Guide to Role-playing in the World of Secfenia

Introduction
Welcome to the game of Secfenia! Secfenia is an ongoing social gaming community that has had several versions. Our first version was back in 1994. Over the years, I have had the privilege and honor of meeting many of the players and gaining many new friends. Secfenia is an open environment that is designed to help people interact and enjoy a world free of the confines of "Earth". It's fantasy aspect allows every person to explore a role of their choosing and to allow it to be weaved into the very fabric of the society with the twists and turns that are thrown as characters.

As this version of Secfenia continues to develop, I impress to all players that the key to the success of the game is with the players. It is you that helps drive and fuel the energy that is the game. I hope that this guide will help start you on the path to enjoying the game and to have the positive experience I have had not only as an admin, but as a player.

If you have any suggestions for the game, please don't hesitate to post them in the Suggestion Box in the forums.

Basic Terms
IG - In Game. This is the component where you select an action, eat, etc. This is the core of the being of your character.

PM - Personal Message. This can be done via the forum or via the IG Message Center.

PC - Playing Character. This is your character that you do actions as.

NPC - Non-playing Character. This is typically controlled by a PC, but may be shared with other PC's.

IC - In Character. This is any discussion in which your character participates.

OOC - Out of Character. This is any discussion in which you the person participates and your character is unaware of.

ORP - Open Role Play. This is an IC part where all players are welcomed to join.

CRP - Closed Role Play. This is an IC part where only invited players are welcomed to participate. You can PM the starter of the topic to possibly get involved

AMZ - Anti-Magic Zone. This is an IC part where no magic can be used.

GodMod - This is where someone plays the role of someone else. This is typically frowned upon and should only be done with permission of a player. (This is good if you know you will be out of town and someone needs to push a story along)

Avenues of Play
There are a few areas where the play of the game happens.

In Game (IG)
This is where you should eat once a day, do an action (work, study, follow the leader, etc), and can do other minor actions (juggle eggs, mock jailbirds, etc). This is considered an IC area by default.

Tavern
The Tavern is a chat room of sorts where you can role-play and spend time with players. One of the nice features of this is that if you need immediate help someone there might be able to give it to you. It's a fun area to chat, drink, and enjoy the game.

Forums
Not every player who joins will go to the forums, but I personally think it is the most exciting part of the game. In the forums, you can let your character blossom like no other place. This is also where you as a person can contribute to the community by writing helpful hints, giving suggestions, and discussing ideas with other players.

Quick Tips
Tip #1: Life isn't Fair... When you choose your character, expect strange and bad events to happen. No one is out to get you! Bad things happen to all characters. The fun is to make a difficult situation turn into victory. That is the purpose of the game. No one is particularly favored. A character's success has more to do with what you do with it than whether anyone is really favored or not.

Tip #2: Dont take things Personal Don't take IC comments personal. There is a bit of give and take allowed for a reason. Playing buddies all the time can get boring. Instead, find creative ways to have a foe. RP as an enemy of someone, but always remember that IC and OOC are separate. After all, some of the best IC enemies one can have is someone who you are good friends with OOC.

Tip #3: Smite me Oh Mighty Smiter! Never think that you are so powerful that no one can remove you. Everyone is fair game. If no character can take you out or challenge your power, there are always revolutions, an Expansionist Empire, or natural disasters. The trick to succeeding in this game is to keep a rational head and never give up. Those characters who are clever and creative win, while those who complain about how unfair the game is get nowhere.

'''Tip #4: Is it RP or isn't it RP? That is the question!''' Role-playing is imaginary. Remember that. Some people have trouble separating reality from fiction. If you aren't sure, assume it's IC or ask! Don't be afraid to discuss with others ideas for RP.

'''Tip #5: You not the center of the universe. Get over yourself!''' Don't feel upset if there are a lot of messages and very few apply to you in particular. There will always be some inside storyline that you are not involved in. There will also always be some inside storyline that you are in that others are upset about. However, reading all the messages for the game allow you the chance to know how the other characters are and to find ways to achieve your goals. Use every situation to your advantage, but don't be too deceitful, or no one will trust you.... unless that's your goal. Also remember, if you weren't there, then your character couldn't have seen it!

Tip #6: Jekyl and Hyde syndrome much? Find a character and stick with it. People who waver between character traits must be very clever to work. There are those who have some experience with these types of characters. However, unless one is a strong player, one should find a character's emotional profile and stick with it. It's good practice.

Tip #7: 13 going on 30! Real Life Age means little in this game. One of the greatest running debates in the past was with an interaction between a teenager and a guy who acted even more childish than the teenager did at times, and the man playing him was in his 30's with a family.

Tip #8: Have Fun! Have fun, relax, and enjoy the game. As in any RPG, there is plenty of intrigue. That is what makes it so fun. Don't expect to live too long, and take every opportunity you can to improve your experience in legal issues, love, and diplomacy. The more skilled you are in getting what you want without letting others know what you want, the more you like this game. Remember that. If you find yourself getting too stressed out, step away and take a deep breath.

Tip #9: Quality Over Quantity Anyone can rack up 1000 posts, but not everyone can make a story that people will rave about years in the future. Posts should help tell more about your character and how they would interact with others. Don't be afraid to fill in some of the history of your character throughout your posts. As someone who loves to write an intricate backstory and slowly reveal it over time, I recommend the same strategy. Let people learn to love (or hate!) your character.

Tip #10: Jump In Or Start Your Own! The best advice one can give is that to role-play best you should try to join an active RP. Not sure where to begin? Talk to your Town Mentor, your Town Mayor, or anyone you meet in the taverns. The first RP you will be in will always be the most uneasy. However, once you get your feet wet, you may find that you want to post more and more. If you can't find anything going that you can fit into, then start a "Home" thread where you are baking bread, tending vegetables, or doing some other activity that others can join in on.

Tip #11: Magic and Fantasy doesn't mean you are invincible Even though Secfenia uses Magic, it doesn't mean anyone is invincible. After all, Magic is not a ticket to godmodding. You should be respectful of others. Remember even your magic abilities have limits and can be beaten. Even Zachrin can lose in a fight.

Tip #12: Share, participate, and give This is a community of people. Everyone wants to be a part of the community. It's part of the reason why we join. So, don't hesitate to share ideas, comments, and suggestions, but also remember to give people respect when they share theirs. You don't have to agree with other's opinions, but it's common courtesy to give them the floor from time to time to do so. Please remember that together everyone can achieve more.

For More Information
For More Information, please visit the forums and read the FAQ's. They are a great source of information. Don't forget some of your other great tools like your local Town Mentor, your local forum Elders, and of course, the other players in Secfenia. Good luck and please always feel free to share your input with myself.

Zachrin Chief Mage of Secfenia (aka Game Admin)