As an experiment, I am introducing a new group/faction into EfU as part of a plot. This post is advertising this new idea, and soliciting players who'd like to participate from the start.

Briefly, the group is an organization of druids/druidically sympathetic characters who are devoted to the concept of balance in both its naturalistic and philosophical meanings. For reasons they will become clear, they are moving into the caves near the Sanctuary region.

Good classes for this group would be druids, rangers, barbarians, and sorcerers. Other classes and multiclasses would be a possibility. Any alignment would be acceptable.

This group is not guaranteed success. If it flourishes and becomes an established faction, it will do so only through the efforts of the PCs that become involved. This is an opportunity to have fun and make a change to the world of EfU, but please do not join up if you expect just to be told what to do by NPCs. It is entirely possible that the faction may be completely wiped, and I would be fine with that.

If you are interested in participating, come up with an appropriate character that is interesting and something you think you will have fun roleplaying for a long period of time. It is important that this concept be colorful, interesting, and dynamic.

You should also come up with some rough ideas for what you envision the character trying to do with this group now that it's come to Sanctuary. Ask yourself such questions as:

(1) What sort of activities will the character promote when you log him in? Will these be fun, do they require DMs or will you be able to do some of them on your own? (2) What are his weaknesses and his strengths? (3) What groups do you anticipate him coming into conflict with? (4) How will his existence promote interesting RP and stories? (5) What does the idea of balance mean to this character?

Then send an application, either PM'ed to my account or sent to the general e-mail address. The application does not need to be long, but it should be solid and touch on most of the questions I listed above.

The faction itself is generally split up into two groups: the Guardians, and the Circle. The Circle is for characters with druid-levels only, the Guardians are for everyone else. Players can anticipate an aspect of faction-rank/faction-advancement to be included in the experience of playing in this faction.

If you are serious about participating in this, you may PM me on IRC or on the forums and request additional information.

If you have a PC that you are enjoying, I do not advocate that you abandon him for this.

New players are welcome to participate in this.

Sine my play time is limited these days, I suggest you only sign up if you are generally able to play EST evenings as that is when I will be available as a DM.

Current and existing PCs will be able to apply to join the faction once it enters the game world.

All right, I'd like a little more interest in this.

This will have:

Key plot stuff that I can't talk about but which is awesome Pretty darn spiffy faction loot, and the opportunity for even better faction loot if you rock out Other neat perks (such as a new summoning theme) The opportunity to probably get more than your share of DM Howland time, which is PRICELESS New opportunities for conflict that go beyond good-evil Other neat things

Again, to sum up this is a group of druids + their guardians who have been wandering the Underdark for a very long time. During this time they've picked up new members along the way.

So you should come up with a PC that either has druid levels (member of the circle) or who does not (a barbarian, ranger, sorcerer, etc.) and is a guardian. Try to be really creative about coming up with a character that will be awesome, fun, and dynamic. You should then send an application using the standard format to either the DM e-mail address escapefromunderdark@gmail.com or directly to my forum account.

If you're a new player, I fully encourage you to get involved with this. If you're an old player who'd like a good opportunity to come back to the server, I fully encourage you to get involved in this. If you're a current character who needs a new PC, I fully encourage you to get involved in this.

#efudruids to discuss this if you want

Get those apps in, using proper format, PM'ed to my forum account please. I'd say you've another day, but after that you may miss your shot.

Tonight is the deadline for the submission of apps for concepts that relate to starting in the group. After that, it will have to be druids that seek out the group IG and try to join it.