What is roleplaying?

When roleplaying each participant assumes the role of a character and then interact within the imaginary world or setting, each taking turns to write out a narrative. It is similar to the concept of a book, except there are more than one author and they take turns.

Is anything expected of me?

Just a few basic things. At Index we encourage roleplayers to use proper grammar, punctuation and sentence structure to the best of their abilities and though we are not all English majors and English may not be our first language, things like text speak are not allowed. It is up to each roleplayer which tense or narrative (eg first person) they wish to use. We also encourage roleplayers to have good communication (let others know what they can do with your character, post LOAs and SPWs as in rules) and try to get to know the other members of the site. We think this is important when roleplaying and will lead to a more enjoyable experience for everyone.

How do I create a character?

Have a good think about what sort of character you might like to play, and what plots or stories they could get involved in. Either make a sim or choose a premade, and create a personality for them. You can take as much time as you want to do this - there is no right or wrong way and every creator is different. Then simply fill out an application and once accepted you're free to play your new character!

How can my character interact with others?

Imagination is key to how your character might interact - really it can be anything you want it to be. Talking to a character, bumping into them, tripping in front of them, or using an NPC to create opportunities are a few ways. Think of ways your character would create opportunities for conversations and plots. Friendly characters are a lot easier to play in this respect, and quiet, shy or anti-social characters take a lot more skill on behalf of the roleplayer to get them involved.

Why hasn't anyone replied to my open thread?

Try and be patient, depending on time zones you may not get an immediate answer. People could also be tied up in other threads or simply busy and will reply to your open when they can. However, if it has been a while and no-one has replied, check over your open and try to think how easy you have made it for people to join. Posting your character actively doing something in a public place (eg a cafe, park) will make it easier for more people to have their characters interact with yours than if your open is set in a private place (their house, a room at their workplace) and your character is sitting quietly in the corner or being anti-social.

Can I play a species that isn't on the supernaturals list?

(Also, Can I have a demon/angel/mermaid/any other supernatural character not listed?) Currently the only supernatural creatures that can be applied for are the ones listed on the forum. While there is the possibility for more to be added in the future currently we are not doing so.

Common Acronyms

'In Character' Refers to any part of your post that is from the perspective of your character, not you as a roleplayer. Most of your post should be in character.

'Out Of Character' is dialogue from the roleplayer, not a character. Eg, you might put an 'OOC' note for your thread partner giving details of what your character is wearing, apologising for taking so long or explaining some other detail.

'Leave of Absence' - A duration of time in which a roleplayer will not be able to post.

'Slow Posting Warning' - The roleplayer is still actively trying to post but will be taking longer than the usual three days.

The term meaning varies across the internet. It can mean events unfolding realistically to the characters personalities and the limitations of their universe it is set in. It can also refer to the actual limitations or rules of the universe the roleplay is set in too.

Short for relationship, usually used regarding a romantic relationship. People who favor two particular characters pairing up are referred to as "shippers."

Refers to a character pairing or relationship that is unrealistic or ridiculous.

'One True Pairing' - Use across the internet to describe someone's favorite ship or relationship.

Fade to Black' - An event is not written out in it's entirety (eg, a sexual scene, or explicit violence) but instead skips out the details or section.

Pornography, sexual intercourse, sex, or anything of the sort.

Can mean two things -1. A story line devoid of angst, believable conflict or action and is instead wholly made up of romantic, 'cute' or positive interactions. 2. Unnecessary or unneeded information that has been added to a post with simply to make it longer.

Can mean two things - 1. ''Over Powered'' - referring to a character who has immense power that it would automatically win any fight and 2. 'Original Poster' - the creator of a thread.

Doing something to another person's character or making their character say or decide something without asking the roleplayer's permission. The worst form is killing another person's character without their permission.

Characters that have too many good traits and no flaws. They're often good at everything and may have ridiculously tragic pasts. These type of characters are frowned on and avoided by writers. A lot more information can be found through Google, including quizzes to take to see if any of your characters fit into this dreaded type.

When two or more people post quickly and repeatedly, one right after the other.