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.
07 Jul 2017, 8:27am
Simon DaturaI don't think they mean what you think they mean, mate. But I mean, that's just a hunch.


You know what.... I think you might be right.
07 Jul 2017, 12:05pm
Rebecca HailBlack hair, estimated 1,60m, goes by the name Lilith. Maybe you know her?

this is starting to sound like my spam email again
07 Jul 2017, 12:23pm
C: Wow... how did all of this happen anyways, um, Lilith is it?
07 Jul 2017, 1:47pm
Chica, I can see why your pimp dropped you. Scraggly greasy hair, blotched and pale complexion. And those nails. Honey, you need a makeover. I'll tell you what. I'll give you the number of a fashion consultant and we can start there!
07 Jul 2017, 2:35pm
*Slowly takes a step away from the bar*
07 Jul 2017, 3:05pm
Ms Morgan, yes we've met, I'm neither glad nor disappointed you don't recall. Either suits me fine...

One eye, it's a long story. Yes it's Lilith, although given the attitude of many people here you'll likely have a mutlitude of nicknames for me soon enough.

Now as for my appearance. Unless you're planning on outfitting me for a war, I'm so not interested.
07 Jul 2017, 3:23pm
*gets popcorn, sits back*
07 Jul 2017, 3:27pm
Corinari717*gets popcorn, sits back*


*gets popcorn as well enter tele-presence and sits right next to corinar to watch the show*
07 Jul 2017, 3:32pm
The benevolant
Corinari717*gets popcorn, sits back*



*gets popcorn as well enter tele-presence and sits right next to corinar to watch the show*


*hands flask to benevolant*
07 Jul 2017, 3:34pm
Trying to give a material object to a telepresence? Are you high? Are you sure that's popcorn you're eating?
07 Jul 2017, 3:44pm
Rebecca HailTrying to give a material object to a telepresence? Are you high? Are you sure that's popcorn you're eating?


*glances at flask, then Rebecca* "it is a tad strong" *holds it out to Rebecca*
07 Jul 2017, 3:56pm
I don't drink.
07 Jul 2017, 4:05pm
Corinari717
The benevolant
Corinari717*gets popcorn, sits back*




*gets popcorn as well enter tele-presence and sits right next to corinar to watch the show*



*hands flask to benevolant*

Corinari717
Rebecca HailTrying to give a material object to a telepresence? Are you high? Are you sure that's popcorn you're eating?



*glances at flask, then Rebecca* "it is a tad strong" *holds it out to Rebecca*


I have my good old Schnaps bottle year 3233, A good year...But thank you, anyway.
07 Jul 2017, 4:16pm
'Not interested'? Chica, that is screamingly obvious from the moment you step into the room. People take one look at you and they're, like, soooo not interested. No honey, if you want to get places in life, you need to show you mean business. Image, honey. Image is everything!
07 Jul 2017, 4:28pm
Lilith2980Ms Morgan, yes we've met, I'm neither glad nor disappointed you don't recall. Either suits me fine...


It seems Apollonia's memory is better than mine...

Apparently, you are under my employment. My, I must have been blind drunk!

Anyways, less time on messages and more on massages, hmm?

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An important note: As mentioned, this banter is for IN-CHARACTER talk, in other words - roleplay. Any misuse or personal insults cloaked as RP will NOT be tolerated, same as in any other discussion there...