User blog:Chrono Nexus/Role Playing 101

Good, I'm glad to see you've arrived. *adjusts tie*

Let's begin the lesson. *picks up chalk and begins writing on board* Remember class, this subject will be on your final exams, so pay close attention and take notes.

The Social Contract
The first thing a person should know about role playing- is that it is a social exercise. It involves interacting with other people, and the elements of compromise and respect are key to your success at it.

Initiating the Contract

 * Motivation: A role player has objectives and motivations for initiating a role play. This could be anything from a power fantasy, to emotional and plot development of their characters, to emulating an idol.... the reasons are numerous. Always identify why you want to role play, and encourage your partner to tell you his reaons. Put all of your cards on the table. This enables both of you to collaborate and coordinate your actions to create a more enjoyable story and role play.
 * Assumptions: There are a set of unwritten rules that role players are expected to abide by. One is that both must assume the other is acting in good faith. Each role player must trust the other won't intentionally lie to him- although the characters might deceive each other. Another assumption is that a person can't change his character midway through a role play; his character is the same one the other player agreed to role play with.
 * Establish Goals: Describe the conclusion you want, in discrete terms. For example, saying 'I want my character to show off his superior skill in swordsmanship' or 'I want him to save someone'. Combine your goals together and establish a conclusion both of you want.
 * Establish the Central Conflict: Figure out why your characters are fighting or otherwise competing against each other. They could have a common love interest... perhaps they wish to test eachothers' mettle. Maybe they fight on opposing sides in some larger conflict. Revenge, betrayal, a friendly spar... humans never run out of reasons to fight. A strong central conflict will make the role play itself draw greater attention. By imbuing the central conflict with philosophical stances and emotional investments, the conflict can evolve into a cosmic ideological struggle, instead of a simple exchange of fists. This creates something important, that I'll come back to: Plot Emphasis.

Role Playing

 * Beginning the Role Play:
 * Creating Exchanges:
 * Narrative Emphasis:
 * Concluding the Role Play:

Pitfalls of Role Playing

 * Disrespect:
 * Godmodding:
 * Metagaming:
 * Ignorance:
 * Selfishness: