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Creative => Roleplay => Topic started by: BloodcatNS on May 16, 2012, 03:10:32 PM

Title: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: BloodcatNS 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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Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: NekoJonez 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.


That is to START with.
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: Cupcake Fury 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.
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: NekoJonez 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.
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: BloodcatNS 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.
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: NekoJonez 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.
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: BloodcatNS 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.
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: Caster no Mae 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 (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/FatalFlaw) Achilles Heel (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/AchillesHeel) 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
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: BloodcatNS on May 16, 2012, 03:57:35 PM
...TVtropes helps a lot, doesn't it?

Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: NekoJonez on May 16, 2012, 04:20:18 PM
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: BloodcatNS on May 16, 2012, 04:34:00 PM
  • Try to avoid stereo typing!
I dunno... sometimes characters are based on stereotypes.
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: NekoJonez 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.
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: Mr.PowPow 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.
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: NekoJonez 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.
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: Mr.PowPow 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.
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: NekoJonez 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."
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: Mr.PowPow 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.
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: BloodcatNS on May 16, 2012, 06:04:53 PM
I remember NekoBot posting something about a two word phrase filled with strong emotions.

"He died".
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: NekoJonez 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.
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: Mr.PowPow 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

Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: NekoJonez 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.
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: BloodcatNS on May 17, 2012, 05:48:48 AM
Updated.

I won't add on debated tips. Although they can provide some insights about it.
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: NekoJonez 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.
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: BloodcatNS 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?
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: NekoJonez 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.
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: Mr.PowPow on May 18, 2012, 01:48:09 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.
But thats a good thing, sometimes you need to run before you can walk. In order to quickly grasp your footing you need to make as many mistakes as possible to find out how -not- to run a horror story. Once you know how not to do it, you'll know how to.
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: NekoJonez on May 18, 2012, 01:49:18 PM
What I am trying to say is that when you actually are trying a new style... Do some research, read over other people's arcs in that style.
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: Mr.PowPow on May 18, 2012, 01:52:04 PM
Thats a valid point, but reading into other peoples styles is problematic sometimes, people tend to do less "inspiration writing" and more "copying". Especially if its new to them. I personally believe its better to simply experiment on your own, figure out how it works for you, how others do it is their own business. If you do look into other peoples work, it shouldn't be for too long.
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: Mr.PowPow on May 18, 2012, 01:53:59 PM
Yeah, but that's the purpose of experimenting, right? Try and learn new ways to write an arc.
Indeed, but trial and error is a good way to do that.
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: NekoJonez on May 18, 2012, 01:58:28 PM
Yeah, but that's the purpose of experimenting, right? Try and learn new ways to write an arc.
Indeed, but trial and error is a good way to do that.
Yup, but having a starting point is ALWAYS a great help.
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: BloodcatNS on May 18, 2012, 01:59:28 PM
Thats a valid point, but reading into other peoples styles is problematic sometimes, people tend to do less "inspiration writing" and more "copying". Especially if its new to them. I personally believe its better to simply experiment on your own, figure out how it works for you, how others do it is their own business. If you do look into other peoples work, it shouldn't be for too long.
I'm honestly, I'm a bit guilty in copying. :P

Also, sorry for the missing post. I decided to delete it. Unfortunately, it got replied on before I knew it.
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: Mr.PowPow on May 18, 2012, 02:00:29 PM
Yeah, but that's the purpose of experimenting, right? Try and learn new ways to write an arc.
Indeed, but trial and error is a good way to do that.
Yup, but having a starting point is ALWAYS a great help.
I guess we can form an agreement on that
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: CarolineJohnson on May 18, 2012, 05:54:34 PM
Don't come up with a side-plot to develop your character's background then trash it before it can be done on the bounds that it's exactly the same as something another character did sometime after you joined. Your background can be fleshed out a little more so your side-plot isn't the same if you're so worried about it.
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: NekoJonez on May 31, 2012, 11:47:13 AM
Oh, this is useful as well... If you plan out an arc... Sometimes it's fun when the other's don't know AT all what is going to happen... Plus then you can get better feedback in how your arc was.

If you plan a big one... Be prepared on EVERYTHING. Think at least 3 times over your arc.. So you spot forgotten details and such. Also, ask if others have idea's to put in while your arc is happening... Great idea's which you have never thought about may come up.
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: BloodcatNS on June 03, 2012, 06:10:08 PM
The character's personality should match his speech patterns. If you plan to make your character gentleman-like, don't EVER litter curses in his dialogue. Unless it's a signal that he's very very mad, don't do it. Likewise, if you plan your character to be rude, as much as possible, don't make him/her polite and use profanity as much as you wish. :P

Now, this is a different story if your character has bi-polar disorder.
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: NekoJonez on June 03, 2012, 06:44:30 PM
The character's personality should match his speech patterns. If you plan to make your character gentleman-like, don't EVER litter curses in his dialogue. Unless it's a signal that he's very very mad, don't do it. Likewise, if you plan your character to be rude, as much as possible, don't make him/her polite and use profanity as much as you wish. :P

Now, this is a different story if your character has bi-polar disorder.

Uhu. To give an example:

Jonez: But brother... I ... I.. didn't...

Zana: WHAT? You think it was me...?

Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: BloodcatNS on June 04, 2012, 08:05:30 AM
I dun geddit.
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: NekoJonez on June 04, 2012, 08:06:47 AM
I dun geddit.

Different characters... Same situation.. Different reaction.
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: BloodcatNS on June 04, 2012, 08:09:16 AM
Ah. Yeah, that's a good example, actually. You didn't make it clear, so I didn't understand it. :P
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: NekoJonez on June 08, 2012, 10:31:14 AM
http://jonezjea.deviantart.com/#/d52tfeg

Here you go guys. More tips.
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: Mr.PowPow on June 08, 2012, 04:45:01 PM
http://jonezjea.deviantart.com/#/d52tfeg

Here you go guys. More tips.
They seem the same as the tips already given....or is it just me? o.o
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: NekoJonez on June 08, 2012, 06:16:40 PM
http://jonezjea.deviantart.com/#/d52tfeg

Here you go guys. More tips.
They seem the same as the tips already given....or is it just me? o.o
Did I ...? Oops, my bad.
Title: Re: Roleplay Tips Thread
Post by: BloodcatNS on July 07, 2012, 05:30:20 PM
Oftentimes, the best characters are the ones that people most relate too. If you're going to create a dramatic scene, make it realistic. Easier said than done, though.

Oh, and yes, read a book. It helps. Especially when the RP is in novel format.
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