Character Registration Process

[fleurdelacour5787]

So, you want to create a new RP character in the world of Harry Potter. The process is quite easy. But before we begin, please read the following rules in regards to characters:

• Only minor canon characters may be RPed unless the need for a major canon character arises as determined by the mods. The mods will make the final decision on which characters will be permitted.
  
• All applications must be complete to be approved. However, if it is a work in progress, put "Incomplete" in the title so you can edit it later to be approved (within 11 days). If this time limit is not met, the thread will be deleted unless there are special circumstances.
  
• If a profile is not approved because changes are needed, you have 11 days to make said changes or it will be deleted unless there are special circumstances.
  
• Special abilities will be limited. There were only a few werewolves, vampires, animagi, metamorphamagi, etc. running around. We will allow these abilities to be RPed, but it is on a first come, first serve basis. If we reach a point where we have too many of one thing, we will cut it off. There are specific rules for each of these categories pertaining to the number allowed on this site as well as the limits of their abilities. These are stated here.
  
• For new members, you are allowed 5 characters. After six months, you will be allowed a maximum of 7 characters. If you are a moderator, due to the need for a wide array of interactions on this site, these rules do not apply.
  
• Your character (not you as an RPer) shouldn't be in more than 3 threads at once.
  
• Changes to character profiles (especially changes to playby) will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, and we reserve the right to deny certain changes.
  
• Playbys cannot be re-used after someone has registered a character using it (a list will be posted that can be checked for availability) unless you are creating a twin.
  
• Twins and families cannot be on the same profile and will count as separate characters.
  
• Discretion will be used in creating relatives of canon characters. It will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis (i.e. Hermione's long lost sister will not be approved). If relatives of canon characters get out of hand, we will offer a family tree and/or stop approving certain families (i.e. Malfoys).
  
• If, for some reason, we find your character doesn't fit with the canon or is not approved, we will provide an explanation and allow you to make alterations.
  

The mods reserve the right to make additions and/or changes to the above rules as the situation warrants.

To register a student, simply fill out the following form in a new thread with the title as follows:

Your character's name, Hogwarts student

Registration Form
Name:
Age:
Birthdate:
Birthplace:
Year:
Transfer Student: (yes/no)
Transfer School: (if applicable)
Preferred House:
Prefect: (yes/no)
Employer: (if applicable)
Occupation: (if applicable)
Affiliations:
Blood Status: (pureblood, halfblood, muggleborn, squib, muggle)
Height:
Build:
Skin:
Hair:
Other notes on appearance:
Pets: (if applicable)
Wand: (find more information on wands in the books here)
Biography: (Though not necessary, classes might want to be considered.)
Special Abilities: (metamorphamagus, animagus, werewolf, vampire, etc.)
Playby: (This is the celebrity used to portray your character. If you need help selecting one, see this thread.)
Picture/Graphics: (if applicable)

If you wish to register an adult, your form is below, and your title should be as follows:

Character's Name, desired occupation (Auror, Professor, Unemployed, etc.)

Registration Form
Name:
Age:
Alma Mater:
Birthdate:
Birthplace:
Employer: (if applicable)
Occupation:
Affiliations:
Blood Status: (pureblood, halfblood, muggleborn, squib, muggle)
Height:
Build:
Skin:
Hair:
Other notes on appearance:
Biography:
Wand: (find more information on wands in the books here)
Special Abilities: (metamorphamagus, animagus, werewolf, vampire, etc.)
Playby: (This is the celebrity used to portray your character. If you need help selecting one, see this thread.)
Picture/Graphics: (if applicable)



For both applications, you will wait until a moderator approves your character, sorts you (if applicable), and approves your job and/or abilities (if necessary). Once this is completed and any necessary changes to the profile are made, you are free to use the character in role play.

After your character has been approved, their profile will be moved to the one of the approved characters sub-boards (Students or Adults respectively). After that, you will need to keep the link to their profile handy for RP purposes. We suggest putting it in your signature for each character, choosing a color to correspond to each of your characters, and doing it that way. You could also, however, put a link to it somewhere in each of your posts as long as it is easily accessible to those you RP with.

If you have any questions, feel free to post here or PM a moderator.

[fleurdelacour5787]

Due to past experiences, the mods feel that it is important to lay down specific rules on the limitations and the number of characters possessing special abilites/characteristics. These character types include werewolves, vampires, Seers, animagi, metamorphamagi, half-breeds, etc.

• Half-breeds: due to the rules of the canon and the limitations of RP, the mods will decide on a case-by-case basis which half-breeds can fit into the plot, their limitations, and their abilities (while working with the RPer).
  
  
  
• Animagi: in the book, there are only a few registered animagi and a few unregistered. Because the magic is very difficult, it further limits who could perform it. We haven't decided on a specific number that will be allowed, but we will decide when the cut-off will be. We also reserve the right to deny some animal forms (i.e. magical creatures like phoenixes, dragons, etc.) because of the dangers of over-powered animagi forms.
  Some notes on animagi: The process of becoming an Animagus is long and arduous, and has the potential to backfire and cause the transformation to go horribly wrong. Once the initial training is over, an Animagus can change at will at any time, with or without a wand.
  
  Animagi can only take on the form of one specific animal. This animal form is not chosen by the wizard, but determined by their personality and inner traits. Thus, one's animagus form is a reflection of one's inner nature. Each Animagus bears an identifying mark on their animal form that is caused by something on their human body. This may be a physical trait like dental structure, or an aquired trait such as glasses. If an Animagus undergoes a major physical change, such as the loss of a limb, their animal form will also reflect that. Also, an animagus in animal form will retain the lifespan of an ordinary human being.
  
  In addition, an Animagus will appear to lose their clothing upon morphing. The clothing will reappear upon reestablishing the human form. What physically happens to the clothing is unknown. A strong possibility, however, is that the clothing is enchanted beforehand, and will morph/disappear with the person as they do so.
  
  An Animagus also has the ability to to communicate with normal animals. There seems to be a clear understanding of want and need in this communication ability, but the full extent and quality of it is unknown and could depend on the person's traits and concentration.
  
  There is a particular spell which creates a blue and white flash that will force an Animagus out of their animal form, but the incantation is unknown.
  
  
  
• Metamorphmagi: studying the canon, the mods have decided that being a metamorphmagi is a genetic trait. This is a rare gift, and, as such, the number will be limited. RPers must be aware of the limits of this special ability as outlined by the canon.
  
  Some notes on metamorphmagi: Also, a Metamorphmagus is born, not made; it is not a skill that can be learned. There also seems to be a degree of heritability.
  
  Metamorphmagi can take a wide variety of forms, changing gender, race, and age, potentially looking like anyone at all, or even just changing a part of their appearances, such as the shape of their noses.
  
  It is unknown whether Metamorphmagi receive any training in developing their innate skill, or if they simply learn through trial and error themselves; however, given their rarity, it is somewhat unlikely that much training is available. Metamorphmagi must register with the Ministry of Magic, which keeps track of Animagi.
  
  Like many other types of magic, a Metamorphmagus' abilities are affected by his or her emotional state. The person's appearance at any moment will often reflect the emotion the person is feeling at the time. Strong emotions, such as shock or depression, can affect their abilities to the point of having trouble using them at all.
  
  
  
• Seers: RPers should be aware of the limitations and the abilities of Seers as laid down by the canon (i.e. they often don't remember their visions). This gift will be limited due to its rare, dangerous, and special nature. Any questions about Seers should be directed to fleurdelacour5787.
  
  
  
• Necromancers: JKR was quite specific in what is and isn't allowed in this world in terms of necromancy. According to Harry Potter wiki
  

  Necromancy is the Dark Art of raising the dead. It is a branch of magic that has never worked, since the Dead only return as mindless creatures with no soul or intelligence. It is very likely the branch of magic used to create Inferi.

  
  However, for the most part, the true reaches of the art of necromancy have not been explored on this site or by any character on this site. It is possible for it to be further-reaching than the creation of Inferi as long as the above definition is left intact. If any new necromantic activity is thought of, it would be in the best interest of all RPers to PM a moderator (preferable fleurdelacour5787, as she is the most versed in these matters) before RPing it out so that it can be laid out for other necromancers on the site and checked to be canon.
  
  Necromancy is a skill that is aided by certain traits that one is born with (a skill for magic and dedication to hard-work), but it can be learned. It is typically passed down through a mentor/apprentice relationship. It is possible that its practice is so rare because of this and because of the rarity of the copies of a certain tome that details the practices of this branch of magic (The Book of the Dead).
  
  The tools of the necromancer help them control the dead and the living, but due to limited knowledge being passed down, only a few of these are of any use to necromancers today. A bandolier of bells is the distinguishing mark of a necromancer, and each of these bells has a specific function. The bells themselves are often goblin made, making them rare as well, but panpipes are sometimes used in their stead (especially for apprentice necromancers); some necromancers use singing ability or whistling when in a pinch. Each bell has a different tone and property. The names come from the witches and wizards who first used those abilities to bind the Dead
  • Ranna - the sleepbringer
    
  • Mosrael - the waker
    
  • Kibeth - the walker
    
  • Dyrim - the speaker
    
  • Belgaer - the thinker
    
  • Saraneth - the binder
    
  • Astarael - the sorrowful
    
  
  It is important to note that not all necromancers are Dark witches and wizards. Though this magical art has been given a bad name, there are Light Necromancers that lay the dead that Dark Necromancers raise back to rest using the same knowledge and tools.
  As more is learned about necromancy, this will be updated.
  
  
  
• Vampires: as vampires within the world of Harry Potter are not human, they would not attend Hogwarts or be allowed a wand. However, if they are made into a vampire after graduation, they could have attended Hogwarts previously, but they would be stripped of their wand upon losing their humanity. Even if they are to escape their wand being snapped by the Ministry, they probably could not use it since they are no longer a witch/wizard and will be viewed as magical creatures of near human intelligence.
  
  Because of the vast differences on how vampires are viewed and RPed, we felt it pertinent to lay down specific guidelines so that all vampires are similar. If you feel you can produce a logical argument for a change you wish to occur, please post it here.
  
  First of all, we should establish how vampires are created. The curse of the vampire is transferred through the bite, but they must drain all the victim's blood or they will not become a vampire. If all the blood is not drained, one of two things could happen: if a lot of blood has been lost, the victim would die as a human, if the victim did not suffer a great loss of blood, they would be weakened but remain alive and human.
  
  Most typical vampire lore will apply here. They are immortal but they can be killed with a wooden stake through the heart, decapitation, or excessive flame. They are sustained by the blood of any mammal. Though not necessary for them to "live", feeding to control hunger urges is generally preferred as, over time, they will become ravenous beasts bent only on hunting to feed. According to canon, they can eat human food, though it will not sustain them. Though not deadly, garlic is highly irritating to the vampire race. Vampires do not have a reflection. They can transform themselves into bats, but they do not have the ability to fly unless they are in bat form or aided by a magical device (i.e. a broom). They also possess slightly elevated strength and speed (but these abilities should not be godmoded). Also according to canon, they appear they have sharp teeth, pale skin, circles under their eyes, they can have any eye color, and their eyes glow when they are on an emotional high. Though they are considered a Dark Creature, they are not inherently evil. Note that on this site, vampires appear immobile in a wizarding picture, and crosses will not repel them. Any questions about vampires should be directed to brae.
  
  
  
• Werewolves: much of what we will be allowing on this site will be in direct accordance with the canon werewolves.
  
  Because of the vast differences on how werewolves are viewed and RPed, we felt it pertinent to lay down specific guidelines so that all werewolves are similar. If you feel you can produce a logical argument for a change you wish to occur, please post it here.
  
  Werewolves are created by blood-saliva contact. If a transformed werewolf bites a human, the curse is transferred to that human and they will become a werewolf on the next full moon. If a human is bitten by a werewolf in human form, as according to canon, they will retain some characteristics of the werewolf (i.e. craving very rare meat), but they will remain human.
  
  Most of the basics of werewolf lore will apply here. They will transform on the day of the full moon; though it is possible that werewolves can transform on the three days of the full moon, with self-control, they can avoid the other two transformations. It's said to be a very painful process in which they lose all human tendencies and will attack any other humans or animals that cross their path, in the absence of these distractions, they often attack themselves leaving self-inflicted scars. Obviously, these behaviors can be all but avoided with the use of wolfsbane potion which, in effect, leaves them with the appearance of a normal wolf and their human identity. Those who routinely ingest the Wolfsbane Potion will sometimes not transform until they come into contact with direct moonlight. Also, the werewolf will appear ill for the time leading up to the full moon and for a few days after transformation.
  
  They will not be able to use magic in their werewolf form as they cannot hold a wand. Werewolves, even in human form, have heightened senses of smell, hearing, and night vision. Along with these are included a few physical traits that might be seen in human form as well (i.e. claw-like nails, sharp teeth); any other alterations will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Though they are often regarded as dark creatures, they are not inherently evil, but they are often treated as second-class citizens by most witches and wizards and, because of this, they might not be able to be placed everywhere. They can attend Hogwarts, but they might not be given Ministry jobs, for example. It is also important to note that they are technically half-breeds or half-bloods, even if their family is pureblood. Because we use canon and we do not base our RP on the movies, the werewolves here will be distinguishable from the average wolf by means of snout shape, the pupils of the eyes, and tufted tail. I repeat, it is not human-shaped like the one shown in the movie. Any questions about werewolves should be directed to brae.
  

The mods reserve the right to change the above list as problems arise.

If you see that we have missed a special ability you would like included for RP, please feel free to post it, general information about it, and its limitations here.

[fleurdelacour5787]

Here are some resources when thinking about what type of wand your character might have. Feel free to add new cores or woods, if you'd like. Remember, not much is known from canon about wandlore, so feel free to not follow the rules on rigidity and length below.

Known wand cores:

• Dragon Heartstring
  
• Phoenix Feather
  
• Unicorn Hair
  
• Veela Hair - supposedly produces tempermental wands
  
• Thestral Hair - generally regarded as unstable
  

This site might help with cores.

Known wand woods:
The Celtic tree calendar breaks the year down into segments that are ruled by a particular tree. It might help you find the wood that best suits your character.

• Birch - December 24 to January 20
  
• Rowan - January 21 to February 17
  
• Ash - February 18 to March 17
  
• Alder - March 18 to April 14
  
• Willow - April 15 to May 12
  
• Hawthorn - May 13 to June 9
  
• Oak - June 10 to July 7
  
• Holly - July 8 to August 4
  
• Hazel - August 5 to September 1
  
• Vine - September 2 to September 29
  
• Ivy - September 30 to October 27
  
• Reed - October 28 to November 24
  
• Elder - November 25 to December 22
  
• December 23 is not ruled by any tree
  

The following is a list of wand woods mentioned in the books.

• Ash
  
• Blackthorn
  
• Cherry
  
• Chestnut
  
• Elder
  
• Elm
  
• Hawthorn
  
• Holly
  
• Hornbeam
  
• Mahogany
  
• Oak
  
• Rosewood
  
• Vine
  
• Walnut
  
• Willow
  
• Yew
  

This site might help you with woods as well.

Rigidity (i.e. springy) is seemingly tied to character traits (as in Cedric's wand which was "pleasantly springy" or Wormtail's which was "brittle).
Some descriptions found in the books include:

• Inflexible
  
• Swishy
  
• Springy
  
• Bendy
  
• Rigid
  
• Unyielding
  
• Supple
  
• Pliable
  

Length is supposedly tied to height (as in Umbridge's wand which was "unusually short").

[fleurdelacour5787]

Classes

First Years take 8 classes.

• Transfiguration
  
• Defense Against the Dark Arts
  
• Charms
  
• Potions
  
• Astronomy
  
• History of Magic
  
• Herbology
  

Second years take 7 classes.

• Transfiguration
  
• Defense Against the Dark Arts
  
• Charms
  
• Potions
  
• Astronomy
  
• History of Magic
  
• Herbology
  

Third years take 7 core classes.

• Transfiguration
  
• Defense Against the Dark Arts
  
• Charms
  
• Potions
  
• Astronomy
  
• History of Magic
  
• Herbology
  

They may also choose two (or three depending on academic performance) elective classes.

• Divination
  
• Arithmancy
  
• Ancient Runes
  
• Care of Magical Creatures
  
• Muggle Studies
  

Fourth years take 7 core classes.

• Transfiguration
  
• Defense Against the Dark Arts
  
• Charms
  
• Potions
  
• Astronomy
  
• History of Magic
  
• Herbology
  

They may also choose two (or three depending on academic performance) elective classes.

• Divination
  
• Arithmancy
  
• Ancient Runes
  
• Care of Magical Creatures
  
• Muggle Studies
  

Fifth years take 7 core classes.

• Transfiguration
  
• Defense Against the Dark Arts
  
• Charms
  
• Potions
  
• Astronomy
  
• History of Magic
  
• Herbology
  

They may also choose two (or three depending on academic performance) elective classes.

• Divination
  
• Arithmancy
  
• Ancient Runes
  
• Care of Magical Creatures
  
• Muggle Studies
  

At the end of the fifth year, Ordinary Wizarding Level Examinations are taken. The grading scale is as follows:

• O=Outstanding
  
• E=Exceeds Expectations
  
• A=Acceptable

[/color]
[/li][li]P=Poor
[/li][li]D=Dreadful
[/li][li]T=Troll[/color]
[/li][/ul]
Blue=passing grades
Red=failing grades


Sixth years take 5 classes of their choosing based on the number or passing OWLs they achieved the year previously. These classes could be any of the twelve subjects that Hogwarts offers (except Flying). Their choices should be based on their aspirations for their future career.
This is also the year that an optional Apparation course is offered to any students that will turn 17 that year.


Seventh years take 5 classes of their choosing based on the number or passing OWLs they achieved their fifth year. These classes could be any of the thirteen subjects that Hogwarts offers (except Flying). Their choices should be based on their aspirations for their future career.
At the end of their final year, they will take the Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests (NEWTs).


Look for time tables in the future.