Now what? You have a character… you have a back-story… you have interaction. How do you further the role-play experience? Out-of-game message boards are an excellent method of furthering role-play stories. After all, in-game role-play can only go so far. Not everyone has the same play schedule, and there are other things you want to do. Such as gaining experience, questing, raiding and the myriad other things that is available for your character to do in an online game.
Here are the basics… the "dos" and "don'ts" of writing character stories.
DO refer to what has happened so readers and other players in your scenario have an idea where you are picking up the storyline from.
"Corwyn was tired from the hunt and the events of the day. The duel between Mirriam and Iveneski confused him. He fell into his bed exhausted but even in sleep, his devils did not leave him. He began to dream…"
DO ask permission from your fellow role-players before you "speak" or "act" for their characters.
"Corwyn looked at Mirriam in shock. "You did what?" "I killed him." Was her hysterical reply. She began to scream."
The person playing Mirriam might take offense at your portrayal of her screaming hysterically.
DO correspond via e-mail or ooc messages regarding rules/limits/etc. of role-play and role-play stories, especially if emotions such as love and sexual/abusive acts are involved. There is nothing more disturbing and uncomfortable then when limits are over-stepped. A few precautions taken early can prevent much discomfort.
"I've enjoyed our role-play very much, and since our characters have professed their love for each other, I think that the natural next step is for them to become lovers. However, I prefer not to have my character married, and would appreciate stories with them involved to close with "fade to black" type endings rather than a description of the sexual act."
"The only person to which I will say the words "I love you" is my real world wife. Even though Corwyn is a role-play character, he is very much an extension of my persona. Therefore, even if Corwyn is protective and loving to Syreen by calling her his sweetheart and what have you, he won't be saying those words to her."
"I agree that my character will be tortured, but prefer not to have the act described graphically. No hot tongs on genitals, etc. please. A creation of atmosphere can very easily imply what is to come."
DON'T write out a conclusion of a scenario without collusion with the other players in your scenario.
"The babe was placed on the alter. Jeqon lifted the dagger and consecrated it to Innoruuk. Testing the blade he made a clean cut, spilling red blood. The infant squalled until its heart beat no more."
Well, well… there, you've given no chance for the other parties to rescue the child, and very possibly put an end to that role-play scenario.
"Arawyn fired the arrow and watched with satisfaction as it flew true to its mark and pierced Koumi's throat. She grinned evilly as Koumi clawed at it as she fell over dead."
Think that the player of Koumi might object?
DON'T use the knowledge that you gain from reading other's off-line stories if your character would not have any reason to gather that knowledge. For example, if two druids had a secret meeting in Surefall Glades and your character is a Cleric of Innoruuk… your character would not be privy to what they said to each other.
Finally… whether in-game or out, DON'T get too emotionally involved with your character and the role-play. If you ever do find yourself in that situation, take a step back. A few days off the game or the role-play might be needed. Remember that it is a game. You really aren't a wood-elf.
Author: Carolyn "Sylvene" Herrick
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