'how to'

Billgar · Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 5:56 pm Post subject: 'how to'

'how to'
click here to download the pdf!

CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION(1), FORUM ETIQUETTE(2), PROFILES(2), CURRENCY(3), SHOPS(4), WEAPONS(5), SUMMONS(6), FIGHTING(6), QUESTS and ROLE PLAY(8), GLOSSARY(9)

INTRODUCTION
A land lost in myth thrives in the depths of an unknown region. Here heroes are born and fortunes made. Strange creatures prowl the land and the blades forged by man have souls of their own. An eccentric emperor sits upon the throne. Despite his oddness however he rules justly and commands the kingdom well.
The capital is known as Netropitus, and it prospers beyond the dreams of man. Here people gather from every region and corner of the kingdom to trade, learn, and socialize.
While this land seems to be a utopia, there is however a darker side. The greatest form of entertainment for the people lies within an ominous structure. The Arena attracts warriors and characters of all sorts, some who quest for fame, and other who thirst for blood.
The kingdom lacks a true military force and its officials, though reliable, are short in number. As a result, laws are abandoned in towns and cities outside of the capital. Few other than the Emperor himself and the Captain of the Imperial Guard have the strength to straighten out the kingdom.
Journey through the heart of disorder with the fate of the kingdom resting upon your shoulders. Strive to become a member of the elite “Imperial Guard”, or aid in the kingdoms misfortune. You are a citizen of NOCTE!

FORUM ETIQUETTE
The LowestExistance forum is hosted by Myfreeforum.org, and thus must adhere to the hosts rules and regulations. Some of the obligations that you must follow are the following:
You shall not post anything that contains explicit images (no pictures of heads being blown off please), pornography, or otherwise distasteful images. You will not post anything that contains profanity (no cussing), sexual or racial discrimination, or content relating to illegal drug consumption. Basically keep it PG-13. Please, if you must mention drinking or smoking keep it mature.

Failure to adhere to the above guidelines will result in disciplinary action appropriate to the offense.

There is really only one other thing that is requested of out members: good, quality posts. It would be best if the posts were at least two sentences long and with content that not only adds to the conversation, but allows for further discussion. Try to stay on topic, or at least try not to deviate too quickly(we don’t care where topics end, but try not to respond to someone's post about foxes with an explanation of why pizza is delicious).
If you follow all of these guidelines then the forum can continue to be a great place to chat, express yourself, and mercilessly cut down foes!

PROFILES
After creating your account its time to fill in your profile.(keep it PG13 if you decide to give joke answers). Here is what you need to know about each section:
ICQ #, AIM Address, MSN Messenger, and Yahoo Messenger are all areas to fill in. If you have one, and wish to show them to the public feel free to share. Be aware that these areas must must be filled out truthfully.
‘Website’ is the section where one can put their favorite website for others to see, just as long as it follows the rules above the terms and conditions.
Location is where you wish to say you are. It can be the truth or it can be ridiculous, just so long as it stays within limits of PG 13.
Occupation is what you do, or what you want others to think you do, once again
Interests: list what you are interested in doing
Signature is a place where you can add a quote and a SMALL picture. Please keep the picture reasonable. It should not be taller than two or three lines.
Remember: KEEP THIS ALL UNDER PG13!!!!! No explicit, sexual, or offensive objects in ANY of these. If your ICQ,AIM,ect. names are offensive, please do not put them. Also, linking to viruses/spyware will result in a ban and possible legal action.
Preferences are where you can customize what you see. Feel free to make your email public or keep it hidden and change these however you like. While we allow users to keep their online status hidden, we prefer if you do not.
The Avatar section is where you can change what picture is seen beside your posts. These images should stay within the range of 105 pixels by 105 pixels (or as close as you can get, no more than 125X200). Once again, these images should not depict any nudity, explicit images, or offensive material.
Images can be taken from websites, you computer, or the selection available from the gallery. If using an image hosted by another site, just copy the source of the image (click to view image, copy the website of that image, than paste it into where it says to in the profile). If this does not seem to work, then just save the image to your computer and chose to upload the avatar.

When you view your profile you will notice other information such as GC, Weapon, ect.... These fields are filled in by administrators to depict your equipped items and total Currency. Items that are not equipped can be found in your user vault located in the capital, Netropitus, which can be accessed through the forum.

CURRENCY
The Kingdom of Nocte is home to many strange and wonderful things. To get your hands on ANYTHING though you will need currency. There are five denominations (listed below), and are often referred to as a whole as Generic Currency or GC, as it is the most common.

WC= worthless currency
UC= Unknown Currency is equal to 100 wc
GC= generic currency is equal to 50 UC
MC= meaningful currency is equal to 5000gc
IC= imperial currency is equal to 10 MC

In order to obtain Currency, one must either consistently make quality posts (refer to ‘Forum Etiquette’),participate in a role play, or win fights in either the Arena. For the most part, the amount that one receives is random and relies upon the temperament of the admin, and the quality of your posts. It ca be tempting to spend Currency as fast as you get it, but the more you accumulate, the better the items you can get.

Please do not ask for Currency unless it was promised to you before hand and you failed to receive it. Begging will not get you any(from the admins at least, maybe some nicer members would spare some change).

SHOPS
The shops of Nocte are full of a variety of objects ranging from weapons and armor to exotic beasts and magical orbs. To make a purchase please click the link that the shop directs you towards.
Most items can be obtained simply through the Currency that you obtain within the forum. After having clicked the indicated link, a field will open to send a pm to one of the site administrators, please describe to them the item you wish to purchase and whether or not you would like to use/equip it immediately(otherwise it will be placed in your vault). Please make sure that your have the necessary funds BEFORE sending the pm.
Summons and Items that are within the Forest of Souls do not always cost GC or have a fixed price. Oftentimes summons will require items such as eggs or certain supplies in addition to a Currency cost.
The prices of items within the Forest of Souls are only recommended. Unlike the other shops on LowestExistance, items that one receives from the Forest of Souls are obtained by paying an Immortal to retrieve them(instead of the Currency going to the treasury). As a result, the immortal that you pm may as for more or less than the recommended price for a particular item.
Regardless of where you make your purchase from please pm ONLY ONE administrator! Failure to adhere to this may result in the purchase of duplicate items.

WEAPONS

basics
Every weapon as at least two numbers associated with it, Max Dam(the maximum amount of damage it can deal), and its cost. The maximum damage that a weapon can deal is only that, it is possible for weapons do do anywhere between 1 damage and the max. Additionally some weapons have specials that give them special abilities when in the Arena or Role Playing.
When purchasing a weapon one should consider weapon quality. The quality of a weapon corresponds to how ‘good’ it is. Amount of damage that can be dealt, cost, specials, ect. The nicer a weapon the more strain that it will be able to take(see breaks).
In order to use a bow, arrows must be purchased BEFORE entering an RP or the arena with it.
upgrading
Items such as Orbs(purchasable through immortals in the Forest of Souls) allow one to upgrade their weapon. Often this entails adding to the maximum amount of damage that a weapon can do, However some orbs also add special abilities onto weapons. There is no limit to how many orbs one can use on a weapon.

breaks
When upgrading, one must pay careful attention to whether or not the items they are using put strain on the weapon. The higher the quality the weapon the more strain it can take (For Example, a Wooden Sword can only handle a very small amount of strain, while a Gilded Katana can take a considerable amount of abuse). If the strain on the weapon is too great for it to endure the weapon breaks. this will result in it being unequipped and/or discarded. Some items alleviate the stress placed on weapons, but the easiest way to keep your weapon healthy and happy is to use it in the Arena or Role Plays.

legends
If one constantly upgrades a weapon and keeps it healthy, it may eventually become a legend. When this occurs, the item will take on a new and completely unique form that is determined by how it was used up until that point. Also it shall be assigned a new ‘Max Dam’ and potentially abilities. Legends cannot be upgraded by items and thus are indestructible.

death
If a legend or its master goes too long without use there is a possibility of death. While a Dead Legend is still usable, it loses any Special abilities that it may have once had. If the user becomes active again and wields it regularly it may come back to life.

SUMMONS

unleashing
Referred to as summons or pets, the creatures of Nocte are valuable allies in battle. If one uses a pet regularly and well there is a possibility of ‘unleashing’ the animals true ability. While no physical change will occur, this may mean an increase in Hp, Atk, one of the other stats, or the addition of a special ability.

pet care
Pets unlike characters only have one life. Once slain in an official RP or in the arena, they sadly cannot come back to life. See ‘Summons’ under ‘Fighting’ for tips to keeping your pet alive.

FIGHTING

judges
Throughout the land of Nocte there are those who stand above the rest. Warriors who possess not only skill with the sword, but sound judgement as well. Those who have survived the trials life has had to offer, and who wish to aid others in life's journey may become judges. These elites among society pride themselves on intellect and creativity, as well as the ability to wield a weapon like no other. If you desire to become a judge, there are two ways to go about it.

1.) Gain favor with the Emperor, so that he bestows upon you a title and a blade
2.) Be of at least Captain rank and survive Guard Training to be accepted as a member of the Imperial Guard. pm Koku for more info.

Among the judges is a group known as The Immortals. These individuals possess skill far above the average warrior, and have existed since the creation of Nocte. Though their name implies that they are invulnerable, they are not. Upon entering areas of concentrated power however they do however become so.

An Immortal is Invulnerable when judging a fight or when within the Forest of Souls.

basics
To participate in a battle, one must find someone to battle against. When one does so they must inform a judge (preferably Koku via pm, but more options are available through the judges page of the website located under the Arena). With the time and date of the battle decided, both parties must pm the judge. If the chosen time is acceptable they shall each receive a conformation. Participants must make an entry post under the appropriate thread within 5 minutes of the chosen time. Once the entry post has been made combatants are allowed to use only the items that they have equipped (in addition, any number of potions or in battle items may be used from the vault, but weapons, armor, ect, cannot be switched).

Once in a fight the combatants will face-off against each other. The judge will state who goes first in the first post under the thread for the fight if there is no priority. The person chosen to go first must state how they INTEND to strike using the equipped weapon and (if applicable) pet. The judge then determines the damage rendered by that attack(all judges use approved random number generators and undergo screenings, you can trust their honesty!).
Depending on the amount of damage, what was intended to be done may or may not be successful. After the judge posts the results of the last attack, the next contestant shall state how they plan to attack.
Interfering with a fight will be grounds of execution by the judge. If the judge should die in a match for any reason, the thread becomes open for new contenders to enter (please do not enter if you were already killed in that battle). Keep in mind that it is IMPOSSIBLE to kill an immortal while they are judging.

If one dies in the arena of in an RP their name shall be added to the cemetery. One listed there, they cannot participate in RPs or in Arena fights until revived.

Using Items
Sometimes during a battle it is better to use an item than your weapon. During these times, when it is your turn to attack in a battle, you may sacrifice attack to use ONE item (if needed to say one item once per turn). However, while you can not attack, your pet still has the ability to. This is not to say you can not explain accessories during battle, for this only affects usable items such as potions, tatus roots, ect. It is to be said that your pet is not able to sacrifice its turn to give you an item, only you can give up your attack to use an item. It is by learning how to do this well that one becomes victorious.

belts
Earning belts is a GC free way to obtain combat abilities on LowestExistance. By meeting certain post criteria such as post count, topics started, Hot topics started, or by contributing time to helping out with the site you can learn to deal damage without a weapon. Each belt has a different ability, and you can only use the powers of the belt that you currently have.
above etiquette below basics under fighting please
me: ok

etiquette
When fighting in the arena there are additional rules relating to etiquette which should be followed. Failure to do so may result in execution by the judge. The combatant with the higher post count makes their introductory post FIRST! Also after the first introductory post is made wait for the judge to respond before posting your response. There should never be two posts in a row that are both combatant posts(unless stated otherwise in battle by the judge).

summons
If one has a pet or a summon equipped, they may use them in the arena. If one wishes to use their pet in a match they MUST introduce their pet in some way during their first post of the match. Once the pet is introduced it becomes a valid target. Whichever combatant that is attacking must state clearly whether they are targeting the other user or the pet!

spoils
If your opponent is slain during a fight in the arena or if the match is called by the judge, the victor receives GC from the Imperial Vault equal to 12% of their foes post count.

SURU FIGHTS

suru
Suru are a special breed of insects in Nocte. Possessing a defensive magic
unknown else where. Suru only ever attack other Suru. In addition, it appears as thoughexcept by means of combat with another Suru, they are invincible. Starting out small and with a low vitality, a Suru will grow and gain more endurance every time it wins abattle. If killed by another, a Suru(just like any other pet/summon) is dead forever.

suru fights
In order to challenge someone to a Suru fight just set it up via pm, or agree to it mutually in the Tavern, Garden, or Battle Requests sub-forum. After it has been decided, inform a judge via pm. (*note* a suru does not have to be equipped! it is assumed that they are always with you, in a bag or on your shoulder or whatever. However, you must inform the judge which one you want to use). A fight takes place over the length of a single post by the judge.
Suru fight in rounds. Each round of the fight only one Suru attacks. A randomnumber generator(aka most likely a D20) produces a number for each combatant. The Suru with the higher number attacks and the other does not. The judge will repeat this and report on all rounds in the same single post until one of the Suru is killed.
You cannot have a fight between two Suru that you own! If you try to find
loop holes to this such as giving them away then taking them back they shall be seized by the emperor (aka, play nice kiddies).

suru advancement
Depending on the type of Suru, its starting HP might be different. Every time aSuru defeats an opponent, their HP goes up by one. They also grow an inch in size! the attack of a Suru will never change, and it will never gain anything other than HP by winning against other Suru.

QUESTS and ROLE PLAY
Role Plays or ‘RP’s may be started by any judge. Only members of the Imperial Guard ranked ‘Elite Guard’ or higher, or Immortals may give out items and GC though. Fights within RPs are official, and the damage must be calculated by the overseeing judge.

Quests are missions given directly by the Emperor. A quest shall be available to take until it is completed. Thusly any number of groups(as long as they have a judge to oversee them) may be working on a quest at once. No items are given out during a quest(unless by the decree Emperor himself), but in the quest statement, given by the emperor, the award for whichever party completes the quest shall be stated. Quests are also given a difficulty rating from 1-20 and a minimum party requirement. Once you have gathered a group to take a quest, have the party leader make a post under the quest that contains the names of all of its members. A judge will notify all participants when they are ready to begin.

Netropitus
Netropitus is the capital of Nocte, and as it stands it is the only eden within the kingdom. Located on an island off from the mainland, it is far away from the Arena. Within the city’s walls one will find The Vaults, which is where all the unequipped items of players as well as the Imperial Treasury are held. The Market Place where individuals my go to sell items and goods that they have acquired. the Bulletin Board which contains important and helpful information(especially for new members) as well as important on-goings in the capital.
Aside from these three sources of commerce and knowledge, one will also find the Imperial Court, classes, the Doujo, the tavern, the Capital Gardens, and the cemetery!

Dojou
The Dojou is a located withing the Capital of Nocte. Here you may train your body to become a weapon, obtaining new attacks and new abilities that can be sued without a blade in hand. The Requirements for these vary, yet are based on post count and quality, as well as having started threads in the forum

Classes
Also located within the capital is the class declaration area. upon creating an account, all members are are automatically accepted into the citizen class. Upon reaching a post count of 35 you may choose your actual class. Then upon reaching other requirements you may move up in classes.

the Imperial Court
The Imperial Court is the gathering place for all those with political power throughout the kingdom. Here they gather to discuss political issues or even just to chat about nothingness. Please stay in character and refer only to the happenings in Nocte and the items that you own.

Merchants to the Court of His Majesty may be heard out or killed. Those of lower rank who post within this thread shall be promptly assassinated. All those ranking above shall be heard out in full.

the tavern
Located in the capital of Nocte the tavern is a gathering place of all the kingdoms citizens regardless of their ranks(though its rare to see the Emperor there). In this special forum you must act as your LE character! However as long as you are talking about someone else’s character personality(not the person behind the screen) you are allowed to slander them (please stay within the terms and conditions(no cursing!)) Also while this is a semi-free and less restrained area of the site, we kindly ask that you refer only to the on-goings of Nocte and the items and pets that you ACTUALLY own.

the capital gardens
A beautiful landscape painted with gorgeous vegitation. This area open to all is an alternative to the boisterous environment of the Tavern. Frequented by the Emperor, we ask that you stay civil while within the grounds. Also while this is a semi-free and less restrained area of the site, we kindly ask that you refer only to the on-goings of Nocte and the items and pets that you ACTUALLY own.

the cemetery
If your character dies in an RP or within the Arena, you shall promptly be placed in the cemetery until you purchase an item to revive yourself. Pm Koku to buy the items or use them. If you do not have the available funds, it may be possible to borrow them from the Imperial Vault upon request.

GLOSSARY

A
Arena- Where PvP fights are held

Arrow- Item required to use a bow

Atk- The Max Dam for a summon/pet

B
Belt- An earned item that allows one to fight barehanded

Blessings XX- An magical attack that does up to XX dam, must have negative malice to use

Bottle- Item used for holding souls

Bow- A special type of weapon that requires an Arrow to use

Bulletin Board- Important info for noobs and experts alike

C
Cast- The listing of magical attacks a a weapon can use. You may only perform one cast per turn

Cloak- An armor that contains the word “Cloak” in its name may be worn on top of other armor, adding its abilities to what is underneath.

Control- The ability to choose the amount of damage done out of the Max Dam

Curse XX- An magical attack that does up to XX dam, must have positive malice to use

D
Dead Weapon- A Legend that has lost the ability to use its special

Def- Denfese: The amount of damage that is avoided by using the equipped item

Defender- Allows player to take damage for another target

Defender X- Allows for use of defender ability even if foe has Target , so long as the value of Target X is less than the value of Defender X

Diet- The preferred food of an animal species

Difficulty- A rating given 1-20 to show how challenging a quest is.

Disarm- Renders opponents weapon unusable for 1-4 turns

Divine Protection - Prevents all damage done from Blessings, must have negative malice to use

E
Elements XX- An magical attack that does up to XX dam

Elite Guard- A guard who has been deemed responsible enough to give out GC during RPs.

F
Forest of Souls- A mystical forest where one can bribe Immortals to obtain items for them

Forge- Shop for purchasing weapons, armor, arrows, bottles

GGuard- A member of the imperial guard. Responsible for protecting the Emperor. Has full Judge abilities
HHP- The amount of damage a user can take. HP is equal to ones post count

I
Immortals- Those who cannot be killed when judging or within the Forest of Souls

The Imperial Court- A special thread in the capital where one can get direct audience with the emperor. Merchants to the Court of His Majesty may be heard out or killed. Those of lower rank who post within this thread shall be promptly assassinated. All those ranking above shall be heard out in full.

Invulnerable- Unable to take damage

JJudge- An individual with the authority to start RPs, oversee Quests, and moderate Arena fights

K
Krim- about 24 miles

L
Legend- A unique static weapon that has transcended those which can be purchased

M
Malice- Determines the alignment of a player. Malice is assigned by the immortals at will. Players are not informed when their malice is changed, and can check their alignment in their vault located in the capital. A malice of zero is considered neutral, and negative is righteous.

Max Dam- The maximum amount of damage that can be dealt. It can range anywhere from 1 to this number

Mount Priority 1-5- If pet is equipped and in use, gives user matching priority

Mutual Hate- Prevents all damage done from Curse, must have positive malice to use

N
Natural Egg- An egg obtained from breeding. It will hatch with time as opposed to requiring the summoner. (ex, Natural Perch Egg)

Nature- The temperament of an animal species

Noob- Someone new to the website

O
Orb- An item formed of condensed souls, used to enhance a weapons performance

P
Pet- A creature summoned to aid one in battle. Once summoned a pet lasts until death.

Poison- Lasts 1-6 turns dealing 4% post count of the afflicted to the afflicted.

Post Count- Total number of posts a user has made in the forums.

Priority 1-5- Determines attack order, Priority 1 Goes first, 5 last.

PvP- When a player fights another player

Q
Quest- A request to accomplish a certain goal in an RP from the Emperor

R
Rek XX- An magical attack that cures up to XX HP

Resilience- Resilience can only be obtained once per battle per player. If a character has resilience and would be killed during an opponents turn(so this includes pet, IE they would be killed by the player then the pet still attacks, it still is just one turn), they are instead left with one HP.

Rev XX- An magical attack has a XX% chance of reviving the target(summon or player)

Role Play- An adventure started by a judge

S
Soul- May be obtained upon arena victory or getting a kill in an RP if one has a bottle.

Special- An additional ability possessed by an item

Summon- Synonymous to Pet

T
Target- Allows player to ignore the affects of foes/allies Defender

Target X- As long as the value of Target X is greater than or equal to the value of a foe/ally’s Defender X, the affect of the foe/ally’s defender may be ignored.

U
Unleashing- The increase of a pets abilities

V

W
Weapon- An item that one equips and then used to attack

XYZ