Hello! Welcome to Potter's Army: the post-Potter roleplay forum currently set in 2028. This guide will hopefully let you know everything you need about getting started here and then you won't have any problem fitting in and getting settled. Apologies for the length but it should be easy to pick out the information you need that is pertinent to your first character. Again, welcome to Potter's Army. We hope to see you on the board, roleplaying, soon!
MUST READS AND OTHER INFORMATIONIf you haven't done so already, stop where you are and run off and read the
site rules. This is the most important thing you need to get your head around. After that, again, if you haven't already, hop over to the
plot section and read up on the current goings on on the sight. That way, you'll be able to adjust your character's role depending on whether or not you want to get involved with the main site plot or not. Plus, it'll help clear up any initial confusion you might have! This goes without saying but I will repeat it: don't break any of the rules. It's not in your best interests, really, and could not only restrict the amount of fun you have on PA but also that of others so abide by the rules and everything will be smooth sailing! (:
If you're completely new to roleplaying or are still a beginner, check out our
roleplaying guide which will hopefully give you some helpful tips to get you going. If you don't know much about Harry Potter lore, especially the particulars of it, then
here is a good place to go to get read up. They're not compulsory reading but it is worth having a look as it could prove helpful at a later date.
If you have any questions, feel free to check out the FAQs to see if your question has already been asked and answered or, if not, then hop over to the
Help Desk and an Admin will come and help you out as soon as possible! Just so you know, sometimes it might take a little bit for us to get to you, but have patience. Doing our best to get your RP needs met is our top concern.
INTRODUCING YOURSELFWe've got a huge member base and the best way to get to know people is by, first, posting in the
Comings and Goings section. Just make a post introducing yourself and, no doubt, you'll make a few friends!
Creating your characterYou can't roleplay without creating an application, I'm afraid. Applications are absolutely compulsory for all members for two reasons:
1. It forms your character in terms of personality and background and also allows other members to get information about him/her. 2. It allows us to measure the amount of Gryffindors/Hufflepuffs/Ravenclaws/Slytherins/Graduates we have active and on site.
The application is also a very creative process and as soon as it is done and the topic is posted, an admin will be around to accept and before you know it you'll be up and ready to start roleplaying!
However, bear in mind that you can't post before your application is accepted - that includes in the claims section though reserving a canon character is the exception to this rule.
Graduate or student?As a general rule, we do encourage new members to start by making a student but you are more than welcome to make a graduate - however there are pros and cons to both.
Graduate Pros- No need to attend classes, if you don't like them, then this is good for you.
- Can RP freely outside of Hogwarts.
- Allows to have families, marriages, children (NPC or not)
- Can have jobs at the ministry. Auror, Wizengamot etc.
- Can open their own shops
- Can take part in the fueding forces of the Death Eaters and Order.
Graduate Cons- Cannot post at Hogwarts, unless they are teachers.
- Cannot take part in classes. If you like classes, being a graduate isn't good for you.
- Have less places to roleplay.
- The majority of the members are students.
- Cannot participate in Quidditch, the house cup etc.
Currently, the majority of our most active members are using student characters so in terms of the amount of thread time you'll get, it's probably more helpful to, at first, start by making a student.
RoleplayingHere at Potter's Army we accept players of
all levels of roleplay. However, it is important to bear in mind that we have a word count of 100 words which is in place to prevent the use of one liners. Numerically, it might sound a lot but it really is only one decently sized paragraph and if you struggle to meet that, take a look back at the roleplaying guide or shoot a PM off to an admin and we'd be happy to help. We are also a board that operates in Third Person, past tense.
ExampleThe potion had, by this point, reached a juncture where Isadora could do nothing more and so she replaced the lid on top of her cauldron, frowned at it as though to tell it to hurry along before taking off her glasses, pushing them to the top of her head. Exhaling a breath, Isadora retrieved her bag out from under the desk and took out her Tupperware box where she was overjoyed to find her smaller pot of strawberries, her chicken sandwich, heavy on the lettuce, and another small pot of carrot sticks, peppers, radishes and cucumber. With a contented smile, she sat down, ready to tuck into the sandwich.
Word Count: 110Don't know where to start roleplaying? Post a request in the
Roleplay Request Center and before you know it, you'll have loads of plot ideas - they'll be coming out of your ears and you won't be able to keep up! (:
Character DevelopmentAt the character building section, you can find things such as member journals, character plots, face claims. etc. The character plot section helps you understand your characters relationship with other characters better, while the journal helps you keep track with whats happening with your character. The jobs section contains jobs for graduates and students alike, whereas the feuding forces enlistment lets you join a faction. At the claim section, you can claim your play-by, and your magical abilities and any objects/ possessions your character has.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GUIDE FOR STUDENTSIf your character is a graduate - don't worry about reading this!
Where to Roleplay?As a Hogwarts student, it makes sense for the majority of your posts to be at Hogwarts. However, PA allows you to post outside of Hogwarts such as Diagon Alley and other places so you've still got a lot of choice in terms of where you're making threads.
ClassesClasses are put on periodically and we advise you attend a handful just to get a feel for them. We have the majority of the classes you see in the books and so you've got a wide array to choose from. Happy learning!
QuidditchYou can sign up for your quidditch team at the common room sign up. Though teams are probably full, substitutes are always needed that will replace inactive members during the matches. Matches are done every so often between houses, and practices are all done at the quidditch stadiun. If your house wins a match, you get house points for your house. You can find the rules
here.
Your HouseAttending classes will earn you house points! For more information about the Inter-house competition, look
herePrefects and the SquadPrefects get to patrol Hogwarts, give detentions and all the rest of it! Prefects are selected every year and if you want to be a part of the squad, it's advised you PM the Headmaster and inquire about it! (:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GUIDE FOR GRADUATESWhere to Roleplay?As a graduate, you cannot roleplay at Hogwarts unless you are a teacher. The Leaky Cauldron is generally the best place to start, though.
JobJobs are pretty important for making lots of wizarding gold and it opens up new opportunities for your characters. Check out the
Job Enlistment for some ideas and to sign up!
FactionsAs a graduate, you've got factions to join: The Order of the Phoenix and the Death Eaters. Your character can join and participate in one of these factions, and we recommend you too. You can meet other people in your faction, and participate in battles, espionage, and other awesome stuff.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC DiscussionOther than the chatbox, PA members post Out of Character stuff at the OOC section. Over there you can discuss the HP books, controversial topics, play games and request signatures!
Help DeskStill confused? No worries, post a topic at the help desk and a staff member or senior member will come as soon as we possibly can and help! (:
The Admin Team
edited 11/25/14 by Khaat
by 
