Terms and Definitions

[Angel Mhai]

Well, we have to start somewhere, so let's start by giving a breakdown of some frequently asked questions about roleplaying.

What exactly is Role-Playing?
Think of roleplaying like improvisation - it may be pretending to be something or someone you aren't normally, or a version of yourself. Many people think that roleplaying is limited to scary dungeons and big fire breathing dragons, or even the mother/father/son/daughter roleplaying in a psychiatrist’s offices, but true roleplaying can incorporate anything from futuristic science fiction robots to blonde bimbos with big guns (and I do mean machine guns). Roleplaying is about experiencing new people, places, thoughts, and ways of thinking that you may not normally encounter.

How do I start?
First, think of a situation that you would find either fun or challenging, preferably both, and put yourself into that situation. How would you react? Congradulations, you've just experienced a small part of roleplaying. Now, grab some willing or unwilling friends that you know who might enjoy this sort of thing. Then, find a secure location to roleplay in, padded walls are recommended, along with a vast supply of caffinated products and munchies. Next, you need to create characters, storylines, and get the equipment you need - this may include, dice, books, props, and other such items. Last, roleplay to your heart's content.

What is a character?
Quite simply, if you are an actor in a movie, your character is the fictional persona you take on to portray a role. Much in the same way, a roleplaying character is the "life" you take on. Your character will interact with other characters in storylines or plots to form a game. Your character should have a personality and goals, much like any normal human being. Though your goal may be to surpass the common garden slug in doing nothing but eatting and sleeping, it is still a goal.

What is a storyline?
A storyline, as it will be further elaborated on, is a storyboard, or simplified script of a roleplaying game or session. This helps move action along a particular path to reach a goal. This goal may either be hidden-and revealed through a series of trial and error, or it may be an obvious goal set forth from the beginning of the game. Meanwhile, the characters will interact in this story, grow and develop as meaningful inhabitants of the lands they originate from, and learn valuable life lessons. More or less, you live a life through the conflicts around your character. A storyline is not an intrigal part for some types of roleplaying, but is is always highly recommended to have a goal, whether it be unstated or stated.  

[Angel Mhai]

Types of Role-Players


Newbie
The beginning point for all role-players. Newbies are often mistaken for n00bs, but are very different. They are simply new to the role-playing scene, and as such often had problems with literacy and etiquette. However, Newbies are usually willing to learn from more experienced role-players, and with some help, will eventually become Literates.

Intermediates
The midway point between Newbies and Literates, Intermediates have improved grammar and are better at roleplaying, but still slip up fairly often. It’s okay, though, because these problems can be remedied with practice. With some work and support from other role-players, they can become Literates very easily.

Literates
Often the end-goal for most role-players. Literates, as the name implies, are literate- they have pretty good spelling, punctuation and grammar, and are pretty good about roleplaying, though they may occasionally slip up. They are the ones who are often the most fun to play with, as they are capable of being fair without being a** holes.

Elitists
Elitists are usually right behind n00bs in the fact that everyone hates them but themselves. Elitists are Literates who were on the path to become Veterans, but took a wrong turn in Albuquerque and became complete a** holes. They are the role-play equivalent of the Nazis- they view themselves as superior to others, will only role-play with other Elitists, are incredibly cocky, use reams upon reams of detail, and see anyone who doesn’t meet their ridiculously high standards as a “n00b” that should be eliminated, even people who are actually quite literate. Their “Elitists only” policy has no lee way whatsoever. No one wants to role-play with Elitists. Elitists are very common among magic-users

However, Elitists aren’t the final stop before becoming Veterans. Most Literates become Veterans without ever being Elitists, and many Elitists never become Veterans.

Veterans
The Alpha and Omega of role-playing. Veterans are experts of their craft, having role-played for years. They are often experts with grammar and punctuation, and know what is fair and what isn’t. They know best due to experience, but they are usually willing to role-play with people below their skill level. Many role-players aspire to become Veterans, but it is by no means the endgame. Many are content to settle in as Literates.

n00bs
If there’s one thing that all role-players, be they Newbies, Literates, Elitists or Veterans, can agree on, it’s their hatred of a certain group: n00bs. Put simply, n00bs (never capitalized) are the lowest of the low- as Literates are born when a Newbie improves their skills, n00bs are born when Newbies refuse to get better. Basically, n00bs cannot and will not role-play fairly, even if outnumbered and outgunned. They constantly munch, and very often have bad grammar, spelling and punctuation. They also hate criticism, and will often resort to flaming, which leads to being banned. The worst n00bs will often create new accounts, munch around, flame again, and get banned again.

ne0 n00bs
A dangerous group, ne0s (also never capitalized) are simply n00bs who can spell and have good grammar. They first appear to be Literates, but their n00bishness becomes apparent within a few posts, as they constantly munch.