Exactly what -is- FFRP?
Roleplaying, in its strictest terms, is taking on a different person - a character, if you would. It's like playing with dolls or action figures - I'm sure everyone remembers playing with them, mimicing their voices, moving their heads and body parts. Extending the metaphor further, I'm sure everyone's played with their friends, interacting the play figures with each other, pretending they were people they either were, weren't, or could never be. FFRP is the same thing - and unlike regular roleplaying, no dice, like AD&D or Vampire: The Masquerade has. You don't have attribute points, there are no levels, and most importantly, no gamemasters. Instead, roleplayers have channel operators that make sure that people follow the rules and set the setting. Most of the time, the action is centered on an Inn, Castle, Keep, or some other location, and that is where the chatrooms are set. Many roleplaying channels set the time of day, the time period, the weather, and update that accordingly to create a setting of realism better than, say, playing with Barbie dolls on the family room floor. By playing in the setting the operators of the channel create, you create your own little piece that you use to help build the world that the character lives in and enrich the setting. In a sense, the cooperation amongst players is what holds the place together.
If this is beginning to sound idealistic, it probably is. But you get the idea. Sometimes things go awry, but all in all roleplaying is a unique experience that some people do as a hobby, some others to meet friends, and some more for inspiration. No matter what style you end up using, there will be a channel for it.
It is my job to introduce you to this world of wonders with an unbiased eye and a simple tongue. Welcome to our world. Sit back, relax, and enjoy as I take you through almost everything the world of roleplaying has to offer.
