But I have learned a little bit about RP since then, and I have come to believe that RP is critical to keeping Jumpgate from getting boring -- especially with the current low numbers of pilots.

And what I think I've learned is that RP does not have to be a "carebear" activity where you sit in a station and make conversation with a non-player-character (manned by a GM).  Actually, I prefer the term "sub-story" to roleplaying.   In order to make a sub-story really work, you've got to treat it as if you're writing chapter in a novel or a short-story.   You need to identify a "change situation" (since all stories are about change), and then create a framework which the players will "fill-in" and actually "write" the story itself.  The framework needs beginning, end and one or more crisis points along the way.

Another important issue to consider in creating a sub-story is to try to make it "fun" for as many people as possible and "un-fun" for as few people as possible.  This will never be 100% successful (and you can't worry too much about that), but if you make an honest attempt to create fun facets for varying kinds of gameplay (PvPers, Fluxers, Haulers, Miners and Arty Hunters).

For example, in the recent Solicidal blockade of Amananth, one of the premises that started the sub-story was that Solicidal had obtained certain information from recovered DSS.  One way to create "win" condition, or at least a "crisis point" would be to substantiate or disprove the alleged data by having players collect Gold DSS.  If (for instance) 25 gold DSS were delivered to __________ by ___________, the substory could proceed one way (e.g. Solicidal data was wrong, STCC does NOT support blockade) or another (data was correct, STCC does support) . . . or it could even be used as a "win" condition (data proved wrong and blockade called off).

You may also want to plan-in ways for those who don't want to be involved to stay out of it.  (Example: if your substory includes a Quantar Religious ritual in a certain sector -- where any non-Quant entering the sector will be immediately killed -- make sure there are ways around that sector.  In this example, you could use Omni V as the forbidden sector.  Those wanting to get in to Quant space would have to take a long way around -- through Ring View, etc.)  On the other hand, non-participants can't expect to be able to waltz through the "forbidden sector" just because they don't want to "play" in that substory.

As a sub-story developer, you have to be very careful that you do not intentionally or unintentionally rig the sub-story in your favor.  (Example: if you're blockading, require positive scans of cargo before engaging a blockade runner -- and, perhaps, do not use pirate tags so blockade runners can mask their contraband with other cargo).

Lastly, I believe another important piece of a good sub-story is communication.  This could be in the form of regular news posts in the storyline forum, and pilot logs (which I think are great for creating "immersion").  It could also include more involved things like JOSSH News posts, RP characters (accounts are free for 10 days, right?), audio clues embedded in a post, JPR involvement . . . there are LOTS of ways to go with that.

The Don'ts

-  Don't require lots of GM support.   Notify GMs of your idea.  If they want to support it, great, if they don't -- be ready to do it yourself.
- Don't create sub-stories that demand a fundamental game change . . . such as equipment or manufacturing changes.  A substory has to fit within the general framework of the Netdevil/GM developed storyline.
- Don't make it personal.  Everyone should have equal win opportunities.

I don't pretend to be an expert here, but I do believe these general guidelines will work to make more enjoyable "RP" sub-stories for everyone.  To some this kind of stuff comes naturally, while others have to work harder at it.  But in the end, it does matter and it will be a worthwhile time investment.

Here are a couple of useful links relating to roleplaying:

Jumpgateweb Roleplaying FAQ

Moll's "Roleplaying for Jumpgate" (hosted by Jumpgateweb)

Quantar Religious Archive - not official sanctioned on US server, but it can be useful

JGCentral Pilot Logs - Both writing logs and reading them helps you get into character and into the "story"

 
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