Similar to other open world MMOs, RuneScape allows players to explore the world of Gielinor to their liking without worrying much about specific progression rules. This means players can pursue the traditional adventuring path that involves combat or completely split away from the norm and become the likes of a farmer or a baker. Taking this to the extreme, some RuneScape players may want to consider committing to a roleplaying setup.
Through roleplay, players are able to “pretend” that their characters are actual citizens of Gielinor, with playing sessions dedicated to “acting” the way their character would had RuneScape been a separate world and not simply a game. For players who find this concept interesting, they may want to consider looking into certain roleplaying practices to maximize their roleplay sessions.
10 Determine The Roleplay Method
While most players would likely rely on chat to declare their actions and statements, prospective roleplayers need to check what kind of “roleplaying” they prefer to do. For instance, the RuneScape Forums presents the most familiar roleplaying “mechanics” that players can follow, especially when denoting actions such as doing actions, declaring thoughts, as well as whispering and shouting statements. There’s also a Forum Roleplay and Stories section in the Forums for in-text storytelling outside gameplay.
Although this is the traditional method of expression in RuneScape roleplaying, modern entertainment now allows players to do roleplaying in the space in more creative means. For instance, players may be able to organize themselves into roleplaying circles that don’t rely on chat, and instead play via voice chat in a group such as Discord Server or even livestream on platforms such as Twitch. These are important considerations, as this can dictate the pacing of the player’s intended stories.
9 Establish Roleplaying Boundaries
Regardless of whether or not players plan on roleplaying alone or with company, it’s important to establish the limits of sessions in their open world RuneScape gameplay. While roleplaying is pretty much “make-believe” for most participants, the kind of make-believe they want to do may not sit well with the objectives of other roleplayers.
For instance, immediate things to clarify would be the language and actions permissible in the roleplay - such as swear words, mature behavior, and even triggering situations. Players can also determine boundaries in simpler things, such as establishing that their session is only dedicated to finish a particular questline or even insist that the session should only revolve around non-combat matters. Being firm and specific with boundaries ensures that all participants in the roleplay have the best fun possible without hurting each other’s feelings.
8 Create A Character Personality
One of the most important elements in roleplaying in any game, especially in the context of extremely open RuneScape gameplay, would be establishing a character’s personality. While a character can pretty much be a player’s “in-game version,” developing a more fleshed-out character concept can help players create more meaningful stories in their sessions.
When fleshing out characters, players can go simple as to mirror the personalities of their favorite fictional characters or create a from scratch. A personality can be as simple as adopting the “lifestyle” of an existing job or profession in the game, such as a farmer or a miner. Likewise, players can create more complex personalities that would attach things such as motivations and flaws to their characters, which they can achieve or overcome throughout roleplaying sessions.
7 Determine A Session Objective
One practical piece of advice players of RuneScape gameplay can follow in the context of roleplaying would be establishing an objective for a particular session. For instance, players can prepare for a roleplaying session that involves achieving some sort of goal such as finishing a questline, eliminating a monster, or even accomplishing small objectives related to Artisan Skills. An objective could also deal with defeating a RuneScape boss.
Preparing for sessions beforehand by establishing an objective allows players to roleplay in a more concise and cohesive manner. Unlike random roleplay sessions that can go “anywhere” and harm a character’s internal narrative, following a set flow for that roleplaying session allows players to slowly build towards their ideal story.
6 Decide On An Endgame
With RuneScape gameplay set in an open world, it’s safe to assume that the MMO wants to make sure players can find an assortment of things to do at any given time. In turn, it might seem counterintuitive for roleplayers to decide on an endgame regarding something they haven’t even done yet. However, deciding on an outcome is one of the most important parts of creating a story, especially since knowing how a story starts and how it’s expected to end allows storytellers to have some sort of idea on how to weave their story together.
Unlike writing a novel, however, storytellers in RuneScape roleplaying don’t necessarily have to have a clear-cut progression on how to proceed with their chosen endgame. However, it would be helpful to have an idea on how a character’s story is supposed to end, so players can more or less gauge how their characters “think” their way into achieving those goals. For instance, roleplaying a miner with an endgame of becoming an adventurer roaming the Wilderness allows players to more or less plan their sessions to involve their miner getting stronger instead of just focusing on the Mining Skill.
5 Connect The Story To Gielinor
Every MMO needs its setting, and all the more so for RuneScape that tries to provide a fully open world for its players. Set in Gielinor, the world of RuneScape is modeled after a typical fantasy land with various biomes and scattered villages interspersed with kingdoms laced with their respective cultures, factions, and problems. Players who plan on roleplaying within RuneScape may want to find a way to integrate their character’s backstory in the confines of Gielinor’s many stories.
Instead of becoming a mere farmer or miner, a player may visit Gielinor’s various villages and cities to find a vocation or a task to suit their fancy. They may become a banker or a trader in Varrock near the Grand Exchange, or perhaps become a scout protecting weaker adventurers from threats of the Wilderness. Going into the lore further, a character may swear fealty to one of Gielinor’s many kingdoms or even worship one of its many deities.
4 Choose Skills To Focus On
While players who plan on transforming their RuneScape gameplay into a roleplay session can do virtually anything they want, it may help them in the long term if they start investing in certain Skills. When players start their roleplaying journey, they should start deciding on which RuneScape Artisan Skills to focus on so they’re aware of their progression in the game.
This strategy can become effective in the long term, especially when players are starting to find difficulty trying to come up with story hooks. A simple goal towards leveling up Farming can transform a farming-leaning character to an explorer when they start going to other areas for resource gathering. Something that could’ve been a simple walking session could transform in an adventure if players know exactly the type of Skill they’re planning on improving.
3 Connect The Narrative With Leveling
When players get used to running a narrative with their particular RuneScape characters, they might realize that they’re unnecessarily leveling up and simply ignoring the prompts for the sake of the story and avoid breaking immersion. While this is perfectly fine, a better way of looking into leveling up in RuneScape roleplaying is to look at it from the perspective of the narrative.
With this approach to roleplay, players can attach plotlines and story books with their leveling progression. For instance, players who start as an apprentice miner might want to travel to higher-level Mining spot once they reach an appropriate Mining level. The experience traveling to a new area can be a narrative experience of their own, with players encountering various potential side quests along the way.
2 Stock Up On Gold, Resources
It’s important for the would-be roleplayer in an expansive world like RuneScape to always be prepared when it comes to unexpected occurrences and plot points during their sessions. For instance, a player character may suddenly go on a quest or a journey somewhere due to interactions with another player. In the situations, players may not always have the kind of funds available to support their roleplaying habits - such as legitimately buying from innkeepers or funding their repairs.
While players can simply revert to a short farming spree to get enough gold for their purchases, this can break immersion. Instead, players should always work on getting enough resources prior to major plotlines in order to avoid unnecessary expenditure.
1 Join A Roleplaying Group, Clan
While players can perfectly do their roleplaying sessions solo or even within an RP server, it’s still enjoyable to engage with fellow roleplayers inside a RuneScape playthrough. To do this, players can simply enter the global chat and look for fellow players interested in roleplaying. They can also go to the RuneScape forums to look for active Clans, or even check out RP Clans such as The Quest Collective who are one of many dedicated to run various stories with friends set in Gielinor.
However, if roleplayers can’t find enough RuneScape players to engage in roleplaying with, they may also start a roleplaying clan themselves. Creating a Clan is easy in the open-world MMO, and looking for fellow roleplayers in this manner allows players to truly set standards and limits as to the kind of stories and activities they’re hoping to do in a session.
RuneScape is available to play on the PC.