Hey all, i must be really doing the DMs heads in by now with all my rubbish appications constantly getting rejected.
I've never applied for a charecter really before so i was just wondering any tips and hints for a successfull application.
By the way i have read the application information page like 10 times so please don't post that link up on here.
Thanks alot.
Short and simple. And remember to add why it will be fun for others, not just you.
Well, you probably should ask the DMs why a particular app was rejected. If they've voted no, I'm sure they also have very clear reasons.
Most important is the aspect of goals and aims and yes include others. Also..realise things like Minotaurs, Were-Creatures-Rubies-Shadowdancers are not easely given. Even if you think HEY -like you said once to me- Orc/wereboar i said wellll....not likely. About why and how i suggest asking a DM but i just know that its tough to get them because of the power they represent, and just have.
Generally the focal point should be unique goals that involve players and don't necessarily need DMs, from what I've always understood.
Apologies if you've already seen this, but here are some old example apps, some with an explanation as to why they are good as well.
http://www.escapefromunderdark.com/old_forums/viewtopic.php?t=22158
You can also talk to DMs on IRC at #efuapps. In addition, you can easily find people in the main IRC channel. There should be at least one person willing to lend you a hand if you ask, and they can look through all the pieces of your application for you.
http://www.escapefromunderdark.com/forums/showpost.php?p=156349&postcount=11
More recent applications.
I'm not going to touch on goals or content in this post, but I'd just like to say that there are 4 key elements to having your application approved:
- Past Behaviour.
- Application Content.
- Past Behaviour
- Bribes
If you are someone who changes nickname everytime, you are less likely to get approved as we wont know who you are. The more we know about you the more we can trust that you will do what you claim you will do on the application and make that fun for others.
The subrace really has to mesh well with the type of personality you want to promote and the only way we can evaluate that is through seeing you play.
Sometimes your application will get rejected through factors out of your control which reflecting the current 'zeitgeist' of what DMs are looking for in the server right now.
Right thanks alot for all the information it has really been helpfull and i understand now where i have gone wrong.
I think for now i will just play normal charecters as i understand i have only been playing for somewhat 2 months.
Again thanks for all the support, much appreciated.
We were all new at some point, so I'd be happy to help out. If you have any specific questions or want to kick ideas around, feel free to shoot me a PM.
I've personally seen your characters and RP improve a lot in the short time you've been here, so don't get discouraged and you'll have an awesome subrace in no time.
The big question to ask is how the subrace or faction will enhance or change your concept for the betterment of yourself and others. Why be a duergar, for instance, if you can play the concept just as well as a regular dwarf?
Quote from: Mort;188003I'm not going to touch on goals or content in this post, but I'd just like to say that there are 4 key elements to having your application approved:
- Past Behaviour.
- Application Content.
- Past Behaviour
- Bribes
Against all the odds, I was once approved for a rather powerful subrace based on an app that took me all of half an hour to think of and write. One of those spur of the moment inspiration things. I guess it depends on the specific app and the specific person, but if you have a genuine good concept then no jury in the world can convict you.
Even Mort (he prefers cash).
Right, i understand that some sub races and prestige classes are way to powerfull for my abilities at the moment. What sub race would you reccomend me starting off as when i do decide a new application, im more ionterested in playing a monster player for a change.
I've applied for a half-orc wereboar, and it was passed. I'd assume it was passed because it was mainly high conflict, and also, I've heard of some really crazy applications being passed too, so... you can really stretch the fabric and go way out. You just have to take your time, and really focus on your goals... as that's the main part of your application.
Also, don't forget... there's so many helpful players on IRC. You can always go there and ask people for suggestions, opinions, anything. I bet the majority will help you out - I know I will!
They generally pass any monster application.
Just have a goal and expect to be hunted.
Edited: They tend to pass the weak monsters, such as goblins and kobolds.
More powerful breeds, ~Maybe~ if you're awesome
Most has been said so i'll just add a few minor things:
- Sometimes, there's already a few [Insert subrace] on the server, and we don't want too many around.
- Monster PCs are evil. If you want a non evil monster PC, you better have real nice goals.
- Accepted apps are sometimes more perks given to reward a player, so make sure we know who you are. "Past Behavior" as Mort put it, goes both ways.
- If your app is 5 lines long, chances are it's not good. (then again...)
- Your goals must not be vague. Describe briefly how you plan to reach them.
- Check that most your goals don't require DM attention.
PS: don't forget to add a poll ;)
Quote from: SilentSouth;188125Right, i understand that some sub races and prestige classes are way to powerfull for my abilities at the moment. What sub race would you reccomend me starting off as when i do decide a new application, im more ionterested in playing a monster player for a change.
Firstly, don't mistake Mort. You may be fairly new, but that doesn't mean you can't get an application passed! I know one player who had never played EfU before and they passed a drow PC. Incredible apps can do incredible things.
There's no better advice than to ask for one on one help in IRC. Ask someone who knows what they're talking about on IRC, DM or Player, for help and send them your app before you send it to the DMs. I can't recall the last time I sent in an app prior to at least SOME review or talking through the goals section with a buddy.
Lastly, try out a GOBLIN. It wasn't my favorite character all in all, but a goblin PC I played ages ago was without a doubt the most fun to play. Be careful, though, because someone will want to crush you.
Asking for help on IRC is definitely good advice. Send a couple of people your app, see what they say and consider their suggestions. I'm willing to take a look at any application before you send it if you send me a PM here or on IRC and I'll do my best to make sure it's approvable.
And don't listen to anything Thomas_not_very_wise says about applications.
Quote from: Letsplayforfun;188131- Monster PCs are evil. If you want a non evil monster PC, you better have real nice goals.
Yeah the Eldathian kobold didn't work out that well.
Ok yeah thanks for that core, if i come up with some random inspiration ill pm it to you first.
Also i know this might sound like a stupid question but do you build the character before you post the app?
I use to hate apps with a passion, now, ehh... Short, sweet and to the point and what I do is expect them to fail so if they do pass it's a bonus. It seems this works better as my app pass percentage has increased greatly with six of my last seven being positive feedback and one delcine on an app I shouldn't have turned in at all :/ ... But anyway, if you don't get your hopes up and have an alt PC you can play and enjoy then the app process is a lot easier to swallow.
Just trying to say, dont sweat the petty stuff, just pet the sweaty stuff. ;) You can have fun without any app stuff...
And no, probably better not to make an app race PC untill it passes or you'll just end up filling your vault with crap if the app fails. Unless you dont mind a vault full of crap, then go for it.
Quote from: SilentSouth;188307Also i know this might sound like a stupid question but do you build the character before you post the app?
I always build every character up to level 10 in a trainer, so I'd say that's a good idea regardless of whether or not you're submitting an application. You don't want to get to level 9 only to realize that you're not eligible for an important feat. It also gives you an idea of what your character's strengths and weaknesses will ultimately be, which you should of course work into your goals and plans in an application.
Also, I have recently started posting a screenshot of my final character sheet in my applications so that the DMs have an idea of what power level I'm aiming for. Certain combinations (like the aforementioned half-orc wereboar) can sound ridiculous until you see the character sheet. If you are going to portray your character with some major weakness or flaw, the DMs are going to want to see that reflected in your build. It certainly won't hurt.
Keep it realistic to the setting.
For example, if you want to play a Stygian, who are xenophobic towards almost all non-humans, then it is going to be far easier app'ing a plain human, with a an IG background that fits generally in the faction.
You *may* get something leftfield app approved, and its always good to have the odd bit thats "different" but thats when the track-record comes into play.
So, a Baneite, Human, Mercenary, pure fighter with some good goals that include others is a very likely yes for a Stygian application.
But a Eldathian, Were-Rat, Deep Gnome, Shadow Dancer, Stygian application with good goals is highly unlikely to pass.
Also, whilst you shouldn't plagurise concepts, have a look at the types of PC's that have been approved for the major factions, its no conincidence that most Stygian PC's are militaristic, lawful types and many Conclavist PC's are power-hungry, research, lore, magic loving types.
They will all have had good goals, and whilst not cookie-cutter copies of others, they also "generally" fitted in with the faction.
I'm surprised I forgot to mention this. Check out example apps from EFU.
http://www.escapefromunderdark.com/old_forums/viewtopic.php?t=22158
Quote from: Yalta... many Conclavist PC's are power-hungry, research, lore, magic loving types....
No man, long live the 70s. PEACE AND FLOWERS! Don't put us in a box!
Yeah, the Conclave is crazy diverse. >_>
I mean, virtually any concept can fit the Conclave. Hell its the only DM faction that has ever existed that accepts both Paladins -AND- Necromancers / Demon Summoners under the same banner, at the same time. >_>
I'd recommend the Conclave to anyone and everyone. It's goals are extremely generalized, and it comes down to how a PC decides to pursue them. The faction shouldn't be judged by its current, past, or future PC's - simply because it is insanely diverse.
The Conclave ain't the Spellguard. Any alignment. Any deity. Virtually any concept. It fits.
You need no app to enjoy the game.
For example Vrudash Hogshurd
http://www.escapefromunderdark.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34904&highlight=vrudash
Perhaps you could try a PC without an app and see what groups you find yourself with. Perhaps you need to app after having met with various groups and join the one that makes the most sense at the time, which might be something completely different than what you had first thought about.
I have played most of my time here on EFU and EFUA without an App and enjoyed working with and against numerous factions. Just consider the App as adding to your enjoyment and not the be all end all of what you want to do here. That way if an app were to fail, it would only be seen as a minor setback.