Q: Can PBeM newbies join as well as veterans? A: Yes, as long as you use proper grammar, spelling and punctuation and will fit in well with the group, we allow anyone.  Q: Do you accept Canon Characters? A: Yes, of course, though we do require a writing sample if you're not already a part of the game. Q: What is a "Canon" character? A:  Canon characters are characters that have appeared in the comics, movies, or cartoons.  For example, Cyclops, Storm, Wolverine, etc... Q: The Canon character I want isn’t from the comics, but from the movie/cartoon… A: That’s fine, write the bio, make it clear what elements you’re using. I’m pretty flexible with that sort of thing. We’re primarily a comics based game. Things need to be Marvel based, but I don’t mind which Marvel source you use. Q: Is the canon character I want taken? A: People join the game and take on canons, or leave and give them up.  This question is difficult to answer on a website.  As a general rule, check the Character page.  IF the character is not listed there, chances are it's available.  For a more up to date reply though (Sorry folks, I can't update the site every day!) Email the GM. Q: How many posts does this game generate? A: The answer varies of course, but in general you can look forward to at least 300 posts per month, or around 10 a day.  Weekends are generally pretty dead as everyone scatters off to see if the sun is still around, though.  For a completely up to date look at the numbers, check out our list page: http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/Xmen_Institute
	Q: I'm pretty busy, can I still play? A: Hey, life happens, and we get that.  But with that said, this is a game, and the people on the other side of your computer are often waiting on you.  As such Rules 1 & 2 on our Rules Page say that your introductory post must be sent within a week of joining the list.  After that, you should post at least twice or three times a week. If you can keep up with that, fantastic! We’d love to have you! If not, this probably isn’t the game for you. Q: What format is this? A: We're a tag style or "Round Robin" Play by Email game.  Posts are usually about 2 paragraphs and up, with plenty of Joint Posts that can be 10-20 pages long.  We maintain a list on Yahoogroups So you can also check and reply to messages messageboard-style, or have them emailed.  Q: What are the guidelines for joining the group? A: We require people who are decent writers, know how to spell decently, use grammar and punctuation, and are good sports when it comes to plots.  (No, you won't always win, and we don't save the world before breakfast).  If you think you have what it takes, go to the Join page and fill out a form. Q. Once I've joined, how do I start posting? A. First, observe the others posts and formats.  If you have problems, feel free to email the GM and ask for help.  Generally, pick a public thread and jump in.  (IF it says "Tags to anybody", it's public.)  Introduce your character, say hi.  If you want a specific situation set up, then talk to the GM. Once you are approved to the group, you will find in the files section of the Yahoogroup a selection of files that will include information on how to work your character in, how to get them to the school, etc. In general, we will do this on a case by case basis. Q. Can I write with someone else's character? A. No. The only characters you are allowed to write actions for are your own. If you do something that requires a response from the other character, you must stop the post and give them a chance to reply. This is especially true for one-on-one fight scenes. Do not assume actions. You may be wrong.  This is also covered on the Rules page. Q: What kind of character can I be? A: Anything! We're easy to play with!  Most of the action takes place around Xaviers School for Gifted Youngsters.  As such, most new players will want to generate an original student.  You have a variety of options with this.  If you'd like, you can design a human character and ask us to choose the powerset for it, then introduce it in character, in the game.  It'll be like the real experience of learning that you're a mutant, and not a normal kid. Alternately, you can chose a canon character from the comics  (Some bios are available at Mutant High and Marvel Directory. Wiki is also a good source.)   Or you can create an original character who's been with the X-men and is a teacher already.  It's entirely your call! Q: Yea yea, mutants are great and all, but what about *other* characters? A: Sorry, we only accept characters from the Marvelverse, and currently only Earth, though that may change in the future.  Please no extradimensional characters from Star Trek or Stargate, Charmed, Roswell, Dark Angel, etc. Lets stick to the Marvelverse, please. If you really MUST play a character from some other universe, they must be modified to be a native to the marvelverse somehow. Q: Okay, I love it, so how do I join? A: First things first, please read over the Rules, so you know what's going on.  Then go to our Join page, where we have a form. Fill it out for either a canon or original character. If you're playing a canon character we only need to know to what point in the history you want it. If you're playing an original character, the history is considered your writing sample and must be complete. If you have problems with forms, email the GM and she’ll take care of you!