[size=8pt]With the new Roleplay quality enforcements in place, I think a new Newbie board is needed. I know MSDL made a board like this earlier, but unfortunately it died rather quickly because she too has a life outside of Charms and needs to tend to that.
I, having contracted Mononucleousis (a really dumb and lengthy illness) do not. I've been home sick for a month and will probably not be back into my natural flow until about February. So I'm taking up the task of making a board for people who are brand new to roleplaying or who think they still have room to improve.
This board was created for people who want somewhere to practice before they start joining other long-term roleplay threads, or going out and creating their own. I know that people don't improve their writing overnight- it took me almost four years to get where I am right now and even still, I know that I am not the greatest roleplayer in the world.
But I'm good enough to make this board, which is good enough for me P:
If any old roleplayers want to join just to scrape off the rust, or to help me with this board please don't hesitate to join. I'm willing to PM all the people who join, and give them tips on how they can make their next post even better. So by joining, you're giving me consent to do so.
On the contrary, if in your first post you say that you don't want me to PM you then I will respect that. Only if I really and truly believe that there is something you could do to make your roleplaying better will I contact you directly.
A note to experienced roleplayers: I will actually need your help. I'm not afraid to admit that. Please PM me if you're interested in giving me a hand with this particular aspect of the board.
Now, I know that after reading everything written here some people may feel a little intimidated (I certainly would, but that's mostly just my nature).
Let me assure you now- I don't bite. Really.
At most and in the worst case scenario, I may try to gum you to death.
But you needn't worry C:
I'll say it again- This board is designed for people who are not confident in their writing, and want to improve. Do not be shy about posting here :B
Nobody can start out writing and be amazing at it just because they want to. (Unless you're me. Hurrhurrhu- *brick'd*)
I kid, I kid.
See?
I'm an average human bean, just like you :3
And I need to be criticised so that I can learn to become better. If any of you have suggestions for me, well, have at it. This is a board completely open for opinions and suggestions.
Now, getting down to business- Before we get started I'll post a few hints and tips for anyone thinking of joining;
Follow the Roleplaying Forum Rules. To the letter.
They will be your bible here, and they are set into place for a reason.
Lists are baaaaaaaaaaaddddd.
No one wants to see this-
Name: Biggles McFannyduff
Age: Eleventyfourty
Appearance: Big honker nose and teensy little eyes and paper thin lips and--
No. The only place that this style belongs is in the Mainstream PRP Character Bios frum, where it is preferred so readers don't have to read through a hundred pieces of descriptive writing to understand a person's character.
About the style itself.. Not only does this person sound dreadfully unattractive, but the style of writing isn't very pretty either, is it? It would be much nicer if everything was described fluently, with a setting slapped on as well. That way we all know that Biggles McFannyduff is walking in an underground utopia, and not drowning in Lake Verity.
Senses. We use them, and so do our characters.
Keep in mind that using the five senses (or six if you're awesome like that) is a good way to build up your description. Telling up what the character sees will tell us where they are, which is a staple for descriptive writing. But delving a bit deeper- If you tell us that the air is crisp and fresh, and there are pidgeys chirping in the large oak tree to your left, then we get a better vision and can even begin to add on, perhaps stating that there are also ratatta having a squealing match in some shrubs up ahead. Things like this make the roleplay more real, and therefore more entertaining.
But you don't need to tell us that your character can taste the rough bark of the tree with the pidgeys on it, because, well.. We don't go around licking trees just to test our senses. So keep it real, yah?
Be Real
Well, this is already mentioned in the roleplaying rules but I'd like to add on to it.
Not everyone is a stunning supermodel. Or, if they are, you shouldn't have to tell us.
We don't want to hear about how a filler character swoons at yours when they walk past, because we certainly aren't going to have our characters do the same just because you say so. And it certainly doesn't help if you blatantly state that your character is unnaturally good looking. If anything, it will only agitate the creator of the board into banning you from that particular roleplay. And you don't want that.
But if your character really is an attractive person, tell us why. Do they have a slim nose? Is it their eyes? Their smile? What?
But keep in mind, no one is perfect. It's incredibly unlikely to have a winning smile, a button nose, dark eyes, italian skin, thin eyebrows etc. all on the same person.
Keep all this in mind and do yourself a favor :3
-------------------------------------
ooc| Now, with all that out of the way, let's get onto why you're here. For the sake of simplicity we'll have everyone starting their journey at home, and they can all make their way over to Professor Oak's lab. That's right- the setting is in Kanto. Now, because I really don't want people arguing over starters, we'll have all three from all four regions. So you'll have choices ranging from all twelve starter pokemon. And there will be multiples of each one, so when you pick a certain type it isn't ruled out.
I'm going to create an entirely new character specifically for this roleplay, and I'll be using Professor Oak as well. So without furthur ado, I'll get the ball rolling :3
Pallet Town have never really been considered a center of commerce in Kanto. The main attraction was the town's pokemon lab, run by the infamous Professor Oak. An accomplished pokemon researcher, he was known in Kanto for his work, but recognised worldwide as the 'radio haiku guy'.
Something that had never really played a great factor in the man's resume, as far as his hometown was concerned. It was of little significance though, because the fresh faces that journeyed to his lab every year usually paid this little heed.
One of these faces in particular had stayed in the Kanto region for almost two years, having come back to work with the professor after just ten months.
Kevin Dais, a now-13 year old boy who showed a passion for studying pokemon in their wild habitats. He had indeed started his journey some months ago, but after a short while he and his pidgey had returned to the professor with a belt full of pokemon. He was always small for his age, being a good six inches shorter than most boys. He knew at the start of his journey that he could never be an accomplished trainer- he didn't have the same strength that Oak's grandson and his rival had exerted.
But it wasn't until his first encounter with a wild pokemon that he discovered how truly fascinating these creatures were- the way that they lourished in their homes, how they managed to fend for themselves day and night, the secrets that they must know.. It was what really drove him to explore the whole of Kanto, though on more than one occasion when he had encountered his cousin Belle he had been treated to a learning experience- watching a pokemon's lucid movements in battle and the use of it's power.. He had even watched his tiny bird pokemon evolve when the girl had taken the two of them out for a special training session. It must have been then that he decided researching these marvelous creatures was definitely for him.
Since that fateful day, he and is now-pidgeotto have been assisting Oak in his extensive lab, ocasionally going out to capture pokemon to serve as starters for new trainers.
This year had been special though.
He had only gone out with the professor once or twice when the old man suggested that they begin collecting pokemon from other regions to serve as starter pokemon. The idea sounded absurd at first, but as the professors in each region agreed on the idea and began sending over multiples of grass, fire, and water types, Kevin too began to realise what an oppourtinuty this would provide.
And the day had finally arrived.
Rolling over the date with a magnificent sunrise, the sky was clear and bright, making the homes and buildings in the town seem all the more splendid. The glass of the windows twinkled merrily in the fresh sunlight much like the faces of the town's inhabitants.
Greeting every one that he passed, the boy made his way to the lab, with an uncanny skip in his step.
The morning light made his young skin glow, illuminating the rosiness in his cheeks and the green of his eyes. His dark hair shone, setting off the red of his shirt and the blue of his jeans. A simple outfit, but neater than his usual suit of ripped shorts and a tattered top, all of it tainted from working out in the field.
The atmosphere being humid as it was could not have been the source of the bumps on his arm. Rather, the adrenaline and excitement pumping through out his system brought them on as compensation for him keeping a steady pace as he made his way to the lab, grinning his little-boy smile as he approached the front doors.
The metal handle was cool to the touch, and the doors swung open soundlessly.
Cool tile floors and whitewashed walls gave the lab a clean, pristine look.
However, the gleaming pokeballs set on the table made the rest of the room disappear, the smooth red color of the capsules commanding attention.
There were twelve rows, separated into four groups of three as if representative for each region. All of the balls glistened in the hopes of being chosen, each exactly the same as the last but different in the aura it presented.
A voice broke through the boy's thoughts and he turned to face the professor himself, standing straighter than normal and in a pressed white labcoat. The old man's eyes twinkled as he smiled, tiny crevices appearing at the corner of his mouth and eyes when he did so. His skin was dark and his hair greying, but he had always seemed younger at heart.
"Good morning Kevin. I can tell you're just as excited as I am, your eyes are smiling much in the same way they do when we find a new pokemon."
The boy flushed, but kept his silly grin all the same.
"How could I not be? I'm looking forward to seeing all the new trainers. They do have quite a surprise in store for them."
A chuckle from the professor, though to the boy it sounded like a tired sort of laugh. He must have been up late preparing the lab for visitors, and prepping the pokemon that waited patiently in their balls.
"I should have guessed. Now, I told you that you could have a pokemon too, did I not?"
He must not have, because the look of shock that swept the boys face was genuine.
"Professor, I don't need another pokemon, I have all of Kanto to find one if I need it."
At this point, a knowing look crossed Oak's face as he took a pokeball from a table separate from the others.
"I know. But it's clear that you had bonded with this one since it's capture. I couldn't let it go to a stranger when it was already so attached to you. Here."
Stunned, Kevin took the ball from the professor's hands, feeling how warm the capsule had gotten from sitting in Oak's palms for just a moment.
Turning the front of the ball away from him, the metal cap sprung open and the pokeball's signature red matter leapt from withing it, slowly taking shape into a small orange pokemon. Turning promptly on it's heel to face the boy, the pokemon emitted a happy cry.
"Charr!"
Giving a laugh of the same demeanor, Kevin dropped to his knees to go eye-to-eye with the firey little pokemon.
"You know, my cousin had a charmander like you. He's all grown up now. I think he'd like to meet you."
The pokemon gave another gleeful growl, and held up it's arms to it's trainer as if requesting an embrace.
Granting the creature's request, the boy scooped the pokemon into his arms and beamed up at the professor.
"Thank you. I think I'll keep him out so he can meet all the other trainers."
The man smiled and nodded his approval, digging his hands into the pockets of his lab coat.
"That's perfectly fine. Speaking of which, I believe the first few should be arriving soon."
ooc| Aaaaaaand.. This is where you guys come in :3
You don't need to worry about making it lengthy, a couple of paragraphs will suffice. If you're having trouble with detail, try looking over the many guidelines around the forums and see if you can add on. They'll be a great help to you, I'm sure c:[/size]
I, having contracted Mononucleousis (a really dumb and lengthy illness) do not. I've been home sick for a month and will probably not be back into my natural flow until about February. So I'm taking up the task of making a board for people who are brand new to roleplaying or who think they still have room to improve.
This board was created for people who want somewhere to practice before they start joining other long-term roleplay threads, or going out and creating their own. I know that people don't improve their writing overnight- it took me almost four years to get where I am right now and even still, I know that I am not the greatest roleplayer in the world.
But I'm good enough to make this board, which is good enough for me P:
If any old roleplayers want to join just to scrape off the rust, or to help me with this board please don't hesitate to join. I'm willing to PM all the people who join, and give them tips on how they can make their next post even better. So by joining, you're giving me consent to do so.
On the contrary, if in your first post you say that you don't want me to PM you then I will respect that. Only if I really and truly believe that there is something you could do to make your roleplaying better will I contact you directly.
A note to experienced roleplayers: I will actually need your help. I'm not afraid to admit that. Please PM me if you're interested in giving me a hand with this particular aspect of the board.
Now, I know that after reading everything written here some people may feel a little intimidated (I certainly would, but that's mostly just my nature).
Let me assure you now- I don't bite. Really.
At most and in the worst case scenario, I may try to gum you to death.
But you needn't worry C:
I'll say it again- This board is designed for people who are not confident in their writing, and want to improve. Do not be shy about posting here :B
Nobody can start out writing and be amazing at it just because they want to. (Unless you're me. Hurrhurrhu- *brick'd*)
I kid, I kid.
See?
I'm an average human bean, just like you :3
And I need to be criticised so that I can learn to become better. If any of you have suggestions for me, well, have at it. This is a board completely open for opinions and suggestions.
Now, getting down to business- Before we get started I'll post a few hints and tips for anyone thinking of joining;
Follow the Roleplaying Forum Rules. To the letter.
They will be your bible here, and they are set into place for a reason.
Lists are baaaaaaaaaaaddddd.
No one wants to see this-
Name: Biggles McFannyduff
Age: Eleventyfourty
Appearance: Big honker nose and teensy little eyes and paper thin lips and--
No. The only place that this style belongs is in the Mainstream PRP Character Bios frum, where it is preferred so readers don't have to read through a hundred pieces of descriptive writing to understand a person's character.
About the style itself.. Not only does this person sound dreadfully unattractive, but the style of writing isn't very pretty either, is it? It would be much nicer if everything was described fluently, with a setting slapped on as well. That way we all know that Biggles McFannyduff is walking in an underground utopia, and not drowning in Lake Verity.
Senses. We use them, and so do our characters.
Keep in mind that using the five senses (or six if you're awesome like that) is a good way to build up your description. Telling up what the character sees will tell us where they are, which is a staple for descriptive writing. But delving a bit deeper- If you tell us that the air is crisp and fresh, and there are pidgeys chirping in the large oak tree to your left, then we get a better vision and can even begin to add on, perhaps stating that there are also ratatta having a squealing match in some shrubs up ahead. Things like this make the roleplay more real, and therefore more entertaining.
But you don't need to tell us that your character can taste the rough bark of the tree with the pidgeys on it, because, well.. We don't go around licking trees just to test our senses. So keep it real, yah?
Be Real
Well, this is already mentioned in the roleplaying rules but I'd like to add on to it.
Not everyone is a stunning supermodel. Or, if they are, you shouldn't have to tell us.
We don't want to hear about how a filler character swoons at yours when they walk past, because we certainly aren't going to have our characters do the same just because you say so. And it certainly doesn't help if you blatantly state that your character is unnaturally good looking. If anything, it will only agitate the creator of the board into banning you from that particular roleplay. And you don't want that.
But if your character really is an attractive person, tell us why. Do they have a slim nose? Is it their eyes? Their smile? What?
But keep in mind, no one is perfect. It's incredibly unlikely to have a winning smile, a button nose, dark eyes, italian skin, thin eyebrows etc. all on the same person.
Keep all this in mind and do yourself a favor :3
-------------------------------------
ooc| Now, with all that out of the way, let's get onto why you're here. For the sake of simplicity we'll have everyone starting their journey at home, and they can all make their way over to Professor Oak's lab. That's right- the setting is in Kanto. Now, because I really don't want people arguing over starters, we'll have all three from all four regions. So you'll have choices ranging from all twelve starter pokemon. And there will be multiples of each one, so when you pick a certain type it isn't ruled out.
I'm going to create an entirely new character specifically for this roleplay, and I'll be using Professor Oak as well. So without furthur ado, I'll get the ball rolling :3
Pallet Town have never really been considered a center of commerce in Kanto. The main attraction was the town's pokemon lab, run by the infamous Professor Oak. An accomplished pokemon researcher, he was known in Kanto for his work, but recognised worldwide as the 'radio haiku guy'.
Something that had never really played a great factor in the man's resume, as far as his hometown was concerned. It was of little significance though, because the fresh faces that journeyed to his lab every year usually paid this little heed.
One of these faces in particular had stayed in the Kanto region for almost two years, having come back to work with the professor after just ten months.
Kevin Dais, a now-13 year old boy who showed a passion for studying pokemon in their wild habitats. He had indeed started his journey some months ago, but after a short while he and his pidgey had returned to the professor with a belt full of pokemon. He was always small for his age, being a good six inches shorter than most boys. He knew at the start of his journey that he could never be an accomplished trainer- he didn't have the same strength that Oak's grandson and his rival had exerted.
But it wasn't until his first encounter with a wild pokemon that he discovered how truly fascinating these creatures were- the way that they lourished in their homes, how they managed to fend for themselves day and night, the secrets that they must know.. It was what really drove him to explore the whole of Kanto, though on more than one occasion when he had encountered his cousin Belle he had been treated to a learning experience- watching a pokemon's lucid movements in battle and the use of it's power.. He had even watched his tiny bird pokemon evolve when the girl had taken the two of them out for a special training session. It must have been then that he decided researching these marvelous creatures was definitely for him.
Since that fateful day, he and is now-pidgeotto have been assisting Oak in his extensive lab, ocasionally going out to capture pokemon to serve as starters for new trainers.
This year had been special though.
He had only gone out with the professor once or twice when the old man suggested that they begin collecting pokemon from other regions to serve as starter pokemon. The idea sounded absurd at first, but as the professors in each region agreed on the idea and began sending over multiples of grass, fire, and water types, Kevin too began to realise what an oppourtinuty this would provide.
And the day had finally arrived.
Rolling over the date with a magnificent sunrise, the sky was clear and bright, making the homes and buildings in the town seem all the more splendid. The glass of the windows twinkled merrily in the fresh sunlight much like the faces of the town's inhabitants.
Greeting every one that he passed, the boy made his way to the lab, with an uncanny skip in his step.
The morning light made his young skin glow, illuminating the rosiness in his cheeks and the green of his eyes. His dark hair shone, setting off the red of his shirt and the blue of his jeans. A simple outfit, but neater than his usual suit of ripped shorts and a tattered top, all of it tainted from working out in the field.
The atmosphere being humid as it was could not have been the source of the bumps on his arm. Rather, the adrenaline and excitement pumping through out his system brought them on as compensation for him keeping a steady pace as he made his way to the lab, grinning his little-boy smile as he approached the front doors.
The metal handle was cool to the touch, and the doors swung open soundlessly.
Cool tile floors and whitewashed walls gave the lab a clean, pristine look.
However, the gleaming pokeballs set on the table made the rest of the room disappear, the smooth red color of the capsules commanding attention.
There were twelve rows, separated into four groups of three as if representative for each region. All of the balls glistened in the hopes of being chosen, each exactly the same as the last but different in the aura it presented.
A voice broke through the boy's thoughts and he turned to face the professor himself, standing straighter than normal and in a pressed white labcoat. The old man's eyes twinkled as he smiled, tiny crevices appearing at the corner of his mouth and eyes when he did so. His skin was dark and his hair greying, but he had always seemed younger at heart.
"Good morning Kevin. I can tell you're just as excited as I am, your eyes are smiling much in the same way they do when we find a new pokemon."
The boy flushed, but kept his silly grin all the same.
"How could I not be? I'm looking forward to seeing all the new trainers. They do have quite a surprise in store for them."
A chuckle from the professor, though to the boy it sounded like a tired sort of laugh. He must have been up late preparing the lab for visitors, and prepping the pokemon that waited patiently in their balls.
"I should have guessed. Now, I told you that you could have a pokemon too, did I not?"
He must not have, because the look of shock that swept the boys face was genuine.
"Professor, I don't need another pokemon, I have all of Kanto to find one if I need it."
At this point, a knowing look crossed Oak's face as he took a pokeball from a table separate from the others.
"I know. But it's clear that you had bonded with this one since it's capture. I couldn't let it go to a stranger when it was already so attached to you. Here."
Stunned, Kevin took the ball from the professor's hands, feeling how warm the capsule had gotten from sitting in Oak's palms for just a moment.
Turning the front of the ball away from him, the metal cap sprung open and the pokeball's signature red matter leapt from withing it, slowly taking shape into a small orange pokemon. Turning promptly on it's heel to face the boy, the pokemon emitted a happy cry.
"Charr!"
Giving a laugh of the same demeanor, Kevin dropped to his knees to go eye-to-eye with the firey little pokemon.
"You know, my cousin had a charmander like you. He's all grown up now. I think he'd like to meet you."
The pokemon gave another gleeful growl, and held up it's arms to it's trainer as if requesting an embrace.
Granting the creature's request, the boy scooped the pokemon into his arms and beamed up at the professor.
"Thank you. I think I'll keep him out so he can meet all the other trainers."
The man smiled and nodded his approval, digging his hands into the pockets of his lab coat.
"That's perfectly fine. Speaking of which, I believe the first few should be arriving soon."
ooc| Aaaaaaand.. This is where you guys come in :3
You don't need to worry about making it lengthy, a couple of paragraphs will suffice. If you're having trouble with detail, try looking over the many guidelines around the forums and see if you can add on. They'll be a great help to you, I'm sure c:[/size]
