Tirithel
January 3rd,2004, 01:07 AM
Hail and well met all you Roleplaying hopefuls! Welcome to the Roleplaying forum!
The following is a basic set of guidelines that one should know to successfully participate in roleplay. I've patched it together from my own experience and tidbits from other threads to make the ULTIMATE GUIDE TO WOTR ROLEPLAY! (dun dun DUN! lol)
I hope to jam pack this thread with tips and guidelines for roleplaying here at War of the Ring. Please bare in mind that this is a work in progress and it still needs the input and approval of Miss Dawnamira Nerwen, the other moderator of this forum. Also please bare in mind that I am far from genius, and am always open to suggestions and new ideas!
Without further ado, The Ultimate Guide to WotR Roleplay.
*THE OOC / WORD ASIDE THREAD*
The OOC, or Out of Character Thread, is for discussions, well, out of character. :p Think of an RP as a story told from the points of view of lots of different people, or like a movie, and you're one of the actors. Think how goofy LotR would have turned out if Frodo had turned to Sam standing on Mount Doom and said, "So, Sean, do you think I should make this face, or this face," every other take. (I'm laughing just thinking about it). All conversation that takes place out of character belongs here, ie stopping in to tell the other players you're going away for a few days and won't be able to post, asking someone to come and rescue your character, general conversation about the game, so on and so forth. Please remember, however, that these are not chit chat threads, and it is greatly appreciated that everyone stays on topic and leaves the latest gossip in the Pony or in PM's. ;)
*Though I've never heard of anyone being denied play, it is an etiquette issue to stop into the OOC(Out of Character) Thread corresponding to the RP you wish to join and ask permission before posting in the game itself. Also, be sure to make sure you're character fits the story. If they're trying to tell the story of Bilbo and the dwarves, you aren't going to need an elf following their every step.
When you apply for an RP (that's posting in the OOC thread) you need to have a pretty sure direction of where you want your character to be at the end of it.
*For each character you wish to play, please post a profile in the same OOC thread, or in the Character Creation thread if one has been created. Use other players' profiles for examples on what to include. This will give other players an idea of whom they're dealing with, your "appearance" and what not. A character profile need not be extraordinarily long or detailed, though it can be if you wish, but remember that sometimes it's fun to leave a bit of mystery for the rest to figure out.
Check out these examples:
Originally posted by Alcarohtar for the "Cleansing of Mirkwood" RP
Name: Alcarohtar
Race: Elf
Sex: Male
Eyes: Grey
Hair: Black
Background Information: Alcarohtar is a noldo elf from Imladris who spent most of his time wandering in the ME, alone or with Elladan & Elrohir, seeking for adventures.
or this much longer one:
Originally posted by Elvenwander for "The Last Alliance" RP
NAME: Authwen Randirel
GENDER: Female
AVAILABILITY: Not. She was bound to Gil-galad Ereinion who died a year after they were married.
RACE: Elf
PARENTS: Elrond and Celebrían (note: she is NOT Arwen)
AGE: 3,191 years (at the end of the third age). Born on September the 1st
EYES: dark blue (same as Celebrían’s)
HAIR: Dark chestnut brown (same color and texture as Elrond's)
PERSONALITY: Extremely reserved, talkative towards her few lifelong friends, stealthy, mysterious, serene, wise
WEAPONS: One Curved Long Sword, Two daggers, Two twin long swords, One Long Bow & Arrows. (All Noldorin, unless specifically noted, and all were made for a Gil-galad)
SKILL WITH SAID WEAPONS: Lethal
SKIN COLOR: Lightly tanned
JEWELRY: A bracelet, intricate in design, which incorporates a sapphire jewel in the center of the back of her hand. The sapphire glows when she has strong emotions or is using her magic. A crown that is made of gold, silver and mithril is woven into a triangular pattern fitting tightly onto her head (think Galadriel’s).
VERY BRIEF HISTORY: After her hubby died, she worked for The Necromancer, and was wholly evil for about 25 years. She still has echoes of the pain she inflicted on others. After that, she wandered as a healer and a freelancer. At WoTR she took up the crown her husband left her.
SIDE: not always good, she has her mean streaks
CODE OF HONOUR: Do not let your past slow you down.
*It is also a good idea to read through the story before joining, especially if it has been going on for a while, to get an idea of the location of the active players, setting, and current mood.
Either work just excellent. :grin:
*One line posts are usually not a real good idea. They are vague and rather open to interpretation, (not to mention they can clog up a thread without moving it along). If that is what you're going for, cool. But to better encourage whatever response you're looking for from the other players, a longer post is more appropriate. To build your post, ask yourself: What is your character thinking? Where has he/she been? What is his/her condition? Are they looking for something, wounded, afraid, jumping for joy? Are they out of place (a dwarf in an Elven Kingdom) or coming home (a hobbit sitting down in front of the fire)? And of course, what's your motivation? lol Ask yourself these questions (among others) and respond to them in your post.
Obviously, a 3,000 word entry is not necessary if you are merely engaged in conversation with another character, but a little clue as to your body language couldn't hurt. ;) Use your own discrimination, as well as your imagination. :thumbs:
*Always stay within the WotR forum rules and code of conduct. I know that when you're writing a story, the emotions and happenings may want to venture out of the PG realm, but remember, there are kids as young as 13 reading (and maybe younger) and parents checking over their shoulders from time to time.
For more posting tips, check out the thread "A question I bet many want to know but are afraid to ask."
Well, I can sit here and blab forever about this stuff, but I'm afraid the best way to learn is to explore some existing RP's. It's lotsa fun and if you have any other questions feel free to ask!
Again, Welcome! And above all, HAVE FUN!!!
Regards, Tirithel (aka Luinil, aka Anorwen, aka Mornie, aka Uinen...;) ) and Dawnnamira Nerwen (aka Dawn, aka Commander, aka Mistress)
The following is a basic set of guidelines that one should know to successfully participate in roleplay. I've patched it together from my own experience and tidbits from other threads to make the ULTIMATE GUIDE TO WOTR ROLEPLAY! (dun dun DUN! lol)
I hope to jam pack this thread with tips and guidelines for roleplaying here at War of the Ring. Please bare in mind that this is a work in progress and it still needs the input and approval of Miss Dawnamira Nerwen, the other moderator of this forum. Also please bare in mind that I am far from genius, and am always open to suggestions and new ideas!
Without further ado, The Ultimate Guide to WotR Roleplay.
*THE OOC / WORD ASIDE THREAD*
The OOC, or Out of Character Thread, is for discussions, well, out of character. :p Think of an RP as a story told from the points of view of lots of different people, or like a movie, and you're one of the actors. Think how goofy LotR would have turned out if Frodo had turned to Sam standing on Mount Doom and said, "So, Sean, do you think I should make this face, or this face," every other take. (I'm laughing just thinking about it). All conversation that takes place out of character belongs here, ie stopping in to tell the other players you're going away for a few days and won't be able to post, asking someone to come and rescue your character, general conversation about the game, so on and so forth. Please remember, however, that these are not chit chat threads, and it is greatly appreciated that everyone stays on topic and leaves the latest gossip in the Pony or in PM's. ;)
*Though I've never heard of anyone being denied play, it is an etiquette issue to stop into the OOC(Out of Character) Thread corresponding to the RP you wish to join and ask permission before posting in the game itself. Also, be sure to make sure you're character fits the story. If they're trying to tell the story of Bilbo and the dwarves, you aren't going to need an elf following their every step.
When you apply for an RP (that's posting in the OOC thread) you need to have a pretty sure direction of where you want your character to be at the end of it.
*For each character you wish to play, please post a profile in the same OOC thread, or in the Character Creation thread if one has been created. Use other players' profiles for examples on what to include. This will give other players an idea of whom they're dealing with, your "appearance" and what not. A character profile need not be extraordinarily long or detailed, though it can be if you wish, but remember that sometimes it's fun to leave a bit of mystery for the rest to figure out.
Check out these examples:
Originally posted by Alcarohtar for the "Cleansing of Mirkwood" RP
Name: Alcarohtar
Race: Elf
Sex: Male
Eyes: Grey
Hair: Black
Background Information: Alcarohtar is a noldo elf from Imladris who spent most of his time wandering in the ME, alone or with Elladan & Elrohir, seeking for adventures.
or this much longer one:
Originally posted by Elvenwander for "The Last Alliance" RP
NAME: Authwen Randirel
GENDER: Female
AVAILABILITY: Not. She was bound to Gil-galad Ereinion who died a year after they were married.
RACE: Elf
PARENTS: Elrond and Celebrían (note: she is NOT Arwen)
AGE: 3,191 years (at the end of the third age). Born on September the 1st
EYES: dark blue (same as Celebrían’s)
HAIR: Dark chestnut brown (same color and texture as Elrond's)
PERSONALITY: Extremely reserved, talkative towards her few lifelong friends, stealthy, mysterious, serene, wise
WEAPONS: One Curved Long Sword, Two daggers, Two twin long swords, One Long Bow & Arrows. (All Noldorin, unless specifically noted, and all were made for a Gil-galad)
SKILL WITH SAID WEAPONS: Lethal
SKIN COLOR: Lightly tanned
JEWELRY: A bracelet, intricate in design, which incorporates a sapphire jewel in the center of the back of her hand. The sapphire glows when she has strong emotions or is using her magic. A crown that is made of gold, silver and mithril is woven into a triangular pattern fitting tightly onto her head (think Galadriel’s).
VERY BRIEF HISTORY: After her hubby died, she worked for The Necromancer, and was wholly evil for about 25 years. She still has echoes of the pain she inflicted on others. After that, she wandered as a healer and a freelancer. At WoTR she took up the crown her husband left her.
SIDE: not always good, she has her mean streaks
CODE OF HONOUR: Do not let your past slow you down.
*It is also a good idea to read through the story before joining, especially if it has been going on for a while, to get an idea of the location of the active players, setting, and current mood.
Either work just excellent. :grin:
*One line posts are usually not a real good idea. They are vague and rather open to interpretation, (not to mention they can clog up a thread without moving it along). If that is what you're going for, cool. But to better encourage whatever response you're looking for from the other players, a longer post is more appropriate. To build your post, ask yourself: What is your character thinking? Where has he/she been? What is his/her condition? Are they looking for something, wounded, afraid, jumping for joy? Are they out of place (a dwarf in an Elven Kingdom) or coming home (a hobbit sitting down in front of the fire)? And of course, what's your motivation? lol Ask yourself these questions (among others) and respond to them in your post.
Obviously, a 3,000 word entry is not necessary if you are merely engaged in conversation with another character, but a little clue as to your body language couldn't hurt. ;) Use your own discrimination, as well as your imagination. :thumbs:
*Always stay within the WotR forum rules and code of conduct. I know that when you're writing a story, the emotions and happenings may want to venture out of the PG realm, but remember, there are kids as young as 13 reading (and maybe younger) and parents checking over their shoulders from time to time.
For more posting tips, check out the thread "A question I bet many want to know but are afraid to ask."
Well, I can sit here and blab forever about this stuff, but I'm afraid the best way to learn is to explore some existing RP's. It's lotsa fun and if you have any other questions feel free to ask!
Again, Welcome! And above all, HAVE FUN!!!
Regards, Tirithel (aka Luinil, aka Anorwen, aka Mornie, aka Uinen...;) ) and Dawnnamira Nerwen (aka Dawn, aka Commander, aka Mistress)