Roleplay in
UO is different from one player to another, whether it be how you behave towards others or the semantics of interaction.
There is always a concern over "strict" RP. The outlook of never breaking character. Some players believe that adhering to this playstyle must be absolute, and that it defines whether one is a "good" or "lousy" roleplayer.
Some players then take that another step, by using it as a basis to decide who they will or will not interact with. Who they favor or who they despise.
For some, "roleplaying" is a means to grief or be rude, and then an excuse to hide behind. For others, it can be an excuse for their arrogance, or snobbery.
Some people enjoy what many call "light" RP. They may have a story behind their character or actions, but don't dwell on every minor detail of how they are perceived.
Some people are able to combine their gifts as a storyteller, an actor and a skilled gamer to pull people in all around them, whether the crowd are "roleplayers" or not.
It is always different from one roleplayer to another. One guild to another, especially when they are RP guilds at war.
How do I roleplay my characters?
As much or as little as I feel like. I set my own rules on who I will interact with, and how.
If you walk up to me, and ask "When are the servers going down?", I will say "In about 10 minutes." I will not stand there and say "The world will rest in a matter of moments...", unless I think that is what you would like to hear. If I think you're an average player looking for a simple answer and are not wanting to heavily RP, I'll answer you as another player.
If you ask me, "Do you have a website for your guild?", I will say "Yes, go to www..." whether you're a roleplayer or not. Telling someone to "Visit the great skypage! Your hawk may soar to find it at www..." doesn't keep you anymore "in-char" than the other answer.
If you're a roleplayer, and we are having an in-character conversation, and I suddenly need to ask you something or tell you something out of character...I don't put it in parenthesis. If I wish to speak ooc, I will. I know I'm a roleplayer most of the time, and you know you are as well. I am a "good enough" roleplayer to recognize both in-character and out situations. Standing at the bank having an entire conversation with someone in parenthesis doesn't "keep" you in-character.
I will freely interact with those who are not in any way roleplayers. I know I'm a roleplayer, and I will either interact with them in-character or out, depending on which I think is best at the time. In-character, I recognize them still as people, and have Compassion for them while seeking Humility in my own way as to not shun them for being different than I. Out of character, I recognize them as other players, just like myself, and they might not want or have the time to RP.
Those who I feel hide behind "roleplaying" to grief or act like rear ends, I mostly choose simply not to interact with. If they push the matter, well that's their problem...
But these are all examples of how I view roleplaying. These are not the law, as there is no law. I feel I've been from one end of the spectrum to the other of what "is" or "is not" roleplaying. I've seen people both held back and go too far, because of what "is" roleplaying. I laugh at this anymore, and do what I think is best at all times.
If you do what is best to you, then you have satisfied the one, and only, requirement of roleplaying.
Kimmy
DiP
