13 “Newbie” Tips For RPing

Breaking into a RP server can be a bit crazy. Especially if you are transferring over or really never been to one. Role-playing isn’t terribly hard on the base level. You can check out the RP Survival Guide’s Intro to RP section first to get an idea what Role-Playing is all about.

If you are just starting out or haven’t gotten used to the whole thing, here’s a “biggie-sized” Baker’s Dozen (13) of “newbie” tips that can help you “blend” in and see what’s what on an RP server.

1 ) Know what the terms IC and OOC mean
IC means In-Character. OOC means Out of Character. Basically, use IC chat for things your character would say “normally” (/say and /yell), use OOC chat for non-rp info (RL stuff, game discussion, etc. - General Chat, Trade, Defense, LFG etc.). Whispers can be optional, depending on the intent and usage. The term ICly means “while in character” and OOCly means “while out of character”.

Note: Check with your RP Guild or RPing group if they have a different setup regarding whispers and guild chat. For Party Chat, most are ooc - but it never hurts to check/ask.

1a ) Know what Brackets (( )) or {{ }} are used for.
You will at some point see this: (( )) or {{ }} around info or chat - that is for OOC info and not something the character actually “said”. Try not to use (( )) in /say or /yell, since it distracts from the dialogue. Whispers can be used, just don’t forget the (( )).

2 ) Learn to see past the UI (User Interface) and Game Mechanics.
This can be the first stumbling block for some. All the <Guild Tags>, Character Names, and other UI stuff can really bog things down for some folks. With a little adjustment, you can help a bit with immersion and getting into character. Some Addons can actually aid further.

Another thing is names and other items you see due to game mechanics. Ignore the class. Go by what you see as your character would. Just as in everyday life you do not know people’s names automatically and what they do. Take that idea ingame. While someone may be a Rogue, it doesn’t mean he’s RPing one. *grin* Be “realistic” and react “normally” to the world as your character would.

What about re-occuring events? Handle it as best you can ICly, just don’t ruin it for the person going through the quest/event.

3 ) Resist the urge to jump nonstop and/or dance naked.
Seriously, I have to include this.

Ok - I know jumping is fun but being a pogo stick doesn’t work well with role-playing. Reference Link This also goes for jumping off buildings, zepplins and other structures. Know when to say when if you want to be taken seriously. If you -must- jump, say from a building - it looks better to complete the fall and briefly pause than to just keep running. It shows “natural” impact and looks better (assuming one can look “good” falling to the ground). *grin*

Dancing “naked” is also a popular “pastime” on many servers. Unless your character is an exotic dancer working at a in-game strip club or a wild party or beach party - keep the clothes on. There’s a time and place for anything - even streaking.

Note: A good rule of thumb is to think about your actions as your character’s. Use common sense.

4 ) Understand the RP Naming Policy.
This tends to be the most abused area for folks entering a RP server for the first time. The names in a RP realm reflect the game lore and world. Naming yourself like you do in some chatrooms and forums really doesn’t mesh well. Borrow from your imagination and literature, but do not copy it. The Reference Article gives a good idea of how to improve on your choices and make a better impression.

5 ) Have a basic idea of who/what your character is.
No, you do not -have- to have a backstory, but it really can help get IC and explore RP in the world. Remember that some roles can set you at odds with others. Starting out, I would suggest a personality that is not 100% abrasive. Don’t go nuts and keep it within good taste, a decent idea of the lore and consistent.

And no, you are not Arthas’s and Thrall’s “love child”, a vampire/dragon and has eyes in his codpiece that shoots flame. Really!

6 ) “Speak” (type) properly while IC.
Gamer/leetspeak should be avoided. Use caps and punctuation when needed. Use complete words and sentences when needed as well. Role-playing accents do not follow some of these rules but talk “normally” for your race. Examples of this are just as close as seeing how NPC (Non-Player Characters - Questgivers, vendors, etc.) talk. Save the text messaging to a phone or OOC chat. It’s not that hard - really!

Examples of common words/type to avoid: lol, numerals (1, 2, etc..), any chat smileys and words like lol, pwn, wth (and other abbreviations in general) The reference article has further examples and uses.

7 ) Learn to emote.
Emotes can be tricky but they can be a big help when adding to your character. Just remember not to spam them or use them in a way that metagames or “godmodes” others.

8 ) Learn to “walk”.
A great skill to RP with. Walk responsibly. *grin*

9 ) Dress the part.
Dress to impress - or just look the part. Don’t over/under dress for the occasion. Don’t forget just regular casual stuff for role-playing in town, based on your character. Develop your own fashion sense and see what others do. It can inspire some good looks.

10 ) Don’t spam. Period.
Spamming emotes, /say and /yell (or any channel) will most likely get you banned. It disrupts people’s gameplay and really is bad behavior. Like in many things, think if you were on the receiving end of it. It’s not cool. Wall of text = Bad. *grin* This also applies to spell effects too, so use common sense.

11 ) Role-playing =/= Cyboring. Really!
This is a touchy subject (some pun intended) - but I’ll be upfront on this.

Some folks get an idea/stereotype (mostly non-rpers) that all role-players are trying to get their “groove” on in-game. While characters can and do make close relationships ICly, it does not mean all RPers are “looking for love in all the wrong places” - the Tram, for instance in World of Warcraft as seen on some forums. *grin*

While some players do try to turn RP “romance” into something else - it does not mean it’s the “normal” and that everyone’s “doing” it. While it may work for some, it doesn’t mean it works for all. Set boundries for you and your character and stick with them.

Bottom line: If it is your cup of tea, take it to a private channel and respect others. If it’s not for you and encounter it - deal with it IC or move on and have fun elsewhere if it is an issue. If you’re harassed or if the behavior violates the game’s Code of Conduct (CoC) - report it. Remember that people are behind the pixels out there - don’t assume everyone has the same playstyle as you do in regards to RP.

12 ) Respect each other and allow for mistakes. Don’t Grief.
This goes across the board for everyone - RPers and Non-RPers. If you are talking to someone, given them time to react and respond. Respect people’s privacy and gameplay - griefing is only a waste of time for all involved. Allow for people to make mistakes - we are all human. Typos, an accidental jump or slip of the OOC tongue will happen at some point. Don’t turn an accident into a RP Inquisition.

In a nutshell, don’t be rude. Whether you RP or not, no one likes it and it seldom looks “cool” to be a total moron. Crashing an RP event is bad form and can and should get you reported. If you accidently make a mistake, apologize. Remember also that being bored doesn’t give you a free pass also to grief - so have some courtesy towards others. A good rule is the Golden Rule: Treat others as you’d want to be treated.

13 ) Look for good RPers and see what they do.
While this may not work for everyone, sometimes just being a spectator can give you an idea of what’s going on. Find and go to good Role-Playing events, talk to people - learn the ropes. Don’t be afraid to ask someone a question. Role-players are human, really! Most will like to help if they can, just understand they may be busy. Also, make use of this site to help learn more. No, I don’t know -everything- about RPing, but this site is to help.

If you see some folks RPing and you would like to join in, handle it like you would in everyday life. Don’t be rude and don’t barge in and take over. If you would like to join in but not sure, a simple OOC whisper can save alot of headaches. Give folks time to answer, since alot can go on while role-playing.

Note: Alot of RPer’s use addons/mods to “flag” for RP. (Examples: ImmersionRP, flagRSP2 or MyRoleplay). It’s easier to tell if someone is or is not a role-player. While it’s a great tool, it can lead to abuse. Though not a required “must-have”, they do help.

Final Words:
Non-RPers: Try to understand what we do, “play along” and give it a chance. Even if you don’t RP, don’t grief others - just have fun and respect each other.

And RPer’s: Help inspire others and help others understand without berating. Don’t shun a new player or turn it into a RP Inquisition. Work with folks whether they RP or not and be better examples of good and fun RP.

I hope this is a help. Have fun!

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