Aelandris is designed around the concept of roleplaying-first (RPF). This means
that everything in the game is meant to facilitate and encourage roleplaying,
and that roleplaying is expected of all players.

We also recognize that many people will be new to the idea of roleplaying, or to
the nuances of playing via text. Aelandris is intended to be a welcoming place
to learn, and so if you are new or not yet comfortable, we simply ask you to do
your best, and if you are experienced we ask you to help and encourage those who
are still learning.

Here are some more specific guidelines for roleplaying with us:

* Encourage constructive roleplaying in others. Be mindful of your give-and-take
  and ensure that everyone else has a chance to contribute to a scene. Be
  supportive of new players and others who are trying to RP but who may be less
  experienced in the art of it.

* Don't provide unsolicited critiques or notes on others' RP, either IC or OOC.

* Don't actively exclude other players from scenes. Don't gatekeep RP
  opportunities, and don't form exclusive cliques. Remember, the Aelandris
  community is open and friendly.
* Welcome others into your scenes if they want to participate.

* Prefer shorter emotes and poses to longer ones to ensure everyone has a chance
  to participate. While the game does not enforce a turn order for emotes, it is
  good practice to wait a moment and give others a chance to respond to your RP
  actions.

* If you are feeling uncomfortable about a topic, say something. All RP happens
  by consent, and anyone is permitted to revoke their consent at any time for
  any reason.

* Likewise, always ask for clear OOC consent before beginning any RP of a
  sensitive nature. Remember that there may be players hidden, able to see/hear
  from another area, or otherwise not in the immediate room. Keep in mind that
  all areas of the game are considered public, including hidden rooms, locked
  guildhalls, and player housing. When in doubt, steer the direction of the RP
  elsewhere.

* Forcing a scene that can only be solved with admin intervention, such as
  actions that would logically require calling the City Guard, is a form of
  powerposing that other players are generally helpless to deal with, without an
  actual admin. Avoid this sort of RP whenever possible. Even with prior OOC
  consent of all present, ensure that you sort out the details and consequences
  beforehand, and that everyone is comfortable with that outcome. Be familiar
  with HELP JUSTICE and the likely IC consequences.

* Follow the guidelines of improv. Try to "Yes and..." things that other players
  bring to the scene, and avoid shutting others down outright.

* Stay within the established lore of Aelandris. This is a high fantasy world;
  avoid mentioning or bringing in concepts that would not fit within this world.
  You can invent small bits of lore as embellishment, but check with staff if
  you have an idea for larger pieces of lore.

* Not everyone will have the same familiarity with the lore, particularly newer
  players. Be respectful and encouraging. IC, amnesia or specific bouts of lost
  memories are common among survivors of the Blight, and can be a good way to
  play while learning the backstory of the world. Additionally, remember that,
  regardless of the lore, memories are often fragmented or do not always line up
  exactly with others' recollections, and that inconsistencies in accounts are
  part of the game's canon. Speculation about possible premonitions of future
  events are especially encouraged, as is use of the THINK command. One never
  knows who might be listening...

* Award kudos (with the KUDOS command) to other players after scenes that you
  enjoyed with them. This is a nice way to thank someone for a fun scene.

* Reminder: as per the game RULES, obscene, lewd, graphic, or excessively
  violent roleplaying is not permitted in Aelandris. Keep everything appropriate
  for a general audience.

See also:
rules, conflict, justice

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