Frequently Asked Questions

Roleplaying GJO-FAQ V1.3

THE BASICS

So, what is this all about?

It is called roleplaying. Roleplaying in the Star Wars (from now on called "SW") universe at the message boards of swfan.net.

How do you "roleplay"?

You post as a character at swfan.net roleplaying or swfan.net storytelling forums and interact with others in the context of the SW universe.

Is it fun?

Yes, judging by the lack of sleep among the posters of these forums. =)

What is required to start?

A global ezboard account, some knowledge about SW and some writing talent.

What is Star Wars?

What planet have you been living on for the last 2 decades? See these movies as soon as possible:

Star Wars - Episode I - The Phantom Menace
Star Wars - Episode IV - A New Hope
Star Wars - Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back
Star Wars - Episode VI - The Return Of The Jedi

See them twice, thrice..

There is also alot of books and comics made about SW. For more info about SW, you might want to check out the official website or theforce.net.

ABOUT EZBOARD

What is Ezboard?

Ezboard is one of the most popular message board systems on the net. Anyone can set up an user account or a board 100% free. Check their homesite for more information. The roleplaying takes place on an Ezboard called swfan.net in the forums Star Wars Roleplaying and Star Wars Storytelling.

How do I sign up with Ezboard?

Click on this link. Chose a name, password, enter your email (for password retrieval), and you are done.

I have a question about or problem with my Ezboard account. Where do I find help?

Check out the Ezboard Learning center. If that does not work, visit the Ezboard support forums.

GENERAL INFO ABOUT THE ROLEPLAYING

Are there rules?

Yes, there are a few established rules:

1. No killing, maiming, or dismembering without permission from your opponent.
2. No "God-mode". When attacking in an impossible/highly unrealistic manner in an attempt to defeat your opponents, or when you seem invulnerable, you are playing God Mode.
3. Force Powers and weapons seen in the SW movies takes presedence.
4. You should always give your opponents time to reply.
5. No spying or infiltrations. Creating alternative characters for the purpose of spying on another group is not allowed.

Are these the only rules?

Those are the basic rules. For more details, check the roleplaying guidelines. The most important guideline however, is using comon sense.

What is infiltration?

In february 2000, the leaders of the major roleplaying groups decided that infiltrations should no longer take place because of frequent OOC conflicts as result of discovered infiltration/spying and leaking of information. You are infiltrating when you create an account for the sole purpose of retrieving information from another group.

Do characters ever die?

Yes, but only when the person behind the character decides to.

Is there a set timeline?

Most of the roleplaying seems to take place 10-15 years after ROTJ or later. However, feel free to start roleplays with whatever timeline you want.

What weapons are generally accepted by other players?

Anything found in the movies or the books are acceptable. Sabers and blasters are primary weapons. There is a basic page describing the weapons used in the movies at starwars.com to be found here. A more comprehensive list is found at swdatabase.com.

Can I build or own a ship?

Yes, you can. Just make sure it is built according to the shipbuilding rules at any of the groups shipyards first.

What abilities and Force powers are accepted?

Again, anything found in the movies or the books are acceptable. The ability to use and control the Force is reserved for Jedi and Sith. This list of Force powers used in SW RPG covers most Force abilites. Remember to use your comon sense. It is highly unlikely a Jedi Padawan would be able to defeat a Sith Master/Lord. Vice versa, it is highly unlikely a Sith Disciple would defeat a Jedi Master. I, Jedi is recommended reading for understanding the Force better.

How do I know what is Star Wars and what is not?

There is a great number of reference material on the internet to help you. One of the most comprehensive is the Completely unofficial Star Wars Encyclopedia. For learning about planets and systems in the galaxy, use The Star Wars Planet Guide. There is also a map of the galaxy here (large version).

There seems to be quite a few abbreviations, what are they?

These are the most comonly used:

EU = External Universe (the books)
GJO = Greater Jedi Order
GL = George Lucas
IB = Imperial Brotherhood
IC = In Character
LOL = Laugh Out Loud
OOC = Out Of Character
ROTFL = Rolling On The Floor Laughing
RP = Roleplay(ing)
RPF = Roleplaying Forum
RPG = Roleplaying Game
RSO = Rogue Sith Order
SW = Star Wars
TGC = The Gungan Council
TGE = The Galactic Empire
TIE = The Interstellar Empire
TMC = The Marzullo Clan
TSC = The Sith Council
TSO = The Sith Order
TTT = To The Top
URSF = Unknown Region Sith Fleet

What groups are there?

There are many groups. Most are either Jedi, Sith or Imperial. Some of the larger groups are:

The Greater Jedi Order
The Gungan Council
The Sith Empire
Rogue Sith Order
The Sith Order

For a more complete list of groups and roleplay relevant links, click here.

How do I become a better roleplayer?

There are many ways to improve your roleplaying: One way is by learning from others. You can improve alot by just reading roleplays. Some of the very best roleplays are stored here. A good roleplayer also knows what is realistic and what is not. To extend your knowledge about Star Wars watch the movies and read EU literature.

CREATING YOUR CHARACTER

What name should I chose for my character?

That is entirely up to you. But it is preferably if the name sounds like something taken from the SW universe. To avoid confusion, be carefull of chosing established characters like Leia, Luke etc. Chances are someone has taken that name allready.

What type/race of character should I be?

SW related races/type of characters are highly recommended (this is SW roleplaying after all). You may chose any type of character that you would find in EU literature. If you chose anything non SW, like Dragon Ball Z, Marvel Universe characters etc, you agree that any abilities of such characters will not overpower Force abilites. Force powers takes presedence.

Can I play multiple characters?

**From SWFAN.net RP FAQ** - as agreed by the posters on swfan.net
A: It depends on why you wish to play multiple characters. When you play multiple characters is it for either:

* Infiltration purposes to spy on other groups:

This involves a roleplayer creating another character purely to infiltrate another group and spy on that group for information. This practice is prohibited. Any form of infiltration into any group is seriously looked down upon by the majority of roleplayers. The reason is because the roleplaying community is built on trust and infiltrating when uncovered can destroy the trust between roleplayers. Any roleplayer caught infiltrating may be banned from the SWFans.Net forums and may also be banned for any of the group forums as well.

* Roleplaying purposes to allow the roleplayer to roleplay different characters:

This is allowed, but there are certain conditions involved depending on how you wish to roleplay these other characters:

a) If you wish to join another group with an alternate character you must do certain things first. You must inform the group in question beforehand that you are playing an alternate character and then ask if you are allowed to join the group with the alternate character. It is left to the group to decide if the you are permitted to join or not. Also you must inform any other groups that you are already a member of that you are roleplaying another character in another group.

b) If you wish to keep the character independent there is no need to inform anyone of the alternate character, but if you decide in the future to join a group you must follow the steps mentioned above.

Note: If anyone creates another character purely for roleplaying purposes and joins another group, but fails to inform that group as well as any other groups they are a member of that they are roleplaying an alternate character, they are then liable for punshment under the Infiltration penalties mentioned above should they be discovered. If you want to roleplay another character in another group, tell the groups involved beforehand.

Can I join other groups with the 1 character?
**From swfan.net RP FAQ**

A: Depends on which group you are a member of and which group you intend to join. Some groups allow their members to join other groups provided they are of the same alleigance. Others, however, don't. Ask your particular group if multiple membership is allowed. [See GJO policy on infiltration further down the page]

CREATING YOUR SIGNATURE

What is a signature? How do I make one?

A signature is an Ezboard option in the personal preferences where the poster may set a custom file which appears bellow every post. The signature file is a set of HTML code which may contain custom text and images. The signature signals to other posters who your character is and what your afiliations are. To build one, you might want to learn some basic HTML or just ask any of the posters at Jedi Academy to help you. There is also a dedicated forum dedicated for building signatures found here: Ogre's Signature Shop. For learning HTML, I recommend HTML goodies. Their color tutorials, image tutorials and table tutorials are particulary usefull.

Are there limitations on signature size?

Yes. Try to keep total file size of your images and HTML under 30K. Bellow 10K or 20K is even better. Your signature should be as simple as possible. The more complex HTML and large image files you have in your signature, the longer it takes for a thread with your signature to load. Also make sure your signature is not too wide. You would be surprised of how many people who still are using 640x480 resolution.

Where do I find a lightsaber?

You can make or find one yourself, or you can ask at the Jedi Academy for one. If you like a true visual treat, ask Master Yoghurt to find you one. He builds customized animated sabers. For your convenience, here you may find them:
Animated lightsabers icons
Sabers for your signature
File index for all animated sabers created

GENERAL INFO ABOUT THE GREATER JEDI ORDER

What is the Greater Jedi Order?

In may 1999, a group of posters started a Jedi Council led by Sir Dizzy at a board called javafortress at the Star Wars vs Titanic website. The posters then moved to swfan.net and a battleground was created. Due to arguments between administrators and moderators most of the posters moved in protest and created another board called Coruscant City where a new battleground was created. Some of the remaining people started a new Jedi Council and the swfan.net roleplaying as we know it today was born. At this point the Jedi were split in two groups: The CC.net Jedi and the swfan.net Jedi. The two Jedi groups realised they would be stronger if they joined forces and an alliance was made - The Jedi Alliance. Eventually the two groups fully merged and the Greater Jedi Order was born. Swfan.net roleplayers and CC.net Jedi was once again unified and the roleplaying was taken back to where it all started.

Where may I find this "Greater Jedi Order"?

At our message board: Greater Jedi Order

What are the different forums for?

Temple Avalon: Where we discuss our plans, tactics and strategy and where important decisions are made. Password closed.
Bar and Grill: Welcome everyone to have fun and relax between the battles. Jedi as well as Sith is welcome to talk IC or OOC.
Jedi Academy: Here, Padawans are trained in the ways of the Force to become Jedi. Join for a friendly sparring or ask a Master for advice.
Jedi Recruitment Center: This is where you may ask to join us. If accepted, you will be assigned a Master to train you.
Holocron Library: Archive forum with older threads from Temple Avalon. Password closed.
Bar and Grill archives: Old threads from the Bar and Grill are stored here.
Fanfiction Forum: Where Dark Fury and other legendary stories are posted and rated.
Shipyards: This is where GJO design and build ships for protection of the Jedi Temples and the free and innocent citizens of the Galaxy

What is a Jedi excactly?

This is part of your training to learn. In a nutshell, a Jedi is a person who have sworn to protect the Galaxy from evil. I recommend studying the pages at the Force Academy for more information about Jedi/Sith and the Force. The lectures found here are most usefull: Light Jedi Lectures

Why should I join the Jedi?

This is a choice you alone can make. The way of the Light is certainly not the easy one. The only wealth we can promise you is knowledge and wisdom.

How do I join the Jedi?

You must post at Jedi Recruitment Center, asking to join. Once accepted, a Master will be assigned to train you in the ways of the Force and the Jedi.
How to join in 1-2-3

How do I get trained?

You will be trained at Jedi Academy. There your Master will teach you how to roleplay and the philosophy of the Jedi.

Are there special rules of conduct for Jedi?

Yes, the code and some guidelines can be found here.

Is there a list of members?

Yes, click here.

What are the ranks?

From lower to higher: Jedi Padawan, Jedi Knight, Jedi Master. Check the memberlist for the current ranks.

GJO ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES

Who may join GJO?

Anyone with a global ezboard account, some basic knowledge of Star Wars and the ability to type may join. If you are allready a member of another group, read the section on GJO policy on multiple membership.

When do I get promoted?

It is the GJO Jedi Council who decides when or if you should be promoted. The question of promotion will be raised by your Master or a Councilor when either feels you are ready. When the Council is assembled, they will vote. A majority vote is required. You may get the question: "How feel you."

How do I become promoted?

There are no set guidelines for who will get promoted. You have to earn everyone's respect and behave as a true jedi. However, I will provide you with some hints which may proove helpful:

We appreciate members who participate in as many battles and roleplays at swfan.net as possible. This is how your character gets well known among the roleplayers. Supporting or helping our group in any possible way which contributes to the GJO cause is a plus. Good quality roleplaying gained by experience at the swfan.net RPF's and well progressed training at the Academy is another indication of how ready you are. Loyalty is one of the things we value the most, and if you have been an active member of our group for a long time, it is a good argument for promotion. Please dont post where you ask why you are not promoted or complain about it. These questions should be addressed to your Master responsible for your training. It is usually your Master who brings the issue of promotion before the Council, and it is him/her who ultimately has a decisive influence of wether you will get promoted or not.

As for ranks and titles, I would like to quote what one of our Jedi so wisely said; "One does not become a Jedi Master when the title is bestowed upon him. You are first a Master, and then others recognize your prestige, and grant you with more responsibilities". This is the case for both Knights and Masters. It is not your title that defines your actions, but the other way around.

What are the differences in requirements to become Jedi Knight versus Jedi Master?

A Jedi Knight is required to understand and be able to use the Force. He/she is expected to know and abide the Jedi Code and is 100% dedicated to the way of the Light. A Jedi is determined to help the weak and innocent as well as protecting the peace and Justice of the Galaxy.

A Jedi Master is required to fulfill of the above, but to a much stronger degree. In addition, he or she has probably aquired some wisdom and knowledge and understands the Force and the ways of the Jedi in a deeper perspective. The Jedi Master is very dedicated and willing to work hard and take responsibilities to help the GJO. To be concidered for Master status, you must have been loyal the the Jedi Order for a long time. Only those concidered the most trusted and respected members of the GJO receive the rank of Jedi Master.

When do I get access to Temple Avalon and Holocron Library?

Access is given when the administrators know you well enough to be sure you will not leak any information to opposing groups. This may take quite a while, especially if you have been member of a Sith group in the past. Members that achieves the rank of Jedi Knight automatically gains access to the Temple. If you feel you should have access, contact your Master who trains you asking him/her to request your access before the Council or ask an administrator.

What is the GJO policy on infiltration and leaking of information?

No infiltration, leaking information or hacking of passwords shall take place.

Infiltration: Also known as spying. Creating a character with the purpose of retrieving restricted information from another group. Among such restricted information is any conversation taking place on password locked forums, email or any private messaging programs like AIM, ICQ, MSIM etc. [Strictly forbidden]

Leaking information: Revealing any non public information to opposing groups, given to you in trust of your loyalty to the group you are member of. This includes any conversations taking place on password locked forums, email or any private messaging programs like AIM, ICQ, MSIM etc. [Highly unappreciated and forbidden]

Hacking passwords: Obtaining ezboard username passwords or forum password in order to get access to restricted areas. [Strictly forbidden]

Infiltrating a group or hacking into password locked forums is a serious offence of the swfan.net roleplaying rules, and may be the cause of banning at both swfan.net, GJO or any other roleplaying group. Leaking information may jeopardize your membership of the group you are leaking information from, and under extreme circumstances may get you banned from swfan.net.

What is the GJO policy on multiple group membership?

1) Allies of the GJO - may join us freely. Since we keep no secrets from our allies, such members may have access to password closed forums.

2) Members of enemy groups; Sith or Imperial, creating a Jedi character for roleplay purposes. - must first inform a GJO admin, clearly identify who you are, why you wish to join, what other group(s) you are member of and ask for permission. Usually granted, but has been refused. Temple access will more than likely be denied. By joining us, you agree you will not leak any information given in trust of your membership at the GJO to any enemy group. Neither will you leak information to us exclusive for your Sith character.

3) GJO Jedi who creates a character joining an enemy group (Sith, Imperial etc) - must make sure the GJO administrators are informed and ask for permission. The leader(s) of the Sith group he/she is joining must also be informed. By doing this, you promise to respect the multiple membership policy and any rule against infiltration or leaking set by the enemy group. You also promise not to take advantage of any information exclusive to your memberships leaking information to either group.

* In any case, you are required to be open about your multiple memberships. Breaking the above rules may be regarded as infiltration by GJO and will be treated accordingly....
* The above rules do not prevent you from creating characters independent from any groups. You may do this freely and without informing or asking for permission, allthough a quick notice is often appreciated to avoid confusion.
* The above rules are in accordance with the official swfan.net roleplaying rules as agreed upon by the posters of swfan.net RP forums.
For reference, this is the multiple membership policy according to swfan.net FAQ:

"If you wish to join another group with an alternate character you must do certain things first. You must inform the group in question beforehand that you are playing an alternate character and then ask if you are allowed to join the group with the alternate character. It is left to the group to decide if the you are permitted to join or not. Also you must inform any other groups that you are already a member of that you are roleplaying another character in another group."

Are there rules of conduct for forum behavior?

In general, comon netiquette and the general rules of conduct as for swfan.net applies to these forums.

"Basically, be polite and try to keep your posts in good taste. Keep in mind that we do have board members who are still minors and may even be younger than you think. Also it is good form to keep your topic titles descriptive and relative to your actual post (avoid titles like 'Look at this', 'Hey', 'Isn't this great' etc. - be more descriptive so everyone knows exactly what your topic is about) and your post on topic for the relevant forum (don't go posting the details of the latest Star Wars novel in the 'Star Wars Films' forum for instance)

Avoid posting offensive remarks involving things like another poster's age, race, gender, or sexual or religious preferance, as well as lewd remarks. These kind of remarks are not appreciated."

Ezboard - terms of use

"USER CONDUCT
You agree to not use the Service to:

(a) violate or solicit the violation of any applicable local, state, national or international law;
(b) infringe the rights of any third party, including but not limited to intellectual property rights and privacy or publicity rights
(c) upload, post, email or otherwise transmit any Content that (1) is unlawful, threatening, abusive, tortious, defamatory, obscene, libelous, or invasive of another's privacy; (2) consists of instructional information on illegal activities, including, but not limited to, hacking, cracking, and phreaking; (3) violates or infringes in any way upon the proprietary rights of others, including, without limitation, copyrighted software, music, photographs, text, videos or artwork; (4) constitutes pornography, or sexual material of an obscene nature or that violates local, state or national laws; (5) is the private information of another such as their addresses, phone number, Social Security number or credit card number; (6) contains software viruses, Trojan horses or any other computer code, files or programs designed to interrupt, destroy or limit the functionality of any computer software or hardware or telecommunications equipment; or (7) you do not have a right to upload or post due to contractual or other legal obligation.
(d) impersonate any person or entity, including, but not limited to, a ezboard official, forum leader, guide or host, or falsely state or otherwise misrepresent your affiliation with a person or entity;
(e) forge headers or otherwise manipulate identifiers in order to disguise the origin of any Content transmitted through the Service;
(f) interfere with or disrupt the Service, computer servers or boards accessible through the Service;
(f) interfere with or disrupt the Service, computer servers or boards accessible through the Service;
(h) disseminate off-topic messages on boards promoting any product, service, web site, board or venture, or promote boards on the Service through unsolicited electronic mail messages to third parties."

This section will be replaced later with the GJO specific forum conduct rules.

Hope you found this FAQ helpfull, have fun!

* In addition to this FAQ, we recommend you read the swfan.net RP FAQ and the swfan.net general FAQ
* If anything is missing to this FAQ or you like to comment for any other reason, contact the website administrator

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