[/li][li] While every horse belongs to an overarching colony, they also join a specific herd within the main kingdom. There are 4 possible herds per colony, ruled by leaders that are selected and directed by royalty. The method of recruitment varies by each colony's customized process outlined in their pinned threads, from auditions to battles. The specific title of a herd leader, such as a "baroness," is also chosen by royalty. In the site's formal terms, they are referenced as generic "herd leaders" for the sake of inclusivity.

[/li][li] Herd leaders preside over a land board in their colony's category, as represented in their board's description. They can enact their own directives for herd members to heed, though they must first obey and uphold the laws of royalty, and they can be overruled by their monarch and consort. Any herd-specific details are listed in pinned threads at the top of the board they oversee, such as ranks and rules. If permitted by the monarch, herd leaders can own 2 lands in a single colony, although this forfeits the roleplayer's ability to play a second herd leader character. Conquering another province typically requires war, though colonies may deviate from the site's norm.

[/li][li] If there are not any herds yet, then citizens belong only to the colony. Once a herd is formed, all citizens will join its jurisdiction. As multiple herds emerge, citizens are divvied between their districts based on the colony's law. By default, citizens choose their herds and are free to defect to a different herd if desired, but royalty might enforce alternative procedures. Belonging to a herd does not quarantine you to their board, it merely places you under the herd leader's charge.

[/li][li] It is common for herds to clash in border raids, undergo espionage missions, and present diplomatic airs when needed. Unless contradicted by colony law, herd members can be stolen, traded, sold, and purchased, whether they were acquired through blackmail, battling, kidnapping, or simply voluntary persuasion. By site standard, which royalty can overwrite, prisoners cannot flee their captor's herd unless they are successfully retrieved by their original leader, who might battle, offer a ransom, or otherwise negotiate the hostage's release. You can always escape with an item from the Agora. You can also request freedom through Staff Summons, or privately through Secrets, if you feel you were taken unfairly.

[/li][li] Royalty and herd leaders are only required to state laws, design a hierarchy, and provide an accurate, updated census. All other governmental facets are optional, but highly encouraged. Creativity and collaboration can yield truly original and inclusive features, from local holidays and intricate traditions, to councils and systems for petitioning the court.

[/li][li] Ranked horses can abdicate their position at any time for any reason. Retired royalty and aristocrats can only return to their rank through standard procedures if there is a vacancy. Characters who relinquish their position will preserve any magic levels attained through site-made ranks, such as a herd leader's paladin abilities.

[/li][li] Horses can be exiled from individual herd lands and whole colonies. Colony outlaws are left to wander in the neutral lands, free from the shackles of subordination but finding their world decidedly smaller. Characters cannot be created as an exile and must be banished through an IC thread by a monarch, consort, or herd leader. The penalty for returning to forbidden boards varies by each colony and herd's constitution. Exiled horses retain their magic and patron eye color, and have the potential to be pardoned. Excommunicated horses form a turbulent clan, bearing no site ranks or permissions, but allowed to rally their forces through purely IC interactions. There is no sanctioned chieftain, no board descriptions to display claims, no pinned threads, and no OOC power behind makeshift laws. However, the anarchic group may attempt unity to manufacture their imitation of a kingdom.

[/li][li] Characters can be executed by royalty, although monarchs can always overturn their consort's condemnations. Execution is rare, generally used in plots or methods for deceasing a character. In most cases, execution requires the roleplayer's consent. However, breaking a mandate that specifically states execution as the consequence is considered consent, and the roleplayer will not be consulted prior to the conviction. Executed horses must wait 10 days until they can be revived through an item or from a Mauveine magistrate. If an executed horse is resurrected, they are typically considered exiles, but royalty may decide a different fate. There must be an adequate reason for issuing a death sentence; it cannot be justified by a whim. You can contact administration through Staff Summons or our private Secrets board if you wish to dispute a death penalty.

[/li][li] Colonies can declare wars, sign treaties, and negotiate alliances between each other. To officially sanction such relationships, there must be appropriate documentation in pinned threads in the first board of all involved colonies, outlining terms and conditions. War does not require the enemy's consent and does not need to be mutual. However, treaties, alliances, trade deals, and other colonial relations must be signed by all participating parties. Later amendments will also require approval. Herds within a single colony can likewise instigate wars and forge relationships between each other, following the same stipulations.

[/li][li] If a member plays a monarch or consort, they cannot have another monarch, consort, heir, or herd leader character. If a member owns an heir, they can also roleplay 1 herd leader. Otherwise, members can roleplay 2 different herd leaders; if preferred, they can consolidate their slots into a single herd, instead running 2 boards with 1 horse in 1 colony. There is no limitation on your quantity of brood members or which ranks you can roleplay in conjunction with them. Retired characters do not count toward the limitations; for example, having a retired monarch does not negate your ability to have aristocrats.

[/li][li] IC and OOC ranks do not influence each other. Your status as a staff member does not increase or decrease your odds of acquiring an IC role, although your capability of maintaining excessive responsibilities is considered when selecting staff and royalty. It is very common for staff members to hold high IC ranks; this is not because they are staff, but rather because they hold attributes that are appealing to both types of roles. For example, activity and maturity are qualities sought by both staff ranks and IC ranks. Members holding IC and OOC powers have always earned each position fairly and separately.

[/ul][/PTab=}]

[PTab=Royalty]

• Applying.
  
  
• Anyone can apply for monarch or consort when there is a vacancy, which is indicated in the header of the Applications board. Administration will declare a new monarch when they are satisfied by the quantity and quality of entries, regardless of duration. Consorts are decided by the monarch's roleplayer in conjunction with administration. You can audition more than 1 character for a single position. Existing characters are welcome, or you can create a new character for the sole purpose of the royal role; their biography does not need to be posted in Genesis unless they are chosen.
  
  
• Criteria fluctuates on a case-by-case basis, particularly with consorts as each monarch may seek something different. Judgment is never biased for or against any particular roleplayer, regardless of relationships; friendship with staff will not increase your chances. Basic qualifications are weighed by:
  
  
• Activity. While there are no seniority requirements to become a monarch and even newcomers are accepted, your audition is more appealing if you have proof of activity. Although lacking by default, consorts might have seniority requirements at the discretion of their monarch. A positive track record on Metaphysical itself is ideal, but evidence from other sources, such as your activity on another forum or platform, can also bolster your candidacy. Royal characters must adhere to minimum roleplaying requirements; 3 posts a week is appreciated, with 1 post a week bordering the slowest speed regularly allowed. There are always exceptions for extenuating circumstances and unexpected life obligations. More than mere roleplaying, OOC socializing is also imperative, helping advocate for your colony, engage potential members, and inspire new characters and plots.
  
  
• Reputation. Maturity, tact, social skills, eloquence, creativity, OOC socializing frequency and diversity, and amiability all affect your application. It can be difficult for newcomers to demonstrate these traits without sufficient time and opportunity, and personal experience will inevitably reassure judges that you match the desired temperament and skill set. To compensate, you should interact as much as you can to ensure the judges have the best impression possible to evaluate.
  
  
• Dedication. Royals have the ultimate power, both political and magical, and its price is effort. Their job is infinite, searching endlessly for new ways to excite and immerse members. Consequently, there is not a specific application for monarchs to fill out, instead utilizing your audition to demonstrate your capabilities. Consorts do not have a site-given form, but monarchs might create one. By absolute minimum, you must supply your character's identifying information such as name and age, their appearance, personality, and history. Which other information you provide is your decision. This total freedom allows entrants to show their discipline, efficiency, imagination, and commitment. It also demonstrates an applicant's skill at designing visually appealing thread formats and using clear organization. Consorts should include sections targeted toward the reviewing monarch, such as how their characters would be compatible or what strengths they offer. Typically, consorts are fashioned to fundamentally connect with the reigning monarch, but other dynamics can be interesting. For example, the sides may be at constant odds, attempting to spy on each other's affairs, manipulating the brood to use against their partner, and plotting with other colonies for their downfall. Tune your intentions to what you feel the monarch's roleplayer would enjoy.
  
  
• Length. A particularly bare or short application will be rejected, but superfluous quantity is not equivalent to quality. Excessive length for the sake of appearing more well-written is counterproductive. The reader will likely lose interest as they read, struggling to fully comprehend, and may feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume. Content should be balanced, providing all relevant information, unique ideas, potential plans, and facts that can help charm the judges, without unnecessary filler or inflation.
  
  
• Accuracy. You do not need to embody a perfect stereotype, but you must honor the theme of your colony. Likewise, you must tailor your character's past to the land's history. You are free to include events that occurred on other sites or worlds, and your character does not need to originate from Metaphysical; this might be their first time in the kingdom, or they could be returning after the war.

[li] If a monarch installs supplementary requirements for their consort's audition, such as rules or forms, they will be posted as pinned threads in the first board of their colony's category. When you are creating a monarch, you are designing a figure to rule the kingdom. When you are creating a consort, you are designing a complement to the monarch in addition to a ruler.

[/li][li] To be considered, post your monarch or consort submission in the appropriate Applications sub-board, using the label related to the rank you are aiming for. Application threads are invisible to all accounts that are not administration or the thread's creator, thus ensuring full privacy; no one can see who else has applied, or access their form. Unfinished auditions must use the label "Work in Progress" or they may be judged accidentally. Once your submission is fully completed, change the label to "Finished" and post in Staff Summons to alert staff, or post in Secrets if you wish to preserve your privacy. Please note, leaving your submission as a WIP for an extended period of time may lead to another character being appointed before you can finish. It is encouraged, but not required, to complete the application within 7 days, or you may never have the opportunity to be evaluated.

[/li][li] If you are not chosen, you can still create your entry as a normal character in Genesis. You will need to adjust any elements that are not allowed as a citizen or do not apply without being royalty. [/li][/ul]



[li] Monarchs Permissions.

[/li]

• Aid administration in appointing a consort through Applications. They can implement additional stipulations for their consort's auditions, including but not limited to:
  
• Specific age, or a minimum and maximum range.
  
• Basic type of disposition and temperament.
  
• History they must adhere to.
  
• Minimum post count for the roleplayer or their existing character(s).
  
• Preferred appearance traits.
  
• Details to avoid, such as certain undesirable features.
  
• Writing examples or engaging in a mock roleplay thread with the monarch.
  
• Minimum time period since the roleplayer registered on the site.
  
• Minimum or maximum number of other characters owned by the roleplayer.
  
• Specific plots or predetermined goals the potential consort must agree to carry out.
  
• Activity requirements, although they cannot be extreme and cannot be less than the site's default.
  
• The roleplayer's explanation for how the monarch and consort characters would be compatible.
  
• Items provided by the monarch that the consort must apply.

[li] Appoint an heir. Judgment is shared between the monarch and consort. They can implement any desired parameters and processes for their heir auditions, which are held in the colony's first board. The royal characters can decide if the heir must come from their bloodline.

[/li][li] Recommend the removal of the heir or consort to administration. Royalty and heirs are rarely removed from their positions.

[/li][li] Promote and demote herd leaders through methods the monarch must outline in the colony's constitution. Discharging a herd leader requires justifiable cause, as it greatly disrupts the IC world. For example, a law that demands the dismissal of any herd leader who is found conspiring with an enemy.

[/li][li] Promote and demote any character in the overall colony's hierarchy, which is personally constructed by royalty. Monarchs cannot affect the roles of characters in herd-specific ranks; only herd leaders may alter their internal caste system. Likewise, monarchs cannot tamper with ranks created by and directly pertaining to the consort or heir, such as advisors or bodyguards.

[/li][li] Establish laws, taxes, treasuries, armies, ranks, traditions, events, incentives, prisons, councils, religions, votes, meetings, guilds, marketplaces, or other optional governmental facets without consulting another character. It is encouraged to collaborate with their consort wherever possible.

[/li][li] Approve, modify, or reject ideas proposed by the consort, such as edicts. They cannot always supersede on every decision a consort makes, as identified in the consort's permissions.

[/li][li] Forge treaties, alliances, trade deals, and other colonial relationships, and declare war. Documents must be approved by both the monarch and consort to qualify.

[/li][li] Delegate tasks to any character with a rank created by the site or by royalty.

[/li][li] Overturn a herd law and discuss acceptable modifications or replacements with the herd leader, if possible.

[/li][li] Monitor the theft, trading, selling, and releasing of prisoners amongst the colony's herds. The monarch can intervene if needed, but the negotiations between herds are generally left to their leaders.

[/li][li] Mediate relationships between herds as necessary. Interfering with wars and alliances can lead to unrest, even mutiny, and should be used with caution and restraint. However, it is occasionally unavoidable if battles or tension inflict unwanted damage to the realm.

[/li][li] Moderate citizens wherever their herd leader is incapable or unwilling. For example, if there are not any herd leaders yet, or if a case is escalated due to its importance or complexity. The monarch is not expected to rule on every dispute, but they or the consort must handle problems brought specifically to them.

[/li][li] Exile and pardon subjects from the colony, and pardon characters who were outcasted by individual herds.

[/li][li] Execute characters, typically through the utilization of lethal magic. Roleplayers must give consent, unless their character breaks a law that explicitly listed execution as the penalty, which must have been clearly stated prior to their crime.

[/li][li] Abdicate their throne at any point for any reason. The heir would ascend to the vacated position and a new heir would be chosen. If there is not an heir, the consort could either reign as temporary regent while auditioning a new monarch, or they could fill the rank permanently and a new consort would be chosen.

[/li][li] Sire or birth new brood offspring through Breath of Life, limited to 4 foals per 60 days.

[/li][li] Post in a foreign colony's territory boards. While in another monarch's land, you are under their authority and must heed their laws, at the risk of any punishment their legislation mandates.

[/li][li] Name and design the first board in the colony's category. The top board is considered the castle, although it is not necessarily a structure, and remains completely blank until a monarch is assigned. Once a new monarch is chosen, the terrain slowly morphs into the embodiment of their personality, serving as a physical reflection of their true essence. For example, an evil horse might generate a land wrought in twisted spires, prone to brutal weather and blackened skies, sheathed in barren stone and bottomless ravines. Contrarily, a peaceful and pacifistic monarch might inspire a calm grove littered with still ponds, lush vegetation, and blooming flowers, frequented by a pleasant breeze and warm sunshine.

[/li][li] Wield apprentice, mage, artisan, and magistrate magic automatically. The paladin power level must be earned like an ordinary character.[/li][/ul]



[li] Consort Permissions.

[/li]

• Please note, the below permissions are only the site's default settings. Monarchs can add new perks, although they cannot remove these listed defaults. If an ability typically requires the monarch's consent, it can be modified to no longer necessitate their approval.
  
  
• Appoint an heir. Judgment is shared between the monarch and consort. They can suggest parameters and processes for their heir auditions, which are held in the colony's first board. The royal characters can decide if the heir must come from their bloodline.
  
  
• Recommend the removal of the heir to administration. Heirs are rarely removed from their positions.
  
  
• Promote and demote herd leaders, if allowed by the monarch, through the methods outlined in the colony's constitution. If unable to directly affect the herd leader's position, then the consort can alternatively submit their recommendation to the monarch. Discharging a herd leader requires justifiable cause, as it greatly disrupts the IC world. For example, a law that demands the dismissal of any herd leader who is found conspiring with an enemy.
  
  
• Promote and demote any character in the overall colony's hierarchy, which is personally constructed by royalty, if permitted by the monarch. Consorts cannot affect the roles of characters in herd-specific ranks; only herd leaders may alter their internal caste system. Likewise, monarchs cannot tamper with ranks created by and directly pertaining to the consort, such as advisors or bodyguards.
  
  
• Propose laws, taxes, treasuries, armies, ranks, traditions, events, incentives, prisons, councils, religions, votes, meetings, guilds, marketplaces, or other optional governmental facets to the monarch.
  
  
• Suggest and assist in the negotiation of treaties, alliances, trade deals, and other colonial relationships, and declare war. The consort must agree with the monarch's declarations before they can be considered official.
  
  
• Delegate tasks to any character with a rank created by the site or by royalty. The monarch can override delegations. Unless explicitly forbidden, consorts can relegate tasks originally given to them by the monarch.
  
  
• Request that the monarch overturn a herd law and help discuss acceptable modifications or replacements with the herd leader, if possible.
  
  
• Monitor the theft, trading, selling, and releasing of prisoners amongst the colony's herds. The consort can intervene if needed and permitted, but the negotiations between herds are generally left to their leaders. Monarchs may override the consort's decisions regarding captives.
  
  
• Mediate relationships between herds, if ordered by the monarch. Interfering with wars and alliances can lead to unrest, even mutiny, and should be used with caution and restraint. However, it is occasionally unavoidable if battles or tension inflict unwanted damage to the realm.
  
  
• Moderate citizens wherever their herd leader or the monarch is incapable or unwilling. For example, if there are not any herd leaders yet, or if the monarch does not wish to rule on an escalated dispute. The consort is not expected to rule on every dispute, but they must handle problems brought specifically to them by the monarch.
  
  
• Exile and pardon subjects from the colony, and pardon characters who were outcasted by individual herds. Consorts cannot exonerate exiles that were outcast by the monarch, and cannot excommunicate horses that are under the monarch's official protection, which must be stated in an official, pinned thread in the colony's first board.
  
  
• Abdicate their throne at any point for any reason. If a monarch vacates their position and there is not an heir, the consort could either reign as temporary regent while auditioning a new monarch, or they could fill the rank permanently and a new consort would be chosen. Should a consort step down, the heir may decide whether they wish to assert their claim or if they will remain heir, thus opening new consort tryouts.
  
  
• Sire or birth new brood offspring through Breath of Life, limited to 4 foals per 60 days.
  
  
• Post in a foreign colony's territory boards. While in another colony's land, you are under the monarch and consort's authority and must heed their laws, at the risk of any punishment their legislation mandates.
  
  
• Reside in their colony's first board, which is considered their castle, although it is not necessarily a structure.
  
  
• Wield apprentice, mage, artisan, and magistrate magic automatically. The paladin power level must be earned like an ordinary character.
  
  The monarch does not need to give approval and cannot overturn the following topics:
  
• Hosting events, such as a masquerade or holiday festival.
  
• Founding religions, guilds, or other themed groups.
  
• Forging an exclusive council for purposes such as advice or collaboration.
  
• Creating and managing ranks directly related to the consort, such as bodyguards.
  
• Siring or birthing brood members.
  
• The status of personal relationships, such as a mate.
  
• Ascending magic levels or applying items.
  
• Plots and interactions that are not political, except for restrictions established during consort auditions.
  
• Abdication of their throne.
  
• Meeting with foreign diplomats; while decisions made during the encounter are susceptible to the monarch's authority, the gathering itself is not.

[/ul]

[/ul][/PTab=}]

[PTab=Aristocracy]

• Heirs.
  
  
• Please note, the below permissions are only the site's default settings. Monarchs can add new perks, although they cannot remove these listed defaults. If an ability typically requires the monarch's consent, it can be modified to no longer necessitate their approval.
  
  
• Propose laws, taxes, treasuries, armies, ranks, traditions, events, incentives, prisons, councils, religions, votes, meetings, guilds, marketplaces, or other optional governmental facets to the monarch.
  
  
• Suggest and assist in the negotiation of treaties, alliances, trade deals, war, and other colonial relationships.
  
  
• Abdicate their throne at any point for any reason. If a monarch vacates their position, the heir will ascend to their rank. Should a consort step down, the heir may decide whether they wish to assert their claim or if they will remain heir, thus opening new consort tryouts.
  
  
• Post in a foreign colony's territory boards. While in another colony's land, you are under the monarch, consort, and heir's authority and must heed their laws, at the risk of any punishment their legislation mandates.
  
  
• Reside in their colony's first board, which is considered their castle, although it is not necessarily a structure.
  
  
• Wield apprentice, mage, artisan, and magistrate magic automatically. The paladin power level must be earned like an ordinary character.
  
  The monarch and consort do not need to give approval and cannot overturn the following topics:
  
• Hosting events, such as a masquerade or holiday festival.
  
• Founding religions, guilds, or other themed groups.
  
• Forging an exclusive council for purposes such as advice or collaboration.
  
• Creating and managing ranks directly related to the heir, such as bodyguards.
  
• The status of personal relationships, such as a mate and offspring.
  
• Ascending magic levels or applying items.
  
• Plots and interactions that are not political, except for restrictions established during the process to acquire the heir position.
  
• Abdication of their position.
  
• Meeting with foreign diplomats; while decisions made during the encounter are susceptible to the monarch and consort's authority, the gathering itself is not.

[/ul]



[li] Herd Leaders.
[/li]

• Please note, the below permissions are only the site's default settings. Monarchs can add new perks, although they cannot remove these listed defaults. If an ability typically requires the monarch's consent, it can be modified to no longer necessitate their approval.
  
  
• Promote and demote any character in the individual herd's hierarchy, which is personally constructed by the herd leader.
  
  
• Establish laws, taxes, treasuries, armies, ranks, traditions, events, incentives, prisons, councils, religions, votes, meetings, guilds, marketplaces, or other optional governmental facets in their herd without consulting another character. Monarchs can interfere at their discretion.
  
  
• Forge treaties, alliances, trade deals, and other herd relationships, and declare war.
  
  
• Delegate tasks to any character with a rank created by the herd leader.
  
  
• Optionally engage in the theft, trading, selling, and releasing of prisoners amongst the colony's herds.
  
  
• Moderate the herd's subjects and escalate cases to the monarch or consort if needed. For example, mediating disputes between characters.
  
  
• Exile and pardon subjects from their individual herd.
  
  
• Abdicate their position at any point for any reason.
  
  
• Own 2 lands in the colony instead of a single board, if allowed by royal decree. This forfeits the roleplayer's ability to play a second herd leader character.
  
  
• Wield apprentice, mage, artisan, and paladin magic automatically.
  
  The monarch and consort do not need to give approval and cannot overturn the following topics:
  
• Hosting events, such as a masquerade or holiday festival.
  
• Founding religions, guilds, or other themed groups.
  
• Forging an exclusive council for purposes such as advice or collaboration.
  
• Creating and managing herd ranks.
  
• The status of personal relationships, such as a mate.
  
• Ascending magic levels or applying items.
  
• Plots and interactions that are not political, except for restrictions established during the process to acquire the heir position.
  
• Abdication of their position.
  
• Promoting and demoting characters within the herd ranks.

[li] Brood.

[/li]

• Post in a foreign colony's territory boards. While in another colony's land, you are under their royal and aristocratic authority and must heed their laws, at the risk of any punishment their legislation mandates.
  
  
• Wield apprentice, mage, and artisan magic automatically.

[/ul][/PTab=}]

[/PTabbedContent={}][/div]