Help File Repository
This is a searchable database for every help file in the game
STORYLINE TIMELINE
[:: Legends Of The Jedi ::]Timeline/Era Summary
As Legends of the Jedi is an RP-enforced MUD, it contains a cyclical storyline
for us to enjoy. A storyline (commonly known as a TIMELINE) is comprised of
three parts, each known as an ERA. Each era contains a separate and significant
part of the timeline and typically revolve around a major governmental shift
and/or conflict between two factions. If we were looking at the official Star
Wars story as a timeline, the following comparison could be made of our eras:
Era 1: Old Republic versus rise of the Empire
Era 2: Galactic Empire versus the Rebel Alliance
Era 3: New Republic versus an Imperial Remnant/Other outside antagonist
Are all timelines like this? Are we always following "The Canon"?
No. Many of our timelines follow this example, but no two have ever been the
same. In the past, we have had Mandalorians, Argazdans, Hapans, Chiss, Hutt
Cartels, outsider threats, insider threats, criminal clans, and many more
opponents that have risen to defeat the predominant clan of each era. We strive
to create new stories each timeline that are different, interesting, malleable,
and enjoyable.
So... Who decides what happens throughout a timeline?
The short answer is that a combination of Immortal planning and player
interaction determines what happens. LotJ is unique in the sense that although
the Immortals may plan for how a timeline begins, or how each era should
progress, the players are ultimately the ones that are living the story out.
Timeline stories and era events shift due to the decisions that influential
characters and organizations make. Even the least-known character can change
the galaxy, if they plan or handle it correctly.
How long is a timeline? Are there player wipes between each one?
There are no set time constraints on timelines or eras, but an era is generally
between 6-9 months, making timelines somewhere in the ballpark of two years.
You will have a good amount of time to either enjoy or to affect change within
a storyline! Characters are not deleted or wiped until a timeline change
occurs. However, sometimes the Immortals will wipe player shops, message
boards, and player homes between eras to assist the galaxy from becoming
cluttered by the remnants of inactive or bugged characters.
How do I know what era we're in?
The login Message of the Day will tell you what era we are currently in, as
well as a summary of events that got us there. If you are having trouble
finding it, you can enter HELP MOTD. Most players on the OOC channel can also
answer this question for you - they just cannot go in-depth!
Where can I find information on the history of current storyline?
By reading the news, of course! Entering the command NEWS ALL will show you all
of the news articles of the major events that have occurred during this
timeline - Beware, it is long! You can read each article with NEWS #. This is
the best method to quickly catch up on the events that have occurred thus far.
For more in-depth information, you can always use IC communications (covered in
another guide) for current information.
When will this era/timeline end?
We hold End of Era (EoE) and End of Timeline (EoT) events to mark the
significant changes within the mud. These can be major battles or large RP
events that your character can take place in. EoE and EoT events are typically
known via a CHANGES announcement, in which the staff will also ask the
playerbase to submit applications for new characters, positions, or clans for
the next era or timeline. This allows the entire playerbase an opportunity to
take place as influential change agents as the story progresses into its next
phase.
See Also: HELP MOTD, HELP NEWS, HELP CHANGES