Once something has been imagined into existence,

it needs to be accounted for logically.

Continuity¹ is a type of etiquette on h2g2 and actually forms the basis of 'threadiquette'. It means you don't imagine things on a thread that are hard for the others to work around or that break the rules the other regulars are following. The law does not prevent anything from being created or imagined, regardless of how improbable or impossible. It only deals with the consequences of that creation within the context of the thread.

Examples

Once, many threads ago, there was a young researcher named Fiend who
would appear in the morning, order coffee, invent someone to serve him, and then go through some sort of Incredible Hulk Routine and leave. On the third morning he departed through a window.

So of course the staff had to call a glazier and sweep up the broken glass and all, his friend 'Dave' had to be accounted for, and later on the staff paid a call on Fiend at his home page. He had the law read to him and the consequences of his actions were described. He was cordially invited to return but not to damage the property in future.



Fiend was extremely apologetic and became a well-liked regular until he
made the mistake of telling a tutor about h2g2. His college immediately
proscribed the site and Fiend bade the café a farewell.

How to Avoid Discontinuity

Advanced Continuity Concepts

Cross-thread Continuity

In some cases, the action of one thread may cross over into another thread. For example, a long-running party thread may stop by the Forum and Firkin to get some more ice, or a tour group might stop for a dip at the swimming pool at the Waterworks and Beach. In these instances, it is up to the visiting group to keep their own continuity while adapting to the continuity of the places they visit.

Mutated Parties and Other Strange Threads

Some threads may internally choose to selectively recognize, bend, or grossly distort the Law of Continuity within their thread. This is acceptable and is established by the local custom and the proprietor of that particular thread. If, however, their anarchy extends outside of the thread (such as firing a scud missile at the Zen Garden and Tea House), they are likely to be declared ineffective -- in essence 'imagined' to an alternate dimension, thus negating any effects of their actions on other threads.

The Sage of Continuity

Hidden in the mists of Moxon Wood, on the side of Mount Sandeverest, lies the pagoda of Asteroid Lil, the Sage of Continuity. She, along with her students, attune themselves to the delicate threads that create this reality, alert to disturbances in the continuum. When major ripples are discovered, they send words of virtue to soothe the continuity and prevent future disturbances.

If you are the recipient of these words, remember two things:

1. The words come from the Five Constant Virtues, which are benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and sincerity.
2. The Superior Entity examines his own conduct and polishes his soul.

Scholars wishing to learn from the sage, or to clarify difficult issues of continuity, may approach the pagoda with their questions. When first speaking, one should address the Sage as 'Venerable One'. Even if the pagoda seems empty, be assured that all questions are heard, and you will receive a response from the Sage or one of her students when the time is proper.

This page prepared by Loremaster Redbeard under the guidance of Asteroid Lil, Sage of Continuity.