NOTE: This topic is for advice/suggestions for Roleplayers. If you have questions about roleplaying, there is a topic for that.
This thread is a guide written by players for players.
If you feel you're an experienced RPer, feel free to share your knowledge and advice to all who view here.
Note large amounts of what is posted here is opinion or advice. Some of what is posted is not, such as How to Roleplay posts that have been personally written by members. If the post is advice on what to do, such as the concept stated below in this post, it is up to you to decide whether to use it.
Please consult the "Roleplaying Basics" thread if you have not already.
To start with:
The concept of OOC/Sign-up and actual topic seperation.
The idea behind this is to first post a topic which outlines the RPG, and allow members to sign-up there. Then you would go and create a new topic, which would be the actual place to RP the game. As the game progressed, you would discuss OOC in the start-up topic, thus clearing the RP topic and making it more straight-forward and less-complicated.
Example:
Topics:
Redwall Kitchen Adventures OOC/Sign-up
Redwall Kitchen Adventures
I have a suggestion, can everyone change the names of their sign-up and their actually RP to match.
So you have something like:
Redwall Kitchen Adventures OOC/Sign-up
Redwall Kitchen Adventures
Because it gets rather confusing when you have names like my RP, new RP, the first RP, etc.
That would undoubtedly make things more simple, though it's of course up to the RP creators to go and change the names or not.
Can I request that characters actually punctuate and capitalize their sentences? It gets very hard to read when its just a long running line of words.
I also think this would make things easier, but, just like the names of the topics, it's up to the people if they want to change it or not.
It'd be preferable if it was done properly to begin with, but if it comes down to it, I suppose someone could make a "novelized" version of the RP after it's done, so that people can actually read it in a way that makes sense.
To new roleplayers, especially gamemasters: Please make sure when starting a roleplay that you include a plot consisting of at least a paragraph of text to guide the roleplay, and merit its existence.
If you don't have a real plot work out yet, then just roleplay in existing threads. When you really have a good, developed, plausible, unique roleplay, then post it.
OK so your starting out on RPGing or Role Playing.
I was in a Forum Style RPG like this for 4 years 1 game. Role Play is not some thing you will learn over night. It is much like acting. In a forum base one it is much like telling a part of a story.
1. Fine out who the storyteller are so you can interact with them properly do a little research on each and make mental notes or notes to remember them.
2. Read the post and what is going on in the story at the moment before deciding on what your going to be. Getting a feel help you with your story telling as well.
3. Once you have completed step 1 and 2 get you thoughts together and make your person and feel him know him give him a bit of story make him real to you.
4. HAVE FUN! Don't worry if you make a person to play and he dies in like 5 min guess what I have played table top RP and larp rps and I didn't even last the night due to dice and or the game its self.
Just give him/her a good death and make a new one learn from the mistakes and carry on.
Roleplaying is generally done in past tense and third person. i.e. "He went to the camp" and not "I am going to the tent."
A roleplay could be done otherwise, but not regularly, and not with good reason.
Also, I'd recommend making your posts at least two or three sentences long in a roleplay, otherwise you're not really adding a thing to the roleplay
Taggerung_of_Redwall is very very right. I was on a forum that the rule for RP was minum of 5 lines for any seen.
If you and another player were in a heated battle and you know you could dish out a death blow so to speak. You had better PM your friend there and talk to him and work out a seen that both of you were happy with putting to lines.
Also there will be players that treat you badly and medagame or just do what ever they want with out pming you or caring and there is some people that create the story line that will kill you off for no reason. If that happens first talk to the player or GM. If that gets you know where then let him kill you and don't get upset.
You know why you have many other rps a few topics down that you can just pull your creation there and play. If you feel like it let the gm of that game know in pm that hey that guy dose not play fair in his rp or that players is doing wrong. Someone will see it and then he have to talk to a forum mod.
Remember Death is not a end in the world of RP it is just a door way to make more creations.
As stated already i think role players should use punctuation, it gets confusing without it, i also think new role players should read the last posts on that topic so they can remember what is going on. Also don't dash into every RP you can find, start with one and gradually go in more RP's.
I find it VERY important to read all the posts up until your last post before making a new post. If you don't do this your new post might not make sense or move the plot along. I know it takes a little more time but it will make for a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Here are some ideas to consider when starting a new RP:
I've seen three different styles of sign up threads so far.
One, is the way it was going until recently I think. Where people post a plot and random people sign up until the game master decides there is enough people. Then the game master starts the actual thread.
Two, is to post a plot and write a brief outline of the characters that may be taken. Ex:
Otter 1
Male river otter
Weapons:
Description:
Occupation:
(I think I may have been the one to start this here with my first Reedbind thread but I'm not sure...)
I've modified this by telling people they can PM me if they have another type of character they would like to have join. Then I will edit them into the sign up.
Third, is to post a plot and limit the number of people who can join. Then close the thread to others who might want to join.
Another one I could see happening is a personal invite type of RP. I have done these on other sites I have been a part of. They are usually titled like this: Ex: Who Stole the Cookies (closed)
Then in the first post it would say: "This thread is closed to all except person 1, person 2, and person 3. If you would like to join in please PM person 1 for permission before posting)
In my time of RPing "closing" a thread has never really made me feel left out and has not been a problem. usually if someone wants in bad enough they will PM, ask for permission and so on.
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT to read the previous posts
example:
Person1:The dormice were tied up and hungry.
Peson2:One of the dormice got up and walked over to comfort the others.
if you are tied up you cannot get up and walk around, it dosn't make sense and it ruins the rp. I like rps to be as realistic as possible and it makes me frustrated when stuff like that happen.
Try to be desciptive and post atleast three lines, it helps the rp flow
Yep. If you can't post three lines, make something happen.
dont use *'s
Example?
example: random character follows random character2*
Ah, yes. Those can be annoying.
right action commands: random guy follows random guy 2.
OK RatBane's words of wisdom.
OK I have to say this it is not to be mean to any one here but the 1 line posts are driving me nuts. I have apparently posted her and for got I have so if this is a restatement then sorry.
If your going to do some thing read a few of the post and react to more then one if that post is with in your area of action. It is like playing D&D if any of you have done so you can do so many actions and then your through well here it is close to that.
Write at the minim of 5 lines not 1 do and action do something you know.
Example: Ratbane stands on one foot does a jig as Menzy and MouseChaser watch from a distance. Both of them look at each other and wonder to themselves in thought "What is this vermin doing?"
and use " " when speaking actions are in normal text and thought use the Italics
also if your posting with the " " you can use *'s for actions in between the speaking to note them as actions it help with the flow of reading so here is and example.
"You take this!" *Ratbane throws the spear at the mouse* "HA how you like that mouse!"
Now people harp on grammar a bit here I will tell you right now I suck at it and very poor speller as well. No worries to you if you are do your best and enjoy the RP is all I ask.
SO I do hope this helps and if you have question and issues or just want to know or just ask a question ask me in pm or however I will do my best to answer.
I will say that there many accepted ways to signify what is happening in a post. Examples:
Rat was feeling gloomy. He picked up his knife and twirled it before tossing it point first into the deck. Rat picked it up and sighed.
"Wish there was something interesting going on today..." He muttered to himself.
Then weasel walked across the deck.
"Maybe Weasel would like to play a game." Rat thought as he stood up and walked over to Weasel.
This in an example of the signification I use. *'s are not necessary when the writer clearly describes what the character is doing. I do think italics work very well for thoughts or words spoke in low tones.
Watch the boards and see what most people are using in their posts. Signify the way others do, that makes a more unified group of role players.
As for one line posts, they are acceptable on these boards. (I can't for the life of me write a one line post... I have too much I want to write) :) People use these boards to have fun and learn about RPing. Usually as people spend more time RPing they add depth to their posts.
When people are talking to a character of a person who posted a while ago, can they quote the post they want to reply to? For instance...
Quote from: Wisteria Wild Cat on March 13, 2012, 02:45:50 PM
Wisteria cursed the wind, for it had brought her scent to the otter, but also the otter's scent to her. Flexing her claws, (With the metal extensions, non poisoned) She spoke, "Who are you? And do you have any...valuables? Pfft! Never mind, drop the daggers, waterdog!"
After she posted that, a couple of other people posted. Then I wanted to reply to her post, so I quoted it:
Quote from: Tiria Wildlough on March 14, 2012, 07:33:01 AM
Quote from: Wisteria Wild Cat on March 13, 2012, 02:45:50 PM
Wisteria cursed the wind, for it had brought her scent to the otter, but also the otter's scent to her. Flexing her claws, (With the metal extensions, non poisoned) She spoke, "Who are you? And do you have any...valuables? Pfft! Never mind, drop the daggers, waterdog!"
Nelka sneered. 'I don't take orders from vermin. Go away.'
So, when people do that, can they remember to quote? Otherwise, it gets really confusing.
Quick question. How do you sign up? Thanks in advance. Danflor
You go to the discussion topic of the role play you want to join. If they are still accepting role-players, you have to post and fill out something like this:
Name: Bob
Age: 1
Gender: Male
Species: Mouse
Then the GM or Gamemaster (the person who started the RP) will let you in. One useful tool when joining an RP is the Role-Play Directory (http://redwallabbey.com/forum/index.php?topic=519.0).
But if you have anymore questions, please refer to the Role-Play Questions topic (http://redwallabbey.com/forum/index.php?topic=1074.0)
i've noticed a lot of players use a ton of characters in games.. to me it makes it waaaay too confusing to see where everybeast is when theres 5+ players in an rp
It only gets confusing when the names are similar, or there are a LOT of characters, generally it's good to have about 10 + players as then there is usually something going on.
Erm, so I came across a suggestion for RPing which I thought was interesting, and I figured this is the place to put it... I was told that RPs which are done in an "episode" format actually last longer than most other ones, and help keep up interest. Also, it is good for characters who can only be there sometimes: they can be present in certain "episodes" and absent in others without too much fuss.
For clarification on what I mean by "episode" format: Basically, an RP in this style would consist of a series of relatively short adventures/escapades/etc. The "series" could conceivably run on forever, as long as one or two people kept up interest and had ideas. Also, it could be set aside for a while between episodes, then picked up later.
Does anyone have any thoughts on this?
Quote from: KitrallStreamrippler on June 04, 2013, 12:18:03 AM
Erm, so I came across a suggestion for RPing which I thought was interesting, and I figured this is the place to put it... I was told that RPs which are done in an "episode" format actually last longer than most other ones, and help keep up interest. Also, it is good for characters who can only be there sometimes: they can be present in certain "episodes" and absent in others without too much fuss.
For clarification on what I mean by "episode" format: Basically, an RP in this style would consist of a series of relatively short adventures/escapades/etc. The "series" could conceivably run on forever, as long as one or two people kept up interest and had ideas. Also, it could be set aside for a while between episodes, then picked up later.
Does anyone have any thoughts on this?
I've got a few strings of those cooking myself. ;) AbbotAlf used that tactic with his series... forgot what it was called, but it was fast-paced to say the least.
I'm thinking about maybe joining the next RP tournament but should I join a normal RP first :)
Quote from: rachel25 on August 04, 2013, 03:44:25 PM
I'm thinking about maybe joining the next RP tournament but should I join a normal RP first :)
It depends. If you want to score well in the tournament, it's best to get some experience. Not saying that you absolutely need it to win, it's just easier to win if you have some roleplaying experience. If you want to learn how to roleplay better, I don't think the next tournament will be starting for awhile, but tournaments are a very good way to learn how to better your writing, since you get judged and critiqued. But, seeing as the next one is probably a long way off, it might be a good idea to join a fresh RP. One that hasn't started yet is best, in my opinion. ;)
But that's just my opinion, which is coming from a very tired mind. One that's been mushed from sitting in the car for seven hours, learning the lyrics to Seussical Jr. songs. :P
Quote from: KitrallStreamrippler on June 04, 2013, 12:18:03 AM
Erm, so I came across a suggestion for RPing which I thought was interesting, and I figured this is the place to put it... I was told that RPs which are done in an "episode" format actually last longer than most other ones, and help keep up interest. Also, it is good for characters who can only be there sometimes: they can be present in certain "episodes" and absent in others without too much fuss.
For clarification on what I mean by "episode" format: Basically, an RP in this style would consist of a series of relatively short adventures/escapades/etc. The "series" could conceivably run on forever, as long as one or two people kept up interest and had ideas. Also, it could be set aside for a while between episodes, then picked up later.
Does anyone have any thoughts on this?
Didnae ve dae zummat like zat viz ze very firzt RP zat ve did on ziz forum (For zoze zat remember it)?
Quote from: Rainshadow on August 05, 2013, 04:47:17 AM
But that's just my opinion, which is coming from a very tired mind. One that's been mushed from sitting in the car for seven hours, learning the lyrics to Seussical Jr. songs. :P
We're Whos here, we are Whos, here. Smaller than the eye can see! :o
'Twas a SOOOUUUUURRRR KAAANNNNGGAAARRRROOOOOOOOOO!
Anyway, even though I did roleplays before joining the tournament, that didn't help that much. You don't have to roleplay before joining the tournament, as long as you know how to write well
ok my sister might be able to help me with my writing skills but I think I might go and look for a RP to join just to see what its like because I've done a lot on this Forum but never a RP :)
Sound like a good idea ^^
I did what I said I would and now I'm currently in three running RPs I've been in one and finished and I'm starting my own and I'm signed up in another one ;D I like Role Playing ;D
This board is not for discussion outside of RP advice. ;)
I have some advice!
After your RP gets to about 40 or 50 pages, I'd cut it off, and make a sequel. It'll help keep up the interest, people who thought the RP was too far sahead to join can, and who knows? You may even get a fresher outlook! It's also a good time to introduce new characters you may have been hiding. ;)
If you start an RP, and you want an Character Sheet for everyone to use, instead of putting it as a post on the first page of the OOC, where you would have to go back every time to look at it, make a poll, labeling each option for each section of the sheet. That way it is at the top of every page.
Ah, so that's why you did that. I did wonder
Hey I would like to join a Role play that's active but there just doesn't seem many going on, if someone wants to start them I am very active and I would love to give it a go.
My RP, could use another player, I am fairly active, I just don't have anyone that posts often enough for me to do anything (excluding Rain). Anyway, my RP is The Song of the Explorer.
Alright I will look into it Thx
Thank you!
Is it allowed to have two RPs going at the same time?
Yes
Quote from: Redwall Musician on March 15, 2012, 03:07:16 PM
One useful tool when joining an RP is the Role-Play Directory (http://redwallabbey.com/forum/index.php?topic=519.0).
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I don't think that works ??? :-[ >:( :(
I think no one was updating it so they got rid of it.
Alright, something that most people don't realize is that the land they are playing in is more or less Medieval or Dark Ages, so some words shouldn't exist. For example, a very big one is "Okay".
NO! NO, IT IS NOT OKAY!
The original thing was OK; the spelling out of the sound "oh-kay" didn't come until later.
ORIGIN: mid 19th cent.: probably an abbreviation of orl korrect, humorous form of all correct, popularized as a slogan during President Van Buren's re-election campaign of 1840; his nickname Old Kinderhook (derived from his birthplace) provided the initials.
Yeah . . . If you really want to use something like "OK", use "alright". Sounds more to what might be conceivably said.
The term "fire!" when releasing a long-range weapon only came about when gunpowder was used, where there was literally fire that caused the weapon to shoot. Perhaps instead of using "fire" for "Fire your bows!" (which might imply that you are telling them to literally set fire to their bows), use "Shoot!" "loose off!" "let fly!" or "release!"
The actual books tended to use anachronistic phrases if I recall correctly.
Yeah, I do remember a couple as well, but some are less remarkably recognizable as ones like "okay".
I find the idea of limiting the spelling to how they did in that time period rather.... over the top. I can understand that certain meanings of words we use today (such as your fire vs. release example) does indeed have relevance. The thing is, a lot of people won't know what these words are, and on top of that, this isn't a replica of Earth. They share similarities, a very large abundance, but it's also clearly different.... Animals replacing humans for instance? I think that using some words that might've been taking differently at the time isn't a particularly big deal, the most important thing here is conveying what we mean to the other RP'ers. Don't get me wrong, I can understand where you're coming from, I just think that being finicky about the specific words used may be a bit more than is necessary. ;)
I think finicky like that is perfect for a Fan fiction but for a RP where you have to write up a post comparatively fast it is not as appropriate and you can't expect every one to know about these things or even research them. I think it is a great Idea if you personally wan't to do it to enhance a character especially if you are playing an older character that is stuck in tradition. ;D
About the 'okay' thing: I used to be totally against it when it came to Redwall fanfics and RP's. The thing was, it was such a handy word, and 'alright' didn't always sound alright. :P Then I was rereading Salamandastron, and much to my shock, I saw that some of the hares actually said 'O.K.'! So now I just accept it as a canon word.
I don't know, what really makes the RP posts good is length, authentic-y, good wording. Using words like loose instead of fire, paws instead of hands, claws in place of fingers, creatures and beasts instead of people and men, is just a single moment to replace that makes each post just a little better. I think it also helps develop characters and it makes the RP a little more fun.
Of course I'm not saying people should spend those extra few seconds changing their posts but when your panting a visual picture for the other RPers the little details make a big difference.
Paws instead of hands, and things of that nature I agree with. All of us should know full well the words to use when referring to animals... Though, I'd say that you could still say fingers.