Roleplay Basics for Beginners

New to roleplay? Don't worry! This guide will teach you the fundamentals of creating engaging roleplay experiences.

What is Roleplay?

Roleplay (RP) is acting as a character in a persistent world. You make decisions based on your character's personality, knowledge, and motivations. Not your own.

Key Principles

1. Stay In Character (IC)

• Think and act as your character would
• Make decisions based on character knowledge, not player knowledge
• Separate yourself from your character

2. Use Emotes

Emotes describe your character's actions and add depth:

Good: /me extends his hand for a handshake, smiling warmly
Better: /me extends his calloused hand for a handshake, a genuine smile spreading across his weathered face

3. Voice Your Character

• Use appropriate accent/dialect for your character
• Match speech patterns to character background
• Consider education level, origin, and personality

4. Read the Room

• Pay attention to other players' roleplay
• Let others have their moments
• Don't interrupt or talk over others

5. Show, Don't Tell

Bad: "I'm really angry right now!"
Good: /me clenches his fists, jaw tight, speaking through gritted teeth

Common RP Scenarios

Meeting Someone New

1. Introduce yourself IC
2. Exchange names and backgrounds
3. Find common ground
4. Exchange contact information if appropriate

Business Interactions

1. Approach counter/business
2. Greet employee IC
3. Explain what you need
4. Complete transaction with RP
5. Thank them and leave

Casual Conversation

• Ask about their day
• Discuss current events (IC)
• Share experiences
• Build relationships naturally

RP Etiquette

Do:

✅ Value your life, fear danger
✅ Give others time to respond
✅ Accept consequences of your actions
✅ Create interesting stories
✅ Help new players learn

Don't:

❌ Force actions on others (powergaming)
❌ Use OOC information IC (metagaming)
❌ Always try to "win"
❌ Ignore others' RP
❌ Break character

Dealing with Conflict RP

1. Initiate Properly: Make your intentions clear
2. Give Chances: Allow compliance before escalation
3. Be Realistic: Not every conflict needs violence
4. Accept Outcomes: Win or lose, continue the story

Practice Makes Perfect

Don't worry about being perfect. Everyone starts somewhere. The community is here to help you learn and grow. Focus on:

• Consistency in your character
• Creating engaging interactions
• Having fun!

Remember: The goal is collaborative storytelling. Work with others to create memorable experiences!