Social Role Playing in a Fantasy Setting: Ideas

[CloudDancing]

Due to the current influx of players in TSM (and due to our international rotation of players) I was wondering if we could brainstorm on a couple of ideas. Maybe just make a few comments on your feelings on each topic or add your own?


1. Finding In-Character (IC) Activities to Do when the DMs are (not)around:

2. Putting up with other RP characters while they authentically RP social situations:

3. Making new PCs feel welcome despite the pressing need to be IC at all times:

4. Fantasy RP in the Forgotten Realms of Alfa: Kill at the Monstahs! or Dark and Realisitc?

[CloudDancing]

1. Finding ways to RP when the Dms are not available:
I constantly question, what would Trap do? If it involves travelling or helping traveller she would most absolutely say yes. Going out dancing? Going to a tea party? Sitting through a long meeting on strategy? No or she will be very uncomfotable, bored, and prone to wandering off.

2. Finding In-Character (IC) Activities to Do:
For a scout there are constant opportunies to take people to various places. It is easy and effortless except when said scout is aware of severe dangers. For others, it is easy to suggest a walk, a visit to a nice town, or even the theater.

3. Putting up with other RP characters while they authentically RP social situations:
I will admidt, looking back currently, I can be self-absorbed and annoyingly extroverted, yet throughly wrapped up in deep long term issues with other hyperactively RP intense characters. From the outside this might seem stand-offish and often disruptive to the happy happy joy joy side of things. But there is no reason that you can not follow someone who runs away, knock on doors to find someone if the matter is pressing or the group is leaving, or demand their attention as long it is what your character would do and according to their alignment. I use the die rolls to press my alignhment issues, so Trapper is being random instead of doing what I want, which often is not what she would do.
I try to plow on through with her character and ignore modern conceptions of reality, morality, and social graces too for those of Faerun and the books I have read.

4. Making new PCs feel welcome despite the pressing need to be IC at all times:
This is a hard subject that I have been thinking on. There are PC's I really like who I rarely get to sit down with and just listen too due to constant interruptions. I mean maybe it is IC that Hin, Gnomes, and Dwarves get overlooked, but the players that choose them are interesting people and deserve the spotlight too. I am not sure I have done that enough really. I wonder if it is my responsibility really to go around dragging the murky bottoms for information?

5. Fantasy RP in the Forgotten Realms of Alfa: Kill at the Monstahs! or Dark and Realisitc?
II am a dark fantasy role player and I like gritty honest in-character role-play. I am drawn to other serious dark fantasy players that do not pull punches, play their characters as 360 experience, and demonstrate creativity. At this point Trapper does not waste her time on anyone or anything that isn't relevant to her personal goals as per her alignment. If a characters (new or not) made it plainly obvious they are useful to that meta-awareness she might show a little more than a passing interest. As a player I feel bad about this. Guilty even because guys like Audark are real welcoming. A DM sent me straight to Berendil to get started and it was a stroke of perfection. This was because Audrak/Berendil took his time to feel out Trapper, befriend her, introduce her to all his awesome friends, and drag her around, even when she tended toward the reprehensible. I wish ever player could be sent to their perfect mentor type to start.

[oldgrayrogue]

1. Finding In-Character (IC) Activities to Do when the DMs are around:

I assume you mean when the DMs are notaround Cloud. My rule of thumb is to RP around what is going on in my character's world at the time. This usually means furthering the current DM plot(s) being woven around him ICly, or furthering his own story. This is really what the statics are for too -- group RP around a task or mission to enjoy when there is no DM around. They should be used to develop relationships among PCs (or enmity) and provide a "storyline" for RP. Statics are so much more enjoyable IMO when shared and not just a solo means to earn XP and gold. Even carrying a package of supplies from one end of the Marches to another provides fertile ground for interesting RP and story telling.

2. Putting up with other RP characters while they authentically RP social situations:

Being ostracized ICly can be a drag OOCly. My advice here is to strive to keep the reactions as IC as possible at all times. This is in my opinion an opportunity to really get to understand what makes your character tick. React as they would react and use those reactions, and the feelings they engender in your character as a jump off for future RP with other characters. Maybe the good natured half-orc spurned by a group of dwarves leads to a simmering hatred, a shift in alignment, or soul searching and forgiveness. I also find that as the player who may be shutting out another player's character ICly it is always good game manners to "check in" with another player via tell after such a scenario. Something like "Hey, that was fun, sorry my PC can be a bit of an ass at times, especially to orc-bloods =). Did you know there are another two players of half-orcs that you might be able to hook up with ICly?" A quick OOC tell goes a long way to developing OOC respect and relationships between players so there are no OOC hard feelings over IC actions. We are all playing a game together after all.

3. Making new PCs feel welcome despite the pressing need to be IC at all times:

In my view, IC interaction with other players is enjoyable whether the IC interaction is positive or negative. Making a new player "feel welcome" means RPing with them whether in a positive or negative way. If your PC is the welcoming or helpful type its easy to get new characters involved. If your PC is a murdering back stabber they can "help" too, but probably do so from some selfish motivation as opposed to altruism. I try to avoid thinking that my PCs would simply walk away from a situation without a word most of the time. That stifles RP. Even a deft emote or two can communicate, or a few short comments before your character decides to walk away. A welcoming tell to any new player you see logged in is also something I would encourage all ALFA members to do. Its just good manners and goes a long way towards helping people feel comfortable at a new server and get them interacting. Direct them to the IC and OOC forums (some don't read them) or OOCly to the active DMs. I also will PM a DM when I notice a new player and PC and politely ask if they can keep an eye out to show them some attention. I think the DMs actually appreciate this and the new players surely will.

4. Fantasy RP in the Forgotten Realms of Alfa: Kill at the Monstahs! or Dark and Realisitc?

Hard core story based RP. If that means loving, hating, killing, or dying, then fine.

[Rotku]

1. Finding In-Character (IC) Activities to Do when the DMs are (not)around:
Become a DM then you don't need to worry about DMs not being around.

2. Putting up with other RP characters while they authentically RP social situations:
Become a DM then you can RP any character specifically chosen for that situation.

3. Making new PCs feel welcome despite the pressing need to be IC at all times:
Become a DM then you can send them nice friendly "Hello!" tells when they log in and give them some DM loving.

4. Fantasy RP in the Forgotten Realms of Alfa: Kill at the Monstahs! or Dark and Realisitc?
Become a DM then you can depict the world just the way you see it.

[Rotku]

I mean maybe it is IC that Hin, Gnomes, and Dwarves get overlooked, but the players that choose them are interesting people and deserve the spotlight too.

See! I'm not racist! I've got a very good friend who is a gnome!

Seriously though, I have been toying with the idea of a hin centred plot for a bit now, especially given that we have quite a few hins around these past few days. Just haven't had any brain cells fire off giving me plot lines. Yet...

[Magile]

I mean maybe it is IC that Hin, Gnomes, and Dwarves get overlooked, but the players that choose them are interesting people and deserve the spotlight too.

See! I'm not racist! I've got a very good friend who is a gnome!

Seriously though, I have been toying with the idea of a hin centred plot for a bit now, especially given that we have quite a few hins around these past few days. Just haven't had any brain cells fire off giving me plot lines. Yet...

The big issue is that a lot (not all) of hin, gnome and (to a lesser extent) dwarf PCs are built around gimmicks that become thoroughly unenjoyable to be around after a long, long time.

[Rotku]

The big issue is that a lot (not all) of hin, gnome and (to a lesser extent) dwarf PCs are built around gimmicks that become thoroughly unenjoyable to be around after a long, long time.

Gimmicks?

[Audark]

Due to the current influx of players in TSM (and due to our international rotation of players) I was wondering if we could brainstorm on a couple of ideas. Maybe just make a few comments on your feelings on each topic or add your own?


1. Finding In-Character (IC) Activities to Do when the DMs are (not)around:

Very easy, I can always log in and find something to do, adventure or otherwise. A lot of time is spent dispersing information gleaned from a plot or another. Sometimes that information is crucial to the advancement and if I'm not around, someone needs to know it, so i spend a lot of time spreading relveant information IC.

2. Putting up with other RP characters while they authentically RP social situations:

I have been bad with this, I am more and more frustrated by the continual 'fireside rp' of late where people chat about mundane things like fashion or their PCs personal relationships. This is absolutely IC and I won't argue with people doing it, but it's not what I'm here for. I want to be the hero, play the game, discuss the bad guy or the threat at hand, whether presented by DMs, found ourselves or represented by another PC. I 'put up with' this RP only in that I remove myself from it if I begin to get annoyed OOC. I think it's a shame that thsi removal from many social situations had led to some notions about my character being a stick in the mud, but I'll accep[t that as the cost of keeping my sanity. I really don't mind personal RP, I love it in fact, but much of TSMs RP has been a bit overblown and overdramatic and reminds me of a soap opera, I don't enjoy that style and have thusfar avoid becoming too 'personal' with any female PCs as a result.

3. Making new PCs feel welcome despite the pressing need to be IC at all times:

I always go out of my way to be welcoming to new PCs, kind of my job now, but I did it before too. I always shoot tells to new players, see if they need any help, tell them where the majority of folk are, recommend people of similar alignment or character type etc. That being said if we get a level one player being openly a lying cheating pain in the ass, I will absolutely lay the law down on him IC, though again, going out of my way to assume no hard feelings OOC.

4. Fantasy RP in the Forgotten Realms of Alfa: Kill at the Monstahs! or Dark and Realisitc?

I like a bit of both, grit is what I'd favour if I had to choose, but everyone loves the tasty fantasy adventure where we save the day. What it comes down to is that i like challenges I can overcome, I may not always succeed, but at least the chance of success needs to be there. I like my character to always impact the storyline, if his involvement hs no lasting effect, then I feel like I've risked my characters life for no story benefit, which to me is more improtant than any loot. I like open minded challenges with many different approaches possible, if the solution ends up being something gritty and dirty I'm all for it, I'll pull no punches, but I'm just as happy to see a 6 person group form up and run a 'classic' D&D game, everyone needs that every now and then,

[Magile]

The big issue is that a lot (not all) of hin, gnome and (to a lesser extent) dwarf PCs are built around gimmicks that become thoroughly unenjoyable to be around after a long, long time.

Gimmicks?

Pink Hair.

Need I say more?

[Rotku]

much of TSMs RP has been a bit overblown and overdramatic and reminds me of a soap opera

This man speaks with great wisdom.

[Rotku]

The big issue is that a lot (not all) of hin, gnome and (to a lesser extent) dwarf PCs are built around gimmicks that become thoroughly unenjoyable to be around after a long, long time.

Gimmicks?

Pink Hair.

Need I say more?

Okay. Point taken. But surely that is just one?

[CloudDancing]

2. Putting up with other RP characters while they authentically RP social situations:

I have been bad with this, I am more and more frustrated by the continual 'fireside rp' of late where people chat about mundane things like fashion or their PCs personal relationships. This is absolutely IC and I won't argue with people doing it, but it's not what I'm here for. I want to be the hero, play the game, discuss the bad guy or the threat at hand, whether presented by DMs, found ourselves or represented by another PC. I 'put up with' this RP only in that I remove myself from it if I begin to get annoyed OOC. I think it's a shame that thsi removal from many social situations had led to some notions about my character being a stick in the mud, but I'll accep[t that as the cost of keeping my sanity. I really don't mind personal RP, I love it in fact, but much of TSMs RP has been a bit overblown and overdramatic and reminds me of a soap opera, I don't enjoy that style and have thusfar avoid becoming too 'personal' with any female PCs as a result.

I lament this as well to some degree. But I see it as an IC point where one can learn about things. I find emo breakdowns and such amusing, intimate, and telling of the character to a certain point.

Equally, while I love strategy and planning, doing it over and over and repeating it over and over again in a tavern or what not makes my head hurt (aka that day when Grull tried to PvP Lanaria for example)

Maybe we can strive for a balance? More than an hour passes, head out and do a static..heh something to prevent the stewing in the juices.

[Audark]

There is absolutely no problem with what you choose to do with your time Cloud. It is perfectly valid RP, and I'm certain, terribly interestingto those who undertake it. I don't think any 'balance' needs to be struck, PCs will act as their players wish them to.

Any limits you set on yourself should be your own, as I always advocate in ym real life, always do what makes you happy. If sitting by a fire chatting about your PCs backstory is what gets you going as an RPer, hell yes go for it. I however have my backstory to give myself a frame of referance for future actions, and divulge usually very little of it IC. My social interactions are based on who I trust the most and have use for and who acts most prudent in adventuring settings.

I have no problem with any kind of RP from other PCs, but I withold the right to treat any of those PCs as vain/frivilous/flighty/gossipy/elusive/distracted/ill trained or whatever in response to various 'social' RP. If someone acts as such commonly, it should not be surprising when they has consequences in game related to those RP choices.

[Mick]

What Audark said.

Never apologize for RPing your PC the way you think they should be RPed. But likewise do not take it personally if others avoid your PC ICly because of it. Some people (in RL and IG) are going to be attracted by continual interpersonal drama, even of the sort seen on soap operas. Others will be repelled by it. Some will initially be interested because they would like to help people with their problems, but walk away when the situation gets out of hand or the other party does not actually want help. This is true in RL as well as in the game.

I'm a firm believer in RPing emotion as it pertains to the story you are telling. Doing it to excess just for the sake of doing it is something else entirely. If that is what you enjoy, then carry on to your heart's content. Social RP all the time is not for me.

I would also like to reiterate what OGR said about separating what goes on IC from what is OOC. Many very reasonable players play PCs who are nigh impossible to deal with IC and vice versa.

[johnlewismcleod]

1. Finding In-Character (IC) Activities to Do when the DMs are (not)around:

This can be a challenge when DM coverage is sparce, but fortunately TSM has many statics that can be very entertaining while partied. My suggestion is to use them, but resist the temptation to "load up". I've often seen parties of three or four PC's where multiple PC's take the quest simultaneously. This is a bit meta IMO as well as potentially nerfing the quest altogether.

One member should take the quest and share the proceeds. Of course it can be a bit redundant when PC's that have done the quest with others do it again later with another PC assigned the quest, but with some minimal effort one can easily flesh out the quest with RP.

Additionally these times are exactly the times best suited to RPing. When a DM is on and harassing the PC's RP is often streamlined down to skill checks and fight/flight responses. I find the best RP comes about when PC's are able to actually take the time to talk and listen to one another. Some players get bored with this sort of thing preferring action over dialogue, and some PC's just aren't interested in dialogue to much for IC reasons...that's perfectly understandable.

I would encourage players to respect one anothers play style and concentrate on what is IC and most enjoyable for you.

Using the Library thread if you are caught IG and bored is also a good alternative to twiddling of thumbs.

And, of course, DM's love it when you lot pool your various perspectives on current plots. Most of us are fond of distributing clues to various PC's, and if you don't get together and discuss I can virtually guarantee you won't have processed all the information you need to succeed with the quest