FAQ
From Hmwiki
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General
Are you open?
Yes.
When will X sphere be open?
- Mortal & CCL - Open now
- Second Sight - Open now
For all other spheres, see their individual wiki portals:
Are you going to support X?
- Inferno: Still under discussion.
- Hunter: the Vigil: No. Staff discussed Hunter when it first came out and decided as a whole it did not lend itself well to the setup on this game.
- Promethean: the Created: No. Staff discussed Promethean when it first come out and decided as a whole it did not lend itself well to a multisphere environment.
- Skinchangers: No. It undermines the core Werewolf theme.
- Changing Breeds: No. It undermines the core Werewolf theme.
What if I want to play a different type of character?
Create a character bit and +request your character concept. Someone on staff will get back to you.
What is a MUSH?
A MUSH (sometimes said to be an abbreviation for Multi-User Shared Hack, Habitat, Holodeck, or Hallucination) is a text-based online social medium to which multiple users are connected at the same time. MUSH are often used for online social intercourse and role-playing games, although the first forms of MUSH do not appear to be coded specifically to implement gaming activity. Today's major MUSH variants are descended from TinyMUD, which was fundamentally a social game. For a more detailed answer, Click here.
Do you need new staff?
Usually, yes. There are almost always openings somewhere on staff and always a need for more help. For a list of openings, see Staff Openings.
(And yes, you can staff and play in the same sphere.)
Core
Hunters
- Can I play a hunter?
- Yes.
- Can I play a supernatural alt in the sphere that my hunter alt hunts?
- No.
- Example: If you play a hunter who hunts vampires, you should not play a vampire PC.
- Is there a limit to the number of hunter PCs on HM?
- Yes. It's a flexible cap of 6-10, as of 9 Aug 2008. That may be set more in stone in the near future.
- Are all PCs in hunter-oriented organizations subject to that cap?
- Not necessarily, but we're still feeling that out. A Teutonic Order agent need not be an actual hunter; the agent might be a professor, a hospital doctor or a secretary in the city detectives unit who keeps his/her eyes and ears open and simply passes info on to the order. Hence, the flexible cap. We're not looking to overly restrict the number of Hunter support PCs, but we are looking to keep reasonable limits on the amount of PC deaths. IC conflict is good, but PK festivals are not.
CCL
- Can I play a cop or some other law enforcement?
- Yes.
Mage
Basics
- Q. What books do I need to play here?
- A. You need Mage: the Awakening at the very least, which covers the core rules. The World of Darkness rulebook is also useful for information about character generation and combat. Everything else after that is optional.
- Q. What books do you recommend?
- A. Sanctum and Sigil is highly recommended to familiarize yourself with politics of the Consilium, cabals and sanctums in the Mage world. Tome of the Mysteries provides excellent information about the mechanics of magic in general.
- Q. I'm interested in playing a mage. Now what?
- A. Welcome to the sphere! We recommend your first step be to talk to Mage staff about your concept. They can provide the most up to date information about the sphere, discuss your character concept, and provide valuable feedback. To learn about how the game is run in Vienna, review the +mage files on the game, see the Mage pages on the Wiki, and the Mage section on Forums.
- Q. Is there any benefit to joining a cabal?
- A. Absolutely! You are encouraged to join up with a cabal and all members gain an additional 5 XP when they are part of it. This XP is one time only, though. You don't get it every time you join a cabal or if you leave one because it didn't work out.
Applications and CharGen
- Q. What do I need to include in my application?
- A. See our Application Guide in the Mage section for information.
- Q. What sort of mage concepts do you want/not want?
- A. The Concept Guide lists what the sphere is presently missing and lacking. Any banned concepts are noted there as well.
- Q. How do you handle Mages in CharGen?
- A. First create a character and discuss your concept with Mage staff. Then go through CharGen and set attribute/skill/merit stats as normal. You will need to fill out additional information, including details on your background (see our backgrounds page for more information). When you are finished, proceed to request approval and you will be assigned an approval +job. (See +help myjobs, and type +myjobs to find it.)
- Mage staff will review your character and make the appropriate modifications to your sheet. The process is pretty pain free.
- Q. What if I want something that isn't in CharGen?
- A. It never hurts to ask Mage staff if it is available.
- Q. How much bonus XP do I get to start? 35 like the book?
- A. HM uses a different standard for XP based on age and nationality. See +news startXP.
- Q. Do I apply for the feature experience bonus award?
- A. Mage staff will let you know if you do when your application is reviewed. The bonus award is something we give out rarely, as recognition and a reward for contributions made to the sphere by you.
Mage Society
- Q. Can I start my own cabal or join one?
- A. Yes! You are expected to form or join a cabal on the game. We highly recommend this route. You gain 5 XP the first time you join a cabal.
- Q. Can I begin with status in my Order or Consilium?
- A. Status (Order) 1 is required for Order membership. New Characters will not start with Consilium Status.
- Q. Can I start the game with a Legacy?
- A. No, Legacies must be earned in Character.
Vampire
Books
- Q. What books do I need to play here?
- A. You need Vampire: the Requiem at the very least, which covers the core rules. The World of Darkness rulebook is also useful for information about character generation and combat. Everything else after that is optional.
- Q. What books do you recommend?
- A. It is highly recommended that you have the covenant book for your chosen covenant and the book that contains your bloodline if you have one. You should familiarize yourself with the theme and rites and various mechanics of your covenant and bloodline if you choose to be a part of one.
Chargen & Application
- Q. I'm interested in playing a vampire. Now what?
- A. Welcome to the sphere! We recommend your first step be to talk to Vampire staff about your concept. They can provide the most up to date information about the sphere, discuss your character concept, and provide valuable feedback. To learn about how the game is run in Vienna, review the +vampire files on the game, see the Vampire pages on the Wiki, and the Vampire section on Forums.
- Q. Can I be embraced in game?
- A. Yes. Either you can be embraced by a PC or possibly be embraced by an NPC depending upon staff approval and storylines.
Rules & System
- Q. Is there any benefit to joining a Coterie?
- A. Absolutely! You are encouraged to join up with a coterie and all members gain an additional 5 XP when they are part of it. This XP is one time only, though. You don't get it every time you join a coterie or if you leave one because it didn't work out.
- Q. What is the pool for for Meminisse 4?
- A. Manipulation + Empathy + Meminisse - (Composure + Blood Potency) (see this thread on the White Wolf Forums).
- Q. Can a ghoul learn a bloodline discipline?
- A. Yes, but if the ghoul ever transfers Regnants to someone with a different bloodline or becomes embraced, they lose these disciplines.
Werewolf
Books
- What books do I need to play a werewolf on Haunted Memories?
Werewolf: the Forsaken. The World of Darkness core book. All else is optional.
Character Creation
- Where should I look for answers to my questions about new characters?
Here: New Character Resources. Lots of info.
- Can my PC undergo a First Change in game?
Potentially. See First Changes.
Storytelling
Can players storytell?
Yes. We highly encourage this. It's more valuable for us than for any other sphere.
See +News PrP. See also +Werewolf totems and +Werewolf spirits.
Can I play NPCs?
Yes. Just let Staff know what you have planned via +Request. Some might be so minor that you don't even need to. See +News PrP.
Spirit World
- Can I create original fetishes not detailed in a White Wolf book?
Yes.
- How do I submit a fetish for approval?
Standard XP spend and explanation how your character obtained the fetish. For the Fetish Rite, Fetish Creation Guidelines for an example of a +request on this complicated rite.
- How does my pack claim a locus?
There are several unclaimed loci on grid, as well as others that have been claimed by Forsaken PCs or Pure NPCs. If you want to search for one, contact Staff.
- How do we create pack totems?
Same as the W:tF book describes. See +Werewolf Totems for more details. Totem scenes may be run by players or staff. See +News PrP.
- Can non-staffers story tell/NPC spirits for me?
Yes. Spirits of rank 3 and higher require staff approval. Gafflings typically do not.
Lodges
- Can I create my own lodge?
Yes, under the right circumstances. The concept should be an appropriate and good addition to the chronicle. Follow the guidelines in Lodges: the Faithful and Lodges: the Splintered. See +Werewolf Lodges.
- Can I join a lodge if there is no PC of that lodge active on Haunted Memories?
Yes, under the right circumstances. Contact Staff, and we'll hash out together the best way to accomplish this. It could be done via an NPC mentor that could be played by any player with staff's approval or simply in downtime, with staff/player storytelling, or some other option.
- Can I start the game with my character as part of a lodge?
Yes.
Combat and Death
- How do we do combat on the MUSH?
Here's a primer: Combat
- Can my PC die?
Yes. Most werewolves live violent lives. Many die young. It's the nature of things. By joining the Werewolf sphere, players acknowledge that character death could very well happen. PCs die. This isn't something done indiscriminately, because we all know how much time and effort we put into our characters. Remaining packless, advertising your supernatural status IC, or claiming territory in a dangerous area can make one particularly vulnerable.
Death Rage
- Do wound penalties apply to Death Rage checks?
Yes. (The books appear silent here. If someone sees otherwise, please advise.) In Gauru form, you have no wound penalties.
- When can I roll to end a Death Rage?
A Death Rage should last at least 4-6 turns. A Storyteller may allow an additional Resolve + Composure check once several turns have passed or if the character’s packmates try to talk him out of it. (See WtF, 174.) We echo that. (If there is no storyteller, check with other players involved in the scene to see when they're OK with a roll.)
- When should I take a vice/virtue-based dice modifier to my Death Rage roll?
Use your judgment. If there’s a storyteller, ask; storyteller’s ruling carries the day. Don’t cheese it out to gain bonuses; take penalties when necessary. See WtF 174, 2nd full paragraph.
- Can I spend Willpower on a Death Rage roll?
Yes. Still only 1 WP per turn though.
- When Death Rage ends, what form do I change to?
See WtF, 172 (2nd column, 1st paragraph). Same as when you run out of turns in Gauru.
Harmony Rolls
- Who can call for a Harmony or Death Rage roll?
Players and staff. Use your judgment.
Degeneration rolls
All degeneration rolls should be done via +Request. +Dice to the +Request. (See +Help Dice.)
- NOTE
On Degeneration rolls for spending too much time alone, characters with packs can count down time as being spent with other werewolves (their pack). Packless characters cannot. See WtF, 181-83.
Tracking
- Is there a limit to negative modifiers for time penalties?
No. Every 8 hours elapsed gives the tracker a separate -1 penalty.
- Is there a penalty for snowfall?
Yes. Same as rain if tracking by scent. Heavy snowfall is -2. Normal snowfall is -1.
- If the tracking dice pool changes (because circumstances change), must I reroll for teamwork?
Yes.
- Can I track a vehicle by scent?
Yes, under certain circumstances. If the area has not been heavily traveled by vehicles in the time since the vehicle was present, then you can track it. The penalty can range from 0 to -5, depending on the amount of traffic. If traffic is very heavy, no roll can be tried.
- Does Prey’s Blood apply if the subject is inside a vehicle/house/etc.?
Yes. Prey’s Blood is a supernatural ability. See WtF, 179.
- Do Perception bonuses for different werewolf forms apply?
Yes.
- What’s the limit to dice rolls on an extended action to track someone who’s left the area?
You get a number of rolls equal to your Wits/Intelligence + Survival (including a pertinent specialty) + any teamwork bonus. Similar to most standard extended rolls. As usual, the storyteller can (but doesn't have to) waive the limit if time is not an issue.
Pure
- Can humans and others go into Pure territory?
Yes. It’s just you Forsaken wolves that aren’t welcome.
- How many Pure are out there?
Enough.
- What is the Ivory Claws tribal ban?
"Call no whelp of lesser blood your brother or sister." Or something approximating that. See here.
- Can Pure take gifts from the Mother Luna list?
Yes, most of them. They simply call the gifts "Transformation Gifts" or "Shapeshifting Gifts" and learn them from spirits other than lunes. They can't take the ones specifically tied to lunes, however.
- Can I play Pure NPCs?
Potentially. We sometimes call for this during storylines.
Miscellaneous
- Can Forsaken werewolves detect that a human is wolf-blooded?
No. The closest thing is a pheromonal attraction common between them, but that's typically something that's recognized after the fact. (A Pure gift allows an approximation of this ability, however.)
- Can wolf-blooded PCs detect werewolves?
Yes, potentially. The standard 4-point wolf-blooded merit grants Unseen Sense toward werewolves.
- Do I need a deed name?
No. But we recommend them.
- Should I create a Wiki page for my pack and/or character?
Yes, definitely. We highly recommend this. Particularly a pack. Players earn XP for logs posted to their wiki pages.
- Can I customize other pages on the Wiki?
Uh, hello? Yes! Just don't wreck the Werewolf front page, please?
- How do werewolves age?
"Age rarely has any effect on a werewolf until she reaches 90 or 100, and she tends to look no more than half her advanced age." Blood of the Wolf, 30-31
Werewolf supplements give examples, however, of characters that look their age, beaten down by time and struggle. We had to find a way to reconcile the apparent contradiction. Here it is:
Your apparent age increases by about half what it normally would after your First Change, if your Primal Urge rating is 1-2. Every subsequent dot of Primal Urge knocks off 3-5 years of apparent age. However, a hard life full of difficult experiences can make your character look older, much the same as happens with normal people. Likewise, some people just look young for their age. Players should use their judgment on this.
Rules Interpretations
- How much does it cost to take full understanding of the First Tongue?
2 xp. Every werewolf has some innate understanding of it, but full fluency must be learned.
- Does the Fetish Rite create 3 talens, as is implied in the Fetish background?
Yes.
- If I max out my lethal health levels, do I lose consciousness?
Yes. You only get a Stamina roll to maintain consciousness if your bashing is maxed out. (If in Gauru, no roll.)
- Partial Change allows you to take claws in Hishu/Dalu. What’s the damage?
The claws do lethal damage with no modifier. They also gain you +2 to climbing rolls, same as Protean 3 in Vampire.
- Can I use a bladed weapon in Gauru form?
Use of most melee weapons requires fine motor control, and few weapons can withstand the brutality that comes with a Gauru wielding them. See WtF 172. The exceptions are klaives. See WtF, 205.
- Should I take a -1 penalty on scent rolls if I’m downwind?
Either that, or you shouldn’t get to roll it until someone is VERY close to your character. Your choice.
- How often can the Rahu and Cahalith auspice abilities be used?
Rahu: once per RL day. Cahalith: once per RL month or TP.
- What justifies raising the Rituals trait?
Training with a mentor or knowing several rites at the previous level.
- What about the fetish rite?
You also need to show you know how to use it OOC. It's a complicated rite.
- Can I retry a failed rite or gift?
Sure. Treat it similar to any other retries in the nWoD. Gifts take a -1 modifier on the retry. Bump it to -2 for a rite.
- The book is unclear: How many fetishes can my character have attuned at once?
Treat the fetishes exactly as dedicated items, meaning the number of fetishes you can have attuned at once is limited by your Primal Urge.
Changeling
Sphere Basics
- What books do I need?
You primarily will need the Changeling: the Lost and the core World of Darkness rulebook. The supplements of Autumn Nightmares, Winter Masques, and Rites of Spring are recognized but totally optional.
- How can I find out about the game?
White Wolf has posted basics about Changeling: the Lost on their official wiki.
- Pledges are too confusing!
I know! Luckily, we have a Guide to Pledges for Dummies! Check out the Guide to Pledges.
Character Generation
- How do you handle Lost in CharGen?
- First create a character and discuss your concept with Changeling staff. Then go through CharGen and set attribute/skill/merit stats as normal. You will need to fill out additional information, including details on your background. When you are finished, proceed to request approval and you will be assigned an approval +job. (See +help myjobs, and type +myjobs to find it.) After this, follow our Application Checklist.
- Changeling staff will review your character and make the appropriate modifications to your sheet. The process is pretty pain free.
- What if I want something that isn't in CharGen?
- Ask! It might be available with the right concept, but certain things (like alternate Courts and cultural kiths inappropriate to the setting) may be closed.
- How much bonus XP do I get to start? 35 like the book?
- HM uses a different standard for XP based on age and nationality. See +changeling startXP for how we deal with the Lost.
- Do I apply for the feature experience bonus award?
- Changeling staff will let you know if you do when your application is reviewed. The bonus award is something we give out rarely, as recognition and a reward for contributions made to the sphere by you.
- Can I start with a 5 in a skill or attribute?
- Generally no. We may consider exceptional applications with a 5.
- What's considered 'average' ability for skills?
- nWoD requires less skill points to be invested in order to be competent or trained in a skill than oWoD did. For example, a practicing physician could have Medicine 2 with a specialty, or an attorney Academics 2 with a Law specialty. As a rule of thumb:
- 1 - You've got some skill with the field, college classes or a hobby.
- 2 - You could do this professionally.
- 3 - You're an expert in the field.
- 3 and specialty - Equivalent to a PhD or highest degree for the field.
- 4 - If you're not among the best in the world for this skill, then certain you're among the best in the region.
- 5 - An international luminary whose name is synonymous with this field (Einstein to physics, Andretti to racing, Hemingway to writing).
Character Creation
- What sort of character do you want to see?'
- Please see the Changeling/Application for more details.
- Is it possible for my character to have disappeared in 1875 and spent a hundred years in Arcadia before returning?
- The maximum time you can be gone from the real world in Arcadia is fifty years. After that period of time, the anchors a changeling has to the world are just too weak to overcome their enslavement to the Gentry, allowing them to escape.
- Could I be abducted in World War II and just returning?
- No. Your Durance would exceed 50 years, but you could be abducted in 1945 and return to the world in 1975 or 1980. You would have been out of the Hedge for 20 years, affected by aging as normal. We will not accept abductees who are recently escaped from the Hedge.
- Can I play a mortal and become a Changeling later?
- We are allowing a limited number of IC PC abductions. If this is something that you’re interested in with your Mortal or Mortal+ character, feel free to bring it up with staff.
- Are motleys allowed from CharGen?
- Absolutely! We strongly support anyone joining a motley in the game or from CharGen. We give a one-time +5 XP bonus for joining.
- Can I start with an Entitlement?
- No, currently Entitlements are only available through roleplay.
- Can I play an Other?
- We do not allow characters from antagonist factions (the Gentry/True Fae, Loyalists, Keepers, etc.) for PCs.
Entitlements
- How can my character join an Entitlement?
- Entitlements are a pretty big step for any character and a very serious decision. As such, Entitlements will require someone to run a PRP for your character and that your character meet any requirements that Entitlement might have during the course of that PRP or, at the very least, demonstrate that they’re a suitable candidate. If you’re new here and don’t know anyone who’d be able to run such a plot for you, please contact staff and they will try and hook you up with a volunteer willing to run such a plot.
- What does it cost to join an Entitlement?
- Entitlements do not cost any experience, per se, to join. However, like joining a court, they are an oath of sorts with a lifetime duration, and so joining an entitlement will cost a permanent point of Willpower. That point of willpower can subsequently be repurchased for 8 XP. Likewise, leaving an entitlement requires breaking that same oath, and will also cost a permanent point of Willpower.
- What Entitlements are approved for play here?
- Entitlements from all the books are considered on a case-by-case basis as requested. At the time of this writing, already approved entitlements include: Saptrapy of Pearls, Sacred Band of the Golden Standard, and Duchy of the Icebound Heart. If you are interested in a different entitlement, please submit the one you’re interested in a +request and staff will look into it.
