Sleuth Home - Message Boards - Role Playing Stage

Apr-7-2007 09:33
(sticky post)

As you all probably know, I am more than willing to answer any questions you may have about role playing. Those of you who have contacted me with questions have asked some very good ones and I thought the answers would be best shared by all.

In addition to the basic tips Miss Parr has shared:

1. Assume & maintain an identity (know your character)

2. Contribute to existing story lines (know the story)

3. Review past stories for guidance (http://www.freewebs.com/yoyofoshow/sleuthcliffnotes.htm) (Many thanks to Mr. Yoyofoshow)

4. Keep within the time frame (1920-1940, no microwaves, cell phones, or telephone answering machines)

5. Feel free to take risks (don't be afraid to join in or start a new story)

I would like to add the following writing tips that I find aids the reader:

6. One person speaking per paragraph

7. Double space between paragraphs

8. Use capital letters for SCREAMING

9. Double quotes for conversation

Probably the most difficult thing for people to do is get started. My recommendation would be the following:

10. Start slowly. It is not necessary to write a huge entry. A few sentences is all you need to introduce your character.

11. Respect the other characters. It is very difficult to write someone else's character without knowing him well. Be mindful of the different personalities and be sure you are representing them accurately. Be careful not to add attributes to anyone's character that have not already been established.

12. Don't rush the story. Be sure to write connecting content that supports the actions of your characters.

The written word is vastly different from the spoken word. No one can hear inflection nor see the face of the person speaking. It is important that what you write stands on it's own.

Apr-7-2007 11:01

Very nicely put by Mr. Barry Grant...

I would like to just stress that I find his last three points to be the most important for newcomers.

Jul-26-2007 03:50

What if we wanted to post on many threads and run parallel stories. Would there be any rules against that?

Jul-31-2007 18:34

What is this exactly Mr.barry grant?

Dec-28-2007 21:22

WOW these tips will come in handy for my writing class.

Jan-2-2008 22:19

You need to add Defibrillators to your list devices that did not exist in this era.

Jan-12-2008 18:16

Great job , I wouldn't have put it any
other way.

Mar-22-2008 13:04

Another tip:

Be careful about acting on knowledge your character does not have. This involves being aware of where your character is in relation to others. If, for example, you clearly stated that you've left the city to pursue a lead, then your character won't be aware of the actions that occurred in your absence (even though it's all written out in the thread).

Similarly, look for indicators from others such as "he/she THOUGHT" or "I FELT". Although YOU know these thoughts and feelings, and they can serve as hooks for interaction with that sleuth, your character is probably pretty much clueless (unless you're an established body language expert or psychic).

Often there is a fairly simple work around:
"As soon as I got back into town I dropped in for a quick drink at the Ritz. The bartender Zheng told me to mind my p's and q's; he didn't want his joint busted up again. I managed to fish the story out of him, paid for my brew, and left to question [sleuth] about his involvement in the matter."

However, easy fixes don't always work (especially with thoughts and feelings):
"I returned to the city and knew something was wrong. I could tell from their body language that Barry, Crunch, and Sophie had conspired in my absence to knock me in the back of the head, feed my body to pigs, kick my dog, and make souvenir necklaces from my teeth. I could sense it in my gut."

Generally, the more complicated and specific the knowledge, the more you should have to roleplay for your character to discover it. It's worth the effort; a world full of omniscient sleuths gets pretty silly sometimes.

Mar-28-2008 12:41

u guys really no a lot about role playing

This reply has been deleted by a Moderator

Mar-28-2008 13:02

It helps to use standard English, Kid. We find people understand us better that way. Thanks. ;-)