Being a candidate at Ista Weyr can be everything you make it out to be. We've gathered up some information as well as some Do's and Don'ts to help you on your way.

What does it mean to be a Candidate:

ICly it means some dragon from Ista managed to find you in the massive pile o' people on Pern. Their rider gave you the age old question, "Will you stand for the Queen's clutch on the sands at Ista Weyr?" and since you are reading this page, we're guessing you said, "Yes."

OOCly it means that we want you to come play with us and see how you fit in with Ista as a group, as well as your other candidates.

What does a Candidate Do:

ICly a candidate is pretty much a drudge with a fancy knot! *just joking* Candidates come to live at the weyr because no one knows when the eggs will crack, also it's a time for the Candidate to check out the weyr and weyrlife. Candidates do a multitude of various chores. Check out our list of suggestions below.

OOCly a candidate is someone the Weyr wants to get to know, as well as letting them get to know us. It's one of THE most fun TPs available to PCs on a Pern themed Mu*. Historically it has been known as a time to 'show your stuff' and get an amazing amount of RP in. Pranks and pranking are usually a large part of this RP. Please check out our hints/ideas and no-no's on this subject.

Istan Information:

Candidates come to stay and play with us in the weyr. To make this an easier and more exciting situation for all, there is a Candidate Coordinator whom you will be introduced to once you're searched. They are there to answer your questions, get approval for your TP/RP ideas (such as pranks) and to just cuddle up to! You have your own mailer, called Candie Tales (*ct). Please use it! Let your other candidates and Istan Riders know what lovely tricks you've been up to!

IC the Headwoman and Steward are the ones who dole out chores. Also, riders are able to enlist Candidates for help with certain sitatuions.

Do's & Don'ts

Do RPRPRPRP! Remember this is YOUR candie class, it's only as good as you make it.

Do be creative in your RP! There are only so many tubers to clean!

Do create NPCs for your group! They can be great fun to tease, hate, adore or whatever.

Do clear all TPs/Pranks with the Candidate Coordinator first!

Don't hide in the barracks or galleries constantly. Get out to know us and your class!

Don't page the weyrstaff and searchriders everytime you log in to 'say hi', make sure we notice you're logged in, or any other 'Look at me! Look at me!' type of thing. We'll keep an eye on you, have no fear, and bugging us, like us bugging you, just gets everyone frustrated.

Don't have your +doing, desc or poses say how much you'd /love/ to be a rider. If it's your character's lifelong dream, keep it subtle. Think of it this way, only a few people in the ENTIRE world impress, so it's something akin to planning on winning the Lotto to pay rent next month.

Don't, please, ask us to divulge sensitive issues (such as how likely anyone is to impress) under consideration by the search committee. Its important to us that we treat everyone equally and with the kindness we received during our stands as candidates here. In order to do this, we must maintain a level of discretion during the search process. Certainly, though, if you have a specific concern please bring it to our attention and the committee will consider the request or problem.

Chores:

Everyday a list would be posted by the Headwoman assigning chores throughout the weyr. Feel free to RP complaining about it and what you've been assigned. Here is a list of possible chores:

Kitchen Duty: Peeling tubers, preparing greens, scrubbing pans, dish washing, cleaning floors, helping to cook dinner. Fishing or catching spiderclaws for dinner is also a possiblity.

Repairs: Mending fences, roofs, broken chairs.Basic broken stuff, nothing too complicated.

Storeroom Cleaning: Dealing with tunnelsnakes, dusting, mopping floors

Laundry Detail: Mending, cleaning, pressing of clothes.

Cleaning Hearths: Cleaning and restocking the hearths in Main Hall and Kitchen. This means cleaning out the old ash from the hearths, making sure they are clean, as are any of the roast spits, making sure the spit dogs are fed, watered and looked after.

Weeding: The bowl floor is the main place this takes place. Make sure to get the ones under the sleeping dragons.

Cavern Duties: Sweeping floors, wiping tables, serving Residents and Visitors and Riders (mealtime or no).

Mucking duty: Cleaning out dragon ash pits, fire heights, stables and caring for the animals in the Feeding Grounds. One of the better ones to complain about.

Latrine duty: Pretty self explanatory and unpleasant!

Pranks:

You've heard about them, you've dreamt up a list you want to try, but what exactly is acceptable? Remember the point of pranks is to help incite some RP and to make it fun..for EVERYONE. Here's a little run down to help you out.

Is the prank IC? Yes it can be fun and silly. But really, would a candidate decide to go paint a dragon? And would a dragon sit still for it? Try to think through your prank and it's realism.

Would the prank HURT someone? A bunch of rocks piled over an entrance that would fall on the next unsuspecting person isn't really funny, is it? Also make sure whomever you are going to prank is ok with it.

Riders are the most fun targets! We all know that. Check out *ct for riders who are game for anything. If the rider you are interested in pranking, is or isn't on this list, PAGE them or even @send them before doing anything.

Fallout. Can your character handle the IC fallout if the prank is traced to them. Pranks are fun, and the punishments can be as well.

NPC pranks. Prank your fellow candies, PC or not. But the rules apply to them as well. Get the ok with Coordinators first.

IC Rules

Rules, rules! We don't need no stinking rules! Sorry but that's not the case here. There are just a few, and they can supply fun RP.

Drinking. No getting drunk. Since we don't know when the hatching will be, we don't want inebriated candidates. In fact, they wouldn't be allowed on the sands. So lots of juice and klah!

Sex. Sorry girls but this one is slanted in the guys favor - it's just the way things are on Pern. While sex isn't forbidden as candidates, if a female gets pregnant she will not be allowed on the sands. The physical demands of caring for a dragon are too much for someone with a baby on the way!

Leaving the Weyr. No unescorted absenses. Wouldn't want you to be 'gone' when the eggs start rocking. The only exception to this is when you are accompanied by a PC rider.

 

We here at Ista are excited you chose to come play with us! We all hope this will be a great experience! Please moo mail, email, or page Katarra with your comments/questions.