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Fresh Souls: A Short Guidebook for Newly Awakened

Lore, history and other content by the citizens of Underlight preserved for posterity.
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Anasina
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Newlies and You: A Guide for Newly Awakened Trainers **UPDATED**

Post by Anasina »

Newlies and You: A Guide for Newly Trainers
By: Anasina R. Dupree
Author's Note: Updated to include information on the Newly Awakened Training Center.

Introduction
Hi there! I'm Ana! Over the years, I've trained a number of newly awakened, as well as observed the newly training methods of others. After so many years of seeing what can go wonderfully right, horribly wrong, and having done things that I wish I had simply done differently, I've written up a general guideline on what I personally feel a newly should be learning over their first few weeks. I have done this using two categories: Core Knowledge and Continued Education.

I would like to mention that, though this guide suggests a certain order, there really is no specific order to follow when training a newly awakened. You're better off starting off with Core Knowledge, but you should follow the interests of the newly. If you just covered focii, and a house guardian enters the room, drawing his attention to her crest, take that time to explain houses and ranks. You can get back on track after his curiosity is sated.

Something else to keep in mind is that you do not have to cover everything one at a time, but rather you should try to think of your time with your newly as different lessons. You can combine various aspects into one large lesson, both speeding along the progress of the newly awakened and holding interest. For example, you can cover talismans, mares and combat together if you have a very combat oriented newly awakened. This follows his interest and gives him something to delve into further when you're not around.


How Does Your Newly Learn Best?
It used to be that the only way to teach a newly awakened was to spend a lot of one-on-one time with them, teaching them everything about the city in various mentoring sessions. With the opening of the Newly Awakened Welcoming Center, however, your newly now has options. Since there -are- more options, it's best to know how to provide these options to your newly awakened.

The Reader
These newly awakened learn best by reading on their own. Thankfully, we have a few ways to educate these newlies. For one, there are numerous articles in the Archives, including alist of active teachers, Arnaya's Array of Talismans scroll, the Lyceum and Forgers's Guild charters, and so many different articles about history and arts.

Further, if you can find a guardian or ruler, you can have the newly rallied into the first sphere hall in the library. The Newly Awakened center is stationed there, and is full of information for newlies. Not only can they find information on their focus and arts, but they can also find starting talismans donated by other citizens of the city, and information on what they do. Within an hour or two, a newly can learn the basics within this area.


The Experience Learner
These newlies need to be hands on. With these newlies, you're better off walking around the city with them: show them gens, mares, houses, explaining arts and talismans and such along the way. Feel free to let them fail from time to time, just so they can learn something new.

The One on One Learner
These people are best taught the more traditional way: a person taking them under their wing and telling them everything they need to know. This often leads to them asking questions about what they are told, and is easily the longest of the methods, though also typically the most thorough.

Using This Information
The best way to use the knowledge of how your newly learns best is knowing how to adapt your newly teaching style to each newly. Know what each method doesn't teach and how you might fill in that gap with information in the closest format possible. Remember, they should learn everything down below before they're done.

Core Knowledge
The topics listed in this category are things you should make sure your newly walks away knowing that first dream. They are the subjects that allow him/her start progressing and exploring the city on their own when you're not there, thus are very important for his/her independence.

Focii, Teachers and Arts
The first thing you need to be doing when you start teaching a newly is finding out his or her focus. This can actually be a tough one to cover for new trainers. There are, however, a couple of ways to go about this. The first could be to ask them what element they sense they have more of, aside from Dreamsoul. Whatever element they have the most of, is the focus they represent. The method I personally use is having them search for a piece of paper in their pockets that happens to have their list of arts on it. I then have them find their focus art or blade. This helps them find their focus, as well as get them curious about arts.

Once the newly knows what their focus is, they should know what halo to look for in order to learn their flame, and what the other halos can do for them. If you can provide them a list of active teachers of their focus, as well as a list of active teachers with sphere, that is an amazing start. However, it's worth noting that if you yourself happen to be a teacher, you are better off being the one teaching them push or flame. The reason for this is you already know some of their interests and what they've learned since their arrival, making you uniquely qualified to give your newly his or her first task.

Arts might seem like an odd topic, but it's actually important. A newly awakened should know what their arts do, the difference between major and minor arts, aggressive and non-aggressive arts, and the gist of the arts they'll be learning in the future. This might also be a good time to explain other focii and the focus guilds to the newly, elaborating on the basic roles of each and how they differ from each other and what their focus tends to do group-wise.


Orbits and Spheres, Hunting and Energy
With the basic tools for art advancement at your newly's disposal, it's time to show them how to advance further in orbits and spheres. By the time you've found your newly, he or she probably already ran into an emphant in Threshold Way. This is the best time to explain what a mare is, the various types of mares and their abilities, the usefulness of their essences, and chaos wells. Try to make sure your newly gets a chaos well before you leave them. Further, try to teach your newly awakened how to hunt emphants and bogroms. You should at the very least teach them both the circling method, for general hunting, and the method in which you step forward and smack things for tight hallways. It's important to teach them BOTH methods so they can pick the method best for them and adapt it to their own style if they so choose.

Don't forget to explain why they need to hunt. Orbits and spheres can be difficult to explain to a new dreamer, as they might see orbits more like spheres, and not know how to advance past orbit 9. I personally explain orbits as units of energy that come in blocks of ten, and that the tenth unit has to be unlocked by a sphere teacher. Though every newly mentor has a different way of explaining this, and you should discover which way works best for you.

One thing newly trainers often tend to neglect, however, is the alternate energy resource to mares: the library mission boards. A newly can easily gain an orbit just by turning in a shield or an elemen they found while exploring, making this a very easy way for the newly not to only learn more about talismans and gain energy, but also perhaps get inspired by some of the interesting outlooks of mission posters. Also, while you're in the library, you could tell them a bit about the Lyceum, especially if they seem to be the scholarly type, and perhaps get them into the Newly Welcoming Center so they can get some basic talismans and look around should they desire to.

Take the time to explain collapsing, and where they can go to regain coherence. When you explain what a sanctuary is, make sure you cover threshold torches, so they know how to get to threshold at the very least. This is also a good time to explain the art of Restore, particularly since you'll probably be restoring them quite a bit after this point.


Continued Education
Well, your newly learned the basics, and is still sticking around! That's great! You've no idea how hard it can be to get them to this point! Now you need to teach them some of the more memory heavy things in the city. The daily living stuff that helps them with everything you've taught them thus far and beyond.

Talismans and Forge
Now, talismans are a very broad topic. It's hard to decide where to begin when discussing them. I would suggest you start with elemens and chakrams first, namely because it branches off of the topic of focii, allowing you to build off of your previous discussions. Make sure you don't forget to mention cursed elemens and effect chakrams, and how the art of Identify can help them in the future!

Once they know the basics of elemens and chakrams, that's a good place to explain shields, as they're also combat based, but are a good transition into defensive talismans. Make sure they know the difference between a support shield and one meant for someone taking heavy chak fire, and how to identify decent shields appropriately using the basic color system. With shields covered, you might want to continue on to the next defensive talisman - the alteror. Be sure to explain cursed alts, the different colors assigned to effects, and the first colors they want to look for to identify a GOOD alteror. Alterors are also a fantastic segway into charms, as they follow a similar formula.

You might want to tell your newly that they can get additional information, such as the values for the second color on elemens, from Arnaya's Array of Talismans scroll, which can be found in the archives, as well as that the Newly Welcoming Center will have some talismans for them to start with.

Once they know basic talismans, tell them about forge. This may seem like a big deal at first, but many people will forge them their first chakrams and other starter equipment, and though cursed talismans are not as useful as they used to be, they CAN still increase how long curse LASTS so it's still useful to know! So teaching them what forge is could potentially give them fantastic tools to continue their progression, and give them something to work toward for the future. In fact, it might not hurt to tell them where they can find the Forger's Guild charter so they can learn more about Dreamsmiths if they seem intrigued by the art!

On a side note, it's worth noting that a newly can often get forged talismans from houses by providing them with chaos wells while they're a freespirit. Not every member of every house will offer such deals, but you can usually find someone in a house that would make a deal with them.


Houses, Ranks and General Conduct
Now, I want to make this clear: This is not the section where you ramble about your house for an hour - not that your house beliefs aren't something you'll be discussing, but it just has its time and place in the bigger picture. Unless of course your newly asks specifically.

The first thing you want to explain is what a house is in general, which, when you think of it, is simply a group of like-minded individuals gathering together with a long term goal they wish to accomplish. I've found explaining houses as guild houses tends to help newlies understand the concept well, but there are many ways to go about it.

Once they have what houses are down, try to explain the basic structures of houses. Ranks and general responsibilities, what a prime artifact is and what houses typically use them for, power tokens and their uses, house arts, even mission boards are a good thing to mention. More often than not, you'll be able to find a ruler, guardian and initiate of some sort of house to demonstrate the crest types.

Please make sure you explain the basic rules of conduct when dealing with houses. Things like not stepping onto the steps without invitation, not just walking into the house uninvited, what to do if you walk into a warzone, things like that. This way, they don't start their dreams on an awkward note.

After all of that, tell them your beliefs! Tell them why you're so passionate about YOUR house and help them find someone from each house so they can learn their beliefs as well. A well educated newly is one that can make the right decision for them, and if they do join your house, have a higher chance of actually being dedicated to your cause.


The Dangers of the City
So, they know about houses, talismans, arts, all the basics. Now you need to tell them what to look out for. The City is a dangerous place, so letting them know about the darkmares and daymares, the art of Dreamstrike, the latest villains causing havoc and even the ones who have caused problems in the past is very important. You should make sure they know as much as possible, so they can know when to run, and when they should stand their ground. This is a good time to encourage them to work toward getting second sphere, as well, so they can get the art of Recall to help protect them from Dreamstrike.

Once you've brought the newly up to date on current events, you should direct them to sources where they can find more information and keep up to date on things. Such as the weekly news scroll, the TASTY Meeting and the notice board. These are all valuable tools we often take for granted and will help your newly keep current on the happenings of the city when they might not be able to go where events are occurring.

Now that they know the city can be a dangerous place, one of the last things you should do is get them in touch with someone who can train them properly in combat. Even if on their shard they are combat capable, fighting in the dream tends to be just different enough to make things complicated, so it's good to at least ensure they've got a good start on learning these things.


In Closing
And with that, you have a well rounded, well educated newly awakened ready to step into the city and give it their all! Remember that newly awakened are the future of our city. They come in with new ideas and bright minds to contribute and become the next teacher, dreamsmith, ruler... their possibilities are endless! So next time you see a newly wandering around the city, do what you can to help them. You are, after all, their inspiration, destined to be inspired in turn!
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Raas
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Fresh Souls: A Short Guidebook for Newly Awakened

Post by Raas »

Dear Newly Awakened,

Welcome to Underlight, the City of Dreams. I offer the following as a short guide to assist in your general orientation to the Dream. While there are an infinite number of ways you might live your dream, consider these as sensible recommendations from a seasoned citizen. My intent is not to direct how you dream, only to inform you that you might dream with clarity and purpose. Note that the city has a "Welcome center" directly off of Threshold, through Provenance, which you would do well to pay a visit to.

Dream vigorously,
~Ra’as

On Etiquette:

As in your waking life, actions and words may have consequences. If you are rude to someone, it is likely they will reciprocate. If you are violent, expect violence in kind. Generally, it’s advisable to show respect to those that you’d wish respect from. While fighting and violence are simply part of life, it is advisable that you give great thought to whether or not a fight is worth it, before partaking. Many dreamers have been lost permanently to petty grudges, feuds, and meaningless conflict over the ages. If you're going to fight - Make sure it's a cause worthy of your dream.

When traveling on the lands occupied by a Great House, it may be worthwhile to introduce yourself to them.
When addressing a Teacher, remember that you are asking them for something. They are not obligated to teach you anything, and as such it is advisable to be respectful of their time and service.
Some older dreamers also find the practice of “Draining essence” to be disagreeable, though this notion is somewhat dated.

On Arts:

You'll find your avatar is imbued with a variety of abilities which will, at first, be quite foreign to you. The basics of are relatively simple to learn, if occasionally difficult to master. The best way to learn what your arts do is to simply test them out. Many older dreamers have, through great research and investment of time, figured out the complex math involved in the quantification of elements and arts, and can discuss their intricacies in great detail. Make sure to seek out dreamers with haloes - They are experts of focal arts and can properly train you.

On Houses:

The houses of Underlight are groups of dreamers that have banded together in common purpose. They often have tenets of faith, codes of behavior, and ideals they strive toward. They are also political in nature; they strive to consolidate power and resources (which includes you, dear newly awakened!)

I recommend seeking representatives of the houses out individually to learn about them. Speaking one-on-one is advisable. Remember that each has great incentive to portray themselves in the best light possible, and equally great incentive to portray other houses negatively.

Many will also tell you, unironically, they are above that sort of thing.

Regardless, it is advisable to foster your own relationship with them. And, should you feel the call to leadership, remember that several houses currently sit unoccupied, awaiting dreamers like you to breathe new life into them.

On Geography:

Threshold represents the central ring of the city, a zone of relative safety and comfort. Outside of that, the inner planes each lead to one of the great houses, some ways up their respective paths.

Should you become lost, note the golden pillars beside portals will lead you back to Threshold. You can also simply wake and return to threshold with relative ease.

The best way to learn the city’s geography is simply to explore and get lost. Take friends with you, whenever possible. You’ll encounter a variety of nightmares - Do make sure you are prepared with dreamsoul, shields, elemens, and chakrams if possible!

On Lexicon:

There are several words and phrases, which are somewhat unique to the city. Note the following basic words and phrases:

Elements: Your avatar is composed of 5 elements, which you may draw from to evoke arts. Willpower, Resilience, Lucidity, Insight, and Dreamsoul. These "focal" elements are the foundation of life in the city and their properties tend to be reflected in the arts to which they are bound.

Focus : Your “Focus” is your primary element, and determines which arts you may learn. You may think of this in some ways as a profession, or a calling. Each dreamer’s soul is mystically attuned to a focal element, upon entering the city.

Halo: Ordained teachers can be identified by the brightly colored, rotating haloes above their heads.

Fatesenders (Lucidity) = Ruby
Soulmasters (Resilience) = Green
Dreamseers (Insight) = Blue
Gatekeepers (Willpower) = Gold
Elder masters (multifocal) = Multicolored

Trancing: Often, dreamers will be momentarily startled in their sleep, briefly lose connection to their conscious minds, or simply need a few moments to refocus. They will often stand still, with a vacant expression. This is known as trancing. If you note someone slipping into a trance, they are likely to return shortly. It is best to either wait for their return, or go about your dream and catch up with them later.

Waking: When you exit the dream world, you'll wake up. This is simply referred to as "waking". When a dreamer indicates they must "wake" soon, this is what they are referring to. Note that this is not to be confused with "Awakening", which is the term we colloquially use for achieving the dreamstate. All dreamers have "Awakened" to Underlight, but they 'wake' to their beds.

Avatar: Your avatar is the body which houses your consciousness, here in the Dream. It functions much like your waking form in that you can walk around with your legs, see things with your eyes, manipulate the world with your hands, and so forth. However, your avatar is imbued with many powers, or arts, and grows in strength as you achieve more knowledge and acquire more energy.

Dreamsoul: While your waking body is likely composed of flesh, blood, and bone, your avatar is composed largely of Dreamsoul - The essential "stuff" of creation within Underlight. When your Dreamsoul is depleted, your avatar may "collapse".

Collapse: Should your avatar have no more dreamsoul, through combat or other means, you will "collapse" into a soulsphere. You are not dead, but your consciousness has become incoherent, and your avatar's abilities will not work until you restore yourself at the nearest sanctuary, or through another's evocation of restore upon your soulsphere.

Soulsphere: Your soulsphere is the incoherent state of your consciousness, when it is without avatar. You are quite vulnerable in this state, and you should seek a sanctuary immediately. If you wake before restoring your avatar, you may lose significant amounts of energy.

Dreamstrike: You may hear dreamers discuss Dreamstrike. This is an art known only to a select few dreamers. It can effectively rip your consciousness from the city - permanently, in many cases. It is inadvisable to test the patience of those with this ability.

Essence: Avatars which are collapsed tend to leave behind an "essence". This is a condensed bit of residual energy which can be useful for various purposes. Nightmares, for instance, leave behind essences which can be stored in Chaos wells, and are useful for powering house primes.

Mares: The city is infested with fauna known as nightmares, often referred to as simply "mares". These include a variety of subspecies including Emphants, Bogroms, Agoknights, Shamblix, and Horrons. There are also "Darkmares" which are an intelligent variety of very powerful nightmares. These are to be treated with extreme caution. Note that most newly awakened are not prepared for combat against a Darkmare. Darkmares have their own language known as "Maren". There are two tribes of Darkmares which frequent our city, known as the "Kotoke" and the "Hotai". They do not like one another.

Talismen: Generally refers to items which can be found and used within the city. You can carry these around in your pack, toss them on the ground, give them to friends, sacrifice them for energy or destroy them!
Chakrams: Brilliant ranged weapons which fire charged balls of energy at your target. These come in a variety of potencies, speeds, effects, and bounciness.
Elemens: Not to be confused with “elements”! Elemens provide replenishment to your focal elements. Ensure you’ve got a Dreamsoul elemen whenever possible, to prevent your untimely collapse.
Charms : Ranged talismen, similar to chakrams, but imbued with positive effects and non-damaging.
Alterors: Personal use talismen which provide a range of positive effects. Note that some are cursed - Best to identify them before use!
Generators: Talismen can be found throughout the city, continually popping into existence at locations known as generators.
--

If you find this guide helpful, don't hesitate to seek me out in the city. If you do not find this guide helpful, seek out...someone else! ~R
~Ra'as
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