RP 102: Further Down the Rabbit Hole.
**
A word on the purpose of this essay;**
Hello fellow players. I'd like to begin by mentioning that this essay
is designed to help improve the skills of RPers who already have some
experience in the field.
What does this mean?
This essay assumes that the reader knows how to get started developing
their character, and the relevant commands we use in MUDing. If you're
new to the art of playing a role, I highly suggest you take a look at
Icor's RP 101. Icor's guide is an excellent introduction in to RPing.
It will provide you with a good foundation, and the skills needed to get
started.
What we're going to discuss here should be applicable to everyone, regardless
of the choices they've made to their character. Whether you're playing
the villainous vagabond or the righteous redeemer, you are sure to find
something of use in the words to follow. If you're looking for something
tailored more towards your specific character, the Essays section is littered
with things that can help.
Now that we're clear on our aim, let's get started!
Getting in the mood;
Some scented candles, a Barry Manilow CD, maybe some massage oils...
wait, that's not right. Ok, so maybe getting in the mood for your
character doesn't work the same way in real life, but it's just as important.
I'm sure everyone's had that moment when they completely engrossed in
the game. The moment where you and your character stop being two separate
entities. When what's happening on screen seems to be happening to you,
right at that moment. That is the moment we play for, when the role stops
being something you DO and starts being what you ARE. I like to call it,
the moment of Zen.
But how do we get there? For everyone it's a little different. Of course,
it starts with being genuinly interested in the life of your character.
When picking what you want to play, consider the history of the race/class
combinations. Think about what their motivations might be. If it gets you
interested in the posibilities, that's a good start.
Some people find that characters that closely mirror their interests or
personalities are more entertaining to play. If that's you, then reaching
that moment of Zen starts with the wisdom of the ancient Greeks: Know Thyself.
Have you been obsessed with theological studies lately? Try a cleric! Have
you been fighting the all-consuming urge to kick puppies? A drow dark-knight
might be a healthier outlet. Or maybe you've forsaken the company of real
people for the comfort of historical novels? The Heralds might be just what
you're looking for.
Others find seemless transition into a role through trying something they
know they aren't. They are the dude's watching Desperate Housewives and
wondering (quietly, to themselves) what it would be like to be a forlorne
middle-aged woman in the subburbs. In truth, this style of RP requires a
high degree of skill, and if this is you there may not be much I can show
you! After all, switching from a 20-something computer engineer living with
his mother to a raven haired temptress takes quite a bit of know-how!
Keeping the flame alive;
So, now we've got it started. But how do we keep that passion? Surely many
of you have suffered through periods where you've 'lost' the RP of your
character. You no longer find them interesting. There are several causes
for this, one of which is lack of preperation.
Preperation means putting yourself in the mindset of your character before
you even open up your client. Much like an actor, you can't just fall in to
a role - you need to get ready. Whatever puts you in that place where you
and your character are one and the same will do.
Here are some examples I employ;
Listen to thrash metal before playing Eatyourface the Warmaster Warrior.
Consider a portrait of Mother Tharessa before pontificating on OMG
the Cleric.
Watch a few episodes of the Walking Dead before playing Smellsfunny the
Necro
...and many more besides. Any and all of these can help to 'put you in
the mood'before you even start.
Another thing to watch out for are what I call 'state breaks.' Sometimes,
during the course of your trip through the blighted lands of Desolation,
your hardy adventures may be pierced by the shrill wail of "TAKE OUT THE
GARBAGE!" That, friends, is a state break. Anyone who's ever RPed with me
might see something in the vicinity of;
An immortal says "Roflc0ptor look at this n00bsauce! He thinks he has to
go to GEAR for the bottle of milk."
An immortal coughs.
An immortal says "Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain."
These things happen. It's best to ignore these flubs from your fellow players
and/or yourself, or better yet incorperate them in to the RP if you can. State
breaks kill RP, so do your part to keep it in check!
The biggest offenders for loss of character interest, however, are far and
away boredom and failure. These I'll address in the next section...
**
So, what do I do now;**
If you take away nothing else from this essay, remember this: Give your
character something to do. Ensuring that your alter-ego has something to
keep it busy is the single best way to make sure you stay interested. This
means goals, of which there are two types, Primary and Secondary.
When I say goals, I don't mean 'I want to reach level fifty in a week,' or,
'I want to try out this quest-class.' Here, goals refer to the things your
character wants to accomplish. Primary goals are your character's 'end-game.'
These are the goals which they may or may not ever achieve, but it's something
that drives them to do what they do. Secondary goals are the tasks which move
you towards that all-consuming purpose.
For instance, Bob the Wizard's primary goal may be to raze the city of Miruvhor,
whose denizens have treated him poorly since birth for his bookish nature.
Secondary goals which may help you along the way may be gaining power in your
guild, joining a cabal, slowly breeding an army of pig-rats to tunnel burrows
beneath the city which one day will collapse and cause the stinking cess-pit to
dissapear beneath a mountain of rubble and vermin excrement. You get the idea.
Making sure your character constantly has some goal to achieve will keep it,
and you, focused and entertained. If your primary goal is achieved, then think
up another one!
Remember, though, that this is not a single-player game. There are many other
players with goals of their own. Some may directly oppose yours, and that
means someone's got to lose.
I know we're playing a game, and we're all playing to win. However, sometimes
that just may not be in the cards. But failure doesn't have to be the end of
your character's world. Like life, sometimes we don't get what we want. Unlike
life, we don't have the luxury of re-rolling to try again. Play with that
philosphy. If things don't work out, imagine how you're character would handle
it. Delve in to the psyche of your avatar and you may find even more interesting
avenues of RP opening up. You may even find more success your second go-
around. So if something doesn't go your way, do what I do and say "I'm a loser...
Awesome!"
The world we live in;
One thing that is often under-utilized in this world of ours is the attention
to detail builders have put in to our surroundings. If you want to kick your
RP up a notch, really take in your surroundings. Read room descriptions and
react to what's there, not only the items that are immediately available.
Make the creaking sign above Fayette's butchery come alive. Curse at the rust
on your armor from a passing rain storm. It will help bring you closer to
that moment we all strive for - the moment of Zen.
Do not neglect our poor NPCs, either! They can be used as RP tools as much as
descriptions. React to what they say, engage them in conversation. With skillful
use of the smote command, you can even make them talk back! RPing by yourself
isn't always the most entertaining, but it's a good way to strengthen your
character's foundation and move a plot along if you aren't finding help from
other players. Plus, you never know when an immortal might be watching...
In conclusion;
And that's all she wrote, folks. Hopefully there's something here that'll help
give your RP that little extra something. As long as you keep a tight grip on
that moment of Zen, and keep your character busy with tons of goals, you'll
find yourself wishing your role was reality.