Welcome one and all to the rules for writing my current fanfic: Transformers Energized (I honestly couldn't come up with a better name). So here are the rules. And as always, Hasbro and the Japanese company I keep forgetting the name own Transformers and everything having to do with it; I just write fan fiction based on the source material. Also, I will post the next chapter after a few days once I get reviews and questions.

1. They MUST have appeared in at least g1, animated, or the movies, and cannot have names given to them by fans (like 'Steve').

The reason for the first two is simple: those two have the most characters out of any continuity of The Transformers (plus I've seen enough of both), and the latter because EVERY Transformers fan has seen at least ONE of them (to which, I had the misfortune of seeing FOUR). The last part of the rule is due to generic characters such as the 'vehicons' being given names by the fans, and this part leads us to our next rule:

2. I will NEVER add original characters (apart from my own) no matter how many or how badly they are requested. Only redesign ideas are allowed (as long as they fit into the 'classic' g1 style).

This is my second biggest rule (it's number 2 for a reason). The main reason I will NOT take requests to insert YOUR original characters, is because this is HEAVILY based off of original material (for most of the characters in terms of design at least). I will take requests for redesign of character models, personalities, or a complete overhaul of the character, even though WILL is a strong word since only about one or two requests give or take will be fulfilled (I'll be honest, I actually don't like some of the character designs in g1). G1 style is basically human looking robots wearing armor like helmets, despite the 'helmets' actually being part of their head or face.

3. I will avoid taking requests that are ideas for full blown chapters, or suggestions that are the premise for the main plot of a chapter. I might take requests for character arcs, but not for what kind of chapters are for said arc (because micromanagement sucks).

This is actually part two of the previous rule, because this is a FAN fiction, not a FAN CLUB fiction (although, this is probably what this site probably should be renamed to). This is to avoid spoilers, give me the freedom, and, most importantly, TO NOT RECYCLE PLOT FROM PREVIOUS CHAPTERS (or 'episodes' if you like). The example for the former is: character 'x' wants to propose to character 'y', but characters 'a', 'b', and'c', kidnap character 'y'. An example of the latter is: team 'b' wants to kidnap a few characters to use as BATTERIES (spoilers). Requests for character arcs are allowed, even though it'd be MADNESS to give each and every character their own arc considering the size of the cast, but DO NOT tell me exactly what they should do or what will happen in their character arcs for the stated reasons above.

5... No... 4. I may consider changing genders of certain characters if either a: they have very little appearances outside g1, animated, or BOTH (at least that I'm aware of, since I don't read the comics); b: they have no 'canonical' (or rather consistent) gender in both or either (I.e. A character is male in g1 but female in animated); or c: if I feel it fits their personality.

Even though I'm not 100% onboard with the idea of them having genders (THEY'RE ROBOTS, COME ON), I may consider changing their genders (as well as maybe give them a design overhaul) when the need arises.

5. Already existing characters (for example: Wheeljack) must have designs as close to the original source material as possible, this ALSO includes the live action films (because calling a pink female Bumblebee who can invent stuff 'Wheeljack' is NOT that character AT ALL). Same thing for personalities, although this is sort of an inverse of rule 4.

This rule alone is what draws the line from a fan made character, and a trademarked character. Suggestions for personalities are allowed (considering the amount of personality the g1 cast had), but only if said character was a background character (which background characters also apply to rule 4), or if I feel the character lacks enough personality to require a complete overhaul. ('Character' and 'personality' are two VERY different things, and a sexy voice is part of CHARACTER not PERSONALITY)

6. Like with 5, I will try to use names that are most consistent with design.

This may be one of my most confusing rules yet. Take Bonecrusher for example. In the original, he is a bulldozer; however, he is a completely different vehicle in the live action films. Scavenger has the opposite problem. The most infamous has to go to one of my most hated (not for the character itself) transformers ever: Octane (I know this will anger a lot of people, and yes, I am calling him 'Octane').

7. 'Canon' (as in this story's canon) shipping is a big no-no (meaning pairing two or more characters in a way that isn't a friendship or simply working together is prohibited).

I just wanna drive y'all crazy with this rule by making every one of you shout into your screens who should be with who when it will NEVER happen.

8. No characters that turn into inanimate objects, bikes, or fauna. They can be included, but they MUST turn into a vehicle with at least 4 wheels, and or seat more than one person (it has to be powered too of course).

There are transformers who's character I like, but I just hate their alternate mode, which is why this rule exists.

And those are the basic rules for my story. I will leave you some sneak peaks to give you an idea of what's to come:

New characters: hint #1: Egypt. Hint #2: Wheeljack's look-alike. Hint #3: evil Wheeljack. Hint #4: Mega Man 5. And hint #5: rule 6.

Upcoming future chapters: Dude, where's my_? _ in the _. Seeing _. And finally: Thicker Than Water. (The last one was the actual title, you'll have to fill in the blanks on your own, and two of the hints for the characters above are also shared by one character which makes this a bonus hint).