The SonicVerse Zone
Role Play Rules and Guidelines

Compiled by Chris “Cj” Kitmyth


Introduction

Greetings and welcome to the SonicVerse Zone RP Guild Rules and Guidelines document. This document is not the be all and end all of Role Playing but more of a helping hand for those looking to create their first Role Play or their first Role Playing Protagonist. The idea is therefore to allow you, the reader to get a base level understanding of the basics of Role Playing so that you can not only have fun, but create and RP where everyone can have fun!

For starters, let’s take a look at what the words Role and Play actually mean.

Quoting from www.dictionary.com:

role
n.
also rôle A character or part played by a performer.

[French rôle, from Old French rolle, roll of parchment (on which an actor's part was written), from Latin rotula, diminutive of rota, wheel. See roll.]
Word History: We all play many roles in life, such as parent or teacher, and it is not difficult to see how this sense of the word role is related to its meaning in the theatre. Role, which is first recorded in English in 1606, came to us from French already having the sense “a part one has to play.” The word rôle in its earlier history (Old French rolle) had meant “a roll, as of parchment,” particularly with reference to a manuscript roll. The word could also mean “a legal document” or “a list or register.” From such uses it also came to refer to the text from which an actor learned a part. This use brought the word into the world of the theatre where it has played an important role ever since. The theatrical meaning was then generalized to include parts played off the stage.

play
v. played, play•ing, plays .
v. tr.

To perform or act (a role or part) in a dramatic performance.
To assume the role of; act as: played the peacemaker at the meeting.
To perform (a theatrical work) on or as if on the stage.
To present a theatrical performance in (a given place): The company played Detroit last week.
To pretend to be; mimic the activities of: played cowboy; played the star.


So the word “role” means to take on the life/aspect/job/position of someone else, be they a real life person (For example, a Prime Minister in a spoof Mickey take) to a completely fictional character (For example, the protagonist in the role play) commonly seen in a Role Play scenario.
The word “play” means in this scenario, to actually perform the role or to actually do the enactment of the role you wished to undertake.

So putting them together you assume the identity of either a fictional or real life person/creation and then perform that role, or play it out either accurately…or inaccurately. ( Though we would prefer accuracy wink )

So that’s the basics of understanding role play. Let’s read on and look at how to actually make your Role Play.

Creating a role play

So, you want to create your own Role Playing adventure? Well, you’ve officially given yourself the title of GM (A common term used in Dungeons and Dragons – the heart of pencil and paper role playing). You now need to decide just what kind of Role Play you are going to do.
• Pencil and Paper – Dungeons and Dragons style. Notes are made on paper and you use your imagination.
• Email – A GM will send out emails to groups of people who reply and the story works from there.
• Chat Room – Fast paced real time text based RP-ing. Relies on you being on your toes.
• Forum – Moderate pace, a chance to read things and think before posting. (SonicVerse Zone)
• Live Action – Where you dress up and Role Play, like theatre.

Here at SonicVerse Zone the type of Role Plays that will be undertaken are forum based.

So now you have the type of RP you are going to undertake you need to be assured that you have a story. Sometimes people create their story before they choose their type of RP, some do it after.
The story itself can be based off of an already established community, for example, your favourite animé or T.V. series, or it could be something completely unique to you!
Once you have the setting of your story, you need to look at expanding it. Just how are you going to make your storyline something special? What ideas do you have? For example, have you seen a villain you think is flawed and want to make your own superior version to terrorise the good for nothing heroes? Or are you thinking of creating a spin off with entirely new surroundings and characters, or even take the original characters through it.

Once you have this down you need to look at your story. Just what is going on in the story? Has a natural disaster occurred and people are required to save the day? Or perhaps the villain has turned everyone into fluffy bunny rabbits and is looking to take over a bank? Who knows, perhaps someone’s pet dragon no longer listens to its master and is wreaking havoc and other dragons are becoming involved!

The storyline is your oyster…as long as it’s nothing too outlandish…for example Gundams in the prehistoric world, or super fast cars which can appear in any time frame with no explanation.


Rating

Every Role Play is like a movie, being that is has a guiding rating that allows potential joiners to know a basic level of just how, graphic or intense the story or scenario is going to be. For the SonicVerse Zone RP Guild a similar setting to BBFC ratings will be used and they can be seen below.
• U/Uc – Specifically meant for children and families. No graphic violence or language, any implied violence or loss of life is to take place off screen in a non graphic manner.
• PG/PG 13 – Made for family entertainment. Violence again is implied only and should take place off screen however can be stronger if deemed necessary. Language is not allowed.
• Ratings higher than PG 13 – Any person wishing to create an RP with a rating higher than PG 13 should contact either Nuala or myself with more information about their RP. Should we not be available, a message can be sent to one of the other moderators who will contacts either of us.

Ground Rules

So you’ve practically got your RP ready, you need to come up with some basic ground rules that will keep your RP running smoothly. These are typically known as a GMs ground rules – basic rules which everyone is expected to follow. You may have heard the term “House Rules” floating around. House Rules are also ground rules, but rules that only apply in a set location. For example, the SonicVerse Zone will have its own set of House Rules. As the GM of the RP, when you are in the SonicVerse Zone you agree that you will abide by the Guilds House Rules as well as your Ground Rules.

So, some examples of Ground Rules are as follows:
• Can players create their own plotlines or not?
• When will you prevent people from joining in the future?
• What limits are you imposing?
• Is there any background reading?

It’s these types of rules that standardise your RP and allow you to keep it constant and fair throughout, thusly ensuring everyone is treat fairly. Plus it makes your job easier!

Good Role Play examples

A good RP is one which has some, if not all of the following.

• Ground Rules clearly defined and explained
• A sound story plan with contingency plans for the short term future
• Any and all information people require clearly labelled and given before the RP starts
• Two or more hooks or ways for others to jump into the RP
• A GM ready and willing to look after his RP. Nothing hurts an RP more than a GM who just doesn’t care.
• Protagonists that are balanced and fair.

Bad Role Play examples

• A GMs character being omnipotent
• A GM who hasn’t planned ahead or who keeps changing the rules
• Introductions to the RP which help in no way – for example being two lines in length or giving no information to guide anyone.
• No clear methods to allow people to join in to the RP.

Creating protagonists and antagonists

A protagonist is the main character or characters in the RP. This is generally the good guys in the story, but can be the bad guys, depending on what the RP has in store. The antagonist is the main character who opposes the protagonist. Typically you’ll see the GM controlling the antagonist but sometimes one of the player characters may decide to do so.

When it comes to creating a character there are many ways to do so. A good character doesn’t necessarily need to take years to create, but they do need longer than 5 minutes.

A good method of creating a character is to follow the Dungeons and Dragons method. This doesn’t mean you need to head out and buy books and materials however. You can find some useful materials here:

http://www.d20srd.org/

This site has character sheets and useful information on how to use them.

Keys to creating a good character are:

• Character history, their motivations, where they have come from.
• Character species, description
• Family and friends
• Main strengths, do not go overboard
• Weaknesses, use this to balance your character, if not make them weaker.

You know you’ve made a bad character when:

• You’re overly strong and can save the day from the beginning.
• You can take out entire armies by plucking your eyelashes
• People complain to you

Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

• Read the rules before starting or joining an RP
• Familiarise yourself with the GMs ground rules
• Be confident you know what type of RP you are joining or creating
• Respect the setting of the RP
• Be open minded and ready to adapt
• Try out new characters every now and then
• Respect your fellow RP-ers
• Have fun

Don’t:

• Abuse Ground Rules or House Rules
• Be afraid to speak up if you feel you need to
• Start OOC fights with another character, inform the GM and let them sort it out
• Ignore the setting and scenario and make your own
• Ignore an RP’s past if you enter in late. People have most likely worked hard.
• Start every RP in the same way (For example, using a hot rod to jump in through a portal saying the same thing over and over. Especially when it just makes no sense to an RP in progress)
• Make multiple RP’s of the exactly the same thing where all you do is write “blows up 5million robotic machines” for 6 posts then repeat


SonicVerse Zone House Rules.

• Be considerate of others posts, characters, beliefs and feelings.
• Help others, do not hinder them.
• Ensure all RP’s do not have a rating higher than PG 13 unless permission is given.
• Think before you act and post.
• RP’s are more than just “kill this, kill that”, create a story.
• Gundams and weapons are okay, just use them when necessary.
• Listen to the GM. They are in charge.
• Obey the rules and your administrators
• Have fun.