Introduction:

In the dictionary, the definition of Roleplay means: To assume or act out a particular role. This is all a newbie needs to have an idea of what the world of Roleplaying is like. Generally the storylines or plot are what catagorize RPs ((Short for Roleplay)) into different genre. Different RPs with different genres such as Modern World RPs, Fantasy World RPs, Sci-fi World RP, etc. that determine the setting that your character will be interacting in.

How to design a Roleplay Character:

One of the most important things to have for a character is a name. All characters should have names that fit in the Universes that they exist in. In a Fantasy RP names such as Raven, Sharaia, and Valira would be more suitable compared to modern names such as Kim, Bob, or George. If your vocabulary of names is limited, a good way to come up with a name for your character would be to use name generators. They're easy to find and many name generators are designed to fit different genres of names. However, there are other Roleplayers who would rather have a name that would be related to their character in some way, whether it's to fit the character's personality, history, or appearance. In cases like these, you could try looking up words in the dictionary and thesaurus or try researching mythology, history, and culture. Both ways are preferred by different roleplayers but in the end it is up to you to decide what's best for yourself.

The next step is to explain your character's appearance. This also ties in with the setting that your character participates in. Fantasy characters with Mohawks wouldn't be so appropriate for the RP... although it would be amusing to see. Other than that you are free to choose how your character looks. Just be aware that clothing will affect how your character acts, believe it or not. Characters cannot fight in dresses because they WILL affect their performance in fighting. Expensive Clothing will show people the status of your character that will give them the assumption that your character is of a high class. This makes appearance another key element in creating your character but how you express this to others is your choice. I'm only aware of two ways to express the appearance of your character to others, one is a written description and the other is an image that resembles your character. If you were terrible at describing with words like me, then drawing a picture of your character in your own perception would be a good choice. If you are artistically challenged like my brother, then you should just stick to writing a description of your character. However, if you're terrible at both, then you can always try a different alternative such as looking up images of people who resemble your perception of your character the most.

In RPs, it is also hard to look through different genres without finding the use of Weapons being necessary. In Fantasy settings, weapons such as bows, blades, staves, daggers, etc. are used. Modern settings normally just use firearms. Then Futuristic settings use weapons such as blasters or energy swords. Some of you may not have much knowledge about various weapons but that is not to be worried about. Below there is a list of weapons and beside each of them are descriptions.

More weapons will be added to the list later on. Pictures will be provided with the weapons when Mira gets off her lazy butt to do more reaserch.

While you may design your own weapons to your own creativity, it is best to attempt to make them realistic. While powerful weapons will not always lead to godmodding, it will not always be avoided either. An example of this would be Cloud's Buster Sword, while it may be an awesome weapon, it is unrealistic to fight such a large weapon, to be able to would mean that you would have superhuman strength. This should not be concerned about however, if the Roleplay you're currently participating in has variations of of different races with traits that are beyond a normal human's.

One of the most vital thing to have for a Roleplay character, is a background. Without a history, your character is just a one dimensional character. You might as well just toss your character into the recycling bin if you don't plan on writing your character's background. What determines a good written history of your character does not rely on the number of pages that you type. It's whether your character can be change through the experiences your character encounters that makes a background/history a good one.

Another thing you should ask yourself when you are writing your character bio is:

Here are some helpful links to aid you when you are creating your character:

Mythology Sites:
Encyclopedia Mythica

If you guys know of any other helpful link to galleries, name sites, translators, etc. then please PM them to me so I can add them to the list. Thanks! ^_^

Knowing the Basics of Roleplay:

Congratulations. You've managed to survive my lengthy post about making a good Roleplay Character. Next, we'll delve into common words that Roleplayers Use:

Why would this be considered wrong? This introduction leaves out a lot of detail such as, what does Jessica look like? Is she wearing a school uniform? How does she feel about her classmates and peers as she walks into the classroom? What is it like in the classroom? Is the classroom noisy or is it quite? There is a lot you can add to this single statement.

You see, roleplaying isn't just assuming the role of something, but you are also storytelling at the same time by doing so you're bringing the characters to life with words and detail. If that is a difficult and time consuming task for you to do, then try practicing with the usage of symbols. I doubt many people with scold you for being illiterate seeing as how we're RPing in a happy, pink, cleris forum. Still, some effort would be very appreciated and will make it slightly easier on others.

Another thing you may want to avoid when roleplaying, is inserting smilies or using abbriveations while you're IC. Though they are cute like this smilie :cleris:, they are not relavent to the Roleplay. It is best to just reserve them when you are talking OOC.

When you are involved in combat with another person, you want to avoid godmodding at all times. It does NOT leave a good impression on others when you are doing so and it WILL irritate the person you are fighting against. Below I have placed and example of godmodding:

One of the many joys that are tied with weapons, is the ability to fight with them. Being able to fight against other people will also mean that you can use magic as well, depending on the setting of the Roleplay of course. I've copied different lists of fighting/magic vocabulary and pasted them to this post: