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EVE-Online RP Discussion and Resources => EVE OOC Summit => Topic started by: Brenaris on 03 Feb 2011, 12:56

Title: Getting a handle on the backstory for RP purposes
Post by: Brenaris on 03 Feb 2011, 12:56
Hi

So I'm new to Eve, just been around a month. I'm looking to get more involved in RP related corps, alliances and other activities.

Finding it somewhat difficult to develop a character concept because of a lack of understanding of the general New Eden history and backstory, barring the brief synopses of the races. The official site references some compilation PDFs, but the links are broken.

Is there a good generalized history (both pre and post game launch), or am I looking at working my way through a lot of scattered articles on the official site and elsewhere?

Thanks
Title: Re: Getting a handle on the backstory for RP purposes
Post by: lallara zhuul on 03 Feb 2011, 13:22
Reading through the Chronicles is always a good start, there is a lot of information to get you started on EVElopedia as well.
Title: Re: Getting a handle on the backstory for RP purposes
Post by: Elsebeth Rhiannon on 03 Feb 2011, 16:43
"Reading through the chronicles" is quite a heavy task.

I would suggest that you make a very rough sketch of major points of backstory you want to have - is you character from an influential family or a low social class, was he wealthy or poor before becoming a pilot, what sort of training he has (military? engineering? whatever passes for "classical" in his/culture?), is he religious/spiritual or not, what motivates them now (money? patriotism?).

Then try and figure out what those mean in the culture you want. Ask for feedback here. Do not fix too many details.

And then just start playing. Make up new details as you find out new PF.
Title: Re: Getting a handle on the backstory for RP purposes
Post by: Matariki Rain on 03 Feb 2011, 19:36
Here's what I suggested earlier for developing a character. I still can't in good conscience advise a new RPer to start by reading the chronicles.

http://backstage.eve-inspiracy.com/index.php?topic=1331.msg15953#msg15953
Title: Re: Getting a handle on the backstory for RP purposes
Post by: Milo Caman on 04 Feb 2011, 06:00
Hi  :)

Skimming the chronicles might be a better move. Pick out titles that look interesting to you. Read through them, ignore others. Whilst most of the stuff in the chrons is interesting, a lot is very specific.
Evelopedia  (http://wiki.eveonline.com)is also a good source of background material. A lot of IC bios are now stored there, as well as a good collection of material on the four races/other factions.

Your other alternative is just to ask questions in game. You in channel 'OOC'?
Title: Re: Getting a handle on the backstory for RP purposes
Post by: Rodj Blake on 04 Feb 2011, 07:09
The timelines are a good place to start, along with the various race descriptions.

You can then browse the chronicles and the Evelopedia to check out anything that interests you.
Title: Re: Getting a handle on the backstory for RP purposes
Post by: Shalee Lianne on 07 Feb 2011, 15:32
Once you have a basic idea of the 4 races, pop into an rp channel and watch others.  Then walk in yourself and start playing.  You'll learn as you go along, really.
Title: Re: Getting a handle on the backstory for RP purposes
Post by: Aria Jenneth on 07 Feb 2011, 18:11
You'll learn as you go along, really.

In keeping with this, be ready to be wrong a lot. Some people will even comment on your character's apparent "appalling ignorance" if you trip over something in your own race's background (Admiral Tovil-Toba for the Caldari, who the last emperor was for the Amarr, etc.), but they'll let it go pretty quick once you correct the mistake.

Stick with it, listen a lot, roll with the punches, read short stories and Chronicles when you have the time and inclination, and you'll end up an expert in no time.
Title: Re: Getting a handle on the backstory for RP purposes
Post by: Shintoko Akahoshi on 08 Feb 2011, 02:59
To add to Shalee's suggestion: When you pop into an RP channel, especially at first, also join OOC.  Then, if your RP conversation is going into territory you don't know anything about, or you're concerned you made a backstory faux pas, just ask in OOC.
Title: Re: Getting a handle on the backstory for RP purposes
Post by: Louella Dougans on 09 Feb 2011, 11:43
Do you choose to burn your fishing boat to keep warm over winter, only to starve to death next year, or freeze to death now?
And then a volcano or sea serpent appears to make your choices ultimately irrelevant, as everyone dies anyway.

Title: Re: Getting a handle on the backstory for RP purposes
Post by: Syylara/Yaansu on 09 Feb 2011, 20:52
Do you choose to burn your fishing boat to keep warm over winter, only to starve to death next year, or freeze to death now?

DEEP!

I like :9.