The Basics of Roleplaying

Roleplaying in Armageddon is not just encouraged; it is a core requirement. This means that when you are in the game, you should think, act, and speak as your character, fully immersing yourself in their persona all of the time.

Core to the concept and conversations around roleplaying in Armageddon is the distinction between 'In Character' (IC) and 'Out Of Character' (OOC). IC refers to actions and knowledge that belong to your character within the game world. Your thoughts, behaviors, and speech should align with their background and their current experiences in Zalanthas. Conversely, OOC refers to anything related to you, the player, outside the game. Discussions about real-world topics, game mechanics, or other OOC matters should be kept outside of the game.

Roleplaying effectively also means avoiding the use of OOC knowledge in your actions. Even if you, as a player, know specific details about the game world or other characters, your character can only act on information they have acquired through their own experiences within the game. This principle is crucial for maintaining the realism and fairness of the game. One common violation is seeking revenge on behalf of a previous character or recovering their belongings. Such actions are strictly against the rules and disrupt the experience for everyone.

Interacting with non-player characters (or NPCs) is another critical aspect of roleplaying in Armageddon. Unlike many other MUDs, where NPCs are often treated as mere targets for combat practice, NPCs in Armageddon are integral to the atmosphere and story. Before engaging with an NPC, consider whether your character would realistically take that action. For instance, attacking a merchant in a bustling market would be viewed as a blatant attempt at murdering another person, and it would come with the severe repercussions that you might expect from committing such a crime. Is that something your character is realistically willing to risk.

Having a well-defined set of goals for your character is highly recommended. Unlike many other games where the primary aim might be to become the most powerful character, in Armageddon, goals should be intrinsically tied to your desires and motivations. Perhaps your character dreams of founding a merchant company, avenging a family member, becoming a renowned mercenary, or exploring the most dangerous parts of the world. These goals should drive your actions and interactions.

It's important to choose goals that are fun and engaging for you, the player. The journey your character takes to achieve their goals is where the true enjoyment should lie, not necessarily the attainment of the goals themselves. Experience and experimentation will help you refine your approach to roleplaying as well as your skill at keeping your character alive, and even if your first character doesn't get everything right, each attempt will bring you closer.

In conclusion, roleplaying in Armageddon MUD is about fully embracing your character's identity and navigating the complex, dangerous world of Zalanthas. By developing a detailed backstory, maintaining clear distinctions between IC and OOC, respecting the game world's realism, and pursuing meaningful character-driven goals, you can contribute to the shared storytelling and world-building experience that makes Armageddon so special.