» Fri May 27, 2011 1:40 am 1.
A good description is vital to the start, and should always be in 3rd person present (except when describing something that happened in the past). The creator of the thread is really needed here to set the scene and the tone of the entire thing, it also stops other butting in and making the scene what THEY want. Try to get loads of detail in so it doesn't need to be questioned later, however don't try to describe everything all at once!
Example 1
The grimy bar was littered with the detritus of everyday life; glasses, a few forks, cigarette butts and a few odds and ends the customers had forgotten about as they staggered their way over to the door. The few lights still functioning stuttered and crackled quietly, flickering eery shadows on the dusty floor. A few customers still squatted in the corners or on stools, looking muzzily into their drinks or holding whispered conversations. The barman, a tall, greasy character, slid a cloth along the bar top, smearing the oily mixture of spilled drinks into a uniform rainbow pattern on the metal. Welcome to the roughest patch in town, sit down and have a drink...
2.
All actions sound best when described in 3rd person present, with speech in a seperate paragraph and in "speech marks". Alternatively if you have a colour you want your character to speak in, that's great too! As long as there's separation and it doesn't sound like a 3 year olds role play.
Example 2
(Vladimir posting:)
Sitting down in the dust behind a large metal container, breathing heavily after the chase, Vladimir let his head flop back against the pack on his back. Gods knew why they were chasing him, but at least he had escaped them for now. He idly played with a few stones by his feet before looking up and seeing a character sidling closer towards him over the rubble. Seeing there was nowhere to run and nowhere to hide, he thought speach was probably the easiest option,
Can I help you? OR "Can I help you"
He asked, barely letting the nervous tremor show in his voice.
3.
All fights will have to be turn based, however try to let the other guy get some hits on you, and in return they'll feel better disposed to let you him them, sure you can dodge and dive, but a few hits actually arriving makes the fight so much better! Again it's always best to use 3rd person present instead of 1st person, as shown...
Example 3
Ducking quickly under the oncoming fist, Charlette side stepped to gain some distance and time to think. She tried a feint attack, jabbing to the left before putting in the final blow to the right, aimed at chin height. VS
*I duck under your fist and side step. I feint attack first with my left hand and then swing with my right.*
4.
None of this information needs to be listened to!
Most of the joy of RPing comes from being the person who you want to be, however with these basic guidelines it makes it easier for other people to follow and adds a bit of structure to everyone's stories. If you prefer to RP in 1st then sure, go for it, I'm just one guy and I don't mind at all what you choose to do.
I appreciate I may sound stuck up etc by offering help and guidelines to a forum populated by advlts, and please say if you think I'm being an idiot, however this quick and easy guide could really help add that extra spark to your RPing.
Have fun! ^^
P.S. If you're still confused/want to rip my guts out them personal message me and I'll be happy to respond/have my guts ripped out.
P.P.S. The original "So you think you can RP?" thread at the top is REALLY useful, my guide is just a bit shorter and less in depth, please check it out for all of Nillocjames' awesome tips on RPing, thanks!
