Post by Wayne Richards on Dec 11, 2017 9:45:06 GMT -5
INTRODUCTION
If you are reading this, then it most likely means you’ve garnered an interest in our promotion. Welcome and thank you for taking the time to look over our rule book. As a disclaimer, while Union Battleground continues to grow, we are sure to come upon a situation that is not concretely defined here. We will make any decisions in the best interest of fairness, and we may make amendments to the rule book to resolve those issues in the future.
Preface | When Union Battleground first took off, it was described as a “hybrid” fed with a mixture of competitive and angled aspects of the game. This format was to help promote and build storylines while also keeping everyone in a competitive mind frame to continuously improve their writing skills. Through two seasons, it has generally been a competitive format with only a handful of angled matches and storylines sprinkled in. While this continues to be the case, it should be assumed that every match is competitive, unless otherwise stated and agreed upon by all parties involved in any match and/or storyline. For the sake of keeping contenders in a fluid rotation, title matches will always be competitive, regardless of storylines involved and any angled matches or storylines will be discussed and come to an agreement with everyone involved beforehand.
Storylines & Creative | When it comes to creating feuds and angles, we want the handlers to be involved and essentially have creative control in their character’s direction. We love bouncing ideas off, and feel like you should enjoy your feuds and give your input on how it progresses.
Joining | To apply, go to our board where we have our template codes. Copy the code and create a new thread for each and every character you are signing up and fill out the application and post it in the Waiting List. If you are signing up a team, each character will need a singles application, plus a tag team application. Same goes for a faction.
Opt-in Bookings | Shows will be booked based on an opt-in thread. We realize that most of you are in multiple feds and we don’t want to weigh you down and potentially miss a deadline. The opt-in threads will stay active from when they are created until 24 hours before the latest show is posted. Staff will then create a show based on those who opted-in. You should be aware that not everyone may be booked even if they opted-in, but we will do our best.
JUDGING & SCORING CRITERIA
Each category will be scored in .5 point increments. The score of category will be added together for a total grade (maximum 60 points). Each total grade will then be averaged among all judging staff members for a final grade. Whoever has the highest final grade wins the match. Bonus points will be added after scores have been averaged among all judging staff members.
(10 points) Characters & Dialogue | Personalities that are distinctive, compelling, multi-layered, and unpredictable. A character and/cast with clear and active goals. Voices that are natural, succinct, and unique to each character. Use of language that effectively reveals character and moves the story forward.
(10 points) Theme/Concept | The underlying message of the story as revealed through plot, dialogue, and visual elements. The idea behind the story. What the story is about. The “hook.”
(10 points) Overall Structure / Plot & Pacing | The framework of the promo. Effective use of three-act (Beginning, Middle and End), odyssey, linear or non-linear story progression. The actions, events, conflicts, and turning points that propel the story/promo forward. How the promo unfolds (points for originality/unpredictability). The timing of the action, unfolding of plot elements and character development.
(10 points) Grammar | Spelling, punctuation, grammar, and usage.
(10 points) Style/Tone | Overall quality of the writing. Tone that is appropriate to the material and narrative that is distinct, interesting, entertaining, and effectively conveys the mood or “feel” of the story. This portion is where points are awarded for exceptional promos—those that display an incredible use of vocabulary, clever ideas, mature style, and so on.
BONUS POINTS
.5 points for early RP (posted 24 hours + before deadline)
.5 points for show segment (.5 point max)
ROLE PLAY GUIDELINES
Union Battleground has one biweekly show, with bimonthly supershows. We have a 10-day RP cycle to allow staff and others enough time to judge, write matches, and format the results and help produce the events on time. We also enforce that handlers “role play blind”, meaning if your opponent posts their RP first, do not reference it in yours. This is where show segments can come in play for any rebuttals. Only exception to this would be a tag team’s second RP calling back on their opponent’s first piece.
Singles Match RPs | There will be a 1 RP limit at a 1500 word count cap with a 250 word allowance in effect. Anything over will be docked in points based on severity and could potentially result in an automatic loss.
Battalion (Tag Team) Match RPs | There will be a team-wide 2 RP limit at a 1500 word count cap a piece. I will also allow a 1 RP with a 3000 word count cap. A 250 word allowance will be in effect for the entirety of promos. So essentially you have a 3,250 word count limit. Anything over will be docked in points based on severity and could potentially result in an automatic loss. Unlike singles match promos, I will allow calling back on your opponent's promos, as long as you stay in line with the parameters, since each team can have 2 promos.
Championship Match RPs | For season 3, we will increase the word limit for title matches. The War Horse, King Cobra, and Battalion Titles will remain at 1500 words (or 3000 for Battalion), but the Trench War Title will increase to 2000 words and the Union Battleground Championship will increase to 2500 words with a 250 word allowance still in effect. Anything over will be docked in points based on severity and could potentially result in an automatic loss.
Character Development RPs | These RPs will have no stake in judging matches. As such, these RPs have no limits, be it word count or number of them. Since season two, if you post a CD RP and we feel that it shows progression in your character, you will be awarded a "dark match win". This is to encourage people to develop their characters outside of match RPs.
Show Segments | With regards to segments for the shows, those are responsible to the handlers involved to be written. We feel like you know your character best, and thus to truly express your character, it's probably best that you write them. We can offer suggestions and brainstorm together for topics to help progress any match or storyline narrative. Segments should be submitted to a staff member before the segment deadline date to ensure it will be added to the show. Segments should be submitted via PM on the board here with NO coding added and following the segment and match format that can be found here.
INCENTIVE CHAMPIONSHIPS
King Cobra Championship | During the beginning of the season, we hold a tournament that culminates to the “Crown of the King Cobra” pay-per-view. The winner of the King Cobra Tournament is awarded the King Cobra Championship. The holder of that title does not have to defend it, but can cash it in anytime, anywhere for a shot at the Union Battleground Championship.
OOC Guidelines:
Think of this as a mix between King of the Ring and Money in the Bank. It’s a once per season tournament, and the King Cobra Champion must cash in at some point during the season.
For season 3, after the King Cobra Championship Tournament has finished, any RPs for a Union Battleground Championship Match will no longer be posted on the forum, but instead a PM will be created between contestants and each person’s RP will be used as a segment for the show. This is to keep the surprise element of a cash-in in full force.
When cashing in, you need to tell staff before the card you plan to cash-in is posted. There are a few scenarios to go about cashing-in:
1.) Cash-in when the Champ is already scheduled for a match. This would in turn change the match into a triple threat, where all three contestants RP for the title. All three RPs will be used as a show segment, and best RP amongst the three wins. If you plan to go this route, you need to tell staff before the card is posted to allow everyone an equal amount of time to adjust their RPs.
2.) Cash-in when the Champ isn’t scheduled for a match. Again, you need to let staff know before the card is put up to allow everyone an equal amount of time to RP. Same thing will happen, we create a PM between everyone and those RPs will be used as segments for the show.
I’ll say it again to stress its importance, you need to tell staff when you plan on cashing in for a shot in order to get everyone promptly prepared for the “impromptu” match.
War Horse Championship | The War Horse Championship will be decided in a series of matches. There are four “horsemen medallions” (circular side plate inserts similar to WWE’s custom side plates) that will be contested over. Once all four medallions have been distributed, those four will battle in a fatal four-way match for the War Horse Championship. The War Horse Champ then has the right to cash-in for a shot at the Trench War Championship. Once cashed in, the medallions will be collected and the process will start all over again.
OOC Guidelines:
Think of this title as like Lucha Underground’s Gift of the Gods Championship. There are two main differences that separate the War Horse Title to the King Cobra Title. The first, is that the War Horse Champ must announce their intent to cash-in, so there will be no impromptu matches given that the Trench War Title has been known to be defended in other companies and will need staff time to properly book the Champ and the match. The second, is that the War Horse Champion will defend the title at every show until they either announce their cash-in or they lose the title.
LAST UPDATED: December 4, 2018 (Updated Segment portion to include a link to the match and segment formatting guidelines.)
If you are reading this, then it most likely means you’ve garnered an interest in our promotion. Welcome and thank you for taking the time to look over our rule book. As a disclaimer, while Union Battleground continues to grow, we are sure to come upon a situation that is not concretely defined here. We will make any decisions in the best interest of fairness, and we may make amendments to the rule book to resolve those issues in the future.
Preface | When Union Battleground first took off, it was described as a “hybrid” fed with a mixture of competitive and angled aspects of the game. This format was to help promote and build storylines while also keeping everyone in a competitive mind frame to continuously improve their writing skills. Through two seasons, it has generally been a competitive format with only a handful of angled matches and storylines sprinkled in. While this continues to be the case, it should be assumed that every match is competitive, unless otherwise stated and agreed upon by all parties involved in any match and/or storyline. For the sake of keeping contenders in a fluid rotation, title matches will always be competitive, regardless of storylines involved and any angled matches or storylines will be discussed and come to an agreement with everyone involved beforehand.
Storylines & Creative | When it comes to creating feuds and angles, we want the handlers to be involved and essentially have creative control in their character’s direction. We love bouncing ideas off, and feel like you should enjoy your feuds and give your input on how it progresses.
Joining | To apply, go to our board where we have our template codes. Copy the code and create a new thread for each and every character you are signing up and fill out the application and post it in the Waiting List. If you are signing up a team, each character will need a singles application, plus a tag team application. Same goes for a faction.
Opt-in Bookings | Shows will be booked based on an opt-in thread. We realize that most of you are in multiple feds and we don’t want to weigh you down and potentially miss a deadline. The opt-in threads will stay active from when they are created until 24 hours before the latest show is posted. Staff will then create a show based on those who opted-in. You should be aware that not everyone may be booked even if they opted-in, but we will do our best.
Leave of Absence/Quitting | If you need to take a leave of absence, please inform us. We have a category on our board dedicated for such requests, and we’ll also accept some sort of contact via PM, Twitter, or email. We reserve the right to put you in an angle where your character may get injured or something to that effect to explain your absence in character. If you decide to quit, we reserve the right to write you off in any capacity necessary.
JUDGING & SCORING CRITERIA
Each category will be scored in .5 point increments. The score of category will be added together for a total grade (maximum 60 points). Each total grade will then be averaged among all judging staff members for a final grade. Whoever has the highest final grade wins the match. Bonus points will be added after scores have been averaged among all judging staff members.
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT (10 points total)
PROMO STRENGTH (20 points total)
(10 points) Match & Storyline Focus | A promo is after all, promoting a match. This is how well you convey the narrative and meaning of your match and any storylines or angles involved.
STRUCTURE & READABILITY (30 points total)
(10 points) Grammar | Spelling, punctuation, grammar, and usage.
(10 points) Style/Tone | Overall quality of the writing. Tone that is appropriate to the material and narrative that is distinct, interesting, entertaining, and effectively conveys the mood or “feel” of the story. This portion is where points are awarded for exceptional promos—those that display an incredible use of vocabulary, clever ideas, mature style, and so on.
BONUS POINTS
.5 points for early RP (posted 24 hours + before deadline)
.5 points for show segment (.5 point max)
.5 points for best segment (if both opponents submit one)
ROLE PLAY GUIDELINES
Union Battleground has one biweekly show, with bimonthly supershows. We have a 10-day RP cycle to allow staff and others enough time to judge, write matches, and format the results and help produce the events on time. We also enforce that handlers “role play blind”, meaning if your opponent posts their RP first, do not reference it in yours. This is where show segments can come in play for any rebuttals. Only exception to this would be a tag team’s second RP calling back on their opponent’s first piece.
Singles Match RPs | There will be a 1 RP limit at a 1500 word count cap with a 250 word allowance in effect. Anything over will be docked in points based on severity and could potentially result in an automatic loss.
Battalion (Tag Team) Match RPs | There will be a team-wide 2 RP limit at a 1500 word count cap a piece. I will also allow a 1 RP with a 3000 word count cap. A 250 word allowance will be in effect for the entirety of promos. So essentially you have a 3,250 word count limit. Anything over will be docked in points based on severity and could potentially result in an automatic loss. Unlike singles match promos, I will allow calling back on your opponent's promos, as long as you stay in line with the parameters, since each team can have 2 promos.
Championship Match RPs | For season 3, we will increase the word limit for title matches. The War Horse, King Cobra, and Battalion Titles will remain at 1500 words (or 3000 for Battalion), but the Trench War Title will increase to 2000 words and the Union Battleground Championship will increase to 2500 words with a 250 word allowance still in effect. Anything over will be docked in points based on severity and could potentially result in an automatic loss.
Character Development RPs | These RPs will have no stake in judging matches. As such, these RPs have no limits, be it word count or number of them. Since season two, if you post a CD RP and we feel that it shows progression in your character, you will be awarded a "dark match win". This is to encourage people to develop their characters outside of match RPs.
Show Segments | With regards to segments for the shows, those are responsible to the handlers involved to be written. We feel like you know your character best, and thus to truly express your character, it's probably best that you write them. We can offer suggestions and brainstorm together for topics to help progress any match or storyline narrative. Segments should be submitted to a staff member before the segment deadline date to ensure it will be added to the show. Segments should be submitted via PM on the board here with NO coding added and following the segment and match format that can be found here.
Deadlines | Our biweekly show, L!GHTS OUT, airs on Fridays and the RP deadline will be the final MONDAY at 11:59 PM EST. Segment submissions will be due on the THURSDAY before the show is posted. Our bimonthly PPVs air on Sundays and the deadline will be the final TUESDAY at 11:59 PM EST. The reason for these deadlines is to help staff write out the matches, get segments in proper order, and bring everything together in (hopefully) a timely manner.
INCENTIVE CHAMPIONSHIPS
King Cobra Championship | During the beginning of the season, we hold a tournament that culminates to the “Crown of the King Cobra” pay-per-view. The winner of the King Cobra Tournament is awarded the King Cobra Championship. The holder of that title does not have to defend it, but can cash it in anytime, anywhere for a shot at the Union Battleground Championship.
OOC Guidelines:
Think of this as a mix between King of the Ring and Money in the Bank. It’s a once per season tournament, and the King Cobra Champion must cash in at some point during the season.
For season 3, after the King Cobra Championship Tournament has finished, any RPs for a Union Battleground Championship Match will no longer be posted on the forum, but instead a PM will be created between contestants and each person’s RP will be used as a segment for the show. This is to keep the surprise element of a cash-in in full force.
When cashing in, you need to tell staff before the card you plan to cash-in is posted. There are a few scenarios to go about cashing-in:
1.) Cash-in when the Champ is already scheduled for a match. This would in turn change the match into a triple threat, where all three contestants RP for the title. All three RPs will be used as a show segment, and best RP amongst the three wins. If you plan to go this route, you need to tell staff before the card is posted to allow everyone an equal amount of time to adjust their RPs.
2.) Cash-in when the Champ isn’t scheduled for a match. Again, you need to let staff know before the card is put up to allow everyone an equal amount of time to RP. Same thing will happen, we create a PM between everyone and those RPs will be used as segments for the show.
I’ll say it again to stress its importance, you need to tell staff when you plan on cashing in for a shot in order to get everyone promptly prepared for the “impromptu” match.
War Horse Championship | The War Horse Championship will be decided in a series of matches. There are four “horsemen medallions” (circular side plate inserts similar to WWE’s custom side plates) that will be contested over. Once all four medallions have been distributed, those four will battle in a fatal four-way match for the War Horse Championship. The War Horse Champ then has the right to cash-in for a shot at the Trench War Championship. Once cashed in, the medallions will be collected and the process will start all over again.
OOC Guidelines:
Think of this title as like Lucha Underground’s Gift of the Gods Championship. There are two main differences that separate the War Horse Title to the King Cobra Title. The first, is that the War Horse Champ must announce their intent to cash-in, so there will be no impromptu matches given that the Trench War Title has been known to be defended in other companies and will need staff time to properly book the Champ and the match. The second, is that the War Horse Champion will defend the title at every show until they either announce their cash-in or they lose the title.
LAST UPDATED: December 4, 2018 (Updated Segment portion to include a link to the match and segment formatting guidelines.)