Post by xkcdapostle on Apr 26, 2012 17:08:42 GMT -5
How to think: Subrace Application.
So, you've though of a character that is brilliant in concept or an inside joke, however, there is one problem: They're a subrace!!!
SoS has tight controls over who gets to be a Dalek and who can be allowed to have their Half Demon Cultist on the server. (Both are very unlikely, I do not guarantee that this post will help you with either...)
So, what do we need to apply?
1. User Login
2. Character Name
3. Desired Race
4. Race Description
5. Race Abilities (modifiers)
6. Source Material
7. Brief Character background (this shows knowledge of the race)
8. Feedback Desired : (yes/no)
A simple list, isn't it?
Now, the first item, User Login, is simple enough, in fact I won't explain it nor instruct what you need there...
After all, you should be about to grasp its subtlety.
Now, item number 2 is difficult, it is the first step to demonstrating to Avvy, Balls and Bum that you know what you're talking about when it comes to Half-Dragon Celestials from Mars. (Another invalid subrace, so I'm told...)
A name is more than the actual word you should be called over the numerous nicknames Terrance Shadowfist may come up with... With the right name, it can mean the difference between Balls and Avvy not looking at your application and actually getting them to start to read it. (Of course, they do read all applications, some may just not get their interest as much as others.)
I'd recommend that you spend at least 10 minutes using Google or another Search Engine to find a suitable name for your character, Steve the Goblin is rather too mundane and as you can tell, wouldn't really interest anyone... But then, Lord Galligan of Earlsborough is also too grandiose and sounds as though you may not be serious here. (I assure you, these names were not for my amusement, merely to prevent you from using them, in a serious application.)
Now, once you have the name, this step is rather quick, since you already know what Subrace you want, though if not I'm wondering why you've got to this stage... So place the name of the chosen subrace next to item 3.
The fourth item, Race Description, is merely the statistics of your chosen subrace. Nothing more than what the specification, or a page from the DnD manual, of the subrace. A brief of their race's history, the race's characteristics (physical, mental, psionic, etc.) and the other details that make you sound like the encyclopedia on the Duergar or Brownie races. You will need to research this, try multiple sources and pick the one that will support your application.
It is better to have a few sources, just so you can get extra bits that may be missed out.
The fifth item is where you list the modifiers your Subrace alters, i.e. +2 Con and -4 CHA for the Duergar.
Though for simplicity, also include the feats your race gets so that you can also display your knowledge.
The sixth item is merely where you got the information on your Subrace for the race description. If you can cite many sources for your application, that would show your commitment and generally make you be seen in a good light. It also helps Avvy to check over it and ensure you did bother with this application. When you cite your sources, make sure that they are reputable, Wikia's are becoming less taboo for sources of knowledge (at least in Academia) so they can be fine, but if you get a page from the DnD handbook. It would be a more reputable source, giving you a basis for easily supporting the paragraphs for items 4 and 5.
Item 7, the most enjoyable part, at least to those who enjoy it. The Character's background.
This is generally a few paragraphs, describing their lineage, their outlook on life and the history before their arrival to the island. The questions you should try to answer in your paragraphs should be:
If you answer these questions, I can assure you, so long as they fit in with everything you have written, that you have ticked all the boxes to get what you want.
Finally, item 8 is where you want to get feedback from the DMs.
I'd recommend a Yes, since they will provide you with valuable feedback and can give you advice on how to improve your application. That is, sort out something that makes no sense as you got carried away with the Brownie called “Derek Fumblehill” in his amusing tale of when he escaped stealing a piece of silverware from a Giant.
Generally, rather than argue, DMs detest arguing, thank them and then come back with a better scenario, one that is based on what they advised you to do or makes more sense. Though if you need more information about why they refused, ask them by a PM just for a few pointers.
I wish whoever uses this post's advice for their subrace application the best of luck. Again, I cannot stress how much that this post will not guarantee a successful application, but I can tell you that it will give you a better idea of what the DMs look for in an application. Please do not attempt to see if an application for a race or otherwise with certain details that would be impossible to approve would work with this advice, since it would likely lead to smites...
[Addendum]
Your roleplay token, a series of bytes stored on a Virtual Machine as electrical pulses in hardware; indicating your level within the strict Grading System used to denote your roleplaying ability, will also affect the application. However, in some cases, this may not really apply. Most new players will be refused, due to the lack of roleplay that the DM has observed rather than the assumption that they have no skill for roleplaying.
(Thank you Gatalis for your reminder)
So, you've though of a character that is brilliant in concept or an inside joke, however, there is one problem: They're a subrace!!!
SoS has tight controls over who gets to be a Dalek and who can be allowed to have their Half Demon Cultist on the server. (Both are very unlikely, I do not guarantee that this post will help you with either...)
So, what do we need to apply?
1. User Login
2. Character Name
3. Desired Race
4. Race Description
5. Race Abilities (modifiers)
6. Source Material
7. Brief Character background (this shows knowledge of the race)
8. Feedback Desired : (yes/no)
A simple list, isn't it?
Now, the first item, User Login, is simple enough, in fact I won't explain it nor instruct what you need there...
After all, you should be about to grasp its subtlety.
Now, item number 2 is difficult, it is the first step to demonstrating to Avvy, Balls and Bum that you know what you're talking about when it comes to Half-Dragon Celestials from Mars. (Another invalid subrace, so I'm told...)
A name is more than the actual word you should be called over the numerous nicknames Terrance Shadowfist may come up with... With the right name, it can mean the difference between Balls and Avvy not looking at your application and actually getting them to start to read it. (Of course, they do read all applications, some may just not get their interest as much as others.)
I'd recommend that you spend at least 10 minutes using Google or another Search Engine to find a suitable name for your character, Steve the Goblin is rather too mundane and as you can tell, wouldn't really interest anyone... But then, Lord Galligan of Earlsborough is also too grandiose and sounds as though you may not be serious here. (I assure you, these names were not for my amusement, merely to prevent you from using them, in a serious application.)
Now, once you have the name, this step is rather quick, since you already know what Subrace you want, though if not I'm wondering why you've got to this stage... So place the name of the chosen subrace next to item 3.
The fourth item, Race Description, is merely the statistics of your chosen subrace. Nothing more than what the specification, or a page from the DnD manual, of the subrace. A brief of their race's history, the race's characteristics (physical, mental, psionic, etc.) and the other details that make you sound like the encyclopedia on the Duergar or Brownie races. You will need to research this, try multiple sources and pick the one that will support your application.
It is better to have a few sources, just so you can get extra bits that may be missed out.
The fifth item is where you list the modifiers your Subrace alters, i.e. +2 Con and -4 CHA for the Duergar.
Though for simplicity, also include the feats your race gets so that you can also display your knowledge.
The sixth item is merely where you got the information on your Subrace for the race description. If you can cite many sources for your application, that would show your commitment and generally make you be seen in a good light. It also helps Avvy to check over it and ensure you did bother with this application. When you cite your sources, make sure that they are reputable, Wikia's are becoming less taboo for sources of knowledge (at least in Academia) so they can be fine, but if you get a page from the DnD handbook. It would be a more reputable source, giving you a basis for easily supporting the paragraphs for items 4 and 5.
Item 7, the most enjoyable part, at least to those who enjoy it. The Character's background.
This is generally a few paragraphs, describing their lineage, their outlook on life and the history before their arrival to the island. The questions you should try to answer in your paragraphs should be:
- Where were they born? What is their parentage? What were the circumstances?
- What did they do? What were their dreams? What are their goals? What do they value?
- How do they act? What is their outlook? Is it biased by their race? How do they view others of different alignment or viewpoint? Do they have a grudge or favor certain races?
- How did they hear of Siranda? Were they there during the plague? If so, how did they react to it? If not, how did they get there?
- Can you show me a scenario, of their past, that demonstrates how you would Roleplay them? Is the scenario one that they would be part of, based on your answers to these questions?
If you answer these questions, I can assure you, so long as they fit in with everything you have written, that you have ticked all the boxes to get what you want.
Finally, item 8 is where you want to get feedback from the DMs.
I'd recommend a Yes, since they will provide you with valuable feedback and can give you advice on how to improve your application. That is, sort out something that makes no sense as you got carried away with the Brownie called “Derek Fumblehill” in his amusing tale of when he escaped stealing a piece of silverware from a Giant.
Generally, rather than argue, DMs detest arguing, thank them and then come back with a better scenario, one that is based on what they advised you to do or makes more sense. Though if you need more information about why they refused, ask them by a PM just for a few pointers.
I wish whoever uses this post's advice for their subrace application the best of luck. Again, I cannot stress how much that this post will not guarantee a successful application, but I can tell you that it will give you a better idea of what the DMs look for in an application. Please do not attempt to see if an application for a race or otherwise with certain details that would be impossible to approve would work with this advice, since it would likely lead to smites...
[Addendum]
Your roleplay token, a series of bytes stored on a Virtual Machine as electrical pulses in hardware; indicating your level within the strict Grading System used to denote your roleplaying ability, will also affect the application. However, in some cases, this may not really apply. Most new players will be refused, due to the lack of roleplay that the DM has observed rather than the assumption that they have no skill for roleplaying.
(Thank you Gatalis for your reminder)