System

System describes the gameplay mechanics and other "behind-the-scenes" operations of a ZTG story (typically referred to as a Zetictech Role-playing Game or "ZTRPG"). Because of the metaphysical nature of many such stories, System is sometimes considered part of the narrative, and included in transcripts.

Omegas and Avatars
Omega-Class Entities, and by extension their Avatars, can become privvy to System functions and narration to varying degrees. This ability ranges from telepathically "reading" narration, to outright manipulation of System functions.

System Symbols
The primary format for ZTRPGs is text-based, tabletop gameplay. A number of symbols are used in text to indicate formatting and modes of text.

Brackets
[System text is enclosed in brackets such as these.]

For the most part, bracketed statements are kept on their own lines, separate from narration. However, when circumstances call for the realization of the metaphysical, System commands can be integrated into narrative. This varies from simply [Having System commands in the middle of narration] to dropping the brackets entirely and integrating System operations into the narrative itself.

For instance, If the character in question is aware that they're in an RPG, they may directly envision System mechanics as part of everyday life, and that recognition should herald the integration of System into narrative.

Bubbles
((Out of character text is enclosed in double-parentheses such as these.))

Also referred to as "double bubbles", "mun-bubbles" or "bubs". A call to "bubs up" indicates that a game is about to begin, and signals participants to start putting bubbles around their out-of-character text.

As with other System functions, characters with transcendent properties may gain the ability to read and react to bubbled text. This ability only works when bubbled text is used, as opposed to when out-of-character text is kept to a separate channel.

Arrows


The -d Mark
Players and the DM end their turns with "-d", short for "done".

The -s Mark
When a player or the DM wishes to make a half-serious, sarcastic comment in-character, they may do so. Such comments should end with "-s", short for "sarcastic". These comments may be removed from canon transcripts, but should be preserved elsewhere for later entertainment.