Role-playing Outline

The following is the feedback received by members of the Conclave. It should be noted that those who contributed were Winterstorm, Stoney, Deverath and Dax (who isn't a member of Conclave but has a clan proposal to present). I have taken this information and edited it to form this document. Members of the Conclave are to read and then voice their opinions on the merits of this outline in a forthcoming Conclave meeting.

[Dec20/99 - this page is up, but should get more organized soon, my apologies]
-Deverath

DEFINITIONS

role-play - n. The acting out of characters and situations by players using (but not required) puppets, props, or scripts.
Clan role-play - Role-play between clan members of like or opposing clans
Character - n. The portrayal of a player's persona during (but not restricted to) Role-play.
Plot - n. A planned or unplanned Role-play session, usually involving a story.
Host - n. The main player in charge of coordinating, running, and ultimately responsible for the Plot.
Loner - n. A player not in a clan. Role-play can include Loners at the discretion of the Host.
Event - n. A planned session of Role-play that may or may not include members of other clans, or Loners.
Puppet - n. An NPC or other non-player-character, usually controlled by the Host or another clan member. v. To control a specially designed NPC that can speak, act, or whatever else required for the Plot.
Role-play.Prop - n. An ordinary or custom made object used in

RULES & ETIQUETTE

The First Rule of Clan Role-play is to abide and follow the Laws and Rules of Ragnarok. Harassment, cursing, and player killing is not tolerated under any circumstance (except for PK during arena battles).

The vehicles through which to engage in role-play consist primarily of the RP channel, the Clan channels and the say command for when clan friends or foes are in the same room (typically during an inter-clan plot).

It is considered harassment when role play [henceforth RP] turns to verbal attacks that transcend the RP channel and spill onto other chat lines and over tell, especially if the subject of the harassment has already made clear that they wish to cease the interplay.

Role-play isn't limited to those within clans, but only clan members will be allowed to participate in clan events.

Role-playing should be fun for all involved. If you feel such is not the case and wish to stop let the offending person know as soon as possible, rather than stewing about it and harboring ill feelings. You should use the tell command to inform whoever is offending you to stop and a short reason why, rather than a public (on the comm channels) denouncing of the activity. That way the rest of the mud doesn't have be made aware of who's hurting whose feelings, etc. Sometimes folks are having a bad day and just don't want to RP...that should be allowed. We all come to play the game and have fun, and if someone's role-play isn't fun then politely ask them to stop or find a new target for their activity.

However, one should keep in mind that, with a rivalry or clan system that some "conflict" of sorts is expected. If not, where would some of the fun of being in a clan be? Players also need to consider the consequences of his or her RP actions and act accordingly. To kill a clan guard and not expect to be jibed or to expect the act not to be retaliated against is foolish thinking.

Clan RP shouldn't always be about finding a way to thwart the opposition. No one likes to role-play on the losing side all the time. So don't always look for a way to come out on top in a role-playing situation, sometimes you must take your lumps and be the thwarted party. A classic example of this is young boys playing army, and one shouting "I shot you, your dead" and the victim responding "no you didn't, you missed". Good clan role-play is never static, and allows for a host of potential outcomes. Not only is this more fun since all clans have a chance to be victors at some point in time, it also keeps scenarios fresh and interesting for those that participate in the events.

Role-playing is just that....playing the role of someone. You should try and be consistent in how you portray yourself. It lets those interacting with you have some idea how you should respond to certain challenges. An example of this is...you shouldn't one day hate cats and anything catlike or cat related, and then the next day adopt a furry kitty as a pet. Yes, you can change your stand on things, but make it known WHY you've done it, rather than leave the rest of the world to guess as to your motives. Folks can only use what they know about you as tools in effective role-playing.

Host/Clan Leader Guidelines

Conclave members MUST be active in order for the clan system to run smoothly. If you consider giving input and helping to plan clan events work then you shouldn't be on the Conclave. The Conclave is responsible for voting in new clans and orchestrating clan events. Feedback is essential in these areas and the system bogs down when it cannot be gathered. If you are out of town or busy it is understandable, please inform the conclave via mudmail. If you are never able to attend or participate, rethink your position on the Conclave. Participation is key, just showing up is a waste of time for all involved.

Planning: For events that require more than a few clan members, or events that cross clan borders at least a week's notice should be posted prior to the event.

Events: Clans should host Events or at least Role-play often. There is no set quota, but the point of Clans is the endorsement of RP which are fostered by such events.

Clan Wars: A vital part of the Clan System. Everyone is welcome to role-play their characters, but if the Battle will involve a Plot a notice to other clans should be given, and a vote should be taken by clan leaders for approval (if involving multiple plots). Again, the Rules of Ragnarok should not be broken during a Clan War and neither should any rules set
forth by Clan Leaders for said War be broken.

POSTING ON BOARDS

For sanity's sake, all posts made on Clan Specific boards (i.e. bulletin boards found within the clan hall of a given clan) will be considered In Character unless otherwise stated. Posts made on any other board such as the Adventurer's, The Clan Discussion Board, the Hero Guild Board etc will be considered out of character.

Most Loners are offended when they read RP related stuff on the adventurers board, and the clan discussion board is there to communicate to all members of all clans in one forum. You can still role-play upon the Clan Discussion Board, but just make sure it is known (i.e. Deverath slips into character - preceded by posted) Technically, it should be fairly obvious when you are in character...if it isn't then sharpening up the RP for said character may be recommended.