What is an RPG (Role Playing Game)?

The dictionary definition of roleplay is “to assume or act out a particular role.” Roleplay is, basically, assuming the form of a character, and writing as that character, in a certain setting. It’s writing, but more/less structured, depending on how you look at it. When you set to write a story, you must write the setting, the plot, the characters, everything. When you roleplay, the setting and main plot has already been decided, as well as every character but your own. You have control over only half of the story, your own side. The other half is up to the other players. This strengthens interaction skills.

Basically, roleplaying is assuming the role of another person or creature. You write out their words, actions, and thoughts, in response to the other person’s creature or character. In a sense, it’s almost like a play. The only difference is that it’s not rehearsed or live action. :3 It’s a story (with a plot) that two or more people create with each other. Anything is possible with them- because you (and the person you are writing with) are the ones of whom are in charge of the character.

1) No chat speak in ANY of the RPG’s. No one likes it, it’s hard to read. It takes the fun out of the game when you have to sit there and attempt to read it. Don’t use ‘*’, you should use formal writing to a certain extent while roleplaying.

2) Post length- quality over quantity obviously. However, you need a minimum of at LEAST three sentences and no double posting OR quoting in an RPG. Try to describe your character, their surrounding, feelings, flaws, personality, what’s going on through their head (etc.) when you write. Not only does it make it easier to write more than three sentences, but, it makes it interesting to read.

3) Please re-read and revise your writing for a moment before you post it. Check your grammar, spelling, punctuation and capitalization; everyone will enjoy a story much better if it is written properly. Occasional errors are fine.

4) Use PARAGRAPHS. Please do NOT bunch up everything you have written into one long paragraph. It becomes hard to read that way and people will have a hard time focusing on it. 

5) Try to be original.  Make your characters different, unique. If you’re are roleplaying with Stargate characters, try to keep them in character the best that you are able. <3 Don’t be afraid to try new ideas for your RP’s. Also, try not to be redundant in threads that have already been posted.

1) NO God-Playing. You are ONLY allowed to be YOUR character. Under NO circumstances are you allowed to make a character that is NOT yours say, think, or do anything. It is not your character and therefore not your issue. You are only able to control your own character.

2) NO God-Mode. As in, your character is NOT invincible. Your character does not have massive super powers that make him better than everyone else’s. Everyone’s character need to be able to die and relatively similar in strength (depending on races).

3) No KILLING someone else’s character without their explicit permission. How would you feel if you logged onto the board one day only to find that someone killed your character and you were abruptly out of the thread? Not a good feeling.

4) BEFORE you write a story and submit it to the RPG section, please make sure you already have a partner selected that you plan to RP with. Do this by posting an ad of sorts to the Wanted Ads that includes your story idea and other necessary info. Once you have a partner and everything worked out, feel free to start your RP.

5) If you are using an original character, please submit a character sheet of them first.

If you’re just starting off and you’re unsure as to how to roleplay, don’t be afraid to ask some of your fellow players for advice and/or tips. I’m sure that most, if not all, would be willing to take some time out to help someone in need.

Good roleplayers are made, not born. Just because someone else might be better than you at roleplaying, it doesn’t mean you can’t do the same thing. With time and effort becoming a veteran roleplayer is quite an easy task.

Don’t be intimidated by your fellow roleplayers. Watch and learn from them. They can often teach you more than you’d be able to learn if you were alone.

Never give up. While in some cases there might not seem to be solutions, facing defeat is something you’ll deal with sooner or later. It’s how you deal with that which is important. You always have the option to make a new character, join a new thread, a new faction and/or learn from the mistakes you’ve made in the past.

One of the most important pieces of all, is to remember it is an RP. You are there to have fun and to interact with other characters and players. Don’t take things too seriously and remember to always enjoy yourself.

Before you even begin setting up I think it’s advisable to ask yourself several simple questions:

1) What kind of players do you want?
It’s important to state your preference at the beginning of an RP (the Wanted Ads). For some people there’s nothing worse than illiteracy, others tire of the elitist attitude of RPers who seem to “babble” on for seven paragraphs about their character’s hair. I’d recommend you decide this first of all, because the people who play in your RP will have a BIG effect on it.

2) Will it be a long-term RP?
Committed members are a must for a long-term RP and the level of planning on your part greatly increases if there’s going to be an ongoing plot. It’s important that you give it some thought. If you only want to set something up to amuse yourself in the short term then you can be very basic in your ideas, settings, and characters, etc.

3) How committed to your own thread are you going to be, and what role do you want to serve during RPG?
Some RPer’s like to let other members shape the story together as they go, others prefer a more detached role where they can push, prod and shape the characters surroundings at will. It’s up to you. A few RP’s will likely give you an idea of your preference.