Elite roleplay: Banter

General Roleplay Etiquette:

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.


Inara RP Etiquette:

1. Respect the setting and rules of the universe.
Inara is an Elite: Dangerous 3rd Party Tool. The RP Forums are set in the Elite: Dangerous universe. Elite: Dangerous has rules, as any fictional universe does from Lord of the Rings to Star Wars, or Game of Thrones to Star Trek. If you intend to RP within the Elite: Dangerous universe you are bound by the history and rules of that universe. Simply put, this RP forum is bound by the same rules as the game, so if it can't be done in the game, it is not permitted here. This applies to things from a 50Ly Jump Range on a normal, unmodified Sidewinder, to the destruction of entire stations.

2. Respect the characters created by others.
We have a wide variety of characters already here. It's expected that some will be similar, just as it's expected that two characters will be vastly different. Opinions of each persons character will naturally be varied, but all are valid provided they follow the rules of the universe. You are allowed to interact with, or avoid interaction with, any character in the RP forums. But you have no right to belittle others for their creation. You are not an authority figure on writing, nor are you directly affected by another persons imagination. You might not like it, but you MUST respect it.

3. Be caught up on current events before joining in.
You need basic things like character descriptions in order to interact with them. You also need to know what's going on in the surrounding areas. This is simply because the people you are hoping to RP with, might be gearing up to something that you might not want to be part of. Or simply that the most recent post, out of context, could leave a different impression on the goings on than if you gather that context. We don't expect you to read every single post from the beginning of the forums, just enough to get that basic understanding.

4. Either subscribe to, or frequently check, the Roleplay: Q&A and OOC forum.
People may be discussing something relevant to you there, or even discussing you directly. Perhaps someone asked what the general consensus on the existence or non-existence of a certain object. Or we're just chatting about random gibberish. Either way, be aware of it and use it. If you're unsure about something, such as how guns would look and or behave, or even the music selection, use the OOC forum to ask. We don't have all of the answers, but the collective knowledge and logic usually allows us to overcome an issue and come to a decision on what should be allowed. Frontier Developments, and even David Braben himself, don't have the answers to every possible question that can be asked.

5. Large Scale events exploding out of nowhere are a complete no go.
We get it. Everyone wants their character to be noticed and for people to be tripping over themselves to interact with them. In some audiences, an introduction involving you blasting in for landing in a fiery wreckage of a ship, before cart wheeling out and sword fighting 35 Ninjas before whisking off with the local celebrity for a glorious night of passion, is in fact, cool. This is not one of those audiences. It is generally considered better to build your character up slowly over time. Eventually, you might even have a legitimate excuse to fight those Ninjas. Maybe even with other RP participants by your side.

6. Perfect characters are boring.
The point of a character arc, is that it is in fact, an arc shape. One who is morally unquestionable, fully kitted out and an infinite fountain of knowledge, cannot go through an arc. Give your character flaws. Be it a tendency towards befriending the wrong people, or a bad knee that frequently gives out at inopportune moments. It gives readers something to latch onto and empathise with. You can give your character exceptional capabilities at something, but it requires balance. She's a damn good pilot with no equal, but can't drive an SRV for peanuts. It can lead to some very interesting moments between characters, be it heartfelt or comedic.


Other Notes:
It should be noted that there can be exceptions to these points. For example, good grammar when a character is speaking is actually rare. Few people in real life actually speak with perfect eloquence after all. Or previously arranged actions during a fight scene, such as someone stumbling back after a punch. What's key to remember is context.

All in all, remember this is purely for fun. We have some seriously talented writers here, and others whose writing history starts and ends at high school. But many are willing to help out in whatever way they can. All it takes is that you ask nicely.

Also keep in mind that many people who RP here, also have logbook stories related to the character, or characters, they portray. If it looks like there's an "in joke" going on that you're unsure of, it's probably in those.

In fact, some users have even gone to the trouble of creating "alts" to RP with. If you read back far enough, it's usually pretty clear who has and hasn't, and which ones are the "alts". It's therefore not unheard of to see the apparent seizing of control of other characters. If you do spot one, point it out in the OOC section. If intervention is needed, it will be sorted quickly and (hopefully) politely.

Most, if not all RP participants here have Logbook stories pertaining to their character(s). These are for the reading pleasure of anyone who wishes to do so. While it can be useful to read them in order to gain a bit of backstory on a character you wish to interact with, it should not be assumed that your character shares that knowledge. Within the E:D Universe, these Logbooks either don't exist, or are private diaries kept by the characters. Either way, without explicit statements to say otherwise from the writer, your interactions should reflect that your character is in the dark about any information you, the writer/reader, have gained from reading the stories.
06 May 2017, 5:47pm
Ha!

That's probably for the best.
06 May 2017, 5:49pm
NFC PhistoComrie, people like you are usually why I just shoot the sonofabitch.


At last, someone with style!
06 May 2017, 5:56pm
Why thanks!

Like you said earlier, care is the hallmark of any pro, but if they obviously love their work?  Well, in my experience, those are the ones you really want.
06 May 2017, 6:02pm
Smarts and style?

Now there's a rare thing!
06 May 2017, 6:06pm
Couldn't agree more, Marrakech. There's some dull bastards out there. Have to say though, Citi Gateway has done a pretty good job of raising my eyebrow.
06 May 2017, 6:28pm
Comrie, if you want, I can take you to the dentist too.
06 May 2017, 6:33pm
Na...

For all what's good, I quite think I'm fine, thank you very much...
06 May 2017, 6:37pm
Eh. If you say so. 

Joke's on him, I actually happen to know a really great dentist. Cleaned my teeth for free because I helped him fix his office holofac.
06 May 2017, 6:44pm
NFC PhistoCouldn't agree more, Marrakech. There's some dull bastards out there. Have to say though, Citi Gateway has done a pretty good job of raising my eyebrow.


Ah, that's where I've seen you before - on vacation, right?

Yeah, if you can be bothered sorting out the grain from the chaff you can usually find someone interesting at Citi. Whenever I go, some prick always tries his luck. You either get used it, or keep a big fucking wall of muscle close by. I prefer the latter.
06 May 2017, 6:53pm
Marra Morgan

... or keep a big fucking wall of muscle close by. I prefer the latter.


Did you call boss?


Last edit: 06 May 2017, 7:00pm
06 May 2017, 6:53pm
That's why I'm glad I'm not a woman... I usually don't get that problem...

Usually...
06 May 2017, 7:08pm
Marra Morgan
NFC PhistoCouldn't agree more, Marrakech. There's some dull bastards out there. Have to say though, Citi Gateway has done a pretty good job of raising my eyebrow.



Ah, that's where I've seen you before - on vacation, right?

Yeah, if you can be bothered sorting out the grain from the chaff you can usually find someone interesting at Citi. Whenever I go, some prick always tries his luck. You either get used it, or keep a big fucking wall of muscle close by. I prefer the latter.


That's right! Still enjoying the sunny skies and bright, sandy beaches of Citi Gateway. How's yours going?

And speaking of big fucking walls, don't worry Big Guy. I might be a prick, but I generally don't try my luck with new folks. Professional, you see. Ah, shit, you can't see me pop my collar, can you?
06 May 2017, 11:10pm
HappyComrieThat's why I'm glad I'm not a woman... I usually don't get that problem...

Usually...


I'm glad you're not either, amigo. You'd make a damn ugly lady.
07 May 2017, 6:44am
NFC Phisto
That's right! Still enjoying the sunny skies and bright, sandy beaches of Citi Gateway. How's yours going?


Urgent business called me back to Pegasi, unfortunately.

There was a terrorist attack with some sort of chemical weapon. Thousands dead. A despicable and cowardly act. Of course, we're dealing the situation. Our humanitarian teams have moved in to assist and our merc units are dealing with those responsible. I'd advise anyone who encounters vessels of the Njikas Gold Crew, aka The Serpents, to pursue them with vigourous prejudice.
07 May 2017, 6:55am
Oh, wow!  That's terrible.  Good on you rushing back and taking care of things.  If I see any of those snakes, I'll tell them you said hello.  

Mind if I pass that along to the rest of the Fusiliers?  They're always in the mood to help, especially when it involves prejudice of the most vigorous type.

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