First and foremost, thank you for stopping by the role-play forum! I’d like to welcome anyone who hasn’t role played before, and those who are role-play veterans.
For those who have never done this before: Don’t worry, it will come easily enough. It’s just like writing a story, except everyone contributes. However, before you begin, there are a few things we need to discuss (Veterans will know most of these rules, and if not, here’s a quick refresher course). :]
1. Godmodding.
This is one of the most important rules you will ever come across in role-playing. It basically means that you aren’t allowed to control other people’s characters. No exceptions.
2. Flaming.
This is another one of those no brainers. Flaming isn’t nice anywhere, and we especially don’t want that drama here. There’s enough drama in character; we don’t need it out of character as well.
3. IC and OOC.
Distinguishing when you are in and out of character is of the utmost importance. Lucky for you, it’s easy to do!
Examples: Ooc:, ( ), { }, and so on. When starting a post in character, it isn’t necessary to mark it.
4. Grammar, punctuation, and the like.
It’s very important to use the best English and grammar possible. Not only is it easier to read, but it will also help improve your role-playing skills. Be as descriptive as possible! Instead of using boring verbs like “run,” and “jump,” use “gallop,” and “leap.” Or my personal favourite, “oscillate.” It means to spin about.
5. Characters.
I think everyone will agree that the most annoying thing in the world is characters that are perfect. We like to call them Mary Sues and Marty Stews. These are characters that are perfect and have absolutely no flaws. In a ballet academy role-play, this will be especially annoying. Real people have flaws, and the point of this is to make your characters are real as possible! You want the writers as well as the other characters to be able to connect with your characters, and it’s much easier when your characters are lovably flawed.
On the other hand, you don’t want to make characters that are too flawed, or are “anti-social.” If you have an anti-social character, we can’t move the plot forward with you, so we have to just move on. If you want your character to interact, they need to be able to find some way to relate to the others. Whether they’re talkative and chatty, or they’re just clumsy and always bumping into people, find a way to start conversation.
6. Gaia TOS and Other No Brainers.
Okay. It's obvious to me that you need to follow the Gaia TOS. Keep everything PG-13. This is mainly up here because I know that romance occurs in role plays. I love it and don't have anything against it. But it needs to stay clean. If you and whoever you're role playing with feel the need to make it a little less clean, take it somewhere else. AIM, MSN, ICQ, PM... whatever. Just don't post it here because I don't want the guild to be in trouble. Okay? Okay. Glad that's clear. biggrin
I think the crash course in role playing is over. Sorry if it sounded preachy. >.< If there are any questions, comments, concerns, or suggestions, please post them below!
For those who have never done this before: Don’t worry, it will come easily enough. It’s just like writing a story, except everyone contributes. However, before you begin, there are a few things we need to discuss (Veterans will know most of these rules, and if not, here’s a quick refresher course). :]
1. Godmodding.
This is one of the most important rules you will ever come across in role-playing. It basically means that you aren’t allowed to control other people’s characters. No exceptions.
2. Flaming.
This is another one of those no brainers. Flaming isn’t nice anywhere, and we especially don’t want that drama here. There’s enough drama in character; we don’t need it out of character as well.
3. IC and OOC.
Distinguishing when you are in and out of character is of the utmost importance. Lucky for you, it’s easy to do!
Examples: Ooc:, ( ), { }, and so on. When starting a post in character, it isn’t necessary to mark it.
4. Grammar, punctuation, and the like.
It’s very important to use the best English and grammar possible. Not only is it easier to read, but it will also help improve your role-playing skills. Be as descriptive as possible! Instead of using boring verbs like “run,” and “jump,” use “gallop,” and “leap.” Or my personal favourite, “oscillate.” It means to spin about.
5. Characters.
I think everyone will agree that the most annoying thing in the world is characters that are perfect. We like to call them Mary Sues and Marty Stews. These are characters that are perfect and have absolutely no flaws. In a ballet academy role-play, this will be especially annoying. Real people have flaws, and the point of this is to make your characters are real as possible! You want the writers as well as the other characters to be able to connect with your characters, and it’s much easier when your characters are lovably flawed.
On the other hand, you don’t want to make characters that are too flawed, or are “anti-social.” If you have an anti-social character, we can’t move the plot forward with you, so we have to just move on. If you want your character to interact, they need to be able to find some way to relate to the others. Whether they’re talkative and chatty, or they’re just clumsy and always bumping into people, find a way to start conversation.
6. Gaia TOS and Other No Brainers.
Okay. It's obvious to me that you need to follow the Gaia TOS. Keep everything PG-13. This is mainly up here because I know that romance occurs in role plays. I love it and don't have anything against it. But it needs to stay clean. If you and whoever you're role playing with feel the need to make it a little less clean, take it somewhere else. AIM, MSN, ICQ, PM... whatever. Just don't post it here because I don't want the guild to be in trouble. Okay? Okay. Glad that's clear. biggrin
I think the crash course in role playing is over. Sorry if it sounded preachy. >.< If there are any questions, comments, concerns, or suggestions, please post them below!
