Welcome to Gondors FAQ page. We hope there is enough information here to help you gain the confidence to take your first steps in our wonderful kingdom, if you are already confident...feel free to read anyway, it makes all this typing worthwhile.
If you have any further questions relating to any of these topics, or anything else, feel free to call by the Newbie Helpdesk where we will be glad to be of assistance.
Welcome once again and we look forward to seeing you around the city.

King Aragorn Elessar and Faramir, Steward of Gondor
-- X --

Q: Who are the rulers of Minas Tirith and what do they do ?
A: The rulers of Minas Tirith Forum are Jevesh aka King Aragorn Elessar, and Findy aka Faramir, Steward of Gondor. The Rulers' job is to regulate the Minas Tirith Forum. Eru has trusted them to be aware of everything that is going on in Minas Tirith. They make every effort to keep the Kingdom very Tolkien focused and in-character. They read all threads make sure things are running smoothly. By delegating duties of overseeing threads to responsible members they are able also to participate in the Kingdom as their Ruler Characters Aragorn and Faramir. They listen to the ideas and questions of all members and create new activities for members. When there is a problem they can delete posts, which will or will not make the author lose a point. They can also delete threads, which doesn't lose points to the people who posted in it. They try very hard to be honorable, fair, kind and reasonable. Their goal is to keep the Kingdom true to Tolkien and provide an environment that is rich and exciting for the young and old members alike.

Q: I am new and want to introduce myself. Where should I do it ?
A: The Newbie Help Desk is a good place to say hello and make your presence known. The Kingdom also has a Birthday Page so if you decide to make Minas Tirith your home please tell us your birthday there as well. Pubs are also a good place to relax and meet some new people. Gondor has three permanent pubs, the Horn of Gondor, the Wayfarer's Inn , and the Tavern of the Seven Stars. Once a month special Pub Row pubs will have a different theme, and most often will contain the one of the following clue words like ‘pub' ‘inn' ‘tavern' ‘alehouse' or ‘bar and grill'.

Q: What can I post in the Pub thread ?
A: The pubs act as a social meeting place where members can meet and chat in character. It is a good place to visit if you are new to the kingdom as it provides ample opportunity to meet some of our more established members. You will be sure to get a warm welcome and our members make every effort to ensure everybody feels at home.
We have three regular pubs, the Horn of Gondor, the Wayfarers Inn and the Tavern of Seven Stars. These are often rotated so that we have a change of scenery and the bar staff get to have a well earned break.
At the beginning of each month, we also have a new theme pub open, which is chosen from entries submitted by our members. The member whose pub is chosen, will be given the option of running the thread themselves. This is a new initiative which enables some of the newer members and those less active, to have a chance at taking on a responsibility within the kingdom, albeit only for the month.

Q: Can I post an essay or a picture I found on the web ?
A: No. You should post only your own work. If you want to share with other Gondorians something you found on the web, please post a link. Our library is always on the lookout for interesting links and sites. If you claim someone else's work as yours, you will lose points. Rulers and Admins are merciless when it comes to this kind of behaviour !
 

Q: What shouldn't I post in Minas Tirith ?
A: Some things don't belong in the Kingdom Forum. Poetry not relating to Gondor, Arnor, Númenore, Minas Tirith characters or Middle-Earth related belong in the Poetry and FanFic Forum. Questions about Balrogs' wings and Tom Bombadil belong in the Middle-Earth Forums.
Some things are not acceptable in the Minas Tirith Kingdom or anywhere on the Plaza for that matter. These are insulting, inappropriate comments and spam (see the plaza FAQ for a definition). In the context of the Pub, a discussion between two persons that wouldn't allow someone else to join in is to be avoided.
The main thing is DON'T CHEAT TO GET POINTS !
(this can result in point loss or suspension)
Avoid Space Spamming ~ Adding extra space/lines at the beginning of your post in the first 200 characters.
Avoid Sig Spamming ~ Put your signature in the designated slot in your profile; Not in your post.
Don't enlarge the emotiocons ~ this is considered spamming.
Don't post boring things or nonsense (for points or not)~ If you have not read the thread and cannot find a way to post something applicable or interesting...then don't post at all.
Don't create or post with a double account ~ Plaza members are allowed only one account. Period. Suspension will happen.
Don't post Battle Arena Challenges in Minas Tirith.~ That is what the Battle Arena Forum is for.

People are quite unforgiving to those who cheat.
 

Q: May I start threads in Minas Tirith?
A: You may not start threads in Minas Tirith without the Ruler's permission. Most threads have been delegated to members in the Kingdom to oversee. They may open the thread they oversee without permission. All others will be opened by the Rulers or someone they delegate to do so. The permanent threads are well planned so there is room on the first page. Space is a consideration when deciding on priority of threads allowed. If you have an idea email the Rulers or post your idea in the City Hall.
 

Q: Can I post in other Forums ?
A: You are of course welcome to post in other forums, as long as you respect the rules for that forum. For the Middle-Earth related forums, the rules are stated in the plaza FAQ . In the other Kingdoms they depend on their respective Rulers. Be sure to read all the information in any thread before posting.
 

Q: Can I participate in a war ?
A: You, as an individual, can participate in any thread in any forum, as long as you respect the rules set for that forum. For the Middle Earth related forums, the rules are stated in the plaza FAQ , in the other Kingdoms they depend on their respective rulers. Each Kingdom's rpgs are different. There are subtle differences and it is important to respect the style and guidelines of the Kingdom you are posting in. Remember if you are a Ranger, that even though you may not be participating "officially" as a Ranger you will still be expected to honor the Rangers' Code of Conduct. Whether you post in a Kingdom, OOME or in the Middle-Earth forums you are a representative of our Kingdom and are expected to conduct yourself in a respectable fashion.

Q: What are RPGs ?
A: RPG (Role Playing Games) are sometimes organised by the rulers of the different Kingdoms. Some are specific to the Kingdom . Sometimes a battle can be organised between 2 or more kingdoms, but the decision belongs to the rulers of these kingdoms, and permission should be asked of King Aragorn and Prince Farmair first, who in turn will seek the authorization of the other kingdom. If you have an idea for a RPG email it to the Rulers and to our RPG gamesmaster, Finduilas Faelivrin. They receive many ideas and try to incorporate as many as fit into the Kingdom RPGs.
 

Q: What are the rules of RPGs ?
A: Everyone is allowed to participate in RPGs. The principal rule is to make the story go forward. This means, that you should post something that is consistent with what has been told before ( once again, read what others posted before you ). If someone posted while you were writing your answer, either delete or edit your own post to make it fit. A good way to avoid this is to type your post in Word (Arial/size 9 = Plaza default font) and refresh the thread before copying and pasting your post. The second basic rule is that your post must allow others to answer to it. So wait as long as it takes for someone to reply to your post. People are on different time zones, and if you are bored and not answered, it is probably because the people who would be interested are fast asleep. Never double post. Leave an open end to your post so others will be able to take it further.

Click here for more detailed RPG rules

Q: What are the Rangers ?
A: The Elite Rangers Corp of Minas Tirith are a military society, based on Tolkien's Rangers of the North, and the Rangers of Ithilien. For information about the Rangers, read the first posts of the Rangers Headquarter thread or the Newbie Guide.
The rangers of Minas Tirith are often involved in some of the larger RPGs in Minas Tirith, and be you a newcomer to the world of role play, or an old expert with battle-scars to prove it, the rangers will welcome you. The RPGs will open up a whole new and exciting world for you to act out battles, wars and other events in true Tolkien style.
The Commander in Charge is  Arnyn Dealedwen , her Second in Command is Ann Kalagon

Q: What will my training involve?

Basic Training:
 Basic Training is the first step in your journey towards becoming a Full member of the Elite Ranger Corps (ERC) . Rangers seeking promotions, under the guidance of a qualified supervisor, run through exercises and short missions in order to achieve their next promotion. In order to gain promotion via the Basic Training option, you must achieve 10 points (points will be awarded by the supervisor on merit), which will be prompted by your supervisor. Unlike the Training Grounds, there are no length guidelines here, but you must complete more posts. Captain Umbardacil is the Reserve Captain and has overall authority within this program.

The Training Grounds
The training grounds are the next step in your progression towards Full Divisional Status. You follow this course of training only after completing the Basic Training Scheme and being promoted to Page within one of the four regular divisions. You will be offered a qualified supervisor upon application and will receive guidance and assistance through each level of your training. The training grounds option requires two posts from you consisting of a role play training session that you write. The posts must be longer and show more skill and understanding of weapons and all ranger aspects as you progress. For every two posts accepted, you will gain one level promotion within the ranks until you reach Full status.

Q: What is the White Tree Registry ?
A: The White Tree Registry is our very own newspaper, it gives news about the Minas Tirith Kingdom, and other plaza related events. It is an in-character paper with many members responsible for permanent columns. The Editor's Office opens on the 15th of each month for submissions and the deadline is always the 25th. The paper is published on or around the first of the month covering news from the previous month. There are opportunities for all to contribute. Gondorians my either post something for the Classifieds or bring an idea for a permanent column to the Editor for approval. Findy and Jevesh are the editors and any new ideas should be taken to them.

Q: What is the Library of Gondor ?
A: The library is a thread in Minas Tirith where you may role play in the following activities:

1 - Members may post researching subjects, including in their posts any interesting facets of Lore etc that they might have learned.  Be sure to note where the information was found.  Use the lists at the bottom for IC referrals.  
2 - Members may post looking up selected Books of the Month from the Book Review in the WTR.  They may invent similar tomes that their character might be reading.
3 - Members with a genuine lore question about Minas Tirith, or Gondor, or our History etc may present it here before the Royal Librarian, who will do his best to politely and accurately inform you of the facts or at least point you to a Tome where you can find them.  Remember this is an IC thread so make sure your questions relate to your characters and are realistic. If you are asking a question which requires a canonical reference in response, then make the entire question bold black.
(This activity should be done sparingly as this is not the lore forum!)
4 - The Royal Librarian may invite guest speakers to perform lectures on specialist subjects that will later be annexed to the Kingdom Page ( Rynd Permaith Iaur - the Old Hall of Books ).  If one such lecture is in progress then spectators may post their thoughts and IC comments.
5- The Royal Librarian may invite a guest poet to make a presentation of his or her works for discussion and critique.  The same rules apply to this as to the lectures, but the poet concerned must have an anthology of work and must be approved before going ahead.  Once again a reminder this is all to be held IC.
6 - The Library can now be an IC destination from the Tower Guard thread, and sometimes specially arranged RPG's will incorporate it.  Therefore there may occasionally be GM posts in here.

Commonly Asked Newbie Helpdesk Questions