Roleplay

               == RP Etiquette ==

*Get to know other characters: The logic behind this is that you do not have the benefit of knowing a character's name, guild association, and other information listed in a character biography until you have interacted with that character to uncover such information. 

Rather than reading someone's Bio (biography) page when you inspect their character and automatically behaving as though you know them, it is preferable to roleplay (RP) getting to know that character.
 

*Share control: The logic behind this is that roleplaying is a shared activity.

It is rude to take control of another character's actions. For example, when you RP a fight, it is OK to describe your character's actions, but not the other player's reaction, like being hit by a blow you attempted to strike. Doing so is sometimes referred to as "god modding." Instead, it is preferable to interact with the other roleplayer during such moments, so that both parties are freely responsible for their actions and reactions. 

When players RP a fight most will form a group and use the in-game slash command /random or /random 20 to determine the outcome of a RP battle; the /random command produces the equivalent of an in-game dice roll and the higher "roller" is successful in their attack. After the /random has been done the roleplayers will then follow with appropriate emotes.  Most battles are carried out while players are grouped to assure that all /random rolls are visible to both (or all) of the role players involved.

This also applies to taking actions that will alter the storyline ("life") of another player's character. It is considered polite to discuss major events in private chat using the /tell command before carrying out any action that is drastic.
 

*Be Nice: The logic behind this is that people want to roleplay with other players that are pleasant, even if their character's persona may not be pleasant. 

In other words, don't hide behind your character to act like a jerk. While playing the role of an "evil" character is welcome and fun, don't use that character's persona as an excuse to gossip about other players, to insult people without cause, or to justify other bad behavior.


*Create a believable back story for your character: The logic behind this is that your character will fit in the world well, making it more fun to roleplay with you. 

While this might be considered advice, rather than etiquette, bear in mind creating a character that has too much power or prestige, like a displaced prince/cess, is often considered poor taste. Think of any book you've read or movie you've watched and the most interesting characters have flaws and weaknesses. Too much power is bound to be judged as ridiculous. 

If you really want to get in depth and develop a rich character, researching the game [[Lore|Lore]] (the history of Norrath) is recommended. You don't need to be an encyclopedia of game lore, but having some working knowledge will make your roleplay more interesting for those you engage in the activity.


*Have fun and make sure those you roleplay with are having fun too: The logic behind this is that if you aren't having fun roleplaying, then why roleplay.

This last might not seem like etiquette at first, but it's important to keep in mind at all times. Don't fret to much about how good you are at roleplaying or you'll ruin it for yourself. Likewise, be patient with others who are new to roleplaying or new to EQ2. No one is going to get an Oscar for roleplaying, but fun roleplaying makes for a stronger, tight-knit, happy community.