WELCOME TO ROKUGAN
New members are welcome here, both as major or minor characters. Major characters in the main party will utilize dice rolls and create full character sheets, travelling together with common goals and adventures in traditional table-top RPG format. Minor characters will be strictly text-based roleplaying without the dice, granting more freedom both in roleplaying and character creation, although their impact on the world at large will be significantly less. Still, both major and minor characters will see their tales become woven into the fabric of the storyline and the Emerald Empire itself.
The steps below are the method by which a new member may join the L5R RPG. * Do not let yourself be overwhelmed by the information presented or the details of culture and the game system. * There are experienced and new roleplayers alike on this site; some who know the game system, some who have vast experience with forum-based RPG's. It is a friendly environment. And you aren't expected to become a scholar of this world...a basic understanding is great, and will be built upon as you play your character. Even in review of the pages in the steps below, pick and choose what's interesting...we certainly don't expect everything to be read and known before you start.
With that said, let's begin with step one. If at any time you have questions, feel free to utilize the Chat Box on the main (Portal) page, or the OOC board on the forums. Email and PM is also available for members and staff alike.
* Please read all steps before registration so that you know what it is you're signing up for. *
CHARACTER CREATION
Typically in a table-top RPG, characters are designed with dice rolls, a point buy system, or a combination of the two. The details of character creation will be provided in the RPG books as well as in the Book of Earth. The GM will collaborate with you to ensure that your character will fit in the grand scheme of the Empire. The books aren't necessary to possess, although make it easy to take a hands-on approach. For the player, character design can be primarily conceptual, with the GM handling the technical aspects for the character sheet as necessary.
Note on Minor Characters: Those who are strictly play-by-post are able to create characters without the limitations of party participation. Minor characters can be of any class and rank, with the exception of the Emperor and Clan Daimyos. These characters will still be based upon the game system and the established setting.
FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Glossary of Terms - Many common Japanese-based words may be unfamiliar. This reference page is simply to help define those when they are encountered in context.
Names - Simply a definition of formal terms as well as lists on both male and female names. Characters will always have their family name preceed their chosen name. Ex: Kakita Hyouga
STEP ONE: FORUM REGISTRATION
You can use an online moniker or your own name to begin, but you will change your user name to your character's name once that is complete. You may fill out your profile to your desire, but may want to wait until you have more specific knowledge of your character's direction. You do not need to fill out an application to join the forum; just simply register.
STEP TWO: PLAYER INTRODUCTION
This isn't an application, as all interested members will be accepted with patience. However, in the interest of interactivity and to add to the 'table-top' feeling, we have included an area for personal introductions. You will find this at the bottom of the forum in the OOC (Out-of-character) section. The template is pinned to the top of the Introductions section - simply copy the text, fill it out and post as a new topic.
STEP THREE: BACKGROUND REVIEW
You will want to know more about the world of Rokugan, and while more will be provided as you adventure throughout the Empire, it helps to know about how to interact and how things really function in culture vastly different from our own. The pages we offer will give you a near complete knowledge of the world if you read through every one. As mentioned above, it is certainly not expected to accomplish this feat...the pages are there for reference. But review of topics that jump out at you will set the foundation for Step 4...
STEP FOUR: CHARACTER & STORYLINE REVIEW
You will want to know more about the clans themselves, what they stand for and where a character of your design might fit best. Every clan has classes based on magic, battle, and something in between. They have their own flavor and view of each other, their own place in the greater scheme of the Empire. Keeping in mind what your roots will be will only help you to further develop your character, with a lot decided before you reach the creation step.
The Storyline pages provide information as to where our epic is currently at, as well as the details of the RPG gaming system and an explanation of forum-based roleplaying. Knowing the system helps you to design a character with advantages and disadvantages that fit your plot schemes in mechanical form, and knowing the background of our own exploits will help find the place for your character to fit in...a missing piece to the party, or an accessory that gives it that something extra. As with all information, more will be provided while creating your character and roleplaying, but more specific knowledge makes immersion a smoother passage.
STEP FIVE: CHARACTER CREATION
By the time you reach this step, you should have a general idea of what kind of character you would like to make. Whether or not you've worked out specific background ideas, worry not. In creating your character, the Game Master will help you through every step along the way as necessary, providing the books and answering questions you may have, all the while ensuring that your character fits not only your interpretation but the epic of Rokugan being created by every member of the L5R RPG.
STEP SIX: CHARACTER INTRODUCTION
Like the player introduction, this isn't an application. This time, you'll be doing it in the voice of your character. This will provide a background that connects the 20 Questions of character creation to the present time. You may also consider at this time finding an avatar to represent your character. The Character Introduction can be found in the first section of the Forums. As with the Player Intro, simply copy the text of the pinned topic and post a new one.
STEP SEVEN: ROUND ONE...FIGHT!
Once you've posted your character application to the forum, you have officially joined and begun. You will see your character integrated into the site pages and a prologue (introductory adventure) will be started for you to post under. While you await these events to welcome your character into the Empire, you are encouraged to read the information pages further, as well as interact with other members, developing plot or simply familiarizing yourself with the boards.
Minor Characters: When your character is completed, you may begin starting or joining threads at your leisure. The Game Master will not dictate these threads, but will monitor and correct any inconsistencies that may occur. If you are playing a minor character, you are encouraged to review the existing topics of the characters you'll be interacting with, as your own may have heard of their events...or perhaps may already be involved!* Thank you for your interest in the L5R RPG! We appreciate every dedicated contributor to this site. If you haven't already, register for an account and start your epic journey today! *
New members are welcome here, both as major or minor characters. Major characters in the main party will utilize dice rolls and create full character sheets, travelling together with common goals and adventures in traditional table-top RPG format. Minor characters will be strictly text-based roleplaying without the dice, granting more freedom both in roleplaying and character creation, although their impact on the world at large will be significantly less. Still, both major and minor characters will see their tales become woven into the fabric of the storyline and the Emerald Empire itself.
The steps below are the method by which a new member may join the L5R RPG. * Do not let yourself be overwhelmed by the information presented or the details of culture and the game system. * There are experienced and new roleplayers alike on this site; some who know the game system, some who have vast experience with forum-based RPG's. It is a friendly environment. And you aren't expected to become a scholar of this world...a basic understanding is great, and will be built upon as you play your character. Even in review of the pages in the steps below, pick and choose what's interesting...we certainly don't expect everything to be read and known before you start.
With that said, let's begin with step one. If at any time you have questions, feel free to utilize the Chat Box on the main (Portal) page, or the OOC board on the forums. Email and PM is also available for members and staff alike.
CHARACTER CREATION
Typically in a table-top RPG, characters are designed with dice rolls, a point buy system, or a combination of the two. The details of character creation will be provided in the RPG books as well as in the Book of Earth. The GM will collaborate with you to ensure that your character will fit in the grand scheme of the Empire. The books aren't necessary to possess, although make it easy to take a hands-on approach. For the player, character design can be primarily conceptual, with the GM handling the technical aspects for the character sheet as necessary.
Note on Minor Characters: Those who are strictly play-by-post are able to create characters without the limitations of party participation. Minor characters can be of any class and rank, with the exception of the Emperor and Clan Daimyos. These characters will still be based upon the game system and the established setting.
FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Glossary of Terms - Many common Japanese-based words may be unfamiliar. This reference page is simply to help define those when they are encountered in context.
Names - Simply a definition of formal terms as well as lists on both male and female names. Characters will always have their family name preceed their chosen name. Ex: Kakita Hyouga
STEP ONE: FORUM REGISTRATION
You can use an online moniker or your own name to begin, but you will change your user name to your character's name once that is complete. You may fill out your profile to your desire, but may want to wait until you have more specific knowledge of your character's direction. You do not need to fill out an application to join the forum; just simply register.
STEP TWO: PLAYER INTRODUCTION
This isn't an application, as all interested members will be accepted with patience. However, in the interest of interactivity and to add to the 'table-top' feeling, we have included an area for personal introductions. You will find this at the bottom of the forum in the OOC (Out-of-character) section. The template is pinned to the top of the Introductions section - simply copy the text, fill it out and post as a new topic.
STEP THREE: BACKGROUND REVIEW
You will want to know more about the world of Rokugan, and while more will be provided as you adventure throughout the Empire, it helps to know about how to interact and how things really function in culture vastly different from our own. The pages we offer will give you a near complete knowledge of the world if you read through every one. As mentioned above, it is certainly not expected to accomplish this feat...the pages are there for reference. But review of topics that jump out at you will set the foundation for Step 4...
STEP FOUR: CHARACTER & STORYLINE REVIEW
You will want to know more about the clans themselves, what they stand for and where a character of your design might fit best. Every clan has classes based on magic, battle, and something in between. They have their own flavor and view of each other, their own place in the greater scheme of the Empire. Keeping in mind what your roots will be will only help you to further develop your character, with a lot decided before you reach the creation step.
The Storyline pages provide information as to where our epic is currently at, as well as the details of the RPG gaming system and an explanation of forum-based roleplaying. Knowing the system helps you to design a character with advantages and disadvantages that fit your plot schemes in mechanical form, and knowing the background of our own exploits will help find the place for your character to fit in...a missing piece to the party, or an accessory that gives it that something extra. As with all information, more will be provided while creating your character and roleplaying, but more specific knowledge makes immersion a smoother passage.
STEP FIVE: CHARACTER CREATION
By the time you reach this step, you should have a general idea of what kind of character you would like to make. Whether or not you've worked out specific background ideas, worry not. In creating your character, the Game Master will help you through every step along the way as necessary, providing the books and answering questions you may have, all the while ensuring that your character fits not only your interpretation but the epic of Rokugan being created by every member of the L5R RPG.
STEP SIX: CHARACTER INTRODUCTION
Like the player introduction, this isn't an application. This time, you'll be doing it in the voice of your character. This will provide a background that connects the 20 Questions of character creation to the present time. You may also consider at this time finding an avatar to represent your character. The Character Introduction can be found in the first section of the Forums. As with the Player Intro, simply copy the text of the pinned topic and post a new one.
STEP SEVEN: ROUND ONE...FIGHT!
Once you've posted your character application to the forum, you have officially joined and begun. You will see your character integrated into the site pages and a prologue (introductory adventure) will be started for you to post under. While you await these events to welcome your character into the Empire, you are encouraged to read the information pages further, as well as interact with other members, developing plot or simply familiarizing yourself with the boards.
Minor Characters: When your character is completed, you may begin starting or joining threads at your leisure. The Game Master will not dictate these threads, but will monitor and correct any inconsistencies that may occur. If you are playing a minor character, you are encouraged to review the existing topics of the characters you'll be interacting with, as your own may have heard of their events...or perhaps may already be involved!
| Theme: L5R |
 6:14 AM May 21
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