Post by Kels on Nov 14, 2008 23:18:25 GMT -6
So you want to play in Nepherasta and don’t know where to start? Then you’ve come to the right place.
The first step is knowing how to role play in a text game. If you already know that and have read our forum rules and role play rules posted on the Rules and Guides board, then it’s time to hop over to the Character Submission board. We ask that all new players start off with a low level character in Serenity.
The rest of you keep reading. Some of the information here is very basic stuff. Nepherasta is trying to be new player friendly, so if you find this stuff to basic, I apologize.
Nepherasta is like a story written one paragraph at a time. The style of play is often called Regulated Freeform. There are no health or magic stats for characters, though there are character levels and even different degrees of magic users. All rules are in place to keep things fair, but the rest is up to your own imagination.
How to Play
Text role playing happens one post at a time. It starts when someone posts a new thread of what their character is doing and maybe thinking at the moment of their post. Then another player will write a response post saying what their character is doing as well, normally in direct response to what the first character is doing. It's really very easy, you just have to like writing and reading.
For example, someone will post they enter a tavern. Someone else will respond and say they are already in that tavern and will then acknowledge the first character in their post, even if it's just to say their character didn't notice the first character enter. This is done in a whole paragraph or two where you might describe your characters actions, looks, garb, and thoughts as well as any other beats you'd like to throw in. The starting paragraph if often long, but all response paragraphs should be limited to just a bit of dialogue and action to give the next person responding time to actually respond.
My favorite example of this is when a friend's character entered a tavern while my character was near the door. She walked in, looked around, walked across the dance floor, sat at the bar, ordered a drink, received a drink, then turned around to see what was going on. My character greeted her at the door and followed her through all her other actions repeating her name over and over. Limiting your post to just one full action will prevent such things from happening. If she'd stopped with just entering and looking, then the response post wouldn't have made her look so rude or foolish. Entering would have been a full action, and looking is a half action. ( In this case, having fully read the posts before her entrance would have helped and she'd have noticed he was already by the door.)
Sometimes it's hard to reign in the post when you have something in mind that requires your character to be further or do a few things first, but always keep in mind that you need to give the others adequate time to respond. Though, by our rules if they don't respond in 24 hours, you can skip them and do another action.
As mentioned above, do not assume you don't need to read what is already going on in a thread if your character is just entering the scene. If there is a dead body laying around for example you might want to know that so your character can respond on your entrance post.
Nepherasta is not about fluff and how many words you can fit into your post. Word count does not impress us, fully fleshed out characters and good story do. And sometimes when the scene is moving fast you have to pull our your writer tricks that might require you to write less to keep the mood of a fast pace.
Starting a Thread
You want to post your character, but there no active threads that interest you. The solution is simple, start a new thread. When starting a new thread keep the following things in mind.
Other Characters:
Which characters do you want to interact with? If you know the answer to that just think about what the other character does, where he lives, where he goes and place your character in his path. Personally I find it easier not to leave it open and simple state in my opening post which character I'm about to interact with, though in almost all cases any other character with the ability to be in that place can also post a response.
Also if the character you wish to interact with is already in an active post, you will need to post there rather than starting a new thread, or wait until that thread is over. In the past we've tried not waiting and had a character in two threads with the second one being set later that day. But then by the time the first one wrapped up that character would be in the hospital, imprisoned, or running off on a quest to save a friend thus voiding the complete second thread as never happening at all. It's much easier to write in threads that take place in the past than in the future as we don't know what will happened between now and then.
Location:
Maybe you don't know which character you want to interact with, maybe you'll just play with anyone that will respond? That's fine, just put your character somewhere others can get to them. If you post you are entering your private home your chances of getting a response drop greatly.
Example: One time a player posted they were entering a secret residence that no one else knew about and their character was in disguise. In their opening post they also commented that the characters that might would have known anyway were out of town so no other player had anyone to respond with, as any response would have had to taken place in the residence that was entered in the opening post. The first player got upset no one responded. If you want a response, put your character in a location others can get to.
Story
Some call it plot, but we like to just call it story as there is no main plot in a role play setting. There are a lot of little plots that add to the overall story for each character. When making a thread keep in mind what the story is and if posting your character in that setting with whom you wish to interact with will further any story. For example, no one cares if some married couple is sitting down for tea if all they are going to talk about is their garden. But tea in the garden to talk about what to do about the hostilities with another family is story. Conflict creates story, but not all conflict is physical and some of it is internal.
Of course the post doesn't have to further the story. Sometimes just seeing two characters together interacting is enough fun with or without a decent story behind it. And other players may see story where you do not.
Responding
Look over the currently active posts and respond to one. Not sure which one? Keep these things in mind.
Other Characters:
Do you want to interact with all or any of the characters already in the post. Maybe you don't like them all, but sometimes you'll have to interact even with characters you don't like to keep things moving.
Location:
Is the thread taking place in a location your character can get to. Are they in a private area where you'd have to break in or knock to enter? Would being there possibly result in a fight to the death or being arrested? That could lead to a duel if you're in Serenity. Or perhaps your characters friends are in trouble and breaking into and then out of this location is a priority to save them?
If the area is private, have your character approach the area first so the player who owns the area can warn you of any alarms or wards you might need to be aware of. Though don't be upset if they don't tell you that you stepped on that pressure plate until after you do so. It's best to post a searching of such things before you set them off. The more secure the area, the most posting you'll need to just enter the location.
Most threads taken place in the relative open and other characters can just walk into the area or up to the other characters. But not always as the threat of danger is fun and creates conflict which creates story.
Story
Will posting your character in this thread further any story whether your character's or another?
Example: Two pirates are sitting on the docks talking about their shipment and a third player posts their assassin walking by. The pirates don't know the assassin and have no connection either directly or indirectly with the assassin and thus have no reason to stop their conversation to chase down a stranger they do not know and speak to. The player of the assassin has no desire to get involved in the pirates and was just bored so she keeps walking. Now there is a random post in the middle of the thread of an assassin walking along some docks that does nothing to the thread. The stories of the assassin or the pirates were not helped along in any way. If you are this bored, just start a new thread that will add to the story of your character.
Though you never know what I might throw in if you do add your character to a random thread in such a way. So there's no harm in trying it to see what might happen with your story, but don't be surprised if nothing at all happens in such a scenario.
Where Play Happens
All play happens right here on the Nepherasta forums. You can view the forums as a guest, but you have to register to post on most of them. It's free and easy to register, so you have nothing to lose. It’s highly suggested to make on account with your real name or some nickname you prefer to use as your OOC account for the purpose of talking OOC with the other players and asking questions. Make a new account for every character you wish to play. Each main character should be on a separate account.
How to Join
To join all you must do is make a forum account with the name you want to use for your character. You can change the display name later if you don’t like the first name you use, so don’t worry too much about that. Although if you start making posts as a character under one name, we ask that you make a new id for any other characters you want in the future, even if you no longer play the older ones. You can have as many accounts as you need.
With your account made and activated and the rules read, simply post on the Character Submission board with the character you intend to play. This is more to make sure people know how to make characters rather than a pass or fail thing. You won’t be denied if you’re playing nice. Though suggestions may be made, so don’t take offense if they are.
In fact you can start role playing right away, go ahead and pick a thread and make a post. If you’re brand new, I suggest Serenity.
The first step is knowing how to role play in a text game. If you already know that and have read our forum rules and role play rules posted on the Rules and Guides board, then it’s time to hop over to the Character Submission board. We ask that all new players start off with a low level character in Serenity.
The rest of you keep reading. Some of the information here is very basic stuff. Nepherasta is trying to be new player friendly, so if you find this stuff to basic, I apologize.
Nepherasta is like a story written one paragraph at a time. The style of play is often called Regulated Freeform. There are no health or magic stats for characters, though there are character levels and even different degrees of magic users. All rules are in place to keep things fair, but the rest is up to your own imagination.
How to Play
Text role playing happens one post at a time. It starts when someone posts a new thread of what their character is doing and maybe thinking at the moment of their post. Then another player will write a response post saying what their character is doing as well, normally in direct response to what the first character is doing. It's really very easy, you just have to like writing and reading.
For example, someone will post they enter a tavern. Someone else will respond and say they are already in that tavern and will then acknowledge the first character in their post, even if it's just to say their character didn't notice the first character enter. This is done in a whole paragraph or two where you might describe your characters actions, looks, garb, and thoughts as well as any other beats you'd like to throw in. The starting paragraph if often long, but all response paragraphs should be limited to just a bit of dialogue and action to give the next person responding time to actually respond.
My favorite example of this is when a friend's character entered a tavern while my character was near the door. She walked in, looked around, walked across the dance floor, sat at the bar, ordered a drink, received a drink, then turned around to see what was going on. My character greeted her at the door and followed her through all her other actions repeating her name over and over. Limiting your post to just one full action will prevent such things from happening. If she'd stopped with just entering and looking, then the response post wouldn't have made her look so rude or foolish. Entering would have been a full action, and looking is a half action. ( In this case, having fully read the posts before her entrance would have helped and she'd have noticed he was already by the door.)
Sometimes it's hard to reign in the post when you have something in mind that requires your character to be further or do a few things first, but always keep in mind that you need to give the others adequate time to respond. Though, by our rules if they don't respond in 24 hours, you can skip them and do another action.
As mentioned above, do not assume you don't need to read what is already going on in a thread if your character is just entering the scene. If there is a dead body laying around for example you might want to know that so your character can respond on your entrance post.
Nepherasta is not about fluff and how many words you can fit into your post. Word count does not impress us, fully fleshed out characters and good story do. And sometimes when the scene is moving fast you have to pull our your writer tricks that might require you to write less to keep the mood of a fast pace.
Starting a Thread
You want to post your character, but there no active threads that interest you. The solution is simple, start a new thread. When starting a new thread keep the following things in mind.
Other Characters:
Which characters do you want to interact with? If you know the answer to that just think about what the other character does, where he lives, where he goes and place your character in his path. Personally I find it easier not to leave it open and simple state in my opening post which character I'm about to interact with, though in almost all cases any other character with the ability to be in that place can also post a response.
Also if the character you wish to interact with is already in an active post, you will need to post there rather than starting a new thread, or wait until that thread is over. In the past we've tried not waiting and had a character in two threads with the second one being set later that day. But then by the time the first one wrapped up that character would be in the hospital, imprisoned, or running off on a quest to save a friend thus voiding the complete second thread as never happening at all. It's much easier to write in threads that take place in the past than in the future as we don't know what will happened between now and then.
Location:
Maybe you don't know which character you want to interact with, maybe you'll just play with anyone that will respond? That's fine, just put your character somewhere others can get to them. If you post you are entering your private home your chances of getting a response drop greatly.
Example: One time a player posted they were entering a secret residence that no one else knew about and their character was in disguise. In their opening post they also commented that the characters that might would have known anyway were out of town so no other player had anyone to respond with, as any response would have had to taken place in the residence that was entered in the opening post. The first player got upset no one responded. If you want a response, put your character in a location others can get to.
Story
Some call it plot, but we like to just call it story as there is no main plot in a role play setting. There are a lot of little plots that add to the overall story for each character. When making a thread keep in mind what the story is and if posting your character in that setting with whom you wish to interact with will further any story. For example, no one cares if some married couple is sitting down for tea if all they are going to talk about is their garden. But tea in the garden to talk about what to do about the hostilities with another family is story. Conflict creates story, but not all conflict is physical and some of it is internal.
Of course the post doesn't have to further the story. Sometimes just seeing two characters together interacting is enough fun with or without a decent story behind it. And other players may see story where you do not.
Responding
Look over the currently active posts and respond to one. Not sure which one? Keep these things in mind.
Other Characters:
Do you want to interact with all or any of the characters already in the post. Maybe you don't like them all, but sometimes you'll have to interact even with characters you don't like to keep things moving.
Location:
Is the thread taking place in a location your character can get to. Are they in a private area where you'd have to break in or knock to enter? Would being there possibly result in a fight to the death or being arrested? That could lead to a duel if you're in Serenity. Or perhaps your characters friends are in trouble and breaking into and then out of this location is a priority to save them?
If the area is private, have your character approach the area first so the player who owns the area can warn you of any alarms or wards you might need to be aware of. Though don't be upset if they don't tell you that you stepped on that pressure plate until after you do so. It's best to post a searching of such things before you set them off. The more secure the area, the most posting you'll need to just enter the location.
Most threads taken place in the relative open and other characters can just walk into the area or up to the other characters. But not always as the threat of danger is fun and creates conflict which creates story.
Story
Will posting your character in this thread further any story whether your character's or another?
Example: Two pirates are sitting on the docks talking about their shipment and a third player posts their assassin walking by. The pirates don't know the assassin and have no connection either directly or indirectly with the assassin and thus have no reason to stop their conversation to chase down a stranger they do not know and speak to. The player of the assassin has no desire to get involved in the pirates and was just bored so she keeps walking. Now there is a random post in the middle of the thread of an assassin walking along some docks that does nothing to the thread. The stories of the assassin or the pirates were not helped along in any way. If you are this bored, just start a new thread that will add to the story of your character.
Though you never know what I might throw in if you do add your character to a random thread in such a way. So there's no harm in trying it to see what might happen with your story, but don't be surprised if nothing at all happens in such a scenario.
Where Play Happens
All play happens right here on the Nepherasta forums. You can view the forums as a guest, but you have to register to post on most of them. It's free and easy to register, so you have nothing to lose. It’s highly suggested to make on account with your real name or some nickname you prefer to use as your OOC account for the purpose of talking OOC with the other players and asking questions. Make a new account for every character you wish to play. Each main character should be on a separate account.
How to Join
To join all you must do is make a forum account with the name you want to use for your character. You can change the display name later if you don’t like the first name you use, so don’t worry too much about that. Although if you start making posts as a character under one name, we ask that you make a new id for any other characters you want in the future, even if you no longer play the older ones. You can have as many accounts as you need.
With your account made and activated and the rules read, simply post on the Character Submission board with the character you intend to play. This is more to make sure people know how to make characters rather than a pass or fail thing. You won’t be denied if you’re playing nice. Though suggestions may be made, so don’t take offense if they are.
In fact you can start role playing right away, go ahead and pick a thread and make a post. If you’re brand new, I suggest Serenity.