Okay, guys. Wrong type of RP. Allow me to clarify.
razz And this is kinda long, so...yeah. Just warning you.
I'm just going to add on to what Shadowcrusher said, and add a bit of my own experiences with RP. Now, I've never roleplayed on Gaia (had no real desire to), but I have roleplayed extensively on other websites, so it's probably not much different.
What is RP?RP is (in this case) basically multiple people telling a story. You take on the role of a character that either you create or is created by the thread creator. You tell that character's story while interacting with other people's characters and moving the storyline along. It sounds more complicated than it really is.
What game is right for me?If you're new to the world of roleplaying, it might be a little overwhelming and intimidating to search for a game that suits you, especially if seasoned players are involved. Don't fret; everyone has been a beginner at some point.
Before beginning your search, figure out what interests you. Do you like sci-fi? Want to wield a sword bigger than you are? Maybe you just like modern times, but wish you were someone else. Knowing what you like really helps; after all, you won't feel comfortable playing a futuristic RP with aliens when you really don't like the idea of spaceships and ray-guns.
Okay, I've found an interesting game. Now what?You've found a game that you like, so the first thing you should do is read the rules. They are usually found in the very first post/topic in the thread/forum. The rules should let you know if the game is accepting new players, what the current storyline is, and whether or not there are pre-made characters (or if you can make your own).
I don't know if the game is taking new players. How do I find out?If you have questions about the rules, try to PM the topic creator or ask in the off-topic thread, if there is one. Please do not post questions in the roleplaying topic, as it will interrupt the game (and some people aren't too happy about having that happen).
The game has pre-made characters. What do I do?If the game has pre-mades, then take a look at the ones available. Do any of them sound like fun to play? Maybe a bit of a challenge?
If this is your first time roleplaying, try to choose a character that fits with your personality. If you're normally a shy person, it's probably not a good idea to roleplay the loud-mouthed womanizer who can belch the alphabet in one-go. Yeah, it may sound like fun, but for your first time, it may be a little hard to stay in-character.
Once you find one you like, send a PM to the creator. They will be able to guide you further.
The game lets me make my own character. How do I do that?Creating your own character is one of the best parts of roleplaying. It allows you to be in (almost) complete control of someone.
In order to get started, you need to think of someone that would fit well within the game. For example, a noble knight in shining armor probably wouldn't be appropriate in a game filled with spaceships. Some questions to ask yourself:
Is my character a male or female?
Human, alien, animal, etc.?
What color is my character's hair? Eyes?
Does my character have any facial features? Scars, tattoos, birthmarks?
How old is my character?
Do they have any fears? Special talents?
What was life like for my character while growing up?
Basically, the thing to keep in mind is that you're creating a person. People have personalities, talents, and quirks. When making your character, remember that no one is perfect. Everyone has made a mistake or three, so try not to make someone who is flawless.
I'm having a really hard time making a character. Help me!Even if you're clueless, there is still hope. Try looking at a picture and creating a back-story for the person in the photograph/portrait. Or try listening to some music and creating a character based on the lyrics you hear.
And if you need a little inspiration, or a little bit more help, there are always character generators. One site I highly recommend is
Seventh Sanctum. They have generators for just about anything you can imagine, and should make the creative process a little easier.
What about a character name?Naming your character is just about as important as actually creating it. Try to find something appropriate for the story, though; a Japanese ninja named Bob doesn't quite fit. Also, try not to take a name that someone else has, as that could make the game a little confusing.
Okay, I've got my character. What do I do?After you've created your character, you're now ready to join the game. Find an appropriate place for your character to make an appearance and jump on in. And don't be timid - most roleplayers are friendly and more than willing to help you.
What are the abbreviations people are using?The most common abbreviation you'll probably see in a game is OOC. It means "out of character" and is used when the player is speaking as themselves. This goes hand-in-hand with IC, which means "in character," and is used when the player is speaking as the character (though it's less common).
Another common one is GM or DM. Game Masters or Dungeon Masters are usually the creators of the game. They are in charge of keeping the storyline going, enforcing the rules, and sometimes introducing adventure elements into the game. Generally, the "adventure elements" part won't happen unless you're playing a D&D-based game. Always try and listen to your GM/DM.
Something came up IRL and I need to leave the game for awhile. What do I do?If you'll be away from the game for awhile, let your fellow players know. Also try and send a PM to the game's creator so that arrangements can be made while you're gone. Most people are very understanding and are willing to work with you. Just make sure you come back - nothing is worse than a player abandoning a character that is crucial to the storyline.
General Stuff:When playing your character, try not to god-mode. This is basically making your character invincible to everything, especially in combat-type situations. I don't care if you're the most highly-trained ninja in the world, you'll never be able to be unscathed in every single battle.
Don't play other people's characters for them without their permission. Nothing is more annoying than someone deciding how your character will react to a situation.
Keep the rating of the RP and/or site in mind while roleplaying. If the game is strictly PG, a bloody, gore-filled description of a battle is probably not a wise idea. If you're not sure, be sure to ask.
Try to be descriptive in your posts. It's always frustrating playing a game with someone who types one line and calls it good. You don't need to write a novel, but a paragraph or two would be nice. A few things to write about would be your character's feelings on the situation, their tone of voice, or a memory the situation brought to light.
Don't be afraid to ask questions. Other players are there to help you, so if you feel stuck, let someone know.
The most important thing to keep in mind is to always have fun. RP should never be a chore or feel like something you have to do. It's a creative outlet and something to enjoy.
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