Writing Guidelines

How to write a post in our roleplay and what to keep in mind

Narrative Mode (tense, person, point of view): Past Tense, Third Person, Limited Point of View

Format: Direct speech: "in quotation marks"; Thoughts: in italics; Different languages: mention in the text.

Length of Posts: Even though a post should be longer than one or two sentences, in general we do not require every post to have a certain length. A post should fit the situation and naturally some will be longer and some shorter. Still, keep in mind that ideally you want others to reply something interesting to which you then can reply something interesting in turn. This means you want to give them something to work with, something that they can pick up on.
You are writing your own character, their thoughts, what they say, how they act and react, how they perceive their surroundings, what they look or feel like, etc.. Try to incorporate as many of those details as you feel works best, but also pay attention to the posts of other writers whose characters you are interacting with or whose characters are currently active in the same thread and incorporate or react to what they have written.

Quotations: In the roleplay please try to avoid quoting from posts that you are replying to. Instead make it clear that your characters is reacting to another or replying to something that they have said in your narration or your part of the dialogue.

Spelling (also: dyslexia or not being a native speaker): Yes. Correct grammar and spelling are important. The very heart of this forum is writing, after all. We aim to create a pleasant writing and reading experience for ourselves, other writers and guests who just enjoy reading our stories. More importantly: for a roleplay like this to work and be enjoyable we need to understand and build on each other's posts. That said, you do not have to be an expert writer or a copy editor, but you do need a basic grasp of the English language and you need to put some effort into creating your character sheets and posts. Start with using a writing program of your choice for your first drafts, use spell-check, re-read what you wrote and do not be afraid to ask someone else to proofread your texts if necessary.
Not being a native speaker or having dyslexia (or both) does not exclude you from joining us and our rp, as long as you try your best. Effort, help and practice can go a long way. Do not be afraid to reach out.

Setting: Please keep in mind that the setting of our roleplay is based on Tolkien's Middle Earth. Thus it is defined as a High Fantasy or Epic Fantasy setting. Or fictional world is not strictly canon. The inclusion of non-Tolkien elements from other stories, legends, fairy-tales, mythology or just appropriate time-periods, as well as original ideas is generally possible, as long as they fit into this imaginary medieval world. Changes to Tolkien's lore and, specifically, the lore of The Lord of the Rings are generally possible. Depending on the scope of those elements and ideas we ask, however, that members suggest them in Planning and Plotting first and wait for admin approval, as well as possibly that of other members.

Character Knoweldge vs. Writer Knoweldge: Another thing to keep in mind is that more often than not your character cannot possibly know everything that you, as a writer, know. They cannot read the character sheets of others nor topics in Planning and Plotting, for example. Make sure to pay attention to what your character can know (about other characters or the world in general) and how they know it. Only include what your character can know at the time in their posts and do not be afraid of them not knowing something. Sometimes a character not knowing something or simply being mistaken makes for a more interesting story anyway. The point of view that you are working with is a limited point of view, limited by your character's knoweldge, experience or prejudices. You may include hints, your character may guess or suspect when it comes to details that they do not otherwise know. Try, as much as reasonably possible, to establish how your character came to know what they know or what they base their guesses on. Of course your character can learn and experience new things along their journey as our shared story progresses.

I am, oddly enough, in fact not Faramir (Character vs. Writer): On a similar note, writer and character are not the same. One is a person, the other is a role. Just like author and narrator or characters in fiction in general are not to be equated. We like to joke about it, you may use or see someone use "I" or "you" instead of the character's name, and, of course, the writer's views and opinions might shine through in a character, but at heart do not get the two mixed up. Do not take insults or declarations of love between characters during roleplay personal. They are aimed at your character, not you as a writer.
Try to settle disputes that do not take place between characters either yourselves or ask an admin for help. We will do our best to mediate.
That aside, yes, we actually do know real life couples and friends who have met each other on a roleplay forum. Like any other hobby this, too, has the potential to bring people together. Our forum does have an Off-Topic section where members can talk and friendships may form. However, noone is obligated to participate or share any personal information.

Strengths and Weaknesses: Just like your character may not know or be privy to everything around them they should also reasonably have strengths and weaknesses according to who they are, where they come from and what they have experienced so far. A beggar in Minas Tirith, for example, likely will not know how to read and write or wield a two-handed sword. He might, however, be street-wise, know how to move quietly or read people well.
In fiction in general weaknesses are often a strenght. Perfect, invincible characters without flaws tend to come across as lifeless and boring. Interesting, relatable characters most of the time have both, strengths and weaknesses, talents and flaws. They don't always succeed, they fail, they struggle and sometimes they win, maybe even unexpectedly. Those also tend to be the characters that are the most fun to write and write with. That aside, invincible or overly powerful characters are usually frowned upon in roleplays. So, take a moment to consider your character's strengths and weaknesses.

Where and How to Start: Here, take a look at our Step by Step Guide!

Multiple Characters: Multiple Characters per user are allowed, but we do ask you to keep seperate accounts for each (each with their own name and avatar). We also recommend to start with one character and write that character for a while before registering another.
To register multiple accounts on the same email-address we have to use a small work-around. It is not currently possible on this forum. Admins, however, can change email-addresses after registration. We can change that on your old account to something else so you can register the new one. Then we can change both back to your preferred email-address.

NPCs: Anyone can include NPCs, that is, minor non-player-characters, in the area in their posts. Examples for NPCs are all creatures and animals. Examples for human NPCs random soldiers, civilians or an inn-keeper not currently being written as full character by a member. Please check other posts in your location for previous mentions of such characters (for example said inn-keeper)to keep them consistent.

New Categories or Sub-Categories (Locations): If you wish to use a location that is currently missing, please let us know. Only admins may create new categories (for example: Gondor) or sub-categories (for example: Minas Tirith) in the roleplay section. Members can add new topics in those sub-categories (for example: The Drunken Soldier's Inn) for specific locations. The first post should contain some description of that location.

"Coming From" and "Going To": Like adding "#1" to you first post, please also mark changes of location. Whenever your character changes location (f.e. from an inn in Minas Tirith to the streets or to a house in Rohan, each separate threads) add "Going To: (new location)" at the bottom of your last post in the thread of your character's current location. Then write your next post in the thread of their new location and add: "Coming From: (old location)" at the top. This way following your character's story, as well as the roleplay as a whole will be easier for everyone.

A Chance to Reply, Edits, Planning and Plotting: When posting in a thread in which others are already actively writing, please keep their posts in mind when drafting yours (What are their characters doing? Are they in a public space where your character will notice, can join or overhear/watch them? How do they describe shared details like weather or events?). During interactions between characters do not double-post and keep edits to a minimum. Also, leave all other writers involved in your interaction time to reply. Do not write over them or leave them hanging. Plan major events and plot points together (in Planning and Plotting, the Chat-Box or via PM). Do not take over another writer's character. Do not harm or, worse, kill other writer's characters without their consent. At best, leave consequences and reactions of other writers' characters up to those writers. Do not write those things for them.

Patience: It cannot be said often enough: be patient. The pacing of a roleplay can vary. Sometimes another writer will reply immediately and you will have a quick back and forth. Sometimes a reply will take hours or even days. Take the time you need for your posts and leave others the time they need. You do not have to be online all the time. Others will not be, either. Especially, considering that time zones may vary. Do something else, go through your daily life, check from time to time or just after school or work, every Sunday or whenever you find the time.
Only when you know that you will be absent for a longer period of time (on holiday, too much else to do for a while, sick etc.), please write your character out of any active interactions that they are having at the time. This way others can potentially continue without you and you can take your character's plot back up more smoothly once you return. Make sure to also let us know in Absence.

More Questions?: Use our Help and Questions category to ask them or sent us a PM.