PRELAUNCH
- Jay
- Apr 29
- 6 min read
Prelaunch is a unique period before the official start of Echoes in the Maples (EITM) roleplay. During this time, the server is open for early access, giving members an opportunity to explore the world, set up their characters, and engage with the community before the storyline begins.
This phase is designed to allow players to familiarize themselves with the server's systems, rules, and features while contributing to the initial shaping of the roleplay environment. It’s an exciting time to connect with others, test out mechanics, and help lay the foundation for an engaging experience.
Pick a clan
We currently have three main clans available, with outsider areas coming soon! Here's a quick overview of each clan. For more detailed information, check out the "Clans" section at the bottom.
You can only choose one clan. Before the server launches, you're free to switch clans. However, once the server is live, you'll be locked into your chosen clan until all your characters die or become inactive, or your remaining active character is accepted into another clan. This helps maintain consistent character perspectives.
Mapleclan
Swiftclan
Fogclan
Mapleclan
MapleClan
Arboreal Lifestyle MapleClan cats live almost exclusively in the trees, using a network of Sky Paths to move through the canopy. They avoid the ground as much as possible, considering it dangerous and disconnected from their way of life.
Physical Adaptations These cats are large and muscular, with powerful limbs and strong claws ideal for climbing. Their thick fur offers protection and camouflage in the foliage.
Unique Camp Structure MapleClan lives in an abandoned, multi-leveled treehouse, further demonstrating their commitment to staying above ground.
Sacred Site Their most sacred site is Rootshade, a massive maple tree etched with claw marks that serve as a living record of their history.
Specialized Roles
Sapweavers: Responsible for maintaining the Sky Paths, crafting gear, and managing resources.
Root Warden: This revered role is tasked with preserving the history and spiritual significance of Rootshade.
Communication System MapleClan utilizes Forest tongue, a system of claw mark symbols carved into leaves, bark, or tree trunks.
Core Values MapleClan values harmony with nature, independence, ingenuity, loyalty, resourcefulness, and self-reliance.
Swiftclan
Dual Lifestyle SwiftClan cats are adapted to life both on the open moors and in a complex network of underground tunnels. Their speed and agility allow them to thrive in both environments.
Physical Characteristics These cats are small and lithe, built for speed and maneuverability in both open and confined spaces.
Unique Camp Structure Their camp includes a surface area for gatherings and an underground section connected by tunnels for security and ease of access.
Sacred Site SwiftClan's sacred landmark is the Leapstones, where leaders showcase their strength and reaffirm the clan's legacy of speed, endurance, and spiritual unity.
Specialized Roles
Waywalkers: Experts in navigating and maintaining the tunnel network, ensuring the clan's safety and security, particularly in emergencies.
Stone Warden: Tasked with preserving the history, rituals, and spiritual significance of the Leapstones.
Core Values SwiftClan values speed, agility, adaptability, resourcefulness, and a strong spiritual connection to their ancestors and StarClan. They are also noted for their openness to outsiders, fostering alliances and diversity.
Fogclan
Mist-Shrouded Lifestyle FogClan cats live in dense, mist-covered forests, using the fog to their advantage in hunting, patrolling, and evading threats. The mist is also central to their spiritual beliefs and cultural practices.
Physical Adaptations These cats are sleek and agile, with muted fur colors for camouflage in the fog. Many also possess webbed toes, an asset for silent movement in wet terrain and swimming.
Unique Camp Structure Their camp is hidden within a U-shaped cliffside that offers a clear view of the sky while the surrounding forest remains shrouded in mist. The Mistwalker Pool, a sacred body of water, is located at the highest point of the camp.
Sacred Site The Mistwalker Pool serves as a bridge between the living and the spirit world, where FogClan seeks guidance, performs rituals, and connects with their ancestors.
Specialized Roles
Depth Seekers: Pairs of warriors (Divers and Lifeguards) who explore and utilize the deep waters within FogClan's territory to secure prey and rare herbs.
Mist Warden: This role is responsible for preserving the history, rituals, and spiritual significance of the Mistwalker Pool.
Core Values
FogClan values loyalty, stealth, wisdom, unity, and a deep connection to their territory and the mist that surrounds it.
Design your cat
1st Character
For your first character, you have full creative freedom to choose the following:
Rolled Markings: You may select any 3 rolled markings.
Free Markings: You can use as many free markings as you'd like to enhance your design.
Base Colors: Pick any primary and secondary base colors from the provided swatches.
Eye Color: You're free to choose any eye color.
2nd Character
For your 2nd characters, there's one key requirement: at least one of your two characters must be an adult. For example, if your first character is an apprentice or kit, your second must be an adult. However, if you prefer, you're free to have two adult characters.
For your secondary character, here's what you can do:
Rolled Markings: You can have up to 3 rolled markings, which will be randomized.
Free Markings: You can choose any free markings to personalize your design.
Primary Color: You can select the primary color, but the secondary color will be randomized. You can choose not to use the secondary color if you prefer.
Eye Color: You can pick any eye color.
For a 2nd character, you’ll need to use a Rolling Ticket. If you have specific markings in mind (e.g., pied, split, speckles), you can note that in the markings description. The randomizer will only select kits with those markings. If you write "N/A" in the markings ticket, the randomization is fully open, meaning any rolled markings are possible, and the admins will handle it!
Base
All characters in EITM must have their designs transferred onto the provided base for approval, though you are encouraged to draw them off-base first. The base, available Here , has multiple layers that might cause lag in programs like Procreate, so we recommend deleting any unnecessary layers and keeping the line and color layers separate.Once you open the base, hide the instruction layer after reviewing it. Then, select the Clan-specific background and mix and match preset traits for ears, tails, and fur length. If none of the preset traits fit your vision, you're welcome to draw your own traits, accessories, or details—just avoid altering the base's proportions. If you're unable to work with the base or edit traits yourself, you can ask for help in ❗design-help. Members can either design your character for you or create a PNG of the base with the traits and background you need for easier importing.
Markings
EITM uses two types of markings: rolled and free, to help track cat genetics.
Rolled Markings are like rare, breed-specific traits. Each character can have up to 3 of these markings, which are rolled randomly. You can find examples and more information on the "Rolled Markings" section of the site here.
Free Markings are design elements you can add to customize your character. You’re free to use as many or as few as you want. These markings are optional and purely for enhancing your character's appearance. Specifics can be found under the "Free Markings" section here.
Colors
EITM requires characters to be designed using our provided color swatches, which are flexible gradients you can color-pick from. Here's how it works:
Where to find the swatches: The color swatches are available Here. You can pick from any point in the gradient to suit your design.
How many colors can I use? You can choose up to two colors from the swatches, unless you're using the "Split" marking, which allows for three colors. You can also pick multiple shades from the same swatch. For example, using the darkest shade of "Dirt" as your base and the lightest shade for highlights would still count as one color.Primary Color: This is your base color, in other words the first color. This color will always be the “COAT” Color of your design!
Secondary Color: This is the secondary color which accompanies your base. Often, this is used for markings - Your Primary is also allowed to be used for markings. Secondary color CANNOT be used for the base, these colors can also not be swapped.
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