View source for Newbie Guide Rework

Welcome to AltDBZ!  In here we hope to explain some of the things that might be a little more confusing in the room.  Teach you the ropes of how to make a character and help you keep up with some of the more common terms that get thrown around the room.  This guide won't make you a pro at handling every situation that comes at you, but it will give you enough to understand most of the things coming your way.  So without further ado, I think you probably already want to get started!

==Some things to remember==
These are some simple things for you to remember.  If you have role-played before then you should understand most of this, if you haven't, then listen up.

*Keep in character and out of character things separate.
Just because you know something doesn't necessarily mean that your character would or should.  That's half the fun of playing them.  Also, be friendly -- keep in character disagreements in character.  Just because one person's character says something you don't like doesn't mean the person playing that character actually means what the character is saying.

*Keep track of things.
You'll find your life is a lot easier if you try and keep track of everything instead of adding it up all on the fly.  Something like an Excel spreadsheet or even just a Notepad document can be invaluable tools.

*Just because we have combat rules doesn't mean you have to use them!
Nothing says that every RP has to involve fighting.  In fact some of the most rewarding RPs one can have might just be the social interactions of other characters.  The moments that make you go 'awww' are just as nice as the moments that make you go 'awesome :D'.

=== Where do I start? ===
All things kept in mind, now it’s time to start working on your character.  Normally you’d think that you would want to pick your race or something like that first, right?  Nope, instead come up with a sturdy concept for the character.  What do you want the character to be, what kind of personality does he have?  What are his ideals and beliefs, is he motivated by them or could he care less?  There are many questions that can help you build and decide what is right for your character, if you just come up with a simple concept for them first.

==== Races ====
Next we’re going to be looking at the races in short and what they are good for.  My recommendation if this is your first character would be to start with a human.  They are very balanced and make up a majority of the beings in the play setting.  Unless you’re off of Earth for some reason you won’t really be out of place being a human.  Although ultimately it’s up to you as to what race you want to be.

*'''Humans''' – Balanced - Humans have a few good advantages going for them.  
**Good Bias – This means when you pay for the cost of your abilities they cost 3/4s of what they would originally cost. 
** Standardized Statistics – Humans set the bar for what is normal and what is above and below average for most races.  While you will never be the worst at something you still end up with enough potential to maybe someday become the best at it.

*'''Saiyans''' – The Mighty Warriors – Advantages include
**Increased gains – Basically this means you gain more raw power whenever you spar or fight something then most other races do.  At first the amount may not seem like a lot but it does add up in the end.
** Born Warriors – You get a cost break on the stuff that makes you physically better.  Meaning if it has enhanced in the name and it is used for fighting you usually get it at half the price you’d normally pay.  This is helpful in creating a very classic Saiyan that is good at running up and hitting things or going the long haul in fights.
**Super Saiyan – You may never get this and you may never want it.  Although if you do ever have a character that can use it, it’s the best power multiplier there is.  
**What doesn’t kill you – Basically this says if you get beat up really bad to the point where your unable to do anything for a few days you gain extra power.
*Disadvantages
**Poor bias – Basically this means that all of the costs of your abilities are 25% more than they would normally be.
**Weakness – Unless you invest tech days to make your tail sturdy one person grabs it and your completely immobilized.
*Oozaru – If you’re RPing in a full moon you become a giant raging ape that causes a lot of destruction.  Although this can happen also if someone creates a fake moon.
*Half gains for Psions and mages – Basically if you’re a Saiyan your really bad at using magic or psionics.  So much so that you only get half the power you normally would when you’re a mage or psion.