Newbieclans

This is a (hopefully) unbiased FAQ to clans for newbies. Please add or improve as needed.

What are clans?

See help clan. But basically they're a group of (hopefully) like-minded individuals who work together and help each other with the game.

How do I join a clan?

For general informations, read this article. Joining a clan depends on the specific clan. Each clan has their own entry requirements and joining procedures. Generally you'll have interviews at the very least. Check out a clan's website in order to find more information.

What are the benefits of joining a clan?

This depends on the clan. PK clans have closed clan equipment you can only aquire by being a member of that clan. If the clan is a PK clan you also have the ability to attack other players (help pk). All clans also have morgues, so if you die, you'll never have to go find your corpse again. Instead your corpse will be moved to the clan hall and you'll be able to loot it at your leisure. Another benefit is that clan members help each other out (if you got into a good clan that is). You can ask questions, learn more about the game, get spellups, find grouping partners, etc. Being a member of a clan also can give you a positive reputation to other players

What are the drawbacks of joining a clan?

If you join a PK clan, you can get PKed. If you join a clan with a bad reputation, you can be ignored, called a moron, and generally considered an idiot based on that clans reputations. As a member of a clan you'll generally be expected to contribute to the clan. Group with lower level members, donate gold, help defend (if you're part of a PK clan), and participate in clan activities such as festivals or meetings.

I'm scared of PK, does this mean I should avoid clans?

Nope, not at all! PK, or Player Killing is not that common, but you can always join a noPK clan. This can be seen on the topline of a clan's claninfo or by the red Y in the far right column in clist. Also, even within a PK clan, PK is quite rare if you choose to avoid it. (Help PK) The only way you can be killed by another player against your will is to be within 10 levels of them, and have your clan be neutral or worse relation with them, AND be in a room marked as a PK room. Other instances of PK such as revenge or raiding are things you get yourself into and aren't really involved in your day to day levelling. PK rooms are very easy to avoid and even if you do die, you can always get your corpse from the morgue.

How do I choose which clan to join?

Look at your friends, what clans are they in. Ask them about their clans and what they think about them. If you have half your friends in the same clan, chances are you'd be happy in that clan. Also, consider if you want to be part of a PK (player killing) or noPK (non-player killing) clan. Check out clan websites and the like. Some people find that a clan's theme is very important, in the author's view, it is almost completely pointless. Join a clan where you get along with the people. Keep in mind though a clan's entry requirements. Do you have enough levels? Are you the right race or class? Choose a clan where you will be happy.

What happens if I change my mind and I chose the wrong clan?

You can always outcast. (see help outcast). If you outcast from clans too quickly and clan hop, you'll get a reputation as not being a reliable clannie. If you screw up once and choose the wrong clan, it is not something to be terribly worried about. Un-outcast fee is based on your current level, not cumlative level. So the most you'll ever have to pay is a bit more than 5 million. And if you wait until just after you remort or tier, it will only be 25,000 gold.

What if I want to start my own clan?

This is a VERY difficult thing to do. New clans are RARELY accepted and only when they are called for. This is not even as often as once a year generally. The last time a clan was added there was only one in March 2006. Before that the clans were last accepted in 2003. Starting a clan also takes hundreds of millions of gold in order to get a good one. You also need lots of players, hopefully lots of players sitting at SH in order to earn you the gold you need and if you choose a PK clan, to defend your new clan from the evilness of other clans. Basically, don't expect to start a clan of your own anytime soon. Don't go around saying that you are going to start one and collecting donations. Don't pretend you're a real clan. If you want to start a clan in the future. Sit down, talk quietly with your friends, and start hoarding the hundreds of millions of gold you're going to need. Meanwhile, go join another clan.