Roleplaying Forums
Bubble
Skill
Roleplaying forums are online communities where participants collaboratively create stories by posting as fictional characters, using a...Show more
Roleplaying Forums
Bubble
Skill
Roleplaying forums are online communities where participants collaboratively create stories by posting as fictional characters, using a turn-based, text-based format on message boards.
Statistics
Estimated Global Reach
75K
Popularity
Medium
Regional Hotspot
Worldwide
General Q&A
Roleplaying forums are digital spaces where people collaboratively write stories by posting as original characters in shared worlds using sequential, text-based entries.
Community Q&A
Roleplaying forums are digital spaces where people collaboratively write stories by posting as original characters in shared worlds using sequential, text-based entries.
People use posting templates, structured threads, tagging systems, and separate IC/OOC sections to keep narratives organized and maintain community etiquette.
Community Q&A
Summary
Key Findings
Dual-Voicing
Community DynamicsParticipants switch between in-character (IC) storytelling and out-of-character (OOC) coordination, blending narrative creativity with meta-discussions essential for community cohesion and smooth roleplay.
Narrative Policing
Social NormsMembers enforce strict rules against 'godmodding' and 'powerplay' to preserve fairness and collective story integrity, creating an insider norm critical for trust and respect.
Status Rituals
Identity MarkersPerforming 'character reveals', engaging in 'plot adoptions', and participating in forum events serve as key identity markers, signaling commitment and status within the roleplaying social hierarchy.
Lore Gatekeeping
Gatekeeping PracticesDeep knowledge of site-specific lore and tagging systems acts as a gatekeeping tool, maintaining community boundaries and filtering newcomers based on their grasp of the complex worldbuilding.
Sub Groups
Fandom-based Roleplay
Communities focused on roleplaying within established fictional universes (e.g., Harry Potter, Marvel, anime fandoms).
Original Universe Roleplay
Groups dedicated to collaboratively building and roleplaying in original worlds and settings.
Literate/Advanced Roleplay
Sub-communities emphasizing long-form, detailed, and grammatically correct posts.
Casual/Beginner Roleplay
Spaces for newcomers or those preferring shorter, less formal posts.
Out-of-Character (OOC) Communities
Sections or servers for socializing, planning, and community management outside of the main roleplay threads.
Statistics and Demographics
Platform Distribution
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Niche Forums
45%Roleplaying forums are fundamentally built around independent, topic-specific message boards dedicated to collaborative storytelling.
Discussion Forumsonline
Reddit
20%Reddit hosts active roleplaying subreddits where users engage in text-based collaborative storytelling, mirroring traditional forum structures.
Discord
15%Many roleplaying forum communities have expanded to Discord servers for real-time chat, character planning, and out-of-character discussion, supplementing forum activity.
Gender & Age Distribution
Ideological & Social Divides
Community Development
Discover Similar Bubbles
Insider Knowledge
Terminology
Greeting Salutations
Example Conversation
Insider
*nods solemnly*
Outsider
What do you mean by the nod?
Insider
It’s a non-verbal in-character greeting showing respect or acknowledgment without breaking the narrative voice.
Outsider
Oh, I see! Kind of like acting in text form.
Cultural Context
Roleplaying forums use written actions like '*nods*' to convey character emotions and interactions instead of spoken greetings.
Inside Jokes
"Watch out for the Godmodder lurking in the shadows!"
Players jokingly warn each other about someone attempting to control all aspects of the story to an unfair degree, a common storytelling faux pas that disrupts the fun.
Facts & Sayings
„IC and OOC“
Shorthand for 'In-Character' and 'Out-of-Character', distinguishing between posts made as one's character in the story and posts made as the player coordinating or chatting outside the narrative.
„Godmodding“
A derogatory term referring to when a player controls aspects beyond their character's realistic abilities, like making their character invincible or controlling other characters without consent.
„Powerplay“
Similar to godmodding, 'powerplay' describes actions that unfairly dominate the story or other characters, disrupting collaborative storytelling.
„Closed thread“
A roleplay thread that restricts participation to invited or established players, often to maintain story focus or character development without interference.
„Plot adoption“
The practice of taking or continuing an existing plotline or character arc, sometimes when original players leave, ensuring narrative continuity.
Unwritten Rules
Always clearly mark IC vs. OOC posts.
Distinguishing in-character story posts from out-of-character chatter prevents confusion and maintains narrative flow.
Respect player boundaries regarding character control.
Taking control of another person's character without permission breaks trust and is frowned upon.
Keep action realistic to your character's abilities.
Overpowered actions upset the collaborative storytelling balance and can discourage participation.
Use established thread titles and tagging formats.
Consistent organization helps players find and follow stories in complex forums.
Post regularly to avoid stalling the storyline.
Dormant threads frustrate participants; a courteous posting frequency keeps narratives alive.
Fictional Portraits
1 / 3
Lena, 27
Graphic DesignerfemaleAn avid participant in roleplaying forums, Lena enhances her creative writing skills by portraying diverse characters in fantasy settings.
CreativityCollaborationRespect
Motivations
- Improving storytelling and writing abilities
- Connecting with fellow creative minds
- Escaping daily routine through imaginative play
Challenges
- Difficulty balancing forum activity with work
- Encountering cliques within certain groups
- Occasional slowness in responses affecting story flow
Platforms
Roleplaying forum message boardsDiscord servers dedicated to roleplaying
OOC (Out of Character)IC (In Character)Godmodding
Insights & Background
Historical Timeline
Main Subjects
Technologies
phpBB
Open-source bulletin board software widely adopted for PB-RP sites thanks to its flexibility and plugins.↗
Classic ChoiceHighly CustomizablePlugin-Heavy
vBulletin
Commercial forum platform popular in mid-2000s; known for stability and rich features at the cost of licensing.↗
Legacy StandardLicensed SoftwareFeature-Rich
Invision Power Board (IPB)
A premium forum suite with deep moderation tools and themes, attracting larger RP communities.
Pro-LevelTheme-RichMod-Friendly
XenForo
Modern successor to older boards, praised for responsive design and streamlined post-editing.
Responsive UIModern ForkActive Development
MyBB
Free forum software with an easy-to-use admin panel and community-driven plugin ecosystem.
Community-DrivenEasy AdminFreeware
ProBoards
Hosted forum solution requiring no installation, lowering barriers for casual roleplayers.
Hosted ServiceNo-InstallBeginner-Friendly
Discourse
Contemporary discussion platform with dynamic threading and real-time notifications, increasingly used for RP.
Real-TimeDynamic ThreadsModern Platform
Forumotion
Free hosted forums with customizable templates, often used by niche RP circles.
Template-BasedFree HostedNiche Friendly
Tapatalk
Mobile app that aggregates disparate forums, facilitating on-the-go posting.
Mobile AccessAggregatorPush-Notifications
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Technologies
phpBB
Open-source bulletin board software widely adopted for PB-RP sites thanks to its flexibility and plugins.↗
Classic ChoiceHighly CustomizablePlugin-Heavy
vBulletin
Commercial forum platform popular in mid-2000s; known for stability and rich features at the cost of licensing.↗
Legacy StandardLicensed SoftwareFeature-Rich
Invision Power Board (IPB)
A premium forum suite with deep moderation tools and themes, attracting larger RP communities.
Pro-LevelTheme-RichMod-Friendly
XenForo
Modern successor to older boards, praised for responsive design and streamlined post-editing.
Responsive UIModern ForkActive Development
MyBB
Free forum software with an easy-to-use admin panel and community-driven plugin ecosystem.
Community-DrivenEasy AdminFreeware
ProBoards
Hosted forum solution requiring no installation, lowering barriers for casual roleplayers.
Hosted ServiceNo-InstallBeginner-Friendly
Discourse
Contemporary discussion platform with dynamic threading and real-time notifications, increasingly used for RP.
Real-TimeDynamic ThreadsModern Platform
Forumotion
Free hosted forums with customizable templates, often used by niche RP circles.
Template-BasedFree HostedNiche Friendly
Tapatalk
Mobile app that aggregates disparate forums, facilitating on-the-go posting.
Mobile AccessAggregatorPush-Notifications
First Steps & Resources
Get-Started Steps
Time to basics: 2-4 weeks
1
Read Forum Guidelines
30-60 minutesBasic
Summary: Carefully review the rules and etiquette of your chosen roleplaying forum before posting.
Details: Before diving into roleplaying, it's crucial to understand the specific rules, etiquette, and expectations of the forum you wish to join. Each community has its own standards regarding post length, content restrictions, character creation, and interaction with other members. Skipping this step can lead to misunderstandings or even accidental rule-breaking, which may result in warnings or bans. Take time to read sticky posts, FAQs, and introductory threads. If something is unclear, use the search function or politely ask moderators for clarification. This foundational knowledge helps you avoid common beginner mistakes, such as posting in the wrong section or using inappropriate language. Progress can be evaluated by your ability to navigate the forum confidently and interact respectfully with others, receiving no negative feedback from moderators.
2
Lurk and Observe Games
2-3 hoursBasic
Summary: Spend time reading active roleplay threads to understand posting style, pacing, and story flow.
Details: Observing ongoing roleplays is an essential step to grasp the unwritten norms and stylistic conventions of the community. Pay attention to how players introduce their characters, describe actions, and interact with others. Note the pacing—how often people post, how they handle waiting for turns, and how conflicts or plot twists are managed. This immersion helps you internalize the tone and expectations, reducing anxiety about your first post. Beginners often rush to participate without understanding the flow, leading to awkward or disruptive contributions. Take notes on what makes posts engaging and how players collaborate. Evaluate your progress by feeling comfortable with the forum's narrative style and being able to summarize how a typical game unfolds.
3
Create a Character Sheet
2-4 hoursIntermediate
Summary: Draft a character using the forum’s template, following setting and lore guidelines.
Details: Most roleplaying forums require new participants to submit a character sheet before joining a game. This involves filling out a template with details like name, appearance, background, abilities, and motivations. Carefully read any lore or setting documents to ensure your character fits the world. Beginners often make the mistake of creating overpowered or inconsistent characters, or ignoring established lore. Ask for feedback in character creation subforums if available. Use examples from accepted character sheets as models. This step is vital for integrating smoothly into the community and demonstrating respect for the collaborative storytelling process. Progress is measured by getting your character approved by moderators or game masters, and receiving constructive feedback.
1
Read Forum Guidelines
30-60 minutesBasic
Summary: Carefully review the rules and etiquette of your chosen roleplaying forum before posting.
Details: Before diving into roleplaying, it's crucial to understand the specific rules, etiquette, and expectations of the forum you wish to join. Each community has its own standards regarding post length, content restrictions, character creation, and interaction with other members. Skipping this step can lead to misunderstandings or even accidental rule-breaking, which may result in warnings or bans. Take time to read sticky posts, FAQs, and introductory threads. If something is unclear, use the search function or politely ask moderators for clarification. This foundational knowledge helps you avoid common beginner mistakes, such as posting in the wrong section or using inappropriate language. Progress can be evaluated by your ability to navigate the forum confidently and interact respectfully with others, receiving no negative feedback from moderators.
2
Lurk and Observe Games
2-3 hoursBasic
Summary: Spend time reading active roleplay threads to understand posting style, pacing, and story flow.
Details: Observing ongoing roleplays is an essential step to grasp the unwritten norms and stylistic conventions of the community. Pay attention to how players introduce their characters, describe actions, and interact with others. Note the pacing—how often people post, how they handle waiting for turns, and how conflicts or plot twists are managed. This immersion helps you internalize the tone and expectations, reducing anxiety about your first post. Beginners often rush to participate without understanding the flow, leading to awkward or disruptive contributions. Take notes on what makes posts engaging and how players collaborate. Evaluate your progress by feeling comfortable with the forum's narrative style and being able to summarize how a typical game unfolds.
3
Create a Character Sheet
2-4 hoursIntermediate
Summary: Draft a character using the forum’s template, following setting and lore guidelines.
Details: Most roleplaying forums require new participants to submit a character sheet before joining a game. This involves filling out a template with details like name, appearance, background, abilities, and motivations. Carefully read any lore or setting documents to ensure your character fits the world. Beginners often make the mistake of creating overpowered or inconsistent characters, or ignoring established lore. Ask for feedback in character creation subforums if available. Use examples from accepted character sheets as models. This step is vital for integrating smoothly into the community and demonstrating respect for the collaborative storytelling process. Progress is measured by getting your character approved by moderators or game masters, and receiving constructive feedback.
4
Join a Newbie-Friendly Game
1-2 weeks (ongoing)Intermediate
Summary: Apply to participate in a game designed for beginners or open to newcomers.
Details: Many forums offer games specifically for new members, often labeled as 'beginner-friendly' or 'open recruitment.' These games are moderated with extra patience and guidance, making them ideal for your first experience. Read the recruitment thread carefully, follow application instructions, and introduce your character. Engage respectfully with other players and ask questions if unsure. Common challenges include feeling intimidated or making mistakes in posting order or etiquette. Remember, these games are designed for learning, so don't be afraid to seek help. This step is crucial for building confidence and forming connections with other members. Evaluate your progress by successfully posting in-character, receiving positive feedback, and feeling more comfortable with the process.
5
Reflect and Request Feedback
1-2 hoursIntermediate
Summary: Review your posts and ask for constructive feedback from moderators or experienced players.
Details: After participating in your first game, take time to reflect on your contributions. Reread your posts and consider what worked well and what could be improved—such as clarity, creativity, or adherence to the story. Reach out to moderators or experienced players for feedback, either through private messages or feedback threads if available. Be open to criticism and use it as a tool for growth. Beginners often hesitate to seek feedback, but this is one of the fastest ways to improve. This step is important for developing your writing and collaborative skills, and for integrating more deeply into the community. Progress is evident when you can identify your strengths and areas for improvement, and when your posts become more engaging and effective.
Welcoming Practices
„Character Reveal Threads“
New members often introduce their character with detailed profiles and backstories in dedicated threads to assimilate into the community and invite plot connections.
„Welcome OOC Chats“
Dedicated out-of-character chat areas where newcomers can ask questions and receive friendly advice from veterans help build comfort and community bonds.
Beginner Mistakes
Posting unclear IC and OOC content mixed together.
Always label posts clearly with [IC] or [OOC] tags to avoid confusion and respect the narrative flow.
Making godmod or powerplay moves unintentionally.
Respect others' control over their characters and keep actions within your own character's plausible limits to maintain trust.
Pathway to Credibility
Tap a pathway step to view details
Create a well-developed, consistent character sheet.
Shows commitment and provides a solid foundation for interactions.
Participate actively and respectfully in OOC discussions and plot planning.
Demonstrates investment in the community and earns trust.
Contribute to or help moderate forum lore and rules.
Being involved in worldbuilding or governance indicates dedication and leadership recognized by peers.
Facts
Regional Differences
North America
North American forums often favor fantasy and sci-fi genres and have sizable cosplay crossover communities.
Europe
European roleplaying forums sometimes incorporate more historical or mythologically rooted settings and tend to follow stricter posting schedules.
Misconceptions
Misconception #1
Roleplaying forums are just places for fanfiction writing.
Reality
While both involve creative writing, roleplaying forums emphasize collaborative storytelling with real-time character interaction and world consistency rather than individual narrative control.
Misconception #2
Everyone on roleplaying forums is anonymous and rude.
Reality
Most communities have strict etiquette and moderation to promote respectful interaction; many members build long-term friendships and reputations online.
Misconception #3
Roleplaying on forums is easy and casual writing.
Reality
Successful forum roleplaying requires investment in character development, plot integration, and consistent writing, often demanding significant time and creativity.
Clothing & Styles
Forum Signature Banners
Many roleplayers customize their forum signatures with artwork, character quotes, or status badges, signaling their persona or achievements within the community.
