How-To: Classify Your RP and Storylines
Dec 30, 2014 10:43:12 GMT -8
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Post by Whill Shaman Dažbog on Dec 30, 2014 10:43:12 GMT -8
Greetings and Salutations!
This How-To Guide is a straight forward explanation of the different types of writing that can take place. This is a guideline to help classify either your own storyline, or someone else's who you may wish to take part in.
Your roleplays and storylines are classified under the following categories, each described below:
When you are deciding what type of RP/SL to classify your scenarios as, or perhaps when writing your planet's Traveler's Guide entry, you might want to use these as guidelines to more easily define what type of story you are writing.
When you do use these to classify your scenarios, it is your responsibility as a member to make sure that everyone involved is aware of what type of RP/SL you are beginning. For instance, if you are performing a Closed RP that breaks a Universe rule such as the rule on rifting, and another member joins but you do not inform them that it is a Closed RP and this rule does not apply, then you are risking an infraction report. If an infraction report is filed and there is evidence of OOC collaboration, during which time you neglected to mention that it was part of the Closed RP, then you will have lost your ability to claim that you were initiating a Closed RP and instead will be found guilty of using a banned power outside of a Closed RP. Be aware of this.
Furthermore, if you are taking part in a Private RP, you must also be prepared to inform players wishing to join of the fact that it is Private. All parties should agree on this point; if they do not, you risk being "restrictive" of RP, depending on the circumstances. But, if you are open-minded and offer a means in which the player at hand might play a part in the Private RP, then perhaps they will at least understand why you turned them down, and realize that you weren't restricting RP, but instead trying to reconcile their wishes to your own.
A good way to tell what RPs/SLs someone is interested in or is currently involved in is the Traffic Light System. Remember however, that not everyone uses this system and it is always better to ask the member(s) directly via PM or in the JvS Discord Chat.
In general, when doing this sort of classification, a general courtesy is required. This is more important to keep in mind than looking at specific scenarios, which could be constructed over and over again.
If you have any questions, please feel free to consult with the the Whills.
This How-To Guide is a straight forward explanation of the different types of writing that can take place. This is a guideline to help classify either your own storyline, or someone else's who you may wish to take part in.
Your roleplays and storylines are classified under the following categories, each described below:
Open RP:
RP that any member can join, as the set rules of the Universe are followed. It is open to all, and usually stems (though not always) from spontaneous storylines.
Closed RP:
RP that any member can join, as long as they agree to a special premise or premises that may be outside of the rules of the Universe. It is open to anyone who cares to accept it, but if they do not, the RP does not include them. Closed RP usually works in conjunction with planned storylines. Members should PM for permission to join these, to avoid making a faux pas with the setup of the RP.
Private RP:
This type of RP may only be joined by invitation or accepted request. It may or may not use the set rules of the Universe and/or any special premises. It may work with spontaneous, planned, or scripted storylines.
Spontaneous SLs:
These storylines just 'happen' with no planning between one member and their 'allies' and the member they are 'playing' against; no contact is made prior to the event. Battles are frequently spontaneous storylines. These SLs work best in Open RP format; in order to make them Closed RP, at some point during the battle, the premise that it is outside of the Universe's rules must be proposed and accepted by all sides. Usually, the emphasis is on the result of the story, rather than the writing.
Planned SLs:
In these type of storylines, the scenario is set up in advance. A member invading a planet might inform the defender OOC, for instance. Planned SLs do not go through to the conclusion, preferring instead to leave it up to chance, or perhaps because the members have not yet thought up a good ending. Planned SLs may work with Open, Closed, or Private RP. Emphasis may be on either the writing or the result, or both. Members should communicate via PM or the OOC boards to ensure that all members in the SL know what is planned.
Scripted SLs:
In Scripted Storylines, the end is known in advance. It usually works best with Private RP, as it will cut down the likelihood of interference, which would detract from the story. In this type of SL, emphasis is put on the writing, not the result. Sometimes, however, a Spontaneous SL may wind up having a planned ending in the event of an OOC agreement to, for instance, lose a battle but have a member's character live. In this case it becomes Scripted. Members should communicate via PM or the OOC boards to ensure that all members in the SL know what is planned.
RP that any member can join, as the set rules of the Universe are followed. It is open to all, and usually stems (though not always) from spontaneous storylines.
Closed RP:
RP that any member can join, as long as they agree to a special premise or premises that may be outside of the rules of the Universe. It is open to anyone who cares to accept it, but if they do not, the RP does not include them. Closed RP usually works in conjunction with planned storylines. Members should PM for permission to join these, to avoid making a faux pas with the setup of the RP.
Private RP:
This type of RP may only be joined by invitation or accepted request. It may or may not use the set rules of the Universe and/or any special premises. It may work with spontaneous, planned, or scripted storylines.
Spontaneous SLs:
These storylines just 'happen' with no planning between one member and their 'allies' and the member they are 'playing' against; no contact is made prior to the event. Battles are frequently spontaneous storylines. These SLs work best in Open RP format; in order to make them Closed RP, at some point during the battle, the premise that it is outside of the Universe's rules must be proposed and accepted by all sides. Usually, the emphasis is on the result of the story, rather than the writing.
Planned SLs:
In these type of storylines, the scenario is set up in advance. A member invading a planet might inform the defender OOC, for instance. Planned SLs do not go through to the conclusion, preferring instead to leave it up to chance, or perhaps because the members have not yet thought up a good ending. Planned SLs may work with Open, Closed, or Private RP. Emphasis may be on either the writing or the result, or both. Members should communicate via PM or the OOC boards to ensure that all members in the SL know what is planned.
Scripted SLs:
In Scripted Storylines, the end is known in advance. It usually works best with Private RP, as it will cut down the likelihood of interference, which would detract from the story. In this type of SL, emphasis is put on the writing, not the result. Sometimes, however, a Spontaneous SL may wind up having a planned ending in the event of an OOC agreement to, for instance, lose a battle but have a member's character live. In this case it becomes Scripted. Members should communicate via PM or the OOC boards to ensure that all members in the SL know what is planned.
When you are deciding what type of RP/SL to classify your scenarios as, or perhaps when writing your planet's Traveler's Guide entry, you might want to use these as guidelines to more easily define what type of story you are writing.
When you do use these to classify your scenarios, it is your responsibility as a member to make sure that everyone involved is aware of what type of RP/SL you are beginning. For instance, if you are performing a Closed RP that breaks a Universe rule such as the rule on rifting, and another member joins but you do not inform them that it is a Closed RP and this rule does not apply, then you are risking an infraction report. If an infraction report is filed and there is evidence of OOC collaboration, during which time you neglected to mention that it was part of the Closed RP, then you will have lost your ability to claim that you were initiating a Closed RP and instead will be found guilty of using a banned power outside of a Closed RP. Be aware of this.
Furthermore, if you are taking part in a Private RP, you must also be prepared to inform players wishing to join of the fact that it is Private. All parties should agree on this point; if they do not, you risk being "restrictive" of RP, depending on the circumstances. But, if you are open-minded and offer a means in which the player at hand might play a part in the Private RP, then perhaps they will at least understand why you turned them down, and realize that you weren't restricting RP, but instead trying to reconcile their wishes to your own.
A good way to tell what RPs/SLs someone is interested in or is currently involved in is the Traffic Light System. Remember however, that not everyone uses this system and it is always better to ask the member(s) directly via PM or in the JvS Discord Chat.
In general, when doing this sort of classification, a general courtesy is required. This is more important to keep in mind than looking at specific scenarios, which could be constructed over and over again.
If you have any questions, please feel free to consult with the the Whills.