Basics, Guidelines and Rules

[Taggerung_of_Redwall]

This thread contains the official rules and guidelines for roleplaying in the Redwall universe on Redwallabbey.com. We ask you try your best to contribute, have fun, and respect others

In this guide, we will discuss how to roleplay, the terms of a roleplaying game, and how to roleplay properly.

Terms:
Roleplaying:
Roleplaying is the state of playing as a fictional person in a roleplay (RP). You do this by typing out what your selected character is thinking, feeling, doing ect. You interact with others roleplaying (because it'd get way to boring by yourself). In doing so, you begin to explore whatever world you're roleplaying in. You advance through the story by the direction of GM or no one.


OOC=Out Of Character.
This means that you are talking as yourself, not as your character in a given RP, such as to discuss what to do next, how to end a scene ect.
BIC=Back In Character
This is what you would use to state you are back as your character in the RP, limiting confusion.

Example:
OOC: When are we leaving the forest?
BIC: Gary continued trekking onward, ignoring the dreary wet forest.

The Gamemaster:
The Gamemaster, or GM, is the one who controls the RP. This person leads what will happen, and can dictate how all other RPers need to roleplay their characters to. i.e. The GM could post, out of character, that he needs all the RPers to get themselves from whenever they're at to the Abbey, for instance.

Godmoding:
Godmoding (or GMing) is the state in which a roleplayer makes his character too strong. i.e. being able to control everything on earth or having a really tricked out sword that can destroy an invading fleet in two seconds. The gamemaster is subject to the same as everyone, no GMing allowed. If you are GMing, you will be asked to stop by either a GM or a member of the staff.

Powerplaying:
Similar to Godmoding (GMing) is Powerplaying, or PPing. PPing is when you control someone else's character. i.e. you kill that person's character, say something about that character with no ground already said, or generally take any control over any other character in the RPG without the character's owner's consent. If the character's owner gives consent, you may PP with that character, advancing them forward.

Character Sheets:
A character sheet is the information that is your character. For instance, if you wanted to join a roleplay, you'd create Mister Mouse. You'd outline in this sheet his name (Name: Mister Mouse), his age (Age: Adult) ect. It is suggested you put as much detail in this as possible. You may be given a specific template to fill out in some roleplays.


Creating a Roleplay
When creating a roleplay on Redwallabbey.com, it is highly recommended that you create a topic for out-of-character discussion and sign-ups and then create one for the actual roleplay on the main board. You can post the initial, sign-up topic in the appropriate sub-board. This staging process can take as long as you wish, as more and more players join and create character sheets.
When creating a roleplay, be sure to use proper syntax, punctuation and capitalization in its title. Also avoid solicitation in the title, eg. "please join quick-need players!!!".

Joining a Roleplay
If you come across a roleplay that looks interesting or that you'd like to join, check to see the sign-up topic. Depending on the roleplay, you will need to follow instructions on how to join if you can. If there are none, then create a character sheet and wait for the creator's approval before you begin roleplaying.

Creating Rules for a Roleplay
Individual roleplays on Redwallabbey.com may have specific rules. For instance, it may be required your posts be at least two paragraphs, you only have one character ect. Be sure to read, understand and follow these rules.

Advertising a Roleplay
You may link to and talk about your roleplay in your signature and profile. However, refrain from creating solicitation topics anywhere on the forum. If you put your title together good enough, you should get players. If you feel you do not have enough players, then consider stating so in the sign-up topic alone. Otherwise, you may contact members who you feel would be interested in joining. But make sure to not PM spam anyone who doesn't roleplay.



Guidelines for Being a Good Roleplayer
•   Always strive to make meaningful contributions to a roleplay. While this is not only providing serious amount of content, it is in large part. At least three sentences is suggested per post.
•   Try to use as best punctuation and grammar as absolutely possible. This allows the roleplay to succeed better, be easier to follow, and creates an overall better experience for involved roleplayers.

This guide is to aid you along on your RPing journey here at the Redwall Abbey Forum. Consult it again if you feel like you need to. And also feel free to ask more experienced roleplayers for help or suggestions. This is by no means a complete guide. To enhance your roleplaying abilities, see this topic. If you feel you can contribute to it, then help us create an even better roleplaying atmosphere here.

[Taggerung_of_Redwall]

As the roleplaying community has grown over the past year, it's become necessary to repeatedly take steps to improve the board. Now, the rules have been revamped, so we ask that all roleplayers review them once again. If you have any questions, post them here. If you want to add anything and contribute to how to roleplay on Redwallabbey.com, see this topic.