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Xanadu is always looking for active people that enjoy roleplaying. We don't 
care if you are an oldimer at the RP game or a Newbie: as long as you've got 
a basic understanding of Anne McCaffrey's world of Pern and are willing to be 
active and involved, you are welcome.
Most particularly, people who want to play lower caverns folk are sought. 
'xaw vacant' lists some positions that are open. There is also a myriad of 
others, from Handyman to Laundress, Fosterer, Trader, Messenger and more.

Before applying to Xanadu Weyr, we ask that you have read and understand the 
following informative files:

- All '+xawhelp policies', especially '+xawhelp ratings' and '+xawhelp 
violence'. Also, '+xawhelp background', '+xawhelp crafts' and '+xawhelp 
positions' may be relevant.
-'news theme', 'news general', 'news roleplay', and 'news sex'.
There is a lot of information in these files but it is all valuable and in 
some cases, necessary knowledge.

If you are a new character, please join by going through the Chargen and 
following the instructions therein. If you are not a new character, please 
read on.

(continued in +xawhelp joining2)
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---------------------- Global XawHelp System: joining2 ----------------------
Residency Application:
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     Answer the following questions and send them via +mail as follows:

@mail [knotsearch(XAW/admins)]=Residency Application for *Your Name*

You should get a reply within 5 RL days.

1. What is your character's name, sex and age?
2. Is there a position or craft that you have in mind for your character? If
this is a A or B list position from the list in '+xawhelp positions', please
state why you are interested in this position. If you were interested in a
craft, have you talked to the admin of that craft on PW yet? If yes, what was
their response? If no, why not?

If you have any questions or concerns regarding residency, please don't 
hesitate to speak to one of the Xanadu Weyr staff, listed in
'xaw .who/admins'.

It is suggested that you spend some time RPing at Xanadu before asking to 
move here. Every place on PernWorld has it's own style, active times and 
general 'feel'. We want residents who will be happy with us and only time 
spent RPing at Xanadu and talking to it's inhabitants will tell you if you 
can be happy here.

Riders who wish to transfer to Xanadu should read '+xawhelp transfers'.
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--------------------- Global XawHelp System: background ---------------------
Listed are some salient points about Xanadu Weyr and a brief note of general 
advice to people putting together a background for character. Obviously aimed 
at those who have some connection to Xanadu, the general points are relevant 
anywhere.

* Xanadu Weyr was established at the end of the 9th Pass in the same 
sheltered valley chosen for the Xanadu Stakehold by the original settlers.
* Xanadu is a Weyr, not a Weyrhold.
* Xanadu is virtually self sufficient: the fertile surrounding lands are 
farmed by weyr residents and the Caspian Lake is fished. There is also a lot 
of hunting, the use of dragons ensureing the the hunting covers a sustainably 
wide area.
* There is no major Hold close by although there are a number of minor holds 
which barter with the Weyr for the Weyr's services.
* Xanadu is not tropical -- it is too far south for that. (see '+xawhelp 
area' for details.)
* Xanadu doesn't have a large number of riders. Overall, there are about 140 
riders living in the Weyr. (Compared to northern Weyrs who usually have close 
to twice that.)

When building a background, consider the following points:
* A good background allows room for expansion and change.
* The most interesting characters are rarely the ones with dramatic or angsty 
histories.
* Check before making your character the child of someone important (a gold 
or bronze rider or a Lord/Lady Holder)
* Children are valued on Pern. Due to the fostering system and the work of 
Harpers, it would be very rare for a child to have suffered severe abuse or 
neglect. If it's worse than what Menolly suffered, it is suggested you 
reconsider.
* Orphans and runaways are severely overdone. 

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----------------------- Global XawHelp System: crafts -----------------------
Crafters are very very welcome at Xanadu and ICly, are an integral part of 
the Weyr. If you'd like to play a crafter at Xanadu, it is recommended that 
you apply through chargen.

Here is a list of crafts you can apply for through chargen: 
Baker, Beastcrafter, ComputerCrafter, Dolphineer, Farmer, GlassCrafter, 
Harper, Healer, Miner, PlasticCraft, SeaCrafter, Smith, Tanner, TechCrafter, 
Vintner, Weaver and WoodCrafter.
All these crafts have reason to be at Xanadu. If you are an already 
established character, you can apprentice by return through chargen by typing 
'chargen'.

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