participate in the tournament.
How do I participate in the tournament with my character?
There are various ways you can do this; comics, a series of images, flashes, etc. Any media which can show your character progressing in an entertaining and efficient way. We accept traditional and digital media.
Do my entries have to be absolutely top notch quality, or can they be sketchy?
Entries will be graded most on effort. Therefore, you may have a sketchy entry, but it can still convey your effort into the story and quick art. Though something in colour may be better considered, know that as long as you put effort into your work, it will be fine.
Are you only accepting digital art?
No! You can use any means of digital or traditional art.
What exactly is being looked for in these entries?
Once again, effort and story telling. Characters who seem real and may even develop through the course of the tournament. Of course, please note that we aren't just looking for great Pokemon trainers, but their Pokemon, too! You have, at least at the start, three other Pokemon dying for great personality and interaction--don't let that go to waste! We are looking for great dynamics between trainer and Pokemon.
Can I do a literary entry?
Unfortunately this is an art competition, so there can be no completely literary entries. You may draw a large image and in the comments accompany it with text, but otherwise, no stories.
Okay... but say, since you can't do literary because of judging, that I can enter with an art application but do written stuff not for judging. Is that all right?
Sadly this also cannot happen. It causes a hassle for us admins to coordinate and maintain. It must be visual art.
Can I draw my character losing a round?
It is recommended your entries display your character winning the round. Showing your character losing it is considered to be you dropping out of the tournament. Basically, you can only advance if you trainer wins--though your opponent also does an entry where their character wins, in the end, one is named official, and that trainer moves on. So we highly suggest your trainer to win in their entries.
What happens if I don't compete in a round?
If you don't complete or even start on something for your round, your character is dropped from the tournament. Sadly, this has to happen, because we have others who are working hard on their entries. However, if your character is defeated or disqualified, know that they can still exist in the group, as will be explained further down.
How exactly does this competition work?
For the most part, it will happen within the factions for some rounds, where we will (with random generators), team up characters to either fight or tag team with. Half of groups will always be eliminated; for example, if we have one character facing another, only one character will advance in the competition. Likewise with double teams--two on two, only two will advance (the winning team). The exception to this is round one.
Will there be a deadline for the contestants to meet per match?
Yes. Typically, there will be one month per round to complete it, but there are chances of extensions, especially around the time school begins.
Will apps be accepted/rejected before going into the competition?
Before round one, every app is considered accepted. Although there may be faction cut offs to avoid having too many members in one or two factions. Round one will be short and simple, and allow access into your ability to communicate through art and your character. Afterwards, a certain number of applicants will be allowed to advance into the next round, and the event will be begin for NPC's and those who were not accepted.
Are you allowed to collaborate entries?
Only if it is a double-team round, where characters will be paired with another to team up against another pair. In this case you may collaborate with your teammate. Teammates will be chosen randomly (through a generator).
My character was eliminated! Am I out of the group?
Goodness no! When a character is eliminated from the competition, they're still in the guild! There's a whole region to run, not to mention the capital and other places! Starting after round one, there'll be job postings up for every guild. These are optional, but they have rewards and incentives just like the tournament itself! Trainers may want to stick around, as the tournament's not the only thing happening in Saros...
Will I be fighting a leader or an NPC at any point in time during the tournament?
There will be points where you will have to face leaders and other NPC’s.
What happens if you don’t have enough contestants? Do you drop members, or..?
We will adapt to it. Chances are it means we’ll have less rounds.
When can I evolve my Pokemon?
Evolution is fairly open here. You do not require permission, and all the items are available to you whenever you like. So you may evolve your Pokemon at any time you deem right. However, if you evolve your Pokemon during an event or round, it cannot evolve again during the same event/round.
Can I change my Pokemon's moveset?
Yes, so long as you do it outside of a round.
Can my trainer travel to any faction at anytime?
Yes, you trainer can travel to any region they want whenever they like. All trainers (NPC or Contestant) automatically have a passport that allows them to enter different factions. However when you are in a different faction than your own, you are not allowed to catch pokemon there or get the faction's accessories unless you have the proper qualifications. You may only do these things if you earned a faction specific stamp on your passport. Once you have this stamp, you have full access to catching pokemon and buying accessories.
I want to drop out of the competition! What do I do?
It's a shame that has to happen, but everyone has their reasons, which we understand! You may tell us on the front page or through a note so we know why you are leaving, but you don't have to. Also, please remove your application from the group.
I want to convert my competitor into an NPC. What do I do?
First, remove your competitive app from the group. Do not update your deviation with the NPC app, because that creates a hassle for us to find your app in the folder and move it. To make it easier for us, just take it down, resubmit the NPC app and copy the info you had.
My character is an NPC, but if there's another tournament (when this one's finished), can I enter the new one with them as a competitor?
Of course! We aren't going to restrict the next tournament, if we have one, to just the competitors we had this year.