With the announcement of a dedicated server, this game has definitely sparked my interest in trying out an RP server, but I have a few questions as I'm a bit apprehensive about taking the plunge...
- What kind of support does the community give to a new RP'er?
- What happens if you make a slip up? I.e. OOC chat or actions?
- What are RP guilds like? If you use voice chat, is it a rule to stay in character?
My impression is that an RP server would be friendlier than regular servers and feel far more immersive in the game.
The community is largely very friendly and accepting on most games if you clarify that you are a new rper. OOC chat and actions are fine if you clarify that they are OOC and say them on the appropriate channel, (say on a designated OOC channel) and even if they are posted in the wrong place, mistakes happen. I don't think anyone is going to throw a complete tantrum over a few honest mistakes.
With the announcement of a dedicated server, this game has definitely sparked my interest in trying out an RP server, but I have a few questions as I'm a bit apprehensive about taking the plunge...
- What kind of support does the community give to a new RP'er?
- What happens if you make a slip up? I.e. OOC chat or actions?
- What are RP guilds like? If you use voice chat, is it a rule to stay in character?
My impression is that an RP server would be friendlier than regular servers and feel far more immersive in the game.
Thanks for the time guys :)
Hey buddy. I'm a hardcore RP'er myself so I'll try to give you a good answer on this from my perspective.
I personally have no qualms with new RP'ers at all. Everyone has to start somewhere and some of the best RP'ers I know all started being the FNG, and didn't really understand what they were getting themselves into when they started getting themselves into it (I certainly was one of those people at one point). The best approach to starting out as a role player is having an open mind. You WILL make mistakes, and there are going to be players who WILL call you out on them. The trick to making it in the RP community in the long term of things is understanding that, and being willing to correct that mistake when you make it.
I'll show you some examples of what I like to see in new roleplayers versus what I am kind of irked by.
Example 1: (I'll use your name just as an example for now)
Alyndri walks into a tavern and approaches Imeris, "Hail Imeris, share a drink with me friend."
^^^ - So lets assume this is my first time ever running into Alyndri and so I first respond to him in an personal message,
Imeris sends a personal message to Alyndri, "Hey bud, just so you know, you didn't actually acquire my name IC. If you want to find out what his name is, just ask him. ;)"
Basically the error made is metaplay. Its taking OOC information (such as a green name tag floating over a player's head) and using it IC despite having no realistic means of Alyndri acquiring Imeris's name.
Now lets assume in this scenario that you respond to that IM with,
Alyndri sends a personal message to Imeris, "Oh, sorry bro. I'm new to RP and still trying to figure out how it all works."
^^^^--- that is something I am totally fine with and appreciate from new players. To which I would respond with:
Imeris PM's Alyndri, "Ah no worries! I have numerous resources that might be a guide to you as a new RP'er, and if you ever have any questions or concerns, just send me an IM. Feel free to add me to your friends' list by the way."
However... lets go to another example.
Example 2:
Same scenario happens and I respond to you in IM's about metaplay.
Imeris sends a personal message to Alyndri, "Hey bud, just so you know, you didn't actually acquire my name IC. If you want to find out what his name is, just ask him. ;)"
Alyndri responds with, "Dude, stop telling me how to RP and just respond already."
^^^--- immature and unfortunately a common approach to some RP'ers. Both newbies and some old players that still haven't really grasped the concept of RP'ing very well. Some people break the rules and creed of roleplaying and HATE it when someone calls them on it and tries to correct them. It all comes down to how you respond to others. Show respect to people, be open to learning, and while you do have your own play styles, there is a core expectation in RP that should be met by all players.
As long as you are open minded and willing to learn, then I always welcome new RP'ers. On the contrary if new RP'ers don't want to learn, and have an ignorant and stubborn approach to those who would try to correct them and help them grasp the ropes... yeah, I take the elitist stand on, you're not offering anything to our community so please stay the hell out. But you're already one step in the right direction by trying to address your worries as a new player. It shows that you are generally interested in growing and learning as a role player.
A good place to start as a new player is looking at one of the oldest resources, codes and ethos of RP'ers all around. Not all the tenants of the creed transfer over really well into MMO's but it gives you a good start and understanding behind the culture of role playing and a general idea on some core values that is expected and is needed to be maintained by all roleplayers
The Creed
Role Players Creed
1. I will maintain the illusion of the game by staying in character whenever possible. I will withhold out of character comments until absolutely necessary and even then I will whisper or ICQ them to the other players.
2. If I discuss the game with other players out of character, I will not allow my character to be influenced by this knowledge without express permission of the other players. I will take the time to allow my character to learn these things on his or her own during the course of the game.
3. I will separate myself as a player from my character as much as possible. While I understand that a lot of myself goes into my character and because the game is so very intense often real emotions will be drawn from me as a player, I also understand that my character is not me.
4. If I am not in the mood to play, I won't interrupt other people's games by coming into it out of character. I will find others who are not in character and go somewhere meant for out of character discussion.
5. I will not use my character as a vehicle for racism or bigotry. I will not use my character to promote child pornography or bestiality. I, as a player, understand that there is no room in the real world for such things and will, to the best of my ability, not let it seep into the virtual world as well.
6. If I, as a player, feel that my character has been treated unfairly or that another character has overstepped the bounds of their abilities, I will approach the other character's player privately and discuss the situation in a calm adult manner and try to come to a resolution or compromise.
7. I will accept the hand that is dealt me in the game, understanding that it is a game and it's not about winning or losing, but about playing.
8. I will not allow setbacks in the game to be blown out of proportion. If I am overly emotional about what is happening, I will step back and not play until I can compose myself.
9. I will not carry grudges against fellow players. My character might not like another character, but again, I am an adult and understand that they are 'characters' and not the player that portrays them.
10. If I find that I simply can not get along with another player, I will avoid playing with them. But I will do so in a way that does not draw attention to this and I will not badmouth or otherwise slander the other player as such actions only makes myself look bad.
11. If my character is killed, I will obviously grieve for the loss, but I will also view the situation as an opportunity for me to grow as a player. By starting anew with a fresh identity, I will be able to leave all the negatives of that character behind - any grudges, dislikes or just plain bad habits- and take away the good, thus making my next character even better and more interesting.
12. I, as a player, will keep an open mind and allow people to play their characters the way their imagination leads them regardless if their interpretation matches that of some book, guideline...or creed.
There are various guides all over the internet that I will bring back and post in here for you that were made specifically for RP'ing in MMO's. Some of which explain good approaches on emoted combat, and definitions of RP terms such as metagaming, godmodding, IC, OOC, etc. etc.
I'll try to get those resources here for you as soon as possible
For starters, this guide is a (though a moderate approach to explaining RP, is a good start.) It was intended for WoW.