Character Guidelines & App Sheet (READ THIS FIRST)

[Topaz Mutiny]

Once again, this comes from the Sega StH RP, because they are awesome. These guidelines apply more towards original (fan made) characters. Please review ALL of these guidelines before you submit your character application, which can be found at the end of this page.

• Approval Team
  
• Names
  
• Species
  
• Types
  
• Restricted Roles
  
• Other Continuities and Franchises
  
• Other Notes
  
• Basic Character Application Sheet
  

Once you have familiarized yourself with our standards, you may submit your Character Application.

[Topaz Mutiny]

Approval Team

All characters, both canon and non, will be subjected to review by the board staff members. During this time, they may make suggestions or ask for certain things about your character to be altered. Don't get upset if this happens, as they're only trying to help keep this roleplay's atmosphere, style, and quality level in tact, and keep it fun and fair to everyone involved. Any player is free to comment on applications, but all approval team members must voice their opinion before the character can be approved or disapproved. An application must have the approval of everyone on the team before it passes.

Please also note that if you modify a character's profile after it's been approved, you still must notify the app team of the changes. This can be done by simply leaving a reply to the profile's thread noting what all you changed. If anyone on the app team has a problem with the changes, you may be asked to modify or delete them. If you refuse, your character's profile will be moved back to the application area and the character will be unplayable until the dispute is resolved.

The approval team members are:

• Topaz Mutiny
  

If you wish to apply for approval team status, you will have to meet certain requirements, which include a good history of RP status, good with people relations, and trust to not abuse this power. If you think you meet these requirements, please PM the admin, and your request will be considered. Do not become upset if your request is denied, for it will impede any later requests to get on the approval team.

At most, the approval team should have 3-4 members.

[Topaz Mutiny]

Names

Please keep in mind the kind of names that the official characters have when you name yours. Hyrulian names are typically ones that would normally be considered a "real" name (like Colin), or a name from the rennaisance time period (like Zelda), or a fantasy-esque name (like Midna). Please do not give your characters long Japanese names. It doesn’t make them cool, it just… gives them a long Japanese name, and makes them fit less with the game. Also, to keep confusion at bay and make the quick icons less of a hassle to use, NO two characters may have the same name. Kind of a bummer, I know, but it does help. After all, we can't have ten thousand Links now can we? :3

[Topaz Mutiny]

Species

There are quite a few species in the land of Hyrule, and there are also some species that may be partially or wholly restricted from being played.

Also, don't be afraid to make a suggestion for an applyable species. By all means these are not the only creatures in Hyrule that may be applied for, because I tend to forget about things. Skull Kids are one of these, and a friend brought it up. I considered it, and approved of it being a species because it made sense for them to be on the list.

Available Species

This key here is to show how likely your character is going to be approved, based on their species. Common Species will be approved without a doubt, while Uncommon critters may be disapproved if there are FAR too many already being played. With Rare species, a player must already have one character approved and in play. For Very Rare species, a member must already have at least two characters approved and in play.

An exception to the rules for Rare and Very Rare species is if a player is applying for a Canon or Semi-Canon character.

The more firm rules regarding species application are in effect as of 2/18/10. This is favored over the previous rule of "at the discretion of the app team" because it seemed more fair, will lessen the chance of overpopulating the board with these species, and encourages activity and multiple applications for members.

Key
○ Common
● Uncommon
◊ Rare
♦ Very Rare

Civilized Races
These races are generally considered to be 'civilized', in that they're (generally) highly intelligent, have their own cities, societies, or cultures, and are not prone to belligerently attack someone for no good reason.

• ○ Humans- These are people just like us, no specially-colored hair, no pointy ears, nothing.
  
• ○ Hylians- People like Telma and Link are Hylians. They are remarkably similar to elves, with pointy ears, moderate to heavy control of magic, and a knack for being rather brave and adventurous.
  
• ○ Gorons- The heavy-hitters of Hyrule. They are hominids made of rock that live in a brotherly society, and are friendly but proud people. They like to eat rocks and gems.
  
• ○ Zoras- An aristocratic race of blue, fish-like hominids. They are ruled by a monarchy similar to the humans and hylians. Rather friendly, but like the Gorons, they can be very fierce in battle, and are (of course) naturally adept at swimming.
  
• ● Deku Scrubs- A xenophobic race of plant bulb-like creatures, they boast an heirarchy similar to those of the Zora.
  
• ● Fairies- The glowing, winged companions of the Kokiri (although there are a few fairies that do not have partners). Like the child-folk, if they stray out of the forest's protection for too long, they will die. They come in a variety of colors.
  
• ● Rito- A race of bird-like people who come from across the sea. They only gain their beaks and wings though, after they complete a trial and recieve a scale from the local demi-god, Valoo. Much like the Zora and Hylians, they have a monarchy.
  
• ◊ Gerudo- A proud race of amazonian-like female warriors. Ganondorf is (suppossedly, though they're more independant than anything) their kin and so their leader. They are extremely versatile with swordplay, and do not trust outsiders easily. They have been mysteriously disappearing, and so few remain.
  
• ◊ Kokiri- The child-folk native to Kokiri Forest. They live under the protection of the Great Deku Tree, and if they leave the forest, they will eventually die if they do not return. Their garb consists entirely of green tunics and hats.
  
• ◊ Twili- The race of exiles Midna is a part of. They are very intolerant of light, and if exposed to the light of the realm of Hyrule, it is very likely that they will die. They have an extrordinary and powerful talent in the use of magic, but as such, not many are physically powerful.
  
• ♦ Sheikah- A race of ninja-like guardians, the Sheikah have long been a very scarce race, though whether that is from hiding or being wiped out from enemy forces remains to be seen. Little is known about them.
  
• ♦ Oocca- A rather odd race of cuccoo-like sky beings, suppossedly the precedors of Hylians. Even though they're half bird, half something else, they are very intelligent and technologically advanced.
  
• ○●◊♦ Hybrids- PLEASE AVOID THIS IF YOU CAN. A hybrid is basically a mix between any two of the above species. Some hybrids may be more accepted than others, like a Human/Hylian mix, but some would be just outrageous, like a Zora/Goron hybrid. A Twili hybrid is EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN.
  

Monsterous Races
These races are generally considered to be monsterous due to their aggressive, evil, or cursed natures. While they may have their own societies and cultures, they generally do not have large cities, and certainly do not have any trade with other cultures. These races are also well known for being dangerous, and while appable, most are going to be NPCs.

• ● Bulbins- Ruled by King Bulbo, they are fierce but not very smart rogues and opportunists. They only follow orders from those stronger than themselves or their leader.
  
• ● Bokoblins- While they are the scum of Hyrule, they still are intelligent creatures, and are very similar to the Bulbins. They have no leader, and instead tend to group in small packs to raid villages or caravans.
  
• ◊ Skull Kids- Generally Kokiri (although they can be any hominid really) who get lost in the Lost Woods eventually turn into these critters. Childish pranksters, they love attention.
  

Forbidden Species

• Demi-Gods- Until further notice, those such as Valoo, the Great Fairies, and the Light Spirits are unavailable for application. This may change as we get into more detail with their interaction among other characters.
  
• Mythological Creatures- Even though many species in Hyrule are mythical themselves, any other creatures ranging from Kappas to Kitsunes to Dragons are FORBIDDEN.
  
• Clone Characters-Come on now, we know you're more creative than that. Changing Zelda's eyecolor doesn't make her an entirely new character. If it looks like Link, acts like Link, and sounds like Link... It probably IS Link. But with a Japanese name and a fancy sword and an Uncle Chuck (Sega RP refrence) history of everybody dying. Just please save everyone the headache and make your character yourself rather than basing it off an existing one.
  
• Cyborgs & Robots- To put it simply, they don't exist.
  

[Topaz Mutiny]

Types

Types are not too incredibly important, but it's a good idea to make sure you list your character as the correct type anyway. This list should serve as your basic guide to (general) strengths and weaknesses one can expect from certain types and what the typical hallmarks of each are. Please note that no type is perfect and that not all weaknesses or strengths may pertain to every character. Also keep in mind that some characters may fit more than one type. Take for example Midna. She would fit well as a Magic type OR a Logic type. Simply pick the type that best fits the character, and note of their secondary type in the Anything Else section of the Application Sheet.

Speed -- Speed type characters are known for their... well, speed and agility.
Pros: The fastest type by far, able to avoid many attacks by speed alone.
Cons: Speed types are generally built for speed... not strength or durability. Not to mention, high speeds aren't always a blessing... man, can you imagine tripping while running? It wouldn't be fun.

Power -- Power types are comparatively slower then any other type, but what they lack in speed they make up in brute strength. Pulling sign posts out of the ground or rolling a boulder out of the way is no problem for a power type.
Pros: Pure strength can batter down most resistance. Brick walls? No sweat.
Cons: All that muscle power doesn't leave much room for much else... speed isn't the best.

Magic -- The ability of sustained flight, teleportation, and other goodies can be a very profitable ability indeed! The ability to pick off enemies from where (most) can't reach tends to be very beneficial.
Pros: Variety of magic abilities make Magic users extremely versatile, and also may give them a long range of attack, and sometimes defensive capabilities.
Cons: Light weight is generally common among magic-users, and light weights generally don't fair well in one-on-one combat. They also tend to be physically weak.

Intelligence/Logic -- The mind can be a very powerful thing. Characters with the gift of intellect would be of the logic type, able to create or mend things to their liking with the right tools.
Pros: Able to create/find ways to make up for their physical short comings, great at solving puzzles, and generally more intelligent than other types.
Cons: Generally frail, and easily defeated if out of their element.

Fortitude/Defense -- The tanker, the living sheild... able to take a licking and keep on kicking. These types will still be standing even after everyone else was knocked out of the game far before hand. While other types rely on their skills, the fortitude type runs on pure stamina.
Pros: Difficult to beat in battle, being nearly impossible to keep down for long periods. A lot of damage needs to be done before a fortitude type has to sit out.
Cons: This type's strength comes from their amazing stamina, but when it comes to offensive abilities, they don't do as well as others.

Balance -- Jack of all trades, master of none. The balance type can be handy to have around, since they have all of the advantages, but then again they have all of the weaknesses, too.
Pros: Has an even grasp on speed, strength, magic, intelligence, and defense.
Cons: Isn't particularly great at any of them, however.

[Topaz Mutiny]

Restricted Roles

There are some areas of this game that could easily get over-populated to the point of being unreasonable if we don't keep a leash on them. It's for this reason that certain areas of the game -- top-tier jobs -- have extra requirements before the Approval Team will consider your application. In order to reduce the number of clone applications, and to ensure that the character will be unique and well-played, having a character with a restricted role is a privilege given to players whose roleplaying style we're familiar with and approve of. Having a restricted role is not a right; it must be earned.

In order to apply for a restricted role, you must:

• Already have at least 2 other well-developed characters
  
• Have a strong RPing track record, to be decided on by the Approval Team
  

Species
Rare and Very Rare species are named such for a reason: we can't have the majority of the characters consist of them, since they are hardly seen in the games. Restricted species are as follows:

• Species labeled as "Rare".*
  
• Species labeled as "Very Rare".

NOTE: Rare species only require 1 other developed character, instead of the normal 2.


Top-Tier Jobs
It's nice to be important, but we can't very well have 10 overlords and 14 kings and 500,000,000 evil scientists running about. We need to keep this ratio relative to the way they are in real life, which means they'll be very, very rare. Officially restricted occupations are as follows:

• Presidents, or other positions of high political power.
  
• Royalty and nobles, be they kings and queens or dukes and duchesses.
  
• Mad scientists.*
  
• Assassins or mercenaries.**
  

*Note: This restriction is just for the super villain type of scientist. Hero characters can still be strong in the scientific area, so long as they aren't regarded as a "super power" character. Also note that since Hyrule is signifigantly less advanced than our world, scentists must be relative to Hyrule's technology (like having super-accurate catapults or magic-controlled golems and somesuch).

**Note: There may be leniency in this area (though minimal) if the character is to be associated with Telma's Group, the Hyrule Castle Guards, or someone who would hire such characters. Remember that the application team has the final say.

[Topaz Mutiny]

Other Continuities and Franchises

We're a liberal bunch. As long as the Hyrulian atmosphere is retained, you're allowed to play characters from other continuities and franchises -- within reason. If you alter the character enough so that he or she fits in, they'll be considered.

Characters from other franchises may occasionally be weaseled into the game as well, so long as they are not only adapted to the LoZ style and gameplay, but also have only a subtle resemblance to their origins at best. As long as the character isn't immediately recognizable and molded to fit the LoZ:TP universe, they should be okay.

[Topaz Mutiny]

Other Notes

• Powers -- Don’t overpower your characters. It’s not fun playing with someone who can do anything, nor is it that much fun to play AS someone who can do anything. Limit your character’s powers. Also, we would greatly appreciate if your character DOES NOT HAVE A BILLION MAGICAL POWERS. Your character can still do really cool things without magic or a limited amount. If you can't live without a zillion spells... well you're out of luck. Also, no death-spells please. Also, try to limit the amount of weapons your character has. Magic Bags of Holding are rather RARE here, so your character is gonna have to carry all that stuff.
  It's generally recommended you avoid having your character be a master or expert of whatever trade they're involved in. Perhaps you might consider making them a beginner or intermediate. Everyone has to start somewhere and it might prove to be more interesting to let their skills develop over time. Something to consider.
  
  
• Weapons -- If your character uses one, don't let it define who they are. For example, if you took Link's hammer or Shiek's ninja weapons it wouldn't have any impact on their personality; they're still themselves. Also note that since Hyrule is less advanced than our world, guns, nukes, lazers, gas grenades, and other such advanced weaponry is forbidden, since they kind of don't exist.
  Infact, Hyrule is a giant enigma when it comes to technology. It has old-fashioned cameras, but no guns. It has hookshots and cool spinny-things, but no cars. Plumbing and stoves, but no electricity or gas-powered machinery. Just try and fit stuff in with the atmosphere of the game. If you're still unsure, ask a staff member.
  Also avoid weapons that have vast amounts mystical or magical properties. You can still have them, just make sure that they are balanced, just like your character.
  
  
• Familiars -- The little animals or impious critters that follow your character around and obey their every whim- are allowed, but just like your character, they HAVE to be balanced, and not overpowered. Also, they shouldn't appear stronger than your actual character, or it might seem like you are really playing the familiar. With familiars, a small description of what they are, what they can do, and what personality they may or may not have is suitable, though you may get as detailed as you like. ALSO, since these are just NPCs that tag along with your character, and are mainly animals (like the Hawk in TP), they are NOT intelligent. This intelligence factor is what makes familairs different from Fairies.
  
  
• Magic -- Magic is a wonderful thing. Unfortunately, it's really easy to overpower a character with magical spells and abilities. Looking at Midna, Zelda, and Ganondorf, it is assumed that using magic takes a physical toll on the character- notice how Midna has to struggle in order to lift those bridges and teleport, while it's a breese to just teleport Link. Even Ganondorf has his limits, so you should too. They also appear to have a vein of magic (usually called Element) they excell in, just like they have their own Types. Having a character use all kinds of spells is fine, but like the Balance Type, they shouldn't be particularly great at any of them. Note: The spells listed below are NOT Elements of spells, but just categories listed for easy understanding as to what is allowed and what is not. Elements mean things like Ice, Fire, Wind, Light, Twili, etc.
  "Classic" spells- Fireball, lightning, invisibility, etc., they're all okay, so long as they are not all powerful, and have a limit paralleling your character. Colin cannot summon a firestorm that can level Ordon, after all.
  Time spells- As for TIME spells, you can ONLY SLOW IT DOWN. No speeding up, teleporting to the future, or going to the past. It requires very powerful magic augments (Ocarina of Time, Temple of Time Door) that not even Ganondorf has in order to do more than slow down time.
  Transformation Spells- Seeing as Twilight Princess was heavily based on the wicked transformation of Link into a vicious beast, these spells are FORBIDDEN to all characters excepting those with this ability in the game.
  Twili Spells- Available only to Twili characters and Ganondorf.
  Death Spells- NO.
  
  
• History -- Pre-existing history with canon characters. Avoid this. Don't write things like your character is "Zelda's best friend" or "Link's girlfriend" or has a grudge against Ganondorf for killing their family or something. If you want to include a canon character in your fanchar's history, please contact that character's player to speak with them about it first.
  Avoid having your character suffering from amnesia. It's extremely overdone and is extremely lazy. If your character has to have it, and presents a good enough reason (Example: Not using amnesia as an excuse to avoid creating any history for them), please be sure to fill out their history before the amnesia was inflicted as well as after. Just because the character isn't aware isn't a reason to keep other players in the dark because it's still an important foundation.
  Try to avoid emo pasts where everyone (mom, dad, little Timmy, the dog...) dies and/or where your character was tortured, sold into slavery, etc. etc. unless you have a reeeeally good reason for it. You don't want your character's life to read like an Uncle Chuck story (another Segasth RP refrence).
  Orphanages. A lot of people like to have their character belong to--and more often than not be abused by--orphanages. This, also, is extremely cliché and there might already be a handful of characters in the roleplay using it. Again, unless you have a really good reason, avoid your character being placed in one.
  If you can't think of anything, remember, there's nothing wrong with having your character be an average joe who grew up with their parents and doesn't have some fantastic destiny to fulfill. They can still be unique and interesting in other ways.
  
  
• Character Design -- Try to keep true to Nintendo's art style. Read: Don’t make your character rainbow coloured or with long hair sporting ten thousand ribbons. Nintendo generally has a very clean style, design wise; in most cases, the less detail, the better (unless your characters have clothes. But even then, only rich characters have extravagent and colorful clothing). Also, please try to avoid using traits unique to specific characters (such as Midna's impishness).
  

[Topaz Mutiny]

Basic Character Application Sheet

This is the character sheet you use to make your characters, be they human, fairy, or zora. If you have a picture of your character, please post it, it helps tremendously. Please note as well that ALL fields on this application are REQUIRED, with the exception of "Anything Else?" at the bottom. Your application also MUST be posted in this format -- NO EXCEPTIONS. The applications need to be uniform so the information is universally easy to retreive. Thank-you, and HAVE FUN!

Also, while you are allowed to post a WIP (Work in Progress), it is expected to be finished within a few days of it being posted. No, you may NOT use this as a way to make sure others can't get characters you want but can't really get to yet. Violaters will get warned at first, and the WIP in question will be disapproved and consequentially deleted.

Once again, HAVE FUN!


Name:
Real name. Ie, “Link”

Nicknames:
This is obvious. Like “Wolfy”.

Age:
Another obvious one.

Species:
Pick from the list, and be sure to read the rules.

Gender:
Male. Female. Nothing. What?

Alignment:
There are two parts to alignment. The first part tells their motives, and there are three kinds: Lawful, Neutral, and Chaotic. Lawful characters have a strong sense of justice, Neutral characters are indifferent to others, and Chaotic characters tend to be rather selfish. The second part tells what side they are on, and this also has three kinds: Good, Neutral, and Evil. Those are rather obvious. Pick one of each, and put them together to get your character's alignment.
Ex: Midna is a Chaotic Good character, for while she is rather selfish and mean, she's still a good person.

Type:
Speed, Magic, Strength, Intelligence, Fortitude (defense), or Balance. ONLY ONE. Balance means that they're not particularly good in any of them, but are... balanced. Who would of guessed? Any "minor" type belongs in the Anything Else? section.

Size:
Rather obvious. In feet and inches please.

Build:
Average? Muscular? Impish? Big like Ganondorf? Let us know.

IQ:
A guide of reference for you-
Below 30: Illiterate; basically retarded
30-50: Pretty stupid; education level is about 1st or 2nd grade
50-60: Capable of executing only simple tasks
60-74: Forest Gump's IQ was 70, so you get the picture
75-89: Below average; 8th-12th grade education level
90-100: RIGHT below average: high school graduation education level
100-115: Average intelligence
115-125: Slightly above average intellect, easily capable of a Master's Degree
126-132: Above average intelligence: capable of being a college professor
133-140: Quite intelligent, no limitations on career potentiality
141- 150: Highly intelligent: capable of being a gifted physics/math professor
151 -160: Extremely intelligent: Nicolaus Copernicus' IQ was around this area
160 and beyond: Abnormally intelligent: Einstein, Shakespeare, Newton. These are 1 in a million

Birth Place:
Where were they born?

Residence:
Where do they live now?

Occupation:
Do they have a job? If so, what as?

Stats:
You have 21 points. Use them accordingly. For more info on how these stats work, please look at the Dice section in the rules.
Physical:
Mental:
Luck:

Total Health:
Add together your Physical and Luck stats to get your character's health.

Physical Abilities:
Includes things like how much they can lift, how fast they run, jump, their endurance, and more. Are they athletic? Can they do acrobatics? Does their short/tallness give them advantages? Eyesight/hearing/tolerances? Try to describe, NOT LIST, at least three things.

Learned Abilities:
KA-RAH-TAY and things like that. Swimming would go under here since people learn how to swim, unless the character is a Zora. Are they good with machines, people, or know magic? Again, try to describe (NOT LIST) at least three things.

Weapons:
If your character has weapons beyond their own body and magic, list them here. Make sure your weapons follow the Weapon Guidlines in the OTHER NOTES section of this thread.

Magic Abilities:
If your character has any magical abilities, list them here. Make sure they follow the Magic Guidelines in the OTHER NOTES section of this thread.

Physical Weaknesses:
Everyone has weaknesses. Your character should too. What are they? This deals with physical weaknesses, such as a lack of strength, inability to swim, bad eyesight or other senses, and any allergies they might have. The rule of thumb is to have at least three.

Mental Weaknesses:
Everyone has weaknesses. Your character should too. What are they? This deals with mental weaknesses, like phobias, personality tics that could cause problems (like anger problems, or snobbiness), gullibility, and the like. The rule of thumb is to have at least three.

Hobbies & Talents:
Everyone likes to do something. Do they also have a unique talent like sword-swallowing or charming even the most stubborn people?

Personality:
Self explanatory. Don’t be skimpy, man. The approval team expects AT LEAST one WELL DEVELOPED paragraph. Why? To make sure your character isn't a mere clone and isn't so shallow that not even a germ could drown in it. Things that you should consider is their actions in a variety of situations, the way they act alone and around others, their reactions to various stimuli, their likes, dislikes, and phobias, their goals, and more.

Likes:
Self explanatory. Don’t say stupid things like “nice people”- I mean honestly, who doesn’t like nice people (besides two dimensional bad guys?). So, favorite foods, colors, etc….

Dislikes:
Same as the above only dislikes. Again, don’t put anything stupidly obvious.

Appearance:
Obvious. What does your character look like? This includes any markings your character may have, bone structure, skin tone, eye color, and hair color. Basically, their physical characteristics. A full body picture of your character would be AWESOME for this.

Clothing:
Clothing deals with anything that isn't a physical/biological part of your character's appearance. Shirts and pants are given, but tell us anyway- like what kind of shirt, tattoos, or shoes, etc (Nikes don't exist in Hyrule by the way). Unless your character is a fairy (that glow acts as a covering), they need to be wearing some form of top (for females) and bottom (for all) along with anything else you want to add. It doesn't have to be conservative- it could be a bikini and a loincloth for all I care. An exception is if your character is covered in fur, like Midna (at least I assume that's why she's allowed to be naked) or Epona.

History:
So, what’s their story? The app team expects at least one well-developed paragraph about their life before the RP, and please, try not to fall into cliches that might prevent your character from being approved.

Anything else?
What is says on the tin. Theme song, personal quote, secondary type, whatever.