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| =Applications= | | =Applications= |
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| =='''What are Applications?'''==
| | Applications submitted through our '''[[EFUSL2]]''' system is the preferred method for players to formally communicate any special kind of requests with the DM team. Applications are primarily submitted in order to make requests such as: subraces, prestige classes, admission into application-only factions, permission to advance past level 10, or special perks / backgrounds. |
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| Applications are our way of enabling players to do and play, cool things. They are special privileges given out by the team meant to enrich the gameworld. You can apply for virtually anything. This document discusses a range of examples and concepts that players may apply for through EFU's application process. The DM team wants – as much as possible, while maintaining the consistency and balance of our setting, and not compromising the standard of roleplay in EFU – to help make your dreams come true. | | Applications must be passed by a two-thirds majority of the active DM team. DMs typically consider the following factors in deciding how to vote: |
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| When building an application, try to keep things minimal. Imagine it as telling a friend about your great idea. Explain what you want to do with what you are getting. There are two important qualities of a good application that are worth mentioning. The number one important quality of a good application is that it has goals that involve other players while requiring minimal DM support.
| | 1) The strength and creativity of the concept (“is it awesome?”); |
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| ==='''Special Backgrounds'''===
| | 2) The mechanical balance of what is being proposed (“is it too strong?”); |
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| Example: I am applying for my character to have been a member of the Order of the Sun Soul.
| | 3) The reputation of the player (“how have they been doing lately?”) (i.e., has the player demonstrated the ability to play a successful and interesting EFU character through completion; does the player play with good sportsmanship and attitude; is the player due extra consideration due to recent successes or losses); |
| Example: I am applying for my character to have been a personal friend/relative of an important NPC.
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| Example: I am applying for my character to be a family member of the House Skatterhawk, a noble house of Cormyr.
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| Special backgrounds are a reasonably self-explanatory and often (but not always) a relatively easy application to have passed. Membership of a canon Forgotten Realms / EFU organisation or family, or anything entailing a pre-existing relationship with NPCs, and more, can be included in such applications.
| | 4) Will the result improve the existing server climate (“will this make things more interesting?”) (i.e., interesting goals that others will be involved in, or generally anything that seems likely to be entertaining for others as well as yourself). |
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| Subraces / Faction Member:
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| See elsewhere for a complete list of factions. These two are grouped because they follow the same general rule.
| | ==Application Format== |
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| When applying for subraces, you need to earn your subrace and the benefits that come with it by showing DMs in an application that having the subrace/faction position will add to the server and your goals in some manner.
| | It is vital that applications be presented in a concise manner and in such a manner that DMs can quickly skim it. The EFU DM team has received in excess of over five thousand individual applications over the course of the server's history, many of which were very lengthy to read. While we welcome additional detail in Part C of your application, it is important for players to understand that most DMs will only skim an individual application. |
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| It also helps significantly in subrace applications (as well as applications in general) to have played previous successful characters. Successful, in this sense, is mostly about:
| | The format should be as follows: |
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| - Living out your PC's natural life. (ie. not giving up/ragequitting/otherwise OOCly ending your PC in an arbitrary fashion.)
| | ===Part A=== |
| - Involving yourself and others in player or server plots/associations/factions.
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| - Good quality roleplay & characterization.
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| | Player Identity. Make sure we know who you are (OOC handle as well as past important characters if you think we might be unfamiliar), as your reputation as a player will be an important part of the criterion of evaluating the application. If you are a new player, that is entirely OK, but please make sure you briefly tell us your background with roleplaying or NWN persistent worlds. |
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| You may apply for a subrace not on our list, but this generally requires a very strong application and sometimes a dm to implement it.
| | A listing of your character's name, race, age, alignment, deity, and class. |
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| ==='''Prestige Classes'''===
| | Summary. Please summarize the basic pitch / concept in one or two sentences. |
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| Example: I am applying for my character to take the Assassin PrC.
| | ===Part B=== |
| Example: I am applying for my character to take the Champion of Torm PrC, except as a Champion of Bane.
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| Example: I am applying for my character to take the Red Dragon Disciple PrC, except as a Deep Dragon Disciple.
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| Prestige classes in EFU do not have mechanical requirements any longer.
| | The second part of your application should address some or all of the above (4) factors. You should explain what you will be doing to justify your request, you should NOT simply list goals that will mostly require DM activity. It is incredibly rare that DMs look at an application and are inspired to run entire plots around a PC. Instead, you should focus on what you will be doing without us -- we frequently contribute to individual character’s stories, but we do not wish to feel obligated to do so. |
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| However, you must demonstrate in your application that your PC meets certain prerequisites, or otherwise demonstrates a strength of concept or prestige worthy of the prestige class. These prerequisites are generally discussed in the threads in this forum.
| | A list of bulletin point goals or objectives is frequently a good way to fill out this section. Again, be concise and simply try to explain what you will actually be doing IG and how it will be fun for you and others. |
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| ==='''Establishment of a group with NPCs and/or property'''=== | | ===Part C=== |
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| In the past, PC factions have risen to possess their own personalised HQs. This is generally a benefit acquired by long-term groups or PCs that breathe a lot of life into the gameworld as proactive institutions. As such, there are also rentable rooms and faction halls that are scripted and thus available for more general or temporary use. Earning NPCs or property is a big deal and requires considerable dedication and strength of concept. It is not hugely encouraged to apply for this too frivolously or too early, especially when rentable HQs are available.
| | Part C is the least important part of the application and is optional. Feel free to include here any additional details, background information, or other ideas here. |
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| You would also be required to take IC steps to see something like this come to fruition.
| | ==Application Tips== |
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| ==='''Storylines or plots'''===
| | Applications for subraces should allow for a week or so of discussion before you make the character, however feel free to check in with DMs after a few days about how any app is going. |
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| Example: I am applying for a character who possesses a key to an unknown part of the Machine which has been passed from Scrapper to Scrapper.
| | It is acceptable to apply to join an elite faction either on creation (or shortly afterward), however DMs may decide that it would be more appropriate as an EIG (Earn In Game - basically meaning your character has to succeed in convincing existing faction members that they will helpful and have earned the right to be admitted. |
| Example: I am applying for a character who escaped slavery from Nyxae and gathers a group of warriors to get revenge.
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| Example: I am applying for a character who seeks his father who went missing with the Society after the Crystal War.
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| Example: I am applying for a character who is enthralled by the Dread Empire and operates out of the House of Knowledge.
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| It is best to design such plots/storylines to give yourself the means to advance these things or play them out among other players – and let us just drop in and give you a piece of loot, or make something happen, or help you bring the plot to a close when it has advanced sufficiently.
| | Applications for prestige classes should be normally submitted when your character has made substantial progress towards developing some prestige in his/her chosen field. As EFU has no mechanical requirements for PRCs, you should submit precise details of the desired build and understand that the more optimized it is the less likely it will be approved. For some concepts, it may be appropriate to submit a PRC application early in the character's history and depending upon the overall strength of the concept DMs may approve immediately. |
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| The idea is that, with a minimal necessity for DM effort - perhaps a random NPC possession or an event or two - you can independently go about telling a story or trying to fulfil some plot with your PC, and the server can be more interesting for it.
| | Applications for plots / module changes / other things that require DM action are fine, but understand that they will frequently produce a response from us of, "Sure if someone wants to." It is therefore helpful to develop a rapport / reputation with individual DMs and privately reach out to see if someone is interested, active and would be available to do the work if the app is approved. |
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| ==='''Unretirement'''===
| | Applications for level 11 characters (very rare) should focus on how your character is demonstrating mastery over his/her profession and how this increase in power will be justified both in IC terms (i.e. major Arcane research for a Wizard or proven abilities in an epic encounter) as well as OOC (i.e. how the server will be improved by allowing for this considerable increase in power) |
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| The team is fairly good with letting people take breaks from their PCs and dealing with real life. Hell, this is a game! There is a consensus however made by the team. If you are inactive with your PC for over two months the team has a right to retire your pc. This is done for a myriad of reasons, one of the big ones being the abandonment of plots and the danger that someone like a random level 9 coming back into the fray to pvp. This app is a little different from the others and in it you would more or less explain your reason for departure and why you want to return to the PC.
| | Try not to take a declined application seriously. Sometimes it's just the wrong time, or we just couldn't agree. Regardless, it is the EFU DM goal to make the server as fun as possible for players without ever needing to write an application. |
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| Example: I am applying to return to my character after a three month hiatus. Real life had me busy with moving and I am back on my feet. My PC was an infamous watcher before I left and I am not quite done with his story. On my return I will follow through with my original character goals and explain my character's absence as paperwork after getting caught bending the system one too many times.
| | Feel free to reach out to a DM for feedback about declined applications. |
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| ==='''Another Miscellaneous Favour'''===
| | Thank you for submitting an EFU application! |
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| * Example: I am applying for my character to have access to the Devils summoning theme.
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| * Example: I am applying to start with a cloak that makes my kobold look like a human.
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| * Example: I am applying for my Exile PC to have a hook horror animal companion.
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| * Example: I am applying for my character to have a set of magic make-up.
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| * Example: I am applying for the scum lair.
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| * Example: I am applying for my PC to be level 11 (or higher).
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| ==='''A note about Preludes'''===
| | __NOEDITSECTION__ |
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| Applying for a prelude quest to begin a concept or (more likely) a group concept is possible. But an application may not always be required.
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| If you gather together a number of other players for an interesting group concept of some kind, feel free to approach a DM to – if they are interested – run your group a Prelude DM quest to introduce them to the setting.
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| Of course, as we often say, you can apply for anything! This is not an exhaustive list, by any means.
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| ==='''How to Apply'''===
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| Once you have completed an app using the correct [[Template]], copy your completed app and create a ticket under [Application submission] with the following subject:
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| Paste your app into body of the ticket, and preview for any typos or last minute changes. Once you are done, submit the ticket via the '''Create Ticket''' button.
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| The app will disappear within 24 hours, and should be completed within the next 2-7 days. Feel free to approach a DM for updates after 48 hours. Check [Application Results] for your app within the 2-7 day time frame.
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| =='''Template'''==
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| This is simply a template, and it is not the only way to write application. However, these are some pieces of information we would like to know in some detail or level:
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| A subject line of Account Name - Primary Subject - Secondary Subjects
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| * Your GSID (the account you will use to log in this character if approved) and previously used and well-known account names (make it easier for us to know who you are!)
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| * A general idea of your playing times
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| * A brief description of your character's history. Emphasis: brief!
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| * Explicit listing of name, race, age, alignment, deity, and class.
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| * Explicit listing of what you're applying for (what race/class/faction/other perk)
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| * Your character goals; these explain what you will do with your character, if you're approved, and should also point out why it will be fun for not only you, but other players, to be approved. The most important section!
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| =='''Example'''==
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| Below is an example of a strong application to give you an idea of what we are looking for.
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| GameSpy ID: _SideKick
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| Playing times: Irregular, late afternoon, early evening GMT.
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| Bio: Barely a teeneager, Krast fled his home of Grunwald after accidentally killing a merchant’s son during a scuffle. He eked out a destitute existence in the Lurkwood, surviving on hunting and banditry. As the passage of years brought the Lord of Death’s judgement ever closer, he sought penance as a hunter of the undead and faithful servant of Kelemvor.
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| Krast Dreyman, human, 43, lawful neutral, rogue/ranger
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| Faction membership: Numinous Order
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| Goals:
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| Brooding, bitter and irreverent; Krast’s crude personality is in many ways the antithesis of the Order’s strict doctrines and purity. However he shares a fanatical zeal towards slaying the undead and a newfound religious fervor.
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| Believing his banishment to Ymph is one last chance at redemption, he will lead brazen missions into the Withered Lands to hunt undead. He will also stalk necromancers and witches within Mistlocke. Paying informants to name and watch potential suspects. Any found guilty of the crime of necromancy would be made to face Order justice. The Muster, if not an irrelevance, is unequipped to deal with matters of such significance.
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| He will dedicate himself to mustering resources and manpower to fight the Lichess. He will publicly deride the houses Caermyn and Aberdenn for not doing more. Shaming their associates and retainers into joining the crusade against H'Bala and even pushing for it to be made a compulsory service.
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| He will also lobby the Mayor and Muster to give criminals facing execution or banishment a second chance, by committing their lives to fighting the undead. These outcasts would be bound by oaths and made to wear garb that stigmatised them. Should they renege on their vows, they would be dealt with by the Order. I imagine this pragmatism would also lead to some friction with the Order itself.
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| ----
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| ===='''Analysis'''====
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| Within a few short paragraphs, this player describes not merely a character, but a vision for his faction and for the future of Mistlocke. Sparing no words on idle chatter, he lays bare his character's fundamental philosophy, his long-range goals, and his concrete short-term plans. His ultimate objectives are bold, dramatic, and exciting. They offer incredible opportunity for conflict and cooperation, both personal and ideological, and set the stage for wonderful stories. This application is absolutely excellent and inspiring.
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| ===='''Take-Home Lessons'''====
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| Notice how the biography focuses on the character traits which are important for the rest of the application. The character's driving motivations are laid out, but with no unnecessary focus on his life story -- this is perfect. Every line of the goals section adds a new goal or concrete plan for implementing a goal. These specific concrete steps, many of which can be done without DM involvement and which allow for a wide variety of interaction and conflict, are just as important as the overarching vision and long-range goals.
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| This application is a good example of how you can make an amazing, awesome character out of an incredibly simple mold -- an ex-bandit. A common mistake is to try to substitute rare subraces, obscure deities, exotic homelands, or other "uncommon" molds for real depth and exciting goals. Remember: your character will not be special because he's a water genasi; he will be special because of the depth, thought, and awesome characterization that you provide. The application is your first chance to show off your goals and concept.The key thing here is that we very quickly understand the origin of the character's motivations, what his goals in the setting are, and what he will be doing on a day-to-day basis in striving to achieve these. He plans to engage with, and attempt to change the gameworld in a highly feasible manner. And not a single part of his plans requires a DM. This character is bound to enrich the gameworld and interact with other players in interesting ways (conflicting and cooperating). He is easy to approve, and bound to attract our attention in the active pursuit of his goals amongst other players.
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| Credit to Sternhund and Arkov for the old forum thread on which this information has been based.)
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Applications
Applications submitted through our EFUSL2 system is the preferred method for players to formally communicate any special kind of requests with the DM team. Applications are primarily submitted in order to make requests such as: subraces, prestige classes, admission into application-only factions, permission to advance past level 10, or special perks / backgrounds.
Applications must be passed by a two-thirds majority of the active DM team. DMs typically consider the following factors in deciding how to vote:
1) The strength and creativity of the concept (“is it awesome?”);
2) The mechanical balance of what is being proposed (“is it too strong?”);
3) The reputation of the player (“how have they been doing lately?”) (i.e., has the player demonstrated the ability to play a successful and interesting EFU character through completion; does the player play with good sportsmanship and attitude; is the player due extra consideration due to recent successes or losses);
4) Will the result improve the existing server climate (“will this make things more interesting?”) (i.e., interesting goals that others will be involved in, or generally anything that seems likely to be entertaining for others as well as yourself).
Application Format
It is vital that applications be presented in a concise manner and in such a manner that DMs can quickly skim it. The EFU DM team has received in excess of over five thousand individual applications over the course of the server's history, many of which were very lengthy to read. While we welcome additional detail in Part C of your application, it is important for players to understand that most DMs will only skim an individual application.
The format should be as follows:
Part A
Player Identity. Make sure we know who you are (OOC handle as well as past important characters if you think we might be unfamiliar), as your reputation as a player will be an important part of the criterion of evaluating the application. If you are a new player, that is entirely OK, but please make sure you briefly tell us your background with roleplaying or NWN persistent worlds.
A listing of your character's name, race, age, alignment, deity, and class.
Summary. Please summarize the basic pitch / concept in one or two sentences.
Part B
The second part of your application should address some or all of the above (4) factors. You should explain what you will be doing to justify your request, you should NOT simply list goals that will mostly require DM activity. It is incredibly rare that DMs look at an application and are inspired to run entire plots around a PC. Instead, you should focus on what you will be doing without us -- we frequently contribute to individual character’s stories, but we do not wish to feel obligated to do so.
A list of bulletin point goals or objectives is frequently a good way to fill out this section. Again, be concise and simply try to explain what you will actually be doing IG and how it will be fun for you and others.
Part C
Part C is the least important part of the application and is optional. Feel free to include here any additional details, background information, or other ideas here.
Application Tips
Applications for subraces should allow for a week or so of discussion before you make the character, however feel free to check in with DMs after a few days about how any app is going.
It is acceptable to apply to join an elite faction either on creation (or shortly afterward), however DMs may decide that it would be more appropriate as an EIG (Earn In Game - basically meaning your character has to succeed in convincing existing faction members that they will helpful and have earned the right to be admitted.
Applications for prestige classes should be normally submitted when your character has made substantial progress towards developing some prestige in his/her chosen field. As EFU has no mechanical requirements for PRCs, you should submit precise details of the desired build and understand that the more optimized it is the less likely it will be approved. For some concepts, it may be appropriate to submit a PRC application early in the character's history and depending upon the overall strength of the concept DMs may approve immediately.
Applications for plots / module changes / other things that require DM action are fine, but understand that they will frequently produce a response from us of, "Sure if someone wants to." It is therefore helpful to develop a rapport / reputation with individual DMs and privately reach out to see if someone is interested, active and would be available to do the work if the app is approved.
Applications for level 11 characters (very rare) should focus on how your character is demonstrating mastery over his/her profession and how this increase in power will be justified both in IC terms (i.e. major Arcane research for a Wizard or proven abilities in an epic encounter) as well as OOC (i.e. how the server will be improved by allowing for this considerable increase in power)
Try not to take a declined application seriously. Sometimes it's just the wrong time, or we just couldn't agree. Regardless, it is the EFU DM goal to make the server as fun as possible for players without ever needing to write an application.
Feel free to reach out to a DM for feedback about declined applications.
Thank you for submitting an EFU application!