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+--- Thread: How do you handle RP when it takes a bad direction? (/showthread.php?tid=10837)
RE: How do you handle RP when it takes a bad direction? - Verad - 03-27-2015
I break character. I shatter the character into a thousand pieces. All the king's horses and all the king's men will never put that character together again.
Immersion is easy to regain. The bad taste in my mouth from doing something that I, the player, am uncomfortable doing because it would be "out-of-character" not to do it is far harder to avoid.
Of course, making a character with a personality flexible enough that quite a bit is in-character for him helps a lot.
RE: How do you handle RP when it takes a bad direction? - Boo the Hamster - 03-27-2015
If RP gets to a point where I'm uncomfortable, I try and send them off or myself off IC or just step away from my desk. I don't stick around for RP I'm not comfortable with, and I make that rather apparent both IC and OOC.
If they continue to pursue, that is where OOC, blacklisting, or a report comes into play depending on how stubborn they are. It's not worth anyone's time dealing with someone who desires to be a headache.
RE: How do you handle RP when it takes a bad direction? - Ilwe'ran - 03-27-2015
(03-27-2015, 05:58 PM)Verad Wrote: Of course, making a character with a personality flexible enough that quite a bit is in-character for him helps a lot.
Or have some friend to help you to get out of this. It can work too (but friends aren't always available so flexibility is a must ^^ .
RE: How do you handle RP when it takes a bad direction? - Tiergan - 03-27-2015
On Leilani, I have her carry a linkpearl that's her family's linkshell. Whenever I need to step away from RP to run some RL errands or escape from bad RP, I just have her SUDDENLY get contacted by her family in an urgent manner.
All my characters have something similar only with a different group tied to the linkshell.
RE: How do you handle RP when it takes a bad direction? - Magellan - 03-27-2015
(03-27-2015, 06:23 PM)Tiergan Wrote: On Leilani, I have her carry a linkpearl that's her family's linkshell. Whenever I need to step away from RP to run some RL errands or escape from bad RP, I just have her SUDDENLY get contacted by her family in an urgent manner. ÂYea I do a similar thing, and have learned to 'nope' the seven hells out, even if it doesn't technically make sense for my character. I've had a very beloved character get broken by 'going along for the ride' so now I play it a lot more safe.
All my characters have something similar only with a different group tied to the linkshell.
I also had someone try to eat one of my characters before. Had to put the kabosh on that real quick ._.
RE: How do you handle RP when it takes a bad direction? - Kyrio Lamansque - 03-27-2015
I pretty much agree with the sum of what's been said above. Keeping IC and OOC separate is of course 'rule one' of roleplaying.Â
BUT.. when a RP makes you uncomfortable and you're not OK with where it's going, it's time to handle it OOC. Let them know it's not happening. And unless they tone it the F down, the character is going to be finding the nearest exit asap and will be lining one's no-no parts with razor blades should the offender decide to follow.Â
And that is why I approach people OOC when my character takes a shine to someone. Because boundaries are crucial in successful RP that may or may not include relationships.
RE: How do you handle RP when it takes a bad direction? - Tiergan - 03-27-2015
(03-27-2015, 06:26 PM)Magellan Wrote: I also had someone try to eat one of my characters before. Had to put the kabosh on that real quick ._.
Wat.
Okay yes, see that up there is an excellent example of "you don't have to go along with everything just to stay IC."
RE: How do you handle RP when it takes a bad direction? - Renata Lynn - 03-27-2015
Wow! Thanks for all the amazing feedback.Â
OOC, the other player had sent me a tell when Eorla responded hesitantly at being asked if he could join her. He sent a tell asking if Eorla wanted to be left alone (this was before the "ZOMG EORLA is SO PURDY I'm gonna make her ride my chocobo!" happened), and I responded honestly that she is rather timid. Had I known the turn it was going to take, I would have said "Well, Eorla might not mind, but I know what you're up to, buddy. Scram."
But when he sent that tell, there was nothing to indicate the direction the conversation would take. I should have asked.Â
Eorla wants to be in love someday, but she's certainly not the type of girl to ride a stranger's "chocobo", lol.
ETA: I didn't even think of the linkpearl factor, lol.
RE: How do you handle RP when it takes a bad direction? - Nebbs - 03-27-2015
I'm quite open to many things but there are some people out there with intentions that are not respectful, some even malicious.
I am sure some see other players as toons not real people. Just always put yourself first use the Blacklist and report harassment. Don't get dragged into debates with these people.
I don't mean to paint it black as mostly it is a wonderful place. Just watch out and if in doubt back off.
RE: How do you handle RP when it takes a bad direction? - Kellach Woods - 03-27-2015
I handle it extremely poorly because at least these fucks actually want to RP with me.
RE: How do you handle RP when it takes a bad direction? - Maia - 03-27-2015
My character (Maia) has been in similar situations. If it's someone in my LS, I can usually just OoCly communicate that I don't want my character to go down that road and they're 1000% okay with that.
I've honestly had a character be totally ruined by just "going along with it", and he became so far removed from anything I enjoyed about playing him that I had to retire and start completely over. So, in constructing Maia, I built in a few IC 'stopgaps' that would prevent her from being swept up into things I didn't want her to go through. I have a list of things in my mind that could always remove Maia from an RP, although I use them for pretty much any reason (up to and including "I've been RPing for 8 hours today and I'm tired/a wuss.)
Of course, the "I have a LS-related emergency!" is always a classic IC excuse. More specifically, for Maia, she's a business owner so she has many off screen appointments to keep in maintaining her business. "Ah, I'm late for an appointment, I'm afraid! I must be going, but it was so nice speaking with you."
She's a very accommodating and "others first" type of character, so she has to be given a DIRECT reason as to why she would be "so rude" as to dismiss herself from someone's company. But I thought of a few things in advance that suited her character that would pull her away, and I use them.
In regard to romance, I put in another inhibition. She's not ANTI-relationship, but with her current beliefs and goals she's absolutely terrified of anything romantic that's aimed at her. The quickest way to make her leave a room is to hit on her, haha. She's an extremely naive character, so it would take her a while to realize that this was happening, but the instant she did she would basically Nightcrawler Bamf out of there.
TL;DR: I'm sure if you do some deep thinking about your character's motives and beliefs, you'll be able to think of a few things that would keep her pointed in the direction you want her story to go. ^^v
RE: How do you handle RP when it takes a bad direction? - Aaron - 03-27-2015
LMAO one of my in game friends on Skype said he'd reverse the topic.Â
Creep - "Want to come to my house? I've got some special drinks that'd make you pass out with taste."
Friend - "Funny, because I just put a roofie in yours before I gave it to you. Hope you like whips and chains sweetly."
My friend deserves a medal for this.
RE: How do you handle RP when it takes a bad direction? - Parvacake - 03-27-2015
"I can't press the 'nope' button hard enough!"
RE: How do you handle RP when it takes a bad direction? - ChewableMorphine - 03-27-2015
Protip: It never happens when your character has your mindset. Therefore, no problems.
I do understand if you're going purely into another role, but then again matters are put into OOC hands if you're being approached a way you don't like.
RE: How do you handle RP when it takes a bad direction? - Enla - 03-27-2015
Honestly I don't always handle it well, especially after a particular incident on another game that has just made me utterly wary of some forms of roleplaying in general. However, irregardless I do try my best to remain level headed and to send a tell to the other player letting them know I'm not comfortable with what's going on. Sometimes, unfortunately, I panic and burrow back under the nearest rock that I crawled out of - but that is something I'm doing my best to master as it's far from the most appropriate response...
Rule of thumb however, placing irrational emotions aside:
- If you're uncomfortable, talk with the other person first. It might be easier said that done, and if it's someone you know won't take it well then it can be made all the harder. However chances are the other player might not even realize they were making you uncomfortable - we all have varying levels of what we're alright with in roleplaying and sometimes it's easy to forget that while the other person on the end of the screen might be acting in a poor fashion, they're still human and might not be aware they're causing a negative reaction. (This is the one thing I need to work upon the most, and I've been trying my hardest... Though I don't always succeed.)
- With that said, if you're uncomfortable then you shouldn't have to justify why. It's courteous to the other player, but if talking it out will only bring scorn or make you more anxious over the entire situation then there is no shame in going 'NOPE' and leaving prematurely. Mental well being and comfort come first, and you should never feel like you -have- to give in and compromise your ideals simply for the sake of piece. That's not to say arguing is the answer either, but in the end your feelings are valid and should be taken into account regardless of the circumstances.
- As others have said, enjoyment is paramount. If you're not enjoying the RP, then what is even the point to it all? Happiness is first and foremost in roleplaying for me, and without it I honestly don't see the point in continuing. That's not to say dark and boundary pressing roleplays aren't valid and I enjoy them immensely, but that's just the thing. -I- enjoy them and thus they bring me some form of happiness to engage in because it's just another avenue for storytelling. Not everyone else is the same, nor should they be expected to be so. If your expectations and enjoyment do not mesh with another person's, then there is no shame in admitting to it and moving on to greener pastures. So long as both parties are polite about it.