The Beginner's Guide to Role-Playing

What is the RPG?

The RPG (Role-Playing Game) is a place where written characters from your imagination can interact with one another in many ways such as conversation, traveling together, or even joining forces to go on quests for mystical artifacts and the like. Since all of this is written, anything from your imagination can come into play, so long as it does not break the RPG Rules. An RPG can be a long, drawn out event, or it can be a simple exchange between characters.


…What am I doing here?

First of all, make certain you understand the RPG rules. If there is anything you don’t fully understand, you can send a private message to one of the Battle Arena moderators asking them to explain.


So, how do I make a character?

Well, first you need to read the Acceptance Policy. These will outline the basics for creating a character. Again, you can send a private message to one of the Battle Arena moderators, and they will help you to understand anything that is unclear.

In the Acceptance Policy is included a sample approval form. Copy this and paste it into a document on your computer (it is suggested that you save your character for future reference, just in case). Remember, we here in the RPG and Battle Arena appreciate good grammar and spelling. Please check thoroughly to make certain you have everything right. As for the character’s design, the best idea is to imagine the character you want, then fill out the form as would fit that character. Once you are done, make a new thread in the Character Approval sub-forum, with the name of the character as the thread name.

Then, wait for an approver to stop by and either approve your character, or tell you what needs to be changed for him/her/it to be acceptable. Once your character has been approved, post its profile in the Character List so you can easily find him/her/it later on.

Now, you are ready to role-play!


Is there anything else I need to know?

Yes, remember this! Whenever you are role-playing and need to speak out-of-character, mark those comments with “OoC” (meaning "Out of Character"). Once you wish to speak in-character again, you should mark it with “BiC” (meaning "Back in Character"). Here’s an example:

"OoC: Great post, now check mine.
BiC: Grun narrowed his eyes and glared at the stranger...


Got it. Now how do I start role-playing?

Good. Now, you can join an RPG that someone else has started if the thread title says “(anyone)”. If no one else has joined that RPG, or it is open to more participants, you can just make a post about how your character got involved. Note! It is common manners (and somewhat required) to make a link to the post with your character in the Character List.

You can also begin an RPG on your own by creating a new thread in the RPG forum with the name of your RPG as the thread title. Start by making a link to the post with your character in the Character List. Then you should make a post that sets the scene and tells how your character got there. Be sure to describe the scenery carefully, so there won't be any arguments about it later on. In an RPG, it’s also important to have a good reason for your characters to meet up. None of that “two warriors met by chance” junk. Throw in some storyline for good measure.


Is there a limit to how many RPG’s I can join at once?

No, but we advise that you only involve yourself in two or three at a time at the most. Otherwise, you run the risk of becoming weighed down, and then the quality of your posts will suffer. We don’t want that, so stick with what you can bear so you don't run low on CJs.


Um...what's are CJs?

"Creative Juices". Basically, it means how well your work flows. If you don't have to stop and think every once in a while, your CJs are flowing nicely. But if you must pause every few seconds to consider what to do next, you are having a "CJ block". It's not necessarily important to know, but since the phrase is exclusive to ZeldaUniverse, we figure we should clue you in.


There's an RPG and a Battle Arena here. What's the difference?

Well, the Battle Arena is where characters cross swords and exchange blows in combat. The RPG, on the other hand, is where characters interact for purposes other than just beating the living shazbot out of each other. Basically, anything that involves direct combat belongs in the Battle Arena, and anything that doesn't fall under that category should go to the RPG. Remember, though, that direct conflict between player characters and non-player characters should be kept to an absolute minimum in the RPG.


On a sidenote, can the Battle Arena and RPG work together?

In a way, yes. The RPG can be used to expand on a character’s history, or even build an entirely new future for them. For instance, if your character meets another character in the Arena that they take a liking to… …you can have the two of them strike up a relationship in the RPG. BUT if you take it too far, the Writer’s Council will be on your hide faster than you can say “I’ll edit it! I’ll edit it!”


o.O;; Right…how far is too far?

I shouldn’t have to answer that question. But since there are probably some of you who don’t know, that means no lemons or erotica. Any written sexual acts will not be condoned, and will quickly earn you an instant perma-ban. Harsh? I think not. Remember, there are kids on this site, too.

While written sexual matieral is an offense of the highest order, here, you may imply that intercourse is about to happen, or has already happened. But if you can't directly pinpoint the line on your own, you're better off not trying. Remember: BAN.


I’ll keep that in mind. Is there anything else you might kill me for?

Oh, most definitely. There are a number of things you should avoid with a passion, though these aren't exactly ban-worthy. Among other things, there are horrible grammar, rampant smileys, and 1337 (“leet speak”, for those who aren’t aware). Then there’s the overuse of out-of-character comments; remember, never make a post composed entirely from an out-of-character comment. Also, your posts should be of commendable length. Try to keep it above five paragraphs, but three is the absolute minimum. For a good example of what not to do, check the What NOT To Do thread.


Is that everything?

Well, there is one more thing….


…Well?

Just have fun. After all, that’s what we’re here for. Now, get out there and unleash the nerd within!


Look who’s talking.

I’d be offended, but I’m comfortable enough with my nerdiness to ignore that. Now, if you have anymore questions about RPG’s and how to start one, or if you just want some advice on story and such, then go to the Out of Character thread. Odds are there’s someone there who will help you.