Post by The Master Tactician on Jan 3, 2013 21:39:36 GMT -5
Hi, everyone! Hard to believe that just a week ago I was traipsing through the internet in search of other League RPers. As I have said before--and will likely say again--I am very happy with how our community is developing. I hope that Maelstrom will always be a place where RPers and writers can bring their talents without fear of drama or negativity. With this in mind and with the intention of promoting our continued development, I'd like to preemptively address some potential issues.
First, a short disclaimer: as you read, keep in mind that my comments are directed at the general populace. This is not an entreaty to any one person--though I may use your champions and scenarios to illustrate my points--but a few guidelines on how best to maintain our forum's genial atmosphere and collective plot.
1. Recognize the consequences of your actions. Our characters are extraordinary. Most are alien or super-human, possessed of remarkable talents (whether physical or magical), but they are not invincible. Nor are they immune to the effects of their choices. If you drink a bottle of the strongest liquor in the land, you are drunk, regardless of your champion's fortitude. If you blatantly disobey local laws, expect to be detained. A world without consequences is a dull place to roleplay. Refusal to abide by the same rules and restrictions as everyone else ruins the suspension of disbelief. Don't be the one sour grape in the bunch!
2. Respect the capabilities of your fellow PCs. To me, this means that when Nocturne pays you a visit, you are lucky not to piss your pants. It means that, although Warwick is a brilliant tracker, he will still find it exceedingly difficult to hunt down Talon, a master of stealth and steel. It means you would not beat Twisted Fate in a game of cards, Lee Sin in an unarmed brawl or Gragas in a drinking competition. And no matter how influential, powerful or wealthy you are, you would not laugh in the face of the Void (unless you are equally daft.) Allow your fellows ample time in the spotlight; if you do so, they will be more likely to take a back seat when it's your turn to shine. (Sometimes it's more fun to sit back and watch the show anyway!)
3. In addition to combat prowess, consider the rank and station of other characters in your interactions. I don't bring this up for my own benefit (most of my lackeys are pretty well-behaved--at least to my face :P), but because I have more than once noticed irreverence where it is inappropriate. For instance: you would not talk smack to the Sheriff of Piltover in her own jurisdiction (unless your name is Vi.) You would not address the king and queen of Freljord by their first names. (What's the point of RPing royalty if no one recognizes your prestige?) You could not feasibly level a threat against the crowned prince of Demacia or the grand general of Noxus without serious repercussions. Consider also your own rank and station in relation to other PCs. Once again, suspension of disbelief is the name of the game.
4. Develop both flaws and strengths in your characters. No one is perfect. Perfect is boring. It's okay to expose yourself once in a while, even if only in closed, private RP. Consider that your moments of weakness make your moments of strength all the more powerful.
As our larger story progresses, continue to develop your characters on a personal level. Knowing their goals, methods, strengths, weaknesses, fears and preferences will help you to better represent them in RP and, consequently, help make our world more authentic.
Thanks for adopting these tenants as we move forward--and happy RPing!
First, a short disclaimer: as you read, keep in mind that my comments are directed at the general populace. This is not an entreaty to any one person--though I may use your champions and scenarios to illustrate my points--but a few guidelines on how best to maintain our forum's genial atmosphere and collective plot.
1. Recognize the consequences of your actions. Our characters are extraordinary. Most are alien or super-human, possessed of remarkable talents (whether physical or magical), but they are not invincible. Nor are they immune to the effects of their choices. If you drink a bottle of the strongest liquor in the land, you are drunk, regardless of your champion's fortitude. If you blatantly disobey local laws, expect to be detained. A world without consequences is a dull place to roleplay. Refusal to abide by the same rules and restrictions as everyone else ruins the suspension of disbelief. Don't be the one sour grape in the bunch!
2. Respect the capabilities of your fellow PCs. To me, this means that when Nocturne pays you a visit, you are lucky not to piss your pants. It means that, although Warwick is a brilliant tracker, he will still find it exceedingly difficult to hunt down Talon, a master of stealth and steel. It means you would not beat Twisted Fate in a game of cards, Lee Sin in an unarmed brawl or Gragas in a drinking competition. And no matter how influential, powerful or wealthy you are, you would not laugh in the face of the Void (unless you are equally daft.) Allow your fellows ample time in the spotlight; if you do so, they will be more likely to take a back seat when it's your turn to shine. (Sometimes it's more fun to sit back and watch the show anyway!)
3. In addition to combat prowess, consider the rank and station of other characters in your interactions. I don't bring this up for my own benefit (most of my lackeys are pretty well-behaved--at least to my face :P), but because I have more than once noticed irreverence where it is inappropriate. For instance: you would not talk smack to the Sheriff of Piltover in her own jurisdiction (unless your name is Vi.) You would not address the king and queen of Freljord by their first names. (What's the point of RPing royalty if no one recognizes your prestige?) You could not feasibly level a threat against the crowned prince of Demacia or the grand general of Noxus without serious repercussions. Consider also your own rank and station in relation to other PCs. Once again, suspension of disbelief is the name of the game.
4. Develop both flaws and strengths in your characters. No one is perfect. Perfect is boring. It's okay to expose yourself once in a while, even if only in closed, private RP. Consider that your moments of weakness make your moments of strength all the more powerful.
As our larger story progresses, continue to develop your characters on a personal level. Knowing their goals, methods, strengths, weaknesses, fears and preferences will help you to better represent them in RP and, consequently, help make our world more authentic.
Thanks for adopting these tenants as we move forward--and happy RPing!
