Welcome to Gaia! ::

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Getting started here in the guild is rather easy. You probably have an idea of what you want to do. This thread will help you determine what else you want to do and things you need to do and follow. Just keep reading this thread and you'll be on your way to understanding this guild and its parts.

Do not post in this thread.

How to get started?

First thing first, you should have already read the Guild Home page and the rules. If you haven't, take a moment to do so. They will be vital to understand this guild that you, personally, just chose to be a part of. Once completed, return here and continue to read below.

What's the Introduction Thread?

Next, you should think about introducing yourself to other members and the crew of the guild. It's rather easy to do. Just go back to the main forums and click on the introduction thread and follow what is written there. Have fun meeting others in the guild and be friendly. Now once you are done posting there, come back here and continue reading.

What are Character IDs?

After you've done introducing yourself, you should start thinking about character(s) and their making. Once you finish making your character(s), you should post them in the correct ID place. Remember, there are four main role-plays with specific IDs. To make general characters for areas where specific IDs are not needed, just post a topic below the stickies in the ID thread. You should keep all your characters in this one thread and name the thread with your username. More on characters and role-playing later on in this thread.

What is the Main Forum (aka Limbo)?

There are many topics in the main forum. This section will tell you what they are about and for. Isn't it convenient to have the FAQs? First thing though, no one but the crew can make topics in the main forum. Please do not post topics there asking for people to role-play with you. There are guidelines and procedures you must abide by. Thank you.

Fun Fact: Limbo is the place where those sent to Hell are placed then sorted out to the appropriate place for punishment. It's sort of like the waiting room for Hell. Seemed like an appropriate name for the main forum, the place you first start out in the Lost Utopia.

What is the Guild Mule for?

Donations to the guild are nice, but unnecessary with there being the current amount that we have. Therefore, it would be better and highly recommended that you donate to the Guild Mule: Lost Utopia Mule instead. With the mule receiving the gold/items then we can have funding and prizes for events and contests. The guild account gold is somewhat untouchable unless buying announcements or subforms. Kind of hard to make events with this gold though its there and prizes would be extinct. So donate items and gold to the Guild Mule and friend the guild mule!

What is the General Announcements Thread?

The thread labeled General Announcements will be used to present members with updates on areas by the crew. Changes may be frequent or slow at coming but once they are made, then we will post that the thread is updated for a given amount of time. Members should check the thread often to see if there any changes since mostly the changes will effect you and the guild. Plus, general announcements will be a place to look for announcements of events and contests and such. Members are not permitted to make the announcements, only the crew can make changes to the general announcement thread. If you have an announcement to make, PM the Captain or a crew member with it and they will post it and update the members on it.

The Rules

See how the rules come up a lot? Because it is an important thing in the guild. Rules are law and life in this guild. If you break the rules, you broke the law and will persecuted and not have a life within here. Ignorance to the rules even if you haven't yet read them is not bliss. You still are responsible for knowing them and following them. Plus, it would be nice to know all of our hard work didn't go to waste. Also, the rules could have changed or been updated the last time you saw them, so check them often. Refreshers are good things since you know if you are violating the rules or safe.

The Banners

Like all great guild, banners are collected and displayed for differentiation and symbols of that the guild is. The banner is located at the top right of the guild and is the picture that you would see associated with the guild when doing a search for it. Banners are important and highly loved. In the banner thread, you will find that we are always on the look out for more banners. If you are artistic and want to show us what you got and you like this guild enough to make us a banner, we would love it if you posted in the banner thread with your banner. Banners can be used for the guild official banner or for signatures.

About the Affiliates Thread

Some guilds have other guild as 'sister guilds' or 'associates'. Here we simple refer to those as affiliates. We would love to have affiliates to our guild, so they can get recognition and us as well. If you have a guild or are in one, you can request to be an affiliate to the Lost Utopia. There are guidelines to follow though and those are simple and posted within the Affiliates thread.

What is the Absence Thread for?

The absence thread is basically what its name means. It's for anyone to post in when they will not be able to come on and role-play or something. Absences can vary from thing to thing. You could be going on vacation, have a camp function to go to, will be without internet for a while, or whatever. It's not mandated that you post within the absence thread every time you are away, but we would love to wish you well as you go off. Plus, it helps out those who you are role-playing with, so they don't think you left them high and dry. For more on the Absence Thread look there.

The Official OOC Thread

Want to meet with the other members or make new friends? The best way to do this would be to post in the Official OOC Thread! The OOC thread stands for: Out of Character. You won't be your character(s) in this thread but yourself and post whatever you would like to talk about. Hopefully, others will have posted there as well and the chattering can begin. Crew will also be allowed to post in there and it is recommended that you do as well. The OCC can be a haven to the members and a free communication to all. Plus, text talk is supported in the OOC thread. Just be yourself, but be friendly. This guild isn't about hate and dislike.

What is the Suggestions Thread for?

Have an awesome idea for the guild? Well, post it in the Suggestion thread so the crew can see it! If you don't post it here, then we won't know what the members of our guild want to change, create, or delete. The suggestion thread is vital for your comfort and pleasure here. We, the crew, won't get angry for you if you dislike something that you saw or whatever. So, think of the suggestion thread as a suggestion box or a place to report issues that need to be revamped or looked upon. We're doing the best we can, but help from the general population here within out guild would be appreciated. The suggestion thread is also where you can post questions that you may have about the guild or about something that was unclear to you, or you can just PM a crew member your question.

What are some Role-playing places?

Within this guild, we want you to role-play and have a fun time doing so. We have even opted to make you a few set places so after you create your desired character(s), you can quickly post them and met with other characters either on neutral grounds or restricted ones. We even give you the option to make your own role-plays and live out your own fantasy the way you wish. Read below and see what your role-playing options are and learn about the role-playing areas.

What is Neutral?

Neutral grounds means that the areas are allotted for all characters to enter no matter their race/species or their relative goodness or evilness. There are a few neutral areas around the guild for your characters. Some neutral grounds are: the Academy, the Asylum, the Facilities, and Sanctuary. Keep in mind that some neutral places are restricted under certain conditions.

What is Restricted?

Restricted areas are places where there are certain requirements that need to be followed before a character is allowed in. For most of them, those requirements have something to do with their IDs. The main restricted areas are: Underworld and Nirvana. Some neutral and yet restricted areas are: the Academy and the Asylum mostly because of their IDs requirements.

Restrictions: Underworld is only for the baddies who meet its ID requirements. Nirvana is only for the goodie-two-shoes who meet its ID requirements. The Asylum is only for the crazies who meet its ID requirements. The Academy is only for the smarties who meet its ID requirements. Get it yet? Hopefully, you have.

Banishment: Any character from the restricted areas are not allowed within Sanctuary. They chose their paths and aren't allowed to corrupt those within Earth. Also, characters of the Asylum are banned from going anywhere but the Asylum. Crazy people aren't allowed to roam the world. Besides, they have a nice little world of their own in the Asylum. It's pretty enough and well stocked in there. There is no need for them to leave. Ever.

What are the Facilities?

The Facilities is an area full of areas that you can take your characters, be they any race/species because the areas are all on neutral ground. It's one of the places you can take and make general characters for. You can even take your characters from the restricted areas here except ones from the Asylum! There are different areas of the Facilities and each designed for a variety of role-playing adventure. Within each place, your character(s) can meet with others and interact as one would normally or abnormally meet within those places. Adventure is out there! Go out and seek it and others! The best place to do this is in the Facilities. For more information, seek out the areas within the subform.

What is the Academy?

Some people really like to role-play within a school setting. This is actually one of the rather popular types of role-plays and to accommodate those who love such role-plays or would like to try it, we bring to you the Academy. Here is where you can have your character(s) interact with others in a school and learn through classes and activities whatever it is you wish. The Academy is a neutral yet restricted place due to its specific ID requirements, meaning your character(s) can be of any race/species but must follow the Academy ID requirements to be allowed in. Remember, that characters here need to follow the specific ID code set in place and those that do not follow it will not be allowed access into the school. For more information, head over to the Academy and seek guidance from its rules and guidelines. This is one of the main role-plays.

Academy Dorms?

Since the Academy is a school and will be more like a private/college type school, there will be dorms for the characters accepted to it. When you have made your character(s) and are ready to explore school life, you need to to apply for a dorm. You cannot reserve dorm rooms nor switch out if you don't like who you were placed with since the system is random. You also cannot requests rooms before you make a character profile. There will be two (2) people per dorm room. Go to the dorm subform and post within the front desk the following specific information: the character's full name, dorm building (the one you chose in the ID), room number, and grade level. Then after the room list has been updated and you notified may you post your character in that room. Only crew members can create dorm rooms. Members do not create their own dorm room. If you want to role-play quickly, PM a crew member about the creation of your room.

What is the Asylum?

Ever wanted to be that crazy little psycho that you see in movies or hear about from time to time? Wonder what it would be like in an asylum or a prison? Then you are looking for the Asylum! Here you can create a crazy little character(s) to run around the grounds of the role-playing area. But, be warned that this place is a neutral yet restricted place so everything from demons to humans can be held captive in its walls. Also, keep in mind that Asylum characters are not allowed out at all to either the Facilities or Sanctuary. Crazy people must stay in crazy land. If this is the place for you, then make your character(s) and post them in the Asylum IDs. Remember, that characters here need to follow the specific ID code set in place and those that do not follow it will not be allowed access into the crazy land. For more information, head over to the Asylum and take a peek at its rules and guidelines. This is one of the main role-plays.

Asylum Cells?

Prisoners, well patients of the Asylum will need to be processed and placed in cells. Yes, cells since the Asylum doubles as a prison. Ever heard of 'criminally insane' people? If not, well they exist and reside within the Asylum. You cannot reserve cells nor switch out if you don't like who you were placed with since prisoners and patients don't have that privilege. You also cannot requests cells before you make a character profile. There will be two (2) people per cell. Go to the cell subform and post within the reception desk the following specific information: the character's full name and cell number. Then after the cell list has been updated and you notified may you post your character in that cell number. Only crew members can create cells. Members do not create their own cells. If you want to role-play quickly, PM a crew member about the creation of your cell.

What is Nirvana?

Tired of there being evil to corrupt the world around you? If so, then you probably belong up here in Nirvana. Here, angels and other peaceful and calm creatures can dance about without worry that evil will disrupt their perfect lives, so it's restricted. Only dreams and happiness are found here, even if there are underlying darkness that leaks out from time to time. Anyways, if you wish to have a character be here, then make one and post it within the Nirvana IDs. Remember, that the character IDs here are specific and you need to follow the code outline or you face being rejected. For more information, seek guidance from the Nirvana subform. This is one of the main role-plays.

What is Underworld?

Want to be a demon or vampire or something that roams about with its own kind? Well, come on down to the Underworld. It's dedicated for all this is demonic, vampiric, and evil, so it's restricted. Good is prohibited from entering, but it still resides within the torn and hell-ragged paths of the Underworld. If you believe that this place is for you, then make your character(s) and post them in the Underworld IDs. Remember, that characters here need to follow the specific ID code set in place and those that do not follow it will not be allowed access into the realm of evil. For more information, head over to the Underworld and take a peek at its rules and guidelines. This is one of the main role-plays.

What is Sanctuary?

Not really up to making a specific ID for the four main role-plays? Just want to have a character and have him or her roam the Utopia doing whatever? Well, make a general character and come to Sanctuary. It's a neutral ground for all races and species, kind of like Earth. There are places within Sanctuary that your character(s) can head into and move about. Nothing is off limits for these areas, but like most places here in the guild, there are rules and guidelines. Make sure you take a look at them before you venture into Sanctuary. One more thing, characters from restricted areas are banned from entering Sanctuary. The general characters need a haven of their own too you know. :3

What is 1 x 1?

1 x 1 is a role-playing subform. It was created so any member that wants to create his or her own role-play can do so. There are guild mandated guidelines that the 1 x 1 role-plays must abide by, but other than that, the creator of the role-play has free reign of it. So, if you don't like the whole thought of the main guild role-plays and want to make your own, head over to the 1 x 1 subform and read the guidelines and rules and start your own journey here in the Lost Utopia. For more information about this subform, head over to it now.

What about the other areas or new areas?

Of course there are other areas about the guild and, hopefully, there will be newer areas soon to come to the guild. We'll add those new areas in this section of the FAQs and tell you about some areas not mentioned in other parts of the FAQs. We look forward to new areas to roam in and participate in.

The Crew Parlor

The Crew Parlor is self-explanatory. This section of the subform is dedicated only to those fine members of our crew. This is where we think over things about our guild and process facts and such. It's a background sort of thing that members shouldn't worry themselves about. Besides, unless you are a crew member, you can't even access the subform. Thinking of wanting to be a crew member? Well contact the Captain (Zakchaios) about it. He is the only one with authority to make crew members and promotions, even demotions.

What is the Event Subform?

Events range in variation and types. An event could mean a contest, a quiz, a vote, a poll, or something else, but they all require thought and time to be created. Some even require funding and items to be given as prizes. Events are fun and exciting and promoted in the guild, but there are certain guidelines about making events. Just head over to the Events subform and you can read all about those guidelines. Once you have completed a successful and approved event, you can request for it to be announced in the general announcement thread in the main forum. Events should be open for everyone to participate in if they so wish. We hope to have lots of events and contests later on and throughout the livelihood of this guild. Donations should go to the Guild Mule and not to the Guild account. Please donate items and gold so we can make events awesome.

What is the Home subform?

The Home subform is for homes of your characters if you so choose to make them homes. We felt that the characters could interact outside of their home and in them. It also allows for members to make their own home places and interact with the person or persons that they want to on a one-on-one basis without having others distract or interact with them. Rules of the homes are in the rules and guidelines and the houses are to be moderated by the crew still. The homes subform has really laxed rules. To make your house, just seek more information from the Home subform.

Anything new?

Oh! Look there are some new information that has been put up. Read it! It may answer some of your questions or keep you from getting in trouble with the crew or other members.

Character Pictures

Alright. This issue has come up. Please, please, please, size down your pictures. If you have an account that can do this (e.g. photobucket, etc) then do so. Large pictures stretch the pages and make it hard for some people to view the role-plays on their browsers. Also, it makes the page longer/wider than it should be. If you don't have an account that can size down pictures, then ask someone to do it for you and I'm sure that they will be willing to do it for you. Heck, ask the Captain if you don't want to bother the others. The Captain likes to be bothered, within reason of course.

Recommended size for pictures: Width and length shouldn't exceed 500.