Roleplaying for beginners?

[MissLivingDeadGirl]

Hey-o! I'm very, very new to rping, in fact, I've never done it before. sweatdrop I would really like to give it a try! I would like some suggestions on some beginner role plays that are active, if anyone has any.
Or any tips would be very helpful!
I browse a lot of role play threads and they all seem so fancy with specialized pictures and stuff. >.< It just seems so overwhelming for a noob like me.

 

[Madeleine Heilburg]

I have never RP´d here on Gaia before, but I have RP´d (and do RP) on Tumblr and have been doing that for almost three years now. In general I have 12+ years of RP experience, focusing mostly on Pen and Paper RP but I am sure many of the same rules apply here, and everywhere else you RP.

Some good basic rules to remember.

1) Always read the rules and character bios.
- Some RP´ers have rules about how the like to RP and it´s important to respect that. Some roleplayers might have a hard time RP´ing with various themes like violence, horror, gore or such things. And some RP´ers can be very picky with what type of text format you use and what type or Roleplayer you are, for an example; some roleplayers like one liner RPs. That´s RPs where you mostly just write one line of what your character do and say before the next person replies. Some like novella, para, semi para and multi para which are more lengthy replies separated into paragraphs.
And some roleplayers like purple prose, some hate it.
Purple prose is when you fill in loads and loads of fine descriptive fill words that don´t really do much for your RP. In short it means you over advance your RP. TL;DR: Make sure to check if people have rules about how they RP and make sure to always check the character Bio.


2) No meta gaming/ God Modding.
- These two are hated by pretty much everyone. God modding is when you take control of the whole RP situation, making it nearly impossible for your RP partner to have fun. Be careful with that since many despise it. Tone things down a little.
Meta gaming is also a loathed thing. Meta gaming is when your character knows something about your partner's OC that wouldn't otherwise be know. Like information they never shared but is written on their bio page. Most information you read about a character in their BG, or something else like fears, allergies and the likes won´t be know by your character unless you RP your way to it, or you an your partner have pre-established it.


3) It´s okay to change aspects of your OC.
- This is a problem I have seen many times. People make an OC and think it is done. The truth is that your OC is never fully developed. They develop like us humans do, change over time and shift in their believes, likes and dislikes and that is totally okay! It gives depth and character your OC, so don´ think that yous because you´re done writing your character that you´re not allowed to do more with it because you are!


4) There will always be someone who don´t like your RP´ing/Character(s).
- This sounds very intimidating and scary but it´s just how it is. What's important is that you like your character, but always be open minded towards constructive criticism, because it´s only given to help you develop your OC and roleplaying. But with that said there will always be someone who don´t like your RP´ing style or who/what you RP. I have been there myself and even had my OC submitted to a OC hate site on Tumblr once, but I didn´t get angry or sad. I listened to what they said and tried changed the things they pointed out. And no worries! There will always be more people who like you than people who dislike you biggrin


5) Never guilt trip or pressure people.
- Very important! Never guilt trip/pressure people into anything. I have seen people who do these things and it is horrible to look at! People who pressure others into RP´ing with them or replying to their RP´s. ever do it, and if anyone ever do that to you, just turn around and walk away. RP´ing is meant to be fun!


6) Don´t assume relationships.
- Unless you and your partner has pre-established a relationship between your OCs. This mean that you can´t just RP that you're the sister/lover/wife whatever to your RP partner´s character if they never agreed to it. Some like to pre-establish things and others like it more if a relationship develops along the way. This doesn't only mean romantically it can also be platonic, enemies, frenemies and what not!


7) Leave real life drama out of your roleplays.
- It´s important to separate the two worlds. Some pull in real life problems they have into their roleplays and it pretty much just ruins it for everyone. If you have a problem with your RP partner in real life, don´t make your OC hate their OC if they didn't do it from the start, because there´s no reason for it. Just as well, never let RP drama seep into your real life. I have seen people get too attached and emotional around RP situations, that it affected their real life relations with their partners, to a point where they destroyed their friendships. Never let it happen, it´s not worth it.


cool Communication is key.
- And it really is. It is super important to communicate with your partner if you want some good RP´s. Miscommunications and assumptions can kill a good RP chemistry so if you´re in doubt about anything then ask and talk to your partner. Mostly they are more than happy to enlighten someone who is in doubt.


9) Be respectful.
- Treat others how you want to be treated. Be respectful and nice.
if you´re feeling like someone is pressuring you into something you don´t like, don´t RP with them and tell it to them. Always make sure you show respect for others and be open minded. It´s totally okay to have your limits and don´t get pushed around by others. Just make sure you protect yourself.


10) It´s okay to play an evil/bad character.
- I do this, actually. I have around 11 characters I RP on tumblr, everything from canon characters from a game/series/movie to my own original characters and they are everything from sugary sweet, to loathsome, creepy and evil and it´s okay to RP an evil character! I have seen people getting verbally smacked for RP´ing evil characters but there is nothing wrong with it as long as those who RP with you are okay with the rules and terms around evil characters.

11) HAVE FUN!
- Roleplaying for many is a hobby and a way they have fun after school or work. It is important to keep it fun and something you´ll enjoy biggrin

Got questions? Just send a PM or something, I am always open for helping people out ^^  

[MissLivingDeadGirl]

Madeleine Heilburg

Thank you love! You're always so helpful. 3nodding I can't wait to start my first role play somewhere here on Gaia. And honestly, I had no idea there were RPs on Tumblr. I don't think I've ever seen them before. Expect to get PMs from me once I actually start role playing on here. Lol. (:

 

[Madeleine Heilburg]

MissLivingDeadGirl

Oh yeah there are tons of them! If there´s a fandom there´s probably an RP fandom for it too biggrin

And sure, you are more than welcome to do so. I am just happy to be of service~

 

[Chai Senpai]

Some rps can get very complex- especially some of the larger ones, or ones that have a boatload of rules. If you're just starting out, you might want to try a one on one rp- that's just you and one other person, or do a small rp with just a couple of people.

And keep trying different rps- don't worry if you try one and don't like it, there are tons of rps out there and many different way to rp.

Sometimes you might not click with an rp (or the person doing the rp) and that's okay. ^.^ Its...kinda like dating- there are plenty of fish in the sea, and not everyone will be your cup of tea (and vice versa). It doesn't mean you (or the other person) is a bad rper...it just means both styles don't mesh well- just go find another rp until you find one you like.

Another thing to think of is what your limits are/ what you're comfortable with. This depends on the type of RP you're doing, too. RPing here on Gaia (in the Barton Town forum/ subforum) there's the safety net of a pg-13 rating. But rping on other websites- or on skype or any other messenger system- it's a good idea to mesh out what you and your rp partner are and are not comfortable with. (Like romance, gore, etc- all depends on what's going on in the rp xD)

Best of luck, and hope you enjoy it!