Manual Index
The Concept of Role‑Play
Introduction
Role‑play is the heart of Dragon's Gate Reborn. It’s what turns a text world into a living story. If role‑play feels big at first, that’s normal—this guide is here to help.
Section One: Role‑Play Defined
Role‑play is acting without a script. You step into a character and respond to events as they would, not necessarily how you would as the player.
Section Two: Making Your Character Come to Life
Creating your character is the first step. Race, religion, and class shape your role‑play options, but your choices make them unique. Keep the basics in mind, then build your own voice and goals.
Section Three: The Challenge
- Race, religion, and class make up the foundation of your character. The next step is to create your character’s individual personality. Therein lies the challenge of role‑play.
- When interacting with other player characters, there is no planned script. Events will happen that are entirely unexpected. A bit of planning can go a long way: many players sketch or write a short character history; others invent quirks on the spot. Do what fits you and the players around you.
- Over the years, the biggest difference between good role‑players and great role‑players is how they respond to the unexpected. It’s easy to role‑play with friends and familiar allies. It’s harder—and more rewarding—when your character faces real tension, uncertainty, or conflict. Those moments reveal who your character truly is.
- Personality quirks help others recognize your character quickly. Maybe you grin the same way, always hiccup after a laugh, or clutch a holy symbol when you’re nervous. Clothing, tokens, and pets can add depth too. If you keep a familiar, give it a name, a purpose, and a few quirks of its own.
Section Four: Emotes and Expression
- Projecting Your Role-play to the World. Dialogue (SAY) conveys feelings and desires, but emotes help project your character’s personality. We now enter the realm of emotes.
- In Dragon's Gate Reborn, emotes are special commands that allow your character to perform a specific social action in the game. Smiling, rolling your eyes, shrieking, and snarling can go a long way, but you can make them go the extra mile by tacking on extra text to these commands, thereby making them more personal and original to your character. For example, imagine you have a character named Max. You’ve decided he’s easygoing with a heart of gold. Someone says something that makes Max feel good. If you use the SMILE command without extra text, people will see this in the room:
Max smiles.- Doing this can be fun and allow you to bring out your creativity, and it also assists the other player characters to get a feel for your character by letting them take a glimpse into the personality of your character. One general rule to adhere to when using additional text in your commands is to not force role-play onto anyone else.
- Using our character Max, if you were to type
smile a charming, genuine smile that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside, people would see this: Max smiles a charming, genuine smile that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside.- Some characters might be charmed by Max’s smile, others might hate it, and some won’t care at all. Your actions don’t control other characters’ feelings—let them react in their own way.
Section Five: Scenarios and Events
- As you play out your character’s life, the realm of Dragon's Gate Reborn will change and shift in many different ways. These changes are brought upon by the way the people of Dragon's Gate Reborn interact, and what decisions they make with their characters. From day to day, these changes may not be very noticeable, but in the long run they will become more and more apparent. The way in which people go about changing the very course of existence in Dragon's Gate Reborn is by participating in (and sometimes creating) different scenarios within the game.
- Scenarios are plot lines that have many different outcomes based on the decisions made by those participating in them. Some scenarios are small scale and only affect a few people, while others can be very large and have a great, long-lasting effect on the entire realm. It is not required that your characters participate in scenarios. In fact, your character might have specific reasons that he or she does not wish to get involved. However, if you find you and your character are interested in participating in a scenario, there are some important things to remember.
- Some scenarios involve specific Elder (GM) run characters (ERCs) that are an integral part of the action. Sometimes it will be obvious that a character is an ERC, and other times it will be difficult to tell. It is important to realize that the Elder behind the ERC is interested in having fun and role-playing just as much as you are, and that these types of characters are not all-knowing and flawless. While it is a good idea to ask questions, do not assume that just because someone is an ERC, they have all the answers you need to further the scenario. Many more evil ERCs will outright lie to your characters, or even try to kill them; it’s important to remember an ERC in the end is really little different than any other PC you encounter. It is also a generally good idea to pay attention to even the simplest looking people in plain clothing, for they may or may not be an important part of the scenario in which you are participating.
- Asking questions and researching the histories of the realm are always a good way to begin involving yourself in a scenario. If you recall a specific piece of information about Harold the San Elf Setite Priest from 498 B.C. and that applies to the scenario, people will generally welcome you into the circle of involvement, unless they have a specific IC (in-character) reason not to.
- Another good thing to remember is that there is more than one way to get involved in scenarios. In most cases, there are several different sides and views on why a specific thing is happening. There are usually many different shades of protagonists, antagonists, and objective observers, and your character is able to take whichever one on that suits his or her personality best.
- Other types of occurrences in Dragon's Gate Reborn are those that fall under the "event" category. These can range from peddlers, festivals, recitals, or trips to other cities, to name a few. Most of the time these things are Elder-run, but sometimes a player takes it upon his- or herself to run an event for the enjoyment of others. Keep in mind that all of these events are IC unless otherwise noted (such as OOC history and role-play meetings that take place in the OOC Inn) and require the same level of role-play that day-to-day life in Dragon's Gate Reborn requires. When a merchant comes to town, it is imperative that you treat them as you would another player character and not go out of character unless it is absolutely necessary (and then, only in whispers).
Section Six: Role‑Play Example
- Examples of Roleplay in Dragon's Gate Reborn For your reference and enjoyment, below is a snippet of an old log of players role-playing in the realm of Dragon's Gate Reborn. Enjoy!
*** Temple Elindale.] From this small office, Elindale's high priestess attends to the more mundane matters. With the goddess so much in evidence all around, those duties are few and rarely transcend into the spiritual unnecessarily. This room is illuminated. In the room are a noble Secian (seated and holding a flaming blue diamond staff of friendship), a Leuian (seated), and a noble Fir Elf. Obvious exits: north* west*. ***
The priestess says, "The rain is not the goddess's doing... It cannot be."
The Leuian frowns.
The Fir Elf ponders the meaning of the universe for a moment.
The priestess says, "We saw that rain destroy her and her army..."
The Leuian says, "A wave did..."
The priestess says, "Brought on by the rain."
The Leuian says, "Perhaps someone of greater magickal power..."
The Fir Elf asks, "Does th'flerian 'ave th'power to do such things?"
The priestess says, "I still think the rain is another power's doing."
The Leuian says, "The high priestess should know..."
The priestess says to the Leuian, "Good idea..."
The Fir Elf asks, "Is that why 'e left in a huff? We 'insulted' 'em by suggestin' Elindale did it?"
The priestess nods to the Fir Elf.
The priestess says, "And I think he is frustrated... I guess he has warned us for some time."
The Leuian says, "I've never heard him warn us of anything..."
The Fir Elf flails his arms about wildly.
The Leuian says, "Just comment on his wardrobe..."
The Leuian ponders the meaning of the universe for a moment.
The Fir Elf exclaims, "Ah've never 'eard of 'em!"
The priestess says to the Leuian, "I have had little contact with him... But perhaps others have."
The priestess says, "I have heard people speak of him."
The Leuian nods.
The Fir Elf asks the priestess, "Yer Grace, are ye contactin' the high priestess?"
The priestess says to the Fir Elf, "I can, if you wish."
The Fir Elf shrugs.
The Fir Elf asks, "Would she help?"
The Leuian says, "She is the High Priestess of Sa..."
The priestess says, "She will help..."
The Fir Elf searches the room.
The Fir Elf mutters something beneath his breath.
The priestess asks, "Someone is here?"
The Leuian searches the room.
The priestess searches the room.
The priestess reveals a stranger.
The priestess glances at the stranger.
The priestess frowns at the stranger.
The Leuian raises an eyebrow.
The stranger bows to the priestess with a formal sweep of his leg.
The priestess asks the stranger, "You spy on us?"
The stranger asks, "Eh? Spy?"
The Leuian says, "Yes, you."
The Leuian says, "Spy."
The priestess says, "Yes, you."
The Fir Elf says, "Aye, ye thief."
The stranger says, "I would never do such a thing."
The priestess says to the stranger, "Yet you lurk in the shadows of my office."
The Leuian starts pulling on the stranger. His disguise is revealed.
The Leuian exclaims, "An intruder!"
The priestess furrows her brow.
The intruder smiles at the Leuian darkly, as the flames of taathian hatred lick across his eyes.
The priestess's mood is now confused.
The Leuian stands up.
The Leuian exclaims, "Leave!"
The intruder says, "Oh, I shall."
The intruder says, "I believe I've heard enough."
The Leuian bristles.
The priestess grits her teeth.
The Leuian asks, "How... How dare you?!"
The intruder smirks slightly.
The priestess glances at the Leuian.
You see the Leuian move up another 4 UDs.
The Leuian stares at the intruder.
The intruder laughs at the Leuian mirthlessly.
The priestess says to the intruder, "Leave us. Please."
The intruder says, "Farewell, Elindalians."
The Leuian asks, "Do you honestly think you can get away with this?"
The Leuian raises an eyebrow.
The intruder asks, "We shall see each other again soon, shall we not, eh?"
The intruder says, "Oh."
The intruder says, "And Amber."
The intruder returns his long dagger.
The Leuian asks, "What now?"
The intruder readies a wickedly curved hook on a chain.
The intruder says, "I have a special plan for you now."
The priestess gasps in horror.
The Leuian says, "Hrmph."
The Fir Elf growls.
The intruder caresses the wickedly curved hook on a chain gently across his cheek.
The priestess exclaims to the intruder, "Be gone!"
The intruder just went north. ***
Section Seven: Additional Resources
- Additional Resources and Information If you want help with the role-playing of your character, players and staff alike are always willing to offer advice. If something baffles you in the game, most players will not mind if you politely whisper a question or two to them, and will normally be ready and happy to help. If a player cannot answer your question, or you wish a second opinion, the assist command is always available, and will summon a guide or GM to help you out. Contact the lead Elder if you have a serious, detailed question that you feel needs specific attention.
Section Eight: Summary ...
- The world of Dragon's Gate Reborn is a diverse, multi-dimensional realm in which almost anything is possible. The most important thing you can do for yourself is have fun, and remember that everyone who plays Dragon's Gate Reborn is in it for the pure enjoyment of taking on a persona and role-playing things that are not available in the crazy place known as the "real world."
1. ROLE PLAYING BASICS & ETIQUETTE
- Role playing (RP) is an art form, which utilises a persons imagination and creative abilities. The primary goal with RP is to have fun, but with that fun come some basic rules and guidelines, as well as certain etiquette involved.
- If you’re experienced and see someone struggling with role‑play, offer gentle guidance via whisper/esp. If you’re receiving feedback, take it in stride—everyone improves with practice.
2. NEVER CONFUSE ROLEPLAY WITH REAL LIFE
- You are not your character. Keep real‑life issues out of role‑play. A short “role‑play chart” helps—age, origin, occupation, quirks, and goals. Start simple and let your character grow. Flaws make characters more interesting than perfection.
Below is a small questionnaire to help create your own RP charts. Keep your answers aligned with race/religion/class guidelines. It’s a good idea to keep a running journal of your character’s developments and knowledge and update these answers over time.
- 1) Where is your character’s home?
- 2) Does he or she miss that homeland?
- 3) What sort of things annoy your character? Why?
- 4) What things does your character enjoy? Why?
- 5) Does your character stand for anything? (The Destruction of something? The protection of innocents against oppression?)
- 6) Is your character a part of a clan, and if so, what do they stand for?
- 7) Are you bound by your past at all? Why?
- 8) Does your character have a long term goal, and if so what is it?
- 9) Does your character have any short term goals? And if so what are they?
- 10) How far will your character go to accomplish those goals?
- 11) Does your character have any quirks about him/her, or any faults? (For example: A limp from an injured leg, or an inability to see evil)
- 12) Is your character prone to alliances or friendships with others and if so, what sort of people?
- 13) Are there any particular things that your character absolutely hates?
- 14) Does your character value honesty, or the giving of oaths? Why?
- 15) Does your character deeply value the lives of others? Why?
- 16) Does your character prefer diplomacy, or combat? Why?
- 17) Is your character strictly law-abiding, or would they break the rules when in a tight bind? Why?
- 18) Does your character have any fears, or phobias? Why?
- 19) Does your character have any religious beliefs? Why?
- 20) What does your character find to be "fun" or "entertaining"? Why?
3. NEVER CONFUSE IC AND OOC INFORMATION