PP Guide

Images used are from HP (Diagon Alley, Hogwarts, etc) or free stock sites, though staff may edit them or add magical elements. They'll be part of a theme, such as "birthday" or "travel" or "first trip to Diagon Alley". Simply pick one to use as your memory prompt. It's first come, first served; once an image is chosen, it's unavailable for others. This is your character's memory. It can be good or bad, or even just a notable time / milestone in their life.

Reply to the Memory Submission thread to add a memory. It can be RP'ed or told as a story -- but isn't meant to be your character actually recalling / retelling it themselves. The image's details should be incorporated -- location, items, setting, and even if someone's wearing a particular colour of dress etc. You don't have to mention every little thing, but the memory must be consistent and influenced by your chosen image.

These memories are not random moments created for the sake of participating; they become canon to your character's history and experiences.

This isn't a contest, but there are rewards. Your memory earns 7 Galleons for completion -- then, from that list of participants, a name is randomly drawn from a hat to determine which character receives a bonus 250 Marauder exp.

Each round is a theme. Each theme contains 9 images to choose from. They are fully open to interpretation, but must still fit with HAU's world and canon. Though there's no set schedule for when a new round begins, the theme can only change when at least 5 images are chosen. If none suit your character or inspire you, we recommend waiting for the next round. Several themes are revisited later on, with different images. Any images leftover (not picked) are stored and may be reused later also.

Sometimes, memories aren't just our own. Collaboration is allowed for characters who have shared history -- the first time they met, what started a huge rivalry, or even siblings who grew up together. These experiences are not excluded; you're welcome to PM/etc another member and have them help write portions of the memory. How you tell it is up to both of you.

Each member whose character is in a memory must agree with the results. Though both characters receive the 10 Galleons, only the person submitting can be entered into the exp draw. To confirm agreement and collaboration, the other person must click the "like" button for the submission post for the memory to be approved. 

When first submitting a memory, also make a thread in the Picturing the Past section. Much like a character plotter, you can name and style the first post however you want. It'll be replied to with your memory categories when needed. Once approved, the memory and image are added to your PP thread. The more you participate, the more your character's past is explored.

If shared, the memory is added to the PP threads of all involved so each participator requires one. Once these memories are established, it's intended that they aren't removed or altered. If a member leaves the site, any memories associated with their character/s are removed or changed to exclude them.

• A post count of 50 or higher is required to participate -- this includes collaborations.

• A memory should be within 400 - 850 words. If it's a little over, that's fine, but it cannot be less than 400 words. We encourage details on what's happening and how it impacted your character at the time.

• Keep your character's profile information and history consistent with their memories -- their blood status, how they get along with family, where / how they were raised, and their exposure (or lack thereof) to muggle or magical things. If you can make it work and it's realistic / blends well, that's fine. By HAU standards, denim is regarded as strictly muggle clothing. Everything else works for either muggle or magical.

• Images with people must fit your memory. If it's your character as a kid, it should resemble them. The same goes for direct family members. Otherwise, it can be a friend, distant relative, or even a stranger. Please be mindful that children aged 6 - 10 are ideal for being younger versions of a character; if an image could be used by many characters, yet doesn't resemble yours, consider choosing another unless your heart is set on it.

• All memories occur in the past, prior to when you joined the RPG. It can't be something that was actually RP'ed or happened while that character's account existed. This includes collaborations.

• These events are something your character remembers to some extent. Aim for them being aged 6 or older, though a particularly big or traumatic memory might work for ages 4 or 5 but are less likely to be approved. If a collaboration, only one character has to be old enough to remember (such as being the older sibling). As with all site rules, nothing too graphic or mature is to be used / shown regardless of context.

• Your memory needs a title that includes your character's age. Example - "Age 7: A Gardening Mishap". This is important for archiving purposes. You can only pick 1 image per round / theme. If it was a collaboration, tag them in your post.

• Though we try to be as inclusive as possible, please understand that some themes might not apply to your character -- this is most likely to happen for younger students. We also rely on free stock images are available; at times, there may be less to choose from of a certain race, scenario, or otherwise. We often save more than 9 for a theme, and thus must narrow it down to the best and or most varied ones to release.