Role-playing on an enforced role-playing shard can be disorienting and may seem very demanding for those who aren't used to it, however, when you get used to it you will find it in some ways to be very relaxing. The relaxing part is that as you are role-playing you can always expect people to role-play instead of role-playing with someone just to have them behave in a very out-of-character fashion. The part that makes it disorienting is that you have to get used to not treating it like any other Ultima Online shard because you will find yourself wanting to do things you have always done. However, we are hoping that this guide can help you transition into this much easier.

To start with, when you log in try to perceive the world through your character's senses and not look at it as a video game. Of course, we understand it is a video game, but you will find becoming immersed in you character much easier that way. The following may be things you are used to, from playing Ultima Online previously, that function a bit differently on Requiem.

1. The Non-Player Characters are not mindless automatons, they are considered to be just as alive as any other Player-Character. Try to treat them as such. Also, do not try to presume what they think, see, feel or do because staff does interact with you through these people and you never know when they will pop in and have no clue of what was going on before then. When you view them as other player-characters you will find your world is not so lonely.

2. Try to avoid any kind of out-of-character talk or using mookish methods to do things, like using party chat to speak secretly to each other. There is a whisper function for speaking quietly ( ; *text here* ). Also, if you can possibly role-play out what you want to communicate out-of-character, do so. Out-of-character communication should be used only as a last resort.

3. It is not personal. Bad things happen and some people play evil characters. Most of the good, evil or bad role-players, we have on the shard are nice people they just enjoy playing evil characters. Try not to let something upset you and if it does just talk to the person. You will probably find out they are a nice person. Also keep in mind that stories like this are dramas and without conflict there is no drama, or story. If nothing bad ever happened what triumphs would your character have?

4.) Try to avoid thinking in terms of mechanics. It makes the experience more fluid and easier to get used to. Don nott get caught up in how often something spawns or how long to wait until your next skill gain or how many points you have. This does not mean don't hunt or strive to better your characters skills, but when you only think of it as "this can kill me and this can not" then you will behave that way in-character. Also, again, the monsters or not mindless automatons, they might want revenge just like your character does and just may go seeking it.

We know most of this seems like common sense and you are probably reading this and thinking, "well I knew all that" however, you may find it funny how many people forget these simple things and it is nice to have a reminder. We hope this helps and happy role-playing.