Walk-up Roleplay Advice.

[Xavieraux Reinardes]

I've always been really bad at starting walk-up roleplay, it just seems strange and like there is no good way to start it.

 

What are your strategies?

[ShoggMommy]

So, it's sort of like going to a networking party where you don't know anyone, and you stand around, grab a drink, stare at your shoes and thumb your business card. Man do I know that feeling. ._.;

 

I really have trouble with this. I got used to it at one point, and then some things happened in a different game and I got incredibly introverted again. I think one of the best things to do is to just sort of jump in, of course after watching for a bit. -But that's something that's sort of a 'duh yeah I know that' response. But sometimes you just have to take that leap. ...And one I'm having difficulties as well.

 

So that being said I'm quite interested in this thread, and would be interested in seeing how others deal with this and pick up some pointers myself.

[111]

So pick one of three things.

 

Something you see that your character likes, something they dislike, or something your character could easily misinterpret.

 

Walk up and talk about this thing.

 

For example my racist Miqo'te might walk up to a highlander and go, "Hey, we don't like to see your kind in the city, why don't you go back to your camp, filth."

 

Or walk up to an attractive character and go, "Yes yes, very nice, how much?"

 

Both of those will certainly open the door for more conversation.

[ShoggMommy]

Or walk up to an attractive character and go' date=' "Yes yes, very nice, how much?"[/quote']

 

This had me laughing so much Natalie. I think little quirks like these really do help. I certainly would start rping with someone who did that.

[Telluride]

I have mentioned one trick of mine before.

 

I play a little game sometimes in the Quicksand with a companion. The rule is that I will approach any character my partner-in-crime chooses, with the rule that whatever I say to the target, the partner must back it up and support it. Cue some very fun and random stuff that, with two people backing it up, becomes test of RP skill.

 

In general, remember that people at the hubs want to RP as much as you do.

[Ciel]

If you're in a busy area like the Quicksand, don't be afraid to examine people (make sure your hands are warm first, they appreciate it) and look at their search messages.  Most who are RPers will mention it, and a lot of those RPers will also add that they're open to walk-ups.  Start with the obvious ones like that, since they're there in part to help you break the ice.

 

If they're not obviously open to walk-ups, sending someone a /tell before you engage never hurts either, even if it's just to make sure they're present at the controls.

[111]

Another thing that helps, is don't go into an Open RP area without some sort of reason for being there.

 

It will help you find reasons to RP. The biggest mistake people make is to just stand around and hope someone says hello. Figure out why your character is there, and things will start to fall into place. Here are some good ones I used.

 

"I lost something, can you help me find it."

 

"I'm looking for someone, can you help me find them?"

 

"I need directions."

 

Selling something illegal!

 

Buying something Illegal!

 

Wanting to sit in a specific seat! "Hey you you're in my seat"

 

There are so many though!

[ShoggMommy]

If you're in a busy area like the Quicksand, don't be afraid to examine people (make sure your hands are warm first, they appreciate it) and look at their search messages.  Most who are RPers will mention it, and a lot of those RPers will also add that they're open to walk-ups.  Start with the obvious ones like that, since they're there in part to help you break the ice.

 

If they're not obviously open to walk-ups, sending someone a /tell before you engage never hurts either, even if it's just to make sure they're present at the controls.

 

May I ask how I can put in a 'search message' as a player. Like how can I put it on my status so it shows up for others; that I am interested in walk-ups? It's been a while- and I always forget how to do UI stuff.

[Chris Ganale]

Go to your FC or LS window, right click on your name, and hit "Edit Search Info."

[111]

If you're in a busy area like the Quicksand, don't be afraid to examine people (make sure your hands are warm first, they appreciate it) and look at their search messages.  Most who are RPers will mention it, and a lot of those RPers will also add that they're open to walk-ups.  Start with the obvious ones like that, since they're there in part to help you break the ice.

 

If they're not obviously open to walk-ups, sending someone a /tell before you engage never hurts either, even if it's just to make sure they're present at the controls.

 

May I ask how I can put in a 'search message' as a player. Like how can I put it on my status so it shows up for others; that I am interested in walk-ups? It's been a while- and I always forget how to do UI stuff.

 

Open the party menu (default 'O' on PC) right click on your character name, and click 'edit search info' you can type it there.

 

edit: beaten

[Verad]

Selling something illegal!

 

It doesn't need to be illegal. . .

 

But generally, have a goal. Something short term. Decide somebody nearby will help with that goal. Engage.

[Edvyn]

walkups are pretty much a matter of patience and timing. watch people's conversations, and wait for an opening. something your character can reasonably comment on. rp needn't start with "hello hi how are you", it often starts out of people reacting to things that are said or done around them. pick out something to react to, react, hey presto you're rping. make sure you're not just emoting idle things that people can't really react to, because - surprise surprise - they won't react to it. people can't do much in response to someone smirking whilst drinking a beer, for example. pretty much all my random rp starts with random shit i say to people. 8-)

[111]

Selling something illegal!

 

It doesn't need to be illegal. . .

 

But generally, have a goal. Something short term. Decide somebody nearby will help with that goal. Engage.

 

Whether or not they want to help is immaterial.

[ShoggMommy]

Thank you Natalie and Chris. Both very appreciated.

[Chris Ganale]

No actual advice from me, tho, as I'm bad at walk-up and soliciting RP in general. Best I've managed to do was park Chao in a chair or against a pillar in the QS and pull out her tome, occasionally emote her turning a page or reading or sommat.

 

Got a couple of interactions, but overall, meh...?

[Edvyn]

Best I've managed to do was park Chao in a chair or against a pillar in the QS and pull out her tome, occasionally emote her turning a page or reading or sommat.

 

Got a couple of interactions, but overall, meh...?

emoting things like reading a book are pretty unreliable ways to get people to RP with you - they're far too passive and require other people to take initiative to interact with you rather than the other way round. it'll work for certain people, sure, but the average joe roleplayist doesn't want to go out of his way to chat with every person who stands by themselves reading a book in a bar.

[Chris Ganale]

I've first-hand experience of how ineffective that is, yes. But despite my bluster and spikiness on the forum, I don't have the type of personality that goes out and attacks RP opportunities, even amongst my own friends.

[111]

I've first-hand experience of how ineffective that is, yes. But despite my bluster and spikiness on the forum, I don't have the type of personality that goes out and attacks RP opportunities, even amongst my own friends.

 

Well that is the magic of RP~ /You/ don't have to have that sort of personality!

 

Just make a character that does.

[Val]

Best I've managed to do was park Chao in a chair or against a pillar in the QS and pull out her tome, occasionally emote her turning a page or reading or sommat.

 

Got a couple of interactions, but overall, meh...?

emoting things like reading a book are pretty unreliable ways to get people to RP with you - they're far too passive and require other people to take initiative to interact with you rather than the other way round. it'll work for certain people, sure, but the average joe roleplayist doesn't want to go out of his way to chat with every person who stands by themselves reading a book in a bar.

 

This is pretty true. A lot of people that sit passively will rarely get walk-ups, and those they get generally aren't the kind you want. It's best to just try to brave it. Generally, I observe the person or group that's RPing for a while to see if it's something I'd like my character to get in on. If I feel it's something they'd be welcomed in, I'll approach. If I'm still not sure, I'll whisper and ask if they'd like some company =)

[Chris Ganale]

There's a limit to how far I can act against my nature.

[Virella]

Letting my characters stumble into them. Literally. Virella often walks around with her head in the clouds, of her arms littered with research/studies. So that works quite well!

[Aya]

No actual advice from me, tho, as I'm bad at walk-up and soliciting RP in general. Best I've managed to do was park Chao in a chair or against a pillar in the QS and pull out her tome, occasionally emote her turning a page or reading or sommat.

 

Got a couple of interactions, but overall, meh...?

This is the sort of thing that people fall back on, and winds up putting all of the onus on other people to make the approach.  Unless you're really fortunate, you're going to have to make that effort yourself to really meet people.

 

There's been some great advice so far.  Really the best thing that I can offer is: take a deep breath.  Realize that there are hundreds of people on the server all looking to RP right now.  They don't know what to do either.  They're afraid to approach other people.  They're afraid of rejection just like you are.  If you try a couple of people you might get rejected (it happens) but you will start meeting people like yourself soon enough!  They are out there, and they're just waiting to meet you!

[Nako Vesh]

There's a limit to how far I can act against my nature.

 

Same. I'm constantly struggling against my introversion and social anxiety. I know the solution is just "getting out there," but that's the thing with social anxiety, it doesn't really follow any logic.

[Aya]

There's a limit to how far I can act against my nature.

 

Same. I'm constantly struggling against my introversion and social anxiety. I know the solution is just "getting out there," but that's the thing with social anxiety, it doesn't really follow any logic.

I think that most of the players in the community feel the same way.  I'm pretty well known for being open to approaching people (I even made it my character's job) but I still get a little butterflies in my stomach every time I look to approach someone new. 

 

What I'm trying to say is: no one is minimizing your anxiety, no one is trying to say "just get over it."  What we're saying, at least what I am saying, is that you're here in a community with hundreds of people who all feel the same pressures, and who still want to meet you.  Just try and work up the courage to give them that chance! The worst that can happen really.. isn't all that bad.  And the best that can happen is finding a friend for life!

[Erik Mynhier]

Check to see if the search info says if walk ups are welcomed amd if so I jump in.... its that easy. Though I do like to target green leafs if I see them sitting for awhile since people often overlook new folks.