We prefer roleplaying in the third-person, present tense. Out of character (OOC) comments go within double parentheses—we assume everything else is in character (IC). Speech goes within quotation marks, just like in ordinary writing. If you wish to include your character’s thoughts, put them in italics—the better you explain your motivations and what you are trying to do, the lower the chances that your actions will be misinterpreted. When in doubt, attempt an action instead of doing it and let the Storyteller tell you if it’s allowed. Yes, this may seem a little slow at first, but it will be easy and fun once you get a feel for it!

Since actions seem to cause the most confusion, there are a few notes on actions below the example. Afterwards, there are notes on equipment.

An Example:

A Moderator or Admin posts:

It is now evening. The woods are dark and scary. Suddenly, a goblin jumps out of a tree, screaming!

The player controlling Shanna Windstar, Apprentice Elemental Mage posts:

Shanna jumps back and attempts to summon fire on the end of her walking stick. I hope this works...

((Did I do the magic right? She’s supposed to be using the fire to scare it off.))

Moderator:

((You did fine. Shanna can attempt anything, and, as an Apprentice, she isn’t sure enough of her abilities that you can decide for yourself how well it works.))

A small, but bright flame ignites on the end of Shanna’s walking stick and she brandishes it in the direction of the goblin. It’s a very little goblin (cute, too), and it’s crying pitifully. It looks frightened.

Shanna:

“Awww…it’s just a baby! There, there, don’t be frightened!” Shanna reaches out to it slowly.

***

END OF EXAMPLE. Now wasn’t that cute?

As you can see, we don’t expect perfect English or high literature. This is cooperative story-telling, not brain surgery. If the writer in you insists upon writing up a more artistic version of your adventures, please feel free to do so, and share when you are finished! Otherwise, remember that we are here to have a good time, not to stress out.

Other rules/guidelines may apply to your profession. We should tell you what you need to know, but if you have any questions, feel free to ask!

Notes on actions:

1. If it isn’t directly under your character’s control, do not make it happen. (You generally do not control actions, speech, or thoughts of other characters, creatures, etc., or the results of your character’s actions or speech.)
2. If you aren’t sure if you can do it, ask.
3. Things the player may control:
   • the character’s thoughts
   • anything the character says
   • the character’s emotions, motivations, strategies, etc.
   • actions that are easy to accomplish, and/or have little or no chance of failure
   • attempts to do more difficult things

Notes on equipment:

Most starting professions should suggest certain basic equipment that you can logically begin with. As you progress, you will develop a list of things that your character possesses. For now, don’t assume you have more unusual items, but do assume that you have some stuff—whatever your character would logically take on a journey, within reason. If you don’t know, ask. For example, have your character look in his pack to see if he has whatever he wants. Then, you’ll find out from the storyteller.

I prefer going with the flow with equipment—if this doesn’t work for you, we can work something out.

Would you like more information? See these notes on the RPG.

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