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 “What is roleplay?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. We’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 RPC’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 -isn’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 “in character†(IC)? What is “out of character†(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. What’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 one’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 I’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.