Post by Wrath on Nov 19, 2014 13:06:22 GMT -5
Alright guys, I'm writing this because a lot of you are intimidated by the unknowns of Serious RP.
This handy little (or big depending on how many pages I feel like writing) will teach you basically how to initiate RP that isn't meaningless and bland.
[Or how to NOT roleplay. ]
Part I - FailRP -
This is not a guide on HOW to FailRP, but a guide on how to avoid it or not happen to engage in it.
FailRP is as explained in other threads, RP that is biased against another, or does not match the basic requirements such as;
"John dodges the bullet with his superhuman reflexes and reflects it back, killing his opponent instantly.
Never engage in this. If this happens, simply walk away or report it. Staff will deal with it accordingly.
This section is relatively simple, because it's not a difficult concept to grasp. Just know that you aren't he-man.
Part II - Character Development -
This section tends to be a bit more involved, giving that it's a summary of long term works in RP. When you are RPing, you give your character a story of his/her past and present.
As you move forward in your Roleplay with others, you want to be able to hold deep and meaningful conversations with that character as you progress. This will further make you feel apart of your character, and if need be, catharsis will occur. (The feeling of sadness, or sorrow, without actually experiencing it.) Emotions such as these is what RPers love to feel, and makes this a very interesting hobby or pass-time, like writing a book.
As you develop your character, try to avoid the clichés that many will include, such as a slightly overpowered character who has come back to 'seek revenge and destroy all' (revenge is fine, but there should be more outside the scope of revenge) kind of character. This happens in many RP, and this further leads to a terrible dilemma called FearRP, which I shall explain later.
When you develop your character, give them an interesting story, not a laundry list of past adventures. Put in detail, emotion, memories, and use emotions or expressions the character would physically show from these memories, or recurring ones. Follow the dialogue below as example.
John: "If we're stuck here, we might as well get to know each other better."
Sarah: "I guess so."
John: "So, what made you love killing so much?"
Sarah: "I found it satisfying. Schadenfreude, it is a wonderful feeling. As I tear apart another one's life, it gives me sheer pleasure. *She grimaces* Be sure not to stand in my way.
The conversation may not be so basic, expecting that to the characters know each other well enough already. But as seen in the above dialogue, instead of basic emotions, she displayed Schadenfreude, which is the emotion that brings pleasure to the suffering of others. Be creative with this, but feeling sad or happiness with your character is not wrong either. Try to use these emotions to your advantage to connect with others.
As I have RP'd with others, I have seen that a guilt trip is what some will try to cram down your throat. It may be intentional, unintentional, justified or not, but react not as how you would react, or how you feel, but much rather what your CHARACTER feels. React how your character would react, regardless if you know the outcome with benefit or harm you. This brings to our next subject, Metagame.
Part III - Meta-game -
This is possibly one of the most devastating offenses that can occur during RP. It will easily change and shift the balance unfairly, and will most likely create problems.
This is the use of external information in character, which is a big no-no. Read the following dialogue.
John: *Uses his radar to slowly locate Caleb, shifting around in positions before finding him.* (Not sent to Jack)
Jack: *Teleports away immediately, knowing that John is searching for him with his radar.*
In the above scenario, the action that John performed was not apparently to Jack's character, but Jack utilized this information, to avoid an RP situation not in his favor. This can also apply with telling character information and planning RP events against others intentionally outside the RP, not letting a perfect flow. If you seek more explanation, please speak to Jack/Jared. He will inform you in more detail.
Part IV - Equipment & RP -
Remember, when Roleplaying, you do NOT NEED WEAPONS!
Many think that RP without weaponry or another object to enforce another player, is utterly meaningless. Try to engage in passive RP, such as conversations, or parlor games, rather than immediately searching or creating action. To have a good character, and good RP, you do not need to have weapons at all. Many times I have RP'd and had great RP, without use of weaponry. Remember, weaponry is a PRIVILEGE, not a RIGHT.
Part V - Casual Talk
This section is possibly going to be the most applicable, due to the constant conversation in RP is necessary to get most points across. When RPing, make sure to talk like your character, and adapt their mood/style. Such as, avoid generic and bland statements, and occasionally spice them up. (Though keep some variety, not everything needs to be exciting. Some bland statements are appropriate to certain situations.)
Such as, refer to active and passive statements, in English grammar, for more depth on this topic.
Bob agreed with James
Or, try this instead:
Bob nodded his head solemnly at James, agreeing with him and his decision.
Part VI - Update - 1/6/2015
I felt as if I needed to write this. This is kind of a reverse-powergame-hybrid-demon child issue that I've been avoiding and really have noticed a lot in our RP.
When in a position of power, please don't go out of someone's way to make it better for them in that terrible situation, such as a character dying. Some of you may understand what I'm referring to, but I feel like it was too conveniently placed and biased, because I'm not sure if I could say the same would be done for others who would be in the same situation.
I could be wrong to the certain scenario I'm referring to, but it's a thing to keep in mind in the future. Do not hesitate to make an action that may negatively affect a person's character.
Now, onto another little nifty guide thing.
I cannot encourage enough that people read up on some lore of the RP's we do. The upcoming one after our current RP, is very laid back, but references may not be understood if a person doesn't have some background knowledge.
Now, I'm not saying go on the wiki and binge on some lore that you may never use, but ask beforehand, especially in making decisions. I happened to have made this mistake, and so have others. Because, honestly, reading wiki articles on a genre you may not give two shits about is probably the most boring garbage you can do.
This handy little (or big depending on how many pages I feel like writing) will teach you basically how to initiate RP that isn't meaningless and bland.
[Or how to NOT roleplay. ]
Part I - FailRP -
This is not a guide on HOW to FailRP, but a guide on how to avoid it or not happen to engage in it.
FailRP is as explained in other threads, RP that is biased against another, or does not match the basic requirements such as;
"John dodges the bullet with his superhuman reflexes and reflects it back, killing his opponent instantly.
Never engage in this. If this happens, simply walk away or report it. Staff will deal with it accordingly.
This section is relatively simple, because it's not a difficult concept to grasp. Just know that you aren't he-man.
Part II - Character Development -
This section tends to be a bit more involved, giving that it's a summary of long term works in RP. When you are RPing, you give your character a story of his/her past and present.
As you move forward in your Roleplay with others, you want to be able to hold deep and meaningful conversations with that character as you progress. This will further make you feel apart of your character, and if need be, catharsis will occur. (The feeling of sadness, or sorrow, without actually experiencing it.) Emotions such as these is what RPers love to feel, and makes this a very interesting hobby or pass-time, like writing a book.
As you develop your character, try to avoid the clichés that many will include, such as a slightly overpowered character who has come back to 'seek revenge and destroy all' (revenge is fine, but there should be more outside the scope of revenge) kind of character. This happens in many RP, and this further leads to a terrible dilemma called FearRP, which I shall explain later.
When you develop your character, give them an interesting story, not a laundry list of past adventures. Put in detail, emotion, memories, and use emotions or expressions the character would physically show from these memories, or recurring ones. Follow the dialogue below as example.
John: "If we're stuck here, we might as well get to know each other better."
Sarah: "I guess so."
John: "So, what made you love killing so much?"
Sarah: "I found it satisfying. Schadenfreude, it is a wonderful feeling. As I tear apart another one's life, it gives me sheer pleasure. *She grimaces* Be sure not to stand in my way.
The conversation may not be so basic, expecting that to the characters know each other well enough already. But as seen in the above dialogue, instead of basic emotions, she displayed Schadenfreude, which is the emotion that brings pleasure to the suffering of others. Be creative with this, but feeling sad or happiness with your character is not wrong either. Try to use these emotions to your advantage to connect with others.
As I have RP'd with others, I have seen that a guilt trip is what some will try to cram down your throat. It may be intentional, unintentional, justified or not, but react not as how you would react, or how you feel, but much rather what your CHARACTER feels. React how your character would react, regardless if you know the outcome with benefit or harm you. This brings to our next subject, Metagame.
Part III - Meta-game -
This is possibly one of the most devastating offenses that can occur during RP. It will easily change and shift the balance unfairly, and will most likely create problems.
This is the use of external information in character, which is a big no-no. Read the following dialogue.
John: *Uses his radar to slowly locate Caleb, shifting around in positions before finding him.* (Not sent to Jack)
Jack: *Teleports away immediately, knowing that John is searching for him with his radar.*
In the above scenario, the action that John performed was not apparently to Jack's character, but Jack utilized this information, to avoid an RP situation not in his favor. This can also apply with telling character information and planning RP events against others intentionally outside the RP, not letting a perfect flow. If you seek more explanation, please speak to Jack/Jared. He will inform you in more detail.
Part IV - Equipment & RP -
Remember, when Roleplaying, you do NOT NEED WEAPONS!
Many think that RP without weaponry or another object to enforce another player, is utterly meaningless. Try to engage in passive RP, such as conversations, or parlor games, rather than immediately searching or creating action. To have a good character, and good RP, you do not need to have weapons at all. Many times I have RP'd and had great RP, without use of weaponry. Remember, weaponry is a PRIVILEGE, not a RIGHT.
Part V - Casual Talk
This section is possibly going to be the most applicable, due to the constant conversation in RP is necessary to get most points across. When RPing, make sure to talk like your character, and adapt their mood/style. Such as, avoid generic and bland statements, and occasionally spice them up. (Though keep some variety, not everything needs to be exciting. Some bland statements are appropriate to certain situations.)
Such as, refer to active and passive statements, in English grammar, for more depth on this topic.
Bob agreed with James
Or, try this instead:
Bob nodded his head solemnly at James, agreeing with him and his decision.
Part VI - Update - 1/6/2015
I felt as if I needed to write this. This is kind of a reverse-powergame-hybrid-demon child issue that I've been avoiding and really have noticed a lot in our RP.
When in a position of power, please don't go out of someone's way to make it better for them in that terrible situation, such as a character dying. Some of you may understand what I'm referring to, but I feel like it was too conveniently placed and biased, because I'm not sure if I could say the same would be done for others who would be in the same situation.
I could be wrong to the certain scenario I'm referring to, but it's a thing to keep in mind in the future. Do not hesitate to make an action that may negatively affect a person's character.
Now, onto another little nifty guide thing.
I cannot encourage enough that people read up on some lore of the RP's we do. The upcoming one after our current RP, is very laid back, but references may not be understood if a person doesn't have some background knowledge.
Now, I'm not saying go on the wiki and binge on some lore that you may never use, but ask beforehand, especially in making decisions. I happened to have made this mistake, and so have others. Because, honestly, reading wiki articles on a genre you may not give two shits about is probably the most boring garbage you can do.