RP Covenant.

[Sangwa]

What currently waters down the roleplay quality is that more than half of the people in-game are not able to roleplay in a competent way, most because they haven't even been introduced to basics (i.e. they don't even know what is supposed to happen in game besides farming/grinding, etc), others because they're smart but need attention (i.e. they want to be different and to do things their own, "special" way.)

So Khoridor, I can't agree with you on the use of the Covenant. I don't think we should have what you call "useful information" (i.e. some sort of "rules" that you follow so you don't annoy people, such as "don't go after the spotlight" and even "don't use your description for background story.") The only thing we want from the covenant is that people know they are expected to roleplay and respect the setting and the players.
I think we shouldn't even make the Covenant numbered. I shiver at the thought of listening to players crying out you're not following rule number 22, or 7, or whatever. It's just a document that clearly states our standards.

The thing here is trying to get people to understand that they shouldn't use their description for the background story because that is a clear chat issue. Or that the player shouldn't consider his character to have psychic powers because he has no actual way of possessing it. Like Under the Moon requested (and like I tried to illustrate in the reality check) we need "Common Sense": This is a roleplay game, so act accordingly (in other words, do not disrupt roleplay and be consistent.)

I'm expecting that when this Covenant is applied, the Community will have an actual orientation (hopefully the covenant is presented to people when they first create a character or something), since it will understand what is expected of it. And the moderators should also guide people (not threat them) towards roleplaying the right way, which would help a whole big deal.

Ceraline, Under the Moon, do you think Marqsaynt's short version can point towards the right direction? Think we should include yet another item, the Common Sense one? I am hoping it is non-restrictive and clears all the basics: Have fun, roleplay, respect game, respect players, use game mechanics, watch out for consistency and chat issues.
I'm thinking we should go from that one and add anything, if it is missing.

[Xillix Queen of Fools]

I also lean toward the more general and smaller list.

Some simple principles can go a long way toward establishing a tone.

I agree also that numbering them may create more ooc havok than rp havok.

I really want you folks to settle on something all roleplayers are happy with.

For those of you who don't roleplay, or don't make rping a priority for yourself, let the roleplayers finish out their debate here uninterrupted please; I have something in mind for your play style too . . .

[Timmothy Perriwinkle]

I have something in mind for your play style too . . .

Banhammer?

[Irgendwer]

Some annotations:

• As Sangwa noted, more then half of the current population of the server either can't or won't roleplay. To my understanding, the word "covenant" means a pact in the sense of a binding contract. Such things can really not be established, if the majority of the relevant people just won't agree to it. However, if (as Xillix noted) the point is merely to establish (non binding) quality standards AND these are established with a guarentee, that roleplayers cannot use them to bully around non roleplayers, like it is the norm now, I am one happy camper.
  
• The reason, why people put their biography in their character description is because of the goofed up custom character generation. It not only allows people to easily create characters, that are unplayably low on stamina/health (though thats a topic for another thread), but activly teaches them, that the character description indeed is the place to jot down the story of your life.
  
• If you want to teach new players what quality roleplay looks like, give them a book of "roleplay hints" as the final quest reward in the tutorial. However, please let the quest char also state, that these are encouraged, not binding and that everyone trying to lecture, patronize or worse threatens to report non conformant behaviour to a GM is in fact a case for a /report him/her/kraself. People generally hate RTFM. If you give them a mobile copy instead of trying to force it down their throat upfront, then there is a good chance, that they will read up later, when they find time for it (e.g. while resting because of exhaustion).
  
• If you really want to do something about furthering roleplaying, consider rewarding it in terms of exp (sorry to derail here). Instead of trying to find ways to reglement the usage of mainchat, consider implementing the game mechanic of a public, subscribeable group. Anyone can start one with a simple chatcommand (/startrpg "topic or short description"), which creates a clickable token (e.g. a sparkle floating in the air), through which anyone can join the conversation. Every minute, you stay in it (and say something) you get a small amount of exp. Just enough to give players a sense of accomplishment, but not enough to make it interesting for powerlevelers to create groups and collect exp while being afk.
  

[zanzibar]

• If you really want to do something about furthering roleplaying, consider rewarding it in terms of exp (sorry to derail here). Instead of trying to find ways to reglement the usage of mainchat, consider implementing the game mechanic of a public, subscribeable group. Anyone can start one with a simple chatcommand (/startrpg "topic or short description"), which creates a clickable token (e.g. a sparkle floating in the air), through which anyone can join the conversation. Every minute, you stay in it (and say something) you get a small amount of exp. Just enough to give players a sense of accomplishment, but not enough to make it interesting for powerlevelers to create groups and collect exp while being afk.
  

The game is for people who consider the fun of roleplaying to be its own reward.  By rewarding roleplaying with tools to powerlevel, you're turning roleplaying into another tool for powerlevelers.  The quality of the RP environment will suffer as a result, since those seeking to use roleplay as a means to powerlevel will only put in the minimal level of effort required.

We had a similar problem when "points" were given to people for advising on the /help channel.

As far as those engaging in a roleplay being encouraged to join a particular group, I'm opposed to this for a number of reasons:

• Your character interacts with everyone he or she encounters and would normally interact with.
  
• Therefore, such groups would be superfluous.
  
• The requirement to join and leave such groups would disrupt the RP experience by making it less fluid and immerse.
  

[Sangwa]

Listen to Xillix (i.e. your opinions are irrelevant if they don't target the improvement of the covenant) and shut up. The rest of you, tell me what we should do with Marqsaynt's short version, since it seems to be more what we're looking after. I think it's pretty good already, but you never know. Also, if Under the Moon or anyone else insists, we could add a note about common sense. You don't need to go very far to understand some people need to be alerted to that...

So this is what we have:



In order to completely experience PlaneShift, the player should agree with the following covenant:

• This is a Massive Multiplayer Online Role Play Game (MMORPG).
  You and your character are not the same person. Live as the character you create, enjoy as the civilized person you are.
  
  Example: In Character (IC) you may want to overthrow Yliakum's government, but out of character (OOC) you should just want to have fun, like the rest of us.
  
  
• Respect PlaneShift's unique game world.
  Always keep your character’s chat, action, and history consistent with the PS universe.
  
  Note: Make sure you know what exists in PlaneShift before making anything up. Self phones, vampires, hobbits, etc. do not belong in this game.
  
  
• Respect other Players.
  The fun of an MMORPG is interacting with other people. Be sure to treat other players with respect.
  
  Note: Remember that a player should always have a chance to react to another player’s action, so everyone has a role in this play. Ideally, all players involved should agree with the outcome or on a fair method of deciding the result, using the game mechanics everytime possible.
  
  
• Be consistent.
  Stay true to your character, that is the only way he or she will become what you desire.
  
  Note: This is a game where players often challenge each other and your character will end up being a result of other people's actions. If you want to follow a specific path with your hero, you are the one that has to focus on it. You can't become a hero here just because you wish, first you must earn it.
  
  
• When in doubt ask a Game Master (GM).
  They volunteer for the love of the game and are there to help.

EDIT to add:

The reason, why people put their biography in their character description is because of the goofed up custom character generation. It not only allows people to easily create characters, that are unplayably low on stamina/health (though thats a topic for another thread), but activly teaches them, that the character description indeed is the place to jot down the story of your life.

Very well said. You're pointing towards some inconsistency from the PS Team itself.

[Under the moon]

* Under the moon suggests the following changes.

In order to completely experience and enjoy PlaneShift as intended, the player should strive to abide by the following covenant, or -if that is not possible- to respect those who do:

• Respect PlaneShift's unique game world.
  Always keep your character’s chat, action, and history consistent with the known PS universe. Much of this information can be found in the game through in-game books, quests, and other players. Don't be afraid to ask what you don't know!
  
  Note: Make sure you know what exists in PlaneShift before making anything up. Cell phones, vampires, hobbits, etc. do not belong in this game.
  
  
  
  
• Interacting with others.
  This is a multiplayer game! Let the actions of others' characters help shape and define who your character becomes. That is often the most fun part of role playing.
  
  Note: You don't have to be a great role player to enjoy being part of fun roleplaying. No one is perfect. Practice and experiment. Meet new people. Go on adventures. Be your character, and join in the fun!
  
  
  • Be consistent.
    Stay true to your character(s)., that is the only way he or she will become what you desire. Playing your character consistently will not only make it easier to develop your character's personalty, it will aid others in interacting with you.
    
    Note: This is a game where players often challenge each other and your character will end up being a result of other people's actions. If you want to follow a specific path with your hero, you are the one that has to focus on it. You can't become a hero here just because you wish, first you must earn it. (what?? Even as a native English speaker, I don't understand what was just said. ) Don't play as a 'hero' one day and an 'evil villain' the next, then back again on a whim. If you wish do do this, follow a path that makes sense in the game world (over time or a traumatic event), or create a new character.
    
    
  • Use Common Sense.
    If you know something might upset another Real Life player, don't do it. This includes yelling at people because they are not playing the way you think they should, insulting others, trolling, or being rude. These things can get you into trouble with GMs. It is better to accept that others will not always play like you do, and have a bigger group of friends to enjoy the game with, than to expect perfection and play alone.
    

[Marqsaynt]

Seems I'm a Federalist in an Anti-Federalist forum. Oh, well. I worked on the latest Articles of Confederation, uh, I mean "short" version and hopefully it's something that may actually be worth putting to a vote.

---

We the roleplayers, in order to fully enjoy PlaneShift as intended, strive to abide by the following covenant, or, if that is not possible, to respect those who do.

We will...

• respect PlaneShift's unique game world and always keep character chat, action, and history consistent with the known PS universe.¹
  
  
• be social and let the actions of others' characters help shape and define who our character(s) become since, collective creativity and unpredictability is often the most fun part of roleplaying.²
  
  
• be consistent and stay true to character, playing our character(s) consistently in order to ease development of their personality and to aid others in interacting with him/her/kra.
  
  
• use common sense. If we know an action will upset another player in real-life, we won't do it. This includes yelling at people because they are not playing the way we think they should, insulting others, trolling, or being rude. It is better to accept that others will not always play like we do, and have a large group of friends, than to expect perfection and play alone.

---

1. Make sure you know what exists in PlaneShift before making anything up. Cell phones, vampires, hobbits, etc. do not belong in this game. Much information can be found in-game through books, quests, and other players. Don't be afraid to ask what you don't know!

2. You don't have to be a great roleplayer to enjoy roleplaying. No one is perfect. Practice and experiment. Meet new people. Go on adventures. Be your character and join in the fun!

[zanzibar]

Listen to Xillix (i.e. your opinions are irrelevant if they don't target the improvement of the covenant) and shut up.

Always good advice.  (No sarcasm.)

[Sangwa]

Very nice. I like both, these two would work with me.

[Xillix Queen of Fools]

If it makes you feel better, we are working to remove CC generated material out of the public and insert some instructions on how to properly describe a character. I don't know the progress on that fix but we are in agreement with those who say the information going there by default is incorrect.

Now to the Covenant: When you are done hammering out your compromise PM me the final version.

[Caarrie]

If it makes you feel better, we are working to remove CC generated material out of the public and insert some instructions on how to properly describe a character. I don't know the progress on that fix but we are in agreement with those who say the information going there by default is incorrect.

for those will comments about descriptions please review and add comments to:
http://www.hydlaa.com/flyspray_upgrade/index.php?do=details&task_id=1756
http://www.hydlaa.com/flyspray_upgrade/index.php?do=details&task_id=1988
http://www.hydlaa.com/flyspray_upgrade/index.php?do=details&task_id=2265

[Orgonwukh]

for those will comments about descriptions please review and add comments to:
http://www.hydlaa.com/flyspray_upgrade/index.php?do=details&task_id=1756
http://www.hydlaa.com/flyspray_upgrade/index.php?do=details&task_id=1988
http://www.hydlaa.com/flyspray_upgrade/index.php?do=details&task_id=2265

I like those ones, Caarie. I assume this is only on bugtracker and there are no discussions on forums?

[Caarrie]

I like those ones, Caarie. I assume this is only on bugtracker and there are no discussions on forums?

since discussion is already in progress on the tracker i would suggest keeping it there for now.

[zanzibar]

Whoops, misunderstood Caarrie's post.