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So! You've heard about the mysterious realm of furry roleplay and maybe want to know what it's all about. Good for you! I shall give my best attempt to explain some of the ins and outs from my experience in the unexpectedly rewarding activity of RPing! Naturally, you should be curious as to my qualifications to give pointers in the first place, and as such I present transcripts of some of my RPs which I will include as examples for what to do and what not to do. This is NOT to say that I am in any way an "RP expert," because such a thing does not exist! You are as much an expert as anyone else, because roleplaying is entirely dependent on whether you enjoy yourself during an RP.

On the other hand, there is such a thing as "bad RPing," but it has nothing to do with language or style. An RP is bad when you or your playmate is not having a good time or feels uncomfortable. Other than that, you should never let anyone else make you feel bad about your roleplaying ability except in the circumstances that will be mentioned below in the "Types of Roleplaying." Because there are different types, and the distinctions will present some times where one type will be inappropriate.

Types of RPing (in terms of structure):

The "One-liner" : This is the most basic type of roleplay, and as its name suggests, is where your side of the roleplay is extremely short and direct. Most veteran RPers say something to the effect of "No one-liners" in their profiles, meaning that they do not wish to do this type of roleplaying and that is their prerogative! However, this is the easiest and most casual type of roleplay, and in the SoFurry chat is actually the most common method of interation. Here's a few examples:

porterjoe(Joynx): Well hello everyone! *walks in like an RP champion*

everyone: Get out you lazy fool! That's just one-lining *boos accordingly*

porterjoe(Joynx): That it is, but it is also a very casual and simple way to show affection *hugs and snuggles, petting everyone's beautiful fur*

everyone: *growls*

Paragraph/ "para" RPing : This is the most frequently used and requested type of roleplay by veterans as it is where the "magic" really happens for roleplay. Posting in complete sentences and including narrative description shows a commitment to the RP, and is usually necessary for the experience to be mutually enjoyable. The paragraphs can range in length; the more important part is the -structure- of what you post. There may be times where you only feel able to post a single sentence because of what the other person posted. This is not a cause for concern! If your playmate has any sense at all, they will realize that they may not have given you much of a chance for responding and will give more direct hinting or openings in their next post. Examples of this will be discussed later in future sections. For now, here is a sample from one of my RPs:

KakariDD: walks into club 'Tempo', having been told about the extra accommodations they offer for gals like her, as she steps in, her ears taken in the techno beat, currently up by the dj, the dance floor flooded with a rainbow of lights and various furs gyrating and grinding on each other

porterjoe(joynx): Chester can't help but notice the entrance of a fellow hybrid, although her unusual mix seems unfamiliar to him. He flutters his wings slightly, not sure if in anticipation or nervousness as he begins winding among the dancers; swaying his hips good naturedly to the music and throwing on a cheery smile against his initial look of astonishment. It seemed like she had been lit up intentionally by the flickering lights around the hazy atmosphere of thumping music and hot, dancing bodies, so he took it as providence and took his time as he moved in her general direction with his long, kangaroo legs.

KakariDD: she turns her gaze across the dance floor, her blue pupilless eyes a bit unnerving, but if one looked close enough they would see that her pupils are just blue, her sight augmented by this, so she can see normally and in infrared. Her gaze stops on want seems to be a furry dragon, from a distance. she slowly descends the stairs, immediately attracted, her lips parting slightly as her tongue flicks out to test the air, her ears perking at the smell of dragon and something else.

porterjoe(joynx):Enticed by the uniquely colored eyes of his goal, the dragaroo bounces a his way a little closer with his long tail providing a little support along the way before pulling it close to avoid being stepped on. He draws close gives her his best attempt at a winning smile before shouting "*** ***** ***!" over the crashing din of the music, his words seemingly drowned out immediately despite almost yelling them directly into her ears. With a pained shrug he motions for her to dance with her instead, continuing to smirk despite the occasional shove of another dancer against his folded wings.

The "Co-Story" : This is the "Holy Grail" of RPing for me, and tends to be the unspoken goal for any RPer worth his/her salt. This is where a para-RP doesn't just create a environment for playing a character or cybersex, it becomes an almost seamless story flowing from two people together. For a writer like myself, this is the best kind of RPing and I prize my playmates very much when they help facilitate it. What differentiates this from para-rping is that it will generally include a whole cast of side-characters and settings that either playmate adds and the other picks up on and uses. There will also generally be a mutual goal for the roleplayers--something like the climax in a more traditional story.

Last, this type of RP will usually run longer than one RP session can provide, which is both a blessing and a curse as it means that one playmate might be left wanting, but being able to continue it later is extremely satisfying. That said, the line between the Co-story and para-rping is fairly blurry, and it isn't critical to try to make every RP into a story. Just enjoy yourself! If the RP feels like a story, you will know it, but that doesn't make an RP where you and your playmate focus only on each other any less special or enjoyable. I will include a link to one of my Co-story RPs as it is (obviously) too long to include the entire thing here. For briefer reference, the example I included for para-rping turns into a Co-story later.

The Long-term RP : This is where two people dedicate themselves to writing a story about their characters together, usually over the course of several weeks or longer where almost every interaction with each other is a part of the RP. I do not do this type of RPing, so I cannot comment much on it, but it tends to come down to a person wanting to embody his/her fursona with someone else, usually for a mateship although that is not always the case. This can also take the form of an entire group of roleplayers with a similar goal or theme.

As with para and co-story, there is some crossover between co-story and long-term. My personal distinction is that a story is something that you and your playmate plans out beforehand, maybe not every detail; but it is a distinctly crafted experience. A long-term RP is where one is simply acting as a character and cares more about indulging a fantasy life rather than creating an interesting story. It sounds like I'm looking down on this kind of RPing, when really it just isn't my thing.

Types of RPing (in terms of participants):

The one-on-one : This is the bread-and-butter of RPing and is my absolute favorite. This is where it's just you, your playmate, and a private room in SoFurry or (if you're lucky enough to be very close with your playmate) Skype or similar. These tend to be the most intimate and directly rewarding as they provide you and your playmate with the opportunity to explore whatever you want to do in your roleplay.

The group RP : Ahh, threesomes. Much lauded and sought after, but seldom the epitome of cybering in my experience. This is not to say that all group-rps are orgies, nor that all orgies are without their merits. But, it's hard enough finding ONE playmate with compatible kinks, styles, and schedules; and threesomes tend to take a much longer time without the assurance of better content. This will become more clear in the "RP Breakdown" section, but I will simply say that it is difficult to make sure everybody is on the same page in terms of arrangements when cybering, and it is difficult to keep everybody heading in the same direction when doing a clean RP. It just takes one out of place post to make an uncomfortable delay in an RP, and with 3 or more participants that means there's that many more people trying to get it back on track.

BUT! Give it a try! I will include some basic tips for how to make them run more smoothly, and all of this belly-aching makes it sound like they're no fun at all. This is not the case! They can be very fun indeed, just not always as erotic as cybering with one other person and not as straightforward if it is a group adventure, or similar.

Tips (Just the tip!) for threesomes: Decide on positions -before- the RP begins if possible. If you're anything like me, you don't want to force someone into a sex position they are not comfortable with. So, if you want to give oral to one while the other is in charge of penetration, maybe make that clear OOC. Otherwise you have to try to keep the mood while you work out...ugh...-logistics- *makes a face*.

Establish a round-robin post order. Nothing feels worse than being left out, ESPECIALLY when sex is on the line. The best way to keep a threesome interesting for all parties is to say OOC, "(okay, I'll post first, then you in the dress, then you in the hotpants)" or something to that effect. Don't be afraid of sounding too bossy with this; most people just want -someone- to say what the order is, and they won't be hurt if you put them last. It's actually advantageous to them as it gives them more to work with.

Even if you aren't personally stimulating one of the participants, take notice of their contributions. In the same way that no one wants to be left out of the posting order, no one wants to feel undervalued in a threesome. If they're pawing off while they watch you going at it with the other playmate, maybe slide an aroused glance their way and say how it makes the intercourse more exciting. Be creative!

Be EXTRA descriptive with how you are positioned. Even if it breaks the flow of the RP, it is -vital- that your playmates know where you are and what is within reach. The same is true for one-on-ones, but the more cooks in the kitchen, the more likely it is for someone to seem to magically appear underneath you because they didn't realize you were in cowgirl position with someone else and now the soup's spoiled. I think you get the picture.

The Public RP : This is any type of RP which is done in a general lobby. Phew! That was a tough one to define! But in all seriousness, this is probably the most misunderstood and difficult type of RPing to do, because the participants include the entire lobby itself. This is not to say that the "audience" will be nor should become active in the RP, but if you are going to try to show off your skills (and you should! Be proud of your abilities, no matter what level they are at) there are a few things to keep in mind:

This is NOT the place for a full-on one-liner RP! Whether it's an adventure in the clean rooms or a bit of exhibition in the adult lobbies, you should not fill up the chat with a bunch of "*fondles your junk*" "*cums* ahhhh..." nonsense! Obviously, if you're just playing around, that's fine, but do not--I repeat!--do NOT try to run an actual one-liner RP in the lobby unless you don't mind people commenting on your skill. And they will comment, and your feelings might be hurt. Sorry! But you are going amongst people who have certain expectations for RPs, and if you're putting yours out for people to see then they have a right to make a judgment. It isn't nice, it may not be fair if you're new to it, but that's what practice and private rooms are for!

On the other hand, many people enjoy watching you flaunting your abilities, and there is an unfortunate deficiency of well-constructed public Rps in the general rooms. This is also the best way to find new playmates! If nothing else, you should always be comfortable enough -starting- an RP in the lobby, even if your plan is to take it to a private room once someone else joins in. If you're looking for cybersex, this can come down to simply describing your character and giving a little flavor of your personality. From there, people can approach you in whispers or even out in the open, and if you're comfortable with your skills; don't rule out letting the RP go on in the general chat! It can be quite invigorating if exhibition is one of your kinks, and gives others a proper show of your skill even if it is a clean RP.

A couple things to keep in mind if you're running a public RP: Silence is a -good- thing! If the chat seems to "die" when you're running your RP, it means people are enjoying or are at least interested enough in your RP to not want to distract you. Good job! If people continue talking around your RP, then it means they are comfortable enough with your RP that they don't mind reading around it at all. Either way, you're good! The only time you should stop is if you begin receiving complaints, but don't let this discourage you. Maybe you just need more practice or those paying attention to the general chat are just being in a "trollish" mood. Try again later, or don't; public RPing might just not be your thing!

On the other end; if you are watching a public RP, here's a few tips:

It is usually best -not- to address the Rpers unless they are talking out-of-character (OOC) to you. Some people really get into their Rps, and wouldn't appreciate the distraction or an unwelcome party trying to jump in. They will let you know if they're looking for other playmates, be it through an OOC parenthetical, or by the nature of the RP itself.

This is not to say that you shouldn't encourage an RP if you are enjoying it! Be sure to mention in a general fashion that you like what's going on, or send them a whisper to that effect. People like compliments! What they don't like is suggestions, e.g. "Suck her tits!" or similar. Just say something nice and straightforward like, "keep it up! You're doing great!" It will make them feel good, and maybe they'll RP more often if they know their efforts are appreciated!

Types of Perspective!

Though I hesitate to make this a grammar lesson, you -do- need to be familiar with the different ways that you can run an RP. This is because the different perspectives will mean different things to different people. Some have no preference, others only feel comfortable with one. It is -usually- a small niggle, but it is a niggle nonetheless and it can be problematic if you found your playmate through OOC whispers or similar. Anyway, here are the different types that I have found and used:

1st Person : I would say this is probably the most common perspective used. It is the *I go down on you slowly, taking your cock in my mouth* perspective. As such, it is the most directly intimate, and some might not be comfortable using it with strangers. It also has the issue of being a little less straightforward when it comes to characterization; though it certainly isn't impossible! Also, the intimacy has its benefit, of course. It draws your character closer, it makes it feel more like you are actually playing out a fantasy.

3rd Person : This tense is much more narrative in feel and thus is a good "get to know you" point of view for a new partner, in my opinion. However, that doesn't stop me from using 1st person if my playmate prefers it. In an RP it will be like *He goes down on him slowly, taking the other's cock in his mouth.* Even if you find 1st person more gratifying, I would suggest you take a stab at writing in 3rd person. It tends to make describing scenery and exposition much more organic.

2nd Person : I also call this "modified 3rd person," because it is where one uses "you" to describe the playmate, but refers to themselves in 3rd person. It sounds confusing, but it's just saying *He goes down on you slowly, taking your cock in his mouth* This is the kind that I use with a playmate that I am particularly comfortable with. I find it gives more flexibility and keeps my posts from becoming "I"-fests. *I look at your eyes as I roll mine and I hold you close while I build an airplane with my legos*

Tenses, Tenses, Tenses

Oh dear, another grammar lesson, but it is also important! If nothing else, you need to find a tense and stick with it. Take a look at this sentence here:

"I'm all ready to go," Joe said as he picks up a shovel and went to the car. He had to drive all the way to the woods and he gets out of his car. He was confused as to how he had gotten there or whether he even is there yet.

What is going on indeed! Now when you accidentally slip in a change of tense it won't be so obvious. And as long as it is an infrequent occurence it won't matter. ACCIDENTS HAPPEN. But a good RPer wants action to flow smoothly, so unless you are comfortable with your linguistic skill, it would be wise to just stick to a tense and remain consistent. Here's the tenses you should and should not use.

Present Tense : This is where most RPs take place, in the present. Makes sense, right? *He takes her paw in his* *She gives him an icecream* It's all action that is happening in-the-now because you're actively writing what's going on. This is NOT to say that you can't use clever changes in tense when appropriate. For instance, if your playmate has a long post in which several things happen; I personally like to address the first things in past-tense and then finish off in the present. This takes some practice and it isn't always effective, but it has advantages that will be discussed in more advanced sections. For now, here is a basic example of the subtle change-up.

Someone: *Clobbers porterjoe over the head and drags him off into a field, leaving him there to fend for himself*

porterjoe: *Was caught completely unawares and fell unconscious immediately, his body having left a long, dreary rut in the ground while he was dragged off. He wakes up in the field and begins fending for himself*

Past Tense : Well you've already had a taste of that, haven't you! It's used for events that have happened already. However, you can write an entire RP in past tense and it will still be just as effective! The key is consistency, or intentionally crafted inconsistency. When you write in past tense, it gives the RP a more omnicient feel; as though two people are recalling a story rather than dictating it. I cannot think of a time where one would have to slip out of past tense, it's pretty much a set-and-go thing.

Someone: *Clobbered porterjoe over the head and dragged him off into a field, leaving him there to fend for himself*

porterjoe: *Was caught completely unawares and fell unconscious immediately, his body having left a long, dreary rut in the ground while he was dragged off. He woke up in the field to begin fending for himself.

NOT ACCEPTABLE Future Tense : Woah! That's a pretty big "not" there, Joe, what's that all about? He would respond, "Well you see, there is this weird thing that some people get in the habit of doing where they say things like 'he would respond.'" This BAFFLES me as to how it got started; it is essentially present tense that is, like, -about- to happen but is also happening now but how can that be...? It's weird! Some people must not mind it as it is a fairly common method of RPing, but gramatically it is very off-putting. If you're responding, then RESPOND don't "would respond". If you responded in the past then HAVE ALREADY RESPONDED. Sheesh! I'm sorry to get all up in arms about it, but -this- is how you're supposed to use words like "would."

If grandmother picked up the phone, she would hear a panicked voice screeching from the other end of the line, "Grandmother? Would you pick me up from RP shchool? I think I'm about to get lynched for being a grammar Nazi." But sadly, grandmother didn't pick up the phone, and so porterjoe was subjected to everyone yelling at him in incorrect future tense for all eternity.

But even that sounds WEIRD, doesn't it? In an RP you -could- use something like that to give a blatantly obvious hint like, "Were she to glance his way, she would see him thrusting his hips lewdly in her direction." But without the resolution, it just sounds like an unfinished thought. A "would something happen" should always be followed by a "But instead something else happened." At least as far as I'm concerned. If you would like to thrust lewdly at someone, then just do it for goodness' sake!

ACCPTABLE Future Tense : This is where your character needs to do something before the present action can be resolved. For instance, "*The lynx rubs his tummy, getting himself ready to go to the store where he can buy food*" That's pretty much it. I'm sure there are other appropriate uses, but you they should be obvious. Maybe you are, "Preparing to give one massive thrust, getting ready to pour his hot, sticky maple syrup all over the pancakes." You're warning your playmate of something that is going to happen, probably something that you want them to get ready for, encourage, or join in on (e.g. joining you for delicious pancakes).