Proposal Template and Guidelines

1. The title of your thread should always be the name of your item.
   
2. Use the above template to submit your proposal, and be sure to include any and all needed details.
   
3. Admins have the right to request changes to a proposal before approval, or to deny a proposal entirely.
   
4. Unless you have been given permission to request a personal item, all items approved in R&D are considered "Global", meaning that once approved any player can use them. Faction leaders maintain the right to choose who is allowed to become members of their personal faction.
5. Unless otherwise stated, only an Admin may approve a proposal, but any member of staff may provide feedback and participate in the discussion. Only staff members and the original poster of the proposal are allowed to post in the proposal thread.
   
6. The following is required in the descriptions for each item:

                -Races: Must provide a detailed physical description for both males and females (or just for one gender if species is monogendered like Asari), as well as what races they can mate with outside of their own. Or, if it is a synthetic race instead of organic, provide such details. You must also include what planet they are from in which system, and what kind of climates they prefer. Can biotics be found naturally in their species, or do they always require implants/exposure to Eezo? If there are any special traits or abilities for your proposed race, please describe them. Also include some general strengths and weaknesses for the race as a whole. Include any necessary political and cultural knowledge, including government style, notable relationships with other known races, and religious or morality standards and taboos. Building a new race is a very in depth process that should require a lot of time and thought, so please be as detailed as possible for everything you can think of.

                -Careers: A new career type would ideally involve the introduction of a unique new skill field outside of combat, biotics, and techs; or some interesting new spin on one of those original three. This will be the most difficult type of proposal to have approved. Needs to include a detailed summary of the focus of the new career, and examples of what kind of races are best suited to it and why -- as well as any races that cannot take the skill set and why. Must provide the number of weapon, upgrade, and biotic/tech power points given by career for the Point System (if applicable). If the new career involves new types of skills that would not fall into either biotics or tech abilities, then a new set of abilities must be created for players to choose from. Since making a new list of powers can be a time consuming process, it is best to provide three to five examples first -- then, if the career is going to be approved, an admin will advise you to finish a longer list. Please also include any additional special information as needed, such as how someone gets exposure to and learns the career, etc.

                -Upgrades: Upgrades can be for weapons or armor. Must include a description of what the upgrade does, and what weapon or armor types it is compatible with. Must also list what class of upgrade it is, between 1, 2, and 3. (It is okay to propose multiple class levels for a new type of upgrade, as some upgrade types have newer, more efficient models on the market that simply might be harder to come by). Please be sure to list if there are other upgrade types in existence that the proposed new item cannot be used with. (Such as, you can't use a weapon with a combat sensor on it if you are also using a weapon or piece of armor that is intended to disrupt sensors).

                -Weapons and Armor: When designing a new weapon or set of armor, make sure to include its base properties and how many upgrades it can hold. For weapons, be sure to determine what class of weapon it is (shotgun, sniper rifle, etc) if it fits with a class of weapon that already exists, or determine how many points it is worth in the point system if it does not fit with an already listed class. Typically, the bigger the weapon, the more damage it does, and the more points it costs to carry it in a thread. For armor, be sure to list if it is light, medium, or heavy, and what races can wear it if it is restricted to a certain body type. (It is okay to say that different sets of the armor are made to fit any type of known species). Included should be information on what company created the weapon or armor. This can be a custom company, or you can choose a canon company from the games -- so long as it makes sense for the company to make such an item. Please include a short physical description of the weapon or armor set, and feel free to use a picture of some kind for visual reference if you have one.

                -Biotic and Tech Powers: Pretty straight forward, if you have an idea for a new type of biotic or tech power, simply describe its effects, how it is used, and how it appears. It is acceptable to create a new power completely, or to propose an upgraded form of a power already approved. An upgraded form of a base power is only available to those with permission to create a "personal" item, and must be an upgrade to a biotic power the character already knows. It will replace the base power rather than cost a new point.

                -Factions: To create a new faction, list the name of the organization and provide a detailed mission statement for it. List what races are allowed to join the faction, what area of space they mainly operate out of, and where their main headsquarters are (if any). If there is a specific process or trial to be accepted, describe it. (Like the Eclipse, where each member has to kill someone before they are allowed to join). You must also have a minimum of three players committed to joining in order to start the new faction. (Please note: must be three separate players, not characters. Alts do not count toward member minimum for starting a faction). Don't forget to include if there is some kind of uniform, token, or marking of some kind that members receive for being accepted, as well as any other pertinent detail.

                -Planets: Planets should include a number of pieces of information, such as: climate, gravity strength, day length, whether it has breathable atmosphere, and what solar system in what part of space it is a part of. It is okay to suggest a new solar system for it to be in, so long as you determine what part of space it is still in. (For instance, your new planet could be in a new solar system in the Horsehead Nebula. Be sure to name the new solar system as well.) Also listed should be what races are predominant on the planet if it is inhabited, and if so what the civilization looks like. Is it a small colony? A large city? A metropolis? Any unique features of the planet should be noted. as well as what kind of resources are available there such as Eezo or Palladium. Any cultural or political norms should be addressed (such as how the natives view the council or certain other races, and what kind of defenses they have), as well as any native species of animals or insects that might be of interest or danger to people on the planet. Again, the more details the better. A planet will always be a "global" item that anyone can visit.