From: barnejd@wkuvx1.bitnet
Newsgroups: rec.arts.comics,rec.arts.comics.misc
Subject: Re: LNH FAQL ASAP, OK?
Date: 10 Nov 92 20:11:17 CST
X-From: barnejd@wkuvx1.bitnet
X-Newsgroups: alt.comics.lnh
Followup-To: rec.arts.comics,rec.arts.comics.misc,alt.comics.lnh
X-Date: 10 Nov 92 20:10:31 CST
X-Organization: Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY

Posted once again by popular demand, here's the "unofficial" mini-FAQ
which serves until Scavenger replaces it with one of his own.
                                          -Drizzt


Welcome to the Legion of Net.Heroes!

FAQL (Frequently Asked Questions List) OUTLINE:
  1) Introduction to the LNH
  2) "Rules" and Netiquette
  3) Glossary
  4) Introducing a New Writer Character
  5) Posting to alt.comics.lnh
  6) Net.Earth and the LNH Looniverse
  7) Various and Sundry Bits
  8) Lists and Stuff - Who To Contact!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) A General Introduction to the Legion of Net.Heroes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  The Legion of Net.Heroes has a long and varied past.  Established on
rec.arts.comics before the Great RMGrouping of '92, the LNH battled for
truth, justice, and a bigger share of net (pun intended) sales.  No comic
book tradition was sacred, no admantium-clawed mutant beyond reproach, no
one beyond being slammed.  The collaborative writing style made it such
that everyone could contribute to the stories.  Membership soared (though a
few nasty, totally untrue rumors of "drafting" members surfaced).  Truly this
was the golden age of the LNH.
  Then, over the 3 1/2 Month Gap, sales plummeted and the title was
cancelled.  However, a new Legion rose from the ashes of the old.  THE 501
BLUES storyline (written by Scavenger - see below for address) spanned the
Summer Gap with hints, innuendoes, and battles galore.  CRY.SIG (by Drizzt)
then took this a step further, depicting the LNH's battle to escape the
rmgrouping of r.a.c. and their foiling of the evil Crossover Queen.  It has
since progressed in the post-Cry.Sig universe with a series of miniseries
and LNH Looniverse titles.  Current plans call for a restoration of the
collaborative thread in mid to late November.
  This group has no moderator (or "Editor") to lord over the group, mess up
perfectly good storylines, and fire good writers in favor of the artists. 
we firmly believe that the posters in this group are big boys and girls and
can manage to completely mess up continuity on their own very well.  There
is, however, an unofficial "Council of Elders", consisting of *****, who
are generally the most prolific, the most creative, the most ancient, and
the most hardworking of the LNHers (insert liberal :+)'s).  This Council
exists mainly to act as arbitrators, poke their noses in where neither
wanted nor needed, suggest general policies, and battle each other for the
LNH leadership; it holds no official power, though.
  Welcome to the Legion!  Above all else - have fun with it!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) "Rules" And Netiquette
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Technically, the LNH is an experiment in chaos and the entropy theory; as
such, there are no "official" rules.  However, we present a general list of
guidelines herein in order to sound official and facilitate the smooth
running of this group.  Among these are:

 * No flames, please. 
      If you don't like a story, respond via e-mail and in detail
    tell the writer why.  Discussions of member X's genetic and character
    flaws are unwelcome here, at best.  This group is unmoderated because
    we believe that you, the people, can behave as adults or reasonable 
    facsimiles thereof.

 * No non-LNH postings.
      We all believe that comic books are great, but discussion of them
    belongs on the rec.arts.comics hierarchy.  Serious superheroics or sci-
    fi writers are directed to other groups as well.

 * The Law of Reservation
      If a poster so wishes, he or she can simply write LNH Looniverse
    titles, with no direct ties into the LNH; it is important to attach
    a note to this effect on every posting lest someone else mistake you
    for an LNH member.
      Plot "seeds" may be reserved for future use, as well.  The best way
    to do this is, once again, to stick a note on the end of your post to
    that effect.  It is usually best to then e-mail the keeper of the
    dangler list (see "Lists and Stuff").
      You may also reserve the right to have reservations about the LNH.

 * The Propriety Factor
      Writers are encouraged to write for a general audience, keeping in 
    mind the varying sensitivities of the readers.  Explicit sex,
    profanity, racism, sexism, etc., offend many "regulars" here; needless
    to say, the group in general frowns upon running off subscribers.
      Respect for each others' characters and a willingness to share the 
    spotlight with others are also considered desirable.

 * The Drizzt Corollary
      Thou shalt honor Drizzt and bestow abundant gifts upon him.

 * Peacekeeping
      From time to time in every group, disagreeable sorts move in and try
    to make life miserable for us all.  Usually, the most desirable thing
    to do is to simply ignore the postings as if they had never happened.
    If you feel compelled to flame, please use e-mail.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Glossary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Some common and not-so-common terms and abreviations:

  BTW - By the way
  CC - Continuity Champ (*NOT* Captain Continuity)
  Cry.Sig - the ultimate cosmic storyline
  FAQ or FAQL - Frequently Asked Questions List
  Looniverse - the LNH universe
  LNH - Legion of Net.Heroes
  LNHQ - LNH headquarters
  NWC - Non-Writer Character - the LNH equivalent of an RPG NPC :+)
  OTL - Obscure Trivia Lad
  Retcon - retroactive continuity - changing or redefining a character by
    revealing some previous "hidden truth" which reveals all we've ever
    known about them was a lie
  UN - Ultimate Ninja
  WC - Writer Character - a character which is the net personna of someone

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Introduction of New Writer Characters
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  After reading some of the posts, you may decide you want to get involved
in things a bit more... personally.  At this point, you should start giving
thought to creating an alter ego in the LNH, a writer character.  In
essence, for those of you who play role-playing games (RPG's), WC's are the
Legion equivalent of player characters (PC's).

  As a general rule, WCs should be included in a post before they become an
official part of the Looniverse.  You may write this story yourself, or
e-mail someone else and have them include the character in a story they
write.  After this, fill out one of the roster applications (availible from
wReam or Scavenger) and return it to one or both of our list keepers.

  Characters tend to be parodies of comic conventions (not "con"
conventions, cliche conventions), net stuff (no more typo or spelling
characters, please!), etc.  The concept is more important than the power
level, and serious superheroics probably are out of place here (though one
"sane" hero in the midst of these idiots might be more than a bit funny).

  Extremely powerful characters are generally disdained by LNH regulars,
mainly because they tend to slide toward being all power and no
personality.  The most popular heroes here tend to be those with
well-developed personalities and colorful powers.

  Recommended character types include the "costumed boyscout" (something
the LNH is lacking), villains (yes, you can take a villain WC - see Dave
vanDomelen's Acton Lord for a great example), and mystic heroes (all the rage
today, but all we've got is Occultism Kid, who started out a bad guy). 
Types not recommended are  mystery men (we've got enough, thanks), cosmic
policemen (one Continuity Champ - or one CC and one Captain
Continuity - is enough), and the berzerker anti-hero.

  There are many ways to introduce a character - only your imagination
limits them.  If all else fails, have him or her show up on the LNHQ front
step (it's been done quite successfully before).

  Now get to it!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5) Posting to alt.comics.lnh
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  There is a moderate volume of posts here, which is offset by the
relatively high average length of posts.  Brevity is a virtue most posters
here (this writer included) don't put much faith in.  This tends to lead to
a tangle of continuity at times.  In many similar groups, this would be
considered undesirable; here, we *like* it!  We build whole storylines off
explaining what some geeks would call "plot errors"!  It's awesome!  It's
fun!  It's the LNH way!

  It is recommended that some hint of which story thread (Cry.Sig, 501
BLUES, Sieze Dangerous) appear somewhere in the header, along with the
"issue number" of it.  This is especially necessary in mini-series.  For
the ongoing series, this process is not requisite, but recommended.
  
  At times, two different people post next chapters of the same story at
similar times.  Unofficial group policy tend to be that the one with the
most follow-up storylines be considered "canon", though having the
respective writers slug it out is another fun alternative.

  Plotchopping is another undesirable practice which usually leads to angry
posters, broken bones, divine retribution, and cancer (not necessarily in
that order).  Plotchopping means doing away with previously established
storylines in favor of new ones without resolving the original ones in a
satisfying manner.  Some recommendations:
      * Try to _build_ on what came before.  Add something to the plot.
      * Don't totally ignore previous plots (unless they are classified as
         reserved).
      * Don't destroy previous plotlines.
      * Don't split the net.earths trying to avoid what someone else has
         posted (don't laugh; this is what caused Cry.Sig!)
      * If you don't want to build on the storyline, don't post.  Wait
         until the next one.

  Be careful of adding too much to the story.  If you aren't the plot tends
to collapse from its own weight.  Not every storyline should threaten all
of reality; threatening *parts* of reality is just fine.

  When using another's WC in more than a cameo, it is considered good
netiquette to email the character's owner, though this is not usually
necessary.  Please try to get a "feel" for the character before writing
them (ex: OTL speaks of himself in the third person, Typo Lad misspells
virtually every word, etc.).  Major changes to characters *definitely*
require an email to the owner first.  [NOTE: Cry.Sig is considered the
exception to this rule because Cry.Sig was meant to be non-canonical until
somebody messed up and started writing stories based on it - jdb]

  It is desirable for someone to wrap up storylines, begin to wind them
down.  Otherwise too much tends to get added, and... you know the story.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(6) Net.Earth and the LNH Looniverse
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  LNH adventures take place on one of the many earths in many of the
dimensions in a galaxy far, far... wait a second.  It takes place on "an"
earth in the omniverse in the present time.  Which isn't to say that it
can't be moved to other planets, other dimensions, and other times.

  The LNHQ is located in the city of Net.ropolis in the Loonited States of
America.  Little is known about exactly *where* Net.ropolis is, though. 
Other cities include New Yak City (where the *m*g* refugees like Spoon fled
to after the original storyline) and Coastal City.

  The LNHQ is a sprawling complex containing rooms for all present LNHers,
guest rooms, a central command center, a high-tech war room, a danger room,
a shuttle bay, teleport chambers, holodecks, swimming pools (indoor and
outdoor), vault, prisioner holding cells, laboratories, and any other
covenience you can think of.  It sets on a nexus to all realities, so these
realities at times overlap into the LNH's with slight vibrational
differences.  This causes the slight annoyance of phantom images, which
explains how deceased or otherwise inactive/occupied characters seem to pop
up from time to time.

  There are other planets with their own populations as well.  Webster's
World, for example, is the home of Spelling Boy, while the planet Qwerty
(home of Myk-El) was destroyed by the Mega-Destructive-Plot-Bomb of the
Dvorakian Empire.  Other known planets include: H'yddee'uz (home of
Crossover Queen) and, umm... we haven't seen any others yet now that I
think of it.  Oh, well.

  Other dimensions also exist.  The various alt, rec, etc. groups exist, as
the LNH visited alt.fan.dan-quayle during Cry.Sig.  The Crossover Queen is
currently trapped in an infinite loop in alt.lwaxana.troi.die.die.die. 
Several characters are known to derive their powers from a region of
existence known as the Dyslexia Dimension.  Other dimensions also exist.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(7) Various and Sundry Bits
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  There is currently no official archivist.  If "back issues" or "reprints"
are desired, usually e-mailing someone for help is recommended.  Posting a
request should be treated as a last resort, as it tends to waste space and
money.  Occasionally, writers may make a revised or collected version
availible (CRY.SIG is the only one currently availible).

        ***        ***        ***        ***        ***        ***      

The current post-Cry.Sig timeline looks something like this:
  The Cosmic Plot-Device Caper (the first LNH adventure)
**THE 501 BLUES: A Lurk of Faith (includes 2 1/2 month gap and Beige Noon)
  THE 501 BLUES: The Long Road To Nowhere
  CRY.SIG
* The Cosmic Conspiracy (Continuity Champ solo story)
* Integrity Quest (begins a little after TCC does)
* Sieze Dangerous (happens near the end of to after TCC)
* Electrocutioner's Song (multi-writer epic crossover thingie)
**The Flame Wars (the ultimate in celestial megabuck minis)

*  - indicates currently ongoing
** - indicates planned and much publicized

        ***        ***        ***        ***        ***        ***

  For the record, the LNH does not have a standard issue flight ring. 
Instead, they have "flight thingies".  A thingie is exactly what the owner
decides it is, and appears to him or her as such.  The owner may wear it in
any manner appropriate to the shape they have defined the thingie as (for
example, Sardonic Boy chose the shape of a ring for his thingie and wears
it as such).  However, to everyone else, it still appears to be a thingie. 
Some LNHer's with the power of flight have declined the offer of thingies. 
A thingie is made of the metal unobtainium (tm 1992 Unobtainco) set with
one of the rare extadimensional flight stones and bathed in unknown cosmic
energies.  Thingies were provided to the LNH by a mysterious benefactor who
left them in their Christmas stockings last year.  Due to the short supply
of thingies, LNHer's are required in the bylaws to turn over their thingies
to the LNH upon leaving active duty.

        ***        ***        ***        ***        ***        ***

  Please properly format all postings so that they do not go over 80
columns in length.  Some peoples' terminal screens are incapable of
supporting more than 80 columns, so failing to abide by this may result in
wrapped columns and difficult-to-read posts.  Failure to use 7 bit
characters may also result in strange characters (as in computer
characters, not story characters; strange story characters are expected). 
Use spacing, not tabs.  Standard use of punctuation (one space after commas,
two after periods, etc.) is recommended.

        ***        ***        ***        ***        ***        ***

  "Graphics" occasionally appear in LNH stories.  The Electrocutioner's
Song story, for example, comes complete with trading cards, while Cry.Sig
#5 featured a first-ever "hollow-gram" cover.  Creativity in artistic
supplements is encouraged.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(8) Lists and Stuff - Who to Contact!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Several people have kindly volunteered to keep lists, answer questions,
and help in any way possible.  Here are brief profiles of them:


SCAVENGER (AKA Todd Kogutt)        email: kogutt@ucsu.colorado.edu

  The Big Kahuna, co-leader of the LNH and generally regarded as the high
priest of the LNH.  Scav is the writer of THE 501 BLUES saga and owner of
several characters (Rebel Yell, List Lad, Plot King, and Allusion Lad). 
Turn ons include Vertigo titles and Ron Lim art.  Turn offs are L*bd*ll
written stories, ascribing Southern accents to anyone from the South, and
Image stuff.  He is co-keeper of the LNH roster and administrator of
several others (Typo Lad dictionary, Cliche Dude line list, FAQ, and
dangler/reserved plot list).


DRIZZT (AKA Jeff Barnes)           email: barnejd@wkuvx1.bitnet

  If Scav is the high priest of the LNH, Drizzt is deity-in-residence. 
From high above Net.Earth, he surveys his subjects by means of the
Drizztsat and laughs maniacally at the chaos.  Drizzt is the originator and
writer of CRY.SIG and made the original suggestion for alt.comics.lnh.
He owns the rights to the garishly-garbed cosmic cop Continuity Champ. 
Turn ons include well-written Silver Surfer stories, mindcandy stories
(taste great going down, but not very filling and liable to cause
cavities), and babes.  Turn offs include Ron Marz, Canadian women, liberals,
and profanity.  He gladly volunteers to answer any and all questions, and
is the original compiler of most of the non-roster lists.  Drizzt will be
going to Florida at the end of this semester, depriving us for a time of
his abundant wisdom.


wREAM (AKA Raymond Bingham)        email: s1859@cc.usu.edu

  Third on the Council of Elders is the fun-loving wReam.  If Drizzt is
deity and Scav is priest, then WReam is human sacrifice.  One of the more
prolific character creators on the LNH, wReam's Ultimate Ninja fights for
truth, justice, and any reason he is given.  He is author of the Seize
Dangerous mini and the one responsible for the whole Captain
Continuity/Aunt Comic-Relief mess.  Turn ons include ?, while he is turned
off by ?  wReam, when not having his alter-ego Ultimate Ninja co-lead the LNH
to new heights, helps keep up with the roster.


DAVE VAN DOMELEN                   email: dvandom@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu

  Creator of Sig Lad and Acton Lord (the LNH's version of Dr. Doom), Dave
is always noted for his creative little semi-sigs, each one completely
different from the last.  


TORI (AKA Victoria Fike)              email: vcf1@cunixa.cc.columbia.edu

  The closest thing the LNH has to an archivist (not an anarchist, an
archivist), Tori has almost all the ongoing plots saved not to metion all
the pre-Cry.Sig insanity that went on last spring. (Is that better?  :+)


JEFF THE WONDER LLAMA (AKA Jeff Coleb)     email: jecoleb@eos.ncsu.edu

  Another of the possesors of the most wonderful first name in the world,
Jeff moonlights in the LNH as Multi-Tasking Man and serves as a member of
the Council of Elders.


OBSCURE TRIVIA LAD (AKA Brian Perler)      email: bxp@hertz.njit.edu

  With his comic awareness, Obscure Trivia Lad strives for a greater
understanding of the universe and to get his comics back after his recent
death and subsequent rebirth.  Turn ons include being dead; turn offs
include people who ask questions he can't answer.


KLONE CRIMSON (AKA Mark Friedman)    email: friedman@cis.ohio-state.edu

  The leader of the LNH MUD movement, Mark was the first recipient of a
Scavvie for establishing a WeaselNews server for unfortunate Internet users
without an alt.comics.lnh service.  This server can be reached by using
'telnet' to boa.cis.ohio-state.edu, port 4321.


JEF THE KaTeFan (AKA Jef Kolodziej)  email: v129j6ed@ubvmsb.cc.buffalo.edu

  Owner of the most popular of the Council's Writer Characters, Jef's
Cliche Dude has become the first LNHer to resign for his own adventures
(though he does pop up occasionally).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This document originally compiled by Drizzt the Wonderful (10/30/92)
(c) copyright 1992, the LNH Council of Elders

Currently Administrated by: Scavenger

Xref: sparky rec.arts.comics:23879 rec.arts.comics.xbooks:2342 rec.arts.comics.misc:6136