Watch Recruitment

Lately the Watch has been a bit low on actively playing members, and has a few open slots to be filled. There are plenty of perks involved, and while there are downsides to the Watch, they're easily outweighed. That said, on joining the Watch you'll get a number of bonuses. Including:

• Free Resting, You can rest any time you want in a secure area, completely for free.
• Persistant Storage, Carrying capacity a problem? Not in the Watch! Each member gets their own storage chest, capable of holding up to 20 items, regardless of size or weight.
• Free Equipment, On joining the Watch you are supplied with a suit of armor, helmet, shield, and magical amulet, each with special properties, which you can't acquire elsewhere.
• Cheap Supplies, Watchmen are allowed to purchase supplies at almost base cost, to aid in their duties. This includes Medicinal herbs, Medicines, multiple sorts of potions, shackles, etc
• Fat pay check, Watchmen are regularly paid a small sum in the line of their work, and while small, enough playtime, and the money quickly adds up, to better keep you stocked for catching criminals
• Good people, OOCly, the Watch is full of fine, friendly people. While it may not hold true 100% of the time, ICly, the Watchmen tend to get along well, and even if they don't, always have a good reason to quest together.

We are a heavily DM supported faction. Eccentric NPC members often make their presence known, and offer their assistance or opinion, to help guide your actions. Help is usually freely available, but each NPC has their own personality and possible reaction to individual requests and situations. Some may be helpful and approachable, while others are sarcastic and forbidding.

And while it should be noted that we do get the support of DMs, members are still expected to carry their share of the load. The DMs are intended to be boosters, to help encourage us along, rather than do everything for us. This is just as true in every other faction, I'm sure, and even with casual players. If you want to get something done, show that you're interested in doing it, and put forth the effort to get it started. When a DM sees what you're doing, they'll usually be very inclined to help out.

Acquiring help is typically very easy, and your superiors may quite commonly be willing to provide you with a little boost to help get your plans going.

Requirements Any race is allowed, and while just about any class can join, some may have some serious (IC) difficulties, in going about their duty. Paladins, and most spellcasters especially will have trouble carrying out their duties. I expect monks would be basically incapable of joining.

[edit:]Apparently it says right on the website, Requirements: Non-cleric, non-wizard, non-sorceror, non-druid.[/edit]

There are no real equipment restrictions. You can use any sort of weapon you like, no limits. However, you will need to be able to use at least light armor.

Alignments aren't restricted to anything, as the Watch takes all sorts, lawful or chaotic, corrupt or not. Some alignments may make your job a lot easier, others may make it substantially more difficult. It's been said before that "Good" aligned Watchmen will have a hard time. Regardless of your alignment though, what it comes down to are actions, and actions that may be acceptable with one of your superiors might be deplorable to another.

In being in the Watch, you're bound to have to deal with the occasional OOC incident, or general mistakes. You need to always be able to handle things calmly and expect to deal with some annoyances. Very commonly, new players will show up, and it's often up to the Watch to take them aside and explain things.

Good filing and writing skills are helpful, because while OOC duty is generally minimal, you may find yourself having to write a substantial amount of reports. Failing to do so, can sometimes have IC repercussions, but shouldn't be anything too serious.

As always, OOC consideration is important, especially so in the Watch, because while in a straight PvP fight, you may not always win. But by proper IC channels, your actions can completely end another player's character, so it's important to remember that there is a player on the other end, too.

Joining Like any faction or special privilege, joining the Watch will require an OOC application. In joining, you're encouraged to start your character, before you even get your application approved, as the In-Character steps toward getting accepted into the Watch can take some time. The best way to take them is generally to seek out a Watchman In-game and find out what it takes.

Conclusion Hopefully this may have piqued some peoples' interest. If you need any help with concepts, you're always welcome to talk to me in IRC, and the DM's have shown to be nothing but receptive about these things as well. I'd be glad to answer any questions you might have, provided they aren't too much of a spoiler. And even if you're not sure, you're welcome to ask.

I want to join the watch, but I currently have two characters. >_< Im confuzzled!

I'm considering. My LE Banite warrior would have a field day in the Watch :twisted:

Woot, Watch! Regrettably, I can't access the main page to find the application e-mail addy. As soon as I do, I'll...procrastinate thoroughly. ^_^;

The application address is escapefromunderdark@gmail.com

I'm currently the other watch player, but as my schedule is insanely tight at the moment I'm not in game much, but you can find me in IrC for questions and stuff when I'm not busy. I'll help where I can, and give you pointers if you want them, just ask.

Just remember kids. Killing people and dumping them in the dark lake may result in redundency and/or public immoliation.

(edit: Bah even when I make a smart comment I can't spell!)

Fish The application address is escapefromunderdark@gmail.com

I'm currently the other watch player,

There is only one? Out of general curiosity what is the turn around time for applications (all sort not just this one)

Application turnarounds vary.

This is the FAQ that is meant to go on the website, but hasn't made it up.

https://efupw.com/efu1-forum/topic/24/2420/website-update/index.html

For people who want to find out more IC, I will try and make some time when I'm online to answer questions about recuitment, or what the watch do, etcetera. If more than one of you are desperate at the same time, send me a tell or pm in irc and I can make myself available for that purpose.

Thrawn Application turnarounds vary.

This is the FAQ that is meant to go on the website, but hasn't made it up.

https://efupw.com/efu1-forum/topic/24/2420/website-update/index.html

Topic's in a private forum. Turns up "Only users granted special access can access this forum"

Thrawn Application FAQ:

I. Why does EfU require apps for some races, factions, and prestige classes?

Applications allow us to maintain consistency in the world. For example, if we get too many drow, it will ruin the feel and special quality of the race. If we get too many prestige classes, they lose their prestige. If we get too many people just joining a faction, the factions will lose focus, as inappropriate characters affect them.

The application process is not there as a power trip for the DM's, as a way to punish players, or as a way to give stuff to "friends of DMs". The app process is very important to keep a cohesive server, and make things more fun for the player base as a whole. We feel it is a worthwhile sacrifice for both the DMs and the players.

II. How do I write an app? Applications are emails sent to escapefromunderdark@gmail.com. Soon we hope to have an online form to make this process easier for our players. The application process is on the website, but I'm going to go through each section here in a little more detail, to hopefully answer some common questions.

1. Account name and times you can be reached (playtime/timezone) This should be the easy part of the application. I doubt we will have questions here.

2. Your character name; details including a bio (not too long please) This is an area that is usually the first mistake in app writing. We only need enough information to understand the concept of your character. We don't need a life history. Save that for a journal entry where we can go get it if we want. Keep this brief, and focus your efforts on other parts of the app. This section is not likely to make or break your app, unless you are making a character that is completely wrong for what you are applying for.

3. Details about him/her/it (please include alignment, deity, race, and class) This should be another very short section. We are looking for the four specific details listed, but we also look at any other short details here that tell us about your concept, that we wouldn't get from the bio. Once again, keep this short.

4. What you're applying for. Another really easy question. If you can't answer this one, you aren't likely going to get anything.

5. What you plan to do with it, and why it will be fun for you and others. Now, this is the meat of the application. It is far more important than the rest. There are several things we are looking for here. - Does your character have goals? (We look at both long and short term goals.) - Do you have a plan of how to achieve these goals? - Do these goals give us potential for good stories? - Do these goals include other players/character? - Can the player work on some of the things for these goals along with other players without a DM?

This is the section that makes the app. If we know we are going to get good storylines by approving someone, instead of someone who's just going to take up space, then we are much more likely to like the app.

III. How does the DM staff approve apps? The DMs have a voting process where we accept/reject apps. Whether we vote yes or no on applications generally depends on more than just the app however. We can divide applications into two groups, and each of these groups has slightly different criteria.

1. Asking for something to start a character. The most common examples of this are applying for a special race (drow, duergar, etc.) and special concepts (some specialized background). With these apps, we have to approve it before the character is ever played. We try to be quick returning these to the players with a yes/no vote, telling them in IRC, email, in game via tells, or some other out of character mechanism. There are two main things considered in these applications. The app itself is the obvious one, but the second, is that we look at what you have done on past characters. If you have told good stories and involved people in the past, then there is an expectation that you will do so again in the future, so we will give your application more consideration. To quote the subrace section of the application page on the website, "Due to the volume of sub-race applications received, we will tend to approve sub-race concepts as a perk to reward players who have already played a previous successful character with a non-approval race." This means that applying for a sub-race immediately is less likely to get approved. It's better to get some history behind you first.

2. Asking for something mid-character. The common examples of this are factions and PrC's. We generally don't let characters start out with either of these items, although there are a few exceptions with factions. Once again, the application is only part of what determines approval. Past characters will factor into these applications as well, but the most important part is what your current character does to deserve the faction or PrC. We do not tell people OOC whether they are accepted for these applications generally. They are all handled in-game. An approved application does not mean you get the perk. If you are approved for the Watch, but you never go to the Watch looking for employment, you will never get in. They don't come to you just because you approved. The in-game part of this is so important in fact, that on numerous occasions, the DM's initially rejected an application, but reversed their decisions due to the player making a strong and convincing effort to get into a faction in-game. On the other hand, we have many applications that were approved, where the player never got into the faction, since they never took the necessary steps in-game to get in.

IV. What can I do to get my app approved? 1) Make sure you have goals that include other players, and that have steps on how to accomplish them. 2) Work towards earning your application in character. 3) Make sure you have goals that include other players, and that have steps on how to accomplish them. 4) Format and spellcheck your app. If it's easier for us to read, it's easier for us to understand what you are going for. 5) Have I mentioned that goals are a big deal? 6) Discuss your app with people before submitting it. The DM's and many players are happy to help with the application process. 7) If you have problems figuring out goals, see #6. Many times you have goals, but just don't know how to talk about them. We can help with that too!

V. Can I get a special race, major faction, or prestige class without doing an application? In short, no. There may be situations where we may see a good fit for something and will ask you for an application. There are also some minor factions that currently don't require an applicatoin (although they have less benefits as well.) However, for races, major factions, and PrC's, we will require the player to go through the application process. This avoids any appearances of favoratism, as well as helping the Dm staff keep good records on the approvals that have happened.

VI. I submitted an app, now how do I hear if I got it? For race/concept apps, please give us 3 days. We have an internal goal to turn apps around in that time. It's not always possible, both due to time constraints, real life getting in the way, or discussions needed around certain apps. You are welcome to ask us at the end of that time however for an update. For faction/PrC app, we are unlikely to tell you whether you got in or not. Work towards it in game, and you will find out at the same as your character does. You can both be surprised together. (Note: for PrC's, you will likely receive a tell IG from a DM saying the PrC is available for you, usually connected to some in game initiation or action.)

And a corps of battlemages. Don't forget the corps of battlemages.

<.<

I'll make a watch app when my char runs his course. When that happens, who knows :P

PS this is not a call for assassination.

>_> *assassinates*

As much as I'd like to keep it entirely positive. Just remember folks. You also have to deal with a fair few rather disagreeable people ((ooc'ly)) and every new guy running around with his sword and pot helm is your responsibility to handle too. Does'nt happen often but you get some days that are just bleh, don't believe me ask fish paha or josi.

There will be ooc things to deal with occasionally. I myself did not find them overly hard though. It just takes some diplomacy and patience :wink:

Usually helping new players was a treat.

But I can also answer any questions, if I just know how.

Yes any player who joins the watch needs to have a cool head and be patient in situations involving new players, or player arguments which can be sorted out. Sometimes DMs are required to call the situation but if it can be delt with yourself, it usually saves a little time on their part.

you also end up welcoming new players alot, via tells I've found, not neccesarily IC at least.

Naga -snip-

Saboteur!

Yes, yes, there are some downsides.

I really haven't had to deal with many disagreeable people at all though, in my time.

I only dealt with one real exploiter, who thought it would be fun to hop back and forth across a single transition 7 times. I transition extremely slowly, and so only made it about 3 times in that time frame, but fortunately, Fish was around and was faster than them. In any case, the dude eventually got what was coming to them. The character died to a monster spawn and I believe was summarily banned from the server.

The DM's are excellent that way. They tend to nip the lamers in the bud. We rarely have to deal with them. And even when something comes up, you really don't have to deal with it. Just tell a DM, same as anything else.

The Watch is not in place as a group of "mini-DM's" set to police the OOCness of the server. We're here to have fun and get people involved just as much as everyone else.

<shifty eyes>

Still really do need new folks to join up!

Start sending in those applications!