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Welcome to the Roleplayer's New Player Guide. This page serves to help new players as they traverse the lore of MassiveCraft and the world of [[Aloria]], conceptualize characters and get into the roleplay community and acclimatize. This page assumes you have no prior experience with MassiveCraft and/or roleplaying. If you have any question or curiosity about MassiveCraft or its lore, the [https://www.massiveCraft.com/discord-roleplay MassiveCraft Roleplay discord] is a good place to get answers.
Welcome to MassiveCraft! This is the New Roleplayers' Guide. Do not be afraid to ask questions in our [https://discord.gg/MassiveCraft Discord].
== Getting Started ==
It's important to note that MassiveCraft is a server hosting multiple game modes and systems. This section serves to clarify topics that may be confusing.


==What is Roleplay?==
* Plugins such as MassiveRaces and Vampires have no bearing on roleplay. In fact, almost all roleplay is done entirely through text without the assistance of ''any'' plugins except MassiveChat.
In the context of MassiveCraft, roleplay is an activity where the players portray fictional characters within the shared setting of Aloria and interact with like minded roleplayers. It is a collaborative writing exercise in which you may create a story of your own full of its own twists and turns. By using Minecraft as a medium an environment is provided that provides more visual aid and immersion than a pure text based setting.
* Regals is the name of our '''out-of-character''' server currency and the currency used in the Regalian Empire. You don't need to <code>/pay</code> anyone in the roleplay worlds!
=== Get Connected ===
* Join the [https://www.massivecraft.com/discord-roleplay Discord].
* Make an account on our [https://forums.massivecraft.com/ forums]. Make sure your forum name matches your Minecraft username!


Good roleplay has immersion. This means that you as a player really feel into it, being drawn in, just like a good book where you can't stop turning the pages, and hours might pass without you realizing it. Good roleplayers create immersion and situations that promote it. A big part of immersion is the ability to believe what is going on. To this end, the lore and adherence to it are important to not only entertain yourself, but others as well.
=== Commands ===
The [https://www.massivecraft.com/commands commands] page is a collection of commands for plugins on our server. If you're ever in doubt, use '''help''' after a command for more details. For example, '''/char help'''.
If you want to get into roleplay quickly, use '''/rpmode''' to leave non-roleplay channels and focus the local chat channel.


===Common Roleplay Terms===
* You can join roleplay from the lobby or by using '''/tp Roleplay'''. A list of warps are available by running '''/tp'''.
*'''IC:''' In Character. This encompasses everything in-universe and acting as a character. In practical terms, if someone is IC they are able to be interacted with. One of the most important facets of RP is that anything IC stays IC. Your character may hate another person's character, but you can still be friends with that person OOCly.
* Use '''/nick use name''' to set your nickname. Chat messages will show your nickname in front of them.  
*'''OOC:''' Out of Character. When players are aimlessly jumping around and not roleplaying they are OOC. This term encompasses everything that isn't inside Aloria or in roleplay. Gameplay mechanics and systems are largely OOC. Even if they may place restrictions and rules to roleplay, they are not concepts IC.
* Use '''/chat join local''' or '''l:''' to switch to the local chat channel, where the majority of roleplay takes place. This channel has a limited range.
*'''Powergaming:''' Also known as Godmodding, is the act of performing an emote (explained later in this guide) and saying what happens to other players during the emote. This is often used as a catch-all term for acts where characters are doing things they realistically should not be able to do.
*'''Metagaming:''' Metagaming is the use of knowledge outside of your character to use in game. As IC information and OOC information is separate, it often refers to the act of using knowledge gained OOCly ICly. For example, the first time you meet someone's character but suddenly knowing their name is metagaming. This also includes performing IC actions because of OOC motivations. For more information, refer to our [[Metagaming]] page.
*For other information regarding different roleplay terms, and the rules behind them, visit out [[Roleplay Rules]] page.


==The Setting==
==== Chat System ====
The recent history of Aloria, and specifically the story of the [[Regalian Empire]], begins after the apocalyptic event known as the [[Cataclysm]] that brought an end to the [[Fifth Void Invasion]], as well as to the hegemonic [[Allorn Empire]] that reigned supreme until then. Entire territories were swallowed whole as flooding, earthquakes, and volcanoes tore up the land and created new formations, all while countless numbers of people perished in the ensuing chaos. [[Magic]] was greatly weakened by this event, which meant that in the aftermath of the event, the Allorn Empire was unable to stop their former slaves who broke free and scattered across Aloria.
An in-depth explanation of our chat commands are available on the [https://www.massivecraft.com/plugins/MassiveChat MassiveChat] page.


In the wake of chaos left behind by the fall of the Allorn Empire, nation-states emerged along racial and cultural lines. Among the states that came to prominence was the Ailor-controlled Regalian Empire, which over the course of the three centuries rose to become an undisputed hegemonic power, spreading far and wide and subjugating lands across the continents. This Empire of [[Ailor]] was largely united in purpose thanks to the religion of Unionism, which centered their Race as supreme and conferred near-divinity onto the Regalian Emperors.  
* Typing and entering '''Hello.''' will print <code>~Character says: "Hello."</code>
* Typing and entering '''jumped.+''' will print <code>~Character jumped.</code>
* Typing and entering '''jumped. "Woah!"+''' will print <code>~Character jumped. "Woah!"</code>
* Typing and entering '''Hello.$''' will print <code>~Character mutters: "Hello."</code> This has a shorter range than normal.
* Typing and entering '''Hello.*''' will print <code>~Character whispers: "Hello."</code> This has a very short range.
* Typing and entering '''Hello.))''' will print <code>Hello.</code> in local out-of-character chat.


Yet the Empire is not alone in Aloria, being beset by threats both internal and external throughout its history. Regalian Imperialism comes at the expense of peace abroad, and from within racial tensions and insidious threats from malicious entities threatens homefront order and security.
=== Character Creation ===
To create your character, you will need to pick their heritage, subculture, religion, and possibly a few other details. You can read more about these topics on their dedicated pages, or make use of the summaries below. If you need a skin for your character, we offer free skinning services in our Discord and have a community skin repository available on PlanetMinecraft called [https://www.planetminecraft.com/skins/tag/massivelooks/ MassiveLooks].


The setting of the server takes place in Regalia, the capital of the Regalian Empire. Positioned in the [[Regalian Archipelago]] on the centrally located [[Crown Isle]], the city is the jewel of the Empire. The city enjoys amicable conditions and prosperity from all corners of the Empire. People of every Race and [[Culture]] make up the demographics of this city, and it is the political centre of the Empire. Not only does the city house the Imperial Court, but nobles from all the Archipelago and beyond congregate here, vying for political power and dominance.
Character sheets are '''optional'''. While they can be a great way to show off your creativity and your character's backstory, you only need one if you plan to participate in combat. If you do want to create a character sheet, click here to access the [https://forums.massivecraft.com/threads/character-sheets-template.54735/ Character Sheet Guide]. MassiveCraft's mechanical systems are explained on the [[Proficiency]] page.


For the commoners of the city, the city isn’t as utopian as it is made out to be. Subversive elements such as criminals, cultists, and worse plague sections of the city, such as the Sewers, where whispers of beings with supernatural natures and esoteric happenings are acknowledged to be more than mere human. Even with these hidden dangers, people flock from all over the world to live within the walls of the capital, for the city offers opportunities found nowhere else in Aloria, ranging from humble desires to attain wealth, to ambitions to shape Aloria geopolitically.
== The World ==
[[Aloria]] is a late medieval world on the cusp of advancing. It is a world where knights in heavy armor, barbarian wildlings in thick fur, haughty elven mages, and caped French musketeers freely mingle. Aloria is a story of great empires, the marks they have left on history, and the people they leave behind when they collapse. [[Magic]] is strongly woven into the history of Aloria as both an uplifting and dangerous force that has started as many civilizations as it has ended them. Different heritages, cultures, and religions have very strong opinions about magic and its use that can often become polarizing.


==Character Creation==
=== City of Regalia ===
There are countless philosophies and methods of creating good roleplay characters, this section is intended to advise on creating characters that are successful in finding roleplay and getting started in traversing the lore.
Roleplay is set in the city of [[List_of_Major_Nations_and_States#Regalian_Empire|Regalia]], the capital of the Regalian Empire. As the imperial capital, it is host to people from all walks of life, including beings like [[Vampire|vampires]] and [[Undead|undead]] who live on the edges of society.


One of the central tenets of MassiveCraft is equal opportunity. Regardless of experience, position, or seniority, the character constraints around a character are the same. MassiveCraft is not a roleplay setting where you are expected to start from a blank slate and have to attain everything (including an actual interesting backstory) through in-game means. Another concept that may strike someone as a surprise coming from other RP mediums is that revamping characters, changing the character from the ground up at a moment’s notice, in either appearance or archetype is commonly accepted within reason.
Regalia is divided into four areas: the Town, Crookback, the Sewers, and Gloomrot. Most roleplay happens in the town proper, where businesses open and people gather. Crossing the bridge into Crookback takes the character into a space that is more open to the [[:Category:Afflictions|afflicted]], heavily mutated, and the obviously very magical, while following the stairs down into the sewers brings them into contact with the more utterly illegal, such as anti-state agents and violent criminals, who need a place to hide. Gloomrot is the dark, shadowy forest in the countryside of Regalia dotted with a few little cottages and taverns, where mysterious creatures lurk and small parties of travelers can frequently be found.


To get started with roleplay, all you need is a name, a Race and a purpose. MassiveCraft Lore has a diverse roster of playable Races and subraces/Cultures, and while one is not forced to adhere to racial inclinations perfectly, it may help to choose a Race that fits your thematic interests.
=== Heritages ===
Heritages define your character's appearance and sometimes their overall outlook on the world. Many heritages have subcultures that lend your character to believe or think in different ways. Pick whichever one you think is best!


The full list of Races can be found here: [https://wiki.MassiveCraft.com/Races Races]
[[File:Ailorrace.png|frameless|20px]] '''Imperial Heritages''' are defined by their strong relationship with the roleplay setting, the Regalian Empire. These Heritages are easy to play and straightforward.
Each Race and Culture has its own physical constraints in terms of looks, builds and height and often naming conventions. Some of these constraints and character creation rules can be found on the [https://wiki.MassiveCraft.com/Proficiency Proficiency] page, which also explains certain skills your character can learn. When you are done deciding these parts about your character, you are ready to get started roleplaying on MassiveCraft with a lore complaint character.
* [[Ailor]] Humans, inspired by a range of European and Near-Eastern cultures, are numerous and diverse. The roleplay setting, the Regalian Empire, was founded and led by Ailor. Strongly recommended for new players.
* [[Eronidas]] Orcs, inspired by ancient Near-Eastern cultures, are a warrior people who emigrated from the distant west to find fortune. They are integrated deeply in the Regalian Empire as fine and loyal soldiers.
* [[Solvaan]] Elves, mercenary Wind Elves, turned on their Allorn ancestors to help found Regalia instead. Solvaan lore discusses the dangerous, exciting Mistlands they hail from, and their monopoly on most mercenary work.
* [[Sihndar]] Elves, frugal Dark Elves, wage an eternal war against Demons in the north. With influence from Ailor Scandinavian-inspired cultures and strong Regalian support, the Sihndar are martial but embattled.
* [[Urlan]] Beastfolk, minotaurs from the frozen continents, have a special relationship with Regalia as shock troopers in the Imperial armies. Urlan are excellent hunters and trackers, and are always at home in the wilds.
* [[Narim]] Beastfolk, created to tend ruined cities, found a new purpose in the Imperial religion of Unionism and defend the capital city's underground from the horrors always lurking in wait deep beneath.
[[File:Elfkind.png|frameless|20px]] '''Allorn Heritages''' are defined by their claim to some continuity from the Allorn Empire, an Elven Empire of Magic that directly preceded the Regalian one.
* [[Lanlath]] Elves, serene High Elves, broke with the Allorn Empire long ago and were expelled to their secretive realms in the in between lands. The Lanlath are benevolent, wise counselors and masters of Radiant Magic.
* [[Fin'ullen]] Elves, brash Sea Elves, live across most of Aloria's coastlines. A martial, outgoing, and maritime people, the Fin'ullen can be found not just in ex-Allorn realms but anywhere the pay and mead are good.
* [[Suvial]] Elves, Indian-themed Fire Elves, built their own Empire in the Allorn shadow. Masters of Demon binding and bitter enemies of the Kathar, the Suvial have the sole privilege to legally perform this illegal art.
* [[Maquixtl]] Elves, Aztec-themed Jungle Elves, journeyed west to ruins on the lost continent of Guldar. Maquixtl culture mixes a rural windmill and cottage appeal on one end with gene shift and mutation science on the other.
* [[Yanar]] Elves, culturally Elven plant people, were the Elven gods' heralds to forestall calamity. Now that the calamity has passed, they are tenders of many of the groves and quiet, peaceful places of the world.
* [[Kathar]] Elves, proud Dark Elves, turned to worshiping the Void Gods for power in the Allorn Empire's collapse. Kathar wildly differ, but share a universal drive for power and self-improvement that puts them at odds.
* [[Teledden]] Elves were the original High Elves who ran the Allorn Empire, and are presently trying to bring about its return in the face of vast foreign opposition. It is not recommended to play a Teledden.
[[File:Dragonrace.png|frameless|20px]] '''Draconic Heritages''' are defined by their interactions with Dragons, ancient creators of the world, and by the Dragons' war against Demons and hostile Magic.
* [[Dragonkin]] Humans, inspired by West African cultures, are physically descended from Dragons. Dragonkin lore discusses their wars with the Qadir (another Heritage), their heavy use of Magic, and their hate of Death Gods.
* [[Sihai]] Humans, inspired by East Asian cultures, allied with Dragons long ago. Sihai lore discusses their endless defense against Demons, their faraway Kingdoms, and their attempts to reach out into the wider world.
* [[Isldar]] Elves, stoic Ice Elves, disavowed their Allorn ancestors and fled their Empire with Dragons in tow. Isldar lore discusses their pro- vs. anti-Dragon civil war, their icy spire palaces, and their swordplay and poetry.
* [[Slizzar]] Beastfolk, serpentine shapeshifters, were created as the personal attendants of the Dragon Nox. Slizzar lore discusses their role as excellent spies and watchers of history who live in disguise for millennia.
* [[Bralona]] (robot or slime-like) were left isolated by Dragons on the distant island of Justinia. Recently discovered by foreign explorers, their lore discusses their attempts to make sense of the world around them.
[[File:Ancientraces.png|frameless|20px]] '''Ancient Heritages''' quest to rediscover their lost Empires' histories of engineering and Technology, turning back the clock to resurrect their legacies. This lore is considered more 'advanced'.
* [[Skyborn]] Humans, inspired by Near-Eastern Arabic cultures, are integrated with the Ailor. Masters of clockwork and gear automata, their Sariyd Empire was destroyed in a magical calamity in its war against a clade of Dragons.
* [[Dwarves]] hail from the distant north. Inventors of steam tech and black iron foundries, their ill-fated war with the Elves who would become the Isldar and violent invaders from underground has pushed them to their limits.
* [[Asha]] Beastfolk, inspired by Ancient Egyptian culture, are adventuring seafarers with mental control over their mercury-like Living Metal who lost their Empire millennia ago in an apocalyptic war with the Allorn Empire.
* [[Allar]] Beastfolk, studious lizardmen and fishfolk, are peerless alchemists and researchers of the natural sciences. Driven into exile from their home of Sendras by their Void-worshiping cousins, they now live in the Hadar isles.
* [[Maraya]] (Tiefling-like) hail from before even the Elves existed. Masters of crystal resonance so advanced it appears Magical, their world-spanning Empire was destroyed by Demonic invaders, its survivors saved in cryo-sleep.
[[File:Yanarrace.png|frameless|20px]] '''Artificial Heritages''' cover sapient entities without a defined culture or origin, like Automata, Spirits, and Homunculi.
* [[Mystech]] is the in-universe term for this category. It includes Automata (variously advanced robots), Spirits (ghosts, Demons, Demons in robots, Demons in people) and Homunculi (lab-made, soulless people).


==The Chat System==
=== Religions ===
The MassiveCraft chat system differs from most roleplay mediums. While MassiveCraft boasts many commands and plugins, for a roleplayer the commands described here are the most important. For an exhaustive list on the chat and their instructions on the system go here: [https://www.massivecraft.com/massivechat Massivechat]
Your character can be a follower of one of Aloria's [[Religions|religions]] or none! It's entirely up to you.
===Channels===
When you first join MassiveCraft you are subscribed to a few channels by default. A single letter followed by a colon typed in the chat is used to switch between channels
:'''l:''' Local, this is the Roleplay channel
:'''g:''' General, this is a server-wide chat
:'''t:''' Trade, mostly pertinent to Factions
:'''r:''' Recruitment,
:'''h:''' Help, ask for help here
You can leave and join channels through /ch join or /ch leave
Doing /ch leave g will make you leave general for example. This is important to reduce chat clutter during roleplay.


'''Roleplaying'''
* [[Unionism]] is the state religion of Regalian Empire. It is a religion about unifying the world and creating everlasting peace.
* [[Draconism]] is centered around the worship of dragons as creator deities who have created the material world and protect it.
* [[Estelley]] is centered around the worship of perfect gods, who in turn guide the faithful to create inner perfection in themselves.
* [[Fornoss]] is centered around respect for the elements and forebearers, and to accrue honor in life to thrive in forever paradise thereafter.
* [[Evolism]] is centered around the dark gods of the void, who lend power to their worshipers to evolve into stronger, faster, and better beings.
* [[Khama]] is centered around cosmic balance and karmic justice, of gods from a lost civilization trying to restore balance in the world.
* [[Nilthism]], the only monotheistic religion, is centered around the worship of a terrifying primeval being that must be blinded and bound to save the world.
* [[Minor Faiths]] are not a singular religion, but a collection of smaller disorganized cults and faiths of varying themes and concepts.


The Local channel on MassiveCraft is very versatile, by default any text spoken in this channel is spoken word by your character. By finishing your line with a chat modifier, you are able to express your roleplay in more detail. Here is a table of all of the chat modifiers for roleplay.
=== Occupations ===
{| class="wikitable"
Jobs your character can have are fairly free-form. Your character can be unemployed, a retainer to a powerful noble family, a member of a [[Guilds|guild]] or [[Knights|knight order]], run a shop, and more! If you're unsure how your character can make a living or specialize in something, use the [[Hobbies|hobbies]] page as a reference.
|'''Modifier'''
|'''Name'''
|'''Range'''
|-
|No modifier
|Say
|11
|-
|<nowiki>+ (Important)</nowiki>
|Emote
|20
|-
|*  (Important)
|Whispering
|3
|-
|)) (Important)
|OOC
|20
|-
|?
|Ask
|11
|-
|!
|Exclaim
|12
|-
|!!
|Yell
|26
|-
|!!!
|Scream
|35
|-
|#
|Environment
|20
|-
|$
|Mutter
|5
|-
|_
|Mutter range emote
|5
|-
|@
|Announce
|70
|-
|=
|Announce Emote
|40
|-
|>
|Sing
|26
|-
|&
|Command
|26
|-
|<nowiki>+1-9</nowiki>
|Coloured emote
|20
|}
'''Favoriting'''


A key tool to both see when your friends are logging on and colouring the names of your friends a different colour (Or even your own!) is the favourite command.
'''Guilds''' concentrate people with likeminded ideologies or work employment into groups that specialize their work to a high degree.
*You can add a ‘favourite’ by typing: '''/fav add NAME'''
*Access your list of favourites by typing: '''/fav list'''
*And finally, remove favourites by typing: '''/fav remove NAME'''


==The Server Environment==
* The [[Scribe Order]] is a guild of scribes, historians, scholars and bureaucrats, who center around the recording of history and intellectual problems.
The in-game roleplay environment is a single large city that can be split into three major regions: New Town, Old Town and the Sewers. New Town encompasses the lion's share of the city and is usually considered the ‘normal’ city environment. Old Town is a part of the city that is dominated by it’s older buildings from the capital’s earlier years. Lastly, we have the sewers: An underground cesspit reserved for the most dispossessed of society. Citizens who are not allowed to own housing on the surface, or even have a right to exist are commonplace here, as well as those practising activities that can not stand the light of day. Each of these environments has its own RP hotspots, dynamics, and playerbases.
* The [[Allfaith Order]] is a guild or priests, religious figures, preachers, and missionaries, that loosely allies all priest figures for religious freedom.
* The [[Augur Order]] is a guild for merchants, commerce, traders, explorers and inventors, that seeks to improve the technology and finances of the Empire.
* The [[Gloomfolk Order]] is a guild of the inhabitants and sympathizers of Gloomrot, who protect it against incursions, and uphold its unique culture.
* The [[Hoterie Order]] is a guild for entertainers, courtesans, charmers, spies, and informants, who use their body and mind to capture others for power.


Many of the buildings in the city are houses, which are rental regions that one can rent, decorate and call your own. Due to the server’s population and high demand, vacant properties can be rare. Housing is often auctioned on the forums, though this might be expensive for a newer player. Alternatively, one can acquire housing through roleplay by becoming one's roommate or becoming part of a group with barracks.
'''Knights''' are divided into orders that share an oath and a purpose, with each order further subdivided into more specialized chapters and are often combat oriented. If you plan to play a knight, you may eventually need to create a character sheet.


MassiveCraft has many organizations that look for new members to join their ranks. Joining any group is a good method of finding players and roleplay to participate in. The server knows three consistent playerbases that most organizations fall beneath:
* The [[Viridian Order]] is the grandfather of all Regalian knight orders, popularizing the term knight, and holding the other orders to a high standard of Honor.
*'''Law Enforcement:''' Guards, inquisitors and other charters that are permitted to maintain the peace within the city. Conflict roleplay mostly takes place in the form of fighting organized crime and petty thievery. The law enforcement of Regalia are often militaristic, and the social dynamics within vary from chapter to chapter.
* The [[Aelrrigan Order]] is composed of knights and mages who seek to protect and regulate the mage population to avert doom in the world from prophecy.
*'''Crime:''' Gangs, cults and other organized subterfuge organizations, often with their own specific goals and niches. They most commonly feud against other gangs and the Law Enforcement for control of their sections of the underworld.
* The [[Bloodcast Order]] rose from instability in the Viridian Order, turning away from the wealthy and protecting the poor as the essential hedge knights.
*'''Nobility:''' Noble Houses of Regalia, these are usually family units and their retainers. They mostly interact with one another, and take part in higher stakes Noble RP. While those starting out are usually unable to join OOCly as a family member, it only takes some IC interactions with these characters to see yourself become a member of their retainer forces.
* The [[Lothar Order]] exists as an anti-magic and anti-occult radical order.
* The [[Argentum Order]] is a coalition of anti-Regalian factions who want to bring about the downfall of the Empire, functioning like traitor knights.
* The [[Senleya Order]] is an all-Elven order from outside the Regalian Empire, loosely cooperating to help protect the world from tyranny.


These three umbrella categorizations that most groups of MassiveCraft fall under have their own culture and systems that they adhere to and are usually open to joining through application on the forums. While it is not required whatsoever to join an organization, it is a good opportunity for new players to learn roleplay with a dedicated support base.
=== Affinities and Afflictions ===
'''Affinities and Afflictions''', broadly referred to as the occult, are a supernatural state or power beyond your character's heritage, religion, and order affiliations. Some affinities and afflictions warp your character's mindset and causes them to act unlike themselves. Some types of occult can overlap, but most don't. Affinities and afflictions may put your character at odds with others.


[https://forums.MassiveCraft.com/forums/guilds-and-organizations.313/ Organization Forum]
* [[Arkenborn]] are borne from [[Arken]], some of the world's most powerful demons that are worshiped as gods in some religions. Arkenborn are powerful but mentally unstable and caustic mages.
* [[Godborn]] are children of the gods, entities venerated by millions of faithful. Godborn follow the story and archetype of their godly parents, in search of their divine purpose.
* [[Archon]] swear fealty to the dragons, ancient architects of the world and the living, and pledge to join their war against the demonic and otherworldly as foot soldiers, spies, or strategists.
* [[Marken]] are werewolves who can lose control over themselves and change forms at strong emotions or the turning of the moon.
* [[Vampire|Vampires]] are a famed and feared curse that lurks in the corner of every realm, promising sweet gifts of immortality and power at the cost of one's soul.
* The [[Mortisphage]] affliction is a lesser understood curse sowed by dead gods that lends those struck with it the desire to feed on the memories of others for their fell masters.
* [[Undead]] is a blanket term for those who died and came back to life, considered sacred warriors in some religions and accursed to be slain in others.


==How to get started with Roleplay==
----
Getting started with roleplaying is often a daunting experience if you are completely new and have no pre-existing connections on MassiveCraft. Regardless of what previous experience you have, the best way to get started is to join the [https://www.MassiveCraft.com/discord-roleplay MassiveCraft Roleplay discord and state that you are new and looking for roleplay or for groups.
== Optional Reading ==
 
There are two methods of getting started roleplaying on MassiveCraft. The former is to simply interact with random people on the street. While it may seem daunting, approaching people throughout the city or messaging individuals who run by whether they want to RP is a surefire way to have organic interactions. A good method of doing so is making up reasons to interact with people beforehand. This can range from wanting directions so specific places to roleplaying that you somehow got injured and need help. Do not be scared by roleplays that are short or people that are busy, name recognition and repeated interactions are the most natural ways on how friendships develop in real life and such is also the case in RP.
 
The other method is to visit a tavern hotspot and sit around. While making up reasons for meaningful interaction can be more difficult, they are often populated and a lot less intimidating than interacting with someone on the street. Activity of these establishments vary from timezone to place, and we encourage you to ask in the community Discord if you are unsure how to find locations in Regalia.
 
==Where to Continue==
Once you believe you have acclimatized to the server sufficiently and have a good feel for your character, you can make a character application to ‘canonize’ your character on the server. This means that you can use the character for progression events and ensures your character is lore compliant backstory-wise. You can do so on this forum:
 
[https://forums.MassiveCraft.com/forums/character-applications.290/ Character Applications]
 
Remember that a roleplay character is a living document, one which you should continuously expand on both personality and backstory. By having a rich backstory, certain events and traits may coincide with other players which result in interactions that are natural. Try to appeal to yourself by creating a character you can love. While you should avoid making a character that is too perfect (also known as a Mary Sue) or a character that is too edgy (defined as having an excessively grim and dark backstory for no purpose) there is a fine balance that should be struck.
{{Accreditation
|Writers = Arendan, FireFan96
|Processors = HydraLana
}}

Latest revision as of 20:19, 28 September 2024

Welcome to MassiveCraft! This is the New Roleplayers' Guide. Do not be afraid to ask questions in our Discord.

Getting Started

It's important to note that MassiveCraft is a server hosting multiple game modes and systems. This section serves to clarify topics that may be confusing.

  • Plugins such as MassiveRaces and Vampires have no bearing on roleplay. In fact, almost all roleplay is done entirely through text without the assistance of any plugins except MassiveChat.
  • Regals is the name of our out-of-character server currency and the currency used in the Regalian Empire. You don't need to /pay anyone in the roleplay worlds!

Get Connected

  • Join the Discord.
  • Make an account on our forums. Make sure your forum name matches your Minecraft username!

Commands

The commands page is a collection of commands for plugins on our server. If you're ever in doubt, use help after a command for more details. For example, /char help. If you want to get into roleplay quickly, use /rpmode to leave non-roleplay channels and focus the local chat channel.

  • You can join roleplay from the lobby or by using /tp Roleplay. A list of warps are available by running /tp.
  • Use /nick use name to set your nickname. Chat messages will show your nickname in front of them.
  • Use /chat join local or l: to switch to the local chat channel, where the majority of roleplay takes place. This channel has a limited range.

Chat System

An in-depth explanation of our chat commands are available on the MassiveChat page.

  • Typing and entering Hello. will print ~Character says: "Hello."
  • Typing and entering jumped.+ will print ~Character jumped.
  • Typing and entering jumped. "Woah!"+ will print ~Character jumped. "Woah!"
  • Typing and entering Hello.$ will print ~Character mutters: "Hello." This has a shorter range than normal.
  • Typing and entering Hello.* will print ~Character whispers: "Hello." This has a very short range.
  • Typing and entering Hello.)) will print Hello. in local out-of-character chat.

Character Creation

To create your character, you will need to pick their heritage, subculture, religion, and possibly a few other details. You can read more about these topics on their dedicated pages, or make use of the summaries below. If you need a skin for your character, we offer free skinning services in our Discord and have a community skin repository available on PlanetMinecraft called MassiveLooks.

Character sheets are optional. While they can be a great way to show off your creativity and your character's backstory, you only need one if you plan to participate in combat. If you do want to create a character sheet, click here to access the Character Sheet Guide. MassiveCraft's mechanical systems are explained on the Proficiency page.

The World

Aloria is a late medieval world on the cusp of advancing. It is a world where knights in heavy armor, barbarian wildlings in thick fur, haughty elven mages, and caped French musketeers freely mingle. Aloria is a story of great empires, the marks they have left on history, and the people they leave behind when they collapse. Magic is strongly woven into the history of Aloria as both an uplifting and dangerous force that has started as many civilizations as it has ended them. Different heritages, cultures, and religions have very strong opinions about magic and its use that can often become polarizing.

City of Regalia

Roleplay is set in the city of Regalia, the capital of the Regalian Empire. As the imperial capital, it is host to people from all walks of life, including beings like vampires and undead who live on the edges of society.

Regalia is divided into four areas: the Town, Crookback, the Sewers, and Gloomrot. Most roleplay happens in the town proper, where businesses open and people gather. Crossing the bridge into Crookback takes the character into a space that is more open to the afflicted, heavily mutated, and the obviously very magical, while following the stairs down into the sewers brings them into contact with the more utterly illegal, such as anti-state agents and violent criminals, who need a place to hide. Gloomrot is the dark, shadowy forest in the countryside of Regalia dotted with a few little cottages and taverns, where mysterious creatures lurk and small parties of travelers can frequently be found.

Heritages

Heritages define your character's appearance and sometimes their overall outlook on the world. Many heritages have subcultures that lend your character to believe or think in different ways. Pick whichever one you think is best!

Imperial Heritages are defined by their strong relationship with the roleplay setting, the Regalian Empire. These Heritages are easy to play and straightforward.

  • Ailor Humans, inspired by a range of European and Near-Eastern cultures, are numerous and diverse. The roleplay setting, the Regalian Empire, was founded and led by Ailor. Strongly recommended for new players.
  • Eronidas Orcs, inspired by ancient Near-Eastern cultures, are a warrior people who emigrated from the distant west to find fortune. They are integrated deeply in the Regalian Empire as fine and loyal soldiers.
  • Solvaan Elves, mercenary Wind Elves, turned on their Allorn ancestors to help found Regalia instead. Solvaan lore discusses the dangerous, exciting Mistlands they hail from, and their monopoly on most mercenary work.
  • Sihndar Elves, frugal Dark Elves, wage an eternal war against Demons in the north. With influence from Ailor Scandinavian-inspired cultures and strong Regalian support, the Sihndar are martial but embattled.
  • Urlan Beastfolk, minotaurs from the frozen continents, have a special relationship with Regalia as shock troopers in the Imperial armies. Urlan are excellent hunters and trackers, and are always at home in the wilds.
  • Narim Beastfolk, created to tend ruined cities, found a new purpose in the Imperial religion of Unionism and defend the capital city's underground from the horrors always lurking in wait deep beneath.

Allorn Heritages are defined by their claim to some continuity from the Allorn Empire, an Elven Empire of Magic that directly preceded the Regalian one.

  • Lanlath Elves, serene High Elves, broke with the Allorn Empire long ago and were expelled to their secretive realms in the in between lands. The Lanlath are benevolent, wise counselors and masters of Radiant Magic.
  • Fin'ullen Elves, brash Sea Elves, live across most of Aloria's coastlines. A martial, outgoing, and maritime people, the Fin'ullen can be found not just in ex-Allorn realms but anywhere the pay and mead are good.
  • Suvial Elves, Indian-themed Fire Elves, built their own Empire in the Allorn shadow. Masters of Demon binding and bitter enemies of the Kathar, the Suvial have the sole privilege to legally perform this illegal art.
  • Maquixtl Elves, Aztec-themed Jungle Elves, journeyed west to ruins on the lost continent of Guldar. Maquixtl culture mixes a rural windmill and cottage appeal on one end with gene shift and mutation science on the other.
  • Yanar Elves, culturally Elven plant people, were the Elven gods' heralds to forestall calamity. Now that the calamity has passed, they are tenders of many of the groves and quiet, peaceful places of the world.
  • Kathar Elves, proud Dark Elves, turned to worshiping the Void Gods for power in the Allorn Empire's collapse. Kathar wildly differ, but share a universal drive for power and self-improvement that puts them at odds.
  • Teledden Elves were the original High Elves who ran the Allorn Empire, and are presently trying to bring about its return in the face of vast foreign opposition. It is not recommended to play a Teledden.

Draconic Heritages are defined by their interactions with Dragons, ancient creators of the world, and by the Dragons' war against Demons and hostile Magic.

  • Dragonkin Humans, inspired by West African cultures, are physically descended from Dragons. Dragonkin lore discusses their wars with the Qadir (another Heritage), their heavy use of Magic, and their hate of Death Gods.
  • Sihai Humans, inspired by East Asian cultures, allied with Dragons long ago. Sihai lore discusses their endless defense against Demons, their faraway Kingdoms, and their attempts to reach out into the wider world.
  • Isldar Elves, stoic Ice Elves, disavowed their Allorn ancestors and fled their Empire with Dragons in tow. Isldar lore discusses their pro- vs. anti-Dragon civil war, their icy spire palaces, and their swordplay and poetry.
  • Slizzar Beastfolk, serpentine shapeshifters, were created as the personal attendants of the Dragon Nox. Slizzar lore discusses their role as excellent spies and watchers of history who live in disguise for millennia.
  • Bralona (robot or slime-like) were left isolated by Dragons on the distant island of Justinia. Recently discovered by foreign explorers, their lore discusses their attempts to make sense of the world around them.

Ancient Heritages quest to rediscover their lost Empires' histories of engineering and Technology, turning back the clock to resurrect their legacies. This lore is considered more 'advanced'.

  • Skyborn Humans, inspired by Near-Eastern Arabic cultures, are integrated with the Ailor. Masters of clockwork and gear automata, their Sariyd Empire was destroyed in a magical calamity in its war against a clade of Dragons.
  • Dwarves hail from the distant north. Inventors of steam tech and black iron foundries, their ill-fated war with the Elves who would become the Isldar and violent invaders from underground has pushed them to their limits.
  • Asha Beastfolk, inspired by Ancient Egyptian culture, are adventuring seafarers with mental control over their mercury-like Living Metal who lost their Empire millennia ago in an apocalyptic war with the Allorn Empire.
  • Allar Beastfolk, studious lizardmen and fishfolk, are peerless alchemists and researchers of the natural sciences. Driven into exile from their home of Sendras by their Void-worshiping cousins, they now live in the Hadar isles.
  • Maraya (Tiefling-like) hail from before even the Elves existed. Masters of crystal resonance so advanced it appears Magical, their world-spanning Empire was destroyed by Demonic invaders, its survivors saved in cryo-sleep.

Artificial Heritages cover sapient entities without a defined culture or origin, like Automata, Spirits, and Homunculi.

  • Mystech is the in-universe term for this category. It includes Automata (variously advanced robots), Spirits (ghosts, Demons, Demons in robots, Demons in people) and Homunculi (lab-made, soulless people).

Religions

Your character can be a follower of one of Aloria's religions or none! It's entirely up to you.

  • Unionism is the state religion of Regalian Empire. It is a religion about unifying the world and creating everlasting peace.
  • Draconism is centered around the worship of dragons as creator deities who have created the material world and protect it.
  • Estelley is centered around the worship of perfect gods, who in turn guide the faithful to create inner perfection in themselves.
  • Fornoss is centered around respect for the elements and forebearers, and to accrue honor in life to thrive in forever paradise thereafter.
  • Evolism is centered around the dark gods of the void, who lend power to their worshipers to evolve into stronger, faster, and better beings.
  • Khama is centered around cosmic balance and karmic justice, of gods from a lost civilization trying to restore balance in the world.
  • Nilthism, the only monotheistic religion, is centered around the worship of a terrifying primeval being that must be blinded and bound to save the world.
  • Minor Faiths are not a singular religion, but a collection of smaller disorganized cults and faiths of varying themes and concepts.

Occupations

Jobs your character can have are fairly free-form. Your character can be unemployed, a retainer to a powerful noble family, a member of a guild or knight order, run a shop, and more! If you're unsure how your character can make a living or specialize in something, use the hobbies page as a reference.

Guilds concentrate people with likeminded ideologies or work employment into groups that specialize their work to a high degree.

  • The Scribe Order is a guild of scribes, historians, scholars and bureaucrats, who center around the recording of history and intellectual problems.
  • The Allfaith Order is a guild or priests, religious figures, preachers, and missionaries, that loosely allies all priest figures for religious freedom.
  • The Augur Order is a guild for merchants, commerce, traders, explorers and inventors, that seeks to improve the technology and finances of the Empire.
  • The Gloomfolk Order is a guild of the inhabitants and sympathizers of Gloomrot, who protect it against incursions, and uphold its unique culture.
  • The Hoterie Order is a guild for entertainers, courtesans, charmers, spies, and informants, who use their body and mind to capture others for power.

Knights are divided into orders that share an oath and a purpose, with each order further subdivided into more specialized chapters and are often combat oriented. If you plan to play a knight, you may eventually need to create a character sheet.

  • The Viridian Order is the grandfather of all Regalian knight orders, popularizing the term knight, and holding the other orders to a high standard of Honor.
  • The Aelrrigan Order is composed of knights and mages who seek to protect and regulate the mage population to avert doom in the world from prophecy.
  • The Bloodcast Order rose from instability in the Viridian Order, turning away from the wealthy and protecting the poor as the essential hedge knights.
  • The Lothar Order exists as an anti-magic and anti-occult radical order.
  • The Argentum Order is a coalition of anti-Regalian factions who want to bring about the downfall of the Empire, functioning like traitor knights.
  • The Senleya Order is an all-Elven order from outside the Regalian Empire, loosely cooperating to help protect the world from tyranny.

Affinities and Afflictions

Affinities and Afflictions, broadly referred to as the occult, are a supernatural state or power beyond your character's heritage, religion, and order affiliations. Some affinities and afflictions warp your character's mindset and causes them to act unlike themselves. Some types of occult can overlap, but most don't. Affinities and afflictions may put your character at odds with others.

  • Arkenborn are borne from Arken, some of the world's most powerful demons that are worshiped as gods in some religions. Arkenborn are powerful but mentally unstable and caustic mages.
  • Godborn are children of the gods, entities venerated by millions of faithful. Godborn follow the story and archetype of their godly parents, in search of their divine purpose.
  • Archon swear fealty to the dragons, ancient architects of the world and the living, and pledge to join their war against the demonic and otherworldly as foot soldiers, spies, or strategists.
  • Marken are werewolves who can lose control over themselves and change forms at strong emotions or the turning of the moon.
  • Vampires are a famed and feared curse that lurks in the corner of every realm, promising sweet gifts of immortality and power at the cost of one's soul.
  • The Mortisphage affliction is a lesser understood curse sowed by dead gods that lends those struck with it the desire to feed on the memories of others for their fell masters.
  • Undead is a blanket term for those who died and came back to life, considered sacred warriors in some religions and accursed to be slain in others.

Optional Reading