randomroleplayblog

[randomroleplayblog]

Roleplay plot ideas - Masterlist

Plot teasers:

A small town somewhere in the middle of nowhere. Strange sounds in the night. Farm animals are found dead and people have started to vanish. Someone needs to investigate what’s going on.

Strange symbols appear everywhere in the city. On walls, on trees, on unimportant items, on murder victims. The same thing had happened before. A small-time private investigator finds the photographs and notes his father had collected 10 years ago and contacts his friend.

An underground casino where you can bet everything: Money, the things you own, your spouse, your children, your own life. The value of whatever you’re betting and its fate is determined by the casino owner and his two partners.

After being betrayed by his right-hand man a mafia boss is forced to work together with one of his lackeys as he goes into hiding. The twist: His lackey doesn't know who he is and Mr. Mafia Boss doesn't know if he can trust him.

Running a human trafficking ring can be hard work. You never know if the police will knock at your door or if the next delivery will be up to your standards. There are some advantages to being the boss, though.

Zombies suddenly appear everywhere in the world and people flee into the big cities and security zones. A small town somewhere in the middle of nowhere was one of the first places which was overrun by zombies. Only a handful of survivors are left and they all have their own reasons why they want to stay.  

An old asylum that looks like it is no longer in use. Your character wakes up in a cell. There's nothing there except for a mattress and an empty note book. Your character has no idea what they’re doing at a place like this, but there are voices coming from the other cells.

A lonely highway, a sweltering hot day, a guy picks up a hitchhiker. They don't know that they're both criminals and are both wanted by the law for different crimes.

A catch-me-if-you-can crime story: Two men meet in a bar, one is a criminal, the other an agent who was finally able to find the man he was trying to catch for the last two years. Unfortunately it's October and a storm is going to hit the city in the next hours.

If you’re interested please take a look at my RULES and GUIDELINES

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poofers, a special brand of ghosters

tldr; poofing (which i consider a specific kind of ghosting while actively talking to a person about plot or other things after a starter has been posted) is extremely rude, and imo, most rpers aren't assholes who harass people and would understand if poofers just said "i changed my mind / interest."

being ghosted makes me sad; sometimes disappointed when it's a plot that's been developed and i've become invested in. although, honestly, a large portion of my "ghosted" threads probably wouldn't have been so if i wasn't afraid to bother people for replies after several weeks to months of nothing.

on theother hand, poofing in the middle of a conversation meant to work through things (plot, OOC/IC expectations, etc) makes me so agitated. i don't take it personally, because i'm not gonna be that asshole who follows people around into their dm's demanding answers -- but, i do think it's rude as all hell.

i've told partners before that i've changed my mind for various reasons. it was received fine, and we moved on. i've been told before that i wasn't what they were looking for, and i moved on. i didn't whine about it or make the situations bigger than they actually were, because not every person who reaches out to rp will be a good match or work out. being upfront saves a lot of time of waiting for answers or wondering if something is wrong with them or me either IRL or as a rper.

if you're an adult who has already demonstrated the capacity to tell me that we weren't "vibing" you can tell me that you changed your mind. it's not that hard, and most roleplayers will be fine with that kind of honesty. most roleplayers will be appreciative that you were courteous.

a person can't give you content (IC or OOC) you want if it's not communicated. and you can't honestly get upset at someone for not giving you what you want / expect if YOU don't even know how to go about things or don't express it if you DO know. someone you reached out to online cannot automatically read your mind just because you have similar interests.

the proportion of roleplayers, imo, who follow, harass, and curse at rpers for X, Y, or Z is a significantly smaller population than most people will cite as their reason for ghosting/poofing (whether this is a firsthand experience or just in fear of). saying "sorry, i haven't replied. i don't have the time for this anymore / i've lost my muse" or a short "sorry, i changed my mind" is difficult, but if more people followed this courtesy i think less people would be afraid of the aggressive rper because they'd get to see that most people don't take it personally.

and i've seen and interacted with quite a few rpers who have been left questioning their own skills as an rper IC and OOC because their partners straight up left without a word or reason as to why the rp didn't work out. no specific reason for dropping an rp is owed ofc, but i do think polite honesty goes a very long way for a hobby that's supposed to be fun and tends to be community-based.

[randomroleplayblog]

Structure guide (For roleplaying)

I have been roleplaying for a number of years, and have come to the conclusion that in this wonderful world called the ‘Internet’ there are a lot of good, bad and horrible roleplayers. I do not consider myself perfect in any way, for we all have our flaws, however I believe that I do have some experience that could easily help a few people who might be new or just want to spice up their replies a bit.

After hours of ponders and days of procrastinating, I have finally decided to write this small guide on how to write a decent reply.

Disclaimer: this is just a guide on the general structure of an individual reply, and not a whole roleplay. 

Keep reading

[randomroleplayblog]

The rules:

I prefer literate multi-para 1x1 roleplays.

I don't roleplay on tumblr (ever). Discord is my roleplay platform.

Communication is key. If something is bothering you, tell me. If you want to brainstorm or discuss something, tell me. If you want to talk about our muses, tell me.

I like to plot my plots or at least discuss the basics and the general vibe.

Don't expect me to push the roleplay forward by myself and to tell you what to do and what to write. We're equals.

I love smut and I love roleplaying smut, therefore I only roleplay with people that are 21+.

I write mostly MxM.

If you're no longer interested in the roleplay please let me know. I won’t ask any questions, I just don’t like to wait for a reply that will never come.

Please post at least one piece of writing every 3-5 days or let me know when you're away for a longer period of time. I’m willing to wait. I don’t poke or remind you of the rp though.

----

I’m interested in:

Crime, mystery, historical, dystopian and (sometimes) supernatural/horror settings and plots

Character development & developing friendships and partnerships

(Unresolved) tension of any kind between characters

Power dynamics / changing power dynamics

Complex characters

Dark themes and mature topics

Smut and kinks are always welcome

----

I'm not interested in:

Harcore sci-fi stuff & superpowers, faerie tale fantasies

Pure angsty slice of life drama just for the sake of having some angsty drama

Established relationships (with rp partners I don’t know)

Cliché relationships and tropes (like: sensitive, cute, introverted uwu boy versus loud, bullying, tough guy)

Bratty, but needy bottoms and shy, twinky college boys

Statements like "You choose. I don't care."

[randomroleplayblog]

That's  …. interesting. The same thing happened to me yesterday. They wanted an established relationship without even introducing their muse. I told them that it makes me feel uncomfortable since I would need to pretend that there is love and a deeper meaning to the relationship between our characters without knowing anything about the mun or the muse. The conversation ended then and there with them blocking me. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Okay, so this will be up in my rules later, but need to say this now because someone (who will remain anonymous and is blocked from my blogs) took what I said the wrong way. He/she...they wanted to try a RP with one of my muses. I have no issue with this and I like the idea of our muses interacting. They wanted a relationship, again don’t mind this, but it seems their character’s backstory is that our muses are already together. They are already in a relationship and that is how they wanted to start it. I explained this in a way that didn’t come off as being a dick: “The problem is i dont do established relationships with OCs or other muses that are not directly paired with the muse they are with. I like building up some chemistry between characters, see how it works out, and if the relationship is good then the pairing is acceptable or is all right with me. Your OC is good, but the problem is i would prefer building up something between the characters before anything happens and if i don’t feel it then it wont happen.” Makes sense right? Well, they didn’t take it kindly and think I am being an asshole for judging their character and being a dick. So, I blocked them from my pages and they are gone. But I am going to put this out there. I will RP with you, I will interact with you, and if you want our muses to be paired then that is fine. However, we must build chemistry, I don’t like forced romances, and I need to see how it plays out. If it all fails then fine, but doesn’t mean we can’t be friends. If it succeeds then awesome. Now, I hope everyone understands and when they are ready to apologize then I will be here, but until then go bother someone else.

[randomroleplayblog]

     The thing about roleplay:  it’s NOT ALL ABOUT YOU / YOUR MUSE, NOR IS IT ALL ABOUT YOUR ROLEPLAY PARTNER / THEIR MUSE.  I see it much too often in the rpc where writers want things that only benefit their own muse, but you need to always have your roleplay partners in mind.  If you want a good plot, there needs to benefit FOR BOTH PARTIES.  No one likes to read a book that centers solely on one character and one character only, now do they?  Remember that next time when you approach a fellow roleplayer with a plot … how can it benefit BOTH OF YOUR MUSES to grow and develop alongside each other?  How will such a plot AFFECT BOTH OF YOU in the long run?  Make sure to ask your mutuals what they’d be interested in.  Don’t forget, with plots // memes // asks // etc. that you need to keep your roleplay partner in mind, too!

[randomroleplayblog]

Words that describe someone`s voice. Very helpful!

[randomroleplayblog]

@ my fellow roleplayers, I have a question and I would really appreciate your help: Are there any other blogs like roleplayfinder (roleplayfinder.tumblr.com)?

[randomroleplayblog]

A great collection of “touchy feely” words!

[randomroleplayblog]

Stop using the word "Walk". We don't want that word to die together with "Said".

Here are a few words you can replace walk with.

AMBLE: WALK EASILY AND/OR AIMLESSLY

BOUNCE: WALK ENERGETICALLY

CAREEN: PITCH DANGEROUSLY TO ONE SIDE WHILE WALKING OR RUNNING

CLUMP: WALK HEAVILY AND/OR CLUMSILY

FALTER: WALK UNSTEADILY

FLOUNDER: WALK WITH GREAT DIFFICULTY

FOOT IT: (SLANG) DEPART OR SET OFF BY WALKING

FOOTSLOG: WALK HEAVILY AND FIRMLY, AS WHEN WEARY, OR THROUGH MUD

GIMP: LIMP; HOBBLE

HIKE: TAKE A LONG WALK, ESPECIALLY IN A PARK OR A WILDERNESS AREA

HOBBLE: WALK UNSTEADILY OR WITH DIFFICULTY; SEE ALSO LIMP

HOOF IT: (SLANG) WALK; SEE FOOT IT

LEG IT: (SLANG) SEE FOOT IT

LIMP: WALK UNSTEADILY BECAUSE OF INJURY, ESPECIALLY FAVORING ONE LEG; SEE ALSO FALTER

LUMBER: WALK SLOWLY AND HEAVILY

LURCH: WALK SLOWLY BUT WITH SUDDEN MOVEMENTS, OR FURTIVELY

MARCH: WALK RHYTHMICALLY ALONE OR IN A GROUP, ESPECIALLY ACCORDING TO A SPECIFIED PROCEDURE

MEANDER: WALK OR MOVE AIMLESSLY AND IDLY WITHOUT FIXED DIRECTION

MINCE: WALK DELICATELY

MOSEY: SEE AMBLE; ALSO, USED COLLOQUIALLY IN THE PHRASE “MOSEY ALONG”

NIP: WALK BRISKLY OR LIGHTLY; ALSO USED COLLOQUIALLY IN THE PHRASE “NIP (ON) OVER” TO REFER TO A BRIEF WALK TO A CERTAIN DESTINATION, AS IF ON AN ERRAND

PACE: WALK PRECISELY TO MARK OFF A DISTANCE, OR WALK INTENTLY OR NERVOUSLY, ESPECIALLY BACK AND FORTH

PAD: WALK WITH STEADY STEPS MAKING A SOFT DULL SOUND

PARADE: WALK OSTENTATIOUSLY, AS IF TO SHOW OFF

PERAMBULATE: SEE STROLL; TRAVEL ON FOOT, OR WALK TO INSPECT OR MEASURE A BOUNDARY

PEREGRINATE: WALK, ESPECIALLY TO TRAVEL

PLOD: WALK SLOWLY AND HEAVILY, AS IF RELUCTANT OR WEARY

POUND: WALK OR GO WITH HEAVY STEPS; MOVE ALONG WITH FORCE OR VIGOR; SEE LUMBER

POWER WALK: WALK BRISKLY FOR FITNESS

PRANCE: WALK JOYFULLY, AS IF DANCING OR SKIPPING

PROMENADE: GO ON A LEISURELY WALK, ESPECIALLY IN A PUBLIC PLACE AS A SOCIAL ACTIVITY; SEEPARADE

PROWL: WALK NOISELESSLY AND CAREFULLY IN A PREDATORY MANNER

PUSSYFOOT: WALK STEALTHILY OR WARILY

RAMBLE: WALK OR TRAVEL AIMLESSLY

ROAM: GO WITHOUT FIXED DIRECTION AND WITHOUT ANY PARTICULAR DESTINATION, OFTEN FOR PLEASURE; SEE RAMBLE

ROVE: TRAVEL CONSTANTLY OVER A RELATIVELY LENGTHY TIME PERIOD WITHOUT A FIXED DESTINATION; WANDER

SASHAY: GLIDE, MOVE, OR PROCEED EASILY OR NONCHALANTLY; SEE PARADE

SAUNTER: WALK ABOUT EASILY

SCUFF: WALK WITHOUT LIFTING ONE’S FEET

SHAMBLE: WALK OR GO AWKWARDLY; SHUFFLE; SEE SCUFF

SHUFFLE: WALK WITHOUT LIFTING THE FEET OR WITH CLUMSY STEPS AND A SHAMBLING GAIT; SEESCUFF

SKULK: MOVE IN A STEALTHY OR FURTIVE MANNER

SOMNAMBULATE: WALK IN ONE’S SLEEP

STAGGER: WALK UNSTEADILY

STALK: WALK STEALTHILY, AS IN PURSUIT

STEP: WALK, OR PLACE ONE’S FOOT OR FEET IN A NEW POSITION

STOMP: WALK HEAVILY, AS IF IN ANGER

STRIDE: WALK PURPOSEFULLY, WITH LONG STEPS

STROLL: WALK IN A LEISURELY WAY; SEE SAUNTER

STRUT: WALK WITH A STIFF, ERECT, AND APPARENTLY ARROGANT OR CONCEITED GAIT; SEE PARADE

STUMBLE: WALK CLUMSILY OR UNSTEADILY, OR TRIP

STUMP: WALK HEAVILY, AS WITH A LIMP; SEE LUMBER

SWAGGER: WALK WITH AGGRESSIVE SELF-CONFIDENCE

TIPTOE: WALK CAREFULLY ON THE TOES OR ON THE BALLS OF THE FOOT, AS IF IN STEALTH

TODDLE: MOVE WITH SHORT, UNSTEADY STEPS, AS A YOUNG CHILD; SEE SAUNTER AND STAGGER

TOTTER: WALK OR GO WITH FALTERING STEPS, AS IF FROM EXTREME WEAKNESS; SEE STAGGER(ALSO, SWAY OR BECOME UNSTABLE)

TRAIPSE: WALK LIGHTLY AND/OR AIMLESSLY

TRAMP: WALK HEAVILY OR NOISILY; SEE LUMBER AND HIKE

TRAMPLE: WALK SO AS TO CRUSH SOMETHING UNDERFOOT

TRAVERSE: WALK ACROSS OR OVER A DISTANCE

TREAD: WALK SLOWLY AND STEADILY

TRIP: WALK LIGHTLY; SEE ALSO STUMBLE

TROMP: TREAD HEAVILY, ESPECIALLY TO CRUSH UNDERFOOT; SEE LUMBER

TROOP: WALK IN UNISON, OR COLLECTIVELY

TROT: PROCEED AT A PACE FASTER THAN A WALK; SEE NIP

TRUDGE: WALK SLOWLY AND WITH HEAVY STEPS, TYPICALLY BECAUSE OF EXHAUSTION OR HARSH CONDITIONS; SEE PLOD

WADDLE: WALK CLUMSILY OR AS IF BURDENED, SWINGING THE BODY

WADE: WALK THROUGH WATER OR WITH DIFFICULTY, AS IF IMPEDED

WANDER: TO MOVE FROM PLACE TO PLACE WITHOUT A FIXED ROUTE; SEE RAMBLE

RESOURCES: (X) (X) (X) (X) (X)

[randomroleplayblog]

Character Creation Template

Full Name-

Age:  Birthdate: Birthplace: Gender: Orientation: Species: Race: Ethnicity: Class/Occupation: Side Interests/Passions: Title(s):  Nickname(s): Aliases: Dominant Hand:

Appearance- Eye Color: Hair: Hair Color: Skin Color: Face: Height: Weight:  Body: Clothing Preferences: Misc.:

Relationships- Significant Other(s)/Spouse(s): Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Sibling(s): Extended Family: Friend(s): Children/Charges: Pet(s): Enemies/Rivals:

Personality Traits- Good: Bad: Neutral: MBTI Type: One Sentence Summary: Strengths: Weaknesses: Quirks:

Weapon(s) of Choice- Fighting Style-

Backstory (Bullet Points)-

Backstory (Notes)-

Disabilities- Physical: Mental: Illness: (If)Trauma/How They Originated:

Drives/Motivations-

Likes & Dislikes-

Beliefs- Religious: Political Views: Expectations of Others: Expectations of Themselves: Expectations of the World/Society (Secular):

Values-

Recurring Feelings (Could Be Traits)-

Misc.-

Role in the Story-

Primary Goal-

Fear (Major & Secondary)-

Physical Desires-

Style of Self Expression-

Self Image- Self Esteem: View of Themselves: What They Think Others Think of Them:

Demeanor/General Mood & Disposition-

Posture/How They Carry Themselves-

Speech- Speech Pattern: Languages Known: Regions Speech Pattern Originated (Race/Ethnicity/Household/Etc…): Impediments:

How They Express Affection-

What Controls Them/What They Are Weak For-

What Part of Them Will Change-

—–

Here it is! The character creation template I use for my writing. If people have things they think I should add, please feel free to add to this. I add to it all the time so this isn’t the finished product. In fact, it’s actually an amalgamation of many other different helpful character creation posts that can be found here! But for those who don’t want to root through it, here are some specific references:

Your Character’s Personality Character Categories 42 character development questions!  Character Creation

*Also! Sometimes over-planning a character can be bad for their development and creation. If that’s the type of writer you are, I don’t recommend using this to make the character, but rather making the character first through other means and then copying the info down on the template as it pops into your head just to keep track of it.

[randomroleplayblog]

Overused Tropes 1: Sexual Assault

This one can be triggering to many so if you’re sensitive to this, scroll right on past. 

The TLDR is: Don’t use s/a as a default event in a characters life, or to explain why they have a mental illness. It’s getting old. 

Keep reading

[randomroleplayblog]

✧  ASK MEMES   —   NIGHTSHADE by AUSTIN P. MCKENZIE. Content Warnings: sex, smoking, alcohol, infidelity, depression, religion.  Change pronouns to fit! 

CIGARETTE.

“ I wanna know what I’ve been keeping inside. ”

“ I wanna feel the music between my thighs. ”

“ I know I’m someone but can’t quite find out who. ”

“ Where am I going? ”

“ I’m packing my things. ”

“ I’m in love with this girl and her poems. ”

“ I hate to leave but I’m chasing success. ”

“ I kissed my love goodbye. ”

“ I am twenty-one and having some fun. ”

“ I suspect it’s the first but not last one. ”

“ We all smoke cigarettes. ”

“ There’s no knowing who I’ll be. ”

“ Cigarette? ”

CRAZY BEAUTIFUL.

“ We could be lovers. ”

“ Would you lie with me? ”

“ Would you lie to me? ”

“ Maybe, I just wanna be saved. ”

“ But I feel so good. ”

“ Yeah, it feels so good. ”

“ You’re so lovely. Goddamn pretty. ”

“ They say he’s quite the lover. ”

“ Something in him is quietly dying. ”

“ He knows what he is, ‘cause you told him a million times. ”

“ He’s crazy beautiful. ”

“ But the truth is… ”

SEX DRIVE.

“ Who’s driving? ”

“ I’ve been around the town. ”

“ Cash won’t pay my bills. ”

“ I wanna feel alive. ”

“ Get off with me tonight. ”

“ I ain’t got money. ”

“ I got this need to feel something like I’m sixteen. ”

“ Lay with me, teach me things. ”

“ Make me feel real. ”

“ I didn’t give a fuck. ”

“ But now I’m twenty-one. ”

“ I wanna feel something good. ”

“ Come on, make me your prey. ”

“ I can be your plaything. ”

“ I can’t be your plaything. ”

VEGAS BABY.

“ You feel sublime. ”

“ It’ll just be a while. ”

“ Why are you using me? ”

“ Why are you paying me? ”

“ Am I your Vegas baby? ”

“ I’m your Vegas baby. ”

“ Take me to the show. ”

“ Observe me like a magazine. ”

“ Cosmopolitan, Mr. ____? ”

LOVE NOTE.

“ What I miss is the stars. ”

“ The stars in (CITY) disappear. ”

“ My sanctuary was never here. ”

“ Send a love note. ”

“ Send a love note to the stars. ”

“ No young romance would be as grand. ”

“ A tree falls in the city. Will people stop to listen? ”

“ Always had trouble sleeping. ”

“ Dreaming of the stars. ”

“ I tried to grow up. ”

MR.

“ I’ll be a good boy. ”

“ I’m always mourning in the evening. ”

“ That’s my style. ”

“ You need a mister. ”

“ I’ll be your mister. ”

“ You know I’ll keep a secret. ”

“ Marriage ain’t for keeping. ”

“ Lord knows I’m a witness to that. ”

“ Marriage ain’t for keeping. Lord knows I’m a witness to that. ”

“ I was afraid. Not anymore. ”

INTERLUDE.

“ It’s very late and I can’t sleep. ”

“ Call me back when you can, even if you just need to tell me you’re okay. ”

“ I just imagine you looking at your phone and… turning away. Which hurts. ”

“ Oh no, I, uh… ”

“ People find it nice to sleep with someone. ”

“ I really hope you call back at some point. ”

“ I don’t really care, I’m just indifferent. ”

“ I love you, regardless of… where you’re at, or who you are. ”

“ I know your heart. ”

“ Call me back, even if it’s years from now. ”

“ Goodnight, darling. ”

WINTER.

“ It’s never been a colder winter. ”

“ Meet me in my hotel. ”

“ I’m not the Jesus type. ”

“ I’m a waste of time. ”

“ Read between the lines. ”

“ I’m gonna blow all my money. ”

“ I’m going even darker. ”

“ Just give me vodka lime. ”

“ Look me in the face. ”

“ I fell from grace. ”

“ My heart feels empty. But it’s funny, how it feels heavy. ”

“ Let me have another one. ”

PEARL.

“ You love me like nobody. ”

“ You like me more than all of my friends. ”

“ I promise I won’t call anybody. ”

“ I want nobody but you. ”

“ You give me my thrills. ”

“ You give me the chills. ”

“ I thank God for this feeling everyday. I wonder if he thinks it’s okay. ”

“ And if I’m honest, I don’t really care. ”

“ As long as you stay there… ”

“ I’ll worship you. ”

“ I need you. ”

“ I adore you. ”

“ I love you like nobody. ”

“ I like you more than all my fucking friends. ”

“ You give me a high. And a low. ”

“ But I don’t care, ‘cause it’s you. ”

“ Nobody wants to be with me. ”

“ I’m fucked up, and I’m fucked up crazy. ”

“ As long as you stay here, I’ll cuddle you. ”

“ I’ll fuck you. You’ll fuck me, too. ”

DARK. BLACK. HEART.

“ The snow is taking over. ”

“ His eyes are so hollow. ”

“ It’s time to go. ”

“ Just one more smoke. ”

“ The gods above are weeping. ”

“ His soul is a lonely lover. ”

“ He wanted to know what was kept inside. ”

“ Nowhere to hide. ”

“ Don’t touch him or love him. ”

“ He’s godless ‘cause God knows he never tried. ”

“ How does one escape the labyrinth? ”

“ So I tore myself apart. ”

[randomroleplayblog]

Alright RPC – We Gotta Talk About Passive Replies.

This is one of my worst pet peeves in Role playing or doing any collaborative writing with other people. It’s something I myself have been guilty of, especially if my muse is running low and I am forcing out replies. It’s something I see a lot of even from very good writers. It’s a widespread problem, that is exhausting for an RP partner to deal with in threads especially if it’s every reply.

And just like any problem – the first step in resolving it is looking out for it and realizing it’s there to begin with. Being conscious about this I personally believe separates a good RP partner from a great one.

I’m talking about passive replies.

Passive replies come in various forms. They can be anything from a novella sized reply – to a one-liner but they all share a similar trait. They do not contribute to pushing the action of a thread forward. They tend to be a summary of the reply preceding it through their character’s eyes with a small verbal or nonverbal reaction to the character they are interacting with. They do not add any new information for the other character to react to because the reply is pure reaction without any proactive elements.

This means your thread basically becomes the equivalent of a conversation like this:

Hey, you!  Oh, Hey! How are you? Oh, I’m good. What are you up to? Nothing much, really. Have any plans? No. Not really.

It’s a functional conversation – sure, but it’s one-sided and relies on one person driving the action while the other simply responds. It is exhausting for one mun to constantly be the one driving the action of a scene forward. It makes things harder to respond to because you’re giving your RP partner fairly little to work with. The example above is obviously an extremely simplified example - but I hope you can get the gist of what I am getting at.  

Even if your character is shy, or anti-social, or maladjusted in someway – your replies can still play and active role in the situation. Being an active participant in a thread doesn’t meant that your muse has to be crazy and outgoing. It means that you have to do more than simply react to what is happening. Every reply should add at least one new thing for your partner to react to.

This can be anything from adding to the conversation – not just reacting to what was said prior. This can be your character doing some non verbal action. This could be and NPC or outside situation or the weather doing something to react to. No matter what the situation is – there are things your muse can do to be an active part of the scene, and not just a reactionary prop.

If your replies or even your starters are one of these two things:

1) Expecting someone to find or stumble upon your muse in someway. Or relies on your partner to initiate some action between your characters. 2) Is just a summary of what happened in their reply through your character’s eyes without adding anything new.

It’s a passive reply – and by nature harder to respond to. It means you should consider looking over your reply and tweaking it to give the other character something more to work with to take the pressure off and your partners should be doing the same for you. After all a conversation like this:

Hey, haven’t seen you in forever! I know right? What have you been up to? Honestly – nothing much. Work’s been murder. What about you? Ah that’s unfortunate. I’m the same, but I’m going out for drinks later want to come? I can’t tonight, have to wake up early tomorrow. Maybe we can catch up later?

Is a much more interesting conversation because both parties are doing their part to drive the action forward.

It’s easy to say that passive replies are spawned from laziness or poor writing. But they’re not (the vast majority of the time anyway). Even good writers who make beautiful replies do it. I personally think it spawns from equal parts insecurity and good intentions. People don’t want to rock the boat, or take risks with their writing in case they accidentally step on any toes. Not realizing of course that they are putting strain on the writer they are working with by letting them drive all the action.

It can be exhausting.

Roleplaying is a collaborative writing experience. A great RP partner is someone who works with you as a team to tell the story of both your characters. Each person should be putting forth new things to react to and being an active part in building something awesome. It makes for a more interesting read and more dynamic plots and quite frankly more chances for characters to build genuine chemistry.

Otherwise, you end up with a lopsided plot and a burnt out RP partner. No one wants that.

[randomroleplayblog]

Super-Selective Tumblr RP Blog with a hideously complicated theme that hides all its navigation links in eye-blinding sparkling and colors: Read my rules before interacting!!!!!!! 

Me: