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| Paloma Saunders |
 Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 1:01 am Post subject: Some Questions/Introduction. |
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Joined: 28 Mar 2008
Posts: 8
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
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Hello Midian City!
First things first, I must say I am very happy to have found such a well designed & active RP sim on SL. I've been searching for one for about a year and have been dissatisfied either with the over all maturity of the players or the lack of organization (I believe that even in freeform RP some is needed). I did a good deal of observing in Midian before creating a new avatar especially for RP there. I've joined all the interesting looking open enroll groups and followed the RP academy enrollment instructions. Rented an apartment & outfitted my avi. Now I am excited to get started! I have pasted the RP Academy Questionnaire at the bottom of this post if anyone is interested in my RP background and the character I hope to bring to Midian City. Or willing to give some suggestions.
I do have some questions and I hope this is the right spot to ask them. I've spent about a week exploring the city and getting a feel for the layout and even OOC observing some of the RP happening. I understand jumping into the middle of someone else's scene is poor form and I am really reluctant to have too many serious RP interactions until I go through the RP academy and find out if there is a desired niche that needs filling. So I am wondering if there is a sort of neutral (gosh maybe that is not the right word for Midian, but I hope you get the gist) area where people might experience "meet & greet RP"?
I've checked out the Snake Pit & Twilight Zone & the Pool Hall several times in hopes of finding some introductory RP but have sadly found them empty. Can someone give me an idea of the times when these areas might have some traffic?
Is joining a faction necessary to be involved in the larger arcs of the city? Is this the best way to find RP happening?
I like a challenge, since Midian City is considered dark, I figure playing it light would be one. Or at the very lease naive to the world around my character until IC interaction changes that. Are there many "good" (I know that is subjective, lets say, light/just/honorable/honest/non-violent) characters around? Would this be a challenging trait to have in Midian? Is there a place I should be directing my RP to find a like ilk?
Okay, I think that is all for now. I will try my best to be patient and wait for notices for RP classes, I just had some burning questions & wanted to introduce myself as well.
~Paloma
From the Questionnaire:
How long have you been in SL?
This is a new avatar, specifically for urban roleplay. I have been in SL for over a year.
How much time have you spent in Midian?
About three weeks observing on another avatar, before creating this one especially for roleplaying in
Midian City.
How much role-play experience do you have in SecondLife?
About a year. Roleplaying on several EQ like sims, a HP sim & a dark horror sim. I have not been
satisfied with finding a busy sim that has established arcs, a mature player base & a firm no OOC policy.
I hope I have found this in Midian City.
How much role-play experience do you have outside of SecondLife (D&D, WoW, etc.)?
About 13 years experience RPing. PnP, forum based, MMOs & LARP. Group & guild leadership
experience as well as extensive RP event planning, RP tutorial building & mentoring.
Please tell us as much as possible about your interest in Midian roleplay and about what sorts of roles you would be interested in playing. Please be as specific as possible.
I roleplay very open ended except for any background story & foundation traits I give my character. I do however gravitate towards healer archtypes as I am a nurse IRL and I feel it adds to the realm of realism when playing a character. I felt the best way to make my character "green" &naive to the ways of Midian City is to have had her childhood spent in seclusion, kept cloistered away by her protective/reclusive father. This way I feel any faction she may eventually join or any job she may take on will come via interaction with the residents of Midian City, with no preconceived plans for her pathway. That being said I do like to be involved and to help better any RP community I am a part of, so if there is a job that needs filling, I am happy to give my character an OOC push in that direction, while it in keeping with her basic principle persona. My background however is not yet set in stone, so again, if there is a role that needs filling I am willing to give it a try.
Would you be interested in participating in roleplay training sessions to introduce you to the basics of roleplay within Midian?
Yes I would. I would be interested in learning about the static and freeform arcs in Midian City &
how they are established as well as learning about the roles factions play. As well as having
an introduction to the city and its basic ebb & flow.
What days of the week and times of day are you generally online, and available for rolepaly within Midian? Please give answers using SL Time.
I am on SLT & generally available any time except for tue, wed, thurs when I work rl 12h shifts. I usually gear my play time towards evenings SL time during the weekdays & mornings SL time on weekends.
Please feel free to tell us anything else about yourself or your interests that might help us to help you get the most out of your Midian experience. Also, if there are specific skills you have, or areas where you might be able to assist us, please let us know that as well.
As stated above I have experience and enjoy event planning for MMOs. I enjoy OOC mentoring & helping with character building for new RPers. I am also not opposed to filling jobs/roles that need filling though I prefer to have my characters shaped by their environment & IC interactions. OOC I have no problem volunteering my time to RP communities I participate in.
Are you interested in roleplaying the victim in a sexual assault.
I have no problem playing the part of a sexual assault victim if it makes sense within a scene and with my characters basic principle persona.
Are you interested in roleplaying the victim in non-sexual attack (assault, vampire attack, murder, etc.)
Yes, see previous answer. I also enjoy playing NPCs when needed!
Are you interested in roleplaying the perpetrator of a crime of some sort.
Yes, however currently, my character is naive & still hopeful & uncorrupted, so there would need to be an IC catalyst to turn her to a life of crime.
Are you interested in roleplaying combat.
Yes, again while it's keeping with my charactrers bpp.
Are you interested in joining a Midian faction (CatWalkers, Mercenaries, Police, Vampires, etc. Please see the City Guide for a full list)?
Yes, I definately would like to be a part of a group eventually as my character becomes established.
Are you interested in roleplaying as a caregiver (doctor, nurse, minister/priest, social-worker, etc.)
Yes, in fact this is my expertise. I currently work as a RN/case worker (ie social services) in an ER irl. I've already given my character a loose medical background having her spend most of her childhood reading through her fathers library which included plenty of medical books. If a social worker/doctor/nurse role is available, I would be willing to give my character an OOC push along that pathway. I've played a doctor/surgeon/field medic in just about every MMO & rp forum I've participated in.
Are you interested in roleplaying some sort of non-violent job or function within the city of Midian
(e.g., bartender, dancer, waiter/waitress, reporter, city official)
Yes, definitely. I figured to earn her way around the city my character would need a basic job, like bartender or waitress at first. |
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| Shilandar Deledda |
| Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 1:10 am Post subject: |
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Joined: 13 Sep 2007
Posts: 299
Location: Wherever the trail leads
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Heya there. There is a mix of good and bad elements, some feel justice is a cause to uphold, others feel their own 'brand' of justice suits the realm best. They are about though, and I would say the difficulty to RP them is really dependant on your ability to play your character... though beware on the forums, the bad guys don't always 'like' the good guys. ;)
As for the times of activity, a lot of the places have one or two people in the 'now and then' area, but primarily a lot of those active are on during the evenings of the SL time. I've personally found 4 PM SLT and beyond to be the busier moments of the day, though there are times earlier in the morning when some are on. There is a great deal of Europeans in the sim as well, so it isn't surprising to have a flux of greater numbers in 'our/American' daytime.
Welcome on in and beset of luck with your roleplay, eh?
_________________
"In this world everyone is either played, or playing with someone else. Be it their body, mind, heart, or soul. Live your life the way that makes you happy, because you never know when it will be snuffed out."
- Chi Sutekh, twin brother of Pera Sutekh |
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| Aegyptia Elvehjem |
| Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 1:25 am Post subject: Re: Some Questions/Introduction. |
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Joined: 13 Jun 2007
Posts: 1125
Location: incognito or Bangkok Records
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| Paloma Saunders wrote: |
| Is joining a faction necessary to be involved in the larger arcs of the city? Is this the best way to find RP happening? |
Yes, I found it made being a part of the larger story easier, but it is not impossible to go it alone, just harder to get long term stuff going.
Welcome to Midian. ^^
_________________
(Pera Sutekh, twin sis of Chigaru) BIO!>Pera
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| J8 Skall |
| Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 9:42 am Post subject: |
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Joined: 20 Mar 2007
Posts: 788
Location: God knows.....Follow the trail of blood
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This is a very quick answer to points I noticed, when scanning your post, I'll come back later an add more detail to my reply.
Simply though I would now consider a faction of some sort essential, I dont have a real faction at the moment (Shadows have no interfaction roleplay, I am in no way related to the current lot IC), and I find roleplay exceedingly difficult, despite having been here almost since the sim opened.
So yes, to the faction point in my opinion.
As for playing a god character, thereis hardly a dirth of those, there's so many white knights and people ready to take the moral stance IC against bad characters and, for the various RP confused people, OOC aswell.
Playing an evil (but complex evil - not a torture/rape 'robot', some realistic character), or atleast an antisocial or rude, insular character, would be more rare that joining the current good contingent who put real day morals and social standards into the post apocalyptic, Darwinian setting.
Couse if you can't have fun playing a bad or 'grey' character, or for some other reason it doesn't sit easy, then by all means go good. But if your looking for a challeneg, play a baddish character well, there are so few of us about, I view going 'good' for the easy life and happy family moral hero roleplay as the easy way out.
Just my ideas on the subjects I scanned that struck a chord with me - I'll give you a more reasoned, complete answer later ;)
Welcome, and Have fun!
_________________
Jay Skall
(All arguements [or discussion points] stated above are the player's opinion only, they are not truth from on high, the subversive whisperings of satan or the grunted rumblings of a troll... Incase you were struggling with the concept...) |
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| Marina Storaro |
| Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 3:57 pm Post subject: |
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Joined: 07 Mar 2007
Posts: 197
Location: Your location is no longer available. You have been moved to a nearby region.
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Welcome Paloma 
If I see you about I'll make sure to IM you and talk 'in person' about the questions you have, likewise, if you see my name, please don't hesitate to IM me. I'm a long-time Midian RP'er and a mentor, and more than happy to 'show you around'.
Since the questionnaire just skims the surface of what kind of character you're wanting to play, and the kind of roleplay you're interested in, there are additional thoughts and considerations that can be real helpful to marinate in as well - let's find each other, and see you in-game! |
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| Paloma Saunders |
| Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 5:24 pm Post subject: |
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Joined: 28 Mar 2008
Posts: 8
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
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Thank you everyone so much for your welcomes and replies. I will definitely look deeper into the roles factions play now and I will keep an eye out for you Marina, thanks so much.
Jay Skall your post was very informative. That is what I get for presuming, I figured in a post-apocalyptic dark urban RP setting there would be a moral minority. One of my favorite characters I've played of all times was cruel and manipulative for enjoyment and lived by her own set of moral standards that gave her a complete sense of entitlement to be evil to those she loathed, empower those she loved (as a narcissist she only loved those like her or those who could help her get ahead) and bring misery to those she deigned unworthy. She had so many layers and such contradicting strengths and weaknesses and I loved playing her for four years. (I think evil/bad characters should definitely have a vivid Achilles heel for balance and fairness) She was not overtly violent or aggressive, she formed symbiotic relationships with the "evilly insane" and "brutal"and used them to do her "dirty work" while they gained access to the mainstream environment and therefore more victims via her. The only thing I dreaded was how some in the community viewed me OOC. I was an active community member, a co-guild leader and held player events weekly and some players could not let go of my evil persona when OOC. No matter how helpful I might be on the forums, I was still "the bitch". No matter how organized and friendly/fun my guild was some people assumed it would be miserable to be a member, no matter how fun my events some people would not come or would schedule their events at the same time because why would you give such a nasty person the time of day? Hehe, some people really crack me up with their inability to keep OOC and IC separate, but I realize you have to deal with it in any MMO you play. Oh, I always keep a "newbie kit" full of items and information useful to new players coming into the RP communities I've played in and when playing a nasty character I've had it refused because they had been "warned" about me, funny when I've played good ones it's never been refused. However, like I said, I love a challenge. I may have to rethink Paloma's basic instincts and traits. Thanks for your thoughts!
~Paloma |
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| Father Eamon |
| Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 6:10 pm Post subject: |
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Joined: 01 Feb 2008
Posts: 90
Location: St. Michael's Church, Midian City
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Hey, Paloma, and welcome!
As head of the Parish faction, I'm probably the most outwardly obvious "good" character in Midian (although, as you noted, that's open to interpretation. *laughs*) I don't think playing a good character in Midian is a huge challenge, because as Jay noted, there are quite a few. The challenge I have found is more in playing a blatant Catholic in Midian--and not just a Catholic, but a priest and the acting head of a faction that must strive against "the dark" by its very nature.
So I'd say if you still want to play a good guy and are looking for a challenge, come to the Parish. LOL! I'm biased, sure, but I also think it's a good place for newbies to ease into play, since the clergy and nuns are always welcoming IC. |
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| Lancer Oldrich |
| Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 6:25 pm Post subject: |
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Joined: 28 Jan 2008
Posts: 57
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| J8 Skall wrote: |
...I would now consider a faction of some sort essential, I dont have a real faction at the moment...
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First, welcome!
To add a different slant to what J8 and others stated, it *is* possible to find rp without deliberately seeking a faction immediately.
Merely pit yourself between two (or more) that aren't on good terms with one another, and see what develops.
Of course, long term, eventually joining a faction will provide benefits
| J8 Skall wrote: |
As for playing a go[o]d character, thereis hardly a dirth of those, there's so many white knights and people ready to take the moral stance IC against bad characters and, for the various RP confused people, OOC aswell.
Playing an evil (but complex evil - not a torture/rape 'robot', some realistic character), or atleast an antisocial or rude, insular character, would be more rare that joining the current good contingent who put real day morals and social standards into the post apocalyptic, Darwinian setting.
Couse if you can't have fun playing a bad or 'grey' character, or for some other reason it doesn't sit easy, then by all means go good. But if your looking for a challeneg, play a baddish character well, there are so few of us about, I view going 'good' for the easy life and happy family moral hero roleplay as the easy way out.
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You'll probably find Paloma, quite a few lengthy threads discussing the how "dark" the sim is currently, whether this is a bad or good thing, as well as how the balance of "white" to "gray" to "black" characters is affecting that vision.
In my couple of months here, I've run into far more gray cloaks than those on either end. (Though I think a few of the black cloaks would say the ones I call gray are actually white, hehe.) Here is where it gets interesting. There are some white cloaks who are just "seen" that way because of who they're affiliated with publicly i.e. Church Parish, or Desperadoes. There are others who are driven by a particular moral code, be it something derived from current day morality and ethics, or derived over the course of a long period of roleplaying that character. In short, there are a lot of flavors of white cloaks.
Quite a few of these characters are locked in the midst of internal struggle, while dealing with outside influences; either from interfaction story, personal relationships, and so on. Some are trying to clean up. Others are soaking in the dye.
I would say however, that on the opposite end of the spectrum, evil is just, well evil. There are a multitude of diverse motivations as to why something evil is done, but when it is exposed, people recognize it when they see it. Discovering how and why it happens, who does it affect, *how* does it affect them, makes for a great roleplaying experience too, as any player who plays a black cloak here can attest to.
Bear in mind all of this is just my modest perspective, based on a few months of playing here. This might change radically in another month or two. =)
Regardless, you've really chosen a good way however, to figure things out so to speak for yourself in your own way; it's admirable seeing the amount of time you spent before you actually decided to step in. I'm sure the preliminary work will pay dividends for you!
Hope to see you! =) |
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| J8 Skall |
| Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 9:06 pm Post subject: |
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Joined: 20 Mar 2007
Posts: 788
Location: God knows.....Follow the trail of blood
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I wouldnt say its impossible to be alone, indeed I have been before and have handled fine, got handed Guild Master at the end of it. However currently, with the character I play, having no significant IC orOOC backup just means I get swamped with silly attacks, and alos means when I dont fuck or torture people I get very, very bored, as that seems to be the only thing the majority of the city needs me for, and seeing as I haven't done either of those things in the 2 weeks since my return to anyone except Kitten, my OOC partner, then I tend to find roelplaying without a faction boring, indeed, few concern themsevs with Jay or even let me into roleplay, being blocked out OOC cause IC he's trouble and enjoyes tearing at and working over organisations.
Now it all depends what kind of character you want to play, after 15 months of Jay mine's pretty built up and is a character that is hard to change justifiably at the moment.
On the other hand you start with a clean slate, so can tailor your character to working alone if needs be, indeed Lancer is kind of new and he's done that.
As for evilness, personally I think an 'evil' character is boring, and endeavour not to play one, whatever others might think. My rather extensive, if old, bio, is merely the tip of the iceberg regarding my chars psychology morals and personality, and indeed history, and complex evil characters who manipulate and work by their own private logic and reasoning. If you have an interest in playign such a character, I would say go for it, as I live mine, and he seems at first glance built on the same principles, if, at first glance, he is more overtly agressive, a sociaopath verging of being a psychopath.
And, I can't beat the OOC IC stigma, mentoring, providing freebie pack and working on and helping factions beside my own aswell as general good conduct dont do anything when people decide to lable you either and come at you with preconceptions and accusations that are , to be frank ridiculous. I can't give you any advice on the problem or how to counter it, figure its soemthing you have to deal with - if you crack it though, pass on the secret...
_________________
Jay Skall
(All arguements [or discussion points] stated above are the player's opinion only, they are not truth from on high, the subversive whisperings of satan or the grunted rumblings of a troll... Incase you were struggling with the concept...) |
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| Savage_Cake |
| Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2008 7:55 pm Post subject: |
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Joined: 07 Nov 2007
Posts: 8
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| Is joining a faction necessary to be involved in the larger arcs of the city? Is this the best way to find RP happening? |
Joining a faction of course is not necessary but you might want to join which you can if you search for groups of the Midian City and Midian City Chat so you know whats going on and just discussions that ones should know. But I have actually had a discussion, lengthy, with some persons if one should actually join a faction, well yes of course. But I would say wait a bit, maybe a month or two and look around to see what best fits your character. Yes, factions are a great source of roleplay but also I think it is important to get an 'out of faction' experience with every faction. If your faction you join tends to hate another faction you will never get the full story. Odina was factionless for a month or two as well and she fit the Midian Park Rangers well but only after some lengthy roleplay which was worth it. But I got a good perspective of what every faction was about and what every faction goals were at being a factionless player character. Finding a faction should be one that YOU and your character enjoy.
Other places that you can roleplay until that time maybe -- I had Odina just wander around and those that know her would say she wanders quite a bit and one can find a HANDFUL of trouble that way, at least for the character. But the character discovers and learns new experience with every handful of trouble, your character grows in that sense. If your character was in a faction that you had joined in your first week of play, waiting about two more months your character might be a completely different character than what you first started out with.
And the discussion of 'being' with someone in Midian City. Well to shift from the topic at hand Midian is a Dark roleplaying sim. So its very hard to 'get' with someone and stay with that someone over periods of time. Sometimes it gets boring hehe. But you will find that person that just strikes your interest and no Chigaru I'm not talking about you. ;) . It took Odina about five months to find someone th at was well matched for her so in that time, yeah she played around and in that time, yeah there was some drama but she changed and things changed and left that behind. Just because there is one bad grape on the vine doesnt mean to throw all the grapes away however. Your character will eventually be matched with a romantic interest, sometimes it is inevitable.
Finally, all of these notes have been made for you hun, I hope you find this information useful. This is just what I have experienced along the way in Midian City and I look forward to roleplaying with you someday and a great big welcome to you!
_________________
Odina Darkstone |
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| Atmlady Alcott |
| Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2008 9:10 pm Post subject: |
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Joined: 27 Mar 2007
Posts: 722
Location: Not in Pleasentville. It's just not nice there anymore.
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| Welcome Paloma: A pleasure having you here |
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