Post by ShockHelix on Mar 27, 2013 3:55:12 GMT -5
Here at Nexus, we continue to strive at providing every RPer with their preferred genre and fictional universe, with as much dedication to each theme as any other site. However, we know that we can't fulfill every impulse our members have, and as such we've accounted for that with a Freeform board. Here, our members can play out nearly any scenario they can conceive.
Since we can't give each individual idea the attention we might like, instead below you can find the guidelines to using the Freeform boards, as well as the specific rules for roleplaying there.
#1 - Starting a Thread
Before you start a thread for a Freeform roleplay, there are a couple things you need to consider and accomplish. The first is of course what theme you want it to be. Most likely, you've already considered this, and know what you want to play out. The next step is making a planning thread. Name it something that makes it easily identifiable, and even through in a [Fantasy] or [Science Fiction] tag at the front of the name so people know what genre it's going to be in.
Next, give a little bit of detail about the storyline. Speaking from experience, a Freeform roleplay will be more successful when there's a clear purpose going on. Try not to make everything revolve around one character you control. We understand it's fun to be the world-saving protagonist, but other people are going to have characters with wants and goals as well. You're more likely to draw attention with an equal opportunity roleplay theme, though I won't say it's required. Either way, make sure you let everyone know how it's going to work, and the basic plans you have for it. If you're unsure about these things, that's okay too! It is a story planning thread after all. Let other people pitch their own ideas. Once you've got that down, it's onto the next step.
#2 - Creating the Characters
For the important recurring characters, it's most likely people are going to want a quick way to review who their dealing with so they can gauge their own characters reactions, and vice versa. Since we don't have a board dedicated to approving Freeform characters, the panning thread will work just as well! People wishing to join your RP should post up a character sheet of your choosing. If you don't feel like making one, then feel free to encourage them to use one of the sheets we already have here at Nexus, with whatever minor tweaks are necessary. Alternatively, you could not require people to have a character sheet, but things can get messy and hard to remember that way. Lastly, take note that you'll be the one approving the characters, not our staff. It's your idea, your plot, and you'll know better then anyone what will fit best in the story. If you have certain restrictions you'd like, please make those clear in the thread before people start creating their own characters.
#3 - Freeform Roleplay
Once you've got everything worked out, you're clear to make the pilot post for your thread. We encourage you to stick to the rules of posting order, going in rotation, and only skipping after the standard allotted time. If you have a certain speed you would like the thread to move at, make sure you make that clear.
As for the roleplay itself, try to include everyone that's joined you. If you're someone who's joined the Idea Starter, make sure you don't start taking things off track. It's a good idea to continue using the planning thread for this stage, as OOC posts in the IC thread can detract and derail the plot and cause people to lose interest. Respect the leader of the thread, and do your best to let them steer the story. Lastly, while not forbidden entirely, try to avoid God-Moding. Obviously, if you're roleplaying as Gods, this could be rather difficult, but before taking unavoidable actions, make sure you let the affected parties give you the O-K. It wouldn't turn out well if you just beheaded the secret leader of the evil group your band of merry adventurers was out to kill, and you completely de-rail the leader's plotlines.
Lastly, if you find you've joined a thread, and for some reason or another you feel as though you're being mistreated or if you've simply lost interest, don't take it out on the leader of the thread. Furthermore, as a thread leader, don't attack people for leaving your thread, or for people just flat-out not joining. Just because you find an idea appealing doesn't mean others will, and sometimes people are just too busy with other thread they're involved in to join another they'll have to actually learn about.
#4 - Follow the Rules!
As far as the basics are concerned, the Freeform board is still a part of the Nexus. As such, we expect you to adhere to the Forum Rules just as you would on any other board. Just because we don't directly control the themes of the Freeform does not lessen the severity of breaking the rules of the Nexus.
Since we can't give each individual idea the attention we might like, instead below you can find the guidelines to using the Freeform boards, as well as the specific rules for roleplaying there.
#1 - Starting a Thread
Before you start a thread for a Freeform roleplay, there are a couple things you need to consider and accomplish. The first is of course what theme you want it to be. Most likely, you've already considered this, and know what you want to play out. The next step is making a planning thread. Name it something that makes it easily identifiable, and even through in a [Fantasy] or [Science Fiction] tag at the front of the name so people know what genre it's going to be in.
Next, give a little bit of detail about the storyline. Speaking from experience, a Freeform roleplay will be more successful when there's a clear purpose going on. Try not to make everything revolve around one character you control. We understand it's fun to be the world-saving protagonist, but other people are going to have characters with wants and goals as well. You're more likely to draw attention with an equal opportunity roleplay theme, though I won't say it's required. Either way, make sure you let everyone know how it's going to work, and the basic plans you have for it. If you're unsure about these things, that's okay too! It is a story planning thread after all. Let other people pitch their own ideas. Once you've got that down, it's onto the next step.
#2 - Creating the Characters
For the important recurring characters, it's most likely people are going to want a quick way to review who their dealing with so they can gauge their own characters reactions, and vice versa. Since we don't have a board dedicated to approving Freeform characters, the panning thread will work just as well! People wishing to join your RP should post up a character sheet of your choosing. If you don't feel like making one, then feel free to encourage them to use one of the sheets we already have here at Nexus, with whatever minor tweaks are necessary. Alternatively, you could not require people to have a character sheet, but things can get messy and hard to remember that way. Lastly, take note that you'll be the one approving the characters, not our staff. It's your idea, your plot, and you'll know better then anyone what will fit best in the story. If you have certain restrictions you'd like, please make those clear in the thread before people start creating their own characters.
#3 - Freeform Roleplay
Once you've got everything worked out, you're clear to make the pilot post for your thread. We encourage you to stick to the rules of posting order, going in rotation, and only skipping after the standard allotted time. If you have a certain speed you would like the thread to move at, make sure you make that clear.
As for the roleplay itself, try to include everyone that's joined you. If you're someone who's joined the Idea Starter, make sure you don't start taking things off track. It's a good idea to continue using the planning thread for this stage, as OOC posts in the IC thread can detract and derail the plot and cause people to lose interest. Respect the leader of the thread, and do your best to let them steer the story. Lastly, while not forbidden entirely, try to avoid God-Moding. Obviously, if you're roleplaying as Gods, this could be rather difficult, but before taking unavoidable actions, make sure you let the affected parties give you the O-K. It wouldn't turn out well if you just beheaded the secret leader of the evil group your band of merry adventurers was out to kill, and you completely de-rail the leader's plotlines.
Lastly, if you find you've joined a thread, and for some reason or another you feel as though you're being mistreated or if you've simply lost interest, don't take it out on the leader of the thread. Furthermore, as a thread leader, don't attack people for leaving your thread, or for people just flat-out not joining. Just because you find an idea appealing doesn't mean others will, and sometimes people are just too busy with other thread they're involved in to join another they'll have to actually learn about.
#4 - Follow the Rules!
As far as the basics are concerned, the Freeform board is still a part of the Nexus. As such, we expect you to adhere to the Forum Rules just as you would on any other board. Just because we don't directly control the themes of the Freeform does not lessen the severity of breaking the rules of the Nexus.