We're back in Crystania now, so the classes are dual:

A) Warriors/Privateers--for those who want to open locked doors by kicking them in and the like. Lots of physical strength here, and not easily frightened. They may have a few spells handy, but nothing heavy duty. Besides, nothing tops a big. shiny sword. Might is right, tyvm. Just don't call them pirates! Okay, they are if you need that airship grabbed, but they can do firearms, rapiers, cannons, and just throw a knockout punch if anyone gets unreasonable. Got your back!

B) Magic Users/Technomancers--Got a spell for that? These folks do, and they come in all sorts of specialties. They are handy at making things a lot easier and conjuring up needful items. Fire, Ice, or Alohomora? Why, yes, indeed! But, when your fireball fizzles, surely you can enchant a machine to do it for you. Or divert the energy in those coils into lightning, greased or not. Gimme that sonic whip!

C) Rangers/Aeronaut--Even the trees love this character! Critters will lick their wounds clean and plants will bind them with sap. They're graceful and light footed as well, and know a bunch about nature. They're also hot with arrows. Airship is no good if someone can't fly it through anything, get you where you need to go with expert navigation, and doesn't need a compass if there are stars. No, not the ones from the punch your Privateer landed, real ones. Oh, and they're great with steamcars and trains, too. First star to the right.....

D)Bard/Troubador--How charming are these characters? Very, and handy at getting folks to cooperate. They can usually sing or play, and they're great storytellers. Okay, so they can also sneak around in shadows and pick locks, but who's perfect? Lots of social grace, the etiquette needed to navigate aristocratic gatherings, waltz in ballrooms,sing torch songs in a bistro, and generally charm the pants off of anyone--perhaps, literally---you never know...

E) Alchemist/Professor--Need healing? Got a heavy puzzle to solve or a formula to make? Lost in a maze without a map? Here are your folks. No challenge too great. They truly are legends in their own minds, and sometimes everyone else's. Excellent in Chemistry, Vehicle Construction, History and Research. Not too fond of battle, but can blow out a door in that titanium wall. Ka--boom!

F)Vagabond/Polymath-- Yep, just like the scientific definition. Knows something about everything, but isn't an expert in anything.Sort of a Jack/Jill of all trades. Within the realm of the Squirrel, not much technical expertise comes with this, but it does have quite a MacGyver factor. If you don't know who MacGyver is--well--you're waaaayy young. Call your Mom before you leave. She worries.

As to Tanaka and Larianne--that's a rollercoaster. Not as explosive or unpredictable as Jack and Izzy, but still a rollercoaster. It always was, and that's a large part of the attraction. She's always interior about the risks he takes. and he has nightmares, well-founded, about her getting herself in hot water. It's not a calm romance, but, yes, it IS a romance, ad we will see.

Prizes? Lots of stuff you couldn't find elsewhere or would be too expensive for a lot of you to buy. I strive for three prizes each for every player. Naturally, CWs Cash shop, and all forms of rare items work, and don't be shy if it's older. I have vintage items that people coo over anytime they see them. In fact....(gets a brill idea and shuts up--cackle)

Remember, the first and foremost if HAVE FUN!![/quote]

There are very few rules for the Wayward Squirrel Event, but there are some:

1. No "god-playing." You know, the one where your character is all powerful and no challenge even slows them down, but this doesn't affect many of you. The other aspect of this is what I'll call "I'm the greatest star!" This is the person who hogs the spotlight in every RP, making endless near-death sacrifices for the team, every single time. No matter how many team members, they'll write around until it's all about them. DON'T DO THIS!This sort of thing will make all your teammates call on to dispose of the body, and you know what kind of skill she has with that! Besides, the judges don't like it; you'll lose points, and I'll shoot you down. 😀

2. All puzzles and challenges must be submitted through your captain or co-captain. This is a team event, and it only functions that way. However, if there's an emergency, let me know.

3. There are no stats, nor will there be. WS seems to work very well without these, and our judges are awesome. Their determinations in all cases are final.

4. Most important:

Now, the regulations so the revelry can begin:

1. SURPRISE! This year's adventure has only one mode: Wayward Squirrel mode. Yep, yep, you heard me. Just one. You will all begin exactly the same. Each chapter will have one challenge and one puzzle. All puzzles and challenges are optional. You may just poke along, read, and briefly respond if you wish. However, you will get no points and no prizes unless you role-play and take on the puzzles and challenges. The more you do; the higher your score! The points are yours for the taking, or leaving!

It's that simple, folks, and you can't get any less stressful than that! It's the Harold & Maude approach--did I lose you?

2. Only a certain number of points may be gained in each chapter, no matter how many, or how few, team members you have. You do not need one member of each class to play, and you may also have two members use the same class.

3. You may interact with the NPCs as you wish, and I will respond, but you won't get any information such as hints. All teams will remain on an even playing ground at all times. You may also not play an NPC without my agreement, nor may you permanently alter the setting. 😀 Yes it has happened. Squirrely McGee still has nightmares.

4. Your entry into the Prize Gallery will be based on your team's overall score.

5. There is no right or wrong way to role-play a challenge as long as you get the job done. For this year, role-play submissions will be posted by your captain on the chapter thread, so everyone will read and see your submissions. The Wayward Squirrels really like this!

6. If there are any ties, they will be broken by the amount of role-play participation on the chapter threads.

Notes: The RP forum asks that we post (OOC) for all out-of-character comments on the actual RP threads. We do want to work within Subeta's rules for the event. You cannot die. You will not starve. You can be injured. You may have a companion, or two if they are a "set." You may use the share function on Subeta or screen captures, or whatever works. You may appeal a puzzle to me if you believe you have a right answer I didn't credit. You may not appeal the judges' decision. These are the most unbiased group of knowledgeable folks, and they don't know you. You may ask why your score wasn't perfect, or get a general critique.

Bear in mind that each team has its own character, as do the players within it. There is no one way to be a mage, or an alchemist, or anything else. Go ahead and take a risk with your persona if you wish. It's all good.

Questions are always welcome, as are rants (but please smail those.) You may argue with me; in fact, most of you do. 😉 I'm always willing to listen and help.

Above all, have FUN with this!!