So You've Been Accepted. Now What?

[hearth_ 1023]

First of all, congratulations on getting accepted to Lord of the Craft! A vast world awaits you, but it may be too vast at first.

 

Lord of the Craft is all about roleplaying, as I certainly hope you know. "But what if I can't find any roleplay to get involved in?" or, "I'm a bit scared to roleplay, I don't want to mess up". Fret not, here's a small list of things to do to get yourself integrated into the server and fully enjoy it.

 

1. Relax! 

Most players on Lord of the Craft are extremely friendly to fresh meat newbies, and will always offer helpful advice. Fear not if you mess up an emote or spell something off, we are always accepting. If you are ever confused on how to use a plugin, go into the /h chat. All and all, just relax and do your best. Over time, you'll get better and the possible anxiety of roleplaying will be lifted!

 

2. Find your race's capitol.

I would recommend doing this simply because it's a place where the vast majority of characters are your character's race as well. As racial grudges and tensity can vary, you may not know of a racial discrimination in a certain capitol and may be turned off by the negative roleplay. So for now, stick to your race's capitol! There, players can always lend a helping hand with your race's lore.

 

3. Don't ask for OOC directions, ask in character!

Instead of asking players out of character where your destination (whatever it may be) is, ask in character! Stop people on the roads, go into taverns and shops, interact with others! This helps you practice your RP, as typically these interactions are short.

 

4. Be unique.

No, I'm not saying to have a third arm or a flaming tongue that allows you to shoot flames from your mouth. Don't do that. Simply stick out! Make your character unique, don't blend in with the crowd! Perhaps he/she has a stutter in their speaking patterns? Maybe they always end a sentence with the word 'please' because they think it makes the sentence polite. Speak with an accent! Be abnormal!

 

5. Frequently visit taverns. 

No, I'm not saying to be a drunk. You don't even have to drink, really. The fact is, Taverns are an excellent place to roleplay and meet new people! Don't just sit down and listen to RP, engage in it! Perhaps the dwarf in the corner is being too loud, go give the fat oaf a piece of your mind! Ale too expensive? Barter with the fool who dares to try and con you!

 

6. Make minor injuries occur randomly.

Twitst you ankle during travel! Run into walls! Having your character getting hurt occasionally will drive them to desire a cleric, thus creating more RP for yourself.

 

7. Join a group of players.

Joining a group of players will best help you ease into LoTC. The easiest group to join is typically a guard force, and I would seek out a position as a recruit with your race's army.

 

8. Use the /h channel. A lot.

Even the smallest questions about plugins can be answered there. Never feel ashamed and afraid to ask a question you fear may be stupid.

 

9. Interact on the forums.

Read through your Race's current events happening on the forums! You can find scheduled events to attend etc.

 

10. Find a teacher if you want to learn magic.

Though rules don't say that you need a teacher for your character to learn magic, I highly suggest you find a teacher to avoid a chance of Powergaming with the magic. While learning a magic, always read the lore of the magic thoroughly.

 

11. Take constructive criticism.

If someone seems harsh while telling you that you're doing something wrong, do not take it personally! Constructive criticism is A-Okay, and you should embrace it with a "Thank you". Your RP will benefit from this critique, as long as you let it.

 

 

12. Don't emote thoughts!

It is somewhat self explanatory. You do not need or should emote what your character is thinking. It can clog up the roleplay, and cause annoyance. Steer clear of doing this!

 

13. Attempt, attempt, attempt!

When your character is interacting with another character and he/she tries to physically interact with the other person, make sure you say "attempts" before you do the action! This prevents powergaming which is naughty! 

Example: Kaas hex gently stares into the woman's eyes before he slowly attempts to hold her hand.

Now, there is an odd, LoTC cultural quirk. There is a point where two players who's characters are either close friends or romantically involved typically allow most actions without the "attempts" word snuck in there. Wait until your friend/partner starts dropping the use of "attempts" before you do too.

 

14. Have some fun.

Jeeze, if the server feels like work, you're doing it wrong!

 

(To veteran members, please post other things I can include/edit regarding how to help new players get started on the server. Thanks!

 

- D3lve).

[Wyvernbane 252]

First. And great job, D3lve! A really good guide for new players. Perhaps include something along the lines with magic. That's always a very tempting thing to go for when you first join. Perhaps have a small section on that?

[hearth_ 1023]

First. And great job, D3lve! A really good guide for new players. Perhaps include something along the lines with magic. That's always a very tempting thing to go for when you first join. Perhaps have a small section on that?

Will do, adding now. Thank you for the feedback! :D

[Mephistophelian 977]

Include a section where they must remember that they must take feedback as constructive, no matter the tone. Yes, there should be 100% of us who are kind and understanding to new players, but that is simply not the case. The best alternative is for them to understand that repeated 'complaints' or pieces of advice are often due to a reason, and that they can gain lots of RP know-how from such things. I learnt that thought emoting was sin, for example, in the second week of me being on LotC. Someone decided to scold me for emoting *Thinks this is [insert whatever it was]*. I did not forget that lesson at all, mind you, even if they were slightly rude.

[hearth_ 1023]

Include a section where they must remember that they must take feedback as constructive, no matter the tone. Yes, there should be 100% of us who are kind and understanding to new players, but that is simply not the case. The best alternative is for them to understand that repeated 'complaints' or pieces of advice are often due to a reason, and that they can gain lots of RP know-how from such things. I learnt that thought emoting was sin, for example, in the second week of me being on LotC. Someone decided to scold me for emoting *Thinks this is [insert whatever it was]*. I did not forget that lesson at all, mind you, even if they were slightly rude.

Added. Thank you for the feedback!

Edited February 26, 2015 by ๖ۣۜDelve

[Ford 1996]

Don't emote your thoughts and keep OOC to a minimum, don't so #6, please. Just... Don't. Always remember to say *attempts* before your verb when in a fight or situation regarding another player. Also, learn magic a few months after playing on the server. It's slightly overated anyway!

[hearth_ 1023]

Don't emote your thoughts and keep OOC to a minimum, don't so #6, please. Just... Don't. Always remember to say *attempts* before your verb when in a fight or situation regarding another player. Also, learn magic a few months after playing on the server. It's slightly overated anyway!

Added. Thank you for the feedback!

[OhDeerLord 673]

Joining a group is so much more fun than learning magic on your own!

On one character I joined the druidic order, and on another I started learning illusion with a teacher and another student. It's a lot of fun going to lessons, and very rewarding when someone tells you your progressing well.

You should've heard all the squee's I made when my Guide told me I'd make a great druid, and maybe even become a guide!

 

This is very nicely written, and I hope new players get to see it and heed its advice.

[Fireheart 2777]

Amazing job, a great guide to new players!

[hearth_ 1023]

Amazing job, a great guide to new players!

Thank you very much!

 

Joining a group is so much more fun than learning magic on your own!

On one character I joined the druidic order, and on another I started learning illusion with a teacher and another student. It's a lot of fun going to lessons, and very rewarding when someone tells you your progressing well.

You should've heard all the squee's I made when my Guide told me I'd make a great druid, and maybe even become a guide!

 

This is very nicely written, and I hope new players get to see it and heed its advice.

Yes, it is always nice to be praised. Just a feeling of inclusion, in well, anything is good in both life and IG. Groups are essential to new players! Thank you for the feedback!

[Dopey1992 20]

I like this a lot! Keep up the good stuff. 

[Pizzast 2]

This is actually extremely helpful! Thank you for your help, once again! 

[Nana 3]

Nice tutorial! Every newcomer should read this for help.

[ChonGojDragonski 317]

Great guide. Glad to see someone's pick up the slack. Wish this had been around when I first joined, maybe then I would've stayed longer on the server.

[TheBareSheet 194]

Moved to the Archive. It shall be sorted into the appropriate category shortly.