Post by Natsumi on Dec 22, 2006 17:43:54 GMT -5
So, you want to role-play? Good for you! RPing is easy, and it's a lot of fun. But, before you get started, there are a few things you should know.
Please read all the rules before attempting to RP. They're not hard, I promise!
CONTENTS:
Rules
How to RP
RP terminology
How to set up an RP
RP tips and tricks
RULES
-RPing requires a lot of reading and typing. If you don't like doing either, I suggest you don't RP.
-Follow all forum rules.
-No flaming.
-No trolling.
-Don't create an RP for the sole purpose of bashing someone.
-No explicit language. (mild cursing is fine, F-bombs are not)
-Don't take control of another person's character without their permission.
-If you do have permission, don't make their character die or do something stupid.
-Don't randomly go off-topic.
-Have fun!
HOW TO RP
An RP is basically a giant fanfic written by several different people. The story isn't set, and characters can be jumping in and out of the plot constantly.
Each person picks or creates a character to RP. This means that they're in charge of all of that character's dialogue, actions, and decisions. It's good RP ettiquite to not control other characters unless you have permission.
The RP's story is told in posts, and there's not much structure as to who tells the next part of the story. Each post is about a paragraph in length, although if necessary, the post can be longer or shorter. There is (usually) no set order of who posts when, so if you want to jump in and tell the next part of the story, go ahead and make a post.
RP TERMINOLOGY
There are a few acronyms typically used in RPs:
RP: Role-Play
IC: in-character- what the character says, not what you say.
OOC: out-of-character- what you say, not what the character says.
GM: Game Master- the one who set up the RP.
Profile: If you create your own character, a profile is used. The GM will sate what information you put in your profile.
IC Thread: in structured RPs, this is where the actual RPing takes place.
OOC Thread: in structured RPs, this is where everything else is done: signing up, rules, etc.
Now, if you want to set up your own... (if you don't, skip this section and go on to Tips and Tricks.)
SETTING UP AN RP
On being the GM: How you play the role of GM is completely up to you. You can take an active controlling role, or just be another RP-er. Do it however you feel is right for your RP.
Before you set up an RP, though, you must decide which RP type to use. There are 2 main types: structured and free-form.
Structured RP: A structured RP takes 2 threads: the IC thread, where the actual RP is done, and the OOC thread, where the GM posts the rules and the players sign up. There are almost no OOC comments in the IC thread, as there is a thread specifically for OOC comments. Players are usually required to sign up before you can RP if you go with structured. This kind of RP is generally easy to follow and has some sort of (very broad) pre-set story.
Free-Form RP: A free-form RP has no OOC thread- everything is done in the IC thread (however, if things get too chaotic, an OOC thread can be created). The first post is often massive, as the GM has to explain everything there and post profiles or current standings. Players usually don't need to sign up to participate if you go with free-form, they can just jump in whenever they feel like it. This kind of RP just lets things happen.
"Which style do I pick?": Some things are better suited to structured, others are better off with free-form. Neither style is better; both have their strengths and weaknesses. I've RPed in both styles, and I enjoy them both. It's up to you how you want your RP to work.
To Profile or Not to Profile?: Profiles are generally only used if your RP will use original characters. As the GM, you decide what kind of information an applicant puts in their profile. Typically, the profile includes, but is not limited to: name, age, gender, appearance, personality, weapon/combat style, other. But, you can request pretty much whatever you want.
After you've picked your style: Create a new topic (or 2), and let the fun begin!
RP TIPS AND TRICKS
-At the beginning of each post, state your character's name and their location in the RP world. This makes things flow a little bit easier.
-RP in third person. It makes things easier to follow.
-Save any OOC comments until after your post, then put them in parenthesis.
-Longer posts aren't always better. If you don't know what else to say, you might not need to say any more.
-Short posts aren't the greatest thing, either. Try to put in enough detail so that your post makes sense, but not so much that everyone else is overwhelmed.
-If you have to create your own character for an RP, don't create an over-powered one. Godmodding is n00bish and bad.
-Respect the other characters and RPers.
And, lastly...
-Have fun! If you're not having fun, then what's the point of RPing?
See? Told you it wouldn't be hard.
Now you're ready to go off and RP to your heart's content!
Have fun!
-723
Please read all the rules before attempting to RP. They're not hard, I promise!
CONTENTS:
Rules
How to RP
RP terminology
How to set up an RP
RP tips and tricks
RULES
-RPing requires a lot of reading and typing. If you don't like doing either, I suggest you don't RP.
-Follow all forum rules.
-No flaming.
-No trolling.
-Don't create an RP for the sole purpose of bashing someone.
-No explicit language. (mild cursing is fine, F-bombs are not)
-Don't take control of another person's character without their permission.
-If you do have permission, don't make their character die or do something stupid.
-Don't randomly go off-topic.
-Have fun!
HOW TO RP
An RP is basically a giant fanfic written by several different people. The story isn't set, and characters can be jumping in and out of the plot constantly.
Each person picks or creates a character to RP. This means that they're in charge of all of that character's dialogue, actions, and decisions. It's good RP ettiquite to not control other characters unless you have permission.
The RP's story is told in posts, and there's not much structure as to who tells the next part of the story. Each post is about a paragraph in length, although if necessary, the post can be longer or shorter. There is (usually) no set order of who posts when, so if you want to jump in and tell the next part of the story, go ahead and make a post.
RP TERMINOLOGY
There are a few acronyms typically used in RPs:
RP: Role-Play
IC: in-character- what the character says, not what you say.
OOC: out-of-character- what you say, not what the character says.
GM: Game Master- the one who set up the RP.
Profile: If you create your own character, a profile is used. The GM will sate what information you put in your profile.
IC Thread: in structured RPs, this is where the actual RPing takes place.
OOC Thread: in structured RPs, this is where everything else is done: signing up, rules, etc.
Now, if you want to set up your own... (if you don't, skip this section and go on to Tips and Tricks.)
SETTING UP AN RP
On being the GM: How you play the role of GM is completely up to you. You can take an active controlling role, or just be another RP-er. Do it however you feel is right for your RP.
Before you set up an RP, though, you must decide which RP type to use. There are 2 main types: structured and free-form.
Structured RP: A structured RP takes 2 threads: the IC thread, where the actual RP is done, and the OOC thread, where the GM posts the rules and the players sign up. There are almost no OOC comments in the IC thread, as there is a thread specifically for OOC comments. Players are usually required to sign up before you can RP if you go with structured. This kind of RP is generally easy to follow and has some sort of (very broad) pre-set story.
Free-Form RP: A free-form RP has no OOC thread- everything is done in the IC thread (however, if things get too chaotic, an OOC thread can be created). The first post is often massive, as the GM has to explain everything there and post profiles or current standings. Players usually don't need to sign up to participate if you go with free-form, they can just jump in whenever they feel like it. This kind of RP just lets things happen.
"Which style do I pick?": Some things are better suited to structured, others are better off with free-form. Neither style is better; both have their strengths and weaknesses. I've RPed in both styles, and I enjoy them both. It's up to you how you want your RP to work.
To Profile or Not to Profile?: Profiles are generally only used if your RP will use original characters. As the GM, you decide what kind of information an applicant puts in their profile. Typically, the profile includes, but is not limited to: name, age, gender, appearance, personality, weapon/combat style, other. But, you can request pretty much whatever you want.
After you've picked your style: Create a new topic (or 2), and let the fun begin!
RP TIPS AND TRICKS
-At the beginning of each post, state your character's name and their location in the RP world. This makes things flow a little bit easier.
-RP in third person. It makes things easier to follow.
-Save any OOC comments until after your post, then put them in parenthesis.
-Longer posts aren't always better. If you don't know what else to say, you might not need to say any more.
-Short posts aren't the greatest thing, either. Try to put in enough detail so that your post makes sense, but not so much that everyone else is overwhelmed.
-If you have to create your own character for an RP, don't create an over-powered one. Godmodding is n00bish and bad.
-Respect the other characters and RPers.
And, lastly...
-Have fun! If you're not having fun, then what's the point of RPing?
See? Told you it wouldn't be hard.
Now you're ready to go off and RP to your heart's content!
Have fun!
-723