Frequently Asked Questions, (FAQs)

Please read these questions and answers carefully before posting a question on the forum.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Where in the world IS Ardnieu University?
A: Ardnieu University is located on the Aran Islands, off the coast of Ireland. More info on this can be found in the History.


Q: Do you have a map for... [the grounds, the castle, villages, etc.]?

A: Yes. In the Map Room. If it's not there, we don't have one.


Q: How closely related the AU world is to the Potterverse?

A: AU is part of the Harry Potter genre, even if its a setting that steps just outside the boundaries of it. Therefore, it is considered very closely related, and we stick to canon as much as possible. You may see a few things that we've had to dream up in order to fill in the gaps, but you'll see that happen even at a Hogwarts RPG.


Q: How do I join Ardnieu University?

A: First, you need to read the Rules and Regulations. After that, go to the Admission Procedure topic to find out, step-by-step, how to become a member.


Q: What is roleplaying?

A: Roleplaying is somewhat like improvisational acting in the respect that you create a character and interact with others as that character. The roleplaying at Ardnieu University is done in a limited 3rd person past tense point-of-view. (If you are confused as to what that entails, please visit our Roleplaying Tips page.)


Q: I've applied, but I haven't been accepted or placed into a Tower! How long does it take for my application to go through?

A: Be patient. Applications are sorted manually by the Chancellor and Dean of Students, so it might take longer than if you were to submit an application maintained by a robot. But it will go through. Just keep your eyes open, and soon you will be sorted into a Tower, gaining all the privileges that go with it.


Q: I don't like my Tower. Can I switch to the other one?

A: No. Your answers to the questions were highly scrutinised in order for the administration to decide in which tower you belong.


Q: Do I have to start out as a freshman?

A: Yes. Everyone starts out as a freshman, regardless of age, and they advance from there. How long you stay at AU (and therefore, how far you advance) depends on what your major is. Two-year (Silver Crescent) degrees only require you to remain a student through your second (sophomore) year, while 4-year (Diamond Crescent) degrees require you to advance through your senior year. Some of our older members have progressed to their sophomore year by now, but the upperclassemen are considered nameless, faceless NPCs that usually aren't the focus of anything. (Caveat: Your character will not be as powerful or advanced as Dumbledore or the Dark Lord. Don't even try it.)


Q: Which classes should I take?

A: To find the answer to this, start here. See also: Policies Regarding Classes.


Q: But what if I want to take a class outside my major?

A: Go for it. We encourage that you seek knowledge in other fields. If you're a budding History of Magic major with an affinity for Herbology, then by all means, take Herbology. You aren't restricted to classes within your chosen career path. See also: Policies Regarding Classes.


Q: What if I want to major in something you don't offer (i.e. Philosophy, etc.)?

A: We've pretty much covered all magical fields of study here, so if it's not here, then it's likely not considered something that would be a serious focus in the magical world. That means you should probably ask yourself if you really want your character attending a magical university for something that's technically not all that magical, or that the wizarding world doesn't really focus on in general. If you're still adament about the major you've chosen for your character once you've thought it through seriously and completely, the only option is to choose the general department under which you think your character's major should fall. As always, the administration may change your major (or advise you to choose something more appropriate), based on the long-term goal you indicate to us in your application.


Q: Is participation in the class RPs mandory?

A: No. We cannot force you to participate in the class RPs. However, because this is a University setting, and the professors do take the time to plan and start the class threads, you really should join them. If you absolutely cannot, then you must at least reference their studies in other threads. For example, Jim, the Potions major, may be sitting in his dorm room studying for a Potions test, even if Jim's player doesn't have the time or inclination to actually participate in the Potion class RPs.

For more information on class policies, click here.


Q: How do I get to play a professor?

A: Click here.


Q: Do I have to wait for my Student Record to be approved with special requests, etc., or can I start posting straight away?

A: While you may not roleplay special abilities or items for which you made a request until they are approved, you are not required to wait for your entire Student/Faculty Record to be approved before you begin RPing in general. If there are any issues with the information you've provided in your record, a member of the Admin will contact you, and you will be required to ceasing RPing that particular detail only until the matter is resolved. In other words, once you've posted your Student Record, you can dive right into your RPing.


Q: What if I want to update my Student/Faculty Record--how do I do that?

A: Because the Student Record archives are read-only forums (and not even the admin can edit posts in there), you will have to copy your old description into a new reply to the main Student or Faculty Records threads (depending on which one your character is), make your edits, then post it. From there, the process is the same as when you first posted it. A member of the admin will review it, and if everything is okay, we'll delete the old one, then move the new one up to replace it.


Q: What are the dorms?

A: The 'dorms' are the fraternity/sorority inside each tower. Listing it in your student record isn't mandatory, because everyone who's read the various info threads about AU will already know which dorm you're in based on other clues--such as tower name and gender. The dorms themselves aren't really all that significant, however, as we don't try to force you into that mold (so to speak), unlike what is sometimes the case with a Hogwarts RPG. We simply like to keep the 'spirit' of them alive.


Q: What about Quidditch? How do I join my Tower's Quidditch team?

A: You may try out for your Tower's Quidditch team by roleplaying in the appropriate "Tryouts" topic. If there are no try-out topics available, then you may PM the Chancellor to see if there's an opening on your tower's team. Most likely, you'll be set up with a reserve position (which means that you would substitute for any missing players), but that would be considered a good place to start nonetheless, because reserves are given first dibs on permanent positions when they become vacant.

Team players are decided on the basis of how well you roleplay the tryout (or in general on the forums), and not necessarily how good you portray the player to be. For instance, this:

Will be chosen over posts that look like this:

However, do keep in mind that if you have a wonderful post, but your character is horrible at the game, he/she will not be chosen. It's best to give your character some talent at Quidditch. As a college team, the Captains only select the best of the best!


Q: When and where are the matches?

A: Any further Quidditch questions may be answered in the Quidditch FAQ.


Q: What sort of things go in a signature?

A: Anything, really, so long as the pictures or banners are no more than 150 pixels high and 400 pixels wide. Your name may go in these signatures, and so may any quotes or links (make sure links are PG-13 or below). But keep it short. We don't want your signature to be longer than your post!


Q: My signature won't show up whenever I use the [IMG] tag! What's wrong?

A: Though all of the other IB tags (such as bold, color, font, etc.) will work in signatures, the [IMG] tag does not. For displaying images in signatures, you must use the HTML code. Like so:

IMAGE URL HERE would obviously be replaced with the link to your image.


Q: I'm trying to insert HTML code into my post, but it won't work. What's wrong?

A: Most of the forums on AU do not allow HTML code to work in posts. This is a detail that will not change unless the admin (or a faculty member) requires it. You'll have to find another way of going about it.


Q: How do I use the board itself?

A: Any questions you have on using InvisionFree Power Boards can be answered by going to the Help page, located here.


Q: My PM system just wigged out on me! --Or, what do I do if I encounter a bug with the forums?

A: In regards to the PM system in particular, Invisionfree has already stated that there are known bugs for which they have no solution. However, if you encounter a technical problem with PM (or elsewhere on the boards), please PM a member of the Admin with a detailed explanation of the problem. If they don't already know what's wrong, they will have to send a Support Ticket to Invisionfree to fix the problem.


Q: How do I get my topic deleted, closed, moved, etc.?

A: First, you should take note of the fact that it is very rare that IC topics get deleted at AU (this is because of the archiving system we have). However, if you think there's a good reason why your topic should be closed or deleted, or if you need it moved to another location on the site, PM the Chancellor or a Student Ambassador with a link to the topic, along with your reasons. If it's deemed plausible enough to justify the action, then it will be taken care of by them.

Also a note from the Chancellor...

There are some requests I won't fulfill in this capacity. I once had a member at another site request that I delete all of the posts they had made upon deleting their account. That is an extreme example of what I will not do. Not only is it ridiculous, it's pretty much impossible to do with an archive system such as the one we have here. Likewise, I probably wouldn't delete posts from a thread unless it was the last one in place, but that depends entirely on the content before and after the post in question. As for threads in general, I delete OOC topics regularly, and would likely delete an in-character thread that someone started as long as it didn't have replies.


Q: I want to change my character's name. What's the procedure for this?

A: You will need to PM the Chancellor, so that she may make the change to the name on your account. Include the new name and your reason(s) for wanting it changed. You will receive an e-mail notice when the change is complete. After that, you'll need to update your student record to reflect the change.


Q: I want to delete my character. What's the procedure for this?

A: You must send a PM to a member of the Admin formally requesting to have your account/character deleted. You do not have to explain your reasons if don't want to, but you must state in no uncertain terms that you want to be deleted from the site. Deletion is irrevocable; therefore, we must have your request clearly expressed in writing.


Q: What are "password protected" forums? Can I access them?

A: Most of the locked forums on the site are accessible by those who have read and understand the warnings placed on them, and have requested the password. However, the Ardnieu Reveille and Special Events Committe forums are accessible ONLY by those who have been given persmission. For more information on requesting passwords for the locked forums, click here.


Q: What is the Ardnieu Reveille, and how do I join the staff?

A: The Ardnieu Reveille is AU's campus newspaper. To join the staff, click here.


Q: What is the Special Events Committee, and how do I join it?

A: The Special Events Committee (more often referred to as the Planning Committee) plans the special, site-wide events in the Ardnieu world. Though the committee itself is OOC, they only plan the major IC events, such as the Autumn Festival and Spring Break events. OOC events, such as the Tower and Ardnieu Awards, are planned and carried out by corrdinators when the time comes.


Q: What is spam?

A: Spam is defined as unwanted or excess material (or a very unhealthy luncheon meat that is very popular in Hawaii). On these boards, very short posts (less than 100 words) are considered spam, unless they're in OOC forums. This is dealt with via PM or by a small comment left by a moderator in your post (usually bolded), and isn't a very serious offence so long as it is remedied accordingly. On the other hand, interrupting an RP for the sole purpose of advertising another site or forum is known as Unforgivable Spam, in which case you will either be Warned or Banned from the site completely. THIS IS YOUR ONLY WARNING.


Q: What if I want to advertise a really cool site, though?

A: That's fine. Just don't do it IC, and don't interrupt RP for that purpose. You may advertise websites or other forums in your signature, or in the appropriate OOC topics (see the General OOC Discussions forum. Similarly, you may advertise Ardnieu University on other websites or forums, so long as it's approved by the moderators there.


Q: What if I run into problems with another member at Ardnieu?

A: PM the Chancellor, one of your tower's RA (Residential Advisor), or a Student Ambassador. Do not add to the chaos by flaming (insulting) the other member. That in itself is punishable by banning.


Q: I've just posted something, but it won't show up!

A: Odds are, you're on Mod Queue. Mod Queue is where posts go for review by a moderator before they are posted. The reasons for your placement on Mod Queue could be varied, though the most common reasons are editing (in other words, use proper spelling, punctuation, and capitalization in your posts, and do not post anything in another language), offensive material (do not include graphic violence or nudity in your posts) and spamming (if you have a history of spam, you will not be able to post without review). You may be taken off Mod Queue by finding out what you are doing wrong and fixing it. (And please do. The less people we have in Mod Queue, the better.)


Q: What's a Residential Advisor? What is a Student Ambassador?

A: A Residential Advisor (RA) is a student that may be consulted for help regarding forums and in-character problems. Think prefect. A Student Ambassador (SA) is more like a Head Student, and have access to both towers.

RAs and SAs are moderators for the site in some capacity, and therefore, come with certain responsibilities.


Q: What do I do if I am uncertain about the rating of the post (or thread) I want to submit?

A: Send the body of the post--or at the very least, the part(s) that make you uncertain--to a member of the Admin. They will determine if it is within the PG-13 rating, or if the thread where you want to post it should perhaps be moved to a locked forum, where the rating is a little higher.


Q: May my character be in more than one thread at a time?

A: Yes. As long as he/she is not in the same place at the same exact time. Time in the AU world is considered 'fluid'--meaning, it may be Thursday in one thread, and last Tuesday in another. Just be sure to note the time of one thread, so you don't mess up the chronology with regards to the others.

[NOTE: We do not allow you to go to extremes in this respect, especially in terms of going into the future. Anything we see that takes place over one (1) month ahead of the current time WILL raise eyebrows. The past is a little different, as some threads take months to complete, and the time therein should be the same. But even there, we do not allow it to go to extremes.]


Q: Are we allowed to have more then one character? If so, do we just do the standard procedure to make them, or it something different?

A: To gain more characters, you'll need to read this post. Make sure that you fit the requirements, then follow the instructions given.


Q: Is my character allowed to be rude to other characters?

A: As long as you do not god-mode the other person's character, do not state what any of the reactions or results are, your character suffers any and all consequences (immediate or long-term) without Mary Sue-ing his/her way out of them, and the situation calls for it, then yes. It is. In fact, it's not realistic to prevent your character from being mean if that's what his/her personality dictates in a given situation. It is also considered Mary Sue-ish to have a character who is always acting like a Malfoy-wannabe prat, so remember to keep it in moderation.


Q: Is my Healing/DADA/Vet student allowed to begin their internship in the Infirmary/Security Office/Keep right away? Is there any special procedure for this?

A: Yes, Healing, DADA, and Vet majors may start internships right away. And no, there is no special procedure. It would be more believeable to RP an older student in the same major showing your character the ropes, but that isn't required.


Q: Do Mental Healing/Parapsychology students complete their internship in the infirmary like regular Healing students?

A: Yes. Only, the Mental Healing/Parapsychology students intern in the Student Counseling Center portion of the infirmary.


Q: Why can't non-student characters see the Guest Quarters of Ardnieu Castle?

A: The Ardnieu Guest Quarters are for guests of the school. Keynote speakers, for example. The Guest Quarters aren't something we ever intended to be used by actual player characters - just another part of the castle for students to explore and invade. Of course, some students have opted to live there, but those have all been unusual circumstances.


Q: When playing a PDU character at the AU forums, will one be able to play the characters SR(s) that have been approved at PDU, or will one have to gain approval here, too?

A: SRs approved at PDU are allowed at AU without having to request them. However, if anyone abuses their special abilities/items over here, you will be asked to cease RPing them on this site.


Q: Okay. Let's say that I have a professor at PDU and I had an account made for him at AU. Since, the professor wouldn't be a student, would they be available for a Non-Student Account? If so, would it be wiser to keep them as a PDU member?

A: As a member of the PDU faculty or student body, characters from PDU are eligible for the PDU user group here.


Q: Are you done?

A: Yes. Go frolic in the wilderness.


Q: Will you marry me?

A: Only if your name is Ville Valo. And even then, it's highly questionable.

This post has been edited by Prof. Moreen Rastal on Aug 1 2007, 06:54 PM