Two players in identical outfits posing to role-play.
A player role-playing as a guard to fool others.
Role-Playing forms a large part of most MMORPGs. To role-play is to develop a character within the world of an MMORPG. Role-playing is not prevalent within RuneScape as most people prefer to act naturally;however there are a number of role-players to be found within RuneScape.
It is generally considered bad manners within RuneScape or any other MMORPG to not humour a role-player even if one is not a Role-Player.
Good examples of Role-Playing:
Player X: Greetings fair maiden. How art thou on this summers day?
Player Y: Tired Dear Sir, I have walked many miles and now care for naught but rest.
What could be considered bad manners:
Player X: Greetings fair maiden. How art thou on this summers day?
Player Z: WTF?
Player Z: Did you see the Chicago Bull's play last night?
Many role-players find that Role-Playing enhances their RuneScape experience. Tips for role-playing within an MMORPG environment:
- Create a back-story for your character based around Gielinor; for example, born within Varrock or perhaps stationed within Ardougne?
- Have a job is fine for roleplaying. For example: Are you a Varrock soldier or a chef cooking for a noble family?
- Have realistic clothing will help you roleplay. If you are a woman that's a peasent, wear a torn dress.
- Have a girl/boyfriend or wife/husband that has no relationship to you as a person but is close to your character. It is not uncommon within MMORPGs for people who are the same gender to have a heterosexual "relationship" within the game world.
- Try to make your character unlike yourself, perhaps by adding something like an evil side.
- Living somewhere is also an example. Live in a house with no one in it, or live in a campground with a fire.
- Emotes should also be used for certain NPCs. For example, when going to Varrock Palace, bow to King Roald, and when visiting a tramp, laugh.
- Have fun. The only limits to developing a character on RuneScape is your imagination.
The current role-playing themed world on RuneScape is 42. There is also a forum for Role-Playing under community in the official forums.