[karambit]

The Heroes RPG Beginner's Guide.

A few notes:

We recently switched our Character Creation Process. Instead of a single thread for all users to post their requests, new users are asked to create a thread with their name on it and post a character creation profile. You can find examples of acceptable character profiles in the now locked Character Creation threads. You cannot post in character until a MOD has given you their seal of approval.


DO NOT POST HERE. Karambit is the only member allowed to post in this thread.

-Spok
This is meant as a guide to new roleplayers. No one except myself is allowed to post in it, not even MODs. I respectfully request you honor my wishes, else I'll go ape-sheit on your arse.

Welcome
Since you’re reading this I’ll assume you’re a new recruit to Heroestheseries.com forum and its RPG Board. Congrats and welcome. Along with this initial post is a series of other posts that have more information on specific subjects. Sort of the RPG FAQ.

First thing first; think. I’d love to tell you that your first character you’ll love forever and ever, but it’s unlikely at best. Especially considering power-mongering is almost guaranteed amongst humans. Those that still RP their first character (and there’s not many left, at least not when this was written) put themselves into their character. That is to say they blurred the line between reality and the RPG. If you want a character that will stand the test of time model them after you. After all, the character literally does act as a conduit for you to inject yourself in the RPG. What is easier than a character that is pretty much you with some cool augmentations?

That takes care of the human aspect of your character. Name the character after yourself, or a name that means something to you. My first was named Jason Nox. Jason is a name from ancient Greece that means “healer” and Nox is the Greek goddess of Night. My next major character was named Jake Karambit. My name is Jake, and Karambit happens to be my favorite knife, coming from a knife and blade collector that means something. My next character is named Logan Karambit. Logan is the assumed name of Wolverine (favorite comic-book character), not to mention being a kick ass name. Names are names. Generally everyone refers to characters by first name or nickname.

Fill in the blanks as you so desire. Remember, don’t go overboard, but keep it realistic. Being a genius or having spectacular control over your ability pretty much means you’re out to be a super-powered bad-ass, which has never gone over well here.

Now comes the final straw, the ability. Trust me when I say that being powerful sucks. Jake Karambit had the ability of Omniscience, or basically the ability to know everything. It’s a fricken miracle anyone liked him. What do you think would be cool to have as a super-power? Think about it. Would you really want to know what everyone thought of you? Would you have the balls to take a bullet, even if you knew it couldn’t kill you? Choose an ability that you find interesting, not an ability that has the most potential. Remember that if you chose a powerful one everyone will be watching you closely, waiting for you to screw up. If you can’t think of one immediately don’t choose one. You can always discover a latent ability later on. In fact I recommend this, it forces you to think about their personality, rather than their power. Humanity is far more important. For all intents and purposes the ability is second to the character. Your prime concern is that your character is an interesting person, not that he can win every battle or best every enemy. Humans are by very nature inadequate, keep that in mind.

Now that you have a character, provided the MODs and Quality Control thought it was OK, it’s time to start RPing. Find yourself a thread, or rather city. Here the RPG is connected on a time-line we call the Present. Threads are divided into Cities, or Alternate Universes where Future Timelines are explored. You’re going to want a Present Timeline City. Don’t sweat if the thread sucks, you can always travel elsewhere by thread hopping. Pick an active one and find out who is leading it. Ask to join before actually joining. If all else fails just jump in and improvise, it’s always worked for me. I’m going to get reamed for suggesting that.

Generally the better you are at writing the easier RPing will be. One-liner posts are frowned upon as they only respond. The goal is to respond and present your own thing to respond to. Ask for help if people say you suck at RPing. If they don’t bother to help you improve they’re just as bad.

Be yourself, if your character was modeled on yourself, and think before you act. Before posting refresh the page to make sure someone else hasn’t posted. The RPG can be pretty rapid fire sometimes, it pays to be careful. Be sure to save what you just wrote though, otherwise you’ll have to write it all again. If you screw up the Edit and Delete options work wonders for continuity.

There’s a sort of process that occurs lately. You’ll post what you want, and everyone else will tell you what you can’t have. Generally this only occurs when someone wants an extremely powerful ability. The science of the ability may also be called into question. This happens more than once, especially with “creative” abilities. There are lists of “banned abilities” it would be wise to read this. Also, just because the ability is banned doesn’t mean that it isn’t in use. MODs allow trusted users to have Power Mimicry or Illusion as they know these users will behave themselves and won’t abuse the power. If you aren’t getting anywhere and want to start RPing forgo the ability and just RP. Then you can RP and discuss the ability simultaneously. I highly recommend this as it requires you to RP your character, without an ability. This requires that you think about their personality, which is of paramount concern.

Also, never underestimate un-powered characters. Noah Bennet and Jack Raiden are awesome examples of this. If you can’t find an ability you like don’t pick one and have an un-powered character. Trust me, the coolest characters are those that rarely use their ability, or don’t have one.

Entering the RPG:
Arc:
Currently the RPG is undergoing an as yet unnamed arc powered mainly by Conclaive, Lazarus, Esquin and Spokelese.

Characters:
Average people are always welcome and usable everywhere, remember they can always manifest a power later. Just create a regular character and cement their personality if you have problems getting a power you like.
Point of Contact: Anyone (direct power queries to the Power/Character Thread)

The Conclaive is in the process of becoming a major RPG super-power. Villains are welcome.
Point of Contact: Conclaive

The Agency is under construction (still being established). It appears to be a somewhat benign form of the company Primatech.
Point of Contact: Esquin

The Paladins (unofficial name) has been created and located in Arizona. It's a mixture of biker's, truckers and various nomads. Predominately hero but attracts some neutral-good types.
Point of Contact: Lazarus

[karambit]

The Rules

From the Rule's Thread:

General Rules

- Be friendly and compromise with other rpers. An rpg can't work if every participant is constantly at each others' throats.

- Be realistic and considerate when making battle posts. No character is invincible, so don't make it seem that way.

- You cannot kill another rper's character without permission.

- Label threads according to location.

- "Private" threads' storylines are thought up in advance, so don't join one unless the posters give you permission and you know where the plot is headed. All threads not marked as private are open, so don't be afraid to post!

- Please don't make multiple usernames and start rping with yourself just to make it seem like you're a badass, because you're not.

- Posts must be at least 3 sentences in length, or at least 75 words total.

- If you see a violation of any of these rules by another rper, then please report him/her to The_Heroic_Loser, SpØkelse, or Ikin via private message.

Game-Specific Rules

- Characters can have one power. They may have multiple powers only if the powers are related closely enough to actually be considered one power (i.e. Hiro's teleportation and time manipulation could be considered as one power: bending the space/time continuum).

- Think of a power that would be able to exist in the Heroes world. This should be easy if you have seen the show before.

- These are powers that are banned from the rpg (subject to change):
Power absorption/mimicry (limited power mimicry is allowed, but only for veteran rpers)
Reality manipulation
Absorption of all forms of energy
Complete mind-control (limited mind-control is allowed, as long as you don't go overboard and start godmodding)
Omnipotence (Or "all powers")

- You must specify if your character is a hero, villain, or neutral. However, over time, your character can switch to another side if you wish.

- Characters cannot exist in different location threads at the same time, unless they are in the present storyline and in an alternate universe storyline or have an ability that allows them to be in two places at once.
======================================

Unwritten Rules:

- Know how to write English. Internet shorthand is frowned upon as is excessive swearing.

- Keep it real. Your character is an average human with the option of having a supernatural ability. No aliens or anything like that. No magic

- Under no circumstances will there be cross-overs with other TV shows.

- Do not cybercast an actor that is currently in use (this includes all cannon Heroes characters). Also only make one post in the Cybercast thread and edit it if you make changes.

- We're a community, or we like to think we are. Don't go off on your own, if you isolate yourself we'll assume you want to be isolated. Hence why so many newcomers are given the cold shoulder. Join an active story if you can and make friends In Character.

- It's not because we think your stupid or can't handle Power Mimicry or the like, we simple can't trust you. If you want it build a reputation. Everyone else had to.

- There are no main characters. There are only characters and plot elements.

[karambit]

The Story Line (SL)

This requires a quick intro into the RPG’s style. First off unless it’s an Alternate Universe story everything happens at the same time on the same planet. There is some time differences due to various story elements but they are largely ignored. Threads are based on location, rather than story. That is to say if your journey begins in Las Vegas and ends in New York at one point your character is going to thread hop. It’s best to begin in a well-populated city and enter the story there.

There’s been a push for forum-encompassing stories entitled Arcs. They involve everyone that wants to participate in it. I’ve been at Basic and AIT since July 08 so things may have changed. Usually it’s best to get involved in one of these by PMing the User In Charge or posting in the OCC thread for the Arc. They are generally flexible enough to handle new entries and should cooperate to let you in.

If you’re not up for the Arcs than it is fairly simple business of joining a story in motion by PMing the User In Charge of the story you’re interested in. Depending on the Story Line (SL) being played out they may or may not have room for you, it never hurts to try.

Originally Posted by Major Despard

Okay, there seems to be a little strife due to people entering storylines with little or no understanding of the plot. So here are some basic guidelines I've thought of:


ALWAYS understand the storyline before you enter it. Know the characters and the plot and have a general understanding of where it is going.

Out of courtesy, PM the major players in the storyline and tell them of your intention of entering the storyline. Also, you can ask any questions about the storyline. This may seem tedious, but I think it would be beneficial in the end.

DON'T have your character randomly show up on the scene. It throws things into disarray and can be irritating for those who are trying to RP to have a random character suddenly show up on the spot. It will either end in minor turmoil or disppointment for you - your posts are likely to be completely ignored if they are unreasonale. This leads me to my next point:

Keep within the boundaries of the storyline. Unless you know exactly what is going on, don't throw random curveballs. Respect those who are firmly involved in the storyline.


I don't know how everyone else would feel about these ideas, but I reckon they may help some of the newer RPers to know how to get involved.

Advice via Major Despard, a master of Roleplaying and one of my favorite Rpers.

From what I've gathered this RPG is fairly unique as all of the stories within it are happening simultaneously. This presents many bonuses and a few drawbacks. Beware that everyone else has to deal with the time changes you make. If you want to come off as an @$$hole go ahead and alter the flow of RPG time as you desire.

[karambit]

Anomalistic Abilities:
I highly recommend utilizing the Power/Character Discussion Thread before posting a character's ability. The mechanics are simple:
- Post either your explanation of an ability or a list of skills you would like the character to be capable of.
- Someone else (namely a veteran RPer) will review it and make suggestions. Generally if it has their stamp of approval the MODs will have no contentions.

All abilities fall into a specific category depending on what exactly it allows the holder to do. For examples I've only used abilities from cannon Heroes (that is the TV show and the Graphic Novels) to aid in simplicity.

Generation Abilities allow the holder to make a certain substance or energy and manipulate what they have created. Also, along with these come the Ted Rule; the heat does not burn the oven. That is to say the holder is immune to all of the negative prospects of generating the subject in question.
Examples:
Ability supercharging, Acid secretion, Bone spike protrusion, Chlorine gas exudation, Cloning, Forcefield projection, Freezing, Future terrorist's ability, Gravitational manipulation, Induced radioactivity, Laser emission, Luminescence, Magnetism, Microwave emission, Nerve gas emission, Oil secretion, Plant Manipulation, Poison emission, Pyrokinesis, Sound manipulation, Water generation, Bliss and horror, Electric manipulation, Seismic burst, Metal duplication, Metallic sweat, Earthquake causing, Corrosion, Reality distortion

Extra-Sensory Perception Abilities allow the holder to know some information they cannot gather from the normal five senses. Generally they fall under the passive aspect of Telepathy.
Examples:
Clairsentience, Clairvoyance, Electronic communication, Lie Detection, Mediumship, Omnilingualism, Precognition, Precognitive Dreaming, Telepathy, Evolved Human detection

Alteration Abilities allow the holder to make a specific change to the environment. Most people confuse this category with the Generation category or try to combine the two. For simplicity this should not happen. Generally it is the ability to affect a change in the environment with the mind.
Examples:
Activation and deactivation, Alchemy, Appearance alteration, Crumpling, Healing, Imprinting, Melting, Mental manipulation, Neurocognitive deficit, Plant growth, Puppet master, Space/time manipulation, Technopathy, Telekinesis, Weather control, Animal control, Hair manipulation, Nervous system manipulation, Temperature manipulation, Empathic manipulation, Life force transferal, Outfit morphing, Dream, Manipulation, Illusion, Persuasion, Sedation, Dehydration, Disintegration touch, Earth manipulation, Gordon's ability, Trevor's ability, Deoxygenation, Object displacement, Summoning

Mimicry Abilities allow the holder to copy the physical, genetic, or mental aspects of something else. Generally the object of mimicry can be dynamic (as in Shape-Shifting) or static (as in Water Mimicry).
Examples:
Ability replication, Adoptive muscle memory, Aura absorption, Empathic mimicry, Metal mimicry, Power absorption, Shape Shifting, Water mimicry, Dynamic camouflage, Electric mimicry, Gas mimicry, Shadow mimicry, Snake mimicry, Mohinder's ability

Enhancement Abilities allow the holder to access a drastically enhanced feature common to humans. These are normal human processes kicked into over-drive and considered by all rights super-human.
Examples:
Accelerated probability, Constriction, Elasticity, Enhanced hearing, Enhanced memory, Enhanced strength, Impenetrable skin, Intuitive aptitude, Lung adaptation, Primal rage, Rapid cell regeneration, Super Speed, Telescopic vision, Acidic blood, David's ability

Negation Abilities allow the holder to break a specific scientific rule as it applies to them. Generally the scientific rule in question is unknown, and the exception allows a specific ability.
Examples:
Age shifting, Body insertion, Electrical absorption, Flight, Invisibility, Levitation, Phasing, Sound absorption, Teleportation, Underwater breathing, Wall crawling, Induced explosion, Size alteration, Light absorption, Alejandro's ability, Transportation, Shifting

Characters and Powers:

Create a character first. A power serves only to explore the psyche of the person that controls it, never vice versa. If you create a power and try to build a character around it will never last. Trust me on this one. I hold the record on this. I have built more characters around powers then I care to admit and they all failed miserably. It wasn’t until I created a character and added a power in afterthought did I find one I was happy with. I wanted an Adam Munroe type of character who had been around the block a couple times and had the hang of things. I initially believed he would have to be a Regenerating character, until a creepy dude gave me an idea. But I digress.

If you want to explore a power that’s fine, but never sacrifice character development. The character comes first, your ability is second, never forget that and you’ll have a ball here.

Power Originality:

Just because everyone and their cousin has the ability to manipulate electricity does not mean it is unoriginal. One character can use it to create magnetic fields, another throws it from her hands, a third absorbs it, and yet one more can convert herself into electricity and move through wires. Think of it this way: they all have the same foundation but build different houses. The same thing happens with Pryokinesis, Hydrokinesis, Enhanced Senses, Cognizant Abilities and Enhanced Physique. Never assume that just because the same ability has been done that it is unoriginal. Originality is how it’s used, not how it is.

If you want ideas, Kinesis brought these links to my attention. Keep in mind some of these powers do not compute with the RPG. You may end up getting your idea but then tailoring it to rules of this universe.
Activating Evolution - A good source for ideas. The links below are a larger list from the same site.
- List of abilities: A - Im
- List of abilities Im - Ps
- List of abilities: Ps - Z
Superhero Database - I have no real experience with this site but comes recommended by Kineses. Looked useful.
Wikipedia - Based almost entirely on Marvel and DC comic-book characters.

Degree of Power:

With great power comes great responsibility.

That is to say unless you’re really damned responsible you shouldn’t have a really powerful character. God-modding is common and can happen without even knowing it. I’ve done it before and others that have will tell you it never feels like they’re being too powerful, just really specific in their weakness. Instead of looking for something that give all around good defense and attack skill look for an ability that allows the character to excel in one specific area. Also, a powerful ability tends to over-shadow the character and dictate their direction. It’s much easier and more enjoyable to have a character with a special skill, rather than a power and a vessel for the power.

If you think you are a gifted enough writer and thinker to balance the requirements between a character and their power, you’re probably still new to this place which means your street credit is zero. No one trusts you since you’ve yet to prove yourself. If you are out to RP the next Peter Petrelli or Gabriel Gray work your way up to it. No one here, especially Esquin, is going to just hand Power Mimicry or Omniscience to the next guy to show up. In the RPG there has been only one cannon Mimic (Esquin’s baddie) and select few other multi-powered characters. Those were created by very old RPers. To sum that up; if you want more power prove you’re responsible. Show us you can make a balanced character.

Multiple Powers:

In general anything that gives a character more than one special skill (Power Mimicry – Power Theft – Power Generation – Darkness Manipulation – Probability Manipulation – Reality Manipulation – And the list goes on) is disallowed. These powers are not expressly banned so experts and veterans can contribute to the RPG in a more specific way. These characters have always been plot elements and serve to create a story for everyone. Don’t ask for one because you won’t get it. It’s nothing personal; we’re just trying to keep the RPG balance of power in equilibrium.

Power Complexity:

Generally speaking the more inclusive the subject is the more power it yields. While this is an excellent method for creating an extremely powerful ability, it is self-limiting in a sense. The methods usually employed are using quantum physics or other advanced scientific information to explain an ability and what they can do. However, one must also abide by these rules in order to use their ability effectively. Generally it is difficult to do so without being a subject matter expert or otherwise highly skilled in this area of science.

Therefore, unless one has spent a considerable amount of time studying the power subject of choice I highly recommend not utilizing it as those of us learned and others with degrees will be able to spot inconsistencies. Generally it is best to simply state what you want the character to be able to do, and then have other people name it for you. Unless you are an expert and can explain the ability and its function to others well.

Changing Abilities:

I have a character with the ability to manipulate abilities. Patrick Kowalski was created with the dilemma in mind that one likes the character, but abhors the power. This happened to me with Jake Karambit, I was fond of my blind thief but his ability was far too excessive (omniscience the ability to know everything). In the end I had to retire the character because I couldn't think of a way to limit his ability while making the character concept possible. Hence the retcon of Patrick Kowalski into being a massively powered supporting character. If you want your character's ability changed toss me a PM and we will start a conversation.

[karambit]

Characters

My advice is to model your character’s personality on your own are or people you admire. I’ve had good luck with both options. I’m not going to tell you how to create a character, I’ll assume you know how to do that. Be original and creative, but keep it real. A normal average guy with a normal average past can be a spectacular character, ask anyone about Riley Walker. Our character population is wide and varied. The rich CEOs, the average college kids, random people caught up in a grand adventure, everyone comes from a different walk of life and adds their own perspective to the entire story. You can add a spectacular element and only be a minor player.

Usually the CEO or Rich Guy serves as a main plot element. I strongly advise against using these in your character type as they tend to be tied down and not very interesting. The best have been average people that just happen to get caught up in the story. For the most part we ignore our character’s financial positions and assume everyone has enough money. However, if you want to have the expensive cars and luxurious clothes be prepared to explain how they came by the money, and it had better be convincing.

Never decide on what your character’s moral alignment will be. I’ve always put Neutral in the Hero/Villain space. I’ve had a heroic thief and a vampire vigilante, heroes and villains are made by choices, and those choices are made in the RPG. As you go everyone will come to understand which side of the line your character falls on. Some villains are just crazy and others are well-meaning. Some people do the right thing the wrong way, and others live by their moral compass. Rarely are heroes and villains simply black and white.

Originally Posted by Major Despard

I also thought that some people may like some tips for getting longer posts. I think that everyone is doing a GREAT job picking up and making posts longer, but if you're still struggling, here's some general advice that came to my mind:


Try to avoid one word dialogue. I haven't seen much of this lately, but it doesn't really move the plot along. To twist a frequent saying: If you can't say something worth saying, don't say anything at all. This leads me on to say:

Don't make bland, unnecessary posts like: James picked up the phone. He waited for a response. It is clear that a post like that does not move the story anywhere at all, so don't post it. It clutters the boards and is just generally unnecessary.

If you're struggling for things to make the posts longer, go back to your English class at school and remember what they said about writing. Use descriptions to give the other RPers a better idea of what is happening. Describe the surroundings, the character's facial expressions, actions and reactions and all that jazz.

Also, describing the character's thoughts are a great way to fill out the story and make it moreinteresting and meaningful. How does the character feel about what is bein said or what is happening? Does the action in the scene remind them of a past event. You could also tie this to a short flashback which could give the character history and depth. However, don't get too carried away with this. It can make the actual, present storyline disjointed if it is filled with too many tangents.

Obviously, there is more, so please feel free to expound on this brief guide.

Multiple Characters:

Generally I do not condone multiple characters. Usually it splits ones focus and your creative muse is soon lost due to the tax multiple characters puts on it. However, I do condone Supporting Characters. That is characters that help round-out your main character that add to the over-all believability and story you've concocted. Supporting Characters usually do not have their own Character Creation post and are usually flat (that is everything they do furthers the story of the Main Character and they don't grow in any real way).

Character Types:

This falls in the category of morality. What "kind" of person your character is. Personally this cannot be determined in a planning stage with any accuracy. Therefore I suggest abandoning the concept entirely. Below is a list of over-used or boring character types.

Assassins are annoying. Congratulations on being a weird anti-social murderer. You're pretty much guaranteed to be the annoying thorn in the side of everyone. Assassins require a certain level of devil-may-care attitude that just does not work well sometimes. Other options that you might find interesting are law enforcement or ex-CIA. If you want to be a martial arts expert make them a karate instructor.

Corporate CEOs are useless. I've expounded on this elsewhere.

[karambit]

Who Can Help:

I’m usually not here on a regular basis because I have a rather improvisational schedule. I like helping newcomers as evidenced by this thread. I am the Mysterious, Creepy, and Criminal specialist so if you want a guy like Sylar or Noah Bennet I'll have pointers. Drop me a line if Esquin is being atrocious or you want some advice on making an ability idea workable. Esquin and I are self-proclaimed experts on Abilities.

There are other people here like myself that have been around and know what the hell is going on and how stuff works. Likely if they have a custom title they’ve been around a while. The people I would suggest you listen to the most are Esquin, Mad4Milo and BeautifullyBroken.

Esquin knows how stuff works. His specialty is the Heroes universe and the nuts and bolts of the RPG. If he says something is off the charts more than likely it is. His attitude is gruff and sometimes I wonder if he has a superiority complex, but he means well. Don’t let his mannerisms cloud your reaction, his words are never minced and the same holds true to his wisdom. Avoid arguments, he never stops for some reason. Although sometimes they are fun to get into if you want lively debate and some criticism.

M4M Spok and BB are the three RPG goddesses hereabouts. Do not tangle with Spok because she has sharp objects and likes to use them. BB is a romance specialist, plus she has a knack for making her characters so normal they stand out. M4M is our resident RPG master. Her character Riley Walker is the RPG’s gold standard. Try to be like her and you’ll end well.

There are the obvious people you should respect: the MODs. Disobey one of these guys and you’re in for some trouble. The_Heroic_Loser (AKA THL) Spokelse (Spok) and Ikin are the RPG MODs. They know what’s F-ed up and what’s ok. If you have legitimate problems ask them for help.

Ikin is Captain Jack Sparrow posing as Napoleon Dynamite. He’s a cool guy and knows what looks fishy. Heed his advice, or else his undead pirate minions will attack you.

THL is the RPG founder, I think. His policies are usually lax but don’t mistake his kindness for weakness.

Mathsorcerer (Mathy) is the Forum’s resident evil genius mastermind. If you have a question about science ask him, even I defer to this man. He doesn’t meddle in the affairs of the RPG for some reason unbeknownst to us mere mortals, but likes to show off his intelligence.

Oh yea: Sam = God. Do not F--- with God, he has lightening bolts.