Good morning everyone!
I joined RPR a year ago today and in this first year I had so many good experiences here that I simply wanted to celebrate with you all, and organize another Raffle!
But first, my thanks to two special people today: Mel, who led me to this wonderful site, and Demi, who let me join his amazing fantasy group Tam'nýer—a' where I grew and developed in leaps and bounds. Demi also taught me a little more about RP including a few nifty techniques to make sure I avoided things such as meta-gaming, and analyzing my profile as a writer and helping me improve, and it has truly been a pleasure. Thank you both!
... and now, to the Raffle:
Prizes:
1. Oil of Epicness
2. Book of Pages
3. Mask
4. Wand of Epicness
5. Dragon Tooth
Rules:
Until October 31st, 9am EST, post a paragraph (or several) here from your writer's profile, with the best advice you would give a friend who starts to write collaboratively. One entry per writer.
On October 31st, more or less after 9am EST, 5 RPR dice rolls will designate the winners.
Good luck and have fun! Come celebrate with me!
Entrants (so far):
1. Demilicious
2. Hikari_Yagaza
3. Sauron
4. Mercyinreach
5. Crystaldragon126
6. StaticNightmares
7. Lucretire
8. LakotaSiouxWarrior
9. Dndmama
10. noodle
11. Hadeslicious
12. Krispythekritter
13. Tusitala2017
14. Juls
15. Volka
16. ShadowWeaver
17. CoyBoat275
18. Mipps
19. Winters_Fury
20. Key-Blue
I joined RPR a year ago today and in this first year I had so many good experiences here that I simply wanted to celebrate with you all, and organize another Raffle!
But first, my thanks to two special people today: Mel, who led me to this wonderful site, and Demi, who let me join his amazing fantasy group Tam'nýer—a' where I grew and developed in leaps and bounds. Demi also taught me a little more about RP including a few nifty techniques to make sure I avoided things such as meta-gaming, and analyzing my profile as a writer and helping me improve, and it has truly been a pleasure. Thank you both!
... and now, to the Raffle:
Prizes:
1. Oil of Epicness
2. Book of Pages
3. Mask
4. Wand of Epicness
5. Dragon Tooth
Rules:
Until October 31st, 9am EST, post a paragraph (or several) here from your writer's profile, with the best advice you would give a friend who starts to write collaboratively. One entry per writer.
On October 31st, more or less after 9am EST, 5 RPR dice rolls will designate the winners.
Good luck and have fun! Come celebrate with me!
Entrants (so far):
1. Demilicious
2. Hikari_Yagaza
3. Sauron
4. Mercyinreach
5. Crystaldragon126
6. StaticNightmares
7. Lucretire
8. LakotaSiouxWarrior
9. Dndmama
10. noodle
11. Hadeslicious
12. Krispythekritter
13. Tusitala2017
14. Juls
15. Volka
16. ShadowWeaver
17. CoyBoat275
18. Mipps
19. Winters_Fury
20. Key-Blue
I am currently on mobile, and you know how much I don't like to type on one but I didn't want to slack.
You have been an exceptional presence in my life and I could not be more grateful for you, Dorian. Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart, for everything that you do. Truly. ♡
For a helpful tip, I'll use, in my opinion, one of the most useful ones and one I shared with you early on.
For ease, I will simply quote from Discord;
"I've found that when I'm a little touchy on what's inner character actions and outer, especially in the novella posts I do with other writers, and things get a bit long, I go back over them and I highlight what I can write a reaction to when typing up my own reply."
Here's a visual to help;
♡♡♡ Best of luck to all entrants & thank you, Dorian ♡♡♡
You have been an exceptional presence in my life and I could not be more grateful for you, Dorian. Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart, for everything that you do. Truly. ♡
For a helpful tip, I'll use, in my opinion, one of the most useful ones and one I shared with you early on.
For ease, I will simply quote from Discord;
"I've found that when I'm a little touchy on what's inner character actions and outer, especially in the novella posts I do with other writers, and things get a bit long, I go back over them and I highlight what I can write a reaction to when typing up my own reply."
Here's a visual to help;
♡♡♡ Best of luck to all entrants & thank you, Dorian ♡♡♡
((Awesome raffle! Congrats on a year on RPR . Here's my entry, hope it's decent.))
Last year, I taught a Roleplaying seminar to around 4 students. During the course of that seminar, I taught my student's about character creation and development, about the cardinal sins of Roleplay such as godmodding, Metagaming and the like. I also taught them a little about BB code, though that was minimal. To my eternal joy, everyone in my seminar got credit for it. (ranging from .25 to 1 credit.) It was great.
I think the most important thing I taught them about RP is to always communicate. If you don't like something in the RP, talk about it. If you find the RP can't continue, don't leave people hanging and waiting for a response, tell them you think it best to end the roleplay. Communication is key. Without it, so many misunderstandings can form. One example I gave was that I was in an RP with someone I super admired, they had an amazing writing style, and I adored their character. But then they ghosted me and I thought it was because they were annoyed by me or because I wasn't good enough. I empathized that sometimes communication can go awry and it's important not to take stuff too personally, that I was probably doing that with this scenario. It turned out I was right about that, though I found that out long after the seminar ended.
Currently, that RPer and I are in a group RP with one other person, and its super fun!
. Here's my entry, hope it's decent.))Last year, I taught a Roleplaying seminar to around 4 students. During the course of that seminar, I taught my student's about character creation and development, about the cardinal sins of Roleplay such as godmodding, Metagaming and the like. I also taught them a little about BB code, though that was minimal. To my eternal joy, everyone in my seminar got credit for it. (ranging from .25 to 1 credit.) It was great.
I think the most important thing I taught them about RP is to always communicate. If you don't like something in the RP, talk about it. If you find the RP can't continue, don't leave people hanging and waiting for a response, tell them you think it best to end the roleplay. Communication is key. Without it, so many misunderstandings can form. One example I gave was that I was in an RP with someone I super admired, they had an amazing writing style, and I adored their character. But then they ghosted me and I thought it was because they were annoyed by me or because I wasn't good enough. I empathized that sometimes communication can go awry and it's important not to take stuff too personally, that I was probably doing that with this scenario. It turned out I was right about that, though I found that out long after the seminar ended.
Currently, that RPer and I are in a group RP with one other person, and its super fun!
throwing all my love at you, Dorian!! 💖 congrats on being here a year! You're always so kind and I'm so glad/lucky to have met you through Tam'nýer—a'!
There are so many things I could suggest to remember about collaboration on plots and writing with others in general, but I'll stick to the tid bits I personally find the most important and always try to remember myself ❤
1. Never feel pressured to agree to everything suggested by the other in the plot, because at the end of the day its something that the both of you are trying to enjoy and if something that your partner has suggested has made you uncomfortable, or you know you're simply not into writing that sort of element into an RP always speak up! I know sometimes it might bring up the worry that you'll upset them, or that they'll drop the thread but if that happens then.. All I can say is they weren't compatible with you, and don't fret! You'll find plenty of others willing to work with your comfort and limits
2. Never hesitate to drop a plot if you're no longer feeling up to it! I know from experience that forcing yourself to write something you're no longer interested in can drain the muse really fast, and your writing just isn't up to par with it. Let your partner know, and if they're understanding they'll be perfectly fine with it or even be willing to suggest some changes to try and bring some vibrance to the plot for you again! ❤
3. I guess this goes without saying, and ive listed examples above, but communication is always key! It may not seem like it sometimes but speaking with your partner/s about this or that can do wonders for your plot and relationship as roleplay partners! I know it took me some time to break my own shell but hell, if someone as worrisome and anxious as me can do it I have no doubt you can too ❤ Communication is very important between roleplay partners.
Also, never cut yourself short ❤ Remember to be confident in yourself, even if its hard sometimes!
There are so many things I could suggest to remember about collaboration on plots and writing with others in general, but I'll stick to the tid bits I personally find the most important and always try to remember myself ❤
1. Never feel pressured to agree to everything suggested by the other in the plot, because at the end of the day its something that the both of you are trying to enjoy and if something that your partner has suggested has made you uncomfortable, or you know you're simply not into writing that sort of element into an RP always speak up! I know sometimes it might bring up the worry that you'll upset them, or that they'll drop the thread but if that happens then.. All I can say is they weren't compatible with you, and don't fret! You'll find plenty of others willing to work with your comfort and limits
2. Never hesitate to drop a plot if you're no longer feeling up to it! I know from experience that forcing yourself to write something you're no longer interested in can drain the muse really fast, and your writing just isn't up to par with it. Let your partner know, and if they're understanding they'll be perfectly fine with it or even be willing to suggest some changes to try and bring some vibrance to the plot for you again! ❤
3. I guess this goes without saying, and ive listed examples above, but communication is always key! It may not seem like it sometimes but speaking with your partner/s about this or that can do wonders for your plot and relationship as roleplay partners! I know it took me some time to break my own shell but hell, if someone as worrisome and anxious as me can do it I have no doubt you can too ❤ Communication is very important between roleplay partners.
Also, never cut yourself short ❤ Remember to be confident in yourself, even if its hard sometimes!
This is so sweet! Happy one year on RPR! I'm glad this place has made an impact on your life
My number 1 piece of advice for someone just starting out collaberative writing is:
Don't give up.
It's going to take time to find long term writing partners, people you really click with, and games/plays/groups that last. Like most things n life just when you think you're not going to, you do! Keep putting out LFRP's, keep replying to LFRP's, joining groups that interest you and creating your characters. Everyone goes through the period where it seems like they can't find anyone to write with or all their RP's are ending, this comes and goes - but you'll never find long term partners and wonderful RP's that leave a mark on your very soul if you give up before you do.
A good partner and good story are always right around the corner.
I'm glad this place has made an impact on your life My number 1 piece of advice for someone just starting out collaberative writing is:
Don't give up.
It's going to take time to find long term writing partners, people you really click with, and games/plays/groups that last. Like most things n life just when you think you're not going to, you do! Keep putting out LFRP's, keep replying to LFRP's, joining groups that interest you and creating your characters. Everyone goes through the period where it seems like they can't find anyone to write with or all their RP's are ending, this comes and goes - but you'll never find long term partners and wonderful RP's that leave a mark on your very soul if you give up before you do.
A good partner and good story are always right around the corner.
Thank you so much for doing this raffle! I’m on mobile but I’ll try my best!
I think a big part when starting rp that I made the mistake of doing, is that taking on too many rps at once is going to make it feel more like a chore than fun. Yes there are a lot of amazing plots and people out there, but pacing yourself when you’re starting out and getting a feel for things is much more important. Also it’s really important to communicate with your rp partners and be respectful of them! For example, their boundaries in rp. Sometimes they’re not comfortable with something and that’s ok and should be respected in rp. And sometimes something happens in real life, and they can’t respond right away. It doesn’t always mean that they have ghosted you, it might, but a lot of times they have forgotten to reply or are just really busy at the time! Either way, don’t give up trying to learn rp if you really want to!
I think a big part when starting rp that I made the mistake of doing, is that taking on too many rps at once is going to make it feel more like a chore than fun. Yes there are a lot of amazing plots and people out there, but pacing yourself when you’re starting out and getting a feel for things is much more important. Also it’s really important to communicate with your rp partners and be respectful of them! For example, their boundaries in rp. Sometimes they’re not comfortable with something and that’s ok and should be respected in rp. And sometimes something happens in real life, and they can’t respond right away. It doesn’t always mean that they have ghosted you, it might, but a lot of times they have forgotten to reply or are just really busy at the time! Either way, don’t give up trying to learn rp if you really want to!
happy one year!
Advice...
Don't underestimate yourself. Be confident; you may not be the best writer, but everyone can always improve and the best way to do such a thing is to keep having a go at it and keep trying. If you're going to do something, say you suck at it and immediately give up, you're missing a whole opportunity for something amazing.
Always strive to improve! Look up things to make your RP more realistic. Reference, reference, reference! My bookmarks are full of articles and studies of mental health and body types and behaviours just so I can make things seem more realistic which in turn, make my experience much more enjoyable. Look up new word definitions and vocabulary, sentence structures...don't settle. Strive to have the best version of your writing as you can get.
Advice...
Don't underestimate yourself. Be confident; you may not be the best writer, but everyone can always improve and the best way to do such a thing is to keep having a go at it and keep trying. If you're going to do something, say you suck at it and immediately give up, you're missing a whole opportunity for something amazing.
Always strive to improve! Look up things to make your RP more realistic. Reference, reference, reference! My bookmarks are full of articles and studies of mental health and body types and behaviours just so I can make things seem more realistic which in turn, make my experience much more enjoyable. Look up new word definitions and vocabulary, sentence structures...don't settle. Strive to have the best version of your writing as you can get.
Wow, one year? Congrats to you!
But what I would give as advice for a newbie starting out?
It's okay to set limits, and it's okay to say no.
Even if you have one or two limits, or a lot like me, it's always okay to set a limit for yourself! It's also okay to push past those limits once you feel comfortable enough to break out of that zone. It's never okay, however, to accept roleplays out of the blue because you feel like you have to. You can always say no.
Yes, this may shorten the vast pool of potential players. But it's better to have a small pool of people you want to roleplay with, than to have roleplaying feel like a chore since your limits don't match with others you're playing with. When you're comfortable, you have fun!
But what I would give as advice for a newbie starting out?
It's okay to set limits, and it's okay to say no.
Even if you have one or two limits, or a lot like me, it's always okay to set a limit for yourself! It's also okay to push past those limits once you feel comfortable enough to break out of that zone. It's never okay, however, to accept roleplays out of the blue because you feel like you have to. You can always say no.
Yes, this may shorten the vast pool of potential players. But it's better to have a small pool of people you want to roleplay with, than to have roleplaying feel like a chore since your limits don't match with others you're playing with. When you're comfortable, you have fun!
Happy one year anniversary. One thing I've learned is to be flexible. Also to adjust tweak a roleplay to improve to make it better. Communicate with each other and work together to make the characters shine for both of you. Always listen to each other and have fun. Thanks for the wonderful contest. Good luck to everybody.
Oooh! Raffle! And a whole year on RPR, eh? Grats, Dorian! Here's to hoping the next year is just as fun for you!
As for my advice...
Well, I figure there will probably be a ton of over lap. Different people rp differently and expect different things out of rp, but the core basis for this hobby remains pretty much the same across the board. Communication. Cooperation. Fun. What can I add to the discussion? Well, I'll throw in my own failures that I've (hopefully) learned from over the years.
-Don't step on someone else's moment! Yea, no one likes it when the other person gets all the attention all the time, but if this is something that's been talked about or building up for a while, let it happen! If it's something they're excited for and have been talking about/setting up since the beginning, go with the flow and let it play out in full. You'll get your moment too. Everyone does. Let them have theirs.
-If you feel like you have painted yourself into a corner, don't be afraid to ask the other person for advice. It may be embarrassing, but they could have a different perspective or insight that you haven't thought of yet to help keep the rp rolling. Bare minimum they'll know you are still interested, just stuck, and that it's you, not them.
As for my advice...
Well, I figure there will probably be a ton of over lap. Different people rp differently and expect different things out of rp, but the core basis for this hobby remains pretty much the same across the board. Communication. Cooperation. Fun. What can I add to the discussion? Well, I'll throw in my own failures that I've (hopefully) learned from over the years.
-Don't step on someone else's moment! Yea, no one likes it when the other person gets all the attention all the time, but if this is something that's been talked about or building up for a while, let it happen! If it's something they're excited for and have been talking about/setting up since the beginning, go with the flow and let it play out in full. You'll get your moment too. Everyone does. Let them have theirs.
-If you feel like you have painted yourself into a corner, don't be afraid to ask the other person for advice. It may be embarrassing, but they could have a different perspective or insight that you haven't thought of yet to help keep the rp rolling. Bare minimum they'll know you are still interested, just stuck, and that it's you, not them.
A year? Wow, awesome! Glad to see people sticking around here
My advice would be this: Never be afraid to ask for clarification.
Sometimes your partner may post something that confuses you- maybe it's a typo, or an unedited bit that slipped through the final draft. Maybe you just don't understand an action, or a motivation. Writing a reply for that can be daunting. So just ask your partner to clarify!
Make sure to be polite, and don't make it a case of 'you're an idiot and your writing is hard to understand'. The last thing you want to do is offend them over a simple mistake. Rather, word it like 'hey, I'm having trouble understanding _____, mind helping me out?'.
In the same vein, don't be offended if someone asks you to clarify something. It's hardly ever a jab at your writing, because if your partner cares enough to ask, it means they're into the RP!
My advice would be this: Never be afraid to ask for clarification.
Sometimes your partner may post something that confuses you- maybe it's a typo, or an unedited bit that slipped through the final draft. Maybe you just don't understand an action, or a motivation. Writing a reply for that can be daunting. So just ask your partner to clarify!
Make sure to be polite, and don't make it a case of 'you're an idiot and your writing is hard to understand'. The last thing you want to do is offend them over a simple mistake. Rather, word it like 'hey, I'm having trouble understanding _____, mind helping me out?'.
In the same vein, don't be offended if someone asks you to clarify something. It's hardly ever a jab at your writing, because if your partner cares enough to ask, it means they're into the RP!
I'm so glad that we've stepped in to one another's lives. It's amazing, and I couldn't be more thankful for a friend like you, Dorian. I admit I was skeptical for the most ridiculous of reasons, innately my horrible insecurities, but it was wonderful to get to know you in the way that I have. I couldn't have asked for a better, more lovely and absolutely brilliant lady to befriend!
On to the advice. If I have to say anything it's going to be Q.T.I.P. Quit taking it personally. There's a lot of people who take rejection, mix ups in stories, or stories falling through and falling apart, or people simply not meshing well at all as a person attack on their character. That's not what it is, and it's okay to take those rejections. It's okay to feel sad about them, but don't let it be the end all be all of your time in writing. Don't take the silent moments, the other person being distracted, or the days without talking as a personal reaction to you. Everyone has their reasons for being talkative or not talkative. Sometimes people fall in and out of conversations within a split second, and sometimes they get distracted and walk away for a bit. It happens, but that doesn't specifically mean that there's something you've done as a result of that.
This is something I like to tell a lot of people, and often I need to remind myself of it too. Thank you for hosting this raffle, Dorian! *fingers crossed for that book or the dragon's tooth*
On to the advice. If I have to say anything it's going to be Q.T.I.P. Quit taking it personally. There's a lot of people who take rejection, mix ups in stories, or stories falling through and falling apart, or people simply not meshing well at all as a person attack on their character. That's not what it is, and it's okay to take those rejections. It's okay to feel sad about them, but don't let it be the end all be all of your time in writing. Don't take the silent moments, the other person being distracted, or the days without talking as a personal reaction to you. Everyone has their reasons for being talkative or not talkative. Sometimes people fall in and out of conversations within a split second, and sometimes they get distracted and walk away for a bit. It happens, but that doesn't specifically mean that there's something you've done as a result of that.
This is something I like to tell a lot of people, and often I need to remind myself of it too.
Thank you for hosting this raffle, Dorian! *fingers crossed for that book or the dragon's tooth*
This isn't an entry because I don't want to take away the chance for someone to win something they really want or need.
But I just wanted to say Happy RPR Anniversary to you! It's amazingly generous of you to celebrate this way. I'm glad that you've found this site and so many friends to help you grow as an RPer. Cheers to many more years on this site.
But I just wanted to say Happy RPR Anniversary to you! It's amazingly generous of you to celebrate this way. I'm glad that you've found this site and so many friends to help you grow as an RPer. Cheers to many more years on this site.
Happy anniversary Dorian. I am super glad that I got the opportunity to meet and write with you. It is always a blast to see the fun we have and the plotting we do. This may be a little short but it should count.
My advice would be to remember that there is always more to learn about writing and character creation. No one has a perfect method for character creating or even for writing but simply a method or style that works well for them. Everyone wants to make their characters as they see fit. It will not mesh with everyone. The same things can be said of their writing style and preferences. People learn more about writing through reading other people's work. It is important to keep reading and to keep writing.
Everyone else already rose some good points and advice as well. It was interesting to read through what everyone else has said.
My advice would be to remember that there is always more to learn about writing and character creation. No one has a perfect method for character creating or even for writing but simply a method or style that works well for them. Everyone wants to make their characters as they see fit. It will not mesh with everyone. The same things can be said of their writing style and preferences. People learn more about writing through reading other people's work. It is important to keep reading and to keep writing.
Everyone else already rose some good points and advice as well. It was interesting to read through what everyone else has said.
Happy anniversary, our generous host. Hope you stay around for many years to come!
Below are 2 cents for collaborative roleplays
If you wish to join a story that has already started... before you do... invest time in reading first.
1. Check the Looking for RP post
Search for and read the original looking for RP post which sets out the plot and overall story
It sometimes also mentions the key characters (some of which may still be up for grabs)
2. Go to the first page and read back what has been posted so far in IC.
This will help you grow familiar with the story, the characters, their personalities, the scenes that have been played so far. You will find your footing around the story easier if you have that knowledge.
While a little time consuming, reading back to what has been said OOC/IC will help ensure that your first post and chosen character fit into the story like a ring on a finger, without breaking the flow or ruining the current conversations and scenes that are going on.
3. Meet the team OOC first
After you have done your research (read the OOC comments, IC posts, LKFRP entry...) do not post your IC reply without engaging with the other writers OOC to introduce yourself, your chosen character, its personality and get a feel on how to join in successfully
It's bad practice to jump into IC with a post that has nothing to do with the overall story, with a character that doesn't fit it, doing or telling things that have nothing to do with what is currently going on
If you randomly throw a reply, there is a chance the current players might get annoyed at what they perceive is an interruption/hijacking of the story or scene especially if what you post has nothing to do with what is happening IC wise.
For new stories life is much easier as there is less research to be done...
- Check the LKFRP for any plots and restrictions and preferences
- Check any OOC threads for what others suggest and also share your ideas there
- You can also check the characters that have signed up so far to get a feel for their background stories/personality if available.
4. Pay attention to the posting order
As eager as you are to throw many replies into the new exciting story, be aware that, some stories follow a strict posting order, and players may leave or ask you to leave... if you consistently queue-jump by posting multiple replies without OOC agreement or without giving others sufficient time and chance to react/reply in between.
Not all stories have a strict posting order, other stories are more fluid and you just post in IC in a way that is lead by the plot itself, jumping into IC when it makes most sense. Good practice is to engage OOC to see if others mind you posting next, or explaining what your next move might be.
5. If you're stuck for ideas... ask your peers.
Especially the OP may already have a good idea of what the RP is about and give you a few good prompts to keep the story going
6. When the muse or interest dies, make a graceful IC exit
If you feel burdened or uninterested don't ghost and simply leave, try to make a graceful exit
Your character suffers an accident and can no longer continue or dies of illness or has to go on a lengthy journey/go back home never to return, etc...
Leaving mid story can leave the IC feeling broken/hanging on you which puts more effort on your peers who dont feel comfortable stating your character was left behind on your behalf (aka forced to godmod your character to not leave the story lingering)
7. Never Godmod others
Godmodding
Issue 1: using OOC knowledge in IC as if your character already knew what has been discussed OOC among players. Things like who is the bad guy, who is the mysterious character and what will they find up the road or in the locked room.
For example. just because you as a writer have been told OOC that an assassin lurks to try to kill, doesn't mean your character in IC will already know about the assassin's location, that they are an assassin and who they are trying to kill. In fact, your IC character is likely that it won't have the least clue about the hooded figure or its intentions.
Issue 2: Too OverPowered It is impossible to enjoy a good story where your character is so godlike, flawless and perfect that they are always the best at everything, without needing anything from anyone.
If it makes no mistakes, has no weaknesses or flaws and is so powerful that it can knock all enemies in one blow and save the day all single handed with an uber spell or uber strike of an uber weapon without so much as a serious scratch by the end of it all.... it is definitely over powered to be realistic or workable with.
These type of overly-mighty better-than-most (or all) characters, shortens and entirely ruins the story for everyone else who is effectively made redundant.
Issue 3: Godmodding others characters or the environment.
Posting an IC reply where you control the weather or the plants and animals around you, summoning them against your enemies, or things like teleporting all the characters to safety (without OOC agreement by all parties)
Posting an IC reply where you state that your character does something to someone else and they did not even see it coming so couldn't even stop you, or were too weak to stop you... is the most irritating thing you can ever do in an RP.
Learn to write that your character swings the sword with the aim of hitting XYZ on the shoulder/head/leg...
Is up to the character's owner to decide, if their character got hit by yours, or not, and how much or badly.
Posting that their character did/saw/felt/thought/went... (or didnt/couldn't)... is controlling another person's creation and character. Such things will create frictions and arguments, earn you many enemies, ruin many RPs and is by far the surest way to earn yourself a block so you end up with no RPing partners.
8. The characters are not the writers
Just because the evil character of the story is so rude, cruel, annoying, or irritating - which makes for a great story- it doesn't give others the right to be rude/swear at the writer OOC.
9. Spice things up - use a dice!
To prevent a story becoming boring and predictable or feel repetitive, learn to give it a touch of randomness using a dice.
Write up 4 or 6 actions that could be done next
- Throws a punch
- Faints unexpectedly
- Hides terrified
- Runs away screaming
- Breaks into a laughter
- Pauses and decides to listen and consider others very valid points
Then roll the 1d4 or 1d6 and see where that new action takes you to.
It can be big things like going to war, causing a fight to break out, establishing a peace treaty, throwing a feast... or something as small and random as eating olives from a dish - with potential for choking, or spitting the pip and accidentally causing a mess-...)
Above all... have fun and treat others with the respect you would want for yourself!
Below are 2 cents for collaborative roleplays
If you wish to join a story that has already started... before you do... invest time in reading first.
1. Check the Looking for RP post
Search for and read the original looking for RP post which sets out the plot and overall story
It sometimes also mentions the key characters (some of which may still be up for grabs)
2. Go to the first page and read back what has been posted so far in IC.
This will help you grow familiar with the story, the characters, their personalities, the scenes that have been played so far. You will find your footing around the story easier if you have that knowledge.
While a little time consuming, reading back to what has been said OOC/IC will help ensure that your first post and chosen character fit into the story like a ring on a finger, without breaking the flow or ruining the current conversations and scenes that are going on.
3. Meet the team OOC first
After you have done your research (read the OOC comments, IC posts, LKFRP entry...) do not post your IC reply without engaging with the other writers OOC to introduce yourself, your chosen character, its personality and get a feel on how to join in successfully
It's bad practice to jump into IC with a post that has nothing to do with the overall story, with a character that doesn't fit it, doing or telling things that have nothing to do with what is currently going on
If you randomly throw a reply, there is a chance the current players might get annoyed at what they perceive is an interruption/hijacking of the story or scene especially if what you post has nothing to do with what is happening IC wise.
For new stories life is much easier as there is less research to be done...
- Check the LKFRP for any plots and restrictions and preferences
- Check any OOC threads for what others suggest and also share your ideas there
- You can also check the characters that have signed up so far to get a feel for their background stories/personality if available.
4. Pay attention to the posting order
As eager as you are to throw many replies into the new exciting story, be aware that, some stories follow a strict posting order, and players may leave or ask you to leave... if you consistently queue-jump by posting multiple replies without OOC agreement or without giving others sufficient time and chance to react/reply in between.
Not all stories have a strict posting order, other stories are more fluid and you just post in IC in a way that is lead by the plot itself, jumping into IC when it makes most sense. Good practice is to engage OOC to see if others mind you posting next, or explaining what your next move might be.
5. If you're stuck for ideas... ask your peers.
Especially the OP may already have a good idea of what the RP is about and give you a few good prompts to keep the story going
6. When the muse or interest dies, make a graceful IC exit
If you feel burdened or uninterested don't ghost and simply leave, try to make a graceful exit
Your character suffers an accident and can no longer continue or dies of illness or has to go on a lengthy journey/go back home never to return, etc...
Leaving mid story can leave the IC feeling broken/hanging on you which puts more effort on your peers who dont feel comfortable stating your character was left behind on your behalf (aka forced to godmod your character to not leave the story lingering)
7. Never Godmod others
Godmodding
Issue 1: using OOC knowledge in IC as if your character already knew what has been discussed OOC among players. Things like who is the bad guy, who is the mysterious character and what will they find up the road or in the locked room.
For example. just because you as a writer have been told OOC that an assassin lurks to try to kill, doesn't mean your character in IC will already know about the assassin's location, that they are an assassin and who they are trying to kill. In fact, your IC character is likely that it won't have the least clue about the hooded figure or its intentions.
Issue 2: Too OverPowered It is impossible to enjoy a good story where your character is so godlike, flawless and perfect that they are always the best at everything, without needing anything from anyone.
If it makes no mistakes, has no weaknesses or flaws and is so powerful that it can knock all enemies in one blow and save the day all single handed with an uber spell or uber strike of an uber weapon without so much as a serious scratch by the end of it all.... it is definitely over powered to be realistic or workable with.
These type of overly-mighty better-than-most (or all) characters, shortens and entirely ruins the story for everyone else who is effectively made redundant.
Issue 3: Godmodding others characters or the environment.
Posting an IC reply where you control the weather or the plants and animals around you, summoning them against your enemies, or things like teleporting all the characters to safety (without OOC agreement by all parties)
Posting an IC reply where you state that your character does something to someone else and they did not even see it coming so couldn't even stop you, or were too weak to stop you... is the most irritating thing you can ever do in an RP.
Learn to write that your character swings the sword with the aim of hitting XYZ on the shoulder/head/leg...
Is up to the character's owner to decide, if their character got hit by yours, or not, and how much or badly.
Posting that their character did/saw/felt/thought/went... (or didnt/couldn't)... is controlling another person's creation and character. Such things will create frictions and arguments, earn you many enemies, ruin many RPs and is by far the surest way to earn yourself a block so you end up with no RPing partners.
8. The characters are not the writers
Just because the evil character of the story is so rude, cruel, annoying, or irritating - which makes for a great story- it doesn't give others the right to be rude/swear at the writer OOC.
9. Spice things up - use a dice!
To prevent a story becoming boring and predictable or feel repetitive, learn to give it a touch of randomness using a dice.
Write up 4 or 6 actions that could be done next
- Throws a punch
- Faints unexpectedly
- Hides terrified
- Runs away screaming
- Breaks into a laughter
- Pauses and decides to listen and consider others very valid points
Then roll the 1d4 or 1d6 and see where that new action takes you to.
It can be big things like going to war, causing a fight to break out, establishing a peace treaty, throwing a feast... or something as small and random as eating olives from a dish - with potential for choking, or spitting the pip and accidentally causing a mess-...)
Above all... have fun and treat others with the respect you would want for yourself!
Thank you for everyone who posted so far, and looking forward to more! Please don't feel as if you have to be a veteran of roleplay to post here! Come and give people your point of view, this is very useful! A short paragraph counts as much as a long post, as long as it's your genuine opinion!
A short paragraph counts as much as a long post, as long as it's your genuine opinion!
Somnom wrote:
This isn't an entry because I don't want to take away the chance for someone to win something they really want or need.
But I just wanted to say Happy RPR Anniversary to you! It's amazingly generous of you to celebrate this way. I'm glad that you've found this site and so many friends to help you grow as an RPer. Cheers to many more years on this site.
But I just wanted to say Happy RPR Anniversary to you! It's amazingly generous of you to celebrate this way. I'm glad that you've found this site and so many friends to help you grow as an RPer. Cheers to many more years on this site.
Thank you, this is very kind of you!
A ton of good advice in this thread!
Don't be afraid to put your character in a bad spot. Of course, each character should gets moments to shine and in the end, the story's protagonists should (usually) win the day, but if they didn't have a hard time of it, suffer defeats, shed a few tears, and get beat to hell along the way, will anyone care to remember the story?
Don't be afraid to put your character in a bad spot. Of course, each character should gets moments to shine and in the end, the story's protagonists should (usually) win the day, but if they didn't have a hard time of it, suffer defeats, shed a few tears, and get beat to hell along the way, will anyone care to remember the story?
I think the best advice that I could give is that when you're writing a new character, it can't hurt to give them something in common with you. I have found that giving my characters a similar interest, hobby, belief or quirk to myself has been really great for a fantastic form of immersion. I can more easily relate to the character I'm playing, in turn making it a little easier to write him or her in a believable light.
In a world where you can be anyone, or anything..just be nice! I know that sometimes playing a gruff character who is the toughest person around and has no patience for others can be alluring. After all, isn't the apathetic, dark and broody cynical character a trope in so many films and stories for a reason? Your character doesn't have to be a social butterfly, but painting them in a light which better facilitates the type of interactions and connections you hope to find for them is good. You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar. If you're going to make a cynic, give them some socially endearing quality, hobby or interest that they can connect with people on. Inviting doesn't always have to mean open arms. It could do well to explore the things that make you personally want to talk with/meet/get to know someone new IRL, and how that translates to your character. Otherwise, people might find it harder to want a connection with someone who is only described as mean.
Know your limitations. Establish these clearly and promptly to your prospective new partners. Communicating your do's and don'ts is really important in collaborative efforts of all kinds.
Have fun! If you're not having fun, talk it out OOC. There's almost always some fix for that.
In a world where you can be anyone, or anything..just be nice! I know that sometimes playing a gruff character who is the toughest person around and has no patience for others can be alluring. After all, isn't the apathetic, dark and broody cynical character a trope in so many films and stories for a reason? Your character doesn't have to be a social butterfly, but painting them in a light which better facilitates the type of interactions and connections you hope to find for them is good. You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar. If you're going to make a cynic, give them some socially endearing quality, hobby or interest that they can connect with people on. Inviting doesn't always have to mean open arms. It could do well to explore the things that make you personally want to talk with/meet/get to know someone new IRL, and how that translates to your character. Otherwise, people might find it harder to want a connection with someone who is only described as mean.
Know your limitations. Establish these clearly and promptly to your prospective new partners. Communicating your do's and don'ts is really important in collaborative efforts of all kinds.
Have fun! If you're not having fun, talk it out OOC. There's almost always some fix for that.
DorianM wrote:
"...post a paragraph (or several) here from your writer's profile, with the best advice you would give a friend who starts to write collaboratively..."
My advice to someone who is starting in to the wonderful world of Collaborative Roleplay Writing would be these points:
Be Observant - A bit of attention to the details when writing a reply goes a long way to foster a good writing relationship with your co-writer/s. Nothing is more annoying to a co-writer when they have described the scene that it was a dark and rainy night on the city streets and that their character was wearing jeans and a t-shirt and you write that it is a sunny day and are heading to the beach in swimsuits. Don't make it an exam, but watch for the points and take the hooks when you see them.
Be Patient - Don't try to pre-conceive the story more than as a rough outline in your head and hurry the story along too fast. One of my rookie mistakes back in the day was that I got excited about the storybuilding and wanted to see an outcome to a plotline and would push it a bit too much. I had to learn to back off and let my co-writer help develop the story as well as me, and sometimes it went the way I would envision, and sometimes not.
OOC Communication - Have a reasonably good OOC contact with your writing partners. You don't have to get all into each other's real lives, but keep the communications open about the story that is being written. Trade plot ideas, story angles, thoughts on NPC's, etc. Just be sure to not over-do it, for scripting the story before it is written is not any fun. It needs to develop.
Be Flexible with your characters - We all know and love our characters and see them in certain ways. We also know that 'godmodding' is a big nono. But I tend to allow the other writer some leeway in ascribing some minor actions or words in a dialoge scene to my character. Not a whole lot, but things like, 'He moved his hand...' or 'he turned to listen attentively', etc. It goes a long way in keeping things moving smoothly without it bogging down into word-by-word or motion-by-motion exchanges where it takes twenty posts to finish a few sentences. There is nothing wrong with that if it works between the writers, but I found it tends to decrease the amount of writing that gets done and more often than not one or the other writer gets bored with it.
Those four points are probably the biggest ones that come to mind. All the good online Collab RP writing I've done over the years, 1x1 and group, the writers had all these in mind, and a certain level of comfort comes with the other writers as time goes on and one gets used to the other's style of writing.
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