RPG Forum Rules
Being part of the Serebii Forums, the RPG section is subject to the rules present on the rest of the forum. You can find and review the rules here, just in case you need a refresher. However, being that this subsection largely focuses on written narratives… there are certain rules that can be bent in this section.
- Topics
We have three major sections in this area. Sign-Ups, Role-Playing Games, and the RPG Café. In general most roleplays will use at least two of these sections, but they may sometimes have a thread in each. To get started on roleplaying, members first post a Sign-Up Thread in the Sign-Up forum. Once you have garnered enough interest, you may post your thread in the Roleplaying section to begin. The RPG Café is an optional subsection where you may discuss plans for future roleplays as well as create a dedicated discussion thread for your own Roleplay. Any topics pertaining to discussing roleplays, aspects of roleplay, etc. --- belong here.
2. Etiquette
2. Etiquette
As the old saying goes: treat people the way you want to be treated. Respect all member’s thoughts and ideas in terms of roleplaying. Put-downs and rudeness towards others will not be tolerated.
3. Key Differences to the Main Forum Rules
There are a few main differences within the rules of the RPG Forum as previously discussed. However, most of these rule bends apply exclusively to Sign-Ups and Roleplaying --- not to the RPG Café.
You can have your character swear, so long as it is actually in character. Doing it in the RPG Café or simply tossing out foul language while Signing up is the same as doing it anywhere else on the forum and is against the rules. Although swearing in character is allowed, please keep in mind the rating of the RPG you’re in and don’t use it excessively.
The RPG forum is one of the special cases where posting multiple times is absolutely allowed, however, only towards the GM of said roleplay. A GM may post multiple times in a row to spread out important information across a sign up thread or roleplay. The GM may also choose to post their Sign Up thread and then double post in the thread in order to post their own Sign Up as a second post.
Another minor rule that is shifted in the Roleplay forum is the smilie rule:
We ask that you please refrain from using smilies in your posts while in this area of the forums, as they are considered banned.
4. Post Length
As we encourage engaging roleplays, there is a 200 word minimum for roleplay posts. 200 words is approximately 7 lines on the forum. This limit is in place due to the fact that short posts offer little substance in moving the roleplay along and interaction amongst other characters. We want everyone to have fun while roleplaying, but we also want the GM and participants to be able to create an engaging roleplay.
With this being said, RPGs must also be written as prose. Script formats are simply not allowed as they offer very little wiggle room for other participants. (Short, script forum RPGs are allowed in the Games forum, however).
As we encourage engaging roleplays, there is a 200 word minimum for roleplay posts. 200 words is approximately 7 lines on the forum. This limit is in place due to the fact that short posts offer little substance in moving the roleplay along and interaction amongst other characters. We want everyone to have fun while roleplaying, but we also want the GM and participants to be able to create an engaging roleplay.
With this being said, RPGs must also be written as prose. Script formats are simply not allowed as they offer very little wiggle room for other participants. (Short, script forum RPGs are allowed in the Games forum, however).
5. Bunnying
Bunnying is when a player takes control of another player’s character within the roleplay setting. Although usually not allowed, sometimes a GM may need to take over another player’s character while that player is away in order to progress. While this is usually a rare case, this form of bunnying is allowed. However, a player in the Roleplay taking over another player’s character without permission is not permitted.
Bunnying is when a player takes control of another player’s character within the roleplay setting. Although usually not allowed, sometimes a GM may need to take over another player’s character while that player is away in order to progress. While this is usually a rare case, this form of bunnying is allowed. However, a player in the Roleplay taking over another player’s character without permission is not permitted.
6. Content
All roleplays are welcome here! We may be a Pokemon forum but we are completely open to all sorts of other topics. Anything you can think of, so long as it follows the rules, absolutely has a place here. When creating a non-Pokemon RPG or an Original RPG, it is important to provide plenty of information for the roleplayers, as you may attract people who know very little about that topic but still wish to participate.
All roleplays are welcome here! We may be a Pokemon forum but we are completely open to all sorts of other topics. Anything you can think of, so long as it follows the rules, absolutely has a place here. When creating a non-Pokemon RPG or an Original RPG, it is important to provide plenty of information for the roleplayers, as you may attract people who know very little about that topic but still wish to participate.
7. Other RPGs
While RPG does indeed stand for roleplaying game, this area of the forum is exclusively made for people to roleplay in various scenarios with characters of their own creation. It is not a place for talking about MMORPGs, RPGs (the videogame genre), or Dungeons and Dragons. However, you can absolutely make a roleplay surrounding these topics.
While RPG does indeed stand for roleplaying game, this area of the forum is exclusively made for people to roleplay in various scenarios with characters of their own creation. It is not a place for talking about MMORPGs, RPGs (the videogame genre), or Dungeons and Dragons. However, you can absolutely make a roleplay surrounding these topics.
8. Plagiarism
Plagiarism is strictly banned on the RPG forum. Using anything that is not in your own words is not allowed in any way, shape, or form. You may take inspiration from various sources, as long as you put said inspiration in your own words. Taking things another person has said and editing them slightly is also plagiarism.
This also goes for character creation. Use your own characters only, do not use already existing characters unless the GM has allowed it. The GM is allowed to use canon (already existing) characters if they need to. A Roleplay set in the Kanto region could use Professor Oak to give the players their starters. You may also use canon locations in roleplays, as long as you do not claim these as your own.
If you suspect plagiarism, do not hesitate to PM myself (Hydrangea) about it so that I can investigate. If plagiarism is uncovered, the member who is guilty of plagiarism may net themselves a ban.
This also goes for character creation. Use your own characters only, do not use already existing characters unless the GM has allowed it. The GM is allowed to use canon (already existing) characters if they need to. A Roleplay set in the Kanto region could use Professor Oak to give the players their starters. You may also use canon locations in roleplays, as long as you do not claim these as your own.
If you suspect plagiarism, do not hesitate to PM myself (Hydrangea) about it so that I can investigate. If plagiarism is uncovered, the member who is guilty of plagiarism may net themselves a ban.
9. Images
You may use supplementary images in your Sign Up threads to show what locations look like, or in your RPG posts to do the same. You may also use images as a roleplayer within your Sign Up to show what your character looks like. However, you must also provide text with these images. Just an image will not suffice.
You may use supplementary images in your Sign Up threads to show what locations look like, or in your RPG posts to do the same. You may also use images as a roleplayer within your Sign Up to show what your character looks like. However, you must also provide text with these images. Just an image will not suffice.
10. Feedback
Any questions or concerns about the Roleplay Section should be directed to a section moderator (Hydrangea). Questions and suggestions may also be posted in the Feedback and Suggestions thread.
Any questions or concerns about the Roleplay Section should be directed to a section moderator (Hydrangea). Questions and suggestions may also be posted in the Feedback and Suggestions thread.
Sign Up Rules
- Plot and Creation
When creating a sign up thread, you also need to create a roleplay. Plots for roleplays need to be a minimum of 400 words, anything less will be prompted to edit. This 400 word minimum is for the plot itself, not any background or supplementary information that goes along with it (such as NPC information or location information). It is also important to proofread your entire thread before posting it, ensuring that there are no glaring plot holes or spelling errors.
The forum also uses a rating system for roleplays. This is optional, but it is advisable to include a rating somewhere in the first post of your roleplay --- just so players know what to expect in terms of plot content.
The forum also uses a rating system for roleplays. This is optional, but it is advisable to include a rating somewhere in the first post of your roleplay --- just so players know what to expect in terms of plot content.
The ratings are as follows (descriptions are taken from CARA/MPAA):
G - Acceptable for all ages.
PG-13 - Acceptable for those thirteen or over.
R (Restricted) - Acceptable for anyone over the age of 17
NC-17 - No one 17 and under permitted.
G - Acceptable for all ages.
Due to the nature of NC-17, RPGs with this rating MUST gain the approval of a moderator before being posted. However, most RPGs will fall under the first three categories, which do not require moderator permission.
Despite using a film rating guide, you do not need to be of a specific age to participate in a roleplay. (IE: If you are 16 you can participate in R rated roleplays). These are simply guidelines and you are encouraged to join what you are comfortable with.
2. Sign Up Forms
Sign Up forms are not optional. These must be completed before a roleplay can take place. Generally, most sign up forms consist of basic elements:
Name, Age, Gender (with or without pronouns and/or sexuality), Appearance, Personality, and History
Unless there is a genuine reason to do so, these sections cannot be omitted and must be included in a sign up. Other elements may be added by the GM depending on what is called for by the RPG. These can be anything from weapons, magic, Pokemon, etc.
Sign Ups sections need to have a fair amount of information. As such, each of the descriptive sections (appearance, personality, history) need to have a minimum of 100 words. Anything below this mark is subject to being rejected by the GM.
Sign Up forms are not optional. These must be completed before a roleplay can take place. Generally, most sign up forms consist of basic elements:
Name, Age, Gender (with or without pronouns and/or sexuality), Appearance, Personality, and History
Unless there is a genuine reason to do so, these sections cannot be omitted and must be included in a sign up. Other elements may be added by the GM depending on what is called for by the RPG. These can be anything from weapons, magic, Pokemon, etc.
Sign Ups sections need to have a fair amount of information. As such, each of the descriptive sections (appearance, personality, history) need to have a minimum of 100 words. Anything below this mark is subject to being rejected by the GM.
3. Invites and Limits
We allow invite-only RPGs here, where the Game Master can close sign-ups to anyone outside of a list of their creation. This allows them to make an RPG for themselves and their friends, or for people of a certain fan base or experience level. Who a GM invites to their RPG is up to them, so if you haven't been invited, don't take it personally.
GMs also have a right to limit the amount of players within their roleplay. They can accept whatever number they see fit. Speaking of limits, the RPG forum also allows very limited invite only roleplays that revolve around two players. Any amount of players can work.
We allow invite-only RPGs here, where the Game Master can close sign-ups to anyone outside of a list of their creation. This allows them to make an RPG for themselves and their friends, or for people of a certain fan base or experience level. Who a GM invites to their RPG is up to them, so if you haven't been invited, don't take it personally.
GMs also have a right to limit the amount of players within their roleplay. They can accept whatever number they see fit. Speaking of limits, the RPG forum also allows very limited invite only roleplays that revolve around two players. Any amount of players can work.
4. Reservations
GMs are allowed to choose if they will take reservations. Reservations show that a player has interest in a roleplay but that they may not be able to complete a sign up immediately. A GM may choose to take reservations for a number of things, such as: a spot, a specific type, a specific Pokemon, any specific element --- or they may choose to not take reservations at all. GMs may also set their own deadlines for how long a reservation is in place for.
5. Accepted, Pending, Denied
After your sign up has been completed, the GM will review it and tell you if you are accepted, pending, or denied. Accepted means you’re good to go! You’ll just have to wait until the GM decides to put up the roleplay, so sit tight. Pending means that there was a problem with your sign up, be it major or minor. These may range from small grammar or spelling errors, issues concerning your character and the plot, overpowered characters, or length issues. With a pending status, you are able to edit your sign up and fix the things that the GM has taken an issue to. Denied means that there were major issues with your sign up that the GM needs you to heavily rework. Often you will be given another chance if this was the case.
After your sign up has been completed, the GM will review it and tell you if you are accepted, pending, or denied. Accepted means you’re good to go! You’ll just have to wait until the GM decides to put up the roleplay, so sit tight. Pending means that there was a problem with your sign up, be it major or minor. These may range from small grammar or spelling errors, issues concerning your character and the plot, overpowered characters, or length issues. With a pending status, you are able to edit your sign up and fix the things that the GM has taken an issue to. Denied means that there were major issues with your sign up that the GM needs you to heavily rework. Often you will be given another chance if this was the case.
RPG Café Rules
- Topics
Topics in the RPG Café can be anything related to RPGs or RPGing in general. They may also be discussion threads for currently ongoing RPGs. These topics can range from characters to genres to wishes about RPGs. As long as it’s about Roleplaying, nothing is really hard off limits.
2. Discussion Threads
As mentioned above, discussion threads for ongoing RPGs are able to be created in the RPG Cafe. These can be created from the moment that the RPG thread itself becomes active (not before this). These threads do not require any special permissions, however a moderator will keep an eye on them to ensure that they do not become a ground for chit chat instead of things related to the RPG.
As mentioned above, discussion threads for ongoing RPGs are able to be created in the RPG Cafe. These can be created from the moment that the RPG thread itself becomes active (not before this). These threads do not require any special permissions, however a moderator will keep an eye on them to ensure that they do not become a ground for chit chat instead of things related to the RPG.
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