Level IV Characters
From FiranMUX
Contents |
Overview
Players have an opportunity to create one level 4 character. This is accomplished by selecting one of the "blank" characters from the roster and following the character generation procedure.
Restrictions & Policies
All such characters belong to the creators of the game, but special rules apply. First, although these characters can eventually be bumped up in importance, as long as they remain Level IV characters they will not be put on the roster unless staff feels that they have attained such importance that they have become level III characters by default.
Except in that circumstance, however, if the original player-creator is too long absent from the game, or leaves entirely, the character will simply be retired.
When the original player returns, he or she can get that character back. However, effective as of 7/7/2008, no player will be allowed to have more than one Level IV character. Whether your level IV dies, is maimed, gets sent to jail, gets married off to someone old, is exiled, it doesn't matter. You get one opportunity to create an original character on the game.
As an experimental compromise, an exception to this one level IV per player rule is that we will allow you to spend 100 Community Points for another opportunity at creating a level IV character. This exception is subject to change or elimination if we feel that it's being abused. It is our goal to have fewer and higher quality level IVs on the grid as opposed to more and lower quality level IVs like we have now.
Staff is aware that before the policy change, many level IV characters were already in existance. We are going to grandfather them in under the old policy. This means that if, as of 7/7/2008, you already had a level IV character, you may create one more without a Community Point cost.
Level IV characters are limited to specific clans, families, vocations, or any other specifications based on game needs. Currently Level IV characters are restricted to the Griffon Verrader and Istariniad families or the Gold Dragon Aurik, Firabi, or Montigo families. Available vocations are:
armorer artist beggar blacksmith bodyguard bowyer/fletcher carpenter child clothier cobbler cook gladiator guard jeweler lady's-maid lawyer leatherworker locksmith mercenary midwife nanny painter pilot priest/priestess sculptor servant soldier thief trade-official trainer/griffons weaponsmith
There will be some slight variances to this list if a Gold Dragon is selected.
Integrating Your Character Into the Game
One of the largest hindrances for players of level IV characters is that they don't come into the game with pre-set relationships. While that can be daunting, especially if the player is new, it is by no means insurmountable. First and foremost, you want to cultivate and nurture relationships -- and one of the best ways to do so is via spontaneous role play. Below are a few RP suggestions for the hard-pressed level IV to get out there and get RPing!
- Beg in the forum: most level IVs start off relatively poor and
their little nest egg can dwindle fast. Get yourself to the forum (the center of the city, see 'news directions') and hold out your hands for a few coins. You should especially target nobles and silk-clad people. They have the most to offer. Begging is completely thematic and a great way to meet a handful of people!
- Find a sponsor: alternatively, if you don't feel begging is to-
sheet for your character, try hunting down a noble sponsor. The relationship between sponsor and sponsoree is a symbiotic one, which should both create role play and help you get on your feet. Take a gander at 'news sponsor' for more information.
- Find a place to live: one of the first things to do is find a
place to live, if you can afford it. Given that your level IV is brand new to Anarinuell, s/he probably does not know where apartment buildings are in the city. Ask around the various districts for deals, good landlords, nice rooms, etc. Maybe RP getting stiffed by a landlord or finding rats in your brand-new home. Cause a hubbub in the complex and watch everyone move out for better lodgings! Neighbor bonding at its finest. If all else fails, ask around and see if there's anyone with a spare room they'd be willing to rent out.
- Gain employment: while you do have to have a sponsor to sell goods
or ERP, you do not need one to sell EP in the form of code employment. Search out the city and find yourself a rich middle class or noble family to work for. Cultivate those relationships thorough RP over time!
- Host an event: who doesn't like a good drinking contest? or maybe
an impromptu evening at the tavern to discuss that bugger of a woman who turned you down? Get to a bar or a tavern (see 'news directions'), post to 19, and see who turns up! Often, people are just looking for excuses to get together for random role play.
- NPCs are your friends: if things lull a little in a public place,
make up an NPC and RP your interactions with him or her. You could have a little scullery maid form a crush on you or a merchant throw a fish in your face when you ask for fresher food at the market. Invent things and use your imagination! Make sure to give other people entrance to your NPC scene, though -- but avoid having your fish-thrower fling fish at, say, a nobleman. Using an NPC to do so strips the nobleman of his ability to hand out IC consequences. Sometimes NPCs can help draw characters into a scene they might otherwise be reluctant to join in. Just keep in mind: don't go overboard with your NPCs. Attacking an NPC will always require GM interference, so be both subtle and reasonable. Also, keep in mind that NPCs should not be used to do things your own character might do, in order to avoid personal IC consequences.
- Cause minor trouble: there is no need to fear trouble on Firan if you
do it in small doses. Drunken brawling, for example, is perfectly legal. You may wind up in jail for a night to cool off -- but think of the fun RP you just had! And you get a relationship with the guards, your adversary, and the viewers. So, get plastered and pick a fight. Or start a little cat fight in the forum about that cute boy you saw hanging off the arm of some other woman! Trouble, and its consequences, can create some of the longest lasting character relationships.
- Whorehouse fun: whores aren't JUST for men. Women can call on whores
to discretely show them how to better their performance, ask them to teach their husbands new skills, and even get prostitutes to help with their hair or makeup! Or, you could even accidentally waltz inside! Whores on Firan are, thematically, about more than just the ritual/Eesha (see 'help ritual/Eesha'). Male or female, visit them for conversation, advice, and a walk on the wild side.
- Make mistakes: go into the wrong building (IE, that whorehouse) and
find yourself desperately searching for someone ... who simply is not there. Make sure it's a building with people in it and utilize the shout code -- liberally. (help shout) "JOEIK! Where are you?! I'm supposed to meet this guy!..." Or even try to rent a room at a noble mansion ("what do you mean this isn't up for rent?! Look! I have stenis!").
- Get lost: you're new in town, aren'tcha? Suffice it to say, Anarinuell
is a HUGE city and it is doubtlessly easy to get hopelessly lost ICly. Try to go to the Eagle district and wind up in the Chimeran one, for example. See if you can run into people to help you find your way and buy them a drink afterwards as a 'thanks'. Ask for directions but insist that they don't lead you there. See how turned around you can get!
- Run into someone familiar: no, you don't KNOW anyone ... but that
doesn't mean that Mes Jane over there doesn't look EXACTLY like this one girl you dallied with back home. Or that Mer Bob isn't the spitting image of your beloved dad. Pick someone in your past and run with it! "Hey! you! Didn't I tell you to pay up back in Firalut?!"
- Be on the lam!: after you cause a little trouble with some NPCs, exit
quickly and hide somewhere safe, like a temple! Especially a temple that happens to house someone. From there, you can use that person as an accomplice or try to get him or her to leave ... whatever floats your boat.
- Visit the Great Library: the Great Library, located in the Palace District,
is a great and fun source of myths, histories and old speeches. Go there, read a little, and later you might find you have some interesting conversation fodder to talk about!
