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Peerless Pressure - The Art of Making RP
#1
So you want to start up some RP, eh?

I've noticed quite a bit of frustration lately due to what is coined as "fad RP", or when a certain place becomes "the hub" where most players goes to visit. It is not a new phenomenon, as when any place gets popular, the battle cry inevitably follows:

"RP AT <INSERT LOCATION>??? WHY IS THERE NEVER RP ANYWHERE ELSE?"

The problem isn't the call for variety. Everyone likes to mix things up sometimes and get a totally new and exciting experience out of their RP. So when "the hub" moves, the question becomes: why is the complaint still the exact same, even though people have gotten the change of venue they asked for? The answer is simple, and just a modification of the battle cry:

"RP AT <INSERT LOCATION>??? WHY IS THERE NEVER RP WHERE I WANT IT TO BE?"

This is the heart of the conflict. While people like variety, they inevitably favor certain things above all else. I like a good Dwarf RP myself, or a good Horde Clan gathering. Also, Undead Pirate RP is of particular interest. So when I'm in the mood for something, I have two choices:
  1. Take my kind of RP to "the hub" and hope people there are into that kind of thing.
  2. Start up my very own RP at the location I want it to happen in.
The first is the quickest solution, as there is already an audience for my shenanigans. But sometimes, "the hub" just doesn't fit my particular idea. I doubt a womanizing Dwarf can get much action in the catacombs, unless he's ready to get -really- nasty. Sometime, you just have to gather your own flock and lead them to the promised zone.

So sensei, how do I ever find the RP that -I- want?

I am so glad you asked! Or at least was thinking about asking...maybe...kinda sorta... Anyway, there is this assumption that if you don't go to the hub, no one will go anywhere else. And it's not a completely unfounded fear, as I've seen many a LFG message go unheeded. But fear not, oh ye of little faith, because I'm gonna teach you how to succeed at getting RP without really trying!

Now at least one of you will call BULLS---tuff because of my sheer number of alts. "OF COURSE -YOU- GET RP! YOU GOT, LIKE, 20 CHARACTERS TO CHOOSE FROM! I ONLY GOT 2 AT BEST!" This is true, but as an altoholic, I have learned many valuable lessons about characters as it pertains to getting RP.

Let me tell you a story about a man named Jeb---Jonoth....who joined this supercoolawesomedope RP server. He intended to only play 2 or 3 characters at best, and started with a superb, dashing, mysterious, insane bounty hunter (did I say handsome? I meant to put that in there somewhere). But...this awesome man had trouble fitting in with the RP that was going on in "the hub" of the time, and as a new player I didn't have the reputation...the "brand name"...to just attract RP to him like moths to light. Like metal to a magnet. Like a hipster to skinny jeans. So I started making alts. I figured If I had one of everything, I can end up where the action is! Which worked!...kinda.

Yes, alting like a baws helped me meet more RPers, but it leaves you with a dilemma. With so many characters, its hard to keep up with them all, and inevitably, some get neglected, which means people that play with them get neglected, which means that RP may not be there when you return, and the people you had fun with may not want to play with you again.

If not alting, then what can I do?

There is still lots you can do! Here I present to you.....

Jonoth's (Only) Five Commandments For Finding RP!

1. Thou shall not make plain, boring, generic requests for RP and expect to get any. I hear it all the time. "But I announced it in LFG! How come they aren't coming?" They aren't coming because your LFG post had about as much personality in it as a slice of white bread and a glass of water. Rule number 1 about RP: People want to enjoy RP. I know this sounds a little biased because some people are naturally more entertaining than others. But, if you put no pep at all into your request for RP, people are just going to assume that nothing interesting is going to happen.

So instead of "LF RP", or "RP in <insert location>", you have to sell it like something interesting will happen! "TUN'KAR, STRONGEST ORC THERE IS, GONNA HAGGLE THIS PRICE! WILL HE GET FOR ONE COPPER OR TWO? ONLY ONE WAY FIND OUT!" Mind you, you can't (and shouldn't) all caps in LFG, but I just made buying something from a Goblin sound like a heavyweight fight of epic proportions is going down! Even if a little silly, people will come because at the very least they will get a laugh out of it. Humor doesn't have to be involved in the request, just something that makes it sound like you are excited about what is going to happen, so they can get excited too.

2. Thou shall roll at least one alt that is not confined to a single place/region. This one is pretty important, because the next biggest complaints are "All the RP is <insert race> RP!" and "My character isn't anywhere near <insert location>!" Some days, you'll crave playing with a particular character. For everything else, there's Mast--there's the "everywhere" character.

I have a couple of these myself. One is a mage, who's teleporting provides her the ability to pop up anyplace, and her Argent Dawn background allows her to interact with any race in at least passing terms. Then there is Remyl, who by virtue of his womanizing will interact with any race as long as it has lady parts, and because he's not central in any story or plot, I can always make up an excuse why he's in any place (namely, that it has broads and booze).

If you are having troubles landing in some RP, having an "everywhere" character is a good way to meet people and establish your "brand", so when you want to explore the RP you like, people will remember having fun with you, and be excited to see what you have in store.

3. Thou shall not chastize people in the OOC zone. For how often it happens, this could be number one. "Get your bums out and RP! Why are you all not RPing on an RP server! You should all be ashamed of yourself for lounging around and having a good laugh out of character!" Okay, so I made that last one up, but it is essentially how such statements will be interpreted by the people hanging out in OOC. No one likes to be chastized, and even more certainly no one wants to be chastized into RP. So don't make the people you are trying to attract upset for taking things easy, because they'll remember, and there's a high chance you'll end up on the ignore list. And that will defeat the whole point of why you raged, which was to get people to RP.

4. No one wants to RP, but everyone wants to have a great RP. That sounds like an oxymoron, but let me explain. I work as a photographer by day, taking pictures of tourists. One thing we are told in the orientation is "No one wants to take a photo, but everyone wants to take a great photo." I kinda understood it in the beginning, but to see it in action was a revelation. People will fight you on taking a picture like the camera will steal their soul, then when they see the picture buy 3 copies of it. The thing is, as I pointed out in the first commandment, that people want to have fun, and if they take a chance on your RP, they want to be rewarded with a good experience. And rightfully so! This is why you've gotta be willing to explore places you wouldn't normally, and treat people the way you want to be treated and not berate them.

5. Thou shall roll a Dwarf. Sounds biased, but requires an explanation. You get a few things built in with a Dwarf due to both stereotype and lore.
  • Dwarves are explorers. They have the Explorer's League for crying out loud! If any race has an easy way to explain why they are traveling, it's them.
  • Dwarves know how to have a good time. They are loud, funny, uninhibited. It's really hard to start new RP with an introvert, so rolling a race that likes to party naturally opens up interactions.
  • Dwarves value a good fight. They have a tough, don't quit attitude that makes you feel like the hero you want to be, even with a diminuitive size.
  • Dwarves are stocky. Both genders. So no need to feel like you are rolling the "pretty" race. Though I find Dwarf girls to be gorgeous. Heyyy pretty momma! ;)
  • Dwarves are smart too. Dwarves aren't the same level of genius per se as a Gnome, but they have their share of inventions. So if a Gnome is just too geeky for you, a smart Dwarf is a good compromise.
  • Yes, you can do the accent. And if not, you don't need a strong one. The accent is usually excuse number one of why people don't play Dwarves. But trying can be fun! And it really helps you immerse into the character. You can do it!

Any other advice, oh masterful master of mastering mastery?
What? You want more?! THERE AIN'T NO MORE! I mean...

I stand by my points above, because I've tried them and tested them. Obviously there are issues that will come up, like people who like to troll on your ideas, or some argument on the forum that's left people in a sour mood and unwanting to RP, but in general, this is meant to be a place to start, and a way to avoid the most common pratfalls of attaining maximum RPage. And remember why you RP in the first place: to enjoy yourself! Now get out there and have fun! :D
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#2
You shall roll a dwarf.

We need dwarves.Yesterday I had an awesome dwarf event.

Roll your dwarves.

I am Rarity and this is the best RP rule in CotH.
Allons-y!

[Image: awesome-mario-gif.gif]

Have you hugged a dwarf today?
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#3
Very much like and agree! I think this should go in the guides section. <nod>
Frogspawned: RAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!
Frogspawned: Frogspawned flips a table.
Frogspawned: (╯°□°)╯︵ ┻━┻

FROG, STOP FLIPPING TABLES. YOU'RE MAKING A MESS.

Frogspawned: ┬─┬ ノ( ゜-゜ノ)
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#4
(03-05-2012, 09:38 PM)Jonoth Wrote: 5. Thou shall roll a Dwarf. Sounds biased, but requires an explanation. You get a few things built in with a Dwarf due to both stereotype and lore.
  • Dwarves are explorers. They have the Explorer's League for crying out loud! If any race has an easy way to explain why they are traveling, it's them.
  • Dwarves know how to have a good time. They are loud, funny, uninhibited. It's really hard to start new RP with an introvert, so rolling a race that likes to party naturally opens up interactions.
  • Dwarves value a good fight. They have a tough, don't quit attitude that makes you feel like the hero you want to be, even with a diminuitive size.
  • Dwarves are stocky. Both genders. So no need to feel like you are rolling the "pretty" race. Though I find Dwarf girls to be gorgeous. Heyyy pretty momma! ;)
  • Dwarves are smart too. Dwarves aren't the same level of genius per se as a Gnome, but they have their share of inventions. So if a Gnome is just too geeky for you, a smart Dwarf is a good compromise.
  • Yes, you can do the accent. And if not, you don't need a strong one. The accent is usually excuse number one of why people don't play Dwarves. But trying can be fun! And it really helps you immerse into the character. You can do it!

I must emphasize on this.

I HAVE BEEN TELLING PEOPLE THIS FOR MONTHS.

MONTHS.

DWARFS ARE AMONG THE MOST DIVERSE, FUN, FLEXIBLE RACES AROUND.

BUT NOONE RPs THEM AND ITS HRGGGGGN.

Your stories will always remain...
[Image: nIapRMV.png?1]
... as will your valiant hearts.
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#5
Moving to the Guides and Articles section for general awesomeness.
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#6
(03-05-2012, 09:38 PM)Jonoth Wrote: Yes, you can do the accent. And if not, you don't need a strong one. The accent is usually excuse number one of why people don't play Dwarves. But trying can be fun! And it really helps you immerse into the character. You can do it!

And you get immunity to spelling errors. And Grammar goes oot the window too!

Great guide, the shameless dwarf plug at the end was just icing.:D

The true test of his choice lies forward.
— The story of the Silithian.


See life through shades of silver.
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#7
I have the sudden urge to roll a dwarf now.. Wait... I already do! Hazzah.
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#8
DORF? DORF! DORF SHALL BECOME WHAT MY CHARACTERS WILL NEE~ Wait I have one too XD BWAHAH
[Image: 20.jpg]
Want to send some Feedback? Go ahead!

[Image: 520a44a794fdb.jpg]

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#9
Thaim salutes you, good sir.
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#10
(03-05-2012, 09:38 PM)Jonoth Wrote: 5. Thou shall roll a Dwarf.

Just let me say... FINALLY!
AND AWESOME!!



There is one issue that is not brought up in this guide however;
For the love of the Divine Kretol stop complaining about your character not getting RP or no one wanting to RP with it when you, the player yourself made the character into an introverted, quiet, small-minded, hateful, arrogant and demeaning person! You -wont- connect well with others in casual RP, that's a fact cause most people don't want pick a fight and choose to ignore or walk away.

To connect your "dark" character with others, start out with reaching out OOCly. Speak to others about a common past that would make the other character interested and a bit tolerant against yours. For example that they fought in the same squad during a war, were trained under the same magister, their families have been friends or even allies since they were both young or even that they just ran into each other before at some point in an event that would make a "reunion" interesting. (This can be especially useful when tying connections across the factions.)


And of course when Angry, Angry Bovel gets started, there's not stopping him and his fatty lumps;
Don't expect someone else to make your RP, this will only leave you disappointed and even judge the player and/or character unfairly. When you ask and try to open RP, take your responsibility as part of this community and be creative. If you think tavern + drinks RP is boring, then don't open that scenario. If you think meeting a person for the first time and passing shallow questions back and forth is boring, then again do -not- open for that kind of RP.

I personally try avoid the most casual and shallow RP mainly because Riael just shatters that ice. Instead of a drink perhaps its two or more Argents that spar in Hearthglen? Instead of a calm day at the tavern in Ratchet perhaps your adventurer is down by the water to clean his clothes? Yes, I just mentioned a menial and everyday task because a fantasy realm removes neither and just a slight change as this when starting an RP session can make wonders.


Here's some examples of starts of RP I've had with Riael;
- Find an elf looking at the stars on the plains of Mulgore, obviously not realizing that she could be eaten by the coyote any second.
- Cleaning out a crate which holds your pet worm and end up throwing feces on the bystander.
- Be passed by an orc carrying a huge log and a bunch of stones and start running after it. (Not my idea, kudos to Psycho!)
- Run into a tauren argument when looking for water.
- Sleep on a log close to where some traveling trolls are passing.
- Air-spar while jumping between platforms in a small lake and get interrupted by a collection of taurens.
Just to mention a handful of many!
(02-24-2012, 10:15 AM)Piroska Wrote: Conspiracy. That's all it is; Kret's afraid that your pure, digital awesomeness would crash the server if it were allowed.
(06-14-2013, 05:42 PM)McKnighter Wrote: Bovel, Lord of Beards

Character About Involvement
Causticity Blackbreath Goblin Alchemist -
Telaah Draenei Anchorite Writings of an Anchorite

[Image: kiXJxhI.gif]
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#11
Quote:Dwarves are stocky. Both genders. So no need to feel like you are rolling the "pretty" race. Though I find Dwarf girls to be gorgeous. Heyyy pretty momma!

Blood Elf is the master race.

... Anyhow. My problem for me is that I have too many alts! My time is limited, and on some days, I feel like only playing one character, then once I'm done with that one I need to get to bed or I'm being called to play on another game. :C

My poor, neglected alts...

<Plays that adoption music that makes you cry, having a huge massive Kaldorei druid bear look up with sad puppy eyes and a pouting bottom lip.>
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#12
I've always found that trying to find roleplay is like wading out into the ocean. It's cold at first, but you get used to the temperature. It's so big that you don't know where to start, but you soon pick a direction and start swimming. The waves carry you this way and that. You can either pick to swim against them or allow yourself to be swayed by their whim.

...Lamely ending this now.

I'd like some Dwarf RP.
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#13
(03-06-2012, 05:36 AM)Bovel Wrote: There is one issue that is not brought up in this guide however;
For the love of the Divine Kretol stop complaining about your character not getting RP or no one wanting to RP with it when you, the player yourself made the character into an introverted, quiet, small-minded, hateful, arrogant and demeaning person! You -wont- connect well with others in casual RP, that's a fact cause most people don't want pick a fight and choose to ignore or walk away.

While I mostly agree, you -can- roleplay a hateful SOB in a casual setting. And it's fun, too! My older troll, Du'guro, is spiteful, xenophobic, and sexist, and I -look- for large gatherings of orcs/women/both to supplant him into just to piss off as many characters as possible. Du'guro is a jerk :D

Quote:To connect your "dark" character with others, start out with reaching out OOCly. Speak to others about a common past that would make the other character interested and a bit tolerant against yours. For example that they fought in the same squad during a war, were trained under the same magister, their families have been friends or even allies since they were both young or even that they just ran into each other before at some point in an event that would make a "reunion" interesting. (This can be especially useful when tying connections across the factions.)

I have found this to be very helpful even with characters who aren't dark. It's a good way to give them a foundation among the current player cast.

Quote:And of course when Angry, Angry Bovel gets started, there's not stopping him and his fatty lumps;

I have a good mind to take this quote out of context and put it in my signature.


As for the matter of dwarf accents, CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING...

1: You know who one of the few guys who MAINS a dwarf on this server is? You guessed it: Me. Recognize the character Hrodebert? Because anyone whose RPed with Hrodebert KNOWS that I don't even bother with the accent, save for a few informal speech patterns (such as ain't, yer, crap...), and he's one of the better known and liked dwarfs on the server. On the total flipside, my dwarf death knight, Langobard, speaks using the mannerisms of an Elf with a light dwarf accent. There is more to a dwarf's character than his accent.

2: Consider all the human and blood elf characters who speak completely informally and throw around swear words with reckless abandon (the infamous "gangsta elves"). If they can get away without trying to speak their part properly (elves and humans are generally a fairly prim and proper race, though elves much more so), THEN SO CAN DWARFS. Especially because a dwarf is MUCH more likely than EITHER race to drop a goddamn F-bomb and it be -appropriate-.

3: Dwarfs have NOTHING on trolls. So don't even complain, really.
Your stories will always remain...
[Image: nIapRMV.png?1]
... as will your valiant hearts.
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#14
Rolled a second dwarf.
[Image: 3HQ8ifr.gif]
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#15
(03-06-2012, 05:38 AM)McKnighter Wrote: ... Anyhow. My problem for me is that I have too many alts! My time is limited, and on some days, I feel like only playing one character, then once I'm done with that one I need to get to bed or I'm being called to play on another game. :C

My poor, neglected alts...

<Plays that adoption music that makes you cry, having a huge massive Kaldorei druid bear look up with sad puppy eyes and a pouting bottom lip.>

I always sympathize with the altoholics. Sometimes as I mentioned it's just to open up RP avenues. A -lot- of the time its because you get an idea, and as a creative person you just -have- to explore that character concept. I've read yous guys' profiles. The players here on CoTH are -extremely- creative, and when you make something, even if you have dozens of others, it feels like you said: like your baby, that you want to love and nurture. I get like that, and combined with guilt because I tend to profile early, so I felt like I have to justify it for the Forum Helper or GM that took the time to read it (though I tend not to write too much in profiles). And since approved characters get gold and storage, I never want to leave the impression that I'm alting for monies.

Every character I've written up was a concept I wanted to try, and writing the profile is how I can get my facts straight, and get my lore straight. A lot of my early characters required a lot of work to match the lore (my first version of Dibykali's history had her born and abandoned in Sen'jin Village, which from her age was when both Sen'jin didn't exist and the Orcs were still in camps). Some work out better than expected (TUN'KAR!), while others not so much (Sister Gabrielle, the Nun of War). But I've learned that it comes in cycles, and some points I'm just naturally going to lean towards a certain roster of characters.

On another note, I'm tempted to add a couple more commandments, but I don't want to add the extra strokes that ruin the painting. May reserve the right to change my mind though XD
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