RPing Questions? Ask Here!

[Route 6]

Wait, how was I not doing my war thing right? How do I declare war on people? Please tell me if you can!

Thank you!

[Welgium]

Wait, how was I not doing my war thing right? How do I declare war on people? Please tell me if you can!

Thank you!

He has to agree to RP with you or else there is no war. He is free to decline.

[Virana]

Wait, how was I not doing my war thing right? How do I declare war on people? Please tell me if you can!

Thank you!

The first step is to communicate with the other person OOCly and make sure they're willing to RP a war. From a glance at your RP, you need to focus first on understanding the difference between OOC (out of character) and IC (in character). The best description of this can be found here, but in short, IC is the point of view of the characters you create and their interactions with others, whereas OOC is you as a person communicating with someone else (not as a nation).

Another thing to understand is that you cannot decide the outcome of a war yourself - you need to let the other person do that. For example, you said: "to send its full forces of the military rolling into your capital" but how'd you get to their capital? Unless their capital is right at their border, it'd require going through a portion of their country first, fighting against their forces. And even then, you cannot say that you won without consulting the other person; generally, both of you should agree on who gets to advance after a given part of the RP OOCly.

Also, the goal of RPing is to have fun and write a good story (not necessarily to win, although that can be one of your objectives ). There are lots of good war RP threads on NS, and if you want, I can link a few examples for you or demonstrate it in an RP with you. Myself and the other mentors (and, of course, much of the rest of the community) are willing to answer any other questions you may have

[Delmonte]

I never said it had to necessarily be communism. That was just an example. You could apply any ideology, of any classification to your state. Read between the lines.

Anyways, as far as FT goes, there's a monarch behind every other corner. Galactic empires with undying emporers is just a cool concept for some people. If you want originality, and still want a monarchy, you will be wanting to find something unique that doesn't pertain to your government, because even with some semantic difference, it'll just be seen as another monarchy or another empire. Of course, some empires do stand out, but it isnt because of their king or how he obtains power. For an example, everybody loves Huerdae because he simply doesn't give a shit about life, and can simply outgun anybody who crosses him. Rather, use the generic ish monarch (or any other system, your choice), but also do realize that you need more than just a unique head of state to shine.

Military. Culture. Something on a large scale that will be reflected by the whole of your nation nd the ives of its people. Something that will actually allow you to stand out. A unique head of state, who is but a single person and thus a single character isn't going to cut it if you want awesomeness originality. To make a long story short, make your nation unique, not a single character.

I understand what you're saying. My original FT nation failed because it was essentially a single character. Once I removed him, the basis of the nation fell apart.

I am going to try and develop a unique culture for my nation. FT furries would probably fit into the alien bracket so I have some lee-way regarding non-human concepts.

I understand what you're saying. My original FT nation failed because it was essentially a single character. Once I removed him, the basis of the nation fell apart.

I am going to try and develop a unique culture for my nation. FT furries would probably fit into the alien bracket so I have some lee-way regarding non-human concepts.

I think there are advantages to roleplaying a monarchy or a dictator, as it reduces characters. Like you pointed out, basing your nation on one person is problematic. I think culture is important and oft misunderstood and under developed part of a nation, and you are right to focus on it. As far as wolf based cultures, the whole idea of the alpha dog has gone out of fashion with wolf scientists. Not that you should let that get in the way of a good idea. If you are interested you can look here: http://www.4pawsu.com/alphawolf.pdf As far as form of government, if you want something unique, you can easily make up your own. What I rarely see in NS is governments with multiple heads of state, such as the Roman Consuls or San Marino.

It really isn't necessary to have multiple heads of state for your roleplaying to have diverse characters. My nation, a modern reincarnation of Venice, effectively lays 90% of power at the Doge's doorstep. He has the power to dismiss and appoint high-ranking ministers more or less at his leisure, can declare war, institute national laws by decree, raise armies, levy taxes, and even make ministries appear or vanish overnight. But I have a litany of characters to draw upon. And someone doesn't have to be in your government to use them as a character.

[Russian people of america]

i have a question but it isn't about RPing, i don't know who to ask though.

some guy swore at me in a thread, is that allowed or is it not, any info would be helpful

[Aquitayne]

i have a question but it isn't about RPing, i don't know who to ask though.

some guy swore at me in a thread, is that allowed or is it not, any info would be helpful

I think this would best answer your question. See #2.

[Russian people of america]

i have a question but it isn't about RPing, i don't know who to ask though.

some guy swore at me in a thread, is that allowed or is it not, any info would be helpful

I think this would best answer your question. See #2.

i read it, i have never saw this guy before so i don't know if he is having a bad or if he is always like this. the exact swear was 'fucking asshole' so i'm a little lost on what too do

[Aquitayne]

I think this would best answer your question. See #2.

i read it, i have never saw this guy before so i don't know if he is having a bad or if he is always like this. the exact swear was 'fucking asshole' so i'm a little lost on what too do

Either ignore it, act more civil, or approach the situation with a more conciliatory tone. People will be dicks, it's just important to be cordial regardless, it is a game after all.

[Russian people of america]

i read it, i have never saw this guy before so i don't know if he is having a bad or if he is always like this. the exact swear was 'fucking asshole' so i'm a little lost on what too do

Either ignore it, act more civil, or approach the situation with a more conciliatory tone. People will be dicks, it's just important to be cordial regardless, it is a game after all.

ok thanks

[Astholm]

I have a new RP at viewtopic.php?f=5&t=282276 ; but, how do I gain interest, is the plot workable?

[Vorkova]

As a USSR inspired state, what kind of economy should I expect if Gorbachev-esque reforms where pushed through much earlier? I have my population and GDP more or less equal to the US's at the moment, with my GDP per capita a small bit lower. Politically, my nation is similar to what Gorbachev initially wanted. Although the communist party is the only legal party, multiple candidates are allowed to run against each other during elections. Official voting blocs have been formed inside the communist party, which had it's power over the government removed in 1985. My nations economy has followed a mixed model since the 1970's, with most forms of private business legal. The government does regulate the market to a degree and all banks are nationalised, but anything else is fair game (Expect for armaments manufacturing, which is government controlled to protect national security).

[Delmonte]

I have a new RP at viewtopic.php?f=5&t=282276 ; but, how do I gain interest, is the plot workable?

Took a gander at your thread. I have a couple ideas. First of all, if you want people to involve themselves, make it less of a hassle for them to do so. I say do away with the applications nonsense. It's a hassle and feels very cookie cutter. Also, if you want people to be involved try inviting some people with a personal telegram.

Also, the plot, while workable, seriously confines writers. They'll have to write about immigrants going to your nation or characters from your nation. So you're casting a narrow net. The more flexibility you offer people the more involvement you're likely to garner. Plus you've got people who are only interested in writing about their leaders or members of government. I, for instance, probably wouldn't be interested in the RP for reasons along that line.

[Astholm]

What would make a good RP plot then?
I know what won't happen as a plot:
War RP's - too complex
Fantasy - not interested in that area, again too complex to write.

But what could, as a general topic area, make for a good one?
Political? Medical? Trade? I'm not that sure, the reason why is, I'd been so heavily invested on here in Factbooks and Global Economics and Trade that I need to improve my RP'ing skills.

[Mizialand]

What would make a good RP plot then?
I know what won't happen as a plot:
War RP's - too complex
Fantasy - not interested in that area, again too complex to write.

But what could, as a general topic area, make for a good one?
Political? Medical? Trade? I'm not that sure, the reason why is, I'd been so heavily invested on here in Factbooks and Global Economics and Trade that I need to improve my RP'ing skills.

There is no single answer to that question - it is up to you to decide. Remember that 'good' is a relative term - you might consider chocolate to be good but I may think that its bad. Any theme or topic you feel comfortable in can be good.

For starters, you can try attempting to write various kinds of essays (not RP, just a small 250-300 words piece of writing) - such as imaginative (need not always be fantasy - perhaps you could imagine falling in love), reflective (where you say what your views are on a particular topic - say, democracy), argumentative (you argue for or against a topic), story writing (for example, Write an original short story which illustrates the truth of the statement, One lie leads to another), stimulus (a piece of recording or a picture - you write a story or a description or an account based on it). The topic where ideas automatically come to your mind, you are most comfortable with that topic.

The problem players face is what to write. You cannot learn composition in a single day - it might take days, months even. My advice would be to read books - a lot of them (I have challenged myself that I will read 24 books this year - I am already through 2 of them). Do not read old fashioned novels; read new books like The Hunger Games or The Lost Symbol. You can also see really good RPs that are out there ( try this one - viewtopic.php?f=5&t=275601). Note that manner of writing.

Many a times, you face problem with description - you simply cannot describe the setting. Most of the people write only what they see. You have other senses also - write what you smell, what you taste, what you hear, what you feel. For example, a description of a beach would include - the cool sea breeze, the waves banging against the shore, the sound of the air, your feet sinking into the sand etc.

Remember that the ultimate idea is to have fun. Write what gives you pleasure.

[Astholm]

I did have one idea; a breakaway state is formed within Astholm, and although the government recognizes its right as an autonomous region, it does not recognize its status as an independent nation, as per territorial integrity.

Riots and protests break out etc. and an international meeting is held to determine the status of it.

Would this be a good idea? (influenced by states like Transnistria, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Nagorno-Karabakh, Kosovo etc.)

[Osterlais]

I did have one idea; a breakaway state is formed within Astholm, and although the government recognizes its right as an autonomous region, it does not recognize its status as an independent nation, as per territorial integrity.

Riots and protests break out etc. and an international meeting is held to determine the status of it.

Would this be a good idea? (influenced by states like Transnistria, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Nagorno-Karabakh, Kosovo etc.)

I think it is a good start. Although, with the wrong rpers it will easily turn into a war.

[Astholm]

I think it is a good start. Although, with the wrong rpers it will easily turn into a war.

I'm looking at it more from the human and political side. The military have no part in this RP for now.
These are some of the issues facing the breakaway nation:

• A police force is formed independently of Astholm government - police corruption is rampant
• Rioting breaks out frequently.
• Obviously not everyone agrees with the idea of a new nation.
• An overabundance of food causes riots - not a shortage of it - for once.
• The police (as in the Constabulary which covers that area) do not accept the independent police force, and arrest their officers for impersonation.
• The breakaway nation is also discovered as a mass-sender of spam.
• Iain Donaldson, Prime Minister of Astholm, accepts their autonomy but not their status as a nation, and calls for an international conference.

This would also look at the political side, with an international conference to discuss the disputed status of the region.

Some basic facts on this breakaway nation:

• It is 4,483 km² total area
• Official languages: English, Russian, Lithuanian, Hindi (spoken by Indian diaspora)
• Currency: Astholm pound (£) (default), Rouble (PRB) - de facto currency
• Population: 509,426
• Borders: Thorpe Russia, and the county of Southarlowehumbershire in Astholm ("County of the South grey hill on the Humber river")
• Ethnic groups:
  32.4% Astholmian
  30.4% Russian
  28.8% Lithuanian
  2.2% Estonian
  6.2% others (1.2% Rētalōga Astholmian, 0.5% Marathi)

[Alenahtl]

Where can I find a good factbook template that resembles templates commonly used in Wikipedia nation entries ? I see them all the time but I don't know how to use the code well enough.

[Tiami]

viewtopic.php?f=23&t=256878

This guide has helped a great deal of players, so it should be able to help you. If you have questions, you can TG me or contact the op in link mentioned above.

[Alenahtl]

http://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=256878

This guide has helped a great deal of players, so it should be able to help you. If you have questions, you can TG me or contact the op in link mentioned above.

Holy Crap, thanks!

[Tiami]

http://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=256878

This guide has helped a great deal of players, so it should be able to help you. If you have questions, you can TG me or contact the op in link mentioned above.

Holy Crap, thanks!

If you have any other questions, feel free to TG me.

[Astholm]

I have my new RP here and have TG'd some people from a region to gain interest; is that one way to get it to work and make it popular?

Also, is the plotline workable enough, it being a gentle character-driven RP? (sort of like made-for-TV drama or soap opera)

[Central European Empire]

How do you join a RP? I am interested in playing, but no one invited me.

[Lamoni]

With open RPs, you could join them directly, as long as you talk to the person who made the thread. With closed RPs, no such luck.

Of course, you can also start your own RP, and then invite others.

[Ronisium]

I wondered whether someone could point me to some good II or NS Past Tech RPs, preferably situated between (tech-wise) 1789 and 1914. Thanks in advance!