Character Guidelines

Revision 1 – March 26, 2004

This section is intended to help our newer friends understand the types of characters that are suited to the FALO world. FALO characters are a combination of modern fantasy literature and ancient myths and legends. The Character Guidelines are divided into two parts: Minimum Racial Standards and Creative Characterization. In addition to reading the Character Guidelines, we recommend a variety of book and movie resources to gain a better understanding of what FALO desires in a character.

Minimum Racial Standards

Characteristics specified in this category are required in order to portray a given race. Please note that the following character types are considered unacceptable in FALO:

• Evil characters
• Undead
• Unportrayable characters (such as dragons, unicorns and other mythological creatures with characteristics that cannot be manifested)

Also note that FALO prefers characters with physical fey manifestations (pointed ears, wings, horns, etc.). The minimum requirements are as follows:

• Elves must have pointed ears and no facial hair.

• Fairies must have wings and shun iron (i.e., they cannot carry or use iron implements).

• Fauns/Satyrs must be male and have horns, furry legs and hooves.

• Nymphs (dryads, etc) must be female, and have pointed ears and an affinity to nature.

• Dwarves must be short and, if male, have beards.

• Giants must be very tall.

• Humans must be fey-friendly. Humans, and characters who do not manifest fey characteristics, must have a strong character class (i.e., mage/sorceress, cleric, seer, knight, bard, etc), and must be easily identifiable as that class.

• Half-Elves and other mixed-blood characters may or may not manifest fey characteristics. If the character does not manifest fey characteristics, then he/she must comply with the Human requirements. All mixed-blood character races, or races not listed above, warrant additional scrutiny by the elders.

Creative Characterization

An important part of FALO's unique nature is the myriad of imaginative aspects that its members and guests bring to the generic universal qualities listed above. The range of possibilities is represented by individual FALO Files. Talking to members is highly recommended as well, since member characters have depth beyond what can be depicted by a FALO File. Such interaction also demonstrates behavioural differences between those who share racial qualities but have grown up in disparate cultures.