Post by Selsie Turner on Nov 30, 2012 19:48:48 GMT -5
Sometimes, in a long-standing room, certain role-play procedures become so commonplace that we simply take for granted everyone is aware of them; unfortunately, today, one such procedure caused unintentional upset.
Traditionally, if a large group is on a mission and the play is put on pause until the next day, then resumes without all role-players present, the character(s) of any absentee player(s) are simply NPC'd along to allow the typist(s) to easily hop into play whenever they drop in. It's something we've always done as a courtesy and has never been meant in a disrespectful manner - a way to include, rather than to exclude. A player would never be put into a forced-death situation in absentia, nor forced-posted into an action that might cause a typist to feel his/her character would never have acted in such a manner. Essentially, they're just along for the ride so they can already be at the location when the typist arrives.
Many of us are so used to NPCing one another, or being NPC'd, that we really don't think about it anymore. For example, it is understood that if Selsie isn't around for major action, she's following it remotely, providing back-up support on the walkie-talkie or CB while holding down the fort inside New Haven. If there's a problem with the power, Sophie is on the scene. If someone is injured, Darlene, Tobey, Josie, or one of our other medical personal is in the clinic to assist. If an animal is injured, Rocky's taking care of it. And so on.
The fact of the matter is, no matter how "large and in charge" someone's character might be in role-play, each and every typist is of equal worth and value, and is deserving of equal consideration and respect. Aftermath has long been upheld as a place where people feel welcomed and valued, not left out or shunned - and that has always been why we NPC people along, so that even if not in the room, they're included. It's why even those who haven't been in the room for months remain on the inactive list in the hopes of their return, rather than killed off or deleted. The goal is always courtesy and respect.
In Aftermath, unlike other homes in which drama seethes behind the scenes and every action can be second-guessed in the worst possible light, we assume the best of intentions from our role-players and usually err on the side of being overly nice; do unto others, and all that. And "do unto others" has traditionally meant NPCing absentee characters along for the ride, because we'd prefer that such is done unto us.
If, however, you feel that NPCing your character is the opposite of courtesy and respect, you have the absolute right to respectfully indicate, on this thread, that you do not feel comfortable with being NPC'd. No one's going to have hard feelings over it; it's your choice as a typist.
Now, if someone causes you upset by role-playing without you, the typist, that has nothing whatsoever to do with the "to be NPC'd or not to be NPC'd" issue; that is, rather, a matter to be taken up with the other role-player in private - and, quite preferably, out of the room.
Thank you for your understanding.
Traditionally, if a large group is on a mission and the play is put on pause until the next day, then resumes without all role-players present, the character(s) of any absentee player(s) are simply NPC'd along to allow the typist(s) to easily hop into play whenever they drop in. It's something we've always done as a courtesy and has never been meant in a disrespectful manner - a way to include, rather than to exclude. A player would never be put into a forced-death situation in absentia, nor forced-posted into an action that might cause a typist to feel his/her character would never have acted in such a manner. Essentially, they're just along for the ride so they can already be at the location when the typist arrives.
Many of us are so used to NPCing one another, or being NPC'd, that we really don't think about it anymore. For example, it is understood that if Selsie isn't around for major action, she's following it remotely, providing back-up support on the walkie-talkie or CB while holding down the fort inside New Haven. If there's a problem with the power, Sophie is on the scene. If someone is injured, Darlene, Tobey, Josie, or one of our other medical personal is in the clinic to assist. If an animal is injured, Rocky's taking care of it. And so on.
The fact of the matter is, no matter how "large and in charge" someone's character might be in role-play, each and every typist is of equal worth and value, and is deserving of equal consideration and respect. Aftermath has long been upheld as a place where people feel welcomed and valued, not left out or shunned - and that has always been why we NPC people along, so that even if not in the room, they're included. It's why even those who haven't been in the room for months remain on the inactive list in the hopes of their return, rather than killed off or deleted. The goal is always courtesy and respect.
In Aftermath, unlike other homes in which drama seethes behind the scenes and every action can be second-guessed in the worst possible light, we assume the best of intentions from our role-players and usually err on the side of being overly nice; do unto others, and all that. And "do unto others" has traditionally meant NPCing absentee characters along for the ride, because we'd prefer that such is done unto us.
If, however, you feel that NPCing your character is the opposite of courtesy and respect, you have the absolute right to respectfully indicate, on this thread, that you do not feel comfortable with being NPC'd. No one's going to have hard feelings over it; it's your choice as a typist.
Now, if someone causes you upset by role-playing without you, the typist, that has nothing whatsoever to do with the "to be NPC'd or not to be NPC'd" issue; that is, rather, a matter to be taken up with the other role-player in private - and, quite preferably, out of the room.
Thank you for your understanding.
] She's a 'specialty' character who is only seen by certain people as part of an ongoing storyline. 
