Elite roleplay: Q&A and OOC

02 May 2020, 8:11pm
The InhabitantQuestion for the group.

Is it normal around here to take control of another's person character and fast forward the RP to a significant degree? That's what just happened in Citi Gateway, and I'm a iittle perplexed.


While I still consider myself a relative newcomer to Inara & RP here, from my experiences elsewhere (quite extensive, I might add) it is generally customary to ask via PM (or here in OOC,) whether the proposed RP involving another is OK & works with whatever they might already have in mind.

There are already existing guidelines at the top/title page of the RP sections re: RP. I believe that unless pre-arranged/agreed, such RP might be termed, "God-Modding" & is generally frowned upon at best, by RP communities.

I'm not the 'RP-Police' in any way & not wishing to act as such; just offering my opinion & thoughts based on my experiences, in answer to your question.

I hope that this might be helpful.

I will state an open invitation to others who might wish to participate in Synthya's RP story (it is based loosely on her Bio). PMs &/ OOC is encouraged.
02 May 2020, 8:22pm
Thanks for the replies, folks. Sounds like a one off.
02 May 2020, 8:39pm
As far as I understood from my previous RP experiences there are a few "golden rules" you should follow:

1) Do not RP someone else's character (aka God-Modding). Let him-/herself react to your actions and don't do it for them.

2) Do not be pretentious. In Elite:Dangerous this means that you do NOT make yourself a member of the Imperial Royal Family, a relative of Commander Jameson or any other E:D VIP like President Hudson or their right hand. Also: Your character is not Mr. Invincible Super-Ninja. Your character might be trained in martial arts and therefor able to block and/or evade some punches thrown at you, but depending on your opponent's skills you will get hit as well. Oh, and noone can dodge bullets by doing some slick moves. Elite:Dangerous is not The Matrix. If you don't want to get hit by a bullet then come up with a believable solution, like taking a quick dive behind a crate or something.

3) If your RP really needs you to "borrow" one of those VIPs mentioned a) don't make them do something out-of-character (Like Princess Aisling having slaves serving her food in her residence) and b) don't have them do anything that could effect whatever the Devs might still have in store for them, like getting them hurt in a shoot-out or something. This rule I saw paraphrased as "Put those toys back into the shelf in the same condition as they were as you grabbed them." at another forum for another MMORPG.
02 May 2020, 8:43pm

1. Control only the actions of your own character(s). (AKA: God Mode)
This doesn't matter how small the action is, even if it is as simple as scratching their nose or a direct reaction to something else that just happened. This applies to everything from casual conversation to full blown fight scenes. If you'd like someone to do something specific, PM that person, however keep in mind they are completely within their rights to say no. Especially if said action is inappropriate to their character and/or circumstance.

2. Don't brute force your way into another persons RP.
Approaching with a conversation starter is fine, or indeed some other small action. However charging in, guns blazing and disrupting the flow of another person/pair/groups conversation/arc is about as rude as doing so in real life. If something is going on that you'd like to participate in, be subtle about it. Put out a gentle hook for someone to take, but again, be aware that said hook may not be taken. If you fear it was simply unnoticed, PM the person or people it concerns. Or even leave a message in the OOC forums.

3. Good grammar and spelling is preferred.
We're not asking you to be perfect, but please at least demonstrate willingness. no1 iz gna tak u srsly usng txt spk. There's a wide variety of people here, many who speak English as a second, or even third language. There are even some with varying degrees of dyslexia and/or likely other issues that affect spelling/grammar. We accept them all here. However, people who aren't accepted, are those unwilling to accept polite correction. Remember that even a small thing like the placement of a comma, or the wrong use of there/their/they're can completely change the definition of an entire sentence.

4. Accept constructive criticism gracefully and politely.
If someone spots an issue with your writings, they may wish to help you improve that writing. They may do this through PM or even publicly air their thoughts on the OOC forum. If they have taken the time to be polite and explain what is wrong with your writing, the best way to behave is to respond in kind, using the same manner they have approached you with. It means they have taken an active interest in what you have written and wish to see more. Basically, you have a fan!

5. Don't take the actions or opinions of things done IN RP, to be directly relevant to the writers thoughts or opinions.
Basically, if some ones character calls your character a jackass, it doesn't mean the writer thinks you are a jackass. It's a ROLE they are PLAYING. Watch a movie. The argument between the characters isn't an argument between the actors involved. The same applies here.

6. It's not a popularity contest.
Your RP might be bustling with participants. You have 3 people off station in a fire fight, while another 2 are infiltrating the darkest areas of the station, meanwhile a group of 4 others are tracking your movements in an effort to stop you. Good for you, I'm sure it will be a thrilling read! But you know what? Sometimes the absolute BEST work, comes from two RP characters having a simple heart to heart. Both are valid, both are great, but NEITHER is categorically better than the other. Period.


The rules are defined on top of every RP section (this one excluded).
02 May 2020, 8:46pm
If requested, I will remove such posts, when it's a clear violation of the very first rule of the etiquette for the roleplaying here. But I think in this case it may be just a misunderstanding in which character is described. I believe the Inhabitant's character was just followed (the first sentence) and then the story continues with own character. At least until the one of the last sentences.

Last edit: 02 May 2020, 8:58pm
02 May 2020, 8:51pm
It could lead to an interesting plot twist to an otherwise mundane meeting, but the rules of the game must be observed if we're gonna go that far.
02 May 2020, 8:54pm
Actually, IMO, it's an opportunity for someone's RP character to figure out how they came to regain consciousness in a puddle of brew & shattered glass, & sporting a helluva lump with accompanying pounding headache.

But that's just me.
02 May 2020, 8:55pm
Rebecca HailThe rules are defined on top of every RP section (this one excluded).


Indeed they are... never noticed them before
02 May 2020, 9:03pm
Seems it was just a scratch, judging by the post. :|
02 May 2020, 9:07pm
Did he really just shrug off getting hit with a stein on the head like it was nothing?
02 May 2020, 9:11pm
Speaking of which, I think that Synthya's Practitioner is definitely heading for a few drinks at the local bar after her shift is over.
02 May 2020, 9:18pm
What's a stein even supposed to be?
02 May 2020, 9:19pm
02 May 2020, 9:21pm
Ah. Yes, that does make more sense then what I had in mind.
02 May 2020, 9:25pm
Can confirm Steins are hefty. 2 Pints of Beer plus a good quantity of Glass.

Just drinking one can floor some people. Being hit over the head with one would no doubt cost.

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