Armageddon Roleplaying Seminars
RP Alternatives to Practicing Skills
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Armageddon Roleplaying Seminars
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The white walls of this large round room magnify the light of the bright lamps that line the room, contrasting the pure black table which takes up the majority of the room. Twenty plain wooden chairs encircle the table and meet at the ornate stone chair that has been placed at the head.
A large white door exits the council room to the south.
Bram: I'm gonna say a few words about what we're up to and then pass it to you guys to discuss. Ness mentioned a few weeks how much everyone seems to like Arm, regardless of the fact that it isn't a tenth of what we want it to be. We have really high hopes for this place, and all of them hinge on bringing the roleplaying up several orders of magnitude. This seminar and following ones if this one is successful are one way to raise the roleplaying. Specifically, the problem i'd like to address today is that of boredom. If i'm a new player, or a old for that matter, i read all the docs, create my character, complete with a well thought out and detailed background... I get into the game and all the sudden don't really have a direction, so I do what's easy -- go hunt raiders or sit in the temple and practice my spells. I'm largely speaking from my own experience as a player here so basically, we want to discuss ways that joe schmoe player can occupy himself with productive roleplaying without resorting to combat or skill practicing.
Bram: That said, a few ground rules:
Bram: As the post said, wish to me if you want to talk and I'll recognize you. Hopefully everyone noticed the seat at the head of the table when they came in; whoever has the floor will emote his approach to the seat, speak his say, and then emote his retreat from the seat so we can tell when he or she is done. It will help things, though I have broken my own rule here, for people to type out what they want to say before hand. Avir has suggested that everyone remember to speak ooc so everyone can understand you. Alright, i'm done for the moment. When you wish to speak, tell me what issue you'd like to speak on so i can organize threads. Okay, a couple people have told me not to use names... I won't publically page you, but will contact you when it is your turn to speak. Oh, and everyone be nice - no insulting or flaming :)
Bram steps away from the chair.
The broad-shouldered dwarf steps to the chair.
The broad-shouldered dwarf: One idea I have to help chars with time is the idea of the arena in Allanak; one being bets on combatants, cheering for favorite combatants... and I think many will attend the event for the mere bloodshed. Criminals can fight for justice, and the galdiators can be captured gith, anakores, etc. I think many will attend. I don't know how much programming must be done for this, but I think it will help.
The broad-shouldered dwarf steps from the chair and takes a seat.
Bram returns to the chair.
Bram: Err, I would really like to focus on what players can do within the existing system instead of stuff the staff can implement, which is a worthy subject but not really the subject of this meeting. We're all learning here, so don't feel bad if I nudge the discussion away from your comments.
The lithe, blond-haired elf approaches the seat
The lithe, blond-haired elf: (Text appears to be missing here)
The lithe, blond-haired elf: Then suddenly that changed: a dwarf attack in Allanak, a templar leading the defense... So my original comment was on how the staff could orchestrate situations that bring out roleplay, which appears a little off target. My next comment is that one problem with role play is there aren't many roles in arm... Very little opportunity to get involved in the "big picture," the political scene, so we cast and train and such because we can control that. If there were a way to appoint some players into significant roles they could then help with creating and maintaining quality role play.
The lithe, blond-haired elf steps down.
The slender elven female steps up to the chair.
The slender elven female: Ok, first of all I'd like to disagree with the previous speaker. There's equal opportunity for practically every character to take part in the major events happening on Zalanthas. All you have to do is show IC interest and be resourceful; all in character. As for the general boredom issue... if you really want to RP, the fact that there are no PCs around shouldn't stop you. You can RP with NPCs. they're supposed to be just as living as any other PC. Talk to Flint, discuss the latest fashion with the tailor, consult Arien over a family problem. If you're lucky, the NPC might actually respond at some point, if an immort happens to be watching. Something which happens quite a lot if you get into regularly doing it. if that option doesn't work for you, though, there's always the simplest alternative - quitting. it's always better to quit rather than do mindless routines which purpose is just raising stats. We all know how frustrating it feels to lose a character when you logged on 'just to check the boards'. Gith and raiders are sentient beings; if they see they're being hunted, they'll group in larger numbers and set an ambush for the hunters... and then, the roles reverse. If you wish to hunt something, go for vestrics, tandu.. hell, even inix. Just think what would you do if you were in the hunted's situation.
The slender elven female steps down and resumes her seat.
Bram: *please type out your comments before hand if possible to save everyone time*
The frail, white-haired old man approaches the chair.
The frail, white-haired old man: Everyone should have pasts. Find out about them. Someone must've been lost or murdered.. talk to people. If murdered, organize a hunt for the killer. If you don't know your past, ask around. If all else fails, only log on in the evening when lots of PC's are on.
The frail, white-haired old man takes his seat.
Thanas, a divinely graceful elf strides over to the chair, his long legs covering the distance quickly.
Thanas, a divinely graceful elf quickly sits and turns to face you.
Thanas, a divinely graceful elf: I'd like to talk some about the things I see everday that impress me, the sorts of things that get you involved in the politics as someone has already said. The main thing I like to see, is for people to assume a persona for their character, and stick to it. We like to see you treat everything in the world as a real being. I don't expect you to stop and talk to every creature in the world. Good rp is more than talking to the npc's. I'd like to give an example. There is a certain halfling, who I can assure you that only a handful of characters have ever seen. I think she is an excellent rp'er... she acts out the life and culture of a halfling. She is still able to fight and do the other exciting things that make mudding fun. But she doesn't do things without a reason, things she wouldnt' do in real life. she doesn't care what armor she has, she does things that are interesting. She doesn't fight all day to raise skills. she has a good time by rp'ing with her other halfings, and acting out the role of a halfling in the forest. I know that since you dont' see us, you don't think we dont' see you much, but we do. We notice how is trying, and who isn't. let me give an example of what that halfling did, btw... she went out looking for mounts for her tribe. yes, she got to fight raiders on the way, heck, its fun to get adrenaline flowing, we know she fought those who attacked, but avoided them when she could, (unless she was hungry)
Thanas, a divinely graceful elf winks at you quickly.
Thanas, a divinely graceful elf: she travelled quite a ways, and found a wild inix she tried to mount it, it threw her, she tried again, it threw her... she got mad, she cussed, I thought it was pretty funny to watch. she finally gave up and left, and went back home. she faced the same risks of someone who goes out hunting raiders, but did it as part of her character, not looking for an excuse, but doing something that a real halfling would do ok, last thing I wanted to say... we notice people like this we sculpt quests around them. the character, Terak, was a good rp'er... he treated npc's as real beings, he used emotes to make the game interesting as a result, he had a fun quest at one point, and he was rather connected into the politics of the world It isn't hard. we do notice those who are trying, and those who aren't. another thing you can do to help us out, is to mail us things about your character, your past, things that make you more real. it is easier to design a quest for you if your father ran off when you were 10 and you've been seeking him all your life... than it is to guess about your history.
Thanas, a divinely graceful elf leaps to his feet, and bows.
The grey-skinned elf approaches the chair.
The grey-skinned elf: Hello.... I'm sure you all know me...I'm the guy who complains.. about everything. It's on the OOC board if you haven't seen it. Anyways...my major complaint is this... That the city has become more of a jailhouse than a real-life environment. What I want to see is more.. mischief, murders, and other atrocities. It happens all the time in our world...why not here? the problem is there are too many damn soldiers. If you mug someone you're criminalized... if you cast you're criminalized... I feel like I'm trapped and that I can't do much around the city. My only fun is to venture outside the city and destroy raiders. Hell I'm beginning to feel sorry for the gith. I ask of only one favor. Please allow more freedom in the city. The justice system on this MUD is better than any system known to mankind....you can't get away with anything. This is just my opinion. As I can see most people here.. are contacting me to tell me I'm wrong...no matter - it's .. just an opinion. Thank you for your time.
The grey-skinned elf steps down.
The bedraggled gypsy approaches the chair.
The bedraggled gypsy: first, i'd like to say, that at one time or another, i've played every class...
The grey-skinned elf smiles happily.
The bedraggled gypsy: Very few of them were in the middle of some climatic plot, however, I never really seemed to get bored with any of them. I try to develop special quirks with them, and stick to them. I've had characters sitting in inns, writing songs and sinnging, I've had characters setting up poker games and playing cards... The clerics are the funnest to play, you can develop your own special rituals, creating a shrine in a place you practice, performing ceremonies to accomplish different events... you dont have to be the center of attention and have the world evolve around you to have fun. Of course heck, get a bunch of people together, play cards, brawl outside like a street gang, get married, do whatever. Just because it isnt hard coded, doesnt mean you cant act it out..
The bedraggled gypsy steps down.
Bram settles into the chair at the head of the table.
Bram: Comments: First, from an imm's point of view, players often run when they see anything big happening (the allanak siege, for example, which was entirely player motivated, btw)
Bram: Second: not every person in the world is going to have a significant impact on an entity like a city state -- most players should be shooting for smaller, more approachable goals, like founding an encampment for their clan.
Bram: Third: the imm's can help provide an interesting framework in which to but it is the ultimate resonsibility of the player to entertain himself -- the game generally works best for those who provide themselves with things to do and fails when we try to provide players with plots
Bram: Fourth: mugging should *not* be a common way for you to occupy your time. it is possible for the skilled and the clever, as it should be. As for the casting thing, part of the reason for that is to make clerics more exotic by making them less common.
Bram: finally, i want to urge people back on to the track of what *players* can do to improve the game for themselves. we'll approach the staff question another time.
Bram reminds people one last time to type everything out or at the very least to hand write it before hand so that everyone will get a chance to speak.
Bram gently raises from the chair and floats back into the crowd.
The handsome elf rises slowly, and makes his way to the chair, seating himself.
The handsome elf: Just have a few small things to mention that have made my playing here much more fun. Firstly, Characters personalities are very important. If you are racially biased, then act that way. And if you are a stupid half giant, don't do around making speeches like I have seen done. It just screws up the mood, and dosen't follow, find the race and personality that fits You. The second thing, which I have only recently noticed, is the vastness of Zalthanas. It is colossal. When i started, I stayed in the city, or on the road. You miss huge amounts of things that way. And just because that little [] in the corner dosen't list it as a way to go, dosen't mean it isnt there. Explore and enjoy it. Death is not fun, but even dying can make you sit back and say Hey that was cool I have lately realized that.
The handsome elf rises from the chair, and runs to a seat.
The pale-eyed gypsy woman rises from the ground, and clambers to her feet.
The pale-eyed gypsy woman walks to the seat.
The pale-eyed gypsy woman: okay this is basicly for those outside the large citites. When I started I spent my first weeks alone and bored, and that problem has been changed in this way: learning to entertain the others around you is a good way to relieve the boredom. If the group you are with spends a great deal of time hunting, take to telling stories to everyone about the hunt, make yourself the group storyteller... create for yourself a job, be it storytelling, juggling, practical jokes... just because the skills aren't listed doesn't mean you can't create them. Every part of a village, city, etc., will have people like that. Build on your chars past, if you're a spell caster, find a job and take it on... even if it's no more then making water for the entire village. Look around and see what you think is lacking and do it.
The pale-eyed gypsy woman steps away from the chair.
The pale-eyed gypsy woman sits down to rest.
Bram: and let me know if you would like to speak anonymously
The golden haired man steps up to the chair.
The golden haired man: What I would like to say is what I think is just as important as personality or background. I think one thing that could make everyones like more exciting is have a set of goals. But what do I want to do? If you do not like the fact that you can't cast spells in town, start a revolt against it. If you hate magick, help the templars do away with it, get other people involved. Try to do things IC, I think one of the best way to be a success at the game is to see your goal coming about, no matter how big or little they may be.
The golden haired man quietly returns to his seat.
The slender elven female stalks her way to the chair.
The slender elven female: ok.. i got a couple of points... first of all, wen you're RPing, we all know how important it is to use emotes. but it's not enough using just any emote try spicing up your RPing with changing your emotes often.. dont set a set of alias and keep repeating it according to your mood. improvise. it's the little details that make the difference between an excellent RPer and an average one. 2nd points is about clans.. if you're having trouble RPing on your own.. developing your own style.. join a clan. if you have the proper environment, you'd advance in your RPing a lot more easily.
The slender elven female walks down from the chair.
The pretty human girl rises from the ground, and clambers to her feet.
The pretty human girl walks up to the chair, and climbs up into it.
The pretty human girl straightens up to standing in the seat and with a slight look of embrassment, clears her throat and start to speak.
The pretty human girl: Alright, I got a couple things to touch on, to touch on, but will try to make everything brief. This means no long winded explanations... just a little seed for thought. First, about the harshness of the cities. If you don't like it, go to the deserts and live there. You won't find it much easier, but it is a logical way out. If that sounds a bit harsh, then try to make a difference. Political movements can work. Dangerous, but changes can be made. Try to make a differenc e, if not by the sword than by words. Words can move mountains, as much on the MUD as in the real world. The gods do listen and watch. Also, crime, if it is so important to you, can be done. Believe me. I have been both the criminal and the victim. Crime does have its risks, and you probably will get caught sooner or later. Then, there is always the option of doing the unusual and play the pacifist. Not everyone in this harsh world has to be bitter from it. The next topic is solidly in the line of RP. Be real. Have likes and loves. Have dislikes. Play them. Get attached to silly things. An example I can give with this character happenned last night. Her favorite mount was stolen. She cried, cussed, and went all over town looking for it. It was fun. silly, but fun. also, don't be affriad to let RP get deep. Let your character show emotion. Talk about deep topics, and feelings. Get to know other characters as more than a face, a class, and basic personnality. Even players that don't normally do this can have it brought out of them when example is set. In short, let your character live. Let them be real people and treat the MUD like it is a real world with real people.
The pretty human girl nibbles at her lower lip.
The pretty human girl smiles, blushes and scrambles out of the seat.
The pretty human girl sits down to rest.
The huge flame-hued mantis rises from the ground, and clambers to his feet.
The huge flame-hued mantis looks down at his rumbling abdomen and his antennae droop, but he steps up to the chair anyways.
The huge flame-hued mantis: My best experiences on this mud have been when things HAPPEN. Whether the imms make stuff happen or players actually do, things happening can make the game fun. Since we're not going to talk about the imm part today, I'll stay away from that (but it is a major part). One person said that if you don't explore you'll miss lots, and I agree with this. I know the gypsies go places, and when the mantis culture again met up with the gypsies (I believe stuff happened between them in the past) it provided an excellent opportunity to RP.. raising many cultural issues for us (which I should mention me and the other mantis can argue over for hours). There has to be interaction, otherwise there's a major limit on RP'ing here.. whether the imms provide this interaction or the players do. For example.. many people say that you should do things with the NPCs, but there is a limit on that (and this will eventually lead to the imms so I'll stop =)) Anyways, that's about all I have to say.
The huge flame-hued mantis goes back over to his spot and again looks down at his rumbling abdomen.
The huge flame-hued mantis sits down to rest.
Someone rises from the ground, and clambers to his feet.
Someone walks slowly to the seat.
Someone sits down.
Bram: this player has asked to remain anonymous, fyi
Someone: ok, first of all, i must remain anonymous for many reasons. When i first started playing this game i fell in love with one command, KILL. I killed everything and everyone i could get my slimy hands on. im sure some people here have felt the pain. but anyway, i lost my character. i though to myself there would never be a way to have fun besides killing. guess what, i learned. its about learning. i pondered, listened, and watched. figured out alot of things. 1, it would help to RP your butt off. 2- Go find other people in the same class and learn off them. Read the help files and try new things.explore. zalanthas is huge and any player should not have a problem finding a hobby or a daily RP. Even if there are no big events going on should be no excuse for boredom. there is always someone to inquire or someone who will answer. ya just have to find the right people. last but not least, be consistent in your goals. if a god doesnt reply to an npc RP, continue it, do it every day your logged on. Success will arrive. THANK you.
Someone gets up and stands to his feet.
Someone walks back to his seat.
The woman wearing a red silk veil slink up to the podium.
The woman wearing a red silk veil: Hi, my name is *CENSORED* and I am an Armagaddict. Ive played Arm just under two years now. Ive only ever created 4 characters, only 1 of which has died. The reason we all come here to play this game is to have fun. At least, I do. Ive yet to experience real boredom playing the game. I think this is because of what I put into it, and just as importantly, what I -dont- put into it. I think the key for me has been my characters I know them VERY well I have yet to sit down and write out something concrete in terms of characters goals What I think Im trying to get at - for me, strong goals would lead me down a dead-end one-way street. For me The best, the funnest, times on the game Ive had have come about from random encounters tht my characters reacted to. One particular character almost achieved what I called a 'long term goal'. At the last minute, I backed out of it.. I didnt want to finish, so I took up another 'long term goal' type cause that would allow me to not have to finish =) I guess my point is - if you play to have fun, you are going to have fun. If you play to alleviate boredom the correct way, you are doomed to failure. At least I would be. Thanks for letting me share. heh
The woman wearing a red silk veil steps back down
The woman wearing a red silk veil slowly shrugs.
Bremen strides up to the chair and takes a seat on the floor before it.
Bremen: I know it's been said but I'll say it again; Don't ignore the NPC's. I can't tell you how many times I've seen people try and pick a locked door in front of an NPC templar or something equally as thoughtless. Treat the NPC's as much like PC's as you possibly can. Think that, if Bram says or do this in front of this templar or guard or whatever, he is probably going to react (this way). Then ask yourself if you still want to do that action. Don't 'abuse' the semantics of the game by saying 'it's just an NPC.' When playing your character, think about your age, your background, your race, etc. I've seen way too many children who used words bigger than their long descriptions. I've also seen a host of children and 'feeble old men' that somehow can take on 4 gith without breaking a sweat. When it comes to race, some of the big ones would have to be things like: Riding elves or elves being really friendly with each other or people treating mantis like normal folk. And if you see someone acting in an un-race like manner, feel free to do something IC to get them to change their ways. Don't yell at them using OOC If you happen to be with a group of your fellow elves and see some long legged elf on a kank, make fun of him. Hell, throw a stone or two at him if you want. SOmeone had said something earlier about grandiose plots and getting things done, etc. Well, that's all well and good but it's ok to do the exact opposite. You can be as normal and unmotivated to change the world as you want to be. If you wanna play ab eggar, go for it and do it well, you don't have to vow to wipe out all the halflings or something. Also, loking back on when I first started playing. I think a had a lot more fun when I had no clue who the other person was. So don't feel obligated to hop onto ISCA or wherever and tell all your friends who your new PC is. THere's nothing wrong with it perse, but give it a shot and see what happens.
Bremen hops up and moves back to his chair.
The immense, ebon-skinned man meanders over toward the chair.
The immense, ebon-skinned man: I've played Arm since the creator of it said I have a neat idea for a mud.
Bram: err
The immense, ebon-skinned man: I've seen, and partaken in so many characters, mistakes, and other things...
Bram picks the immense, ebon-skinned man out of the chair.
The immense, ebon-skinned man: OOps.
The human magick-weaver laughs whole-heartedly.
Bram: not yer turn big fella
Bram smiles happily.
The immense, ebon-skinned man: Oh, didn't know there was a line.
Bram places the immense, ebon-skinned man back among the crowd.
Bram pats the immense, ebon-skinned man on the back.
The lithe, blond-haired elf casts a glance at the ebon one and makes his way to the chair
The lithe, blond-haired elf: Well, just a few short notes
The lithe, blond-haired elf: 1. I think there needs to be a bit more focus on how characters say rather than only what they say I like using old sayings and armifying them inix got your tongue?
The lithe, blond-haired elf: 2. someone said get attached to silly things I'll take it one step further...get attached to silly things even if it kills you character flaws can get you killed, but they exist in real life, they are difficult to control, and there everywhere flaws are good for RP, attachments are good for RP the focus on survival can be detrimental to good RP, if survival gets in the way...my priority is RP that's why i tend to die
The lithe, blond-haired elf smiles happily.
The lithe, blond-haired elf: 3. I think that the quality of the RP has been improving since I started playing about a year ago (with a long absence) part of the process of improvement is just this sort of discussion...making RP a high priority causes it to be a high priority
The lithe, blond-haired elf: 4. those who are interested in roleplay would do best to exemplify it...especially to newbies who don't know what they're doing I think I would have learned faster had I been met with a full blown IC conversation when I first logged in complete with lots of adjectives, and liberal use of Aliases
The lithe, blond-haired elf: lastly, some un-racelike behavior can be good, an elf isn't an elf isn't an elf. But, I think one should then be prepared to suffer the consequences and have reasons for their actioleaves taking the chair andhanding it to the ebon man with a wink
The lithe, blond-haired elf: oh...it's probably not your turn yet
The human magick-weaver rises from the ground, and clambers to his feet.
Bram keeps his hand on the head of the immense, ebon-skinned man.
The immense, ebon-skinned man struggles but sits back down.
The human magick-weaver walks up to the chair, looking at all the faces around him and promptly falls over it, knocking over a few lamps.
The human magick-weaver: sorry
The human magick-weaver stands back up.
The human magick-weaver: okee
The human magick-weaver: I just have a few things to say
The human magick-weaver: First, I played here for a year and screwed up like everyone else did... I played the giant who could talk like a harvard grad and learned from my mistakes Now I see them happen by everyone everyday I see to many smart giants, trusting elves, beautiful humans (or every other race) its gets old quick but that is just a pet peeve i had to get off my chest What I am really here to tell you about is spellcasting and you First thing is... Casting a spell isnt like changing a channel on your tv I see people cast spells, like hands of wind... On their friends, like Hey Bob, mind if I hurl you around a bit? Or they would do such a spell in someones house. When you are casting a spell, you are gatheing an element... Concentrating your own power... and making something extraordinary happen Its not like opening a can of soda With cruz I try to make sure that when casting, its done in a proper place... also I try to add my own type of arm movements... or gestures The same is tru for teaching other the spells... I dont just type teach elf 'create water' I tell the whole spell to them, how they should say it... What movements they should make... and anything else i can add for rp Thank you
The human magick-weaver bows deeply.
The human magick-weaver returns to his seat.
The human magick-weaver sits down to rest.
Bram picks the immense, ebon-skinned man up and replaces him in the chair.
Bram pats the immense, ebon-skinned man on the back.
The immense, ebon-skinned man: We're all sure now...?
The immense, ebon-skinned man: Something that I'd like to add, since so many people have probably covered lots of other points already... Is...bring people into your RP, as much as it will allow. If I've learned something, it's that there are multitudes of people, characters, sitting around doing bad RP because they don't know anything else to do. Don't look at them and say, 'Shape up, get some definition.' They don't want that, they want some direction, something to accomplish. When a character gets bored, it's usually because they don't think they have anything to do, no goals to accomplish, so they decide to see how resistant their head is to the gith's hawkblades. I, in the past, have tried to bring as many characters into what I am doing as possible. To give the bored something to do, to move toward. Even if it is as simple as say...asking someone to give another person a message. It gives them involvement, a sense of being needed. And it is exactly what people need to keep them active and helpful to the whole scheme of things. One of my most enjoyable characters would ask people about stories. Of ANYTHING, and anyone. It gave people a chance to tell a story, and better define themselves. I almost forced people to develop a history on the spot, or whatever, and it got them thinking. Try to involve people, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the good results you'll get out of them. And RP will creat itself for you.
The immense, ebon-skinned man spreads a broad smile.
The immense, ebon-skinned man moves back to the floor.
The immense, ebon-skinned man: Thanks.
Bram: alright it's about time to wrap it up
Bram: it's been a long night i was gonna discuss the format of the next meeting a bit, but i think everyon is tired so mail me your suggestions including topics i'll post this all on the web within a week thanks for coming and participating everyone
Bram smiles happily.
Formatted by Bram and Blaylock