One x One Roleplaying Primer
by Hana
by Hana
[fieldbox="Overview, Teal, dashed, Trebuchet MS"]One of the most active parts of the site would be the One on Ones IC section. One x One, or 1x1 roleplaying, is one of the most popular forms of RP. There are a number of advantages to this form of roleplaying that makes it so popular, and along with those also come a number of things to learn and remember.
This guide aims to give people an understanding of how this popular roleplay type works, basic terms, and how to search for or join roleplays. It would also give people the basics of how Iwaku works for those who are interested in 1x1. If people, however, need a more basic guide to roleplaying, please check out this guide. It covers more general terms as well as site mechanics.[/fieldbox][fieldbox="Table of Contents, Teal, dashed, Trebuchet MS"]1. One on One Roleplaying
2. How 1x1 Works
3. Advantages & Disadvantages: Is 1x1 The Fit For You?
4. Partner Searches
5. 1x1 RP Etiquette[/fieldbox]
One on One Roleplaying
- 1x1, One on One, or private roleplaying is a roleplay that involves only two players. It is similar, or often equivalent, to collaborative writing between two people. They plan out the roleplay, the setting, and the plot together, depending on whether or not they prefer to let one partner lead or the both of them desire to drive the roleplay.
How One on One Works
Private roleplays on Iwaku enable players to have a lot of freedom over how they run their roleplays. They may roleplay either through forum threads, or through the site's private conversation features. The player that leads the plot and the world settings, and usually takes over the direction of the roleplay could be considered the equivalent of the Game Master from group roleplays. Unlike group roleplays, however, the partners in a private roleplay are more closely working together on what they want to achieve.
The terms 'aggressive' and 'passive' usually refers to whether or not a player prefers to direct or drive the roleplay (aggressive), or whether they prefer to let themselves be guided and lead throughout the story (passive). Despite being a passive player, the player can still affect and drive the direction the story takes through their characters' interactions with the settings and situations put before them. A common misconception is that a passive roleplayer lets their partner take all the control.
In Iwaku, the IC and OOC sections of a private roleplay are respectively accorded to the One on Ones In Character forum and the Seeking One one One Partners forum. The latter forum is used both for seeking partners and also for storing roleplaying information and OOC discussion between partners, similar to the OOC threads for group roleplays. As a rule, OOC comments within IC threads should be avoided and will be deleted by moderators if it's the sole content of a thread post.
There are also common traits and features that roleplayers feature in a one on one roleplay.
- Most one x one roleplays feature some kind of preplanned or featured pairing between the two player's 'main characters'. These are called pairing plots, or simply pairings, and are a way for partners to brainstorm or find ideas for a plot to roleplay. Common and oft-used pairings include Vampire x Human, Angel x Demon, Princess/Prince x Servant - you may notice that they often feature opposing characters. Most of the time (but not always), these pairs are intended as romantic matches. However, that doesn't always have to be the case. It could simply be a partnership between the two main characters throughout the course of the story. In a partner search, the poster posts their desired pairings, and they will usually have the first choice on what role they get to play.
- Romance, romance, romance. This is usually the desired theme for most roleplayers when they seek a private roleplay. It's usually expected, but it's also not unheard of for a roleplayer to explicitly state that they're not expecting a romance to happen. Or that they would prefer not for it to happen at all.
- Closer, collaborative plotting in regards to lore and worldbuilding. When you join or look into a group roleplay, you may notice that most of the game's setting and world has already been planned or decided by the game master who may prefer more or less control over directing the story. This is not the case in a one x one. A roleplayer who seeks partners usually hopes to get more than just one roleplay, and that's why they put out a list of different ideas and plots - it may not be as detailed as the premise set out in a group roleplay, but it's something that can be worked and expanded upon by the partners. And usually, they are able to discuss and collaborate more closely.
- Smaller cast of player characters. Because there are only two roleplayers playing in the game, it is hard to implement as many characters or as large a cast as in a group roleplay. To get around this, most roleplayers in a private roleplay prefer to use only one or two player characters each to themselves and only feature supporting characters or NPCs when the scene calls for other people to be around. The focus of the roleplay is more centered on the two main characters and how they react to the situations planned out for them. More advanced and clever players are capable of playing larger casts and characters, and to be able to handle more characters, it's good not to limit oneself to playing only a handful of characters. Bubble worlds of only your main pairing (if it is a pairing plot) is much less creative than fleshing out a world where your characters can interact not only with each other, but with other characters that feel like actual people.
- The plots, situations, and twists are more or less planned out and discussed more between the two partners. In a group roleplay, the GM may be able to surprise their players and lay out unexpected twists to keep them alert. But in a private roleplay, the partners usually discuss what events and conflicts they'd like to see before using them. It's more polite to inform your partner of what you'd like to add, or give them a hint or a heads up and see if they are alright with your idea before going forward with it. The element of surprise isn't completely gone if this is done right.
If this is your first time trying out a 1x1 roleplay, or you have only ever done so a few times compared to group roleplaying, here are some things that would be good to know. Both types of roleplays have their pros and cons, and one on one roleplaying has these:
Advantages
- Faster or slower pacing depending on what the players want with their roleplay. You are able to post as quickly and as often as you can with an agreed upon schedule. A good, understanding partner even agrees to give their partner breaks from writing if they have other concerns, for example. Usually, because you are only waiting on one person to post a reply, a private roleplay goes on faster than group roleplays. Of course, this means that the plot has to be discussed as often as needed, because the roleplay moves on quickly.
- Closer relationships with partners is more possible with private roleplays. Because you get to plot more actively and as much as needed with a partner, you get to know them more and even befriend them. One thing that keeps private roleplays nice and active is a good relationship with your partner - make sure to talk to them OOC and not just about roleplay-related things, and you get both a friend and a posting partner.
- Easier to collaborate and plot than in group roleplays. You are able to plot things more closely with one person than with many, it's easier to throw around ideas and brainstorm together with a good partner. You can take as much time as you want to discuss what things you want to play out in your game, what plots and subplots you want to add, and also how you develop your characters.
- True story collaboration is more possible than in a group roleplay if you don't relinquish full story control to your partner. You can both get to be the Game Masters of your game - both storymakers and pawns, instead of only just one or the other. Group roleplays often struggle with 'true agency of characters', but with a one x one roleplay it is easy.
- One x one roleplays have a tendency to be less structured and centralized than group roleplays. This is the corresponding disadvantage to the added flexibility of pacing, plotting, and collaborating that players get. In a group roleplay, the Game Master usually sets solid and orderly plans and settings to guide their players along - in a one x one roleplay, the players will likely have to discuss and add as they go along, unless they actively plot and plan ahead. This can lessen the excitement and element of surprise, but also counteract the possibility of the game being less structured.
- In a private roleplay, you rely on only one other person to hold the roleplay up with you. If you have a lack of communication or interest on either ends, your roleplay will likely lose its drive and you will find yourself dropping it. In addition, if the other roleplayer doesn't reply, the roleplay can't move on.
- Less variety in ideas and brainstorming. It is easier to plan and discuss with one partner, but there is less the variety of choice and ideas that come with having many roleplayers in one game.
Now that you know about the basics and what to expect from a one on one roleplay, what should you do to create or start up one? You may either look through other member's partner searches, or you may put up one of your own. A partner search thread lets you post your own details about you as a roleplayer and what you are looking for in a partner. These threads go in the Seeking One on One Partners section, where you can browse through all the other members' threads.
A basic, but good partner search thread usually includes these:
- A brief introduction about yourself and what your preferences are.
- What you want from a partner, or the rules you want to set for any roleplay you start with them.
- What you can give as a partner, what your strengths are.
- A list of plots or brief summaries for roleplays.
Once you have responded to or created a partner request, just wait for the responses and replies to come in from the member you're approaching. It's good practice to respect the original poster's wishes regarding the plot or pairing they want to start, and usually they also get first pick of what role they want to play in a pairing plot.
1x1 Etiquette
So you've gotten a new roleplaying partner and a new private roleplay - what to do now? Private roleplays could be fun and relaxing, or exciting with a good partner. But it isn't fun with a rude and insensitive partner - which is what you shouldn't be. Remember, consideration, respect, and communication are the essentials of a good partnership. You mustn't just consider what you want or need, but also what your partner wants or needs for the roleplay to work.
- Settle on a preferred posting schedule or frequency, and stick to it - but allow for exceptions such as IRL obligations and occasions. You two have agreed to reply regularly, or to wait for each other to reply - while it is alright to remind a partner to reply every now and then, remember not to overdo it or to be impatient with a partner unless they haven't informed you they wouldn't be able to reply for some time.
- Inform each other of times you would be away and unable to post for your roleplay. It is only polite to do so, and also lets your partner know when to take a break as well from the roleplay, and when you will be back.
- It's great to talk outside of roleplaying matters too - remember to chat with your partner as well! Roleplaying is made better and more fun when you're doing it with a friend.
- Communication is a must. Remember to talk with a partner if you need help or if you're confused with something, or whatever you want to do with a roleplay. You can't plot without talking.
- Be open to suggestions and additions to your ideas! It's more fun if both of you work out something that you both would enjoy.
- Don't leave all the work to your partner! Even if you are a 'passive' roleplayer, putting in your own effort tells your partner that you care about the roleplay, and want to make it a fun experience for both of you. If you barely put in any effort, how could you expect your partner to also care about it? An interesting point to this is the playing of NPCs in a private roleplay - it's good if your partner is willing to carry the load of playing NPCs, but wouldn't it be lighter on them if you also play them from time to time?
- After communication, respect is important. Respect your partner and their creations, and don't take a dismissive tone with them. Treat their ideas as something to be respected, even if it doesn't interest or appeal to you. Don't completely ignore their ideas and suggestions, or treat them as a means to an end - just a tool for you to roleplay and have fun. Your partners are people, too. How would you feel if someone took a look at your rp ideas and went, "I like your thread, but I don't like any of your ideas. Here are mine, go pick one." What is a better approach? "Your listed ideas don't quite speak to me, but they're well-made. Do you have unlisted ideas you'd like to discuss? Would you like to see if we can work your ideas and mine together into something interesting?" Isn't that more polite?
- And lastly: if you want to end a roleplay, be upfront with it about your partner. They'd appreciate it more than you suddenly dropping off the face of the earth, or suddenly no longer talking to them. Even if you have lost interest, remember that it's better to be honest that you have, instead of leaving them hanging.
Last edited:
