Here are some questions and answers from a good friend of mine, Lara:
Good question, Lara. No, you don't have to have a complete character make-up or history on them when creating your character.
I don't on Daedeloth, Thalos or on Parador~J. It's like their still evolving...I'm still adding things to their character and history as I move these characters along. It's like ourselves, we are continuously learning and growing and having things happen to us. Our history is never complete until we die and even then there are things that are not always known to others.
It depends on the storyteller or the person starting the RP Story. Some jump right in and tell everyone 'lets go on an adventure!', lolol:) While the more organized person wants to at least set-up the scenario...to which I suggest. It does help to have an outline of the story's mission or what you expect from this story. Like where will it take place or start out at (although some characters will be off somewhere else and will meet up with the other characters as the story unfolds). What is the story about, kind of like a quick synopsis or overview. But no, you don't have to have a formed storyline...the goal is for everyone to participate in creating that storyline. But again, that's up to the person starting the RP story. Some might want to go in to great detail as to how the story should unfold. Everyone is different in their creations.
Now some may have rules and stuff that have to be followed such was what we did in the Mithril Knights guild. We still created our stories but within a governing set-up. We were Mithril Knights on a plethora of missions. And we had rules we had to follow because we used a Tapestry (mural) on a wall that allowed us to go back in to time. So there had to be rules for this RP.
For example the RPG I would like to start (and we can have several of them going) is the 'Paths of the Fellowship'. The synopsis of this story is basically what were others in Middle-earth doing during the Lord of the Rings saga to help fight against Sauron. Or aid him. Others have their tales to tell
This story's title and idea was created by Share. She gave me permission to use it. The ideas for this title are endless. You can create a story and then down the road at a later time create a whole new story with new characters. Many lived and participated in the War of the Ring....and were involved in the fight against Sauron. And many were fighting on the side of Sauron. So, the tales can be endless...the ideas and the fun in writing them is endless, lol
Share, David, Gerda and I just simply created our characters and starting RPing. When the first post is started...you get ideas from that post and other posts to follow. It leads you in to what you want to write. Each post gives us a clue or an idea...and it can become a jumping off point to introduce your character in to the storyline. Share did this for me in 'Paths of the Fellowship'. I was having trouble coming up with how to get Thalos in to the story. So she created a scenario for me to get started at. I knew that's what she was doing so I took it and leaped in, lol:). You get to know your fellow writers when you create stories together. Kind of like a 6th sense. It's almost like you become 'One' in thought'. Now whither people take that lead...is up to your fellow writers. They may have totally different ideas for the direction a story is to go.
Always consult with your other co-writers if you feel something your about to write my send them reeling, lolol:) But on the other hand, surprises and thrillers are always a welcome. Pretty much that's a call for you to make. You don't have to reveal every step your going to take. It's just if its going to get outlandish...at least ask if it's ok to go out in to left field for a bit and see what others think, lol. And especially if it's going to envolve another person's character. You can PM each other on this...not everyone has to know what the next cliff hanger is going to be! LOL The mystery and surprises are fun to write
Naturally, when we write...we're going to include the other characters in to our story post...such as the interactions with one another in dialogue and in actions. So it's important to get to know the other peoples characters. Study them: how they would act or not act, what would they do in a certain situation. How would they react...what would they say. It's important to know how to post another person's character in your own post. And it's not hard to do, don't let this intimidate you. I find this to be fun and a challenge. Really, it's like writing a story with all these different personalities. And if your not sure of a character's action, response, etc....ask the character's creator for advice.
As soon as we get our characters created and posted. And then someone starts a story that they feel JUST has to be told
lololol
I have an RP story we're going to start: 'Paths of the Fellowship'. But another one can get started as well.
No...just if your planning to kill another's character, lol:). But make sure you know you don't want that character to live any longer
He or she may have hopes and dreams of getting married or starting a family...or.....sorry...got carried way.
Oh...um....sure. You forget...you live in Middle-earth, lolol:)
There are many ways to come back from the Halls of Mandos...just don't get carried away with all those death scenes and keep dying and coming back to life. You know...it can get a bit addictive
He or she may have hopes and dreams of getting married or starting a family...or.....sorry...got carried way.