Roleplaying Basics & Creation (For FWC Roleplays)
Written by Throndir
Writing, acting, and imagination. These three things are all that's needed for roleplaying. Roleplaying, simply put, is using your imagination, to write and to act as a certain individual. Regardless of where the roleplay takes place, or what its genre is, roleplaying is only contrained and limited by the Character Profile and the rules of the given scenario. The person who roleplays will have to act out what they believe their character should act like, and their character's actions should not, or rarely, have anything to do with who they are in real life.
The article below will explain a few things about roleplaying. But for the most part, these are just guidelines, not actual rules.
*Oh, and don't mind the grammatical errors. I absolutely *hate* English class, and if you do see an error that's bugging you, just post on the forums, or if you're a moderator, edit as you please.
Characters are who we play as during roleplays. They are the people that we invent and act out. Having a strong character, one that others can relate to is what makes a good roleplay. The best character is not one who can cast spells of destruction annihilating the peoples of an entire realm in a single stroke, but one that is realistic and can actually be seen as a real live person somewhere out there in some faraway world. Characters need to have their strengths, but also their weaknesses, their fears, and their desires. Just like as we do, as normal people. The more this shows in your character, the more the roleplay will be fulfilling and worthwhile to read. Even the strongest and most powerful characters you find in stories and games have their own set of strengths and weaknesses. Make your character alive.
Freeform roleplay is roleplaying that does not have "rules" as we see them in the roelplaying games of today. There are no dices, there is no set story (usually), and the only aspect that would influence the course of events would be the character's actions.
IC: In Character
Any text that follows IC: is what you're actually writing in the roleplay. These are usually only used if one is about to start a roleplay, or if making a transition between Out of Character to In Character.
OOC: Out of Character
Any text that follows OOC: is what you would say in a normal post in reply to a previous OOC comment, or just commenting about the current roleplay. Those not in the roleplay should use OOC:, not only for courtesy but so readers would not get confused.
OOC and IC are the most commonly used ways to transition. However, as long as the roleplayer, participants or commentors clearly define which parts are OOC and which parts are IC, it shouldn't matter. But always make it clear. You can even go as far as changing the font or color of OOC and IC to make it distinguishable.
1) Create a character. He or she can be for any time period or setting, as long as you declare that in your "character sheet". Also, stick to your character sheet. If you decide to create a character born in the year 3200 AD during the Galactic Imperium Wars, don't have them teleport to some magical world filled with dragons and faeries if you don't have a reason to. (It's allowed of course, but make it realistic enough).
Create a character here.
2) Join a roleplay in session. The next step is to find a roleplay that's just about to take off. A player could still join in the middle of a roleplay, but make sure to asks the participants, or if possible the Game Master if it's possible. Sometimes, with all the events that are happening, it might not be possible for a new character to join. If that is the case, wait for the opportune moment or start your own roleplay.
3) Creating a roleplay. When creating a topic for a roleplay, be sure to include the basic details for the roleplay, as well as any additional rules that the roleplay would have. Depending on the type of roleplay you wish to start, be sure to include the necessary details. In a dungeon crawl, be sure to include the area where you will explore, the setting, and any other information that might pertain to the story.
Too-Much-Knowledge
Do not assume things that your character may not know. Even if you know something that is from Out Of Character, you cannot assume that the character you are playing already knows this information.
For example, when Lisa and Bob first meet each other, do not assume that they already know each other's name, and while In Character, do not refer to the other roleplayers by their character's name unless introduced, or from other previous methods.
Ignoring
Do not ignore any posts what so ever, and never ignore the actions of others. As much as possible, try to relate your reply to the previous post.
Hand of Fate
Do not control the actions of other characters that are not in your control. However, depending on the type of roleplaying it is, there could be exceptions. Some of these could include monsters for slaying, or other characters that the thread creator, or Game Master, has specified can be controlled by the players.
For example, Bob cannot say:
"Damn you to hell!" Bob shouted as he curled his hand into a fist. Bob then turned around to Lisa, and beckoned her to come.
In no time at all, the two warriors charged at the threatening pile of ice cream. Meaning to put an end to its terror.
What did Bob do wrong? Well, he assumed Lisa would go with him charging for the ice cream mound. It is up to Lisa to make that decision, not Bob.
Rated R
No need to explain this. Nothing that is overly explicit. Sure, you can hint at it, but no need to write down anything about you-know-what, and you-know-how!
Argue
If you have to argue something, non-threatingly comment about it in an OOC post, and see if it was a mistake of the other poster, or if they actually meant what they wrote. If it's the arguing that doesn't do anything but bring people down, no need for it in these forums. Move it to your Instant Messenger. ;)
Terrible SPAG
Spelling and grammar. As much as possible, try to have good spelling and grammar. Sure, this isn't school, but to be a good writer and roleplayer, it's advised to follow the general rules of English. Treat what you type as an academic assignment.
The Unwelcoming Adventure-ish Quest
Be sure to have opportunities for other roleplayers to join. This can be done by going into crowds, stumbling into a tavern, or any other way people can join.
Hey! Why did that bucket fall on my head?!
Do not force actions on other players. Or do anything that could hinder the playing of the other character in the future or farther along the thread/roleplay. This can include making your character attack and hit the opposing player without giving a chance for the other player to respond. This can apply for anything else as well. If there are events that you want to take place, do them to your own character, or make sure both parties agree in an OOC comment, or have the Game Master approve of the action.
You can call me The Sleeping One
Do not make your characters overly powerful. A character with no weakness at a given moment is no fun for other roleplayers. It's fine if it lasts for only a short amount of time, but if the character is "teh god" for the whole roleplaying, that is considered God Mode.
Roleplaying Background Information
Make sure to include necessary details of the roleplay at hand. It can include NPCs that may appear, or follow characters around. It can include the setting of where the roleplayers first meet. Or a short description of what to expect in the roleplay. Information about the storyline for the roleplay can also be useful, however, hat depends on what kind of roleplay you wish to start.