This thread is very useful. Me wants to make an Avatar roleplay (bending-type), but I can't find out where to set it. Since Legend of Korra won't be coming back for a while, I can't exactly make up a storyline for it because when it does come back, them I've got a fake story and the flame wars begin. Anyone get what I'm talking about? I'm being serious here.
I would try asking about in the RP General Discussion thread though. Although: before you really do that I would look for any other existing Avatar RPs (preferably still active) and join them. If you want membership in your RP it's best to network with similar people which means joining other RPs, and getting to know by RP'ing with them what people want.
Carry on long enough, and you may have a net of friends and role-playing partners that would join your RP and form a base membership for it.
I did join the only other somewhat alive Avatar RP, but it turned out to be a rip off of Legend of Korra and it came out after the show came out, too. Meanwhile, I have already created my new one. I'm not going to advertise it, as you'll see it at some point.
So you've just registered. (Or maybe your a veteran) And you taken a look at the various RPs available. Maybe then you think "Oh hey, I can do that, too! New thread!"
BUT WAIT.
Before you do that, here's some tips, before you dive into the trove of your own Roleplay. It sounds simple at first, think up something and write it! However, most of the times it's not. Sure, you may have this three paragraph long or so backstory, but tell me, do you really think that's enough to drive people into your roleplay, do make them interested and inspire them to live the life of a character in the world you've created? Sometimes it is, (If you manage to do this, you deserve a medal.) but most of the time, it isn't.
If you know what you're doing, go ahead an run a roleplay, don't let me stop you. I'm not trying to be Elitist here, but if you have just entered this hobby, you should probably take the chance to improve upon your skills. It's often harder then most people perceive it to run a roleplay. It's not really the "Oh, I'll throw some words into a thread and people will RP all fine and dandy." That's the mistake that often results in massive uncontrolled arguments OOC, that lead to separation of the people roleplaying, causing the death of the roleplay. An example of this can be seen in the roleplay Universal Paradox, where a play named Kabling sparked an argument that led to the death of the RP. Could this have been avoided? Yes. The administration of that RP didn't act quickly enough to stop the argument. I myself have been subject to this, when I neglected to stop an argument on the RP Decimation. Had it been stopped, we could have continued the RP perhaps to even the present day. So a strong and willing administration team has been proven many times to be necessary, before a forum mod intervenes and deletes page upon page of part roleplay, most argument. Note that you must stop an argument when it starts, if you stop it too late, people may lose the will to roleplay on the thread, resulting in the roleplay's death anyways. So remember you need an admin team that can stop an argument when it starts and prevent future arguments.
Another problem is when the maker of the roleplay puts no thought into the creation of the RP, for example, when they put a paragraph or two backstory, and an application form, and then put it into the spotlight, these are destined to fail. An OP needs a structure, and a strong backstory, and if the roleplay's big enough, possibly even some visual aid (Logos, banners, that type of stuff.). Once again, if you feel your backstory holds up enough to bypass all the requirements, then go ahead and post it. I'm not trying to be elitist here. Anyways, back on topic. I will show you an example structure to help you with your RP thread endeavors.
Title (Possible banner as well)
Backstory
Rules
Application
Of course, that's as basic as you can get if you want people to look at your roleplay and say, "I want to be a part of that." Many more complex roleplays will have many more structural items involved, just look around, you'll spot it.
Okay, time to tackle the often dreaded backstory. It's hard to create a working and believable world, and define it enough to get people to want to join it. A simple "Aliens are invading Earth, fight them!" Often won't do. What's the economic state of the nations? Are there even still nations? What technology do we have? What technology does the alien force have? What were government's responses to the initial threat? As you can see, this left many questions open, which can lead to arguments as stated in the above paragraphs. Try to define the world as much and possible and keep it unique. Try to allure the readers in, act like you are writing a short story or novel. What will make people want to buy this novel or short story? In the end this is the same attitude that will help you with the question, "Who will want to roleplay in the world I've created?".
For example
"In 2035, a group of aliens known as the Gret (Shut up, I know it's a bad name.) invaded the Earth, first terrorizing the nations of France and Germany first, before expanding out to shock and awe the rest of the world, the first to respond was the People's Republic of China, launching a global counteroffensive against the Gret, they were soon joined by the rest of the nations. You will be put in the nation of Turkey, fighting to prevent various bombardment and ground invasions from the Gret."
Is much better then
"Oh no! Aliens! Shoot them!"
Sure, both leave a lot of questions unanswered, but which would you rather roleplay?
As you can see, it is much harder to make a roleplay thread then originally perceived. I hope this guide has helped you in your endeavors into the depths of roleplay.
I like the concept, but putting up lists with items and prices makes it look more like a videogame rather than a forum roleplay. Maybe if you removed the weapons list and the commodity prices, it would be good. If one of your players will be dropping by a store to purchase items, it would be more wise to discuss about the price in OOC then reach a point and use the price in IC. This way, you will be making the economy in your roleplay dynamic, which would allow you to play with commodity prices and change them whether the situation demands you to.
For example, you wouldn't buy the same item at the same price in New Washington aracity and in Flyington Aracity. Obviously, one of them would price them more. It is really easy to come up with new ways and ideas to keep the flow of an economy running, and that's why, personally, I discourage pricing items in Roleplays.
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" Because things are the way they are, things will not stay the way they are. " - Bertolt Brecht
Guys, I know the roleplayer workshop is a noble cause, but I see most posts are more geared at traversing that gap from one paragraph a post, to many paragraphs a post. I think we have a bigger problem with people who don't quite know how to roleplay, the people who just recently stumbled in and need a more basic introduction. Should I write a rough?
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Time to update the ol' rpg test.The ones I get the most are Tactician, Cleric, and Paladin
Then you're not doing it right. I've uplifted several casuals (one or two to PoW, even) with a thanks and eternal friendship in return.
You gotta be a leader, not a douchebag. Look out for your troops' morale and manage their issues effectively. Guide them along the way. Sort of be their dad.
...like it's that easy for me. Why don't I just fly? Maybe 3 more RPs would've been still alive and celebrate my help.
It's all pretty elementary. Encourage successes, temper all criticism with suggestions, and be patient. Anything less is either whining or masturbation.
It's all pretty elementary. Encourage successes, temper all criticism with suggestions, and be patient. Anything less is either whining or masturbation.
Yeah. No one stops to remember the logistics officers either. They're not exciting.
My DeviantArt, so sexy
Except Tom Clancy, who devotes nine excruciating chapters to it in Red Storm Rising.
However, you could go the awesome route and write about the exciting Merchant Mariners:
Day 45, no German U-boats have harassed us.
Sam got caught with Tim in the closet.
My DeviantArt, so sexy
I would try asking about in the RP General Discussion thread though. Although: before you really do that I would look for any other existing Avatar RPs (preferably still active) and join them. If you want membership in your RP it's best to network with similar people which means joining other RPs, and getting to know by RP'ing with them what people want.
Carry on long enough, and you may have a net of friends and role-playing partners that would join your RP and form a base membership for it.
My DeviantArt, so sexy
You know what I want to see? Gorgy's old Cold War RP.
You know what? I might make it tomorrow. Because SOMEONE HAS FAILED TO DELIVER ON PARISIAN SHERLOCK HOLMES!
If it makes you feel better: I'll work on the outline tomorrow. For now, I draw.
My DeviantArt, so sexy
I'm bored, so I'm going to make a guide.
Any opinions on Skies of Journey? Nobody's responding.
For example, you wouldn't buy the same item at the same price in New Washington aracity and in Flyington Aracity. Obviously, one of them would price them more. It is really easy to come up with new ways and ideas to keep the flow of an economy running, and that's why, personally, I discourage pricing items in Roleplays.
Although I suppose that'll sorta be communism - I'm repressing creativity.
Screw it, I'll just go with freedom of thought. I'll just make individual enemy spawn lists and prices in cities.
The last time I tried to 'teach' a betamaxy, everybody got an infraction, and a whole page of RP discussion was deleted.
You gotta be a leader, not a douchebag. Look out for your troops' morale and manage their issues effectively. Guide them along the way. Sort of be their dad.
...like it's that easy for me. Why don't I just fly? Maybe 3 more RPs would've been still alive and celebrate my help.
Fire is enough.
Sometimes I wonder if it's all too easy.
Lying, cheating, stealing your way to victory.
Though just how far would you fall for a dream?
It's all pretty elementary. Encourage successes, temper all criticism with suggestions, and be patient. Anything less is either whining or masturbation.
I do more.
I end up killing the RP in the end.