What is a roleplay?

• Roleplay is an interactive story. It is not exposition or a conversation.

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A real roleplay does not need to be in "RP style." A common mistake is to confuse RP style with actual roleplay. A real roleplay can happen in any style at all. It is merely a story that is created by multiple people.

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To be considered "high quality," a roleplay also has these three elements:​

1. the roleplay exists in its own reality, (usually) separate from the Gatelands and other roleplays. People may only join that reality by permission of the playwright. (Use a symbol to denote this.)

2. the roleplay is overseen by a playwright. The Playwright facilitates roleplay and acts swiftly to keep all posts in the roleplay. There should be no arguments about what is allowed, because the playwright instantly decides.

3. any non-dialogue should be actions or sensations, not dialogue or interpretations in disguise. Show, don't tell.

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Example of real RP

"What do you mean, you lost the idol? We'll be banished!"

"I lost it on purpose. I've had enough of your tricks! This ends now!"

[He flips the table and screams in frustration.] "Guards!"

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Example of fake RP (RP style, no interaction, story, or plot)

[He exits PM and enters the room, listening to his headphones, then smiles softly at you, tilting his head with a curious expression.]

Hello, welcome back. [She nods graciously in return, hoping that he is having a pleasant day.]