Post by Avelon on Aug 13, 2006 17:20:20 GMT -5
Roleplaying is easy. We all roleplay every minute of every day that we spend in the presence of others - and most of the time when we are alone, as well. The problem is, it isn't so easy to convey that subconscious, self-defensive instinct to appear greater than you are into words.
Roleplaying Rules
1.) Keep the theme in mind. If you're roleplaying on a distant world with extremely advanced technology, then maybe your sword-wielding ninja badass is not suited to RP there. Similarly, your technopunk has no place in a world of fantasy. Some settings blend science fiction and magic, have advanced social structure with low technology, so on and so forth - in these settings, you have a lot of options and your character is probably okay, though a few tweaks may still be in order.
2.) You are not God. We can't really stop you from casting Level 9999999999999 UltraStorm in the space of 5 molecules that happen to be inside of somebody's face, but we'd appreciate it if you didn't do stupid things like that. Limit yourself. Focus on the story more than your own advancement, and I guarantee you'll have more fun. It's okay to favour yourself, because most everyone will. If you can get into your character's own mindset and think as s/he would, then you should find perceiving the story and surroundings a lot easier, and your reactions become natural and flow better.
3.) Please do not make things up on the spot. Such as character race. I'm sorry, but you just can't be a ninja turtle that can transform into a giant gorilla or turn into a blonde at will. Look to the theme that you're playing in - the setting. Most of them will have examples of most (if not all) of the races on that world. Also, please don't make up things like spells or whip out a previously unheard of gadget that JUST SO HAPPENS to be able to save you from an otherwise unavoidable attack.
4.) Get lost. No, really - immerse yourself as much as you can. Imagine the world that you are roleplaying on. Consider yourself the character you're playing. What is s/he thinking? What would s/he be doing? Do it. You don't have to be all about the badassness and combat...how about having a character who likes to play the flute? Playing the flute doesn't do much of anything to help you, but it's the kind of thing that gives a character depth and makes the story seem more real because of it.
5.) Remember, it's in YOUR hands. Everyone participating in a roleplaying session has the opportunity to affect their environment and those around them. Don't hinder a story's progression just to make yourself look cool. I am the KING of making myself look cool, but friends who have roleplayed with me can tell you that yes, I have a flaire for the dramatic and the epic, but if it's more believable for me to get turned into a broken, bloody mess, then that's just what happens.
This thread will remain unlocked so that if anyone has questions, they can be answered. If you have a suggestion or want to propose a rule, go ahead and post it here and we'll all have a look at it.
Roleplaying Rules
1.) Keep the theme in mind. If you're roleplaying on a distant world with extremely advanced technology, then maybe your sword-wielding ninja badass is not suited to RP there. Similarly, your technopunk has no place in a world of fantasy. Some settings blend science fiction and magic, have advanced social structure with low technology, so on and so forth - in these settings, you have a lot of options and your character is probably okay, though a few tweaks may still be in order.
2.) You are not God. We can't really stop you from casting Level 9999999999999 UltraStorm in the space of 5 molecules that happen to be inside of somebody's face, but we'd appreciate it if you didn't do stupid things like that. Limit yourself. Focus on the story more than your own advancement, and I guarantee you'll have more fun. It's okay to favour yourself, because most everyone will. If you can get into your character's own mindset and think as s/he would, then you should find perceiving the story and surroundings a lot easier, and your reactions become natural and flow better.
3.) Please do not make things up on the spot. Such as character race. I'm sorry, but you just can't be a ninja turtle that can transform into a giant gorilla or turn into a blonde at will. Look to the theme that you're playing in - the setting. Most of them will have examples of most (if not all) of the races on that world. Also, please don't make up things like spells or whip out a previously unheard of gadget that JUST SO HAPPENS to be able to save you from an otherwise unavoidable attack.
4.) Get lost. No, really - immerse yourself as much as you can. Imagine the world that you are roleplaying on. Consider yourself the character you're playing. What is s/he thinking? What would s/he be doing? Do it. You don't have to be all about the badassness and combat...how about having a character who likes to play the flute? Playing the flute doesn't do much of anything to help you, but it's the kind of thing that gives a character depth and makes the story seem more real because of it.
5.) Remember, it's in YOUR hands. Everyone participating in a roleplaying session has the opportunity to affect their environment and those around them. Don't hinder a story's progression just to make yourself look cool. I am the KING of making myself look cool, but friends who have roleplayed with me can tell you that yes, I have a flaire for the dramatic and the epic, but if it's more believable for me to get turned into a broken, bloody mess, then that's just what happens.
This thread will remain unlocked so that if anyone has questions, they can be answered. If you have a suggestion or want to propose a rule, go ahead and post it here and we'll all have a look at it.
