Author Topic: Roleplay Tips Thread  (Read 20109 times)

Offline BloodcatNS

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Roleplay Tips Thread
« on: May 16, 2012, 03:10:32 PM »
ALRIGHT! So, we've got the rules. We've got artwork for some certain RPs. But how about the tips to make a better RP experience? You're free to post whatever tips you can give to novice RPers and if I can, I could compile all those tips into one post.

Take note, however, these are simply tips and are not really required for RPing.
And another thing, certain RPs have certain rules that may or may not contradict to these tips. If so, you have to follow the rules of the RP thread.'

First poster may start!

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« Last Edit: May 17, 2012, 05:49:49 AM by BloodcatNS » »

Offline NekoJonez

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Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
« Reply #1 on: May 16, 2012, 03:15:49 PM »
As an experienced writer & RP'er... Yup, I have been writing stories as far as I can remember... Let me share a bit of knowledge here.

  • Don't be afraid to ask feedback!
  • Write stuff down... Really.. Don't plan only things in your head... Do it in notepad but mostly on paper... This way you can easier spot flaws or branches you haven't seen in the first place.
  • Keep true to your writing style.
  • If you scrap an idea... don't throw it away.. Remember it... you can maybe mutate it for later use.
  • Deus Ex Machina... Avoid using them.
  • Try to speak out of the characters mindset... not yours.
  • Avoid taking too much time with development. Slow writing style... okay, but don't delay it too long.
  • Don't be afraid to rewrite a line.
  • Music cues are great to write your post WITH. Use the music to let the lines write itself.
  • If you prepare an arc... keep it simple... Don't over think it.
  • Try to read the stuff that you already wrote and rewrite it... Gives you new idea's.
  • Don't plan too much ahead.
  • Ask for the other characters for idea's.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment... Do some random scenes once in a while.
  • Never try to force your idea's... try to have a natural flow of telling things.
  • Try to write in a different style.
  • Try to copy and idea from somebody else and expand on it.
  • Take a movie you watched and instead of enjoy it... Look to it how the characters develop and the story evolves.
  • When planning ... ask yourself... "Why does that character know that" or "How can he do that".
  • Pay attention for OP'ing. Don't give your character too much "mastered abilities".

That is to START with.
« Last Edit: May 16, 2012, 03:22:04 PM by NekoJonez » »

Offline Cupcake Fury

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Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
« Reply #2 on: May 16, 2012, 03:19:47 PM »
  • Dues Ex Machina... Avoid using them.
That is to START with.
Ehm, Dues Ex Machina? Explain what that is.

Offline NekoJonez

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Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
« Reply #3 on: May 16, 2012, 03:23:06 PM »
  • Dues Ex Machina... Avoid using them.
That is to START with.
Ehm, Dues Ex Machina? Explain what that is.
First, I made a small typo. Deus... instead of Dues.

And a Deus Ex Machina is a plot device whereby a seemingly unsolvable problem is suddenly and abruptly solved with the contrived and unexpected intervention of some new event, character, ability, or object.

Offline BloodcatNS

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Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
« Reply #4 on: May 16, 2012, 03:23:57 PM »
Ehm, Dues Ex Machina? Explain what that is.
I think it's like "God in Machine". Think of it like this:

Your character is about to die at the mercy of a falling brick. Suddenly the brick moves away from its original trajectory, saving your character. There is no explanation for it. It just moved. It's a deus ex machina.

Offline NekoJonez

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Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
« Reply #5 on: May 16, 2012, 03:24:50 PM »
Ehm, Dues Ex Machina? Explain what that is.
I think it's like "God in Machine". Think of it like this:

Your character is about to die at the mercy of a falling brick. Suddenly the brick moves away from its original trajectory, saving your character. There is no explanation for it. It just moved. It's a deus ex machina.
Yay for writing the explanation at the same time.

Offline BloodcatNS

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Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
« Reply #6 on: May 16, 2012, 03:43:29 PM »
Still, you have to remember that there's still different kinds of RP. Some are kind of like games. Others are more story-based than the rest. The tips don't always apply to all RPs.

Offline Caster no Mae

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Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
« Reply #7 on: May 16, 2012, 03:44:11 PM »
Remember that RP is Teamwork so Make Sure to Keep in Mind what the Others are doing As Well

Don't Be Afraid to talk with others if you are in Lack of Ideas, Smashing Heads Together( Not in Physical way) is a Good Way to Develop your Charecter


OP:ing is allowed if you are Big Bad or another "Currently Undefeatable" Foe - but remember to inform others about that so no Bitching at you can Be Directed
- but remember to also have them have Fatal Flaw Achilles Heel or another Such thing for the FOE being Defeatable Later

unless ofcourse the FOE is simply strong in that Case Simply having the Good Guys Power up untill they can do the Traditional RPG thing called Grind Till Ye Winn

Offline BloodcatNS

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Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
« Reply #8 on: May 16, 2012, 03:57:35 PM »
...TVtropes helps a lot, doesn't it?

  • Never make a lengthy mini-arc by yourself involving no one but your character/s. It's a bit annoying. Not to mention, if there's no real development in character or plot, would be boring and quite useless.
  • Grammar. Not quite needed, but it helps other to understand what exactly is going on.
  • CHARACTER DIFFERENTIATION! To make interaction among your own characters, try changing their dialogues. V-v-verbal t-t-tics can help, y-yo!  Catchphrases, too. Or liffppthh (lisps).
« Last Edit: May 16, 2012, 04:04:25 PM by BloodcatNS » »

Offline NekoJonez

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Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
« Reply #9 on: May 16, 2012, 04:20:18 PM »
  • Try to avoid stereo typing!

Offline BloodcatNS

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Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
« Reply #10 on: May 16, 2012, 04:34:00 PM »
  • Try to avoid stereo typing!
I dunno... sometimes characters are based on stereotypes.

Offline NekoJonez

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Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
« Reply #11 on: May 16, 2012, 04:51:04 PM »
  • Try to avoid stereo typing!
I dunno... sometimes characters are based on stereotypes.

Based = / = Stereo type.

You EXPAND or give a twist on it.

Offline Mr.PowPow

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Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
« Reply #12 on: May 16, 2012, 05:49:20 PM »
A good thing is to be descriptive with posts, one-line posts can be dull and leaves very little for the next poster to work with.
« Last Edit: May 16, 2012, 05:51:43 PM by Mr.PowPow » »

Offline NekoJonez

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Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
« Reply #13 on: May 16, 2012, 05:53:37 PM »
A good thing is to be descriptive with posts, one-line posts can be dull and leaves very little for the next poster to work with.

I normally don't write too much descriptions... I do it more by text... Like using dots for thinking and CAPS for shouting. Also, I let the other character "read" the line... But... I agree with PowPow here... Although... One line shouts are another story.

Offline Mr.PowPow

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Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
« Reply #14 on: May 16, 2012, 05:56:17 PM »
A good thing is to be descriptive with posts, one-line posts can be dull and leaves very little for the next poster to work with.

I normally don't write too much descriptions... I do it more by text... Like using dots for thinking and CAPS for shouting. Also, I let the other character "read" the line... But... I agree with PowPow here... Although... One line shouts are another story.
One-liners are fine when used "sometimes", but if they are totally abused then the story starts to lose shape and whats happening becomes vague.
However its just the way -I- work, it may be good for others.

Offline NekoJonez

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Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
« Reply #15 on: May 16, 2012, 05:57:38 PM »
For me it really depends on which words you choose. Like:

"That's very kind of you."

is better then

"That's kind of you."

Offline Mr.PowPow

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Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
« Reply #16 on: May 16, 2012, 06:02:00 PM »
For me it really depends on which words you choose. Like:

"That's very kind of you."

is better then

"That's kind of you."
True, but if you add.

Jack placed his hands on the ground and pushed himself off the dusty floor, his trembling legs slowly gaining rigidity as they held him up straight. Soon he was standing upright and locked eyes with the figure in front of him, who was holding one of his possessions and proceeded to hand it to him.
"Thats very kind of you" Jack remarked.

I just think description adds more life to it.

Offline BloodcatNS

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Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
« Reply #17 on: May 16, 2012, 06:04:53 PM »
I remember NekoBot posting something about a two word phrase filled with strong emotions.

"He died".

Offline NekoJonez

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Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
« Reply #18 on: May 16, 2012, 06:05:43 PM »
For me it really depends on which words you choose. Like:

"That's very kind of you."

is better then

"That's kind of you."
True, but if you add.

Jack placed his hands on the ground and pushed himself off the dusty floor, his trembling legs slowly gaining rigidity as they held him up straight. Soon he was standing upright and locked eyes with the figure in front of him, who was holding one of his possessions and proceeded to hand it to him.
"Thats very kind of you" Jack remarked.

I just think description adds more life to it.
(This discussion between veteran RP'ers is so handy for the new comers... They see different styles :P)

Agreed... But I like more that the reader can fill it in more by just giving the really basic information.

Offline Mr.PowPow

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Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
« Reply #19 on: May 16, 2012, 06:08:08 PM »
Well like I said before, it works for me. But I'm not saying everyone should use it, but some may want to. So long as people still feel apart of the RP, its all good :p


Offline NekoJonez

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Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
« Reply #20 on: May 16, 2012, 06:12:11 PM »
Well like I said before, it works for me. But I'm not saying everyone should use it, but some may want to. So long as people still feel apart of the RP, its all good :p


As long as you have a style that suits you... The goal is making it not dull... I usually add music cues to let the situation explain itself.

Offline BloodcatNS

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Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
« Reply #21 on: May 17, 2012, 05:48:48 AM »
Updated.

I won't add on debated tips. Although they can provide some insights about it.

Offline NekoJonez

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Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
« Reply #22 on: May 18, 2012, 01:24:14 PM »
Try to avoid to be too confident with your writing. Know what you can and can't.

Offline BloodcatNS

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Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
« Reply #23 on: May 18, 2012, 01:43:47 PM »
Try to avoid to be too confident with your writing. Know what you can and can't.
I don't really understand what you mean exactly. Won't limiting your own ability to write be bad?

Offline NekoJonez

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Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
« Reply #24 on: May 18, 2012, 01:45:16 PM »
Try to avoid to be too confident with your writing. Know what you can and can't.
I don't really understand what you mean exactly.
Don't try to write a horror arc when you actually aren't skilled in horror... I mean, experimenting is okay... But don't try to write in another style that is totally new to you or where you don't know the specifics of.

 

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