In Paths Crossed, an event is defined as any scene that affects characters in a significant way beyond the scope of the roleplay scene itself. These can vary in significance, be it an ambush from a predator, a natural disaster, a coup/conspiracy, etc. Essentially, if your writing it would have implications for other characters not involved in the scene at hand, it is likely classified as an event.
We have three classifications of event in this roleplay. Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 events. These three classifications are defined by how strong their impact is on others within the group and we have different means of approaching all three. We approach events in this manner to hand as much control in the hands of the roleplayers as possible while keeping the roleplay fair and organized. If you, as a member, would like to start an event, please follow the methodology below to put it into action.
A type one event is an event that would strongly affect no more than five cats within the same clan. These can be things like small natural disasters, an ambush by a predator on a patrol, etc. Border patrol encounters of low significance are also involved in this category. Essentially, it might end as a talking point within the clan, but in the grand scheme of the roleplay, nothing will be changed in the long term. If you are unsure if your event idea would count as a type one roleplay, we encourage you to ask a moderator for verification.
A type one event does not require permission from a moderator to plan out and roleplay, but does require communication with the roleplayers of the cats that would be affected. Essentially, so long as an event of this size is properly communicated and is planned out with consideration for all those that might need a heads up for its going on, you do not need moderator permission to organize one for you and other roleplayers -- we encourage members to organize these amongst themselves.
A type two event is an event that would strongly affect the entirety of a clan, but not outside of the clan itself. These can be things like a clanwise illness epidemic, a shortage of resources, intraclan politics, a battle/attack on the camp, or a larger scale border skirmish. Things that have implications for all cats within a clan that may require some build-up, planning, or announcements. Any event requiring the introduction of new characters such as rogues, loners, kittypets, etc are included in this category.
A type two event requires communication with a moderator to organize, but does not require a moderator to enact. Essentially, just go to a moderator with the event you have in mind and what your goal is in terms of conducting it. This allows us, as moderators, to ensure that event wouldn't theoretically affect other plans within the roleplay. However, once it has been approved, you can conduct and organize it yourself with other members without any further moderator intervention unless requested. As with type one events, make sure all members necessary to conduct your event are aware of what is expected of them and what the event will entail.
A type three event is an event that would strongly affect the entirety two or more clans. These can be things like a large scale battle, interclan politics, the introduction of a large group of cats, grand scale natural disasters, interclan illness epidemics, etc.
A type three event requires communication with a moderator to organize, and communication with a moderator to enact. Essentially, the nature of the event is so large as to require long term planning and in-depth detailing to enact. An event of this nature will either be led by a moderator with the person who proposed the event, or led by a member event coordinator (typically the person who submitted the proposal for the event) depending on the nature of the event itself.
Applications to propose type three events will typically be announced, but if you have a proposal you want to submit, or want to prepare for a submission, you can reach out to a moderator for consultation or further steps. To apply for a type three event, you must submit:
A rough timeline for the event as a whole and any important scenes that must be roleplayed out for the furthering of the event. Events should not last longer than three-six months, if you need an exception to this timeline, please explain in detail why a longer timeline would be necessary.
If you plan to include any other members, or apply for the event with another member, you must have details on what the roles and expectations of each member will be to lead the event to its conclusion, as well as what contributions will be necessary from moderators.
How you plan to conclude the event if, for any reason, you are unable to complete the event to its planned conclusion. Essentially, a back-up plan for if you have an emergency or need to conclude the event early for any reason. This is to prevent events from lasting too long or getting stalled.
Each clan has a limit for how many forbidden relationships can be in place at once, and does not fall under the above event categories. Each clan has a limit of 3 forbidden relationships at time (This slot is filled by the cat of choice within the forbidden relationship couple. So, if SedgeClan has 2/3 slots filled and JuniperClan has 3/3 slots filled, the SedgeClan cat of the duo may be used to fill the requirement on behalf of the duo.) A member may be involved in one forbidden relationship at a time, and must wait at least 9 months before applying to fulfill another forbidden relationship slot.
A forbidden relationship slot opens up when the duo breaks up or decides to cohabitate within one clan (or, in the case of a healer, the healer chooses to leave their role.) There is not a time limit on how long a slot can be filled, but if these rules need to be altered for the sake of quality of life within the roleplay, members can suggest guideline alternatives that allow for fair moderation of the concept of forbidden romances.
Members are limited to 4 characters within the scope of the roleplay, while being able to join two of the three clans. These four characters can be spread out either as 4/0, 3/1 or 2/2. You do not need to max out your character slots, and we as moderators encourage members to only take on the level of responsibility they personally believe will lead to the most enjoyable experience for them.
New character events that are not litters born from established characters will typically be treated as a type two event, meaning they need moderator approval to organize, but not to enact. Information involving litters born from established characters should be viewed on this page. If you want to introduce loners/rogues/kittypets, please consult with a moderator about how to best time and organize this!