An Introduction to Role Playing
From Chimaera Roleplayers
Contents |
Introduction
Role playing is the assuming of the persona of another character of their own creation, as an actor does in a film, television programme or play. There are many different forms of role playing and the most common you will find pottering around the servers are RPlite, high fantasy and realism RP.
Role playing Styles
This is the author's own interpretation of the role playing styles through personal experience on several servers. Other people's views may vary and disagree.
RPlite
RPlite is a term used by many people who just enjoy playing a role whilst questing, hunting, PvPing and/or in space. This is a good introduction to RP, but often lacks the depth and immersion that others look for. Out of character merges with in character and few RP rules are observed.
High Fantasy RP
High fantasy RP, is where many rules that might otherwise apply, go out of the window. Providing the player is in a group or guild where this style of RP is acceptable, you will find little objection to this style. You may find players have given their characters near super powers, high ranks, related to canonical characters such as [Darth Vader] with plots that are not based in realism or canon. However, this style can clash with the previous category and the following one.
Realism RP
Realism RP, (I prefer this term to hardcore) is truly living your character's Star Wars saga as close to reality as possible. It can be the toughest, but most rewarding, form of role playing once you have familiarised yourself with the basic [rules]. Most guilds and communities have rules and will help new members to adapt to them. Their stories can have detailed plots and long story arcs, lasting for years, with characters coming and going as real life (RL) permits. They are most likely to have developed a wiki where they keep track of their characters' bios, locations, plots, etc.
Canon and EU
You may hear RPers talk about 'canon' and 'EU'. They may not even agree where one definition ends and the other starts but canon and the EU provide the lore of Star Wars.
Canon
This is the lore created by [George Lucas] in his[films]. Some groups may stick rigidly to canon and not accept events that occured outside it.
- ""When it comes to absolute canon, the real story of Star Wars, you must turn to the films themselves—and only the films. Even novelizations are interpretations of the film, and while they are largely true to George Lucas' vision (he works quite closely with the novel authors), the method in which they are written does allow for some minor differences. The novelizations are written concurrently with the film's production, so variations in detail do creep in from time to time. Nonetheless, they should be regarded as very accurate depictions of the fictional Star Wars movies.""
- ~ [Chris Cerasi]
Expanded Universe
The expanded universe (EU) is generally accepted as being based on the many novels that surround the films. Some RP groups and guilds will be more flexible and adapt to where RP takes them, within the EU, perhaps drawing on the time line created by the EU as the foundation of their own story arcs.
SEAverse
This term applies to the universe created by the Dune Sea Desperadoes (guild tag SEA). It is based on canon and EU, whilst adapted and altered to reflect that time goes on, even if Star Wars Galaxies remains at a fixed point in canon. This universe exists purely within Star Wars Galaxies.
RP Hubs
RP hubs are the places that players like to congregate to further their plots. Whilst story arcs take them out of the hub, it's generally where they return to. If it's a player city, then they have the right to ban those who interfere, disrupt or grief an event, they will also have some control over the standard and style of RP. An NPC city may be more open, but 'resident' RPers would have built up in character (IC) occupation of many of the buildings and you will need to take some time to find out who does what in the city.
Developing a Character
Character name
If you want to be part of a realism guild or community, then you need to give careful thought to your name. It demonstrates a commitment to roleplay that a name like IRtehpawnzor or one lifted from a film or tv programme doesn't. Names that mirror SW characters (OB1, Luke' as a couple of examples) are often not acceptable, nor would names that a parent wouldn't have given a child. Names should be believable within the Star Wars universe. Some guilds will only accept character names that are acceptable within their RP. However an exception might be made if the character name is a nickname and a more appropriate name is in the in-game character bio, this is up to the discretion of the guild leader.
Character Background
You will find that not everyone agrees with how this is approached. It is usually a good idea to have some idea of where your character has been and what he/she has done before arriving at an RP hub. Most RPers have very detailed backgrounds, but these take time to build and develop. Sometimes your character's background will become clearer as you RP. It's best not to set anything down, apart from an outline, such as age, planet of birth, why they could be where they are now. But leave it fluid, even experienced RPers have made the mistake of painting themselves into a corner by a detailed new character's background that only allows them one course of action. Update it regularly so that you keep track of your character's story arc.
Getting Involved
How do you get involved in roleplaying? This can be a little tricky, just like moving to a new town or job, it can take time to get to know people. You may find that their style of RP is not what you are looking for, or it may seem too difficult to get involved. Just like arriving in a new job, its best to just watch quietly at first. Note the style of RP being used, is it RPlite, high fantasy or realism? Which are the guilds involved and is it in a player city, or NPC city? Start by an appropriate greeting (for example: make no mention of the Force, this is a frequent beginner's mistake, since the [Jedi Purge] any mention of the Force could lead to an arrest, as Force users are outlawed) and just wait and see what reaction you get and simply go from there.
Once you have found a guild or community that RPs in a style that you like, or would like to try, send an in-game mail to those you have been RPing with, asking how you could join in more. However, it will be up to you to fit into the style you have chosen and be ready to accept if it's not suited to you after a trial period. You should make sure to read any guidelines or rules that affect RP, print them off and keep them handy whilst you are learning the ropes. Be prepared to accept tells giving you hints and tips, or pointing out an error, with good grace. The sender is only trying to help you improve your RP and to fit in with your chosen guild or community.
