Joining Aelyria is both easy and free. Simply
register a user account and create a character. Aelyria's registration process is quick and easy: you are asked for a
User Name -- which should be your
Character Name -- and your e-mail address and a password. After you have created your account and verified it, you can then edit your account details to start fleshing out your character.
When you
Edit Your Details you are presented with a number of options to customize your character, including things like race, and at each option you can click on the hyperlink for more information to help you make your decision.
Character Name
Selecting a name for your role can be one of the most difficult decisions when starting out in Aelyria. The following suggestions may offer you some ideas:
- Make your name memorable and unique. John is too normal; try Josun, Joheru, or Joggo. Instead of Jane, try Janelle, Janisa, or Gianna. Look at other character names and try and select a name that would be appropriate for the race of character you are considering playing.
- Avoid names that may change frequently. For example, choosing a surname is appropriate only if you're sure you want to stick with it for a while. First names are sufficient for most characters.
- Avoid chatroot handles. Silverknight or Windswept may sound cool, but they don't fit with the fantasy millieu.
- Avoid familiar names. Lancelot and Guenevere are too well known for you to be able to co-opt them for your own character.
- Avoid titles. Titles in Aelyria must be earned. Instead of "Sir Kor", just "Kor" will suffice.
Sometimes, you may choose a name that you later decide was inappropriate. If you do, visit the
Help Desk and ask that your name be changed. If you're having a hard time coming up with alternatives, the
Questions forum is a good place for some advice.
For more information, see the
Naming Policy.
Character Race
Characters in Aelyria are portrayed as heroic or villainous members of one of the
sentient races of the world. Classic fairytale and fantasy archetypes are readily playable and you may select them when prompted to do so. Races marked as being special require permission from Aelyria's supermoderators, so if you are interesting in assuming the role of a special permission race, please submit a
Help Desk ticket and state your case. Be sure to review the requirements, advantages, and disadvantages of each race before making your choice.
Visit the
Races FAQ for general information.
Visit the
Races forum for detailed listings.
Character Gender
You can select a character gender appropriate to your character race. The options for Male, Female, Neuter (Neither) or Androgenous (Both) are available.
Home City
All new characters have a choice of where to start out. Check out the
Cities in Search of New Players to get more detail on your options. It is fine for a new player to start in
any city, so we advise you look around and choose a city which suits your character concept. If your character should move during their adventures, you can select a new Home City from among the options here. Veteran experienced players may be able to alter their starting conditions, but this is not recommended for new players. (cf.
Starting Packages)
Age
Select how old you would like your character to be. Each race has a different lifespan, so to get a better idea for how long the races live, refer to the
Age Race Chart.
Culture
In this open text field, you can provide some information about your character's racial culture. Some races have subcultures that distinguish various groups from one another. Other characters may want to provide some information about how they may differ from the norm of their race.
Nationality
Characters in Aelyria are either citizens of Aelyria ("Citizen"), resident visitors from another land ("Outlander"), or a subject of a foreign power playing within Aelyria ("Foreigner"). Most characters in Aelyria are Citizens, with Outlanders and Foreigners being offered additional difficulties. Namely:
- Outlanders have no political rights in Aelyria.
- Foreigners are branded 'Barbarians', have no rights at all, and may be enslaved or summarily executed.
Profession
The occupation or career for your character. Be as creative or original as you would like to be; this field will likely change frequently over the course of your character's life. It is usually one word or a single phrase to describe the primary profession that your character has achieved, or to which they aspire.
Appearance
A physical description of your character, the Appearance mentions any biological traits or visible attributes that serve as distinguishing marks.
Faction
Characters begin as freemen, not belonging to any faction, guild, or house. Over the course of your role playing, your character may be inducted into societies, pledge fealty to a house or kinship, or join a guild of artisans or a fellowship of adventurers. The names of these factions would go in this field.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Possessions
Characters advance in Aelyria through the learning of knowledge, the training of skills and practical use of those skill abilities, and the acquisition of wealth and treasure. All characters begin with the following items, though it may be possible to customize these through a
Starting Package:
Character Creation
Linear Mode
