Post by Mist on Aug 15, 2008 13:07:10 GMT
FAQ
These are just some general questions that I have seen asked on other boards or on this one since it first opened. If you have any other questions or suggestions then please post them here. Thanks [/center]
Note: All text that is in orange is a clickable link
[/b]I’m kind of overwhelmed by all the choices, how do I get started?
[~]Step 1 – Register with a full name and fill out an application form[~]
Well, it depends how far along you already are, generally the first step you should take is to register and create a character. A list of available canon characters can be reached by clicking here[/color] or you may decide to make your own character and that’s great too! When you have settled on who you’re creating the next step is to fill out the application form[/color] and create a new thread on the applications board.[/color] As long as you answer all of the questions on the form you have finished the first step in becoming a member of this site!
[~]Step 2 – Wait to be accepted[~]
Then next thing that you have to do is wait. It shouldn’t be more than 24 hours before I look over your application. If there is anything that needs amending then you will be given the proper steps to follow. Once you have been accepted then your application form will be moved to the Biographies Board[/color] and you’ll be given the appropriate member title (Ravenclaw, Herbology Professor etc), you’re now a genuine member of No Normal School!
[~]Step 3 – Create a character plot, create a journal, introduce yourself, or start roleplaying[~]
Now that you’re character is fully active you can choose to create a character plot and post it in the sub-board called "Character Plots" that is located here[/color] start a journal here[/color], introduce yourself in the General Chat Board[/color], PM other characters and ask if they would like to roleplay with you, or you could just get stuck in their and start a thread to see if anyone will come and roleplay with you! There really are loads of different things to choose from!
I want to learn more about a cannon character before I choose him/her, where is a good place to do this?
Personally I find HP-Lexicon[/color] the best place for any HP related information. If this doesn’t give you the information you need then you can always type the name into Google, this will most likely give you loads of information which you will, unfortunately, have to sift through to find something to answer the specific question you may have.
How much can I change a canon character, for example to change a small part of their history or personality?
If you are unsure about whether you can change a certain aspect of a canon character it’s always best to ask me, the Admin. Obviously, I will try to be as accommodating as possible so as to make this an entertaining experience for you. Nevertheless, please don’t push the boundaries too much.
To be truthful, there is very little information about the history of most canon characters, so you should feel free to think up as much information as you want to especially if you need to do this to boost the content of you application. For example, you may have to make up some facts about Professor Snape’s family because there is no information anywhere in the books or films about his parents or his younger home life.
All that is asked of you is that you use your common sense. So don’t make Hermione dumb and cowardly – for we know that she is extremely intelligent and very brave. Additionally, if you begin to drift too much from what is known, then I when looking over your application will tell you so.
It’s been nearly 9 or 10 hours since I posted my application. I’m really impatient, what do I do?
Regrettably, there isn’t much you can do until I look over your application. You cannot begin posting in anywhere but the General Chat Board[/color] until you have been accepted. I do apologise for any delays, as I do have other priorities, but as the saying goes ‘patience is a virtue.’
Can I get my character involved in a bigger plot? How?
On the whole, it is wished that everyone be involved in plots in order to make this board more interesting, and the best will be done to ensure that you are as involved as possible. Thus, this is why it is good to gather and discuss ideas in the Plotting & Scheming Board
If you have your own large plot that you wish to bring to the site, please discuss it with me before diving into it. If in doubt ask[/b], it’s the only way of being certain.
I have read everything but I’m still unsure about a few things. How can I figure my problems out?
Ask questions! If there’s something that you don’t understand then the chances are that somebody already has, or may have in the future, the same question. Just post a topic in the General Chat Board[/color], also the admin are always available for questioning – to be completely honest I like to talk very much – and I will happily try to make things clear if there’s something you don’t quite understand. Remember – you can ask me about anything concerning the site and if my explanation still doesn’t set things straight in your mind then don’t be afraid to ask me again!
I have an idea that might make this site an even better one. Who should I tell?
An admin, although there is only one admin at the moment so, me basically. I am constantly open to suggestions and would love to here of ways of improving this site! You can either post in the General Chat Board or send me a personal message.
I really want to do something with my character, but I’ve got *shudder* writers block. What can I do?
Ask for help. At some point everyone has been in the position where they just don’t know what to do next. The best thing that you can do is to post in the General Chat Board[/color]. Or you could check the Plotting & Scheming Board for ideas or to get involved in a plot. I’m sure everyone will do their best to keep everyone else on track!
I am a Professor and I want to take or add points from a house due to a certain pupil. How do I do this?
As for people gaining/losing points - a Professor may shout out in class/a corridor/a common room etc.
Also, if a Professor sets a homework which must be done then he/she can award points for an excellent piece of homework
No more than ten points may be given for a homework exercise, but there is no limit for points given for extra assignments. There is also no limit to how many points may be added or subtracted for behaviour and contributions to the class.
A Quidditch win equals thirty points for the winning team's house.
A post should then be made in the House Points Thread[/color] which is in the Plotting & Scheming Board. The post should look something like this:
Student(s): Harry Potter
Points Added: 10
Points Subtracted: 0
House: Gryffindor
Reason: Outstanding charms homework
What is the role of the Non-Player Characters (NPC) Account and How and When Should I Ask For This Account's Services?
The NPC account is in place so that characters that the site doesn't have (such as Professor's for certain subjects and barmaids) can be involved in your roleplaying. If, for example, you are in Ollivander's the NPC account could roleplay Ollivander for you. This could be done by you sending a PM to either admin or the NPC account itself.
You don't have to get the NPC account involved, if it's a short piece of dialgoue with a minor character then you may wish to include this dialogue in your post. Like this:
"Please could I have two butter beers?" Amanda asked the barman politely, standing on her tip toes so that she could see over the bar. She only had to wait a few moments for her two butter beers were being plonked onto the bar. She stretched out her hand, which had the appropriate coins on it but the elderly barman shook his head. "Butter beers are on the 'ouse today miss. In celebration o' the downfall o' 'E-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named" His face lit up as he spoke and Amanda returned the smile.
Although, personally, I enjoy the chance to roleplay and think that the NPC account can add texture to a thread.