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Forums » Help » Freeform combat I need guidance

In the old days of Yahoo user rooms we had rules about how it was done...not only are they years outdated but couldn't apply here anyway as this is a forum not a chat client, but certainly I feel there are rules out there or even just good ettiquite guidelines for making combat a fun and meaningful experience for all involved, be they observers or participants.

Can someone help me with how combat on freeform rp forums works here? Or even give me a link to where the rules might be posted? Or in fact...any guidance of any kind on this subject would be greatly appreciated...my one and only character comes from a race of warriors and I should probably know how to do this for when she gets herself in trouble, or, Nyva forbid, becomes a target
Sanne Moderator

Hi there! On RPR we don't have set guidelines for how to roleplay. We pretty much want everyone to play as they like. :)

The key ingredient to make this work is by talking to your RP partner and ask them how they like to do freeform combat RP and letting them know what you like. Everyone has their own preferences in this. That way you can find a middle ground and have a fun game where everyone is happy.

We don't have a guide for freeform combat roleplays because it's so dependent on communication with your RP partner. We do have a guide for dice assisted combat but that's probably not what you're looking for. However, a lot of people do like to use a mix of minimum dice and freeform combat.

For example, you can describe that an attempt was made at a certain action, then use a dice roll (always shown on the bottom of the text box when you write a forum or PM post) to decide if it's a hit or miss. I personally like to do this to create plot twists and to keep it fair towards my partner. It doesn't have to apply to every combat move, but it can be a super helpful tool to keep things balanced and avoid the roleplay getting stale. It can be that simple! Most freeform roleplayers just go with whatever outcome works out for the benefit of the plot though.

Do be mindful of the 'my character always has to win and is invincible' mindset though. Most players don't appreciate it when their partners roleplay their characters this way because it's only fun for one person, and roleplay is a team sport that should be fun for all involved. :)
Alien_Princess Topic Starter

I understand all to well the my character is invincible thing and I'm not a fan of it either...I used to play D&D and it seemed every group had that one guy

I appreciate the response also I read some things on in search of rp that made me think some rules were out there

As long as everyone plays fair I think that way can work also but you're right about the dice thing, can make a fun game more fun and interesting.

Thanks a lot
Sanne Moderator

Awesome! I hope you'll have lots of fun playing with the members here. :D Let us know if we can help with anything else!

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