Zeroth

Do You Have RP Pet Peeves?

Not sure about the "pandering" aspect. This is RPing. Not Hollywood. Openly allowing people to play a character of a specific orientatiom doesn't equate to "Hey we have a gay character" the way it migbt in a pre-scripted movie or show. Even if it was that way, by your outlook, wpuld it not be just as much of a pander to play a character as bi/gay or build up to a come out without explicitly mentioning it OOC?

@Little Bird

I should clarify on that aspect, because you're right that in these RP scenarios it's not the same as advertising. I guess maybe a better way to say it would be that, in the same way the corpo-advertisement lacks depth, I've seen some examples where Players seem to overemphasize the parts about sexuality to the detriment of the parts about personality. I just see it as an inherently bad sign if the question "So what kind of character are you playing?" is answered with "I'm playing a gay/bi/super straight girl/boy/etc," instead of "I'm playing a nepo-baby college drop-out with a coke habit who is trying to avoid the mob," or "I'm playing a fallen noble scion who's entered a pact with a fae to save the village his family used to govern."

In my personal experience, the RPs wherein sexuality has a spot on the CS, things like relationships are planned and plotted (mostly) ahead of time anyways. So the "will they, won't they" isn't a factor OOC... usually. So being open about which way one's character(s) swing(s) becomes useful in ironing those matters out.

That does sound out like it would work better, but from my perspective also seems like it would take out the fun of character-self-discovery. My experience has been that RPs where a lot of stuff is planned out between characters ahead of time often suffer from a lack of motivation in players, because... well, they already know where the story's going to go, so why bother playing it out? Of course that won't be the same for every writer, so I'm sure it wouldn't be the same for every RP either.

I agree to the extent that a characters' personality should be able to stand without leaning on sexual orientation. But I don't think it inherently detracts from an RP if the option to specify it is present in the CS. I'm sure as Hell not gonna abandon an RP that I find appealing over such a minute detail of the process. But that's why it's your pet peeve and not mine.

Right. That first part is mostly what I'm trying to emphasize, my objections just come from my own experiences where that hasn't been the case. Or cases where it was on the sheet even though the RP didn't emphasize the pursuit of romance, but because it was there it attracted a Player(s) who maybe was more concerned with trying to bump uglies than, say, helping us abscond with ye olde ghost pirate's treasure horde before we're caught by cannibal natives.

I should also mention that I embellish examples for the sake of humor, I'm not really trying to factually debate anybody about the subject of Sexuality on character sheets.

Do You Have RP Pet Peeves?

Defining a character's sexuality doesn't necessarily equate to an RP being erotic though. It's a legitimate element to include in environments wherein romance is likely to emerge at any degree; frankly, any brand of high school/college setting has a door open for that sort of stuff. I just view at as supplementary to the character's personality. Really just depends on how it's played out in practice.

@Little Bird

I disagree that it adds anything useful to supplement the character at all, because I see it as being like the corpo-pandering that says stuff like "Our game has a GAY character!" but then has no answer for "Okay, but what about this character makes them relatable, fun to play, or endearing to the audience?" In 90% of character interactions it's never going to be relevant, and it's the kind of thing that can be obvious without being stated---if a character's commentary or internal monologue notes their attraction to other characters, or two characters develop romantic chemistry through interaction, then their preferences are self-evident.

The only thing I can see it being useful for in a romance-focused RP (which is really rare outside of 1x1) is to tell people at a glance who they SHOULDN'T have their PCs develop relationships with because there will be no attraction present---which I would think would ruin half the premise of a "will they won't they" plot line because you already know the answer from the beginning of the game.

Having a bunch of goofy teens trip over themselves to blurt out their crushes, then get shot down because their crush isn't into them, is probably where at least 50% of the interesting character drama/development would come from in such a story. So plastering a label over everyone's head at the start to immediately take some of that "would he/she/etc accept me?" element away is probably why I've seen those RPs fall off even faster than the hordes of generic Medieval Anime Fantasy games.

A New Day; Cozy Fantasy Village Life

@Xaltwind Don't feel like you always gotta include each and every thing from a round, at least not on my account. We're all just kind of interacting at the moment, and I've never really seen the need for a dedicated "Posting Initiative Order" outside of something like combat or time-sensitive scenarios. Since you're controlling multiple characters and the environment, no need to unduly burn yourself out.

Given the farm-sim nature of things, it might help reduce stress on your end if any NPCs the Players can't currently see/interact with just get a sort of "Status Report" every once in a while, like "The Miner(s) returned with: Copper Ore x3, Coal x10, Stone x5" or whatever. Not to discourage you from writing up their exploits, of course, just saying for the sake of reducing GM-load.

Pokémon: Sorrow's Song {looking for players}

Potentially interested!

Would this be somewhat along the lines of Legends, in that we're exploring this altered world, being more up-close to the wild side of Wild Pokemon, and so forth? Gathering resources for settlements, possibly? Would there be any overarching narrative aside from just surviving?

Should we expect the post-apoc setting to come with its usual tenets like raiders, oppression of the weak, and so forth, only softened somewhat for Pokemon's usual atmosphere? Burly bikers with mohawks and hockey masks that throw out Koffings to terrify the villagers, or a bunch of Machokes kidnapping humans from vault shelters?

And what're your plans for starters/early-game teams?

Do You Have RP Pet Peeves?

The status bar is probably the most egregious example of this. You have people taking to the status bar to overshare family drama report every time their writing partner does something annoying. Why are you trying to put this in front of a stranger’s eyeballs? Are you trying to validate your position by fishing for a few likes? Do you hope that your writing partner will see you complain and change because you can’t talk to them directly? I have a hard time finding flattering reasons for people to vent in this way even if they have a good reason to do so.

@BrokenPromise

It seems to me that this has become a lot more common than it used to be, to boot. Maybe I just never paid that much attention to the Status Bar until recently, but I feel like in the last year or so there's been some real hum-dingers that have even necessitated mods getting involved for mere nothing-burgers.

As for my own personal peeve, I now avoid any RP that includes "sexuality" in its CS like the plague. You can't ERP on the public forum in the first place, you already probably have a personality section that gives actual USEFUL information about how to interact with the character---what's the point of it, except to inevitably cause some creepy shit with that one character who's gonna hit on someone regardless of preference, and not play it for comic relief? Or to start drama when the inevitably attached politics/ideologies connected to that kind of thing rears up? Hell, I see some of it in settings where sexuality has no business even being mentioned; anime high school RPs where everyone's 14 years old, for instance.

A New Day; Cozy Fantasy Village Life

@Remram It's all good, I only had to change a small piece! Post complete!

A New Day; Cozy Fantasy Village Life

Family obligations fulfilled, have a Christmas post!

---followed by an edit because Remram snuck me! >_< Un momento por favor!

A New Day; Cozy Fantasy Village Life

--- Village Center ---

Akitsugu

Late Morning / Early Midday
@Rune_Alchemist@CitrusArms@Xaltwind@Dragonydas@BunniesOfDoom@Remram@LupusIntus

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"Ah, thank you very much!" Akitsugu took the compass Adrila offered with yet another bow. "I will return it as soon as possible. I don't plan to go too deep into the forest if it can be helped." He listened as she explained what kind of wood to get, but inwardly he thought that was pretty obvious. It wasn't like he'd left home yesterday---he knew at least a little bit about roughing it. "Yes, my plan was to try and find fallen deadwood first. If I cut branches or trees, it will only be small ones, to use once the fire has gotten much hotter." When she asked about tools for shaping lumber, Akitsugu shook his head and retrieved his worn copper hatchet from a loop on his pack. "I could perhaps split the round sides off a log to make a plank, but it'd be much harder to plane it with this and I doubt I could make them in a uniform manner."

The dwarf offered to come along, and to help with looking out for food as well. However, he expressed doubt about their ability to cut down a tree.

"It takes a while, but I've done it before." Akitsugu said, turning his hatchet to examine its edge. It was still quite sharp, the only part of the tool that had any shine to it. "I don't really fell large woods with it though. Anything thicker than my leg would be too heavy to carry, even if we could cut it."

Another of the elven women seemed to be working on the bits and pieces of the old well---from a glance, it was easy to see it would need a new bucket, and Akitsugu presumed a rope to go with it. He also wondered if anyone here knew how to filter water. While the well had a roof to cover it, no doubt silt and soil and other things had probably crept in over the years. Water that didn't move would become stagnant, and stagnant water would become foul. The elf offhandedly mentioned to one of the others (Myrr, she called them) that they needed seeds. For planting? Or for something else? The woman seemed more like a technician of some kind than a farmer. But, even if they did have a farmer, seeds couldn't grow over night, could they? Maybe... if there was magic involved? The red-head hummed to himself.

However, it seemed the mention of seeds finally ignited a spark in the quiet Yingmei. She spoke up about finding fertile land to the south of the village, but seemed nervous about going by herself.

"It shouldn't be a problem to head that way and then take a long curve around to the forest." Akitsugu agreed with the girl clad in green. "Whether you wish to continue with us or not, I'll gladly see you safely to the fields---"

Just then, the foppish man Akitsugu assumed to be the little girl's brother jumped off the cart with aplomb, and began a musical performance. The strings of his instrument danced, as did he, and the man's voice carried the notes high aloft the soft breeze. Akitsugu winced.

"_{Too shrill...}" he muttered under his breath, before shaking his head. Thankfully, the bard's volume softened as he leaned in to speak to the young woman clutching her book. Akitsugu's wince turned slightly more frownish, but he closed his eyes for a moment and turned away--just in time to see the dwarf, Brom, tactfully insert himself into the situation. He couldn't help but nod in approval. Just then, another member of the group stepped up to him, offering her help not only on the firewood expedition, but to gather edible herbs and berries and the like.

"Ah, it's a pleasure to meet you, Miss...Myrr." He bowed again. "By the way, everyone," he spoke up a little louder. "I am called Akitsugu. An apprentice blacksmith by trade." Back to Myrr, "We would certainly appreciate your presence. We will need vines to gather the wood as well, after all---I don't intend to make too many trips if we can avoid it."

As he turned to replace his hatchet in its loop, there was a soft clink on the other side of his hip. He paused, and his lips worked from side to side as he closed his eyes. Then with a sigh, he looked back at the dwarf, Myrr, and at Yingmei---because, given how timid she'd been when they met, he didn't want to startle her further.

"We should be prepared for the possibility of running into monsters, as well. If need be, I have... some measure of skill with a sword." Carefully, he drew the hem of his coat back to reveal Miyusahime's hilt and scabbard. The pattern on the sheathe rippled as it reflected the sunlight, and her pommel cast a golden glimmer on the old, weather beaten cobblestones at their feet. "Does anyone else here have weapons, if need be?"

A New Day; Cozy Fantasy Village Life

As for monsters, as long as you stay in the village-area of the ama, the only thing you should encounter are slimes, either of the green or blue variety. They're non-hostile and sluggish and shouldn't pose much of any threat, as they're scavengers who eat mostly dead matter.

@Xaltwind

Until the one reincarnator starts absorbing the Skills of everything he eats and evolves into UBERGODULTRAMEGA-SLIME KING! Then we're ALL dead matter.

A New Day; Cozy Fantasy Village Life

--- Village Center ---

Akitsugu

Late Morning / Early Midday
@Rune_Alchemist@CitrusArms@Xaltwind@Dragonydas@BunniesOfDoom@Remram@LupusIntus

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The elf with the book clutched it a little closer upon looking towards Akitsugu and Yingmei. Though the man and woman who presumably owned that wagon had faces of shifting surprise and concern, before they could speak another pair of newcomers arrived. A third elf, no less, though this one seemed much more regal in appearance...or, at least, she would have, if she didn't also look like she'd lost a fight with a briarpatch. The man standing next to her, however, caused Akitsugu's eyes to widen momentarily. A short, stocky build, a thick and full beard, and browned, earthy features--this was a dwarf! He had met a few of them since crossing the borders of his country, for he always sought work wherever he passed through in the local smithies. A sinking feeling seized his heart---what if this fellow was also a blacksmith? Unless the dwarf wanted an apprentice, Akitsugu would have a hard time convincing any of these people that his services were worthwhile. He had planned to trade a few favors of labor for food and supplies---he could sharpen all manner of blades easily enough, and polish or do maintainence on tools even without a working forge. But if a "proper" dwarven smith was around, would any of them pay him any heed whatsoever?

The dwarf and this next elf hailed the growing crowd as well. Just as the blacksmith had come to expect, it seemed everyone here was a wanderer...so, had each and every one of them been called here by the same supernatural force he'd experienced? Had they all heard the ringing of hammers, or...something else?

The man and woman bickered momentarily, before they began unloading their wagon. For the first time Akitsugu took stock of the stone longhouse nearby. It was in much better shape than the wooden buildings, and given its central location it had probably served as some form of feast hall or maybe a governing office of sorts. But when the woman addressed the gathered travelers, her voice carried that motherly "do not question me if you want supper" vibe and rang clear over the numerous heads around her.

"Ah, um...Many thanks, madam!" the redheaded man bowed deeper than he had when speaking to Yingmei, being sufficiently drawn in by the woman's authoritative tone. Another cart had arrived at some point, and as Akitsugu looked around he noted that the older man was feeding the young girl with what smelled like bread and preserved fruit. He and the child chatted happily, so one would assume they were family---grandfather, most likely. But the other young man with them looked too young to be the girl's father... Well, unless he'd gotten himself in over his head quite early in life. An older brother?

Akitsugu waved one hand in an attempt to get people's attention, then nervously cleared his throat.

"U-um, excuse me, but---"

The girl with the pickaxe declared, quite boldly, that she would find all the "materials" that one of the elven girls apparently needed. Then she punted her compass into the distance and charged off after it. Akitsugu's face drooped somewhat in confusion, before he tried clearing his throat again, more loudly this time.

"Eto, excuse me, everyone!" He now held up both hands, for as much attention as he could garner. "If the um, kind sir and lady are providing cots and blankets for those who wish to camp here, I, uh, think I shall gather firewood! There is a forest to our east, if I remember my path here correctly!" He pointed in the indicated direction. "We will need warmth and fuel for cooking, after all...and, speaking of meals, perhaps we could find something edible or game to hunt?" He turned to look at Yingmei, then back at the others. "Would anyone like to join me?"