Advancement in the Army of the Light

This is our main military force, and comprises 80% of our total membership. Like most military organizations, there are many opportunities for variety in the Army of the Light. We have units of lancers, swordsmen, bowmen, crossbowmen, and more. Want to handle horses, be a cook, or make armor? The Army of the Light is for you. The Legions of the Army of the Light frequently roam abroad, spreading the Light where they go. Soldiers of the Army may also serve at the Fortress of Light for periods of time. The Lords Captain are the leaders of the Army of the Light.

Child (1st Tier) - A standard soldier of the Army of the Light. He may be a lancer, bowman, farrier, or any other role. He holds rank above no one except recruits and servants. All Children of the 1st tier have a Sunburst emblazoned on the left breast of their cloak. 

Other 1st Tier Ranks (Optional) –  A Child may advance through ranks within the first tier, giving him some more responsibility over others before promotion to officer. These first tier ranks are (from lowest to highest): File Leader, Second Squadman, Squadman, Second Bannerman and Bannerman. It is not necessary for a Child to proceed directly through this order of ranks, and may be advanced or demoted between any of them based on his deeds.

Hundredman (2nd Tier) - This is the rank of lower officers within the Army of the Light. As the name suggests, the Hundredman leads up to 100 of his fellow Children. Hundredmen may be leaders of lancers, swordsmen, bowmen or crossbowmen. A hundredman and other ranks of the 2nd tier have a silver lightning bolt added below the Sunburst on the left breast of his cloak. 

Other 2nd Tier Ranks (Optional) - Like the other 1st tier ranks, a Hundredman may advance further within the 2nd tier of Children, adding responsibility and more Children to his charge. These second tier ranks are (from lowest to highest):  Under-Lieutenant, Lieutenant, and Senior Lieutenant. It is not necessary for a Child to proceed directly through this order of ranks, and may be advanced or demoted between any of them based on his deeds. Only in extreme circumstances will a Child of the second tier be demoted lower than a Hundredman.

Captain (3rd Tier) - This is the highest rank of regular officers among the Children. A Captain can expect to command up to half a Legion, or as many as 1,000 Children. Captains are expected to be experts in warfare, and should know everything about the duties of the soldiers who serve them. The Captains are the pool from which Lords Captain are selected. They should be elite soldiers in every way, and prime examples of the Children of the Light. A Captain may be demoted back to 2nd tier, although this is infrequent. While possible, it is almost unheard of for a Captain to be demoted back to any 1st tier rank. A Captain will have a single golden knot below the Sunburst on the left breast of his cloak.

Lord Captain (4th Tier) - These fine soldiers are the leaders of the Children. Their number is limited to 13. The Lords Captain each command up to a Legion of Children (2,000 soldiers). When a vacancy in their number arises, a new Lord Captain is carefully chosen from the pool of Captains by the Lord Captain Commander and the other Lords Captain. Along with the Lord Captain Commander, the High Inquisitor and the Lords Captain sit on the Council of the Anointed, which may be called to convene on policy, warfare, or other pressing issues of import to the Children. The Lords Captain have two golden knots below the Sunburst on the left breast of their cloaks.

Advancing Through the Tiers

Child to Hundredman:

1. Rotation 1 Basic Weapon Skills (4 Posts of 200 Words) – In this thread, your character will be trained in a weapon of his choice – sword, lance, bow or crossbow. Your Weapon Score may or may not increase after this training, based on your writing and current WS.

2. Rotation 2 Basic Soldiering (4 Posts of 200 Words) – In this thread, your character will learn the basics of life in the field, and military units– from digging latrines, to staking tents and sentry duty.

3. Rotation 3 The Light (3 Posts of 200 Words) – In this thread, your character will learn more about the mission of the Children, and the teachings of Lothair Mantelar.

4. Mission (4 Posts of 200 Words) – In this thread, your character (and others) will be given a mission to carry out. The Group Leader will guide the course of the RP based upon the actions of the group, and success is NOT a given (think Dungeons & Dragons or Choose Your Own Adventure style Roleplay).

5. Character Development (4 Posts of 200 Words) – This is a freeform RP in which you develop your character in any way that you choose. 

6. Consecration (3 Posts of 200 Words) – Your character will spend the night in the Dome of Truth in vigil, prayer and contemplation of the Light and Lothair’s teachings. At sunrise, you will be relieved of your vigil and raised to Hundredman, and given a cloak with a silver lightning bolt below the Sunburst.

Hundredman to Captain:

1. Advanced Weapon Skills 1 (4 Posts of 200 Words) – In this thread, your character will continue to advance his skills with his chosen weapon. Your Weapon Score may or may not increase after this training, based on your writing and current WS.

2. Secondary Weapon Skills (4 Posts of 200 Words) – Officers are expected to know and be familiar with all the weapons used by the Children. In this thread, your character will pick a secondary weapon to learn and begin training with it. Your Weapon Score may or may not increase after this training, based on your writing and current WS.

3. Military Doctrine (4 Posts of 200 Words) – If you wish to lead in the field, you must learn how. In this thread, you will learn about battles and battle formations on a large scale, and be tested on your knowledge.

4. Mission (4 Posts of 200 Words) - In this thread, your character (and others) will be given a mission to carry out. Your character will be expected to lead the others on the mission. The RP Group Leader will guide the course of the RP based upon the actions of the group, and success is NOT a given (think Dungeons & Dragons or Choose Your Own Adventure style Roleplay).

5. Character Development (4 Posts of 200 Words) – This is a freeform RP in which you develop your character in any way that you choose.

6. Dedication (3 Posts of 200 Words) – In this thread, your character will write a “Letter” to Lothair Mantelar, explaining how his teachings have affected your life and why you have dedicated yourself to the Children. No one will read the letter but your character; and after it is complete, he must burn it within the Dome of Truth. Upon completion of this, your character will be raised to Captain and given a cloak with a single golden knot below the Sunburst, as well as a copy of Lothair Mantelar’s Way of The Light.

Captain to Lord Captain:

Lords Captain are limited to 13 (all 13 spots currently vacant). There is currently no set way to advance from Captain to Lord Captain, please contact the RP Group Leader if you wish to discuss plans on how to do so.

Recruit Advancement

All characters start out as a recruit.  After Anointation, they may choose their path.  The Requirements for each subgroup will be below.

Recruit - A newly recruited member to our glorious order must first go through a training period, to be sure his heart is true before taking our Oaths. Oaths are for life, and this initial period is for the benefit of both the Recruit and the Children, to ensure they are serious about our Vows. Once the Oaths are taken and they are Anointed in the Dome of Truth, they become consecrated Children of the Light and choose their path: Army of the Light, Hand of the Light, or Eyes of the Light. They wear a plain white cloak with no Sunburst.

Kira listened carefully to the instructions Rekinu gave her regarding the care and maintenance of the weapons. She took this to heart and let him know that she would work hard to keep them in good shape. Kira grew up being neat and taking care of weapons would be nothing new to her.

They then moved into stretching. Kira placed her weapons aside, leaning the staff against a wall and the knife, sheathed, on a table. Kira knew many of the stretches. She had done them herself as she had kept herself in decent fitness throughout the years. There were a few she didn't know, but learned quickly.

She was still fairly flexible even in her older age, however, she still felt some stiff muscles as she continued. There were some muscles she had not used in a long time. She hid a grimace as she felt some of the tension leaving those areas, and made a mental note to move some of those areas more.

As they finished, Kira moved to the table and picked up the knife. "I believe you wanted to work with the knife first, correct? Then let's get to it."

I did turn in the update again.

Kyle listened to Ackley's explanation.  It seemed to make sense that although they had the Light in them, they were bound to darkness.  He could accept that for now.  Kyle found that he was looking up to the officer more and more.  He felt safe asking him questions.  It was a comfort that he previously did not have.  They walked through Amador, Kyle helping another soldier walk back to the Fortress.  Ackley refused any help offered, and although he looked pained, he carried himself well.

They arrived at the Fortress quickly.  It was dusk and many were indoors.  Without crowds in the street, they were able to go quickly.  Upon arrival at the Fortress, Ackley and the Captain of the patrol spoke with the guards at the gate.  One left and soon came back with another officer.  They spoke quietly and Kyle couldn't here them, but the officer looked in Kyle's direction for a minute.  Kyle assumed they had told him that he had killed someone.

After their conversation, they entered the Fortress.  The new officer took Kyle aside and told him to follow him.  Kyle followed as instructed and was taken to a small room in the Medical tent.  The officer spoke with a man and instructed Kyle to sit down.  The man nodded and the officer left.

"Hello Kyle," the man said.  "I hear you had a bit of a rough night.  Let's talk about it."

The rocks fell into place.  He was being evaluated based on his experience.  He experienced a traumatic event and need to be checked to see if he was still fit for duty.  Kyle spoke, leaving out his questions, but keeping the story up.  He told of his memories.  After speaking, he was given some more sessions for counseling to help with his issues.  Kyle knew he would be ok after awhile.  He went back to his barracks and immediately fell asleep.

I got it but have been distracted.

Resent the update - again - if you need anything else...let me know!

Kyle hadn't realized that he had put his head on the older man's shoulder.  A gesture of a child - one that Kyle had been deprived of.  He raised his head and listened to Ackley's gentle explanation that he did no wrong and the Children would not send him away.  It brought a momentary smile to his face to know that everything was okay.  For the first time, Kyle noticed Ackley's injuries which were a lot more serious than his own.

"You're hurt," Kyle said, a concerned look on his face. "I'm sorry, I got here with help as soon as I could."

The officer nodded and stated he would be fine, but Kyle was still concerned.  His own concerns came back as he stood and offered a hand to help Ackley stand.  The man had given him counsel and had shown him that it is okay to question your actions.  Kyle was still afraid to ask the questions that haunted him - would the older man see his questions as treasonous?

Kyle waited until the older man had dusted himself off a bit before turning to face him, "Sir, I have some other questions." Kyle's voice wavered and he stuttered a bit going into the question. "Ih...ih...if we teach that no one is so far gone from the Light that they cannot return, why aren't some given second chances?  After all, I was given one."

Kyle avoid using the word darkfriend, but was sure that Ackley would catch his meaning.  Kyle had said it and felt a weight being lifted off of his shoulders.  It was good to say it, but Kyle was still nervous about the man's response.

Forgot to answer in the email, but was planning in RPing his training.

Weapon Scores in the Children of the Light

The WS is a number from 0 to 20, indicating your general level of skill and ability with handling weapons. Note that this is more a measure of skill, than of any physical strength; as such, Trollocs, Ogier, and other distinctly non-human characters may have WS which do not completely reflect their overall fighting abilities.

Thus, for situations involving these characters, or other situations where more than pure skill influences the outcome of the fight (such as character knowledge or ignorance of the terrain, aid from other characters, channeling, or other biased fights) the outcome of the fight should be discussed between the RPers involved, as this will produce a more accurate result than pure reliance on the WS system.

The WS ranges from 0, completely unskilled, to 20, for the most superlative fighter in the world. The chart below will help find you see how your character stands, in terms of the general population. Note also that the WS system is nearly exponential; an increase of 1 WS is a doubling of the character’s skill, and also the amount of time spent to reach that level.

In the Children of the Light, raw Recruits will begin with a WS of 2. In the event of an exceptionally written bio, a character may be awarded with a WS of up to 4 for their Recruit. If a character is taking advantage of the amnesty and starting their character at the 2nd Tier, they may have a max starting WS of 7.Returning or Existing Children taking advantage of the amnesty are advanced to 3rd Tier, with a Max starting WS of 10.

The advancement programs within the Children contain requirements designed to help the character increase their weapon score, particularly those within the Army of the Light. You will be notified if your WS has increased after a required class. If you wish to increase your score beyond that, you must do roleplays on your own or with groups to increase it. Please contact the RP Group Leader for ideas and suggestions.

Some IMPORTANT clarifications:

1. Credit for the completion of a WS RP:
--Story must be completed and reported on your character's thread on the Progress Report child board. A RP can't count both for WS and RP character development, with the exception of a few Weapon-related required classes. So keep that in mind and specifically state so if you want it counted towards your character's WS.
--Minimum of 4 posts
--A Post must be at least 200 Words Long.

2. Every WS is specific to a weapon. If you have a WS of 10 with the axe, it doesn't mean you have a WS of 10 with a long sword.

3. You may RP using different weapons. However, you may only have one main weapon that will hold your highest WS. If you take on a secondary weapon it can only rise as high as 3 WS points less than your main weapon WS at any given time. If you take to a third weapon, then that one can go as high as 3 WS points less than your WS in your secondary weapon and so on.

Example: if your main weapon is a long sword and it stands at a WS of 9 currently, then if you take on a bow as a secondary weapon you can only go up to 6. Once you raise your WS in the sword you can raise up your WS in the bow. But always with a 3 WS points difference. This is done to prevent the creation of a super warrior that can use any weapon with a high proficiency.

4. All CotL characters are able to get as high as a WS of 14 in their main weapon. There is a limited number of slots for a WS of 15 and above. You may petition for a slot if you want to get across the 14 WS barrier, along with a detailed description of what RPs you plan to do with the increase in your character's proficiency. The CotL RGL will grant approval pending on availability and at his/her own discretion.

The warder was very formal and Kira soon adapted herself to reach out to him in the way she knew how.  Being formal was something she excelled at.  Of course, being an Arafellin, he took his honor very seriously.  She knew that Rekinu would teach her to the best of his ability and wouldn't be satisfied until she was.

"Rekinu Gaidin," she said adding a slight bow, "I believe that having several options available is something important to have.  I travel a lot and need to know how to protect myself as most people should.  I may excel at using the One Power, but that is only one option.  I feel I should have more options available to me because it helps prevent me being defenseless if I don't have the Power available to me."  Her thought immediately went to Amador and Tear.

She thought of the weapons she knew, trying to find the ones that appealed to her the most.  "I think, Gaidin, that I would prefer to use a staff.  It is a multipurpose weapon and certainly most won't think that a woman carrying a staff would stand out.  I also think that a knife would work well for me as well.  I had one growing up and there would be some familiarity there even though it has been some time since I've used one."

Light, it's been almost 80 years since I had that knife, Kira thought

"Maybe on that note, throwing knives would be nice too.  I'd prefer not to have larger bladed weapons.  Of course, you are the trainer, and if you think I will excel at something else after we start working, I will take your advice and give it a try."

Kira knew she wasn't an expert on weapons, but the man in front of her seemed to be very knowledgeable.  The forms he was working with before were very graceful and well practiced.  She would expect no less from a Warder of the White Tower.

Rekinu nodded, smiling, and asked her to follow, taking her into a room that was filled with weapons beyond count.  In her earlier days, her eyes would have widened at the sight of so many weapons, but after being Aes Sedai for so long, she began to take things as they came and was also good at keeping up a mask of serenity.  Rekinu instructed her to choose some weapons that suited her.

Kira walked immediately to some barrels that carried some staves in them.  She picked one up and felt it's weight before putting it back and picking up another.  She did this several more times before finally deciding on an oak staff.  It was slightly lighter than the others, but still was very strong.  She moved to the knives and picked up one.  It reminded her of the one she had when she was a girl.  It's scabbard was polished and the blade sharp.  The handle had a slight etching on it, but was mostly plain.

She held the staff in her right hand and the knife in her left as she approached the warder again.  She grinned and said  "I think I'm ready to being when you are!"

Kyle was unaware of Ackley's approach.  His eyes were glazed over and unfocused as he stared at a spot of dirt in the street.  He thought he heard someone asking him if he was alright.  He didn't respond seeming disconnected from the world around him.  He continued to stare as he started to speak.

"I'm...I'm...I...I...killed him."

After he said it, more words were spoken.  Kyle heard them but didn't process them, his eyes remaining in the same spot.  His hands were shaking and his thoughts took over.  I did nothing wrong. I did nothing wrong. I did nothing wrong.

The mantra-like thoughts soon came to his lips as he continually spoke them as if trying to convince himself to believe them.  He was unaware that he had drawn his knees up to his chest and was hugging them desperately. 

"I did nothing wrong. I did nothing wrong. I did nothing wrong."

Kyle began to look around, beginning to notice his surroundings for the first time.  His eyes went across the blade with the blood on it and he quickly looked away and down.  He then moved his head back up, afraid to look at his hands in case their was blood on them.

Blood.  It brought back memories.  Vivid memories of the day in his past that had changed his life forever.  He saw his mother making dinner and then his father coming in, babbling incoherently.  The was a crash and fire came out of his father's hand.  Lightning struck from nowhere making loud booms that coincided with Kyle's own heartbeat.  Kyle ran to the other room, scared.  He was six and didn't understand what was going to happen.  He heard his father's maniacal laughter and his mother's screams from the other room.  The smell of burning wood filled the air.  Kyle ran, leaving the house and remembered coming back the next morning.  The house was completely destroyed and the smell of burned wood and blood filled the air.

The memories were so vivid that Kyle felt as if he was that six year old again.  He suddenly felt small and insignificant.  He really had not had a childhood.  He had to grow up fast to survive.  He had no memories of playing with other kids.  He only had memories of surviving, and in this moment of weakness, he needed someone.  He needed someone to guide him.

The mantra had changed during his memory from "I did nothing wrong" to "it wasn't my fault" and suddenly Kyle stopped speaking as his mind drifted back into reality.  He looked around, really taking in the scene for the first time.  He saw another Child on the other side of the alley, watching concerned and continued to turn his head, really seeing Ackley there for the first time, a very concerned look on his face.  Kyle saw a breast plate sitting next to Ackley on the ground and then realized he was no longer wearing his breastplate.  Ackley must have removed it.  Kyle felt some tears on his face.  He had started crying during the memory, but was scared to wipe them.  He didn't want to look at his hands.

"It all happened so fast.  I didn't mean it.  Please I'm not a monster." Kyle said, taking him awhile to realize that he probably made no sense.

He paused, thinking through the words and realizing that Ackley knew nothing of his past.  Ackley didn't know that Kyle had spent the last twelve years as an orphan, beggar, and thief.  Kyle wanted to tell him everything, but he was scared that he would be abandoned by the Children because of his past.  The penalty for stealing was rather harsh.

Kyle began to speak again softly enough so only Ackley could hear, telling Ackley that this is the second time in his life he had really experienced death.  He told him of his father - a male channeler who went mad and brutally murdered his wife and would have killed the son as well if he had not run away.  He told him that as a six year old boy, he had had to learn how to survive alone and on the streets. 

"And I did..." Kyle's voice trailed off and his breathing quickened. as he approached the thing that he thought cause the Children to send him away. "I did some bad things.  I took food from people.  Please don't send me away this is my home.  I'm not bad.  I'm not a monster and I walk in the Light now."

Kyle paused, looking at his hands for the first time and was surprised to see that no blood stained them.  He wiped the tears from his face.  Ackley listened, allowing silence to prevail for a bit until Kyle broke it again, "Am I a monster...for killing him?"

Congrats!

Hijack all ya want.

Confusion teared at Kyle.  So much was happening...so fast and he realized that no amount of training could prepare him for this.  He could be taught how to fight.  He could be taught how to defend himself.  He could be taught sword forms, but no one could teach him real combat.  No one could teach him the fear and confusion.

Kyle was driven out of his thoughts when Ackley shouted at him, "Kyle, you crackbrain! Get the hell out of here!"

Kyle looked towards Ackley, momentarily torn between self-preservation and duty.  He soon caught himself.  He had limited experience as a swordsman and no actual combat experience.  He would be a liability to the older solder, but there was no way Ackley could take all of them.  A thought came to Kyle and he ran, passing by Ackley and giving him the sword.  He could do without it for now and Ackley would need it.

There were in Amador, the heart of the Children of the Light's power.  There would be patrols of Children around the city.  He should be able to find one soon.  He only hoped the Hundredman could hold off long enough for them to arrive.

By the grace of the Light, Kyle saw a patrol of five entering a tavern for their evening meal.  They must be off duty, but Kyle had no choice.  He ran into the inn, the door opening loudly.  The patrol turned around and the captain looked at Kyle a little disapprovingly.

"Recruit!" he said.  "Why are you out of the Fortress and why are you barging into taverns like a wool-headed lummox."

Kyle pulled out his leave paper and gave it the man, "I'm on leave...no that's not important now.   Hundredman Carnel has been ambushed by Darkfriends.  He needs help.  I would stay but my abilities are limited and I would be a likability to him alone."

The captain began to read, but as soon as he heard about the ambush, he stuffed the note into his pocket.  The men around him formed, well trained and left the tavern, allowing Kyle to lead the way.  Some Children had multiple weapons and one of them gave Kyle a sword.  Kyle led them to the location and thanked the Light that Ackley was still alive.  He had taken some cuts and was bleeding a little bit, but seemed ok as of now.  The veteran soldiers immediately joined into the fray on the captain's orders.  They moved in a way to make sure they could relieve Ackley of some of the pressure that the darkfriends were putting on him.

Kyle took a breath and joined in, picking an enemy and moved into Cutting the Clouds.  The other deftly defended the blow.  Kyle didn't want to fight and was scared, but knew that it was his duty.  He kept striking and parrying, keeping a good rhythm and was caught by a feint attack that struck Kyle on the left arm.  Kyle hissed in pain and stepped back a bit.  His opponent approached him grinning.  The man thought he had won, but Kyle brought his blade up to bare to and he locked swords with his enemy.

Kyle remembered his lessons and remembered learning how to disarm an opponant.  He moved into the Grapevine Twines moving his sword in a circular motion.  It was clumsy, but Kyle's opponent was not expecting the move and the sword left his opponent's hand and Kyle had immediately moved into The Heron Spreads It's Wings and his opponent - a nameless darkfriend slumped to the ground.  It had all happened in a matter of seconds and Kyle froze.  Everything had happened so fast and Kyle didn't know what to do.  He had killed a man.

The other Children were getting the situation under control and Kyle stepped back, his hands shaking and not just from the pain in his shoulder.

He was a darkfriend, right? Kyle thought. I didn't do anything wrong did I?

Ackley had sheathed his sword and was approaching Kyle.

Kira walked across the Warder's Yard.  She was wearing a brand new outfit that she had purchased just for the occasion.  Instead of a dress, she wore breeches and a blue shirt.  Her shoulder length hair blew in the warm wind as she walked with purpose and confidence across the yard.

Kira wanted to go through some basic weapons training because it would be good to know just in case.  She didn't have a Warder yet, so she was on her own for protection.  She had asked the Master of Trainees about getting in some lessons.  Noticing she was a blue, he hesitated, but eventually said it would be ok and to return the next day to start.

The day was a beautiful one.  The temperature was warm and there was a slight breeze.  The sun shone brightly on the walls of Tar Valon and they glimmered in it's light giving everyone the reason for the name "The Shining Walls of Tar Valon."  It was a good day to be outside and be active.

Kira approache the Master of Trainees as he was working with some recruits.  Kira stood by watching the trainees work.  Several of them stood straighter when they noticed she was their.  They were obviously trying to impress the Aes Sedai.  The Master of Trainees finished the lesson and dismissed the students before approaching her.

"Are you ready for your lessons, Aes Sedai," he said smiling.  Kira doubted he got to say that very often.

Kira nodded and he continued, "Over there is Rekinu Alasayaar.  He'll be working with you for training."

She turned towards the man the Master of Trainees pointed out to her.  The man stood about 5'9" and had black hair.  Kira could see his green eyes gleaming and she thought he saw bells in his hair.  He must be Arafellin.  He held himself tall, but there was a definite tension to his stance as if he was ready to pounce on the next person to bother him.  He moved through sword forms with grace and precision however, that spoke of readiness and practice.

Kira thanked the Master of Trainees and headed over towards the warder.  She waited until he was finished with his form and acknowledged her with a nod before saying, "Rekinu Gaidan, I was told that you could train me in some basic weapons training."

Ready when you are!

Take care of you first. I can wait

Feel better!

A few days later, Kira was walking down the hall in the Tower going back to her room with Hallia.  Upon opening the door, a splash of water landed on top of her, soaking her completely through.  Kira felt the anger rising in her and her cheeks grew bright red.  She wanted to scream and throw things at the next person she saw.

Kira remembered what Hallia had told her - to think about a happy memory.

Kira thought about her arrival to the White Tower.  She remembered the sense of awe that accompanied her visit.  She remembered meeting the Mistress of Novices and feeling no reservations at signing the book.  This opened the doors to other memories.  She remembered meeting Hallia and some of the other novices.  She remembered the first time she channeled and embraced Saidar.

The anger went away.  It was just gone.  The heat in her cheeks left and returned to their normal color.  She was breathing normally.  She was still cold and wet.

She looked above her and saw the bucket that had been wired to dump on whoever opened the door.  It was quite a clever prank.  She looked into the room and saw Hallia grinning at her.

Kira couldn't keep the smile from her face as she put the pieces together.  Hallia had done this to make her angry and to test her theory that thinking of pleasant memories could keep her from getting out of control.

Unable to hold in the giggles any longer, Kira started to laugh as she pulled some towels out of the cupboard.  She threw one at Hallia not too gently and said, "We should clean this up before an Accepted or Aes Sedai comes by."

I sent in my bio, but it will probably need more fleshing out.  I think I'll need some assistance with that.  Things like "why this, why that" will be helpful.

Bio Guidelines

It is our goal that all members have a well-written and comprehensive biography outlining their character’s history and motivations. To that end, we ask that all prospective members use the following template for their character Bio. Once completed, you may send the biography via email to CotLDiv@dragonmount.com, with the word “Bio” in the subject line.  If you would like to see examples of accepted biographies, you can visit the Biography board at DM. Special thanks to Nynaeve, a previous Group Leader, for writing many of the tips and tricks below for bio writing.

Your Handle at DM:

Email Address: (will not be displayed publicly)

Character Name:

Division: (Hand of the Light, Army of the Light or Eyes of the Light) (if you know already, otherwise leave blank)

Character’s Age:

Place of Birth or Raising:

Physical Description: At least 1 paragraph, describing your character’s basic features, such as height, weight, eye color, hair color, distinguishing marks, etc.

Other Description: Describe anything else particular about your character, such as personality, voice, special skills, etc.

History:  Describe your character’s background, history, and any major events in their life prior to joining the ranks of the CotL. What made them choose to join?

Since Joining: (ONLY do this part if you are taking part in the amnesty and joining at 2nd tier). Describe your character’s training and advancement until they reached 2nd tier (Hundredman, Arbiter or Ranger). If your character has become proficient with a weapon(s), please describe that training. Good descriptions here will be rewarded with a Weapon Score of up to 7.

Dos and Don’ts:

We are relatively laid back when it comes to background history, but there are few things that you must adhere to when writing your biography.

1. Minimum age to join the ranks of the Children of the Light and become a soldier is 18 name days. Any younger and we will send you back home to your mother where you belong.

2. As a Recruit of the Children you begin with a WS of 2. If your character has some special experience that is very well written in your bio, this may be increased to a WS of up to 4.

3. No mention of special abilities that would be possessed only by a soldier with many years experience. This includes things like military strategy, tactics, and guerilla warfare. Keep in mind your character will be a green recruit and therefore unlikely to be a strategical genius, despite what they’ve read. DISREGARD this if you are applying with a 2nd Tier character Bio during the Amnesty.

4. No godder characters. This means no phrases like “the best swordsman ever”, “unstoppable”, “fantastically wonderful and perfect”, and the like. While it is reasonable for a person to have one special skill or gift or talent, having all of them is not. When giving your character a strength, try to balance it with a weakness as well.

5. NO Channeling. NO, I said none. Not even a little. NO! You channel, we give you over to the Hand of the Light. The end.

6. Try not to do the whole ‘a Trolloc ate my mom so I hate the Shadow’. There are a million reasons to hate the Shadow. Make yours one of a kind.

7. The Children of the light do not beg, pressure or cajole anyone into joining. No meeting a large group of Children in an inn and having them plead with your character to sign up at the Fortress. No matter how impressive your character is, no Child worth their salt would have so little pride that they would be like “Oh, please join us Mister skillfull awesome man.”

8. Be creative, but not TOO creative. This means pick a more realistic name than “Bob Jones”, but don’t be cliche and pick something like “Ban Al’Rivers”. No weird hair color/eye color/skin color. This isn’t Avatar. The Children hate wolves, so if you are a Wolfkin, join that group, not ours. We won’t like you.

9. Yes, you can be a Darkfriend and be a Child of the Light.

10. Lastly, no mentions of the main characters from the series. In addition to the Three Amigos and their women, this includes monarchs, past Amyrlins, current military leaders, that sort of thing. This is a Portal Stone World (hence the name DR PSW) and often things aren’t exactly as they are in the books. Plus, the Dragon Reborn is far too busy talking to the voice/s in his head to be hanging out with your new character.

Tips and Tricks
This is a character that you will hopefully be playing for some time. Some people have been playing the same characters for five years, others for only five days, but either way it is important to know some basic things about your character.Choose a name that you’re comfortable writing, and comfortable being known as both IC (In Character) and OOC (Out Of Character). Don’t use a major character name from the books if you can help it. Try looking at baby name sites if you’re stuck for ideas, or try looking in the street directory (it works for me!). You can find a WoT name generator here.

Pick a homeland that you found interesting when you read the books, and try to stick by the typical appearance and speech patterns of that homeland. It’s useful to check out the Wheel of Time Concordance and click on your chosen homeland. If your character is unusual in some way, give reasons for it. Remember, though, that the Aiel, Sea Folk and Seanchan have their own RP Group, and Sharans are unknown in our PSW.

Your character’s history can be a help to you in future RPing – events described in your bio may be followed up in later RPs (for example, the loss of parents may spark a RP looking for revenge).

Many people are tempted to make characters that are good-looking, great with weapons, popular, noble, honorable, brave and, well, just overall cool. The thing is, while it’s easy to make up a character that you think everyone will like, the chances are that everyone won’t like him or her for the very same reasons. Playing characters with flaws can be more fun than playing perfect characters – not to mention that some of the most interesting role play that you can do might arise from these flaws.

Don’t forget – your character is a living, breathing human being. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with updating your bio, to include more information and let other people get to know your character a bit better. The more you know about someone, the easier it is to NPC them without making any major mistakes, and that makes group RPing much easier.

What happens next?

Once you sent your bio to the email directed above then it reaches my hands, aka, the CotL RP Leader. If there is anything that needs to be edited, I will contact you to explain in detail what needs to be changed and why. Once that is sorted (or assuming there were no alterations needed to begin with) I post your bio in the Biography board to be Cross Checked (CC'd) by a Bio Checker of another RP Group. This is done in order to verify that the biography adheres to the rules and that I haven’t missed anything. We’re all human after all… well, most of us >.>

The entire approval and cross checking process should be resolved in a matter of days, giving you ample time to read all the informational stickied threads and start forming ideas of RP's in your head! Once the cross checking is done you are ready to start role playing (RPing)!!! ^_^

So you want to join the Children of the Light?  Read on to learn how to be a part of this organization!

1. Write a bio for your character - see the guidelines below.  Email your bio to Bios[at]dragonmount[dot]com to get approval.

3. Once your bio is approved and CC'd, you are able to begin RP'ing.  You will have a requirement thread that will help get you started.

4. Characters will usually start as a Recruit and you will have to RP your way up.  Please see the How to Advance in Rank thread for more information on advancement.

That's it!  Please feel free to ask any questions.

Contents

Bio Guidelines

Weapon Scores in the Children of the Light

Recruit Advancement

Advancement in the Army of the Light

Advancement in the Hand of the Light

Advancement in the Eyes of the Light

If you are interested in making a character in the Children of the Light, please sign-up here and I will put in your request to be added into the user groups.

After signing up, there are several steps you must take.

Please go to this thread and follow the steps and we will get you set up!

Kyle saw Ackley leave the tavern and soon after another Hundredman left as well.  Ackley looked around and muttered something Kyle couldn't understand, as he walked towards Kyle's hiding place.  Kyle waited and was surprised to see that Ackley passed him without giving him a glance.  It brought a short smile to his face.  Of all the skills that still came to him naturally, remaining hidden in plain sight was something that he remembered well.

Kyle moved behind him and gently tapped Ackley on the shoulder.  The hundredman jumped and turn, bringing his sword out of his sheath.  Kyle stepped back, raising his hands to show that he wasn't going to hurt the man.  Kyle certainly didn't mean to scare him, he just wanted to let him know that he was here, but Kyle nodded as Ackley chided him for his mistake.

Continuing, Ackley said, "Are you sure you want to do this? There's still an opportunity to turn back now and return to safety before it's too late."

Kyle frowned a bit at Ackley's words and thought about it.

I could turn back and return to the Fortress.  After all, I came out for some leave, not to get involved in some mission.  But no, I can't do that.  Something tells me to stay.  At least maybe I can ask my questions.

Kyle nodded in determination and was surprised as Ackley handed Kyle his own sword saying that Kyle would need it more than he.  Kyle quickly buckled the sword to his own belt and then followed as Ackley began a silent run.

Kyle was able to keep up and remain just as silent as Ackley did.  Kyle pushed his thoughts aside.  Now was the time for action, not questions.  He focused on the mission.  Ackley kept to the shadows, although the streets were mostly empty, he still desired to not be seen.  Kyle allowed his eyes to wander, keeping an eye out of any unfriendlies.  His right hand stayed on the hilt of the sword, ready to draw at a moments notice.  His own sword skills were limited, but he would fight to the last if he needed to.

The movement felt good, some of the motions from his own past at running through city streets enhanced by his training in the fortress.  A few civilians remained on the street, but most were heading home as dusk began to fall.  Suddenly, Ackley stopped, raising his hand to stop Kyle as well.  Something felt off, but Kyle couldn't see anything out of place, but there was a tension in the air.  A tension that just felt wrong.

Alright, let's do it like this then.

 

Kronos, to you the honour of being the first to make such a character. So make it a good one (bio-wise and such) so we can totally take advantage of your talent and use you as a template for possible future Seekers :)

 

Let me know when you have sent in your bio so that I don't forget to check the email.

Will do - sorry it's taking awhile, but I'm really trying to make sure I understand the culture lol.