Character names should be drawn from the general language structure of the originating race, as provided in the Racial Lore. Real-world references are provided on each page to help the player determine if the name has been properly constructed. Strict adherence to the structure is not wholly necessary, unless a specific game master (GM) states otherwise.

[ Top ]

Character descriptions should generally be divided in two parts: Personality and History.

Personality refers to the character's specific temperaments, a brief passage about their likes, dislikes, and so forth. This is generally not more than a paragraph. This can also include a few brief notes about the particulars of a character's appearance if the profile lacks either a picture, or there are notable features the picture doesn't portray.

History, also referred to as synopsis or summary depending on the author, should recount a summarised timeline of the character's accomplishments. Histories shouldn't delve into too much detail, and should generally not exceed a half page or so.*

*Historical characters generally exceed a page, due to their influence in Solestian history.

[ Top ]

Profiles should be easy to read. After writing, the author should check back over their profile and make sure the information is presented in an easy to read manner. The author should take care to clear up any obscurities and remove unnecessary passages. Special attention should be given to punctuation, as well as paragraphs. Run-on sentences are extremely confusing to the reader.

[ Top ]

The level of power distributed in a roleplay is wholly up to the game master (GM). Players should inquire as to whether a roleplay is high-powered, mid-powered, or low-powered before creating characters. Solest was created with respect for all three levels of expansion

A roleplay does not necessarily require a power-level either. Civilian-based roleplaying is also possible using the Solest system. High-powered roleplays in extremities are not so compatible with the system however.

Throughout Solest, deified characters are generally thought of as NPCs and wholly untouchable by mortal means.This means that characters which feature powers greater than those expressed by deified parties are generally unacceptable. Read Deity Lore for further details.

[ Top ]

Profile formatting is up to the author. However, including the following categories is suggested:

Name:
Age:
Gender:
Race:
Class:
Title:
Equipment:
Abilities:
Character Description:

If a profile lists the character's name at the top of the page, there is no need for repeated listing below.

Ages should be listed in general ranges, such as 'mid-twenties' or 'late thirties', rather than specifics such as '19' or '47'.

Gender is self-explanatory.

Race can be listed as either general ('Norde' for instance), or with a sub ethnicity ('Norde (Edean)'). If the race is mixed, then the listing will generally be separated by a forward slash (Norde/Bharata).

Class refers to a character's general profession, such as 'Knight' or 'Mercenary'.

Title refers to a character's status in life. This may refer to a nickname or another such title, formal or informal. Examples include 'The Brave Swordsman' or 'The Keen Archer', and so forth.

Equipment implies the inclusion of articles both military and civilian. This list can include short descriptions of the items, as well auxiliary armaments and supplies. Weapons unique to a character should have their own names and special features, as well as brief origin stories to explain how the character obtained them.

Abilities refers to talents a character possesses, both military and civilian. These can include martial arts (armed and unarmed), trade skills, domestic skills, artistic skills, and so forth. Any arts particular to the character should be accompanied by origin excerpts.

Character description: See "On Character Descriptions".

[ Top ]

Using images from another source such as Final Fantasy, ElfQuest or Inu-Yasha is a common practice in many circles of roleplaying. This is true for Solest as well, but it's considered bad form for two players within the same roleplay to select the same pictures. In the case that a new player has joined, seniority takes presidency. Whoever had the picture first retains the right of use. In the case that seniority is in dispute, it will fall upon the game master (GM) to decide which party obtains usage. Etiquette on the part of the players is to comply with the GM's wishes in this matter, regardless of cause.

In regards to time period and use, players should be aware of the setting and its constraints. A businessman dressed in a suit and tie, and wearing sunglasses doesn't generally belong in a medieval setting. When creating a character, make sure the image chosen compliments the time period to some extent.

[ Top ]