Boy, it's being an educational week or two for me as I learn more about what "role play" means to me. I'm venturing out into Second Life, from the virtual safety of Deadwood to find fellow role players and writers. I've looked into role playing groups, and I'm even taking a class in role play (well, one of my alts is) that will get me some kind of certificate showing I'm serious.
It's hard to find good role play partners, though not hard to find good people with whom to role play (I don't like my participles to dangle). I figure, as is often true in real life, if you're looking for partners, sometimes you need to expand your horizons. Part of that for me has turned out to be finding ways to improve my role play.
When I first started in early Sept 2007, I had no idea what role play in a virtual world was. Oh, yeah.. I'd acted and loved that back in high school and a bit beyond, even doing a little directing. And I've been a writer for years.
I have no memory of how I found Deadwood - I don't think I'd even watched the show as I don't have HBO. But somehow I was on the stagecoach and ended up there, and there I still am hoping it never disappears, but knowing I had best have some other places ready in case it does.
In my early days, I had no idea of the "basic rules" of role play and had to learn them the hard way (by making mistakes). What I'm finding now is a need to go beyond the rules and etiquette of Role playing -- both are important and have been nicely addressed in other places and in classes.
What I need is a way to discover, nurture and enjoy my particular style of role play - which I think is some combination of straight dialogue and blogging - para without the paragraphs within the context of the role play itself.
The first time I heard someone doing para role play, I reacted as if I was hearing someone speak in tongues. Seemed alien, strange and not my style. And yet... I do like the writing that goes into it, the history and background, the descriptive inner thoughts. For me, I think I just want that to be tucked away somewhere - in another place,not in open chat -- (have I mentioned I'm an INFP?) where others can read it if they want. Of course, that won't work for everyone - that may only work for me. But it gives me some kind of thrill.
I love developing new characters, participating with others in role play, talking in sentences with dialect and usually with humor. There's room for improvement on my emoting - descriptive sentences that describe what my character is thinking or doing, rather than actual dialogue. I haven't used emoting a lot, fearing I will wake up one day and find myself para role playing all over.
In my research, I was startled to find there are role players who write up much of their dialog ahead of time - I thought you had to do it as you went - so I'll give some thought to that though I have no idea how you would make that work with a partner.
I've nothing against writing, in fact I love it! My former partner and I used to write little scenes to each other, complete with dialogue -though we didn't use it as a script, it was just for fun. I love writing so one of my plans for improving my role playing is to work more on my writing. Tying that into role play through the use of blogs as I love to take a piece of role play chat with others and turn it into a little story. Fictionalizing a role play chat even more!
This is fun, exploring what works for me.The more I wander around, digging into things, the more I realize there's a whole lot of different kinds of role play going on. And personally, I don't think one is better than the other. Past understanding the rules and etiquette, it's essential for me to know how to write about my characters, doing a little research and contemplation, digging within, then asking myself what kind of role playing fits me best, how can I get better, where can I find me some more people and places and time to role play?
Sunday, May 2, 2010
A role play with a child from the past...
« on: September 10, 2008, 10:08:53 AM » |
[20:32] Grey Bedlam smiles at the little girl as she walks down the street. "Hello."
[20:33] Elizabeth smiles
[20:33] Elizabeth Vita: Hello
[20:33] Grey Bedlam: How are you doing today?
[20:33] Elizabeth Vita shrugs
[20:34] Elizabeth Vita: I'm waiting for CarrieAnne, but I think she's mad at me
[20:34] Elizabeth Vita sighs: She never wants to play anymore
[20:34] Grey Bedlam: Well, that's no good. Why would she be mad at you?
[20:34] Elizabeth Vita: I don't know
[20:35] Grey Bedlam purses her lips and taps them with a finger in thought. "I see... and why doesn't she want to play anymore?"
[20:36] Elizabeth Vita: I don't know... maybe she's got chores
[20:36] Elizabeth Vita sighs: Since she turned ten she's been busy
[20:36] Elizabeth Vita: I'm only nine
[20:36] Grey Bedlam nods. "Well, having chores never stopped me from wanting to play... Sometimes it made me not able to play. Oh, I see... well, it's a big change. When is your birthday?"
[20:37] Elizabeth Vita: September 22nd
[20:37] Grey Bedlam: Well, that's not too far off.
[20:37] Elizabeth Vita: I might be dead by then..people die every day and you never knows when it might be your turn
[20:39] Grey Bedlam frowns, shocked by the child's view of mortality. She nods a little though. "While that's true, you could live for another fifty years." She pauses. "I was just learning French when I was your age. Do you speak French?"
[20:40] Elizabeth Vita nods: Me and Carrie Anne was learning it from Miss Astolat
[20:41] A little tear trickles down Elizabeth Vita's check and she wipes it off
[20:41] Elizabeth Vita: We learnt how to say bon jour and au voir
[20:41] Elizabeth Vita: Do you know how to say chicken in French?
[20:42] Grey Bedlam smiles "I know how to say many things. One of them is a phrase the French use... la joie de la vie. Do you know what that means?"
[20:42] Elizabeth Vita shakes her head no
[20:44] Grey Bedlam leans in and hands the girl a lace handkerchief. "Chin up, darling. It means 'The joy of life'. The French have a philosophy that life is filled with little pleasures and it is an honor to find them where you can. Nothing is ever all bad. There's always something good in everything."
[20:44] Elizabeth Vita sniffles and takes the handkerchief, using it to pat at some tears
[20:45] Elizabeth Vita: Jonathon is mad at me too, we had a fight
[20:45] Elizabeth Vita: Now I don't have any friends
[20:45] Elizabeth Vita: I don't know if that's good
[20:46] Grey Bedlam smiles. "For instance, if CarrieAnne was available to play, we wouldn't be talking, and I wouldn't be able to meet you." She makes a little frown. "What did you fight about? Oh, you have friends. Friends fight all the time, but what makes them friends is eventually not being mad at each other anymore."
[20:47] Grey Bedlam taps the tip of her own nose and smiles. "and I'd be honored to be your friend."
[20:47] Elizabeth Vita gulps down a tear or two: He was real mad cause he told me I eat baby chickens and I said I do not
[20:47] Elizabeth Vita smiles at the lady: thank you...
[20:47] Elizabeth Vita: I'm Elizabeth Vita
[20:47] Grey Bedlam: My name is Grey Bedlam.
[20:47] Grey Bedlam: Why'd he say you eat baby chickens?
[20:48] Elizabeth Vita: I told him I do not eat meat and he said I do because I eat eggs and eggs is baby chickens and Carrie Anne said eggs are not baby chickens til they are fert'lied
[20:49] Grey Bedlam: Carrie Anne is right... but boys are funny. I will tell you a secret about them if you'd like.
[20:49] Elizabeth Vita looks up
[20:50] Grey Bedlam leans in to whisper.
[20:50] Elizabeth Vita blinks
[20:51] Grey Bedlam: Boys don't like to ever be wrong, especially when a girl is the one that corrects them. Sometimes you have to let them think they're right. They get intimidated by girls that are smarter than they are.
[20:51] Elizabeth Vita smiles
[20:51] Grey Bedlam smiles and leans back, still half-crouched to be on the child's eye level.
[20:52] Grey Bedlam: Besides, I'm sure there's a book in the library about it.
[20:52] Elizabeth Vita doubts it in this century
[20:53] Grey Bedlam thinks you're probably right... at least here.... hmmm....
[20:55] Grey Bedlam chuckles. "The general rule is to not argue with them. If you know you're right, state it, and then if they start to argue, walk away. " She winks conspiratorialy.
[20:55] Elizabeth Vita thinks about that: But .. but then they think they sooo smart
[20:55] Elizabeth Vita: Jonathon gets bossy
[20:56] Grey Bedlam: Let the boy rationalize it to himself if he can... If you seem confidant in your knowledge enough to display that his opinion means nothing to you, then you win.
[20:57] Grey Bedlam: It's the ladylike way to win an argument. Don't let him fluster you, smile prettily at him and then ignore him. You can't be bossed by someone you ignore. Eventually he'll get tired of it and stop... or do something silly and make himself look stupid.
[20:57] Elizabeth Vita sighs
[20:57] Elizabeth Vita: How come women can't just be the bosses?
[20:57] Grey Bedlam taps her temple. "Boys are bigger and stronger, but girls are more clever." She chuckles again. "Besides, give him time and he'll be following you around like a lost puppy."
[20:58] Grey Bedlam smiles. "Oh, we are. We just let the boys think they are. It makes them happy."
[20:58] Elizabeth Vita: We have a club called the Boys Club Run by Girls and we boss them around, and they don't even know it
[20:59] Elizabeth Vita lip quivers a bit: Me and Carrie Anne started it
[20:59] Grey Bedlam laughs behind her hand. "You're very clever girls. Boys and men won't do anything to offend a lady unless they're uncouth--and if they are, the other boys and men sort them out on their own. Jonathan is probably just too young to know the rules yet."
[21:00] Elizabeth Vita: We have a chicken for a pet but we want to name it Lady Whatever Chicken is in French only we don't know what French is for chicken
[21:00] Elizabeth Vita: It's our club pet
[21:00] Grey Bedlam reaches a hand out to pat the child's hair. "Oh, Elizabeth, dear... don't fuss. I'll bet that Carrie Anne isn't mad at you. I bet it's just that she's older now so has more chores and things to do."
[21:01] Elizabeth Vita swallows down her tears again and nods, sniffling and dabbing with the handkerchief
[21:01] Elizabeth Vita blows her nose and then holds out the handkerchief to the lady: Thank you
[21:03] Grey Bedlam waves it back to the girl. "Consider it a gift." She chuckles softly. "The word for Chicken is 'Poulet'."
[21:05] Elizabeth Vita smiles: Oh, thank you... Lady Poulet
[21:05] Elizabeth Vita smiles a little: I'll tell CarrieAnne.. if..when I see her again
[21:06] Elizabeth Vita: Thank you Miss Bedlam
[21:06] Elizabeth Vita: I gotta goin now
[21:06] Grey Bedlam: When, dear. When. Remember, Joie de la vie. With the joy of life. Think about it the next time to see or do things. Even the littlest things, nothing is without value. You are quite welcome, Elizabeth.
[21:06] Grey Bedlam: It was a pleasure speaking with you.
[21:07] Elizabeth Vita stands and smiles
[21:07] Elizabeth Vita: Do you work around here?
[21:08] Elizabeth Vita slides the handkerchief in her pocket
[21:08] Grey Bedlam: Yes, I keep the ledgers neat at the Gem. I also might be coming to help with your schooling soon.
[21:08] Elizabeth Vita: Ohhh, that's good... *smiles* I like school
[21:09] Grey Bedlam smiles again. "I'm not surprised.."
[21:10] Elizabeth Vita: Good night ma'am
[21:10] Elizabeth Vita: Thank you again for.. being my friend and all
[21:10] Grey Bedlam: Good night, Elizabeth. Sleep well.
Monday, April 26, 2010
How to have sex in SL without "really" having sex in SL
Hopefully we're starting something here (or perhaps its out there somewhere, and we're just discovering it).
Below is another Soiled Dove scene in Deadwood 2.0, sans actual sex... and there are promises of more to come (so to speak :) ) from other working girls...
Cletus (aka Randall Carfield) is in the Palace, recuperating from a recent paid encounter with Miss Daisy.
[2010/04/22 18:33] Randall Carfield grins over at the red headed whore with his tar colored teeth
[2010/04/22 18:33] Lolaraine McGinnis smiles at the man and tosses her hair some more
[2010/04/22 18:34] Lolaraine McGinnis reaches forward and fiddles with his scarf
[2010/04/22 18:34] Lolaraine McGinnis: How ya doin' hon?
[2010/04/22 18:34] Randall Carfield: Yee weren't here earlier, I coulda double my fun.
[2010/04/22 18:34] Lolaraine McGinnis laughs: You betcha
[2010/04/22 18:35] Daisy Stratten: Oh my lord Lola *laughs*
[2010/04/22 18:35] Randall Carfield: Few more drinks an' may be standin' back at full mast. Heh!
[2010/04/22 18:36] Lolaraine McGinnis laughs
[2010/04/22 18:36] Lolaraine McGinnis: We always ready hun
[2010/04/22 18:36] Lolaraine McGinnis winks
[2010/04/22 18:36] Daisy Stratten: Will you excuse me for a moment, folks?
[2010/04/22 18:37] Randall Carfield: Oh certainly. *winks at Daisy*
[2010/04/22 18:37] Randall Carfield: That gal is still tuckered from earlier. *tugs his pants up and sighs a little*
[2010/04/22 18:37] Lolaraine McGinnis: She done drunk too much
(more dialog in the saloon)
[2010/04/22 18:46] Randall Carfield sets his glass down and winks at Lola, "First darlin' how about ah go drain my lizard, then I takes ya across the street and enjoy the fruits oh my labors."
[2010/04/22 18:47] Lolaraine McGinnis laughs: alright sugar
[2010/04/22 18:47] Lolaraine McGinnis: you got the money honey, I got the time
[2010/04/22 18:47] Lolaraine McGinnis: You want a turn, Windlow?
[2010/04/22 18:47] Lolaraine McGinnis: Shouldn't be more'na hour
[2010/04/22 18:47] Lolaraine McGinnis: At the most
[2010/04/22 18:48] Lolaraine McGinnis: I bathes in between *smiles and flutters her lashes
[2010/04/22 18:48] Flint Windlow: hmmm? No, not right now darling, but thanks
[2010/04/22 18:48] Lolaraine McGinnis: Well now don't you forgit me
[2010/04/22 18:48] Flint Windlow: I'm sure ya do.. *smiles just a bit
[2010/04/22 18:48] Lolaraine McGinnis: I ain't forgettin you
[2010/04/22 18:48] Randall Carfield sways out drunkenly to the side of the saloon, he props on hand up against the side of the building and proceeds to relive himself, "Ahhhhh...."
[2010/04/22 18:48] Lolaraine McGinnis looks flirtatiously at him
[2010/04/22 18:48] Flint Windlow: Oh, I'm sure I won't... though I tend towards the smaller gals.. *glances over at Daisy
[2010/04/22 18:49] Flint Windlow: They is easier ta hold down... *grins only slightly
[2010/04/22 18:50] Lolaraine McGinnis shrugs: Whatever toots yer noodle hon
[2010/04/22 18:50] Randall Carfield looks up towards the sky and hums alittle while he finishes the task at hand, he bends his knees and shakes afew times before buttioning up and stumbling back into the saloon, "Whooo."
[2010/04/22 18:50] Flint Windlow: Not that I is sellin' ya short Ma'am... *lifts his drink to her
[2010/04/22 18:50] Lolaraine McGinnis grins: No 'fense takin'
[2010/04/22 18:51] Randall Carfield: Thar we go...
[2010/04/22 18:51] Lolaraine McGinnis: Men got their likes
[2010/04/22 18:51] Flint Windlow: Yes... that they do
[2010/04/22 18:51] Lolaraine McGinnis smiles at the other man: Say, what were yer name agin?
[2010/04/22 18:51] Lolaraine McGinnis: I always likes ta know what ta shout out in my moment a delight
[2010/04/22 18:51] Randall Carfield: Cletus R. Fallowfield.
[2010/04/22 18:51] Lolaraine McGinnis: That be a .... mouthful
[2010/04/22 18:52] Flint Windlow tries to remember the mans name, knowing he'll forget
[2010/04/22 18:52] Lolaraine McGinnis: Maybe I jes say.. hon
[2010/04/22 18:52] Lolaraine McGinnis: You ready Cletus?
[2010/04/22 18:53] Randall Carfield: Oh saddle up darlin', it's gonna be a buckin' ride.
[2010/04/22 18:53] Lolaraine McGinnis: Let's take a bottle with us...
[2010/04/22 18:53] Lolaraine McGinnis grabs a bottle from behind the counter
[2010/04/22 18:53] Randall Carfield: Why certainly. *licks his lips*
[2010/04/22 18:53] Lolaraine McGinnis: See ya later Windlow
[2010/04/22 18:53] Lolaraine McGinnis: Tell Daisy ta knock afore she enter, will ya?
[2010/04/22 18:53] Flint Windlow nods.. "you kids have fun..."
Cletus and Lola enter the cabin:
[2010/04/22 18:54] Lolaraine McGinnis sets the bottle down
[2010/04/22 18:54] Lolaraine McGinnis: That there's my bed
[2010/04/22 18:55] Randall Carfield: Yee haw! I gets to try both in one day!
[2010/04/22 18:55] Lolaraine McGinnis grins
[2010/04/22 18:55] Lolaraine McGinnis: Take off yer boots
[2010/04/22 18:55] Lolaraine McGinnis: We don't like no mud in here
[2010/04/22 18:55] Lolaraine McGinnis pours some whiskey into a couple of tin cans
[2010/04/22 18:56] Randall Carfield bends down and pulls and tugs on his boots, he reefs and tries to shakes them off, "Yer... just a sec..."
[2010/04/22 18:56] Lolaraine McGinnis watches, sipping her whiskey and holding his tin can of it
[2010/04/22 18:56] Randall Carfield ticks them against the side of the cottage as they flop against the wall and thud
[2010/04/22 18:57] Lolaraine McGinnis offers him the tin can
[2010/04/22 18:57] Lolaraine McGinnis: Here ya go
[2010/04/22 18:57] Lolaraine McGinnis: You gonna keep the hat on?
[2010/04/22 18:57] Lolaraine McGinnis: Alright wit' me if'n ya does, some men likes to
[2010/04/22 18:57] Randall Carfield wiggles his toes through two rotten socks as he takes the can, he sniffs the order rising from his boots as takes a drink, "Ahh like home."
[2010/04/22 18:57] Lolaraine McGinnis grins: Now afore we gits to it, payment first
[2010/04/22 18:57] Randall Carfield takes his hat and tosses it of, he slides his jacket off into a clump on the floor
[2010/04/22 18:58] Lolaraine McGinnis: That be 50 cent fer jes the reglar
[2010/04/22 18:58] Lolaraine McGinnis: Dollar more if'n you wants my clothes ta come off
[2010/04/22 18:59] Randall Carfield takes out a pouch and pours some gold flake out and hands it over, only 50 cents having not much flake left.
[2010/04/22 18:59] Lolaraine McGinnis takes the flake and sticks it in her shoe
[2010/04/22 18:59] Randall Carfield: Yer friend done took me earlier.. ya coulda had more...
[2010/04/22 18:59] Lolaraine McGinnis shrugs
[2010/04/22 18:59] Lolaraine McGinnis: You had more money, you coulda had more
[2010/04/22 18:59] Lolaraine McGinnis laughs
[2010/04/22 19:00] Randall Carfield hangs his gun belt on the best post for easy accesss.
[2010/04/22 19:00] Lolaraine McGinnis: We jes' do the reglar then, I keeps my dress on an' all
[2010/04/22 19:00] Lolaraine McGinnis: You can touch where ya wants though
[2010/04/22 19:00] Lolaraine McGinnis: Jes don't rip nothinb'
[2010/04/22 19:01] Randall Carfield: Whoo hoo! Giddy up woman! Less talkin' more gettin' down!!
[2010/04/22 19:01] Lolaraine McGinnis: alrighty
[2010/04/22 19:01] Lolaraine McGinnis: You be on the tops or bottoms?
[2010/04/22 19:01] Randall Carfield: Top, ah's a popular fellar and may have'ta run to me next appointment quick.
[2010/04/22 19:02] Lolaraine McGinnis nods: That most pop'lar
[2010/04/22 19:02] Lolaraine McGinnis: Cept with married men
[2010/04/22 19:02] Lolaraine McGinnis lays down on the bed and pulls her skirt up
[2010/04/22 19:02] Lolaraine McGinnis: Go to it
[2010/04/22 19:03] Randall Carfield dives in and makes a loud noise not unlike an disgruntled goat, "BAHHHH!"
[2010/04/22 19:03] Lolaraine McGinnis yawns and looks at the wall
[2010/04/22 19:03] Lolaraine McGinnis: oh yeah oh yeah oh yeah
[2010/04/22 19:03] Lolaraine McGinnis: go baby go baby uh huh
[2010/04/22 19:03] Lolaraine McGinnis shouts: oh yeah oh yeah oh yeah go baby go baby go baby
[2010/04/22 19:04] Randall Carfield flops around like a fish and hollars, "Yippe!!! WHOOOOO HOOOOOOO!!!"
[2010/04/22 19:04] Lolaraine McGinnis: Uh huh uh huh you good
[2010/04/22 19:04] Lolaraine McGinnis stifles a yawn
[2010/04/22 19:05] Lolaraine McGinnis shouts: Uh huh uh huh you good oh yeah mmm hmmm oh yeah
[2010/04/22 19:05] Randall Carfield bobs up and down like he's riding a bronco, "YEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!"
[2010/04/22 19:05] Randall Carfield lets out a loud hoot to finish his performance
[2010/04/22 19:06] Lolaraine McGinnis lays there
[2010/04/22 19:06] Lolaraine McGinnis: You done hon?
[2010/04/22 19:06] Randall Carfield shouts: WHOOOOOOO YIPPIE!!! YEAH!!!
[2010/04/22 19:06] Lolaraine McGinnis strokes his hair: Were that good for ya?
[2010/04/22 19:07] Randall Carfield stand up and does his pants up the adjusts him and grunts, "Whoo! That were some pole greasin'."
[2010/04/22 19:07] Lolaraine McGinnis leans up and props herself on her elbow
[2010/04/22 19:07] Lolaraine McGinnis: You good hon
[2010/04/22 19:07] Lolaraine McGinnis: One a the best I done had
[2010/04/22 19:07] Lolaraine McGinnis: Shame ta take yer money but.. I gotta
[2010/04/22 19:07] Randall Carfield grins, "Well thar be more where that dun come from."
[2010/04/22 19:08] Randall Carfield fetches his gunbelt off the pole and buckles it on then twists it until it is the way he likes.
[2010/04/22 19:08] Lolaraine McGinnis looks for a towel
[2010/04/22 19:09] Lolaraine McGinnis cleans herself up
[2010/04/22 19:09] Lolaraine McGinnis tosses the towel in a bucket
[2010/04/22 19:09] Randall Carfield grabs his boots and shoves his feet back into them
[2010/04/22 19:09] Lolaraine McGinnis smooths her hair and her dress
[2010/04/22 19:09] Lolaraine McGinnis smiles at him
[2010/04/22 19:09] Lolaraine McGinnis: Real good, hope we gits ta do it agin
[2010/04/22 19:10] Lolaraine McGinnis: You got everything tucked back in?
[2010/04/22 19:10] Randall Carfield nods, "Ah's do indeed. I's gonna work twice as hard and come backs to see ya'lls.
[2010/04/22 19:10] Lolaraine McGinnis sashays out
[2010/04/22 19:11] Daisy Stratten: Hello again Lola *smiles tightly*
[2010/04/22 19:11] Lolaraine McGinnis sashays in (to the Palace), smoothing at her slightly wrinkled dress
[2010/04/22 19:11] Lolaraine McGinnis smiles at Daisy and the men
[2010/04/22 19:11] Lolaraine McGinnis: Gentlemens
[2010/04/22 19:11] Caed Aldwych tips his hat
[2010/04/22 19:11] Flint Windlow nods at Lola... "Ma'am"
[2010/04/22 19:12] Lolaraine McGinnis tucks a loose hair back
[2010/04/22 19:12] Daisy Stratten lowers her voice and hisses at Lola, "I was just with that fella an hour ago and he ain't had time fer a bath."
[2010/04/22 19:12] Lolaraine McGinnis shrugs
[2010/04/22 19:12] Daisy Stratten sighs
[2010/04/22 19:12] Lolaraine McGinnis: He wiped up a bit
Below is another Soiled Dove scene in Deadwood 2.0, sans actual sex... and there are promises of more to come (so to speak :) ) from other working girls...
Cletus (aka Randall Carfield) is in the Palace, recuperating from a recent paid encounter with Miss Daisy.
[2010/04/22 18:33] Randall Carfield grins over at the red headed whore with his tar colored teeth
[2010/04/22 18:33] Lolaraine McGinnis smiles at the man and tosses her hair some more
[2010/04/22 18:34] Lolaraine McGinnis reaches forward and fiddles with his scarf
[2010/04/22 18:34] Lolaraine McGinnis: How ya doin' hon?
[2010/04/22 18:34] Randall Carfield: Yee weren't here earlier, I coulda double my fun.
[2010/04/22 18:34] Lolaraine McGinnis laughs: You betcha
[2010/04/22 18:35] Daisy Stratten: Oh my lord Lola *laughs*
[2010/04/22 18:35] Randall Carfield: Few more drinks an' may be standin' back at full mast. Heh!
[2010/04/22 18:36] Lolaraine McGinnis laughs
[2010/04/22 18:36] Lolaraine McGinnis: We always ready hun
[2010/04/22 18:36] Lolaraine McGinnis winks
[2010/04/22 18:36] Daisy Stratten: Will you excuse me for a moment, folks?
[2010/04/22 18:37] Randall Carfield: Oh certainly. *winks at Daisy*
[2010/04/22 18:37] Randall Carfield: That gal is still tuckered from earlier. *tugs his pants up and sighs a little*
[2010/04/22 18:37] Lolaraine McGinnis: She done drunk too much
(more dialog in the saloon)
[2010/04/22 18:46] Randall Carfield sets his glass down and winks at Lola, "First darlin' how about ah go drain my lizard, then I takes ya across the street and enjoy the fruits oh my labors."
[2010/04/22 18:47] Lolaraine McGinnis laughs: alright sugar
[2010/04/22 18:47] Lolaraine McGinnis: you got the money honey, I got the time
[2010/04/22 18:47] Lolaraine McGinnis: You want a turn, Windlow?
[2010/04/22 18:47] Lolaraine McGinnis: Shouldn't be more'na hour
[2010/04/22 18:47] Lolaraine McGinnis: At the most
[2010/04/22 18:48] Lolaraine McGinnis: I bathes in between *smiles and flutters her lashes
[2010/04/22 18:48] Flint Windlow: hmmm? No, not right now darling, but thanks
[2010/04/22 18:48] Lolaraine McGinnis: Well now don't you forgit me
[2010/04/22 18:48] Flint Windlow: I'm sure ya do.. *smiles just a bit
[2010/04/22 18:48] Lolaraine McGinnis: I ain't forgettin you
[2010/04/22 18:48] Randall Carfield sways out drunkenly to the side of the saloon, he props on hand up against the side of the building and proceeds to relive himself, "Ahhhhh...."
[2010/04/22 18:48] Lolaraine McGinnis looks flirtatiously at him
[2010/04/22 18:48] Flint Windlow: Oh, I'm sure I won't... though I tend towards the smaller gals.. *glances over at Daisy
[2010/04/22 18:49] Flint Windlow: They is easier ta hold down... *grins only slightly
[2010/04/22 18:50] Lolaraine McGinnis shrugs: Whatever toots yer noodle hon
[2010/04/22 18:50] Randall Carfield looks up towards the sky and hums alittle while he finishes the task at hand, he bends his knees and shakes afew times before buttioning up and stumbling back into the saloon, "Whooo."
[2010/04/22 18:50] Flint Windlow: Not that I is sellin' ya short Ma'am... *lifts his drink to her
[2010/04/22 18:50] Lolaraine McGinnis grins: No 'fense takin'
[2010/04/22 18:51] Randall Carfield: Thar we go...
[2010/04/22 18:51] Lolaraine McGinnis: Men got their likes
[2010/04/22 18:51] Flint Windlow: Yes... that they do
[2010/04/22 18:51] Lolaraine McGinnis smiles at the other man: Say, what were yer name agin?
[2010/04/22 18:51] Lolaraine McGinnis: I always likes ta know what ta shout out in my moment a delight
[2010/04/22 18:51] Randall Carfield: Cletus R. Fallowfield.
[2010/04/22 18:51] Lolaraine McGinnis: That be a .... mouthful
[2010/04/22 18:52] Flint Windlow tries to remember the mans name, knowing he'll forget
[2010/04/22 18:52] Lolaraine McGinnis: Maybe I jes say.. hon
[2010/04/22 18:52] Lolaraine McGinnis: You ready Cletus?
[2010/04/22 18:53] Randall Carfield: Oh saddle up darlin', it's gonna be a buckin' ride.
[2010/04/22 18:53] Lolaraine McGinnis: Let's take a bottle with us...
[2010/04/22 18:53] Lolaraine McGinnis grabs a bottle from behind the counter
[2010/04/22 18:53] Randall Carfield: Why certainly. *licks his lips*
[2010/04/22 18:53] Lolaraine McGinnis: See ya later Windlow
[2010/04/22 18:53] Lolaraine McGinnis: Tell Daisy ta knock afore she enter, will ya?
[2010/04/22 18:53] Flint Windlow nods.. "you kids have fun..."
Cletus and Lola enter the cabin:
[2010/04/22 18:54] Lolaraine McGinnis sets the bottle down
[2010/04/22 18:54] Lolaraine McGinnis: That there's my bed
[2010/04/22 18:55] Randall Carfield: Yee haw! I gets to try both in one day!
[2010/04/22 18:55] Lolaraine McGinnis grins
[2010/04/22 18:55] Lolaraine McGinnis: Take off yer boots
[2010/04/22 18:55] Lolaraine McGinnis: We don't like no mud in here
[2010/04/22 18:55] Lolaraine McGinnis pours some whiskey into a couple of tin cans
[2010/04/22 18:56] Randall Carfield bends down and pulls and tugs on his boots, he reefs and tries to shakes them off, "Yer... just a sec..."
[2010/04/22 18:56] Lolaraine McGinnis watches, sipping her whiskey and holding his tin can of it
[2010/04/22 18:56] Randall Carfield ticks them against the side of the cottage as they flop against the wall and thud
[2010/04/22 18:57] Lolaraine McGinnis offers him the tin can
[2010/04/22 18:57] Lolaraine McGinnis: Here ya go
[2010/04/22 18:57] Lolaraine McGinnis: You gonna keep the hat on?
[2010/04/22 18:57] Lolaraine McGinnis: Alright wit' me if'n ya does, some men likes to
[2010/04/22 18:57] Randall Carfield wiggles his toes through two rotten socks as he takes the can, he sniffs the order rising from his boots as takes a drink, "Ahh like home."
[2010/04/22 18:57] Lolaraine McGinnis grins: Now afore we gits to it, payment first
[2010/04/22 18:57] Randall Carfield takes his hat and tosses it of, he slides his jacket off into a clump on the floor
[2010/04/22 18:58] Lolaraine McGinnis: That be 50 cent fer jes the reglar
[2010/04/22 18:58] Lolaraine McGinnis: Dollar more if'n you wants my clothes ta come off
[2010/04/22 18:59] Randall Carfield takes out a pouch and pours some gold flake out and hands it over, only 50 cents having not much flake left.
[2010/04/22 18:59] Lolaraine McGinnis takes the flake and sticks it in her shoe
[2010/04/22 18:59] Randall Carfield: Yer friend done took me earlier.. ya coulda had more...
[2010/04/22 18:59] Lolaraine McGinnis shrugs
[2010/04/22 18:59] Lolaraine McGinnis: You had more money, you coulda had more
[2010/04/22 18:59] Lolaraine McGinnis laughs
[2010/04/22 19:00] Randall Carfield hangs his gun belt on the best post for easy accesss.
[2010/04/22 19:00] Lolaraine McGinnis: We jes' do the reglar then, I keeps my dress on an' all
[2010/04/22 19:00] Lolaraine McGinnis: You can touch where ya wants though
[2010/04/22 19:00] Lolaraine McGinnis: Jes don't rip nothinb'
[2010/04/22 19:01] Randall Carfield: Whoo hoo! Giddy up woman! Less talkin' more gettin' down!!
[2010/04/22 19:01] Lolaraine McGinnis: alrighty
[2010/04/22 19:01] Lolaraine McGinnis: You be on the tops or bottoms?
[2010/04/22 19:01] Randall Carfield: Top, ah's a popular fellar and may have'ta run to me next appointment quick.
[2010/04/22 19:02] Lolaraine McGinnis nods: That most pop'lar
[2010/04/22 19:02] Lolaraine McGinnis: Cept with married men
[2010/04/22 19:02] Lolaraine McGinnis lays down on the bed and pulls her skirt up
[2010/04/22 19:02] Lolaraine McGinnis: Go to it
[2010/04/22 19:03] Randall Carfield dives in and makes a loud noise not unlike an disgruntled goat, "BAHHHH!"
[2010/04/22 19:03] Lolaraine McGinnis yawns and looks at the wall
[2010/04/22 19:03] Lolaraine McGinnis: oh yeah oh yeah oh yeah
[2010/04/22 19:03] Lolaraine McGinnis: go baby go baby uh huh
[2010/04/22 19:03] Lolaraine McGinnis shouts: oh yeah oh yeah oh yeah go baby go baby go baby
[2010/04/22 19:04] Randall Carfield flops around like a fish and hollars, "Yippe!!! WHOOOOO HOOOOOOO!!!"
[2010/04/22 19:04] Lolaraine McGinnis: Uh huh uh huh you good
[2010/04/22 19:04] Lolaraine McGinnis stifles a yawn
[2010/04/22 19:05] Lolaraine McGinnis shouts: Uh huh uh huh you good oh yeah mmm hmmm oh yeah
[2010/04/22 19:05] Randall Carfield bobs up and down like he's riding a bronco, "YEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!"
[2010/04/22 19:05] Randall Carfield lets out a loud hoot to finish his performance
[2010/04/22 19:06] Lolaraine McGinnis lays there
[2010/04/22 19:06] Lolaraine McGinnis: You done hon?
[2010/04/22 19:06] Randall Carfield shouts: WHOOOOOOO YIPPIE!!! YEAH!!!
[2010/04/22 19:06] Lolaraine McGinnis strokes his hair: Were that good for ya?
[2010/04/22 19:07] Randall Carfield stand up and does his pants up the adjusts him and grunts, "Whoo! That were some pole greasin'."
[2010/04/22 19:07] Lolaraine McGinnis leans up and props herself on her elbow
[2010/04/22 19:07] Lolaraine McGinnis: You good hon
[2010/04/22 19:07] Lolaraine McGinnis: One a the best I done had
[2010/04/22 19:07] Lolaraine McGinnis: Shame ta take yer money but.. I gotta
[2010/04/22 19:07] Randall Carfield grins, "Well thar be more where that dun come from."
[2010/04/22 19:08] Randall Carfield fetches his gunbelt off the pole and buckles it on then twists it until it is the way he likes.
[2010/04/22 19:08] Lolaraine McGinnis looks for a towel
[2010/04/22 19:09] Lolaraine McGinnis cleans herself up
[2010/04/22 19:09] Lolaraine McGinnis tosses the towel in a bucket
[2010/04/22 19:09] Randall Carfield grabs his boots and shoves his feet back into them
[2010/04/22 19:09] Lolaraine McGinnis smooths her hair and her dress
[2010/04/22 19:09] Lolaraine McGinnis smiles at him
[2010/04/22 19:09] Lolaraine McGinnis: Real good, hope we gits ta do it agin
[2010/04/22 19:10] Lolaraine McGinnis: You got everything tucked back in?
[2010/04/22 19:10] Randall Carfield nods, "Ah's do indeed. I's gonna work twice as hard and come backs to see ya'lls.
[2010/04/22 19:10] Lolaraine McGinnis sashays out
[2010/04/22 19:11] Daisy Stratten: Hello again Lola *smiles tightly*
[2010/04/22 19:11] Lolaraine McGinnis sashays in (to the Palace), smoothing at her slightly wrinkled dress
[2010/04/22 19:11] Lolaraine McGinnis smiles at Daisy and the men
[2010/04/22 19:11] Lolaraine McGinnis: Gentlemens
[2010/04/22 19:11] Caed Aldwych tips his hat
[2010/04/22 19:11] Flint Windlow nods at Lola... "Ma'am"
[2010/04/22 19:12] Lolaraine McGinnis tucks a loose hair back
[2010/04/22 19:12] Daisy Stratten lowers her voice and hisses at Lola, "I was just with that fella an hour ago and he ain't had time fer a bath."
[2010/04/22 19:12] Lolaraine McGinnis shrugs
[2010/04/22 19:12] Daisy Stratten sighs
[2010/04/22 19:12] Lolaraine McGinnis: He wiped up a bit
Monday, April 19, 2010
Those Soiled Doves
Seems the big rush of girls due to arrive hasn't happened yet. There was lively and lengthy discussion on the Deadwood 1.0 forum, started up by our own very respectable (um, I think) Madam DuFaux, about why there just weren't enough regular saloon girls /parlor girls in town. Consensus seemed to be that there was confusion amongst typists about whether or not the "working girls" were really doing some IM "working" -- was it role play or sex for Lindens in IC?
In addition, we had an unrealistic amount of proper ladies in DW 1 many of whom took to hanging around the saloons as if they were tea shops. I plead guilty to being one who started a "Ladies of Deadwood" group, for the *nose up in air* proper business women and ladies of Deadwood (Madams were included, but not their *ahem* employees). And it appears a similar group has started in DW 2.0.
Of course, ladies gotta be in Deadwood and not everyone can play a Madam or prostitute, a saloon or parlor girl.
But lots of effort is going into making the new Deadwood more like the old Deadwood, where the men were men and most of the women early on were outright whores. Possibly entertainers or saloon girls, but they weren't exactly "ladies". Still, there was a great happiness on the part of the miners at the arrival of the prostitutes and there was no proper middle class set that would have frowned upon these girls. They would have been part of the rather rowdy and unruly community. And in fact, prostitution in Deadwood stayed on long after the Gold Rush ended - "No city ordinance was ever passed to outlaw the practice, despite state laws forbidding prostitution. Several months before the l980 raid the police chief defended non-enforcement of state law." Note that that's NINETEEN 80, not EIGHTEEN 80.
(source: http://www.deadwoodmagazine.com/archivedsite/Archives/Girls_Raid.htm)
In an effort to support and encourage those who would like to role play doves, a group has been started by Daisy Stratten and Lolaraine McGinnis - invitations will be sent out but anyone who is playing a shady lady should contact one of them if an invitation hasn't been received. No men allowed ~ Loose women unite!
Questions and discussion might include - how far can you go in open chat role playing? How can you make it clear to your 'customers' that this is role play? How do you make it clear to other typists that this is role play - you aren't .. uh.... And what happens if real SL "escorts" come in and want to make money - how can we help them put role play first? The group can talk amongst itself!
Here's a good sampling of some excellent role play only hanky panky going on that plays a scene without crossing any lines.
..
[17:16] BlackJack Landar turns and sees a stunning redhead and smiles....Hello Miss.
[17:16] Lillian Tomsen looks around and arches a brow at Copper "This all they is? Ain't losin' yer touch are ya, Copper?"
[17:16] Lillian Tomsen turns to the man who addressed her and offers up a honeyed smile as she sashays closer "well hello there, if you ain't 'bout the finest specimen of a man I ever did see..."
[17:17] BlackJack Landar holds up a finger....whiskey if you please.
[17:17] BlackJack Landar smiles back....My dear Miss, I must say you take my breath away.
[17:18] Lillian Tomsen rests her arm atop your shoulder and leans in, moistening her lips "Name's Lil, and you gotme gaspin a bit m'self...reckon you could feel of m'heart and see if itsa beatin alright?"
[17:18] BlackJack Landar pulls out several coins.....This will cover her drink as well.
[17:18] Lillian Tomsen draws in a deep breath, forcing her already ample chest out even furthery.
[17:18] Lillian Tomsen: aww now you're a sweet one, too..nice t'see a gentleman.
[17:19] Lillian Tomsen leans up and whispers in his ear, flicking her tongue along the lobe "I swanee, if you ain't handsome"
[17:19] BlackJack Landar smiles.....My dear, I think you and I will become very good friends.
[17:20] BlackJack Landar slips his arm around her waist pulling her in close.
[17:20] Lillian Tomsen presses up against him with a smile as she reaches for the drink and tosses it back, offering up a deep moan as he pulls her closer "I think you may be right"
[17:20] BlackJack Landar picks up the drink and tosses it back as well.....
[17:21] BlackJack Landar looks down into her face.....You know, you remind me of someone I knew once down Texas way.
[17:22] Lillian Tomsen rolls around in his grasp to the front of him, looking up in challenge "well I always was fond of Texas...you a Texan feller? They say everythangs bigger in Texas.."
[17:22] Lillian Tomsen leans up and traces the outline of his mouth with her tongue as she whispers "reckon thats so?"
[17:23] BlackJack Landar smiles....Not originally, but I been around a bit
[17:23] Lillian Tomsen lowers her face and looks up at you through thick coal painted lashes "well I ain't one t'hold bein' worldly against a man. Fact.."
[17:23] BlackJack Landar leans down and nuzzles the side of her neck and then whispers in her ear.....perhaps we can find more private quarters to discuss our transaction.
[17:24] Lillian Tomsen runs her hands down your chest as she surveys you "I reckon i kinda like that quality"
[17:24] Lillian Tomsen looks up with a wink "Don't waste no time, I like that, too"
[17:24] BlackJack Landar grins....Life is too short to waste.
[17:24] Lillian Tomsen leans around the man and nods to Copper
[17:25] Lillian Tomsen: Tell you what, why don't you an' me take us a little walk?
[17:25] Lillian Tomsen chuckles at the man's exclamation "not yet but directly"
[17:25] BlackJack Landar: I think that is a splendid idea my dear. The language here is a bit course.
[17:25] Lillian Tomsen winks up at the man
[17:26] Lillian Tomsen: oh yes and I'm a lady of tenderness...
[17:26] BlackJack Landar frowns back at the man.
[17:26] Lillian Tomsen presses her hips against him
[17:27] BlackJack Landar lets his hand slide up her spine.....
[17:27] BlackJack Landar: Now where are you from Lil?
[17:27] Lillian Tomsen reaches for his belt and runs her fingertips down the front of his pants "daylight's wastin"
[17:27] BlackJack Landar: Well lets get going then my dear. I hate to waste time.
[17:28] Lillian Tomsen turns and walks towards the front of the tent, swaying her hips seductively as she tosses back her hair and winks
[17:28] BlackJack Landar walks behind her enjoying the the view
[17:29] Lillian Tomsen walks around and reads the signs "you up for a challenge? Docs place looks empty"
[17:30] BlackJack Landar: I enjoy a challenge Miss Lil.
[17:30] Lillian Tomsen looks about the room with eagle eyes as she spots a large jug on the desk and turns with a twinkle in her eye
[17:30] Lillian Tomsen: and I enjoy a real man for a change
[17:31] Lillian Tomsen steps closer to you and runs her fingertips beneath your lapels, gripping and pulling you close in a swift movement
[17:31] BlackJack Landar grins....Now you are talking my dear. I do enjoy a quality woman.
[17:31] BlackJack Landar slips his arms around her waist looking down at her
[17:31] Lillian Tomsen leans up with parted lips "we shoulda brought more whiskey, I just love the taste of whiskey on a man's lips"
[17:36] Lillian Tomsen reaches down and tugs at the front of his pants "Feller, you better disarm so's i kin git to the gun i'ma aimin' for
[17:37] BlackJack Landar reaches down to unbuckle the gunbelt.
[17:37] Lillian Tomsen takes note of how expensive his guns look and mentally begins guessing how much he has on him as she presses her lips to his and delves in with a small hot tongue
[17:38] BlackJack Landar reaches over and drops the rig on the boxes
[17:39] Lillian Tomsen smiles as she tugs him back towards the desk, talking with her lips still against his "Reckon you're man enough to handle old Lil?"
[17:39] BlackJack Landar returns the kiss, his own tongue moving to meet hers...
[17:39] BlackJack Landar smiles....I think you are about to find out.
[17:39] Lillian Tomsen feels the desk against her backside and hopes up on it, wrapping her legs around his waist and pulling him closer to her
[17:40] Lillian Tomsen reaches behind her for the jug and gets a white knuckle grip on it
[17:40] BlackJack Landar kisses her harder as her presses against her.
[17:41] Lillian Tomsen moans as the kiss deepens, trying not to think about how damn handsome he is as she brings the bottle up and down hard towards his head
[17:42] BlackJack Landar drops to one knee from the hit, eyes watering, he looks up.....
[17:42] Lillian Tomsen looks down at him and leans down, pressing her mouth hungrily to his as she twists her tongue around his once more and brings the bottle down again
[17:44] BlackJack Landar presss back up to her grabbing the wrist with the jug ...
[17:44] BlackJack Landar squeezes the wrist unmercifully hard...
[17:45] Lillian Tomsen widens her eyes in confusion and gasps as he squeezes her wrist, falling to her knees with a yelp
[17:45] BlackJack Landar looks down at her as he holds her wrist, the pulls her up.
[17:46] Lillian Tomsen jerks away as he pulls her to her feet, setting her jaw in anger "feller if'n you know whats good for ya.."
[17:46] BlackJack Landar unslings his shotgun....If I know whats good for me?
[17:47] BlackJack Landar: My dear, you do not know who you are dealing with do you?
[17:47] Lillian Tomsen steps away and narrows her eyes, flipping open her skirt and drawing a derringer from her garter belt to point at him with eyes of fire "well then, I reckon we're both of like situations in that respect"
[17:49] BlackJack Landar looks at the little derringer and grins.....Lilian, I think you and I are one of a kind. I have plans to get rich. Maybe you would like to be part of it?
[17:50] Lillian Tomsen arches a brow and offers a half smile and uncocks her gun "I'm listenin'"
Monday, April 5, 2010
The Alderton twin's blog
My new characters, Marr and Mary Alderton, will be keeping their own journal of their experiences and feelings about Deadwood.
The new Deadwood is an awesome experience -- there's a very real feeling about it that made me realize this is not the easiest place for someone to play a child, and brings more light to the problems folks have with child avs in places. It strikes me that if one wants to play a child in Deadwood (and this may translate to any sims in Second Life that are not child focused, but allow children), a typist needs to be sure to be realistic and responsible not only to their character, but to the effect of their character on their fellow typists who are attempting to role-play realistically.
Deadwood 2.0 isn't (necessarily) a hot bed of sex which is the thing that starts most anti-child alt people going. For those not convinced that people like me are 50 year old balding male pedophiles, there are those who worry that having us "creepy" child av's around puts a damper on their style in adult situations which aren't always tied into sex. And as I enter into the new Deadwood, which is excitingly close to that series I watched on television, I can suddenly see how having child avies around, while adding something positive, can also take away from the quality of role-playing.
Our new roleplaying town simply isn't the place for children to be found wandering aimlessly around alone. Nor is it a place where a woman would feel comfortable by herself. Hell, a woman might not even feel comfortable traveling with her husband, brother, father. It's rough and dirty and there's no nice and familiar place for a woman to stay.
An adult female avatar can probably find a way to survive alone, for a little while anyway. Realistically, she would have to find support fast - whether with a man, an employer or a group of people. We have a number of typists who like to play tough gals, intelligent and the ancestors of today's liberated (pardon the term) modern woman. It's a stretch that the sim allows -- we can accept the argument that many of the women who freely went to Deadwood would have been more outgoing, independent, intelligent, educated, free-thinking, etc. than the typical woman of her time.
Children are a different story. Children were not heading to Deadwood independently to seek their fortune. They would have ended up there by chance -- their parents or guardians moved there, or were on their way there, and the child followed. Any child - orphaned or not - will be spotted if alone and questioned by an adult, this being the nature of the characters and the typists who play in Deadwood. Some will want to know and tell the kids to scram -- some will want to know and get them back home - some may want to know and put the child to work scrubbing floors if the child has no protectors. Realistically, no young child would survive long alone, stealing food and finding places to sleep - but anyone who wants to play their child avie that way needs to remember to look lean and hungry, have roughed up clothes and to stay away from most adults who are going to question them.
Speaking as a sometime child avatar, I believe child avies need to take extra care of and have much consideration for their affect on those who would be their adult back up. They need to not interrupt adult story lines where an unescorted or unknown child would not be - they need to not disrupt role play by trying to be the center of attention. The way this sim is at this moment in time means a child avie cannot just jump in where adults are and start role-playing without realizing they are part of an ensemble that may add a burden to fellow role-players. I say this even though I think most of my friends will say "Oh, no, no problem," because my friends are really nice people who don't like hurting other people's feelings. A child avie needs to realize this -- your friends and some others (childavatar-phobes aside) may say it's OK when it might not be.
I'm not one who wants to play a child as part of a mommy-daddy family unit -- not my thing -- I prefer to play the independent loner child who is orphaned and whose care-takers are vaguely interested in them, so I can roam about like I want. In Deadwood 1.0, as a child avatar I could wander and come and go as I wanted - it was easy to find excuses to be hanging around most anywhere where adults were. My excuses of doing errands, or having a grandmother - aunt - parent somewhere on the sim worked because it had gotten more civilized and safe.
That isn't gonna fly in Deadwood 2.0, not for any child under 12, and probably not for any female child under 16.
At this point in the life of this developing little town, it isn't likely there would be abandoned or orphaned children yet. As Wyatt Alderton asked (in what "sounded" like an anguished IM, which reflected the thoughts of the typist) as he led his wife and children through town, "What kind of a man would bring his family into this?" Wyatt, of course, is the exception to most rules -- he's a visionary alcoholic entrepreneur who was probably convinced this was a good idea when it occurred to him. And though this was a question the typist was asking those playing his wife and children.. I think it might have been a thought that passed through the mind of the character when reality sank in.
There is some temptation on my part to have the twins sent back home to a safer world while the parents (Wyatt and Grace Alderton) go about their business. That is something realistic that could happen. I'm aware that their having twin teen-agers to worry about can put a damper on their roleplaying. Marr and Mary, age 13, clearly cannot wander around Deadwood unattended. The Aldertons wouldn't allow it - the girls (well, Mary anyway) wouldn't want to -- there's little for them to do yet that is appropriate for youngsters and most likely in the early days of Deadwood, there were few if any families.
But part of me wants to stick around and see how we can work this out so that the adult Aldertons don't have an albatross around their necks when their children are in Deadwood, spending their role-playing time worrying about and supervising the activities of their daughters.
For anyone considering playing a child in the new Deadwood, I'd have to urge some very serious thought about who their character is and how they are going to play a child without being a pain or burden to others - both those who are part of their storyline, and those who they may come across.
Clear and open communication, some thought and thoughtfulness among each other (child avies to adult avies and vice versa) can make sure everybody is doing what we all want to do in Deadwood - be creative and have fun.
The new Deadwood is an awesome experience -- there's a very real feeling about it that made me realize this is not the easiest place for someone to play a child, and brings more light to the problems folks have with child avs in places. It strikes me that if one wants to play a child in Deadwood (and this may translate to any sims in Second Life that are not child focused, but allow children), a typist needs to be sure to be realistic and responsible not only to their character, but to the effect of their character on their fellow typists who are attempting to role-play realistically.
Deadwood 2.0 isn't (necessarily) a hot bed of sex which is the thing that starts most anti-child alt people going. For those not convinced that people like me are 50 year old balding male pedophiles, there are those who worry that having us "creepy" child av's around puts a damper on their style in adult situations which aren't always tied into sex. And as I enter into the new Deadwood, which is excitingly close to that series I watched on television, I can suddenly see how having child avies around, while adding something positive, can also take away from the quality of role-playing.
Our new roleplaying town simply isn't the place for children to be found wandering aimlessly around alone. Nor is it a place where a woman would feel comfortable by herself. Hell, a woman might not even feel comfortable traveling with her husband, brother, father. It's rough and dirty and there's no nice and familiar place for a woman to stay.
An adult female avatar can probably find a way to survive alone, for a little while anyway. Realistically, she would have to find support fast - whether with a man, an employer or a group of people. We have a number of typists who like to play tough gals, intelligent and the ancestors of today's liberated (pardon the term) modern woman. It's a stretch that the sim allows -- we can accept the argument that many of the women who freely went to Deadwood would have been more outgoing, independent, intelligent, educated, free-thinking, etc. than the typical woman of her time.
Children are a different story. Children were not heading to Deadwood independently to seek their fortune. They would have ended up there by chance -- their parents or guardians moved there, or were on their way there, and the child followed. Any child - orphaned or not - will be spotted if alone and questioned by an adult, this being the nature of the characters and the typists who play in Deadwood. Some will want to know and tell the kids to scram -- some will want to know and get them back home - some may want to know and put the child to work scrubbing floors if the child has no protectors. Realistically, no young child would survive long alone, stealing food and finding places to sleep - but anyone who wants to play their child avie that way needs to remember to look lean and hungry, have roughed up clothes and to stay away from most adults who are going to question them.
Speaking as a sometime child avatar, I believe child avies need to take extra care of and have much consideration for their affect on those who would be their adult back up. They need to not interrupt adult story lines where an unescorted or unknown child would not be - they need to not disrupt role play by trying to be the center of attention. The way this sim is at this moment in time means a child avie cannot just jump in where adults are and start role-playing without realizing they are part of an ensemble that may add a burden to fellow role-players. I say this even though I think most of my friends will say "Oh, no, no problem," because my friends are really nice people who don't like hurting other people's feelings. A child avie needs to realize this -- your friends and some others (childavatar-phobes aside) may say it's OK when it might not be.
I'm not one who wants to play a child as part of a mommy-daddy family unit -- not my thing -- I prefer to play the independent loner child who is orphaned and whose care-takers are vaguely interested in them, so I can roam about like I want. In Deadwood 1.0, as a child avatar I could wander and come and go as I wanted - it was easy to find excuses to be hanging around most anywhere where adults were. My excuses of doing errands, or having a grandmother - aunt - parent somewhere on the sim worked because it had gotten more civilized and safe.
That isn't gonna fly in Deadwood 2.0, not for any child under 12, and probably not for any female child under 16.
At this point in the life of this developing little town, it isn't likely there would be abandoned or orphaned children yet. As Wyatt Alderton asked (in what "sounded" like an anguished IM, which reflected the thoughts of the typist) as he led his wife and children through town, "What kind of a man would bring his family into this?" Wyatt, of course, is the exception to most rules -- he's a visionary alcoholic entrepreneur who was probably convinced this was a good idea when it occurred to him. And though this was a question the typist was asking those playing his wife and children.. I think it might have been a thought that passed through the mind of the character when reality sank in.
There is some temptation on my part to have the twins sent back home to a safer world while the parents (Wyatt and Grace Alderton) go about their business. That is something realistic that could happen. I'm aware that their having twin teen-agers to worry about can put a damper on their roleplaying. Marr and Mary, age 13, clearly cannot wander around Deadwood unattended. The Aldertons wouldn't allow it - the girls (well, Mary anyway) wouldn't want to -- there's little for them to do yet that is appropriate for youngsters and most likely in the early days of Deadwood, there were few if any families.
But part of me wants to stick around and see how we can work this out so that the adult Aldertons don't have an albatross around their necks when their children are in Deadwood, spending their role-playing time worrying about and supervising the activities of their daughters.
For anyone considering playing a child in the new Deadwood, I'd have to urge some very serious thought about who their character is and how they are going to play a child without being a pain or burden to others - both those who are part of their storyline, and those who they may come across.
Clear and open communication, some thought and thoughtfulness among each other (child avies to adult avies and vice versa) can make sure everybody is doing what we all want to do in Deadwood - be creative and have fun.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Notes for Child Roleplay in Deadwood
I wrote up notes for being a kid in Deadwood, my one (lazy) contribution to Deadwood 2.0. Thought I'd also post them here, slightly edited for those who might be considering role-laying a child in Deadwood or any other Western or Victorian sim. I left out some of our rules for role play in the sim (there are very few).. this all comes from different sources gathered over the past couple of years -- people, books, websites .. some of the books and websites are listed at the end, but there are really too many to remember!
What’s a Kid like You Doing in a town like this?
The Wild West was rough and unsettled. In the town where I play, most children would not have survived alone – girls especially (sorry!) would be in need of adult supervision because girls were not allowed as much freedom as boys.
You can be in the Wild West for some good reasons – mostly because your family is there –or was there. If you don’t actually have a family, you can still talk about having a Ma or Pa who is around doing errands or who sent you into town to do errands.
You may have been orphaned or abandoned – you may want to hide that or lie about it or hang out at the orphanage (if there is one) or find someone to let you work for them in exchange for a place to sleep and a little food.
What Kids Wore in the 1870’s in the Wild West
The Wild West in the mid 1800’s, where I role-play, was cold in the winter, and we play it warm in the summer. Depending on how much money a kid’s family had, a kid might dress in layers of rags or be dressed (still in layers of clothing!) like a miniature adult.
Girls would dress like their mothers did, but their skirts would be a bit shorter and their hair let down longer. You could generally tell the age of a girl by the length of her skirt – a 7 year old’s skirt might be just below her knee – by 16, her skirt would be full length. Boys could be expected to wear knee britches until they were 12 or 13. (Boys under 4 commonly wore dresses sometimes with a bustle! And short pants beneath)
Everyday wear for girls under 16 would include a pinafore or smock to protect their clothing from dust and dirty. Older girls might wear a housedress or apron, like their mothers.
Leggings and shoes would be worn, even in the hottest weather. Well to do families would certainly include in their daughter’s wardrobe a camisole, pantaloons and slip. A son from that family would be expected to wear long johns, socks and shoes and a tie with his jacket. They would, of course, attempt to be current with the times.
Although heavily trimmed and decorated, children's clothes were nonetheless usually simpler than those of adults.
Daughters of miners or working class people might have less clothing, simpler designs, and cheaper (though sturdier) fabric sewn by their mothers. Sons of miners might wear overalls or suspenders. Their clothing might be cut from clothing of their parents or hand me downs from older siblings.
Because paleness, not tan, was considered fashionable, a child from a fashion conscious family would wear a stylish hat. All children would wear some kind of a head covering outside – for warmth in the cool seasons, for protection from the sun during hot weather.
However, it isn’t unlikely you will find children running barefoot and hatless in the Wild West in the summertime!
What do I DO with myself?
A child in the Wild West needs to keep busy in order to keep adults from telling them to go home or asking them annoying questions! What can you do?
Children in the real Wild West probably would have been seen more than heard, and not seen a lot! But in our town, children can do several things to engage themselves in the role play.
1. School. Much as 21st century children might not like school, school was often enjoyed by children in the 19th century. It was where you went to see other kids, do things that weren’t demanding chores, learn things that would help you with a job, borrow a fiction book (which were as exciting as video games and TV back then!) and perhaps have a meal not gotten at home (some teachers often provided breakfast and lunch).
2. Errands. A child could be sent into town to do errands – picking up some flour or eggs perhaps on credit at one of the shops, bringing a letter to be sent out or a message to someone. You get the idea (and it doesn’t hurt to have in your pocket a note explaining this from the errand sender in case you get stopped by some nosy adult!)
3. Jobs. Children could have apprentice jobs or little jobs – sweeping, mopping, sorting, learning a skill, fetching water, hanging clothes, watching a baby, grooming horses, feeding chickens..
4. Play! If there is more than one child in The Wild West and school’s out, children can certainly play. Play in the streets, play quietly outside a saloon, bar, shop where there are adults. Wade in the water (if there’s water nearby), climb the hills and explore. Explore the town and peek in windows. If you want to get in trouble, think about Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer – there’s a lot of trouble you can get into just by being a kid.
About Role-playing a Kid in Deadwood
This is from a piece written by one of our child role-players some time ago – hope you find it as useful as many others have!
-- Remember you're ignorant. Kids aren't born knowing everything. If you want your character to know something, ask yourself how you would have learned it. Was it in school? From your parents? From adults you would have been exposed to?
The longer you rp a kid in Deadwood, the more knowledge you'll accumulate... often hysterically distorted if you listen to everyone. So incorporate what you hear into what your character knows.
Also, kids often "know something" without having a clue what it means. Big abstract concepts like "America" are words kids use long before they really understand things like a nation or the world's size. So also try to ask yourself "Even if my character 'knows' this, what don't they understand about it?"
-- Practice selective listening. OOC you hear everything. IC, adults are mostly boring. Particularly dramatic incidents, indecent language, tidbits that reinforce things you already believe, or things that appeal to your unique interests - these are the sorts of things your character will be listening for. For a good example, note how Liza's a morbid child, and so whenever the topic turns deathward her interest level goes up.
Figure out what interests your character most and what doesn't. If it's boring pretend you didn't hear it or didn't pay close attention. If it's interesting perk your ears up and start asking questions.-Geoff Alderson
And I'll add some other thoughts on rping a kid in these times – children were expected to be obedient to adults. A child would not speak out to adults as equals, would not talk back and would Yes ma’am and Yes Sir most adults. Though a child might reply with a surly tone, even that might get a less than pleasant response from the adult or other adults. This is not to say your character cannot be disobedient – just don’t expect a tolerant response. However, children can think (and type out their inner thoughts) whatever they want as they respond “respectfully”.
Children might be involved when there is a bank robbery or shooting on the street and should react as their character would (see suggestions about interacting with adults).
Any shooting experiences should be realistically related to what children would have done in the times, within a well thought out storyline. For example, children might learn to shoot a rifle so they could hunt, carry a slingshot for fun, have a knife for carving purposes and might (occasionally) use these in self-defense.
Resources
Some Thoughts on Role-playing a Kid In The Wild West (more of Geoff Alderton’s suggestions)
http://www.theroadtodeadwood.com/forum/index.php?topic=1391.0
Pictures and Thoughts on 19th century kids
http://news.stanford.edu/news/2006/march1/child-030106.html
What Children would have read
http://www.merrycoz.org/kids.htm
Children’s Amusements in the 19th Century (an article)
http://www.memorialhall.mass.edu/classroom/curriculum_6th/lesson13/bkgdessay1.html
Children’s Fashion (pix)
http://www.costumegallery.com/children.htm
Obituaries –children in Prairies where life was not easy
http://skyways.lib.ks.us/genweb/harvey/children.htm
Books
What’s a Kid like You Doing in a town like this?
The Wild West was rough and unsettled. In the town where I play, most children would not have survived alone – girls especially (sorry!) would be in need of adult supervision because girls were not allowed as much freedom as boys.
You can be in the Wild West for some good reasons – mostly because your family is there –or was there. If you don’t actually have a family, you can still talk about having a Ma or Pa who is around doing errands or who sent you into town to do errands.
You may have been orphaned or abandoned – you may want to hide that or lie about it or hang out at the orphanage (if there is one) or find someone to let you work for them in exchange for a place to sleep and a little food.
What Kids Wore in the 1870’s in the Wild West
The Wild West in the mid 1800’s, where I role-play, was cold in the winter, and we play it warm in the summer. Depending on how much money a kid’s family had, a kid might dress in layers of rags or be dressed (still in layers of clothing!) like a miniature adult.
Girls would dress like their mothers did, but their skirts would be a bit shorter and their hair let down longer. You could generally tell the age of a girl by the length of her skirt – a 7 year old’s skirt might be just below her knee – by 16, her skirt would be full length. Boys could be expected to wear knee britches until they were 12 or 13. (Boys under 4 commonly wore dresses sometimes with a bustle! And short pants beneath)
Everyday wear for girls under 16 would include a pinafore or smock to protect their clothing from dust and dirty. Older girls might wear a housedress or apron, like their mothers.
Leggings and shoes would be worn, even in the hottest weather. Well to do families would certainly include in their daughter’s wardrobe a camisole, pantaloons and slip. A son from that family would be expected to wear long johns, socks and shoes and a tie with his jacket. They would, of course, attempt to be current with the times.
Although heavily trimmed and decorated, children's clothes were nonetheless usually simpler than those of adults.
Daughters of miners or working class people might have less clothing, simpler designs, and cheaper (though sturdier) fabric sewn by their mothers. Sons of miners might wear overalls or suspenders. Their clothing might be cut from clothing of their parents or hand me downs from older siblings.
Because paleness, not tan, was considered fashionable, a child from a fashion conscious family would wear a stylish hat. All children would wear some kind of a head covering outside – for warmth in the cool seasons, for protection from the sun during hot weather.
However, it isn’t unlikely you will find children running barefoot and hatless in the Wild West in the summertime!
What do I DO with myself?
A child in the Wild West needs to keep busy in order to keep adults from telling them to go home or asking them annoying questions! What can you do?
Children in the real Wild West probably would have been seen more than heard, and not seen a lot! But in our town, children can do several things to engage themselves in the role play.
1. School. Much as 21st century children might not like school, school was often enjoyed by children in the 19th century. It was where you went to see other kids, do things that weren’t demanding chores, learn things that would help you with a job, borrow a fiction book (which were as exciting as video games and TV back then!) and perhaps have a meal not gotten at home (some teachers often provided breakfast and lunch).
2. Errands. A child could be sent into town to do errands – picking up some flour or eggs perhaps on credit at one of the shops, bringing a letter to be sent out or a message to someone. You get the idea (and it doesn’t hurt to have in your pocket a note explaining this from the errand sender in case you get stopped by some nosy adult!)
3. Jobs. Children could have apprentice jobs or little jobs – sweeping, mopping, sorting, learning a skill, fetching water, hanging clothes, watching a baby, grooming horses, feeding chickens..
4. Play! If there is more than one child in The Wild West and school’s out, children can certainly play. Play in the streets, play quietly outside a saloon, bar, shop where there are adults. Wade in the water (if there’s water nearby), climb the hills and explore. Explore the town and peek in windows. If you want to get in trouble, think about Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer – there’s a lot of trouble you can get into just by being a kid.
About Role-playing a Kid in Deadwood
This is from a piece written by one of our child role-players some time ago – hope you find it as useful as many others have!
-- Remember you're ignorant. Kids aren't born knowing everything. If you want your character to know something, ask yourself how you would have learned it. Was it in school? From your parents? From adults you would have been exposed to?
The longer you rp a kid in Deadwood, the more knowledge you'll accumulate... often hysterically distorted if you listen to everyone. So incorporate what you hear into what your character knows.
Also, kids often "know something" without having a clue what it means. Big abstract concepts like "America" are words kids use long before they really understand things like a nation or the world's size. So also try to ask yourself "Even if my character 'knows' this, what don't they understand about it?"
-- Practice selective listening. OOC you hear everything. IC, adults are mostly boring. Particularly dramatic incidents, indecent language, tidbits that reinforce things you already believe, or things that appeal to your unique interests - these are the sorts of things your character will be listening for. For a good example, note how Liza's a morbid child, and so whenever the topic turns deathward her interest level goes up.
Figure out what interests your character most and what doesn't. If it's boring pretend you didn't hear it or didn't pay close attention. If it's interesting perk your ears up and start asking questions.-Geoff Alderson
And I'll add some other thoughts on rping a kid in these times – children were expected to be obedient to adults. A child would not speak out to adults as equals, would not talk back and would Yes ma’am and Yes Sir most adults. Though a child might reply with a surly tone, even that might get a less than pleasant response from the adult or other adults. This is not to say your character cannot be disobedient – just don’t expect a tolerant response. However, children can think (and type out their inner thoughts) whatever they want as they respond “respectfully”.
Children might be involved when there is a bank robbery or shooting on the street and should react as their character would (see suggestions about interacting with adults).
Any shooting experiences should be realistically related to what children would have done in the times, within a well thought out storyline. For example, children might learn to shoot a rifle so they could hunt, carry a slingshot for fun, have a knife for carving purposes and might (occasionally) use these in self-defense.
Resources
Some Thoughts on Role-playing a Kid In The Wild West (more of Geoff Alderton’s suggestions)
http://www.theroadtodeadwood.com/forum/index.php?topic=1391.0
Pictures and Thoughts on 19th century kids
http://news.stanford.edu/news/2006/march1/child-030106.html
What Children would have read
http://www.merrycoz.org/kids.htm
Children’s Amusements in the 19th Century (an article)
http://www.memorialhall.mass.edu/classroom/curriculum_6th/lesson13/bkgdessay1.html
Children’s Fashion (pix)
http://www.costumegallery.com/children.htm
Obituaries –children in Prairies where life was not easy
http://skyways.lib.ks.us/genweb/harvey/children.htm
Books
Sunday, March 28, 2010
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