General rules

What we expect of you

◇ The Silent Grove does not tolerate any form of bigotry. This includes, but is not limited to racism, homophobia, transphobia, gender discrimination, and more.Following the above, please avoid use of slurs - this includes racist, sexist, homophobic, and ableist slurs.

◇ As this is an rp-based fc with some heavy content themes surrounding death, injury, trauma, etc, we ask that applicants are 21+.

◇ Communication is important. If you have a disagreement, it's better to discuss it maturely rather than gossip or cause fissures within a group. Additionally, officers are here to help in certain situations so please don't be afraid to approach us.

◇ While primarily an fc, we do allow off-world members to participate, and have a CWLS for Grove members.

◇ Set a good example and treat others with kindness and respect.

Character Specific

Building your character into the FC

◇ Lore bend, not break! Characters vary in strengths and skills but we find some limitations and keeping to the lore makes for more of an interesting challenge in writing. Ideally, we would prefer medium to low powered individuals that are grounded in canon.

◇ Though it shouldn't go without saying, please do not godmod or infomod. For event rp's and dm'ed plots, please do not hijack the story from the dm(s) as well. Inspiration is one thing, commandeering is another.

◇ Note the hierarchy. While the company can lean on the informal side for structure, there is a ranking system. Greenleafs and Rangers answer to Keepers, Keepers answer to Watchers, etc. If you feel there is an IC conflict in the chain of command or with an order, don't hesitate to discuss - sometimes, IC confrontation or disagreements can lead to interesting new stories, so long as we're respectful and mindful in its approach and OOC.

◇ ICly, this is a secret organization! Do not go outing other members to non-Grove members. Utilize thieves speak or code if necessary to convey messages between members in public/open-world rp, or to potentially recruit new members. But please be mindful that there is a code of secrecy.

◇ While you are free to Roleplay what you want at the end of the day, please do not treat the Grove as a potential dating pool for your character.

Company Specific

Keeping the Grove running smoothly

◇ While mature themes are expected, those of sexual or intimate nature are not. We do not allow NSFW content, especially ERP, within the FC or group. Please avoid such discussions both IC and OOC, thank you!

◇ Some FC rooms are common use, meaning that anyone is welcome to RP within them, and some are not. Please be mindful of the room greetings to know what's allowed!

◇ Due to Balmung's perpetual congestion, we have satellite FC's tied to the Grove on Brynhildr and Mateus, so you can still join and reap FC benefits like buffs + fc rooms.

◇ FC chat is ooc only. Swearing is fine, but please avoid name calling.

◇ Please be mindful of spoilers, and do not discuss them in the FC chat.

◇ We don't mind alts for those that are ranger or above rank. However, we prefer to have a group of active members, so those that have not logged in for too long a period may get purged. We will always notify beforehand though, and if you let us know if you need to step away we're totally amenable!

What type of rp do we do?

◇ We offer a mix of roleplay opportunities from operations, combat, non-combat, investigations, character stories, social hangouts, or venue visits / open-world rp events.

what is our frequency?

◇ We strive to have some form of RP each week, and a minimum of two operations per month. Operations typically fall on the weekends, but our storytellers will run events and stories during the week as well.

Are there race restrictions?

◇ There is no issue with any race or clan joining the Grove so long as it can adhere to lore (example: a mystel would have difficulties joining).

Are there age restrictions?

◇ Morally, we would not be able to accept any underaged/minor characters given the dangers and risk that comes with operating within the grove from an IC-standpoint. Your character must be an adult to join, and you the writer must be 21+.

What's not allowed?

◇ NSFW content of a sexual nature, whether ooc or ic.
◇ Lore breaking + powermodding / godmodding. While we are alright with some bending, and occasionally we face off against enemies that are higher powered, we want to keep the Grove grounded ultimately.
◇ Bigotry, both IC and OOC. Considering the Grove stands against oppression and bigotry, it would not make sense to allow such types to join.

What timezones?

◇ A mix! We have officers in EST and PST, as well as in the UK. During the week our events are usually afternoon/evening in the US, and afternoon on the weekends.

Is this for Balmung only?

◇ While we are stationed on Balmung and have a fully functioning fc, we also recognize that Balmung is congested 24/7. As such, we are open to RPers from other worlds, and have a CWLS for that very reason.

What is the power level?

◇ We prefer to have a low to medium powered group as the Grove is about the commonfolk fighting back against oppressive forces. While we're not necessarily against high-powered characters, please note that from an ooc standpoint, to make things fair, there will be a dice system in place to facilitate this.

Dice system?

◇ We use a very basic dice system based off of "Grindstone rules" in cases of combat or for the needed perception, deception, or skill check in an operation. We try to keep this system minimal and with only a couple modifiers, and we do not require you to make character sheets or anything of that sort.While we do borrow some ttrpg elements, we want to focus more on writing and innovation than getting bogged down in system mechanics.

How do I join?

◇ Click the "Apply" button at the top for next steps, and fill out the google questionnaire - it doesn't take more than 5-10 minutes. We will reach out to you and discuss your application, ask and answer any questions, and invite you to the discord and group. Afterwards, one of our officers will set up a time to icly recruit your character into the grove.

mission

◇ The Silent Grove is a clandestine organization with criminal roots devoted to helping those left powerless or disadvantaged against corrupt systems, figures, and other powers-that-be. While they typically avoid organized crime families or delving into political machinations, they more often than not target the wealthy, corrupt elite. This can vary from unearthing information on crooked public figures, stealing from noble families, or even reclaiming historical art or relics that were taken by war or conquest.

History

◇ Little is known about the Silent Grove, but there are whispers that some within it's ranks formerly served in a now defunct cell in the Dalmascan resistance, prior to the Kingdom's fall.

Recruiting

◇ With divisions ranging from intel to provisions, and even commerce, the Silent Grove has work for most anyone so long as they're committed to the cause, and getting their hands dirty where necessary.

Divisions

In-Game

◇ Our FC is located on Balmung, Mist, W26 P60. Feel free to visit and apply in-game at the signpost outside the FC; if you do so, please include your Carrd/Bio or discord in the application so we may contact you!

Google Form

◇ Fill out the application below and one of our officers will contact you in-game or through Discord if you feel comfortable providing it. If you don't provide a valid Discord handle we'll try to reach you in-game if we catch you online, otherwise it's best to submit an application at the FC house.

• APPLICATION

Contacts