Wikia

The first posts on Warden's Vigil appeared in February 2010, and since then, the moderators have fielded many, many questions about how things work on our site. We've compiled some of the FAQs below to help out players new and old.

Rules and RestrictionsEdit

Why do you have so many rules?Edit

We have high standards for our players and applicants because we believe that the setting of Thedas and Ferelden, and the Dragon Age story itself deserves it. Warden's Vigil strives to be a continuation of the game, adhering as close as we can to the lore and logic outlined in Dragon Age: Origins.

The character creation guide was developed as a step-by-step navigation to applying for a character on our site. There is a lot to read, but if it's followed, getting a character approved should not be an issue.

Why do you have so many restricted or prohibited character types?Edit

All of these restrictions are in place for a reason. We have had people try to apply for these sorts of characters in the past, or these character types were once in play and we discovered they did not work well.

Our prohibited character list contains types of characters that will not fit into either the lore of Thedas or our board.

Our restricted character list contains types of characters that are allowed, but require demonstrated ability to meet our standards of play.

But why are Dragon Age: Origins characters like golems, darkspawn, Fade spirits, and Qunari prohibited?Edit

We have had these types of characters in the past and it became clear quickly that they are not easy to play well. Spirits, demons, darkspawn and golems are all very alien in nature; they have no human characteristics. It is not possible to develop such a character, or have them grow and change, as they simply don't have the capacity. As for Qunari, we don't know enough about their culture to form a full picture of how they think.

Can you tell me why Qunari/Kossith are not allowed?Edit

Although our decision on the qunari was made before Dragon Age 2 came out, we did revisit it with the knowledge of Thedas that DA2 expanded upon, and the reasons behind our decision still stand.

DA2 showed us even further that the qunari are a very foreign culture to anything we, as players, would know. Even kossith who have left the qun would have an incredibly foreign way of thinking; as would other races who adopted the qun. In addition, we still don't know much about the details of qunari culture, which means we would need to fill in a lot of holes in the lore and history, and there just isn't enough information to extrapolate something easily.

At this point in the board's evolution, the mods are not interested in writing huge chunks of non-Fereldan lore, nor do we wish to verify or fact-check such lore created by players. We are a Ferelden-focused board.

If you would like to create a human, elf, or dwarf, we will certainly welcome your application. If you are looking to play other races, WV won't be the board for you.

I have a really great idea how a half-cat/half-demon/half-Fade spirit could exist and it totally makes sense! Can I explain it over PM?Edit

No, and please don't apply that particular character. Any applications containing a prohibited character type will be denied without a review.

Wait...half-elves aren't allowed? But Fiona and King Maric have a baby at the end of The Calling!Edit

The offspring of elves and humans are always human. They may call themselves elf-blooded, but it is a misnomer. The human offspring of elves and human unions have no elven characteristics and are, in fact, completely genetically human.

Are dwarf/human children allowed?Edit

Though David Gaider has said that dwarf/human children are theoretically possible, there are a couple of things working against it:

Dwarves are not very fertile. Having children is rare, and in their culture, having the "right" child can raise their lot in life.

Dwarves generally look down on other races; they think of themselves as being superior. This may be less pronounced for a casteless dwarf, but again, it's a cultural thing.

For these reasons, I'd say that dwarf/human hybrids would be so rare as to be non-existent. Therefore, we would not accept an application for such a character.

Talents and WeaponsEdit

Why don’t you allow Awakening or Dragon Age II talents?Edit

Even for a roleplay setting we've found many of the Awakening talents to be either immersion breaking or just flat out too powerful. Since combat is never an emphasis on WV, it hasn't been that important to implement it. Though many of the DA2 skills are the same, it doesn't follow a simple tier or class system that's easy to follow in text form. Instead of trying to create a new more confusing system, we stuck to what was simple for general sanity's sake.

Can my character be a martial arts expert, like the Silent Sisters in The Calling?Edit

Because martial arts is a skill set that is not outlined by in-game combat talents, we'll have to say no. Characters may use only combat talents from Dragon Age: Origins (excluding Awakening).

Can my character wield a weapon other than those included in Dragon Age: Origins?Edit

No. Although we don’t use the stats of the weapon to determine damage, etc., in combat, we do consider the types of weapons listed in Dragon Age: Origins as canon for Ferelden and this time period in Thedas in general.

You may only use weapons that are listed on the Dragon Age Wiki for Dragon Age: Origins.

Is it all right if my shield has sharpened edges, so it can be a weapon, too?Edit

We do not allow this sort of modification as it does not follow one of our main tenets: logic.

A shield is a weapon, even unaltered. Sharpened edges on a shield would be more dangerous to the shield-bearer than the enemy he/she was attacking.

Questions about CharactersEdit

I have a great idea for a brother/sister, a husband/wife, or some other pairing. Can I app two characters at once?Edit

We allow only one character to be apped to start. Once a month has passed and the player has demonstrated interest and activity on the boards, both in an in-character and out-of-character fashion, we would consider a second application.

However, that said, we would caution players from apping two characters that will be heavily involved. We have had other instances of this and what ends up happening is that the player roleplays largely with themselves. At that point, it's less roleplaying and more fan-fiction writing.

If you have an idea for a character that you would like to see on the boards that would be attached to yours, you can always post the request in our Looking For wiki page, and mention it in chat. If the concept is interesting, you might find another player wishes to take on the challenge.

I’d really like to apply for a different sort of character! How about a cannibal?Edit

No. Until we see evidence in in-game codex entries that cannibalism exists in Thedas, it does not exist in our Thedas.

Keep in mind that “different” is not necessarily “better”. “Different” also does not have to mean “shocking”.

Our most popular and most active characters are normal people who happen to live and work in Thedas.

I see your Warden is a Cousland. Can I play one of the other Warden Origins?Edit

No. In our Thedas, all the other potential Warden Origins are dead.

May I have a non-combat character?Edit

Yes, absolutely. You will still need to choose a class for them (usually a rogue), but you do not have to take any combat skills.

Why are prostitute characters not allowed?Edit

We are a PG-13 rated board.

Can I create a group of NPCs, like a guild or an order of assassins?Edit

Please refer to the High-Status Figures section of our character creation guide. Any organization with such power would be limited to a second character.

Profile ReviewsEdit

I posted my application for review and one of the moderators put up a message that I should "read the guide". What does that mean?Edit

What it means is that there are numerous errors throughout your profile that go against what we've laid out in our character creation guide. These errors might be language related, they might be lore related, or they might be logic related (or a combination of all three). Our character creation guide is designed to walk you through the application, step by step, so extensive errors usually indicate that the would-be player did not read it thoroughly.

But why won't you tell me what's wrong with my profile?Edit

Our application process is as much for the player as it is for the character. We want to see how the player is able to apply logic to the lore of Dragon Age. To be a player on our boards, you have to be able to plot in a fashion that makes sense for our version of Thedas. Some people get it, some people don't, and this application process helps identify those that do.

Your profile is your chance to demonstrate that you’ve read the guide, you understand what we mean by adhering to logic, and that you can write. Just as we can’t write your posts for you, we can’t write your profile, either.

Why did you deny my application?Edit

First, just to be clear, we don’t like denying applications. The moderating staff talks at length before doing any such action; this is not a decision made by only one staff member.

An application can be denied for any number of reasons. Extensive lore, language or logic errors; multiple requests for revisions that are not met; and poor attitude when dealing with the moderators on requested changes are all potential reasons for a denial.

After being in operation for over two years, we’ve gotten a very good idea of the types of applications that have potential, and the types that don’t. Rather than waste your time in multiple revisions when all signs point to Warden’s Vigil not being a good fit for you, we will pull the plug on the application process and wish you better luck elsewhere.

But I can do better! Let me try again.Edit

Sometimes what happens is that a player gets very caught up in trying their damnedest to make a concept work—even when there is no way it can—and although their writing might be good, we have to deny the application just to get them to think of a different one. In such a case, we will happily invite a second application and state that in our message.

If you were not invited to apply again, please don’t try to make a new account and fool us. Trying to pull a fast one on the moderators is a good way to get yourself banned.

Can I use pictures in my profile to describe items, clothing, etc.?Edit

No. All descriptions must be in words; pictures are not allowed.

What sort of picture is allowed for my avatar/profile picture?Edit

We do not allow photographs or likenesses of any recognizable character or person.

You may use an illustration to depict your character, but if you did not create it, be sure to get permission from the artist.

You may also use a screenshot from Dragon Age: Origins or Dragon Age 2 of a custom PC.

I would really like to create a dwarf, but I don't see any activity in Orzammar.Edit

Unfortunately, we don't have a large dwarven population. The dwarves we do have tend to be surface dwarves, because there is more opportunity to thread with other PCs.

We strongly recommend at this time that you not create a dwarven character tied to Orzammar as there is simply no roleplay to be had in that setting. You may absolutely create a surface dwarf, however, or even a dwarven noble who is situated elsewhere on the board. Just keep in mind that the main point of roleplay is to interact with other characters, and don't restrict yourself.

Playing on Warden's VigilEdit

What is the setting for Warden's Vigil?Edit

Originally set a year after the end of the Blight and the events of Dragon Age: Origins, our timeline has progressed since the board began in February of 2010. All roleplay at this point takes place in Ferelden, though if interest grows in other locations, we would consider opening additional, worldwide forums.

For more information on the details of the setting, please see the State of Things thread.

What game system is used?Edit

Characters are required to use combat talents only from Dragon Age: Origins (excluding Awakening). Other than this, we don't have a system in place. This is a free-form roleplaying site, which means that there are no dice rolls to determine chance, etc.

A lot of coordinating is done out-of-character for threads that have combat or other intensive interactions.

Is Warden’s Vigil a hardcore roleplaying site?Edit

It depends on what you consider “hardcore”. We don’t have any post-frequency requirements, except for canon characters and Grey Wardens. We do, however, have high expectations for the quality of roleplay offered to our members by other members.

We won’t delete your character if you don’t post for a certain period of time, but it’s important to note that roleplaying in this format does require a time commitment.

How often do you expect players to post?Edit

Unless you’re playing a canon character or a Grey Warden, we have no post-frequency requirements. You can post multiple times a day or only once a week. However, we would recommend that less than once a week is inadvisable because it’s too difficult to keep up with the general happenings on the board.

Roleplaying in a play-by-post format does require a commitment of time and energy. By entering into a thread with other players, you’re agreeing to post in that thread until there is an IC reason for your character to leave or the thread ends. If your schedule allows for only one post a week, simply let your thread partners know, to manage their expectations.

Remember that there are actual people on the other end of the roleplaying, and be considerate in your dealings with them.

What sorts of roleplaying make up the threads on Warden’s Vigil?Edit

The majority of our threads deal with the development of relationships: romantic, platonic, political, etc. We have had some combat-intensive threads and threads with a high drama quotient.

For the most part, combat makes up less than 5% of all of the interactions on the board. If you’re looking for an intensive combat roleplay, this is not the roleplay for you.

If you’re interested in living something of a normal life in Ferelden, Warden’s Vigil will be a better fit.

Is there any way for my character to learn more skills/talents then what's initially allowed?Edit

Yes, a character can learn a new skill or talent from another character through roleplay. The skill does have to be appropriate for the character's class (a Rogue is not going to learn Shield Bash) and the character can't learn skills overnight. The character does have to practice the skill and the higher the Tier level of that skill the longer the time it should take for your character to officially gain it. We have no set system for how long the time frames are and currently play it by ear. To find out for certain, ask a mod and the length of time can be figured out.

Can specializations be learned through RP?Edit

Absolutely. See if you can find a PC that has the specialization you'd like to acquire and work out a series of threads with them. Otherwise, if there are no PCs with the specialization you want, please contact the mods and we'll see what we can come up with.

Please note that specializations will take IC time to learn. This is not something that will happen over the course of one thread.

English is not my first language. Can I still join?Edit

The board's language is English and we expect our players to have a good grasp of its written form. Perfect grammar or spelling is not required, but all players must be easily understood. We review all applications for language use equally, regardless if you are a native speaker or not. As long as you can communicate easily and comfortably in English, you will be welcome.

I don’t have an approved character yet, but I have a fantastic plot idea! Can I PM it to someone and get approval to run it?Edit

While we appreciate people coming to us with plot ideas, we’d much rather see you get the profile done first and the character approved before running any plots by us. One step at a time, one thing at a time. Get a character going first, roleplay with some people to get a feel for how we play around here, then start talking about the plot you have in mind. You might find out that the plot you had in mind won’t work in our continuity, but come up with another new idea all together.

I see there's an in-game month listed on the forum. Does that change per real-life month or is it decided some other way?Edit

We play it by ear. It all depends on the ebb and flow of the forums in general. If it looks like the bulk of the threads are starting near the end of the listed month or are starting into the next month, then we'll "roll" the calendar forward. Or if there's a plot situation that warrants we move the time ahead, we'll do it then too. This doesn't mean that you can't have a thread starting in the month prior or even two months before. Our calendar date is more of a guideline than anything official. It also helps to not have roleplay too far ahead or behind the rest of the forums, otherwise you'll end up with no characters to play with as everyone is either "not there yet" or "never will be there".

What will happen to my character if I leave Warden’s Vigil?Edit

It all depends on the situation when you leave. Is your character involved in an ongoing plot with one or more other characters? If not, what will most likely happen is that your character will simply not be mentioned again, or referred to only briefly, and play will continue as though your character does not exist.

If you leave in the middle of a plot, however, things are a bit different. An abandoned character can leave a hole in a story that’s difficult to fill. If the player has any specific wishes when they leave, we will try to accommodate them. However, the moderating team’s main concern is the players who are left and ensuring that their roleplay proceeds as smoothly as possible.

The best course of action for both the abandoned character and the players who are left is to take the character out of play as soon as possible. Usually this means sending them “off-board”, so there can’t be any further interaction with the character. This allows the remaining players to continue on, and it gives the abandoned character a fresh slate if the player chooses to return.

After two months of inactivity (e.g., no IC posts), an approved character's account will be marked as inactive. After six months, the character's account and profile will be deleted. If the player wishes to return and left the board in good standing, they may re-apply by creating a new account and a new profile.

Please refer to our policy “When a player leaves WV”.

How long do my posts have to be?Edit

We recommend two well-structured paragraphs, minimum. It might sound like a lot, but it isn't. The idea behind this recommendation is to make sure players give each other enough material to work and interact with from post to post. Short posts, on occasion, can be powerful, but ideally, a post should be reactive and interactive.

For more information on posting, please review our guidelines for Posting Etiquette.

How do we portray the time required to travel to different locations?Edit

How it works is like this.

Let's say you start your first thread in Highever, but decide that you would like your character to go to Denerim. Your first thread, in the Highever boards, is dated 2 Justinian. To travel to Denerim, you have to take into account the time it would take to get there. According to our chart, the travel time to Denerim from Highever is approximately 8.1 days.

So, if your character were to leave Highever on 3 Justinian, the earliest they would arrive in Denerim would be 11 Justinian.

We can show this travel time in two ways on the board:

Calculate the travel time and just jump ahead to that date in Denerim, making a post of your character arriving at or being in the city on or after 11 Justinian.

Write a travel thread, located on the general Bannorn board, dated some time between 3 and 10 Justinian. This is an option if you're traveling with another PC and you want to use the travel time for your characters to get to know one another, or if you have a solo thread you want to write with reflection or a character-developing event.

Warden's Vigil CanonEdit

Do you consider David Gaider’s novels The Stolen Throne and The Calling canon?Edit

Yes, in that we believe that these events happened in the past. However, seeing as anyone who might know the details of the main events in either book is now dead, it’s rather a moot point.

It should be noted that our timeline is slightly different from the books and game. Our Blight began in 9:29 rather than 9:30.

In the Warden’s Vigil universe, is Alistair the son of Fiona and Maric?Edit

Who knows!

What decisions did Aedan make for the events in Dragon Age: Origins?Edit

Please see Aedan’s wiki page for this information.

The Staff of Warden's VigilEdit

Can I be a moderator?Edit

Thanks, but we’re not looking for additional moderators at this time. If and when we do identify a need for another moderator, the staff will approach an individual directly, so please don’t ask.

Who is “The Maker” on your forums? Who does he normally play?Edit

The Maker on our forums is our main admin account. He is not one single individual. When you see a post made by The Maker then it was agreed upon ahead of time by the full moderator crew. Keeping this in mind, if you do need to contact someone on the staff, use the links to the left of the forum to PM them directly.

Who are the moderators of Warden’s Vigil?Edit

The moderators are Linette Botten, Penelope Shippard, and Maeva Omdal. We have each been involved with Warden’s Vigil for two years or more, and we love the site and the community that has been created through our players’ love of roleplaying and the Dragon Age universe.

The moderating team discusses every decision made on the boards, and no decision is made without a majority agreement. We manage this site as a team.