Post by Ryori Holloway on May 11, 2014 3:16:06 GMT -7
Hey, guys! If you're looking in this thread, then that means you're here to get a more specific idea of how we do role-play around here. Some of these items will be reiterations of our Rules and Regulations. Others will be new. If you are new to forum RP, or want clarity on what we expect of our RP'ers when it comes to the IC world, please be sure to read the following information carefully.
Story vs Victory
For us here at MEG, it is important that we start with an explanation of our overall desire when it comes to RP. When approaching this RP forum, it is best to do so with a desire to write a great story, and not to simply come out winning all the time. Forum RP is give and take. Sometimes your character(s) will come up on top, and sometimes they won't. But as long as everyone is working together for a great collaborative story, then this will provide the best opportunity for everyone to enjoy their experiences on the board. Everyone will be at different power levels at any given time. Nine times out of ten, a Renegade is going to beat a Recruits ass.... but sometimes the underdog finds a way to prevail. Don't always assume that being more powerful than someone means you're going to win. On the same token, someone who is a higher rank than you has put time an energy into earning the power level that they have, and they deserve to have that effort recognized and respected. Play fair and reasonably. We appreciate creative, cooperative, and inventive RP!
Staff Capabilities
Mostly, staff will attempt to stay out of RP threads. We are not here to micromanage. However, certain staff members do have the power to take action if they feel that someone is role playing unreasonably, or if they feel an RP is getting out of hand. In such cases, a staff member will always send a PM to the person(s) in question and respectfully bring up their issue, asking for clarification, explanations, and (if it is deemed necessary) for you to edit your post to be more reasonable. We prefer to discuss with our members first before demanding changes be made. However, please be aware that staff does have the power to: request post edits, assume narrative control of threads (essentially, stepping in to moderate it), close a thread entirely, or any other action they deem necessary to solving the problem before them. This includes barring you from creating or joining new threads if you are failing to comply with RP disciplinary actions.
Honor System RP'ing
MEG recognizes a method of role-play we refer to as the "Honor system". What this means is that, as mentioned previously, staff does not micromanage the threads. The majority of threads are not required to have a moderator running the story line and deciding who is successful in what endeavors. It is a system of give and take. You are expected to play fair and reasonably without our constant guidance. However, that does not mean that you can't have someone run a thread for you. Sometimes, staff will be running stories for other people to join. In these instances, the person running the storyline has complete control over the outcomes of the characters' actions. Similarly, if you ask someone (whether staff or a regular member) to run a story for you, they have the same power. Thus, there are many methods of running a role-play. If desired, you are even permitted to run an entire story on your own, either through one very long post or with numerous smaller posts at a time. However, if you run a story on your own you will be especially expected to write reasonably. We want to see you make your character struggle and fight for what they're after, to earn it.
God-modding
Also known as "GM'ing" or "bunnying", God-modding is the act of writing your character as invincible and limitless. You're not either, so don't do it. Another thing that qualifies as GM'ing is "auto-hitting", where you assume that your character successfully attacks another PC without their prior consent. Do not do this. We will not look favorably upon it. If someone is GM'ing in a thread you are participating in, the correct way to handle it is to notify a staff member and then continue with the thread. Don't rage or throw a fit. Staff will take care of it. In the meantime, turn the other cheek and continue forward knowing that we have our eyes on the problem.
Metagaming
Tied in with GM'ing, metagaming is when you take OOC knowledge and use it IC. Your character does not know all the information that you do. This is just as highly frowned upon as GM'ing, so don't do it.
Time Stamping & load-out
Each time an RP thread is started, it is expected that the first post have what we refer to as a "time stamp". This lets us know where the thread is taking place and at what time. If a number of people are in one thread, but are in different places, they can use a time stamp in their first post to indicate where they're at. A picture is shown below of an example of a good time stamp.
MEG utilizes a loose timeline. This helps us keep track of order of events, and keeps them from becoming too convoluted. What this means is that all roleplays that are started take place in the current time of year. Unless you have permission from an admin, you cannot start a RP thread that takes place in the past. RP's that take place in the future will never be allowed. We RP in the present. MEG uses a method of time flow we call the "Epoch system". Each year is split up into three groups (or "epochs") of four months.
The reason we have split up the year this way is because Mass Effect takes place in a number of different planets that all have different year lengths and different seasons. There is no way that we can have a ICly uniform way of describing time. However, in an effort to keep stories continuity from getting crazy, we have set up this loose OOC system. Generally, staff will try to put out new events in each epoch. Four months gives us plenty of time to work on those stories, and plenty of time for you to RP them to completion, without rushing posts. This timeline structure should be used when organizing your thread list in your dossiers.
You should also list at the beginning of each thread what weapons you are bringing into the thread. Remember to follow the rules for our point system as to how much you can carry into one thread, and make sure to list how many points you are using out of the total number available to you. For instance, if you can carry a total load-out of 12 points worth of weapons, but you only bring in ten, list it as "(10/12)" after you've listed your weapons. Once you have chosen your weapon set for the thread, it cannot be changed.
Dice Function
For your enjoyment, we have added a dice plug in to the reply boxes! This is a neat function which will add a cumulative dice roll result into your post when you put in proper HTML coding. For those of you who really enjoy going full blown chance in games, this will be an easy, fun, and suspenseful way to determine who comes out on top in encounters versus other PCs! Given that the dice are not biased or loaded, all outcomes are fair and purely chance. If you would like to make use of this feature, feel free to do so, however it is not required. Please make sure to work out with your RP partners beforehand if you would like to use this function in your threads. It is only applicable if everyone in your encounters is using it.
The picture above highlights where the dice application can be found. When used, it will ask you for a range of numbers to roll from. Any range is acceptable. Obviously if you are using this function, you want to make sure everyone is using the same range of numbers.
Text Formatting
We are very loose about text formatting. Preferably, stay away from large text. We like to use those only in special occasions. However, you are free to use color and font faces however you desire. For instance, many people like to highlight their character's speech in a color to make it stand out from the narrative portions of the text. This will be fairly standard, but is not necessary. Formatting your text can be done any way you'd like, just be sure that the end result is something that is clean and easy on the eyes.
Essential Non-Player Characters
As you know from our rules section, MEG utilizes a two character cap limit. Meaning, you are not allowed to have more than two active PC's at a time. However, we are highly encouraging of the use of ENPC's. An ENPC is set above a regular NPC in the sense that it is a secondary character that is important to your main character. An ENPC could be a friend, a mentor, a comrade, a family member, or any number of things. It is expected that all ENPC's be listed in your character's dossier with a detailed explanation of their personality, physical description, and general idea of how they know your character and what their relationship is. ENPC's should be treated as respectfully as regular PCs. However, your main PC's should be receiving the focus of your RP attention. Additionally, ENPC's are not given an OOC power rank. They are just as limited as normal characters. Do not GM with your ENPC's, or abuse the privilege of having them. They should not be used to make your own character more powerful, or for any sort of personal gain with your own character. They should be used to give your character dynamic interactions and aid in the growth and development of your character.
Completing Threads
It is very important that you complete your threads. You cannot claim your accomplishments unless your thread is completed. If your thread trails off and you stop posting to it, you will not be allowed to assume that you achieved whatever goal you set out to gain. Don't half ass your posting. Complete your threads to earn your rewards.
Tagging
Please be sure to put proper tags in your threads. There is a text input box just below the "subject" line when starting a new thread. Where the subject line is your title, the box below it is for you to give a general idea of where you thread is and who it is for. For instance, if you are doing a private thread with someone on the citadel, then you should put something akin to "Citadel - Private" in that line. The use of specific character names is also acceptable. The following are examples of typical tags:
·2d6pHV64v8K
Story vs Victory
For us here at MEG, it is important that we start with an explanation of our overall desire when it comes to RP. When approaching this RP forum, it is best to do so with a desire to write a great story, and not to simply come out winning all the time. Forum RP is give and take. Sometimes your character(s) will come up on top, and sometimes they won't. But as long as everyone is working together for a great collaborative story, then this will provide the best opportunity for everyone to enjoy their experiences on the board. Everyone will be at different power levels at any given time. Nine times out of ten, a Renegade is going to beat a Recruits ass.... but sometimes the underdog finds a way to prevail. Don't always assume that being more powerful than someone means you're going to win. On the same token, someone who is a higher rank than you has put time an energy into earning the power level that they have, and they deserve to have that effort recognized and respected. Play fair and reasonably. We appreciate creative, cooperative, and inventive RP!
Staff Capabilities
Mostly, staff will attempt to stay out of RP threads. We are not here to micromanage. However, certain staff members do have the power to take action if they feel that someone is role playing unreasonably, or if they feel an RP is getting out of hand. In such cases, a staff member will always send a PM to the person(s) in question and respectfully bring up their issue, asking for clarification, explanations, and (if it is deemed necessary) for you to edit your post to be more reasonable. We prefer to discuss with our members first before demanding changes be made. However, please be aware that staff does have the power to: request post edits, assume narrative control of threads (essentially, stepping in to moderate it), close a thread entirely, or any other action they deem necessary to solving the problem before them. This includes barring you from creating or joining new threads if you are failing to comply with RP disciplinary actions.
Honor System RP'ing
MEG recognizes a method of role-play we refer to as the "Honor system". What this means is that, as mentioned previously, staff does not micromanage the threads. The majority of threads are not required to have a moderator running the story line and deciding who is successful in what endeavors. It is a system of give and take. You are expected to play fair and reasonably without our constant guidance. However, that does not mean that you can't have someone run a thread for you. Sometimes, staff will be running stories for other people to join. In these instances, the person running the storyline has complete control over the outcomes of the characters' actions. Similarly, if you ask someone (whether staff or a regular member) to run a story for you, they have the same power. Thus, there are many methods of running a role-play. If desired, you are even permitted to run an entire story on your own, either through one very long post or with numerous smaller posts at a time. However, if you run a story on your own you will be especially expected to write reasonably. We want to see you make your character struggle and fight for what they're after, to earn it.
God-modding
Also known as "GM'ing" or "bunnying", God-modding is the act of writing your character as invincible and limitless. You're not either, so don't do it. Another thing that qualifies as GM'ing is "auto-hitting", where you assume that your character successfully attacks another PC without their prior consent. Do not do this. We will not look favorably upon it. If someone is GM'ing in a thread you are participating in, the correct way to handle it is to notify a staff member and then continue with the thread. Don't rage or throw a fit. Staff will take care of it. In the meantime, turn the other cheek and continue forward knowing that we have our eyes on the problem.
Metagaming
Tied in with GM'ing, metagaming is when you take OOC knowledge and use it IC. Your character does not know all the information that you do. This is just as highly frowned upon as GM'ing, so don't do it.
Time Stamping & load-out
Each time an RP thread is started, it is expected that the first post have what we refer to as a "time stamp". This lets us know where the thread is taking place and at what time. If a number of people are in one thread, but are in different places, they can use a time stamp in their first post to indicate where they're at. A picture is shown below of an example of a good time stamp.
MEG utilizes a loose timeline. This helps us keep track of order of events, and keeps them from becoming too convoluted. What this means is that all roleplays that are started take place in the current time of year. Unless you have permission from an admin, you cannot start a RP thread that takes place in the past. RP's that take place in the future will never be allowed. We RP in the present. MEG uses a method of time flow we call the "Epoch system". Each year is split up into three groups (or "epochs") of four months.
- First Epoch: January, February, March, April
- Second Epoch: May, June, July, August
- Third Epoch: September, October, November, December
The reason we have split up the year this way is because Mass Effect takes place in a number of different planets that all have different year lengths and different seasons. There is no way that we can have a ICly uniform way of describing time. However, in an effort to keep stories continuity from getting crazy, we have set up this loose OOC system. Generally, staff will try to put out new events in each epoch. Four months gives us plenty of time to work on those stories, and plenty of time for you to RP them to completion, without rushing posts. This timeline structure should be used when organizing your thread list in your dossiers.
You should also list at the beginning of each thread what weapons you are bringing into the thread. Remember to follow the rules for our point system as to how much you can carry into one thread, and make sure to list how many points you are using out of the total number available to you. For instance, if you can carry a total load-out of 12 points worth of weapons, but you only bring in ten, list it as "(10/12)" after you've listed your weapons. Once you have chosen your weapon set for the thread, it cannot be changed.
Dice Function
For your enjoyment, we have added a dice plug in to the reply boxes! This is a neat function which will add a cumulative dice roll result into your post when you put in proper HTML coding. For those of you who really enjoy going full blown chance in games, this will be an easy, fun, and suspenseful way to determine who comes out on top in encounters versus other PCs! Given that the dice are not biased or loaded, all outcomes are fair and purely chance. If you would like to make use of this feature, feel free to do so, however it is not required. Please make sure to work out with your RP partners beforehand if you would like to use this function in your threads. It is only applicable if everyone in your encounters is using it.
The picture above highlights where the dice application can be found. When used, it will ask you for a range of numbers to roll from. Any range is acceptable. Obviously if you are using this function, you want to make sure everyone is using the same range of numbers.
Text Formatting
We are very loose about text formatting. Preferably, stay away from large text. We like to use those only in special occasions. However, you are free to use color and font faces however you desire. For instance, many people like to highlight their character's speech in a color to make it stand out from the narrative portions of the text. This will be fairly standard, but is not necessary. Formatting your text can be done any way you'd like, just be sure that the end result is something that is clean and easy on the eyes.
Essential Non-Player Characters
As you know from our rules section, MEG utilizes a two character cap limit. Meaning, you are not allowed to have more than two active PC's at a time. However, we are highly encouraging of the use of ENPC's. An ENPC is set above a regular NPC in the sense that it is a secondary character that is important to your main character. An ENPC could be a friend, a mentor, a comrade, a family member, or any number of things. It is expected that all ENPC's be listed in your character's dossier with a detailed explanation of their personality, physical description, and general idea of how they know your character and what their relationship is. ENPC's should be treated as respectfully as regular PCs. However, your main PC's should be receiving the focus of your RP attention. Additionally, ENPC's are not given an OOC power rank. They are just as limited as normal characters. Do not GM with your ENPC's, or abuse the privilege of having them. They should not be used to make your own character more powerful, or for any sort of personal gain with your own character. They should be used to give your character dynamic interactions and aid in the growth and development of your character.
Completing Threads
It is very important that you complete your threads. You cannot claim your accomplishments unless your thread is completed. If your thread trails off and you stop posting to it, you will not be allowed to assume that you achieved whatever goal you set out to gain. Don't half ass your posting. Complete your threads to earn your rewards.
Tagging
Please be sure to put proper tags in your threads. There is a text input box just below the "subject" line when starting a new thread. Where the subject line is your title, the box below it is for you to give a general idea of where you thread is and who it is for. For instance, if you are doing a private thread with someone on the citadel, then you should put something akin to "Citadel - Private" in that line. The use of specific character names is also acceptable. The following are examples of typical tags:
- OPEN - An open tag means that anyone may join your thread.
- INVITE - Invite typically indicates that you are open to others joining, but would like to discuss it first.
- PRIVATE - This may mean that you are either doing a thread only with certain individuals or by yourself
