Some random questions about RPB

[Lost Sol]

Originally Posted by Atma-Noah

Role Play Battles aka RPB for short. It's more action packed with not so much in the story department.

A link for you.

Now about using characters and when. You could rewrite your characters history to fit the story but there are limits to that. It'll depend mostly on whoever started the rp and how they want stuff to pan out. Say if someone was doing an rp like this one.

Mobile Suit Prophecy

You wouldn't want characters that can shapeshirt or use magic as it would effect the world that was created by the person who started it. So you can use characters that you've already taken the time to make. Just remeber that every rp is different so your character won't always fit.

RPB's = Role Playing Battles. These battles are between the two role players, or others that are in it right? Or is it only just one on ones? Btw, thank you.

[LocoColt04]

That question should probably be directed to the RPB forum, but since you've already asked it, I may as well answer it. The RPB Forum Rules lists a whole set of guidelines on what should and shouldn't be done. If you wanted a 2v1 thread, that's fine, go for it -- as long as there are three writers. If there's one person controlling multiple characters, it breaks into the realm of godmodding. Unlike stories here in the RP forum, the RPB forum is far stricter about controlling another character. In fact, threads can and often will be closed in such cases.

My suggestion? If you want to know more about RPB, go read the stickies.

[Lost Sol]

Thank, GOD!!! Finally, some actual restrictions. One Q though. If it's a speed battle, of like, posting, I'm sure if you have limits, doesn't that mean that your post will be short? Rp-er vs rp-er = short posts right? But they'll be descriptive, my question is, how descriptive, I'm sure in some fights, there are very limited choices your character can take, but that would mean, if you only have one option, then the post would be short.

EXAMPLE: So-n-so was coming down, sword raised high, and swings down just before making contact.

Other So-n-so lifted it's sword, and blocked the attack, as the pressure from the weighted strike pushed them down into the ground. Then pushed So-n-so back. After, jumped back and took defensive stance.

... Actually, on what the second "so-n-so" did, would that be allowed?

[LocoColt04]

After this post, I'm splitting these into a separate topic and moving it into the RPB forum, because we're getting way off track here.

As stated in the very last piece of the godmodding segment, you CANNOT make your opponent's character do ANYTHING, with the exception of dialogue. I would undoubtedly step into your thread and suggest that you alter your post. I always give first-timers a couple of chances, but if godmodding continues to occur, I'll close threads. If it happens in multiple threads, I will even go so far as to give official warnings, because the user is literally breaking the forum rules.

That's why I always say it's important to read each individual forum's rules.


Now, back to the little bit about speed posting. That's a slight misinterpretation. When I say that RPBs are about speed, I mean in terms of actions within a thread. You can just as easily write three full paragraphs with the feeling of forward motion as you could three individual lines which do the same. I prefer bulkier posts, but won't criticize people if their posts never exceed a paragraph. Of course, if those paragraphs are only two or three sentences, I will step into a thread from time to time and ask nicely that people add more description.

That's the key -- description. If you choose the right diction, you can be quite descriptive without actually removing any of the forward flow of the battle.

It's all in word choice. You can write a lot and make it feel fast if you use smaller sentences. Attention to detail is also important. Don't just swing a sword. Put some muscle behind the sword and allow momentum and gravity to carry it forward, all while the sun reflects off the blade, potentially blinding your opponent.

That's another key... getting your point across without actually godmodding.

Words like "potential" and "possible" and other such variations lead the reader to a point where they must wait for the next person's post to know if the attacks ever made any sort of contact. As such, with each post, you will have to backtrack a tiny bit and at least cover the end of the previous poster's attack phase. It's always up to you to decide whether you want to dodge or take a hit. I mentioned it in passing in the rules... I will close thread if the writers continue to dodge every single attack and never take a hit -- that's no fun. It is in no way required, however, for you to take hits all of the time.

Personally, I take about half of the attacks thrown at me. It adds a bit of excitement. How can your character perform with a sliced arm, or a throwing star in his/her leg, or some other affliction? And I always modify my performance to reflect my injuries. If the left arm is too badly wounded, it will dangle and get in the way, often leading to more attacks making contact.



The most important things about RPB are entertaining the readers, and having fun while you do so. If you can do that, you don't have to do everything else flawlessly.

[Lost Sol]

Is there any place where you can practice your rping? I feel like I need to get the feel of it, before I actually participate. If you want me to think realistically, you could've just said that. Then I'd know all the limitations of what a character can do based on realism.

[LocoColt04]

Well, there's no practice quite like throwing yourself into the game head-first. If you want to practice RPB, my best suggestion is simply to create a new thread. Perhaps an open challenge, and specify what level of experience you would prefer your opponent to have. Based on your personal opinions and what we've discussed thus far, I think you would fare well against someone with some decent experience, perhaps even a writer who has participated in a previous Tournament of Arms.

You should start your thread with a little ((OOC:)) section atop the post mentioning that it's your first fight here at TFF and you'll be learning the ropes from your competitor. Then, go right into the introduction of the thread, and set the scene for battle.

Oh, and if you haven't done so already, don't forget to post a character profile in the appropriate stickied thread. It doesn't have to be in-depth to every last detail, nor does it need a character history or anything like that. As long as it contains a general physical description as well as a list of weapons, armors, and magics, that's quite enough.

[Lost Sol]

Originally Posted by LocoColt04

Well, there's no practice quite like throwing yourself into the game head-first. If you want to practice RPB, my best suggestion is simply to create a new thread. Perhaps an open challenge, and specify what level of experience you would prefer your opponent to have. Based on your personal opinions and what we've discussed thus far, I think you would fare well against someone with some decent experience, perhaps even a writer who has participated in a previous Tournament of Arms.

You should start your thread with a little ((OOC) section atop the post mentioning that it's your first fight here at TFF and you'll be learning the ropes from your competitor. Then, go right into the introduction of the thread, and set the scene for battle.

Oh, and if you haven't done so already, don't forget to post a character profile in the appropriate stickied thread. It doesn't have to be in-depth to every last detail, nor does it need a character history or anything like that. As long as it contains a general physical description as well as a list of weapons, armors, and magics, that's quite enough.

Thanks for the encouragement. So, make my own thread, is it going to be a story, or is it just for an RPB? Btw, for that character registration thing, does that mean, everyone that rps only has one character they rp with? If its in some thread, could you link me to it please? I didn't notice it.

I'm gonna be mad if I was in it, but didn't sign up...

[LocoColt04]

The character registration thread is simply for RPBs, and there is no limit to the number of characters you can post. I, myself, have nine or so listed here at TFF, not to mention countless others elsewhere. You can't miss the thread -- it's stickied atop this forum.

Now, if you're wanting to start an RPB, then no, it certainly won't be a story. There can be a story aspect to it, such as background and perhaps a reason for the fight, but all of the posts after your introduction should lead straight into the fighting.

And by all means, if you ever wish to try RP (the story-based writing, with less emphasis on action and more emphasis on actual plot development), then by all means read through some of the threads in the RP forum as well.