Allowable RP relationships question

[Lady Crankenstein]

While enjoying a different game system strictly devoted to RP, I encountered a personality that has an RP style that compliments and encourages my own so well, that we developed an "In Game" ( IG ) relationship, that includes intimacy , as well as an "out of character" ( OOC ) friendship... or as close to "Real LIfe" ( RL ) as it gets for folks who have only ever met online.
As it turns out, we are both females in all of those designations.

ALFA is a far better designed game, and NWN is far better program. BUT, if there are limits, objections, conflicts, and such, ... we have no desire to cause any such problems, and would be fine with just not jumping into ALFA from where we are now.
We understand underage folks play, we mostly RP in the world as provided and are very sociable and involved , and any intimacy is hidden in the one to one chat system.
I understand all the many possible issues, and do not need lengthy explanations of what they may be.

But a simple answer such as " such relationships are not allowed in ALFA rules." would be well understood...
Or... something like .... " As long as all decency rules are not broken, there are no defined relationships. " would be well understood.

No offense will be taken. Best to answer this before we might spend the time moving to a better platform.

Thank you for your consideration.
Lady Crankenstein

[Ansha]

There's nothing against RP relationships. Heck, there's nothing against ERP either, assuming that it has the consent of all parties (at least OOC) and is acceptable to those around you (if it isn't, there's always /tells, or moving locations--just keep in mind that DMs don't necessarily want to see that either, and using the /party channel broadcasts to all DMs).

[CloudDancing]

While enjoying a different game system strictly devoted to RP, I encountered a personality that has an RP style that compliments and encourages my own so well, that we developed an "In Game" ( IG ) relationship, that includes intimacy , as well as an "out of character" ( OOC ) friendship... or as close to "Real LIfe" ( RL ) as it gets for folks who have only ever met online.
As it turns out, we are both females in all of those designations.

I will do this point by point:

Not a problem Alfa has members from GLBi and Tg people and has for a long time. Same for PCs. And you can look up Ed Greenwood's comments to this effect about gender identity issues in Faerun.

I would note also Alfa was voted 18+ a while back and that means ANYONE suspect of being under 18 by their behavior needs to be removed. I too don't want to argue this, it is merely a legal protection for people in the USA which has the highest age of consent. People here are doctors, lawyers, teachers, and all sorts of other prestigious jobs. We don't need the flack. Especially since some of us have chosen to expose our real selves via Facebook.

But a simple answer such as " such relationships are not allowed in ALFA rules." would be well understood...
Or... something like .... " As long as all decency rules are not broken, there are no defined relationships. " would be well understood.

They are allowed and I and a number of players would be happy to speak privately on the issue. Anything culturally appropriate and in character is allowed WITH OC character consent between the parties Player to Player or Dm to Player.

After that common courtesy is to cease and avoid ERP actions in public and when a DM is on. DM time really is a precious thing. DMs want to play with your characters and don't want to read racy emotes. As well Haven is an social server and honestly IF DM time is annoying it is a good alternative. I am not saying leave alfa, but I like to think of it as a safe simple place for ERP.

As well anyone listening in closely or who has access to a master log called the server log can read your roleplay in any channel. So nothing is really private except to very few HDMS and it is maddening to weed through logs.

Now as per your wonderful IC relationship I personally would have the Player Admin after ANYONE who harasses you OC over your life choices and gameplay whether they are provocative, derogatory, or hostile. Mainly because I know many Alfans who are in the rainbow spectrum. You are allowed to CvC them if it comes to that point IC or pay/find someone who will.

There are no common rules of "decency." It runs from Dm to Dm and just like the ESRB says "Gameplay experience may change at anytime."

BUT Dms do stupid things. There is no intelligence or maturity test. We get over-confident and use clichés and stupid things we learned from television and movies. And if a DM or a Player does a stupid thing, they will get censured.

Just as I did my first two months for implying some players should "fade to black" after they chose to steal love potions in the Mages College. I had no idea this would upset a sensitive player and I even remade the quest when I saw she was upset. But I still was reported and censured. That is just a tiny thing.

Player Admins. HDMS, and DMs are here for you. And you have to keep hammering away till someone listens. But yes you are acceptable and WANTED here as well as your characters.

[hollyfant]

Well, I think the comments above just about cover all the bases. So if it feels right and hurts no-one: go for it.

[Lady Crankenstein]

This is excellent, being a doctor myself I really do not want to get into any kind of hassle over a decency issue of any kind.

In the game we now have, the Gm's are not allowed to interact with chars. ( nuts, I know )...
... so being able to build a rapore with one or more Gm's would so enhance the experience.

This leads me to a very important question... is the ration of Gm's ( Dm's ) to players such that newbies can hope to interact with one? Or is it more likely to take months of developing relationships with those who already know Dm's and nudge in? Both my friend and I are very creative minds, and seem to entertain a lot of folks and even drive story lines where we are now. Having some one on the other side of the "table" working with us..... wow....

Lady Crank

[CloudDancing]

Well most players know DMs because they played together as players before they were DMs.

Why do they still get Dm time? Because their character lived.

Also like real friendships you have to develop a rapport crossing natural thresholds and building trust.

First of all,
mail your DM your bio.

Second, talk to them. Not every single time they show up in Alfa. But talk to them and do not be afraid to ask questions or get help when you are in trouble.

Third, there is always a second opinion. Some have used this to change a "no" to a "yes" and that is just childish. Other time DMs make bad calls and need that HDM or PA to come in and fix things.

Fourth, work to make your PC a character worth knowing. I could write nine pages on how to live or how to create iconic characters. But you know, it is already there in every book we read, movie we see, and tv show we watch. Even fantasy art can draw us into to making a character.

Harry Potter is a good example. Readers watched him grow from a child-abused out-cast to basically the leader of a race who finally turned the tide in a good vs evil coup.

Simple, Dms love iconic fully immersed characters. We may never get the time to fully dig into them, but some DMs have devoted years to one character that stirred them

NOTE: Dm to player ERP interactions are a sensitive issues. It is fraught with traps and possible moments of sexual harassment. Some players ask for this. They ask for NPC relationships to richen their character for example. It is alluring for DMs but there is so much that becomes at risk.

For me, a seasoned player on Haven I can wrap my mind around a good deal more RP content than say someone who is titillated but is very shy or unknowledgable in real life on the subject. That puts the DM at a risk to scare or offend or traumatize some real life person. And I have literally told people DMs and player IF they want that sort of thing, please go to Haven. Because you can practice there and have no fear of being shamed or harassed. And for some, they can practice.


That being said, in pretty much patience is needed. Playing once or twice a week is needed. Making a character that CAN be friends with others is needed too. Alfa is a social place while not a social server, survival depends on who you know IC. Being a community member (via IRC or FB or the Forums) is a first step.

On the OC side getting to know the people behind Alfa is the most rewarding thing I can think of. I've never been able to travel the world. And I love the diversity both in thought and culture. It will also help you find help.

These people! They know everything. We have two other doctors for example and all the other people I listed too (I am very polite and try not to ask them about my medical issues as it is their time off.) Hehe "25 xp and does this look like a tumor?"

Finally don't stay silent and solo. There is a world upon worlds to discover within yourself. And of course never forget to go real outside.

[Lady Crankenstein]

For me, RP comes very easily and naturally. I find that at times , I get what I call "Spill Over" ( doks all love terminology for concepts ) .... which means emotions that linger over after the computer is off. This, to me is similar to what a favorite character we come to admire in a movie, TV series, or story can inspire in us... except, this situation , I am actually involved and interacting and creating a relationship(s) with in the boundries of my character... and I love it.
I used to write a lot , and had no problem composing an argument on the fly with 4 totally different characters at a table arguing their own point of view, from their own knowlege and experiences , and never got them crossed or confused in any way...mentally and emotionally I just became each one... and yet, once I started RP, and EP ( emotional play ).... WOW, what a surprise It was. Now, I could delve deep and yet only controlled my point of view and knowlege base. Honest relationships, with true emotions involved came with it. Both attraction and revulsion. At first I questioned this new experience for RP emotions and the Spill over, but, just letting it all come naturally, it has been the most enriching and fun way to spend my time.
I rarely want to watch movies and TV any more, that is all so passive, when I can step into my char and become her and interact, living the story on the screen, changing it... until some Orc bashes my head in.
I look forward to this. and thanks for all the warnings on IRC about not being a loner, I tend to do that sometimes and am told that pretty much equals DEAD.

La Crank :>

[Galadorn]

Welcome to ALFA!

I think the best thing you and your friend should do, is just get in game on ALFA.

It will not be long before you get into the swing of things.

One piece of advice, one which I hate to give (since every character made for ALFA SHOULD be a full blown strong effort by the players... I really hate it when people make "Throw away characters"... not realistic for me... but it's just a game, so go for it), but my advice is: do not expect to survive with your first character... I'm not saying you won't! I'm saying if and when you do end up on a slab, don't be crushed and leave us! Roll up a new amazing piece of work, and get back on the horse. When your niche is found, you will enjoy it even more.

Ask alot of questions. Many of us have been here for a looooong time (we are crazy).

Also, just like you are doing in this thread of course, ask questions "at the moment"... for instance if you do get into a "steamy" situation with someone.... just...ask. Like you're doing now.

"Are you Ok with this?"

"Let me know if you feel there's anything wrong with what I/We/those-donkeys-and-that-goose are doing please..."

etc.

Cheers,

~G

[Dorn]

Ask alot of questions. Many of us have been here for a looooong time (we are crazy).

No we havn't.Yes we have! Oh shut up you. I'm green............


welcome
ps - listen to Gala about the 1st character, it's dangerous out there for a meek little level 1 and mortality can be high. That being said, if you concentrate on joining up with others and enjoying the development of your char, slowly instead of rushing to level 2 as it sounds like you might, then you should be fine.