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Forums » Suggestions & Development Discussion » Just thinking... :)

Hello again! :)

Some of you may have heard of me by now. I am an active player and mapmaker for the Kingdom of Ash RP, and a creative writer for Trubshaw Publishing, and co-creator of the Alheimyr Universe, a long-term project. I was just sitting around, smoking my pipe, thinking about ways which 'I' feel would make the RPRepository more interesting. For example, an official site Chat feature would be neat, so players could RP or talk OOC in real-time, and see who all is active in chat. Or even if we had our own instant messenger app, where we could connect on-line in a chat window sort of way. Not sure if RPRepository has such a thing or not yet. It's a small matter if they don't, since many players connect through Twitter, Chatzy, Discord or some other method.

But one of the main suggestions I have is to create more forums and categories with more RP ratings, genres, sub-genres. For example, perhaps having categories labeled as PG-13 for children 13yo or younger, Rated-R for restricted (18+ adults only), and perhaps Rated-M for mature (anyone mature enough to join). I propose such an idea because some RPG's are just too awesome for players to pass up; and although some RPG's could possibly fall into the more extreme Rated-X category of vulgar language, promiscuous sex, illegal drug abuse and an overkill of violence, it occurs to me that most of the really TRULY good stories we read involve a little mixture of everything, in moderation only of course, without going to extremes.

Take the story I'm in right now for example. The growing Kingdom of Ash RP currently has about 8-11 players; all between the ages of 13- to 30+ and yet all of us get along quite well and are mature enough to write the amazing series of events which have transpired in-character. Our story involves horror, fantasy, action, adventure, comedy, mystery, drama, romance and many other elements which is really what makes this story great. The characters in this RP range from 15-year-old girls to 70-year-old men, and everything inbetween. If you were to read it, you'd probably enjoy it. It's a truly great story so far, and most of it is PG-13 for the most part. But like any good story, we have our elements of realism. Every once in a while, you might find some swearing, or some scenes involving nudity; maybe even a little sex from time to time (it hasn't occurred yet in-game, but the potential is there). Another thing you will notice is the satirical parody of kingdom life. Rather than presenting a Disneyland fairytale story about princesses and prince charmings, the Kingdom of Ash makes a mockery of the times by presenting the readers with a princess in distress, a tyrant king, countries at war, sickness and plague, and a land in turmoil. There are many gruesome or dreadful scenes to add a touch of sadness to our roleplay, which makes the readers feel compassion for our heroes and those who seek justice throughout the gameplay. But how do you rate such an epic story? Is it PG-13? Is it Rated-R? Or perhaps you can not put a rating on it at all. Perhaps it should be left Unrated, and placed into a category of its own.

I'm sure other patrons have had similar thoughts before me. I sometimes wonder if they haven't also thought about adding sub-genres. Fantasy covers a whole spectrum of RPG sub-genres, as does Modern and Futuristic - but none of those 3 genre types includes a place for Medieval Realistic RPs which don't have magic and fantasy involved. Wherefore then and why do we cluster these RPGs into a bin with other such RPGs such as Steampunk? Again, I'm just thinking. Perhaps just typing-out-loud. :)
Elsa (played anonymously)

I won't go over your entire post, for reasons. However, I'm not entirely sure that this would work. I mean, I believe adding sub-genre's may take up more space on the site that they has to be paid for - which - maybe they could compensate for that by raising prices of things or such...

However, from my understanding...
these (see site rules)
following
listed (both this an above in 'forum rules')
items ('rating clarification)

...which are all under the 'Help' section, would trump most all of this post and would lead me to believe that the answer for more rated threads would be an absolute 'No'. Though, I am no mod, so I cannot say.

There are numerous individuals on this site that lie about their age to gain access to the higher rated things. This could possibly land the entire site, including staff and owner especially, in some serious hot water. It would also prevent people who do not wish to publicly see such things, from having to see them. Yes, they could simply avoid them, however, without knowing exact contents and reading, it could cause them discomfort.

For these reasons, while I personally have been a member of sites with much more lax rules so cannot be against them entirely - as far as RPR goes, I cannot support this.

I actually really like how their guidelines and rules are set-up.


**ADDITION** As for the chat feature, there is a pop-out chat option for the inbox thing, and a way for you to add people. I personally do not use it, and I know it's not quite the same. I THINK there is an official or even unofficial Discord for the site as well, should all be listed somewhere. I don't use the public Discord (unofficial or official, whichever it is) as far as a server because I'm a relatively private person. Doing so gives me anxiety.
Gamemaster Topic Starter

Hello Senshi, nice to meet you. :)

Thank you for sharing those links. As you could probably guess, I've never actually saw those pages before. Like so many others, I just jumped into a Looking for RP thread and hooked up with a bunch of players rather quickly. It's been working out pretty good so far. I'll definitely give the ratings a look through once I have time. The rules I'm sure are probably the same as on any other RPG forum, so I'll just take a glimpse at it while I'm still learning exactly how everything works. Thanks again. :)
I have to disagree with adding more rated threads/forums as well. I also have to disagree that it's even remotely okay for someone under 18 to be even part of an RP on here where they are exposed to sexual content of any kind- and honestly I believe that not fading to black and keeping things PG 13 intimacy wise in an RP that includes adults and those under 18 is in fact against the rules but I can't say for 100% certain since I'm not Kim or a mod. I just would highly suggest not including anything intimate past PG 13 levels if you have those under 18 in an rp group. I wouldn't want to see anyone get in trouble.

I don't think this rule should be changed. It's for everyones safety and comfort.


As for the chat, there is the small talk thread that pops out as a chat, and I personally think that's enough for the time being. Kim has already stated there likely won't ever (not in the near future anyway) be a app for rpr, and I can assume that would also mean chat app.
Claine Moderator

Hi Gamemaster!

I've seen your thread and to be honest, I'm surprised you're making it in the public forums and not in a group! Using a group format, you could order your information neatly and negate the risk of unwanted people posting in your threads. By default you have 5 pages to customise, but you could also purchase more or also utilise forum threads.

- You can restrict the age of people able to join your group. 16+, 18+ and 21+ are all options provided by RPR. You could create two groups for your world - one with no age restriction and one with 18+ (as far as I'm aware there's no way to designate a single forum within a group as 18+. Maybe a suggestion for another day)

- In groups you can also create a chat topic (this is done in the forum settings menu). Any thread on RPR can be turned into real time chat by clicking 'Launch Chat'. Designating a thread as a 'chat topic' suppresses notifications so your members don't get spammed with 100 new message notifications on their dash.
Gamemaster wrote:
But one of the main suggestions I have is to create more forums and categories with more RP ratings, genres, sub-genres. For example, perhaps having categories labeled as PG-13 for children 13yo or younger, Rated-R for restricted (18+ adults only), and perhaps Rated-M for mature (anyone mature enough to join).

There actually have been discussions recently about adding some extra categories. The PG-13 would not apply; you must be 13 or older to join this website.
There is currently an Adults Only forum, which is 18+. The M category seems way too vague, and would probably just be mushed in with the 18+.
There has been a discussion recently about adding an 'Adults Only - Non-sexual RP' category, because the current Adults Only forum has a lot of sexual content, yet it's use is just for anyone who wants to RP with others who are 18+.

I think there's potential in the idea for extra categories, but in theory, the Find RP tool should be able to get you exactly the category you're looking for. Take your medieval fantasy for example; you would move the time period slider to medieval time, and the magic slider to have high magic. That should reveal the exact kind of genre of RP you're looking for!
Elsa (played anonymously)

Gamemaster wrote:
Hello Senshi, nice to meet you. :)

Thank you for sharing those links. As you could probably guess, I've never actually saw those pages before. Like so many others, I just jumped into a Looking for RP thread and hooked up with a bunch of players rather quickly. It's been working out pretty good so far. I'll definitely give the ratings a look through once I have time. The rules I'm sure are probably the same as on any other RPG forum, so I'll just take a glimpse at it while I'm still learning exactly how everything works. Thanks again. :)


I would suggest a thorough read over of the rules of the site over just a glimpse. Even if you assume the rules are the same, well, you know what they say about assuming.

As for signing up - When you sign up, there is a disclaimer on the bottom that reads 'By continuing, you agree that you have read and understand our rules and policies.' With 'rules and policies' linking directly to the Help section with all of the site rules and terms.

For someone as established in the roleplay world as you say you are, I figured you would have read all of the details and knew these things beforehand. It's actually somewhat off putting to learn that you signed up, apparently did not read the site rules and was not aware of them, but have all of this stuff in your post and profile about being a member of so many places. No offense, but, I figured being thorough with such things would be default to someone such as yourself.

I apologize greatly for any snide or snarkyness, but it is disturbing. You had the chance to read them over when you signed up and clearly did not. Personally 'not having time' or, as others claim, they can't be asked or are too lazy are not excuses when the time comes and someone gets in trouble. It is your responsibility as a player to be aware of these things.
Gamemaster Topic Starter

Claine wrote:
Hi Gamemaster!

I've seen your thread and to be honest, I'm surprised you're making it in the public forums and not in a group! Using a group format, you could order your information neatly and negate the risk of unwanted people posting in your threads. By default you have 5 pages to customise, but you could also purchase more or also utilise forum threads.

- You can restrict the age of people able to join your group. 16+, 18+ and 21+ are all options provided by RPR. You could create two groups for your world - one with no age restriction and one with 18+ (as far as I'm aware there's no way to designate a single forum within a group as 18+. Maybe a suggestion for another day)

- In groups you can also create a chat topic (this is done in the forum settings menu). Any thread on RPR can be turned into real time chat by clicking 'Launch Chat'. Designating a thread as a 'chat topic' suppresses notifications so your members don't get spammed with 100 new message notifications on their dash.

Thank you Claine, that is useful information. :)
Gamemaster Topic Starter

CelestinaGrey wrote:
Gamemaster wrote:
But one of the main suggestions I have is to create more forums and categories with more RP ratings, genres, sub-genres. For example, perhaps having categories labeled as PG-13 for children 13yo or younger, Rated-R for restricted (18+ adults only), and perhaps Rated-M for mature (anyone mature enough to join).

There actually have been discussions recently about adding some extra categories. The PG-13 would not apply; you must be 13 or older to join this website.
There is currently an Adults Only forum, which is 18+. The M category seems way too vague, and would probably just be mushed in with the 18+.
There has been a discussion recently about adding an 'Adults Only - Non-sexual RP' category, because the current Adults Only forum has a lot of sexual content, yet it's use is just for anyone who wants to RP with others who are 18+.

I think there's potential in the idea for extra categories, but in theory, the Find RP tool should be able to get you exactly the category you're looking for. Take your medieval fantasy for example; you would move the time period slider to medieval time, and the magic slider to have high magic. That should reveal the exact kind of genre of RP you're looking for!

Nice to meet you Celestina, and thank you for sharing. I'm glad I'm not the only one who's thought about these things - I was beginning to feel weird lol j/k. I've seen the Find RP but I've never used it. I'll have to try it out. :)
Kim Site Admin

Gamemaster wrote:
But one of the main suggestions I have is to create more forums and categories with more RP ratings, genres, sub-genres. For example, perhaps having categories labeled as PG-13 for children 13yo or younger,
It's not actually legal for kids under the age of 13 to be on the RPR. Seriously; federal law. We can't store any information about people that young without signed forms from their parents.
Quote:
Take the story I'm in right now for example. The growing Kingdom of Ash RP currently has about 8-11 players; all between the ages of 13- to 30+ and yet all of us get along quite well and are mature enough to write the amazing series of events which have transpired in-character. Our story involves horror, fantasy, action, adventure, comedy, mystery, drama, romance and many other elements which is really what makes this story great. The characters in this RP range from 15-year-old girls to 70-year-old men, and everything inbetween. If you were to read it, you'd probably enjoy it. It's a truly great story so far, and most of it is PG-13 for the most part. But like any good story, we have our elements of realism. Every once in a while, you might find some swearing, or some scenes involving nudity; maybe even a little sex from time to time (it hasn't occurred yet in-game, but the potential is there).

I sure hope the potential isn't there, because no matter how mature you think your younger players are mentally, legally you'd be breaking laws (like, felony level violations) and our TOS by having minors and non-minors playing sexual content together!
Quote:
But how do you rate such an epic story? Is it PG-13? Is it Rated-R? Or perhaps you can not put a rating on it at all. Perhaps it should be left Unrated, and placed into a category of its own.

No amount of cleverness gives you a pass on all content ratings. If you have mature content, you have mature content, even if it's really well done. That said, the RPR mostly does not "rate" things, beyond what is absolutely legally required because we do prefer to allow people to choose what they're up for where we can.
Quote:
I'm sure other patrons have had similar thoughts before me. I sometimes wonder if they haven't also thought about adding sub-genres. Fantasy covers a whole spectrum of RPG sub-genres, as does Modern and Futuristic - but none of those 3 genre types includes a place for Medieval Realistic RPs which don't have magic and fantasy involved. Wherefore then and why do we cluster these RPGs into a bin with other such RPGs such as Steampunk? Again, I'm just thinking. Perhaps just typing-out-loud. :)

This is actually why the LFRP forum uses the slider system. You can set the time period to medieval and the magic slider to 0 quite easily. :)

In general, this is why the LFRP forum and the Find RP Search Tool is its own thing, apart from IC forums; most people aren't going to browse 100 ongoing RPs to find the one that happens to be accepting right then. If we were to go the route of having separate IC forums for every genre, we'd have 100s of forums, most of which were largely unused.

Claine's info about groups is also super relevant, and another component of how we try to provide maximum flexibility for every kind of RP people want to do. :)
Gamemaster Topic Starter

Hello again Kim!

I never thought about it like that (I guess because I don't really do Romance RP's, my interest has always been in Battle RP's), but when you say it like that, I guess it makes a lot of sense. I am a fan of Game of Thrones, which I'm sure a lot of players are. How would you classify a Game of Thrones fan-based RP? There's a lot of nudity, but from what I'm used to, nakedness isn't really a big deal. It's natural. We even have nudist beaches where I'm from. I've also never been very knowledgeable about federal laws and stuff like that. I've always just lived thinking that right is right and wrong is wrong, and I've never really needed legal advice before. But it makes sense now that I think about it. Thank you for taking the time to share that information. :)
Kim Site Admin

This is very hypothetical, and hard to answer without more details. It would depend very much which parts of GoT the RP chose to emulate and emphasize. Nudity tends to be classified as sexual in the US where we are based, but there are sometimes exceptions. For GoT I'd be more concerned that it would likely be violent enough that we'd encourage it not to be done on the public forums, and a properly tagged group might be a better option.

GoT itself is rated as being for people 18+ in the majority of countries: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0944947/parentalguide
Gamemaster Topic Starter

Kim wrote:
It would depend very much which parts of GoT the RP chose to emulate and emphasize. Nudity tends to be classified as sexual in the US where we are based, but there are sometimes exceptions. For GoT I'd be more concerned that it would likely be violent enough that we'd encourage it not to be done on the public forums, and a properly tagged group might be a better option.

GoT itself is rated as being for people 18+ in the majority of countries: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0944947/parentalguide

Gotcha, okay thanks Kim! :)

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