Post by Gravedust on Jan 21, 2019 16:21:45 GMT -8
[ == NARRATED RP PRIMER == ]
Narrated RP is a form of Free RP in which one player has the role of 'Narrator', and presents a story for the other players characters to participate in.
The Narrator will set a scene for the players, and update that scene depending on the players' actions. The narrator may also take the roles of story characters in order to help move the story along.
The general format is that the Narrator will make a post describing heat is happening, and then the players can each post describing how their character reacts (or intends to react) to what is going on. Once everyone has had a chance to react, the Narrator will then make another post that describes what happens as the result, and then the players can react to that, and so on, and so on. It is a form very similar to how D&D and other tabletop RP works, with the players and GM taking 'turns', though there are no dice involved.
[ Players' scope of influence ]
In general, each player has complete control over actions that only involve their own character. They can move, talk, and interact with ordinary objects in the scenery in any way they like. However, to keep things running smoothly, when it comes to interacting with other players, the Narrator's characters, or special or unusual objects, it is best to state what your character Intends to do, and then wait for the Narrator to describe what happens as a result. This will help to minimize retconning and prevent any plot hooks from being skipped over. Indicating your character's Intent in your writing may be a little awkward at first, but it is easy to get used to.
As an example of what not to do:
This and counts as effecting a character that is not yours, and takes control out of Brady's player, (who probably will not like that)
This works a little better:
This explains the action your character wants to do, but leaves it open for Brady's player to either accept their action (and describe their character falling over) if they think it is the right characterization for their character, or the right dramatic choice for the moment.
Otherwise they can resist the action;
and take things onwards from there.
But basically, if you want your character to make an action that effects another Character, it is up to that character's owner (be it the Player or the Narrator) how that action turns out.
Understanding this is especially important in combat, which can be made really exciting if there is a lot of back and forth and cooperation between players. Remember that while the Narrator is playing all the bad guys, they're really there to help you make an awesome story. Don't be afraid to put your own character in danger by accepting enemy attacks sometimes, you can create a dramatic comeback moment, or give another character an opportunity to do something heroic by saving yours. Also remember that if the Narrator doesn't accept your attacks, it's nothing against you personally, they are probably trying to build up a dramatic moment themselves. Combat can get incredibly fun when there's a lot of trust between players.
Note that the Narrator or another Player may you permission to effect certain of their characters however you want.
[ Resolving disputes ]
If players whose characters are in conflict and cannot resolve it between themselves (they both think that their character would prevail in the given situation, and so are unwilling to back down) the Narrator is the final arbiter of conflicts between two player characters, and will choose a victor based on their own judgement, or make dice rolls or other methods of impartial determination if they too believe the characters are very evenly matched.
[ ((Out of Character text)) ]
Text that is enclosed in double captions ((like this!)) is considered Out of Character (OOC) text, and are essentially brief notes the Narrator or other players can make for the benefit of other players, that pertain to what is happening but don't belong in the in-character narrative. Generally they should be kept to a minimum.
As some examples:
[ Rate of Posting ]
Generally, the Narrator will want to wait for everyone involved to have a reaction to the last Narrator post before they make a new one. So there may be as long as a day, or possibly two, between Narrator posts. It is preferred for players to make only one post per Narrator post if possible, this makes it easier for the narrator to keep track of what's going on and respond to everything that is happening.
[ Narrator Retconning ]
Occasionally things may not go as planned, and the Narrator may need to make some changes to what was written by themselves, or others. This will usually occur in a Narrator post, so please read them carefully to see if things had to be changed after the fact. ((usually they will be called out in OOC, too)) There is no need to edit previous posts to reflect the retcon, it is less confusing to just leave everything as it is.
[MISC. TIPS AND TRICKS ]
+ Try not to break the Narrator's plot with your character's abilities.
If your Narrator is presenting a story that centers around solving a major problem, they probably have a solution in mind for it. Since it's hard for a Narrator to know just what characters will show up, be careful if your Character has an ability that would make the main problem of the story trivial. (For instance, if the story revolves around stealing an artifact returns the dead to life, and your character is able to raise the dead, they can solve the entire plot immediately.)
+ Keep it short and sweet
Posts on the shorter side help everyone keep track of what is going on, and the thread moving quickly. Say what you need to, but try to avoid adding too much fluff that distracts from the main point of your post.
+ Don't split the party!
The characters splitting up into multiple groups creates a split thread which can quickly become a disaster to manage.
Try to stay together with all the other characters unless it is absolutely necessary.
+ Help everyone get a turn in the spotlight
Of course your want your character to have some great moments, but don't forget that everyone else wants a chance for their Character to shine too.
Don't be afraid to step back and let another player do something exciting or heroic now and again. They will definitely appreciate it.
+ Write yourself out before a long absences
If you know you will be unable to post for an extended period of time, and it is at a convenient part in the story, try to give your character an excuse to be missing in-game for that period. (which, comparatively will probably be much shorter in terms of the game) If that is not possible, and your character is VERY important to the story, you may want to consider turning control of your character over temporarily to another Player you think knows them well enough to handle them for a while.
Narrated RP is a form of Free RP in which one player has the role of 'Narrator', and presents a story for the other players characters to participate in.
The Narrator will set a scene for the players, and update that scene depending on the players' actions. The narrator may also take the roles of story characters in order to help move the story along.
The general format is that the Narrator will make a post describing heat is happening, and then the players can each post describing how their character reacts (or intends to react) to what is going on. Once everyone has had a chance to react, the Narrator will then make another post that describes what happens as the result, and then the players can react to that, and so on, and so on. It is a form very similar to how D&D and other tabletop RP works, with the players and GM taking 'turns', though there are no dice involved.
[ Players' scope of influence ]
In general, each player has complete control over actions that only involve their own character. They can move, talk, and interact with ordinary objects in the scenery in any way they like. However, to keep things running smoothly, when it comes to interacting with other players, the Narrator's characters, or special or unusual objects, it is best to state what your character Intends to do, and then wait for the Narrator to describe what happens as a result. This will help to minimize retconning and prevent any plot hooks from being skipped over. Indicating your character's Intent in your writing may be a little awkward at first, but it is easy to get used to.
As an example of what not to do:
'Tom grabs Brady's shoulder and throws him into the dirt.'
This and counts as effecting a character that is not yours, and takes control out of Brady's player, (who probably will not like that)
This works a little better:
'Tom attempts to grab Brady's shoulder, to shove him over backwards.'
This explains the action your character wants to do, but leaves it open for Brady's player to either accept their action (and describe their character falling over) if they think it is the right characterization for their character, or the right dramatic choice for the moment.
Otherwise they can resist the action;
'Brady stumbles back a pace but keep his balance. He glares hard at Tom.
But basically, if you want your character to make an action that effects another Character, it is up to that character's owner (be it the Player or the Narrator) how that action turns out.
Understanding this is especially important in combat, which can be made really exciting if there is a lot of back and forth and cooperation between players. Remember that while the Narrator is playing all the bad guys, they're really there to help you make an awesome story. Don't be afraid to put your own character in danger by accepting enemy attacks sometimes, you can create a dramatic comeback moment, or give another character an opportunity to do something heroic by saving yours. Also remember that if the Narrator doesn't accept your attacks, it's nothing against you personally, they are probably trying to build up a dramatic moment themselves. Combat can get incredibly fun when there's a lot of trust between players.
Note that the Narrator or another Player may you permission to effect certain of their characters however you want.
[ Resolving disputes ]
If players whose characters are in conflict and cannot resolve it between themselves (they both think that their character would prevail in the given situation, and so are unwilling to back down) the Narrator is the final arbiter of conflicts between two player characters, and will choose a victor based on their own judgement, or make dice rolls or other methods of impartial determination if they too believe the characters are very evenly matched.
[ ((Out of Character text)) ]
Text that is enclosed in double captions ((like this!)) is considered Out of Character (OOC) text, and are essentially brief notes the Narrator or other players can make for the benefit of other players, that pertain to what is happening but don't belong in the in-character narrative. Generally they should be kept to a minimum.
As some examples:
((If noone has anything else they want to do, we will skip to tomorrow with the next post))
or: 'With a screech, the goblins raise their weapons and charge!' ((These guys are no match for you, feel free to do anything you like to them in combat)
or: 'With a screech, the goblins raise their weapons and charge!' ((These guys are no match for you, feel free to do anything you like to them in combat)
Generally, the Narrator will want to wait for everyone involved to have a reaction to the last Narrator post before they make a new one. So there may be as long as a day, or possibly two, between Narrator posts. It is preferred for players to make only one post per Narrator post if possible, this makes it easier for the narrator to keep track of what's going on and respond to everything that is happening.
[ Narrator Retconning ]
Occasionally things may not go as planned, and the Narrator may need to make some changes to what was written by themselves, or others. This will usually occur in a Narrator post, so please read them carefully to see if things had to be changed after the fact. ((usually they will be called out in OOC, too)) There is no need to edit previous posts to reflect the retcon, it is less confusing to just leave everything as it is.
[MISC. TIPS AND TRICKS ]
+ Try not to break the Narrator's plot with your character's abilities.
If your Narrator is presenting a story that centers around solving a major problem, they probably have a solution in mind for it. Since it's hard for a Narrator to know just what characters will show up, be careful if your Character has an ability that would make the main problem of the story trivial. (For instance, if the story revolves around stealing an artifact returns the dead to life, and your character is able to raise the dead, they can solve the entire plot immediately.)
+ Keep it short and sweet
Posts on the shorter side help everyone keep track of what is going on, and the thread moving quickly. Say what you need to, but try to avoid adding too much fluff that distracts from the main point of your post.
+ Don't split the party!
The characters splitting up into multiple groups creates a split thread which can quickly become a disaster to manage.
Try to stay together with all the other characters unless it is absolutely necessary.
+ Help everyone get a turn in the spotlight
Of course your want your character to have some great moments, but don't forget that everyone else wants a chance for their Character to shine too.
Don't be afraid to step back and let another player do something exciting or heroic now and again. They will definitely appreciate it.
+ Write yourself out before a long absences
If you know you will be unable to post for an extended period of time, and it is at a convenient part in the story, try to give your character an excuse to be missing in-game for that period. (which, comparatively will probably be much shorter in terms of the game) If that is not possible, and your character is VERY important to the story, you may want to consider turning control of your character over temporarily to another Player you think knows them well enough to handle them for a while.