Board Thread:Policies/@comment-1713281-20121205070629

Temporary Reality Numbers, or more commonly TRNs, are a tool used by the Marvel Database to classify information for realities that have not recieved official reality designations by Marvel Comics. This thread is to highligh some of our guidelines relating to Temporary Reality Numbers.

In the sections below, you will find some basic info about TRNs, followed by case by case guidelines of how we handle TRNs.

General Info

 * Temporary Reality Numbers are formatted as Earth-TRN###, with the number being determined by the next available number on a sequential list (which can be found here).
 * Once a reality attached to a Temporary Reality Number has been given an official reality designation by Marvel, that particular Temporary Reality Number is retired, and not reused.
 * As detailed below, we here at the Marvel Database have very rigid limits on what does and does not qualify for a Temporary Reality Number. All users are expected to abide by these limit. If you have read these guidelines and rules, and are still unsure, please ask one of our administrators.

Comics
TRNs for realities found in comics are taken as a case-by-case basis, but we can cover a few general topics here:


 * Comics published by imprint labels are currently not covered by TRNs.
 * Licensed properties (Scooby Doo, Star Wars, Disney characters, non-Marvel movie adaptations, etc.) are also barred from having TRNs.
 * In most cases, pre-Marvel comics (those published by Timely Comics and Atlas Comics) do not recieve Temporary Reality Numbers. However, this can be a tricky subject, so please contact an Administrator if you have questions about these comics.

Basically, if the reality is not ruled out by the above points, it must have a difference that both contradicts established, mainstream continuity (Earth-616), and is not an alternate reality with an official designation. Things that would qualify include:


 * Stories set in the future (in comparison to the year of publication)
 * Significant difference in a major character (Wolverine being Chinese, New York City being destroyed, the death of a major character, etc.)
 * Stories that are specifically mentioned in-issue as being apart of alternate realities (Examples include Exiles stories and What If? stories)

Movies and TV Shows
Temporary Reality Numbers can be assigned to films and TV shows that feature characters owned by Marvel Comics. TRNs are not given until a film of TV show is screened to the public. Films and TV shows featuring properties owned by imprint labels (such as the Men in Black series and Kick-Ass) are not covered by TRNs at this time.

Novels
At this time, we do not extend TRNs to novels. There is still discussion between the staff about the best way to catalouge this info, and as such, the current course of action is no action. We will eventually come to a decision on this topic, so stay tuned.

Video Games
Video Games are a tough subject to generalize, but the rule of thumb is that video games from the fifth generation of video game consoles (Sony PlayStation and Nintendo 64) and onward are covered by Temporary Reality Numbers. Those released on systems prior to the fifth generation (Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, Atari2600, etc.) are not covered. If you're not sure where a game falls, feel free to ask an Adminstrator.

Fanon
Temporary Reality Numbers should never be given to fanon pieces, regardless of medium. The Marvel Database does not cover fanon in any way, shape or form. If you wish to give a reality designation to fanon your create, please do so at the [www.marvelfanon.wikia.com Marvel Fanon Wiki].

If you have any questions, feel free to ask below, or contact an Administrator. 