Short Story RPS

[Sgt. Ian MacBrooke]

Short Story RPS have a more dynamic ebb and flow than say, blog posts or longer storylines. The main reason for this is the rule set. They can be changed to suit the participants tastes, although they work rather well as is. Consider them more like sessions than campaigns.

"Ronin's Rules"

1) Only a single paragraph maximum may be added by any one character. Less is okay, even down to a single sentence, but not more than a normal sized paragraph. This helps keep things moving, allows quick adds and lends itself to the ebb and flow that multiple personas will undoubtedly create.

2) Do not add another IC (In Character) paragraph until at least one other has been posted by another participant. Not only does this discourage 'runaway' storylines, but it also encourages writers who might be less comfortable with their own ability.

3) Only write for a single character. Your own. You should not guide, speak for, act as or instead of any other character than yourself/your own character. Much like life, you may REALLY want someone else to do X or Y…however there is no way to force that into reality. You can of course, think whatever you wish and express it as such, but actively directing or writing for another character is not allowed. Please don't do so here.

4) Stay in character. You may feel free to write OOC (Out Of Character) pieces to express concerns, thoughts etc..but please label it as such. Please also keep it separate from any IC posts.

5) On the subject of 'props'. They are the only posts allowed by the same participant immediately after or before their IC post. Some writers enjoy a little ephemera, something abit more visual that adds to the flavor of the rp.

6)The Controller/Manager/DM/GM is the one who sets the scene, tosses in the occasional bit of scenario or causal piece to which everyone will have to deal with. Normally, it's pretty benign…normally. For example...”A waiter, carrying a platter full of cabernet offers you a glass”. Simple no? Then again they may also toss in the occasional... ”A waiter, carrying a platter full of cabernet trips on the rug and dumps the entire contents onto a woman and her poodle, dousing them both from head to tail in red wine.” Oddly enough, you might just be the woman with a poodle. :o)

The Controller will not and may not have a character of their own. The reason is that in past experience, they tend to give their own characters advantages the others have no way of knowing about. They also tend to inadvertently give clues to whatever might come next. As most writers are very clever, aware folks, even the smallest clues can sway the writing to giving them a headstart if they're keen enough to catch it…and they usually are.
So, with that…
Let's begin.