Roleplaying While On Patrol
From FiranMUX
Contents |
Overview
As a guard, a soldier or even a pilot, it will sometimes be necessary to be on patrol. It's a big part of your job to keep everyone safe, and you can't get the glory if you're not out there doing the work. But how can you make manning the city walls exciting? How can you make flying over the city more than just a fly-by? How can patrolling for the enemy be less like grunt-work and more like storytelling? It can be done!
Make it a Buddy Film
In every good story about cops and robbers, soldiers on patrol, or even air force mavericks, the meat of the story is held in the relationships formed on the job. The actual patrolling might not be that exciting, but using it to bond with your partner--that's important. You might not normally get to talk about the wife and kids with your fellow soldiers. Now is the time.
Use the IC hum-drum detail as an excuse to have your character gab about his life, his politics, or her dreams. This is an especially good method for characters who are normally introspective and private. A no-nonsense guard might get downright sentimental when talking to her fellow guards about her upbringing or her time as a Shamibelian slave. Bonding is not only great fun, it's also thematic and will lead to more cohesive military units. IC Leaders should do all they can to encourage it.
Arrange An Encounter
Firan is a non-consent game insofar as bad things can happen to your character, even if you don't want them to. However, we don't object to consent-based scenes in which everybody involved has agreed to a plan. There's no reason you can't arrange a roleplaying encounter with your fellow players.
If you're a guard, arrange with some kids (and a shopkeeper) to catch them in the act of robbing a pastry shop and let them go with a warning. If you're a pilot, arrange to get into a stunt-contest with some of your buddies. If you're a soldier on patrol, arrange with a prostitute to distract you while you're on duty. The possibilities are endless.
Kidnap Someone
The Firan realm is filled with kids and novices, people who think they know what life is about, but don't have a clue. There's no reason a guard, a soldier, or even a pilot can't decide to show them what's what. Just like police officers have "Ride-A-Long" programs, Firan officers should take along another player to play observer. Imagine the havoc that could wreak if they're cowardly! Imagine the RP opportunities if your commanding officer thinks that you're shirking your job to impress a lady by showing her your bird-handling skills. Use your imagination, and patrolling doesn't have to be a boring or lonely activity.
