Restricted Character Information

The numbers of certain character types are limited to promote a reasonable, realistic and varied game population. These are called Restricted characters. If you wish to play one, you should read over everything contained on this page.


Restricted Character Types

To play one of these character types, you must select the appropriate Asset in chargen and be approved. See 'cg restricted' for more information. 

 
* Assassins
* Male Blademasters
* Female Aiel or male Weaponmasters (Blademaster skill with a weapon other
  than the sword)
* Female Channelers
* Sniffers
* Treesingers
* Any male character with Warder training (Warder bonds are arranged through
  the White Tower)
* Wolfkin
* Viewers
* Gentled and Stilled Channelers
* Some Talents, including Dreaming, Dreamwalking, Foretelling and Viewing

The following character types require an approved application PRIOR to chargen, otherwise the system will not allow you to select the Asset. See 'cg restricted app'. 

 
* Female Blademaster
* Female non-Aiel Weaponmaster
* Male Channeler


Some Thoughts For Those Wishing to Play A Restricted Character

Because Restricted characters are limited in number, we prefer to see them portrayed by people who will interact with other players, learn and follow the rules, play them thematically, log in regularly, and take the responsibility seriously. Please read and consider the following before trying for one.

Many players and guests consider restricted characters to be examples of the role-play and conduct standards on the MUSH as a whole. We strongly recommend that you play a non-restricted character for at least a month, if not longer, before you consider a restricted, to ensure that you are familiar with the rules and role-play style of the MUSH. If you try for one before then, and it's apparent to us that you are not familiar with the game, you may not be approved at that time, although you will be free to try again later at any time.

Another reason we recommend you play for a time with a non-restricted character is to ensure that you enjoy the game. If you don't like it in a non-restricted character, you probably won't like it any better with a restricted. Remember that restricted characters are under quotas, so your choices affect other people. If you take a restricted character and then quit the game, your character will not be deleted as "idle" until a month passed. You will have deprived someone else of the opportunity to play that character for that months' time. There is no limit on the number of characters you can play, and you can "retire" characters you no longer actively play, so you are not penalized in any way if you start with a non-restricted character.

Restricted characters have a responsibility to the MUSH. Other players often design storylines that require the presence of a restricted character. Most people like to role-play with the unique character types from the books, and expect their players to be active participants in the game. If you are not willing or able to meet those expectations, it will be better for you and the game as a whole for you to choose a non-restricted character type.

A lot of people, particularly those who are new to MUSH role-play, believe that "special" character types enjoy more role-play, and more exciting role-play. That simply isn't true. Yes, a Wolfkin or an Aes Sedai has the opportunity to role-play _different_ situations than a merchant or a gleeman, but different doesn't automatically mean better. Whatever character type you play, you are responsible for creating most of your own role-play. If you find that you're bored playing a non-restricted character, you will probably be just as bored with a restricted once the novelty has worn off. We've seen that on every game we've played, in every theme, and with every type of "special" character.

A restricted character is NOT the remedy for that type of boredom. If you enjoy MUSH play in general, but find it difficult to initiate your own role-play, the solution is to try and learn more about creating role-play. Cuendillar offers seminars and other information to try and help people do this. If you find MUSH play in general boring, you may be happier on a different type of game, such as a combat MUD.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have a restricted character and decide to quit playing the game or that character for any reason, please notify the administration. That will allow us to immediately delete your character and open the slot up for another player.


The Waiting Period and Restricted Characters

People wishing to play restricted characters are often unsure how to handle the waiting period to go through chargen and be approved. The following is an outline of general options available as well as ideas for specific restricted character types.

You are free to role-play the general personality and most abilities of your character prior to approval. You MAY NOT role-play restricted abilities or titles or claim that you have them. So a person interested in Blademaster can role-play he's a warrior, but he cannot claim a Blademaster's level of skill, use the herons in his description or call himself Blademaster until he's fully approved.

This works for many of the restricted types, although it may not work with all of them (it's difficult with Accepted and Proven). It also goes against the preferences of some players. If this is the case for you, there are still alternatives.

Please note that the purpose of the 20 hour waiting period prior to going through chargen is for you to ROLE-PLAY on the game. All players are expected to be familiar with the culture and rules of the game, but that is particularly true of restricted players. Additionally, playing on the game often influences the choices you make in chargen. If you decide to join a noble family, that changes the Social Class you will select, for example. If you are unwilling or unable to play your character until approval, consider these alternatives:

Start your first character as a non-restricted. When its 20 hour waiting period is up, request a second character. Type '+finger' on your oldest character to see how much time you have accumulated on the game. The waiting period only applies to your first character on the game, additional characters can go through chargen immediately. If you want to drop the first when the second is approved, just type +autodie, or let people know you have a character available to die if one is needed for a TinyPlot.
Give your character a temporary non-restricted persona and role-play with that. When you're approved, you can change your name, description and role-play over to the approved character.
Make a puppet and role-play through that. Instructions on making and using a puppet are available by typing 'news puppets'.

Accepted/Sworn
These are more difficult, you may need to consider a temp persona or puppet. One possibility is to start outside of Tar Valon and once approved RP that you were given permission to visit your family.

Aes Sedai/Trained Warder
Avoid all use of the titles or role-play of special abilities. A suggestion is to RP that you were "under cover" once approved. For that reason you may wish to start RPing somewhere other than Tar Valon. Contact the Amyrlin for mission RP suggestions.

Dreamwalker/Sniffer/Treesinger/Viewer
Avoid RPing or claiming special abilities.

Failed Accepted/Failed Novice
Avoid reference to training at the Tower with the Power and any RP of special abilities. You can refer to having been a general student at the Tower. Avoid contact with Aes Sedai and other channelers who would ICly be able to sense your ability until you have been approved.

Novice
Avoid all RP of channeling abilities. You do NOT have to be in the employ of the Tower or in Tar Valon to setup your entry to the Tower. The Tower can arrange discovery RP in other areas of the game once you're approved.

Wilder/Windfinder
Avoid all RP of channeling abilities. Try and avoid RP with other channelers who could sense your ability until approved.

Wise One/Wise One Apprentice
Avoid all RP of channeling abilities. You MUST contact the Aiel leaders to be approved for these characters in addition to going through chargen.

Male Channeler
Avoid all RP of channeling abilities.

Trainee Warder
Acceptance into the program will be RP'd onscreen once you're approved. You do not need to be in the employ of the Tower or in Tar Valon when your character starts RP.

Wolfkin
Avoid all mention or RP of special abilities and unique characteristics. Describe yourself in a way that avoids mention of eye color.

Gentled/Stilled Channeler
Avoid mention of prior abilities, and training with the Power.


Rules For Obtaining a Restricted Character

Most Restricted characters are selected as Assets in the chargen system. A few require an approved application PRIOR to chargen. (See 'cg restricted types'.)

  1. All players wishing to play a restricted character must complete the chargen process. Restricted abilities are purchased as Assets in chargen. Most restricted Assets come with automatic Flaws which do NOT count against the Flaws that you must purchase to balance the Asset.

    NOTE: Not all of the restricted Assets are available all the time. Each of the restricted characters is on a quota. If the quota for a type is filled when you go through chargen, that Asset will not be available. (See CG RESTRICTED for the numbers. Type '+restricteds' to list the currently available and maximum quota slots for each type.) The quotas allow for up to 45% of characters to have a restricted ability, which we think is very fair.

  2. The final stage of chargen is having your background approved. If you select a restricted ability you MAY NOT role-play that ability until your background has been approved. If you ignore this rule, you jeopardize your chances of being approved at all. (See CG APPROVE)

  3. Three types of characters require an approved application prior to chargen. If you have not been pre-approved, you will not be able to select one of these character types even if their quotas are not full. The character types requiring pre-approval are male Channelers, female Blademasters, and non-Aiel female Weaponmasters.

    Before applying for one of these character types, you should check with the administration to find out if any slots are open. Please be aware that these are extremely rare character types, and we plan to keep their numbers low to maintain thematic realism. (See 'cg restricted app'.)

  4. A single player may have no more than six restricted characters, and may have up to two characters of each major type - at the Wizard's discretion. The types are: 
       * Tower Channeler (Novice, Accepted, Aes Sedai)
   * Blademaster or Weaponmaster
   * Warder (Trainee, Proven, Trained, Retired)
   * Future Seers (Dreamers, Viewers and Foretellers)
   * Female Aiel specials (Channeling Wise Ones, Dreamwalkers)
   * Everything else counts individually.

    Please begin with only one restricted character and play it for a few months before considering whether you want another. Numbers are limited, be considerate and allow others a chance to enjoy playing one.

  5. A single character may only have ONE restricted ability (except for Talents available only to channelers.) You cannot be a Viewer/Assassin or a Weaponmaster/Dreamwalker. You can be a channeler with Dreaming or Healing.

  6. If you play multiple restricted characters, they may not be connected with one another in-character - they can't be members of the same family, the Aes Sedai you play can't bond the Warder you play, etc. Any questions about what's okay in this regard should be directed to a wizard.

  7. We strongly recommend that you play an unrestricted character for a month before trying for a restricted. We expect restricteds to be familiar with the world and rules of the MUSH and consider that in background approvals. Type 'news rp' to read the role-play rules, 'news conduct' for general behavior guidelines, and 'news char' for character development tips.

  8. Players of restricted characters are expected to have or quickly develop a thorough knowledge of the character type they play, both as portrayed in the books AND as developed as part of the Cuen world. You will be expected to familiarize yourself with the in-game materials related to your character. Start with 'theme ', 'news ' AND 'cg ', then check the Concordance:

    ftp://bast.dragoncat.net/pub/WOT-concordance.txt

    All channelers are REQUIRED to read the information at:

    Tower characters are expected to read all the background material available on the Tower, at http://www.cuendillar.org/tower/ and in the +lhelp of any Tower room. Aes Sedai and Warders are expected to attend the same lessons as the students to learn the information available in those. They are also expected to teach lessons, or contribute to the overall RP of the Tower in other ways.

    If you have questions or aren't sure what to read, ask a wizard. Obvious failure to inform yourself of the information in a reasonable amount of time is grounds to consider revoking your restricted approval.


Restricted Character Quotas

There is a quota on the number of each type of restricted character permitted on the game at any one time. Type '+restricteds' to list the available and total quotas for each restricted type. This quota is calculated as a percentage of the total character population. Example: if the quota for a type is 2%, 2 characters of that type will be allowed for every 100 characters on the game. So the more players Cuen has, the more restricted characters are available. Slots also open up when existing restricted characters are deleted as idle. (See NEWS IDLE for our idle deletion policy.)

The total character population is the number of "players" listed with @stats/all, so it includes "utility" characters like the Guests and builders, as well as "true" characters.

NOTE: If you type '@stats/all', it will cost you 300 code chits, as this is a computationally expensive command that slows down the game. To find out how many code chits you have, type 'score'. Don't type '@stats/all' unless you have 400 or more code chits.


Restricted Character Application


Three types of restricted characters on Cuendillar require a 
pre-approved application BEFORE they can be selected in chargen. They are:
  
* Female Blademasters
* Female, non-Aiel Weaponmasters
* Male Channelers
* Royalty (see NEWS NOBLE ROYAL)
* Forsaken (see CG FORSAKEN)
  
If you wish to play one of the above character types, complete this application
and email it to the wizards at cuen-wiz@egroups.com. You should contact the
wizards and ask them if there are any openings in those character types BEFORE
you submit an application.
  
The character types listed in 'cg restricted app2' DO NOT require an
application. DO NOT submit an application for any of these characters. All you
need to do is go through the character generation system and select the
appropriate Asset. (If it's not available, that means the quota for that
character type is currently full. Type '+restricteds' to see available and
total quota for each type.)

* Assassins
* Male Blademasters
* Female Aiel or male Weaponmasters (Blademaster skill with a weapon
  other than the sword)
* Female Channelers
* Sniffers
* Treesingers
* Any character with Warder training (Warder bonds are arranged
  through the White Tower)
* Wolfkin
* Viewers
* Gentled and Stilled Channelers
* Some Talents, including Dreaming, Dreamwalking, Foretelling and Viewing
  
NOTE: We recommend people play an unrestricted character for around a month
before submitting an application. This gives you a chance to become familiar
with the MUSH and the way the Wheel of Time world is interpreted there. It also
gives the people assessing the applications a chance to see you role-play, a
factor which is considered.
  
Female Blademasters and Weaponmasters
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wheel of Time society is fairly egalitarian, but it is not completely free of
sexism. Men and women are equals in economic and romantic affairs. Some 
cultures have a tradition of only male or only female leadership, but in most
a man or woman can rule. 
  
Women are more easily accepted in the role of healer (except in Amadicia), and
only women can safely Channel. However, they are not easily accepted as
professional warriors in any culture but the Aiel. It is not unheard of for a
woman to have some skill with a weapon, but it IS very unlikely for her to have
had the opportunities to reach the level of skill of a Blademaster or
Weaponmaster, and that is why an application is required to play one.
  
Male Channelers
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Male Channelers are powerful characters, and are not part of any organization
like most female Channelers are. All male Channelers have the spark inborn - 
they will Channel whether they wish to or not. Men are born with the ability to
be trained to Channel, but with no one who will train them (and few would want
to learn), their ability is never developed. As with female Channelers, three
quarters of those with the spark die within a few years of the first time they
Channel because they have not learned to control their ability. One difference
between men and women is that male Wilders do not seem to have blocks.
  
Male Channelers are considered a danger to society in all cultures. Those born
among the Aiel go north to fight Shadowspawn until their inevitable deaths.
Those in the rest of the world are hunted down. Most are brought to the Tower,
where their ability is permanently removed (gentling), a few are killed by mobs
of frightened people before that can happen. Those rare men who escape either
fate will eventually go mad from the taint on saidin, and then die from a
rotting disease similar to leprosy.
  
On the MUSH, male Channelers have a limited lifespan of 3-7 IC years (6-18
real months), determined randomly when they go through chargen. Their players
must role-play their death OR gentling before or soon after that time.
  
                      The Restricted Application Process
  
Send all applications via email to cuen-wiz@egroups.com (the wizard email
list). A wizard will acknowledge receipt of your application. Contact a wizard
if you do not receive an acknowledgement within a few days, in case of delivery
problems.
  
Only submit ONE application per player. If that application is turned down, you
can later reapply or try for another character type through the character
generation process.
  
It takes some time to assess an application, and the wizards have many other
tasks to perform for the MUSH and other players. Please bear that in mind and
be patient in waiting for a reply with their decision. If you pester the
wizards about your approval, that will only reflect poorly on you, since one of
the characteristics that we look for in players of restricted characters is a
knowledge of and acceptance of the rules and procedures of the game.
  
There is a quota on the numbers of all restricted characters. Please contact a
wizard BEFORE you submit an application to find out if there are any openings
in the type you're interested in.
  
             What Are We Looking For In Restricted Applications?
  
There is no magic formula or secret password to guarantee having your
application accepted. Please try and keep that in mind. 
  
1. Application
  
   The more specific the information in your application, the better we can
   judge your character and how it would fit into the MUSH. However, please
   keep your application focused and organized, and as succinct as possible.
  
   The wizards will spend a considerable amount of time reading and assessing
   your application. Please respect their time. Edit your application before
   mailing, to make sure it's clear and readable. Break long passages into
   paragraphs. Format your text for email (75 characters or less per line).
   Correct serious spelling and grammar errors. Please quote only the
   application questions, the wizards are familiar with the rest of this text.
  
   Applications that are rambling, have terrible formatting, or severe spelling
   and grammar errors are difficult to read, and that WILL affect your chances.
   It's hard to believe an applicant is serious if he or she doesn't spend a
   few moments on presentation, or shows such disrespect for the time spent by
   those assessing the application.
  
2. Proven Role-Playing
  
   We will look at your roleplay in existing characters on the MUSH, and
   assess the following factors, among others:
  
   * Do you adhere to the RP and OOC conduct guidelines?
   * Is your RP appropriate for your chosen character and the WoT setting?
   * Do you respond to the RP of others in the IC area?
   * What is your general style of RP?
   * Are you consistently in-character in public places?
   * Do you separate OOC and IC knowledge?
   * Do you have a balanced characterization with weaknesses and strengths?
  
3. Other Factors
  
   There are a few other factors that may be considered when assessing your
   application, though the application and your RP are the most significant.
  
   * Do you regularly log on and actively role-play? (Consistency and quality
     more than volume are what we're looking for here.)
   * Do you suggest, coordinate or participate in TinyPlots?
   * Do you help Guests and fellow players with questions, etc.?
   * Any other contributions (building, code, proposals, etc.).
  
                  APPLICATION FOR RESTRICTED CHARACTERS
                  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 1. List the character(s) you currently play on Cuen. Are you applying to have
    an existing character become a restricted type, or will you be starting a
    new character if your application is approved?
  
 2. What type of restricted character are you applying to play? 
  
 3. Summarize the character's personality and background, including key
    experiences that influenced your character's attitudes.
  
 4. Have you looked over the Concordance and other setting information that we
    provide, and applied the appropriate information to your character?
  
 5. Are you willing to accept and play with any changes to the character type
    as presented in the books that we may make for the sake of MUSH
    playability?
  
    Should further novels change or expand upon your character type, are you
    willing to accept and play with those changes?
  
 6. Which of the Wheel of Time novels have you read, if any? (NOTE: 'news
    books' includes information on US/Canadian, British and German editions of
    the books.)
    
 7. What impact do you feel this character type has upon the IC world? What
    role does it have OOCly in the game?
  
    NOTE: This question refers the character type generally, not your character
    specifically.
  
 8. What kind of role would you like your character to have within the world of
    the MUSH? Please describe any future plans or long-term goals that you
    would have for this character if your application is accepted.
  
NOTE ON QUESTIONS 9-13: Where questions 9-13 refer to "ability", it means the
abilities inherent in the character type you're applying for. A Blademaster's
ability is knowledge of combat and superb skill with the sword. A Channeler's
ability is being able to use the One Power.
  
 9. Many of the restricted character types have one or more unusual abilities.
    How do you envision this ability manifesting in your character. (Ex:
    Character discovers ability in him/herself, ability is revealed through a
    situation, another person, etc.)
  
10. Would you like to start play with the character's ability firmly
    established and developed, or are you going to RP out the  
    discovery/achievement of this ability?
  
11. How does your character feel about his/her ability?
  
12. How would you roleplay your character's abilities on a day-to-day basis?
  
13. Please describe any hangups/quirks related to your character's ability that
    might affect relationships with other people.
  
14. What types of plots would you like to involve your character in? 
  
15. How do you feel about people considering certain character types as
    elements of plots? (Like relying on Aes Sedai for Healing, etc.)
  
16. Please list any contributions to the MUSH you'd like us to keep in mind
    while considering your application. (Ex: plots you've organized or 
    participated in, ideas and proposals, helping new people, etc.)
  
17. Describe what you feel characterizes good roleplaying. Summarize an
    episode that demonstrates good roleplaying. (From Cuendillar or elsewhere.)
  
18. Describe what you feel characterizes poor roleplaying. Summarize an
    episode that demonstrates bad roleplaying. (From Cuendillar or elsewhere.)


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