Welcome to Gaia! ::

Posting in the roleplay is what it's all about! Making a post is simple and fun, but there are a few rules and regulations that you must follow to ensure that everyone else can have as much fun as you.




First, there will be a post-size minimum of three paragraphs. This will make sure that everyone in the roleplay contributes with the same amount of skill that you can. Mind you, paragraphs aren't always long. Some (notall, of course) can be just one sentence. However, it is encouraged that you contribute that little bit of extra effort into your posts. This will not only challenge your writing abilities, but it can get you a nifty award too!

In the same manner, it is also requested that posts are not too long. Remember, you must ask yourself, "Will someone really want to read all this?" Chances are, if you have to ask, they won't. Keeping your posts concise can help other players from getting bored, will allow them to interact more, and will save you a lot of time.




Now that we've gone over how much you can post, let's go over how you can post.

First off, you are required to post in English. This means that you may not post in netspeak, l33t, or any other form of communication in which all players can not read fluently. It is also discouraged to use such methods even in Out-of-Character chat.

Secondly, it is appropriate that you make an effort to spell your words properly, and check for any other grammatical errors before you submit your post. If you are unsure how to spell a word, look it up. Putting (sp?) behind a badly spelled word doesn't much help the situation. Spelling and grammar mistakes can be distracting to a reader. If too many mistakes are made, the player will be notified via PM of the discrepancies, and the situation corrected.

Also, please take into consideration the proper use of all punctuation points, including periods, question marks, exclamation points, commas, and colons. In addition it is important to start new sentences and proper names with a capital letter.




Sometimes it is necessary that a player must communicate with another out-of-character context (for example, if he/she will be gone for a while, or an issue must be worked out). This can be settled in several ways. One way is to add an OOC section to your post. You can do this simply by typing "NRPG -"before your message. Then, drop down a few lines, and type "RPG -" before the rest of your post. This will allow everyone to easily recognize what is in-character, and what is not. Take a look at the example post below to sample how it's done.

Alternatively, OOC chat can be settled in the OOC thread (if there is one), or via PMs (the most recommended if a thread is not available). Try to avoid posting too much OOC chat.




An important thing to remember about this roleplay is that it's not just you interacting with other people through fiction. Think of it more as collaborating on a story involving all the characters.

In this manner, sometimes it is useful and appropriate to do a co-post (heretofore called a CP). When writing a co-post, all the players involved (there can be more than two!) will communicate via some sort of messenger system. Note that I will ask for any messenger systems that you may have when you submit a profile; this is why. The method in which you complete the CP is up to those involved, but generally the CP will be posted by just one player involved. However, all players involved should be given credit (more on this shortly).

Another thing I'd like to add in this section is on posting using someone else's character (note: I mean PC, not just NPC). With our free form style of playing, its easy to step on other's toes when it comes to the actual interaction between characters. Typically, it's a good rule of thumb to not post thoughts or ideas of other player's characters until enough experience has been obtained that the owner of the character doesn't mind you posting with his/her character. As an absolute must, do not go killing off, maiming, or posting another player's character doing something completely erratic. They will get after you and this is not conductive to a good playing atmosphere. It can cause trouble and often times will almost immediately mark you as an unwanted player, or a trouble maker. However, if you do get permission, it can be a fun plot twist to do the aformentioned. Good communication is healthy to a group of players, and promotes unity and great fun.




The tag-line is a nifty little tool that is used to make sure everyone knows who should respond to a post. An easy way to think of it is similar to going up to someone and saying, "Tag! You're it!" This indicates to the tagged player(s) that they may submit a response to your post. The tag-line will also allow someone to skim through posts to find which ones he/she has been tagged for. Generally, the tag-line should be placed at the bottom of the post, just above your dog tag. Simply type "TAG: playername". Look at the sample post for an example.




The Dog Tag is what allows everyone to know quickly what characters are involved in your post. It is required that you always put your dog tag at the end of your post for all characters (PC and NPC) involved. This will allow easy access to basic information for other players who are tagged in the post.

Here's what's on the dog tag:

Rank and Name
Position/Department
Ship Name

Take a look at the example post below for a sample dog tag.



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NRPG - Awesome plot we have!

RPG - Johntson walked carefully through the pitch black cargo hangar, his mag pistol in hand. The Anok was around here somewhere. Honestly, he was scared out his wits, but an order was an order. Unfortunately, the team of four marines behind him didn't calm his nerves. He knew the Anok were evil, powerful, and relentless. He had some experience with them, but usually always behind the safety line...

TAG: Mckormic, Dirk

Lt. FG Johntson
Marines
CDF Vigilant
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Note that this post is much shorter than standard posts in CDF. Also note the orientations of the NRPG, RPG, and TAG fields. These are standard procedure.

Well, right now all I really need are some committed people. I'm hoping within the next week (that's right, week!) to get the Academy started, so that everyone can begin developing their characters, and we can address any issues that need addressing.

So stick around, and you'll have something to do.

Hey everybody. Guess who this is. wink

Hopefully sometime I'll be able to dress him up more appropriately. But first thing's first. I'm going to be sending out a friend request to everyone who has shown interest in joining. ACCEPT THE FRIEND REQUEST.

This will enable me to post mail to everyone in the RP, about important reminders, starting dates (fast approaching), and other information.

Keep in touch and let's get this into gear! surprised

I guess I can't apologize enough for my absence; school started and I never did finish those blueprints. I can, however, roleplay. At some point during the rp, the blueprints may come forth....that is, if you still want them... sweatdrop

I'd be willing to participate.
I'd prefer to be a terran pilot, so I guess I'd be in the Navigations section. Let me know what you want done, and I miss stuff due to school.

Who has what position? o0

Yeah, having 'rines would be nice. Thus I would like to sacrifice my life to the Marine Corp in well, boredom an' training! I would also like to 'fluff' out the marines if you will, that means weapons, armor, equipmnent, infantry formations, tactics, you name, I make it.


Oh whoops. Natural Selection (Sci-Fi Team based FPS) slang happened.


(Marine shortened to 'rine)