Does Rpnation lack variety?

[Iallcsz]

Hello, I've been on Rpnation for several months. I have participated in a limited amount of roleplays mostly dealing with fantasy or sometimes fandom. I looked through many of the roleplays in the Fantasy genre along with some other searchs in the other genres. To be frank, I haven't seen much variety nor orginality within the forums. Now, I am not trying to put down or demean anyone's work in roleplay. I have also been to a couple of good roleplays which had an orginal plot line, reasonable pacing, and different settings. I will comment on the fantasy genre since it is the largest group roleplay.


Although the vast majority of roleplays currently fall into several sterotypes. Which include school, magic, mystical beings, and midieval themed roleplays. This is typical within the fantasy setting as magic is a usual source for people to roleplay. But there has not been many roleplays that have deviated or atleast placed a spin onto these settings This results in a lack of variety within the fantasy genre in my opinion. Most settings are homogenous to me usually taking place in school, an academy, or in a war. These settings are extremely overused within the fantasy genre and espeically the realisitc or modern genre. I am not saying these settings are bad, but when I see multiple roleplays sharing these settings without much variety it can be boring quickly. These sterotypes are not unique to the fantasy genre. In my limited experience with other genres I have also noticed that the school setting is overused.


Overall, I would say that the variety in Rpnation is lacking. I believe this is due to roleplayers not deviating and exploring new settings. In favor of the status quo to ensure that enough roleplayers join it. This trend has to stop so that more people are open to roleplays and have incentive to perform well.


So what do you think, have I missed anything relevant within the roleplaying forums?


Or do you have an different opinion from mine? Feel free to comment and discuss this issue.


Thanks~

 

[King Of Imagination]

While yes, I do agree with you that there are a vast number of roleplays with similar base plot lines and settings, to say that there is a lack of variety seems to demean roleplays and their players site wide. Roleplays do not just depend on the preset plot, nor the setting. Roleplays get their variety from the players that join them, and every player has their own unique styles of writing, character development, plot development, and roleplaying in general.


Another thing to mention is that, as you said, you have limited experience roleplaying on the site, and have stuck relatively close to the fatasy genre. There is so much more throughout rpn to explore, and so much more variety as a result. Every roleplay is unique, no matter the setting, or the plot, because it all depends on the players.


Many roleplays have similar settings and plots due to their relative ease of play, as well as the many nuances and differences that can be pulled out of them. Also, some archetypes are played more than others because there is a massive number of people who enjoy those archetypes.


(Btw, I am not a fan of school roleplays, so you have that one.)

 

[Dusky]

Do feel free to raise some alternatives~.


I am not entirely sure how one might create a Fantasy RP without magic? Though you could certainly check out Exodus once the reboot gets up, which has incredibly limited magic. Not open for applications though.


In my experience, if you aren't finding variety, you're not really scratching the surface of what RPN has to offer. And I think people have the most luck in finding interesting RPs by getting to know each other, talking to site regulars, keeping an eye on Interest Checks...


No matter which site you go to, there will be a deluge of overused RPs. That's what the term "overused" implies. RPN is the largest PG13 RP site there is though - I think we get something like 700 new members a day. The idea of it lacking variety is statistically laughable.


Anyway, if you're going to make an argument like that, you need to be able to raise alternatives.

 

[Wreck]

Koi basically said what i was going to say. just saved me a lot of typing.


+1 Koi.

 

[ayzrules]

I haven't really been here for too long, but I will say that there seem to be an abundance of magical school roleplays, which I definitely tend to stay away from

 

[Wreck]

I haven't really been here for too long, but I will say that there seem to be an abundance of magical school roleplays, which I definitely tend to stay away from

you mean like every other RP site ever?

 

[Iallcsz]

[QUOTE="King Of Imagination]While yes, I do agree with you that there are a vast number of roleplays with similar base plot lines and settings, to say that there is a lack of variety seems to demean roleplays and their players site wide. Roleplays do not just depend on the preset plot, nor the setting. Roleplays get their variety from the players that join them, and every player has their own unique styles of writing, character development, plot development, and roleplaying in general.
Another thing to mention is that, as you said, you have limited experience roleplaying on the site, and have stuck relatively close to the fatasy genre. There is so much more throughout rpn to explore, and so much more variety as a result. Every roleplay is unique, no matter the setting, or the plot, because it all depends on the players.


Many roleplays have similar settings and plots due to their relative ease of play, as well as the many nuances and differences that can be pulled out of them. Also, some archetypes are played more than others because there is a massive number of people who enjoy those archetypes.


(Btw, I am not a fan of school roleplays, so you have that one.)

[/QUOTE]
If I have demeaned anyone that was not my intention to. I agree that character are also an important factor with roleplaying. But I would argue that the setting and plot lines do have a strong influence on what character can realistically be written. For example a casual laid back roleplay would not have character with extreme personality or much tragic backstory. Because it wouldn't suit the type of roleplay that is within. When roleplays share similar settings, they will also have similar characters. Now there will be exceptions to this of course, but it is generally true.


I did some fandom roleplays also. But I haven't mentioned it since fandoms have pre-written settings so it wasn't relevant to this discussion. You are right that I still have to look through the other genres to get a better sense of it. So you do have that point.


Of course roleplays are going to have slight differences to them in terms of settings and characters. That wasn't my point, I've said that the main problem is lack of deviating from the norm and exploring new settings and locations. That way the genre can become more extensive and enjoyable.

 

[King Of Imagination]

If I have demeaned anyone that was not my intention to. I agree that character are also an important factor with roleplaying. But I would argue that the setting and plot lines do have a strong influence on what character can realistically be written. For example a casual laid back roleplay would not have character with extreme personality or much tragic backstory. Because it wouldn't suit the type of roleplay that is within. When roleplays share similar settings, they will also have similar characters. Now there will be exceptions to this of course, but it is generally true.
I did some fandom roleplays also. But I haven't mentioned it since fandoms have pre-written settings so it wasn't relevant to this discussion. You are right that I still have to look through the other genres to get a better sense of it. So you do have that point.


Of course roleplays are going to have slight differences to them in terms of settings and characters. That wasn't my point, I've said that the main problem is lack of deviating from the norm and exploring new settings and locations. That way the genre can become more extensive and enjoyable.

Well, for one thing, I have to disagree. I have seen a number of roleplays with not the same, but very close to the same plots and settings go in completely different directions and have completely different characters simply because of the players. I have actually seen reboots of the same roleplay go in completely different directions than the original roleplay.


In additition, the only reason you don't experience the true variety of roleplays is because you fail to dig and look for the different plays. There also isn't very much you can really do in fantasy. Fantasy generally requires a non-earth world with some form of magic. The easier routes to take this are schools and warring kingdoms, however, they can also follow questing archetypes, like dungeon crawlers, combat-oriented, and there are even these amazing things called free-form roleplays where the players themselves develop everything from a basic setting, though those are unfortunately rare.


As was stated previously, if you believe there isn't enough variety within the fantasy genre, then come up with something different of your own. The reason the current archetypes are so prevalent because of their overwhelming popularity with the masses. So, in all honesty, creators are just building plays to fit the largest group of players.


And we've only now scratched fantasy. Take a dive into modern, or futuristic, or even fandom, and you'll find some amazng things. And that's not even mentioning one on ones, and dice roleplays. So, before you assume that there is simply a lack of variety, consider supply and demand, and consider looking further than just the surface. You can't really know how different or similar roleplays are unless you participate in them.

 

[Iallcsz]

Do feel free to raise some alternatives~.
I am not entirely sure how one might create a Fantasy RP without magic? Though you could certainly check out Exodus once the reboot gets up, which has incredibly limited magic. Not open for applications though.


In my experience, if you aren't finding variety, you're not really scratching the surface of what RPN has to offer. And I think people have the most luck in finding interesting RPs by getting to know each other, talking to site regulars, keeping an eye on Interest Checks...


No matter which site you go to, there will be a deluge of overused RPs. That's what the term "overused" implies. RPN is the largest PG13 RP site there is though - I think we get something like 700 new members a day. The idea of it lacking variety is statistically laughable.


Anyway, if you're going to make an argument like that, you need to be able to raise alternatives.

You have a point there. I was being to vague when I said magic was overused.


I've been on intrest checks and frequently looked through the forums for new roleplays. I have seen a couple of good roleplays which I joined but overall it hasn't taken my intrest. My main point was that a majority of roleplays share sterotypes within them. Which takes away from the enjoyment of Rpnation. Saying that "i'm not trying hard enough" isn't an arguement that's an assertion you have made. I'll will find some good roleplays but i'll have to get through a lot of other roleplays. This problem isn't unique to Rpnation, I haven't not claimed that. So what's the point you're trying to make? My arguement isn't "laughable" because other sites share the same problem.


I have raised some alternative. I suggested that roleplayers explore others settings and move away from sterotypes.

 

[King Of Imagination]

Suggest some other settings. Come up with something original. Because, I hate to say this, there is nothing original under the sun.

 

[Dusky]

There is but one story in this world.[/URL]


Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is that it is statistically improbable for RPN to lack variety - and qualitatively invalid, as well. Yes, there are a whole awful lot of overdone premises - that doesn't mean that's all there is. We have a whole lot of great and interesting things available.


If you want to address the deluge of overdone storylines, that's another matter entirely. It's a broad issue that we can only really address through our personal actions, rather than forcing it into others.

 

[Iallcsz]

[QUOTE="King Of Imagination]Well, for one thing, I have to disagree. I have seen a number of roleplays with not the same, but very close to the same plots and settings go in completely different directions and have completely different characters simply because of the players. I have actually seen reboots of the same roleplay go in completely different directions than the original roleplay.
In additition, the only reason you don't experience the true variety of roleplays is because you fail to dig and look for the different plays. There also isn't very much you can really do in fantasy. Fantasy generally requires a non-earth world with some form of magic. The easier routes to take this are schools and warring kingdoms, however, they can also follow questing archetypes, like dungeon crawlers, combat-oriented, and there are even these amazing things called free-form roleplays where the players themselves develop everything from a basic setting, though those are unfortunately rare.


As was stated previously, if you believe there isn't enough variety within the fantasy genre, then come up with something different of your own. The reason the current archetypes are so prevalent because of their overwhelming popularity with the masses. So, in all honesty, creators are just building plays to fit the largest group of players.


And we've only now scratched fantasy. Take a dive into modern, or futuristic, or even fandom, and you'll find some amazng things. And that's not even mentioning one on ones, and dice roleplays. So, before you assume that there is simply a lack of variety, consider supply and demand, and consider looking further than just the surface. You can't really know how different or similar roleplays are unless you participate in them.

[/QUOTE]
Sure, in my first reply I have not said all roleplayers the same. I have mentioned some roleplays that don't fall into the same sterotypes. But they do not make up the majority of roleplays. You cannot say that the majority of roleplays do deviate from their settings that's a generalization from a couple of good roleplays.


No, that's not the sole reason I don't find a variety of roleplays. I have looked through intrest checks, forums, and multiple roleplays. Saying that "I haven't tried enough isn't an arguement". You are ignoring several factors that I have mentioned such as roleplays sharing similar plots and settings. You have even conceded this point, so how am I not looking hard enough if most of the roleplays are similar? My point still stands there isn't much variety within the fantasy genre. With the exception of a couple of good roleplays which do deviate from the norm.


I'm only one person. I have started several roleplays in the fantasy genre. If you want I can link you my roleplays. Again, i've said that these settings are popular with people. But they become overused when roleplayers keep doing it over and over. It takes away from other roleplayers who want to do something different. But have difficulty finding others.

 

[Dusky]

Ahh, I see what this is about.


The people flocking to overused stories wouldn't join yours even if there were no overused stories to distract them. It's just not their thing - they want to be in these overdone RPs. The overdone RPs aren't stealing supply - they're just responding to demand.

 

[Iallcsz]

There is but one story in this world.
Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is that it is statistically improbable for RPN to lack variety - and qualitatively invalid, as well. Yes, there are a whole awful lot of overdone premises - that doesn't mean that's all there is. We have a whole lot of great and interesting things available.


If you want to address the deluge of overdone storylines, that's another matter entirely. It's a broad issue that we can only really address through our personal actions, rather than forcing it into others.

Not true. The majority of all roleplays do not have variety. Listing a few good roleplays in a sea of other roleplays doesn't show that there is variety. There are good things about everything, but we don't ignore the bad parts and only acknowledge the good. I am not ignoring the good roleplays here. I enjoy roleplaying on this site because of the good roleplays. I am just saying that the variety overall is lacking.


I am not forcing anything onto people, that's ludicrous. This is an open discussion about this issue. I proposed other roleplayers should expand their plots and looking for new settings. I didn't not say they have to. Troops are tools for roleplays and writting. But when you use the same tools the product becomes similar.


 

Ahh, I see what this is about.
The people flocking to overused stories wouldn't join yours even if there were no overused stories to distract them. It's just not their thing - they want to be in these overdone RPs. The overdone RPs aren't stealing supply - they're just responding to demand.

No, I have never complained that people aren't joining my roleplays because others are popular. This issue isn't even about me, it's about Rpnation. Other roleplayers have better organization, writing, and other skills than me. I aknowledge that, having appealing stories is just of the factors.


Are you seriously accusing me of that?


 


[QUOTE="King Of Imagination]Suggest some other settings. Come up with something original. Because, I hate to say this, there is nothing original under the sun.

[/QUOTE]
Again, i'm one person. This discussion wasn't about orginality it was about variety anyways.

 

[Dusky]

O.o


I think what we're all trying to say is it's unreasonable to expect such great variety. That's just not the way fiction works, whether role-playing or otherwise. Battle Royale and Hunger Games, Lord of the Rings and literally every other fantasy title ever. Star Wars, Star Trek, Star etc etc etc... Various Disney movies versus various Pixar movies.


Also you say it's about variety, not originality, but you seem to be using the two interchangeably... As if it's been done before you don't consider it to add variety...

 

[Iallcsz]

That wasn't the orginal arugement. I proposed reasonable alternatives for the issue anways.


How am I using the terms interchangablely? Exploring new settings doesn't have to be orginal, it just means using more setting instead of the main ones.

 

[Alexandra]

The majority of all roleplays do not have variety. Listing a few good roleplays in a sea of other roleplays doesn't show that there is variety.
<snip>

Aight. Before I give you a more comprehensive answer, could you please explain exactly what you mean by the above?


It will help me address the issue, because to be honest, the more of your posts in this thread I read, the more I am convinced you're not sure of what you're really trying to address.


And as a side note, the very nature of "variety" means that if we do list some interesting alternatives, then by definition we have variety.

 

[Iallcsz]

Aight. Before I give you a more comprehensive answer, could you please explain exactly what you mean by the above?
It will help me address the issue, because to be honest, the more of your posts in this thread I read, the more I am convinced you're not sure of what you're really trying to address.


And as a side note, the very nature of "variety" means that if we do list some interesting alternatives, then by definition we have variety.

What I meant is that most roleplays have similar settings and plots. While there is some good roleplayers in the genre, overall most roleplays don't try to deviate from the norm. If I haven't been clear enough to you, then I apologize for it. I'm adressing roleplays in general. Which includes many roleplays that are very similar to each other. Having a small minority of roleplays that do something different doesn't give variety to all of the roleplays.

 

[Alexandra]

You see, broad statements like "most roleplays" tend to make me raise an eyebrow. That descriptor is fuzzy at best, and "most" is hard to define unless you have some numbers to show me. What parts of the forum have you looked at? Have you dug through the dice section, and the legacy forum roleplays? Have you examined the archives? Some amazing games were over and done with long before you joined, and there are still some ongoing.


To throw my two cents in there; we absolutely have variety. I'm a hard player to please, and the games here have kept me coming back. Do we have an abundance of academy (or camp, or other magic teenager location) games? Why, yes we do. But that goes back to what Dusk and KOI were saying about supply and demand. Those games rack up the posts for a reason.


And even if you are technically correct, I'm not sure what we're supposed to do with that information. This is user-generated content, and people will run and play what they enjoy. Are you going to make it your mission to bring variety and originality to RPN? Because if not, then I'm really wondering why you felt this thread was necessary.

 

[Iallcsz]

You do have a point with saying my statement is too vague. I can compile all of the current roleplays excluding the closed ones and make a list for you based on the setting, along with links for the citations. If I really wanted to back it up with numbers. That would time-consuming however, but i'll start off with the top 15 roleplays in the fantasy section to give you an overview along with percentages. I'll only account roleplays with 500+ views.


1 PHANTASMA: SCHOOL OF THE STRANGE : School Rp


2 Fantasy Highschool Life : School Rp


3 Academy For The Gifted : School Rp


4 Magical Girls Academy (Open!) : School Rp


5 Academy of the Supernatural : School


6 The Villains' Downfall : Good vs Evil


7 The Wolf inside : Mystical Beings


8 Cirque de Monstres (1941) second edition : Mystical Beings


9 Eternia: Land of Bloodshed : Magic


10 Half-Breed Institution : Mystical Beings


11 A fighting chance : War


12 Précieux Academy: The Gemholders : School


13 The Elementalists of Versaes : Supernatural


14 Clairvoyant's Sanctuary : Mystical Beings


15 Dragon's Roar. [ Forever Accepting. ] : Mystical Beings


School Roleplays : 6, 40%


Supernatural: 1 , 7%


Mystical Beings : 5, 33~%


Magic : 1 , 7 %


Good vs Evil : 1 , 7%


War : 1 , 7%





So from this overview we can see that school / mystical being roleplays clearly are predominant among Fantasy roleplays.


This is what I mean from lack of variety. There's your numbers.





Really? This issue is important. I am proposing an alternative to the problem not going on some mission. If you read my other posts I suggested that variation and exploring new setting would help. I really wonder if you are attacking me or my arguement.

 

[Bone2pick]

School Roleplays : 6, 40%


Supernatural: 1 , 7%


Mystical Beings : 5, 33~%


Magic : 1 , 7 %


Good vs Evil : 1 , 7%


War : 1 , 7%





So from this overview we can see that school / mystical being roleplays clearly are predominant among Fantasy roleplays.


This is what I mean from lack of variety. There's your numbers.

Interesting categories. Care to explain (in clear definitions) the difference between supernatural, mystical beings, magic, and good v evil?

 

[Dusky]

I think the reason they're all so prevalent is that magic, mystical beings, and the supernatural, in particular, are exactly what defines a work as Fantasy...? I mean, what would you prefer to see at the top? And why does this mean there's no variety? There are a whole lot of different kinds of mystical beings out there... And kinds of magic. Hell, there are even a whole lot of different kinds of schools.

 

[Iallcsz]

Interesting categories. Care to explain (in clear definitions) the difference between supernatural, mystical beings, magic, and good v evil?

Sure,


School Roleplays: Roleplays that primarly takes place within a school, academy, unversity, college etc.


Supernatural: Characters that possess abilities beyond scientific understanding. Similar to magic but lacks exposition.


Magic: Similar to supernatural but has exposition.


Good vs Evil : Roleplays that focus on organizations, the protagonists are in one and usually pitted against another.


Mystical Beings: Characters that can transforms into beasts, vampires, etc.


 

I think the reason they're all so prevalent is that magic, mystical beings, and the supernatural, in particular, are exactly what defines a work as Fantasy...? I mean, what would you prefer to see at the top? And why does this mean there's no variety? There are a whole lot of different kinds of mystical beings out there... And kinds of magic. Hell, there are even a whole lot of different kinds of schools.

You do have a point. The setting can be different to some degree. The main issue is that roleplayers don't deviate from the norm. These settings become constantly used over and over again. Which takes away the unique aspects of it.

 

[Bone2pick]

You decided to break a category based on ability "exposition"? You label a category good v evil even though the protagonists aren't required to be good or evil? What about RPs that have magic and faction v faction? What about faction v faction v faction?


I'm not sure what to make of your attempt at categorizing fantasy, but so far I'm not thrilled by it.


 
Please post your unique fantasy RP.

 

[Iallcsz]

Hm? The definition of Supernatural is an event beyond scientfic explanation. So yes, I did base it on their exposition.


Well the good vs evil concept is related to organization.


The roleplays on the list did not have both elements, I based it on their predominant elements. You can read their overviews and information for more detail.


We're talking about an issue not me. Stop constantly making personal attack onto me. I can link my roleplays if you want.