FTW:Search FAQ

Search FAQ

Where can I find the schedule for this search cycle?

The schedule is available on the main search page and will be updated as dates are decided.

How do I get a dragon?

In character (IC), characters of searchable age may be asked to stand for the clutch by a rider whose dragon thinks the character should stand or by the Weyr's IC leadership, or those who are members of Fort Weyr may ask the leadership for opportunity to stand. As a candidate, the character will work for the Weyr while the clutch hardens. On hatching day, the candidates will take to the sands to find out if there is a lifemate for them among the clutch. If you want additional clarification about the IC process of search that isn't answered by our Candidacy page, please +mail ftwadmin with your questions.

Out of character (OOC), there are three methods: traditional search, insta weyrling and insta rider. Insta riders are dragonriders already out of weyrlinghood (who impressed at Fort or elsewhere) and may be applied for through the game's chargen at any time. A player seeking traditional search or insta weyrling will submit an application while applications are being accepted (please see Search Main for the schedule and links to applications) and those applications will be reviewed and voted on by the search committee. Impression decisions are typically impacted by candidate activity and engagement in the area and clutch composition (with an upper limit of ten traditional impression slots). If you need clarification about the IC process of getting a dragon, please +mail ftwadmin.

What is the difference between applying traditional search and applying insta weyrling?

Traditional search is for players who wish to have the opportunity to RP through candidacy and have a dragon written for them by members of the search committee. Insta weyrlings forgo the opportunity for that RP and a search committee written dragon, though they are permitted to impress on camera at the hatching if their application is approved. Both traditional search candidates and insta weyrlings who impress will be part of the weyrling class. Insta weyrlings may be asked to RP a sample scene for consideration with their application (most often, their search scene). Search Committee members may apply for an insta weyrling.

What are the requirements for a character to get searched?

In order to be searched, a character must be between the ages of 15 to 25, in reasonably good health, with no impairments that would hinder the completion of weyrlinghood. Characters who are married or pregnant will not be searched. Players may only apply one character for impression per cycle. Those characters who are Journeymen or of particular Blood may not be searched for IC political reasons. If you would like to request an exception, please +mail ftwadmin with your request.

What do you look for in an applicant or candidate?

We value activity, creativity, positivity and proactivity in applicants. While a lack of these traits may not prevent you from impressing, they will help you and the Weyr to have a more enjoyable RP experience.

How do I choose what color(s) to apply for? Are there any limitations I should know about?

Color choice is a personal decision. The most important thing to us is that if you impress, you end up playing a color and personality that you enjoy. In order for that to happen, honesty is key so please ask for what you want. For metallics, only female characters can impress to a gold and only males can impress to a bronze. Aside from the roles of weyrwoman and weyrleader, there are no color-limitations for feature character roles or OOC participation on the admin team.

The application says something about permission. What is that and how do I get it?

Characters knotted at Fort who fulfill search requirements automatically have OOC permission to apply for search. If you are knotted at HRW, we ask that you contact HRWAdmin to ask for permission to apply; we ask this so all area admin are on the same page.

What does it mean to be Stand Only (SO)? Why would I want to be a Stand Only candidate? How do I do that?

Some applicants do not wish to impress but rather are interested in playing the experience of being a candidate. Many times this option is explored as a way to give the character more time to develop or to get better accustomed to the Weyr before making a long term commitment. Sometimes players may chose to be SO simply because they prefer to play a non-rider but would like to participate in candidacy or provide a character with a candidacy experience. To apply as a SO candidate, simply fill out the traditional search application and follow the directions for SO candidates.

What do I need to know about hatching day?

Please see our Hatching WYSK for more information about the hatching.

What is Weyrlinghood?

Weyrlinghood is the training time for new riders during which players have the opportunity to explore the effects of impression and all the changes that it entails for their characters. Weyrlinghood lasts 1 IC turn (approximately 16 RL weeks) and is described in our weyrlinghood pages. If you would like to play a rider but are not interested in playing weyrlinghood, we encourage you to apply for an insta rider through the game's chargen.

I'm going to have an absence during candidacy or weyrlinghood. Is that a problem?

RL always comes first, but communication is key! During the search cycle, we ask that you +mail the Search Committee to let us know the duration of your absence; during weyrlinghood, please +mail your WLM team and +cc ftwadmin. If you will be absent for a significant amount of time during the search cycle or weyrlinghood period, you may wish to consider applying for a different cycle to get the most out of the search experience.

Which gold is rising this time? Will there be a gold egg?

Taeliyth will be rising in her maiden flight. We are open to the possibility of a gold impression this (Winter 2016) cycle. Players interested in applying for a gold are encouraged to read our Gold Info and Feature Character Guidelines. If you have questions or concerns about any of the information presented, please +mail ftwadmin.

What is Search Committee? Who's on it? How does it work?

Search Committee (SC) is the group of volunteers comprised of active members of Fort Weyr recruited via bbpost shortly before the cycle begins who will ultimately make the impression decisions for the cycle and write the dragons. Search Committee members are expected to get out and RP with candidates, maintain confidentiality about all matters discussed on search committee, review applications and final questionnaires and attend the impression/dragon meeting if possible (to submit votes beforehand if not possible). Not all members of SC need to participate in dragon writing, depending on the clutch size, but all are welcome to participate. Members of the Search Committee are not permitted to apply for traditional search but may apply for an insta weyrling if they so desire.

Who serves as searchriders?

While ICly all dragons except gold may search candidates, OOCly the responsibility of searching PC candidates falls to the search committee and availability of search scenes depends on the desires of the candidate class for their search experiences. If you are a Fort rider who is interested in searching PC candidates but are not a part of the search committee, please +mail ftwadmin and we will let you know if there is an opportunity available.

I have a question that's not listed here. Who do I ask?

If you have other questions, please +mail ftwadmin on game.