One of the main goals of Nessus is to allow players, GM's, and myself the owner as much creative freedom as possible in a structured RPG. Worlds are an important aspect in an RP game for backgrounds, quests, and freeform play. So here is what I have in mind:
Worlds will be divided into two sections: Official and Freelance.
The term "World" is used loosely. While some complete worlds might eventually be built, for now content will most likely be far less in depth. Content will likely be places of interest on a world such as kingdoms, landmarks, cities, keeps, etc.. It might contain notable figures, cultures, creatures, powerful magic items, history, or legends. I do not particularly care if a world only contains one page or one thousand. If its interesting it will be added.
Official Worlds:
Official Worlds will be owned by the game.
Official Worlds will be located on web pages owned and controlled by the game.
Official Worlds are permanently part of the game once they become official. These worlds will either be created by myself or will be Freelance Worlds which the author has agreed to add to the game permanently. Authors will be compensated for their work with exp and money for their characters.
Official Worlds may be edited, changed, or built upon at the owners descretion by anyone the owner gives permission. (Normally Worlds will only become official if they are good "as is". Modifications might be needed by the author before the world is accepted. This applies to new additions once a world is official as well.)
Freelance Worlds:
Freelance Worlds will be owned by their authors.
Freelance Worlds will be located on web pages owned and controlled by their author.
Freelance Worlds will be part of the game as long as the author wants them to be. When he or she wants them removed from the game they will be. Authors will not be compensated with exp and money for their characters for Freelance worlds.
Freelance Worlds may be edited, changed, or built upon by the author or with the authors permission only. However, the content must still be accepted by the game owner.
Freelance Worlds must follow the guidelines listed below but for the most part authors are free to do with them as they wish.
World Creation & Content Guidelines:
#1. World Links will be controlled by the game. Freelance Worlds will only be added if the author requests it, Freelance Worlds will be unlinked if the author request it. Freelance Worlds may also be rejected or unlinked at the games discretion.
#2. Worlds may not contain Gods or other omnipotent beings that will interact with player characters. Worlds may contain pantheons, but these will be used as tools to shape ideologies and histories. They can not be presented in a way that will allow them to be abused.
#3. Worlds may not contain references to any other listed world whether Official or Freelance unless approved by the author. Worlds should be presented as entities unto themselves. References to other authors works only creates limitations for the author. This includes references to Nessus itself.
#4. Worlds may not contain references to any other game.
#5. Worlds may not contain references to or content from any copyrighted material not owned by the author.
#6. Freelance Worlds may not contain systematic rules which aren't officially part of the game. I.E. A world which has chariot races could not list dice rules for how to conduct the races. A world which contains Aquatic Elves could not list minimum stats to be an Aquatic Elf. etc.. etc..
#7. Worlds must be fairly well written and interesting or they will be rejected. They do not have to be a masterpiece but they must be fairly good. "Soren is a peaceful world ruled by a king named Opus. Its pretty. There is an evil mage named Harry that wants to take over the planet too. The End." is not fairly good.
#8. Freelance Worlds must contain the authors name and a valid e-mail address. (Authors may use their character nicks or use a pen name, but all works created by a specific author should share the same name)
#9. More guidelines can and will be added as the need arises.