KQ Omnipedia:Canon Policy

There are three main categories of information contained in the articles of the wikipedia. The policies below show how to enter such information. Where an article contains more than one type of information, all of the appropriate policies should be followed.

If you have any queries about these policies, feel free to ask about them on the talk page.

This policy is based on SQ Omnipedia:Canon Policy.

'''Note: A new King's Quest has been released, and new information will be added to this wiki. To avoid spoilers a new Spoiler policy has been implemented. See below.'''

Background
Canon (or preferred term 'continuity') refers to the official body of work (or "real world" & "game worlds" as the Companion calls it) related to King's Quest originally published or officially licensed by Sierra (Sierra Activision).

These include the original eight Roberta Williams's KQ games, Wizard & The Princess/Adventure in Serenia, KQ1SCI remake, King's Questions, other spinoff of games (Pinball, Graham's Board Game Challenge, Hoyle, etc), and various assorted game documentation & manuals and other officially endorsed KQ-related material (including Strategy Guides and novels), or any other official material required for the complete King's Quest experience. As well as any future sequels that expand on and directly continue from the original series as well (which are unlikely to have Roberta William's direct influence). However the reliability of individual sources may very.

In general due to the nature of continuity between later games (particularly between KQ1 and KQ3) in the series and other source material, the original KQ1 is considered more reliable than the SMS port or SCI remake, as the original trilogy link to each other in art style and locations (the novelization of KQ1 ties more directly into this version of KQ1's events, see Quest for the Crown: From the Chronicles of Daventry, Part I) and reflects the "real world" of Daventry.

The SCI remake is treated more as a 'reimagining/reboot', or at least an alternate universe, with certain events occurring different than they do in the original, I.E. the order of the treasures and the location of the pebbles (however the Official Book of King's Quest 3rd Edition ties into the remake with its artwork and general order of puzzle solutions/item locations, so there is some room for interpretation/cross over/merging between the two timelines). Likewise, KQ5 pc is considered more reliable than KQ5 port on the NES, etc. There may also be differences between game versions and formats (floppy vs. CD-ROM, or VGA vs. EGA) which may be covered in articles.

King's Questions is an in-house designed King's Quest product, one created between KQ6 and KQ7 (while the questions break the 4th wall at times) is intended to be a piece of the King's Quest chronology and lore (so it is part of the main series, rather than a cross over product). King's Questions has an in-universe backstory (questions asked to the captain of Alexander's ship), but is not a exactly a crossover (see below), but the 'quiz' questions definitely break the fourth wall (and thus have more in common with Hoyle I or Interview with Rosella type material which refer to the 'game development' directly). King's Questions ties in Wizard and the Princess in one of its questions, and also adapts some of the Companion related material into games as well.

The official guides by Peter Spear and Donald Trivette, and other in-house hintbooks (authorized and endorsed by Sierra, including editorial assistance by Sierra employees and sometimes Roberta Williams herself, or other King's Quest producers/developers) are generally considered reliable source of lore and facts.

However, the three spinoff novels which had very little Sierra involvement (and none by Roberta or no known King's Quest developers) are of less crediblity. But at least were considered official continuation by Sierra's promotional department and InterAction magazine (this wiki treats them as more or less equal to other sources). However where differences in story/continuity occurs between the novels and other sources; it will be discussed in the specific articles (i.e. Three-headed Dragon for example: When did the Dragon actually reach Daventry?). The novels also seemingly attempt to merge the Daventry of the KQ1 remake with later games in the series (as well as utilizing elements that appear to be inspired by the earliest AGI KQ games). Still overall as they do very little to actually contradict the games, and take place in periods between the games, they are generally treated as 'equal' on this wiki (other than each book's page pointing out that Roberta or Sierra had little input in their creation).

Further down the list is crossover, easter egg, cameos, and homage material found in other games (what Leisure Suit Larry refers to as the 'Sierra World') as seen in official Sierra games or source material. These include Hoyle games, Rosella's First Quest, The Bookwyrm Investigates: Sierra Characters' Favorite Books, Al Lowe Interviews Rosella, and other Sierra games. While some of this material adds serious background lore to the KQ universe as in the case of Hoyle I, much of this is simply a reference for humor sake (jokes or parodies), and not intended to fit into any shared continuity. However, sometimes this material is a grey area where both new 'lore' is introduced but also from a humorous perspective. Much of this kind of side material maybe added to this wiki as is, where it relates in a particular topic or be given specific articles as well. Sometimes it may just be noted in a list of trivia or notes after the main information part of an article.

A separate source of information altogether is development or post development information from Roberta or other developers. It may include thoughts/opinions as mentioned in interviews, and on chat boards concerning their views, opinions, and factual information about the history of development of the games. Some of this material is flavored with 'hind-sight', 'marketing hype', 'or loss of memory over time', and in some cases contradictions with previous published games/game manuals and other material). Thus it may not be as reliable (and in some cases irrelevant even), to something specifically published (when concerning in-universe lore, history, etc) would be. Even then published works may not always be consistent with each other (see changing dates for certain events; twins birth, marriage, when KQ2 takes place, etc). However, material written by Roberta and physically published, which were intended to expand the universe lore directly (such as material in Hintbooks, Manuals, or Articles) are at an higher or equal status to any other similarly published materials (See game prologues, game synopses articles in KQ5 Hintbook, and The Magical World of King's Quest article from InterAction).

In-universe comments stated (adlibbed on the spot) but not published, such as her statement on archaeology and present Daventry (or Connor only drinks 'rootbeer') maybe supporting evidence (see On the Origin of Daventry), but notb necessary reliable lore on its own. This also takes into account that some of the later games KQ6 for example had less influence from Roberta, and more influence from others developers of the game (Jane Jensen), and KQ7 (Lorelei Shannon). But it is noted that she was overall back to influencing KQ8, and wrote the game's story. Roberta is not involved in the upcoming King's Quest, as that involves a completely new team and separate company (The Odd Gentlemen).

In general all official material is treated as having equal standing (including a mixed-canon or shared universe perspective), including the KQ1SCI remake. However articles are intentionally focused more on the original versions perspective (KQ1AGI, KQ5 PC versions, etc) as the framework of the King's Quest Companion chose to do, and for overall consistency (due to conflicting changes made in the KQ1 remake and later games in the series). This wiki's primary focus is on the original series.

Additional material from the remake (and ports), may be used in overall background and descriptions, but the differences will be pointed out as well in the behind the scenes sections. While general crossover details are generally regulated to notes or trivia sections (or the crossover details de-emphasized, with only a focus on the additional in-universe lore-related details).

Activision as the current owner of the series can choose to reboot, change, reimagine, or ignore aspects of the original canon at any time; As has now been done with the new King's Quest series: King's Quest: The Complete Collection/Your Legacy Awaits). But the new reimagined or future rebooted canons (alternate 'canon') are to be discussed in their own ways (and usually involves dividing topics up into separate 'universes/dimensions', or by new topic titles).

This wiki's main policy is to focus on the original series material, but new canons will also be covered and respected as well (but will not 'overwrite' or replace the classic material). See below for specific details.

The following policies only refer to articles in the main namespace. Pages in other namespaces (such as Help, User or Talk) are not covered.

Information Regarding the Original Series Canon (King's Quest 1-8, Wizard and the Princess/Adventure in Serenia, King's Questions, associated documentation, and novels.)
Information regarding official games, manuals, hint books, and novels are considered official (and canon) and can be entered normally. Any potential discrepancies can be pointed out in the "behind the scenes" section of the article. All articles must be referenced to the appropriate game or documentation as follows:

Articles relating to only one game, or with only very general information
Add the appropriate category to the end of the article. The categories are:

The Original Canon, this category is intended to be used for all overall sources of 'original canon', but not to be used in every subtopic split from those sources. I.E. a game, hint book, or manual, individual magazine article is a source (A topic about "Graham" in the "Original Canon" should not be tossed into this category, although other categories like entire KQ1 category might fit be included).

Topic categories
Categories are specific, and must be based on sourced information. For example there are many classes of magic users, but not ever magic user has every class. Classes include on a character's category must, be reference to a specific source. For example The King's Quest Companion uses 'mage' to describe a handful of characters. Only when 'mage' is used in a source should that category be included. Same goes for 'enchanter', etc. The one exception is generally 'magician' which is often used as a generic title for all magic users in general.

If a character is known to use alchemy/magic apothecary then they can be listed as an 'alchemist'. If they are described as using 'wizardry' they can be categorized as a 'wizard'. But there must be an official reference to the class/type of magic in a source. It's important to note the source in the article itself, whenever possible.

Articles where more than one game is referenced
Each piece of information must be referenced to its particular game. This can be achieved by referring to particular eras within the text (e.g. the KQ1 era) or by using footnotes. For more information on creating footnotes, see the quick reference guide.

King's Quest I SCI (and other ports or remakes)
As noted above King's Quest I SCI is an alternate retelling of King's Quest 1's story. But it maybe considered alternate universe (dimension), or part of a shared universe sharing details form the original and the remake.

In general if following the original universe, see Original timeline (original KQ trilogy + King's Quest Companion, etc), but for shared or alternate universe interpretation, see Novel timeline & KQ1SCI timeline (and Official Book of King's Quest VI).

Similarly other ports such as King's Quest 1 for Sega Master System or King's Quest V on the Nintendo are considered different, and alternate to the original PCVGA version of the game (specifically the original floppy version). But most of the details can be merged (shared universe).

KQ6 Amiga vs the SCI versions (floppy and CD), while based on most of the same resources and graphics, offers some differences in certain puzzles, ending and script.

Some ports the differences are minor, see KQ4 (AGI vs SCI), KQ5 (Floppy vs. CD), or KQ6 PC (Floppy Vs. CD). To be more or less treated as nearly the same game. But might include some script changes (more noticeably in the various versions of KQ5, and the two versions of KQ4).

Then there are the direct ports such as AGI versions from PC/PcJr/Tandy to Mac, or to Apple II, or Amiga. Or the direct SCI ports to other systems such as Amiga, or the SCI games split into specific EGA and VGA versions. These versions remain largely the same on any system they appear on, with the exception of a few changes to sound, music, or colors. With the exception of some minor differences such as in KQ1 PCJR, having a different intro, spelling of Graham's name, and different use of certain assets in KQ1 PCJR, or KQ1 on the Apple II having a different intro theme than the standard Greensleeves. Of course Apple II versions having better music, and extra sound effects. Even among different versions of the same port there maybe differences, slightly altered scripts, or maybe added or removed easter eggs.

See KQ1 comparisons, KQ4 comparisons, KQ5 comparisons, KQ6 comparisons.

King's Quest Chapters: Your Legacy Awaits
The new King's Quest (episodic series) is a special case (similar to the position of the of the KQ1 SCI remake, but goes even further in changing the background and backstories of certain events).

It is the first official game to have almost zero input by Roberta Williams (or at least she had no official position in its making), and has authorized by the current IP owners, and it appears to offer retelling/reimagining of at least one specific event from the previous games through an interactive sequence (and will make references to others).

It is yet unclear if this is perhaps just exaggerated version of the story being told by Graham to his granddaughter, or representative of a new universe altogether, see dimensions, or simply extreme use of 'artistic/creative license' by the developers. The new games website does seem to indicates that it is both a continuation of the original series, but also independent of the original series as well (perhaps indicating some kind of 'mixed-canon'). The designers have later said that the previous eight games are considered canon to the new game. There are certainly aspects that do suggest that the game has taken influence from both KQ1 original, and the remake (the magic shield appears similar to hits appearance in the original KQ1, there is a reference to moat monsters, the external appearance of the well looks largely inspired by its appearance in the SCI remake)

The new King's Quest is being released through the 'resurrected' Sierra Games, and Activison and developed by The Odd Gentleman (although its technically not KQ9, but rather a series of connected adventures (called Chapters)). Articles related to the game will go to these sections.

Add the appropriate category to the end of the article. The categories (for the time being) are:

Although, the original games are considered part of the canon of the new game, the new game is seen as neither a reboot nor necessarily a sequel but a reimagining (while developers deny that this game is a 'reboot', many journalists still refer to it as a reboot in their previews). Certain aspects completely change or ignore backstory from previous games, novels, and books, showing it to be in an alternate universe, with elements of the original series.

The new King's Quest retells/reimagines certain aspects of Ancient Well/Dragon's Lair encounter in the prologue introduction. The first chapter retells the events of the Dragon's Lair sequence in King's Quest I (however, the team has no intention to retell events from any any other game from the series, but only tell stories that take place in between the earlier games).

There are new materials and backstories that completely ignore or rewrite the backstories form the original games, see TOG universe, and TOG timeline for specific details.

While, much of these changes may just be Graham' embellished retellings of his stories to his Granddaughter, and contains misleading and exaggerated tall tales made out of a freerunning imagination (and/also based on her Grandaughter's imagination, influence and perception of the stories he tells), or perhaps an example of liberal use of 'artistic license' being used by the developers, and meant to be part of the 'same universe', at worst it appears to be set in an alternate universe from the original (in the same way that aspects of the KQ1 remake are alternate to the events of the original King's Quest).

An article on Polygon.com supporting embellishment (suggesting it changes each time he tells and retells it) idea states:
 * "No longer able to go on adventures, he instead creates fanciful retellings of his past glories for his granddaughter, Gwendolyn."

Graham seemingly admits concerning his embellished version of KQ1 Dragon's Lair events:


 * "It wasn't exactly how I remembered it, " old man Graham says. "But it wasn't all that different either." This however is both a nod to the audience that things are about to be very different, and also foreshadowing of the previous raid from the main story in the game.

Another article states :


 * The new, episodic King’s Quest features King Graham as a grandfather recalling his youthful adventures as a means to offer advice to his granddaughter, Gwendolyn. This structure grants the freedom, from a storytelling standpoint, to visit several time periods throughout the history of the classic King’s Quest series without rebooting. Throughout, the player is granted the option to play out the tales in ways that emphasize different, distinct virtues both in words and in action, so the stories may even be seen as embellishments by Graham, semi-canonical parables that nonetheless allow us to see more of the series’ rich history and settings.

According to the developers:


 * This isn't a reboot, and its not necessarily a sequel. It's a reimagining. Everything that exists in the past games is still canon." These stories exist between those stories. Over the course of the game players will experience Graham's previously unknown adventures. "We're definitely not retelling the old games...we're nodding to them and respecting them, but this isn't King's Quest 1 HD. The new scenarios deal with some of the blank spots in the King's Quest timeline. How did Graham become a knight in King Edward's Court? How did his young love with Valanice develop? These tales from the past are framed by Graham's present; he is now a very old man, and he is recounting his adventures to his granddaughter, Gwendolyn. She's an energetic youngster who eats up the stories of Graham's exploits, and she is eager to have her own exciting stories to tell...


 * The game is completely reimagined; it’s not King’s Quest IX or anything like that,” Korba explains. “Think about it like when someone reimagines The Wizard of Oz, or Peter Pan. That’s how I see King’s Quest, [as one of] those classic fairy tales that keep being retold and reimagined.”


 * "We're not throwing out the canon that they already established. We're fitting our stories between those, or taking bits of those and reimagining parts of it."Gamespot preview

Matt Korba clarifies in another article which might suggest that the reimagining might go further to change details from what we know:
 * "I look at this the way people might look at The Wizard of Oz or Peter Pan," Korba says. "A sort of classic fairy tale thing and this is our take on it." As such, this new adventure won't drastically alter the canon, but it will update and throw out a ton of references from past games.

This was initially unclear, on if Matt Korba was stating that a ton of references from past games will be made incompatible with the new unniverse, or if the game will make tons of references to past games. But it seems that both are true. It does rewrite a lot of old references, but also makes references to many things only long time King's Quest fans would understand.

This wiki treats the events as they were portrayed in original King's Quest 1 AGI as the true account (as per the King's Quest Companion), and as the primary version of the events (but will make note of the alternative version in KQ9, as it does with alternate material from the KQ1 remake).

If and when the KQ9 only incorporates new material that simply expands upon events from the games these might be included in the normal articles (much as has been done with the KQ1 SCI remake). But should include highlights of the general synopses of the overall story in descriptions, where they are placed in the timeline.

A new system is in use for major details however, new pages maybe needed for topics that discuss and explain new backstories, or all the alternate story differences created by the three virtue system. Graham Cracker for example goes to a page that talks about all the options Graham can do in the new game series, and Graham's new backstory. As this would be much too much material to include in the main Graham article.

But for short material changes, new material, it may share the main article system in the way that the KQ1 remake (or other alternate solutions found in the original games) are incorporated into articles (...i.e.. "alternatively a character may have done this" type description).

The wiki will avoid trying to 'merge' material into the same articles where it is clearly contradictory, and indicative of a parallel universe, unless there is an official 'explanation' given in an official source (or when material are stated to be clearly intended to be part of the same universe). Depending on the quantity of the alternative reimagined events or backstories, it may require that some articles be divided to give more focus on the changes in the material.

In general if the new series, if not intended to be completely, an alternate reality (see embellished retelling of events of KQ1) but rather a kind of 'mixed-canon', and in regards to general elements that do not conflict with the original continuity of the classic games, the new series may be considered a higher level than the three KQ novels (as those had very little input by the IP holders). However, both versions will still likely be listed, and the new game split into full sized articles where it is required.

However, the new series is not necessarily above the The King's Quest Companion (it holds a special case being referenced in primary KQ sources, and was produced with input from the IP holders, and being more in line with the original KQ continuity) or the more serious Hoyle I material, and certainly not above the original games, manuals, and hintbook canon.

The new series maybe seen as a separate canon, but not a replacement of the original canon.

But for the sake of remaining consistent on this wiki, material concerning the original series (published in Sierra's heyday), and the new series material are in general considered separate, and the original series (and related material) considered the 'main canon', and the new series a 'separate canon'.

See TOG universe, and KQ9 timeline for details discussing the differences between the original game universe (Original Games (and King's Questions) + King's Qust Companion + novels + Hoyle I), the KQ1 SCI remake universe, and the new series. See also dimensions.

IF there is a new season later, that also uses the "King's Quest Chapter" titles with Chapter I, Chapter II, etc, then a new system may need to be used, but until then we will stick with the current system being used.

Spoilers
There has been no specific rules for spoilers in the past as this wiki has been largely concerned with the classic games in the series. However, due to the nature that new players will likely come to this wiki with the release of the new King's Quest a basic spoiler policy will be introduced.

A spoiler template must be put in an article or section, concerning the new games. It will be in place in articles for at least two months after each game's release (and/or the release of each new 'chapter').

Insert the spoiler template in an article or section:

Which will produce:

Do not put a spoiler tag on anything that might be of 'speculative' nature based on trailers or released public information. But avoid direct information about how to solve puzzles from officially released interviews or press videos.

Let's play videos should always be under 'spoiler' tag.

Information regarding fan fiction and fan games
Fan fiction and fan games are disputed, and are simply not officially canon. It is unlikely that any decision could be made where all fans agree.

Fan games are non-official and non-canon, but are inspired by the original series. They often reimagine or adapt ideas from the original series, taking them in a different direction. These ideas vary widely depending on the fan development team producing them. For more information see;

POS universe/POS timeline (Phoenix Online Studio), AGDI universe/AGDI timeline (AGD Interactive), IA universe/IA timeline (Infamous Adventures), IS universe/IS timeline (Intermezzo Software), IF universe/IF timeline (Interactive Fantasies), and Js universe (Jstudios)

For this reason, information on fan fiction and games is restricted and allowed only within the guidelines of the following policies:

Fan fiction
Fan fiction should be categorized as. A story should be relatively complete (containing at least a single chapter) and published on a website.

Information from a fanfic may be included in related fan topic, but 'new topics' based only on a single fan fiction reference or should be avoided.

Fan game manuals or related websites are a special case and may be treated as 'part of the game' they are related to for the sake of creating new articles (see The Four Winds).

Cancelled fan games and fan games that are on hold, or vaporware
Cancelled fan games and fan games that are on hold are entitled to one article - no other information should be included in any other article. They must be categorised as. A project website being taken down (or no website to begin within) in conjunction with no active updates, may be considered a "cancellation' for the sake of categorizing things. Active updates in a forum, may count (and it is recommended that links to the updates are made in the article).

When there is no active updates, and it is unknown if the project is cancelled or not; A game may be categorized as. Having a live website related to the game, or acknowledgement that that the game is still being worked on, may be used as supporting evidence. It can't hurt for a member of a developer to add a note to the talk page for the game, with a date, so as show that there is still activity.

No game under these categories are to be listed on the Fan Material main page.

Otherwise rules are similar to fan games as work in progress. There must be a website of some sort, proof of concept work (ingame screenshots or video, not just concept 'fan art').

Fan games whose work is in progress
Fan games whose work is in progress must be categorised as.

Fan games that are expected to be completed are classed as those that have their own website, have recent updates (every 2-3 months) and have provided some form screenshot or concept art.

Fan games whose work in progress must follow the policies set out for fan games that are on hold (see above). That is entitled to one article, and no information should be included in any other article (unless a release is imminent). If updates are routine, it is also entitled to a link from the Fan Material (this will be set up by experienced omnipedia editors). If 2-3 months go by without an update the link may be removed.

Released Fan Games
Fan games that have been publically released are entitled to a Category of their own. This category must be a subcategory of. They are also entitled to a link from the Fan Material (this will be set up by experienced omnipedia editors).

Articles where more than one fan fiction or fan game is referenced
As the canonicity of fan games and fan fiction is disputed, a compromise has been reached. All information regarding sourced from fan games must be contained in its own section entitled "[topic] (unofficial)".

If the material may be split off to its own page through a direct link.

Articles relating to only one game
Articles referring to only one game do not need to use the above heading. Instead they should include the template FanArticle.

Example Usage:

Which Produces:

Spoiler material
There is only one known upcoming fan game (the final part of The Silver Lining), spoiler tag is not essential for earlier parts in the series. But to be fair for players finishing Part V, a two month moratorium will be placed on material concerning the last episode, in which a spoiler tag should be placed in related articles if new information is included. After which the spoilers can be removed, and article material consolidated.

Advertising and Off-topic discussions
King's Quest Omnipedia follows a policy similar to that of Wikipedia (though somewhat looser). But in general, keep in mind that King's Quest Omnipedia is not a soapbox, a battleground, or a vehicle for propaganda, advertising and showcasing. This applies to articles, categories, templates, talk page discussions, and user pages. Therefore, content hosted is not for:


 * 1.Advocacy, propaganda, or recruitment of any kind: commercial, political, religious, sports-related, or otherwise. Of course, an article can report objectively about such things, as long as an attempt is made to describe the topic from a neutral point of view. You might wish to start a blog or visit a forum if you want to convince people of the merits of your favorite views.


 * 2.Opinion pieces. Although some topics, particularly those concerning current affairs and politics, may stir passions and tempt people to "climb soapboxes" (for example, passionately advocate their pet point of view), wikia is not the medium for this. Articles must be balanced to put entries, especially for current events, in a reasonable perspective, and represent a neutral point of view. Furthermore, authors should strive to write articles that will not quickly become obsolete.


 * 3.Scandal mongering, something "heard through the grapevine" or gossip. Articles and content about living people are required to meet an especially high standard, as they may otherwise be libellous or infringe the subjects' right to privacy. Articles should not be written purely to attack the reputation of another person.
 * 4.Self-promotion. It can be tempting to write about yourself or projects in which you have a strong personal involvement. However, do remember that the standards for encyclopedic articles apply to such pages just like any other. This includes the requirement to maintain a neutral point of view, which is difficult when writing about yourself or about projects close to you. Creating overly abundant links and references to autobiographical sources is unacceptable.


 * 5.Advertising. All information about companies and products are written in an objective and unbiased style. All article topics must be verifiable with independent, third-party sources, so articles about very small "garage" or local companies are typically unacceptable. External links to commercial organizations are acceptable if they identify major organizations which are the topic of the article. Wikia neither endorses organizations nor runs affiliate programs.

Non-disruptive statements of opinion on internal policies and guidelines may be made on user pages, as they are relevant to the current and future operation of the project.