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+--- Thread: Transitioning from Reactive to Active RP (/showthread.php?tid=8035)
RE: Transitioning from Reactive to Active RP - Verad - 08-20-2014
For me, the trick in being an "Active RPer" is in determining the balance I want to strike between how much I want to run the plot and how much I want the plot to be about me.
During the series of events I just finished for the Case of the Ransacked Rug, the plot was technically "about" Verad, in that the theft at his office was the driving force behind it. But (and this may not be clear based on the story thread, which was a mutation of the plot brought about by RL concerns), Verad had very little involvement in the actual events I ran. Being incompetent, he had to rely on other people to investigate for him and report back. I was therefore present as an active RPer in the sense that I was driving the plot, providing NPCs, dice challenges, so forth, but not active in the sense that the plot wasn't actually about the character, but about what the players found. In that sense, the story was more like a tabletop game in which Verad was a convenient mouthpiece for myself as DM.
From what you're suggesting, it sounds like you want to be an active player in the sense that Hornet and her story are the central focus of the plot. There are a number of different ways to do this:
1. Run both Hornet and the NPCs and events of the plot yourself. This can sometimes be tricky because including other players means you'll need to strike a similar balance between Hornet's own ability to contribute to resolving the story and allowing other players a chance to shine. There are a number of ways to get around this, like arranging it so Hornet can't resolve the plot due to some complication or ethical dilemma, but others can, or by establishing that she is incapacitated by the plot in some way so that others must be the people to resolve it. This is a useful way to do it if you're comfortable with DMing, but it does mean there's a certain lack of surprise to the plot - you know most of what's happening - unless players do something really unexpected.
2. Collaborate! Have somebody else, a player you trust, run those shadows of the past for you. This puts you in the position of being a player just like everybody else, and puts your reactions to them on equal footing. On the other hand, this gives you less agency if the plot abruptly veers in a direction you don't like. Even players you trust can sometimes miss an important character detail or have a miscommunication about where the plot should go.
3. Make the plot about more than Hornet. Perhaps there's a larger threat that just happens to be related to her, or some bigger issue in which her personal matters are a complicating factor rather than the sole focus. This way you don't look as if the entire purpose of the plot is to spotlight Hornet, but you also risk that aspect of the plot being lost in the larger story.
Apart from that, you'll want to decide how you intend to run the story itself. Do you want to make it into a series of events in which people sign up to participate, or something that happens organically as people can and do get involved? As above, there are pros and cons to each. If you have a specific outcome in mind, then you'll want to make the plot very linear, with scenes having predetermined outcomes. Tabletop DMs will call this railroading, but there are players who are fine with railroading if the destination is Awesome Town, so this can still be a useful storytelling technique, especially in a more literary-minded group like online RPers, where we are used to the linear.
On the other hand, if you don't have a specific outcome in mind, then you will want to draft up a series of plans for the opposition, which you presume to be what happens if nobody interferes (and trust me, they will). Then draft up the NPCs and their personalities, and figure out how they would change their actions in response to player interference. This can lead the plot in very unusual directions, some of which you may not like, but will also help players in your plots feel like they have agency and control over where things go.
This is a big topic, and all of the above can be broken down into even more detail, but those are some of the big concerns. As far as being worried about being made into a special snowflake - eh, forget about it. Everybody has their moment of . . . snowflakiness? Flakishness? Flakesque? You get my point. What determines whether people are annoyed by a character being in the spotlight is execution much more than the mere act of taking center-stage.
So go for it and be active. I'm sure there's already a number of players who trust you and your writing abilities, so the worst that'll happen is you make some mistakes and learn how to be even better at being active in the future.
RE: Transitioning from Reactive to Active RP - Roen - 08-20-2014
There are some great advice here already. So I am probably going to be just reiterating a lot of it. And! I am rather a new roleplayer when it comes to roleplaying in an MMO setting. I've only just been recently exploring this whole new world of forum RP even!
So that in mind...
Things I consider essential for plotting an arc:
First, you need roleplay partners that you trust and want to collaborate with. This is an absolute must. Because brainstorming by yourself is no fun. Driving the bus by yourself, also not fun! It can be for a time, but then you can burn out or feel like everything is on you.
I have plotted with both reactive and active players, and both are very enjoyable experiences! And you need both really. As Berrod said, one of the most enjoyable moments can be when something you set up takes a life of its own and other players just totally run with it. I've been surprised by those I collaborate with in the past and it is a delight.
Also, I go a little different route than Berrod. I do not plot out an ending. I first ask either myself or those I am plotting with, "what do we want to explore?" And try to plot out something from there. It can be an element of someone's past, exploring someone's dark side, a fall from grace, or a tug-of-war between character's principles... and so on! Start with an central idea of what the arc may be about, then build a plot around it.
I say I don't plot out the end because I find that roleplaying is so dynamic, things really can change in the course of telling a story. People you play with get inspired as the plot goes on and their contributions can totally change the course of something.
Also, Inessa mentioned that there are different types of arcs. You can focus on personal stories (I always think that is a good way to start) to something more group oriented. Although I find that former easily can evolve into the latter, when other characters become involved and invested in the arc. I find that it enriches the story so much more when you have different perspectives with each characters going through their own struggles somehow. So the story isn't really ever about ONE person in the end.
Lastly, (sorry I don't mean to be long-winded)
Quote:As for special snowflake, it's HER story. Be a little special~ If you're worried that it's getting too big, I'm sure the other people RPing will be able to help accommodate for it, or can help hash it out.
THIS. Do not be afraid to call attention to your character or plot an arc that explores your character, because everyone deserves the spotlight now and then! We want to know Hornet's story!
You know I love to plot, Hornet! Let me know if I can help in anyway.
RE: Transitioning from Reactive to Active RP - Nero - 08-20-2014
I enjoy posting after Verad because then I can always just point at his post and say "Pretty much that."Â
I would put an emphasis on collaboration, too, because while you're worried about Hornet being a central element, the instant you introduce one or more people into how the story develops, it ties their characters into it.Â
When you have multiple people involved, the story ceases to become solely about Hornet; it becomes about her connections with people, and how they react. They, too, become protagonists of a sort, because not only does Hornet's interaction with them build on her character, but how they interact with Hornet also builds on their character. That's the fundamental structure of social roleplaying: having a myriad of perspectives and connections woven together into a single (or multiple!) organic narrative.
To add on to Roen's point:
Quote:I first ask either myself or those I am plotting with, "what do we want to explore?" And try to plot out something from there. It can be an element of someone's past, exploring someone's dark side, a fall from grace, or a tug-of-war between character's principles. Start with an central idea of what the arc may be about, then build a plot around it.
Start with a basic premise and a general direction with which you want to take that premise. Say you have someone come from Hornet's past, or an event that comes back to haunt her.Â
From there, you can approach the premise with what direction you'd like to possibly take it in. How would encountering this event or person affect Hornet's relationships with others if/when they find out? If it's an event or person from her past, how does that event or person reflect on how much (or how little) Hornet has changed since then? How does dealing with the event reflect Hornet's personality (e.g. does she immediately go for help or independently try to solve her issues herself before involving others)?
How would this event possibly cause Hornet to grow or regress as a person? What are the possible outcomes for Hornet and her relationships? Basically, begin with a starting point and a destination, and let the journey fill in itself. Sometimes your destination will change; sometimes it won't!
Once you have a premise and a direction, all you need is a setup and some participants and hey, you've got a pretty active RP story!
RE: Transitioning from Reactive to Active RP - Aya - 08-20-2014
Huh. I never really thought about things in these terms before.
RE: Transitioning from Reactive to Active RP - C'kayah Polaali - 08-20-2014
Tylwyth Narah sort of sits in the grey area between active and reactive RP, and it's actually been a good tool for helping some of our newer RPers become more active in their RP: A big part of the raison d'etre of the group is to play villains in other people's arcs. This is inherently both an active and a reactive mode to play in. We're out there being bad guys and taking action that's often completely unanticipated. At the same time, we're often working in an arc that's been assembled by someone else, so you could say we're simply playing a reactive part within that arc. It's fun, though.
One of the big things about the way that we play is that so much of our RP is there to enable other people's RP, and that's not a bad way to go. We get a ton of RP; we get to take a very active role within that RP - including plotting, story driving and the like; and we get to help other people develop better stories. I'm not saying that you shouldn't develop Hornet's story (or that being a special snowflake is bad), just that this is another alternative for developing a more active style of RP.
And, y'know, we could always use a token Roegadyn...Â
RE: Transitioning from Reactive to Active RP - Jancis - 08-20-2014
I am really happy that Hornet asked this question, because I have been also struggling with the same problems with Jancis. I continue to try to have her around and available for some activity and the right time/right place simply isn't happening.
I wrote up a very simple short story arc because another role player asked me to do something more with Jancis' past. I tried to hit a balance between its connection with her and being a story all on its own for a mini adventure. I started it with some immersion pictures and I have some basic ideas on if the story goes in a different direction; I was looking forward to that idea.
That person who I was relying on to pull other people into the story IC is gone now and the few people Jancis has connections with really didn't show any interest in participating.
Where is a good line of IC and OOC to say "I have a little plot if you have the time." between Jancis' awkward apologies and trying to tell someone else about her troubles?
There's also the point with how many alts are worth while to create, but that could be its own thread.
Still any ideas on how to recruit people into an active story?
RE: Transitioning from Reactive to Active RP - Unnamed Mercenary - 08-20-2014
(08-20-2014, 01:10 PM)Jancis Wrote: I am really happy that Hornet asked this question, because I have been also struggling with the same problems with Jancis. I continue to try to have her around and available for some activity and the right time/right place simply isn't happening.
I wrote up a very simple short story arc because another role player asked me to do something more with Jancis' past. I tried to hit a balance between its connection with her and being a story all on its own for a mini adventure. I started it with some immersion pictures and I have some basic ideas on if the story goes in a different direction; I was looking forward to that idea.
That person who I was relying on to pull other people into the story IC is gone now and the few people Jancis has connections with really didn't show any interest in participating.
Where is a good line of IC and OOC to say "I have a little plot if you have the time." between Jancis' awkward apologies and trying to tell someone else about her troubles?
There's also the point with how many alts are worth while to create, but that could be its own thread.
Still any ideas on how to recruit people into an active story?
Kidnapping works well. Ask Kage.
But if you need contacts, I can help out on that side.
RE: Transitioning from Reactive to Active RP - Whittledown - 08-20-2014
Wow! Thanks to everyone who has responded and offered their insight/support/advice!
I don't have time to really internalize what's here just now (I am at work) but as soon as I get home I'll go through this with a fine-toothed comb but it really looks like you guys have some great input.
Hugs to all!
RE: Transitioning from Reactive to Active RP - Roen - 08-20-2014
(08-20-2014, 01:10 PM)Jancis Wrote: Still any ideas on how to recruit people into an active story?
PMs, to this day, have been my best friend.
I am not shy about PMing people. I often hash out quite a few ideas there, or move to Skype for more of a conversational plotting.
And I always PM someone with the mindset, "if they tell me 'no' or 'not interested,' that's totally okay!"
But of course that was before there was an area that was created specifically to Making Connections. You can use that now too!
I would look around first at Jancis' immediate circle of friends. She has friendships and people she can call on, who would be interested in what is going on with her! You never know, there may already be people near her that want to plot with you!
RE: Transitioning from Reactive to Active RP - Nero - 08-20-2014
(08-20-2014, 01:10 PM)Jancis Wrote: Where is a good line of IC and OOC to say "I have a little plot if you have the time." between Jancis' awkward apologies and trying to tell someone else about her troubles?
Still any ideas on how to recruit people into an active story?
It can be as simple as asking!Â
If you feel as if you need more IC contacts, you can start from something as basic as "Hey I like your character, let's figure out a way for them to meet IC if you're up for it", and start brainstorming an introductory storyline. From there, very often it'll start to snowball as your character becomes connected to others from this introduction.
Making that connection on its own is a sort of active roleplaying, because then by necessity, you start exploring how your character would break away from their comfort zone. Challenge yourself on how well you know the intricacies of your character: what motivates them to live day by day? What goals do they possess? How important is familiarity to them? Do they prefer the spiritual and faithful, or the material and the tangible?
From there, you can start thinking about how to approach others, or how your character might establish new connections.
RE: Transitioning from Reactive to Active RP - Aldotsk - 08-20-2014
(08-20-2014, 01:10 PM)Jancis Wrote: Still any ideas on how to recruit people into an active story?
I actually like everyone's suggestions through this thread. Honestly, like everyone said - the Making Connections forum section is always a best way to discuss your character developments and active story. Someone will bound to hear you out and will do something to make plot interesting.
If you know someone that you want to make an active story with, don't hesitate to PM him/her. That person will likely to get back with you to say yes or no. 50/50 right there.
Event forum or this forum section is a great way to start bringing some ideas.
Should you ever want to discuss something, feel free to PM me or anyone above if you want us to be involved in your active story!
RE: Transitioning from Reactive to Active RP - McBeefâ„¢ - 08-20-2014
I think there is always a bit of a blend between the two styles. No one is fully active, this isn't a D&D game where you can fully define everything. Every plot draws from and builds off of what other people are doing.
With my RP I tend to be active with small events which end up having a big impact. I feel like everyone loves to RP, but sometimes they just need an event to coalesce around. Of course it often makes everyone want to kill my character... but it's worth it ;D.
I'm going to try my hand at something a bit more substantial soon though. I have a plot in the works which will pit Ul'dah versus Limsa on a city versus city setting. I kind of have been hankering for a non heroes vs villains plot. It would be fun to do a plot where the ending is actually up in the air.
edit: Oh and I try to grab anyone I can for active things. I sometimes use a sultansworn role as kind of a questgiver. For example we wanted to do an IC dungeon the other day, but didn't have a reason to do one. "I got ordered to." seems to work pretty well from time to time.
RE: Transitioning from Reactive to Active RP - Askier - 08-20-2014
At this point, I can't really think of much to add to this thread other than this, since everyone has made excellent points above:
Be ready for someone, maybe many someones, to come along, look at all the turning gears that run an rp arc and toss a wrench in it. It will happen. I know from personal experience running my two events and honestly, the wrenches were the most fun things. Lol. Â Part of why rp is so organic is that its more of an improv game of "Yes and".
Otherwise, like has been said before, brainstorm with others, (my events never would have worked out without this) communicate often ( more the better), and just have fun with it. Everyone loves to hop on rp arcs, myself included. Like a wise man once said:
" If you build it, they will come."
Good luck with your arc. Well good luck to everyone really since looks like a bunch are in the works.
RE: Transitioning from Reactive to Active RP - Melkire - 08-20-2014
(08-20-2014, 01:41 PM)Natalie Mcbeef Wrote: I'm going to try my hand at something a bit more substantial soon though. I have a plot in the works which will pit Ul'dah versus Limsa on a city versus city setting. I kind of have been hankering for a non heroes vs villains plot. It would be fun to do a plot where the ending is actually up in the air.
...I want in. I'm PMing you. *drools*
RE: Transitioning from Reactive to Active RP - McBeefâ„¢ - 08-20-2014
(08-20-2014, 02:12 PM)Melkire Wrote:(08-20-2014, 01:41 PM)Natalie Mcbeef Wrote: I'm going to try my hand at something a bit more substantial soon though. I have a plot in the works which will pit Ul'dah versus Limsa on a city versus city setting. I kind of have been hankering for a non heroes vs villains plot. It would be fun to do a plot where the ending is actually up in the air.
...I want in. I'm PMing you. *drools*
Haha, details will be forthcoming. But really the biggest thing at stake will be the pride and prestige of the cities involved. While bomb/poison/terrorist plots are fun, everyone already knows which side will win. This will actually be determined by the battles and IC actions. Hopefully!