MDLineArt

@@Blitz Boom "He's no friend of mine. Just don't like leaving people behind is all. Met him in Ponyville, he was coming out of some clothing shop or something, said he needed some help. Got separated, I went for the prisoners, he went for something..." Bashful looked towards the sack stained in maroon drying gore. "...else." As the goo started to really settle, in it's thinned state exposed to the air it began to dry and contract. It wasn't a strong suture, but it could slow the bleeding, temporarily at least. "Florence, huh? Pleasure to meet you," "Anyway, couldn't just leave him behind. Promises to keep and all that. There is a chance for him to get out of this ali-" Suddenly he saw Florence panicking. She was looking over Giddon's face, and suddenly lost it, franticly trying to get out of of her bindings. Moving closer to her, Bashful put his hoof on her back trying to get her to calm. "Hey! Calm down! You're not doing any good by thrashing about, you're just gonna get hurt yourself!" It was tough to hold her still before he could even get to her bindings. He continued to bite and pull at the wrap around her wings, it took a long while of struggling with her before the wings even began to come loose, feeling the sudden release of the tightened strained she put herself through trying to get out. "THERE! Sweet Celestia, what are you getting so riled up about?!" Tossing the bindings aside, he looked over her.

@@Blitz Boom, @@Seamore Sandwich So the Changelings you guys use are from a more passive hive? Interesting. Are they known through Equestria, or do they hide like most changelings I would imagine? As for Bashful's capabilities, they are very limited (I am actually struggling to find a strength for him right now, or have him grow into it). Changing physical form (Doesn't gain properties outside of it, like Unicorn Magic or Earth Pony Strength), Producing the green ooze to make cocoons or bind, and very very limited changeling magic (Beam blast, which was all that was displayed in MLP so that's what I am sticking with). He's very much out-matched with these other Changelings, which could be interesting, especially if this counter-magic they study from Everwood also cancels a changelings transformation ability. Up til now I have been assuming that Changelings are somewhat of an 'arrest on sight' situation.

@@Blitz Boom Trust me. I look forward to getting onboard with the rest, but I would look forward to seeing another changeling just because of their nature to move as a unified whole. Hence the earlier idea lol. Still, if ya got something in mind that Bashful would make a good addition to feel free. I trust ya for plot

Ok, right now I am gonna give ya the quick once over. First, it's an Alicorns, Alicorns tend to have a lot of detail to them, but because you have gone for a black coat all those details are lost. First thing I would do, put his coat colour off-black rather than pure-black, and then use a lighter colour to bring up the line art. Check how Nightmare Moon is designed. While she is black there is A lot going on to break up the black and makes sure you can see the defining shapes. Also, lighten the red. Saturated colours don't work too well as a pony style, so mKe it a pastel red rather than a deep red. I understand you are trying to keep to dark themes, and if that's your thing I am not gonna bash on ya for the two combined most reviled colours, I just think that if your gonna fly in that direction, you gotta be smart about it and design with the strengths of the palette you have chosen. Understand though that Darkness as a theme Needs Light to define it. Damien is a bit too on-the-nose for my liking especially within the MLP universe. The thing about doing the darker tones in the case of MLP is shown right in how they animate it. Highlight line art with a lighter colour so the black coat can still show detail. Also make sure they are more than defined by the dark themes and colours, because if that's all it is the. It feels like a cheap exploit to gain sympathy or dread, depending on direction. When I design a character, I ask myself, "Can I see this character in the show?", snd if the answer is No then I ask myself Why, and usually the correction becomes self evident. I'll do more maybe at a later date after reading more on him, but these are my first impressions.

@@Blitz Boom ((Sorry of the late post and lack of format. I am doing this at 2am over a phone, so pardon if Bashful's speech or anything else is inconsistent. Didn't want to leave your hanging.)) "So..." Bashful swallowed hard, trying to force his voice back into the appropriate octive that his nerves were sabotaging at every turn. After all, he came so close to hurting this griffon helping him with Giddon that he couldn't look her in the face. Though maybe she didn't want to see him either, which worked in his favour on a logistic level. So why were his guts all tied up in knots? "... My name is Haze Guard. I'm... Umm... I'm sorry about earlier. It was dark, there were those ponies everywhere, and I couldn't just..." Lowering his head, ashamed of himself. Firecracker and Orange Lace would expect far better from him, though maybe his shame would be a better mask than whatever he was about to say. His eyes turned behind them, to see how far away they had travelled from the temple, they could still feel the earth beneath them shake with great force. Bashful's gaze then went to Giddon who was bleeding all over his coat smearing along his back as Bashful and this griffon aiding him in what ever capacity she could continued to try and be brave and push on ahead. It was then Bashful Thread's stomach growled again telling him just how much keeping this act up was costing him, even though he gourged himself not more than an hour ago. It had been one day in Tarterus he swore. "We need to stop. He's not gonna get help quick enough." Bashful tried to put down the Titan he held on his back with the assistance of the diminutive counterpart he had gained. "If I get those bindings loose, do you think you can help me fly him to Ponyville?" Reaching down to the green ooze upon the steel talon of Giddon, he pulled it away with soft touch, the motion may be reminiscent of a spider spinning thread. Bashful was angry with Giddon, but there was little he could do about it. If Giddon hurt his brothers and sisters, Mother already had a plan to sort him out, and he would willingly defend back into that pit of buzzing thought. He moulders the green goo and started to press it over the wounds. This was by no means more than a crude attempt at stopping Giddon bleed out. How much easier this would be if he was Bashful Thread with some silk and a needle?!? Still, he only hoped what little he had done was enough to stem the tide of blood leaving this bitter giant of a griffon. "So little one. What do they call you?" Bashful couldn't believe these two have crossed paths over and over yet never knowing his. And if he plays his cards right, she never well.

So here's one. A unicorn that dreams to be the first to join the Wonderbolts. We know unicorns can simulate flight, but it's a completely different method that is unproven to meet the standards of The Wonderbolts. Yes the goal is the same as Rainbow Dash, but I am pretty sure the story takes on a whole different meaning in this context, with different challenges that many Pegasi take for granted. Theme Could work with an Earth Pony, it just clearly has to be a fish out of water character. Thoughts?

Gonna be a bit before I can post. Will try to get time tonight but I can't make any promises. Side note. Will be interesting to watch Bashful interact with Ginger. I am thinking Bashful is probably going to freak out entirely.

@@Blitz Boom, Well, I am not trying to turn it to 'my' advantage. I am just working with what I see and what I think Chrysalis will do, with her being a sort of tactical genius and manipulator, and play a lot of Vampire: The Masquerade, which kinda makes that line of thinking a necessity, it seemed to be the right move. Keep in mind, Bashful is a manipulator, he's just terrible at it (I thought he would be good at it, but I think he's far more entertaining as inept in what Changelings SHOULD be good at. I am noticing though, he actually doesn't have much for strengths. Maybe that will change).

Well, the thing is that I am somewhat using Chrysalis as a cracked mirror of Luna, and perhaps literally. I think it works best in that regard, because while Chrysalis may care for her brood, she is willing to hurl them into dangerous situations relying on numbers as opposed to putting herself in the way to protect her children. I also am not sure if I want to go with a thought I have of the Nightmare Moon reign. In cannon, it's shown she had only taken on the persona for a night, but I think it was happening for quite some time before that. Celestia seemed more shocked at the reveal of Nightmare Moon than anything, so what if Nightmare Moon was an alternate persona of Luna's that was responsible for quite a bit before that flashback, we were just witness to the final confrontation. I know that the confrontation will be two instances. One where Luna is rejecting her past as Nightmare Moon, and handled by Chrysalis (Showing a stark difference in an opponent who is physically more powerful and far more manipulative), using her past and guilt against Luna. The second confrontation brings about a false-reveal. It should be built with the assumption that Luna slides back into her persona of Nightmare Moon, giving into Chrysalis' taunts of how she is just a shadow of Celestia, a shadow can not exist without light, and even her sister couldn't overcome her, what hope would she have? However, in this, her attempts to use Luna's past and fragility does not work, because in accepting her past, Luna has taken away Chrysalis' most powerful weapon, and in accepting herself and her failings, is capable of far more by moving beyond it, in doing so showing Nightmare Moon and Luna as a single figure (Something I find even the fandom keep treating as separate, when they are not). About the only real corny line of dialog may come at the end in Chrysalis' defeat. Seeing Nightmare Moon before her, but not acting in a way that gives into the jealousy and insecurity, she would have to ask; "Which are you? Nightmare Moon, or Luna?" One word would respond: "Yes."

@@Blitz Boom, Just responded to your post, and it was a dozy! Like I said, had no question on the quality of post you could bring up even if that pesky bug wouldn't let ya focus. Well done. I THINK I know what you're starting to play at to merge it. I think at this point, it's a good way to start introducing others if you so wish. Honestly, I thought the big face-to-face confrontation was going to be good, but ya put it on hiatus, and I trust this will build into something grander. Best wishes, and thanks for the post.

@@Blitz Boom Chaos! It was utter chaos all around, these things from the depths emerging all around. Many began to to scamper off, some being dragged off, some choosing to fight against these insurmountable odds. What were these hounds of diamond? The small griffon started moving quickly to Giddon and Bashful during the destruction and fear. Bashful took note then of her wings, bound, preventing any attempt at flight. If he was able to actually keep note of his situation rather than feeling overwhelmed, he may have noticed it earlier. As matters stood, it was hard enough to hear anything, above the shouting outside, and the buzzing in his head, that of the hive mind. It was one voice in his mind however that carried over the rest, reassuring, comforting... Mother, who taught plans within plans. She was laughing! "Ha ha ha, he he! Oh how glorious! Watch them scatter about, watch them run and cower! This is turning out even better than I hoped!" Mother's glee brought a warmth to Bashful Thread. It was always reassuring to know Mother was always ready, always had an answer even in his confusion. Sometimes her lessons were harsh, but she taught Bashful Thread very well... If only he had been a better student. "Get those fools out of there! Take those we need, take their place among the rest. Be a hero, welcome with open arms! Play your parts well my children, this is an opportunity we could hardly pass up!" It was at that moment he understood! Mother's quick wit would preserve them as it always had. She did so love her brood, even one as small as Scissor Biter, Bashful Thread. "Scissor Biter! Take those beasts away from here! Find out what happened from the large one. Use his dying hide to paint him in the weak light, be sure never to let him speak of your true self! That is paramount of all things. Discover what he knows, and if it is too much... Well, we don't need his body, just his heart." Beasts? Did She mean the Griffons? Bashful could only try to put himself under Giddon, lifting with all the power his legs could muster. Trying to carry him was harder than it looked, Giddon being massive even by Griffon standards. Feeling the blood slick coat of feathers pressing against his mane. Heavy steps tried to drag hold of Giddon, if only he'd let go of that bag! What was so important that would cause him to have a near death-grip on it? Looking to the small griffon, he gestured to the forest, towards Ponyville. "We have to get out of here. Come on, he's in a bad way!" It took a few moments to check over his shoulder, watching the guards evacuating as many as they could, though The Hounds made it no easy task. It pained him to think how many of his brothers and sisters were putting their bodies on the line to continue this act, how committed to Mother they were, without hesitation or regret. Ultimately though, what could only a handful do against such might? The largest worry now was if Giddon came to his senses, realizing that he was on the back of Bashful Thread and proceeded to injure him more. Giddon had to live through this, or Mother would be very upset. Pushing onward, he only hoped that the small griffon had the good sense to join them.

Get well Blitz, and don't worry. We all know you write quality healthy, sick or otherwise

@@Blitz Boom Guess this is that hard part where we figure out if Bashful is born a villain in denial, or is just a good kid in a screwed up situation. Either way, if you're gonna take Bashful out, make it good

@@Blitz Boom Bashful Thread turned to face the Griffon who spoke with a voice he identified with readily. It wasn't that he knew who this was, it was actually more that the tone was the one he used so frequently. Nervous, small. Turning, he looked to the griffon, and he couldn't help but smile a bit. "Well, um... I come from a big family. Sorry, it was unprofessional. Umm... Yeah... Well, I did what I could. You're gonna need some rest. It's been a day for a lot of these ponies." He tried to keep his nerves, when he saw a pair of the 'guards' look at him, their eyes giving him that familiar look. The one that said Don't Screw This Up. It was then he saw Giddon emerge from the gates, his jaw dropped. Any of his brothers and sisters knew exactly what they were looking at when he stood weak and weary, that steel talon covered in the green ooze. He was murmuring something as he went by Bashful and the small Griffon, dragging a large sack behind him. He moved to intercept Giddon, trying to stop him from leaving the scene. It was only when he got close, he saw the blood trailing behind Giddon. Eyes wide, listening to the murmurs coming from the wounded adventurer. "You're not... You're not going anywhere Giddon. You're going to lay down, and I'm going to get you out of here. Alive. Please don't make this harder than it has to be." Surrounded by family, a chance to gain a substantial amount of nourishment, being saved by Mother, all to protect his position among those in Ponyville, what choice did Bashful Thread have? This was a nightmare, a situation which forced Giddon to be face to face against Bashful Thread. Giddon was wounded, maybe bleeding out. Surely he wouldn't have the strength to take Bashful like this, could he? Then again, Giddon was tested, mustered, hardened by hears of adventuring, while Bashful was only a pretender, a changeling who merely took on the guise of someone bigger and braver than he ever really could be. And even if Giddon could somehow overpower Bashful Thread, he would have his brothers and sisters to contend with. That's not what hurt most though. Bashful didn't want to hurt Giddon. He didn't want to go face to face with this Griffon, and it's could only get ugly from here.

@@Blitz Boom, If it makes it easier, I can always recon my last post to wrap this plot up to start a new one to allow them entry.

Villains - Make Way For The Bad Guy In this guide I am going to discuss playing an Antagonist. The Bad Guy. The Villain. The Scoundrel. The No-Good Rotted-To-The-Core Evildoer. I am here to tell you how to be Good and being Bad, and more importantly, how to do it in an RP. I've seen more than my share of evil characters, but that doesn't make them villains, and I've seen my share of villains who were a little TOO good. I've also seen people who wanted to play The Bad Guy but take it to an adolescent view of 'I can get away with this because I'm the badguy!'. The ones who are just bad at being the bad guy. If you feel you may have gone down this route, consider it a growing pain and let's see if we can't bring your villainous ways up a notch, shall we? First Rule of Villainy: Where is the Villain good? I know, you thought we were talking about bad guys, so why are we asking about how they are any good? Well, the crux of the problem lays in most people when they decide to create an ne'er-do-well, they want to make them as bad as possible, but in doing so, they never create something with real drive than to do rotten for the sake of it. The best of villains of classic literature always had something that made us empathize with them, and in doing so we see a part of us in them. So let's start with how is your character good. I am going to go with my personal favorite: Queen Chrysalis. She is first and foremost a Mother, and cares for her children who are needing to feed. Dispite anything you would say, this is one of her driving goals. How about another. Discord. Discord may be Anti-Authority (Primarily the Authority of Reality), but in that you also get someone who is very inquisitive (Peering through Twilight's diary), because when everyone else is asking 'Why', he asks 'Why Not?' This is something I think everyone can relate to. A sense of justice can be pushed too far into ruthlessness, a sense of love can become obsession, a sense of peace can force an aggressive climb to power. Find those things that are good in your character, and make that a focal point, as it will become the motivation you need. Second Rule of Villainy: You WILL Lose. Here's the big pill to swallow for many people who do try to take on the dastardly role of the Bad Guy. You ARE going to lose in the end. Before considering playing a Bad Guy, you have to accept in most RPs, you are designed to lose. That doesn't mean you can't have your moments of gloating or laughing with thunderbolts striking in an ominous way, but you are the obstacle for the protagonists to overcome, not the other way around. There may be RPs that try to keep in the morally grey portion, but if that's the kind of game you are playing, understand that you should be very careful towards other players. Third Rule of Villainy: The Protagonists are the Focus of the Plot! You're a liar, a cheat, a leader of black robed cultists who worship you as a god figure and you have the power to crush everything in your way. In the end though, these tools of villainy are there to promote the Protagonists. Your villain should be designed around the kind of story you are trying to tell, and should serve as a way to reflect the Protagonist's strengths and weaknesses by you testing them as you move forward with your plots. Discord is a wonderful villain for slapstick, but makes for a very poor villain for a mystery as his loud and boisterous nature makes it very difficult for him to not be up and in your face. Queen Chrysalis makes for a wonderful mystery villain though, as she and her brood could be anyone. She is however not a cataclysmic type villain. Tirek on the other hand makes for a great villain when talking about sheer might. He however is straight forward, and doesn't offer a lot of subtlety, kind of like Discord, but their natures are quite opposed. Be the right kind of villain for the story you are trying to portray, and find how you can use your devilish ways to promote the Protagonist's strengths and weaknesses. Speaking of which.... Fourth Rule of Villainy: Talk to the Other Players I can not tell you how many times I've seen attempts at Villains in RPs end with a lot of name calling and table flipping Out Of Character. Your golden rule here is, the Worse you give it to a player in game, the Better terms you better be with them Out Of Character. Talk to them about their characters, try and find that one or two things you REALLY like about their characters, and figure out how you can use it against them. Remember, in the end they will win, but you're here to give them something to aspire to, a weakness to overcome, and showcase how that weakness can get the better of them. You are the person responsible for showcasing the Protagonists, not the other way around, and because of that you need to set up the board for them. You also want to know and respect the game's and player's limits. While the tragic back story has been done to death, and I certainly want you as the villain to bring that level of tragedy to your Protagonists, you need to remember there is another human being writing and they may have particular things that they are sensitive to. One of my own blunders as a villain in another game was to kill off a players family, but I didn't know that the player I did this to had just lost their mother in a car accident a few days prior. Because of that blunder and me not communicating, I lost one of the best players I've had in that venue, and it took a long time for hurt feelings to be mended. Be the magnificent bugger in the game, but keep close to those you are playing with. There has to be a clear divide between the villain you are playing, and who you are outside the venue. When those lines start to blur, problems can arise. Fifth Rule of Villainy: Knock em down, not out. While many may want to play the type of villain who would just end his enemies without a single thought, the only time this should happen is when a player wants to leave the venue, and wants to leave a lasting impact. Treat this with the respect it deserves, because they have just given their character's death to you, to make an impact on the rest of the players and raise the stakes. The least you can do is give it your all to make it something worth remembering. Aside from that, lock them in a dungeon, seal them in another dimension, anything that they can eventually come out of. Don't do anything to sideline a player intentionally (Unless they need to be gone for a bit and they want a reason they aren't there). You are trying to defeat them, utterly, and you can't do that if they aren't there. Be a little egotistical in character, make them know you beat them and there is nothing they can do. While a trope for writing, in RP it actually makes more sense. Sixth Rule of Villainy: Motivation, Motivation, Motivation Look, you're the Bad Guy for a reason. You best have more than one. The world has burned you and has created you into this ne'er-do-well, so make that a central focus of your plot. Revenge while cliche is always a good one, because everyone understands that feeling of needing some payback. Maybe your Bad Guy thinks he can make a better world, if only the ruling body could stop stepping on the downtroden. You raise an army to go to war, having to do alot of guerilla actions to overthrow the government, and now they are calling you the bad guy because you brought war, when in reality you've been trying to make a better place for everyone, but you're too far down that rabbit hole and need to keep going. You sacrificed too much to stop now, so you keep going, no matter the cost. Or maybe your family was heir to the kingdom, if it wasn't for those meddling in affairs and not respecting rule of law. Usurpers have taken your family legacy, but you intend to get it back, and anyone standing in your way is just as much a traitor as they were. You demand justice, and no amount of pleading will stop you! Both of these lead to very different stories, and will bring about different challenges and decisions the Protagonists need to make. Consider them carefully, as they can change the whole direction of a story.

@@Loud Opinion Hanging his head he left defeated. Bashful didn't know why, but it felt like he was missing something of an opportunity. Head low, his eyes tracked back up to Gold Dust, who's look did anything but leave him feeling that this was right. The problems with living the way he does, subtlety was a gift most of his brothers and sisters had, but Bashful just kept stumbling over things, and it always got him in more trouble than he could handle. "Look... Come by Orange Lace's Budget Boutique a little later. M...Maybe we can talk later, when I'm... Feeling better." The words were choking. Why are you inviting him?! This is stupid! You're going to get everyone in trouble! Bashful tried to silence the doubt rattling in his mind, but the card was played. Slowly walking by, he couldn't help but look back at Gold Dust, seeing him as a far more capable 'pony' than he ever was. Seems that is how it always was. "Thank you." The waiter came by with the check for Gold Dust. "Hmmm, he scampered off again. Ya know, I keep telling him he's has got to get over being so nervous around people and relax." ------------------ At Orange Lace's Budget Boutique, Bashful stepped through the door and closed it behind him. Looking about at all the shelves filled with fabric of various colours, the old wood floors worn bear by the previous occupants, and that slight smell of vanilla among Orange Lace's perfumes, he knew he was home. He looked over the project she had been working on, and smiled weakly. "Well, I tried making a friend again... It didn't go well." Speaking to himself among the empty room. Grabbing hold of some scraps of fabric, and a needle from his faded red beret, he started to practice his stitching. The work was always there, and if he was to convince everyone his cutie mark was real, he had to show some love for the practice. It was never sewing that made him happy though. It was the learning. "Maybe I should ask him how he gets by... Might learn something." His stomach grumbled again at the defiance of him not feeding when he had the chance...

@@Socks and Broken Oh trust me, if anyone can find an angle for ya, it's Blitz

@@Blitz Boom Well, out of the frying pan and into the fire. How is Giddon going to get away with the artifact, with the place being swarmed (Litterally) but what seems to be palace guard and officers. What is to become of the prisoners they rescued, and the cultists that are 'arrested'. And what is going to happen when they find out about that artifact Giddon has managed to steal away from the cultists? Stay Tooned for the Next exciting episode of Casual Stroll!

@@Blitz Boom The Prisoners poured out the front entrance, climbing over the unconscious guards that Bashful had passed by on the way in. Bashful took up the rear watching for any followers, every so often drifting eyes on the griffon that he had almost injured. It was tough to look her in the eye, but he had to maintain that 'stoic' persona he had been playing with. Outside however offered it's own encounter. As they escaped the tomb, there were hundreds of other ponies outside, in uniforms of palace guards. They started piling out from the woods ready for conflict, and looking dumbfounded when what they saw were a bunch of starved and confused ponies pouring out over top of cultists. Many of the prisoners were pulled aside, and offered blankets as it seemed many of the Palace Guards took them to separate locations. One in Officer's garb approached Bashful Thread, and waved several guards to storm the cult's domain. Bashful could only watch in awe of the unity that they marched in with. "Gonna need your name Son." The Officer looked at Bashful questioningly. "Haze Guard, Sir." Bashful hoped the officer didn't catch the trembling in his voice. It was bad enough he was with the cultists, but now he's dealing with Equestria's finest. "Right, Haze Guard... Well Son, name's Captain Iron Mane, you're gonna need to come with one of these officers to take a statement. We've been tracking these guys for months, you're lucky we found ya when we did." Captain Iron Mane jestured to one of his fellow officers. However, it was the next words that made Bashful Thread grateful, and horrified at a sudden realization. "You're lucky your Mother came to pick ya up, Son." He was among family....

You are quite welcome. I am sure I will expand on this line of thinking as ideas pop up but for now I wanted to share with you all the thing that made me improve by leaps and bounds on tabletop RPGs. If even one person found this helpful then it was worth it No worries. I actually start new players off with this piece of advice. It's something that makes it easier for them to get involved, and the other players typically love it when you put their concept over and make it look like it matters. I've seen a lot of players try to make a unique concept and it withers on the vine because no one seems to acknowledge it as anything more than a slight oddity.

@@Seamore Sandwich, So long as you're posting, you're grand! @@Blitz Boom Shameless Plug, and thanks Blitz Boom for the great sells, and I hope I give as good as I got Also: Does this mean I am now the Queen Chrysalis player of this venue like @@Seamore Sandwich is for Twilight Sparkle and Pincess Luna?

Selling - The Art Of Putting The Other Player Over What Is "Selling"? Selling is a wrestling term that comes from the person being struck by a move trying to convince the audience that it hurt more than it likely did. The core concept is that when someone does something, it's good to react to it. Why is Selling so Important? There are a few reasons that this small concept does so much more to enhance the other players, and in turn your own, experience when in a Role Playing Thread. First of all, it means what ever is done has much more impact. The second is it shows respect to the other player and recognizing their character as more than just someone to brag about how cool you are. Many people put hours into their character, draw concept art (Or have it drawn for them), think of back stories they want to share and over-all want to take this Ponysonna into a group with you to have some fun. You probably did the same thing, and you would like to be more than a one-liner character in this story your Game Master / Dungeon Master / Story Teller has crafted for you all to play in, right? Let me compare and contrast two reactions. For what ever reason, a character is a very strong fighter (We'll call him Bralwer), and decides after a particularly rude remark to punch another pony in the mouth. You playing that other pony is suppose to be very tough though (We'll call him Toughy. I know, I am lazy with names right now). Example 1: Brawler punched Toughy in the face, and Toughy watched him without moving an inch, smiling. Example 2: Toughy felt the impact of Brawler punching him in the face, sending him over the table and crashing through the far wall. It took a few moments for Toughy to dig himself out of the debris of Brawler's strike, and as he stood among the ruin holding his jaw, he smiled back at Brawler through the pain. In the first example, neither character is really seems all that strong or tough, which are suppose to be their core traits. The reason is we have no way to guage how strong Brawler is, and because of that Toughy doesn't look like he's that tough, he looks just as weak because we don't really have a gauge to know what he can take. The second example though showcases both. Keep in mind, you're posting as Toughy in this case. You are trying to showcase just how strong Brawler is, because the better he looks, the better you look as Toughy. You are showcasing a reason to believe that he is that strong (His core character trait), and using it to show your own. Keep in mind, Toughy isn't saying it didn't hurt, he's showing it did. In doing so, he makes BOTH characters look better. What Do You Sell? Take the time to get to know Out Of Character who you will be dealing with, and try to learn what the other players are trying to play. Are they playing a particularly large character? Try and make it a point to make that size difference matter, and make it matter to your character. Are they playing a non-pony race? React accordingly! Personal Example: I play a Changeling called Scissor Biter, who takes on the persona of an earth pony Bashful Thread who resides in Ponyville. If you find out that he is a changeling, the WORST thing you can do is be loving and accepting like it's no big deal. While love and tolerance is a wonderful thing, in this context what you have done is take the reveal of a character's true self and let it die in the wind. React accordingly, threaten to call the guards, scream out loud, get hostile, do anything but react with a blank "Meh, I've seen changelings before." Don't be afraid of it putting the characters at odds. Conflict is the center of a story, it's resolution the crux of any good story. Seeding Your Character's Traits Another concept I want to share with you is Seeding your character with things to be Sold. When you write your posts, you have to make mention traits your character is showing, to give the other players something to work with. If you are playing a character who is rich, you need to show that in some way. Describe something about your character that is standing out, be it their physical characteristics, their mood, their personal ticks, strengths, weaknesses (Definitely their weaknesses!), or any other trait that is important at the time. Think of it as a game of Volley Ball. This is the initial 'serve', giving the ball to the other player. You want to give them something of note, a conflict or something to react to. Involve them somehow. This is often one of the things I find many struggle with, because they may respond to what was given, they don't serve anything back and in doing so the responses get smaller and smaller, until people are responding with short sentences because they have nothing else to give. If you notice this happening, consider what you can do to give them something to react to. Final Thoughts Never be afraid to ask a player what they may want to get over, or what experiences they are trying to have. Believe it or not, the character you brought into the Role Play is full of story potential for another player, especially once you compare and contrast. Don't be afraid to use your failings as a character to put the other guy over, and you'll find that once they get it they will give it back to you. The reward: A game people keep wanting to come back to!