Chargen
From Chronicles
Greetings, and welcome to Rifts: Chronicles of Kingsdale!
It is our goal here to provide an entertaining and intellectual roleplaying environment for everyone. We ask that you read through our help files in -detail- before creating a character here. Information in our policies is important if you wish to play in the game and our house rules contain many things that may influence the creation of your character.
We hope that your stay at Chronicles of Kingsdale is a fun one, and our staff and players stand readily by to assist you! Once you've peeked through our rules and policy files at least, have a look through the rest of the information contained in chargen - which incidentally means Character Generation. You will need at least the RUE (Rifts Ultimate Edition) to make your char. This, and other books, should be available online.
Please read Chargen Rules for some bits and pieces.
Please be aware that our chargen is currently in beta testing, and therefore you will be exposed to bugs until we get it thoroughly sorted!
Contents |
Helpfiles and Information
Prior to beginning character generation, you should have reviewed all rules and policy information contained in Helpfiles. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to track down an admin and ask them.
Rifts: Chronicles of Kingsdale permits a player to have multiple characters with some restrictions. In a nutshell, every player is permitted TWO characters here at CoK with the potential for THREE.
- The first rule is that a player must wait at least a month between first and second character, or second and third unless one of the characters has died. No, this doesn't mean that you feel like another character so you run out and kill him or her off. If staff suspects that you're doing that, we'll make you wait the month. But bad dice rolls happen and we can understand you wanting to get back into the game.
- The second rule is that the third character slot is not guaranteed. It is used as a reward for excellent RP and being an asset to the game (running scenes, etcetera). If you believe you should be allowed a third character slot then ask the Arch Wizard. Her answer will likely depend on your behavior as well as what you want to do with that slot. If she says no, you are advised to leave it there and try again some weeks later.
- The third rule, when you are chargenning an alt you are something of the low man on the totem pole and 'new' players will automatically be handled before your request. Just something to keep in mind. You have another character to play, they do not.
Please inform the Staff in the Character Generation queue, if the character is an ALT. Intentional deception is grounds for rejecting the alt, and even grounds for censure (IE Banning).
Last quick tip, Chronicles of Kingsdale will no longer allow players who idle out to recreate former characters. If you idle out, then you have to re-app a new character. Furthermore, we no longer will take any previous characters from Chronicles or previous incarnations into account during character generation.
Concept
In a game such as Rifts, some characters are invariably more powerful than others by design. Rifts: Chronicles of Kingsdale is what most would describe as a low to mid power game. For the most part,there are no godlike characters running about. In order to both regulate the level of character strength on the game we have chosen to set different requirements for chargenning different characters.
We have a list of the current types on the grid, on the census page. In addition, there is a Moratorium on certain types. Please see the Chargen Rules page.
Every OCC, and ever RCC has its own power type.
Please consult this list and find out where you stand.
RCC and OCC combinations -- when permitted by the OCC -- (For example, an Ogre Merc Soldier) are calculated by combining the two. The Ogre R.C.C is Type 2, and the Merc Soldier O.C.C is also type 2 for a total power level of 4 for that character.
R.C.Cs and O.C.Cs that have the 'special' flag, /MUST/ have special staff approval. Please see the Arch Wizard if you wish to apply for one of these characters. It is also important to note that there are a maximum of 3 members of a single OCC/RCC on the grid at one time. You may notice that any character that has the 'restricted' flag is one that is not from earth. Only ONE of those characters will be allowed on the grid at any given time. To see the current census of characters please see: +chargen restricted. Any OCCs or RCCS that are unavailable will be listed there (Including those with 3 characters)
These are the requirements and bonuses of each power level:
- Power Level #1: Background length of no less than 100 words. Begins with 50% of the XP needed to reach level two.
- Power Level #2: Background length of no less than 500 words. begins with 25% of the XP needed to reach level two.
- Power level #3: Background length of no less than 1000 words.
- Power level #4: Background length of no less than 2,000 words.
- Power Level #5: Background length of no less than 3,000 words and must have received at least 10,000 XP on any number of characters (collective) on the grid. All type 5's must be discussed with the Arch Wizard first. She will likely be extremely picky. Approval is absolutely not guaranteed. The player should have demonstrated themselves as important to the game, be active in running TPs and be a proven non-twink.
- Power Level #6: Type 6 Background length of no less than 4,000 words and received at least 25,000 XP on any number of characters on the grid. Player must have demonstrated exemplorary conduct and proved himself an asset to Rifts: CoK. Type 6's will be /extremely/ rare.
- Power Level #7: Type 7 characters are unavailable by application, by anyone.
The 'average' character on Rifts: Chronicles of Kingsdale is expected to be a type 3. Types 1 and 2 therefore receive XP bonuses to level slightly faster as a 'cookie' for chargenning them and anything above becomes increasingly difficult to get approved.
It is worth noting as well that the higher your power level, not only does the staff expect a more detailed background they expect it to be better written. In short, as power levels go up what is asked of you increases exponentially.
Staff can and will change power levels at any time. The list was done quickly and there are many OCCs and RCCs that have 'gotchas' that may result in staff making adjustments to them. If something is seeming a little overpowered or underpowered for it's level it probably is. But it can and will happen that adjustments are made on the fly. You are best off to ask the staff to confirm before you write a background.
RCCs and OCCs sometimes become unavailable for application. This occurs when three seperate characters are of that RCC or OCC unless it is common. RCCs and OCCs that are not from earth are also considered 'restricted' and only one of them is permitted to be on the grid at any given time. This list will be updated as characters become available and unavailable.
We keep this page up to date, to reflect the state of KD.
There are also rules on Third Characters
Decide what you want to play
Now that you know what it is you want to play, you need to request approval for the concept. This means that you will need to use the myjobs system. Before you do that though, you should make sure that your concept is a good one for the game and fits within the regulations. Page one of the admin if they are not dark and run it by them. Be aware as well that the maximum power level a new player to the game can have is 4 and that OCCs and RCCs are constantly under revision so what you may want is not guaranteed.
If you cannot reach the staff right then or want additional opinions (this is a good idea!) then take your request to the chargen and public channels and make sure. Also, if the staff feel that you're just trying to squeak in the most powerful character you can through chargen we'll bite you.
Put in a concept request
Anyway, the command you need to know is:
+concept Your Concept Goes Here!
See myjobs for more information.
Make sure to tell us what OCC and RCC you are going for and the power level. For example, Power Level 4, due to Level 2 Ogre RCC and Level 2 Mercenary Soldier.
Don't give us your BACKGROUND yet, tell us a little about the concept. What their personality is like, what you think they would add to the grid. How do you intend to RP them. Don't limit yourself too much here to these questions, sell us on the character! Make us really want to approve it so we can get you chargenned.
Remember as well that though militaryesque characters have an important purpose here at Chronicles, you need to make sure that you are not going to be bored inbetween fights. There is a lot of intellectual and plot developments here and this is something to keep in mind.
If you are rejected or approved in your concept, staff reply to your concept request, or approve it. If your concept is rejected, don't feel bad! Generally the staff will tell you why. Usually it is because someone is asking for something a little too powerful. We are a very low-powered game here.
Here is an good example:
+concept My charater's name is Nebuchaneze Gladas. He is a Oger RCC, PL 2 and a Mercenary Solider PL 2. For a total level 4. He is a hard core warrior with a sense of irony. He is a bounty hunter who enjoys hunting humans and uses a front man to turn them over to the CS. He finds it funny that the anti-Human group pays him to hunt humans.
Download the sheet
This step is no longer required, but recommended to make sure the automated system is working correctly. This gives us something to compare it too.
To do this, please use one of the following sheets to submit your character sheet.
Grab the character sheet. This must be filled out in detail, now that your stats are done. Staff will be checking it over, but please make their jobs as easy as possible by double checking for errors.
Rifts: Chronicles of Kingsdale uses the Rifts: Ultimate Edition rules for skills. Please be -VERY- careful with these new rules as MANY skills are no longer available to be selected as secondaries. WPs in particular have been completely redone.
We also allow the Rifter 19 Mental skills. You will need to note on your sheet which skills you are dropping to take these, and the change will be done manually by the staffer finishing your character off.
- Only the mental skills and only if your character's BG matches it.
- They will cost you one OOC Related skill per skill.
- Only the skills on pages 37, 38, and half of 39 are permitted.
- The new physical skills are NOT permitted, but the bonuses to existing physical skills on the left side of page 39 are.
Please make sure to review Skills to make sure any skills you select work the same here as they do else where.
Attributes, Skills, Magic Spells and Psionics
As you submit your +concept, random psionics are automatically rolled and attached to the +job which is created. Please make sure to look at the +myjob or in your @mail as you will be copied on it.
If you are approved, you will be given approval to enter the CG room in the OOC area and roll your base stats. The following should be noted here and be very clear:
Each person will only be permitted to roll stats once per RL month. Our chargen system is very lenient and if you feel you have bad stats...don't. Roll with what you have. You can still pick any OCC that you like because your stats will be lifted to the minimum level for that OCC if they do not meet it -- and besides, you get to roll four complete sets and pick the best one! So don't keep creating concepts and then expecting to CG them. You will not be permitted. One actual CG rolling session per month. Now, this does not mean you can't try for a couple different concepts if you are on the fence -- just that you only get one shot at your stat rolling.
You can, if you wish, LOWER any stat - if you have in mind an image of a ugly fighter, and you roll 30 PB, then feel free to lower it! This only applies to lowering stats that have already been rolled. Numbers may not be moved, shuffled, and one may not use points from one lowered stat to raise another. This is just a curtosy extended to some people who want to make minor adjustments to better fit the vision of a character.
Some specific OCC/RCCs have aspects of the OCC/RCC require random rolls. If they are options which have variables and balances of give and take similar to attributes you will be allowed 3 sets. And be allowed to select the set you prefer. This is a case by case situation, and needs to be asked about. This does not apply to single items which do not have gives or takes, for example HP, SDC, PPE are not under this rule. But something that has multiple limbs based on random rolls or gills, would be.
So when you're approved, just enter chargen and the system will take care of it.
During this bit, you can also select your skills, magic and psionics.
The Automated-CG is a new system to us, and is currently in beta testing. One must also send in the sheet below, in order to ensure that your full sheet is correct and also to keep it offline in a place of safety - a protection against massive database failure!
Background
So you've got your stats done, and now you know what you have to work with! Writing your background is one of the most important parts of your chargen AND your experience on Rifts: Chronicles of Kingsdale so it is important to give this a -LOT- of thought. Your background is the basis for your character's personality, skills and OCC. It sets the stage for how he or she will interact with those around them.
1. The first thing to do is have a look and see the *minimum* that you are required to write. This is the bare minimum. Feel free to exceed it if you wish.
2. Backgrounds can be in first person, third person, whatever you are comfortable writing.
3. Tell the story of your character. Why are they what OCC they are? Where did they learn their skills? Get their weapons, their equipment? Who taught them? Who was important to them in life? Who do they love? Who do they hate?
What is their story leading up to now? How did they get there? Why? Who was with them? Check your character against Sue'ism . You can, if in doubt, do the litmus test. Otherwise the staff will ask you to change it before you get approved.
These are all just ideas and suggestions. The important thing is that you give us an idea of what happened to your character up to this point. Rifting is a particular concern. It is very easy to say 'oh, my character was rifted from phase world to earth' and expect that to tell the story. While this is entirely possible, ESPECIALLY if you are trying for a type three or higher you need to convey the story of what he was like before that. His origin, what he was doing when he got rifted. The higher the power level the more complete of a story that we expect.
One thing that you absolutely may -NOT- do is begin with any rank in an 'on camera' organization, such as the Kingsdale Military or Police Force. You may have been a part of it and may still be, but you begin 'on camera' at the bottom rank. Off camera organizations including mercenary units and the Coalition can have given you any rank that makes sense in your story.
Inputing your background is pretty easy, although it takes a basic understanding of how MUSHes work. Before we get to that though, let this be said:
Please run your backgrounds through a spellchecker. A lot of typos and inattention will result in it being rejected. Rifts: Chronicles of Kingsdale is a text based game and we expect people to be able to represent themselves clearly. Your background is your 'resume' of sorts. Make it count. =)
Arriving in Kingsdale
We understand that most of the people in Kingsdale will have recently arrived. Only a few people write a background that has them in some kind of established social/political/monetary environment, and that's absolutely fine. In fact, if everyone were writing in BGs that had them living in KD for years, it would start to get old and pretty much suck.
However for newly arriving players, this does not mean that you get a free pass by just saying, "And he arrived on the doorstep not knowing where to go next." Well everybody has some idea of where to go next. Food first? Shelter? Living in Dregstown until you can find a job to support yourself? Pickpocketing? You can't just have your character wander in bleary-eyed and wondering. Not even if you just write up a class one bonehead ogre (sorry, ogres) vagabond.
Everybody wants to do something you just have to figure out what that is.
Anyway, that said!
Input your background
The basic idea is: &bg<pagenumber> me=blah
For example:
&bg1 me=This is page 1.
&bg2 me=this is page 2.
Please review the BG Command for assistance to view it. BG
So, you have this thousand word background in notepad. How do you space it out? Never fear! The way to force the MUSH to create a new line is: %r and the way to indent is %t.
Try it out and experiment and ask staff or players if you run into trouble.
Equipment and Weapons
Here at Chronicles of Kingsdale we are taking steps to combat 'feature creep' as books become more and more powerful. Characters may not start on the grid with a weapon that does more than 1d6X10 MDC in a single attack. You may naturally come across greater weapons in your travels on the grid, but this is the limit at chargen. This does not apply to robots, vehicles or power armor. Most people will not have access to this kind of devastating hardware. (Railguns, Plasma Cannons, Missile Launchers.. the stuff that does over 1d6X10 MDC). Characters who have one item like this are rare enough.
In special cases with exceptional backgrounds staff -MAY- allow a particular weapon or two character classes that revolve around them to have several. (Heavy weapon soldiers, ectera.) It is recommended that you choose your gear conservatively and logically. If we see that you are too loaded down with heavy guns without a character concept that suits it... we'll have to ask you to tone it down a little. Use your head, folks. A travelling storyteller is not likely to carry a multi-shot, clip-fed, laser-guided, gyroscopic stabilized, electrically primed shoulder fired missile launcher.
Remember that these weapons are typically bulky, heavy and difficult to use. They take enormous amounts of maintenance and suck down E-Clips like anything else. Most people get by very, very well with a rifle and not a plasma cannon. Please keep the timeline involved too. It is /106/ PA or shortly thereafter. Nauruni Wave #2 for example, hasn't even started yet...
The hard limit is as follows: Pistols: 4d6, Rifles: 1d4X10, Heavy Weapons: 1D6X10. 'Rifles' that do more than 1d4X10, such as the C-29 Plasma Cannon are not permitted. If it is the same general size, shape and weight as a rifle, it is not a heavy weapon. Heavy weapon pertains to grenade launchers, missile launchers, railguns and the like. Melee weapons are 4d6 for 1 hand weapon, 6d6 for a 2 hand weapon normally. Considering most classes may NOT begin with magic weapons, 3d6 (a NTI weapon) is the most you are likely going to get. Don't try to squeeze in that extra d6 with something magic if you are chargenning. Also, a character may NOT begin with a Naruni Enterprises forcefield.
The staff WOULD like to draw your attention to this, however: Newton Tech Industries.
These weapons are made locally in Kingsdale and are about what the staff is looking for in power level right now. You are encouraged to select from NTI's list if you feel they suit you.
Commands
+add/<type>=<item> - This command adds to your <type> inventory. Valid types are weapon, equip, or TW. <item> should be a descriptive entry of the item or items along with any relevant game mechanics, for ease of reference. Use +sheet/e, /w, or /tw to review your work.
+rem/<type>=<#> - This command removes item <#> from your <type> inventory. Same types as above.
OCC and RCC Notes
There are many times when a small note needs to be made about an ability that goes nowhere else. For this we use notes (+sheet/n). A player can add a note, and have it validated by staff. Notes are not valid until this has been done.
- +pnote <text>
- +premnote <#>
Finishing
- +setalign <alignment> - This command sets your alignment.
- +set/<trait>=<value> - These commands are used to set quick phsyical traits such as hair color and height. Supported traits are hair, eyes, skin, age, height and weight.
- +desc/setup Sets you up to use the multidescer
- +desc/list Shows you all currently available descriptions
- +desc/view name Shows you the description
- +desc/add name=desc Adds a description named 'name', with desc of 'desc'
- +desc/delete name Deletes the named description
- &hooks me=Your text here.
- @sex me=Female/Male
- &wyska me=Your text here.
Email your sheet and put in a request for approval
Email the sheet to: chroniclesofkingsdale@gmail.com.
+apply <comments> - This command submits your application for review with the given comments. Please be sure that to set all of the above, your background, and submit your spreadsheet character sheet prior to applying.
Final Thoughts
If new to the role-playing experience the following Guides are very helpful.
You might want to find a picture to represent your char on the Players page. You will need a wiki login, using your char name. This has to be made by the staff - please put in a +job for this.
While you are doing this, look over the rest of the Wiki.
Finally, once you are approved for the grid, please post an introduction to the New Players board.
Perhaps take a look at Leveling for other information and take note of Housing.
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