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Here is the basic frame for the average character sheet.



Let's dissect this form, explaining the use of each one while creating a good example for the upcoming War RP.


The name. The importance of a name can't be stressed enough. It's the name that forwards the character's first impression on the others you are RPing with.

When deciding on a name, think of the context. By context, think of time period and location. When you're RPing in a Medieval RP, you would need a name that best fits into the theme. A name like Jarred Lion heart, would fit fairly well. The name sounds old, and fits with the time. And from the last name, you would think that he'd either be a knight or a peasant aspiring to become one.

The name sets the mood for the entire character. Try to add a sense of uniqueness to your characters, as well. Your character is your own, and you should make it sound like no one else. Although, in some cases, using the standard is okay, and even encouraged.


The age, although minor in some cases, determines what your character is capable of. Old characters, late forties and so on, won't be as strong as younger character because they are older. Unless there is a specific reason, older characters are generally weaker than younger ones. Vice versa, younger characters, early twenties to late thirties, are filled with vitality and strength. Characters in that age bracket are encouraged if you are planning to crate a very active character.

Not only does age set your characters physical limitations, but the character's mental abilities, as well. The younger your character, the more naive they are and less likely to create complex plans or understand more complicated matters, even if the RPer controlling them understands.


Race is another factor in determining your character's physical and mental abilities. Humans, for example, are known for determination, courage, greed, and cowardice. Like wise, characters of this race will share these qualities. Some characters are different from others, so how much these traits apply will differ, but in most cases, all characters of that race will share some form of those traits.

Also, characters with that race are obliged to accept their race's weaknesses. Human, for example, aren't as strong as demons of dragons. Unless specified elsewhere in the character sheet, characters of the human race won't ever be as strong as demon characters. Vice versa, all characters of a particular race will share its strengths. Therefore, all human characters will have strong loyalties and determination, or cunning reasoning abilities and good instincts.


The character's occupation decides what skills they have. Unless the character is unique in a particular way (more on that later), most will be bound by their occupation/class. This character for example is Human Solder. This means that his skills will be limited only to what the character can possibly know after undergoing that particular training. In this case, the character would have basic abilities in most forms of weaponry, specializing in one, while having low magical abilities (unless stated otherwise elsewhere).

The occupation/class of the character may, in some cases, over ride the race's general weaknesses. A solder, for example, will have been trained hard for war, therefore eliminating the cowardice trait common among humans.


The appearance of a character doesn't add much to their fighting ability, only to how others will perceive them. If you make the character sound like a villain and look like a villain, then it's only expected that the character is a villain. Going opposite, although fun and creates odd characters, seems overdone and alters the mood of your character, a character that can't seem to make up their mind.

The few things the character's appearance adds to their abilities is add to their strengths or weaknesses. This character only has one eye, therefore won't see attacks as clearly. Because his clothes are old and filled with holes, they'll make a very audible noise, making stealth attacks difficult. Appearance, although not always important sometimes applies. In some cases, pictures are preferred than to descriptions. It all depends on where you are, do what is applicable.


The weapon is the character�s form of general attacks. Through the weapon decides how fast and how strong their attacks will be. This character's sword is simple and lightweight, and only needs one hand. Attacks with this weapon will be at an average speed and deal average damage. Meaning that he can easily flow from attack to defense easier than someone with a larger battle-axe could.

Simply put, the weapons decide how other characters respond to yours in fights. Thief type characters attack fast, making it hard to defend against them, but they deal nearly no damage, so being hit isn't a concern. But because they move so fast, they can easily return to a defensive stance if they need to. Weapons will sometimes dictate if a character even has a chance to win a fight. Someone slower and stronger will have a hard time winning against a smaller and faster opponent. Although, the bigger character can't get lucky and end it with one hit.


The skills/abilities of a character reflect the entire character as a whole. Because this character is only a simple solder, he doesn't have access to any magical abilities, or any other amazing talents. Just what he was taught. In most cases like this, where the character is only an extra that forwards storyline, it's not required to fill in their skills/abilities if they have none.

Skills/abilities don't have to be weighed on so heavily, though. In most RPs, people won't check on how your abilities match up with your character as a whole. In those cases, give the character abilities that are fair and can't be abused to an extent that they are ridiculous. (More on that later)


The personality is how the character thinks. It's how the RPer playing the character should think when using the character. Therefore, if a character is cowardly and stupid, if all of his allies are killed, he will more than likely run unless an extra element is in place. For Example, a stupid character that is also cowardly might forget that his allies are dead if he's already concentrating on a more pressing matter.

The personality also decides how characters react in situations, and the thing that gets most RPers is that they forget they're playing the character and not themself. It takes a fair deal of concentration and practice to fall into the role of the character.


The bio gives other RPers a quick history on the character. In most cases it doesn't mean anything, but usually, the bio decides what abilities the character can have. Nowhere does it say that this character trained anywhere else but the barracks, so he only knows what he knows from that brief training period.

The bio also helps the RPer better assume the role of the character by giving the RPer background information they can use so they can associate with them much easier.


Usually, the Other part will remain blank. Mainly for the reason that most things can be classified under the other fields, but the other area is jsut for little tidbits that don't neccesarily belong in the skills/abilities, but aren't important enough to put in the bio. Not much else to say.

Now that we have analysed every aspect of the character/profile sheet, we should have one well suited for our upcoming War RP.

This sheet, is well made, and balanced. The character doesn't scream "Unstoppable" and has plenty of room to grow as the RP progresses. This is a good model to follow when creating 'sheets.

Now that you know what Rping looks like, it's time to get down to actually RPing.

These are the golden rules of RPing that almost every Rper is familiar with. Learn these rules and know that they are the basis of Rping.


It's surprising how many people forget this rule, while being completely aware of it. This isn't a requirement to be a great Rper, it just makes your post seem more professional, and others think better of you and are more willing to RP with you. It's as simple as using a word program with a spell check. You won't be penalized, it just common courtesy.


Again pretty straight forward. Just be aware. When two people are having a serious fight, don't butt in unless the plot calls for it. When people are talking on the other side of the country, you can't randomly appear there to add your opinion. If someone slices off your arm, you can't use that arm to slice off his. Standard stuff, but some people are just completely oblivious to such things.


An RP is not about one character, even if they are the central pivot point for the story. The RP can't move forward if it's just one person doing all the work. Like wise, one person should not shrug off their responsibilities. Everyone is part of the RP, everyone should work just as hard, no matter how minor his or her character is, unless they have r/l complications that can't be helped. This may be just a hobby, but when you're Rping with other people, you're making a mutual agreement to show up and do your part. It's like being on a team. When you sign up, are prepared for the task at hand, or don�t bother applying.


Don't let your personal annoyances go unnoticed. If something is bothering you or making you feel uncomfortable, then say so. Odds are, someone else in the group will feel the same way. You can do it through PM or the RP, just say something. Resolve so you can RP unhindered by what is bothering you.


Despite all these rules, remember to have fun with it. Throw your own personal flair into the way you RP. And I don't just mean with your post set-up or text color. Every Rper just has a certain style about them that is indescribable. When you look at their posts, you'll eventually know what I'm talking about. Every Rper has a specific pattern and way to RP. Flex your creative muscle, so when you RP, they know who it is ^^

Now that you know the basics, it's time to begin. In the last lesson, you got a good look at examples of Rping, so you know what you're aiming for. Rping is as simple as following the rules and examples.

Besides that, there's not much else. You know what you're aiming for and you know the criteria. A few tips I have though:

• Be descriptive. Tell everyone what the room your standing in looks like. Tell them what that crazy stranger looks like.

• Keep the action moving. If the RP is starting to slow down, try to keep things moving while staying to the story line.

• Have fun and keep it fresh. What keep me coming here on a regular basis is how deep and fun everyone I RP with makes the site.

There are four things that are rude and irritating that most should try to avoid. I will go through them and explain. Avoid these as often as possible.

And that was your fifth and final lesson. Please stay tuned for a message from the guild master.