Levelling a Character

Levelling a Character

As you will have seen, some character-types in the game have levels (1-5). These levels relate to a character's proficiency in their main ability. You may apply for a character at any proficiency level, however once a character is active in game, their progression through the levels is monitored. This isn't meant to be a scary thing and it is not designed to stop your character progressing, it is simply there to help you keep track of what abilities your character would have and pace their development.

For the most part, you control how your character moves through their ability levels. How long it takes depends on how much they use their powers - just like anything else in life, practice makes perfect. If a character never uses their abilities, they are unlikely to gain proficiency and progress. It is up to you to keep a track of your characters use of their powers. You may find it useful to maintain a character journal documenting their activities (but please note, if you choose to do this, journal entries must be written from the point of view of your character. It is their journal).

When you think that your character has progressed as far as they can at their current level then you can progress them to the next level. This is done by the use of a minor plot, something which will give your character the opportunity to show the use of their abilities and focus on them. At the end of this plot, your character will progress to the next level.

How exactly does this work?

When you think your character has progressed as far as they can in their current level, you should email the mods about arranging the plot to progress your character. This plot is not intended to be a large plot, it should be a limited plot involving a few other player characters (probably no more than three-four other PCs) and NPCs as needed. Obviously discussion will be needed with the players of the other characters involved to ensure that they are available and willing to take part in the plot.

It is expected that the plot should not take more than one-two game weeks from beginning to end and the emphasis of the plot should be whatever your character's ability is.

How does one get plot?
You apply for it. It is encouraged that you come up with your own plotline and you should email the mods with a overview of what you want the plot to be about, who you would like to be involved and what you would like to happen. The plotline can be anything you would like and which you think would be enjoyable for you and the other people you would like to be involved to play out. Please also try and make sure that the plot is a reasonable one and not too complicated - these are meant to be minor plots and the focus is on character development.

Sorry, what - you mean I have to come up with plot! I can't do that!!
We understand that some players do not feel confident coming up with their own plots, which is one of the reasons these plots require mod approval. The mods are here to help you. if you cannot come up with a plot on your own, or you have a few ideas, but don't know how to fit them together, or can't make things work, please talk to any of the mods about it. We are here to help out with that sort of thing and would be happy to work with you on this.

Great, that means I can just come up with plots and race through my levels! Sign me up!!

No, sorry, doesn't work like that. This is the other reason you need to apply for plot to go up through the levels. You must be able to illustrate that your character has progressed enough to warrant being given another level. This is why we suggest that you maintain a character journal - expect to be asked to say why you think your character should go up a level. Also, if you are playing things properly, there should be a substantial length of time between character levels. Remember, there are only five levels between absolute novice and total mastery.

We have not put a minimum length of time on how long any one character should stay at a level. This is because we recognise that some characters will be using their abilities on a daily basis and will therefore progress faster than others. We do, however, reserve the right to refuse a level-development plot on the basis that your character has not spent long enough at their current level and has not developed the requisite skills to progress to the next level. If we do this, you will be given an indication of what would be required to progress and what we believe would be a reasonable amount of time in which to show the development of skills in.

Obviously, the more active you are as a player, the more skills your character will develop.

It is never acceptable to state that a character has been using their abilities 'off-screen'. To count towards levelling, you must show ability-use in your writing. Whether this is within a character scene, referenced therein, or within a journal, it must somehow be tracked.

This all sounds like hard work!
It really shouldn't be, it's meant to be fun and, if properly done, you may not see much of a difference from your normal play. The character-level plot gives you an opportunity to have the spotlight fall on your character for a while as well as giving you an opportunity to develop your plot-writing skills if you are that way inclined!

Things to note
- Please note that there are only two mods for this game. Character level plots take up more mod time than the general game and so we can only run a limited number at any one time. If we are swamped, we may ask for you to wait for a little while before your character-level plot is put into play. We honestly hope that this will never be the case, but if it is, please be patient and we will get to you as quickly as possible.
- Character-level plots are expected to run alongside any other plot which is going on in-game at the time. A plot may be refused/ amended if it is not possible because of any other pre-existing plot in game.
- Please bear in mind that plots are fluid things. Although you may have an idea in your head as to how a plot is going to go, when you get multiple characters involved, unexpected things happen. Although we may discuss with you where you think a plot may lead, this is not set in stone and if a curveball comes up because of in-character actions, go with it and see where it leads!