How to Play
Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2026 3:06 pm
How to Play
Play by Post Roleplaying is one of those things that's easier to understand once you've started doing it. While it can seem intimidating at first, you'll quickly find that it's simply a group of people telling stories together.
Unlike a novel, nobody knows exactly how the story will end. Every player controls their own character, making decisions and reacting to the events around them. Through these interactions, friendships are formed, rivalries develop, adventures unfold and memorable stories are created.
This guide explains the basic etiquette and expectations of roleplaying in Azalore.
---
The Basics of Roleplaying
In Azalore, you write from the perspective of your character.
You describe what they say, what they do and, if you wish, what they are thinking or feeling. Other players do the same for their own characters.
Together, these individual posts become a shared story.
Roleplaying isn't about writing the longest post or using the most complicated language. It's about creating interesting situations for your character and giving others something enjoyable to interact with.
---
Posting Etiquette
Good roleplay is built on mutual respect.
Before making a post, take the time to read what has already been written. Respond to what has happened rather than writing in isolation.
Try to give other players something to respond to. Rather than ending every interaction yourself, leave opportunities for conversations, reactions and new ideas to develop naturally.
Remember that everyone writes at a different pace. Some people can post several times a day, while others may only have time once or twice a week. Be patient and communicate with those you're roleplaying with if you're likely to be away for an extended period.
Most importantly, focus on quality rather than quantity. A thoughtful paragraph that moves the story forward is often far more valuable than several pages that don't.
---
In Character and Out of Character
There is an important difference between what your character knows and what you know as a player.
When writing in-character (IC), your posts should reflect your character's knowledge, experiences and personality.
Out-of-character (OOC) discussion is where players communicate with one another, discuss ideas, ask questions or arrange future scenes.
Remember that disagreements between characters are not disagreements between players. Characters can argue, compete or even become enemies while the players behind them continue to enjoy writing together.
---
Controlling Your Character
Your character belongs to you.
Only you decide what your character says, thinks, believes and chooses to do.
Likewise, you should respect the same boundary for every other player's character.
If another character attempts to persuade, threaten or attack yours, it is still your decision how your character responds unless a Storyteller rules otherwise.
---
Controlling NPCs
Not every character in the world is controlled by a Storyteller.
Minor background characters, such as shopkeepers, bartenders or travellers, can often be used to help bring a scene to life.
However, important characters and NPCs that could influence the wider world should be left to Storytellers unless you have permission to control them.
If you're ever unsure whether an NPC is appropriate to use, ask a Storyteller first.
---
Collaborating with Other Players
Roleplaying is a collaborative hobby.
Rather than trying to tell your own story independently, look for ways to involve the people around you.
Listen to the ideas of others.
Build upon their posts.
Allow conversations to develop naturally.
Sometimes the most memorable roleplay comes from scenes that were never planned.
Communication is also important. If you're planning a long-term storyline with another player, don't be afraid to discuss ideas out of character so that everyone is working towards the same goal.
---
Godmodding, Metagaming and Powergaming
These are three of the most common mistakes made by new roleplayers.
Godmodding
Godmodding is taking control of another player's character without their permission.
Instead of deciding what happens to another character, describe what your own character attempts to do and allow the other player to decide how they react.
Metagaming
Metagaming is using information that your character has no reasonable way of knowing.
Just because you know something as a player does not mean your character knows it.
Always ask yourself whether your character could realistically know the information you're using.
Powergaming
Powergaming is placing success above believable roleplay.
Characters who never fail, always have the perfect solution or constantly outperform everyone around them often become less interesting to play and interact with.
Don't be afraid to let your character make mistakes. Failure often creates better stories than success.
---
Tips for Good Roleplay
Remember that your character doesn't need to be perfect.
Give them strengths, but also weaknesses.
Let them make mistakes.
Allow them to grow through their experiences.
Listen to other players and build upon their ideas.
Leave opportunities for others to contribute to the story rather than trying to resolve every situation yourself.
Most importantly, have fun.
Azalore isn't about writing the perfect story—it's about creating memorable stories together.
Play by Post Roleplaying is one of those things that's easier to understand once you've started doing it. While it can seem intimidating at first, you'll quickly find that it's simply a group of people telling stories together.
Unlike a novel, nobody knows exactly how the story will end. Every player controls their own character, making decisions and reacting to the events around them. Through these interactions, friendships are formed, rivalries develop, adventures unfold and memorable stories are created.
This guide explains the basic etiquette and expectations of roleplaying in Azalore.
---
The Basics of Roleplaying
In Azalore, you write from the perspective of your character.
You describe what they say, what they do and, if you wish, what they are thinking or feeling. Other players do the same for their own characters.
Together, these individual posts become a shared story.
Roleplaying isn't about writing the longest post or using the most complicated language. It's about creating interesting situations for your character and giving others something enjoyable to interact with.
---
Posting Etiquette
Good roleplay is built on mutual respect.
Before making a post, take the time to read what has already been written. Respond to what has happened rather than writing in isolation.
Try to give other players something to respond to. Rather than ending every interaction yourself, leave opportunities for conversations, reactions and new ideas to develop naturally.
Remember that everyone writes at a different pace. Some people can post several times a day, while others may only have time once or twice a week. Be patient and communicate with those you're roleplaying with if you're likely to be away for an extended period.
Most importantly, focus on quality rather than quantity. A thoughtful paragraph that moves the story forward is often far more valuable than several pages that don't.
---
In Character and Out of Character
There is an important difference between what your character knows and what you know as a player.
When writing in-character (IC), your posts should reflect your character's knowledge, experiences and personality.
Out-of-character (OOC) discussion is where players communicate with one another, discuss ideas, ask questions or arrange future scenes.
Remember that disagreements between characters are not disagreements between players. Characters can argue, compete or even become enemies while the players behind them continue to enjoy writing together.
---
Controlling Your Character
Your character belongs to you.
Only you decide what your character says, thinks, believes and chooses to do.
Likewise, you should respect the same boundary for every other player's character.
If another character attempts to persuade, threaten or attack yours, it is still your decision how your character responds unless a Storyteller rules otherwise.
---
Controlling NPCs
Not every character in the world is controlled by a Storyteller.
Minor background characters, such as shopkeepers, bartenders or travellers, can often be used to help bring a scene to life.
However, important characters and NPCs that could influence the wider world should be left to Storytellers unless you have permission to control them.
If you're ever unsure whether an NPC is appropriate to use, ask a Storyteller first.
---
Collaborating with Other Players
Roleplaying is a collaborative hobby.
Rather than trying to tell your own story independently, look for ways to involve the people around you.
Listen to the ideas of others.
Build upon their posts.
Allow conversations to develop naturally.
Sometimes the most memorable roleplay comes from scenes that were never planned.
Communication is also important. If you're planning a long-term storyline with another player, don't be afraid to discuss ideas out of character so that everyone is working towards the same goal.
---
Godmodding, Metagaming and Powergaming
These are three of the most common mistakes made by new roleplayers.
Godmodding
Godmodding is taking control of another player's character without their permission.
Instead of deciding what happens to another character, describe what your own character attempts to do and allow the other player to decide how they react.
Metagaming
Metagaming is using information that your character has no reasonable way of knowing.
Just because you know something as a player does not mean your character knows it.
Always ask yourself whether your character could realistically know the information you're using.
Powergaming
Powergaming is placing success above believable roleplay.
Characters who never fail, always have the perfect solution or constantly outperform everyone around them often become less interesting to play and interact with.
Don't be afraid to let your character make mistakes. Failure often creates better stories than success.
---
Tips for Good Roleplay
Remember that your character doesn't need to be perfect.
Give them strengths, but also weaknesses.
Let them make mistakes.
Allow them to grow through their experiences.
Listen to other players and build upon their ideas.
Leave opportunities for others to contribute to the story rather than trying to resolve every situation yourself.
Most importantly, have fun.
Azalore isn't about writing the perfect story—it's about creating memorable stories together.