── ⋅ ── Roleplay Etiquette Good roleplay isn't about having the strongest character, it's about creating scenes that everyone enjoys writing! None of these are hard rules, they're suggestions and helpful insight! Following them will help to make your threads smoother, more engaging, and more fun for everyone involved. ── ⋅ ── Leave Room Try to give the other roleplayer something they can respond to! Instead of: > "Hawkpaw nodded." Try: > "Hawkpaw flicked his tail toward the river. He agreed with the statement, but desired clarifitcation. He tilted his head in confusion." See how much more detail and length it adds to a somewhat simple reply? Questions, movement, observations, or even small details about the environment all help keep a thread moving. ── ⋅ ── IRP vs. OORP Knowledge Your character only knows what they've experienced or been told during roleplay. Just because you know something OOC doesn't mean your character does. Let them make mistakes, believe rumors, jump to conclusions, or simply be wrong sometimes. Example: You might know another character is secretly a murderer, but unless your cat has actually learned that information in-roleplay, they shouldn't act like they know. ── ⋅ ── Flaws Nobody enjoys roleplaying with a character who's perfect at everything. Let your cat fail hunts, lose fights, get embarrassed, misjudge situations, or have fears and weaknesses. Everyone has bad days and absolutely nobody can ever master every single ability or just know everything for no reason other than to have control. ── ⋅ ── Planning Responsibly It's completely fine to have ideas for your character's future, but try not to decide everything before they even enter the roleplay. Friendships, rivalries, mentors, apprentices, and romances are usually much more rewarding when they happen naturally and through pure chance! It's always so fun to roleplay with someone for the first time and your characters instantly click with no planning necessary! It's also perfectly fine for two characters to not click, and sometimes that even makes for a more interesting connection. ── ⋅ ── Separating IC From OOC Characters argue. Characters fight. Characters may even hate one another. That doesn't mean the people writing them do. If your character loses a fight, don't assume the other roleplayer dislikes you, they're just roleplaying their character. These are made up battle cats after all! On the other end, if you have a problem with another roleplayer, there is no rule that states you have to roleplay with them! Do NOT go out of your way to cause harm or anything of that nature to another person's character with ill intent towards the person themselves. ── ⋅ ── Character Autonomy You control your character. Other roleplayers control theirs. Don't decide another character's emotions, injuries, thoughts, or actions unless you've discussed it beforehand. Instead of: > "Toadtail scared them." Try: > "Toadtail bared his teeth and lashed his tail, trying to appear intimidating." This leaves it open enough for the other person to decide how their character reacts, while still tilting the conversation/interaction the way your character is intending. ── ⋅ ── Communication Unsure if an injury is okay? Want to start a rivalry or crush? Planning a big plot? Just ask! A quick OOC conversation can prevent misunderstandings and usually makes the roleplay even better. On the other end, no means no. If another person does not want their character to be in a relationship or any other dynamic with your character, please do not take it in a bad way. People have the right to deny your offers or deny you hurting their cat. ── ⋅ ── Everyday Roleplay Not every thread needs to be a battle or major event! Some of the best interactions come from simple moments like: • Hunting together • Exploring the territory • Practicing skills • Crafting tools • Sharing stories • Camp chores • Friendly competitions • Watching the weather These smaller moments help relationships develop naturally and feel much less rushed. Trust me you guys, no need to rush life! ── ⋅ ── "Yes, And..." Borrowed from improv, this is one of the best roleplay habits you can have. Instead of shutting ideas down immediately: > "No, my character wouldn't do that." Try building on what the other person wrote. **Example: Instead of: > "She ignored him." Try: > "She hesitated before looking away. 'I don't think that's a good idea,' she admitted." It doesn't mean your character has to agree, it just means acknowledging what the other writer gave you and moving the scene forward rather than stopping it. This single habit can make threads feel much more natural and collaborative, as well as giving you a chance to really embody your character and do what they would do in those situations.
── ⋅ ── Clan Mindset Every clan has its own traditions, culture, and way of seeing the world. Think about how your character was raised and let that influence the way they act. Example: A Highclan apprentice may be perfectly comfortable balancing on narrow cliffs, while a Deltaclan apprentice might find the height terrifying. Meanwhile, that same Deltaclan apprentice could effortlessly swim across a rushing river that leaves the Highclan cat hesitant. ── ⋅ ── Reply Length There's no minimum or maximum reply length. Write however much the scene calls for. Some interactions only need a few sentences, while others naturally become several paragraphs. Focus on giving the other roleplayer something meaningful to work with rather than trying to hit a certain word count. ── ⋅ ── Be Patient Everyone roleplays at different speeds. Some people reply several times a day, while others may only have time every few days. If someone hasn't responded yet, give them some time before sending reminders. ── ⋅ ── Common Roleplay Terms You'll see these abbreviations used throughout the roleplay : **ORP - Open Roleplay** > Anyone is welcome to join unless the creator says otherwise. **CRP - Closed Roleplay** > Only the roleplayers who were invited or previously agreed upon may participate. **Cont. RP - Continued Roleplay** > A continuation of a previous thread rather than a brand-new interaction. **SRP - Self Roleplay** > A thread written by one person, usually to develop a character, show daily life, or move a personal storyline forward. **JRP - Joint Roleplay** > A roleplay written collaboratively by two or more people and is commonly non-canon. These are most commonly used for litter/kit applications. ── ⋅ ── Most Importantly... Roleplay is collaborative storytelling! You're not writing against other people, you're writing with them. The goal isn't to "win" every interaction; it's to create scenes that everyone looks forward to continuing.
