The Lair Partner Guide

Credits
This guide was originally created by Michi ID #1622 and all credit goes to her. This guide was edited from it's initial form for a new format and with some updated information but almost all content is copied from her guide.

Introduction
This guide is to help people understand the process of sharing an account with someone, the pros and cons of having one, and common questions regarding lair partners. Sharing your account with someone is a big transition, and this guide is a collection of information from users who have first hand experience sharing an account to prepare you and inform you on all aspects of this decision.

Frequently Asked Questions
This section will outline the most frequently asked questions about becoming, being and staying a lair partner. It will be in a Q/A format.

1. What is a Lair Partner?

- A lair partner is someone who you share an account with. This usually mean 2 or more people have agreed to share an account with each other and entered into a "Joint Agreement" about the details sharing that one account.

2. How do you begin the process of sharing an account with someone?

From the TOS: ''As of 3/4/2010, all users who wish to engage in shared account behavior must submit a joint agreement document to support@explorer-games.com with the following: each user's online handle, e-mail, and what content of the accounts will rightfully belong to that user in the event of an account breakup. Materials listed on the joint document agreement must be returned to its rightful owner in the event of an account breakup. Any goods not listed on this document and any further goods gathered in the account as a result of shared efforts must be dealt with by said users, and administration will not moderate the division of said goods. This joint document cannot be edited, updated, or resubmitted once it has been submitted.''

3. What does that mean?

- This means that all users that wish to become lair partners must draw up a Joint Agreement Document in order to share a account and send it to the support email. Usually this document lists things that each partner brings into the shared account. This includes: Pets, Items, and Currency. You do not have to name every single item or pet you bring over, but keeping a list of the most important things is highly recommended.

3a. Example of a Joint Agreement:

"Account #1

Slash, thisbemyemailyo@gmail.com: 10 BPs, 40 SCCs, 2 RBCs Pets: http://www.aywas.com/pp/view/1/ ect..

Account #2

Michiru, thisbehismailyo@gmail.com: 2 BCCs, 3 OCOs, 500 Pancakes Pets: http://www.aywas.com/pp/view/6529/ ect..."

4. What is the Joint Agreement for?

- This form is for when lair partners decide to break up. Admins can help you get stuff listed on this agreement (this does not include items, pets, or currency already used, sold, traded, ect...) back to you. Anything that is not listed on this document as it was sent to them when you first start sharing an account must be discussed with all parties involved on how to split everything.

5. How long does the 'Trial Period' of being a lair partner last before you must get rid of the account no longer used?

- You have a period of two weeks of either selling, banning, or moving back into the unused account.

6. How many people may share one account?

- In truth, there is no limit as of yet of how many people can share one account. Its up to the sharers if they want more than two though. Some people are known to have four people on one account! Just remember though, having more is not always better. Sometimes it can get confusing, but if you can handle it then go right ahead!

7. What happens if my lair mate(s) violate the TOS? Will I also be punished?

- From Slash: "The account gets banned, not the players. In the case that the player does something very wrong, that player would be banned from access or ever creating an account again."

7a. So, I won't be banned?

- No, you won't. However, you'll have to start over with a new account, and you will not be compensated for the value of the items, pets and currency you had on the shared account.

8. How do Lair Partners deal with their BP/GP/SP?

- Well, some lair partners do share their money together, some prefer to have one partner have it on hand and the other in the bank. There are no formal rules governing this area of account sharing, and it does come down to whatever agreement you and your lair mates come to.

9. Do I have to move all of the stuff out of my inventory/deposit box/lair to the new account manually?

- At the time of writing, all items and pets must be manually transferred out. Slash did offer a service to transfer all pets/items/currency to the new account, but this is currently unavaliable and it is unknown if it will ever be running again. You can find the thread here for more information.

10. How do I find a Lair Partner?

- Most people make posts on the Misc Trading board for finding lair partners, stating some info about themselves and the pros and cons of having them in a account. In addition, you can ask your friends or leave a message in your forum signature. All in all, be creative. There are many ways to find someone.

11. How do contests and events work for lair partners?

- Most of the time a contest will state: "Only one entry per account." But there are occasions that all partners can enter into a contest. Make sure to read all the rules and check with the people running the contest for clarification.

Pros and Cons of a Lair Partner
This section will outline the pros and cons of having a lair partner.

Pros

 * Having two people doing events at the same time or when they are one gives both partners a chance to score more points or gain more items in the event.
 * More people online and available to do Dailies.
 * Don't have to send gifts to another account and you kinda get to keep the pretty gifts.
 * Don't have to pay breeding fees on what's considered already your custom if there is fees on them.
 * Quoted by lily<3disco (#172): "c8 sharing = awesome. -L"
 * Partners would be extremely spoiled by each other.
 * Twice the manpower for getting trophies.

Cons

 * Your partner(s) could sell pets without asking if you want them.
 * It is possible for a partner to do something wrong and end up getting the account banned.
 * Your partner could just steal everything off the account and leave you with nothing. This is where the concept of the Joint Agreement came from.
 * You don't really know who your partner is, unless you know them in real life.
 * Some people can be selfish about stuff.
 * Only one person can explore at a time.
 * Your currency might be used without your knowledge or approval.
 * It can be hard to keep secrets from each other.
 * There is a risk that the account password may be changed and you may be locked out of your account entirely.
 * Your lair partners may have opposing views on how to handle a situation, and arguments may ensue.
 * The account only has one birthday. Lair partners must come to an agreement on if and how to share the birthday prize.

Tips
1. It's always better to partner with someone you know or get to know within a quick time frame rather than a stranger.

2. Make sure to list everything in the contract, particularly customs. Also, keep a list of pets and major items (GP/SP most importantly) obtained during the partnership; so if there is a dispute later, you have evidence to back up your claims.

3. Consider keeping your money separate. One user could keep their money in the bank, and the other in hand. This allows for better record keeping and can make disputes over money unnecessary.

4. Make sure to communicate with your lair partner(s) over major decisions that will effect all users on the account. This is vitally important for a successful partnership.

5. It's strongly advised to have a way to contact your lair partner outside of Aywas. Independent chat programs such as MSN, AIM, Skype, etc allow you to reach your lair partner and have a frank and private discussion outside of the site. E-mail, or even cell phone contact, is also a suggestion. Historically, people have also made private threads for themselves in the Junk Pile Forum.

Conclusion
This guide is basically everything you can and should know about having a lair partner. If you make sure you're following the rules, have trust in your relationship with your lair partner(s) and use common sense, you should be on your way to a wonderful partnership.

'''Remember, having lair partners is another way to experience Aywas and all it has to offer. So go out, find that special someone and have fun!'''