Welcome to Midgar! 

We are one of Second Life’s most long-running roleplay sims, having started back in late 2006, and continuing on to today. With a rich history and an ever-changing canon base, Midgar can seem daunting– but fret not, it’s easy to get started!

Due to the limitations of Second Life, much of what we do outside of the roleplay itself (Applications, communication, announcements, etc) is done via Discord. Don’t worry though, if you don’t have Discord, it’s still possible to enjoy your time here! Discord just makes it much easier.

Please join our server here: https://discord.gg/FdjPRxhgmD 

While we do recommend going over our entire rulebook and 7DS guide at your convenience, this should be enough to get you on the right path and roleplaying immediately.

SLFFVII Midgar: Official Rulebook [2023]

VII:DS Version v4.4: Dolphin Blow

Part 1: Setting

Good news! It’s not required that you have played Final Fantasy 7, or any of the associated games that are around it. The general storyline is easy to follow, and you’ll understand details as you continue to immerse yourself in the world.

We work under an “Alternate Universe” where time is, to steal a term, a bit wibbly-wobbly. It’s considered a floating timeline where the events of the original game have yet to take place, but our actions can shape what happens in the world. 

The Shinra Electric Power Company has a monopoly on basically the entire Planet. Considered almost a background entity by some, a benevolent giver of power by others, and an evil corporation that will destroy the world by even more. Groups of individuals have made it their life’s work to either defend or dismantle the company that controls everything. Still others simply desire to live their life without worries.

You can be any of them.

Part 2: Code of Conduct

This is simple. Don’t harass people, don’t intentionally cause problems, and respect your fellow player. Not everyone is going to like each other, but everyone is required to get along. If someone is harassing you, the first step is to verbally say “Stop,” and if they continue after that, contact a member of management.

Please stay IC in IC places. But if you are planning on being OOC to take pictures or explore, please feel free! You are required to avoid interrupting RP scenes

No sexual content in the open. We’re not going to police what you do in IMs, but keep it PG-13, not adult-rated, while you’re in sim. (Keep in mind that if you use /2, /3, /4, etc in IM’s, it’ll still broadcast in open chat!) 

Part 3: Character Creation

We allow humans, hybrids, and demihumans (furries). Please note that there are some disallowed types, so check through our style guide for those. Most standard avatars are cool though!

SLFFVII Midgar: Character Style Guide [2022]

No child characters. Due to the violent nature of the sim, it’s better to err on the side of caution due to Linden Labs policies.

Characters canon to Final Fantasy 7 must be applied for. You also cannot instantly be a SOLDIER, Turk, Raven, etc. These positions are roleplayed toward.

You can play as many characters as you want, but they cannot share pertinent information between themselves.

If you want something outside of the ordinary, a special character application may be required. It’s usually best to get a feel for the sim and setting first, instead of jumping in immediately with one. 

Your characters cannot have knowledge of things like Jenova or the Ancients. As we’re fond of saying around here, “Find out IC.” It’s definitely not common knowledge. 

Part 4: Factions

While you’re more than welcome to just start playing as a civilian, you might be interested in the groups that are available in Midgar!

Shinra

The Shinra Public Safety Department is made up of military policemen and women that are the first line of defense against rebel threats, the scum of the city, and small monsters. Shinra Mechanized Armor Division, or MAD, is another brand of the Shinra crew, focusing on heavy weaponry and mechs. To join the SPSD or MAD, just complete an application on Discord. The template is under the “Faction Application” category, and you’ll post it in ShinRa applications.  It’s mostly for bookkeeping purposes– so don’t get too anxious! If you do not have Discord, directly contact a Faction Leader, a list of whom are found in the Midgar Skybox to request a notecard and go that way.

SOLDIER and the Turks are both considered “prestige factions” that you join as roleplay progresses. New characters can have knowledge of SOLDIER, but the Turks operate from the shadows.

AVALANCHE

AVALANCHE is an eco-terrorist organization with plans of toppling the Shinra Electric Power Company. People join for many reasons– ranging from general anarchist beliefs to a conviction that Shinra is destroying the Planet. To join AVALANCHE, just complete an application on Discord. The template is under the “Faction Application” category, and you’ll post it in ShinRa applications.  It’s mostly for bookkeeping purposes– so don’t get too anxious! If you do not have Discord, directly contact a Faction Leader, a list of whom are found in the Midgar Skybox to request a notecard and go that way.

The Ravens and the Guardians are both considered prestige factions that you join as roleplay progresses. It is very unlikely for new characters to have knowledge of either of these groups. 

Other

There are plenty of other options that don’t involve the two main factions. Check the skybox for the current list of civilian factions and information on how to join them! 

Part 5: Roleplay Etiquette & Combat

Chances are, if you have made it to Midgar, you’re familiar with general roleplay. We really don’t do anything out of the ordinary here as far as that goes.

Keep In Character and Out of Character separate. Communicate with other players to make sure that scenes flow smoothly.

Don’t powergame or godmode. You don’t get to decide how your attacks hit a person. And you also aren’t untouchable either. If you feel like there is powergaming in a scene, and you cannot come to an agreement with the other player, please feel free to contact a moderator!

No metagaming. Make sure you find out everything In Character.

As far as combat goes, we support both “RP Combat” and “7DS Combat.” 7DS can be daunting to start, so don’t feel like you have to understand it immediately. You are more than welcome to utilize RPC until you become more familiar with the 7DS system. This may mean not getting involved in every single fight but it’s a good way to ease into things. 

The main thing to remember when it comes to combat– both DS and RPC, is that you are only able to use materia that you physically own. These are purchasable and gained through progression and roleplay. 

We encourage you to talk to a member of the DS team or management to get some instruction in DS. But jumping in with both feet is also fun! 

In Conclusion…

Welcome to Midgar! Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Feel free to ping anyone listed in the skybox for further questions, and the community at large is a good resource. Even out of game, Discord will be your friend. 

Midgar management reserves the right to edit this document.

July 30th, 2023

Major credits goes to Katiroth Paravane for the makings of this documentation.