1. Building Your Character

Every great story begins with a strong foundation. You need to develop a persona that fits naturally into the specific world you want to join. Reading the City Charter and the provided lore on the website is a required first step.

Choosing a Name and Era

Select a display name appropriate for the specific historical or fantasy setting. Many sims enforce strict naming conventions that match their timeline. In a Roman setting, players use traditional Latin names. Pick something easy for other players to type quickly during a fast-paced scene.

Designing Your Avatar’s Appearance

Your visual appearance communicates your social rank, occupation, and history immediately to anyone who looks at you. Invest time in finding period-accurate mesh clothing. Avatars playing wealthy characters should wear clean, expensive fabrics. Characters playing the working class or the slave caste should wear rough, dirty, and simple garments. Your clothing sets the tone for how people will treat you in the game.

Writing a Flexible Backstory

Write a brief history that gives your character a clear reason for arriving in the city. Give your character distinct flaws, fears, and weaknesses. A character who makes mistakes and has room to learn provides endless story opportunities for everyone involved.

2. The Rules of In Character and Out of Character

The division between In Character and Out of Character dictates all interactions within a roleplay sim. Keeping these two spheres completely separate maintains a healthy, drama-free environment for the entire community. We highly suggest reading the full roleplay rules to understand our specific guidelines.

In Character (IC)

This covers the actions, spoken words, beliefs, and physical reactions of your avatar within the fictional world. When you are IC, you only know what your character has personally seen, heard, or been told by others within the game. You type these actions into the local chat box.

Out of Character (OOC)

This refers to you, the typist sitting behind the screen. Players use OOC communication to discuss rules, ask technical questions, check on consent, or coordinate upcoming scenes. In local chat, players indicate OOC speech by wrapping their text in double parentheses, like this: ((I need to step away for five minutes)).

3. Using the Right Tools and HUDs

Second Life relies on specific technical items to facilitate gameplay. You need to attach and configure a few necessary tools from your inventory before beginning your first scene.

The Roleplay and Combat HUD

Most community sims require a Heads Up Display. This system appears on your screen and tracks your health, stamina, and current combat statistics. You right-click the item in your inventory and select “Attach” to wear it. You can follow our detailed Roleplay HUD guide to understand exactly how to register your meter upon arrival.

Setting Up Character Titlers

A titler displays your character’s name, rank, and physical condition in a floating text box directly above your avatar. You wear the object and type specific commands into the local chat channel to change the text. This helps other players quickly identify who you are and what condition your character is currently in.

Animation Overrides (AOs)

An AO provides your avatar with realistic, customized movements. Proper animations for walking, sitting, and interacting with the environment make your character look natural. Choose an AO that matches your character’s personality. A soldier stands with a rigid posture. A servant uses animations for kneeling and keeping their head bowed.

4. Writing Your First Scene

Entering a populated area requires an understanding of basic roleplay etiquette. Ensure your avatar complies with the local dress code. Walk to a public space, such as a market or tavern, and look for an opportunity to engage with the people already there.

Using Emotes

Roleplay relies on detailed text describing your surroundings and physical reactions. You create an action by typing “/me” followed by your text. Typing “/me sets the heavy wooden bucket on the ground and wipes her brow” will appear in chat with your name at the front of the sentence. This paints a clear picture for the people around you.

Matching the Pace

Read the chat logs of the people already in the room before you type. Some players write single sentences, while others write multiple paragraphs for every response. Match the general pace and length of the people around you to keep the story flowing naturally. Give other players time to read your post and formulate their own response.