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Introduction to Role-Playing

Role-playing is a large part of our culture. Fantasy epics, science fiction, basically every story has its roots in role-playing. Dungeons and Dragons was the first standard, upon which all followers are based. To this day, it has no rival.

These days, message-board role-playing is becoming more common. It lets people act out stories and fantasies. From playful to sexual, epic fantasy to real life; it really is abundant in online societies. This thread is here to introduce you to the marvelous world of stepping outside of yourself, of suspending belief, of acting out your deepest desires.

So break out your dice and your Mountain Dew, turn on the stereo and start blasting Zeppelin. For it's the time of the night that we turn on the blacklight.

Let the games begin.

The GM

The GM, or Game Master, is the most important person in a detailed game. Also called a DM, or Dungeon Master, this person is in charge of not only scripting the story, but also guiding the Players along it, playing the roles of the NPCs, and governing battles with creatures of the GM's choosing. It's very important that you play nicely, because the GM is basically the god of the game. Most GMs are not immune to annoyance, and have been known from time to time to drop a boulder on Players after enduring constant whining. Usually, these instances of "divine retribution" are either ironic or poetic, if not both. For example, if a Player is whining that all he does is travel through forests, the GM might decide to have a lumberjack fell a tree on top of that player. Or, the forest will suddenly end in a canyon that is not visible until it has been fallen into.

Basically, don't piss off the GM.

Most GMs are fairly helpful to new players. They will design scenarios that get new players familiar with the game, and that will give the player's character some experience to be able to handle the hardships of the game ahead. The GM will gladly help a player along by reminding him, for example, what dice to roll in a given situation, or dropping hints to what equipment the player should bring along.



Being the GM

Obviously, when a person takes the role of the GM, he or she is placed in the position of great power. But as Uncle Ben tells us, this automatically bestows upon this person great responsibility. The GM must not only progress the story in an efficient and enthralling manner, but also seperate different story threads when the case may be.

Generally, when GMing an online game, there is one favored style of making a GM post. There must be a seperation between GM notes and story, as well as the occasional Out Of Context notation. The way that these are done is completely malleable, but a GM must be able to pick one and stay with it.



This is a random GM post, made up completely on the spot. Let's break it down.



This is a GM note, letting Player 1 know that the following events will directly affect her.



This is an example of the GM controlling the man, an NPC. Written in narrative.



This is another GM notation, stating that something directly happens to the Player. This can range from feelings to status conditions to actions to health concerns.



The GM has now shifted focus to Players 2, 3, and 5. The events here do not affect Player 1 anymore, because she is not represented in the GM notation for this section.



This is an Out Of Context notation. Anything said Out of Context is not said in narrative or a GM post. This is the GM simply speaking to the Players themselves. It can contain any information the GM so chooses.

Out of Context notations are to be used sparingly. Many online games have a seperate thread for Out of Context talk.

Role-Playing Styles

Most people have their own styles of RPing on an online forum. You can use whatever style you feel comfortable with, just please - PLEASE - keep it consistent.

Not sure how to RP effectively? I'll showcase a few different examples for you to do.

First Person vs. Third Person
(or, Am I Sounding Pretentious Enough?)

The following styles I will present can be used with either the first- or third-person, but please; pick one and stick with it.

Style 1 - The Narrative

This is a style that I use myself. I like to RP like I'm writing a story. Dialogue, actions, and inner monologue all contained in the same format. Usually, inner monologue I italicize, but that's just me.


Style 2 - The Descriptive

The second "main style" of Text-based Roleplay.

Consists mostly of the actions. Can be italicized if player so chooses. Dialogue is usually made so that it stands out.



A Tense Situation
Past or Present?

Many people like to roleplay in present tense, realizing that as the game progresses, the events are happening at that time. It mostly makes sense in real-time roleplaying, such as at a tabletop.

However, many other people tend to speak in past-tense, especially in forum-based roleplaying, realizing that it's basically like writing a story.

You can use the above styles, or your own style, as you choose. There is no right or wrong way to roleplay. But like I said, please pick one and stick with it. It makes it that much easier for others (as well as myself) to keep track of it.

Playing Nice