Since everyone who comes here always asks the same questions and no matter how many times I say "look at the help section and welcome section first" people don't, I am making a post that answers most questions. Any staff who can think of any other answers, post them. I'm removing my sig in this post for space reasons.

All you ever need to know about Arda:

• ALWAYS look through the RULES, HELP, and FAQ sections before asking questions. Chances are they've already been asked.
• If you have questions about spells, please carefully read their descriptions before asking about them.
• Follow the rules. We don't write them for fun.
• To apply for ARPer, go HERE.
• People who are god/desses or guardians (yay me!) can die, but they don't want to usually since they have to change appearance when they come back (yes, they come back, they don't really die).
• If you ask a question that has already been answered recently (within the last 4 weeks) or is in the FAQ, I might just warn you because it's getting ridiculous and annoying people.
• No, I am not writing this because I am in a bad mood and I do not only warn people when I'm in a bad mood (though I'm in a bad mood by the time I finish).
• If you think you were warned unfairly, plead your case to another admin and maybe they will change it. Most warnings do not get revoked unless it a mistake was clearly made.
• You cannot sell starter equipment. If you don't want it, don't put it in your profile. If you decide you want something different, change your profile. Maybe post in the Help forum just in case.
• You can post in other topics or create your own topic once you have read all the rules.
• Topics older than 1 month are considered dead and are not allowed to be posted in unless you are the original topic starter.
• No speculating answers. Often times members post Help questions because they need a clarification on something that isn't in the rules or anywhere on the board. These kinds of questions need the attention of admins to make a decision about the new situation, and any member posting what they personally think should be done is not allowed. Speaking on behalf of the staff makes our job very hard, because often the speculations given are inaccurate and we don't want people getting in trouble for following bad advice.
  
  This does not mean that you can't post answers in the Help forum, members helping other members is highly encouraged and is a great help to admins. What this rule means is that if you do not actually know the answer you shouldn't guess on what you think is right. If you don't know an answer it is still helpful if you point out places where they can get additional information that is currently available about the subject, but please try not to post your own decision of what you think is right if you don't actually know.
• No backseat moderating. Backseat moderating is like backseat driving, but done with members acting like they are the board's moderators. Examples include telling other members what to do and correcting them. You are allowed to help other members and give guidance and advice, but please do not post if your sole purpose is to moderate. The worst infraction of this rule is when someone posts for example, in the wrong forum asking for help, and you only post to tell them they posted in the wrong forum instead of helping any. In cases like this, you should first help them in any way you can, then mention that next time they should post in the correct forum.
• PM helping is not advised. A lot of times people offer to help new members by chatting with them through PMs or IMs if they have questions. However, some issues have occurred where the member giving help has given someone the wrong answers or advice and their person asking for help later got in trouble. Please try and only assist members through the Help forum where everyone can see and give aid, and where admins can come and correct any wrong answers. Besides, you get gold for posting in the Help forum. :p
• WARNING! If you are found to be repeatedly breaking any of these rules and guidelines, we reserve the right to restrict your ability to post in the Help forum. We also reserve the right to remove any gold earned from what we consider to be spam.