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EACHDRAIDH RP ([personal profile] fairyfoes) wrote2015-03-24 03:10 pm
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(33) GAMEPLAY FAQ



♛ . . . GAMEPLAY FAQ
. . . . . If you wish to contact a mod, please do so here.


GENERAL FAQ
APP FAQ | ARRIVAL FAQ | GAMEPLAY FAQ | QUEST FAQ


'SHARDS', 'SHARDBEARERS', 'SHARDLESS'. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

You have been brought to the Drabwurld because a piece of an ancient gemstone, the Uaine Cridhe ("Green Heart"), lives within you. Shards can be any size from as small as a penny to as large as a fist, but they are all of them a brilliant, vibrant emerald-colour in design and their own mild source of light. Shardbearers are individuals brought to the drabwurld by the monarchs from far worlds by virtue of being the holders of shards. A true death will cause this shard’s connection to a shardbearer’s world to sever, which also destroys the claim of a court upon a shardbearer, and allow the shardbearer’s killer to collect a shard. The Shardless are outcasts from the factions who are considered useless and expendable by several of the courts, as with drabwurld natives, though this has hardly stopped them thriving all over. Different factions are more willing to take their Shardless back in depending on what they value. The Jade Society will take in Shardless scholars, and the Angelite Syndicate will welcome back any willing to assist its conquests.


WILL I AGE OR AM I IMMORTAL?

Your life-span has been tripled! Hurray for magic. Your leaders want you to survive for as long as possible, so it will appear you are hardly ageing at all (if you are not already immortal). If your character was fated to die at a specific age back home, the rumour is that if they go back, they will keep their extended life-span as a sign of gratitude from the monarchs. Congratulations!


WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE FAIRIES/IMPS?

Think of them as wandering spirits. While fairies and imps have not chosen to align themselves with any of the factions in particular, fairies often favour places of life and greenery, while imps seek out places of darkness where life is scant. They can be found all across the world.


WHAT IS THE NETWORK/HOW DO I USE IT?

The Network is a hive-mind of magical lockets that have been enchanted (read: tinkered!) by the fae because, well, why not? They see a good thing and they improve it! Everyone has a locket which reacts to voice commands to transmit Video, Audio or Text. When opened, the inside face acts accordingly. All other messages can be "browsed" as if via Facebook, already connected, or "locked" to a particular individual or group. The network may be accessed by all and the lockets only chime when receiving direct messages, not general network updates. Good or bad, fae enjoy the ease of gossip convenience!

NB You may have the locket-version of an inbox/private feed, but it will not count toward AC!


WHAT ABOUT LANGUAGE BARRIERS?

There are none unless you actively choose to make a point of it IC. Everyone in the Drabwurld understands the same language. (How? Magic.) The official name for the Drabwurld language is Drabbish or the Common-Speech; upon entry to the game you speak Drabbish, you can read Drabbish, DrabbishDrabbishDrabbish all day long, son, unless you intentionally try to speak in, for example, your native French/English/Korean.

Conversely, if your character is illiterate in your canon, you're capable of keeping them illiterate in Drabwurld. You're also capable of taking steps to teach your character to read/write.

You can tell the writing style looks different but you don't ordinarily realise you're speaking Drabbish until you aren't.


CAN I DEFECT/BECOME A DOUBLE-AGENT?

Yes! Defectors may be treated differently in different factions. The power-hungry Angelite Syndicate will welcome defectors quickly, as will the freedom-loving Amethyst Circle. The Jade Society and Amber Congregation generally reject such a judgement-heavy idea as a defector, while the Garnet Coalition and Diamond Coterie generally scorn the untrustworthiness of traitors. The Citrine Assembly is often hard to predict.

It is worth noting that (with some exceptions) only native NPCs can tell a character’s faction on sight, and player characters usually cannot.


CAN I KILL NPCs?

Yes! But only within reason. The bulk of the major areas are comprised of natives, who have no shards, and it is also natives who comprise the bulk of the drabwurld's armed forces as well. You don't need to request permission to kill them; we only ask that you do so in a reasonable fashion.

Requests must be made to the mod team to slay NPC shardbearers. We grant these requests only infrequently, and require that players:

+ provide a thorough and detailed plan in advance for the encounter, and communicate also with any other players who might be involved
+ that collecting a shard in this manner represent a significant characterisation/character growth moment for the character in question, which is elaborated in the request
+ that the shard won be turned over to a faction of your choice, for no additional IC benefit/boon


WHAT ABOUT FOOD/SUPPLIES/LIFESTYLE?

Inside the palaces, all food and drink is free to Shardbearers. Reputation and prestige is highly valued, so if you distinguish yourself in any way that the monarchs approve of, you need only speak your name elsewhere in the world ... for good or ill, depending on your affiliation. Elsewhere in the world, people tend to trade for what they want. If you happen to get your hands on some gold/silver/bronze coins or otherwise precious jewels, they will definitely help in buying a room for a night! People grow their own crops, as a rule, and hard work goes a long way with most.

In summary, medieval (think high-fantasy) clothing will be provided for you by your court. Request something from a servant and they will try to find you a close parallel.


WHAT HAPPENS IF I DIE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN-GAME? IF MY SHARDLESS CHARACTER DIES AGAIN, IS IT PERMADEATH?

Without your Shard, you cannot cross from the realm of Allaidh Darach into your original universe. Sorry, traveller, you may as well go native. ED operates on a three-death system:

1st death - You lose your shard, are cast out of your court, and lose court-specific titles, influence, and power. No more locket or ability to use fairy rings.
2nd death - You lose most of your powers and all of your influence and boons, being reduced nearly to mortal status.
3rd death - Permadeath!

1st Death Details: If a Shardbearer dies for the first time and loses their Shard, becoming one of the Shardless, they must wait seven (7) days before resurrection and subsequent exile from their court. Bodies will continue to decay in whatever manner they were slain until the seven day limit is up. When it is reached, first-time deaths will be resurrected in their respective castle crypt as if fading back into existence until completely solid and half-way healed. First-time resurrection with your powers intact is the last favour your court will ever do in gratitude of your service.

2nd Death Details: Any Shardless character who dies in-game must also wait seven (7) days before resurrection. Most magical abilities or natural talents will be stripped from the character and extremely difficult for them to regain in-game. Shardless will reappear in the same fashion (fading back into existence until completely solid and half-way healed) wherever they died but will also be weaker after being stripped, as mentioned, of significant power or ability.

3rd Death Details: Beware! It is strongly recommended that you do not allow your character to suffer a third death, whereupon the mods must be contacted to discuss your character's individual fate. Placing your character as one of the undead permanently unable to return to life in the service of Black Shuck is the main underlying option you will be given, with minor tailoring on a case-by-case basis.


WHAT HAPPENS IF MY VAMPIRE/WEREWOLF HAVE THE NATURAL ABILITY TO RETURN FROM BEING SHOT/STABBED?

Vampires and werewolves, and any characters that fall under their general description, will not lose their Shard unless they suffer a permadeath. That is, if they are decapitated, staked through the heart or shot with a silver bullet. Whatever works to kill your character dead-dead will coax out their Shard and leave them Shardless. Any natural ability to recover in time from a wound that is not directly life-threatening will be considered an appable power of said character, such as enhanced endurance or innate healing properties.


WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CHARACTER BECOMES A VAMPIRE/WEREWOLF/ZOMBIE? WILL THEY LOSE THEIR SHARD?

They will lose their shard ONLY if the process of becoming a supernatural being requires death. If they become a werewolf by dying, then they will lose their shard! If they become a vampire without dying, they will not lose their shard.



I CAN REMOVE MY SHARD?

You can! This is never recommended, however, as one must be near death for the Shard to manifest. Only the dwarves of Troichean Beinn have the best luck and the leaders will be greatly saddened (or angered!) if you go through with such an operation. This process/surgery is widely rumored to be almost too dangerous to attempt yet the freedom it offers is heavily coveted. If you manage to survive, they will request that you give your forfeited Shard up to them. There is a notoriously poor success rate. You will no longer automatically be claimed by your faction and will have to choose your own path, there or elsewhere.



HOW DO I INTERACT WITH A MONTHLY PLOT EVENT?

Monthly plots are gamewide events that are open to everyone, and are much more backtag friendly than metaplot events! These impact the broader game as well as the factions, and players can expect that choices made during monthly events and outcomes will all come up later in the game. Most of these will involve players orchestrating their own threads and logs wherever they are in the drabwurld, but in some cases they may necessitate a mod-posted log to contain the event. The mod team will specify which is the case in that month's summary post.



CAN I TRAVEL THE WORLD AND STILL BELONG TO A FACTION?

Of course! Allegiance and affiliation is everything. Belonging to a court simply means that you have a home to come back to at any time, one that will provide you with shelter, food and protection. Characters may go where they please.


CAN I HANDWAVE MY CHARACTER VISITING PLACES?

There are instances where this is possible. The locations noted on the map are large enough to warrant mention but it is fine to handwave your character stopping the night at a random homestead if they are between towns/cities. These may not always be safe, however. NPCs are always wary! It also pays to be realistic: in Glaschu there are small villages dotted around here and there, whereas somewhere like An-mhór is broadly going to be unsafe and far less populous. Please do not create inspired 'new' cities that would need to be officially noted, but the odd village is perfectly passable. Similarly, if they cannot fly then they could not visit the clouds where the sylphs live unless riding a flying steed, etc.


CAN I BE FRIENDS WITH SOMEONE IN THE OTHER FACTION?

YES, but these friendships may be tested as allegiances shift. Should any two factions be at odds, friendship between members of their courts may be frowned upon.


WHAT ARE THE DANGERS?

The dreaded Void, a threat some strange Shardbearers may still remember witnessing, is said to exist far beyond the borders of land known now! However, no one has seen it in lands known to Shardbearers. Otherwise, please refer to the Bestiary for more common dangers.


CAN I ATTACK THE FACTIONS NOW I KNOW THE LAYOUT OF MY ENEMIES' HOME?

Not without a week's advance notice on the OOC Comm. The strongholds are usually only used by the mod plot and MUST REMAIN INTACT unless otherwise stated by it. This is so new players can arrive and find the appropriate updates on the Locations page.

Attacks on strongholds must be organized a week ahead of time to allow the greater part of the game to step in and an ooc plan for a defence line to be formulated since the castles will always have a lot of players in them and you may be treading on toes if you do not give a lengthy head's up. It does not matter how strong YOUR character is, there will ALWAYS be someone else who can counter them. Please stay aware of this and be respectful to the playerbase! Remember: Your ACTION will always incite a REACTION. Another character will always be cleaning up your IC mess at the factions, so the polite thing to do is let their players know well in advance.

Opposite members of the factions are not allowed in their enemy castles without leader permission, and may be captured or killed.


AM I AFFECTED BY EVENTS IF I DON'T LIVE IN A FACTION?

You could be! Most events will be designed to hold the option of game-wide involvement and all of the goings-on within the factions will be broadcasted by the lockets no matter where the recipient is unless the location is stated as having specific interference. People who opt to live outside the strongholds are perfectly able to join in with the fun and adventure. If they cannot meet the handwaved audience to request an item or ability, it is agreeable to assume they used the lockets to do so from a distance. You don't have to get involved with events, they're just there to spice things up.

NB: Events almost always hold the option for people to opt out.


WHO/WHAT ARE THE LEADERS?

They are the incarnation of great powers. Think of them as members of the first-born gods and goddesses whose reach touches countless worlds, influencing people to do right and wrong. Their natural forms are too great to be put on display, almost like living galaxies, so they diminish themselves in order to rule the Drabwurld.


I NEED INFORMATION/AN NPC INTERACTION!

Check out the LORE and NPC REQUEST pages.


I THOUGHT WE WERE HERE TO FIGHT?

That is a matter of your choice and your faction. The great war waged by countless Shardbearers is only just sparking in these early days. The shape and rules are just beginning to form, and your character may have a part in shaping whether it comes to blows or another path is taken.


DO POKEBALLS WORK OUTSIDE THE STATION?

Pokeballs count as modern technology and will not work outside the Station area. However! If a trainer releases their Pokemon from the Pokeball prior to crossing the fairy-ring, the freed animal would be able to walk at their side and retain their canon powers beyond the boundary. Here are a few simple guidelines:

1) You cannot throw a full Pokeball outside the fairy-ring and summon a Pokemon from within! It will not open. The Pokeball itself nullifies the ability of anything to get out when the technology fails to operate.
2) You must release the Pokemon inside the fairy-ring before crossing its boundary if you wish for your Pokemon to join you in the rest of the Drabwurld.
3) Pokemon may only be returned to their Pokeballs when both are inside the fairy-ring.
4) When inside their Pokeballs and also inside the fairy-ring surrounding the Station, Pokemon will slowly heal from any wounds.

Pokemon are classified as powers, yet it may become cumbersome to have your entire team roaming free at your side. Choose wisely which you wish to release within the fairy-ring or you must travel en masse!


DO SYLLADEXES FUNCTION?

Generally speaking? No, these are considered technological advances. Sylladexes will be allowed in-game but their technological nature means they will only work within the fairy-ring of the Station. Elsewhere, sylladexes cannot be accessed. The game doesn't allow for hammerspace, which would break world-rules concerning reaching into a different dimension, and sylladexes are completely empty upon entering the Drabwurld, no matter what was previously contained within them; the fairies bring you and your physical items. Anything inside a sylladex would be wiped clean, as all technology is scrambled upon entry to the Drabwurld. If you arrive in the Station, your sylladex will still be empty.


WOULD A STARK'S DIREWOLF COUNT AS A PET OR POWER?

Within the ASOIAF canon if your character is already a warg and bonded with a direwolf, and the direwolf is present at the time of their being led into the game at their canon point, the direwolf will count as a power and will be able to enter with your character. It will not own a Shard. Dead or absent direwolves may be requested as a boon.


ARE 'ALLAIDH DARACH' AND THE 'DRABWURLD' THE SAME THING?

Yes. 'Allaidh Darach' is the official, ancient name of the world. The 'Drabwurld' is just a simpler, more commonplace way of referring to it.


I HAVE NO HANDS OR POCKETS!

The map and locket they are given upon arrival will then be contained within a pouch with a long string-loop attached for them to carry their items around. Depending on how large your paws or claws are, the items will grow and shrink accordingly when in or out of use by your character, and your character only. If your character walks away from them, they will return to their normal size. Try not to lose anything!


CAN MY CHARACTER GAIN NEW SKILLS?

Eachdraidh uses the Dryfus method of skill/magic level to denote an individual's ability in any skill. REGAINING skills requires one month of training per level. LEARNING new skills requires two months of training per level. The levels of skill acquisition for ED are:

Novice - rigid adherence to taught rules or plans, no exercise of "discretionary judgment"
Advanced beginner - limited "situational perception" all aspects of work treated separately with equal importance
Competent - coping with crowdedness (multiple activities, accumulation of information), some perception of actions in relation to goals, deliberate planning, formulates routines
Proficient - holistic view of situation, prioritizes importance of aspects, perceives deviations from the normal pattern, employs maxims for guidance, with meanings that adapt to the situation at hand
Expert - transcends reliance on rules, guidelines, and maxims, intuitive grasp of situations based on deep, tacit understanding", has "vision of what is possible", uses "analytical approaches" in new situations or in case of problems

We are pretty flexible on how these map out. Use your common sense, and if you aren’t certain, ask!


CAN MY CHARACTER LEARN MAGIC?


Once in the drabwurld, all characters can now learn magic: but their ability will only progress if they are ICly shown to be practicing, at a set pace, but only in whatever specific fields they practice in. For example, a character which practices fire magic will not suddenly be able to control other elements on command, but will need to put in as much time of practice into any field they study.


WHAT KIND OF MAGIC CAN BE LEARNED?

Almost anything can be learned in the Drabwurld! We have a list of magic that can be learned and those that can’t. For anything that is invasive, such as mind control, please utilize a permissions post and communicate with the other player(s)!

POSSIBLE: Fire, water, wind, earth, shadow, light, blood, concealment, smoke, bee, transference, telepathy, teleportation, shape shifting (please master one form before moving to another!), plant/vegetation, alchemy, item enchantment, communication with animals.
IMPOSSIBLE: Anything that reaches into other dimensions, anything that manipulates time, anything that involves dreams.
OTHER? Just ask and we’ll let you know!


WHAT ABOUT COOL ITEMS OR GETTING STUFF FROM HOME?

TO REGAIN ITEMS FROM HOME: Items from home can be regained, but they will always come in without any special powers. A magic sword can be brought in, but only as a normal sword. Comment to the item request page, requesting one thing per character per month, and we will approve or deny it. Magical attributes will have to be invested in these objects through working in the Drabwurld! Characters can trade with learned blacksmiths or enchanters, ask other characters for help, or even learn how to invest their items with magic itself! Adding magical attributes to items should be written in a thread.

TO GET NEW ITEMS: Many objects, impressive and mundane, can be bought in stores, traded for, or earned by helping others or exploring areas. The acquisition of anything of power should be threaded out. The more powerful an item is, the more money or effort a character will have to put in to get it. Want a cool magic sword? Go fight off some dangerous monsters with your friends and argue about who gets the loot from its cave when you’re done!


For enchanting items from home or gaining magic weapons in the Drabwurld, the same rules of possible/impossible items applies.
POSSIBLE: Fire, water, wind, earth, shadow, light, blood, concealment, smoke, bee, transference, telepathy, teleportation, shape shifting (one form per item!), plant/vegetation, alchemy, communication with animals.
IMPOSSIBLE: Anything that reaches into other dimensions, anything that manipulates time, anything that involves dreams.
OTHER? Just ask and we’ll let you know!


WHAT ABOUT SHARD USE?

This is done differently from most skill training! While other skills can be learned through self-study, Shard use must be taught be a PC or NPC. Further information on training can be found on the SHARD TRAINING DOCUMENT.



HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE IN EITHER FACTION?

The number fluctuates, which is why new Shardbearers are always being brought in! At this time, there is a limited number of other shardbearers, but between several hundred to a few thousand native members!


I WANT TO STAY IN A FACTION BUT I DON'T WANT TO FIGHT!

That's understandable, not everyone is the ride-into-battle type. You must apply yourself in other constructive ways, however. Perhaps you can work in the libraries of the factions, the kitchens, train up those who want to learn how to fight or ride, beautify or fortify the castles/keeps. The leaders want you to stay and are lenient on how you may add to your new home.


MY CHARACTER IS A BOOKWORM! WHAT CAN THEY UNEARTH?

History is fresh, and there is not much to be found yet! In many written records and bardic tales, reference are made to THE BATTLE OF GLORY (Blàr Cliù). Also known as The First Battle. This battle led to the current distribution of territories.

If your character is researching specific topics in the drabworld, please PM the mod team with a link to the IC research and a short description of what they are trying to learn! We will happily tell you what they unearth.

WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Live! Talk. Fight. Love. We encourage players to create their own plots.
. . . NAVIGATION