Roleplaying
Ideas and advice related to roleplaying with text in multi-user (MU*) games, virtual tabletops sessions, chatrooms, forums, and even video game chat channels.
Latest posts
AI-written content in online RP games: “it’s ruining my experience”
What can you do if your fellow players are using AI to do their writing in your favorite text-based RP game? Read on for some food for thought.
Draped in wealth: 10 luxury furs and leathers worn by the elite
A hand-picked list of luxury furs and leathers used throughout history. For writers and world-builders looking to craft wealthy characters and settings.
Crafting elegance: how luxury fabrics and textiles are made
Learn how luxury fabrics and textiles are made, including types of fibers and their sources. For writers and world-builders who like to dive into the details.
Blu and Roadspike: on designing game websites and systems
Blu and Roadspike, two longtime members of the MUSH community, talk about their past games and lessons learned.
Excelsior: new stories in a unique Marvel universe
Manu (Power) and Lae (Mind) share their experiences running Excelsior: a roster-only MUSH set in a unique Marvel universe.
The Network: only the finest quality programming
Clockwork, mastermind behind The Network MU, shares lessons learned from years of creating and running online roleplaying games.
Striking a balance: simulation vs. storytelling in text-based roleplaying games
Guest author Brandon Cross offers advice for MUD developers on how to use storytelling vs. simulation to create a more immersive game.
Concordia MU: Write your own destiny
Spes, owner and co-creator of Concordia MU, talks about the many hats she wears and what she sees as her most important role in the game.
How game design drives investment, stakes, and conflict in roleplay-intensive (RPI) MUDs
Within the text-based gaming community, RPIs have a reputation for being toxic cesspools, but it doesn't have to be that way.
Silent Heaven: a supernatural horror MU*
Silent Heaven is a supernatural horror MU* known for its emphasis on story and its relatively non-toxic RP community.
AwakeMUD: a community-first Shadowrun game
Learn how AwakeMUD CE earned the "CE" in its name, what that two-letter acronym stands for, and what it means to its creators and staff.
The Gary Sue character type explained
Learn what a Gary Sue character is (with examples) and where the term "Gary Sue" comes from. Plus, get tips for adding depth to your own characters.
30+ Luxury fabrics for wealthy characters: a guide for writers and world-builders
A detailed guide to luxury fabrics with tons of examples and ideas. Perfect for writers and world-builders looking for inspiration!
What is passive-aggressive RP + 5 examples
Learn what passive-aggressive RP is, why it's so frustrating for many players, and what you can do about it in your game.
The Free Zone: inclusive RP culture by design
Ash and Famine introduce their new MUD, The Free Zone, and discuss some of the changes they made to create a more inclusive, welcoming RPI.
Ways to welcome and include new players
Looking for more ways to welcome and include new players? In this post, fellow roleplayer Petal shares her 11 tips for oldbies in RP MUDs.
Beginner’s guide to roleplaying with text
Learn the basics of roleplaying online in this beginner's guide to RP, including essential terms and concepts, how to stay in character, and more.
How to use medieval fantasy language in RP
Learn what's important - and what's not - when roleplaying with medieval fantasy language. Plus, Amika returns with her tips for using Archaic English!
Erotic roleplay (ERP) and consent in games: what you need to know
What is erotic roleplay (ERP)? This post covers what you need to know about ERP and consent in text-based games, plus advice for game admins and staff.
10 Ways to spice up your tavern RP
Tavern RP is a type of social roleplay that is set in bars and pubs. Here are 10 ideas to keep your tavern roleplay from becoming stale.
Toxic gaming communities: how to identify and deal with toxic behavior
Learn what makes a game or gamer toxic, as well as tips for avoiding toxic gaming communities and handling toxic behavior.
The 5 basic multi-user dungeon (MUD) styles and you
An introduction to the 5 basic MUD styles, including what you can expect and how to find a suitable game.
How to use a character arc roadmap in RP
What is a character arc roadmap, and how can you use it for roleplaying? Find out in this guide with tips and examples from fellow roleplayer Amika.
Immersive Roleplay 101: the essential guide
Immersive roleplay is any roleplay that allows players to focus fully on their character, the setting, and the story with minimal OOC distractions.