Having trouble finding someone to RP with? Because of the nature of WD, some RP circles can seem to be tight-knit and closed to new people. This is not usually the case; however, it can be just as difficult for them to find you as it is you to find them. Sit your character down at a central location such as MS and stay in character. Talk to people who come by, comment on a PK battle, or put through an emote or pmote of your character doing something they might be found doing. Would they take the opportunity to practice a foot pattern for swordplay? Read a spellbook? Play an instrument? Birdwatch? This will attract the attention of other characters and other RPers may take the opportunity to interact.
Another way to attract attention and roleplay is to take advantage of the roleplay note board. Write a short scene about your character! This can be history, how they arrived in the Realms, a day in their life, an adventure, anything you want it to be. This will show other roleplayers that you RP and encourage them to seek you out and get to know you, both in and out or character.
Abilities & Magic
There are two forms of abilities and magic in the MUD: game abilities, which
are the coded spells and skills, and those that are character-based. A
priest may not have the steal skill, but the character has learned to steal
in their past, while a mercenary may not have the invisbility spell but has
a magical artifact that keeps them from sight. Perhaps your wizard is be
able to manipulate shadows and light, or your ranger can play an instrument.
The key to such non-coded abilities is to make them realistic and to
establish them in your RP. Make sure any of these abilities coincide with
your character's history, and do not grant them a sudden ability just
because it will come in handy. If you want your character to be able to do
something they couldn't before, take some time to have them learn.
Don't Act - React!
No matter how great your plans are, in RP you can't ignore the other
characters. If someone does something that will affect your character, then
make it affect your character. You don't have to like it, you just have to
do it, and if you are determined to have something happen...find another way
to make it happen.
Have a Life
As strange as it sounds, this is very key and can be easily forgotten. Your
character should not live only from RP session to session, scene to scene.
Have a home, have a job, have hobbies! What sort of home does your character keep? What does he do in his spare time? How does she support herself? This gives your character depth, and also allows for character growth between sessions.
Live and Learn
Events that occur impact everyone's life. Perhaps something has changed, or
someone has forced your character to take a long, hard look at themselves.
As time passes, however, people change. Learn from the experiences your
character has, and use that to grow. Next time, maybe she won't be so eager
to fight, or maybe he will be more willing to take action. Consider the
effect everything will have on your character, and make subtle changes
appropriately.
Be Consistant
At the same time, do not make sudden, drastic changes to your character
unless you have extreme reasons to do so. People change slowly after
childhood, and a lot of people will be confused if your character makes a
sudden 180° change in their behavior or opinions.
Take the Consequences
A popular affliction is ignoring past RP. It may seem like a good idea to
have your character cut their hair, declare hatred for another character, or
have a baby. But hair grows again, that other character probably won't be
speaking to you any time soon, and babies don't just go away. If you make an
action, you have to live with the consequences, not just ignore the plot
once you get tired of it.