I have been walking around with the idea of creating a roleplaying FAQ for quite a while, finally I got around to compile one.

It's based on my experience playing table-top rp's and role creation techniques that I use to create fleshed out characters. I try to at least have a basic background for each of my characters. Doesn't mean I'm an expert though.

Any comments/additions are welcome, here goes:

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RP, or roleplaying, is much like acting. You are pretending to be someone else in every way, for as long as the show lasts. As soon as you leave the stage, you are yourself again. The only real difference is that there is no script, only a vague set of guidelines.

This means that in some ways it is easier, for you don't have any lines to memorize, but in other ways it's harder, because you have to improvise at all times. So you gain a lot of freedom, but the price is that you need to adapt to whatever situation presents itself, as nothing is set in stone. Anything can happen. No log-in will be identical to any other.

So how do you deal with this level of adaptation. Well, you start by defining your character. Through this, you set up a few personal rules and guidelines to how your character will behave to a specific situation. If a large monster jumps your party, do you hide behind the big warrior's back, or do you charge in yelling an inspiring battle cry. Maybe you hate Elves, maybe you hate Duergar. Maybe you don't like water. Maybe you don't like getting your clothes dirty.


DEFINING A CHARACTER

Let's compare it to the movies. There are four types of characters in a movie:

1. The one that makes you think: What is he doing in this movie? His lines are hollow and without depth. He's overacting, and responds too strongely to certain situations. His reactions are inappropriate to the situation at hand.

2. The type that does not go beyond the typical responses, or cliches. It works, and they have a valid part in the movie, but you will likely not remember them in the long run.

3. The support character type. They have some good lines, you enjoy having them around, they get some attention, but when the lead character(s) shows up, they tend to blend in with the surroundings.

4. Those that make you think: He is not pretending to be someone, he really IS that guy. The one's that inspire you to step it up to the next level.


Clearly, you don't want to be the first type.

Although you will probably annoy some people, the second type is acceptable. People will allow you to hang around with them, but you really should take it up a notch.

Realisticly, it should at least be your ambition to try be the third type. Okay, you will not be legendary, but you will get noticed and people will respect and probably like your character.

You're the fourth type, good job! Your rp is of rare and most excellent quality. It will inspire others to try be as good as you are.


BUILDING A QUALITY CHARACTER

Any character that is rp'd in a good fashion, has a set reaction pattern.

Be consistent. If situation A presents itself, you react to it with action A. If situation repeats itself again later on, it would reflect badly upon you if all of a sudden you do action B. This will lead to confusion and will generally get you frowned upon. Note: Sphere chaos characters are encouraged to ignore the above.

In order to be fleshed out, a character needs to have a background. It explains his reaction pattern. Why does he do the things he does, why did he become what he is, was it choice, or did life force it upon him. This does not have to be a lot, but anything that adds color to your character, will enriche your rp.

BACKGROUND CHECKLIST

One way of creating a detailed background, is 'interviewing' your own character. Form a set of questions, and answer them as if you were your character. Try to formulate questions that allow you a short answer. If the answer takes several lines, it likely is too long.

Below is a list of questions you can use:
(Any question followed the first within the same line is optional)


1. What is your full name. Does it mean anything?

2. Where were you born? Where do you live now? Why did you move?

2. Do you know your parents? Why not?

3. Are they (both) alive? What are their names? What do/did they do for a living?

4. Do you have any siblings? What are their names?

5. What made you leave the house?

6. Why did you join the guild you are in?

7. Do you plan to join a Cabal? Why?

8. If you do not want to be in a Cabal, why not?

9. Do you hate anything or anyone? Why?

10. Do you fear anything or anyone? Why?

11. Do you have a preference for anything or anyone? Why?

12. Are you good at anything that is not related to life as an adventurer?

13. Are you really bad at anything not related to life as an adventurer?

14. Do you prefer a civilized life or do you wish to become one with nature.

15. Do you have a preference for either Order or Chaos? Why?

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And I would like to steal part (if not all) for my series of Quick Start Guides. You will, of course, get full credit...:P

Kastellyn the Devourer of Magic, Lord of Legends

Thanks

If not I can send it to you, since it was always intended for CF.

nt

nt

N/T
Kastellyn the Devourer of Magic, Lord of Legends