How to Process a Relationship Update

From FiranMUX

You've just seen the posting for @helprequest #8675309 for a relationship update. In the following examples, we are going to work on updates for Zhugo, a soldier in the Chimera Clan. Note: Zhugo and other characters listed on this page are not actual characters on the game.

1. @helpreq/claim 8675309 -- this is essential to prevent two Player Helpers from working on the same @helpreq, duplicating work, confusing the playerbase and wizards alike. Bad juju, don't do it!
2. @ph/update for Zhugo -- this sends @mails to the active (alive, not on the roster) characters that Zhugo currently has listed on his @sheet/relationships, listing the current relationship (not secret), and informing the players which PHer is handling the @helpreq.
3. @bb/post 22/UPDATE: Zhugo - This goes out to everyone who subscribes to the Updates bulletin board. Some PHers use humor, others are matter-of fact, but the post should be clear that you are requesting that players submit updated relationships to you, written from Zhugo's perspective. Also be sure to note that secret relationships should be submitted via @request. Substantive updates earn players 1/2 a CP, using the @tally command.
4. Typically, PHers wait 10 to 14 days for updates to be sent in. At this time, they should read through the submitted relationships, comparing the new version to the old, editing as necessary, as well as the rest of the relationships on Zhugo's @sheet. An easy way to do this is to type @family Zhugo and then use @relationship/view Zhugo/Fulden (to check his relationship to Fulden).
   1. I know sometimes it's easy to glance over relationships submitted for updates and send in the @request, but before you do so, please take the time to look over all the relationships for Zhugo, not just those that are submitted.
   2. Ensure that the tense of the relationship is consistent. If Zhugo is no longer in touch with Fulden (due to death, moving out of the city or clan, etc.), the relationship should not read as present tense.
      1. Zhugo and Fulden used to share stories over a few pints at the Glassworks every now and then.
      2. Rather than:
      3. Zhugo and Fulden spend their free time sharing stories and pints in the Glassworks whenever they can.
         
   3. If Zhugo knew Paxton when they were both children, it's great to reference that, but be sure the relationship doesn't read as if they are still children.
      1. Paxton's favorite game as a child was to stage dramatic pratfalls in front of girls, to get their attention. Zhugo has always been envious of Paxton's ability to talk with girls, even to this day. Now as a clan minister, Paxton helps keep his clan on its feet, and recently swept Shatha, one of the prettiest poets in Aerval, off hers. Their wedding was very romantic...
      2. Rather than:
      3. Paxton knows the best ways to get a girl's attention! He's always falling at their feet, literally, and they always think he's so sweet. Zhugo's envious of his ability to talk with girls. Now Paxton's a clan minister, Shatha's husband and parent.
         
   4. Obviously, you don't have to rewrite everything, but make sure it flows. If Zhugo's relationship to Uelish states he proposed to Bellina, but Bellina is now married to Eloras, mention that it didn't work out, and why, if you can veriy that. Obviously, you may not know everything about their relationships, but try to fill as many holes as possible, so the incoming player doesn't hit a bunch of dead ends as they explore the grid.
   5. Also, be on the look out for spelling and grammar mistakes. There are online resources at Dictionary and Thesaurus if you don't want to run the text through a word processor.
   6. If a relationship is insanely long, PLEASE shorten it. A PC does not need a 4 paragraph relationship to... pretty much anyone! Just chop it down; make sure important info is kept, keep the flavor of the relationship, but nix all the meaningless trips to the forum the spent throwing daisies at people. We get it. They were pals!
5. Take a look at Zhugo's background and personality. If it is still written from a child's perspective, this needs to be updated, to reflect his current status. If all of his goals have been met, use your creativity, his relationships, and your knowledge of the Firan landscape to create new goals. Updating the background and personality are more work, but if done well, will earn you more CP than updating relationships alone.
6. Read help @relationship for admin to see the format in which you should submit the relationships. When there is a direction to see a news file, please capitalize the name
7. When you have everything updated to the best of your ability, it is time to write the @request. (if you have a lot to submit, you will want to break it into multiple parts, particularly if you have background/personality updates)
   1. @request UPDATE: Zhugo=@relationship/other zhugo=fulden/Zhugo and Fulden used to share stories over a few pints at the Glassworks every now and then. %r%r@relationship/sibling zhugo=Uelish/Zhugo and Uelish fought constantly as children, and even to this day, they argue quite a bit. They had a spectacular row the night Uelish announced he intended to propose to Bellina, a jeweler of the Griffon Clan. It was so bad Uelish had to visit the clinic, and by the time his wounds had healed, Bellina had accepted Eloras' proposal. Zhugo hopes Uelish will forgive him for the fight, but thinks he'd be better off with a mes from their own clan. etc.
8. Use @tally/add update=Fulden/helping with character updates to award tally points (which combine to form CPs) to those players who submitted substantive updates for Zhugo.
9. @helpreq/finished 8675309=Submitted updates as @request 555693, awarded tallies to Fulden and Uelish. to add to your @phreport.
10. When the @request has been finished by a wizard, you will receive Community Points for your efforts, and Zhugo will be put on the roster, available to be taken by a player.

Note: Feel free to discuss with other PHers if you're having trouble, sometimes another person will have a different perspective that will make the difference.