First Steps!
- Jay
- Apr 29
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 30
Post-launch is the official start of Echoes in the Maples (EITM) roleplay. At this point, the server is fully operational, the roleplay has begun, and the prelaunch phase has officially ended. All server systems, features, and mechanics will be in place, and the story will unfold as players immerse themselves in the world of EITM.
This is when the roleplay truly comes to life, and new members can join to begin their journey. However, the exclusive perks from prelaunch will no longer be available to new members, making them special benefits for those who joined early.
Pick a clan
We currently have three main clans available to choose from, with exciting outsider areas coming soon! Each clan offers a unique culture, environment, and way of life to explore. Below is a quick overview of the clans to help you decide which one best suits your character's story. For more in-depth details about each clan, be sure to check out the "Clans" section at the bottom of the server.
Choose Wisely: You may only choose one clan for your character(s) when you join. This choice is significant and helps maintain the integrity of the roleplay.
Clan Lock-In: Once you’ve chosen a clan, you’ll be locked into that clan until one of the following occurs:
All of your characters in the clan die or become inactive.
Your remaining active character(s) are accepted into another clan via roleplay or storyline progression.
Consistency is Key: This system ensures that your roleplay remains grounded in your chosen clan’s perspective, allowing for deeper immersion in their culture, traditions, and storyline.
Take your time to decide which clan resonates with your character's story, personality, and goals. Once you’ve made your choice, your journey in Echoes in the Maples begins! Let us know if you have any questions or need help deciding.
Mapleclan
Territory: High among the treetops, MapleClan resides in a network of interconnected treehouses and Sky Paths, avoiding the forest floor as much as possible.
Values: Creativity, resourcefulness, and a close bond with nature.
Roles: Sapweavers craft tools, decorations, and training equipment to aid the clan in their elevated lifestyle.
Ideal For: Cats who are agile, clever, and thrive in unique environments.
Swiftclan
Territory: Expansive moors, lush meadows, and a network of underground tunnels for safety and hunting.
Values: Speed, independence, and adaptability to harsh conditions.
Roles: Waywalkers map and maintain the tunnels, ensuring the clan’s safety.
Ideal For: Cats who value quick thinking, agility, and the open skies.
Fogclan
Territory: Dense, misty forests that create an air of mystery and secrecy.
Values: Stealth, wisdom, and strong ties to tradition.
Roles: Divers and Life guards who dive deep into the lake that creates their fog. Lifeguards keep those cats alive.
Ideal For: Cats who are stealthy, wise, and feel at home in the shadows.
Character Info
Character Slots and Litter Rolls
Kit vs. Adult Characters
The server alternates between allowing new characters to join as kits or adults, depending on the current phase of the roleplay.
Most of the time, new characters will need to start as kits, fostering natural development within the roleplay.
Occasionally, adult characters may be permitted, but this will require background approval to ensure they fit seamlessly into the server’s ongoing story and lore.
Your Free Character (First Character)
For your first character, you’ll have the opportunity to select:
A primary design of your choice.
Up to three markings to add personality to your character.
While you have some creative freedom, your character’s final appearance will be rolled through a ticket system to ensure a fair and randomized process.
Genetic Holders (GH)
All characters created after your first must be based on two "genetic holders". These are pre-existing designs that determine your new character’s physical traits, including their markings, colors, and overall appearance.
Genetic Holders Don’t Have to Be Parents: The chosen designs don’t need to represent your character’s actual in-roleplay parents—they are simply the source of genetic traits.
You may use designs owned by others, but you must obtain the owner's permission before using them.
Siblings and Littermates
If you want to create siblings or littermates for your character, there are two ways to proceed:
Simultaneous Submission:
Submit two designs at the same time to roll twins or littermates. This allows you to create sibling characters in one go.
Delayed Roll Option:
Use an item that grants the ability to roll for multiple siblings within the same litter.
Alternatively, you can wait two months to request a second roll for a sibling character.
A Guide to EITM Character Design
Using the Base
All characters must have their designs transferred onto the official EITM base for approval. While you're encouraged to sketch and conceptualize your cat off-base first, final submissions need to follow this process:
Accessing the Base: The base can be found here. It includes multiple layers for customization, such as clan-specific backgrounds and trait options.
Editing Tips:
Lag in Editing Programs: If the file lags in programs like Procreate, delete any unnecessary layers to streamline performance. Keep the line and color layers separate for ease of editing.
After opening the file, hide the instruction layer once you’ve reviewed it.
Customization Options:
Preset Traits: Choose from preset traits for ears, tails, and fur length to create a unique design.
Custom Traits: If none of the presets suit your vision, you’re welcome to draw your own traits, accessories, or details. However, do not alter the base proportions to maintain consistency.
Need Help? If you're unable to work with the base or customize traits yourself, ask for assistance in ❗design-help. Members can:
Design your character for you.
Provide a simplified PNG of the base with the traits and background you need.
Markings
EITM uses two types of markings to create visually distinctive characters while tracking their genetics: Rolled Markings and Free Markings.
Rolled Markings
What Are They? Rolled markings are rare, breed-specific traits determined randomly during the design process.
How Many Can You Have? Each character can have up to three rolled markings, which are randomly rolled through the parents genetics.
Free Markings
What Are They? Free markings are design elements you can add to enhance your cat’s appearance.
How Many Can You Use? There’s no limit! Add as many or as few free markings as you like.
Purpose: These markings are purely for visual customization and have no genetic impact. Examples can be found in the "Free Markings" section here.
Choosing Colors
EITM requires all designs to adhere to a specific palette using provided color swatches. These swatches are flexible gradients that allow for diverse yet cohesive designs.
Swatches
Where to Find Them: The official swatches are available here. You can pick any point from the gradient to suit your vision.
Color Rules
Number of Colors:
Up to Two Colors: You may use two colors from the swatches for your character.
Split Marking Exception: If you have the "Split" marking, you’re allowed to use three colors.
Shading Within Swatches: Multiple shades of the same swatch count as one color. For example, using the darkest shade of "Dirt" for the coat and the lightest shade for highlights counts as a single color.
Primary and Secondary Colors:
Primary Color:
This is your base coat color, the main color of your design.
Secondary Color:
This accompanies the primary color and is typically used for markings.
Important: The secondary color cannot be used as the base.
No Color Swapping: Once chosen, primary and secondary colors are fixed and cannot be swapped.Story TicketStory Ticket
Story Tickets
What is a Story Ticket?
A story ticket is a private channel where you can collaborate with admins to review and approve your character’s backstory. It allows you to share sensitive or unique details about your character that you may not want to be public knowledge. This process ensures every character’s story aligns with the server’s lore and rules, creating a consistent and immersive roleplay experience.
Mandatory for All Characters: Every character, regardless of how straightforward their story may seem, is required to submit a story ticket for approval before being allowed into the roleplay. This includes characters with shared or overlapping histories with others.
How to Create a Story Ticket
You can open a story ticket in your clans Ticket channel. To create one:
Click the blue "Story Check" icon to initiate the process.
A confirmation message will appear to indicate that your story ticket is open.
Once created, use the ticket to discuss your character’s background and receive feedback or approval from admins.
What to Include in Your Story Ticket
When submitting your character’s story, be as thorough as possible to ensure a smooth review process. Below is a comprehensive list of details to consider including:
Past Events: Provide details about your character’s life before the roleplay begins.
Planned Future Events: Outline any major story arcs or events you have planned for your character.
Forbidden Relationships: Include any relationships that violate or bend established rules, such as forbidden love or rival alliances.
Code Breaks and Bends: Describe any instances where your character has broken or bent the warrior code.
Unique Beliefs or Practices: Share any nontraditional beliefs or practices your character has related to StarClan or the Dark Forest.
Family Ties: Highlight any connections to other playable characters, whether biological or adopted.
Relationships: Specify platonic or romantic relationships with other characters (including NPCs).
Accessories: Note any accessories your character uses, especially if they are unusual or hold significant meaning.
Abnormal Connections: Mention any unique ties your character has to StarClan, the Dark Forest, or outsider groups.
Current Restrictions
TBD upon launch :)
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