Random Guide I Need Help/Comments/Ratings.
Mar 6, 2009 16:01:46 GMT -6
Post by Jya on Mar 6, 2009 16:01:46 GMT -6
Welcome! So you want to learn how to Role-Play!? You're in luck since I'm going to go cover the basics here. However it is more like a starter kit, teaching you a few basic tricks and structure of MOST role-play forums. There are plenty of ways, I'm only going to go through a few popular ones.
.g u i d e 1: r u l e s
I[/b]n this section, we will cover common rules used in role-playing. A set of rules is needed for every rp! Now, if there weren't any, it would be absolute chaos! Think about over-powered characters and people using your character without your permission. There is also the thought of not understanding another character's RP posts! Now that would be hard to deal with... Onto the actual rules! Please understand I'm only going through the commonly used ones you encounter in MOST role-plays.
1.Use Grammar/Spelling(Also known as: Do not type like a n00b! or DO nOt TYPE LIEK A n0B!!!!1)
Use English with all of its standards to the best of your ability. Everyone knows that no one is perfect, but it does help people to understand your posts. For all those Firefox users, there is a integrated spell check, use it. There is usually a spell check inside most role-play forums, use it. Another way to solve your spelling problems is simply opening up your Microsoft Word and pasting your post in, then use spelling/grammar check. There are even plenty of these around the internet. It is not that hard... Also Remember to avoid chatspeak while role-playing, if not simply the general boards.
2.No God-modding/Power-playing/Being a pain in the @$$
Yeah you heard me, no one likes to play with people that's a pain! Generally it means someone pumping up their characters with too much power. A role-player must understand their character's capabilities! They need to understand that a little midget man can't suddenly come out and destroy the world. They need to figure out what there character's can and can not do. Going over this boundary results in the other player reporting to a mod, to shut you down and kick you out. I know at times it is tempting to kill a character, but the problem is many people don't appreciate you deciding for them!
3.No Powergame(At times known as Power-playing as well)
To be brief, controlling another player's character, without their consent/permission. This is a good way for people to label you as a annoyance to a role-play. You can not decide on other character's action by yourself. You must first, in someway get another's consent. As for killing off another character(unless it's an npc) you also need the owner's permission. A easy way to do this might be via private message.
4.Nothing Above <insert rating here>
This is used to describe what you can write about. There would probably be little to no blood in a PG rated board, but usually a role-play is either PG-13 or M. If it isn't listed in the rules, please consult other members to figure out how far you can go into a role-play. It is not always labeled that way, sometimes they use a large amount of words for this.
5.Respect
Yeah, you heard me dawg! *Shoots a gangster sign*
This is important to keep in mind. Perhaps you have a character with a disrespecting attitude, but remember to show respect out of role-play. Getting into character is a very good thing, but if your character crosses this rule, you need to get back to yourself, before you break it out of character. Fighting with members outside of the rp is greatly frowned upon.
6.Multi-accounts/Characters
In some boards, creating more then one character is optional, but there were standards or limits to how many you can have.
7.Post Length
In rps, there are things called 'standards'. Yeah, what a bummer, just like school. Get over it! The world is not always fair. Post Lengths are, simply put, a certain amount needed for you to give a reply to another's rp. Try to find role-plays within your desired lengths.
That's about it for this section, read guide two for tips on choosing a role-play.
[/font]
.g u i d e 2: choosing a rp
Now that you understand general rules in rping you need to look out on role-plays lets have some fun finding one suitable for you! Now you need to learn a few common genres of role-playing.
1.Picking a role-play type
Before we actually start picking a genre, you must first figure out what type of role-play you want to...get into.
Message board role-playing
This generally revolves around role-playing in a forum such as this one. It can range to simply one sub forum or the whole entire forum itself.
Chat role-playing
Usually in this rp, you do it via irc or some sort of chatroom. I haven't done this before, so I believe it is usually done in first person view.
Well I can't tell you anymore, since these are the ones I'm most familiar with. You can always search the internet for ones such as play-by-wiki, role-playing blog, and so on.
2.Genre
There are many different types of role-plays. I'll list common ones, lets see which one interests you the most.
Animal
Creature based RPs ranges from things like cats to wolves and sometimes fantasy character. This type of role-play requires you to be in character as an animal of course.
Fantasy
Fictional role-play involving things such as dragons, elves, and so on. Even though a fantasy rp may involve vampires/werewolves, it is still different from gothic & horror(usually listed under fantasy).
Sci-fi
Short for science fiction, often grouped under fantasy, but usually involves more advanced technology[not role-play] and aliens/robots.
Real Life RPGs
Human role-play of someone's life in out chaotic world. Still not exciting for you? Real life isn't all that great, we got gangs, murderers, and so on.
Based On Something RPGs
These can range from a book to movies to comic books and so on. Usually adapted from a preset plot, modified to accompany the needs of the members.
These are just a few different genres you can pick from! If you're looking for a specific board, please look for rpg directories.
3.Reading
Yeah, it is at times a pretty big draaag... Even I get annoyed by it. However, it is a very important if you wish to get into it. Personally I find more detailed(means longer posts) information on the plot, races, and so on helps me get into character better. I mean it HELPS to know where you are, what things you'll find, what time period weapons are allowed, how people talk in the area, where things are located, and whats going on in the role-play. I know you know I'm right.
3a. What you need to read
The Plot
This tells you what is going on in the role-play, generally where everyone is heading. As for those people who thinks the plot should be hidden, the plot is NOT complete, it depends on the member's characters to decide the ending. A plot is just a foundation to tell you what is going on currently. If you don't want your character to know what's going on, then play dumb, though it helps YOU to know whats happening.
Rules
To lazy to tell you how important it is, so I'm going to copy and paste what I already wrote.
A set of rules is needed for every rp! Now, if there weren't any, it would be absolute chaos! Think about over-powered characters and people using your character without your permission. There is also the thought of not understanding another character's RP posts! Now that would be hard to deal with... (I truly recommend you read the section, if you haven't already.)
Location
Sometimes merged with the plot, but this tells you the landscape and where you are playing in. Not knowing is like fighting a demon lord in the meadow of happiness. Won't that be embarrassing?
Any Additional Information
Other information can range from the type of technology used, races, and things that a character is limited to be able to do.
Other People's Posts
If you're unsure on how to post (like if you can post one-liners or they require a few paragraphs) look around the board for other member's posts. If they have those hidden, then you can ask through a shoutbox/cBox (usually have some sort of chat utensil for ooc talk).
NOTE: Different boards will also name information as different things. Instead of labeling the thread as plot, it might me labeled as history, you'll just have to look for the important information board.
.g u i d e 3: p o s t i n g
Congratulations! You are just about ready to actually role-play. Now all you need is to make a character. Now, make sure you know what sort of character you want. Sometimes if this character doesn't suit you well, then you're pretty stuck or have to talk it over with the staff. We will also also go other the different ways you post.
1. Creating a character.
You should have a mental character of you character in your mind. The problem you might face now is putting him/her onto your post. Let me help you with a few tips.
1a. The name
Some people hate it and others love it, when role-playing. To me its just plain annoying. Alright, what we can do is base your character's name over a real person in your life. However if you're basing your character on a famous celebrity, then try to use different physical descriptions. I recommend basing off of your best friend or your favorite family member.
If you don't want to base it off of someone, then try a name generator. There are many found around the web, some a little more wacky then others. Myself (since I do a lot of fantasy role-play) go to Seventh Sanctum. Random names are fun to use, but sometimes I like to take my time and make them up myself.
1b. Physical Description
Well, lets see, the three troublesome requirements of role-play are personality, history, and this. After these three, you're pretty much home free. Alright you have a picture of the character you want to use, but (depending on the forum) is is probably not good enough! RPs might require you to still post a description of a character even with a picture. This is to also describe your character's clothing in the role-play (you might have a modern guy picture, but the forum is full of fantasy characters). This general description also allows you to create a even more complex, a reference picture might be useful, but sometimes it might not work, if you picture the character with tattoos, earrings, and so on. If you don't have a reference picture, then more fun for you! Be descriptive, take your time, and most of all enjoy!
Be sure that your character and any images representing him/her fits with the theme of the role play it is meant for.
EX:
Description:Kaen has a broad build of the body. He seemed slower then he truly is actually. His clothing doesn't help him look any faster either. He wears a long dark blue coat, where the collar reaches above his neck. The outer sides are lined with darkish yellow sort of leather. There are some protection near the shoulders. The pads are dark and made out of tough leather. Behind the coat is a blackish armor like clothing. Below his waist are darkish blue pants tucked into worn down black boots. Wrapped around his waist is a belt holding a leather pouch.
Kaen stands at only about five feet eleven inches and always has an eye patch over the right eye. No matter what, the eye patch stays. Behind it however for those that are unfortunate enough to look is a gaping black hole where his eye should be. The one thats in tact however is as dark of a blue as the depths of the ocean, same goes for the hair. There is really nothing cheery about him.
1c. Personality
Your character looks all cool and kind, but how does he/she act in situations? Now we must work on developing a STABLE and unique personality. Everyone is different in their own ways, let it be an obnoxious little girl or a timid happy boy. Yes, characters can be happy, if they allow it of course. ^o^
Still stuck? You can take some of these suggestions:
Base it off of a friend, family member, real life person, just about anyone (be sure this person you're basing your character on is something you can role-play with).
Don't try a personality so different than your own that you find it hard not to react the way completely outside your comfort zone. It makes your character half assed and boring, and you will find that you will want a new character fairly quickly.
Sit down in a quiet area and just think for awhile, an idea might come up sooner or later.
EX:
"Mitsoumi" It will become quite apparent that he feels like he is called to change and improve the situations around him, although he is reluctant to do so. He doesn't think he will make a difference, but he has the courage and conviction to try. A personality that believes heavily in righteous convictions and that even if he failed to change anything on a large scale he would at least plant seeds that could grow in others minds and have them think. However beyond his convictions and intentions none outside his family have a read into his personality.
EX 2:
"Traytaine" Traytanie is an emotionally unstable person. First and foremost he is not an average nineteen year old. He has spent much of his time in several places no child or teen should be, ranging from Mental Institutions, Hospitals, and tutoring with private instructors. All of this placing him in the mind set that adults are something to be feared, and control everything. Even though he is closing in on an 'adult' age, he has yet to realize himself as one. With those his own age, or close to his own age, his reactions to them can be very random. Initial instincts will dictate only half of his reactions. Certain days he will hate you for breathing, and the next day he could be sad your not around. Easily hurt, and is becoming easier to provoke because of this. His interactions with others are limited, those who recognize the clearly distinct man are respectfully fearful of him. Moving out of his way, going out of their way to be pleasant as they move, to simply averting their eyes when he looks at them. The air about him is chaotic and intimidating.
1d. History
Oh noes, you're almost there! Now you have to think about your character's past! This is painstaking I know, but hey if you pass this, you can start role-playing! Try to make it so that your personality and description relate to each other. Once again try to be as descriptive as possible, that doesn't mean go all crazy and state every last detail from the second she was born, but instead elaborate at the important parts of the character.
Ex:
Rena was originally born in a small town within Wyoming called Lost Cabin(It actually exists). However at an early age she was moved away to live with her grandfather, since her parents had trouble with the law and were seen as unfit for the job. She was moved all the way to Akita, Japan. As a child Rena had always loved playing outside. The problem was she also loved playing tricks on people. Her grandfather would usually find some sort of complain from neighbors telling him to keep the child on a leash. Which gave her the perfect candidate for the families' last name Akuma! There was also something more odd, as time went by Rena never grew very much after reaching 4 feet. This brought concerns since her grandfather needed to let her head to public school some time in her life. It was way to tiring to teach this child all the time.
On the first day of school(she started school at age 5) the difference of size was apparent to everyone. No later into the first week, Rena was constantly picked on. Her family was poor and yet people kept bullying her for some. When she didn't give, many times the bullies would give her a few bruises over her body. This caused many concerns to the grandfather that raised her from a little baby. So as a precaution, he began teaching Rena the ways of jujutsu. This gave her an edge in self defense if anyone attempted to harm her. As time went on people stopped picking on her since she learned to defend herself and life became more peaceful again. The thing about life is, peace never lasted for long.
One fateful day, while out shopping for supplies, her grandfather and herself was caught up in a robbery. When one of the man tried to threaten to kill Rena, her grandpa immediately took action. Sacrificing his own body he took care of the hold of the thief that held her. During the struggle he slipped and was shot by the man. He managed to get away and soon Rena's grandfather died from the wound. Even through she was only lightly bruised on her right eye, the death was a devastating blow. It was one of the major factor that caused Rena to snap in her head.
As soon as the death reached Rena's parents, they took the chance to take her back to them. The first time the two set their eyes on the small fragile looking girl, they couldn't believe she was their child. This caused future problems, since they were expecting more. Rena was only age 10 when she returned. As she arrived it was apparent the parents were still not suited to take care of her.
Life was terrible as she never had much time to play outside, like in Japan. Sometimes her father would come drunk and hit her repeatedly, while the so called mother, just watched. For a period of time Rena kept following her grandfather's word to take hits from adults. Until finally one night when her father was so drunk he actually tried to kill her. The man just kept wondering around, screaming madness all over the already restless house. Breaking his beer bottle he slashed at Rena over her right arm and caused the scar over it. As well as a bruising her right eye after it just healed from the robber event that killed the only parent she truly knew.
That attack was the final straw that led to the split personalities. The dark side of Rena almost killed the man, which soon learned that he needed to be nice to the girl he gave birth. After splitting into two little was rejected from the girl after fear. Her parents decided to move to California in hopes of taming the girl with the alter egos personality. In some conditions she would return to be the girl she once was, but that only happened once....
1e. RP Sample:
Some role-plays require it, some don't, but to be frank, just an example on how you role-play, up to now. Usually you can link back to a past rp.
1f. Other Information:
This varies from different forums. Some require a fighting style others might be strengths and weaknesses. You just have to watch out for these, I only listed some common ones.
2. Posting
Hurray, you have finished your profile, now it is time to role-play. I'm not completely sure how I can explain how to do this... Let see... Be descriptive! Yeah, details are your friends, the more detailed you are the easier it is to imagine where you are and for others to join in. One of my favorite things about role-playing is all the different settings people make up. Even though there is a set history and location, you can always do just about anything with the setting as long as it is within these standards. If the location of the rp has a forest, describe the forest. If they don't say what kind of trees, elaborate it in your own way. Tap into every senses, let your character see, smell, hear, touch, and even taste the setting.When posting, please stay within the set location. Don't make a thread talking about how hot it is in a tundra area of the board.
2a Labeling Your Thread/Post
When making a new thread, be careful on your labeling. Make the title interesting or at least within the lines of what you are doing (ex: Sleeping away in the peaceful forest). In multi-rated rps, label your thread's rating and stay to it. A PG-13 shouldn't be too violent or sexually compared to a MATURE thread. You don't want 11 year old role-players to read things such as drugs and wanted tickles. If you do, I WILL FIND YOU and I WILL KILL YOU. Alright I understand, even if your thread has a rating, some people are too curious for their own good, yet it still helps, at least you gave your audience a warning.
[Open], [Reserved], [Restricted], etc.
If you feel that this is needed, then put it up. If you just want to role-play with a friend of yours then be sure to label it as such. It won't help private messaging a mod of the rp about this, if you're unsure if they allowed this (usually they do).
2b. Respect
It is about time for this guide to end, I somewhat enjoyed writing this, but I'm also pretty happy that it has finally ended (my poor poor tired fingers). Be sure to stay alert and not to break those rules about god-modding/power-playing. I you do break these rules, try to fix it as soon as possible. IF you see someone breaking these rules, then report them immediately. When posting, be sure to read other's posts carefully, no one is invincible or perfect. I did my part, now its time for you to do yours. Do your best and have fun!
What do you think? If you rate and help me out /I<3You.
This is for the absolute beginner or for those that forgot many aspects of role-playing.
.g u i d e 1: r u l e s
I[/b]n this section, we will cover common rules used in role-playing. A set of rules is needed for every rp! Now, if there weren't any, it would be absolute chaos! Think about over-powered characters and people using your character without your permission. There is also the thought of not understanding another character's RP posts! Now that would be hard to deal with... Onto the actual rules! Please understand I'm only going through the commonly used ones you encounter in MOST role-plays.
1.Use Grammar/Spelling(Also known as: Do not type like a n00b! or DO nOt TYPE LIEK A n0B!!!!1)
Use English with all of its standards to the best of your ability. Everyone knows that no one is perfect, but it does help people to understand your posts. For all those Firefox users, there is a integrated spell check, use it. There is usually a spell check inside most role-play forums, use it. Another way to solve your spelling problems is simply opening up your Microsoft Word and pasting your post in, then use spelling/grammar check. There are even plenty of these around the internet. It is not that hard... Also Remember to avoid chatspeak while role-playing, if not simply the general boards.
2.No God-modding/Power-playing/Being a pain in the @$$
Yeah you heard me, no one likes to play with people that's a pain! Generally it means someone pumping up their characters with too much power. A role-player must understand their character's capabilities! They need to understand that a little midget man can't suddenly come out and destroy the world. They need to figure out what there character's can and can not do. Going over this boundary results in the other player reporting to a mod, to shut you down and kick you out. I know at times it is tempting to kill a character, but the problem is many people don't appreciate you deciding for them!
3.No Powergame(At times known as Power-playing as well)
To be brief, controlling another player's character, without their consent/permission. This is a good way for people to label you as a annoyance to a role-play. You can not decide on other character's action by yourself. You must first, in someway get another's consent. As for killing off another character(unless it's an npc) you also need the owner's permission. A easy way to do this might be via private message.
4.Nothing Above <insert rating here>
This is used to describe what you can write about. There would probably be little to no blood in a PG rated board, but usually a role-play is either PG-13 or M. If it isn't listed in the rules, please consult other members to figure out how far you can go into a role-play. It is not always labeled that way, sometimes they use a large amount of words for this.
5.Respect
Yeah, you heard me dawg! *Shoots a gangster sign*
This is important to keep in mind. Perhaps you have a character with a disrespecting attitude, but remember to show respect out of role-play. Getting into character is a very good thing, but if your character crosses this rule, you need to get back to yourself, before you break it out of character. Fighting with members outside of the rp is greatly frowned upon.
6.Multi-accounts/Characters
In some boards, creating more then one character is optional, but there were standards or limits to how many you can have.
7.Post Length
In rps, there are things called 'standards'. Yeah, what a bummer, just like school. Get over it! The world is not always fair. Post Lengths are, simply put, a certain amount needed for you to give a reply to another's rp. Try to find role-plays within your desired lengths.
That's about it for this section, read guide two for tips on choosing a role-play.
[/font]
.g u i d e 2: choosing a rp
Now that you understand general rules in rping you need to look out on role-plays lets have some fun finding one suitable for you! Now you need to learn a few common genres of role-playing.
1.Picking a role-play type
Before we actually start picking a genre, you must first figure out what type of role-play you want to...get into.
Message board role-playing
This generally revolves around role-playing in a forum such as this one. It can range to simply one sub forum or the whole entire forum itself.
Chat role-playing
Usually in this rp, you do it via irc or some sort of chatroom. I haven't done this before, so I believe it is usually done in first person view.
Well I can't tell you anymore, since these are the ones I'm most familiar with. You can always search the internet for ones such as play-by-wiki, role-playing blog, and so on.
2.Genre
There are many different types of role-plays. I'll list common ones, lets see which one interests you the most.
Animal
Creature based RPs ranges from things like cats to wolves and sometimes fantasy character. This type of role-play requires you to be in character as an animal of course.
Fantasy
Fictional role-play involving things such as dragons, elves, and so on. Even though a fantasy rp may involve vampires/werewolves, it is still different from gothic & horror(usually listed under fantasy).
Sci-fi
Short for science fiction, often grouped under fantasy, but usually involves more advanced technology[not role-play] and aliens/robots.
Real Life RPGs
Human role-play of someone's life in out chaotic world. Still not exciting for you? Real life isn't all that great, we got gangs, murderers, and so on.
Based On Something RPGs
These can range from a book to movies to comic books and so on. Usually adapted from a preset plot, modified to accompany the needs of the members.
These are just a few different genres you can pick from! If you're looking for a specific board, please look for rpg directories.
3.Reading
Yeah, it is at times a pretty big draaag... Even I get annoyed by it. However, it is a very important if you wish to get into it. Personally I find more detailed(means longer posts) information on the plot, races, and so on helps me get into character better. I mean it HELPS to know where you are, what things you'll find, what time period weapons are allowed, how people talk in the area, where things are located, and whats going on in the role-play. I know you know I'm right.
3a. What you need to read
The Plot
This tells you what is going on in the role-play, generally where everyone is heading. As for those people who thinks the plot should be hidden, the plot is NOT complete, it depends on the member's characters to decide the ending. A plot is just a foundation to tell you what is going on currently. If you don't want your character to know what's going on, then play dumb, though it helps YOU to know whats happening.
Rules
To lazy to tell you how important it is, so I'm going to copy and paste what I already wrote.
A set of rules is needed for every rp! Now, if there weren't any, it would be absolute chaos! Think about over-powered characters and people using your character without your permission. There is also the thought of not understanding another character's RP posts! Now that would be hard to deal with... (I truly recommend you read the section, if you haven't already.)
Location
Sometimes merged with the plot, but this tells you the landscape and where you are playing in. Not knowing is like fighting a demon lord in the meadow of happiness. Won't that be embarrassing?
Any Additional Information
Other information can range from the type of technology used, races, and things that a character is limited to be able to do.
Other People's Posts
If you're unsure on how to post (like if you can post one-liners or they require a few paragraphs) look around the board for other member's posts. If they have those hidden, then you can ask through a shoutbox/cBox (usually have some sort of chat utensil for ooc talk).
NOTE: Different boards will also name information as different things. Instead of labeling the thread as plot, it might me labeled as history, you'll just have to look for the important information board.
.g u i d e 3: p o s t i n g
Congratulations! You are just about ready to actually role-play. Now all you need is to make a character. Now, make sure you know what sort of character you want. Sometimes if this character doesn't suit you well, then you're pretty stuck or have to talk it over with the staff. We will also also go other the different ways you post.
1. Creating a character.
You should have a mental character of you character in your mind. The problem you might face now is putting him/her onto your post. Let me help you with a few tips.
1a. The name
Some people hate it and others love it, when role-playing. To me its just plain annoying. Alright, what we can do is base your character's name over a real person in your life. However if you're basing your character on a famous celebrity, then try to use different physical descriptions. I recommend basing off of your best friend or your favorite family member.
If you don't want to base it off of someone, then try a name generator. There are many found around the web, some a little more wacky then others. Myself (since I do a lot of fantasy role-play) go to Seventh Sanctum. Random names are fun to use, but sometimes I like to take my time and make them up myself.
1b. Physical Description
Well, lets see, the three troublesome requirements of role-play are personality, history, and this. After these three, you're pretty much home free. Alright you have a picture of the character you want to use, but (depending on the forum) is is probably not good enough! RPs might require you to still post a description of a character even with a picture. This is to also describe your character's clothing in the role-play (you might have a modern guy picture, but the forum is full of fantasy characters). This general description also allows you to create a even more complex, a reference picture might be useful, but sometimes it might not work, if you picture the character with tattoos, earrings, and so on. If you don't have a reference picture, then more fun for you! Be descriptive, take your time, and most of all enjoy!
Be sure that your character and any images representing him/her fits with the theme of the role play it is meant for.
EX:
Description:Kaen has a broad build of the body. He seemed slower then he truly is actually. His clothing doesn't help him look any faster either. He wears a long dark blue coat, where the collar reaches above his neck. The outer sides are lined with darkish yellow sort of leather. There are some protection near the shoulders. The pads are dark and made out of tough leather. Behind the coat is a blackish armor like clothing. Below his waist are darkish blue pants tucked into worn down black boots. Wrapped around his waist is a belt holding a leather pouch.
Kaen stands at only about five feet eleven inches and always has an eye patch over the right eye. No matter what, the eye patch stays. Behind it however for those that are unfortunate enough to look is a gaping black hole where his eye should be. The one thats in tact however is as dark of a blue as the depths of the ocean, same goes for the hair. There is really nothing cheery about him.
1c. Personality
Your character looks all cool and kind, but how does he/she act in situations? Now we must work on developing a STABLE and unique personality. Everyone is different in their own ways, let it be an obnoxious little girl or a timid happy boy. Yes, characters can be happy, if they allow it of course. ^o^
Still stuck? You can take some of these suggestions:
Base it off of a friend, family member, real life person, just about anyone (be sure this person you're basing your character on is something you can role-play with).
Don't try a personality so different than your own that you find it hard not to react the way completely outside your comfort zone. It makes your character half assed and boring, and you will find that you will want a new character fairly quickly.
Sit down in a quiet area and just think for awhile, an idea might come up sooner or later.
EX:
"Mitsoumi" It will become quite apparent that he feels like he is called to change and improve the situations around him, although he is reluctant to do so. He doesn't think he will make a difference, but he has the courage and conviction to try. A personality that believes heavily in righteous convictions and that even if he failed to change anything on a large scale he would at least plant seeds that could grow in others minds and have them think. However beyond his convictions and intentions none outside his family have a read into his personality.
EX 2:
"Traytaine" Traytanie is an emotionally unstable person. First and foremost he is not an average nineteen year old. He has spent much of his time in several places no child or teen should be, ranging from Mental Institutions, Hospitals, and tutoring with private instructors. All of this placing him in the mind set that adults are something to be feared, and control everything. Even though he is closing in on an 'adult' age, he has yet to realize himself as one. With those his own age, or close to his own age, his reactions to them can be very random. Initial instincts will dictate only half of his reactions. Certain days he will hate you for breathing, and the next day he could be sad your not around. Easily hurt, and is becoming easier to provoke because of this. His interactions with others are limited, those who recognize the clearly distinct man are respectfully fearful of him. Moving out of his way, going out of their way to be pleasant as they move, to simply averting their eyes when he looks at them. The air about him is chaotic and intimidating.
1d. History
Oh noes, you're almost there! Now you have to think about your character's past! This is painstaking I know, but hey if you pass this, you can start role-playing! Try to make it so that your personality and description relate to each other. Once again try to be as descriptive as possible, that doesn't mean go all crazy and state every last detail from the second she was born, but instead elaborate at the important parts of the character.
Ex:
Rena was originally born in a small town within Wyoming called Lost Cabin(It actually exists). However at an early age she was moved away to live with her grandfather, since her parents had trouble with the law and were seen as unfit for the job. She was moved all the way to Akita, Japan. As a child Rena had always loved playing outside. The problem was she also loved playing tricks on people. Her grandfather would usually find some sort of complain from neighbors telling him to keep the child on a leash. Which gave her the perfect candidate for the families' last name Akuma! There was also something more odd, as time went by Rena never grew very much after reaching 4 feet. This brought concerns since her grandfather needed to let her head to public school some time in her life. It was way to tiring to teach this child all the time.
On the first day of school(she started school at age 5) the difference of size was apparent to everyone. No later into the first week, Rena was constantly picked on. Her family was poor and yet people kept bullying her for some. When she didn't give, many times the bullies would give her a few bruises over her body. This caused many concerns to the grandfather that raised her from a little baby. So as a precaution, he began teaching Rena the ways of jujutsu. This gave her an edge in self defense if anyone attempted to harm her. As time went on people stopped picking on her since she learned to defend herself and life became more peaceful again. The thing about life is, peace never lasted for long.
One fateful day, while out shopping for supplies, her grandfather and herself was caught up in a robbery. When one of the man tried to threaten to kill Rena, her grandpa immediately took action. Sacrificing his own body he took care of the hold of the thief that held her. During the struggle he slipped and was shot by the man. He managed to get away and soon Rena's grandfather died from the wound. Even through she was only lightly bruised on her right eye, the death was a devastating blow. It was one of the major factor that caused Rena to snap in her head.
As soon as the death reached Rena's parents, they took the chance to take her back to them. The first time the two set their eyes on the small fragile looking girl, they couldn't believe she was their child. This caused future problems, since they were expecting more. Rena was only age 10 when she returned. As she arrived it was apparent the parents were still not suited to take care of her.
Life was terrible as she never had much time to play outside, like in Japan. Sometimes her father would come drunk and hit her repeatedly, while the so called mother, just watched. For a period of time Rena kept following her grandfather's word to take hits from adults. Until finally one night when her father was so drunk he actually tried to kill her. The man just kept wondering around, screaming madness all over the already restless house. Breaking his beer bottle he slashed at Rena over her right arm and caused the scar over it. As well as a bruising her right eye after it just healed from the robber event that killed the only parent she truly knew.
That attack was the final straw that led to the split personalities. The dark side of Rena almost killed the man, which soon learned that he needed to be nice to the girl he gave birth. After splitting into two little was rejected from the girl after fear. Her parents decided to move to California in hopes of taming the girl with the alter egos personality. In some conditions she would return to be the girl she once was, but that only happened once....
1e. RP Sample:
Some role-plays require it, some don't, but to be frank, just an example on how you role-play, up to now. Usually you can link back to a past rp.
1f. Other Information:
This varies from different forums. Some require a fighting style others might be strengths and weaknesses. You just have to watch out for these, I only listed some common ones.
2. Posting
Hurray, you have finished your profile, now it is time to role-play. I'm not completely sure how I can explain how to do this... Let see... Be descriptive! Yeah, details are your friends, the more detailed you are the easier it is to imagine where you are and for others to join in. One of my favorite things about role-playing is all the different settings people make up. Even though there is a set history and location, you can always do just about anything with the setting as long as it is within these standards. If the location of the rp has a forest, describe the forest. If they don't say what kind of trees, elaborate it in your own way. Tap into every senses, let your character see, smell, hear, touch, and even taste the setting.When posting, please stay within the set location. Don't make a thread talking about how hot it is in a tundra area of the board.
2a Labeling Your Thread/Post
When making a new thread, be careful on your labeling. Make the title interesting or at least within the lines of what you are doing (ex: Sleeping away in the peaceful forest). In multi-rated rps, label your thread's rating and stay to it. A PG-13 shouldn't be too violent or sexually compared to a MATURE thread. You don't want 11 year old role-players to read things such as drugs and wanted tickles. If you do, I WILL FIND YOU and I WILL KILL YOU. Alright I understand, even if your thread has a rating, some people are too curious for their own good, yet it still helps, at least you gave your audience a warning.
[Open], [Reserved], [Restricted], etc.
If you feel that this is needed, then put it up. If you just want to role-play with a friend of yours then be sure to label it as such. It won't help private messaging a mod of the rp about this, if you're unsure if they allowed this (usually they do).
2b. Respect
It is about time for this guide to end, I somewhat enjoyed writing this, but I'm also pretty happy that it has finally ended (my poor poor tired fingers). Be sure to stay alert and not to break those rules about god-modding/power-playing. I you do break these rules, try to fix it as soon as possible. IF you see someone breaking these rules, then report them immediately. When posting, be sure to read other's posts carefully, no one is invincible or perfect. I did my part, now its time for you to do yours. Do your best and have fun!
What do you think? If you rate and help me out /I<3You.
This is for the absolute beginner or for those that forgot many aspects of role-playing.