Game Mechanics Guide

Posting Order

• The turn order in threads is determined by the posting order of players, and it is on a first come first serve basis to enter into any active threads.
  
• Regular threads can accommodate up to 10 players, while threads with the Quest Tag are limited to 4 characters to enhance efficiency.
  

Posting Time Limit

• Each player has 72 hours to make their post once it's their turn. This ensures a reasonable pace and respects the time of all participants. A player is still able to post after their 72 hours are up, so long as they do manage to respond before anyone else who posted after them originally.
  
• If a player fails to post within the time limit, the next player in the posting order can proceed, and the skipped player may only catch up when it becomes their respective turn again within the post order.
  
• Optionally, a player can get Out of Character permission from the other player's within a thread to post out of order, but try not to do this too much for the sake of the thread's timeline.
  
• Normally, not posting within the 72 hours mark is fine, however keep in mind several things:
  
  • If this happens in a Combat Thread on a post after an attack was made against the person who didn't post in time, the attack is guaranteed to hit unless the person who posts next otherwise somehow stops the attack; i.e. Person A, Person B, and Person C are in a Combat Thread, Person A swings their sword at Person B, Person B forgets to post within the time limit before Person C posts, unless Person C somehow intercepted the sword in their post, Person B got hit by the attack from Person A
    
  • Consistency of this during Combat Threads can then lead to a character's death, and the death would be considered fair due to these rules being in place; so it's recommended don't get in a Combat Thread unless you are sure you will be able to post, or the other(s) in the thread will be lenient
    
  • Repeatedly not posting in any thread as an attempts to do things such as, stall for other players, stall for something to happen throughout the world (such as an Event), or just no specific reasoning can merit Warnings and eventual Temporary or Permanent Bans if it's deemed to be too frequently by Staff. Generally speaking, these won't occur unless other player's are starting to become frustrated due to it.
    
  
  
  

Thread Tags:

• Certain types of Threads will require certain types of Tags in their thread name to better distinguish what is actually happening within the thread.
  
• All Tags are placed within square brackets like [these] ones, and the list of ones currently used on site are as follows
  
  • [Quest]- This Tag is used for Quest Threads
    
  • Ex: The Grand Heist [Quest]- Characters posting in this thread are doing a Quest revolving around a heist
    
  • [Combat]- This Tag is used for Threads with their full intent revolving around Combat
    
  • Ex: Like David and the Goliatte [Combat]- In this Thread, David is in a Combat Quest against a Goliatte
    
  • [Major]- This Tag is used for Threads that are considered to be big decisions, such as entering/exiting a City, a coronation, leaving a Kingdom, etc
    
  • Ex: A Crown For A King [Major]- Characters posting in this thread are witnessing or involved in a coronation
    
  • [Private]- This Tag is used for Threads that are only enterable with OOC or IC permission from whoever made it; these are only permissible within a city, any made in the Wilderness will be treated without having the [Private] tag
    
  • Ex: A Clandestine Meeting [Private]- Characters posting in this thread are engaged in a secretive meeting
    
  • [Letter]- This Tag is used for Threads where a Letter is sent via a raven, wolfdog, or other message carrier. These ones are unique in which they can be intercepted by someone who Invades the Thread at it's IC Location, more on this in Invading Threads; if it's not invaded, the Letter arrives in 48 OOC hours. The person it's being sent to can send one letter back as a response in the same thread, if it doesn't get invaded. These kinds of threads will be monitored for abuse to prevent instances of major metagaming from happening.
    
  • Ex: Masquerade Invitation [Letter]- The character who made this thread is sending an invite to a ball to someone else
    
  • [Event]- This Tag is used for Threads that are a part of a Site-Wide Event.
    
  • Ex: When Duskfall Falls [Event]- Characters within this thread are participating in The Gloaming Event
    
  • [Travel]- This Tag is used for Threads that are in a Kingdom's borders where the Character(s) within a traveling to a different one
    
  • Ex: We're Off to See the Wizard [Travel]- Characters in this thread are traveling to see a wizard in another Kingdom
    
  • [Warfare]- This Tag is used for Threads where the unique combat state of "War" takes place, for more info on how these Threads actually work, see the Warfare in the World Guide
    
  • Ex: Battle for Fort Locke [Warfare]- Characters in this thread are engaged in a large fight for Fort Locke
    
  • [Dungeon]- This Tag is used for Threads that take place within any named Dungeon throughout the world, and are primarily for when characters undertake Dungeon Crawl Quest Arcs; but they can be used when just regularly exploring one. The name of the Dungeon must be placed somewhere within the Thread's title. The tag is also used regardless of if the Dungeon has a specific Forum.
    
  • Ex: Not in Kansas Anymore [Dungeon, Grand Library of Ar-Omathana]- Characters in this thread are doing the Dungeon Crawl Arc or exploring the Grand Library of Ar-Omathana
    
  
  
  

Thread Limits:

• A Character may only post in forums where their Character is currently located. So a person in King's Landing can't also have an ongoing thread North of the Wall.
  
• Any Character can write a Letter and be in a Letter Thread, but an Invoker or Tracker must be present in order to send the letter
  
• Generally speaking, there is no limit to the amount of regular Threads a Character can be in at any given time, however, there are a few things that come alongside with that.
  
  • A Character can only be in a single Major Thread at any given time
    
  • Similarly, a Character can only be in a single Travel Thread at any given time
    
  • A Character can be in as many Combat Threads as they'd like, but the start date of each Thread needs to be kept in mind, as things acquired after that Threads start date
    
  
  
  

Invading Threads:

• Invading a Thread is when a Character joins a Thread with the intent to fight or somehow negatively effect or impact it
  
• A Character has until everyone within the Thread has already exited with claims approved in it to Invade said Thread.
  
• Once Invaded, characters already within the Thread may still attempt to exit it if they so choose, but it's assumed the Invader will attempt to stop them if they try.
  
• Invading a thread doesn't always mean Combat, but if Combat does occur, all Characters are expected to post their Stat Pages within their post after it occurs as per the usual combat rules
  
• Almost any Thread can be invaded, the kinds that can't are listed below:
  
  • Threads with the Event Tag
    
  • Threads with the Private Tag
    
  • Special note for Threads with the Warfare or Combat tag; they can be invaded, but can only be done once the main fighting within has ceased
    
  
  
  

Exiting Threads/End of Thread Claims:

• Once a Thread is finished, all Characters are expected to put [Thread Exit] to mark the end of their Exit Post
  
• Once a person has exited a Thread, made their Claims, and had it approved by a moderator, they are free to add them to their Stat Page.
  
• In their exit post, Characters then make their End of Thread Claims using the WC they accumulated throughout the Thread.
  
  • Claims can be made towards anything which costs Word Count to learn, but the WC gained acts as a pool. Meaning a person can't make a claim for more than what their WC allows.
    
  • The exception to the above is Attribute Point Claims, which are done so passively at a rate of 100 WC to 1 Attribute Point. A Character may still not go over their total max Attribute Cap as per their Rating, nor can they go over the cumulative amount of Attribute Points they may have as per their Rating.
    
  • Once a player reaches their max amount of cumulative Attribute Points as per their rating, they may instead train up Energy Points Pool or their Mana Points Pool. These are done at a rate of 100 to 5. Or, a player can forgo training either of these pools to take a 20% discount on all of their claims using their WC.
    
  • Claims are additionally used for any other things such as Quest Rewards or items traded, which a person has gained throughout the Thread
    
  • Currently, Word Count cannot be banked for later use
    
  • Ex of Exit Claim:
    
  
  
  

• Dice rolls are not used in this forum-based RPG to streamline gameplay and maintain clarity.
  
• Actions and outcomes are typically resolved through collaborative storytelling, with players working together to create their desired narrative.
  
• Combat and fighting is resolved using a a mixed method of both this, and the numbers you have for things like your Character's Attributes, Skills, and Abilities
  
• For a more in-depth detailing on the intricacies of Combat on the forum, refer to the Combat Mechanics Guide
  

• Emphasis is placed on collaborative storytelling, allowing players to contribute to the unfolding narrative.
  
• Communication among players is encouraged to coordinate actions, reactions, and plot developments.
  
• With this in mind, meta-gaming or using knowledge that your character hasn't learned IC is not allowed
  
• Similarly, God-Modding or roleplaying another Character's or NPC's actions is not permitted either. Characters may still make up people within their Threads, but if it's a Player Character or an NPC, their actions are solely their own to make.
  

• Players take actions by describing their character's intentions and things they do within their posts.
  
• Abilities are narrative tools that allow characters to perform extraordinary feats or use learned skills.
  
  • Abilities can be used within any Thread, but player's are expected to fully state at the end of their posts any Abilities in which they are using.
    
  • Likewise, the associated costs of said Abilities must be made at the end of the post as well. The only way these aren't actually spent is if the Character no longer uses the Ability due to Timelining
    
  
  
  

• Timelining refers to when a Character bases their actions to be reactive of what other Character's are doing within the Thread
  
  • To keep the Timeline of the Thread as cohesive as possible, Player's are only allowed to timeline based on the post before their own.
    
  
  
  

• For more information on how Skills/Abilities work, refer to the Skills & Abilities Guide, for more info on how they work within Combat specifically, see the Combat Mechanics Guide
  

• Conflicts are resolved through collaborative storytelling, emphasizing communication and agreement between players.
  
• Combat situations can be resolved by mutual agreement on the outcome, with consideration for the narrative flow.
  
• Non-combat conflicts can be handled by discussing and deciding the resolution based on character abilities, decisions, and the overall story.
  
• If all the Character's within the Thread cannot come to a reasonable agreement on the outcome of certain actions, a Moderator may be called in to further determine things based on the forum rules.
  

• As Character's start to rack up Experience Points via Quests, Events, and Combat Encounters, they will proceed to start going up in their Level and Rating
  
• The more Character's Progress, the more they will begin to achieve and gain things such as Milestones, additional Ability and Skill Slots, alongside increased maximum Attribute capacities.
  
• Refer to the Leveling Up/Progression Guide for more, intricate details on character advancement.
  

• Quests are limited to four characters to keep the narrative focused and maintain a manageable pace.
  
• Players can join quests and adventures to explore specific storylines and challenges.
  
• Quests are the most basic way player's can earn XP for their Character to further progress them through the various Levels and Ratings
  
• For more information on Questing, refer to the Quest Guide
  

• Gold, items, and consumables are acquired and used based on the narrative flow and character actions.
  
• Certain items such as Throwing Weapons or Arrows can be retrieved once used, but if the action of doing so is not specifically mentioned before the end of the Thread, those items are considered to be lost
  
• Players are required to keep track of their resources and manage them wisely throughout their adventures on their Stat Page.
  
• Players also need to keep in mind things like Ability or Skill costs when they use them, as all require Energy, Mana, or possibly even other Resources to actually utilize.
  

• Players are highly, highly encouraged to stay true to their character's personality, background, and alignment.
  
• It's also encouraged to use immersive roleplaying by reacting to the world and other characters in a manner consistent with their established traits.
  
• Please be respectful of other players when roleplaying with others, all forum rules apply to any Thread
  
• Be creative with your RPing, and remember, now two people will have the exact same style of doing it
  
• Most importantly, have fun with it. While certain subject matters within can be slightly grim or sensitive, it is still just an RP. No one's going to blame you if you need to take a step back and wait.
  

• Characters can explore the world by describing their surroundings, interacting with objects, and discovering hidden elements.
  
• Investigation and exploration contribute to the overall narrative, shaping the unfolding story.
  
• It's expected that player's are still mindful that God-Modding and Meta-Gaming heavily apply to World Interactions
  
• For example, if your Character comes across a Hidden Temple of the Seven that's been considered lost to the ages, they most likely wouldn't know anything about the Temple itself unless they have a History Skill or related Skill to it
  
• Also, certain interactions do require the use of Skills, Abilities, or even a minimum Attribute Requirement in order to actually achieve. A person that doesn't have a Skill in Lockpicking and are without Lockpicking Tools are obviously far less likely to pick locks.
  
• Player's also need to be aware of Lore which is already in place; while it's encouraged to be creative and implement new things to further add to the richness of the world, interactions still should be at least partially based around previous world Lore.
  
• For more information on the Lore of the world, see the World Lore Guide
  

• NPC interactions are driven by the narrative and character actions.
  
• Diplomacy and negotiation with NPCs are resolved through collaborative storytelling, allowing for creativity and varied outcomes.
  
• All named NPCs are played by members of the forum's staff team, but player's are still encouraged to have 'NPCs' within their Threads and Posts.
  
• Keep in mind, NPCs played by player's can never give access to major knowledge that a player wouldn't otherwise know, and they can only be used for the sole purpose of Character Development.
  
• For more information on NPCs within the world, see the NPC Guide
  

• Character death or failure in quests can have obvious and dire consequences, impacting not only the character's story or progression, but possibly that of other's as well.
  
• If a Character dies within one Thread while in other active Threads, they are automatically considered to be exited from any upon it happening. If said Threads were made after the date of the one where death occurs, those interactions with the now deceased Character are voided.
  
• Resurrection in the world, while possible, is extremely costing and taxing on all parties involved.
  
  • First and foremost, it can only be done by Maesters, Arcane Adepts, or Verdant Protectors with a high Character Rating, and some kind of Resurrection Ability.
    
  • Second, player's also need to remember that Resurrection is still a taboo, so some people might not react in the best of ways upon hearing about a person being resurrected/performing resurrections.
    
  • Third, any NPCs with a Resurrection Ability will oftentimes require someone to pay Gold for them to go about doing it on a dead character.
    
  • Fourth, as mentioned previously, it is extremely taxing on all members involved. Those who perform it need to be careful of doing so, or risk possibly going Insane.
    
  • Lastly, all Resurrections across the board require a life for a life. Someone must be sacrificed in order for the Resurrection to work. Even then, the Resurrected still becomes Marked for Death.
    
  
  
  

• Custom, site wide Events or unexpected twists may be introduced to encourage and give player's more opportunities to RP
  
• Players are encouraged to contribute or share any potential creative ideas to the Staff Team, fostering a dynamic and evolving story.
  

• Interaction outside individual threads can include community events, discussions, or collaborative world-building efforts.
  
• Players can engage in meta-discussions to enhance the overall RPG experience and foster a sense of community.