singing_arda

Entry tags:

FAQs

Game Mechanics

What kind of game is this?
Do I need to be familiar with Tolkien's works in order to play?
What kind of events will this game have?
How do I get into this game?
How do I invite a new player to the game?
Whoa! What’s with all the requirements for different kinds of AUs and OCs?
How do I take a hiatus?
How do I drop?
How do the communities work?
How does Check In (Activity Check) work?
What is the IC day to OOC day ratio?
Can I backdate or forward date?

About Characters

What kinds of characters are allowed?
What is a Close Cast Canon OC and how can I play one?
How can I bring my character's animal companion to Arda Marred?
How are characters from video games with choice-dependent protagonists handled?
Do you allow duplicate characters?
How many characters can I have?
Can I play more than one character from the same canon?
What if I want to play a canonically “evil” character from Tolkien’s works?
What if my character is of an unusual size?
What if my character has is dying, has a disability or has a special need?
What can my character arrive with?
Can my character keep their canon powers?
Can my character learn magic or abilities from other canons?
Can I canon update?
What about sex and other NSFW content?
What about pregnancy?
What about death?

World Mechanics

How did my character get here? Where do they arrive?
What's up with the seeing marbles?
What’s the weather like?
What kind of creatures or plants can I find in Arda Marred?
What kind of supplies can I find in Deepwood?
What if I want to live outside of Deepwood?
How long does it take to travel by foot?
Is there a faster way to travel?
What about language?

Game Mechanics

What kind of game is this?

Arda Marred is a “Structured Sandbox” game based on the world created by JRR Tolkien. This is primarily an open map/explore it yourself/write-your-own-story type of game, that allows for a wide variety of character types. Our aim to provide a community that is comfortable and relaxed for it's players, as well as allow players to shape the course of the game's future. To facilitate this, communication is key at Arda Marred.

Arda Marred is "Structured", in that players are expected to follow the game rules and directions given for certain types of play. This includes filling out the right forms and making requests when needed (Trade with the corsairs, special items, player plots, etc.), and also that IC actions in Arda Marred can have lasting effects in the game environment.

Arda Marred is a "Sandbox" in that there is a large open world to explore, and no set direction (physical or metaphorical) that your character has to go in. There is no overarching plot, and the future of the game is somewhat flexible to allow for changing player preferences.

Currently Arda Marred is referral only.

Do I need to be familiar with Tolkien's works in order to play?

Nope! All the important tools for having a good time should be laid out for you.

Those of you who are familiar with Tolkien's works may notice that not everything in the game strictly adheres to canon. Many of these changes were intentional, and this can be ICly explained by Eru's faulty memory and the world's corruption.

For funsies, if you want to learn more about Tolkien's world, here's a crash course in two videos. The Lord of the Rings Mythology Explained and The One Ring Explained.

What kind of events will this game have?

While Arda Marred is intended to be mostly self sufficient in terms of things to do, there will be events on occasion. While sometimes events will be run by mods, the lifeblood of Arda Marred is intended to be player plots. We are very open to player plots! This is your game, in many ways.

Some things that are mod controlled, are monthly status effect opt-out / opt-in events. (These are the typical jamjar deals: Become a child again, get wings for a month, etc. If you have an idea for a status effect, please tell us about it on the mod contact!) Also special landscape changes such as natural disasters or migrations of Orc packs might also be mentioned from time to time.

If you plan on taking actions that would affect a large area (landmarks, large areas of land, etc) please contact a mod to request a player plot.

How do I get into this game?

At the moment, Arda Marred is referral-only. When requesting a claim, you will be asked for the name of the person who referred you, if you are not already in game. This person must be a current member of the game, has played for one full month and replied to the last check-in.

✦ You may request two character claims per month.
✦ You may submit your request at any time, but claims are only processed from the 8th to the 15th of any given month. Please try not to post on the very last day, because claims can take several days to process.

It is not unusual to receive a revision request, question, or power adjustment during the claims process, do not be alarmed! We're here to help.

We have a one month wait period for new canons. This means that if you wish to claim a character from a brand new canon, you must wait one month from it's release.

If the character you wish to play is a “Close Cast” Canon OC, you will also need the players of the relevant characters to petition for you. See more information on “Close Cast Canon OC” in the Characters section of the FAQ.

Notes: This is not a setting appropriate for voice-testing. You are expected to come in with at least a moderate grasp of your character, and plan to remain in game with that character for a reasonable amount of time. If you develop a history of quick drops, claims, and re-claims, we may need to have a chat.

Further information on why they are called claims.

How do I invite a new player to the game?

Simply tell the person you are inviting to list you as their reference during the hold and claim process. Please ask them to refer to you by the handle you chose to go by at Arda Marred.

✦ You will be allowed to give out invites after you have completed one month of play, and have replied to the latest check in.
✦ You are allowed two invites per month. This limit is to allow players to adjust to IC arrivals, and also to keep the new character processing manageable for the mods. This means that there should only be two people who list you as their referral in any given month.
✦ Be prepared to help your invitees familiarize themselves with game rules, FAQs, and claims process.
✦ Invites are on the honor system. If we find you aren't adhering to these conditions (such as inviting more people than you are allotted on purpose) there will be consequences.
✦ Please keep in mind that the mods reserve the right to revoke an invitation should there be a problem.

Whoa! What’s with all the requirements for different kinds of AUs and OCs?

Arda Marred accepts a number of character types that most games do not. Each of these character types have different concerns that we have to check for. While this is indeed a sandbox game, we still expect a certain quality of character and want to make sure all our players are comfortable interacting with each other.

The mods have spent a long time trying to come up with the best and most fair way to allow for multiple AU characters while maintaining a structured environment. It might be confusing at first, but we're always willing to discuss your AU ideas before you claim. In fact, we suggest it.

The claims process might feel a bit like doing your taxes for some of you, but once you're in, you can relax and have a good time! This process is part of keeping the game structured while allowing for so many different character types.

How do I take a hiatus?

In most cases, an official hiatus is not needed, however if you plan on being inactive for the entirety of the month, or if you will be unable to post to the check in for that month, please fill out the form on the hiatus page.

Note: It is possible to use a hiatus to pass check in two months in a row, as long as you contact us to discuss your situation before the second check in, but not a third time.

How do I drop?

Sorry to see you go! Please fill out the form and post to the drop post, and follow the directions there.

It is also strongly encouraged to notify your CR that you have done so, either with a post on the OOC community, or privately. If you do chose to post an out-tro on the OOC community, please do so shortly before filling out the drop form, so that you are not removed before you had the opportunity to say goodbye.

Our Drop / Idle Policy:

✦ Dropped characters can be claimed or held by another player after two weeks (from the time they are removed from the taken list.)
✦ Dropped characters can be re-claimed by the same player after one month
✦ You may re-claim a dropped character once, and may not claim them a third time until three months have passed.

✦ Idled out characters can be claimed or held by another player after two weeks (from the time they are removed from the taken list.)
✦ Idled out characters can be re-claimed by the same player after one month
✦ You may re-claim an idled out character once, and if they idle out again, they cannot be claimed a third time
✦ In the event that you have idled out with three characters or more, you can only re-claim two of those characters per month.

Now let's mix and match!
✦ If you idle out, re-claim, then drop: you cannot re-claim the character until four months have passed.
✦ Likewise, if you drop, re-claim, then idle out you cannot re-claim the character until four months have passed.

How do the communities work?

arda_marred is for open posts, network or action
arda_hidden is for closed posts, posts that are closed to two or more specific parties.
second_music is the OOC community, for any OOC communication. Plot posts, intros, memes and updates from mods go here.

Please check out the posting guide for more info.

How does Check In (Activity Check) work?

Arda Marred doesn't have a traditional Activity Check. Instead, there is a Check In. All characters are expected to post to the check in which takes place for the first week in any given month (from the 1st to the 7th). While there are no minimum requirements for activity, if it’s brought to our attention that you have been highly inactive (AKA “squatting”) for several months, and have not declared a hiatus, we may have to talk.

If you do not post to the check in, and haven’t declared a hiatus on the hiatus post, it will be considered idling out (effectively, dropping). There is no warning list.

There are some consequences for idling out. Please see our Drop/Idle policy above.

Of course, if you missed the check in unexpectedly due to real life events or emergencies, contact us as soon as you're able. We're not unreasonable people and are willing to work with you. A friend cannot check in for you, but can contact us to give us a head's up on your situation. You will still need to speak to us personally.

If you have any real life circumstances that prevent you from checking in at the assigned time, please take a hiatus.

What is the IC day to OOC day ratio?

The ratio is 1:1, meaning one in game day = one day in real life.

Can I backdate or forward date?

Yes! To keep it within reason, our guidelines are these:

Threads that are plot relevant or affect other people: roughly 3 days backwards, 2 weeks forward.
Threads that are more slice-of-life or without lasting consequences: 1 month backwards, 1 month forward.

About Characters

What kind of characters are allowed?

✦ Canon Characters:
Should be self explanatory. Characters as they are displayed in canon.

✦ Original Characters
While this won’t be strictly policed, please try to avoid the “Mary Sue” or “Gary Stu” archetype character.

✦ Characters of Limited Canon:
Characters who appear in canon but have very little information about them published. Examples include Elrohir or Dís from Tolkien’s works, Scotland from Hetalia, or Gaila from Star Trek AOS

✦ Canon AUs:
Characters from official AUs, such as HoME versions of Tolkien characters, The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya, Nyotalia, TYL Reborn characters, various Links from Legend of Zelda games, etc.

If the canon AU does not differ greatly from the dominant canon, it is possible they may claim the "canon spot." Discussed on a case by case basis.

Still confused about Canon AU play-ability? check out this guide to AUs.

✦ Child or Elderly versions:

For the sake of processing claims, child or elderly versions of characters also fall under the "Canon AU" category. These characters must be physically different from their canon counterpart.

Child and elderly versions are the only acceptable age-downs and age-up's. Characters who are children or elders in canon cannot become or go back to being adults, unless that character has a significant presence in canon at another age. This would be considered a different pull point. discussed case by case.

For example, Henry Mills from Once Upon a Time cannot be aged up into an adult. However, there is a way to "cheat" this system. See the bottom of this post.

Children and Elder versions may not fill the canon spot.

✦ Non-canonical AUs (AKA player created AUs):
As a general guideline, it should be fairly easy to tell apart the canon character and the AU version after some investigation, either in appearance or personality. Even if that canon character is not currently in game.

Gender or sex swaps, race swaps, or alignment-change type characters are some examples.

We have a hard max of three AUs of the same character. That means that there should be one canon spot always available, and three AU spots. These AUs must also be different from each other. For this reason, you may place a hold on an AU or CRAU character. In the event that there are more applicants than spots, we will be using time stamps to determine processing.

Note: Typically history alone is not enough to make an AU work.

Still confused about Non-canonical AU play-ability? check out this guide to AUs.

✦ Canon Original Characters:
OCs created to exist within a Canon environment. These can include OCs created from worlds that are made for building OCs, such as Dungeons and Dragons or World of Warcraft. These characters do not have close connections to canon characters, but can be aware of who they are, and maybe even have crossed paths once.

While this won’t be strictly policed, please try to avoid the “Mary Sue” or “Gary Stu” archetype character.

Examples include an officer aboard the USS Enterprise, an Elf who lives in Rivendell, or a Hogwart’s student, as well as an Orc from Orgrimmar, or a Gnome from Faerün.

✦ Choice-dependent Protagonists from video games:
These are main characters of video games where the choices the player makes affects the personality of the protagonist. An example would be Hawke from Dragon Age 2. These characters may be handled slightly differently from other characters please see How are characters from video games with choice-dependent protagonists handled?

✦ CR-AUs:
Characters that are “imports” from other games, and retain the memories of their experiences there.

This can also include AU versions of canon characters, such as those that come from games such as sortinghat_rp or savetheearth.

In the case of a “game import” character that was made to be an AU version from the start, they would be allowed to exist alongside canon characters, for example, “Thorir” from StE would be allowed to co-exist with canon Thorin.

In the case of a “game import” character that was originally canon when they entered their game, a duplicate is only allowed if it is fairly easy to tell apart the canon character and the AU version after some investigation, either in appearance or personality.

For example, Legolas from Ruby City cannot coexist with canon Legolas. However, Ryslig Legolas (who has physically changed into a Mer-person) can exist alongside canon Legolas, because it is easy to tell them apart. CR-AU characters who were originally canon may therefore fall under a "canon spot", and occupy that space on the taken list. Discussed on a case-by-case basis.

Still confused about CRAU play-ability? check out this guide to AUs.

✦ Close Cast Original Characters:
Close Cast Original Characters require a separate claim process. (Please see "What is a Close Cast Canon OC and how can I play one?")

✦ Animal companion co-claims
Please see How can I bring my character's animal companion to Arda Marred?

✦ NOTE: Due to the nature of the game premise and it's mechanics, Eru Ilúvatar, Arien, and Tilion are not a claimable characters.

What is a Close Cast Canon OC and how can I play one?

A Close Cast Canon OC is a character that logically must or could exist in canon, but is not named or mentioned, and has connections to canon characters.

These characters can be played at Arda Marred, but with a few conditions.

✦ The character cannot contradict or influence existing canon information.
✦ At least one of the canon characters the OC has close connections to must be currently in the game. (For one month or longer)
✦ All canon characters that the OC has close connections to that are currently in game must be comfortable with your OC.

Examples include Maglor's wife, Hermione Granger’s cousin, or Nyota Uhura’s childhood best friend. This does not include characters such as Spock's long lost sister, or Legolas's other Dwarf BFF, as these contradict existing canon information.

While this won’t be strictly policed, please try to avoid the “Mary Sue” or “Gary Stu” archetype character.

If you would like to play a Close Cast Canon OC, please check this page to make a request.

How can I bring my character's animal companion to Arda Marred?

If a character's pet/familiar/mount is considered to have sentience which here is defined as a grasp on language beyond simple commands, they require a co-claim. To make a co-claim add a note on your hold or claim request reply, and whether or not they are essential or non-essential. On your info post, fill out a separate mini-info post add-on for your companion as well.

These fall into two categories:

Essential animal companions can not be separated from their masters for magical or physical reasons. These characters may not use a separate username for the animal companion, but will count as one character claim both per month and in total. (Example: Lyra and Pantalaimon)

Non-essential animal companions can be separated from their masters, but are typically found together in canon. These characters may have an additional username for the animal companion, but also count as two characters both per month and in total. (Example: Hiccup and Toothless.)

"Normal" (or "normal-ish") animals that do not display these traits can simply be listed on your character's inventory. Check with a mod if you're not sure what category your companion falls into.

The amount of non-sentient pets a character can bring is somewhat flexible, however as a rule of thumb, pets that are mounts, have magical properties or assist in battle should be limited to one, and no more than three "simple" (Think cats, dogs, squirrels, etc.) pets will be allowed. If we have an issue with how many pets you list in your info post, we will ask for a revision.

Pets acquired ICly by your character while in Arda will not count towards this limit, however please try not to get ridiculous with the amount of new pets.

How are characters from video games with choice-dependent protagonists handled?

These types of video games create some rather special situations that could be potentially messy. Since the category these characters fall into might not be clear cut, here is how they are handled.

✦ There can be up to four protagonists from the same video game, each must be noticeably different from each other.
✦ No one protagonist's universe has preference over the others. They are all considered canon.
✦ Therefor, supporting role canon characters do not have to depend upon a protagonist's universe to remain canon. This also means that once a canon spot for these characters is filled, the same character with an alternate protagonist cannot be claimed. (Provided there are no other significant differences between them.)
✦ Differences that are due to choices made in the game environment can usually be handled in the same way characters from different pull-points can interact; through IC conversation and confusion.
✦ Of course, OOCly, please discuss with each other about your preferences, and talk to a mod if you are still unsure where your character fits.

Do you allow duplicate characters?

Yes, but only under certain conditions. If they fit in the category of a Canon AU, Non-canonical AU, CR AU, or Choice-dependent protagonist, they might be playable. Check with a mod if you are unsure.

As a general guideline, each duplicate must be fairly easy to tell apart from the others in game after some investigation either in appearance or personality. Characters taking AU spots on the taken list must always differ from the canon character, even if that character is not in game.

We have a hard max of three AUs of the same character. That means that the canon spot is always reserved, and three AU spots. These AUs must also be different from each other. For this reason, you may place a hold on an AU or CRAU character. In the event that there are more applicants than spots, we will be using time stamps to determine processing.

Still confused about duplicate play-ability? check out this guide to AUs.

How many characters can I have?

You’re allowed five characters total, but may petition for more if you can show that you have been consistently active, and have never idled out. Three of those characters may be from the same canon. See below.

Can I play more than one character from the same canon?

Short Answer:
Yes, as long as those characters do not interact regularly with each other in canon, and it would be plausible to avoid those characters from interacting within game. You are allowed to play three characters from the same canon, which includes OC and AU variations. Unfortunately you cannot play more than one version of the same character.

Longer Answer:
How close can those characters be related to each other? The ultimate goal is to avoid "playercesting." If you can make a plausible argument that those two characters do not have to interact on a regular basis, we can work something out. This can include a "behind the scenes" arrangement.

As a rule of thumb: There should be at least one character "between" the characters you wish to play in terms of who they might have major interactions with.

For example: of characters set A -> B <- C, a player may potentially play characters A and C, but not A and B or B and C.

Therefor, one could potentially play (A) Kyouraku Shunsui and (C) Kotsubaki Sentarou from Bleach. Both have a close connection to (B) Ukitake Juushirou, but have only minimally interacted with each other in canon. Though they are both part of the same organization, "playercesting" can reasonably be avoided.

Deciding if you can play characters somewhat close to each other is more of an art than a science, but we will try to be lenient when possible. We may ask some of your close cast what they think of the arrangement before we approve, particularly in closer cases.

What if I want to play a canonically “evil” character from Tolkien’s works?

Canon characters such as Melkor, Sauron, Azog, or Grishnákh, etc are perfectly playable. The “native” Orcs and other evil things in Arda Marred seem confused and will not easily take kindly to outsiders, even fellow Orcs, former masters, or other dark creatures.

Tolkien AU characters that are innately “evil” or “corrupted” may also be playable. (For example, Evil!Lindir, or something. Scary as that seems.)

What if my character is of an unusual size?

Usually you will have a choice between keeping the character the size that they are in canon, or scaling them up / down to normal human size. As a general guideline, pixie sized to “Smaug sized” is acceptable. Please note that the size of the seeing marble does not change. If you’re a pixie, you may have to leave it somewhere safe and come back to it. If you’re a dragon, try not to lose it. Ask a mod about your circumstances.

What if my character is dying, has a disability or has a special need?

If your character's canon point involves a life threatening injury, they can be healed completely (Eru might even have returned lacking limbs) or only enough to survive (all life threatening wounds are healed), or anything in between.

In the case of a character dying of a chronic illness, the effect will be stalled so that the character generally doesn't decline further (relapses with recovery are fine.) Within the game they can be healed if a cure is available.

If you want to arrive with a fully healed character that in canon is disabled/ chronically ill/etc., this would be considered a Non-canonical AU,

A character that needs something special to survive (including disability related items such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, or canes) will generally keep the item or condition with them. However in the case of electricity, usually the need will be eliminated. Items that run on batteries will never need to change batteries or recharge. Check with a mod if you’re unsure if your need qualifies.

Ghost characters are discussed on a case-by-case basis. Please contact a mod.

What can my character arrive with?

Typically whatever they were wearing or had on them at the time. This may include a mount or a pet if they were close enough to touch it. Items that are overpowered or break the game might need to be excluded or modified.

Players are expected to routinely update their info posts to reflect their changing inventory.

Guns are acceptable, but your ammunition is limited to what you have on your person at the time. Please keep this amount reasonable. If the character knows how to make ammunition for their weapon and the materials can be found in Arda, they are allowed to make more. (Try to keep it realistic!)

If a character's pet/familiar/mount is considered to have sentience which here is defined as a grasp on a language beyond simple commands, they may require a co-claim. See above

"Normal" animals that do not display these traits can simply be listed on your character's inventory. Check with a mod if you're not sure what category your companion falls into.

The amount of non-sentient pets a character can bring is somewhat flexible, however as a rule of thumb, pets that are mounts, have magical properties or assist in battle should be limited to one, and no more than three "simple" (Think cats, dogs, squirrels, etc.) pets will be allowed. If we have an issue with how many pets you list in your info post, we will ask for a revision.

Pets acquired ICly by your character while in Arda will not count towards this limit, however please try not to get ridiculous with the amount of new pets.

Can my character keep their canon powers?

In most cases, yes. However, powers might have to be modified if they are world-breaking, or considered a hugely unfair advantage. Typical things that may need to be tweaked include time shenanigans, travel speed, infallible powers, or instantaneous powers.

Powers that affect other players (such as telepathy) require an opt-in/out permissions post, which should be clearly linked on your info post.

Powers that require "tapping into" an external magic force, such as The Force from Star Wars, will be tapping into the music. The music, being corrupted right now, might cause some ill effects if you mess with it too much. If you use your powers only occasionally, or for smaller spells, you can get away with it without problems, but do something larger and you're taking a gamble as to if it goes smoothly or not. (In other words, this is an optional mechanic, unless a mod tells you otherwise while your claim is being processed.)

If you're unlucky, using magic might give your character temporary physical or mental health problems, such as dizziness, headaches, fevers, disorientation or memory loss. Those are just some examples, you can be creative as to the negative effect. Mostly this will be left up to the player as to when it happens and how severe the consequences are, unless a large plot is underway. Please refrain from death as a consequence.

Can my character learn magic or abilities from other canons?

It's possible, but learning magic cannot be contradictory to either canon.

For example:
Seregil from the Nightrunner series, is "allergic" to magic and cannot learn to use it. Therefore he will continue to be "allergic" to magic and not be able to learn magic from any world.

The magic in Harry Potter is specific to genetics, and therefore cannot be learned by those outside of canon.

However, magic in Once Upon a Time is emotion based, and as long as the character has emotions they might be able to learn.

Can I canon update?

Only Canon characters, Original characters, and Characters of Limited Canon may canon update by having their character disappear for two weeks and returning with the updated canon point. This is self monitored and does not usually require a request. However, if we find you are abusing the self-canon-update system, we'll have to have a chat.

Note: You can not "switch" character type through a canon update: For example a canon character cannot canon update with "behind the scenes" AU elements to become a non-canonical AU.

What about sex and other NSFW content?

Use proper content warnings, and keep it under a cut. While there are no strict rules on what you can include, keep it appropriate and logical to the circumstances occurring. Please move private sexytimes to arda_hidden instead of action within an open post.

What about pregnancy?

Pregnancy is allowed, if it follows a normal pattern from conception to birth that is typical for the character’s species or race. The resulting child is NPC’d at the parent’s discretion, and grows at a normal rate. If in doubt, check with a mod. If the child grows to an age where they can speak, act, and think for themselves, contact a mod.

What about death?

Characters will return to life in two weeks time, and appear back in Deepwood no matter where in Arda they were at the time. The character’s seeing marble will typically be on their person when they come back to life.

Player character deaths should be rare occurrences. To prevent gratuitous or meaningless deaths, players are required to contact a mod. Each death has individual consequences that we'll discuss with you. Please send a PM with "Character Death" in the subject line. where our resident "death mod" Ardruna will ~~dole out the punishment~~ help you out.

World Mechanics

How did my character get here? Where do they arrive?

Eru, who is essentially the god of Tolkien’s works, has brought your character here to repair what damage the “dissonance” in the music. His memory is clouded by the noise, though, so sometimes people from outside Arda might be taken in, or timelines are confused.

Characters arrive in Deepwood, a multi-cultural settlement with very basic housing and supplies.

Deepwood is considered safe space, which means:

OOCly, the starter location is a safe space, which means that as a general rule, player characters wishing to attack, cause significant damage, or generally stir up major trouble to Deepwood must request a player plot before proceeding.

This player plot, if the mods deem necessary, will be proposed to the community at large, and a poll will go up for one week. In order for the plot to proceed, the following is needed:

- At least 2/3rds of all votes need to be in favor of the plot
- At least half of Arda Marred’s playerbase must have participated in the poll.

Please note that it is essential that you each vote. If you choose not to vote, you will not get a say after the poll is closed.

Very minor damage that will go unnoticed or can be ignored by most of the population may be mod-approved on a case-by-case basis.

This safety does not change any IC perceptions of characters. Characters that feel uneasy about the safety of Deepwood may continue to feel as they do.

What's up with the seeing marbles?

Please see this post

What’s the weather like?

Arda is a large place, so no one weather forecast is going to be accurate. As a guideline, this map will give you a general climate for each area. Players are encouraged to make their own conclusions for their specific locations. Seasons have a northern hemisphere pattern.

What kind of creatures or plants can I find in Arda Marred?

Normal animals appropriate to the climate can always be found for hunting, fishing, or even a bit of trouble. For other more unique or dangerous creatures, see the bestiary

As for plants, it's safe to go by normal plants on earth, perhaps leaning towards Europe's flora. There are some plants native to Arda that are special. Some of them can be found here.

What kind of supplies can I find in Deepwood?

Deepwood is a livable shelter. Basic furniture, clothing and bedding. There is a small supply of food, none of it particularly tasty. Soon you will want to do your own hunting and farming. Other random things can be found there as well, but the general rule of thumb is nothing luxurious, and quantities are "just enough."

There is also a freshwater spring in the deeper part of the Dwarven area, that has been fashioned into a fountain. The water here is potable and disease free.

What if I want to live outside of Deepwood?

Not a problem. In fact, you’re encouraged to leave Deepwood and fix up other settlements. Road trips are awesome, too.

How long does it take to travel by foot?

For Middle-earth and Beleriand:
General guide: ( Map! )

Deepwood to Nogrod = 6 days by foot
Deepwood to Michel Delving = 8 days
Deepwood to Lond Daer = 10 days

For Númenor:
General guide: ( Map! )

3 days by foot from Meneltarma to any of the five "points" of the island.

Obviously if you’re using a horse, goat, or other method, these times will vary up to your discretion, but please keep it realistic.

Characters with special abilities such as flight or teleportation will typically have an individual max speed set by a mod during the claims process.

Is there a faster way to travel?

Yes! Due to discoveries made by some of the residents of Arda, there are several fixed locations on the map that house Palantiri which allow you to travel quickly between them.

For details about travel locations, conditions, and Palantiri use, please check this page.

What about language?

JRR Tolkien was big on languages. To preserve the vision of his world, language functions a little differently in Arda Marred than in most other games.

All characters in Arda Marred can speak, understand, and think in a language called Westron. This is in addition to the other language(s) the character speaks. Accents and speech pattern may be retained and carried over to Westron. Characters who are mute continue to be mute.

Westron is the default language the character uses, and is the language that comes most naturally to them.

Characters that are literate in any language are now literate in Westron.

Characters that are illiterate have a choice between gaining literacy in Westron upon entering the game, or to enter the game completely illiterate.

Characters continue to speak their canon language(s), and can purposefully chose to speak in something other than Westron if they choose.

Yes, characters may notice that they are speaking another language.

Yes, characters can learn additional languages ICly from other characters.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

What about characters who are not literate in their native language but literate in another language? (Yes, I can think of an example; I'm not just asking to cause trouble.)

How do we define mounts/pets? (Namely, something like a Digimon or a familiar that is sentient and able to speak, yet linked to a specific character.)

I talked it over with the other mods, and for the language situation I think it will be best to say a character literate in any language will then be literate in Westron. The FAQs will be updated to reflect this.

As for mounts/pets, you've given us something to think about, and I believe we're going to put some clearer guidelines on that. I'll reply here to you as well when we've decided. Sound good?

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