Roleplay

"We Are But Players on a Stage"

The First Rule: Immersion

Elara is a living, breathing world. To maintain this atmosphere, you are expected to stay In-Character (IC) at all times while playing. This means speaking, acting, and reacting not as yourself (the player), but as your character.

If you need to speak about game mechanics, real-life events, or technical issues, you must use the designated Out-of-Character (OOC) channels or commands. This separation ensures that the fantasy remains unbroken for everyone involved.

Modes of Expression

There is no single "correct" way to roleplay, but communication in Elara generally falls into three distinct categories. Mastering when to use each is key to being a dynamic storyteller.

Socials

nod, smile, bow

Short, pre-defined actions used for quick reactions. They keep the pace of a scene moving without requiring typing a full sentence.

Result: "Kaelen nods."

Speech

say Hello

The primary way your character talks. You can use the say command or simply start your line with a single quote ' or double quote ".

Result: You say, "Hello there."

Emotes

emote <text>

The most expressive form of RP. This prints exactly what you type, replacing the word "emote" with your name. It is used for detailed actions and "Poses".

The Art of the Emote

Emotes allow you to paint a picture of your character's actions. While a social is quick, an emote allows for nuance, atmosphere, and storytelling.

Player Input:

emote leans back against the cold stone wall, pulling a pipe from his vest. He strikes a match against his boot heel, the sudden flare illuminating the tired lines of his face as he takes a long, thoughtful drag.

What Everyone Sees:

Kaelen leans back against the cold stone wall, pulling a pipe from his vest. He strikes a match against his boot heel, the sudden flare illuminating the tired lines of his face as he takes a long, thoughtful drag.

Reading the Room

Context is king. A chaotic battlefield usually calls for quick socials and short shouts ("Look out!", "I'm hit!"). Conversely, a quiet evening in the tavern might warrant long, expressive paragraphs detailing exactly how your character is enjoying their stew.

There is no right or wrong length, but it is always a good idea to use the OOC Channel when joining a scene to get a feel for the expectations. Are the players writing novels back and forth? Or are they having a snappy, quick-fire conversation? Adapting to the flow of the scene is the mark of a great roleplayer.