Belt Ranks and RP Styles

[Embri]

This is a summary of Blackstar's advancement system, which uses a series of belts similar to martial arts. The system is entirely voluntary - there is a minimum time period between earning one belt and applying for the next but aside from that you can spend as much or as little time as your like working on each belt. If you want to you can never apply for any of the belts without it significantly impacting on your ability to RP on Blackstar.

When you want to apply for a new belt you will need to buy the correct Talisman from the Tribal Pool shop and then give it to the correct Sensi along with a message showing you have fufilled the requirements. This must include links to the RP's where you fufilled the requirements, if possible you should link to the specific page where the relevant posts are. You do not have to fufil the requirements in order. If you happen to do something that would help you get your Blue belt when you're still working on your Green belt simply remember it ready for when you apply for the Blue belt.

If the Sensi decides you have fufilled the requirements they will give you your new belt, if not they will send you a PM explaining what you need to do in order to advance. If you need any help or advice with earning your next belt, or you're unsure about some of the requirements you can contact the Sensi for that style and they'll help you out.

Timeline - Minimum amount of time required between advances in belt.

White - none
White to Yellow - 1 week
Yellow to Red - 2 weeks
Red to Green - 4 weeks
Green to Blue - 6 weeks
Blue to Brown - 8 weeks
Brown to Black - 12 weeks

For example, this means you must be a Yellow Belt for at least 2 weeks before you can ask for a Red Belt (if you meet the criteria). During this time, you are of course free to attempt to fill the requirements for Red Belt.

White Belt
- Automatically granted to all new RP'ers.

Yellow Belt
Sensi - Danikat

Has participated in at least 1 RP which shows a clear understanding of the following:
- Basic RP ettiquette.
- Reasonable spelling and an understanding of basic grammar.
- An understanding of what Powerplaying is, and that it is not acceptable.
Has at least one character, with a basic profile posted in the Hall of Records (does not have to be detailed or lengthy)

Red Belt
Sensi - Danikat

Has participated in at least 3 RPs, with TEN posts or more in each, between them showing:
- A solid grasp of spelling and grammar.
- That the RP'er refrains from Powerplaying.
- That they have the ability to write posts which make sense.
- Respect for their fellow players.
Has a complete Character description in the Hall of Records.

Once you have earned your Red belt you will need to choose a specific style of RP to specialise in. There are 6 different styles to choose from and none are better or worse than any others, the choice is entirely up to you. It would simply be unfair, given the huge range of different ways people like to RP, to expect everyone to conform to one set of requirements in order to advance.

Tiger Style - Specialty: Magic/Special Powers
Sensi - TheDarkPsycho

Tiger style members have plenty of fantastic abilities at their disposal, and know how to use them to their best advantage. Often found in the forefront of a conflict, they are adepts of magic or supernatural phenomena. Direct and head on is the preferred approach to problem solving for a Tiger.

• Green Belt = Has earned a medal for participation in one major RP campaign. Has dueled with two other Tiger class warriors (green belt or higher). Does not powerplay when using their abilities. Ever.
  
• Blue Belt = Has created at least 1 RP with five or more participants. Has added another character (of any style) to their repertoire. Has developed a rough stage of unique abilities.
  
• Brown Belt = Has helped out in at least one training thread. Has assisted a peer in achieving at least Green Belt (of any class). Has participated in 15 RP threads. Has the recommendation of at least one other Brown Tiger Belt Dojodian (or higher). Has a very clear description of exact and unique abilities for their main character.
  
• Black Belt = Symbol of a Master Tiger Warrior. Must have a one on one battle with the Current Tiger Sensei and be judged worthy based on that battle. Has a very clear and trademarked styling based on their characters ability. Shows a proficiency in battle using a variety of all their abilities in combination with more traditional combat moves.

Q: What is a "Rough stage" in ability development?
A: A Rough stage is a list of abilities that may or may not be original (yet), and does not include a psuedo-scientific basis for said abilities.



Mantis Style - Specialty: Weaponry/technology
Sensi - 3kul

Mantis style members most often choose weapony to get the job done, and like their Tiger style cousins, avidly seek opportunities to test their mettle in conflict. Where Tigers tend towards the mystical arts, Mantis leans to the Technological instead.

• Green Belt = Has earned a medal for participation in one major RP campaign and has dueled with at least one other Mantis class warrior (green belt or higher) whilst showing proficiency in at least one variety of weaponry. Obviously powerplaying should not be an issue.
  
• Blue Belt = Has created at least one RP with five or more participants. Has either created their own unique weapon OR begun developing their own unique style of using an already existant weapon.
  
• Brown Belt = Has helped out in at least one training thread, and gotten a peer to at least Green Belt (of any class). Has participated in at least a dozen RP threads whilst showing proficiency in either their own unique weapon OR their own unique style of using an already existant weapon. Has the recommendation of at least one other Brown Mantis Belt Dojodian (or higher).
  
• Black Belt = Symbol of a Master Mantis Warrior. Must have either perfected their own unique weapon OR perfected their own unique style of using an already existing weapon OR be well on the way to perfecting it. Must prove their abilities in a one on one spar with the Current Mantis Sensei.

Q: What do you mean by a 'unique weapon'?
A: Something like DP's Sanity Blade or Addman's Scimitar Of Corruption - weapons that the user excels at using which are obviously attributed to their character. The kind of thing where if somebody tried to copy it, most people would realize it. Can be based on an existing weapon, provided it is adapted enough to be considered 'one of a kind' or it can be an entirely new weapon, provided that it's actually weildable and could be recognized as a weapon.

Q: How does one develop their own unique style of using an already existant weapon?
A: For the most part this will come naturally as your skill with your weapon of choice grows. Put simply someone else using the same weapon should not be able to mimic your style easily.



Spider Style - Specialty: Creativity, Cooperation
Sensi - Shaon

Spider style members are in some ways opposites of Owl style. They are hardly ever found on their own, actively seeking to team up with others of their own persuasion or any who are amicable to teamwork. Spiders weave complex story lines, with a unique talent for drawing in everyone around them. Spider style is well known for coming up with brilliant solutions to their problems that don't involve brute force.

• Green Belt = Has recieved a medal for participation in one major RP campaign. Has made a significant contribution to an Amphitheater story which is at least 5 pages long and written by at least one Spider style member (green belt or higher), demonstrating their art of story weaving. Demonstrates the ability to work well with other RPers at all times. Actively seeks to advance the stories they participate in.
  
• Blue Belt = Has created at least one Amphitheater story of their own, which is at least 10 pages long. Has created at least one additional, well developed character with a full Character Profile which is related to their first character story-wise. Writes clearly and makes very few spelling or grammatical errors.
  
• Brown Belt = Has assisted at least one other Dojodian in achieving their Green Belt or higher. Has participated in at least five RP's with significant story lines and a minimum of 12 pages each. Has the recommendation of at least one other Brown Spider Belt Dojodian (or higher).
  
• Black Belt = Symbol of a Master Spider Storyweaver. Has demonstrated the ability to work with multiple characters in the same story thread. Has at least one additional, well developed character with a Character Profile and a cannon story line to the first two. Has helped out in at least three training threads, and/or created Amphitheater stories to assist non-Spider style RP'ers with developing a back story for a character. Has written a full length story of at least 10 pages without any assistance, demonstrating story crafting skills beyond par; writing which is almost completely free of spelling and grammar faults, and has an engaging, well thought out and executed plot.

Q: Do I have to write stories by myself?
A: Spider Clan members do NOT have to write solo stories for their Belt requirements, in fact, it's highly encouraged that they create stories with others in most cases. However, it's only courteous to ASK before joining a story in the Amphitheater unless it's been clearly marked as open for all to participate in. That said, your final story for proof of Mastery IS solo. By that point, you should be a great writer anyway.



Monkey Style - Specialty: Humor
Sensi - Netdroid9

Slapstick, comedy/tragedy, and general all around fun is the name of the game for Monkey style. To the uninformed, they may seem less serious about their role playing arts than some of the other styles, but Monkey style are just as skilled as the rest; they just prefer the lighter side of things.

• Green Belt = Must have earned at least one award from a pre-approved RP/competition which must be humerous in nature. They will also require approval from the Monkey Sensei. Powerplaying will not be accepted.
  
• Blue Belt = Must have two or more awards from a pre-approved RP/competition and have had at least one nomination in the Quote of the Month competition.
  
• Brown Belt = Must have apprienticed a fellow roleplayer to at least Green Belt level, or participated in five successful training threads.
  
• Black Belt = Must have won the Quote of the Month award at least once. Must have either apprenticed a Monkey-style RPer to at least brown-belt level OR gained at least five pre-approved awards OR have one the Quote of the Year award. They must also be approved by the Monkey Sensei.

Approved RP/competition awards include:
- The 'Bad Behavior' Award
- The 'Colony in the Northern Regions Survivor' Award
- Any of the Quote of the Month awards
- The Quote of the Year award.
- New awards will be added when applicable.



Fox Style - Specialty: Guile, Trickery
Sensi - HisLordship

Fox style members are difficult to pin down, much like their totem animal. Known for being witty, cunning and very capable of sizing up any situation, Fox style members are masters of infiltration, true ninjas in every sense. They occasionally exhibit traits of other styles, alluding to their remarkable adaptability.

• Green Belt = Has recieved a medal for participation in one major RP campaign where they have shown an ability to evaluate and infiltrate various parties in a roleplay. Has interacted with at least one other Fox in roleplay (green belt or higher).
  
• Blue Belt = Has entered the confidence of at least two opposed parties in a roleplay, maintaining positive relations with both. Has performed at least one act of clever , furtive or underhanded circumlocution or manipulation of certain rules and regulations in the Dojo or a specific roleplay group.
  
• Brown Belt = Has been able to distinguish other potential Foxes from out of the Dojo populace and recommend them to the Clan Sensei. Has been able to successfully detect/work out the subterfuges/plans of other members of the Clan. Has significantly modified the outcome of a storyline through subtle interference.
  
• Black Belt = Symbol of a True Master. Has several identities, kept secret from all but the Sensei Sensei and Clan Sensei. Has deceived the Fox Sensei into falling into a trap or bluff.

Chameleon Style - Specialty: Adaptability
Sensi - Swix

If the Six styles are spokes of a wheel, Chameleon is the hub in the middle. Those who choose to follow this odd path have a most difficult task ahead of them, for Chameleon's are the most adaptable of all the styles. They posses the ability to RP in at least three distinct style styles, possibly more, with equal ability. Chameleon style requires at least a basic knowledge of all the other styles.

• Green Belt = Must be able to roleplay in at least two different styles to a basic standard. Powerplaying will not be tolerated. Must have the begginings/outline of at least two characters (no Character Profile required.) Must have participated in at least one Role-play showing the development of at least one character.
  
• Blue Belt = Must be able to RP in at least three different styles to a good standard. Must have Character profiles for at least two different characters in two different styles. Must have participated in at least two RP's which have reached at least ten additional pages since you joined. Must have competed and won in the Challenge Area at least once with a Green Belt or higher acting as match judge.
  
• Brown Belt = Must have helped another RPer earn a Green Belt in any style. Must be able to RP in at least four styles, two to a high standard. Must have at least two 'completed' characters with detailed Character Profiles. Must have posted at least one Character History in the Amphitheater. Must have competed and won in the Challenge Area at least twice with a Green Belt or higher acting as match judge.
  
• Black Belt = Must be able to RP in all styles, four to a high standard. Must have at least four completed characters, each in a different style, with another in development. Must have started at least one RP which has reached at least twenty pages. Must have won matches in the Challenge area at least three times with a Green Belt or higher acting as match judge. Must have at least three completed background stories in the Amphitheater, one written in conjunction with another member. Must also have one ongoing character improvement thread in either the Amphitheater or Training Dojo.

Note: You do not need to consistently roleplay the various characters you create (they can be cannon, meaning for one particular roleplay, but they will be scrutinized). If you wish to focus on one character only, this will be considered, dependant upon the final character submission. This will not be an easy task for you however, as one character will have to still represent the full amount of styles required per belt!



Owl Style - Specialty: Intelligence, planning
Sensi - EndSchultz

Owl style members are the masters of foresight and being at the right place at the right time. Similarly to Fox style, they are opportunists, but actually set things in motion to create these opportunities. Solitary, the agenda of an Owl style member is most often known only to themselves.

--- Specific Belt Requirements Pending ---

[Embri]

FAQ

Q: Why are there time limits on how fast I can get a new belt?

A: To prevent people from rushing through earning their belts, and to give them time to work on becoming better RPers. That's the simplest answer. Also, you may find that it takes as long or longer to satisfy the requirements for your next belt anyway, so chances are you won't even notice the time restrictions much.

Q: How do I get a new belt?

A: You need to:
1. Meet the requirements for your new belt.
2. Buy a Talisman
3. Use the Talisman to send a PM, along with proof of your qualificaiton
4. Wait for your new rank.

Ranks are updated once a week, so PLEASE do not be concerned if your Belt color is not updated immediately.

Q: Why do I have to include links to RPs/My Character Profiles to get a new Belt?

A: We ask for links because Blackstar is huge, and only getting bigger. The Sensei's don't have time to sift through every single post on Blackstar looking for your RP, so we ask you spend a few minutes of your time making their lives much, much easier. It means faster service for you, and fewer headaches for us. After all, no one's more familiar with your posts than you are!

Q: How can I choose which style to work on?

There are a few different ways you can choose. First and foremost Role-play is supposed to be fun so if there's one particular style that sounds like you'd enjoy it go for that. Alternatively if one style seems easier than the others it's probably a good sign that you have a natural apptitude for it. Alternatively if you're looking for a challenge pick one that sounds like it'd test the limits of your abilities.

Q: What is the difference between Tiger and Mantis Style?

A: In a nutshell Tiger style members use powers or abilities which are part of who they are, for example because of their species or the type of being they are whereas Mantis style members rely on technology or weapons. For example The X-Men would be Tiger style because their abilities, even those that resemble weapons, are an inate part of them, Batman would be Mantis style because his abilities result from his use of technology. This doesn't completely exclude Tiger style members from using weapons, or Mantis style members from having special abilities, the deciding factor is which you use most, which gives your character a real edge over the compertition and makes them unique?

Q: Can I get more than one Style Belt?

A: Absolutely! There is no restriction on how many different styles you can master. The only limit is that it's highly recommended you master one style before moving on to another. If you really want to work on more than one Style belt at the same time, you will have to get permission from both the Sensei's involved, and the belt requirements for each must be met separately. Note that one or both Sensei's may refuse to allow you to advance in multiple belts simultaneously if they feel you would have a hard time doing so.

For example, if you were working towards both a Green Spider Belt and a Green Tiger Belt, you would need TWO campaign medals, two battles with Tiger Style RPers, and one Amphitheater story along with the various etiquette criteria for both styles. Essentially, if requirements overlap for your two Styles (such as the need for a medal), you cannot use the same posts/medal/story to meet the requirement for both.

You can also skip from one style to another. There's no restriction against earning, say, A Green Spider Belt, then a Green Tiger Belt, and going back to earn your Blue and Brown Spider belts. Most people will find this easier than working towards multiple belts at the same time.


Q: Can I only use characters that fit my chosen Style from now on?

A: NO! Absolutely not. You can use ANY and ALL characters, regardless of your chosen Style(s). You MAY have to have a certain kind of character to fill a Belt's requirements (ex. A character with weapons for Mantis) but there is nothing saying all your characters must now reflect that style, or that you must use that type of character exclusively.

In fact, it's encouraged that you try out different styles of characters - it will broaden your experience, and it's just plain fun.

If you don't feel like RPing in your main style, DON'T. Take a break, head for an off beat RP, or just change gears. Maybe it's time to try earning a new Green Belt in a different style? How you choose to earn your belts is up to you.

Q: Do I have to get a new belt at a specific point?

A: Nope, participation in the Belt system is voluntary. However, it's highly encouraged, and it's also fun. The purpose of the Dojo is to improve the art of freestyle roleplaying, and to do that, we've installed the Belts and Styles. You are perfectly free to never advance beyond White Belt if you do not wish to, but please be aware that some RP's may be restricted to you because of this.

Q: Why do threads have Belt Restrictions?

A: Threads are instituting a system to limit who can post where mostly for two reasons - first of all, it prevents our very new members who don't understand the rules of freestyle RPing from mucking up the "serious" RP's, and it also allows Dojodians to specify whom they wish to RP with.

For example, you can specify your RP as for "Red Belts and below", especially suitable for a training thread, or "Green Belts only" to be even more specific. Alternately, many RP's are going to be open classed, and available to all.