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Eva · **03-22-2010, 10:23 AM**

Sparks Wrote:I would prefer that ** be left open for emotions and actions. Ex: *Sparks feels sad* or *Sparks runs toward the armory*.

I agree with the reasoning behind this statement, that being that *asterisks* (and :colons: or ::double-colons:: ) should be reserved for character emotes. In my experiences, I've always left my name off, as follows:

<Kes> *runs toward the armory*

I must also point out that while I'm sure it was an example, the *feels sad* is not actually an emote. As an RPer, I am not privy to what other characters are feeling (unless I suppose I'm some kind of an empath or telepath possibly, but even then it wouldn't be privy to all surrounding characters). Emotions should be conveyed in emotes through specific actions. It has always been a pet-peeve of mine when people use emotes to blindly indicate their feelings, rather than actions (in the above case a frustrated sigh might work, or a somber expression on the face, or possibly crying, depending on just how much sadness is felt). I didn't mean to detract from the discussion. I just felt obligated to point that out.

I do agree though, that :: and * should not be used for OOC overall, and possibly some sort of an accepted guideline for the expression of OOC and emotes be agreed upon.

To append, we've used the ~ to indicate a sing-song tone, or sometimes singing as well.

**03-22-2010, 10:24 AM**

Kes, I was just using those as quick examples off the top of my head. Yes, if there is an emote that works then use it over the ** system. But not all emotions can be emoted. One I couldn't preform in XI would have been: Sparkster >>: *Lets out a sigh of relief*. There is no emote that accommodated that to my knowledge.
You are correct though I could have used better use of language in that example. It may instead be *looks sad* instead of *feels sad*. I placed 'Sparks' in there though because it made better sense in the forum because there's no originating statement person. Who feels sad? Who is running toward the armory? It's weird, I'm nitpicky with some grammar things but not with others.

I do like using ~ as a melody-like tone meaning. /vote +1

River · **03-22-2010, 10:24 AM**

I agree that the most common usages I have seen have been:

::__:: or *__* for actions
~__~ for sing-song or singing
/__/ or CAPS for emphasis (/__/ sometimes for telepathy, if you're into that kind of thing.)
((__)) or (__) for Out-of-Character[/list:u]

Nomine · **03-22-2010, 10:26 AM**

oOoo yeah it might be a good idea to define action symbols as well...I know I'm a bit of an oddball and I consider everything I type in say (that's IC) a description or an action and I seperate my actual speach with " ". It actually works out pretty well! It winds up looking like this in game...

Nomine: says with a sigh of relief, "Well I'm glad that's over."

but! I know 99% of the time, symbols are used to denote action >.>

Aveline · **03-22-2010, 10:26 AM**

I'm confused as to why we would need asterisks (or any other markers for that matter) to describe actions in an MMO. Isn't that what /em is for?

In the linkshells I've been in, we would just say:
/em yawns and looks around for the coffee.
Not: Niami: *yawns and looks around for the coffee*

If it was via linkshell chat... the groups I was always in treated linkshell chat like hands-free phones, basically. We could hear stuff but not see it. I'm curious how everyone else's groups performed actions to make asterisks or action markers necessary.

As far as emotions, we usually tried to show not tell. Like instead of Niami *feels sad* we would emote:
Niami looks down at the ground and bites her lip, frowning slightly. Or whatever actions would appropriately convey that the character was upset about something. This allowed for a more natural way for other players to respond to the character's feelings.

As far as ~, agreed -- that was always used to depict a lighthearted tone or musical intonation.

Smiling River · **03-22-2010, 10:27 AM**

Adding asterisks to text just makes the action and the words spoken seem connected. Or at least more so than doing an /em, and then typing out what your character wants to say. Rarely is it used (outside of LS) purely to convey an emote.

So instead of it being used like this:

Quote:Niami: *yawns and looks around for the coffee*

Most of the time it's used like this:
Niami: *yawns* That nap was too short. *looks for coffee*

As you can see it's a bit more realistic to read/interpret it in a single line since those actions/words are spoken almost simultaneously. Doing an /em, then a /say, then an /em again breaks it up, makes it seem choppy and unnatural.

In Crystalline the LS provided a limited visual around the person carrying it, so we can tell if someone waves or nods. Within the LS chat we'd use the ** to display actions with or w/o words.

River · **03-22-2010, 10:28 AM**

It's between two schools of thought. Script and Story role-playing.

In script role-playing you would most likely always type in present tense, use action marks to describe actions, and may type your name before the action (If you're on a forum and not in the actual game.)

Ex: Regan: ::pants for breath, reaching into her backpack for a glass of water:: I thought you said it was only a few miles?

In story role-playing, you may speak in present or past tense, use quotations for speaking, and type in the form of paragraphs describing the actions and surroundings instead of using the action marks.

Ex: Regan panted for breath, reaching into her backpack for a glass of water. "I thought this was only a few miles?"

or

Ex: Regan pants for breath, reaching into her backpack for a glass of water. "I thought this was only a few miles?"

Over a linkpearl or other chat device, role-play is most likely to be almost entirely audio-based, which would favor the script style of role-playing.

However, in person, whether walking through the woods of Eorzea together or bumping into one another in town, it would favor using emotes to aid you in creating a story based role-play encounter.

Klare · **03-22-2010, 10:30 AM**

Alright just putting in my two gil here :3

1. What constitutes RP?

hmm this will bring about a board array of answers as everyone who rps probably learned or was taught differently.

For me however, if anyone creates a character with a background story, fears, strengths, weaknesses, goals, likes and dislikes you pretty much are set.

-isnÃ¢Â€Â™t- RP?
Same as the first one, but for me it\'s anything that involves a character doing or saying something that\'s ooc. Talking about irl stuff, talking about the mechanics of the game while in game, etc etc.
As far as seeing someone doing silly emotes or harassing people around the auction house. Why not? Klare would just look at those people like they were crazy and move away from them while wondering where the guards are, or ignore them completely if it\'s obvious they\'re just being an ass and not rping at all.

It all depends on how you play out your character.

2. How do we define Ã¢Â€Âœin characterÃ¢Â€Â (IC)?
My personal idea of IC is when you role play a character in reference to the surrounding area and people around you. Your character is portrayed with the personality that you intended with him/her to be with when you first created them, and will reacts to situations that\'s appropriate for that character. Course it\'s always fun to see \"light\" character development within an rp that could potentially change him/her.

What is Ã¢Â€Âœout of characterÃ¢Â€Â (OOC)?

Any references to anything outside of the game. Game mechanics talk, and characters acting out in ways that doesn\'t fit the personality that you intended them to have. Course if it\'s story related that a character suddenly changes through a certain event that would be fine.

3. WhatÃ¢Â€Â™s the difference between hardcore, casual, and freelance RP?

Hardcore- No use of ooc ever! Will even go so far as to role play injury and take forever to get back to town without help. Will not make use of the running feature unless there\'s a dire need to reach a certain place. Will have every bit of their characters history and story flushed out.

Casual- Will rp when the mood strikes them. Probably will have a group of rp friends and non-rp friends to play with. Characters will have story, but might not be as flushed out as a hardcore rper.

Freelance RP-

My take on freelance rp was people who went by their own rules of rp. May or may not be entirely accurate within the lore and doesn't associate themselves with other guilds unless they have smiler ways of role-playing.

For the hardcore, is there aproper time and place to NOT RP?
I like to think that since it\'s your time and moeny that your putting into the game to have fun with you can rp your heart out without restrictions.

I guess the only time you may want to lighten up on Hardcore rping is to help friends and new players learn how to play through ooc whisper.

4. How does oneÃ¢Â€Â™s environment and surroundings fit into RP?

You can't have a good story without a setting, your environment is your setting and with it you can create all kinds of role play.

Example: If it\'s sunny out, Klare will probably have a good attitude where as if it was raining or cold, she\'ll be pretty miserable if not snappy.

Nanapariri · **03-22-2010, 10:30 AM**

Definition of:

Freelance Rper- A Roleplayer that does not belong to a guild and rps Freely with all groups. This Roleplayer could use any style of Roleplay.

It has nothing to do with how often you RP. A Freelancer could be on 24 hours a day and RP with 200 people or only get on once a week.

Kylin · **03-22-2010, 10:31 AM**

While I likely have lots of input to add, for now I'll just comment on the emotes. There will be an entirely separate guide relating to emotes in general. So for now, there isn't much of a need to dissect that too much. We're focusing primarily on defining the concept of RP in general. While emotes may fit into the definition, there's no need to discuss it so heavily at this moment ^^

Kit_Aster · **03-22-2010, 10:32 AM**

Castiel Wrote:This is our second formal discussion. That means it will eventually be voted on and if passed, will be placed in our etiquette section on the main site under Ã¢Â€ÂœWhat is roleplay?Ã¢Â€Â. I was hoping someone else would start the next formal discussion before me but I think some people might have been confused on how it works. WeÃ¢Â€Â™ll discuss it amongst each other for awhile and then a proposal (2-3 paragraphs in this case probably) will eventually be drafted, examined, and then voted on.

The RPCÃ¢Â€Â™s official definition for RP will need to be broad enough to include the casual roleplayers while still encompassing the hardcore. Here are some elements to examine in the discussions:

1. What constitutes RP? Is it our actions, behavior, or something else? On that same note, what -isnÃ¢Â€Â™t- RP? Many of us have seen non-roleplayers label something as RP that most of us would disagree with (such as the people in FFXI who emoted silly stuff by the auction houses). Does simply emoting something random constitute real RP? Or is actual substance required?

2. How do we define Ã¢Â€Âœin characterÃ¢Â€Â (IC)? What is Ã¢Â€Âœout of characterÃ¢Â€Â (OOC)? When do the two intertwine and where is the line drawn? If necessary, there may be an entirely different section devoted to IC/OOC but at least a basic understanding is necessary for defining RP.

3. WhatÃ¢Â€Â™s the difference between hardcore, casual, and freelance RP? And even for the hardcore, is there a proper time and place to NOT RP?

4. How does oneÃ¢Â€Â™s environment and surroundings fit into RP?

That should get you guys started ^^. On that same note, I was thinking that we could also possibly create a checklist for new Rpers just starting out, though IÃ¢Â€Â™m unsure whether we should include that in this discussion/vote or make it something separate completely.

As far as what I consider RP I'd say its showing evidence of attempting to separate RL from the events ingame. Through actions, and speech are the main two examples, behavior doesn't have to change from RL if you're playing a character that behaves like you would IRL. I do believe actual substance is required than just emotes, some creativity has to be involved.
As far as where to draw the line between IC and OOC I'd say during missions when info needs to be given on pt roles that's fine, and when things start to get close between two players and one's playin outside of their own gender it would probably be a good idea to let em know so one doesn't get too uncomfortable in a situation. While I would ask that it doesn't progress to a point where a situation like that would arise I understand it can happen. Generally however most of the LS doesn't have to know about yourself IRL in my opinion. The less they know, the more likely they are to treat you how they see you ingame, which is the essence of RP imo.
As far as the hardcore vs casual RPer I'd say its the amount of effort involved in making your character a believable aspect of the story, and lore as well as the time spent devoted to it. If you are always in character trying to make your character fit in perfectly I'd call that hardcore. As far as the casual RPer I'd say someone that tries to RP at events and through conversation in LS, but when seen by people outside of the RP LS they make themselves seem as if just another player, talking about RL and such.
Freelance RPers imo are ppl that have their own story but haven't found a group to call home yet, maybe they just haven't found a group that agrees w/ their storyor their way of RP.

As far as the environment and surroundings I'd say everything and everyone but ppl who aren't RPing help to fit into the RP in general, both player and linkshell.

Kylin · **03-22-2010, 10:32 AM**

Here's a really quickly done rough draft based on responses here. Suggestions, modifications, and so on are welcome.

Based on the various responses, this is what IÃ¢Â€Â™ve come up with so far (some statements of which were copy/pasted here):

Definition:

Roleplay is defined as making a conscious and usually consistent effort to play the role of a particular character. This is done through oneÃ¢Â€Â™s language and behavior and also by separating oneÃ¢Â€Â™s out of character behavior with their in character behavior to some degree. Spontaneous just for fun emotes do not constitute as RP unless such emotes are consistent with what the character would actually do. Roleplay is in essence writing and acting a believable role in a particular setting, much like characters from a movie or television show.

When one is actively roleplaying, they are considered in character (IC). When talking about real life, game mechanics, and so on, one is considered out of character (OOC).

Classes of RP:

Roleplaying can be divided into two classes: casual and hardcore.

Casual: Casual roleplay involves less investment in a characterÃ¢Â€Â™s persona and background than hardcore roleplay. Casual Rpers tend to be more spontaneous and have more vague character outlines, sometimes changing their character radically on a whim. This school of RP tends to care a bit less about character relations with other characters and are often more concerned with roleplaying Ã¢Â€Â˜on the sideÃ¢Â€Â™ while playing the game. In character interactions are usually limited in comparison to hardcore roleplaying.

Hardcore: Hardcore Rpers tend to be heavily invested in their characters, creating in depth personalities and backgrounds while keeping it relatively constant throughout the growth of a character. They will typically have a solid understanding of their character's traits and lifeline and will typically pay more attention to smaller details about their characters, such as their quirks and habits.

Aveline · **03-22-2010, 10:33 AM**

That's a good first draft, but I'm wondering if we shouldn't include a middle ground between casual and hardcore. I think, looking at it from the perspective of someone new to RP, they might get the impression that you're either one or the other when in reality many fall somewhere in between.

Eva · **03-22-2010, 10:34 AM**

Might even be better to leave the two definitions for hardcore/casual as you have them, and define it as a spectrum, since you can fall anywhere within the range, depending on how you RP, perhaps indicating that there is middle ground between these two extremities. I can make an illustration when I get home to help demonstrate this and/or examples may be provided.

Eltharian · **03-22-2010, 10:35 AM**

Quote:That's a good first draft, but I'm wondering if we shouldn't include a middle ground between casual and hardcore. I think, looking at it from the perspective of someone new to RP, they might get the impression that you're either one or the other when in reality many fall somewhere in between.

Quote:Might even be better to leave the two definitions for hardcore/casual as you have them, and define it as a spectrum, since you can fall anywhere within the range, depending on how you RP, perhaps indicating that there is middle ground between these two extremities. I can make an illustration when I get home to help demonstrate this and/or examples may be provided.

I agree, it's not usually just one or the other, many RPers fall somewhere in the middle of the two.

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Defining RP

RPC has moved! These pages have been kept for historical purposes