Post by Luna Lovegood on Feb 25, 2015 19:26:40 GMT -5
Roleplaying can be a tricky business, especially if you're new to it. And so I created this handy(ish) guide to roleplay!
Check the Site Rules to see what is allowed and what isn't.
First off: has your Character Application been accepted? If an Admin has replied with an accept and your name has changed colour: you're in. And now you can start roleplaying.
ROLEPLAYING
1. Location. Work out where your character is at this moment in time in the roleplay. Is it Hogwarts or the Summer holidays? Do they have a house (if not, you can apply for one), or are they out and about, perhaps in Muggle England or Diagon Alley or somewhere else?
Once you have this location, you have to find it. All locations are on the main board. Inside these locations are sublocations. Try to get to the most sub of sublocations possible before starting a thread For example: Grimmauld Place is inside the Suburbs.
2. Start a thread. In the top right-hand corner of the location, there is a box called START THREAD. Click on this. Pick a title, and type what you want.
Visualise what your character could be doing at this moment, their words and their actions. Your first thread post should include location, actions and an opportunity for another role player to join in. For example, if you're in an ice cream shop and wishing for company, there's your opportunity. Roleplay is a great way to see multiple points of view, so give others some clue about your emotions, so they can react appropriately.
3. Communicating. If you've started a thread, tell people about it, in the shoutbox or there's a section to advertise threads. Anyone's character who is available will be more than happy to roleplay. If there's a character that you think would work particularly well in your thread- tell them! either through a PM or the shoutbox. Also, feel free to just chat with us in the shoutbox. There's usually a sing-a-long happening XD.
4. Replying. To enter your character into a roleplay scene, you need to reply to the thread. There are too ways of doing this. First is the one I recommend: quick reply. It's at the bottom of the page and has basic things like italics and underlines, and is quick and easy to use. There is also reply, a yellow button saying REPLY on the top-right hand of quick reply. This takes you to a box where you can add more decorations and links. Try not to make a post too fancy though, as it distracts from the actual roleplay.
Make sure any IC reply is at least 50 words long. Make sure to keep the conversation going, and include actions in any posts. This makes it easy for other role players to visualise the scene and respond. Don't be afraid to enter other people's threads, it's amazing when you have a thread with loads of people- much more interesting, and they'll thank you for it. If you're shy of posting or worried about being OOC: don't be! No one's perfect and we're just happy you're here! Your posing will be absolutely fine and if you're having a lot of trouble, feel free to ask an Admin for help. They don't bite (much).
5. Closing threads. Likewise, dont be afraid to close threads. If what you wanted to achieve is achieved or the conversation is run dry, close the thread by putting [THREAD CLOSED] at the end of the final post. Make sure you warn your fellow role players in the thread about it first though 
Another time to close threads is when you change location whilst roleplaying. Make sure to close your thread in the current location and move to your new location, opening a thread there instead. This keeps everything neat. 
5. Plot developments. Any major plot twists or turns done in a thread that will affect the whole storyline, it's best to tell the Admins about, either through a PM or a shoutbox message. They'll alert the site. You can discuss these plot points through the shoutbox with other role players, who will probably want to join in! You can keep up with the site's plot in Site Plot.
6. Careful not to Godmod. Don't control other character's actions unless they're yours, but you can do things like hug, of course Everyone loves a hug. Just leave them room to react.
7. HAVE FUN! Everyone makes mistakes, and no one will criticise you for it. Just stick to the rules and don't include anything a 13 year old couldn't read XD
If you still aren't sure of posting, feel free to contact me or the site Admins: Michelle and Breeze (though they're probably best.)
