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.
20 May 2018, 8:32am
Cee KloverY'all oughta consider a career in the hospitality industry. The mortality rate's pretty low, all things considered.


I beg to differ.
20 May 2018, 9:08am
Worlock77
Phisto SobaniiLike Jameson was the only one either.

Much as I don't get along with Imperials, if death is the only way to set something straight, they don't usually shy from it.

(See? I can be nice.)



Death before dishonor. It astounds me that anyone would choose otherwise.


That requires you to have honour in the first place.
20 May 2018, 10:45am
Cee KloverY'all oughta consider a career in the hospitality industry. The mortality rate's pretty low, all things considered.


You saying I should be a bar girl or something? Not sure how good I am at making drinks.
20 May 2018, 12:34pm
Cee KloverY'all oughta consider a career in the hospitality industry. The mortality rate's pretty low, all things considered.


You might be surprised.
20 May 2018, 12:48pm
Cee KloverY'all oughta consider a career in the hospitality industry. The mortality rate's pretty low, all things considered.


Speak for yourself.
20 May 2018, 4:19pm
Marra MorganI beg to differ.

Ain't no need to beg, honey. You're free to say your piece, same as anyone else.

Kyla EmmerichYou saying I should be a bar girl or something? Not sure how good I am at making drinks.

It ain't exactly rocket science. Not far off, though. All you need's a good tutor an' a winnin' smile, like mine.

Stryker AuneSpeak for yourself.

Yep, reckon I just did. Who're you speakin' for?

Worlock77You might be surprised.

Nope, ain't much of anythin' surprises me these days, sugar.
20 May 2018, 4:38pm
'Cee vs. the Inara Message Board!'

Anyone got popcorn?
20 May 2018, 4:47pm
Extra butter?
20 May 2018, 4:49pm
Phisto Sobanii'Cee vs. the Inara Message Board!'

Anyone got popcorn?


Aww, feelin' left out, honey? Best not be eatin' too much of that popcorn. I hear flightsuits can be a mite unforgivin' round the waistline.
20 May 2018, 5:13pm
Good point.

Hold the extra butter, Adam.
20 May 2018, 5:26pm
Got it.

Holding the extra butter.
20 May 2018, 5:31pm
Cee Klover

Yep, reckon I just did. Who're you speakin' for?



Her name was Mhera.
20 May 2018, 5:32pm
Screw it, you only live once. Extra butter for me.
20 May 2018, 6:18pm
Cee Klover
Worlock77You might be surprised.


Nope, ain't much of anythin' surprises me these days, sugar.


You get a bunch of surly old spacers shoved into some dingy bar in a ill kept corner of some backwater station, all waiting for their next job and nothing to do but drink in the meantime, things get dangerous quick. Tempers flare up and blasters start firing off at the least little thing. I once saw a bartender get dropped for pouring the wrong brand of whiskey. The shooter nearly followed suit until the rest of the patrons realized they now had an open bar.

Of course this was deep in Delaine territory, so take that for what it's worth...
20 May 2018, 6:19pm
Isaiah EvansonScrew it, you only live once. Extra butter for me.


Extra butter for you, Isaiah! Looks like Phisto will be missing out.

Post a reply

You must be signed in to post here.
Anything you want to banter about. In-character...

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...