Roleplay & Story F.A.Q PDF Print E-mail
Written by Darth Jkaura   
Wednesday, 14 April 2010 22:06
Roleplaying


1. What is roleplaying?

To understand a more about roleplaying and how to, please check out the Roleplaying Etiquette guide for a good explanation and better understanding of its definition. Here you will find related information and how to behave when interacting with other members.


2. Can anyone roleplay?

Yes, anyone who joins our guild steps into the world of roleplay. As a Sith aligned RP guild you are expected to roleplay as it is the fundamental core of our guild. Please consider carefully before joining, that you are able to commit, and that you enjoy writing and roleplaying. If you would like to see an insight into our past/current stories and characters, visit the Hands of Darkness wiki.


3. Can I choose any character class?

At the moment, Star Wars the Old Republic has announced four Sith Empire aligned classes. These four are used within our guild in which members have chosen they’re preferred class come game launch. You can choose from the Imperial Agent, Bounty Hunter, Sith Inquisitor and Sith Warrior.


4. What type of species/race can I choose?

As Star Wars the Old Republic has not yet confirmed any official playable races, you can choose any species that you feel you wish to roleplay. However please give consideration to the timeline. Does your race exist within the timeline of the Old Republic and give leeway to your chosen species that there is enough information available to create a character on.


5. Am I allowed more than one character?

While there are no restrictions on alternative characters, we ask to you use your main character in the Hands of Darkness. We only give attention and promotions to your main character as Alt character receive no such rewards, but however, you are free to use your alt character in roleplay if you so choose.


6. Are there any restrictions on the age of my character?

While there are currently restrictions on your age, we however encourage you to design out characters age in the confines of the timeline. For obvious reasons you cannot have your character in the guild at the age of 9 years at 7 ATC. This would not make sense, so consider your characters age in relation to 0 ATC when the treaty was signed. For example 0 ATC your character is 23. At 7 ATC they will be 30.


7. Is my Character allowed to have special abilities?

Yes, every character has their own attitudes, personalities and traits. These are encouraged as it adds depth to your character. However, this needs to be kept realistic to avoid having an overpowered roleplay character. Check out some of the profiles on our Hands of Darkness Wiki page and see other characters abilities and traits.


8. Is my character allowed to have a ship?

Yes, your character is allowed to have a ship. However, this can only be a small star fighter or transport vessel. As you climb the ranks you may begin acquire larger ships. However, when you reach a higher rank the Council may award you with your own unique ship to add to the Hands of Darkness Fleet. Please see ‘Acquiring ships in roleplay’ on the Valley of the Dark Lords roleplay board.


9. What kinds of weapons are we allowed use?

There are no restrictions on what weapons you are allowed to use, only that you keep it realistic. You cannot carry several exotic and dangerous weapons, as this would overpower other roleplayers. Perhaps have one rare weapon that has a story to how you acquired it.


10. Can my character be promoted?

Yes your character can be promoted. In the Hands of Darkness we have a ranking system. There are pre requirements for these promotions and you can find them here. Once you meet these, a monthly promotion within the guild will announce your characters new rank if you have warranted it and/or the Council has deemed you deserve a promotion for your activity and dedication to the guild.


11. Can I use my forum rank IC when roleplaying?

Yes, your rank carries weight while roleplaying in a story. However, we encourage you to use it appropriately and with respect to other participants. No matter the class, if the person out-ranks you they have the power to make decisions and ask you to abide by it.


12. Is there a limit of when I can post or can I make more than one post in a day?

While we understand people have real life priorities before the guild. We have a three day minimum for a person to post in a story. This is to help the story to move forward. If you are going to be away longer than expected, you need to tell the story GM and report in the absence thread. If you are joining a story and can’t post every three days, let the GM know of your posting pattern so they can give you a suitable role in the story plot.


13. I’m struggling with roleplay and/or understanding the story or I’m having problems roleplaying with other member?

Should you come across any problems in a roleplay, your first point of contact should be the GM (game master) who is in running the story. They will deal with your problem by talking to those involved. If the issue cannot be resolved it will be passed to a higher level accordingly. Officers will be contacted and if the problem persists either warning will be issued or a Council member will intervene.



Story


1. Can I post my story in any time frame or is there a limit?

As the game Star Wars: the Old Republic begins approximately 10 ATC we do not allow you to post a story any further than 8ATC (after the treaty of Coruscant). Please take a look at the guild wiki for a layout of the dates ATC that we have been using. Stories can overlap but characters can’t so keep an eye on your dates.


2. Can anyone create a story?

Yes, all members of the Hands of Darkness may create a story at any time. However, please give consideration to how many people are already drawn into current Roleplays as it may benefit you to join in another member’s story instead, until others are free.


3. Can I join more than one story at once?

Yes you may join more than one story at once, however only join them if you believe you have the time and commitment to do so. Joining a roleplay that you cannot keep up with is not recommended. There is a three day minimum per post to keep the story moving and failure to keep up may result in your removal from the plot.


4. Can I give / receive feedback from other members on their/my roleplaying performance?

Yes, it is encouraged that all members work together and communicate to improve quality of roleplay. On the Valley of the Dark lords thread you will find a critique and feedback thread which can be used to ask for help on improving or discussing your roleplaying. Remember, as a writer’s guild we are here to help and guide each other whenever possible so do not worry about receiving negative feedback as long it is constructive.


5. What happens if people drop out or stall my story by being inactive?

Members, who become in active without giving valid reason for doing so, will be giving an informal warning. If they fail to respond and continue to stall your story they will eventually receive their first formal warning, at which point you should remove them from your plot.


6. Are there any special requirements or considerations for running a story?

No there are no special requirements; however you may find it helpful to read to the story writing guide. As long as a story makes sense in the guilds timeline and with the characters involved and the Story doesn’t use non-cannon Star Wars sources everything should be sound.


7. Can I provide feedback on a story?

Yes, once the story is finished feel free to give your thoughts and feelings on how the story was handled, anything you like or disliked or improvements. This is encouraged in a constructive way to help us in the future by further improving the quality of our writing.


8. Is it ok to talk OOC within a story thread?

Each story has a related OOC thread where members can talk about the story and discuss the plot. You are encouraged to avoid OOC in the Story thread and instead use the OOC for its purpose.


9. I’ve started a story but unfortunately I have had real life priorities come up. What should I do?

In the event that you can’t continue a story due to real life situations then report this in your stories OOC thread and in the guilds absence thread. This is a common courtesy to let your guild members know that you will be absent. In the case that you are running a story, you will need to find a suitable replacement. If you can’t find one then an Officer will step in and take over your story until your return.