So, you want to be a medieval roleplayer...

But where does one begin?  You come into SecondLife... you waddle like a noob, you type like a noob, you look like a noob.... but you want to roleplay like a seasoned professional.  So... how does one even BEGIN?  There are a few tips I like to give to those new to roleplay in SL, because, frankly, it's not truly like any other roleplay.  It is in many ways live action roleplay and text based roleplay combined with a healthy dash of video game combat thrown into the mix.



1) Visit roleplay sims.  There are alot of them with just as many themes.  Do you want medieval??  Fantasy?  Gor?  Urban?  Urban fantasy?  Do you want to be a furry?  A neko?  Each sim, or set of sims, will have its very own theme, rules, requirements, preferred look and time period, race requirements... the list goes on.  So, visit sims and find one that suits you.  While visiting, make sure you are polite and wear whatever tag, object, or neon sign is required.  Be unobtrusive; don't wear your giant dragon avi and sit in the middle of a packed rp.  They will invite you to leave and not come back if you are disruptive, however, don't be afraid to IM people if you have questions.  While visiting you are in a unique position of an observer.  You can go anywhere, watch anything, and learn alot... all without actually "existing" in their world.  Keep in mind as a observer that you ARE NOT THERE as far as the characters are concerned, though the players might say hi.



2)  Once you have picked your sim, then is a time to figure out how to join it.  MOST roleplay sims will have some kind of welcome area where you can find all the pertinent information, such as sim rules, requirements, as well as some freebies to help you fit in.  At this point, it will be assumed that you read the rules of the sim you've chosen... now is the time to find out what races are allowed, but NOT the time to pick your race.  You want to know your options, and perhaps talk to a mentor or an old player about the various races and factions/guilds.  This will be important when you do actually pick your race.  Check out the race bases, have a peek at the various environs available.





The environ can be integral to the type of roleplay engaged in, as well as the overall look of participants.  It is always a good thing to keep in mind.  This is also a good time to have a look at other players to see what the "norms" are, whether you stick to those or forge a new path.





3)  Now is the time to consider your character.  What kind of character do you want to be?  Stalwart warrior?  Gentle healer?  Rogue?  Bad or good or neutral?  These are important considerations, and really should be considered before a race is chosen.  Too many people, in my opinion, pick a race because they think the avatar is cool, rather than based on the type of character they wish to play.  I don't really approve of that.  Yes, you can be a "good" drow, but as one, you will be constantly fighting your true nature.  Yes, you can be an evil elf... again, that is not the norm for elves and needs to be addressed in character.  Various races tend towards certain main archetypes and these must be considered and kept in mind even if you are taking your own path.  This means, read the race cards!  This is how you know what is the normal portrayal of a racial template.

4)  NOW is the time to pick your race.  You know what is normal, both behavior and look, so now you can choose your race and design your avatar.  More important than you avatar, however, is developing your character.  Keep in mind that nothing you do is set in stone, once the race is set.  Your history can change, your behavior can change, you look can change.  Everyone has their own unique take on a race, so don't be afraid to be creative, unless there are specific requirements.  Use your imagination, create your own lore or expand on what the sim provides.  However, no matter how creative you want to be, keep in mind the racial traits of your chosen race.  Elves have pointed ears, drow have dark skin, orcs are large and green, faun/satyr have hooves and horns.... the list goes on.  These are important, no matter what you look like, as they identify you.



Do keep in mind, when coming up with your particular character history, that you do not have to have an epic sob story or a goal.  You do generally need to know why you are there now, but it does not have to be special.  "I came of age and want to travel the world" is just as valid, and possibly more interesting in the long run, as "drow killed my family and I'm out for blood."  To be honest, the sob stories can get rather trite... you tend to hear alot of the very same story over and over. There is absolutely no reason that you can't have had a happy childhood and have decided to travel now.

5)  Yay!  You have your character... you are now ready to roleplay.  Remember to keep in character and out of character separate and you will be able to have a long enjoyable time in your chosen sim.  The rules are there to help, not hinder.  Be polite out of character... and most importantly, have fun!  If it's not fun, it's time to move on or take a break.


roleplay.  All the preceding images were taken using the Bristol Windlight settings.  The first image is my home, all the following images were taken in Ambrea, the roleplay sim which I spend most of my time in.  If you would like a tour or more information about it, please feel free to contact me in world, I would love to help you more.