About
OTHERSWAP is a fan project that asks the question: "What if character A switches places with character B?" This premise for UNDERTALE was originally popularized by the Underswap AU created by popcornpr1nce. OTHERSWAP differs from it by featuring alternative character pairings and preserving the original personalities. Additionally, the Holiday family (first introduced in DELTARUNE) takes the place of the Dreemurrs.
The story of OTHERSWAP generally follows the one present in UNDERTALE: A human falls into the Underground, a place populated by monsters who are trapped by a magical barrier. In OTHERSWAP, the protagonist also has the ability to use MAGIC and it is up to them how to use it in their journey.
As characters retain their original personalities and motivations, some details in the story of OTHERSWAP change to accommodate them. For example, Undyne and Alphys live together while Papyrus and Sans have a strained relationship due to their busy careers. Other details have been kept the same, or as close as they can be, such as the transgender characters Glam Glitter-kun and Maddaton (Mettaton and Mad Mew Mew).
An FAQ can be found here, based on the most common questions we have been asked as of July 2023.
Important
At the time of this writing, July 2023, only the first two chapters of DELTARUNE have been released. OTHERSWAP uses a fanmade design and characterization for the character Dess (December Holiday) and omits Mayor Holiday altogether. Although Dess takes the role of Toriel in this AU, she is still Rudolph Holiday's eldest daughter and is acknowledged as such within the story. If Dess' design is revealed in an official capacity sometime in the future, her design in OTHERSWAP can change to reflect it without issue.
The first fallen human is adopted by the Holidays and switches story roles with Noelle Holiday, the youngest daughter. OTHERSWAP bends the rules of UNDERTALE's established canon a bit so that it is the human's essence who becomes Flowey, and Noelle who is awakened by the protagonist when they enter the Underground (explaining why they can use MAGIC).
This started as an AU created between friends for themselves. While most of the characters are (or use) canonical UTDR designs, W.D. Gaster technically does not have an officially recognized design. Or characterization. Or clear explanation about his involvement. I was allowed to insert my own OC into the role, or rather I was allowed to create an AU version of my OC to fit it. Think of it as a So Sorry situation, except I'm paying with fan labor instead of money. If you would prefer to imagine the more popular fanon interpretation of W.D. Gaster keeping his role in OTHERSWAP's story, that's just fine. However, the story of OTHERSWAP will reference the other guy where applicable so please keep that in mind.