The little and middling ranks; junior status

There are three distinct phases in the development of an Avalonian. The first is the LW (littlewho) period, and those who have LW status are shown whenever your type LW. These individuals should be considered off-limits, insofar as they should not be attacked or persecuted, stolen from or imprisoned; unless they attack personally first, in which case treating like for like (to teach them a lesson) is the extent of what is acceptable. There are, of course, sometimes extenuating circumstances but as a rule of thumb the aforementioned guidelines should be taken into account.

The second phase is the MW (middlewho) period - and along with LW make up a player's junior time in the land. You can type MW or JUNIORS to get a list of those in the land visible to you, with littlewho or middlewho status. Juniors do not need to be treated with the same indulgence as LWs but some restraint remains a good idea. The Gods will frown upon persecution. Simply speaking, sending a junior onto the Ship of Death once per Avalon year or the thievery of the odd select possession; this is acceptable. More than this risks incurring divine ire. Juniors will be at the apprenticeship phase or just beyond and can benefit from such boon as the junior-apprenticeship (see HELP SELECTION) to sample guild skill-sets.

Needless to say genuine LWs and MWs are not so restricted when it comes to competing with one another. The self-control required when dealing with juniors is a necessity of the higher levels; those whose skills have progressed above the junior phase into the senior ranks. You will find all Avalonians with at least a smattering of top-ranked guild or general skills beyond the junior phase. If you are attempting to be judicious about timing emergence from LW and MW, to avoid stepping onto the unadulterated battlefield, it is advised you manage your learning such as to avoid prematurely entering the senior world; at least until you are confident in your ability to defend yourself and to act aggressively against your enemies. Those who remain in the LW or MW junior phase will find, whenever they type STAT, will be told how far they have progress towards senior status.

NOTE: those of you of junior rank will find, as an ongoing boon, a bonus bestowed whenever you complete a quest for the first time. This bonus is given in lessons, determined by the difficulty rating of the quest. The gift is received once and once only; intended as both a catalyst for exploration of the land and its curiosities and a reward for those who do so.