GoArch:Apocrypha

Apocrypha is a catch-all term for things that aren't quite canon, but which meaningfully contribute to the broader D'ni universe. Based on feedback provided to the Guild, apocrypha lives on the Main namespace of the Archive alongside all other canon content.

Indicating Apocrypha

All apocryphal articles must include the {{Apocrypha}} template at the top of the page. This adds a special badge to the article (as seen at the top-right of the page, across from the title) and automatically includes it in the Apocrypha category.

Acceptable content

Research topics

This covers things like the history of D'ni architecture and other such subjects which are based on canon material, but which have to take new creative liberties with the material.

Descriptions of fan-created content

Articles describing Ages created by community members (such as the Guild of Writers, or Unwritten RPG contributors) are the most obvious source of material, but things like the Lara Documents are also an excellent fit.

Apocrypha of this nature must be sourced to an original location outside the Archive. Be sure to include any necessary links or bibliographical information in a "References" section at the end of any Apocrypha article.

Ret-conned official content

Occasionally, Cyan publishes something which contradicts their earlier work. This includes things like "Trap Books", or even the implied location of D'ni in the Book of Ti'ana. Some licensed material, such as the Myst comics created by Dark Horse Comics in the late '90s, may also contradict official canon. Any such contradictory material should also be classified as Apocrypha.

Non-contradiction

Fan-created Apocrypha should ideally comply with existing canon, and not contradict any other fan-contributed projects that have already been posted. Generally, this material will operate on a first-come, first-claimed basis, creating a sort of unofficial extended universe out of whatever is agreed to first. Content that does not comply with this requirement will be flagged, and if the issues are not corrected in a timely manner, it will be removed. Should Cyan add new elements to the official canon, all content that does not comply—even previously-approved content—will need to be flagged for modification.

Separate from this is the possibility for creating some sort of process that involves Cyan giving some sort of official approval to a fan project or piece of content. This was originally proposed back in 2008, shortly after GameTap shut down Myst Online, but it was quickly put onto Cyan's infinitely-large "back burner". RAWA developing a brain tumor has no doubt further complicated the prospects of reviving this process, but it may be worth re-proposing at some point.

Moderating content

This material has the potential to become notably contentious, especially in the event that projects within it begin to overlap and contradict one another. If necessary, new moderators will be promoted to help deal with disputes.

Do Not Post (DNP)

Before posting Apocrypha content that does not belong to you, please consult the DNP sub-page. If the person who owns the content you want to post is listed on the DNP page for any reason, do not submit their work. If you wish to have your name added to the DNP list, please email dnp@guildofarchivists.org. You may specify whether you want to keep your material off of the Archive entirely, or only allow content to be submitted by you personally. If you prefer the latter, please be sure to register for an account and include your username in your email so that we can verify whoever is posting.