Feedback welcome. I'd like to do a simple infographic, so I've chosen not to get SUPER detailed about the nuances of Rp.
If there's something important you feel has been left out, leave a comment. Please keep conversation constructive.
I'm also open to suggestions for sites/places to search.
Co-written with a friend.
ROLEPLAY: Cooperative writing.
Roleplay is turn-based cooperative writing, typically between two or more 'partners'. It comes in a variety of flavors and types, as each player brings their own twist and style to the table.
Most commonly, each player has a character that they control the thoughts and actions of. It is considered impolite to control someone else's character without their permission. Roleplay can be something you do for fun, or a way to develop your writing style and original characters. Or both at once! It can be anything, really.
OOC
Out of character. (You're talking, not your character).
IC
In character. (Your character is speaking and acting, not you). It is best to always keep IC and OOC separate, as a character's thoughts and feelings do not express those of its player.
THERE ARE SOME COMMON FORMS OF RP
Fandom
Roleplay that takes place in an established mainstream setting, such as DC comics, Harry Potter, etc.
PanFandom
Takes place across several fandoms. (Mixing Marvel and Stranger things, etc.)
Headworld
Takes place in a setting you or your partner made up, but one person maintains control of the setting. (Can also be shared- but it's polite to ask permission first).
Sharedworld
Takes place in a setting you made up together.
Real Time
In real time, posts have a quick turn around, usually 10 - 30 minutes. (Sometimes more if desired). Real time sessions often begin and end in the same day.
Long Form
Slow turn around. Sessions can last days, weeks, even years. Players post at a mutually agreed on, casual pace. Differences as large as a few times a day to once a week are not uncommon.
Para
Long posts, at least one paragraph or more. Para Rp tends to be descriptive and read like a book.
Script
Short posts. Less than a paragraph on average, and sometimes just dialogue!
One x One
No more than two players.
Group
Two or more players. (Often intermixed with one on one. It's perfectly normal to have three partners and only see all three together once in a while).
What about smut?
It's like cheese. Some people like it. Some people don't. Some people experience extreme gastrointestinal distress, but it's offered as a side everywhere you go. If you aren't into it, politely say so and most folks will honor that.
FINDING A PARTNER
The Rp community is scattered. MANY have gathered on forums (jcink, especially). Discord has recently seen an eruption of servers. Some MMOs have communities, too. So does tumblr!
It's impossible to point you in a direction and say 'this place will be your style'. This writer's advice is to take advantage of the HUBs and dip a toe in. Let folks know you're new to the scene, they might help you figure out how to get where you're going.
Rpg-Directory Forum based. Offers formal templates you can fill out and submit.
RpRepository Website. Has looking for sections on their forum, as well as tools you won't find anywhere else. Hosts character pages. Has an adults only section for those who only wish to play with other adults.
BarberMonger Offers a place to post one on one searches, or advertise your group.
Spicy Cats Discord/chat based. Adults only, but no explicit content. Offers chats to Rp in and places to search for a partner.
If there's something important you feel has been left out, leave a comment. Please keep conversation constructive.
I'm also open to suggestions for sites/places to search.Co-written with a friend.
ROLEPLAY: Cooperative writing.
Roleplay is turn-based cooperative writing, typically between two or more 'partners'. It comes in a variety of flavors and types, as each player brings their own twist and style to the table.
Most commonly, each player has a character that they control the thoughts and actions of. It is considered impolite to control someone else's character without their permission. Roleplay can be something you do for fun, or a way to develop your writing style and original characters. Or both at once! It can be anything, really.
OOC
Out of character. (You're talking, not your character).
IC
In character. (Your character is speaking and acting, not you). It is best to always keep IC and OOC separate, as a character's thoughts and feelings do not express those of its player.
THERE ARE SOME COMMON FORMS OF RP
Fandom
Roleplay that takes place in an established mainstream setting, such as DC comics, Harry Potter, etc.
PanFandom
Takes place across several fandoms. (Mixing Marvel and Stranger things, etc.)
Headworld
Takes place in a setting you or your partner made up, but one person maintains control of the setting. (Can also be shared- but it's polite to ask permission first).
Sharedworld
Takes place in a setting you made up together.
Real Time
In real time, posts have a quick turn around, usually 10 - 30 minutes. (Sometimes more if desired). Real time sessions often begin and end in the same day.
Long Form
Slow turn around. Sessions can last days, weeks, even years. Players post at a mutually agreed on, casual pace. Differences as large as a few times a day to once a week are not uncommon.
Para
Long posts, at least one paragraph or more. Para Rp tends to be descriptive and read like a book.
Script
Short posts. Less than a paragraph on average, and sometimes just dialogue!
One x One
No more than two players.
Group
Two or more players. (Often intermixed with one on one. It's perfectly normal to have three partners and only see all three together once in a while).
What about smut?
It's like cheese. Some people like it. Some people don't. Some people experience extreme gastrointestinal distress, but it's offered as a side everywhere you go. If you aren't into it, politely say so and most folks will honor that.
FINDING A PARTNER
The Rp community is scattered. MANY have gathered on forums (jcink, especially). Discord has recently seen an eruption of servers. Some MMOs have communities, too. So does tumblr!
It's impossible to point you in a direction and say 'this place will be your style'. This writer's advice is to take advantage of the HUBs and dip a toe in. Let folks know you're new to the scene, they might help you figure out how to get where you're going.
Rpg-Directory Forum based. Offers formal templates you can fill out and submit.
RpRepository Website. Has looking for sections on their forum, as well as tools you won't find anywhere else. Hosts character pages. Has an adults only section for those who only wish to play with other adults.
BarberMonger Offers a place to post one on one searches, or advertise your group.
Spicy Cats Discord/chat based. Adults only, but no explicit content. Offers chats to Rp in and places to search for a partner.
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