= 2. The World Phase =

[Gravedust]

==========================================================
==== THE WORLD PHASE =========================================
==========================================================

The World Phase (WP) consists of everything that happens outside a Mission Map. The timing of events in the world phase isn't tied to a round structure and is more freeform. and while in the World Phase, characters can improve their skill, move about and interact with one another and NPCS.

==============================================================
====INDEX =====================================================
==============================================================

===========
WORLD UPDATES
===========

+ The World Thread

+ Location Threads

    - VISITOR threads
    - EVENT threads
    - SETTING threads
    - PLAYER SETTING threads
    - JOB BOARD threads
    - MESSAGE BOARD threads
    - MISSION threads

====================
ACTIONS IN THE WORLD PHASE
====================
+ Excursions and Travel
    - Travel
    - Excursions

    - Restrictions to travel

+ Training
    - Learning Skills
    - Learning Spells
    - Increasing experience
+ Research and knowledge gathering
+ Purchasing and selling gear and items
+ Organizing or joining a mission
+ Assisting in a Project

=================
THE ADVENTURERS GUILD
=================
+ Training Center
+ Guild Library
+ Guild Crafting hall
+ Guild storage
+ Guild housing
+ Guild Improvements
+ Not joining the guild

=====================
ROLEPLAY IN THE WORLD PHASE
=====================
+ OOC Notation
+ Flow in Forum RP
+ Avoiding Stalls in RP
+ Wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey

+ Player versus player contested events

[Gravedust]

=============================
==== WORLD UPDATES =============
=============================
World updates occur every week or so, and will introduce any new developments that have occurred since the last update.
The main part of the update will be posted in a :::WORLD::: thread, which will contain a current map showing the locations of player characters, and a synopsis of recent events. Players should post in the ::WORLD:: thread in order to declare actions for the World Phase. (more about World Phase Actions later) but to keep things easy to parse, RP content and other chatter should be posted in Location Threads.

==========================
==== LOCATION THREADS ========
==========================
With each World Update, a number of Location Threads will be posted. Each of these represents a current event, person or opportunity that characters can interact with.
The area or region where they take place will be mentioned in the title, which will be something like ' EVENT:(City of Placeville): A strange fog' )
Players can read any Location Thread, but cannot have their characters act on them unless they are in the same general area. (and it is up to the player whether or not a Character knows about something they weren't around for)

Unlike the ::WORLD:: Thread which is persistent, Location Threads usually expire at the end of the World Phase and are archived into a ::PAST:: section of the forum.

There are a few common types of Location threads:

+ VISITOR threads -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A person (or persons) of interest who is not normally in that area has come to it.

+ EVENT threads ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Something is happening! But it's not combat, or at least not yet. This may be something the players can interact with, or may simply be something observable and of interest in the area.

+ SETTING threads -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
These represent a static location, probably one where players are people are apt to gather.
This may be something like 'Town Square' or Adventurer's Guild' where characters will often go to interact.
Unlike other Location threads, these will tend to be more persistent and may even be permanent.

+ PLAYER SETTING threads ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Players can create their own Setting threads if they like, which can be a convenient place to go when other characters want to interact with them. (such as their room, or a spot they like to frequent)
To avoid cluttering up the main area, there will be a separate section for Player Settings. Each player will be in charge of building and managing their own setting, and should provide an initial post that describes their surroundings so other players can visualize the area and have something to work with. If you want to close a Player Setting, inform the GM and they will move it into the ::PAST::. Characters who are dead will have their settings close automatically a short time after their deaths.

+ JOB BOARD threads -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is a listing of (usually) fairly simple and mundane requests by locals for dangerous tasks they can't tackle themselves. They generally aren't too difficult and seldom require much travel, but the rewards and experience opportunities are lackluster. Pursuing Job Board tasks can be good for characters just starting out, but experienced adventurers should look elsewhere for better opportunities. Sometimes Job Board opportunities will persist through world updates.

+ MESSAGE BOARD threads -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
These will contain Public announcements and messages, and will usually reset with every world update.
Characters can leave messages for each other or NPCs here as well.
As the players gain in notoriety individually or as a group, job offers will begin to appear in Messages as well.

+ MISSION threads --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
These threads are specifically for missions and will contain a Mission Map and obey combat round timing. (see Character stats and Combat Rules for more on this.) Usually MISSION threads are created by the GM in response to someone going on a quest or other job, so they may appear slightly after a world update, and generally they are created for specific characters. Joining after one has started is possible, but requires GM approval.

Ideally, mission threads will update at a rate for 1 round per day, excluding weekends and holidays. If a player misses a turn, their character's action may be skipped. (or they can designate a proxy or the GM to make moves for their character if they think they are likely to miss a round or two)
MISSION threads will be moved into the ::PAST:: when they are completed.

[Gravedust]

====================================
==== ACTIONS IN THE WORLD PHASE ==========
====================================
Unlike in combat, your character is not restricted to just one Action in the World Phase, though depending on how much they want to accomplish, they may not be able to do ALL of what they want.

While most actions that a character can do in a Location Thread don't require any action from the GM, things you Character may want to do in the World Phase that will effect their location, stats, or possessions will require the GM's notice and approval to complete (since the GM will need to make these changes to your character's sheet.) These are called World actions, and you should state somewhere in the ::WORLD:: thread when you intend for you character to do one, and wait for confirmation that it has been done. (or why it couldn't be done)

Here are some common World Phase actions that require GM notice and approval:

-----------------------
[Excursions and travel]
-----------------------
All characters start in their home territory, however as greater adventure and opportunity take them further afield they may need to get to different, faraway locations on the Region map to do missions or meet contacts.

There are two main ways of point this, Travel and Excursions.

+Travel -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Travel means moving from one Territory to another, and staying in the destination territory once you get there. (It will be your character's location for the next World Phase Update.)
The cost of a Travel depends on the distance that needs to be traveled to the destination.

1-2 square: $10 (travel by foot. You can also choose to Travel this distance for free but may gain a Hardship debuff)
3-6 squares: $20/square (transport by sea or wagon)
7-10 squares: $30/square, (transport by Skyship)

It should be noted that a character can only Travel once per World Update, though further actions can be taken at the destination.

+ Excursions -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An Excursion is considered to be a 'round trip' from your character's starting territory to a different territory, and then back to the starting territory.
The point of an Excursion is usually to leave on a mission or some other task, complete it, and then head back home again.
Rates are more expensive and maximum ranged reduced because the distance is essentially doubled.

Same square: Free
1 square: $20 (travel by foot. If your destination is diagonally adjacent to your starting point, it will still only count as 1 square.)
2-3 squares: $40/square (tansport by sea or wagon)
4-5 squares: $60/square, (transport by Skyship)

Depending on circumstances and total distance, a character maybe able to undertake several Excursions in a single world phase. This is up to GM's discretion, but using faster transportation (Skyships, etc.) to go shorter distances is more likely to make this possible, and short tasks at the destination (having a single conversation, or visiting a well-stocked smithy in a big city) may also factor in.

+ Restrictions to travel -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Some terrain makes for more difficult travel, and terrain like mountains or deep forests may reduce travel speed, (or cause loss of time or Hardship) unless a road is present.
Likewise, traveling a long distance across water requires a boat or ship of some kind. Many rivers can be forded, though access to a bridge removes the possibility of trouble.

----------
[TRAINING]
----------
+ Learning Skills ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The World Phase is a good time for characters to acquire new Skills. To do this they will need to have access to a Trainer who can teach the skill, and the money to pay for it. Usually, multiple skills can be learned in a single World Phase, unless they are exceptionally hard to master.
Characters are able to learn new skills even if they don't have open skill slots for them.

+ Learning Spells ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spells can be learned in the same manner that Skills are, though learning new spells requires access to a separate mage trainer.

+ Increasing Experience ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
XP can also be 'bought' from a skill trainer (in the form of sparring, supervised physical training, etc.) up to a certain point that depends on the proficiency of the trainer, and the facilities available. XP gained in this manner counts towards the character's Level. (Though for balance purposes, as a house rule characters can only buy up to the amount of experience needed to get them their next level.) The cost of each point of XP gained in this manner is equal to the character's Level.
(Ex. A level 4 character pays $4 for each point of experience the buy.)

---------------------------------------
[ RESEARCH & KNOWLEDGE GATHERING ]
---------------------------------------
At times Characters may come across an item, place, enemy, object or history they need to know more about.
During the world phase they can perform Research to try and find the answers they need. The results of research can be improved by access to a good Library.

Research is also a good way to learn more about the lore and history of the world and it's peoples, it doesn't strictly need to be related to plot or mechanics. If you're curious about something, someone or someplace, a little research can turn up additional information on that subject which will be added to the game's known lore.

------------------------------------------------
[ PURCHASING AND SELLING GEAR AND ITEMS ]
------------------------------------------------
Items and gear can be bought and sold as you expect, provided the location has appropriate stores. A listing of a location's available wares can be furnished on request, but it might be better (and faster) to look through the gear lists for a particular item you want, and then ask the GM if that specific item is in stock. Or otherwise give a general idea of what the Character is looking for and let the GM pick out similar items that are for sale nearby.

Items and Gear sell back for half their value, and just about any store will buy anything you have to sell. Crafted items sell for full value, unless they have been used, at which point resale value is halved. Starting gear, cannot be resold.

Generally, larger cities will have more and higher-quality items for sale, and making an expedition to a large city to see what they have might not be a bad idea. Alternatly, improving the crafting capabilities of your home territory can increase the quality level of items that available locally.

----------------------------------------
[ ORGANIZING OR JOINING A MISSION ]
----------------------------------------
If you character wants to take a job or otherwise accept a mission, they should let the GM know in the ::WORLD:: thread. Virtually all missions are meant to be undertaken by multiple characters, and mission rewards are given to each participant rather than split among them unless the party size grows to be unusually large. You may want to coordinate with other players about who is interested in a mission so you can all go together.


----------------------------
[ ASSISTING IN A PROJECT ]
----------------------------
Projects are long-term tasks that may take more than one World Phase update to complete, such as constructing a building, doing extensive research on a topic, devising the construction of a new type of weapon, armor, or spell, etc.

Each Project will have a Completion value which must be met before the Project is finished. You can have your character lend their talents towards the project to hasten its completion. Note that if your character is involved with a Project, their contribution will be lessened if they spend some of their time doing other things as well.

You can also hire NPCs to work on projects instead of doing them yourself.

[Gravedust]

======================
THE ADVENTURERS GUILD
======================
The Adventurer's Guild is a permanent Setting that can be thought of as a shared home and resource center for the Characters in the game, where individual contributions can benefit the group as a whole. The first Adventurer's Guild available to the players will be located in the starting city.

The Guild will be presented on it's own mission map for organizational purposes, but combat will rarely if ever occur there.
Well-appointed Guilds will have some or all of the following features:

+ Training Center -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The training center hosts training masters who can teach Skills and Spells that are known to them, as well as pay for experience training.
Hosting more experienced trainers can widen the variety of Skills available to be taught, and increase the amount of experience that can be bought.

+ Guild Library ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Library will allow Characters to do Research Projects, and can improve their progress depending on the quality of the library being maintained.
Library quality can be increased by buying or finding Tomes and other information resources, and bringing them back to the Library.

+ Guild Trader ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The guild often stocks useful adventuring gear and items in higher quantities than outside stores.
Items or equipment can also be sold to the Guild store, and instead of disappearing immediately like items sold elsewhere,
will remain available to be repurchased at a reduced price by other guild members price for a limited time. (About one world update)

+ Guild crafting hall ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The guild may include a forge and other crafting stations to aid in making your own weapons, armor, and goods.

+ Guild Storage ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Items or Gear that a Character owns but does not have on them can be considered to be kept in Guild Storage, and can be retrieved or swapped out there.

+ Guild housing -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Membership in the guild comes with free room and board for active members. This is mostly for RP purposes.

+ Guild improvements ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A percentage of all gold paid to trainers or spent on items goes towards a cash pool for making improvements to the guild, and Characters can donate directly towards improvements if they wish.

+ Not joining the guild ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your character can start as a part of the guild, but it is not required and they don't have to be associated with the guild if you don't want them to be.

It should be remembered that this is your character's story, not the story of the Guild. The Guild is intended to be a useful resource and a place for players to contribute cooperatively, but it need not be the center of your character's goals or loyalty any more than your local supermarket is the center of yours.

[Gravedust]

==================================
==== ROLEPLAY IN THE WORLD PHASE ========
==================================
The World Phase operates much like a Free RP environment; most of what you do requires no input from the GM, so feel free to go back and forth with other players at whatever pace suits you. (With the understanding the most Location Threads will expire relatively quickly. Player Settings do not, however.) You can also post your charcter's reaction to an Event or Setting without really doing anything, just to help more fully flesh out your Character.

Roleplay is strongly encouraged, but not mandatory. Though if you do not want to RP you should to make this clear to RP-ing players if they begin to interact with your character to avoid leaving them hanging. (but honestly, I'd recommend you giving it a try, it's a lot of fun, and literally cannot hurt. : )


+ OOC notation -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Whenever posting in a Location Thread, please put any Out Of Character (OOC) comments ((inside double parentheses, like this)) so people can tell at a glace that it is not an in-character statement.

Speaking OOC should be kept to a relative minimun in Location Threads (less so in missions, where strategic dicussion between players can become necessary), but never discouraged if needed to explain something that can't be made clear in-game. In short, please don't OOC if there's no reason, but if there is a reason, please don't hesistate.

+ Flow in forum RP -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Due to it's nature, RP on a forum follows a certain flow where one player posts, and other responds, and then another. Players should try to be aware (it's not always easy!) if the contributions of everyone in an interaction, and try to avoid 'running away' with the thread with a series of back-and-forth posts between 2-3 people, while others may not get a chance to respond quickly enough to stay with the rest narratively. Try to be especially aware of this around people who have limited posting schedules, and you may want to communicate OOC to hold the thread for a time so they get a chance to respond and react.

+ Avoiding Stalls in RP -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The opposite of a runaway, Stalls in RP happen in situations where, for one reason or another, everyone is waiting for someone else to respond. In the event where there is clearly more left to do, but haven't been any posts for a long time (30+ hours with no movement is usually pretty reasonable) I would encourage players to either take the initiative and post something themselves, or else check in with the other players OOC ask if anyone else is waiting to post. If the stall is account of a particular player (ex: 3 characters are trying to reach a decision, 2 have weighted in and the 3rd hasn't posted in a while) try to get in contact with them OOC and mention you are holding on their decision. You should also try to mention OOC if you expect not to be able to participate for a few days.

+ Wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Due to how Mission Maps and the World Phase interact, and how characters can be in multiple concurrent setting or Player Setting threads, a lot of timing discrepancies can be created as far as when events happen. Not a lot that can be done about it, and in most cases theyr're not too hard to retcon together. Everything that happens occurs -at some point- and unless the details are really crucial it should all just be glossed over.

Essentially, if your character is on a Mission in one thread, that doesn't not mean they have to stop participating in a Player Setting thread elsewhere.

The exception to this is Mission threads, where a character can only be in one at a time.


+ Player-versus-player contested events ----------------------------------------------------------------
If two player characters are set against one another in the World phase for some reason, it can be left up to the players to decide on what the result is narratively if they both agree to it. You can see some rules and suggestions for this kind of play here: ( gravedust.proboards.com/thread/452/narrated-rp-primer ) under the [players scope of influence] and [ resolving disputes ] sections.

If you both understand the rules of combat, you can mock up a 'normal' battle if you like. In general though, any combat that occurs outside of a Mission Map can be settled according to whatever the involved parties agree on, and all parties should understand the rules and agree on what the consequences would be. You only need to notify the GM if something that happens that permanently effect the character or their possessions.

=================================

THE NEXT SECTION:  CHARACTER CREATION

=================================