The Beginning

There must always be a beginning, and so here it is! The reason or reasons you are here is because you either want to brush up on your RP skills, just like to know how the RP works in the Zocalo, and/or are a newbie player that wants some help. These are Official rules and guidelines, so abide by them! Continue on if you need help, or are interested in becoming a better role-player.

You want originality and realism? Say what?

Just what it says! When making characters when you want to role-play, it is very important to make them as original as possible. It is realized that it could be fun to play a character from Final Fantasy such as Cloud or Ranma Chan from Ranma ½ Hard Battle, but you have to consider something: All of these characters are creations of their authors. Aside from copyright issues (which many authors have enforced on IRC chat rooms), many experienced role-players look down on the playing of a stolen character. Many role-playing chat rooms are being shut down because of people stealing copyrighted characters!! It also signifies a lack of creativity, and/or laziness (even if that isn't the case). Thebest way to avoid being looked down upon is to create your own and original character. It is also vital to make your character realistic--that sounds a bit odd, as you already know that the Zocalo is a fantasy chat room, and not real at all. However, we like to make Zocalo as real as possible for players...and a world like the Zocalo deserves to be populated by 'realistic', 'believable' characters. Would you enjoy reading a book where the hero killed everyone in one fatal stroke, had no fears or problems in their life, and was unbeatable? Most likely you wouldn't because it sounds like a boring story. Similarly, to create a character that is without flaws or weaknesses damage the believability of the character. Do not create so many problems for your character that it weighs you down. This, too, takes away from the realism when people create characters such as these.
Creating a realistic character with flaws as well as strengths is the beginning of the path to excellent free from role-play that is exercised in the Zocalo. It will gain a player the respect of other role-players and can, in the long run, make for a more fun and interesting experience as the character begins to develop. However, a character does not need to 'gain experience' or develop just inside the Zocalo at all. They can be superb from where they come from, since all things connect at the Zocalo. So this means that the character should not be ignored or called a God Moder/Gmoder (see section for God Moders/Gmoders). Just keep in mind that since others come from different places, the powers of your character may not effect the others as it would with people from your Realm.

When Using Borrowed Pictures and Characters is Okay...

It is alright to borrow at times, but only for certain things. If you like how the characters on Dragon Ball Z "power up" before they fight while talking, that it certainly alright for your character to do. Those types of things cannot be copyrighted and protected, however, role-players of the "aged kind" hate people who steal those ideas and moves from sources other than the user's own imagination.
While you may not use handles such as Ranma-Chan, Son Goku, Tenchi Muyo, Serena Usagi, or pictures by Boris Vallejo or Julie Bell, if you show valid, written constent from the author's/creators to use these names and/or pictures, then you will be permitted to use them in the chat and character profile areas. Be warned, however, because Zocalo Knights does and will check the validity of such claims. You will have to submit the letter by snail mail and/or e-mail with a way to contact the original author/creator and then receive word that you may join the chat with those picture(s) and/or name(s).
If you would like more information on Copyrights, then please visit either Nolo.com or at the government's website located here: U.S. Copyright Office, U.S. Copyright Law

Where's the entrance?

The very first thing that you'll most likely do when you enter the chat is walk onto the cliff... after all, the Zocalo is just that, a cliff with a lake, forest, lagoon, and many other wonders. Stepping upon the soil of the Zocalo is the first important thing you do when you start...the people inside are going to see you and your character for the very first time, so you need to make a good entrance. This is usually done with text surrounded by two astrix folowed with the description, in third person when you enter the Realm. It is basically to give a description of your character (physical description, facial expressions, etc. Even auras or mood are sometimes used), what they do when they enter the realm, and any distinguishing features that make the character unique and original. Try not to make such a huge one as it causes the role players to get bored at the waiting and often makes them shy away from you instantly, however, you should make sure your post is thorough and gives out the general description of your character. Now, take a look at the two sample entrances below:

*Gallant McAllen strides into the plain. He is a member from the legion of Dolma. He has blond hair and hazel eyes. He has a long sword that rests against his side. He hates vampires*

*Gallant McAllen slips onto the realm quietly, each metal ring upon his chain mail clangs in a song as they move. He removes the hood of the mail causing his straight strands of golden bond hair to fall past his shoulders with a few lazy strands lying in front of his hazel eyes. His pale skin reflects the light softly. Taking in the sight for a moment, he heads to a rock and sits, setting a long sword made of strange metal by his side*

As one can see, there is a vast difference in the types of entrances. The second description is far more descriptive, does not give away information that can't be used in character (IE the hate for vampires), and gives everyone a better idea on how you character looks, making it easier for others to interact with your character. A good entrance is key to getting noticed in a new role-playing environment, or getting your new character known.

Yeah, the first impression is what is remembered!

After an entrance, making a first impression on the other characters of the Zocalo is EXTREMELY vital!!! If you come off as an easy-going, flexible, intelligent player, the rest of the Realm may become more interested in your character and playing with you on a regular basis. Be warned, however, for an easy-going character can be seen as cocky, jerkish, and an all around bastard who is very stuck up. So have fun with it, but be careful!

Be Flexible

This means exactly what it says. Keep in mind that there are characters that will be stronger, smarter, faster, and perhaps all around better than your character in certain ways. In no way should you expect that the action or actions you stated to go exactly how you wanted them to. After all, other people might not want something to happen to their character in the way you are describing the action or they may have a different idea on how the action will effect their character. This is all based on what they are, who they are, where they are from, and other factors. These terms put in simplicity: Do Not Expect Others To Think The Way You Do.
Be lenient and understanding, contacting them through out of character/OOC messages to ask them why they did that or explain what the action will do before you execute the action in your post to allow them to know what will happen. If someone does something that was not in your idea of the battle, or such, go with it anyway. Part of role-playing is figuring out what your character would do in the present situation. It could easily be as much fun as if they had done what you expected or opens new windows of opportunity! Also, if other players see you are willing to be flexible and not expect everything to go your way every time, they maybe more inclined to play with you.

Realism Again?!!!

Well of course! It's important to remember this before and even after you decide on your character. Since this holds true, then the actions of your character should also be realistic. What this means is if you walk into the Zocalo and a character you never met before waves, says “Hello”, then don't respond by saying something such as "Hey Sir Gallant!" as if your character knows that character already. In reality for your characters they have never met and must be introduced to each other. Making introductions is another key element to role-playing. This allows your character to meet others and can open windows for great role-playing situations.
Realism is vital to the setting and your character. If you're playing some kind of creature that cannot go into the light, but your character can, then make up a reason that allows the character to do so. Statements such as "Oh, he is immune to sunlight" are too vague and do not help with the role-playing atmosphere. While you may wish to keep that a secret from other characters, a statement such as "I can enter the light, but for what reason, shh, that is a secret!" is much preferred over the previous. On another note, do not expect the setting to be during an age that is politically correct at all.
Since the Zocalo is a place where all things connect, characters may come from Realms or dimensions where your type of character, such as gender or species, is treated much differently than from where your character comes from. Things such as vampires may be regarded as evil creatures in general, but in another Realm vampires may be all that is good and right in the Realm. Don't ever think your character is being picked on. That is hardly the case at most times. If you have some kind of character that is misunderstood, be it good or bad, and are being hunted because of someone's "Laws of the Land" from where they come, don't ignore them. Simply play it out, it's very fun!

Okay…what about the basics?

Yes, this is important, much like many things! Remember, and always keep in mind, that this is a free form role-playing environment! The system is heavily dependent on imagination, player creativity, and character interactions rather than on rules and regulations. If you don't interact and play with other characters then it will bog down the chat and cause it to become slow, dismal and most importantly, BORING! Those are things that everyone wants to avoid happening at all costs. There are many people who chat at the Zocalo and you should have no problem finding people to role-play with at all. Just interact!

Get your character off their butt!

Again we come to interaction of characters. DO NOT come to Zocalo and state you are bored, being ignored, or just have your character sit there. It's not very productive, and is a waste of time, not only for you but the others at the Zocalo. Having been stated before, it shall be stated again: How fun the place is and what is going on is heavily lain upon the shoulders of the characters and how they interact. You've already come in with your entrance, hopefully well, and so you want to keep going! There are many, many other people in the Zocalo, so interact, interact, and interact some more! Also, have your character interact in ways that they would in real life (IE If you have a healer, have him or her look for an injured, or if you have someone that likes to fight, look for a fight and jump in). Said yet for a final time, interaction is the most important element in role-playing, so get your character off their butt!

What is In Character and Out of Character/OOC?

This is actually easy to understand, but seems to be a problem for a good amount of the newbie role-players and for some experienced role-players it is sad to say. In character is just that, you playing your character. Out of character/OOC is for asking questions, explaining, or other discussions. When speaking out of character/OOC it is asked that you keep it a minimum so that it does not clutter the main chat. Many people when speaking out of character/OOC they will simply use ( ) or (( )). This helps simplify things instead of having to type OOC at the beginning of each post. What information you collect out of character/OOC cannot be used in character unless there is an agreement or understanding otherwise. If you read a post that talks about one character whispering to the other, then your character most likely did not hear any of what was said, though at the most your character picked up a few select words. By not separating what is learned out of character/OOC by what is known in character can slam you into a personal ignore list or simply ignored and avoided.

This ain’t no Love Shack baby, yeah!

Some characters seem to want it to be and try to make it a love shake. To say that writing romantic things in role-play, back and forth between another character, is wrong would be wrong in itself. Many characters are married and have families even if they aren’t actively in the Zocalo! Romance, love, and all that good stuff is as much a part of role-playing as fighting, eating, and just interacting with other characters. It's all a part of playing the role you have decided on.
Try to make sure you don't make it your primary reason for role-playing or a necessity. It's asked that you think very carefully when deciding on if your character will become pregnant or not. A problem just recently in many other chats, too many characters are saying they are pregnant. This is not very realistic and very boring to hear over and over again.
Just remember, not all characters are from your Realm and may have a characteristic that your kind does not like at all. If this happen, have your character act like a person would in real life with snickers, points, snide remarks, or dirty glances and rude remarks.

He called me a name! I’m gonna kick his…

Whoa! Back up just a minute. You're going to do what? Oh, kick his rear. DO IT! Fighting is part of role-playing all the way. Conflicts are a major part of the role-playing experience! From one on one, to six or even twelve on one, or down to the itty-bittiest brawls makes for some fun. As you will see, fighting can be common ground in the Zocalo. Since they occur just like in any other role-playing game they occur here. Melees should be fought with creativity, forethought, imagination, and realism to certain extents.
There are two types of free form role-playing that are seen in the Zocalo, both of which are explained and both have the strengths and weaknesses involved.

Before you explain, tell me what Free Form role-play is?

The Free Form fighting is almost dead as it is! The Zocalo keeps this alive and well preserved. The Free Form has no dice roles, no numbers, no status that the character has to consider like Dungeons and Dragons, and only the limitation of the imagination from both role-players really gets in the way. The two, three, or how ever many fighters participating do not need to sit down and discuss how the battle will progress, who will win or how the person will win either. These types of fights often do not have a clear understanding on who will be the winner. For a fight to end, one character does not end up having to die, or the evilest character losing! There is no limited, minimum or maximum amount of posts that must be stated until the fight ends other than the rule that there is no one post kills for the most part. You must fight it out until you or the other person decides to end it, or one of the characters does die, gets knocked unconscious, or anything else.
More than one action, depending on the action that you are describing, in a post is often unacceptable, unless it details something such as grabbing a limb, and then doing something to it. That kind of continuous action IS acceptable. There is almost absolutely no one post kills. This is important to remember. You must also remember your character's weaknesses and limitations in a Free Form fighting environment! Free Form fights are very complicated and can take very long to complete.
Don't think for a moment that another character has to some how provoke a fight by saying something or even gesturing. If for some reason you feel the need to just whoop up on another character, go right ahead. After all this isn't real, but do take to heart that it's often rude to just start wailing on others for no reason. Make a reason! Act like you believe that they were someone else or they had a feature that is hated where your character comes from. If your character is just mean and rude in general, then causing altercations would definitely be on that character's "Things to do" list! Please remember to be fair in your fighting though.
When using either form of Free Form fighting, you MUST allow the other person to finish with the post before you respond to the action. If a person is still describing what is going on, then you must allow them to finish and not interrupt by saying things such as "*stops Gallant before he can finish*" Once the person has finished the description, then you may continue on with the fight normally. It is only fair.
Another thing that must be kept in mind is keeping yourself in check. You cannot have your character suddenly become someone like Xena: Warrior Princess to escape out of a fight, or suddenly break out with abilities your character did not previously had, or didn't know he/she had. That is unacceptable and is boring, unimaginative, and CHEAP!
Free Form is by far not easy to do, but worth it in more ways than one! Okay, here are the examples of the two Free Form fighting styles:


Free Form with certain damage called

The first form of Free Form fighting is with damage called. While a person cannot state a mortal blow, a person can state a swipe, cut, scratch, grab and throw. When stated, the person receiving the damage cannot deny that the attack hits since it already has hit. The person cannot state that they dodge the attack.
When using the Free Form with damage you must say the action, say where it hit, amount of damage, and then allow the person to respond to the damage. Let's look at an example of a good use of this Form:

*Gallant draws his sword hastily, holding it at the ready as he is prepared to attack*

*Jerald leaps high into the air, and plants a kick directly into Gallant's chest, knocking him back a few feet*

*Gallant is pushed into the air, and manages to stumble and catch himself. With a mighty charge Gallant is upon Jerald, and swings with the butt of his sword at him*

*Jerald barely ducks under the swing and grabs Gallant's arm, twisting it hard*

*Gallant drops his sword screaming in pain. Using all his ability, he manages to grab Jerald by the shoulder and squeeze, then shoves him away*

*Jerald drops to his knees, holding his shoulder* You bastard!! *pulling a dagger out from behind his back, Jerald throws it at Gallant, the blade flying straight and true towards his knee*

*trying to jump away in time, Gallant catches the dagger to the shin. Blood begins to flow from the open wound already* DAMN YOU! All you vampires must die! *pulling the dagger out, Gallant throws it to the floor. Staggering up, he grabs a sharp stick, jabbing at Jerald*

*Jerald leaps back, kicking the stick out of Gallant's hand. He follows up with a switch kick that is planted into Gallant's chin*

*Gallant loses grip of the stick and it is tossed into the air, the kick causing him to fall backward unconscious

You pathetic little terd *Jerald grabs Gallant by the shirt, but seeing as he is unconscious, he leaves him there bleeding and walks back to talk to other people*

There you can see GOOD Free Form fighting with damage. It is obvious both characters are taking and dealing hits that are fair and reasonable. Neither character tried to call damage that was not acceptable such as calling that the dagger did in fact, hit where it was aimed at and not allow the other character time to respond. No character was trying to abuse the form or try moves that would instantly kill the other person. Additionally, a character did not need to die or the evilest character loses for the fight to end. Please keep in mind that a quick, easy, and over all cheesy victory is not fun for anyone, not even yourself. Let's take a look at how not to use the Free Form with damage called shall we?

You're dead meat pal! *grabbing Jerald around the neck, Gallant hits him in the face repeatedly, each punch making cracking noises*

*Jerald moves out of the way of the punches, not getting damaged, and avoids the grab. Jerald takes a dagger and stabs Gallant with it* DIE!

*Gallant grabs the dagger in his hand, it not effecting him at all. He then kicks Jerald in the stomach and launches him across some tables*

*Jerald lands safely on his feet with hardly a scrape* I can fly! *shoots ice at Gallant*

*Gallant realizes he can’t be harmed with ice! Slams his sword into Jerald’s neck and kills him* Die vampire! (You were the more evil character after all)

I believe that you can see why this is a BAD way to use Free Form with damage called. Free Form does not mean you can do whatever you want to in a fight in the way of damage. Neither character acknowledged the actions of the other in a way that they ignored that it happened and a mortal blow was stated. Each was only interested in winning, and winning quickly which both would not allow the other to have. It is a complete waste of time, is boring, and often causes the characters to be ignored rather quickly. Other role players will shy away from you and not wish to play with you at all. If you cannot see why this is a bad way to use the Free Form with damage or if you don't like this form then perhaps you should use the next example of Free Form.

Free Form fighting without damaged called

This is often the most commonly used Free Form fighting style used in other role-playing chats (such as the Red Dragon Inn at Net Central), but is not favored in the Zocalo. Unlike the previous version of a Free Form fight, this type does not call damage in anyway, shape or form. This does not mean that the person cannot state the action in a manner in which the other or others cannot deny the action did not happen. With this version, it allows a slight bit more way for the person to dodge, block, or avoid, and is some times used when fighting more godly characters, and takes much longer. Free Form fighting with damage called uses these techniques in many ways, but with Free Form fighting without damaged called, simply put, no damage is called. When using the Free Form without damage you must state your action, tell where you are aiming and how much power, and then let the other person respond. Let us look at an example of this form:

*Gallant stands and shoves at Jerald hard aiming at his chest*

*Jerald gets pushed and staggers back a bit drawing his sword*

*Gallant draws his sword as well, and swings swiftly at Jerald*

*Jerald blocks the attack, and kicks at Gallant's knee*

*Gallant shifts his leg causing Jerald to miss* I don't think so! *With a smooth motion, Gallant brings the butt of his sword at Jerald's face, which is already but a few inches away*

*Jerald gets hit with the butt of the sword and a cracking sound can be heard coming from his nose* AARGH! *He screams as he holds his face and throws his sword at Gallant*

*Gallant steps to the side of the sword, and smacks it even farther away with his own* Give it up or I WILL kill you! *Gallant keeps at the ready*

*Jerald shakes his head, stepping towards Gallant, hand extended* Alright then *grin gracing his lips*

*Gallant takes Jerald’s hand and shakes it* Good! So I hope this is behind us.

*Pulling Gallant close quickly, Jerald pulls a knife and keeps it aimed at Gallant's throat as he falls towards him. Stepping back swiftly, Jerald looks at the knife, which is coated in blood* Yes, I do believe that it is over!

*Seeing the blood upon the dagger, Gallant holds his throat, which allows the blood to flow quickly. Trying to speak but unable to, Gallant falls to the floor in a pool of blood*

Here we can see a GOOD way to use the Free Form without calling damage. Both characters did not abuse the fact that the other did not call damage at all, took damage, and dealt damage. While in the end Jerald did kill Gallant, he did not call the damage. Yes, it was stated in a way that could not be denied, but that is allowed in both Free Form with damage and Free Form without damage. Let's look at an abused Free Form without damaged called:

*Jerald kicks with incredible speed at Gallant's head*

*Gallant dodges and punches at Jerald's face*

*Jerald grabs the punch and attempts to throw Gallant over the river*

*Gallant is not thrown over the river, and sticks a dagger from point blank range at Jerald's side*

*Jerald slaps the dagger away and twists Gallant's arm, more than enough to break it*

*Gallant manages the break free from Jerald grasp and shoots Jerald*

*Jerald sees the gun and hides before it can go off. Disappears and goes away from the cliff and away from the fight*

It is hoped you can see the abuse in this Free Form without damage called. This is the major problem with this type of form. It opens up too much for those characters that want nothing more than to sit and abuse this form the entire fight. Neither character wanted to be hit, and only wanted to damage the other character. This caused a boring and drawn out fight, which more than likely landed both characters in personal ignore list! If you want to use this type of Free Form, use it wisely! Remember the Free Form with damage called is often more appropriate since not all forms of damage are acceptable and do not allow characters to abuse or deny that it happened.

I wanna complain about this fight and what form they are using!

No, no, no! Do NOT complain about what form the person is using. If the person is using the Free Form with damaged called, and you don't want to, then it is simply your problem. Do not expect other role-players to bend backward just for you! If they are complaining to you about how you are role-playing, tell them to adapt a bit and play like you, and that you will also adapt and play a bit like them. Find middle grounds. It's no fun seeing people scream and act like three-year-olds over something like a swing or a miss.

What can I complain about then?

Not a bad question. You can complain about things such as the person not taking damage, not acknowledging your posts, and being an all around God Moder/Gmoder.
You don't have to bend backward for any role-player in the Zocalo, so don't let them bully you. If they are complaining for reasons that should not be complained about, then notify them that the form you have decided on using is valid, and they should adapt to you as you will adapt to them.

Oh YEAH?! Well my character has a stat of...

Who cares! Your statistics, unlike other games, means nothing here. You can't state that your character has a dexterity of fifty so you avoid the hit. In the same note you shouldn't say things like
"*Gallant enters his werewolf form, gaining a rage point* "
What in the world is a rage point, and what effect or cause does it have in a Free Form? Simply put numbers have no place in the Zocalo, so do not use them. After all, other people will be ignoring them too. This is no Dungeons and Dragons, White Wolf, Vampire the Masquerade, or anything else of that nature.

That could not have happened even in here

So another character grabbed yours and threw him/her against the tree, telling you that you are only feet from it and you managed to kick off if it, huh? Sorry, but that is unacceptable. How could your character be three feet from the tree, lean forward while in the air, plant his/her feet on the tree to brace his/herself and push off of it? Obviously the character couldn't have pushed off a tree, or a rock for that matter, if they are flying head first into it! Alright, so your character was damaged and you didn't like that. Don't state that you get healed immediately. It is considered cheap, and most of all it is very often called God Moding/Gmoding. If your character gets damaged then let them fight it out with the wound and use it in your role-play. Heal the character later on, but not in the middle of the fight. Your character, as a "normal mortal", was just blasted through a wall and gets up with cuts. Not very realistic is it? Should a "normal mortal" be slammed through a sea side rock wall, then a series of things would/could happen: lungs collapse, ribs break, back break, neck break, concussion, knocked unconscious, punctured lungs, or even paralyzation. The previous examples aren't what you need to state what happens, or even the only things you can state. They are merely examples of causes created by the action. The immediate re-growth of dismembered body parts and healing of your character is also frowned upon. Don't let your character get the body part taken off only to have it grow back seconds later, or take damage just to have the damage go away in the same post.
Perhaps your character is being beaten to a bloody pulp and just may end up dying if the onslaught continues. Do not suddenly have your character find some hidden power, talent, move, or anything else your character did not know he or she had before the fight began to get out of the finishing move or being beaten without mercy. If your character is not a fighter and only a lonely, cowardly bard, then obviously they could not become a "He-Man" to suddenly pulverise the other person! Countless times thing such as that have happened in free form role-playing rooms and it detracts from the realism. Also, it is extremely cheap and IS God Moding/Gmoding. Doing anything like that is forbidden and will be ignored by others. Like anything that has been noted as God Moding/Gmoding, you will be told so and then given a chance to ratify your post. If you do not wish to do so, then the person you are in melee with shall be given the right to continue on with a damaging or other type of post against your character.

Avoid The Cliques!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Um…what is it and why should you avoid it? A clique is a group of role-players that will play with no one except themselves. These characters seem to be only interested on what is going on with just them and avoid the going on's of the Realm (IE fights, explosions). This is a horrible situation to be in since it subtracts from the realism of the Zocalo and the quality of the role-playing. A very good example of this is when a character, that claims to be a protector, is so busy talking with a fair maiden that they completely ignore or do not notice that an incredibly evil person has entered the Realm and has started killing people, starting fights, blowing things to bits, or anything else. More often than not this is caused by people stealing character types from books, games, magazines, and the such. A recent example is the use of such as the Saiyan from Dragon Ball Z in many role-play chats. These are character types from an anime/manga, with certain abilities taken from books, and have been brought to chat rooms. They seem interested in playing with only themselves and are ignored by most role-players. Also, because of people like this, many chat lines are being closed down because of the copyright infringement they are causing! This is not telling you to avoid making friends and having a group with them; it is simply telling you that you should not forget to react with the goings on of the Realm! Never exclude the other role-players in the Zocalo and what they are doing.

Never say what? That I’m bored? But how come?

You're being begged with this…Please if you learn nothing else from all of this, then just learn this: Never come into the Zocalo and say that you are bored! This is the most absolute, positively bad thing you can do and is horrible to see when in a role-playing chat room. The Zocalo is a place of fantasy, mystery, imagination, and creativity. Why be bored?! It does not reflect well on you at all about how creative you are, imaginative, or even fun when you say you are bored and have nothing to do. You lose too much credibility for yourself when you WANT to role-play with someone eventually.
Now, characters can state they are bored. After all, where the character may be from could be much more appealing to them than the Zocalo at the time. Try saying you are bored in character instead of out of character/OOC.
If you think it is lagging too much in the excitement department, then create a bit of a disturbance, and INTERACT. Just make up a spur-of-the-moment event out of the blue to perk things up a bit. It not only hurts yourself when you say that you are bored, but every other role-player in there and creates a situation in which you will scream "No one will play with my character!!!!"

No one WILL play with my character

Please, just don’t panic. It is time to check yourself. Did you make a good entrance? If you fought was it fair and follow the rules? Are you being a jerk out of character and/or in character? Are you taking out of character information and using it in character? Often times those boring people and their cliques will surround you. If you were fighting and not following the rules, then you may be in a situation where no one will want to talk to you because of it. If you are being a jerk out of character then you are most likely on ignore, and no one can see your posts. If you are being a jerk in character then you are playing with people who do not know how to separate role-play from real life. This can be a problem, and cause the role-play to decline horrifically. If you are using information that information in character then you will have lost the respect of many role-players. Your character does not know information given to you out of character!
Another reason why you might feel you are being ignored is the fact that there are so many other characters in the Zocalo already. It takes time and patience, not to mention interaction with others to get noticed.

Do I really have to impress everyone?

No, of course not. You don't have to impress everyone if you don’t want to. As a matter of fact it is impossible to empress every character there! Impressing the crowed you want to hang around with, however, just may help you to get noticed by them.
You have to remember that because most newbies come in and complain. Almost all experience role-players are extremely hesitant to play with a new comer. Of course they will want to know how good a role-player you are, and don't want to find out you are a typical newbie that steals characters, plays typical characters and complains.

Story lines and Plots, huh? I don't really have one, after all this isn't a book

No, it is not a book, but you have to remember that you must develop a character. To do so you should already have a story line behind your character. Why is the character there? What happened to the character when…? Who's in the character's family? Where is the character from? These are all things you should already have answered so when another character asks these you can quickly respond. Story lines are the building blocks for the role-playing activity. Plots really aren't story lines. Remember what plots are? They are like chapters in the book of your character's life.
When a character is sticking with a story line, they will often not let out side influences get involved. This can cause a statement or action made by your character to be ignored or brushed away. Never give up when this happens. Talk to another character in the Zocalo for assistance or just to play with. Everyone will agree that the best story lines that people have are the ones that allow others to help with or become a part of. If you aren't flexible with your story line or plot, then expect to be role-playing with yourself a lot of the time!

HEY! I was called a God Moder/Gmoder…what is that?

This is the most discussed/argued/debated topic that will ever arise, and you want to avoid being sucked into it at any and every cost. A God Moder/Gmoder is a person with no weaknesses, can kill anything and everything with a flick of the wrist, refuses to take damage, states that they killed a character, calls a mortal blow, can detect everything with his/her pinkie, or anything of the like. God Moders/Gmoders are BAD!!!!! There are thousands, upon thousand reasons why God Moders/Gmoders are bad and take from the role-play experience, but there is no room or time to list them.
Note that each person has a different view on what a God Moder/Gmoder is and if you are called one, but don't believe you are, then message the person or ask others if you were. It also helps if you give an explanation to what the action was, and why or how it was performed. Most people accept it after an explanation. Just be as friendly as you can.

That's great...but can I have an example please?

Okay, an example of a God Mode/Gmode fight is what you want or what you need. This is not a problem at all. Most God Mode/Gmode fights have one or both characters constantly countering, dodging, or ignoring the other person's post.
Here is your example God Mode/Gmode fight. Enjoy:

*Gallant pulls his sword, swiping it across Jerald's should that begins to bleed*

*Jerald grabs his shoulder and presses on it hard. the wound disappears slowly leaving no pain. with four quick swipes faster than anyone can blink, Jerald cuts at Gallant*

*Gallant vanishes from sight and reappears at the lake, sipping a drink* Pathetic * appears once again behind Jerald and slams him to the ground. he then begins kicking him repeatedly in the head*

*Jerald turns quickly grabbing Gallant by the leg. he then attempts to throw him hard*

*Gallant flies towards the tree and his head smashes into it. shaking it off he fires a ball of energy into Jerald, hitting him very hard in the chest*

*Jerald crashes violently against the wall and partially through it. getting up slowly, his face is cut and bleeding* You son of a bitch! *Jerald charges Gallant and pushing him up off his feet a few inches, slamming him back into the wall that is only three feet away*

*Gallant kicks off the wall and punches at Jerald while still in the air. the punch connects directly under his nose, breaking his teeth*

*Jerald's teeth do not break and he pokes his fingers into Gallant's eyes and blinds him*

*Gallant holds where his eyes are shouting. he starts to laugh because he never had eyes in the first place. pulling out a massive sword, he slices Jerald in half*

This could go on forever, but there is not enough time or space to continue. Can you pick out the God Moding/Gmoding by both characters? While one may have God Moded/Gmoded more than the other each character is guilty of doing so.

Common Mistakes Made


This section talks about the most commonly made mistakes in role-playing. Try and watch yourself from doing any of these things.

His name? Why it says right there that it’s…

This is probably the most common, and avoidable, mistake made by newbies, and some times experienced role-players. You can’t take out of character/OOC information and use it in character. Here is an example of this:

*Gallant strides into the Zocalo and looks over each patron intensely having never been here before and not knowing anyone*

*Jerald nods and raises his drink in greetings*

*Gallant smiles and waives back* Hey Jerald! I'm new and don't know anyone.

This happens thousands of times in this type of chat. How could Gallant know Jerald's name if he had never been there before, not know anyone, and never met Jerald? Do not make this mistake even though how easy it is!

Hearing when you shouldn't have

This can be a problem. Many newbie, and still some experienced role-players, seem to think they can hear everything at every time. It's a big and sometimes noisy, people think, people whisper, and people can't be heard outside.

That was a Mind Speak/~MS~? DOAH!

Another problem newbies, and even some experienced role-players, do is pick up mind speaks/~MS~ when they shouldn't. It is very important that you keep everything you learn out of character away from your knowledge in character. Should a character state that they are thinking you are annoying then you cannot say something back to that character about the thought.
Avoid using what you find out of character to help you make responses to the person, or future interactions with the person since in 'reality' your character did not know what the person was thinking.
There are two types of mind speaks/~MS~ in the Zocalo. The first is the most common, and seems that every character can do so. It is called the open mind speak. Every character that can mind speak can do this one. An open mind peak is posted for everyone to see, but cannot be heard by other characters that cannot read an open mind speak. A person does not need to post something like "*open ~MS~*". A person DOES however need to post that if closed mind speaks/~MS~'s are being used as well. Open mind speaks/~MS~ are posted like normal.
The second type of mind speak/~MS~ is called the closed mind speak. Not every character that can use mind speaks may use this. It is often restricted to gods, god like characters, and powerful mind users, but some characters using a mind speak/~MS~ and are not gods, god like characters, or powerful mind users may use them. It's asked that you use them with heavy discretion though. Closed mind speaks/~MS~ are the same way an open mind speak/~MS~ and must state "*closed ~MS~*". Closed mind speaks/~MS~ cannot be heard by characters that can read mind speaks/~MS~. Closed mind speaks/~MS~ are used in private messages only.
If a person private messages you with a mind speak/~MS~ or normal post, but it does not state that it is a closed mind speak/~MS~, then you may copy and post it to everyone in the following manner:

"*(insert name here) has sent an open mind speak/~MS~ stating '(insert text here)'*".
OR
"*(insert name here) has said to me '(insert text here)'*".

You may then private message the person back with a closed mind speak/~MS~ if your character has the ability to do or reply normally with an open mind speak/~MS~, again, if you can, or just say what you would in response.

Be very quiet! I have no super hearing, and can hear you, huhuhuhuhu!

Yet another common mistake made is to have your character hear what is being said across the Realm or in areas of the Realm where it would be impossible to hear the other characters. This also applies to characters whispering to each other, sending Mind Speaks/~MS~ that are opened or closed, talking quietly, or heard in a very noisy place which the Zocalo seems to be more often than not.
A character may be able to hear certain things being said, but if you have your character hear everything then it takes away from the realism and can cause people to be angry with you.

Things to remember as a player


This section is just a few additional notes for you, the one behind your character. Of course these pointers are important they are pretty much general rules of conduct for interaction with other role-players. If you don't listen you may end up hurting someone else's feelings, getting your own feelings hurt, and get you sucked into conversations and arguments you don't want to be in, not to mention a permanent place in a personal ignore list!

It's not real! It's role-playing and make believe!

Please, it’s the Internet and not real! Nothing ever more truthful for role-play has ever been said than that. No matter what happens or who says what it is not to be taken personally. Lately this seems to be a problem. Many of the newbie players are taking in character disputes, or hates, out of character/OOC. This is unacceptable. You will not send bogus e-mail to a person who's character was rude to yours, you will not get into an argument over something mean or disgusting a person's character said to yours, etc. Most things are between characters, and just as it says, is to be between the characters and not the people behind them.

Main difference between In Character and Out Of Character/OOC

Not only do you need to recognize this is make believe, but you must also keep your in character relationships out of your out of character/OOC relationships. Again, this seems to be a problem for the newbies that come in. Just because two characters get engaged or fall in love, does not mean in anyway that the people behind them have the same relationship! REMEMBER THIS!! Crossing that big, fat, yellow and black line of in character and out of character can cause fighting, hurt feelings, and possibly worse.

The Official Rules of the Zocalo Role-Playing System, by Anthony Passalacqua is Copyright © January 2000 by Anthony Passalacqua. Infringers will be punished to the full extent of the law.