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Thread: Character Approval Guide

  1. #1
    Memento Mori
    EXP: 53,567, Level: 9
    Level completed: 96%, EXP required for next level: 433
    Level completed: 96%,
    EXP required for next level: 433
    GP
    7,248
    Witchblade's Avatar

    Name
    Witchblade
    Age
    Unknown
    Race
    Unknown
    Gender
    Female
    Hair Color
    Black, like her soul
    Eye Color
    Crimson
    Build
    5'9 / 130lbs
    Job
    Murderer

    Character Approval Guide

    Greetings fellow writers and welcome to the World of Althanas! This will be a comprehensive guide on how you can quickly get your character approved with little to no hassle. Participants in the ToC will be allowed to register their characters at level 5. This may not mean much to you newcomers to the site, but don’t let the seemingly low level discourage you. It takes quite some time and dedication to reach 5 on Althanas, so consider it a perk for our visitors.

    -----
    The first thing you have to do to be approved is detail your character. This is the basic outline we use on Althanas. You don’t have to use it, but just remember to keep your profile neat and organized.

    Name:
    Age:
    Sex:
    Height:
    Weight:
    Hair Colour:
    Eye Colour:
    Occupation:
    Personality:
    Appearance:
    A good description of what your character looks like, including any scars, tattoos or the clothes that he wears. If those clothes double as armor, they need to be included in the armor section as well.

    Weapons: These are the weapons that your character carries. All of them. Give them a description, intricate or simple, whichever makes you happy. Definite list anything special about your weapons, including enchantments or extra abilities i.e. never grows dull.

    Armour: All of them armor your character wears. Like weapons, makes sure to list anything special about it.

    Skills and Abilities: Here you need to clearly define and list all of the skills and abilities that your character possesses, such as swordsmanship, archery, and magic. You need to describe what spells do what when performed, but feel free to leave these spells open ended so that you’re sphere of light can not only be thrown at an enemy, but can also be used to light a dark passageway.

    History: Rather straight forward, as much or as little information about your characters history.

    -----
    Second, you'll have to limit your character's skills, abilities, weapons and armor to that of a level 5 character. So what does being level 5 mean to you? Well, it means you’re allowed to have a far more developed and stronger character, with more abilities and skills than typical level 0 registrations on Althanas.

    Before we go any deeper, it's probably best to give some important definitions. Skills are inherent character traits (i.e., you run fast or have super strength), abilities are actions that have external affects on your character or others (i.e. fireballs, explosions, healing). You may give your characters a fair number of skills and abilities, but keep in mind that the more you have the weaker they will become. You cannot be a master of everything, after all. The goal with a level 5 character is to strike a balance that is fair to all others at that level, thus we use a sort of balancing test to determine whether your character will be approved.

    The basis for the level 5 balancing test for skills is "average," where average equals the amount of training a regular member of that class (soldier, mage, etc.) would have. The ratings that you can give to a skill, from highest to lowest are: poor, below average, average, above average, advanced, expert, master and legendary. So basically we use the balancing test as such: say you decide you want your level 5 character to have 5 skills. One of those skills is legendary (like super strength). In order to balance your character to get it approved with all 5 skills (including super strength), you might have to make the other skills poor or below average or just drop others off completely.

    These are several examples from different level 5 profiles with links provided to each on the different skill levels with their weapons.

    Fighting Style: Witch is mainly a melee fighter. She prefers to face her enemy than attack them from the shadows like a coward. All of her weapons are melee weapons in support of this and she’s also a very capable fighter when it comes to hand to hand combat, having advanced knowledge of fighting freehanded. She is very adept with all her weapons, having practiced them in life and death situations many times, but she is also quite resourceful with her surroundings. Put almost any kind of melee weapon in her hand and she’ll have a general understanding of how to use it.
    • Daggers – Witch has now mastered the use of her daggers.
    • Sais – She has advanced knowledge of how to use her sais.
    • Projectiles – She has above average abilities with these projectiles, but she can easily increase this to Advanced with the use of her telekinesis.
    • Staff – She’s had her staff for a while but barely uses the thing, as such she only has average knowledge of this weapon.
    • Claws – These weapons coming naturally to her, Witch has advanced knowledge of how to use them.
    • Swordsmanship – Swords were never a weapon that Witch enjoyed using, but used she has a few times. Still, she is no better than the average person when it comes to using a long blade.
    Taken from Witchblade’s Level 5 update.

    Advanced combat: Jame learned the basics of combat from a Sora house matriarch known as Anila. Now he has gained enough experience with his claymore that he could be considered moderately talented with the weapon. It would suffice to say he is above average, though his unorthodox styles and creative thinking may give him advantages over others.

    Unarmed combat: Jame is capable of doing a few things in unarmed combat to severely impair a foe. He is capable of delivering ferocious one handed slams to the ground when he brings his own body down with it. The impact is capable of stunning people for at least three seconds, though generally longer. Jame is also capable of twisting people’s legs around his knee and pressing on them so hard that the pain is practically unbearable.
    Taken from Call me J’s Level 5 update.

    Abilities are balanced the same way as skills, minus the adjectives. A good way to measure the damage of abilities, is light, moderate and heavy. Light damage would consist of bruises, scratch and small cuts. Moderate damage would produce deep cuts, some broken bones, muscles and internal damage, while heavy damage to basically loss of limb or other vital damage to the body in whatever way the skill provides. You'll have to determine the strength and range of your ability based off of "light" damage, or something similar.

    These are some examples of different character abilities at Level 5:

    Clairvoyance:
    Karuka, despite having lost her ability to actively divine, remains the heir to a long line of women with foresight. At this point, this ability will let her see happenings in the world, whether or not they relate to her, but will typically only be the very bad things and will come at the cost of a debilitating headache. She cannot control when they come, but they tend to come when she has nothing else to occupy her mind.

    She can also see things as they relate directly to her, giving her a second's warning or two in combat when she's about to be attacked. Having learned quickly what it means, she's now quick to move once she gets a premonition of danger.

    Clairvoyance Subskill: True Sight:
    Karuka can see ghosts and their ilk as they truly are, as well as lingering magical energies from spells and the like used before she was there. She can also see living souls if actively looking for them. Animals and people show up as figures of light, humanoids brightest of all.

    Woodland lore:

    Having been raised as a Druid, Karuka can find her way more easily through wilderness than civilization, and can recognize various plants as good for food, medicine, or poison.

    Summoning the Totem: When searching for the Heart of Scara Brae in the Liviol Sanctum, Karuka somehow received a small totem of the Sanctum's guardian cat. The totem will allow her to summon the cat twice for a period of 2 consecutive posts in a battle or two minutes in a quest, whenever [color="blue]and where ever,[/color] she chooses, so long as it's within her line of sight. She can also tell the cat who and where to attack if she wishes.

    Like Minds: Karuka naturally has a high empathy, and as such this lets her and almost any beast understand each other's wills. She can't use this to harm the creature, merely to keep it still or maybe send it off. Conversely, she may be able to soothe the beast.
    Taken from Karuka Tida’s update.

    Colossus Strength: Godhand now has the ability to lift a maximum of up to 9001 pounds. He can also snap Mythril and bend Titanium. (Albeit not without some difficulty.)

    Increased attributes: As a result of his exhaustive physical training, Godhand's speed and reaction time have been upgraded to about twice that of the average human.

    Weapons Training: Godhand gains great skill for any weapon he's possessed for three or more levels. This ability works retroactively.

    Wendigo Immunity: Due to Godhand's peculiar biological make-up, he has developed an immunity to any form of skill absorbing attack. None of the swordsman's abilites may be assimilated in any way, shape, or form unless the exchange is done willingly on his part.

    Wall Run: As a result of his extensive martial arts training, Godhand has discovered that he has the ability to focus himself and achieve extraordinary results. The first application he has uncovered is one which effectively frees him from gravity's effects. It allows him to run at full speed on a vertical surface for 40 feet.

    Note: Due to his inexperience with the nature of this focused state, the swordsman must also employ his body's physical prowess to its fullest. He is unable to walk on a vertical surface; it must be a run or he'll simply fall.

    Obtained From Quest:

    Pheromone Aura: During the events of Something Wicked This Way Comes, Godhand was forced to spend a large amount of time in close proximity to an enormous concentration of lustful Moontae Succubi. As a result of the density and unrelenting tide of pheromones, much of the chemical managed to literally get under his skin. As a result, when members of the opposite sex are in proximity to Godhand they are irresistibly drawn to him. The lower the other character’s level, the stronger the effects with a female of level four already enthralled by him fairly intensely. As of the moment he has no idea he possesses this skill. It is passive and constantly in effect.
    Taken from Godhand’s update.

    At a level of five, characters may possess a few abilities that can perform a heavy amount of damage, some that perform moderate and many that perform light damage. Notice that I’m not giving an exact number here? It’s tough to limit character profiles to have only this many abilities. So like before, the less you have, the stronger they may be, but the more you have the more variety you have to choose from. Characters can also have abilities that give them resistances to certain magics, poisons, weather conditions, etc. as well as being able to augment their strength, speed, dexterity, and agility.

    Finally, the average material (metals and woods for weapons and armor) will be steel and yew for the tournament. The tier listing can be found here. If your material is not on a list, just give us a comparative relationship to steel (on the chart). Choose your weapon well because trips to the bazaar between rounds are NOT allowed for the full duration of the tournament. Thus the weapons and armor you start with are the weapons and armor you finish with. Likewise, judges will not grant weapon, armor or item rewards after the battles.

    -----
    Third, after you've made your character sheet, post it into a new thread in the Character and Team Registration Forum. That's all there is to it. After you've posted the thread, one of our tournament moderators will review your character sheet, and if they feel it needs to be more detailed or limited in anyway, they'll ask you to change it. All requested changes should be edited into the original and then you should post to let a moderator know the changes have been made.

    When a moderator determines that your character sheet is acceptable, they will then approve you and you may register your team in the Althanas Invitational (when the registration opens, of course). Remember that when your thread is approved, it will be placed in the Registration Archive - so if you're wondering where your profile is, it's in there.

    If you have questions about registration, please check the information kiosk.
    Last edited by Witchblade; 12-05-08 at 07:18 AM.
    Do you ever Feel like a Monster?

    Do you dare to read The Diary of the Dead

    Have you seen my Hollow Daydreams
    Or listened to this Serenade of Haunting Voices
    Pray for The Heart I Once Had
    Then grant A Rose For The Dead'

  2. #2
    Administrator
    EXP: 81,363, Level: 12
    Level completed: 34%, EXP required for next level: 8,637
    Level completed: 34%,
    EXP required for next level: 8,637
    GP
    535
    Max Dirks's Avatar

    Name
    Max Dirks
    Age
    24
    Race
    Human
    Gender
    Male
    Hair Color
    Black
    Eye Color
    Green
    Job
    Illicit Entrepreneur

    View Profile
    Just a note: you may use an existing character, whether it is from Althanas or elsewhere.

    If that character is from Althanas and is above level 5, it must be toned down (it might be easier to just use your level 5 profile if you have it). If it is below level 5, you may adjust the character accordingly. This is not a permanent change, however. Though you retain all EXP and GP acquired from the tournament, you will revert to the appropriate level (either the same or better) following the tournament.
    Althanas Operations Administrator

    Dirks GP amount: 2949

  3. #3
    Administrator
    EXP: 81,363, Level: 12
    Level completed: 34%, EXP required for next level: 8,637
    Level completed: 34%,
    EXP required for next level: 8,637
    GP
    535
    Max Dirks's Avatar

    Name
    Max Dirks
    Age
    24
    Race
    Human
    Gender
    Male
    Hair Color
    Black
    Eye Color
    Green
    Job
    Illicit Entrepreneur

    View Profile
    Another note: a player pointed out that the difference between skills and abilities isn't clear and it's the truth, they aren't. Skills are inherent character traits like agility, speed, knowledge (which would include aptitude with weapons, etc.). Abilities are actions that can have a tangible effect on your character or others like spells, control over the elements or special moves. We've only differentiated them in the rules because it doesn't really make sense to use the same scale to judge their effects. Like the range and effect of a healing spell wouldn't be average (because you'd still have to describe what average is) and a swordsman's knowledge of his sport wouldn't be heavy damage (anyone can swing a sword to cause damage). If it helps, you can consider them one in the same while creating your character, the moderators will know what to do when they see them.
    Althanas Operations Administrator

    Dirks GP amount: 2949

  4. #4
    Member
    GP
    200
    Fauna Winthrope's Avatar

    Name
    Fauna Winthrope
    Age
    23
    Race
    Human
    Gender
    Female
    Hair Color
    Blonde
    Eye Color
    Blue
    Build
    5'8"
    Job
    Tazlure's Dark Pornchantress, Heaver of Great Bosoms & Prominent Fashion Icon

    *In her Most Hawt Damsel In Distress Voice*

    Oh my! I've been looking around, trying to find your link for "Idiot's Guide On How: To Create a Level 5 Character, Be The Most Popular Girl & Win Self-Respect in Three Easy Steps" but I just can't seem to find it. Can someone please help little old me? *Bats eyelashes*

    *How do you know the number of skills and abilities for a level 5 character? And are Magic Spells separate from Skills and Abilities?
    "Cruelty has a Human Heart,
    Jealousy a Human Face,
    Terror the Human Form Divine,
    and Secrecy the Human Dress."

    -- William Blake
    -----------------
    Will work for FASHION!
    -----------------
    TAZLURE FTW!
    -----------------
    imageĀ©Amoka.net/hosted by imageshack.us

  5. #5
    Member
    GP
    300
    noodleguy's Avatar

    Name
    Lice Grumalth
    Age
    20
    Race
    Goblin
    Gender
    Male
    Hair Color
    Bald
    Eye Color
    Green
    Build
    5'3"
    Job
    Town Guard

    Uhhhh, I'm not a mod so am I allowed to help people out? I think these are some easy questions to answer though...oh well. Don't take anything I say as god-given truth, because I very well may have no idea what I'm talking about ^^

    Fauna,

    The guidlines for what is a "level 5 character" aren't terribly strict. There's no specific number of abilities or anything that you can have. Not many limitations here. If you're too strong, a mod will gladly set you straight. *grumble, grumble, stupid Witchy* In general, the more abilities you have the weaker they should be and the less you have the more powerful you can make them. Try looking at some profiles that have been approved, they can be good guidlines for about how powerful you want to be. Otherwise, don't worry too much.

    Magic SPELLS would be a subset of Abilities, if I am correct.
    Magic in general (like an aura or something, or magicly enhanced speed, etc.) would be skills.
    I set it off seperately, just to make it easier to understand. Once again, look at a few approved profiles for some good examples of how to do stuff. You could just make a heading called Magic and put the stuff underneath it.


    Hope that helped.
    -Noodle
    "Just as every cop's a criminal...and all the sinners are saints..." -- Mick Jagger

    "Battle not with monsters
    lest ye become a monster
    and if you gaze into the abyss
    the abyss gazes into you." -- Friedrich Nietzsche

    "No man chooses evil because it is evil; he only mistakes it for happiness, the good he seeks." -- Mary Wollstonecraft

    Lice's Profile: Level 0
    Tournament Profile is found here.


    Thanks to MadGoblin for the awesome avatar picture!

  6. #6
    Iwishlifehadcheatcodes
    EXP: 23,421, Level: 6
    Level completed: 49%, EXP required for next level: 3,579
    Level completed: 49%,
    EXP required for next level: 3,579
    GP
    4,371
    Taskmienster's Avatar

    Name
    Einar Fenrisson
    Age
    30
    Race
    Human
    Gender
    Male
    Hair Color
    Brown, buzz cut mohawk
    Eye Color
    hazel
    Build
    6'2" / 315
    Job
    Outcast Noble

    View Profile
    For the ease of looking over the profiles, or for your own writing ease, I'd suggest separating magic from abilities and skills. Unless you don't feel like it... lol. If that's not the most vague and ho-hum answer I've ever given I don't know what is.

    Honestly, what noodledude said was pretty much spot on. The more abilities you have the weaker they're going to be, whereas the stronger the abilites the less you should have. However, I've also been looking at the types of metals the weapons are made out of, as well as the types of weapons, and making it all rather equal to a level 5 character.

    That being said, it's up in the air. I've gone through a couple profiles and said they could make their character stronger and add something more if they wanted to, but for the most part we're going to help you with whatever.

  7. #7
    Member
    GP
    55
    Crystal Suncrest's Avatar

    Name
    Crystal Suncrest
    Race
    Fairy
    Gender
    Female
    Hair Color
    blonde
    Eye Color
    blue
    Build
    6 inches/ less than a pound
    Job
    adventurer

    Ok, so here's a question. people with level 0 profiles would have obviously upgraded thier weapons and armor materials by level 5. now, I know you said the average weapon material was steel, but does that mean you can't start with anything higher? I guess what I'm asking is what is the best way to determine your weapon's material... Or are all weapons considered steel?
    How strong is Crystal? Strong enough to carry a purse full of money and a fork.

    To avoid any misunderstandings, Crystal Isn't as brave as she appears. She is just too inexperienced to know that she needs to be afraid.

    Check out all 16 of my usernames: Edward Judorne, 2-in-1, Camella, Shell, Mellissa, Crystal Suncrest, Jack Lancer, Gem, Unlucky, Dallas Texas, Claudia, Karla, Krista, Fizzler, Satin, and Mink

    Now with New clothes

  8. #8
    Administrator
    EXP: 81,363, Level: 12
    Level completed: 34%, EXP required for next level: 8,637
    Level completed: 34%,
    EXP required for next level: 8,637
    GP
    535
    Max Dirks's Avatar

    Name
    Max Dirks
    Age
    24
    Race
    Human
    Gender
    Male
    Hair Color
    Black
    Eye Color
    Green
    Job
    Illicit Entrepreneur

    View Profile
    Weapon materials work the same way as abilities. You give something to get something, essentially.
    Althanas Operations Administrator

    Dirks GP amount: 2949

  9. #9
    Member
    GP
    200


    Name
    Zach Valkov.
    Age
    16 Year's Old in Apperance. Unknown in Age.
    Race
    Undefined.
    Gender
    Male.
    Hair Color
    Red.
    Eye Color
    Hazel.
    Build
    6'1, 120lbs
    Job
    Assassin of the Valkro Mountains.

    Profile.

    How Do I Make My Profile Look Like That? I've Been Looking Around And I Can't Find Out Where To Go To Make It Like That!

  10. #10
    Iwishlifehadcheatcodes
    EXP: 23,421, Level: 6
    Level completed: 49%, EXP required for next level: 3,579
    Level completed: 49%,
    EXP required for next level: 3,579
    GP
    4,371
    Taskmienster's Avatar

    Name
    Einar Fenrisson
    Age
    30
    Race
    Human
    Gender
    Male
    Hair Color
    Brown, buzz cut mohawk
    Eye Color
    hazel
    Build
    6'2" / 315
    Job
    Outcast Noble

    View Profile
    This was for the tournament, but I'm sure that we can help you out with Althanas specific profiles.

    When you are ready to post your profile, you should do so as a new thread in the forum at the top of the page labeled Character/PG Registration

    Within that forum there are a few specific links that can help you.

    RoG and Althanas FAQ is a compelation of how to start on the site. It will guide you on how to make your first character, as well as little things that may help in it's creation. Please follow that, and when you are completed and post your character remember do not submit the thread for judging... just leave it there and a moderator in charge of assisting new profiles and approving them will be in shortly to ask for edits so that the character will be appropriate, or approve the character.

    If you need help with creating your profile and would like to talk to staff in charge of that area specifically you can contact us; that thread had all the information on the people involved in that specific area of the site for you.

    Hope that helps!

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