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A Beginner’s Guide to Role Playing (on Sundren).
To start off, I will admit that I am by no means an expert on Role Playing or anywhere close to being good at it. That being said, I do have the luxury of saying I’m new to it, and have learned some valuable lessons on my time on Sundren.
This is a beginner’s guide and starting point for those that have never Role Played before, and their first experience will be on Sundren. This is rare, but very, very possible. For those that are beginner’s, you should read as much as you can on the Sundren Beginner’s Page before reading this.
http://www.sundren.org/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page
My login name is Blurry89, and my character’s name is Kaizen. Sundren is my first ever experience Role Playing, and I have about a month of experience doing so.I joined Sundren on the First of November, year 2009. I was tired of playing NWN2 on single player, and wanted to play more of it. So I joined the internet, and found the server with the shortest name, because I didn’t feel like mistyping a World Name in my internet bar 1094 times. I found Sundren, quite possibly the best server I’ve ever played on (haha, get it?). It has a great community, excellent Dungeon Masters (DM) and amazing custom content, as well as balanced rules.
The Beginner’s Guide to Role Playing By A Beginner
Out of Character: This is the actual person behind the character, at the computer screen.
In Character: This is the actual ‘toon’ that a person controls. The guy/girl you are controlling and the other’s you interact with.
Player Character: This is a character/toon that is actually played by a living, breathing human being.
Non Player Character: A character controlled by the AI.
Out of Character (OOC) Guidelines:
Rule 1) RESEARCH YOUR CHARACTER. Seriously, even though this is an RP (role-playing) server, you still want to be valuable to your group, and want a sense of worth by actually doing something. As an example, my first character was a warrior named Cherry Cat. He had 18 charisma. I wanted him to be flamboyant and a ladies man. He also has the crude side effect of being completely useless in every way, shape and form. There are many internet sites and forums that will let you know how to build a strong, but customizable character.
And when I say RESEARCH YOU CHARACTER, I just don't mean stats and feats and skills and trying to make the super killer. Do a little research on his/her background and come up with an interesting (or not so interesting) story for your character. No one like's 2-D Scooby Doo characters. However, don't make your guy a demi-god when he lands in Sundren. He/She will be level 3 and will be eaten alive. Keep in mind that your character will be developing as a character as he/she levels and interacts with the people of Sundren. And trust me, with the amount of amazing RP on this server, you get some well carved out Characters you wouldn't find in a Shakespeare play.
Rule 1 Part Two) Tell the DM your plan for your character. If you want to try and take your character down a prestige class that is locked, let them know. Do this either through the Forums “Character Request” section or through a tell to an actual DM online. You can do this by typing ---- /d Hello, my goal for this character is to become a Shadow Thief of Amn, just giving you the heads up (etc, etc. /d is how to talk to the DM channel) ---- They need to know this so they can watch your character.
Rule 2) Information. Read the rules, tips, guidelines, and help sections in the link provided above. They’re invaluable.
Rule 2 Part 2) There IS such a thing as a stupid question. If you have a question, try searching the Forums using the 'search' option. It's not as streamlined and hooah as Google, but it works. Chances are, someone may have already asked the question. If you still can't find it, go ahead and ask.
Rule 3) Chat information. Click on Player Menu, click on Chat. This brings up a list of all the people you can whisper, including the DMs, and let’s you know who is on and who is not. After misspelling “Thaelis A’lantrilu” about 800 times trying to /tell him, I found this out. I’m saving you much angst and agony.
Rule 4) Use your Note tab section in your Journal. The lovely (and beautiful and nice and merciful) DM_Phoenix introduced me to this lovely asset, and it is very helpful when juggling two or more characters and what they know. The journal (press J) entry has a tab labeled "Notes". This lets you record vital information that your character knows. Personally, for me, I keep notes on all the different people and which faction they belong to. I also keep track of who has done what, and which NPCs I've managed to piss off (it's a long list). Use the Note tab, love the Note tab, become one with the Note tab.
This is essential for keeping the IC/OOC knowledge in your head straight. I've only been playing a month now, and I've seen entire conversations/events ruined by someone's accidental insight through OOC knowledge when their PC had no clue what was going on.
Rule 5) Use the forums. Yeah, so using the forums adds +10 points to your Geek skill. You're RPing. On a D&D game. Doesn't get more geeky than that, my friend. Just accept it - I know I have. And while you're at it, donate if you can afford too. This whole shebang is run for free.
In Character (IC) Guidelines:
Rule 1) You don’t know anyone’s name until they give it to you. This is a big rule. Names and identities are everything on an RP server. Just because you see their name in bold, glowing letters above them doesn’t mean that your character does. This is an example of IC/OOC knowledge overlapping. Learn to separate the two.
One day, my guy Cherry Cat was running around town when a man came up and said Hi. This is the conversation:
Player Character: Hello.
Cat: Hey John.
PC: *gives him a quizzical look* I don’t think we’ve met before…
Cat: Uhh … *scampers off*
So, you don’t know their names till they give it to you, and also, you don’t recognize them if they’re wearing a mask, or have completely different costumes on (unless their face is showing). Cherry Cat once met a man, then met the same man later wearing a mask and called him out by his name. You can’t do this. You’re not Superman, you cannot see through masks. You must remember this and try to differentiate OOC/IC knowledge as best as you can.
Rule 2) Role Play your character the way you want to. This one is self explanatory. Trust me, if you want to be evil, go evil. If you want to be good, go good. If you want be a shade of grey, go ahead and do it. Many people will tell you if you want to be evil, you must be covert about it. You cannot be a raving lunatic. You must play smart. Well, if you want to go around the norms of being a sneaky, smart, evil person. Do it! Trust me, the Dungeon Masters on this server are understanding and do their best to help you out.
As an example, Kaizen is a misunderstood, chaotic guy that causes destruction and generally likes to start problems. At the lower levels, when I would instantly die to any DM created monster, they would help me out by resurrecting my guy, making the monsters weaker, or have me one shot them.
The DMs understand the different aspects of human nature and everything else that makes PC unique.
Now, don’t take this as saying your character will be God. Kaizen has died around 20 times now, for his behavior. There are cons and pros for every man and woman out there, but the DMs know this, and will do their best to help you out. You have to remember however, that they are helping *everyone* out, so sometimes you get the short end of the stick for doing something completely ridiculous and in character - but hey, that’s the joy of Role Playing.
Rule 3) When you die, you suffer memory loss. Since permantly killing a PC is a bit harsh when it comes to PvP, the memory loss rule is in effect. Basically, this means that you don't remember anything of the attack that occured when you died. You might know the reasons why, and what led up to you dying - but you don't remember the killer, or how he/she ended your feeble life. The person who killed you however, can leave clues/information etc. for you to remember if he/she chooses to do so. This is to protect the killer's identity/motives in game. As those dastardly pirates say, 'dead men tell no tales.'
However, if there were witnesses to the event, they could fill you in on the information. This is another phasing of IC/OOC that you must learn to differentiate (i know, it gets confusing)
DM Guidelines:
Rule 1) They’re not always there. Learn to love Player Chat menu.
Rule 2) Be patient. DMs have to deal with 15+ other people at a given time, and may even be running an event that requires a bit of concentration. Be patient, they won’t always respond right away, and sometimes, not at all as your question or request will be lost in the floods of information they are receiving. Remember, DMs are almost human.
Rule 3) They can be wrong. DMs are (almost) human after all. If you think a mistake has been made, or that you have gotten the shaft unfairly, bring it up privately and civilly with the DM in question. Screaming, cursing, hollering and insulting never got anywhere with anyone.
THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE EVER
Remember:
The community loves you. Probably.
To start off, I will admit that I am by no means an expert on Role Playing or anywhere close to being good at it. That being said, I do have the luxury of saying I’m new to it, and have learned some valuable lessons on my time on Sundren.
This is a beginner’s guide and starting point for those that have never Role Played before, and their first experience will be on Sundren. This is rare, but very, very possible. For those that are beginner’s, you should read as much as you can on the Sundren Beginner’s Page before reading this.
http://www.sundren.org/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page
My login name is Blurry89, and my character’s name is Kaizen. Sundren is my first ever experience Role Playing, and I have about a month of experience doing so.I joined Sundren on the First of November, year 2009. I was tired of playing NWN2 on single player, and wanted to play more of it. So I joined the internet, and found the server with the shortest name, because I didn’t feel like mistyping a World Name in my internet bar 1094 times. I found Sundren, quite possibly the best server I’ve ever played on (haha, get it?). It has a great community, excellent Dungeon Masters (DM) and amazing custom content, as well as balanced rules.
The Beginner’s Guide to Role Playing By A Beginner
Out of Character: This is the actual person behind the character, at the computer screen.
In Character: This is the actual ‘toon’ that a person controls. The guy/girl you are controlling and the other’s you interact with.
Player Character: This is a character/toon that is actually played by a living, breathing human being.
Non Player Character: A character controlled by the AI.
Out of Character (OOC) Guidelines:
Rule 1) RESEARCH YOUR CHARACTER. Seriously, even though this is an RP (role-playing) server, you still want to be valuable to your group, and want a sense of worth by actually doing something. As an example, my first character was a warrior named Cherry Cat. He had 18 charisma. I wanted him to be flamboyant and a ladies man. He also has the crude side effect of being completely useless in every way, shape and form. There are many internet sites and forums that will let you know how to build a strong, but customizable character.
And when I say RESEARCH YOU CHARACTER, I just don't mean stats and feats and skills and trying to make the super killer. Do a little research on his/her background and come up with an interesting (or not so interesting) story for your character. No one like's 2-D Scooby Doo characters. However, don't make your guy a demi-god when he lands in Sundren. He/She will be level 3 and will be eaten alive. Keep in mind that your character will be developing as a character as he/she levels and interacts with the people of Sundren. And trust me, with the amount of amazing RP on this server, you get some well carved out Characters you wouldn't find in a Shakespeare play.
Rule 1 Part Two) Tell the DM your plan for your character. If you want to try and take your character down a prestige class that is locked, let them know. Do this either through the Forums “Character Request” section or through a tell to an actual DM online. You can do this by typing ---- /d Hello, my goal for this character is to become a Shadow Thief of Amn, just giving you the heads up (etc, etc. /d is how to talk to the DM channel) ---- They need to know this so they can watch your character.
Rule 2) Information. Read the rules, tips, guidelines, and help sections in the link provided above. They’re invaluable.
Rule 2 Part 2) There IS such a thing as a stupid question. If you have a question, try searching the Forums using the 'search' option. It's not as streamlined and hooah as Google, but it works. Chances are, someone may have already asked the question. If you still can't find it, go ahead and ask.
Rule 3) Chat information. Click on Player Menu, click on Chat. This brings up a list of all the people you can whisper, including the DMs, and let’s you know who is on and who is not. After misspelling “Thaelis A’lantrilu” about 800 times trying to /tell him, I found this out. I’m saving you much angst and agony.
Rule 4) Use your Note tab section in your Journal. The lovely (and beautiful and nice and merciful) DM_Phoenix introduced me to this lovely asset, and it is very helpful when juggling two or more characters and what they know. The journal (press J) entry has a tab labeled "Notes". This lets you record vital information that your character knows. Personally, for me, I keep notes on all the different people and which faction they belong to. I also keep track of who has done what, and which NPCs I've managed to piss off (it's a long list). Use the Note tab, love the Note tab, become one with the Note tab.
This is essential for keeping the IC/OOC knowledge in your head straight. I've only been playing a month now, and I've seen entire conversations/events ruined by someone's accidental insight through OOC knowledge when their PC had no clue what was going on.
Rule 5) Use the forums. Yeah, so using the forums adds +10 points to your Geek skill. You're RPing. On a D&D game. Doesn't get more geeky than that, my friend. Just accept it - I know I have. And while you're at it, donate if you can afford too. This whole shebang is run for free.
In Character (IC) Guidelines:
Rule 1) You don’t know anyone’s name until they give it to you. This is a big rule. Names and identities are everything on an RP server. Just because you see their name in bold, glowing letters above them doesn’t mean that your character does. This is an example of IC/OOC knowledge overlapping. Learn to separate the two.
One day, my guy Cherry Cat was running around town when a man came up and said Hi. This is the conversation:
Player Character: Hello.
Cat: Hey John.
PC: *gives him a quizzical look* I don’t think we’ve met before…
Cat: Uhh … *scampers off*
So, you don’t know their names till they give it to you, and also, you don’t recognize them if they’re wearing a mask, or have completely different costumes on (unless their face is showing). Cherry Cat once met a man, then met the same man later wearing a mask and called him out by his name. You can’t do this. You’re not Superman, you cannot see through masks. You must remember this and try to differentiate OOC/IC knowledge as best as you can.
Rule 2) Role Play your character the way you want to. This one is self explanatory. Trust me, if you want to be evil, go evil. If you want to be good, go good. If you want be a shade of grey, go ahead and do it. Many people will tell you if you want to be evil, you must be covert about it. You cannot be a raving lunatic. You must play smart. Well, if you want to go around the norms of being a sneaky, smart, evil person. Do it! Trust me, the Dungeon Masters on this server are understanding and do their best to help you out.
As an example, Kaizen is a misunderstood, chaotic guy that causes destruction and generally likes to start problems. At the lower levels, when I would instantly die to any DM created monster, they would help me out by resurrecting my guy, making the monsters weaker, or have me one shot them.
The DMs understand the different aspects of human nature and everything else that makes PC unique.
Now, don’t take this as saying your character will be God. Kaizen has died around 20 times now, for his behavior. There are cons and pros for every man and woman out there, but the DMs know this, and will do their best to help you out. You have to remember however, that they are helping *everyone* out, so sometimes you get the short end of the stick for doing something completely ridiculous and in character - but hey, that’s the joy of Role Playing.
Rule 3) When you die, you suffer memory loss. Since permantly killing a PC is a bit harsh when it comes to PvP, the memory loss rule is in effect. Basically, this means that you don't remember anything of the attack that occured when you died. You might know the reasons why, and what led up to you dying - but you don't remember the killer, or how he/she ended your feeble life. The person who killed you however, can leave clues/information etc. for you to remember if he/she chooses to do so. This is to protect the killer's identity/motives in game. As those dastardly pirates say, 'dead men tell no tales.'
However, if there were witnesses to the event, they could fill you in on the information. This is another phasing of IC/OOC that you must learn to differentiate (i know, it gets confusing)
DM Guidelines:
Rule 1) They’re not always there. Learn to love Player Chat menu.
Rule 2) Be patient. DMs have to deal with 15+ other people at a given time, and may even be running an event that requires a bit of concentration. Be patient, they won’t always respond right away, and sometimes, not at all as your question or request will be lost in the floods of information they are receiving. Remember, DMs are almost human.
Rule 3) They can be wrong. DMs are (almost) human after all. If you think a mistake has been made, or that you have gotten the shaft unfairly, bring it up privately and civilly with the DM in question. Screaming, cursing, hollering and insulting never got anywhere with anyone.
THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE EVER
Remember:
The community loves you. Probably.
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