Guide To Creating Custom Entitlements
From Changeling Venue
Under Construction! I'm writing this as I read and learn. So, this is not yet ready for use.
Contents |
Concept
What do you want your entitlement to be? You have to have an idea before you can make up a custom entitlement. Is your entitlement about helping others, political standings, freedom, mysteries, collecting tokens, intelligence, strength, learning, wisdom, entertainment, or what? Also, think about what your entitlement may hope to accomplish, or perhaps some goals. Another thing to consider, is what sorts of characters would you like to see in your entitlement. This says a lot about your group and will help you get a clear vision of what the group is about.
Once you know the basic concept, you should write up at least a little paragraph of the concept - although it's not necessary.
History
Now that you have the idea of what your entitlement will be about, now could be a good time to think about how it was started. This step doesn't necessarily need to be step two - it could actually be at any point during this process. Although, coming up with the history could give you ideas on the future steps.
Things to consider:
1. Who is the founder? You? A fae who has long since died? A motley?
2. Where did it all start? America? England? Japan? Russia? Oklahoma? Michigan? In the Hedge?
3. When did the this entitlement get started? Long long ago? A few years ago? Recently?
4. What event(s) was the foundation for this entitlement to be started?
5. Why did the founder start it? What was his/her mind frame?
6. What other events and what other fae played the biggest part in the start of this entitlement?
When you write up your history, keep these things in mind. It gives the players a sense of understanding and purpose, and also allows players to gage what sort of concepts would fit the entitlement.
Suggestion: If your entitlement is going to have a history outside of your own affiliate, you may want to contact the NST (or an appropriate ANST) to find out what the setting of the game is going to be in their country. That setting may effect your plans, and you should try to keep continuity.
Structure & Title
You should create a structure of membership and leadership, which includes a title(s).
Things to consider:
1. Who is the leader? Just one person, a council of members, or no leader?
2. What's the title for the head of the group?
3. What is the title for your members?
4. Are there ranks? If so, what are their titles and how do you go up in ranks?
5. Do you have a public title for your members, for outsiders to refer to as?
Laws & Bylaws
What are your laws? rules? code of conduct? code of honor? What's your oath? This will define how members get in trouble, punished, kicked out, promoted, awarded, etc. It, also, defines how you expect your members to conduct themselves, and what is and is not permitted.
Induction & Oath
All new members should swear an oath to the entitlement - but what is the oath? What exactly will they be swearing to? You could have them swear to all your laws and bylaws. What are your laws and by laws? This portion should be mostly covered in the above section "Laws & Bylaws".
How is the recruiting and induction into your group handled?
Things to consider:
1. Do you choose members and extend invitations, or do you make others pursue you?
2. Do you put potential members through tests? What tests? Do they know they're being tested?
3. Is there a vote on new members?
4. Is there a ceremony or ritual for inducting new members?
Prerequisites
There are two types of prerequisites - ooc and ic.
What are the OOC prerequisites? What level of wyrd is required? What traits and levels must the character have? Etc.
As for IC prerequisites, this will likely depend entirely on the role play... but what is it that the group is looking for in new members? Do they have to have a certain reputation, certain attitude, certain skills? Do they have to be of a specific court or kith?
It's a good idea to have both the ooc and ic prerequisites outlined.
Ornamentation
Like step 2, this step could easily be one of the last steps in creating your entitlement. However, this step could re-enforce your theme and keep you in the right mind set. So, it's really up to you.
When a character joins an entitlement, they gain some changes or ornamentation to their fae mien. You could choose a symbol to be on the mien's flesh, or some physical changes that fit the group. The example in the book is that the Bishopric of Blackbirds give them black feathers and black glossy eyes like the blackbird.
Try to think of what would fit the concept.
Bonus
When joining an Entitlement, a member will gain a bonus. It can be a small blessing, token, or access to pledges unique to the order. These are not purchased, they are gained automatically. You should figure out what this bonus will be.
