FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We know that with all the mechanics Sky Explorers has in place, can get a little confusing or overwhelming at times. Never fear - the FAQ is here! On this page you can find a list of commonly asked questions and further clarification on systems within the group. We've divided questions into categories to make finding specific answers easier.
This page will be periodically updated as more questions are asked. You can press ctrl+f to search for specific keywords.
GENERAL
Q: What is Sky Explorers?
A: Sky Explorers is a casual RPG-themed role-playing group that operates through DeviantArt and Discord. It tells the tale of a group of explorers on the island of Skaia.
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Q: What is a role-playing group? What do I do in one?
A: This journal is a great resource for anyone interested in getting into RP groups. We encourage you to read it!
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Q: What can I do in Sky Explorers?
A: Members of the group are encouraged to create visual art and literature to tell the stories of their characters. You can complete village requests, participate in events, and engage in story missions by submitting works to the group's gallery on DeviantArt.
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Q: What forms of art are accepted?
A: We welcome all forms of art, whether it be digital, traditional, sculpture, prose, animation, etc. Just make sure that for traditional submissions your work is scanned/photographed neatly and we're able to see it clearly!
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Q: Does this group have an art standard?
A: Sky Explorers welcomes artists of all skill levels. All we ask is that you put in a good effort, be creative, and have fun!
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Q: Can I be kicked from the group for inactivity?
A: We have no activity requirements and you are free to participate in the group at your leisure. The only reason your account would be removed from the group is if you deactivated or changed accounts without notifying us.
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Q: What happens to my progress if I leave the group/Discord?
A: Thanks to RP!Bot, a member's inventory is not erased if you happen to leave the Discord server! So if you happen to leave for personal reasons, your items and cumulus will be waiting for you if you ever decide to come back. You can reclaim any item in case of loss or inventory issues simply by providing proof of ownership with a screenshot of your purchase.
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Q: What happens to my progress if I've been banned from the group/Discord?
A: In Sky Explorers, we do not ban members permanently unless under extreme conditions for rule breaking and repetitive poor conduct. If we permanently ban a member, we're sorry to inform you that you'll never be allowed in the group again. However, for shorter bans (1 month, 2 months), the member may rejoin but it'll lose their inventory and have to start from scratch. If it's just a week ban from Discord, don't worry, you won't lose anything. Just stop being bad.
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Q: Will more races become available for our characters later?
A: Perhaps!
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Q: What time period is this group based around? How advanced is the technology in this setting?
A: Roughly anywhere from the medieval to early eighteenth century. Note that there is no electricity in Skaia - light is provided by torches, lanterns, and glowing crystals.
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Q: Why can't I see the shops or item sections on mobile?
A: These pages didn't translate well onto the mobile version of the site, so it was decided to not show them there.
JOINING THE GROUP
Q: Is Sky Explorers a public group?
A: Yes! You do not need to know anyone in the group to join; we're open to everyone on DeviantArt.
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Q: When can I join?
A: The only time we accept new members is during Recruitment Phases (openings). These openings will be announced through the group's journals, so keep an eye out if you're interested!
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Q: How do I join?
A: First, you'll need to create a character and fill out our group application correctly. Make sure to read the guides listed on the website to learn how.
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Q: Can someone check my application before I submit it?
A: Absolutely! Either note the group on DeviantArt or send your application through the #recruitment channel of the Discord chat and one of our admins will be more than happy to give you an app check. Note that app checks are only done in the period before the opening, during the openings our mods will focus on approving incoming join requests and app checks will be closed - you're still free to post your apps in the #recruitment channel to get feedback from our members, though.
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Q: Does my application need to be fully completed before I get accepted?
A: Yes.
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Q: How do I put my character's image on the application?
A: Programs like MS Paint, Gimp, Photoshop, etc. are useful for cutting out images and pasting them on applications. If you're having trouble getting your art onto the application, you can ask someone to help you or contact the group for assistance.
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Q: Help! My application was declined, what should I do?
A: If your application is declined, an admin will provide the reasons as to why it was. Don't worry, all you'll need to do is make the necessary adjustments and you can resubmit it during the same opening! (Or you can create a new application if you wish.)
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Q: I'm not a good visual artist. Can I get someone to draw my application image for me?
A: No, all works submitted to the group must be 100% your own. We are interested in what you, as an artist, are capable of! Note that we also do not condone tracing or use of bases, so if you are caught doing so you will receive a warning. Just try your best!
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Q: How does the group decide who gets accepted?
A: We are not very harsh when it comes to judging applications. As long as your application has been filled out correctly and meets all of the requirements, you'll probably be accepted. However, we also take an artist's behavior into consideration; if we see you leaving rude comments or remarks, that can impact your chances of being accepted.
CHARACTERS
Q: Can my character have the same name as an NPC?
A: Yes.
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Q: Can I create more than one character?
A: There is no limit to how many characters you can have, as long as you have a character card available to make them.
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Q: Can my character live outside of Mana Village?
A: Yes, but only in habitable safe zones. Relatively safe areas include: Mana Lake, the Northern outskirts of Mana Forest, and the sheltered cliff side beneath the Traveller's Eye. Please note that because these areas are outside the protection of the village, your character will be more prone to exposure to hostiles.
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Q: I don't like my character's design anymore. Can I change it?
A: We only allow character redesigns if they do not yet have any art of them in the group, and that only goes for editing markings/body colors. Ears/tail types cannot be changed for free. However, you can completely change your character's appearance with the options available at Latte's Salon and Boutique!
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Q: I don't like my character anymore, at all. Can I delete them and make a new one?
A: Yes, but if it is your only character you will forfeit all items, titles, and cumulus you have earned as there will be no character to attach them to. Simply inform us of your decision, delete that character's application, and send the new one through a group note for pre-approval.
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Q: Are our characters allowed to have children/offspring?
A: Yes, but if you do not have a character card and they do not meet the minimum age requirement to be an explorer, they must remain as an NPC. Sky Explorers does not have a breeding system in place and there are no plans in the future to implement one as it isn't relevant to the group's mechanics.
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Q: Can our characters be related to other members' characters?
A: As long as you have permission to do so!
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Q: Can our characters be related to/have relationships with NPCS?
A: As of 3/17/2018, any romantic or familial relationships with NPCs that were not approved prior to this date are not allowed in order to avoid future complications. Your explorer is still free to interact and make friends with NPCs, of course.
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Q: Can my character be human?
A: No, humans don't exist in Skaia. The only race currently available is the chiot.
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Q: Is species anatomy regulated?
A: We aren't picky about the species anatomy. Just make sure it's recognizable as a member of that species.
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Q: What are the species in Sky Explorers classified as?
A: All Sky Explorers species currently are semi-open species. They cannot be used outside of the group as a chiot, though you're free to transfer over the design into a different species.
BI-WEEKLY PROMPTS
Q: What are bi-weekly prompts?
A: Bi-Weekly prompts are tasks handed out by the Explorer's Guild that require you to either draw or write something to complete them. You are awarded bonus cumulus for completing them and they are open for two weeks.
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Q: What folder do I submit my bi-weekly prompt entries to?
A: This one!
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Q: Can I make something for a bi-weekly prompt once it's closed?
A: Yes, but you will not receive any bonus cumulus and it will not count towards your bi-weekly prompt milestones. You can submit these "late" entries to the Village Life folder!
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Q: What are bi-weekly prompt milestones?
A: Bi-Weekly prompt milestones reward you for completing a certain number of bi-weekly prompts! You can learn more about them here.
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Q: If I'm drawing my prompt, do I need to include a background?
A: Nope! It just needs to be a completed drawing in some way. Considering that the quality standards increased when they were made into bi-weekly prompts, we just ask of you to submit either a shaded drawing OR a piece with background. Effort just needs to be visible.
EVENTS
Q: What are events?
A: Events are situations and activities that pop up periodically that you can participate in. They usually involve completing an objective by drawing/writing and can net you some exclusive rewards!
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Q: Can we collaborate on events?
A: Yes, but only with up to 3 people maximum. Keep in mind that while cumulus for collaborations is shared, you'll only receive other rewards like items and titles by submitting a unique entry to your own gallery! Therefore, whoever uploads the finished piece will be the only one to receive those.
EXPEDITIONS
Q: What are expeditions?
A: Expeditions make up a vast portion of the group's plot. They involve exploring the land of Skaia, discovering new species, battling hostiles, triggering events, and more. Expeditions play on the role-playing, drawing, and writing aspects of the group. If you draw and submit works for an expedition, you can receive titles and special items as rewards. Details about expeditions are given when they are announced, as requirements differ for each of them.
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Q: Do we have to participate in all expeditions?
A: No, you are free to participate (or not participate) as you please.
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Q: Can I just role-play an expedition and not do a submission piece?
A: While you are free to do this, you still won't receive any rewards if you don't meet the requirements.
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Q: What happens if I don't go on or miss an expedition? Am I out of the story?
A: Your character is always actively involved in the story - they are one of the main characters, after all! You can jump right back into the plot whenever you choose. However, your explorer probably won't have any idea of what happened during the expeditions they missed unless someone else fills them in.
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Q: Do expeditions have deadlines?
A: Yes. We can't have expeditions running forever since the story would never be able to advance.
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Q: Is there a limit to how many submissions I can do for an expedition/event?
A: Some expeditions will allow multiple submissions, but others will not. Some expeditions will only provide bonus rewards for your first submission to the event. All in all, it varies.
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Q: What rewards can I get for participating?
A: Cumulus, exclusive equipment, rare pets, and crafting materials are just some of the things you can earn from an expedition!
HOSTILES
Q: What are hostiles?
A: "Hostile" is a general term used for monsters and creatures found all throughout Skaia. Some of them are dangerous and will attack your character without warning or provocation, while others are harmless as a fly.
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Q: Can I create a hostile?
A: You are welcome to suggest hostile designs at any time, but note that not all suggestions will make it into the group. If we do like a concept, we may recolor or tweak it a bit to fit better with the group's theme if necessary.
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Q: Can I fight hostiles?
A: Yes! Hostile battles are done exclusively on Discord using a turn-based battle system with dice rolls (much like DnD). Defeating a hostile in combat can net you a number of useful materials. Opportunities for hostile battles pop up occasionally.
CUMULUS AND ITEMS
Q: What kind of items are there?
A: Items can be divided into 5 categories: wearable, material, pets, consumable, and miscellaneous. Some items are tagged with more than 1 category. Wearable items can be equipped by your character and pet, with some providing your explorer with additional stats! Pets are creatures that act as companions and sometimes provide bonuses in combat or submissions. They are also required to participate in pet-only missions. Material items can be used at the Alchemist's Shack to create new items. Consumable items provide you with special one-time effects. Lastly, miscellaneous items are simply items that don't really fit into other categories.
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Q: What’s a “starter accessory?”
A: As the name implies, it’s a free slot to give your character a uniquely designed accessory/item. Every character gets two custom accessory slots. However, there are some restrictions on starter accessories. Namely, they need to be accessories; large articles of clothing aren’t allowed. If it covers more than 40% of your chiot’s body, it will be rejected. As a general rule:
40%+ body coverage = accessory cannot be accepted
30-40% body coverage = pushing it, but acceptable
20-30% body coverage = acceptable
20% or smaller body coverage = perfect, all you have to worry about is making sure it abides the group's lore and PG-13 setting!
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Q: Can I change the appearance of items?
A: That depends on the item. All items purchased from Latte’s shop are color/pattern selectable, and your character can add reasonable modifications to these items, (Ex. ripping sleeves off, adding feathers to a hat, etc.) so long as the item is still recognizable.
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Q: What about items from the Forge?
A: There are a few items in the forge that are color selectable and they are all marked with an *asterisk, but the majority come as-is. For all non-color selectable items, modifications are more limited. Reasonable modifications include: dents, scratches, and tears; tying a ribbon around a weapon's hilt, DIY repairs to equipment. Modifications deemed too extreme will need a custom item scroll.
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Q: How can I get custom items?
A: Custom item vouchers can be purchased with cumulus in our Discord shop and are divided by tiers. First tier items cover small accessories (Ex: bows, bracelets and etc), second tier cover items that can cover up to 50% of your chiot's body (Ex: Backpacks, toolboxes, instruments), third tier items can cover as much of your character as you'd like (Ex: long capes, overalls, cloaks, etc). Custom items are purely cosmetic and don't provide any stat boosts. They do not provide any stat boosts and are purely for cosmetic customization.
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Q: How can I get custom weapons?
A: Custom weapon vouchers can be purchased with cumulus in our Discord shop and are divided by tiers. First tier weapons can have up to 3 stat points, second tier weapons can have up to 4 and third tier weapons can have up to 5. The type or size of weapon is irrelevant and anything is allowed. Once the items are created with the chosen set of stats, these cannot be modified and you'll need to buy a new custom weapon in order to make something to compliment a new character build.
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Q: What is cumulus?
A: Cumulus (c) is the currency used in Sky Explorers to purchase a variety of items and power ups.
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Q: Can I submit RP logs for cumulus?
A: No, RP logs can only count for RP points.
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Q: How do I purchase items?
A: All purchases are processed automatically via our rp!bot on Discord. All that you need to do is go to #shop, rp!shop buy [Itemname] [#], the latter being the item amount and voilá! Make sure to check your cumulus balance with rp!eco before you make a purchase to check if you have sufficient funds, or it won't go through.
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Q: If I want to make an exact copy of a custom item that someone else has, is that allowed?
A: As long as you have their permission, go ahead!
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Q: Are items from copyrighted designs allowed?
A: No.
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Q: Can I modify my starting accessories?
A: While you are allowed to change the color of your starting accessory, you may not change the type of item it is (i.e. you can change a brown hat to a blue hat, but you can't change a hat into a scarf). You may change the color of your starting item once every month.
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Q: I don't like my starting accessories anymore. Can I scrap them and make new ones?
A: Sorry, but this is not allowed since it is essentially like creating a new custom item.
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Q: Can I buy items for other people?
A: Yes!
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Q: I don't want my item anymore. Can I sell it?
A: Yes, you can sell and trade items at the Trading Post! It it's an item found in an NPC shop, you also have the option of selling it back to the shopkeeper for half the price it was purchased for.
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Q: How many items/accessories can my character wear?
A: There are no restrictions. Go nuts!
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Q: I'm not interested in any of the shop items. Will they be changed?
A: New items are added to the shops periodically, so hopefully something will spark your interest!
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Q: Am I allowed to design items and make suggestions?
A: Absolutely! To make a suggestion, either send it through the Suggestion channel on Discord or submit it to the Suggestion folder on DeviantArt. Please provide us with a visual reference as well as a short description. If your suggestion is made a reality, you will receive a copy of the item for free! You are allowed to make a maximum of 3 suggestions per month.
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Q: Is there a limit to how many items my character can have in their inventory?
A: No. If you run out of space on your inventory sheet, you are free to expand it to include more items!
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Q: Is there a limit to the number of pets my character can have?
A: No. Same as above.
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Q: Am I allowed to make my pet young and draw it smaller than shown on the size chart?
A: Yes! You may choose to adopt your pet as a baby and either grow it over time or keep it at its juvenile stage forever. The size shown on the chart is merely the average height for full maturity of that species. Mini pets for all!
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Q: Can I make my pet bigger than the size shown on the chart?
A: Only slightly - there shouldn't be chails the size of goldblubs.
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Q: Can I make my pet a significantly different color than the one shown in the shop? (i.e. a red chail)
A: No, but you can change your pet's colors using a pet dye! There are several alternatives you can pick from currently if the classic pet colors don't spark your interest. You can check our pet's alternative colorations in our Pet Dyes page.
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Q: How do I acquire pet dyes?
A: You can craft them with materials you've earned in Villager Requests or in hostile battles. The boss hostile Spookaloo also has a chance of dropping a random pet dye after battle. If you don't do battles, you could try and tempt others in a trade if you'd like them.
MISCELLANEOUS
Q: Is mayonnaise an instrument?
A: No Patrick, mayonnaise is not an instrument.
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Q: Is h-
A: Horseradish is not an instrument either.