-Site Policies-

These are not rules, per se. Rather, these are processes that we use to handle events that happen on every Pern site. Peruse this page at your leisure, and note that you only need to read what applies to you.

Ranks
Ranks are handled differently here than elsewhere. When a new member joins, they are given the "rank" of "Unranked". After a week or so, the admins will check over their threads and give the newcomer a rank that seems to match the personality of their character. It's really very simple, and it's all done by us, so you don't have to do anything but roleplay.
Why are things this way? Because we want to encourage activity. Far too often, sites succumb to an early death simply because there isn't anything to roleplay about. We're attempting to keep this from happening by giving you something to do. Now, of course any ranked character is still eligible for search (if they meet the other requirements) so don't fret over losing your chance at candidacy. Instead, try to enjoy an opportunity you may otherwise never have had a reason to persue. You never know -- you may find that you prefer it over being searched.

Newcomers
We always welcome newcomers at Kivahr, and we try to make things very easy to get involved in and to get used to. All our newcomers are put on a sort of "watchlist" for at least a week after being accepted. The three admins will keep an eye on the new member, stepping in if we feel there is confusion and deciding where the new member will go. This also ties into our ranking system. Also, when you join, be sure to check out the "Comprehensive Guide to Kivahr."

Roleplay Threads
Please, do not make a new thread in any area that already has more than two that are unreplied to. It clogs up the boards with posts that end up having to be deleted, and there really isn't any point. If you genuinely think you have a valid reason to start another new thread, you may, but don't be offended if an admin requests that you join an already posted thread. Also, if a thread has more than 15 replies, it is considered impolite to join without asking. Along similar lines, don't be offended if the roleplayers on said thread turn you down. To help things out, it can be a good idea to label your threads. Example; "J'en and K'vas at the lake (Private)" or "Rolay in the River (All Welcome)". Please also be sure you do not let your roleplays "die". It's a nuisance to have to clean out old threads. If you lose interest in a thread, simply state that OOCly.

Finished Roleplays
This is very important! Once you've finished your thread, you MUST change the title of the thread to "DONE". This helps the admins keep things clean and tidy.

Plots and Mini-Plots
It's extremely easy to start a mini-plot. Head to the Deus-Ex Machina board, read the format post, and then post your plot. Done! All we ask is that you keep your post updated. :) Remember that any successful plots/miniplots will be taken into account when you apply for candidacy. If you don't get involved, you stand a poor chance of getting searched, so show us that you're interested and active!

Candidacy
It would be best, if you're curious about candidacy, to refer to the Candidacy Guide located inside the site. Use the Guest button above and find the link that reads "Comprehensive Guide to Kivahr" -- the Candidacy Guide is one of the first things mentioned. But, summise to say, you cannot apply to the site as a candidate to begin with.

Hatchings
Dragon hatchings are done by all three administrators and, when applicable, the rider of the Gold that laid them. The eggs do not get descriptions, because we feel this is a waste of energy. Each dragonet is, however, written out ahead of time and matched to the candidate we feel is best. This means that there are candidates who will not impress simply due to personality mis-matches, of course, but it also keeps things bit more realistic. The hatching will begin one day and will last no more than five OOCly. As for what happens at hatchings -- you'll have to see that for yourself. ;) As far as our policies on whether or not dragonet colors are announced as they hatch or not -- it varies. The actual impression part is done in two steps. There's a public post on the board area made by an administrator and a private message sent to the new Weyrling. The private message goes out first.
Firelizard hatchings are done in a variety of manners and are handled in many different ways, from IC contests to stands to trades to wild clutches.
Wher hatchings are handled like dragon hatchings, though anyone who desires to is allowed to stand. Wher eggs can also be won, bought or traded.

Threadfall
Threadfall can be either random or scheduled, and every person in the Weyr MUST take part. We do have an active ground crew and the Weyrlings are an integral part, so you have no excuses! :) it's fun and exciting anyways, so it shouldn't be a problem. Just show up when you're asked to (there will always be a 48 hour time slot to have your character "show up") or post on the "To The Admins" board with an explanation if you're unable to attend the fall.

Gathers
We love gathers here, and they will be grand affairs indeed. As for how many will be held -- it depends on what happens, naturally. Gathers will provide a chance to interact with people from other parts of the site than what you're used to, a chance to have fun and perhaps even pick up a few new trinkets. Gathers will be announced long in advance and will likely last a couple OOC weeks.

Flights/Risings
Anyone interested in having a green flight/rising should post their interest on the "To The Admins" board area. Sabie and/or Hiyera will post whether or not they'll allow it, and then the only thing left to do is head to the Deus-Ex board and follow the same policies as any other miniplot. Owners of gold flits, whers or dragons will need to discuss their plans with the admins more thoroughly. Generally, for flits and whers, the admins will just ask simple questions about the clutch dynamics via in-site messaging. Gold dragon risings cannot be requested. Rather, the Weyr follows a cycle for hatchings/clutchings, and will tell any goldrider when it's her turn to host the hatching. Note that green flits and whers CAN clutch, but the admins get to decide whether or not the clutch is on camera (roleplayed) or off.