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==Work in progress==
I'm putting this wiki page together as I figure the system out myself. Bits of it will be laced with opinion and beliefs from previous gaming that may be disputed/repealed at a later date. Questions, comments, tips, and hate mail are urged to be placed in the discussion tab.

==Player Judge concept==
The Player Judge status is a tool provided to players. It aids in player-run-plots(PRPs) and other day to day things. A Player Judge is a player of SC that hosts plots and encounters for their fellow players. These can range from a random combat encounter, to Player VS. Player, to a Tinyplot, and sometimes more.

==Fun==
This is about fun, first and foremost. For player judges and the players involved. Always keep that in mind.

==IC/OOC seperation==
I've never heard of a case of this here on Southern Cross but I'll cover it just in case. Playerjudge is an ooc tool but for IC uses only. The purpose of it is to provide fun and interest. It should not be used due to ooc greivances. If you don't like Bobo you're not allowed to create a 'random' encounter of  500 death knights to kill him. OOC preference is in the same boat. It is part of social nature to have friends and form groups. It is alright to entertain friends, but try not to be overly exclusive.

==Good to know==
There are several things about the game that are handy to know. Among the basics are the theme and rules of the game itself. Also some familiarity with the [[SC-Combat|combat]] system will be very handy.


==Commands==
Now for a few handy commands Note, likely to grow and gain a separate page in time.

+prove
syntax: +prove <stat/skill/job/almost anything>
example: +prove brawl

This command is used by players to prove they have certain factors about their character. Often you will see this used to demonstrate a character's possession of a special skill.

+rpinfo
syntax: +rpinfo <stuff>
example: +rpinfo back-stab

This is the tool used to lookup classes, special skills, items, and many many other things. When a player breaks out a skill or item you're unfamiliar with this is what you use to get info on it.

+beast
Syntax: +beast (modifier) (type)=(rating)
Syntax2: (lists beasts, modifiers, and other options): +beast 
Example: +beast fire troll=5

A monster making tool that allows you to  create beasts of varying strength and specialty. I beleive monsters created in this fashion are single use. (note exp

+mm
Syntax: Variable. Type +mm for options
Example:
+mm
Monster Manual 1.1
+mm                 This help file.
+mm #list           A list of monsters in file.
+mm #add #dbref     Add a monster to the database.
+mm #summon (name)  Summon a monster from the manual into existence.
+mm #view (name)    View a monster's lore and tactics. Judge Only

This is the monster manual. Filled with all sorts of beasties and challenges for your players. Particularly useful for reoccurring monster types. At level 2 monsters can be edited, at 3 new monsters can be added to the manual. 

==Plots==
A means to draw players in and enrich the world around you. Plots can be simple to complex (though more complex and world shaking require staff consideration and approval). To make a good plot examine the FF games. Compare an early one such as Original Final Fantasy to a later one such as FF7 or even 10-12. Besides the combat code what other differences are there ? Also keep in mind, not every plot must be stunning, sometimes they just serve as a step to harden and prepare the character for true challenges to come. 


Character depth and development: The character starts obscure and unknown, as the game progresses you come to know them, their personality, their history, their prides and their regrets. Giving characters depth  enhances the environment, adds flavor to the story and reduce 'straw man plot device' Placing depth in your npcs and considering the depth of your rp group can be very beneficial.

Story hooks and surprises:The expected, the unexpected. The means to draw characters in and keep them entertained. Story hooks are reasons for the players to be involved, tools to pull them deeper. How do you hook them ? That depends largely on the pc, their beliefs and goals. Adversaries, treasure, end of the world and many many MANY other options are at your disposal. Surprises are good to get the players on their toes, give them a little system shock to step outside the norm and make them go 'Wow'

Detailed environment: Graphics, realism. This is the stage on which your actors perform. Better props enhance the performance as a whole and at times gives your players something to rp off of. This is when a forest isn't just a forest. It is a forest blanked a rolling fog, slivers of moonlight penetrating the canopy above. Dry leaves crunching under foot as an animal calls off in the distance.
The devil is in the details. Don't just tell your players they are in a forest, make them believe they are in a forest.

==Hints and tips==

1) Have fun.

2) On your first judged situation try to have a veteran judge present for advice and support.

3) Be flexible, players can surprise you at any turn. Sometimes they will maul your super critter or get hammered by fodder. Think of side options in case they vary from the path you have planned.

4) Have fun.

5) Be kind and polite, keep your cool and ask the same of your players.