Approvals FAQ

From Metro Wiki

These are answers to frequently asked questions/concerns about the Metro approvals process.

For a number of reasons, Metro does not have an open chargen approval process. However, we strive to keep the approvals process as stress-free as possible. If you're just getting started here, the best thing to do is read through all the FAQ and +news files, to ensure that your application goes through quickly and smoothly.

I want to play a <whatever>. How do I find out what spheres are open?

The Welcome Center (#0) off the OOC Room has an up-to-date list of sphere openings. You can also type +bbread 1 to see announcements from sphere staffers. To explore your options in depth, visit the Sphere Info Room(s)

What is +concept and do I need to submit one?

A well-thought out character concept coupled with a rich background will give you a big head start in getting involved in roleplay, while a shallow "one-note" concept will rarely lead to a successful character. If you want to play a supernatural character, it is crucial to first review what slots are currently open, and then submit a +concept pitch. Type '+help +concept' for more information.

For "generic" type mortal character concepts ("Romance novel writer," "University of Toronto student," "A simple bartender," etc.), a +concept is not required. When in doubt, or if you'd like to play something off the beaten path, submitting one is a good idea.

Concept submissions are automatically set to a 48 hour due date. The appropriate staffer will review the concept you have submitted and reply with an approval or denial, or perhaps ask for more information. NOTE: The approval of a +concept does not guarantee the approval of your subsequent application.

Why don't you like my +concept of rich orphan with a huge trust fund or a Special Forces/ninja/assassin or a l335 h4x0r?

There are certain concepts which are, quite simply, overused and cliche'd. Tragic parental death tends to find its way into a background because people don't want to play out their family relationships or want a higher Resources rating. Combat-oriented professions (such as ex-military, ninjas, samurai, assassins, etc.) and those based on a high level of subject matter expertise (such as computer hacking) end up being difficult to RP out succesfully. While they are not banned outright, the abovementioned concepts are thus evaluated with more scrutiny.

What are the different "Templates" I've seen mentioned?

The following Templates are in use on Metro: Character Templates

Hooray, my +concept was approved! Now what?

Once your +concept is approved, you can usually proceed into Chargen and begin the official application process. Chargen is located off the Player's Domain. Good luck!!!

Chargen

Smooth sailing through character generation

If I log out before I'm done with chargen, will I have to start over... and do I have to be connected to be approved?

Nope! You can log in and out of chargen as many times as you like while you're working on your application. And you don't have to be logged in to be approved.

Is there a website I can go to for help with stats/archetypes and what they mean?

See sections 5 & 6 below!

Why can't I have a lot of stats at 4 & 5 dots?

Our file '+news stats' explains some of these limitations. The White Wolf point system operates on an exponential scale, with 1 being a novice/poor to a 5 being a master/expert. A 2 in this system is considered to be "human average." Since 5 is the absolute human maximum which can be achieved in a particular stat, you would need an absolutely stellar justification for it. n terms of attributes, a 5 implies something truly extraordinary. An Olympic weightlifter might have Strength 5... an international supermodel might have Appearance 5. In terms of knowledge or ability, it takes many years to become a "master/expert" in something. Please remember that stats can be raised with XP (+news +xp) as your story progresses, so there will always be an opportunity to improve your +sheet in the future.

What stats should I get if I want a weapon/minion/huge house?

For illegal weapons, or other special items, you need the Equipment background -- see http://new.spork.com/players/index.php/Equipment
For IC helpers/minions/bodyguards, etc., you need the Retainers background. You will need to provide stats and a brief bio for each Retainer.
The Resources stat is what you need to build a house (+news resources). However, be aware that Resources 4 must be approved by Building Staff, and is a Restricted stat.

I made a mistake - can I start over?

If you decide that you'd like a do-over, that's fine. Simply page an on-duty staffer, and they will send you back to the beginning of Chargen.

Do I have to spend all my points?

Nope! If you feel like your character is fine as it is, you can choose not to spend your full allotment of points.

How long does my character background need to be?

Some backgrounds are longer, while others are shorter - there's no real definitive answer of how long a background "should" be. Generally speaking, when applying for a character, regardless of race, the stats are important but they are only a small part of the whole. Concentrate on the who, what, why, when, and where! Who is this person? What was their family like? What are their hobbies? What interests them? What do they hope to accomplish in life? What are their dreams? Why do they react to things the way they do? When did they start doing certain things? Do they have a driving goal? Where do they hope to end up? This is not meant as a laundry list to be followed when creating a character, but it is an example of the kinds of things you should be asking yourself. The more thought you put into your character, the better the chance of getting approved.

Final Touches

Working with staff on your application

I went through chargen and typed 'apply for approval' - what happens now?

Once you have typed 'apply for approval' at the end of chargen (or whenever you are fully done with your app), a +job is created to keep track of your application. You can see this job, by typing +myjobs. The appropriate staffer is assigned to the +job and will review your application as quickly as possible.

So ...how long until I get approved?

Staff wants you to be out on the grid, playing, as soon as possible! Mortal staff currently does their best to do an initial review of an application within 24 hours of the request. Provided you don't need to make changes, you might be out there playing as soon as the same day. In the meantime, please sit back, relax, and familiarize yourself with news (+news) and the bboards (+bbread).

Why doesn't <staffer> respond to me?

While waiting for approval can seem like a tedious process, do keep in mind that relevant staffers have other duties in addition to approvals. If you have paged a staffer and failed to receive a response, this might be because they are judging a scene, answering +jobs, writing +mail, AFK, etc. Your turn will come; please try to be patient! We know you are anxious to go on the grid, but once you have submitted your application, we are aware that you are waiting and do not need to be reminded by page.

How will I find out if staff wants me to make changes to my app?

After reviewing your application, a staffer will respond to you via the +jobs system. The response will arrive to you in the form of a +mail, which will usually have instructions on what to do next. You can also see the full back-and-forth correspondence between yourself and staff by typing +myjobs to see the number of the +job, then typing +myjob <that number> (e.g. +myjob 555). You should continue using this system as you work on your application with a staffer. There is no need to type 'apply for approval' again.

What is the "Background Check" for and what do I put in this?

One of the things that you will be asked to provide prior to approval is "Background Check" information, which is then Jnoted on you. Having this information from the start allows us to streamline the IC background checking process that frequently occurs during the course of RP. This is what you should put in:

1) IDs you possess - driver's license, SIN card, passport, etc. - whatever ID your character has, real and fake
2) Address listed on said IDs - this doesn't have to be an actual address - it can be something like "An apartment downtown" or "The family home in North York"
3) Citizenship or (if other than Canadian) immigration status - please don't make us deport you.
4) If your phone number is listed or not - this can be "Cell phone" "unlisted home number," etc.
5) Criminal Record: If any - Been in the slammer? Let us know.
6) Owned properties, both On grid and Off Grid - again, this can be something like "my house in Etobicoke"
7) Source of Income (If you have Resources) - how you make your money
8) Anything else you think might be important were someone to run a BG Check on you. - catch-all!

I've been approved! What should I do now?

Congratulations! We're happy to have you RPing with us. Now, go out there and have some fun! :)

Mortie the Mortal

Mortie the Mortal is an "example character" to help you flesh out your application!

From the General FAQ:

What are the Archetypes allowed in CharGen?

As this became rather long, a new page was created: check out the Archetypes page.

For a great resource, check out DeathQuaker's List of Archetypes: http://www.deathquaker.org/gaming/archetypes.html

What Abilities and Secondary Abilities are available on Metro?

Please see the Abilities page for more information on this. Please note that all of these may not be openly available in Character Generation but most may be purchased after chargen with Experience, assuming one has an appropriate instructor and/or sphere wizard permission.

Wraithdescs and You

Is it necessary to have a wraith desc? Yes. It is, as it is a requirement for approval. Many folks seem to have many Q&A's on how to set up a wraith desc. Check out this page for information relevant to your sphere. Solinus's Guide to Wraith Descriptions

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