NationStates Jolt Archive

First, let me clarify something: I'm not talking about Nation RPing, which I've done quite a bit of, but of the various RPs dealing with individual characters.

Anyway, how do these RPs work? Are they essentially rule-less, like the Nation RPs, with the only unnofficial rule being no godmodding? What is the backround to them? If I enter a fantasy RP, what can my charcater do? What are the limits to his powers, if there are any?

You've pretty much got it. In fantasy RPs it helps to have some flaw in a character's personality or powers, just to give everything that extra 'flavour'. :)

For expert advice on RPing read the stickies and perhaps join the 'Roleplay University' region. :)

This is an open forum, with lots of unwritten rules but none that can be enforced. You can pretty much claim anything, but whether or not people accept your claims is up to them. In the end, it depends on how fair you are in your role-play with others, and how well you can describe it. People are pretty keen on some sort of balance: that is to say, providing serious, legitimate disadvantages to your characters and nation as well as advantages.

Try reading through this thread (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=29774) to get a good idea of what people expect from you. You don't have to follow all of the advice (no one does), but if you don't follow at least some of it, few people will be willing to RP with you.

Character-Oriented RP (CO-RP) is a strange and subtle art.

I don't think you really have to worry about the powers of your character. Most of the time, you're not in opposition with the other players but rather cooperating with them. It's like several authors joining to tell an interactive story. So you have to be open-minded and actually read what others say (so, avoid to spam with all your actions).

The same rule as in War-RPs should be used: never assume what will happen to a character you're interacting with, just describe what your character does and let the other player describe what happens.

In my opinion, the worst thing to do in a CO-RP is to have a pre-determined idea of where the story will end (at least not too a narrow idea). Rather go with the flow and work on the psychologic side of your character.

Don't hesitate to let other players know (through thoughts and things like that) about your character's secrets: good players know how to differenciate between what they know as a player and what their characters know.

Oh well, you got the idea. Read others playing, you should catch it pretty quick.

Basically, the thread starter determines the rules - i.e. what you can and can't do or be. If in doubt you ask them OOC or telegram (better as it doesn't fill the thread with junk)

In my opinion, the worst thing to do in a CO-RP is to have a pre-determined idea of where the story will end (at least not too a narrow idea). Rather go with the flow and work on the psychologic side of your character.

Don't hesitate to let other players know (through thoughts and things like that) about your character's secrets: good players know how to differenciate between what they know as a player and what their characters know.


Now I disagree with you there. I script all my plots and endings before I make the RP...or somewhere in the middle of the RP. It gives the story drive...and it doesn't allow it to stray into meaningless crap.

The "journey" is the part everyone RPs in, and I work with them to include their characters in the ending.

Example: "Ardente Veritatis, Urite Mala Mundi." (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=91315)

That RP is chapter 2 of a saga I'm writing along with others. I know the ending of it, the beginning of chapter 3, and the ending of chapter 3 already. How these things will come to be though, it open to RP.

Now I disagree with you there. I script all my plots and endings before I make the RP...or somewhere in the middle of the RP. It gives the story drive...and it doesn't allow it to stray into meaningless crap.
Well, I said not narrow ideas of an ending. But I guess I'm too much a fan of improvisation. I doubt I started any CO-RP with a clear view of what was going to happen.

Thanks everyone.

Now I disagree with you there. I script all my plots and endings before I make the RP...or somewhere in the middle of the RP. It gives the story drive...and it doesn't allow it to stray into meaningless crap.
Well, I said not narrow ideas of an ending. But I guess I'm too much a fan of improvisation. I doubt I started any CO-RP with a clear view of what was going to happen.

Well...here are two RP's that I started at exactly the same time (Note their thread numbers: 91315 and 91316)...and you can see the difference. The Plot-Driven, pre-planned, Chapter 2 RP that I mentioned before has twice as many pages and is probably a better read times ten.

Open-Ended Thread: http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=91316

Plot-Driven Thread: http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=91315

Well, I am used to RPs going above 30 pages. I guess it's really a question of player whether you can have an open-ending or not. I'm not judgmental, mind you, but during my (short) time around here, I've discovered there are incredible gaps between players when it comes to RP skills.

Well, I am used to RPs going above 30 pages. I guess it's really a question of player whether you can have an open-ending or not. I'm not judgmental, mind you, but during my (short) time around here, I've discovered there are incredible gaps between players when it comes to RP skills.

I'm disappointed when RP's don't at least hit 20

I've done both, here and other places. Perhaps it's just personal likes and dislikes.

I also hope that the last sentence was not directed towards me :?

I also hope that the last sentence was not directed towards me :?
How could it be? I don't remember having read anything from you before. It was just a general and absolutly not judgmental remark. I'm always amazed when I see how quickly some players can evolve.
Nationstates is my first experience of online RPs. I'm quite sure I'm far from being on par with a lot of players around here. I've done years of pen& paper RPG, that's for sure, but there are people around here that simply bluff me (Larkinia and Iansisle especially).