04-20-2023, 02:17 PM
Section 15 - Continuing an RP
This was something that I've discussed with pals from an RP group I partake in in one Discord server (PascalSage has decent experience with campaigns and how to discuss things with an RP group, so that helped inspire me to write this). We've discussed how to handle RPs and the idea of having them be one-shots or a long campaign. This brought up something that I had concerns with in the RP threads of this forum: continuation.
Taking a Break
Every now and then, the GM will take a break. Perhaps it is to rest or to map out where to carry an RP next. Breaks are encouraged, however, breaks shouldn't be so long as to cause detrimental outcomes, whether it be indefinite cliffhangers, abrupt endings (like what happened with the Anonymated Rubbery Rooms or School of Thot RPs), or dissent from players. A break is simply a means to recoup and think over things, but too long of one will cause players to lose interest. RPs typically have a set goal in mind. I'll discuss how one-shot and long-term RPs can be continued.
One-Shot RP Continuation
One-Shots are simple: they are one-and-done stories with a set goal. When a break or hiatus is taken from a one-shot, continuing the RP is primarily based on if the goal was met or not. If the goal had not been met yet, it is ill-advised to abruptly end the RP, as players are trying to meet the goal set by the GM. Ideally, the best way to pick up an RP like this is to see how players are doing in the RP. The further along they are in an RP, the more disappoint they'll be for not meeting the goal set by the GM. Some elements can be added to freshen the RP up, and some may feel new entirely. As long as they fit in the environment, I'd say you're golden.
Alternatively, setting an outline or roadmap on where to go next is a good idea as well. As stated before, sometimes the GM would need to think things over, and an additional outline or roadmap my help. This approach works because players have done some unexpected things at times, so an amended roadmap helps in that regard.
Long-Term RP Continuation
To memory, there was only one long-term RP on this site: the Maids to Monsters duology (although Poly might not've liked how that went down). Which is admittedly ironic since the first one worked like a boss rush deal while the other was used by Poly to explore the dreamscape at the time. Honestly kinda hate myself for messing that up.
With that side tangent out of the way, the same principles above should apply to long-term RPs as they do one-shots. Main difference is what I would recommend is partitioning long-term deals into chapters given the scale they usually work from. Doing so allows for breaks to be taken from the RP itself in order to try other things in the realm of roleplaying. It's no pressure as long as players are given a signal ahead of time. That way, players can pick up on the RP whenever you feel like.
When going back into a long-term RP, it is best to summarize where the session last went off before heading back into the RP. That way, players can pick up where they left off in the RP.
So yeah, there's that segment. Normally I'd ask if there's anything I've missed, but I think I got everything needed this time.
This was something that I've discussed with pals from an RP group I partake in in one Discord server (PascalSage has decent experience with campaigns and how to discuss things with an RP group, so that helped inspire me to write this). We've discussed how to handle RPs and the idea of having them be one-shots or a long campaign. This brought up something that I had concerns with in the RP threads of this forum: continuation.
Taking a Break
Every now and then, the GM will take a break. Perhaps it is to rest or to map out where to carry an RP next. Breaks are encouraged, however, breaks shouldn't be so long as to cause detrimental outcomes, whether it be indefinite cliffhangers, abrupt endings (like what happened with the Anonymated Rubbery Rooms or School of Thot RPs), or dissent from players. A break is simply a means to recoup and think over things, but too long of one will cause players to lose interest. RPs typically have a set goal in mind. I'll discuss how one-shot and long-term RPs can be continued.
One-Shot RP Continuation
One-Shots are simple: they are one-and-done stories with a set goal. When a break or hiatus is taken from a one-shot, continuing the RP is primarily based on if the goal was met or not. If the goal had not been met yet, it is ill-advised to abruptly end the RP, as players are trying to meet the goal set by the GM. Ideally, the best way to pick up an RP like this is to see how players are doing in the RP. The further along they are in an RP, the more disappoint they'll be for not meeting the goal set by the GM. Some elements can be added to freshen the RP up, and some may feel new entirely. As long as they fit in the environment, I'd say you're golden.
Alternatively, setting an outline or roadmap on where to go next is a good idea as well. As stated before, sometimes the GM would need to think things over, and an additional outline or roadmap my help. This approach works because players have done some unexpected things at times, so an amended roadmap helps in that regard.
Long-Term RP Continuation
To memory, there was only one long-term RP on this site: the Maids to Monsters duology (although Poly might not've liked how that went down). Which is admittedly ironic since the first one worked like a boss rush deal while the other was used by Poly to explore the dreamscape at the time. Honestly kinda hate myself for messing that up.
With that side tangent out of the way, the same principles above should apply to long-term RPs as they do one-shots. Main difference is what I would recommend is partitioning long-term deals into chapters given the scale they usually work from. Doing so allows for breaks to be taken from the RP itself in order to try other things in the realm of roleplaying. It's no pressure as long as players are given a signal ahead of time. That way, players can pick up on the RP whenever you feel like.
When going back into a long-term RP, it is best to summarize where the session last went off before heading back into the RP. That way, players can pick up where they left off in the RP.
So yeah, there's that segment. Normally I'd ask if there's anything I've missed, but I think I got everything needed this time.