- - - The Beginners Guide

[DR HELEN MAGNUS]

thebeginners guide !

'Where do I start?'

It's always a tough decision working out where to go when you first join. Or even what type of character you want to play. I am hoping to make this guide as simple as possible, but my aim here is to have all the links and details you need in one post.

Step 1: The Rules

HERE

I know this is the most boring side of any kind of site. But alas, it must be noted. For those who have never role-played before, it's crucial that you have a quick read. It's quite a basic list mind you, but I have RPed for about 8-9 years so I've seen a lot of things that can easily turn heads. So trust me when I say, the rules are definitely the first place you must go.

Step 2: Choosing your character.

The next question is: Canon or original?

This is completely up to you. If you head over to the Canons list (HERE), you will be able to see what characters are available. Now, this page is actually a mixture of Sanctuary canons, and in-site characters. The play-by of the in-site characters can be negotiable if you so wish, but the play-by of the Sanctuary canons obviously cannot be changed. Taken characters are marked by a STRIKETHROUGH and reserved characters are highlighted in ITALICS.

Step 3: The Play-By List

This list, is found (HERE). It is also known as the celebrity claims, face claims, etc. But they all mean the same thing. With each character, you need someone to play them. Now, it does not have to be an A-List celebrity. So long as they are not cartoon/anime/manga or any nature. If you click on that link, keep in mind, that whatever celebrities are listed there, have been TAKEN. You are free to reserve a celebrity, whilst you create your character as well.

Step 4: The Creation

Now once you have a rough idea of the type of character you want, here comes the creative process. Creating your characters. Any application is your character directory, and gives insight to your characters, such as their history and who they are as a person. It is also required so that you have an understanding of your character, whether it is canon or original.

Both CANONS and ORIGINALS will use the same application (HERE)

With canons, so long as they are available, do your best to fill in whatever field you can. Even if that involves a bit of research. If there is information you cannot find or are unsure of, feel free to leave them blank in the application. Also, history is not necessary with the canon character.

Original characters require a little more thought, and are not as restricted as canon characters. If you read the Rules list, it does have a rough outline of character creation and what is/isn't allowed. This application does need a little more information, especially when it's a character that is not on the show. Depth will be sought for.

For any original Abnormal character created, it is CRUCIAL that you read the abilities list (HERE), and for any other character, the character limitations page HERE. Especially because I don't want every Abnormal to be super and invincible. Some guidelines can be up for negotiation. But since I have seen a lot of things in the RP world, it is a very chaotic thing to see. Trust me on this.

The history aspect must be filled. Feel free to use dot-point or paragraphs. Be as detailed as you wish. What made them who they are? If they are human, do they know of the Abnormal world? If they are an Abnormal, how did their abilities first come into play?

Step 5: The Waiting Game

Chances are, you will be accepted one way or another. Some characters may need a little bit more information, but I will help make sure that the application has all required fields, answered.

All applications are posted in Recruits --> PENDING.

I will reply to each application, and when they are accepted, I will move them to the ACCEPTED board. Once this happens, I (as Admin) will assign you to the correct member group and you will find that your account profile will have just some of your character facts. Mainly being occupation and species.

Step 6: Member Groups.

If you ever wondered why each member has a color assigned to them, here I will explain. When any character is accepted, you will be placed in a group. The purpose of this, is so that when you see a member online, you will know who they belong to. It just makes finding a player easier to differentiate.

The member groups are:

Old City Sanctuary/London Sanctuary/New York City Sanctuary/Abnormals/Humans/SCIU/Elementals/Administration.

Step 7: Start Role-Playing

Once you are successful, you are free to start role-playing! You can post in as many threads as you can keep up with. It is not strict on timelines, but any continuity would be great. Each post is written in third-person, with a minimum of 200 words per post. Feel free to create a thread, or jump in an open thread.

Every new RP thread title is marked either OPEN or TAG. OPEN generally means open to any character. With a TAG, usually only the tagged character is allowed. There are also times when both is indicated. So long as the TAGGED characters in in play, anyone else is free to join as well.

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I really hope this guide is simple to follow. Really, it's not as complicated as it may seem. I like to think of RP as one giant fanfiction - A great learning tool. Suited for all types of players, with beginner-intermediate skills.

Most of all, HAVE FUN! You'd be surprised what type of situations your character may wind up in!

- ADMIN (Michelle)

xo