Post by Cody Hamil on Nov 5, 2015 18:50:59 GMT
If you've never played a RP, these hints and tips will get you going in no time!
[*]Easiest way to explain what this kind of role playing is, is to think of this as a book. The forums are the pages, the locations, the playing board. You are a character in this story. Interaction is done through posting with other members who are playing the other characters.
[*]Posting is done many different ways depending on what forum you're on. On this one, it is preferred to use the 'Third Person Narritave'. This means anything you type should be from your character's own point of view (ex: Harry Potter walked through the halls, not I walked through the halls)
[*]The boards listed in this forum is the playing field. Simply click on the topic you wish to enter, and create a topic, or write a reply to one already posted. As you're writing your part, it's important to remember not to force another character to perform an action, or to reply for them (unless the character has not been taken and you need to use outside forces). This is called Godmoding and isn't looked upon nicely. Only post what your character is doing/thinking/saying...etc. allow the other players to reply to your post with their own actions and words.
[*]Staying in character usually happens over the whole of the forum unless otherwise specified or it's obvious that out of character (or OOC) is needed. You can specify if you're talking OOC in a post simply by stating it's OOC (ex: OOC: I have to go, I'll be back later!, or as is sometimes seen, using double parentheses: ((Did you want to start the next post or should I?)). A chat box is provided for you to use to speak with the other players OOC. You can also use PM's (private messages) to carry on an OOC conversation, but please try to limit the OOC usage in the forums to a sentence, and not to talk about your day. It's not forbidden, but can throw off the groove and be an annoyance to other players if you abuse the OOC in posting.
[*]When you're ready to join a site, you'll more than likely have to register for your character first. After registering, all sites will usually have an additional application process that you'll need to complete before you're able to post. The first regestration creates your membership, the second application process allows the site moderators to set up your account so you may access the boards. The applications usually consist of building your character; questions that allow the Moderators to know where to place you, introduces your character to the forums, and is also a good indication that you've been accepted to the site as you'll be able to post when it happens. Some sites will allow you to post as soon as you've created your character, but it is always polite to wait until you've officially been accepted. Sometimes the sites will give a section specifically for character building, this includes journals, thread trackers, a 'phone', or just a general board for you to fill in backgrounds, keep lists of friends/enemies/families. There may also be an adoption or wanted section where you can look in to see if a plot is needed, or a character needs to be made. You can also post your own needs and wants in these sections to help your character come alive.
[*]Dont be shy to request interaction. Let people know you've posted and welcome anyone you'd like to join. I like to let others know they can hop in my threads by saying 'open' in the title. It's also great to ask if you can join a board; use the OOC option to post a one line question (ex: ((Mind if I join?)) ), and then wait for a reply. Sometimes a thread already started is meant for those players in it.
[*]It's up to the site's creators to slap a rating on the site. Hogwarts High is for all ages, so I've stated in the rules to be respectful and mindful of posts, and I've censored some of the bad words. On Proboards, nothing over PG-13 kind of stuff should ever be used...no explicit sex scenes, or descriptive drug use, and sometimes plots lead that way. This is usually fine and dandy, just be sure to end the post before it turns into an X rated scene. Or things like rape or teen-pregnancy, it's always your best bet to inquire with an Administrator or a site Mod before using that plot. It may not be allowed, which can get you kicked out of the boards or suspended from them if you don't have permission.
[*]Remember that this is the internet. Just like on any internet site, it is not wise to give out personal information and anyone who says they need it is not running a trusted site. I've never come across a RP board that asks for anything more than your first name and maybe your age. Don't do anything that is going to compromise your personal information or others. It's quite natural that after playing for a while, for friendships to form outside the board. This is up to your discretion whether or not you want to share social media sites with them, or exchange email. As is the case with all things, if you're under 13, get parental permission before sharing your personal information.