NetherGaming & Anime

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What Is Roleplaying?

By Tatsuhoshi Akira

What is roleplaying?

This isn't rocket-science, people.... It's exactly what the name implies that it is. Roleplaying is simply taking on the role of another person and acting out their life in whatever setting that character happens to be from. It is as diverse as television and books combined, and can cover just about any topic. Most importantly, it is important to bear in mind that it is a game. That does not mean it can't be taken seriously, but don't let the death of your characters ruin your life.

Roleplaying is no more complicated than acting, in general, or can become as complex as writing the next box-office hit for theaters, or just acting out the scenes. Ultimately, it's up to the players how in-depth the story that they are taking part in will become. You are working together with the other players in the game to make an interesting story. Exercise your creative muscle and give roleplaying an honest try, before damning it for no good reason.

Does roleplaying have anything to do with Satan, devil worship, or anything of that sort?

Not unless it's an established part of the game setting. Once again, remember that it's just a game. If you are truly that unsteady in your religious beliefs that you think that a game will turn you to Satanism, then simply roleplay a Christian crusader, priest, or something along those lines, or its time for you to make a pilgrimage to reaffirm your religious beliefs. Don't just denounce it because you don't understand it. You can make your character's ultimate goal eliminating evil from the world, or spreading Christianity to the heathen masses.

Of course, I'm not saying that you need to compromise your ideals or beliefs in order to roleplay, but at the very least, you should keep an open mind to other things. If you aren't able to differentiate between real life, and imaginary ones, then roleplaying IS NOT for you.

Like all hobbies, some people can take it a bit too seriously, but bear in mind with these people that it is how they enjoy their free time. They may have little free time, and not appreciate it being wasted on low quality rp.

Moderated Games versus Freeforms

by Tatsuhoshi Akira

In general, roleplaying tends to fall into two categories. Moderated, which means that there is a narrator or gamemaster for the game who provides a setting and events for the players to engage in and controls NPCs that have nothing to do with the players; and freeform;a chaotic style of roleplaying where there is no one in charge and players are left to their own devices. There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of roleplaying, and it's best to take part in the games that best match the style of roleplaying you want.

Freestyle games have the inherent disadvantage of having no plot and being difficult to move forward and advance a character's story in any significant or meaningful way. Additionally, there is no real way to justify character development in such a game. On the other hand, characters are free to do as they wish, unrestricted, making this both a curse and a benefice.

Typically, if the players in a freeform have a good sense of story and balance, there are few issues with this style of roleplaying and everyone can easily enjoy a game. On the other hand, if this isn't the case, then you should look forward to god-moding and petty bickering.

Moderated games have the advantage of directed storylines, a referee who can keep everything on a balanced power level, potentially in-depth plots, and true character development can be pursued. On the flip-side, players are at the mercy of the moderators for the game, and are limited by the creativity of their moderators. A good moderator can make even the worst of settings enjoyable, while a bad moderator will just leave a nasty taste in your mouth that can linger for quite some time.

In conclusion, know who you roleplay with and decide on the method of roleplaying that works best with your group. In either case, a sense of story is a must, as well as the ability to gauge one another's abilities as roleplayers. Immaturity will ruin any game, regardless of the style being used and if your players have issues with authority, you should probably stick to freeform style roleplaying or discuss it with them to see if a compromise can be found. Roleplaying is supposed to be fun, not a chore or a headache.