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Ryeniumine

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I've been roleplaying ever since my early teens, and I've learned a lot so far without an acceptable basis or at least prior knowledge on roleplaying. I've taken no advices (since apparently asking experienced roleplayers mostly lead to misunderstandings due to my insufficient details when asking), I only learned through browsing good roleplays, and kept a makeshift format (from studying common terms and basics) in mind whenever I roleplay.

But the thing is, now that I find myself in an actual community of roleplayers with a seemingly organized system of RP'ing, I feel degenerate with the knowledge I have whenever I write a prompt and not understand what a 'trope' is or what kind of 'aspects' (e.g. crime noir aspect) there are in writing a story.

Basically, I want to know how to roleplay back to square one, where the foundation is set. And to know those specific terms and aspects that I may have missed when I was starting out under my self-tutelage. A guide will suffice, and maybe include an advice as well.
 
The thing with roleplaying is that it is so much less formal than writing, though some might stress upon some formalities and technicalities because of preference, or because they use roleplaying as a tool to better themselves as writers. I don't think you really need to start from square one again, since you already have been roleplaying for so long and probably already know a fair bit of what you like and dislike. Besides, there isn't really a 'good' or a 'bad' or a 'true' way to roleplay, just (as I said before) preferences. Of course there are a few rules that will always apply, such as 'respect your partner' and the likes, but that is such a general rule it doesn't even apply to roleplaying alone.

However, if you are curious what Iwaku's credo is, the FAQ has a nice category expanded on that. You will realise, as you skim through the FAQ category that there really isn't one 'true' way of roleplaying and that Iwaku is open to all sorts of styles. Anything that goes more in depth is just a mere opinion and preference which doesn't necessarily have to coincide with your preferences and opinions.

What I do get from you is that you are looking to break out of your comfort zone? For which you don't need to start from square one to be able to do that. You could take a gander through the tag list and see if there are any themes or settings that interest you, or which you haven't done before but which you would like to try.

TL;DR: I think you are worrying too much about formalities and technicalities which really shouldn't be any reason or cause to worry. You roleplay because you find it fun, not because it stresses you or because it is your job.
 
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The thing with roleplaying is that it is so much less formal than writing, though some might stress upon some formalities and technicalities because of preference, or because they use roleplaying as a tool to better themselves as writers. I don't think you really need to start from square one again, since you already have been roleplaying for so long and probably already know a fair bit of what you like and dislike. Besides, there isn't really a 'good' or a 'bad' or a 'true' way to roleplay, just (as I said before) preferences. Of course there are a few rules that will always apply, such as 'respect your partner' and the likes, but that is such a general rule it doesn't even apply to roleplaying alone.

However, if you are curious what Iwaku's credo is, the FAQ has a nice category expanded on that. You will realise, as you skim through the FAQ category that there really isn't one 'true' way of roleplaying and that Iwaku is open to all sorts of styles. Anything that goes more in depth is just a mere opinion and preference which doesn't necessarily have to coincide with your preferences and opinions.

What I do get from you is that you are looking to break out of your comfort zone? For which you don't need to start from square one to be able to do that. You could take a gander through the tag list and see if there are any themes or settings that interest you, or which you haven't done before but which you would like to try.

TL;DR: I think you are worrying too much about formalities and technicalities which really shouldn't be any reason or cause to worry. You roleplay because you find it fun, not because it stresses you or because it is your job.

Hm, you have a point. I may have been stressing over since the beginning on finding an 'established' basis of roleplaying when there really isn't one? It has just been a bit troublesome when I encounter themes that I'm not very familiar with.

Anywho, I'll take your advice and browse the FAQ and tag list if it'll suffice my lack of knowledge. Thanks for the tip. ^w^
 
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Just to add to Nemo's advice, you can also check out this RESOURCE - Helpful Links.

Its a list of guides that handle everything from grammar, writing tone, editing, etc. Its a great place to start especially when you want to become a little more familiar with role playing, world building and character development.

Hope that helps!
 
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