General Rules

Welcome, please read this entire thread
Welcome to the Dalelands Beyond server for Neverwinter Nights 2! This is a Forgotten-Realms based persistent-world.

Our server uses the Neverwinter Nights 2 and both of its expansions (Mask of the Betrayer and Storm of Zehir). Both are required to play here.

The server can be connected to the server list of NWN2 in the "Role-Play" section. In order to download the files for the server, simply log in and the auto-downloader will handle it. If you encounter issues with downloading the files, look here -> http://dalelandsbeyond.forumotion.com/t1351-external-hosting-of-hak-files

You can also connect to our server via "Direct Connection". The IP address is: dalelands.asuscomm.com:5121

Please familiarize yourself with all of our rules listed below.

Note: Make sure you check your trash or junk mail file for your confirmation e-mail!

If it's still not there contact MustangSVT...make sure you give your forum name.


Ignorance of the rules is not an excuse.

Table of Context (CTRL+F and copy in the section you’re trying to get to)
1. Dalelands in an 18+ server.
2. Bullying
3. Complaints to Staff
4. Role-Play
5. Metagaming & Godmodding
6. Judging Role-Play
7. PvP (Player vs Player) Rules
8. Contacting Staff
9. Explicit RP
10. Under 18 Characters/child characters
11. Profanity
12. Naming
13. Overrides
14. Colored Fonts in Game
15. Avoiding Lag
16. The Surface and The Underdark
17. Abuse of Known Exploits
18. Using disguises & lying
19. RP Consequences
20. RP your sheet
21. Character Creation Information and Rules
22. Build rules
23. Broken items and feats
24. Event Etiquette
25. Roleplay tokens
26. Crime and Punishment



General Rules

1. Dalelands in an 18+ server
Because Dalelands is an 18+ server, adult themes will sometimes emerge during roleplay.  Because of this, we cannot allow players under the age of 18 to access the server.  As our forums are subject to different rules and guidelines, we do not police forum user's ages.  


2. Bullying
Players who log in to intentionally cause trouble or grief toward other players or staff will be met with DM response. This applies to forum posts, and in-game chat (i.e. forum bullying, OOC insulting in-game). The OOC harassment of other players will likewise not be tolerated.  Note that accusations should always be accompanied by a screen shot else it's your word versus theirs.  DO NOT call someone out publicly.  Many times there may simply be a misunderstanding.  Even in the case of intentional bullying, harassment, or griefing we do not hang out others dirty laundry and you should not either.


3. Complaints to Staff
Complaints, questions, and suggestions are welcome but remember our staff work for free. Please treat them with respect.  If you have a problem with a staff member that you cannot resolve by speaking to that person, or if you feel you have been treated unfairly, please see this link on how to handle complaints:   http://dalelandsbeyond.forumotion.com/t293-what-do-i-do-if-i-have-a-problem-with-a-staff

If your problem is with one of the Staff Members, take it up with one of the other.

If you have a problem with another player, take it up privately with a DM. When filing a complaint, try to be precise regarding the issue.  If you have screenshots, that is an ideal way for the staff to approach an offender.  While we understand that you may be upset about your complaint, please refrain from applying your frustration/anger to the staff that is trying to assist you.  


4. Role-Play
• Dalelands is an RP server. You are expected to not only speak IC but in a way that befits a Forgotten Realms setting. OOC needs to be kept to tells as much as possible.
• You must role play what is on your character sheet.  This includes race, stats, skills, and classes.  You may not take a stat bonus or class simply for mechanical purposes and then ignore it in your role play.  In addition, we do not allow people to role play physical features such as tails, gills, or wings that cannot be accounted for by looking at the character sheet.
• In general, relations should be kept appropriate for the culture and nature of Faerun. Orcs and humans do not work together; Yuan-ti are slavers and wanna-be world destroyers; Drow are the seen as the evilest known of the common mortal races.
• It is not normal or acceptable to group up casually with monster races such as orcs and drow, nor to have relationships with them if you aren't another orc or drow. Exceptions to this should be very rare. I take everyone as I find them'" is not an attitude that makes sense within the FR setting.
• Please behave in a way that is appropriate to your character's alignment.
• If you are a cleric or divine class, you must RP your commitment to your god.
• Clerics must choose appropriate domains for their god, more information on gods and allowed domains can be found here http://dalelandsbeyond.forumotion.com/t20370-clerics-and-god-domains
• Known languages and learning new ones:

Leaning new languages:

 

Those who have a high enough natural intelligence score (this is your base INT score without any gear or spell bonuses) may learn as many languages as their intelligence bonus allows.  That is one language per modifier point.  If you increase your intelligence modifier naturally by investing your stat points into intelligence, you may RP learning a new language for free.

Those who do not have the natural intelligence score to permit them to learn a new language may do so at the cost of one medium tokens per new language.  If you chose to go this route, you may only learn one language at a time.

In both cases, RP must be done to learn a new a language past character creation and proof of this RP must be given.  This RP must be done with either another player who knows the language or a DM running a series of mini events for you.  It should be known that tokens or experience points will not be given out for these Language Lesson Events as your reward will be the granting of a new a language at the end.

Screenshots must be sent in to verify this role play and only one screenshot per week may be submitted.  This is to help spread out the learning process so to reflect the length of time it takes to actually learn a new language.  You will require a minimum of 12 screenshots before you will be granted your new language.  

Screenshots must be submitted within one week of each other to be counted as a continual learning process. If you are paying with tokens, your tokens will be taken from you at the same time your new language is granted.  If, by accident, you have spent them, you will not be granted your new language until you have the requisite amount, and depending on how long it takes you to gather them, you may have to start the process over.

It will be the player’s responsibility to submit screenshots, even in DM run Language Lesson Events.

Human Languages:

 

In order to bring Humans up to par with the rest of the races, reflect their diversity, and enhance RP, Human PCs now have the option of claiming the language of their Region of origin (Iluskan, Rashemi, Shaaran, etc.) for free. This requires that a bio for the PC that indicates where he is from be submitted (Human regions and languages only), and the language will be granted at the same time as the Bio token. Existing Human PCs can point a DM to their old bio, and claim their Regional Language as well. PCs will only be granted a bonus language once, and it can not be traded away at a later time.

List of available in-game languages: http://dalelandsbeyond.forumotion.com/t917-language-options

• HIPS, stealth and invisibility rules down below

HIPS, Stealth, and Invisibility:

 

It has come to the attention of the staff that some players are using HiPS/Stealth without using some form of cover.  Unless you have taken Shadowdancer or Assassin (they use shadows) as a class in your build, you MUST USE COVER. No exceptions.

Standing out in the middle of a camp with a bright fire near you, or standing right in front of someone while stealth would allow you to be seen. If you are behind some crates, in some bushes, or hiding behind somewhere that people might not be able to directly see you, you are safe.

Shadowdancers and Assassins have a version of HiPS that is supernatural.  So long as there is a shadow within 10 feet of them, they are considered to be behind cover and thus satisfy the Must Use Cover rule regarding hiding.  That said, Both classes must take at least 8 levels in their PrC in order to benefit from using a shadow as cover.  A 3 level dip into the Shadowdancer class does not cover the amount of time and training required to master hiding within the shadows.  Also, it should be noted that because their ability to HiPS is magical, they can not use their supernatural means of using HiPS in Dead Magic Zones, such as the Ironhouse Halls, nor can they use shadows as cover.  They can still use mundane versions of HiPS and seek cover, like any other stealthier.

Non-Shadowdancer HiPS using classes use more mundane means to achieve being hidden in plain sight.  For them, the use of HiPS is more of a distraction, or sleight of hand, to appear as if they had vanished from sight when in fact all they did was break eye-contact with their viewer long enough to hide and they are very good at it.  Think Ninjas with their smoke powder bombs in this case.

If you are invisible, that is different. Invisibility is a completely magical means of rendering one unseen and thus cover is not required. A True-Seeing or See Invisibility spell will counter this effect immediately as will a successful listen check as invisibility does nothing to hide sound.  Etherealism renders one both unseen and silent, but since they are out of phase with the Material Plane, they cannot hear what's going on around them.

Any character with HiPS can disappear from sight, but must immediately move to cover to remain hidden. Shadowdancers and Assassins of 8th level may use an actual shadow as their cover. Anyone attempting to stealth who is not using one of the above methods will be considered metagaming and will be subject to our metagaming rules.

In PvP, the use of HiPS Dancing can still be employed, as the HiPSter is quickly moving to be behind the target.  This can be RPed in a variety of ways, so long as it is understood that only those with Shadowdancer or Assassins levels use HiPS in a supernatural way.  All others must have some method to break eye contact, be it chemical, psychological, or just being really good at distraction tactics.  How you chose to roleplay this is completely up to you, but for good RP PvP, something should be roleplayed out.

In all other PvP and RP cases, the rules apply as stated above.

• Assassination guidelines are found here

Assassination Guidelines:

 

1. Get hired to do the deed. No assassinations without an employer as that would simply be murder. There must also be a real, in game and in character reason for the hit being put out by the contractor.

2. Send the DM all information on the contractor and the reasons for the hit being placed as well as the target's name and screen name/login so DM can inform the intended target of a possible assassination incoming (target informed after step 3 is complete). This keeps the assassin completely anonymous while giving the target an idea they may be targeted.

3. It should take several days to gather intel and plan for a true assassination. A minimum of 1 full week real time is required for this part. Assassin must do the leg work of this in game and take screen shots, minimum of 5 from different times and locations, to confirm it was done. The screen shots should be sent to the DM in charge of the assassination for the OK to proceed before anything else can happen.

4. The actual assassination can be done after the DM in charge OKs the prep-work. It can be any time afterwards, but must be within one month real time to make sure the target hasn't changed his routine enough to mess with the plans of the assassin. If the attempt does not happen in that time frame, all prep work is lost and the entire process must start over.

5. KO mode MUST be used by the assassin during the assassination. The target, however, is not under the same restriction, so can use it or not at their discretion. This entails an actual risk for the assassin without causing the target any OOC grief since he/she should be at a disadvantage anyway. Under no circumstances will the target be fugued by the assassin. If a summons or random spawn kills the target during the assassination attempt, it is up to the assassin to OOCly raise the target so no XP is lost.

6. If successful, the assassin should wait OOCly to make sure that the target isn't killed by a spawn while immobile. The assassin may heal, buff, or otherwise help the "dead" target to get out of the area if they so wish (this would be helpful in smoothing over any hard feelings OOCly, so it is encouraged, but not expected or forced). The target is considered "dead" (if that was the term of the contract) and all memory loss and other PvP death-related penalties apply. Then he/she can go collect his bounty. If unsuccessful, it plays out however the cards fall. There is no PvP out for the assassin, though the rules on graphic torture and such still apply and "fade to black" will be used if any type of violence is used to interrogate the assassin if captured if any players are uncomfortable with such RP. The assassin, of course, can run away. But all rules regarding PvP apply after the initial contact including not using zone loading times to your advantage. If the assassin leaves the current zone, he will wait until all those on his trail load before continuing his run. Same goes for those chasing. Do not use zones as an unfair advantage on either side.

• Rebuilding a character is a chapter in itself and the rules can be found here

Rebuild Rules:

 

Players can use RP tokens to purchase rebuilds for their characters. The way that this system will work is the following:

The rebuilds will allow:
Remaking the character from scratch.
Readjusting the stats (Within four points of the original stats).
Deleting the old version of the character.
Transfer of tokens to the new version of the character.
Transfer of items to the new version of the character.

The rebuilds will not allow:
Building a “brand new” character.
Drastically changing the build of the character.
Changing the character’s name completely.
Changing stats in a manner that makes the character drastically different.

Please note that if you would like to change classes, or add new classes on the new version of the character, an application will have to be provided along with evidence of the RP put toward the new class.

Template:

Account Name:
Character Name:
Current Build:
Proposed Build:
The reason for request:

For example, if your character is a rogue and you would like to rebuild into a rogue/wizard, you would need to ICly RP learning the new class and to provide screenshots of this RP to the staff. Removing a class will not require an application.

Costs of Rebuilding:
1 lesser for every 2 pre-epic levels.
1 lesser token for every epic level.

You need not rebuild completely if you do not have enough tokens to do so. You may remake the character and pay for as many levels as you would like.

Deleveling of characters will still be free.


You will have to send in an application for the token rebuild.

Free Rebuilds

Free rebuilds will be given out very rarely as they take up a lot of time.  

1.  Rebuilds for characters who are severely affected by server updates and/or server rules changes may be allowed a free rebuild, pending DM approval.

2.  Very occasionally there is a database corruption of your char and then you will be given a re-build if requested.

It is your responsibility to plan out your character and making a mistake is not a good enough reason for a rebuild.  You may ask to be de-levelled, but you will need to earn the XP back over again.

If you do request a re-build with returned XP, then please pm your request to the DMs with login name, character name, and class and a reason for the rebuild. Do not request a free re-build lightly.

• Permanently retiring a character, if the character is over 3 months old then special rules may apply

Permanent Death:

 

There are some situations that warrant this extreme RP consequence, or sometimes it's requested by a player when they feel it's time to hang up the RP coat on a particular character. Perma killing a character either through consented or enforced RP (which is already consented before it may take place) yields these bonuses to the player in question.

60% of their exp
50% of their gold
25 of their items
All of their remaining tokens in addition to two medium tokens

Quote :
Permadeath Epic Item Conversion: Upon permadeath, epic token items can be traded back in for tokens for the new PC at the exchange rate of 60%.

Someone who has one of their three epic items converted to tokens would receive 15 lessers (Or three medium tokens.) Two epic items converted to tokens would be 30 lessers (Or 1 epic, 1 medium). All three epic items converted to tokens would be 45 lessers (Or 1 epic, 4 mediums).

Note: In the case of items that have grandfathered properties on them, they will not be transfered to a new item. If you wish to keep the item with grandfathered properties no longer available on our epic token guidelines, then you must not change it. Otherwise, it would be considered a new item entirely and thus needs to follow the current guidelines in place.

Example of what is possible: A player has a dagger with a feat that was available in the past, but is no longer available. They decide that they would rather recreate the blade into something that is more fitting for their current character, and thus follow the current epic item guidelines in place. They will no longer have access to the grandfathered feat that was on their original blade.

Example of what is not possible: A player has a dagger with a feat that was available in the past, but is no longer available. They decide they would like to convert this dagger into tokens, then for the dagger to be remade into a sickle with the same grandfathered properties it the dagger had. This is not possible, as changing the item means it is considered a new item entirely.

Only characters that have been active on the server for 3 months and are killed via RP in a DM event may receive these bonuses. Otherwise they must use the RCR mechanic, this is to avoid large amounts of new characters throwing themselves at Orc hordes for extra tokens after grinding for some time.

The situations in which a character may be perma killed are as follows:

On request (an event must be run in order for the player to have their character killed off, the reward is the perma death bonuses. Other characters within the event (if any) are not subject to permanent death themselves unless they consent to it also)

Spying/Infiltration RP (if a character is caught, it is possible for the transgressed faction to execute the spy if they cannot see any other use for them. Players make a conscious decision to infiltrate another faction/guild, thereby consenting to perma death if they are caught)

Brazen crimes in a town already banished in (killing a dozen people in Shadowdale and coming back next week to do so again, for example. This is a conscious decision of the player, and thereby consents to perma death)

Prisoner RP (if someone has been captured, it is down to the captors discretion if they would like to execute the captured. Due to capture being a consented form of RP, if one does NOT want to run the risk of perma death they need only deny being captured)

Slave RP (Slaves are property to be bought and traded at the whims of their masters, it is a conscious decision of the player to enter slave RP (either by capture or by creating a slave char), therefore it is consented that the master may kill the slave whenever they wish. Any other party that does NOT have the consent of the slaves master to permanently kill the slave, may NOT do so)

DM events (a DM MUST tell the player(s) that what they are about to do may warrant a perma death, or that the event itself is inherently dangerous, before letting the players engage in it. If players legitimately recover their fallen comrades within the event, the DM may NOT enforce permanent death regardless)

Whilst these are 'permanent' death rules, there is possibility (as there is in D&D) of rescuing characters who have been killed by perma death. These characters will have the perma death bonuses as above, but may not have any of the equipment or gold they previously had (unless this was found after the character died). These situations will be RARE and DIFFICULT events to take place, and may span over several events to complete.

• If the leader of a faction is absent /minimally active for a period of six weeks then another player can take over.

Absent Faction Head:

 

The reason is that guilds need their leaders. Its only a game but a lot of people put time and effort into their chars and guilds and the leaders, being leaders, do have a responsibility to the players in the guild.

If the faction leader warns the DMs beforehand, then while a faction leader -does- need to be present, we may be able to work something out between the leader, the guild and the DMs.

Sometimes overwhelming factors can take place and people have to leave in a hurry, then they are able to come back. Sometimes they simply don't feel like playing but don't bother to tell anyone. The way the DMs will handle it is different in each case.

The DM decision was a compromise between the players' choice of 4 or 8 weeks. If there is minimal or no activity on behalf of a guild leader, then they can be replaced after 6 weeks after 2 recorded attempts to contact them by pm have been made.

If they return and there was an overwhelming reason, we try to fit them back in the same or a bit lower rank depending where there is room.

If there was no explanation or a poor one, then the situation will need to be discussed with the DMs. They may be reinstated at any rank from the bottom of the faction again to the middle, depending.

If they say they are leaving the faction/server, they can be immediately replaced.

" Minimal activity" is trickier. Factions do need a certain presence of their leaders. In this situation, it will probably be taken on a case by case basis and the DM decisions will partly rest on the impression we get of how badly the faction is being affected.

In each case, it's better if you can to contact the DMs and let them know you'll be absent.

We hope this will improve the situation and stop some of the past problems with absent faction leaders or faction leaders who return after others have been promoted.

• Characters can, under certain circumstances, be retired and turned into NPCs (and therefore giving a DM complete control over the former PC)

Retiring PCs into NPCs:

 

Over the past three years, there have been so many rich and exciting characters that have build our server into what it is today and we thought to offer a way to immortalize these characters, should any of you decide to retire them. There are guidelines and it will be approved on a case by case basis, so applications will need to be written up and sent to the staff for discussion. The guidelines are as follows:

1. This option of character retirement is by DM approval only.
2. The player must delete or RCR the character upon approval and copying of the toon.
3. The character must have impacted the server in some notable way, whether good or evil.
4. The NPC must make RP sense and serve an actual function.
5. The player has to agree to not try to retrieve the retired character at a later date.
6. The player must accept that the character will be completely out of his/her control and will be subject to roleplay shifts, via personality (no one can play your character like you can) or even death if RP goes that way.
7. The character must be an established character (i.e. Level 20 and above and/or been around more than 6 months).
8. If the character is married/involved with another character, an OOC agreement must be reached between players before retiring the character into an NPC.
9. If the character is the head/leader of a guild, a suitable replacement must be installed before retiring the character in this manner.

• Druid Shapeshifting Rules

Druid Shapeshift Supernatural vs Polymorph:

 

Druid shape changes count as supernatrual and not as a polymorph, this means that the druid physically and literally changes into the creature they are shape shifting into.

5. Metagaming & Godmodding
The simple definition of Metagaming is the use of out-of-game information or resources to affect one's in-game decisions.  Metagaming is strictly forbidden and is a punishable offense. Metagaming can include:
• Acting differently due to OOCly knowing that a person is higher level than you.
• Acting differently due to being set to Hostile.
• Going through dungeons while stealth and/or invisible and talking while HIPS'd.
• Ignoring NPC guards ( If you are banned from for example Shadowdale, Myth Drannor or Krag. If you are banned from MD...you can not get to the Lathander Farms or Settlement. If you are banned from an area...you are not allowed to go there to do the quests. If you are caught or screenshotted by a player there will be consequences to pay. We take metagaming very seriously.)
(Please note that Myth Drannors Mythal bars the entry of some player races completely
http://dalelandsbeyond.forumotion.com/t21143-people-banned-from-myth-drannor-lands)
• Entering areas that your character is banished from ICly in order to do quests.
• Using knowledge that your character should not know ICly.
• Telling through a disguise of a person because of OOCly seeing the name above person's head.
• Acting differently ICly because you know you are being spied on OOCly.
• Asking another character OOCly (through a tell or on Skype) to come find your dead body or to come help you out in PvP when the character would have no IC knowledge of your character's whereabouts.

Godmodding is also forbidden.  This can include:
• Deciding consequences without appropriate rp.
• Deciding the actions of an NPC or group of NPCs without a DM's approval.
• Emoting/RPing an action/actions that are impossible to defend against.
• Emoting/RPing how the other character is affected by an action, thus leaving the player unable to rp his/her own character.  (i.e. *Fred swings his axe at Jim's hand, cutting it off completely*)
• When a character simply cannot be harmed by any and all means other RP-ers try.

Further information on both is available under RP Guidelines and Rules.  


6. Judging Role-Play
Roleplaying is subjective.  Do not publicly criticize, lambast, or otherwise insult another player's RP. If you have a concern, first try speaking to the player privately (through tells or PMs) in order to address the matter, and discern its source. If you continue to have a problem with any player's RP for lore reasons or immersion breaking material/actions, let a staff member know.  Sometimes the player might not realize the issue, so asking them first, in a respectable manner, is the ideal way to resolve the matter.


7. PvP (Player vs Player) Rules
• Use common sense. Badmouth a Matron Mother in the UD? Dead - Beating someone's friend up? They will jump in - Insult a Zhent in their castle? Sacrificed to bane
• Player killing MUST have a supporting RolePlay reason. "Because my character is chaotic evil" is not a valid reason. Widespread killing/fighting may have very severe RP consequences that you must be prepared to accept. (ie arrest, bounties, permadeath).
• Both parties MUST have interactive Role Play before a PvP conflict can be engaged. That means you interact, they interact, before action can happen.
• Winners decide the outcomes of the losing parties. Capture, Slavery, Scars/Limb loss, Gore/Torture or Rape MUST HAVE FULL consent of the other party. Players CANNOT force permadeath on the losing parties.
• The losing party will not remember the events that led to their death, who their killer was, why they got killed and what the killer looked like.
• Characters must ignore each other for 24 hours after a PvP conflict
• Examples of valid PvP flags include but are not limited to Insulting, making threats, getting the last word in as you walk away, buffing, etc. Using spells on someone (Like enlarge/reduce person, bigsby, etc) without following the above rules is breaking the rules
• Just a suggestion: Toggling hostile on someone when they are getting into the territory of being PvP'd is a good way to let them know they are crossing the line. This action cannot be taken ICly. It is just a nice OOC way of warning the other player.
• Killing is the most severe thing you can do to someone. Law enforcement, Mercenary groups, Assassins, Goodly characters (Paladins, etc), and some PC's hunt murderers. This may result in consequences.
• Griefing is a very heavily punishable act. Abusing the PvP system will result in delevels, permadeath, or a ban.
* Arelith was a very heavy influence on these rules. Credit goes to them for the foundation of these rules

8. Contacting Staff
If you need to contact staff for any reason and are not sure which DM to speak to, please see this list: http://dalelandsbeyond.forumotion.com/t17907-staff-contact-list-who-to-ask-for-what

If your particular issue is not listed on this thread, the please feel free to PM whichever staff member is online at the time.  We also have a staff email: staffdalelands@gmail.com  if you prefer to contact us that way.

9. Explicit RP
Explicit RP includes, but is not limited to erotic role play, slavery, torture, graphic violence, and graphically detailed executions.

Erotic Role Play
Dalelands is an 18+ server, which means that tough and/or adult themes sometimes emerge. However, it is not a social server. Any erotic RP must be done IC and in private between consenting adults (note that private means in tells and/or whispers). If your ERP causes OOC problems or complaints, we retain the right to revoke permission to ERP.  It is a privilege, not a right.

Roleplaying torture, slavery, and sensitive topics.
Torture and slavery are allowed if it's IC for good reason but, you must have OOC consent to do so, OOC consent for any permanent scars or body part removal (like a finger) and the tortured/slave has the right to bow out if they become uncomfortable at any time.

Please be aware that some subjects can be difficult for others OOCly including (but not limited to) suicide, miscarriage, and rape. Approach these with care and some sensitivity.  If another player is uncomfortable with the situation it is your responsibility to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. If another player is making you uncomfortable, then you should screen shot the situation and contact a DM immediately.

**Note that role play involving child rape/pornography/or molestation is forbidden on our server.  If you engage in this sort of RP, expect to find yourself with a warning in the least, or banned from the server in the worst case.**

Requests for Fade to Black must be respected.


10. Under 18 Characters/child characters
Child (under adult-age) characters are not allowed.  You may see children walking around and talking as a player would, but that will most definitely be a DM controlled NPC.


11. Profanity.
Although we are an Age 18+ server, please censor all swearing if asked to do so by another player. Not everyone likes seeing curse words flying around in text during RP. This refers directly back to not ruining another person good time.


12. Naming
Names are not allowed to be famous, this includes ancient famous persons and names from pop culture and books or games. Names that are adjectives or nouns can sometimes ruin immersion as well.  Please choose something that is fitting for a FR or medieval setting.  The staff reserves the right to ask players to change the name of their character if we receive complaints from other players. Names may not include titles or such that are not earned through RP on the Server (this includes Nobility and Military titles).

13. Overrides
External overrides on the player side are not allowed to be used. This includes the use of an override to use custom colors on a character since it is considered making it a custom race.


14. Colored Fonts in Game
Please do not use font colors it disrupts staff and players!


15. Avoiding Lag
Please do not leave bags lying on the ground; it lags up the server.  Please dump unwanted drops/loot in a trash barrel (located near most merchant NPCs) or sell it to a merchant NPC.  Alternatively, you can build a fire through PC Tools (right click on your character to find them) then put the unwanted stuff in the fire. Lower down on the PC tools there is a Remove Items option. Click the remove item button, then click on the fire to get rid of it, and all items it contains.

In addition, to help cut down on lag, please do not spend more time in the OOC room than is necessary before your in-game business (shop, resting, etc.).   Please do not spam spells in the OOC room.


16. The Surface and The Underdark
The contested areas that both UD and surface players can go, should be considered dangerous. This means that PVP consent should be given and that both epic UD or surface NPCs might show up killing everyone they don't like.

For clarification that means:
- The surface is considered anything below the open sky.
- UD is the cave in Midwood, anything beyond the Firelizard cavern in Shadowdale and anything beyond the layer of the tybold mine which is guarded by elementals and firemephits.
- This leaves an area of earth elementals where both surface players and UD players can go both.
• The Drow city and nearby area with the Drow guards are considered off-limits for surfacers unless you are heading there with a Drow escort, or for some other reasonable RP reason (i.e. a reason other than hunting drow or there to cause conflict).
• Ignoring the presence of the Drow Guards is considered metagaming (i.e. surfacer traveling to underdark simply for hunting Drow purposes).
• If any that make their home in the Underdark, regardless of their race takes the RP out and/or defeated on the surface, they have to head back to the underdark for a full 24 real life hours. Equally anyone if who lives on the surface is caught and defeated in the Underdark, they may not return below for 24 Real Life hours.
• Vhaerunite and other surface-based drow are considered surfacers. Please do not claim to be a surface drow if you are not
• Any Underdarker found on the surface, and any surfacer found in the Underdark, henceforth forfeit their RP out by virtue of being monsters in hostile territory.
• Half-drow who look reasonably like drow is treated as drow for this. If you don't look like drow, you are not treated as drow. Remember that according to the lore, half-drow is regarded as being pretty well drow, accurate or not.

17. Abuse of Known Exploits
Abusing exploits in the game to give yourself a mechanical or RP advantage will not be tolerated and is a punishable offense. All players are requested to report any bugs/exploits they find at the forum or to a DM in-game.


18. Using disguises & lying
Until the skill is added in, this is how a character can use a disguise in the meantime.

The character in disguise must roll either Bluff/Perform to anyone who suspects the character in question is in disguise.
The character trying to look through the disguise must roll Spot against their Bluff/Perform check.

If the check is beaten, the person in disguise is seen as someone in disguise. You do NOT know who the character is immediately, only that they are trying to disguise themselves. Further, RP must be done to reveal the true character.

If a character is attempting to hide their race, a mask and other completely concealing features are required.
If they are merely trying to hide their identity, an appropriate change of attire and speech will suffice.

If your character is formally banned from an area, you still require DM oversight to enter that area. Ignorance of this is no excuse. This ruling is in place temporarily for when your character is running on the server and bumps into someone they'd rather not have bumped into... Or along those lines.

Also, for now, disguise checks should not be used when attempting to enter the UD/Surface as an opposing race. However, this rule does not apply to Drow, as they are found both in the UD and Surface commonly within our setting.

No rolls are required for lying unless a DM specifically tells you otherwise during an event. If you are the one doing the lying and you would like to involve rolls you may roll bluff and the one you are lying to may roll spot or listen to determine if you seem like they have reason to disbelieve you. No matter how high the roll is, you cannot convince people of obviously false things such as “The sky is green and the grass is blue”, but as has been mentioned initially then when it comes to lying no rolls are required.


19. RP Consequences
When your character commits a crime (without proper disguise), you are automatically consenting to IC consequences of the action if you are caught by another player or NPC.  If you are caught by another player(s) and arrested for your crimes, you must RP the consequences of your actions.  A consequence such as jail is not permanent by any means.

**If an RP consequence such as jail or capture is not something you wish to play, then don’t commit crimes inside town where the law can find you, or wear a disguise.

No character is allowed to be held in Jail longer than 2 Real Life Weeks.


20. RP your sheet
You are not allowed to RP any powers, abilities or physical traits that are not part of your in-game Character sheet.
This includes the use of any PnP spell or abilities of classes (or Races) not listed on your sheet or Templates which are generally not available on DB for starting characters (i.e. Half-Fey, Devil, Dragon etc..).
No Player is allowed to use PnP spells/abilities without DM consent.
We also do not allow characters to RP that they are possessed, controlled, or granted special RP circumstances from forces other than themselves without DM permission. (With the obvious exception of divine casting classes receiving spells from their gods).

NB: for vital info on certain classes etc please check this thread:
http://dalelandsbeyond.forumotion.com/t2012-class-rules-and-application-classes-races


21. Character Creation Information and Rules
The maximum level is 30 and you can have up to 4 classes, three of them prestige. Your build should make sense in RP terms. No mixing of opposing classes such as Paladin / Dark Lanterns.

Races, Appearance, and Age:
Only Races that are standard NWN2 Standard ( note that color changes outside of our standard character creator such as from the use of external overrides are also prohibited since they are considered custom races). Please avoid the skull head appearance which is still in the Human appearance options. It's against our rules and lore.

A guide to races you can find here: http://dalelandsbeyond.forumotion.com/t604-basic-racial-information#1564

The Following religions have special rules
Eilistraeen

Eilistraeen Rules:

 

Eilistraeen Special Rules

The following rule applies to all characters with the faith of Eilistraee (including Drow, human and elves) as well as any drow not worshipping the traditional drow pantheon or of  good alignment

Players of said characters must abide by the usual server's rules, just like everybody else.
Here is a set of new rules that will help to guide the RP to reduce OOC strife between players.

1. All Eilistraeeans (drows, humans, elves) and the above named, are application only, and approval can be withdrawn by the DM team should the player cause excessive OOC conflict and/or disregarding of lore.

2. Drows are KoS on the surface, and this includes Eilistraeean and drow of any other faith.
(But you'll need to be sure that it's a drow without metagaming)

3. Surface player characters allying with and/or aiding drow (Eilistraeean or not) makes one subject of:
A. KoS on the surface, so even non-drow characters may be attacked without RP-out.
B. That non-drow characters may be banned from surface settlements.
(Defending drow, becoming friends with drow, dealing with drow will be incredibly risky to do publicly; be smart and sneaky about it, or your character would risk becoming "the enemy" and get banned from surface civilization)

4. Eilistraeean drow are welcome in the Underdark, but if you are caught being an Eilistraeean, your heretic toon will be subject of:
A. KoS in the Underdark, so you may be attacked without RP-out.
B. Banishment from Underdark settlements.
Underdark player characters allying with and/or aiding surfacers will also be subject of the 4th point.
(Even if there is a large amount of Eilie UD PC's, they will not be able to act freely in the Underdark, as they are a minority to Lolthite PC's and NPC's)

5. Characters aren't branded evil for killing Eilistraeeans/Drow, but characters are branded evil for befriending Eilistraeeans.


It is highly suggested for Eilistraeean toons to invest skill points in at least one of the following skills; bluff, diplomacy, perform.

Deities
We only allow deities that are selectable in-game. The reason for this is to simplify the process a DM has to do when examining your character-sheet in-game.

Faithless Characters:
Faithless characters cannot be raised by magical means on our server. When a faithless character dies, he needs to take the XP hit in the Fugue to respawn (100xp per Level).
If the Character dies during a DM event, the DM may rule that the Character was only knocked unconscious.

Min / Max
We in no way ban min/maxing however you must rp the minimized trait RP'd. For example, your a mage and you have min/maxed strength for intelligence...fine and dandy but there must be some rp about how weak you are. No one with less than "average" strength should be wielding a great axe.

Naming
Please choose an appropriate name for the setting, not something like Beyonce or Justin Beiber or Obama or something famous from history!

You can delete your character and make a completely new one using the RCR NPC in the OOC room. You can transfer 35% XP, 30% gold, up to 10 items to the NEW character (not the same Name etc)
http://dalelandsbeyond.forumotion.com/t24035-reroll-npc-rcr-tool


22. Build rules
You must have at least 3 levels in ALL your classes by level 20, this means you may not take a new class after the 18th level or you will be in violation of this rule. Your build should make sense in RP terms. No mixing of opposing classes such as Paladin / Warlocks. Our DM staff reserves the right to ask you to re-build if it is determined your build is inappropriate.

Special rules may apply as listed below:

Special Rules on Classes:

 

Warlock
We only accept the following pacts
A warlock cannot be pacted to two entities.

Dark Pact (Abyssal)
Dark pact warlocks forge some of the most dangerous pacts of all, both morally and physically, through foul alliances with demons - such as those who serve Lolth.  It is this latter connection from which the dark pact gains its name and much of its tradition, since most male drow who did not choose the path of the wizard or the fighter took on the role of the warlock.  In spite of its roots amongst the xenophobic drow, this tradition of dealing with demonic forces within drow society has slowly moved towards the surface and many such inclined warlocks now live above the Underdark.

Fey Pact
Fey pact warlocks, who are among the fewest in number of all warlocks, forgo the obvious dangers of dealing with devils or the forbidding mystery that surrounds the star pact but instead deal with powerful, supernatural forces of the Feywild.  Such spirits of the natural world may be menacing or simply capricious in their dealings with mortals of the Prime. Some might be faerie-like dryads or sylphs while others are less easily defined, more like incarnations of nature than anything else.  Many of the sponsors of warlocks seeking the fey pact are dangerous archfey as the Queen of Air and Darkness or other such Unseelie fey, although a few receive their powers from the more benevolent Seelie fey.

On Dalelands Beyond, Seelie and Unseelie will not be restricted to a deity, however, the chosen deity must fit with the choice both alignment-wise and lore-wise.

Infernal Pact
Warlocks of the infernal pact, the most commonly sworn of all the pacts, are those arcanists who forge dealings with the devils of the Nine Hells, often exchanging their souls to a powerful devil in exchange for temporal power. Other warlocks of the infernal pact seek forbidden knowledge given to the mortal world by devils but since forgotten over time. Infernal pacted Warlocks often chose the path of a Hellfire Warlock, with the Archdevil Mephistopheles being the Inventor of Hellfire.

Star Pact
So-called star pact warlocks forge their arcane alliances with the unknowable and alien forces of the Far Realm. Star pact warlocks form these deals, interacting with the elder evils of ancient stars of the void, learning the secret names of those celestial objects which act as doorways to power.

Regardless of knowledge of alignment that your character may or may not have, the abilities of the warlock still hold the alignment of the pact and pacted entity.

In addition, this server has some custom changes to spells and feats, these can be found here http://dalelandsbeyond.forumotion.com/t2163-custom-changes-to-dalelands-beyond

23. Broken items and feats
This is a list of feats that are broken Atari side and you may wish to avoid using

Fiendish Legacy
Fiendish Presence
Expert tactician
Uncanny Dodge
Improved Uncanny Dodge
Improved Disarm - this feat is of no worth over regular Disarm due to our server implementation of the feat
Practiced Spellcaster - this feat can be used to raise caster level above the character level, and beyond caster level 30 if prestige classes are used that lose less than 4 levels overall. Taking this feat to raise your Caster level above 30 is considered an exploit on our server and not allowed. Due to our leveling rules (no new class after level 20), it will be obvious if you will be in breach of this. You will be asked to replace this feat with another if you are found to be in one of these situations.

Broken items
Anything with dark vision
Anything with spell resistance - Spell Resistance items "work" - but after one spell. Resisted or not. The SR goes to 0, and must be re-equipped before they function again.


24. Event Etiquette
Not so many rules as the generally expected behavior.

Events are run by the DMs for the players, or by players for players. They might be a one-off or part of a storyline the DM is running, or part of the world's evolution. Events are a great spice to playing and there are a few things you can do to make them easier to run for the DM.

Listen to the DM.

Stay with the group. Running on ahead persistently makes life very hard for everyone else

Don't loot while others are fighting or interacting with NPCs

If a DM shouts that people should avoid using party chat – please listen to them and avoid it. It is seen by the DMs and can really make it hard to run an event.

Merely being present or stumbling upon an event that is run by another group does not necessarily give you a right to be part of it. It is an expected courtsey to shoot a /tell to the DM asking if you can join before taking part and to accept 'no' with good grace

Some events will be for players of certain levels. Please, if you are outside the dm's planned level range, ask his or her permission to join the event first.


If you make life difficult enough for the DM or ruin things for the other players, you might just find yourself on a quick trip to the afterlife or back in the Inn.
Don't complain; it won't have been done for any reason other than you were spoiling other people's fun.

25. Roleplay tokens
As you play you may notice you are receiving roleplay tokens every so often, these are granted through RP-XP automatically by our RP script, after acquiring a certain number of XP through RP and every now and then by DMs. Roleplay tokens can be traded in for a number of things such as items, rebuilds, housing or even one extra feat, more information on roleplay tokens and what to do with them can be found in the two links below:
http://dalelandsbeyond.forumotion.com/t568-what-are-role-play-tokens
http://dalelandsbeyond.forumotion.com/t29453-rp-tokens-and-their-uses


26. Crime and Punishment
Player harassment OOC:
- the first step is ALWAYS to ask them POLITELY to stop
- ONLY if they continue are you to contact staff, have a screen shot ready to prove you politely asked and they continued.

Once staff takes over on ANY issue:
-The DM contacted will be the ONLY DM communicating with the player about this issue.
-Player or Player(s) will be asked to pm said DM on forums with their story in their own words. One PM only! Screen shots always help.
-DMs make the final decision

Order of Punishment for Player Harassment:
In order to keep things fair and so from here on in everyone gets the same treatment
1st offense - In game verbal warning
2nd offense - PM (written) warning
3rd Offense - 2 weeks ban from server forum access still available
4th Offense - PERMANENT Ban from server and Forums

Forum offenses are dealt with in accordance with the Forum rules by the Forum Moderators.

If you do not agree with the decision it is to be taken to the Head DM Team. Expect to be asked how it is unfair and asked for proof.

In rare cases, the normal order of punishment may be advanced by a step at DM's discretion.

PvP Rule Breaking
- a minor offense will earn you a warning
- a serious offense is a level loss
- repeated breaking of rules (minor/serious offense) will receive further punishment and potential banning

Which consequence will be up to the DMs and will factor in many things, such as the time between offenses, if it is a first offense, the seriousness of the offense, how many others have been affected, if there is proof, etc. Honesty will be appreciated and may affect the seriousness of the consequence. Dishonesty will definitely affect the seriousness of the consequence.

All issues regarding consequences will be discussed among all the DMs and decided upon. You will be contacted before consequences are made (with very few exceptions such as hacking and offensive trolling) and will have a chance to speak on your behalf regarding the offense.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If in doubt on something in-game feel free to contact a player helper, more information on those and how to become one yourself is found here http://dalelandsbeyond.forumotion.com/t5495-player-helper-scheme-people-available-ig-for-help-and-advice-and-how-to-apply