✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧
While most of roleplay is what you make of it, there are some general rules that almost all roleplayers follow.
This thread specifically lists and covers those rules and why it's important to follow them.
Obviously, some people have their own slight variation to the rules below, but the rules are pretty solid among serious Roleplayers.
For clarity, we will also go over some known 'exceptions'.
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧
• Rule Ⅰ •
Do not God-Mode!
» What is God-Modding?
God-modding is the designing and playing of a character who displays god-like abilities, going against the original discussion/design for the plot and the characters.
If you and your partner discuss human characters, you cannot then later give your character inhuman abilities, such as extreme strength, abilities to dodge bullets, never takes a hit in a fight, etc.
This same rule applies for inhuman characters when not discussed prior with your partner. Some inhuman characters will naturally have enhanced abilities, but there is a limit that must be set.
If your character is displaying invincibility or incredible feats outside their original description or the plot design, that is god-modding.
» What are some Exceptions?Some roleplays will naturally have characters who are god-like or, in fact, actual gods.
Some roleplays have characters who are meant to reveal their god-like or inhuman abilities as the roleplay progresses.
However, these exceptions only apply when first discussed with the partner/s.
As long as everyone agrees, the exception is valid.
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• Rule ⅠⅠ •
Do not Power-Play!
• Rule ⅠⅠ •
Do not Power-Play!
» What is Power-Playing?
Power-playing is when one partner takes control of another partner's character without their consent or knowledge.
This control can be found in both a character's speech and actions.
The easiest way to know if you're Power-Playing is if, in your post, you control any aspect of your partner's characters response, be it in actions or words.
This also includes forced placement. If your partners post ended with them fishing by the lake, you cannot then make your partner's character walking home in your post because you want to run into them.
They play their character. You play yours.
» What are some Exceptions?In some instances, to lengthen or move a story along, some people may request that their partner tell them how they would reply, usually only in small situations.
Would you let my character pull yours along by the wrist?
Would they agree or not?
If the partner is receptive and open to letting their character's actions be controlled, it is usually in a vague manner.
For instance, you won't actually play the other character but, instead, use your own to acknowledge the answer from your partner as if they had written it, leaving it open for them to truly respond in their own post to fill-in-the-blank.
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• Rule ⅠⅠⅠ •
Do not Meta-Game
• Rule ⅠⅠⅠ •
Do not Meta-Game
» What is Meta-Gaming?
Meta Gaming is giving your character knowledge that they should not have.
For Example, if your partner's character points out, in their post, that there is a gem hidden somewhere specific that your character is looking for, though your character is nowhere around to hear it, you cannot then give your character the knowledge of the gem's location.
Basically, if your character isn't being told it or overhearing it, they cannot have the knowledge of what was spoken.
» What are some Exceptions?
This is one of those cases where there really isn't an exception.
Through the roleplay, your character will naturally find hints or learn information that is needed to progress.
However, speeding it up through giving knowledge to your character that they had no way of knowing is simply not allowed.
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• Rule Ⅳ •
Do not play a Gary/Mary-Sue!
• Rule Ⅳ •
Do not play a Gary/Mary-Sue!
» What is a Gary-Sue or Mary-Sue?
The two terms above relate to gender specific characters (Gary = Male / Mary = Female) who are designed to be 'perfect' and 'flawless'. These characters are often depicted as being unable to do wrong and everything they do, even if it doesn't fit with the story, is correct.
These characters can also be mixed in with God-Modding characters who are overpowered or possessing abilities that are not part of their race. They can also be the 'idealized' or 'modified' version of how the typist wishes to see themselves.
When creating a character, it's important to make them realistic. Even beautiful/smart/charming people have flaws.
» What are some Exceptions?
In some roleplays, a character is meant to be seen as perfect. If it's predetermined or accepted by both parties, than it's allowed.
Some characters, like a God, Goddess, Deity, etc., are meant to be seen as perfect, divine, etc.
As long as both parties have agreed to this style of character, it is acceptable.
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• Rule Ⅴ •
Do not Auto-Play
• Rule Ⅴ •
Do not Auto-Play
» What is Auto-Playing?
Auto-playing is performing an action against or around your partner's character without giving them time to respond or consent to the action.
This can be done in fighting (hitting them without giving the partner time to respond with what their character does) or in general actions (grabbing and pulling along another character).
» What are some Exceptions?
Of all the rules, this one is often given the biggest leeway. Unlike in the old days, roleplayers have relaxed quite a bit in their perception of what is considered 'auto-playing'.
While, yes, some still fully care when it comes to a fight scene, as that tends to be a more specific circumstance, many people understand how daunting it can be to have to wait for every permission needed to move to the next scene.
For this reason, many typists have learned to be vague and give room for their partner's action, such as ending an action with 'if they allowed, this would occur'. This would give the partner time to accept or deny the action.
Others simply discuss ahead of time and know how far they can push forward using auto-playing.
