Applications are necessary for playing "feature" characters, powerful magic users, Halfbreeds, "dark" Empyreans, Empyreans with magic, arch-magi, prestigious members of a faction, clan, or noble house, or basically anything above and beyond the typical starting character (they are also necessary for building, see "news building" for the details on that). An application is also required when advancing to a higher level in a skill or magical ability, or when establishing a new faction. If you have any questions, please contact a member of the staff and they will be happy to help.

An application should be sent in plain ASCII text format via e-mail to aether@mux.net. If, for some reason, you are unable to use e-mail, you may @mail it to *staff, though the admin discourage this as the mail is easier to lose or overlook. Typically, the admin will reply within two days, even if it's simply an acknowledgment that they received your application. If you receive no reply, @mail a follow-up letter as a reminder. Also, it is best to retain a copy of the application for yourself as a back-up.

Your application MUST have a subject that matches the format below:

APPLICATION: (name), (race), (magic), (position/points)

The address "aether@mux.net" gets a massive amount of email spam and all incoming mail is put through a strict filter to try and keep this down to a minimum. If you do not follow the format above, your application will probably be destroyed by spam-filters.

The admin *highly* encourage new players to first make a character in our character-generation system and play him or her for a week or so, in order to get a better feel for the game. This also allows the admin to become acquainted with that player's role-play style, OOC attitude, grasp of the theme, and level of activity, enthusiasm, and maturity; all of which play a factor in the approval of applications.

Near the beginning of the application, please list any characters you have played on Aether, or any references and alts you have from other games.

Next, the application should include a concise history of your character and it should explain his or her drives, motives, ambitions, and personality. Outline where he or she came from, where they are going, and what their purpose is. This is especially important for characters that are considered "feature-level" (i.e. powerful, with a lot of influence and/or a prestigious position). Characters of that caliber must have a reason for being on the game--whether it's to help drive role-play, lead a faction, provide an adversary for the "powers that be," etc. Be creative, and be thorough. Also, remember that spelling and grammar *do* count, so proofread or spell-check your document before submitting it.

Quality is MUCH more important than quantity. The administrative staff have no more desire to wade through a 20-page dissertation than you have to write it. While something such as quality can be difficult to define, your explanation of why points, powers or position above and beyond what is available out of Chargen is very important. The admins are looking for a strong understanding of the game, and how your character will fit into it.

Be sure to devote as much attention to the character's future as his or her past. What will you try to accomplish with that character? What goals do you have in mind -- what possible routes can that character follow? Nothing is set in stone, yet you can speculate on the possibilities and hopefully gain a better idea of that character's purpose on the game.

Please include the possible stats, preferably in the format of your +sheet as it can be seen on the game. Granted, they may change with the final product, but it will at least give the admins some guidelines when considering the application. Obviously, this is also necessary when the purpose of your application is to advance in levels--include what level you're trying to attain, as well as how your character is going about it. The admin may ask you to provide logs as well, between you and your teacher -- or between you and your student(s). See "news advancement" for more details.

There may be cases when an admin contacts you to revise your application. Most likely they will have small suggestions to make your character fit more appropriately into the game setting in order to be approved.

After a short time of discussion, the admin will respond. Applicants for more powerful feature characters may be asked to "audition" for the part. This basically implies a brief, hypothetical scene with one or more of the admin (or features), so that they can get an idea of your role-play style. They will usually let you know within a few days after the audition whether or not you got the part. Otherwise, an admin will simply contact you and help you adjust your +sheet as necessary so you can get out into roleplay.

A note in closing: all information about Aether's core of "pre-made" features is confidential. Regardless of whether or not your application is accepted, under no circumstances are you to "leak" information to other players. This rule is in place in order to protect the storyline of the game; it would be like telling someone the end of the movie before they'd seen it. Please do not spoil the surprise for other players.

Another note: The admin discourage players from having more than one +vip. Please keep this in mind when you consider applying for a new character.