Getting Started in Æther

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." - Lao Tzu

Welcome to Æther, a text-based Pathfinder 1e roleplaying game set in the world of Golarion! This guide will walk you through the steps to begin your adventure.

1. Join the Discord Server: Your journey starts on our Discord server (insert server link here). This is our central hub for communication, gameplay, and community interaction. Once you join, familiarize yourself with the different channels and their purposes, as described in the #welcome channel.
2. Read the Rules: Before creating a character, carefully review the server rules in the #rules channel. Understanding these guidelines is essential for a positive and respectful gaming experience. Pay close attention to the Code of Conduct and any server-specific regulations.
3. Character Creation:
4. Character Sheet: Obtain a character sheet. You can use a digital sheet (link to preferred online character sheet tool if any), a fillable PDF (link to PDF if available), or even a traditional pen-and-paper sheet. Ensure your chosen format is compatible with your GM and the server's systems.
5. Variant Rules: Æther uses several variant rules. Upon character creation, you MUST choose whether to use:
6. Background Skills: Gain extra skill ranks for non-adventuring skills.
7. Hero Points: Spend points for rerolls, extra actions, or other benefits. Opting out makes you an "Antihero" and grants a bonus feat.
8. Automatic Bonus Progression (ABP): Gain automatic stat bonuses at each level, but start with reduced wealth.
9. Ability Scores: Use the 20-point buy system to distribute points among your six ability scores (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma). Racial modifiers are applied after point buy.
10. Race: Select a permitted race. Consider how your race’s strengths and weaknesses complement your intended class. Custom races are allowed following specific guidelines outlined in the Player's Guide and require GM approval. See the #race-submissions channel for details and submissions. Consider starting with a core race for simplicity.
11. Class: Choose a class that fits your character concept. Your class determines your hit points, base attack bonus, saving throws, skills, and special abilities. Consult the Pathfinder SRD (link to SRD) or other resources for class details.
12. Skills: Allocate skill ranks based on your class and Intelligence modifier. Background Skills, if chosen, grant additional ranks for specific skills.
13. Feats and Traits: Select feats that enhance your character's abilities. You may start with two traits, or three traits and one minor drawback. Review the Pathfinder rules for feat and trait options.
14. Equipment: Purchase starting equipment using the average wealth for your class (or half the average wealth if using ABP). See the Wealth Progression section of the Player's Guide. You can start with crafted items at a reduced cost, but these must be specified and approved by a GM during character submission.
15. Modifiers: Calculate all relevant modifiers (attack bonus, saving throws, skill checks, etc.) based on your ability scores, race, class, and equipment.
16. Backstory: Develop your character's background, personality, and appearance. This adds depth to your roleplaying and earns you a Characterization Bonus of 200 XP. Consider their history, motivations, and goals. Where did they come from? Why are they adventuring? A well-crafted backstory enriches your character and the game world.
17. Character Submission: Submit your completed character sheet and backstory for approval. Open a ticket in the #staff-desk channel, providing all necessary information. Follow the guidelines in the Player's Guide for contacting GMs and moderators.
18. Familiarize Yourself with Spheres of Power (If applicable): If your character uses the Spheres of Power system, study the relevant rules and resources (link to Spheres of Power Wiki). This system offers a flexible approach to magic, allowing you to customize your abilities. Consult with a GM if you have any questions about Spheres.
19. Choose a Starting Location: Decide where your adventure begins. The Player's Guide provides suggestions for starting locations, each with its own opportunities and challenges. Your choice can influence the early stages of your character's journey and the types of encounters you face.
20. Understand Gameplay: Æther uses asynchronous gameplay. Familiarize yourself with these rules to understand how scenes and combat are handled. Pay attention to posting timeframes and communication guidelines.
21. Introduce Your Character: Once your character is approved, introduce them in the appropriate in-character channel (e.g., #tavern-talk). This is your chance to interact with other players and begin your roleplaying adventure.
22. Begin Exploring! The world of Æther is vast and full of possibilities. Engage with the environment, interact with NPCs, and embark on quests. Your choices shape the narrative and determine your character's destiny.

Additional Tips:

• Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask questions in the #help channel if you need assistance or clarification. The Æther community is welcoming and supportive.
• Be Proactive: Engage with the world and other players. Don't wait for things to happen; make them happen!
• Collaborate: Work with other players to create compelling stories and overcome challenges.
• Have Fun! Æther is a place for exploration, adventure, and shared storytelling. Enjoy the journey!

Player Driven Narrative

Æther thrives on a player-driven narrative, where your choices, actions, and stories shape the very fabric of the world. While Game Masters (GMs) provide guidance, narration, and occasional pre-planned adventures, the heart of Æther lies in your proactive engagement and storytelling. This means that you, the player, are expected to take an active role in crafting your character's journey, rather than passively waiting for instructions.

What to Expect:

• GMs as Facilitators: GMs act as narrators and guides, adjudicating rules, describing scenes, portraying Non-Player Characters (NPCs), and ensuring a cohesive narrative. They help bring your stories to life, but they don't dictate your path. Think of them as collaborators in your adventure.
• Player Agency: You are the author of your character's destiny. Your decisions, big and small, have consequences that ripple through the world. Propose actions, engage with the environment, and interact with other players and NPCs to drive your story forward.
• Emergent Storytelling: The world of Æther is dynamic and responsive to player actions. Your choices can lead to unexpected events, open new avenues of exploration, and even alter the course of history. Embrace the unpredictable and be prepared to adapt to the evolving narrative.
• Shared World: Æther is a shared space where your stories intersect and intertwine with those of other players. Collaboration and interaction are encouraged. Form alliances, forge rivalries, and build communities together.
• Occasional GM-Led Adventures: While the focus is on player-driven narratives, GMs will occasionally introduce pre-planned adventures, campaigns, and events. These offer structured challenges and opportunities to delve into specific storylines within the world.
• Downtime and Daily Life: Even between adventures, your character's story continues. The Downtime system provides a framework for pursuing personal goals, developing skills, building relationships, and contributing to the world's economy and society.

Your Role as a Player:

• Be Proactive: Don't wait for the GM to tell you what to do. Take initiative, explore the world, interact with NPCs, and pursue your character's goals.
• Embrace Collaboration: Work with other players to create compelling stories. Share ideas, coordinate actions, and build a vibrant community.
• Be Creative: Æther is a world of endless possibilities. Think outside the box, come up with innovative solutions, and contribute to the rich tapestry of the world's lore.
• Communicate: Clear communication is crucial in a player-driven environment. Discuss your plans with the GM and other players, provide detailed descriptions of your actions, and be open to feedback.
• Have Fun! Æther is a place for exploration, adventure, and storytelling. Relax, enjoy the journey, and let your imagination take flight.

Server Channels

• Announcements: Official server news and important notifications.
• Updates: Latest changes and developments related to the server or game.
• Welcome: Greetings and introductory information for new members.
• Rules and Regulations: The do's and don'ts everyone in the server must follow.
• Help: A place to ask questions and get assistance from the community or staff.
• Staff Desk: Direct line to the server moderators and administrators for support.
• Ideas and Feedback: Share suggestions or feedback on how to improve the server experience.
• Resources: Useful materials and tools for gameplay, such as guides, maps, and rulebooks.
• Bot Commands: Commands to interact with server bots for various functions.
• Dice Rolling: A channel dedicated to rolling dice, crucial for gameplay decisions.
• Role-Reactions: Assign roles within the server through reaction emojis.
• Polls: Cast votes on server polls for community decisions or opinions..

Game Data

• World Lore: Information and stories about the game world's history and setting.
• NPC Compendium: A collection of non-player characters (NPCs) within the game.
• Homebrew Content: Player-created content and modifications to the game.
• Achievements: Recognitions and milestones reached by players.

Gameplay

• Tavern Talk: Casual in-character conversation and roleplay..
• Marketplace: Buy, sell, or trade in-game items or services.
• Summoning Circle: For players to ping and summon others for various in-game activities using the @Looking roles. Untoggle if you do not want to receive pings of a certain type. 

General

• General: General discussions not specifically related to the game.
• Creative Corner: Share your creative works like stories, art, or music related to the game.
• Session Planning: Organize and plan upcoming game sessions.
• Artwork: Display and discuss game-related artwork.
• Hangout (Voice): Voice channel for casual conversation.
• Game Chat (Voice): Voice channel dedicated to in-game communication.
• Quiet Zone (Voice): A voice channel for those who prefer a quieter environment.

Off-Topic

• Memes and Media: Share memes, videos, and other media for entertainment.
• Jukebox: Play and share music with others in the server.
• Controversial: A space for debates and discussions on contentious topics.
• Venting and Coping: A supportive space for sharing personal challenges and seeking comfort.

Staff Roles

Moderator: Moderators are the guardians of server conduct, ensuring that all interactions adhere to the server's rules and guidelines, and helping to resolve conflicts.

• Monitor server activity to enforce rules and guidelines.
• Handle conflicts and disputes among players.
• Ensure a safe and respectful environment for all members.

Game Master (GM): The GM is the creative force behind the game's narrative, controlling NPCs and the flow of the story. They ensure that each session is engaging and fun for all players.

• Develop and narrate engaging storylines and adventures.
• Facilitate gameplay sessions and ensure a smooth experience for players.
• Create and control non-player characters (NPCs) to enrich the game world.
• Adjudicate rules and manage in-game challenges.

Assistant GMs: Aiding the GM, these individuals manage additional game sessions and provide support in storytelling and game mechanics.

• Assist the GM in preparing and running game sessions.
• Take on GM duties for separate groups or when the primary GM is unavailable.
• Help with story development and session planning.

Rules Arbitrator: This role is dedicated to knowing the ins and outs of the Pathfinder 1e rules, providing clarifications and rulings during gameplay to keep the game fair and enjoyable.

• Have a thorough understanding of the Pathfinder 1e ruleset.
• Provide rule clarifications and make judgment calls during gameplay.
• Help maintain game balance and fairness.

Community Manager: The heart of the server’s social space, they foster a welcoming environment, moderate discussions, and maintain a positive community culture.

• Oversee the server’s community channels and maintain a positive atmosphere.
• Address player concerns and feedback.
• Enforce community guidelines and manage member interactions.

Event Coordinator: Responsible for organizing server-wide events, the Event Coordinator keeps the adventure going with special campaigns and activities.

• Plan and organize regular events and special campaigns.
• Coordinate with GMs to integrate events into the game world.
• Engage the community to participate in events.

Content Creators: The creators bring the world of Æther to life with new stories, quests, and lore, enriching the game world for players to explore.

• Design and develop new quests, storylines, and world-building elements.
• Collaborate with the GMs to integrate fresh content into ongoing campaigns.
• Contribute to the lore and history of the Æther world, enhancing the depth and immersion of the game environment.

Contacting a GM

The Gamemasters in the game help oversee different areas of Æther, including encounters, scenes, and sometimes even events! If you require a GM for a point in your mission or scene, you may ping a GM at the #staff-desk. When pinging a GM make sure to include a link to the thread where the GM is required. Do not ping GM roles directly in the threads. 

If a GM is active in your thread or has not replied, you may ping them after 24 hours have passed since their last response to give them time to judge other scenes and create responses. If your GM has not responded in 48 hours since their last response, you may request for a new Judge in the #staff-desk. High volume may increase response times to 72 hours. GMs are volunteers and handle many tasks both within and outside of AEther. We strive to respond to all GM requests as quickly as possible, but please be patient. Thank you!

Contacting a Moderator

Moderators are a different role that helps oversee the systems and rules of the game and discord in order to make sure that it runs smoothly. Moderators do not handle scenes and should not be pinged for them. Moderators may be pinged when characters require items or need edits of those varieties made. 

You may ping a Moderator in the #staff-desk. When doing so make sure to include a link to the thread where the Moderator is required. Pinging a Moderator follows the same rules for contacting a Judge.

Æther