Just what is "Roleplay Etiquette"?
Roleplay has been around in various forms for a long time, and, with the advent of the internet, chatrooms, MMOG's and other games, roleplayers and Storytellers have devised a set of rules or guidelines to help the interactive medium of roleplaying. Most roleplayers agree and adhere to them just to keep it fun and fair for everyone. We've compiled some of those here to help our players.
PAGE INDEX
3. POWERGAMING
- THE 3 BASICS NO-NOS OF ROLEPLAY 1. GODMODING
3. POWERGAMING
- ENTERING AND EXITING A SCENE
- THOUGHT POST
- TELEPORTING
- WHITE KNIGHTING
THE 3 BASICS NO-NOS OF ROLEPLAY
GODMODING
METAGAMING
POWERGAMING
METAGAMING
POWERGAMING
GODMODING
Godmoding is the term we use to describe when a person writes a post that controls other characters (playing 'god'). The post usually includes actions and reactions or emotions for the other character and doesn't give the other player a chance to react.
HOW DO YOU AVOID THIS?
- To avoid this make sure that all actions made by your character against another character are considered 'attempts' that allow the other person to decide how their character is affected.
- Never write about another character without their consent.
EXAMPLE OF GODMODDING
Xomar:Xomar creeps behind the trees. He had spotted his target but is taking his time to make his move. He waits for Lexie to get to the right point on the path before jumping out at her. He tackles her to the ground, capturing her and pinning her to the ground.
The correct way to post..
Xomar: Xomar creeps behind the trees. He had spotted his target but is taking his time to make his move. He watches Lex as she moves closer towards him. He waits for Lex to get to the perfect place before doing anything.
Lexie:Lexie makes her way down the path. She didn't know Xomar watching her from behind the trees. She continues to walk toward the "perfect place" in the path.
Xomar: Xomar jumps out from behind the tree just as Lex passes. He jumps out and tries to tackle her to the ground. If he is successful, he will pin her down with the weight of his body.
The correct way to post..
Xomar: Xomar creeps behind the trees. He had spotted his target but is taking his time to make his move. He watches Lex as she moves closer towards him. He waits for Lex to get to the perfect place before doing anything.
Lexie:Lexie makes her way down the path. She didn't know Xomar watching her from behind the trees. She continues to walk toward the "perfect place" in the path.
Xomar: Xomar jumps out from behind the tree just as Lex passes. He jumps out and tries to tackle her to the ground. If he is successful, he will pin her down with the weight of his body.
METAGAMING
Metagaming is the term we use to describe when a person uses outside information (metadata, if you will) to boost his or her RP. This includes information that could be within chat range when there is no way the character could know.
HOW TO AVOID THIS?
- To avoid this make sure that your character only acts on and speaks of the things that he or she would know!
- Be sure that there is a plausible explanation for everything your character knows!
- if players are using an alt, your characters make not obtain information for each other.
EXAMPLE OF METAGAMING
Two players are talking in a room inside a building, with the door closed. Someone enters the building and is now in chat range and can see the conversation on their screen, but there is no way the character could know who is behind the closed door or hear their conversation.
A player is being attacked in an alley, and they tell a friend in ims, ooc, that this is happening. There is no way the other character would know that this is happening or where to find the victim to come help.
A player is being attacked in an alley, and they tell a friend in ims, ooc, that this is happening. There is no way the other character would know that this is happening or where to find the victim to come help.
POWERGAMING
Powergaming is the term we use to describe when a person roleplays in a way that makes their character seem overly powerful, knowledgeable to gain the upper hand in a scene. This includes things like the ability to dodge every blow directed at them, having an unrealistic amount of knowledge (speaks 5 languages and graduated with a master's at 12). It also includes suddenly claiming to have weapons that were not visible or not disclosed prior to the scene.
HOW TO AVOID DOING THIS?
HOW TO AVOID DOING THIS?
- As a player if you feel your character can never lose a fight then don't engage in the a fight scene. No one likes to lose but depending on the story losing is inevitable.
- Accept the fact your character might lose a fight or argument. No one is perfect not in real life or second life. The unbeatable characters that are always right tend to find themselves alone with no one to roleplay with. People aren't impressed with characters like that in fact those other players tend to avoid them as its not fun the one player always has to win.
- Include weakness and skills in which your character is learning when you create your character
- Use the dice when you roleplay fight or use powers and skills. This will give your character a chance to mess up or do something great. Not knowing the outcome can make an ok roleplay go to a great one.
- Do not set your character at the highest levels at the start. Being the strongest, fastest and smartest is not always a good thing. In good stories a character grows and learns. If you start out at the top, then your character has no where to go.
- Make sure that if your character has any special or uncommon abilities or is somehow carrying a concealed weapon that you somehow make this known to others (profile pic or titler). This can also be done in an im before the scene starts.
POWERGAMING AND GODMODING
Many players confuse these two no -nos of roleplay because often times the player that can't lose ( all powerful) will try and dictate how another character will react to what is happening. This is done to ensure their victory.
At No point is a player expected to accept this type of roleplay. If this occurs in a roleplay scene, pause the scene and seek help from an admin. An admin will review the roleplay and make a decision on a case by case basis.
NOTE to PLAYERS: Contacting and admin to moderate this scene should happen during the initial roleplay scene. If you post back to the player accepting their roleplay action, it cannot be reversed. By going along with the roleplay you have agreed to play out the outcome. *Follow the Sim Rules link to the scene below to learn more about voiding scenes.
EXAMPLE OF POWERGAMING AND GODMODING:
(Actually happened in roleplay, the scene was called and the female player had to concede)
The men asked the nine month pregnant woman to leave the room. She was not going to be able to claim the space as her because they were living there. One of the men reaches out to try and grab her arm, if successful he would escort her out.
The woman was to fast for the men, when he reached out for her, she pulled her arm away, spinning on her heel she runs toward the back of the room. She grabs the netting hanging on the wall and runs toward the men. She tosses the net over the two men, capturing and confusing them. She jumps up and grabs the beam over her head, she flips around the bar, sending herself flying in their directions. Her feet land on their chest as she pins them to ground.
At No point is a player expected to accept this type of roleplay. If this occurs in a roleplay scene, pause the scene and seek help from an admin. An admin will review the roleplay and make a decision on a case by case basis.
NOTE to PLAYERS: Contacting and admin to moderate this scene should happen during the initial roleplay scene. If you post back to the player accepting their roleplay action, it cannot be reversed. By going along with the roleplay you have agreed to play out the outcome. *Follow the Sim Rules link to the scene below to learn more about voiding scenes.
EXAMPLE OF POWERGAMING AND GODMODING:
(Actually happened in roleplay, the scene was called and the female player had to concede)
The men asked the nine month pregnant woman to leave the room. She was not going to be able to claim the space as her because they were living there. One of the men reaches out to try and grab her arm, if successful he would escort her out.
The woman was to fast for the men, when he reached out for her, she pulled her arm away, spinning on her heel she runs toward the back of the room. She grabs the netting hanging on the wall and runs toward the men. She tosses the net over the two men, capturing and confusing them. She jumps up and grabs the beam over her head, she flips around the bar, sending herself flying in their directions. Her feet land on their chest as she pins them to ground.
ENTERING SCENE
ENTERING A SCENE
- Wait at least one post round to enter a scene Just because the avatars are standing there, it doesn't mean they are not beating the hell out of each other or having wild sex. Found out so you can react accordingly.
- Check with players in ims if doors are open or locked before just walking in. This includes public places.
- Respect the players and if it is a situation that someone may need help, make sure OOCLY that they want the ic help before jumping in.
- Setting the scene. If you are coming on a roleplay you may not add in your own NPC or try and change the scene in any way. You can ask OOC if there are any NPC's or things that you would be seeing however you may not add new elements.
- Follow the Post Order, do not post jump over another player in order to gain attention to your character.
NO POST.. NOT THERE
If a person has not posted into the scene, then they are not there. The post needs to take place with the players present. Post in the group chat an hour before other arrive will not count. If you are not posting then your character is not there. Anything that you read you cannot use in-character.
Spying
This rule includes those that are spying on a scene. If you don't post that you are there and trying to listen in then you are technically not there. Any rp knowledge without a post will be considered metagaming. The argument for this is that people will post finding them if they post in.
In Mythia, the player finding the spy will need to prove it icly of how he/she found them and will have to roll the dice to see if they are successful in catching the spy.
Spying
This rule includes those that are spying on a scene. If you don't post that you are there and trying to listen in then you are technically not there. Any rp knowledge without a post will be considered metagaming. The argument for this is that people will post finding them if they post in.
In Mythia, the player finding the spy will need to prove it icly of how he/she found them and will have to roll the dice to see if they are successful in catching the spy.
Posting Players in...
Part of waiting a full post round before entering a scene is to establish the scene... who is there, what is going on and how does that effect your character. Just because the avatar is standing their it does not mean their characters is there.
Example: a person goes afk and posts that there character has gone to the back of the building to get supplies. Those in the scene know the character is not there but as a new comer to the scene you didn't get to see that post. If they don't post in that first post round then do not include them in your post when you enter.
Posting in a player means instead of waiting to see how the person is feeling or what they are doing, you add them to your post before they can post themselves into the scene. In some cases a player maybe trying to find if they even want to be part of the sim. Wait until they are ready to join. This is considered a form of godmoding.
Just remember if they have not posted they are INVISIBLE you until they do.
Example: a person goes afk and posts that there character has gone to the back of the building to get supplies. Those in the scene know the character is not there but as a new comer to the scene you didn't get to see that post. If they don't post in that first post round then do not include them in your post when you enter.
Posting in a player means instead of waiting to see how the person is feeling or what they are doing, you add them to your post before they can post themselves into the scene. In some cases a player maybe trying to find if they even want to be part of the sim. Wait until they are ready to join. This is considered a form of godmoding.
Just remember if they have not posted they are INVISIBLE you until they do.
ENTERING A COMBAT SCENE
Group Fight Scenes
Group fight scenes (more than 6 people) close after the first post round. Check in ims if the first post round has already been completed. If the scene has been closed you may post watching the fight.
If they players are in the middle of the first post round and are just starting you are welcome to join at the end of the post. Ask OOC for the posting order before jumping over someones post. Again you don't know what is going on and their post will be setting the scene for you.
Smaller fight scenes
Ask all players involved if you can be involved in the fight. In some cases the players may be working on a personal story. While other players are at the very end of the scene and trying to end it. If the players tell you that you can till participate by being a witness to the scene. Sometimes just watching can provide a player with advantages down the road.
Group fight scenes (more than 6 people) close after the first post round. Check in ims if the first post round has already been completed. If the scene has been closed you may post watching the fight.
If they players are in the middle of the first post round and are just starting you are welcome to join at the end of the post. Ask OOC for the posting order before jumping over someones post. Again you don't know what is going on and their post will be setting the scene for you.
Smaller fight scenes
Ask all players involved if you can be involved in the fight. In some cases the players may be working on a personal story. While other players are at the very end of the scene and trying to end it. If the players tell you that you can till participate by being a witness to the scene. Sometimes just watching can provide a player with advantages down the road.
EXITING A SCENE
- To exit scene make a post about leaving.
- Wait a post round to see what the response is from other players before you leave.
- If you player insults or does an action while they are leaving you it is considered bad form to just leave the sim without allowing others to repsond
- Teleporting a person out of scene because you want alone time with them is not permitted.
- Respect all players.. if you were heading to bed.. then let them know that oocly as a courtesy.
In case of emergency exiting a scene without posting is acceptable. Just let the players no in local you have to leave ((I have to run)). For the other players you will have left the scene.
THOUGHT POSTING
Thought posting - When a player writes in their character thoughts into their post.
If done correctly, thought posting can add to a story, however, many players do not use them correctly.
The Two Common Mistakes in Thought Posting
1. Backstory Thought Post
2. Negative Thought Post
If done correctly, thought posting can add to a story, however, many players do not use them correctly.
The Two Common Mistakes in Thought Posting
1. Backstory Thought Post
2. Negative Thought Post
BACKSTORY THOUGHT POST
A player adds in a section of their backstory into their post, however, it is done in a thought post so no one can react to it or even icly know about it.
Although this gives insights to a characters and why they are doing anything, it leaves the other players with nothing to react to or play off of.
For people to react in character to something, an action has to be done in order for them to react. If this part of your backstory is important enough for you to type out in a thought post. Just say it out loud for the other players to react to and learn about your character.
Although this gives insights to a characters and why they are doing anything, it leaves the other players with nothing to react to or play off of.
For people to react in character to something, an action has to be done in order for them to react. If this part of your backstory is important enough for you to type out in a thought post. Just say it out loud for the other players to react to and learn about your character.
NEGATIVE THOUGHT POSTING
This is the most common miss use of a thought post. In many cases the player is using a thought post in to say negative things about a character without having to face in character consequence for saying it. The thought behind this.. is that because my character was thinking it and as I didn't say it out loud they can't react to it. Negative thought posting can lead to hurt feelings and create ooc drama in an roleplay scene.
If you are going to make a negative thought about a person in your post, then you must give some sort of physical reaction to the thought so the player you are making that post about has the chance to react. Better yet just say thought out loud. Let the roleplay argument begin. Its far more fun.
This is a roleplay mistake that will get a playing an roleplay warning and if it continues the player may be asked to leave the sim.
If you are going to make a negative thought about a person in your post, then you must give some sort of physical reaction to the thought so the player you are making that post about has the chance to react. Better yet just say thought out loud. Let the roleplay argument begin. Its far more fun.
This is a roleplay mistake that will get a playing an roleplay warning and if it continues the player may be asked to leave the sim.
HOW DO YOU COUNTER A NEGATIVE THOUGHT POST?
There are two thoughts to this one ignore the post all together. Why bother responding to something that this player is afraid to say out loud. The person making the thought post looks like an ass in front of all the players in the scene. (Negative thought posting is not a new concept)
The other is to respond with a thought post back but not an insulting one. For example, "As I sit here watching the people come in I am glad I can't read thoughts so anything these people are thinking about me I have know idea that they are happening"
Remember if a player adds an action to the negative thought post then as a player you have a choice to react to it. Therefore the post was done correctly.
The other is to respond with a thought post back but not an insulting one. For example, "As I sit here watching the people come in I am glad I can't read thoughts so anything these people are thinking about me I have know idea that they are happening"
Remember if a player adds an action to the negative thought post then as a player you have a choice to react to it. Therefore the post was done correctly.
AN EXAMPLE OF A THOUGHT POST USED CORRECTLY
"As Lexie looked over to Lyon a looks of disgust came across her face at the sight of the dress Lyon had on."
Lyon has the choice to ask Lex about the look on her face.
Lyon has the choice to ask Lex about the look on her face.
NOTE TO PLAYERS IN REGARDS TO THOUGHT POST
Thought post can be a tricky thing to use in Roleplay. It is recommended that you use this type of writing be used as little as possible. Although we want to explain how and why are characters are feeling or reacting a certain way, if the character is just standing with no movement, then no one can react to it. It doesn't allow the other plays to actually know icly what is going on and the other players must ignore your post as they are not mind readers. If you use a thought post you most have a physical reaction to go with it. If you want to explain your characters background, don't think about it, say it. Let others be involved.
TELEPORTING
Teleporting in and out of a scene is not acceptable.
Please excuse yourself from roleplay by exiting a scene and informing all players in the scene that you need to move away.
Teleporting people into the scene is not allowed.
- There are no phones in Mythia or quick ways to get in touch with other people, unless you are in a public area your friends will not be able to find you easily.
- If people are teleported into a fight scene or a capture scene, they may not post in for 30 minutes real time and then wait another 2 post rounds. This allows the players to actually rp their scene without interference.
Are there Exceptions to this rule?
If you have talked to the all of the players involved in the scene (everyone that has posted in) All of the players must agree then a person can teleport in. If a player is only to come observe a scene all players in the scene must be notified (OOC: So and so is come to watch the scene), an ooc tag should be worn and the player will agree not to post in as they are there to just observe.
In case of rescue mission players need to locate the person they are trying to rescue in character, teleporting in, finding out in ims or using the mini-map to locate a person is considering metagaming. If you know oocly where a person is you must have your character find out icly and be able to prove that before going to the rescue.
POST ORDER
Post order is used when groups of people come together to roleplay.
This allows everyone a chance to react to a scene or and action.
In most cases a post order is established without much discussion however sometimes it has to be established in order to keep the roleplay organized.
In cases of combat scenes the partners pair off to fight. The post then become one on one and post order is not needed to continue.
In groups settings such as meetings.. where many of the character are just listening and initial post is giving to show who is attending the meeting (you most post in to be present). As the leader of the meeting talks people post in every now and then. As posting just sitting their and watching can only been done so many different ways.
Post jumping.
Maybe you are a fast typer.. maybe you are semi-para while the others in the scene are para-roleplayer. Regardless of reason jumping someones post is rude. When entering a scene your character will post after the last in the current post round. You will continue to post in that position. Jumping ahead of another player is consider rude and bad form. Performing an action out of turn can cause issues in the scene. Please be aware of others around you a keep to post order.
This allows everyone a chance to react to a scene or and action.
In most cases a post order is established without much discussion however sometimes it has to be established in order to keep the roleplay organized.
In cases of combat scenes the partners pair off to fight. The post then become one on one and post order is not needed to continue.
In groups settings such as meetings.. where many of the character are just listening and initial post is giving to show who is attending the meeting (you most post in to be present). As the leader of the meeting talks people post in every now and then. As posting just sitting their and watching can only been done so many different ways.
Post jumping.
Maybe you are a fast typer.. maybe you are semi-para while the others in the scene are para-roleplayer. Regardless of reason jumping someones post is rude. When entering a scene your character will post after the last in the current post round. You will continue to post in that position. Jumping ahead of another player is consider rude and bad form. Performing an action out of turn can cause issues in the scene. Please be aware of others around you a keep to post order.
WHITE KNIGHTING
White Knighting is when a player rushes into save the day regardless of why a scene is happening. These players will often rush into a scene without asking any questions to save the day. The player is determine to be the victor or sacrifice themselves in order to be the hero of the sim.
just like in the comic books many of us love to play the hero. You know ..swoop in save the damsel in distress and then ride off into the sunset. This is not limited to just the guys. Girls like to play hero too.
Solving a crime, healing a hurt person, finding a kidnapped person, or even stopping a crime are all examples of things that can happen in role play that leave the opportunity for a player to play a hero. All the elements are there and your character has the skill set to save the day. Before jumping in or running across sim to fulfill the role of the hero it is important to ask "Do they want a hero?"
just like in the comic books many of us love to play the hero. You know ..swoop in save the damsel in distress and then ride off into the sunset. This is not limited to just the guys. Girls like to play hero too.
Solving a crime, healing a hurt person, finding a kidnapped person, or even stopping a crime are all examples of things that can happen in role play that leave the opportunity for a player to play a hero. All the elements are there and your character has the skill set to save the day. Before jumping in or running across sim to fulfill the role of the hero it is important to ask "Do they want a hero?"
WHY IS THIS WRONG? WHY CAN'T WE JUMP IN AND SAVE THE DAY?
Being a hero isn't wrong but not everyone wants to be saved.
This goes back to player consent not all victims want to be saved at least not at first.
This can happen for several reason..
Maybe the crime is the start of a sim-wide event or players are just playing out one of their roleplay fantasy. Regardless of the reason, if the don't want to be save a person jumping in to be hero can ruin the roleplay.
It is important to have permission to be their hero before running in swords a swinging.
This goes back to player consent not all victims want to be saved at least not at first.
This can happen for several reason..
Maybe the crime is the start of a sim-wide event or players are just playing out one of their roleplay fantasy. Regardless of the reason, if the don't want to be save a person jumping in to be hero can ruin the roleplay.
It is important to have permission to be their hero before running in swords a swinging.
HOW DO WE AVOID BEING A WHITE KNIGHT?
- Ask all the players in the scene if a hero is needed to step into intervene.
- When coming across a potentially hero scene ask in ims and then wait two rounds to post in before posting in. This will allow you time to figure out if you should be involved in the scene. If all the players are already engaged (such as in a combat scene, the scene may already be closed to new players therefore you watch but not join in the fight.
- There is no rush.. play the story out. Answers the questions How do you know that? Who is missing, where are the people being held... etc.
2. If a player has told you no or says they will let you know when they want to be rescued respect that.
3. On Mythia, if you try and stop a capture from happening in the capture zone, your character can face in-character consequences that could leave
your character enslaved.
The more roleplay added the more fun the story will be.
Note to Players
It is also important in these scenes to remember that moving around in sl takes shorter time than in real life. If a friend messages you asking for help, showing up in the scene 2 minutes later to save the day is bad form. It is recommended that you wait a minimum of 30 minutes RL time before going to the scene and then waiting the 2 post rounds before posting in yourself.
Secondly consent is needed by the captor and captive to join the roleplay scene. In-character scenes set up to cause an OOC reaction are not allowed. Players not involved in your ooc should be dragged into an in-character scene that was meant to anger or make another player jealous. Keep it all in-character or move along. OOC Drama should be handled off sim. Continuous OOC drama between to players that effects the players on the sim will be asked to leave.
Secondly consent is needed by the captor and captive to join the roleplay scene. In-character scenes set up to cause an OOC reaction are not allowed. Players not involved in your ooc should be dragged into an in-character scene that was meant to anger or make another player jealous. Keep it all in-character or move along. OOC Drama should be handled off sim. Continuous OOC drama between to players that effects the players on the sim will be asked to leave.