originally posted in:Curators of Nostalgia
You got it Butch! And thanks for being the first person to post a question on here; I know it's uncomfortable to be the first to ask a question in a crowded room/forum. Seeing as how Butch is not the only person on here with no background in forum roleplaying, I figure I'll just post a general overview of how a forum roleplaying game works [i](one that's hopefully more useful than the extremely generalized wikipedia one)[/i]. My apologies to everyone, but this is gonna be a big post. [i]So let me put on my Miyagi-hat and we'll get to the waxing on and off.[/i]
[b][u]FORUM ROLEPLAYING 101[/u][/b]
Forum Roleplaying [i](or at least the BECOMING LEGEND variety of it)[/i] is actually a game-masterless setting, and instead focuses on the players interacting with each other to produce plotlines organically. This allows players to write their own stories and explore their character the way they want to, while still having unexpected surprises and unique interactions that make it interesting.
In short, while there is a dedicated forum GM, the players are the ones who provide most of the plot momentum and describe interactions with the world, while the GM merely provides arbitration to ensure players are behaving fairly, following the rules of the forum and staying within the lore of the source material. This is a storytelling style of roleplaying, ergo, it doesn't require dice rolls to determine outcomes, but rather on a player's ability to agree on how a scene develops and to accurately portray his/her character's actions.
But I'm getting ahead of myself, let's start at the beginning: [u][b]Character Creation[/b][/u]. Character sheets for these forums rely less on stats and more on descriptors and back-story, as these are the things most necessary to forum roleplayers. In truth, forum character sheets look more like dating profiles than they do like the usual stat-laden character sheets of a tabletop game. The majority of stats, for the purpose of this forum, will be covered by putting a link to your Guardian Character's in-game Legend on the character sheet [i](character sheets for Baddies and Civilians will require more traditional stats, but I'll have detailed descriptions of how to do it on the forum itself).[/i] This means your Guardian in the roleplay will be directly linked to your progress and appearance in the game, freeing you from the worry that your roleplaying character will be significantly underpowered or weak when compared to your roleplaying character.
The next step after your character sheet is approved by the GM is [b][u]Actually Roleplaying[/u][/b]. The actual act of forum roleplaying isn't that different from tabletop roleplaying, except there are no dice rolls to slow you down, you can more effectively orchestrate your character's actions, you have to indicate *OOC* in a post as opposed to a conversation, and most importantly, you have to write it all down. Here's a solid example of an in-character post[i] (this post was from a mass effect roleplaying forum I had played on. User names have been removed from the post to protect the author's identity)[/i]:
[quote]
Alara made her way to engineering with the dual purpose of wanting to speak more with Alizah and to get another look around at all the tech. She had been feeling somewhat homesick for the past few days, which seemed particularly odd considering how well things were going for her. Perhaps it was that, or the appearance of another quarian caused her to seek out their company in the effort of simulating life back in the flotilla. Not that one other quarian could compare with seeing hundreds, but it was a start.
She entered into the armory, giving it a cursory look to spot where the quarian was. If she wasn't here, she would proceed to the hangar. Having never really sought out the Technical Director she wasn't completely sure where her hangouts were. But she didn't mind the walk. It was enough that it got her out of the lab.
Alara shrunk into herself, fidgeting with her fingers. It almost felt strange being jumpy and self-conscious again, especially after she had gotten used to being herself with Sigold and the other Black Knight members. But then again she supposed old habits died hard, and three years on the Citadel having to tread on egg shells had ingrained the behaviors in her. Alara finally spotted the quarian, and approached her, fingers knotting themselves.
"Alizah, do you have a moment," she asked, her voice and demeanor timid.
[/quote]
The post above is a pretty good example of a well written post. The author posted this to open a new roleplaying thread, and so had to [i][u]set the scene[/u], [u]introduce her character[/u], [u]state her characters actions[/u], [/i]and then[i][u] set up a opening for someone else to reply[/u].[/i] She clearly spent a lot of time and effort on the post, as evidenced by it's [b]length[/b], [b]good grammar[/b] and [b]attention to detail[/b] regarding her character's actions and feelings.
Before we continue, understand that not all posts have to be anywhere near as lengthy as the example above: usually one or two small paragraphs is enough to convey anything you may want to say. However, remember to describe any actions a character takes as best as you can: be specific. Don't just say "The Warlock fires his gun." Expand on that action; did he fire a well-aimed burst of rounds towards an opponent's head, or did he fire wildly, saturating the area with bullets? Was he emptying his clip in a rush of fury, or remaining professionally detached? It's the[b] Little Details[/b] that will set your posts apart from the rest.
Speaking of little details, let's talk about [b]Grammar and Punctuation[/b]. Now I know that seems like something obvious, but believe me, I wouldn't waste my time on it if it wasn't something that was actually worth mentioning to everybody. We all make simple grammar mistakes and spelling errors. Heck, I'll be floored if this post I'm making doesn't show a few when I run it through Spell-Check. But that's what we invented Spell-Check for. That's why we proofread. So don't forget to take a minute to reread a post and Spell-Check it for good measure. Trust me, it's saved my ass countless times.
[b](Continued in Reply)[/b]
English
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Edited by SoccerProWHB: 1/26/2015 6:38:20 PMWill we be using a certain site for this? I'm kind of confused I've been like playing tabletop games on roll20.net will we be using that? or something?
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Edited by Last Omnitect: 9/4/2014 6:05:48 AM[i](continued from above)[/i] Finally, there is the little matter of [b]Roleplaying Etiquette[/b]. This traditionally comes in three flavors: [b]1- Calling Shots[/b]: So seeing as there are no dice rolls in forum roleplaying, and you are basically allowed to dictate your character's actions to the letter without fear of failure, one would assume there needs to be a way to maintain character balance so one player doesn't get antsy and start capping off any player's characters they come across. This balancing mechanic is called "[i][b]Shot Calling[/b][/i]". In short, it means that when you're typing your post, [i]you can be as specific as you'd like with your character's actions; just don't detail the actions of someone else's character[/i]. In short, you can say that your character takes a drunken swing at a rival in a bar fight, but it's up to that rival character's player to determine if your punch lands or not, and what effects it would have. Now, this seems pretty limiting... and it would be. But remember: the purpose of roleplaying is to write stories together and to explore your characters together, so the objective shouldn't be to act against another players wishes. [i]You [/i]may want your character to bumrush another guardian in the hopes that you can pull him out of the way of the gunfire from a bunch of Cabal he didn't see, so you type [quote]"*insert-name-here* sprints down the hallway, legs pumping as he takes a flying leap at *insert-other-guardian-name-here*, hoping to push him down to safety".[/quote] Notice how you typed "hoping to" instead of "he successfully" before you described the action. This means that if the other player doesn't want to be knocked down because he has something else planned, he's not obligated to go to ground and can react in some other way. Likewise, maybe he wants to go to ground and will type out his character's admittedly humorous reaction to being slammed abruptly into the dirt; regardless of his reaction, he has been given the option to play the game the way s/he wishes to without directly contradicting your will. [b]2- GODMODDING[/b]: So, on the other side of the cooperative play coin, you have to be willing to be reasonable and yield to overwhelming situational constraints. What does this mean? In short, just because your character does what you say to the letter doesn't mean they are invulnerable, and you shouldn't play them that way. If your character gets into a firefight and forty Cabal drop in from above and begin shooting him at close range with gatling cannons, then your character should react appropriately to that threat [i](fleeing for his/her life in the direction of safe cover or popping Ward of Dawn as a desperate last stand if they are a Defender is probably a realistic choice)[/i] as opposed to reacting in a manner that cheapens the game [i](like, say, your Sunsinger Hunter ripping off his clothes and mooning the Cabal while bullets reflect off his buttcheeks because you're so GOSHDANGAWESOME [OK, that's kind of funny, but don't do it.])[/i] Respect your fellow player's wishes and be willing to compromise. If we continue the example we had back in the [i]Calling Shots[/i] section above, then seriously consider letting the guy who is trying to tackle you land his tackle. Consider the possibility of your Guardian taking a bullet to the leg and being forced to cope with an injury while in combat. Don't always make every challenge and obstacle your character encounters seem easily overcome and a simple challenge for your godlike skills... that gets boring fast and people will quickly learn to loathe roleplaying with you. And if you're worried about getting killed, then have your character behave in a manner that doesn't put him in those situations, or at least mitigates the risk[i] (like running under a Devil Walker and trying to catch it as it falls... that is a perfect example of a situation that will kill you if you put yourself in it... so just don't. That, or get used to your Ghost rezzing you a lot).[/i] [b]3- Posting Order[/b]: This is the easiest one of all. I'll explain it with a quick example. Let's say I want to start a roleplaying thread and do so. [quote][b]The Last Omnitect-[/b] [i] This is a well thought out opening post. I've put forward a good amount of effort to describe the setting and set up opportunities for others to jump in.[/i][/quote] Well, let's assume that somebody else likes my post and decides to jump in a roleplay with me! [quote][b]The Last Omnitect-[/b] [i] This is a well thought out opening post. I've put forward a good amount of effort to describe the setting and set up opportunities for others to jump in.[/i][/quote][quote][b]Somebody-[/b] [i]This is a good response, engaging the thread-starter while still providing the opportunity for others to join in.[/quote] Now, I can respond to them. And once I've responded, they can do the same. Basically, you aren't supposed to respond until the person who was directly above you the last time you posted gets to post again. So, let's continue that example... [quote][b]The Last Omnitect-[/b] [i] This is a well thought out opening post. I've put forward a good amount of effort to describe the setting and set up opportunities for others to jump in.[/i][/quote][quote][b]Somebody-[/b] [i]This is a good response, engaging the thread-starter while still providing the opportunity for others to join in.[/i][/quote][quote][b]The Last Omnitect-[/b] [i]Yet another great post. We are both having so much fun in this thread![/i][/quote][quote][b]Somebody-[/b] [i]Such post. Very detailed. Much effort. Wow.[/i][/quote] Now, let's assume yet another player wants to join in and does so! [quote][b]The Last Omnitect-[/b] [i] This is a well thought out opening post. I've put forward a good amount of effort to describe the setting and set up opportunities for others to jump in.[/i][/quote][quote][b]Somebody-[/b] [i]This is a good response, engaging the thread-starter while still providing the opportunity for others to join in.[/i][/quote][quote][b]The Last Omnitect-[/b][i] Yet another great post. We are both having so much fun in this thread![/i][/quote][quote][b]Somebody-[/b] [i]Such post. Very detailed. Much effort. Wow.[/i][/quote][quote][b]Yet Another Player-[/b] Hey, I joined in this thread and have done so in a manner which does not derail the thread's momentum or hijack it's plot direction. I take some pains to introduce my character to the scene quickly, and jump right in![/quote] Now, posting order has suddenly been changed! But if you follow our easy rule from above, [b]POST ONCE THE PERSON WHO HAD POSTED ABOVE YOU HAS GOTTEN A CHANCE TO GET IN A RESPONSE[/b], then there's no issue. The Last Omnitect last had "Somebody" post immediately before they did, and "Somebody" has indeed posted, so it's Omnitect's turn to post. [quote][b]The Last Omnitect-[/b] [i] This is a well thought out opening post. I've put forward a good amount of effort to describe the setting and set up opportunities for others to jump in.[/i][/quote][quote][b]Somebody-[/b][i] This is a good response, engaging the thread-starter while still providing the opportunity for others to join in.[/i][/quote][quote][b]The Last Omnitect-[/b] [i]Yet another great post. We are both having so much fun in this thread![/i][/quote][quote][b]Somebody-[/b] [i]Such post. Very detailed. Much effort. Wow.[/i][/quote][quote][b]Yet Another Player-[/b] [i]Hey, I joined in this thread and have done so in a manner which does not derail the thread's momentum or hijack it's plot direction. I take some pains to introduce my character to the scene quickly, and jump right in![/i][/quote][quote][b]The Last Omnitect-[/b][i] I do a decent job integrating this new guy into our thread, responding in a manner that takes into account all that has transpired since my last post.[/i][/quote] It's now Somebody's turn, since The Last Omnitect was last above them, and he just posted... [quote][b]Somebody-[/b][i] This is a good response, engaging the thread-starter while still providing the opportunity for others to join in.[/i][/quote][quote][b]The Last Omnitect-[/b] [i]Yet another great post. We are both having so much fun in this thread![/i][/quote][quote][b]Somebody-[/b] [i]Such post. Very detailed. Much effort. Wow.[/i][/quote][quote][b]Yet Another Player-[/b] [i]Hey, I joined in this thread and have done so in a manner which does not derail the thread's momentum or hijack it's plot direction. I take some pains to introduce my character to the scene quickly, and jump right in![/i][/quote][quote][b]The Last Omnitect-[/b][i] I do a decent job integrating this new guy into our thread, responding in a manner that takes into account all that has transpired since my last post.[/i][/quote][quote][b]Somebody-[/b] [i]Yeah, what he said.[/i][/quote] FINISHED IN THE FIRST REPLY TO THIS POST!! WE'RE NEARLY THERE!!!
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Edited by Last Omnitect: 9/4/2014 2:28:16 AMAnd Yet Another Player wraps it up, and posting order is now restored. See? It's so much easier than it sounds. Just don't cut in line and wait your turn. And for whoever's turn it is, don't make everybody wait forever; try to post at least three times a week or more if you can. If not, at least take a moment to throw up a quick OOC post saying you can't post this time around and that it's OK for the next in line to skip you.[quote][b]Somebody-[/b][i] This is a good response, engaging the thread-starter while still providing the opportunity for others to join in.[/i][/quote][quote][b]The Last Omnitect-[/b] [i]Yet another great post. We are both having so much fun in this thread![/i][/quote][quote][b]Somebody-[/b] [i]Such post. Very detailed. Much effort. Wow.[/i][/quote][quote][b]Yet Another Player-[/b] [i]Hey, I joined in this thread and have done so in a manner which does not derail the thread's momentum or hijack it's plot direction. I take some pains to introduce my character to the scene quickly, and jump right in![/i][/quote][quote][b]The Last Omnitect-[/b][i] I do a decent job integrating this new guy into our thread, responding in a manner that takes into account all that has transpired since my last post.[/i][/quote][quote][b]Somebody-[/b] [i]Yeah, what he said.[/i][/quote][quote][b]Yet Another Guy- [/b][i](OOC- Hey guys, my computer is gonna be in the shop this week and posting on my phone is tough, so feel free to skip me this week. I'll post again when I'm ready to jump back in. Until then, assume my guy just tags along and does nothing noteworthy! Thanks guys!)[/i][/quote] See? Just like that, it's no longer your problem. Common Courtesy saves the day. [u][b]AND SO ENDS THE TUTORIAL ON FORUM ROLEPLAYING. Message any further questions you may have to me personally, and I'll do my best to answer them! Thanks for tolerating this massive post. It's been a huge journey, but hopefully it has been helpful to you all! SEE YOU STARSIDE, CURATORS![/b][/u]
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Can i have an example of a finished character sheet?
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Will we be using a certain site for this? I'm kind of confused I've been like playing tabletop games on roll20.net will we be using that? or something?