Bad - Better - Best (April 9th, 2002)

In this feature we will try to present certain situations that might happen in game play and point out the wrong way, the better way and the best way to deal with it. We continue our look at Role Playing and the proper use of language when playing for the purposes of adding to the atmosphere: Role-Playing Part 1



Bad : These players often uses modern day terms and words when speaking such as describing letter bearers as mailmen, guards as police, inns as hotels, and such. They often use slang such as "yo", "what's up" with the worst offenders speaking in l33t. They are constantly speaking out of character (OOC) talking about their own personal daily events when there is a lull in the action. All of this does not help set the mood for imagining you are playing in the Middle Ages.

Better : This player avoids modern terminology, never uses slang or uses l33t, and speaks OOC only when wanting to discuss a point of the game, leaving his own personal stories for after the game is done.

Best : This player takes it more step and will occasionally use words such as "thou", "thee" and "ye" to name a few. Also not only does he stays in character virtually all the time, but responds to players who don't as if his character was hearing those words for the first time, hoping to guide them to the proper way of speaking. For example:



Bad Player : Yo dude, know where I can find a good place to crash?

Best Player : Well met stranger, your words make no sense to me. The city frowns on those who cause trouble.

Bad Player : Wha? Trouble? Nah. Just need a place to stay.

Best Player : Ahh. Thou are tired from your travels. Then I suggest you visit the Dragon's Inn for a warm meal and a dry bed.