This is just what it says: a list of standards, not a list of rules. We're a community of adults - we do not attempt to run your RP life or tell you how to play. However, most of our members have been roleplaying for years and are used to certain things. Therefore, they're most likely to seek out and enjoy your company if you abide by these basic precepts, which are nearly-universally agreed upon as being features of "good roleplay."

First, a definition of "good roleplay": Roleplay that is likely to entertain the greatest number of other players without stepping on their toes or conflicting with the way they choose to imagine their own story. You can never please everyone, but the ideal should be that anyone who runs across you in-game will be entertained by your character (even if it just means loving to hate him/her).

And now, without further ado, the DP Roleplay Standards.

  1. Your character is not a "toon." When you roleplay, your character is a person, with his own temperament, dreams, fears, and quirks. Roleplaying means seeing through the eyes of your character - even if he's not currently speaking! - and seeing the world as he would see it, not simply using him as a tool by which you can experience a computer game.
  2. The point of roleplay is to create emotion (in those who are playing with you, not just in yourself!) - laughter, suspense, joy, chills, even tears if you're really good.
  3. Blizzard's lore is canon. Without agreement on the basics, RP can go nowhere. So learn your world and be aware of your surroundings. You can get help with lore in our Lore Library.
  4. Roleplay is an ensemble effort with no stars, unlike most fantasy fiction (which is hero-based). Think Heroes or Lost rather than Supernatural or Buffy. Don't try to make yourself automatically special by virtue of a "chosen one" type backstory. Earn respect and attention through your character's actions, instead.
  5. Do only what your character would do, even if it means there are certain characters you can just never roleplay or group with. Your character does not have to be friends with everyone's character. However, remember to be polite ooc even if your character is being rude (a quick ooc /tell apologizing for your character's behavior can work wonders!)
  6. Show, don't tell. Don't announce your character's thoughts and feelings. Show them through dialogue, facial expressions, and other means that your fellow characters can realistically observe. Example: "Fubar furrows his brow and glares at Divan" rather than "Fubar thinks Divan is pushing her luck."