Hello everyone one!. I have your all having a great holiday season. We are now only two weeks out from returning to the main storyline and entering the second half of WoD. However, we are going to be changing things up a bit for this campaign. With the exception of two weeks, all events will be on Saturdays, leaving Fridays open for STs. The staff feels there has been a sort of burn out with WoD with how fast paced it has been going and thus will slowing things down a bit for this section of the storyline. However, the raids and the final section in Tanaan will still follow the Friday/Saturday Format when we get to them.
Also new, the staff will now be sharing the event dates of each zone/patch with everyone. This is so people, STs and normal players, can adjust their schedules ahead of time rather then just a week in advanced. Keep in mind however this is subject to change depending on certain factors and the staff reserves the right to change the shecdule on short notice.
Its been an interesting four years since I had a fit of madness and decided to apply for GM, I definitely could not of predicted how far we've come, and how both the server and the community has changed over time. Unfortunately, one of these changes is my stepping down from the Staff. This is owing to my IRL circumstances and has in some ways been a long time coming, as my ability to commit and to perform has been on the decline due to factors beyond control. I have nonetheless got a lot of enjoyment and fulfillment through working for and with this community I first joined in 2010, and then stepped up in 2014, and I wish it well going forward on the march towards Legion. I do not intend to leave Freedom altogether, but I shall likely be taking a bit of a break for a while as I acclimatize to not having absolute power at my whim.
Thank you to the rest of the Staff for keeping me mostly sane, and thank you to everyone for the good times.
Hey Freedom, this is going to be a major announcement, and we recommend reading it fully and carefully.
With the Holiday Break starting now, the Staff has a little more time to dedicate to not frantically trying to stop everything setting on fire. As a product of that, we are considering a few changes we could make to potentially make it easier on people to RP more spontaneously and with less restrictions.
We’ve decided to start with a trial of the most liberal system we are considering. What this entails, simply put, is raising the bar considerably on what needs a CtS/staff approval. We’ll go into more depth of what does still require staff approval later, but to summarise, unless specifically told by the staff that you should do otherwise, nobody will be expected to make a CtS for storylines that don’t have major lore implications, for loot that isn’t major and for character/class concepts that aren’t entirely outlandish.
This does mean we are placing a great deal of trust in you, the playerbase, to moderate yourselves and not use this as an opportunity to go absolutely wild. The lore is still the lore, and common sense is still common sense. If individuals abuse this trust we are giving to do things that are unacceptable, the staff will step in to potentially punish those responsible, retcon the situation, and remove the culprit from this new system - effectively blacklisting them so they have to gain approval for everything the current system would require. It would be messy and unpleasant for you and for us. If there is a great deal of trouble as a result of this trial, then the trial can be ended at any time and we may consider other options. Obviously, we want to be able to trust you all, and ideally this will make everyone’s life easier and happier, but it does put a great emphasis on individual responsibility. If you are unsure if what you’re doing is crossing the line, then you should definitely consult with us beforehand.
With that in mind, we will go into more depth on what does cross the line now. We reserve the right to amend this list, and it should be treated as much as a guideline as a strict ruleset. Just because something isn’t listed, doesn’t mean it's free game if common sense says it's dodgy.
You should still look for staff approval if the RP you wish to run includes: -Major lore implications - Anything involving the Titans, Naaru, the Emerald Dream, directly related to the Old Gods, defecting to another faction etc. -Major lore characters - Faction leaders, Leading/High-ranked figures in major organisations and otherwise ‘very important’ individuals/entities (Celestials, Naaru, Wild Gods, Loa, Titanic Constructs, Elemental Lords etc.) -Major Custom lore - Making up that the barkeeper at Goldshire knows your character isn’t a big deal. Inventing a whole new kind of magic, that you’re the leader of a major military, civil or religious organisation, that you’re the descendant of Azshara, or altering existing lore in a significant way (An existing settlement changing ownership, altering the overall status quo in a zone, destroying the entirety of x) is a big deal. -Canonical NPCs and Quests - ‘Rares’, Retail Questlines, World Bosses. As before, these just need to be claimed via CtS, you don’t need to give a plan for how you’ll do them, but you do need to claim them so we can mark them off. -Structures or changes to the in-game world that are intended to be permanent (Bases, camps, houses) and/or aren’t ordinarily present at the location (It's fine to spawn saberon in a saberon camp without asking. It's not fine to spawn a permanent occupying guard garrison in the same saberon camp without mentioning it) If we find a build in the world that we weren’t informed about and is older than a few days, we will be investigating, and action may be taken depending on the circumstances. -Major Promotions - Getting a major officer rank in a canon organisation (Alliance, Horde, Cenarions, Crusade etc.), becoming a recognised Archmage, Archdruid, High Divinist, Champion of x, etc. -Major Loot - This is a harder one to define as the line is highly blurred. As it stands this is already a highly blurred area. Characters are already able to create items if they have the skill in the right profession ICly, and players can already hand out mundane and more minor magic items without permission. What this change means is that the bar is higher. What it doesn’t mean is that you should now hand out loot like candy, just because you can. If we see a flood of loot, or unreasonable effects, we will be intervening very rapidly. To try to frame the context, before you could hand out a flaming sword as loot without saying anything. Now it could also shoot fireballs, or cover you in a cloak of immolation, or give you resistance to fire as well. But it couldn’t create a massive firestorm, or make you immune to all fire. Anything on the level of a lore item or a mid-upper tier Raid item is still application level. Also consider part of the reason the staff reviews loot is because oftentimes people are not experienced in writing loot that is clear, concise and fits the medium. You should still consider submitting your loot for review if you aren’t confident in its structure, or you think it might be ‘too powerful’. As always, the counter-attack system is off-limits unless otherwise stated.
For Storytellers, this greater freedom does of course also apply to you guys. But, as you have the powers to more greatly affect the world, we will be expecting to be able to understand at least to a basic level what you’re doing through your Storyteller Report. That does mean you might need to add a little more detail than you’re currently doing if you’ve been on the more lax side. ‘Did an event this day’ might not be good enough anymore.
In Closing, we will re-emphasise that this is an exercise in trust. Please do not abuse it. This is us giving people more liberties, If you do walk the line and fall foul, you will thereafter have to work on the same system we’ve always used. Do not complain if you have this new freedom rescinded. If you find anything about this announcement unclear or ambiguous, ask. If you aren’t sure if something is kosher, ask. If you’re newer and haven’t got a feel for what’s normal or acceptable, err on caution and ask. If you’re a returning player and have a history with us or aren’t sure how much things have changed, ask. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a giant formal CtS, but talk to us. This will work much better if we keep communication open between you, the playerbase, and we the staff.
We'd like to announce that all Outposts and Garrisons are now available for all characters, regardless of faction, to enter. Keep in mind that while you're in the opposite faction's base, you are subject to all their rules, and their punishments. If you're an orc and you cause trouble in the Alliance Garrison intentionally, you will be dealt with by the Alliance guards.
Also, please be aware that you are barred from entry to the opposite faction's command center. Attempts to enter will be met with opposition.
There will be embassies set up very soon in each factional zone. A Horde embassy will be established in Shadowmoon, and an Alliance embassy will be established in Frostfire. We'll let you know when they're spawned. We hope that this gives people new opportunities to use the Garrisons and Outposts for general RP.
Hey guys, this announcement is with concern to morphs and their compatibility with artifacts. We have given leeway when it comes to morph class combinations in the past but we feel it would be irresponsible not to post this for the general population of players to see. To put it plainly,more extreme morphs will be put under more scrutiny when it comes to receiving artifacts over regular player characters.
For example, we will not be allowing feral worgen to go for any of the monk artifacts, and we would not allow demons or anything of the sort to go for the Warlock artifacts. These two examples come from different reasoning, the first being that the items in question and morphs would be incompatible. The second example whilst compatible would not make much sense on an IC level. Why would the class halls trust a demon to carry an artifact when they could so easily turn and use it against the people of the world.
Morphs we are more likely to accept would be something akin to Arakkoa receiving the shadow priest artifact, or a Vrykul receiving Warswords of the Valarjar and Scale of the Earth Warder, not only are they compatible and have lore to back up why they would fit the artifact, it would also make sense on a cultural level why they would go for such an item. For those worried about not getting any artifact at all on a morph character, keep in mind we will be allowing custom artifacts as well as ascending some lore items to Artifact Status.
If you have any concerns with your characters compatibility with an Artifact we would advise you consider if the morph in question might be outlandish for the item, if you are still unsure we recommend making a CtS. It would be unfair for you to main a character throughout the rest of WoD hoping to be considered for an artifact only to be told only to be told you weren't eligible.
Hey guys, this thread is being set to formalize the set of rules people who are interested in bringing villains to the main event storyline. I will be listing them off numerically to make it easier to read and digest. If you have any questions please don't be afraid to ask.
1. Villain Characters will be able to attend some of the Main Storyline events, acting as secondary antagonists to whatever threat the heroes are facing that day. The Villain Characters must be thematically appropriate to the enemy being fought(Demons for Legion events, Orcs for Iron Horde etc)
2. Villain characters will be told if an event is appropriate for them to attend at the start of the week of the event. The DM for that event will let those people know what the general plan is, where they will show up, when they should retreat and any other special information.
3. Villain Characters will get their own separate raid. If the player is also attending on another Hero character they are free to drop out for the duration of the fight. You will not lose your place in the raid if you choose to do this nor miss out on loot if this is the final boss.
4. Villain characters AND Hero characters should use common sense and play fair when fighting each other. Capitalize who you are attacking, do not god mod and be sure to take some hits every now and again. You are not trying to win, just trying to have fun.
5. Villain Characters should not attack players that are currently in the group making the raid emote. They should also begin to cease attacks on players about to go and change focus to others.
6. Villain Characters must remember THEY CANNOT change the course of a Main Storyline event. If the boss or force is dictated to lose that they are fighting with, that cannot be changed.
7. Neither Villain nor Hero character can kill each other without consent.
8. Hero Players who do not wish to fight Villain Players between turns should make it clear and Villain players should respect that. Hero Players should use TRP to their advantage and put down if they are Open to PVP or Not Open to PVP.
As always, these rules are subject to change and addition. Since this is a new system we will adjust based on our future experiences.
Main Event Villain Morph
Main Event Villain morphs are temporary morphs players can apply for if they wish to make disposal or main event only villains that would require a morph application to play otherwise. Be warned however: These characters are not true morphs. They cannot be roleplayed outside of the main events. Again, THESE CHARACTERS ARE ONLY FOR THE MAIN EVENTS THAT WILL ALLOW VILLAIN PLAYERS TO ATTEND. They should not be roleplayed anywhere else. If the staff find out you are using such a character you will lose your privilege at playing said character and may face other disciplinary action. If you wish to turn a Main Event Villain Morph into a regular morph you must follow the normal procedure to do so. If you already have an approved regular morph that is a Villain Character that can attend the event you do not need to fill this out.
These morph includes things anything that would require a morph application.
To get a Main Event Villain Morph fill this out and make a CTS.
Character Name:
Race:
Morph ID:
Morph Name:
Why the Character wants to attend the events(Does not need to be overtly long but the staff may ask for more information if we feel it doesn’t fit):
A New type of Counter Attack: Opposed Group Roll
During the course of event, normally a dungeon or raid, a Boss may initiate a group counter attack roll. The boss will then ask for help and if available, the villain characters may assist him/her in the roll. For example:
Hero Players A, B and C are targeted by the Boss for a group counter attack. He calls out to Villain Players D and E to aid him. The Hero Players roll out of 33 as do the Boss and Villain Players. The Highest roll wins and the winners get a free shot at the three losers. The attacks to the players, Hero or Villain, should not be killing blows or attacks that would mutilate or heavily disable the player unless they have permission to do so.
Generally the DM for that week will let the Villain knows if there will be an opposed group counter attack roll, see who is interested, let them know what the attack will be so the players can plan, and give them a heads up a turn before its used. The winner should divide their attacks equally, rather than focusing on one person.
Open Thread
Hey guys, I'm making this announcement as a way to help improve the main event situation a bit. As has been noted by players and and staff alike, events have seemingly gotten longer while we have been on Draenor and it is causing some frustration among people. So I'm going to be some posting some new decisions the staff has come up with in a way to try and make events more manageable and less time consuming.
Before I begin, as the main event runner for the main storyline, the optimal event time seems to be between 3-4 hours, with anything beyond that becoming very tedious. Now obviously this doesn't count dungeons, raids or extremely lore heavy events. Those events will be given the time they are needed. But those are not the vast majority of events. Instead, main events usually consist of the build up to said events. While important in their own regard, they shouldn't be insanely long.
Emote turn time and AFKing during events
There has been an issue recently with people AFKing or not paying attention during events. One issue that has cropped up is people missing their turns because they were away at the time. This has never been a general rule on Freedom, rather a guideline, that the groups emote turn should only be at max 5 minutes long. We haven't really strayed past this limit but it begs being mentioned that it should only take 5 minutes for everyone to post their replies to allow the DM to respond. If you don't have your emote out by that time and the DM responds, you have missed your opportunity. Its solely up to the DM at the time if they want to respond to your emote if you post it after the time is up.
However, this is a much bigger issue. People not paying attention or afking without saying anything when targeted for counter attacks. When targeted for counter attacks you have two options, roll or dodge the attack(unless under special circumstances). But more and more I've noticed I have targeted people who are not paying attention or have afked without saying to anyone and thus it drags the event. I'm not looking for an immediate response but from now please try to respond within the first 30 seconds or so of being targeted. If no response is given you will skipped, someone else chosen and you risk losing on other opportunities for counters during events if it becomes a noticeable habit.
I'm not saying everyone has to give the event 100% of their attention. I just ask people be aware and keep an eye on it. Be mindful when a group turn is ending and a counter attack could be coming up. If it helps, the normal flow of things is: AoE/Special Attack first turn, Counter Attack ability second turn. Obviously that's the normal state of things and could change depending on the event and boss. If you do have to go AFK please let the raid know and do /afk so the DM of the event can at least be aware you are gone for the moment.
Dual Boxing
Recently we have seen an upsurge in dual boxing for events. While it is good players have a chance to progress two characters at the same time...it is the second major cause of why events have become so long despite efforts to shorten them. Dual Boxing artificially enhances the raid size and adds groups that would not normally exist, thus lengthening the event due to extra emotes and responses. It also, some saying unfairly, gives some players to emote twice per round while non dual boxers can only emote once.
I don't want to ban dual boxing outright. I don't believe that is fair after letting it happen after so long. But I do believe it’s an issue that needs to be addressed. Your characters do not need to attend every single event. If your worried about missing the opportunity for something or losing out, don't be. There is nothing wrong for taking a character out of the event chain for an event or two to play another. It won't be held against you for items such as the rings or artifacts. We do care about activity but we also understand not everyone wants to play the same character 50 events in a row.
In any case, we are going to be adding some new rules to dual boxing.
When we start the event invites, I will invite everyone's main character first to to get a handle on how big an event will be. If the raid reaches 25 unique players(5 full groups), then I will not allow dual boxing for the event.
If the raid doesn't reach 5 full groups by the time we are 5 mins out from the event, I will then call for all dual boxers to whisper me for invite. There will be no limit at that point.
Now the first part of this ruling will NOT effect major lore events, dungeons or raids. Those will go on as they have been. This ruling will also only be effective for WoD. Legion may have a different ruling or revert back to the way we did things before. This is because it is very likely we will have people who have two characters in different order halls with artifacts.
Open Thread
Here on Freedom we are all here to have fun, and enjoy ourselves, roleplaying is a hobby we are passionate about. However as of late we have seen evidence of harassment and bullying occurring on the server; this is unacceptable and cannot continue. Do not impose upon others to the point they feel uncomfortable or do not feel welcome in an rp or on the server as a whole.
Harassment is characterized by:
Making threats and unwanted sexual remarks
Trolling with the intent to provoke and offend targeted persons or people
Denigration (Posting/spreading of harmful rumors and falsehoods to damage reputation and friendships)
Exclusion (intentionally and cruelly excluding someone from RP situations that is public.)
Any harmful, repeated behavior that is done with the intent to harm someone else.
If you see someone bullying or harassing someone, either verbally, emotionally or through trying to discredit another's character, we ask that you approach the Staff with logs, so that the staff can investigate as soon as possible. This sort of behavior is something which none of us want on the server; this is a hobby we're here to enjoy, not to attack one another.
Open Thread
Though our server is decidedly not an ERP server, we are aware that it happens and are fine with it as long as it is between consenting adults and done in private. However, due to staff-held beliefs and recent rulings in the US (where the server is hosted), we must make some of our stances on sexual conduct in RP explicitly stated.
Age of Consent: First and foremost, any and all ERP that happens must be done between consenting adults. There have been and are currently minors on the server, and in no way will we facilitate any sexual activity with them. To this end, we will make it explicitly clear that ERP with individuals under the age of 18 is expressly forbidden, and should be discover that it has been happening on the server, both individuals involved will be immediately and permanently banned without a chance for appeal. What you do in private is your business, but it will not happen on the server or any public channels relating to the server, including the forums and any guild discords. Guild leaders who own a discord have an onus on them to make sure it does not happen. Any and all NSFW content posted there should be restricted to NSFW channels with an opt-in option.
Sexually illicit RP in public: There is, of course, a grey area that exists where RP is sexually suggestive, but not expressly ERP. An off-remark that is suggestive is fine, but if it enters the territory of using explicit language, then it crosses the line. This should not ever be done in public RP or in the mall, and once again, not done in the presence of anyone under 18. Additionally, it should never be impressed upon someone that is unwilling to participate with it, which brings us to the next point.
Consent: Consent is one of the most important aspects of this. Consent is not achieved if one constantly denies sexual advances and eventually caves in. This is sexual harassment, and will not be tolerated on this server in any capacity. If you are a victim of sexual harassment on the server, please do not hesitate to report it. Sexual Harassment carries a punishment of a permanent ban without appeal.
If you have questions or concerns about Consent, Age of Consent, or adult content on the server, please reach out to us.
A minor announcement that going forward we will not be accepting any new characters under the age of 16 in the main story. This applies to all conventionally aging races from Orcs to Draenei. We do not feel it appropriate for characters without physical or emotional maturity to be allowed into combat in a warzone, and while we recognise there is an argument to be made for races like Orcs and Trolls, we have decided a universal guideline for conventional races is more fitting.
This will not apply retroactively to those characters we have already allowed to attend the main story previously, however we will note that all characters participating in the main story are expected to show a baseline maturity, and the Commanders do reserve the right to remove a character from the frontline if they are deemed not capable of that.
