Member Guides: Thread Requests Forum

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  1.   1.  General
  2.   2.  Both Posting and Replying
  3.   3.  Posting a Topic
    1.   3.1  Topic Title
    2.   3.2  Character Introduction
  4.   4.  Replying to Others
    1.   4.1  Examples
  5.   5.  Member Tips

Posting and replying to thread requests might seem straightforward... and let's be honest! In most cases, it is pretty straightforward. However, sometimes you might not get many replies, or you may not get the kind of replies or interest you want. In these cases, it's helpful to look at what you're doing and the way you're posting. There are some preferences at 'Souls for thread requesting and plotting, and this information can help you present your requests (and replies!) to others in the Thread Requests and Plotting forum in an appealing way.

1.  General

  • Remember that roleplay is about collaborative effort -- others may not react exactly as you planned, but as long as the end result is what you wanted, you should be flexible and allow others' to play their characters truthfully.
  • Be careful not to overwhelm yourself with shiny character threads and ideas. Chances are, the character will be there later for you to plot with, and if not, chances are someone else will have brought in a similar character -- it's the way the RP world works, after all. It's important to maintain balance in your threads, and if you have overloaded yourself, why not ask to close a few of them with OOC endings? No one will hate you for it!

2.  Both Posting and Replying

  • Give a succinct summary. 1000-word thread requests/replies are an overload of information!
  • Don't reply to or start a thread request unless you need threads and posts right now.
    Posting your thread request or replying to someone else's while you're on absence and unable to post for a week is a pretty inconsiderate thing to do -- people who post in this forum are looking for roleplaying action, not downtime. If you reply to their thread with an offer for a future thread, others may skip the request, figuring it's filled -- even if every reply is simply a promise for a post in two weeks! This leaves the poor requester exactly where they started -- with no threads and no roleplay!
    If you're looking for future plots or threads but you're too swamped to start any new threads right now, hold onto your ideas and PM the requester about it later. Replying and offering a thread when you can't post to it immediately is somewhat rude -- certainly, the players will appreciate your offer, but people generally post when they have an immediate need for threads.
  • Stick to what you say -- don't renege on plots unless you have to.

3.  Posting a Topic

3.1  Topic Title

"Plots and threads!" "Threads!" and "More threads!" aren't interesting -- every topic in the Thread Requests forum has that same intent. ;) Instead, think about what you need, and mention a key point of your request, plot, or idea. Be descriptive and try to draw people to your post with your subtitle.

Mentioning pack names adds to success if you're looking to make friends within a group, but it can alienate your respondents, too. People who aren't a part of that pack may think you're just looking for threads from that pack, which is fine if you are, but if you are looking for threads from everyone, it may not be your intent.

3.2  Character Introduction

Don't assume everyone knows your character, introduce them! Ideally, try to devote a sentence to each of these points. Try not to be too windy here -- people can read your character's profile to learn more about them. Remember, though, that offering a bit of detail is good.

  • Link to your character's profile.
  • Briefly describe your character's personality. Mention any major traits they find attractive or irredeemable in others -- for example, if your character hates white wolves and will attack them on sight, it's good to mention that in your first post even if you're looking for a completely different type of plot. This way, others who have characters fitting your character's particular prejudice know not to respond to your request.
  • Describe what your character does -- what are their hobbies? Do they have any beliefs that are made apparent in their everyday interactions? Does your character have a rare skill others might find useful? Information about the type of plots you're looking for is great, but try not to be too specific. It's good to leave plots somewhat open to changes and alterations so other characters can form their own reactions and the plot can still be adjusted from there to the mutually compromised or agreed-upon ending.
  • Where does your character usually hang out? Some packs are quite distant and members have to plot some time for their character to travel (depending how much attention they pay to timelines). This part is a bit less important, as members can always come to a compromise regarding thread setting, but it's good to give a general idea of your character's hang-outs.

Examples

Azazel needs threads! Please, he needs some friends and perhaps a mate. He's a Loner right now. Thanks!

versus

Azazel needs threads! He's a pretty friendly guy, extremely outgoing and likely to strike up a conversation with any random passerby -- his favcorite subjects include his recent escapades across the sea and lamenting about the dramatic change in temperature.

Unfortunately, Azazel is a bit of a jerk, and he can be mocking and quite derisive toward anyone who isn't a Luperci. Azazel is a wolf-jackal, originally from northern Africa, and he's usually seen in his Optime form, sporting some unusal accessories from the area. Azazel is a Loner, and he can usually be found in the Drifter Bay area.

The latter poster offers a lot of valuable information about their character without going into too much detail -- there's an interesting opportunity for anyone wishing for friendly conversation as well as anyone looking for a bit of a confrontation, if they have a non-Luperci chararacter.

4.  Replying to Others

Again, it's good to provide a bit of information about your character. No need to go into too much detail, but a bit is good -- players are sometimes looking for more involved and drawn-out plot.

4.1  Examples

Oriax needs a thread. I can start it -- Dampwoods good?

versus

Oriax is also pretty Luperci-prejudiced -- he's from Europe and he was raised in a city and has never even met one, so non-Luperci are a running "legendary" joke to him. They might get along great, maybe have a rant about pesky non-Luperci? Maybe Oriax and Azazel can even encounter one, if one replies here? :) If not, let's use a NPC? Ori usually sticks to the center of 'Souls, so would the Dampwoods be alright? I can start it.

Oriax's reply doesn't overload Azazel with information but provides a great jumping point for a thread as well as an opportunity for quite the interesting thread, too. Failing to establish at least a point to the thread between your characters can lead to stagnant, boring threads. Consider even OOCly assume the characters have met and been introduced to one another already -- this can save some of the boring "settling in" early on in a friendship or even between enemies, but try not to plot too deeply. Your characters may not always react as you planned. ;)

5.  Member Tips

Members: Feel free to add your own tips, however brief, here! Remember, you can sign your tip with four tildes (~)

  • When Plotting be sure to map out your consequences ~ Marit
  • Be careful with how much you want to plot, too much at one time is unhealthy for your character. Each member is different but watching a character unfold in a situation is sometimes more satisfying than planning their whole lifespan.
  • When plotting for a fight sometimes it's best to know what injuries your character might receive, so as to not get confused in later threads or so you don't have to wait on later threads. Other times it's great to spree out a thread that could be ended quickly if you and your partner are quick at replying.
  • Talk, talk, talk. Sometimes, the best way to get ideas for a plot is to talk about characters with other members of your pack or with friends who play. This can bring about ideas from them, you, or merged ideas that you all think up. ~ Kiki