Looking to RP, don't know the first thing about it

Lately I have been pretty bored on SL. I have been looking for something to take up time and get me interested. I have always wanted to try out RP, but I don't know the first thing about it. I tp'd into a Medieval Land (which is something I would prefer), but felt like an alien so tp'd right back out. I didn't want to commit any faux pas and get a boot in my butt. lol..so I guess what I am trying to say is...

How do I get started and learn what there is to know without looking like a fool? (I blush alot, thank goodness my AV doesn't emote!!!)

Thanks to anyone who helps and replies, I appreciate it so much!!

Many role playing sims have a FAQ and rule notecard that is dispensed to you that provide that sims rules for roleplaying and some even have tips in general for roleplaying. Some of the sims allow you to wear an observer tag and move about the sim freely out of character as long as you do not disrupt the roleplaying and, as the tag implies, simply observe others and how they act. This allows you to get the feel for how people talk and act in that particular sim when they are in character. You can also IM people in the sim to see if they can provide any help and guidance.

Generally speaking you should NOT equate roleplaying with an opportunity to do combat with other people. That is a big misconception among people who want an opportunity to try out their new guns, light sabres and swords that often come to these sims. It is part of roleplaying in some situations, but a roleplaying sim is not an opportunity for a person to run around as if he or she was playing DOOM.

RP is easy... Remember how everyone tells you "Just be yourself"?.... Break that rule. (^_^)y

The only way I know is to just go for it. What's the worst that can happen? Somebody is an ass to you? If they are, that's a lousy place to RP, then. I don't RP much, and I'm notoriously bad at it because I'm phisically unable to remain serious for any length of time. On the other hand, if you are with people who can work up a scenario on the spot and roll with the punches, then it can be a blast. Nobody RP's in Second Life for a living. It's recreation. As soon as it becomes not fun, then it's time to go do something fun.

Try to come up with a basic character. You don't have to be as elaborate as some people are, especially if you are good at making stuff up as you go along. Then just go for it. It's no different than any other social situation, except that you are playing a part at the same time you are engaging people in conversation.

No worries about combat, not my thing! Lord knows I would break a nail. Are most people helpful to a visitor?

I rp a lot in SL, and I find that people are very helpful to new comers if you ask nicely.

I'd suggest a Google search on 'role playing 101' or 'role playing etiquette' and other similar terms.

Understand the concept and educate yourself, THEN go to one of these sims armed with said information. Like most skills no teacher is better then experience but reading up about the various styles and techniques of RP and how to approach it is a excellent first step.

If you need any tips IM me in-world.

Many of the RP areas will have observer tags you can wear. It allows you to watch and listen, without participating. Some may require you dress appropriately, and will usually have costumes available. Just watch for a bit don't talk to anyone in open chat unless you use ooc brackets ((hello)), or IM. Some of the RP Sims have people who will show visitors around and answer questions. It can be a lot of fun.

I never found RP'ng any more exciting than just talking to my next door neighbor.

Letty, providing you read the notices at landing points regarding the nature of the sim and the wearing of visitor tags if required and not jump in on someone's earnest role-playing, many are not only friendly to newcomers but eager to help.
Try Vlanderren for a medieval sim if it's still there. It's not long been started so should be super-newcomer friendly

Yes - generally they are as long as you are polite and try to respect their RP. Just remember that you're in their sandbox, so you should respect their rules. It sounds from your posts like that's no problem at all, but sometimes we see posts from people who go to a Gorean Sim dressed like a wookie and then get all upset when the people there don't want to RP Star Wars with them. It makes no sense to me.

You know what really might help? Go with a friend. Both of you stick together and do your own little RP that fits the theme of the place and then maybe you won't feel so self conscious.

BTW, Avilion is a wonderful medieval sim with very relaxed, laid back people. You can get some free clothes when you tp in and it's a beautiful build, so you can just wander around exploring and get into the RP slowly. Even if you don't say anything, you'll have fun wandering around.

I quite like talking with my next-door neighbour

Something I've found that helps me stay in character in an RP environment is a backstory that fits with the RP.

See if you can find out what the setting actually is (as in, is there a lot of class stratification, subs/doms, how close to a particular storyline the RP must remain or is there room for alternate plot lines and development, etc..)
Sometimes, this means checking with the sim owner or whoever's directing the RP.
Then, whip up a nice little backstory for yourself, and give it a shot.


Yeah, this is basic knowledge most RP'ers know, but it's amazing how many times I've encountered, "LOL!! I don't know...I just came here!"

OK, seriously, I'm kidding. RP can be fun, but it's not for everyone. I've just been waiting to use this picture and saw an opportunity.

haha I loved that! Thats how I felt when I popped in! Everyone has given me such good info, I feel much better now!

Feel free to PM me in-world. We'll gather some people up, dress funny, make up a ridiculous backstory and go have fun as a group. You won't feel self-conscious at all.

I don't do a lot of RP, but the few times I have it has been much more satisfying being with a friend as Trout points out.

Avilion is one of the friendliest and easiest to navigate and get involved in. Each time I was there, everyone was very welcoming. Even alone had a lot of fun. There is usually quite a few people there, so it's active and getting into the spirit is relatively easy.

Oh and Trout? Great picture!

hmmm...*points to Elora's name and the lack of a picture underneath it.*

Ok, Ok, I'll get one up tonight. I've been too lazy to figure out how. I have a few on my computer. Do I need to crop and resize, then upload here or do I host it somewhere else?

Ok, I truly and seriously like that idea! So, whoever wants to get their shoes wet with me, contact me!! It's always nicer to have a friend ::cue sappy, sweet music::.

Those women have some ugly legs

Oh Trout! I didn't mean your Avatar picture! I meant the picture you posted into your reply here - the asians on the subway!

I'm as lazy you are! For the life of me I have not been able to figure out how to do this yet! Besides it keeps the mystery alive for some people, doesn't it? I mean, here I am touting how I'm Trout Certified and not a damn person can see how HAWT I am

So, I have gone on the roleplay 101 sites and am finding a wealth of information. All the roles and backstories, there is so much! This should make my workday fly by as I set up the vision of the character I want!! lol. Thanks everyone for being truly helpful.

Looking to RP, don't know the first thing about it





That's ok, neither do half the ones doing it either.

GAHH! I'm sorry Elora! I totally misread your post. See how lazy I am? I can't even be bothered to interpret plain English correctly. Yeesh. Honestly, what is WRONG with me!?

I was just looking at your sig. That's a good one! I hate to toot my own horn (who am I kidding, I love tooting my own horn. I just feel so dirty afterwards), but that's some of my finer workmanship there. I feel like I have to go rewrite a few now.

Attention: anyone who isn't 100% satisfied, please submit a few pics and I'll give it 110%. minus 10% because we all know you can't actually give 110% unless you gain a lot of weight between the time you start and the time you finish. Like, if I weigh 200 pounds when I start writing and I snack a lot and weigh 220 when I'm done, then I've given 110%. *blink*

Wait. Where was I? Oh right! New pics=a new rating, and I promise to do my absolute best work.

(Here I go, offending people again...beware)

I like how some people say, 'Role play is easy!'

Odd, coming from a community of people that have trouble using Voice. And hey, as my late Father used to say, '...if the shoe fits, wear it.' Meaning, if I'm not talking about you, don't take offense. It's just an observation. Seriously...don't take offense to that, I mean that with all good intention.

I certainly wouldn't say RP is 'easy.' There's quite a lot of rules to follow, and these rules can be very subtle at times. If you don't know what you're doing, and aren't willing to ask...you'll be banned quicker than you can say, 'Baby Fishmouth.'

If you want to learn about RP--that new Star Trek RP that just popped up is a perfect place to start. The first part you teleport into is the OOC portion (out of character), which allows you to be yourself. Here they give you notecards that offer ALL you'll ever need to know to begin RP, and feel comfortable in your surroundings. It's a very well made sim, and has a cool 'tutorial' like level to begin at.