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Apathy's "Guide to Basic Role-Playing". You've stumbled across my personal guide on how to Role-Play. If you read what the following information thoroughly and follow it, you're sure to be an excellent Role-Player. First off, like any good guide, we should break down the definition of what said guide is about. Role-Playing is a form of descriptive writing in which people are able to express themselves through the use of characters. Whether the character is original or not, one can still portray the emotions and mannerisms of their character.The first thing we should establish when it comes down to Role-Playing is how to describe both your character and his/her surroundings. You should never allow yourself to fall into the niche that so many users have fallen into; that niche being writing with web-talk ("I'm talking 2 u.") and things of that sort. If you must, say something colloquial but don't say something idiotic. When RP-ing, take the setting into consideration first and foremost. The following action will be an example of that rule.
"The leaves began to fall in a torrent of crimson and aureate whorls as a chill autumn breeze blew through the boughs of a cabalistic forest, causing Keiichi to cross his arms over his chest for both warmth and comfort, resting his forearms within the sleeves of his atramentous yukata. The faint amethyst hue of Keiichi's gaze peered out from beneath bangs of sable, his hair contrasting sharply with the pallid complexion of Keiichi's skin."
Now, I know not everyone is at the level of writing that I am at. But even the smallest doses of detail coupled with words that flow smoothly can make a novice to Role-Playing seem advanced when surrounded by users who haven't read this guide or been taught to Role-Play correctly.
One major portion of Role-Playing that comes to my attention is the correct way of fighting� Now, I'm not saying that my form of fighting is correct or that is the best style that can be used by everyone, but my style has its advantages in appealing to the crowd. Below I will list a few simple rules one should abide by when it comes down to fighting.
1. Don't have an endless armory of weapons at your disposal. This isn't the Matrix, so be realistic. Make sure your character is able to manage the weight of their weapons while not causing them to give up speed which would be essential in a fight.
2. This is not the Matrix. It doesn't matter how much you like the thought of being able to dodge bullets or to stop them in their tracks; one should not use Matrix-esque maneuvers while fighting someone else unless you know how to use them. Such as the ability to dodge bullets, if you wish to use a technique that enables you to be faster than a bullet, be sure to describe it in your action, not just assume that everyone knows you can do that.
3. Altering reality� I get this question a lot when it comes to Role-Playing. Is it fair of someone to alter reality, either by ripping holes through dimensions with which they can cause bullets to alter their course or changing the composition of their body, such as becoming intangible. Just like the rule above, if you're going to include that in your character's repertoire, make sure to describe exactly how the skill is pulled off.
4. You're not an infinite source of energy. Even the strongest characters suffer from fatigue, so why should you be any different? I myself, as a Role-Player, am extremely annoyed when someone believes that their character is a God, allowing them to continually dodge or counter strikes with out being damaged or shaken in the process. An example would be if you were to block the strike of an opposing blade with your own blade� If you wish to be realistic, you should describe how your grip upon the sword's hilt has weakened and how the impact has caused your arm to buckle slightly beneath the force of the blow.
5. Transformations� How I hate them� Now, I know most of the people that enjoy Role-Playing sucked upon the teat of Dragonball Z, and they seem to think that transformations are an essential part of a character's skills� But every time I see some n00b transform into "Super Saiya-Jin", I can't help but get the strong sensation to smack them across the face with a shovel. If you must resort to having your character transform, atleast be descriptive about it. Don't just do something like "Goku goes Super Saiya-Jin 2" and go on with the battle.
If you feel that I have left anything out of this guide, please contact me here and inform me of what I've left out and I'll happily add it.