a nation of creation |
march 2025 newsletter
circus
A blue elephant is a sight to behold,
You saw it once maybe, at the circus once—elegant and bold.
Its turquoise trunk, and an aquamarine ear,
azure legs, and its lapis lazuli rear.
It steps through the pages, too vast to ignore,
A story unwritten, a metaphor.
Heavy with meaning, yet weightless in air,
A quiet insistence that something is there.
So pick up your pen, let it wander and roam,
A blue elephant never belongs alone.
You saw it once maybe, at the circus once—elegant and bold.
Its turquoise trunk, and an aquamarine ear,
azure legs, and its lapis lazuli rear.
It steps through the pages, too vast to ignore,
A story unwritten, a metaphor.
Heavy with meaning, yet weightless in air,
A quiet insistence that something is there.
So pick up your pen, let it wander and roam,
A blue elephant never belongs alone.
With 2025 in full swing, what new experiences and sights are you looking forward to this year?
housekeeping
• Whether you're a newer or older user, click here to refresh what we allow and don't allow in the community! It's always good to refresh on the guidelines every once in while.
• To see the specific guidelines updates, check out our Patch Notes for more details.
• To increase a broader range of content to showcase in the Newsletter and time for the team to showcase various talents, the frequency of publishing featured Members and Roleplays will now be on a quarterly basis versus monthly. For more information regarding the announcement, click here!
• Be sure to head on over and see what available products we have for our users!
guideline highlight
Recruitment information for roleplays, even those happening off-site, must be hosted on RpNation. Off-site contact information should only be shared in your profile identities, PMs, or the Off-site Ads. Discord servers can be linked from OOC threads or PMs for OOC purposes, but off-site roleplay links must be posted within Off-site Ads. RpNation does not moderate content outside of its webspace, so users should exercise caution when going offsite for roleplays. Please refer to the Offsite rule to learn what is and is not allowed when posting offsite links.
While RpNation is not responsible for what happens off our site, we can control who or what is advertised on our site. All of our Community Guidelines apply when making recruitment posts.
For example, users may not make an off-site recruitment post for any of the following (or any other rule-breaking behavior):
- Bypassing Community Guidelines
- Harassment
- Seeking erotic content
roleplay of the month
For readers who are new to "Plumbers: Welcome to the multiverse", could you provide a brief synopsis of the storyline
Plumbers has a very straightforward plot for now. The players take the roles of people that have been displaced from their realities for one reason or another and have joined an interdimensional task force that seeks to fix other realities while their own is being repaired. How they end up displaced can vary - from cataclysmic events, to outsider interference or even someone's hubris, but that's backstory. The current plot finds our team of interdimensional misfits racing headlong to prevent an apocalyptic event created by an Outsider entity from breaking a reality. They have seen him in a short preview, but I have some more surprises for them when they actually get to him. The overarching plot is more episodic in nature, with a few more surprises and villains in store.
What inspired the creation of "Plumbers: Welcome to the multiverse"? What are its primary themes and core concepts?
I'm a comic book dork at heart. One book I adored growing up was Marvel's eXiles. Some readers may have already made the connection between the Plumbers as an organization and the TVA from MCU's Loki. They are just a tiny bit wrong. My inspiration comes from their comic counterparts. I just like the little bug men more. Other inspiration in the same line would be James Gunn's movies-Guardians of the Galaxy and his Suicide Squad being the major influence.
I also draw from other sources of inspiration. The current events in the roleplay are inspired by the game Onimusha 3. For upcoming episodes of the RP and to give my players and the readers some hints, I have a fanatical devotion to Mad Max: Fury Road, I adore Q from Star Trek and I have had a lifelong curiosity towards mythology. You're free to make guesses.
Since the roleplay shares unique stories, different realities, and the ultimate need to fix what is broken, how do you approach each storyline and bring it to a conclusion? What techniques do you use to tie everything together?
A very good question, and this is why I approach it in an episodic format and have the idea of constants. You can have all these sorts of characters, settings and side-stories going off at once, but too many ingredients and you risk getting lost in what you're trying to do.
My solution is to approach each world as its own contained story, but also have hooks into the overarching plot in order to let that story breathe and stand on its own, while still contributing to the overall development for the players and the characters that they play. The constants mechanic is another tool I like. Every player will have their counterpart in a new universe. I simply roll a few dice and create a backstory for said character and give them the option to take control of their counterpart for that mission and to give them a chance to immerse themselves in the world. If they refuse, they still have the option to contribute to the world with said counterpart by writing in their actions as NPCs.
How do you drive character arcs forward while balancing plot?
I try to keep that character's backstory and personality in mind while writing what happens next. What would happen if character X is in scene A? Would there be someone they know or know about them? Should the scene be for one person or a group? Sometimes I think of something last minute, but that's the folly of being a GM, plans are subject to change even when you think they are rock solid.
Could you share a particularly memorable moment or highlight from "Plumbers: Welcome to the multiverse"?
I recently decided to do away with dice rolls for combat and give the players freedom to do what they want with the bad guys, and they took the ball and ran with it. I read every post from them with glee to see how they turned the minions of hell into little giblets or take half a dozen mooks at once in a John Wick style fight.
Have you encountered any unexpected twists or outcomes in the roleplay that surprised you or the players? If so, how did you adapt to those developments?
I'm going to give you a very cheeky answer here, because the RP is still in its cradle, so to speak. I know my players, I've played in their games for years and have experienced the worlds they built. I know that at one point, one of them will nudge me and say "check this out" and give me an idea I never thought of before or make a post that may turn an entire arc on its head and force me to rethink everything.
How do you keep yourself organised as a GM? There must be a lot of characters, NPCs, lore, and other details to remember (especially all the twist and turns).
I find that for me personally, I do my best to keep a good part of the details vague until I need to harden the concrete. Simply put, I have the skeleton of the structure on hand and steadily try to fill in the gaps.
What tools do you use to keep track all the puzzle pieces for the story?
For plotting ahead, I like to put my thoughts down on paper for quick reference if I forget something. For character writing, it's similar, but I try to note down important things from conversations with my players. It's not a perfect system because some details can be missed when you converse with someone, but it's much easier to poke someone when you have ideas to share with each other.
Do you go with the flow and make things up as you go, plan ahead, or is it a bit of both?
Both. One thing I've learned from running tabletop for my friends is that you should be ready to be reactive because players will take something you said in a different direction than you intended or do something out of left field. Role-play is a collaborative effort, so being too rigid is only going to hinder you.
When did you first start roleplaying, and how long have you been writing?
I started play by post roleplays back in 2014 or 15 on the Facepunch forum when it was around. I've tried to do some writing here and there before that, but it can be best described as growing pains. The earliest one I can remember was writing an after-battle report for my PVP guild in Guild wars 2 in-character, which the guild members appreciated as a novelty.
What was your first experience roleplaying like, and how does it compare to the way you approach it now?
The first proper forum RP was Spaceship RP: Journey across the stars on the Facepunch forum. I remember that I joined the RP by just dropping a character bio in the thread, being approved by the GM and instead of waiting for a good spot to introduce myself, I crowbar my own entrance in. Luckily for me, people went with it.
Naturally, I wouldn't just do that today if I join an RP that's been active for some time unless the GM says it's fine to do so.
Whether it's someone's first time GMing or joining a group roleplay, what tips would you share with newcomers who might feel a bit intimidated?
Never be afraid to ask questions. You will learn a lot more about an RP if you ask the GM or the other players, than just reading it. When making a character, talk with your GM if it fits the setting they made and seek to collaborate with your fellow players. I have written and read moments I still think about fondly because they were collaborative efforts by the people I played with.
Find your balance between too much detail and too little. This is something I can still struggle with, but it's important to think about as you write. You are talking as a character to another person in roleplays. Help describe the scene with your fellow players or the GM. The world becomes much more believable if your character has some little quirk or a habit. Make them react to a change in the scenery. It gets easier as you go.
This is for fun. End of the day, we play RPs because we want to tell stories and provide an experience for others. Some people inflate their ego or become jerks about roleplaying for some reason and lose sight of why we do these in the first place. Try to be kind and be excellent to each other.
Oh no! Staff-chan (see: RpN's Shark mascot!) dropped you off in another world! What world would it be and why?
In the deep fathoms beneath the waves is a building where Staff-chan resides. Its marble weaved together with the coral to form its beautiful architecture. Yet the building itself is as imposing as marvelous. You are here not as a guest, but because you have been summoned to the depths for a reason. You broke the rules. Gavel in fin, Staff-chan is ready to make the call. You best hope you get off with a warning.
If you created a character based on a colour, what colour would it be and why?
Purple. It's a color of regal history and significance. The color of royals, with every implication that entails. One character type I haven't had the chance to write yet is royalty. I have written nobles, dukes, warlords, but never a true royal. I think I can make a very memorable one if I can think of a good story. The purple clothes are a must.
Do you have a favorite roleplaying experience that stands out in your memory? And, of all the roleplays you’ve been a part of, which one holds a special place in your heart?
So many, and it's hard to pick just one. My favorite evil character would have to be Reginald Fontaine, who in a setting where everyone else was making deals with demons or other eldritch entities, he continued to amaze everyone just by being just human and evil to his core. The Starpath series (launched on Facepunch, now continuing here) also provided me with my first opportunity to flex my creative muscles. Part two, hosted by my friend, K0mori, in particular. But for a recent memory, I will have to go with good old Hunter's moon, by Infab. My character is a demon cowboy and my friend demytra is playing a demon prince. In an intense battle, both our characters strike a bargain, and they fuse together for a devastating attack you can see straight from the Devil May Cry series.
Would you like to give a shout-out to your players, partners, and/or friends? If so, please feel free to tag them here for us!
I was looking forward to this the most, to tell you the truth. Lets start with my players.
First shoutout I think should go to @K0mori , who has not only been the glue to our small sub-community at Inko, but a constant source of inspiration and drive to improve my own writing. If you haven't by now, go check out her CYOA, Terrorchild. It's nearing its end, so if you start it now, you will have read a spectacular book by the time you finish. I am looking forward to contributing more to Starpath as soon as possible.
Next is @Infab , one of my oldest and best friends I met online. I wouldn't be into half the things I am into today if it wasn't for him and his desire to share with his friends. His passion is infectious and has created the great Hunter's Moon series, which you absolutely should check out. An incredible writer and a great friend.
@demytra is an ideas factory, with each one hooking me in with the pitch. They run so many threads and co-operate with so many people that I have no idea how they even have the time and energy for anything else, but they don't stop. I am glad to call them my friend and that they find ways to incorporate any dumb idea I can have into their work seemlessly.
@Damian0358 , A seemingly bottomless repository of information for the subjects of history, culture (both online and real world), online communities and more. Researcher and archivist of the highest order, and a guy with a great sense of humor. I still think of his dwarf character fondly, even if he would prefer we don't talk about him or his connection to Esperanto.
Every post @Worthlessplebian is interesting to me as he puts so much effort to write his descriptions in such a fun way to give his characters so much personality. I may not have interacted with them for long, but just going off by his description, I feel like I've known some of these people for years. He's also a very funny and kind guy.
@PixelSymphony saw my Helldiver RP and brought on her own original character for a bit of fun. She has stuck around and been a great addition to our little community since. She has been adapting her demon bartender/assassin, Val, to different situations across RPs rather well and it's always entertaining.
Some others.
@EdwardDewey98 , sometimes we fight, but we don't stay mad at each other for long. A GM with meticulous attention to detail and passion for the world itself. A good friend and banter partner.
@Elenion Aura , @simj26 , @Roda the Red , @Beann and many others over at New Oasis. I am so happy to be a part of that group and grateful that you let me in your community without hesitation. You folks rock.
There are a few others I've encountered that aren't on the site anymore, but they have shaped my experience with the hobby all the same. Them and everyone I mentioned have helped me become a better man beyond the scope of RPs, so I am forever happy to have them in my life.
member of the month
How did you come about your username, Vagabond Spectre?
I just thought about it on the fly really. Vagabond was a name of a nerf blaster toy I wanted during my teens. The 'Spectre' part was just an afterthought to make my username sound catchy and cool lol.
If you could describe yourself with three words, what words would they be and why?
Busy but present. I'm not as frequent as I used to but I do answer for the homies when I'm needed!
Aside from roleplaying, are there any other hobbies you enjoy doing?
I did a lot of drawing on digital. Posted some art here on RPN and my own profile pic for fun.
When did you start roleplaying?
I started back in 2016! I had no prior experience in roleplaying until I found myself here!
How did you come across RPNation?
Funny story, I discovered it from my brother who roleplayed here years ago. I started my adventure forward from April 2016.
Are you excited about any books, shows, or other related elements of media? What are they?
I am waiting for the new superman from James Gunn! And Gundam Gquuuux. I'm mostly onto video games, specifically indie game titles! There is one I really look forward to and it's Ratatan! A rhythm game/strategy army successor from the core developers of Patapon!
When you get onto RPN on any given day, what do you generally like to do?
I like spending time reading interest checks on the group RP section. Most of the time I join/make RPs I that that just really got me like "Wow, I gotta see where this RP is going!" And when it is by peeps I know and love, you bet I 'm jumpin' on that toooo.
What is your favorite part of Rpnation?
Honestly, the peeps and Ya'lls RP's original and Fandom RPs based really never fails to keep me from waking up early in the mornin' to check notifs from RPs when I see that sweet red notif bell pop up! Especially if its an adventure based RP.
Oh no, you accidently fell out of reality, luckily for you the RPN Shark has given you a chance to live in another world, what would it be?
Telekenesis!
If you were granted 3 wishes under the conditions that one of them had to be a selfless wish, what would they be?
First wish! Actually understand Blender the 3d software to its full potential ;-;, Second wish! One operational Ironman suit! For my selfless wish! I develop a machine that really recycles plastic faster and cleaner or something like that.
Got any RpNation projects that you would like to share?
I got none in the chrome dome right now but I'm trynna dabble in some experimental simple RPG mechanics in my future RPs!
What advice do you have for the newsletter readers?
Ya'll stay creative! Always be fun! And stay hydrated homies!
And lastly, any shoutouts to anyone you’d like to mention?
@RandomBlobMan
@Pumpkid
@MangoGoGo
@Adorable Monster
@Kaerri
And
Computing Magus
featured thread
Names can be either easy or difficult to create when giving a character an identity. Just as picking goals and aspirations is important, choosing a name brings a character to life even more! How do you come up with names for your characters? Join @Silentcrow's discussion share your process
Roleplaying has become an outlet for many of us, whether as a creative escape or a more personal one, the ability to write and immerse ourselves in another world is truly fun and exciting! Why do you RP? As a huge writing community with people from all walks of life, come and share your reason for RPing in
Bacon is fluffy
's discussion!
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