I am glad to say that recently, it has become apparent that the vast majority of the players of GemStone III truly have been making great strides in role-playing. People are remaining in the mindset of their character in the game, and do seem to be having fun doing so. The improvement has not been immediate, but rather very gradual, so few really note the difference until it is pointed out and compared with the typical atmosphere that was prevalent a few short years ago.



What all of this means is that, happily, there is no longer a need for yet another guide about basic role-playing. The player base of GemStone III is beyond such. Practically, that means that nearly every new player will be immersed into a role-playing atmosphere right from the beginning, and will adapt to follow suit.



Seeing such improvements in behavior, I want to delve into some role-playing issues that, without hearing from others, one would most likely overlook, and probably not learn through trial and error for several years. Before I do, though, I want to say that one should never feel they have mastered or become an expert on role-playing. Everyone, without exception, should always view it as something requiring continuous practice and discovery. We are all just students, really, and it is the responsibility of each and every one of us to keep striving to improve the game’s atmosphere. As such, this document will always be a work in progress. I will attempt to add to it as I refine my own abilities.



Remember, role-playing is subjective. Everyone will have different views, and provided that you simply make an attempt, your presence is good for the game, despite the fact that I may be rather blunt in my comments below. I write in this fashion merely to provide those who want some help further developing their own skills with what are, hopefully, some small ideas that will remain in the backs of their minds while interacting in the game.





The level question.

It used to be that you would hear, likely when having a box picked, the inevitable, “How old are they?” Simutronics’ removal of levels from the character age formula aided in limiting this. However, it was never really more than very thinly veiled OOC, at best. From an in-character perspective, it does not make much sense that all roltons would be exactly one year old, all hill trolls eleven, and such. It is especially hard to believe that the grizzled old dwarf in front of you has celebrated only eight birthdays.



Now, the question has evolved into, “How many trains?” It does take into account the fact that level no longer influences age, but it is hardly an improvement. Ask yourself if it really makes sense that you know exactly how many times the aforementioned creatures have practiced with their weapons. Your character would likely expect his opponents to drill most every day, as he does. In short, it just does not make much sense, if you look through the eyes of your in-game persona.



Of course, along this note, one cannot go without mentioning the latest addition to this line of questioning, which is, “What train?” I think the easiest way to demonstrate my feelings on this is to issue replies such as, “It used a halberd,” or, “I am skilled with longswords, mostly.”



Seriously, at this point in time, when information on creature levels is so prevalent, one could easily just look to Simu’s official bestiary to find out the level of the prey, rather than jar everyone else out of their immersion into the fantasy setting of the game. If you really, really, must know what level a character is, or cannot access Simu’s site, and the information is a necessity, try to make use of whispering. It will more than likely get you a straight, numerical answer quite quickly, without requiring you to use futile attempts to keep from sounding blatantly OOC. Also, instead of deteriorating the environment for everyone that hears you, you do so to only one person.







Open for 10 and under.

It is an example of a statement one will often encounter while getting boxes opened. I have already addressed many of the problems with this through my above comments on “the level question.”



Something additional that comes up is the fact that, from your persona’s perspective, someone just offered to open your trapped box from the Rift. After all, you only have one box, and one is fewer than ten.



Realizing that it is rather OOC, some have opted instead to go for something akin to, “Open for troll kings and under.” It is better, but we can say that it is still not ideal. The “under” part obviously refers to levels, so there is room for improvement. Someone who opts for something along the lines of “Nothing with more advanced lockmaking skills than a troll king,” would instantly earn my praise. Hardly any additional effort is required to say something in that vein, adapted for your character’s personality, but a huge boost to the RP atmosphere is the result.





You are not alone.

It is important to note that adventurers make up an exceedingly tiny percentage of the global population, and a routinely unconventional percentage, at that.



For the most part, just because a good deal of player characters thinks one thing, that does not mean the vast majority of the world also holds that view. As an example, many adventurers do not pay attention to character race, often intermarrying. Clearly, though, such a view is incredibly unorthodox and offensive to most of the world. Just keep in mind that the views of adventurers will likely not have much influence, and will also generate much heat, when aired in public, if they are as above. In other words, most would not feel secure in bandying things like that about in casual speech.





Should I know this?

Let us say that you read the boards, and look over a nice character history, or some recent events that have occurred in an on-going quest. What you have to ask now is whether or not you should bring this information into the game. If your character would realistically know something without ridiculous contrivances on the player’s part to explain just how, feel free, and enjoy. If not, however, it is not a very good role-playing choice.



At first, it takes some effort to get used to all of this. After some experience, it will eventually become almost second nature to you.





My fame precedes me.

This is related to the point on “Should I know this?” Odds are, unless someone is extremely famous, you would not know his name without being properly introduced. The names on the screen are for the player’s convenience, and they are not in-character knowledge until your character learns them in some fashion.



It is really not difficult to indicate whom you are addressing without using a name your character would not know. A simple nod, a glance, or a turn will easily get the point across.



Also, introductions provide a great role-playing opportunity. Take advantage of them, and make some of the OOC knowledge you see on the screen into in-character knowledge.





The ICE Age.

Sometimes, some players of characters that have been around since before Simutronics’ split with Iron Crown Enterprises, or other players that refer back to things that happened then will use terminology from the RoleMaster setting. They will call Gosaena Kadaena, glaes laen, and such.



This is very much jarring and out-of-character. The game is set in Elanthia. Kulthea, Kelfour’s Landing, and all things related to that never existed. Players were around for the GemStone world as it was under Iron Crown Enterprises, but characters were not. They have always existed in Elanthia. To them, Kulthea is just the ravings of a lunatic.



In all honesty, continuing to refer to these terms is not just jarring to those around you. It also does a great disservice to the writers and developers of Simutronics who work hard and have quite admirably provided us with excellent documents on the history of the world in which GemStone III is set. Holding on to terminology that has no place in the current setting is the equivalent of tearing up all that work in front of those writers.



Some might argue that, because they have items that are from this period, it is in-character. This is a mistake. Your player may see someone with a laen shield, but your character just sees another glaes item, and would refer to it as such. As stated previously, ICE terminology is not something the characters would know. It is only something about which the players would have knowledge.



Role-playing does, at times, involve adaptation. After eight years, one should not have any difficulty doing so. If you are worried about keeping the game’s history alive, you have to remember two things: (a) it is just a game, and (b) updating a few names is hardly a big deal.



Simutronics has also made its position perfectly clear on this issue. None of their official histories refer to anything from ICE, and any merchant work on an item with this outdated terminology will result in its conversion to the current setting.





Spelling up.

I can imagine that some are going to expect me to say something on the fact that spells have their own vernacular. Their common names have become deep blues, blurs, shimmers, and the like. I will say something on that fact. I think it is great that the world is developed so far that, outside of specialized arcane circles, magic is known in somewhat simplified terms. It is very realistic, and adds much to the game.



Along those lines, do not be afraid to make use of these two separate understandings. I have not seen many take advantage of it in their role-playing. I am certain people are familiar with the image such as that of an expert in a field being amused by a common person referring to a tool they use as “the L-shaped thing.” Though I hardly suggest every magically inclined character to act in such a fashion when hearing a spell referred to by its common name, I think this is honestly one of those little underutilized tools that would really work for added character development.





I want the spotlight!

It is natural for everyone to wish to be the center of attention. All of us who enjoy role-playing no doubt put much work into developing our characters to make them both believable and interesting. Having the opportunity to be in the spotlight is a great reward for all of that work.



However, this is a multiplayer game. There are hundreds and thousands of other well-developed characters in the game at any given point in time. They deserve attention just as much as you do, no matter who you are. Set the example by shifting the focus to others, and they will return the favor.



Do not mistake this statement to mean that you should expect everyone else to immediately go out of his way to forward your character as a leading force in a global quest the moment you show an interest, or to just initiate a conversation about you for no particular reason. You will still need to put some work into such things. Just be aware if you see someone making attempts to initiate something, and when you do, try not to attempt to forward yourself at the same time.



By doing so, everyone will benefit. Rather than having to be responsible for continually entertaining others, everyone will share the responsibility with you. Not only will the amount of work on your end decrease, but also you will have the chance to spend time seeing the RP abilities and creativity of others in overdrive. Truly, that can be the most meaningful and rewarding part of the game, so do whatever is necessary not to miss it.





The villain situation.

Lately, probably aided by the developments of several major storylines, villainous characters seem to be enjoying increased popularity among players. In some ways, GemStone is designed for players to be of a more heroic bent, but truly, anyone who can pull off the role of a truly believable villain has my admiration for their role-playing ability.



Unfortunately, there is a disturbing trend among these aspiring evildoers: most refuse to take part in anything that includes a loss to what they term “a mere PC.” This is a very poor attitude and something that will always keep them from ever joining the ranks of the truly famous villains of this game. The former part of that sentence is my opinion and the latter is simple fact.



I will not name names, but of the really well done evil characters, I can recall memorable losses that all of them suffered at the hands of other player characters. Losing did nothing to harm the prestige and menace of any of these villains. If anything, it improved it, because it makes other players realize that they are willing to go out of their way for the sake of a storyline, making it fun for all. They are not selfish, and realize that other people play this game alongside them.



You really have to ask yourself if you would enjoy having your own character lose all the time during interaction between players. No doubt, there are a few who would, but the vast majority would like a mixture of winning and losing. If you insist on only allowing them to experience the latter, they will grow frustrated, lose interest, and not bother with you after a while.



Losing is truly underrated when it comes to role-playing. It is one of the best opportunities you could ever ask for to really showcase your abilities, and to flesh out your character. Take advantage of it! If you refuse to have what is otherwise an incredibly detailed and well-played character lose to other player characters, you will just be one-dimensional and boring. People will know exactly what to expect in the end, and, combined with the frustration they feel at always being the loser, you will never be remembered fondly in the game.





Is it fun?

I actually saved this issue for last since I felt it is the most important. Something everyone needs to ask himself is whether or not his role-play is enjoyable. I do not mean enjoyable for himself, but enjoyable for all involved. GemStone III is, above all else, a game. If it is not fun, people will not bother.



To put it simply, you can have the most detailed and intriguing history in the game, and always remain consistent with your RP, but if interaction with your character turns out to be somewhat lackluster due to the villain situation or spotlight hogging I have described above, or if the concept just turns out to not be entertaining, you will never really be seen as a good role-player. You will be someone who has potential, but never realized it.



In short, the most important thing is for everyone to have a good time. Focus on that, and you will always succeed.