THIS IS A WORK IN PROGRESS. IT WILL BE UPDATED EVERY SO OFTEN UNTIL IT IS FULL TO THE BRIM WITH INFORMATION.


Right. So I've come across some people who have absolutely NO idea how to roleplay. Now, that surprises me, and kind of scares me a little, because if they ever tried to join an RP on here, they might do something that would make them frightened to ever come on here again because of what others told him/her... NOT THAT WE'RE BAD PEOPLE. But anyway.

Okay, before we get started, remember this:

If you're just starting out, don't be afraid to ask others for advice. Lots of people here would be willing to give you advice. Preferably someone with lots of talent and experience. Like PhazonDragon.

Next thing to remember:

You aren't born a good roleplayer. You have to work towards it. If someone else is better than you, it doesn't mean you can't reach the same level of awesomeness they have. All it takes is patience and lots of burritos.

And if you make a mistake, don't sweat it. Just tell yourself you flooped, and then forget about it. Everyone does something stupid once in a while, and all you have to do is get yourself back on your feet in order to keep yourself going.

Also remember that you're here, or at DragonAdopters, or another RP board, to have fun, and to spend time with your awesome virtual buddies. Ask questions, beat up llamas, or blow up cars using the already busted myth that if you shoot it in the gas tank, it'll go SP'DOOSH––WHOOOOORRRRRSH. Now, onto the guide.



Roleplaying... What is it, exactly?

Well, I have found a definition from souls.acetonic.net:

"The dictionary definition of roleplay is 'to assume or act out a particular role.' Roleplay is, basically, assuming the form of a character, and writing as that character, in a certain setting. It's writing, but more/less structured, depending on how you look at it. When you set to write a story, you must write the setting, the plot, the characters, everything. When you roleplay, the setting and main plot has already been decided, as well as every character but your own. You have control over only half of the story, your own side. The other half is up to the other players. This strengthens interaction skills."

Roleplaying is basically acting as another character that you have made up. Using their thoughts, setting, personality, and actions. Like a... a play. Or musical. But you don't rehearse it, and it's more improvisation.


Terms to Know

Everyone's called something when they're at a certain level. Like Sarge, Captain, Commander, Newbie, Master, etc. Plus, some more terms you aught to know.


"Illiterate: Usually beginners, illiterates are known to use very generic list descriptions like such—

Name: mister so and so
Gender: male
Eyes: Green
Clothes: jeans and a green day shirt
Etc."

These people generally don't have in-depth characters, and have no idea of grammar, spelling, or proper punctuation and capitalization. Usually, these people don't know anything/much about roleplaying."


Advanced: These players KNOW what's up. They are on the ball and post usually a minimum of 2 paragraphs per post, provided they have enough to work with.

Powerplaying: A BIIIIG no-no. Powerplaying is basically, controlling other players' characters. It's against the rules of roleplaying generally, and doesn't make you that fun to work with. There are two kinds: the subtle kind, and the basic "WTF" kind. I've come across both, but the subtle kind is harder to spot, yet can ruin a whole post.

God-modding: Note - this is not the same as powerplaying. They're two different things. While powerplaying is controlling another character that does not belong to you, god-modding is when you make your character super, with overly special powers (providing it isn't a superhero RP), or a character that is waaay better than everyone else's. There is a fine line between an acceptable character, and one that is being god-modded. Usually, though, it's easy to tell.









"'Come on,' Tilara gestured to the child, Gregory. 'I know a place where you can stay the night.



This post has been edited by Rhyshian on Jul 25 2009, 12:24 PM