Newcomer Guidance by Ron

[Ron]

This guide is a summary of a selection regarding different topics of conversations with newcomers, older community members and staff members of all positions. It will be implemented to the newcomer section by @Roland in the future. Until this happens I decided to share this content already for people to use it. It is meant to help out newer members to understand some basics around here. I also invite all of the Staff Team to copy/paste the shit out of this if you need anything that supports a fitting example or explanation.

 

1 Being A Community Member

2 Making Friends - Grouping Up

3 Playing a role – The sweet difference between IC and OOC

4 Creating your individual character – From Psycho Killer to Super Soldier and In Between

5 The 5 Ways Of Communication

            5.1 Voice Communication aka VOIP

            5.2 The Radio aka Discord

            5.3 Text Chat

            5.4 Descriptive Role Play via Text Chat aka Emotes

            5.5 The Emote Wheel

6 The Different Kinds Of Role Play – Friend Or Foe?

7 Role Play Impulses And The Art Of Compliance

8 Death Of A Character 

9 Hostile Acts – A Simple Logic

10 Kill Rights

            10.1 To Shoot Or Not To Shoot

            10.2 Two Kinds Of Groups

 

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1. Being A Community Member

Being a community member comes along with certain responsibilities. You won’t always agree with the opinions of others, that is fine but stay respectful. Be a good sport and play after the rules. If you don’t understand them it is your responsibility to get active and get yourself some help.

Read through the forums! Don’t be afraid to share your opinion in discussions. Stay open minded and give your view on different topics along the current server dynamic or the game itself.

Join the DayzRP Discord. Get in touch with other members and staff.

If called into a report – don’t panic. You will receive a notification from staff and will be called into a report to share your point of view of a situation. Again, don’t panic. Not everything runs smoothly at the beginning. Everyone started at some point. Misunderstandings about rules are quite normal at first. Try and learn from these situations. Staff will tell you what you could do better next time and a lot of community members offer their support if you have questions.

2. Making Friends - Grouping Up

Starting to play within the server & reading through the forums you will notice that there are many groups of players. Starting off alone can be quite a challenge - some people who play here, play together since years. Come say Hi on the forums and tell people about you in the Newcomers Section!
There are many ways to get to know others around the community. Some people like a challenge and try to make contact to other players only via in character (IC) actions in the server. If you are looking to give it a try, keep an eye for busy community spots and small settlements of groups. The Chance to meet someone around there are pretty high. If that someone is friendly or not - well , your call to find out! If you meet someone in game, you can share radio frequencies to be able to reach each other again. This can be done by a quick emote of handing out a note followed by a  //discord name (for more information about emoting see Chapter 5).
Out of in-character developed friendships,  you can even develop future group concepts. You can also create a radio chatter on the forums and see if anyone answers a call for help.

If you want to join a group before starting to play alone, there is some ways to reach out to other players. In the thread Survivors Looking For Group you can post your information so people searching for members can reach out to you.

There is also a voice channel in the  DayzRP Discord. Hang out & chat with people who are looking for a group too. 

If you can't seem to make any contacts within the community, you can always shoot a message in #general of the DayzRP Discord and ask if someone wants to group up. Or even shoot a DM to a group owner and ask if they are still recruiting. You can see all the different approved groups and group ideas in the Group Section of the forums.

3. Playing a role – The sweet difference between IC and OOC

It is important for you to keep in mind that there is a difference between IC (in character) and OOC (out of character). The DayZRP community does follow third party TOS (Twitch) since May '21. Still, within the DayZRP servers you may come across an offensive kind of language or actions. Role play situations can be very intense sometimes. If you ever feel extremely uncomfortable with certain content brought towards you, there is always the option to let the other role players know via a short ooc text message (see 4.3 in this guide).

We require every community member to separate IC from OOC. What is said and done in character has to remain in character. It concerns any sort of remark or action as well as any consequences which might be connected to it. If someone in the servers approaches you in an offensive / hostile way, do not take it personally. It is the character being played not the player attacking you on an out-of-character (OOC) - level.

Example:

• Character of a Player in game: “You f*cking piece of shit.” - In character statement which is fine.
• Community member on the forums: “You f*cking piece of shit.” - Out of character insult towards another community member: potentially seen as flame – causing warning points.

4. Creating your individual character – From Psycho Killer to Super Soldier And In Between

Once you are whitelisted you’ll have to create a character page. It is important that the story of your character tells how he or she got to whatever map is being played on within the DayZRP servers. It also needs to make sense within the lore which is used in the servers of this community. All community members are required to come up with an individual character story written by them. A simple copy & paste of another source is not allowed. You want to play the character, you have to create it.

Your character will be the person you role play as, so keep that in mind while you think about individual characteristics like interests or dislikes, mental conditions and many more. You need to be able to role play them in a mature manner. Some are more complex than others and need way more research to be represented in a realistic way.

We suggest that you start with something you feel comfortable with. A character can always be shaped through story lines and experiences in game. Don’t start with something overwhelming and give yourself the chance to get a feeling for the role, the setting & the rules.

Depending on what you want to role play as, there are some guides that might help you get an idea of different role play focuses.

If you require help or feedback while making your character, you can always contact the Support or Moderators from the staff team via Discord or on the forums. The community also provides a lot of helpful guides which may answer some questions along the process of creating a character and its page.
 

5. The 5 Ways Of Communication

In the DayZRP community we expect all players to remain in character (IC) as soon as they join the servers. You will encounter different kinds of communication between players.

5.1 Voice Communication aka VOIP

•  The most common way of communication in games.
•  Only allowed to be used as your character's voice.
• Keep an eye on its range, especially in hostile situations. The VOIP Volume can be lowered and raised through the up and down keys.
• Any out of character (OOC) communication via VOIP is strictly forbidden and seen as breaking character (Potential Punishment: BadRP).

5.2 The Radio aka Discord (or any other third party software).

•  Make sure your character carries the actual radio item in the game.
•  Double mic in game as well as in discord when you are communicating ic information.
•  Make sure to use it right, especially when other players are around (Rule 3.5).

5.3 Text Chat

• When indicated through the “//” prefix it can be used as ooc communication in case  of situations which require ooc communication so the role play situation can go on.
• Text Chat is also used as your character's voice aka Text Role Play (ic communication). Keep an eye on the text bar and make sure to tell apart between IC and OOC chat.
• The ooc text chat is only to be used in emergency situations which interrupt the role play.

Example:

OOC done right - Roland Rolando: //I need to re-log quickly, my weapon is glitched.

OOC done wrong - Roland Rolando: //lmao guys, look at him xd

IC done right - Roland Rolando: *looks around nervously* Hi. I’m Roland. Is the next city safe to pass?

IC done wrong -  Roland Rolando: how r u doing? XD

 

5.4 Descriptive Role Play via Text Chat aka Emotes

• Emotes are described actions of a character in the Text Chat indicated via “*”.
• Emotes support the immersive actions of a player in a game.
• Emotes are often used in hostile situations and combined with OOC Text Chat.

Example:

Roland Rolando: *He hits the man in the face, trying to break his nose* //Do I succeed?

Victim Player: *yells out in pain and covers his nose with both hands* //Yes.

 

5.5 The Emote Wheel

• A catalogue of a lot more options than the F1 – F11 animations.
• Animated emotes also support the immersion in certain role play situations.
• Make sure to use these animations in a suiting and mature way in the game and not in a trolling manner.
• See More Information to this in the Guide For IG Emotes

 

6. The Different Kinds Of Role Play – Friend Or Foe?

When you log into the server and begin to role play as your character, you will soon notice that there are many different ways of role play. It always depends on the individuals being involved. There are people out there, trying to help out every single survivor with anything they might need. There are others who learned that taking things away by force is an easy task during the apocalypse.

Chatting with other survivors about what they are up to or getting to know them and their background story can create an enjoyable role play scenario. Be aware that the most peaceful situation can easily be interrupted by basically anything. You never know who you are speaking to. The nice trader you’ve just met could have been involved in a hostile situation just a second ago.

No matter what situation you get involved in - You should always focus on the potential role play to be gained from it. You will need to find out yourself if someone is a friend or foe. Friends can be an important factor when it comes to your survival during the apocalypse.

Always keep in mind there are different play styles around the servers. Just because someone might appear hostile towards you, does not mean he wants to end the role play with you. Role play experience can especially be gained from hostile encounters. Initiations may activate kill rights but they do not automatically end the role play.

7. Role Play Impulses and The Art Of Compliance

The rules of the DayZRP community do not allow players to kill on sight. This does not mean you are safe from being shot. If someone tries to take you hostage, it is up to you if you want to fight or go along with it. If you manage to kill the hostile party within your granted rights, your character managed to successfully defend him or her.

But keep in mind, not complying with the given demands, puts your character in a dangerous situation and might end the role play. Either getting killed you or killing the hostage taker will end the role play. If you die, the NLR rule applies (see 7. in this guide). You are not allowed to remember the situation leading to your death. It is your choice if you try to keep the story going.

 

8. Death Of Characters

Does that mean your character is gone forever when you die in the game?
No. It is your choice if your character stays dead or survives a situation. You can always role play out an injury and try to find someone who is able to help you out. It can lead to additional role play for your story line.

In case of an in game death you need to keep in mind what the New Life Rule (NLR) is about:

• Never run back to the general area (approximately 250 meters) of your character's body.
• Lose the thought of direct revenge against the ones who killed you. You are not allowed to remember them, nor to join back into a still active situation you died in before.
• Roam around different areas for at least 1 hour.

Be aware! If you happen to break the NLR rule that it is not appealable. If you died in game and don't know which direction to go or what to do, contact Staff in #help of the DayzRP Discord.

9. Hostile Acts – A Simple Logic

The community defines hostile acts as life threatening interactions as well as theft between at least two parties (Rule 4.1).

If someone starts to become hostile towards you within an interaction, this does not mean you are allowed to shoot that person. It can be a challenge to remain in character, in a pressuring situation, listening if an initiation is being dropped or not.

Example:

1. Player: “You f*cking piece of shit, next time I see you around here there will be trouble, take your shit and leave this place (Demand) before I lose my patience.” – Consequence missing, No Initiation, No Kill Rights.

2. Player: “Listen, you won’t stay around here any longer, you prick. Get the fuck out of here (Demand) or I will end you (Consequence)!” – Initiation, Kill Rights active.

3. Player: “Put your hands up!” (Demand) combined with a raised weapon (Consequence). – Initiation, Kill Rights active.

Staff reviews cases individually but there is a general understanding of the concept of initiations in game: Demand + Consequence = Initiation.

Be aware! A consequence can be shown in many different ways, for example a verbal threat to life or a pointed firearm.

10. Kill Rights

10.1 To shoot or not to shoot

If one party decides to initiate on another party the Kill Rights come to work. 

Be aware! You have to be present and in audible range of an initiation or in an approved group and logged into the DayZRP server to gain Kill Rights.

If you start hostilities via an initiation you are part of the attacking party. Initiating on someone activates not only your Kill Rights (if the victim party does not comply and poses a credible threat to your life) but also Kill Rights of the victim party to defend themselves. As an attacker you cannot use your Kill Rights to blatantly kill your victim. Kill Rights are only to be used for 1 hour or until your death - if your victim does not comply with your demands and poses a credible threat to your life. When you initiate on a victim party, always keep in mind that their rights to defend themselves come to work. If you start the hostilities they are allowed to defend themselves and gain the right to kill you for 1 hours or until they die.

Be aware! A victim party can consist of different people within the range of your initiation. Further Explanation can also be seen in the Admin Announcement.

10.2 Two Kinds Of Groups

In the rules of the community we tell apart between two different groups. Firstly there are the approved groups which are to be seen on the forums in the section of official groups. The second kind of group is defined as people who recently role played together, it is mostly called dynamic group. Approved groups share kill rights across the map while the people who recently role played together - not being part of an approved group – only share kill rights while being directly present in an ongoing situation.

Example 1:

Approved Group: 1 Person out of a group of people initiates = Every member of the approved group logged into the sever gains Kill Rights on the victim party which does not comply and poses a credible threat. Everyone in the dynamic group (people recently roleplayed with) of the victim gains Kill Rights on the Initiating Party (for 1 hour or until death).

Dynamic Group: 1 out of a group of people initiates = The Initiator gains Kill Rights on the victim party which does not comply and poses a credible threat. Everyone in the dynamic group (people recently roleplayed with) of the victim gains Kill Rights on the Initiator (for 1 hour or until death).

Example 2:

Approved Group: 1 Person out of a group of people is initiated on = Every member of the approved group logged into the sever gains Kill Rights on the initiating party (for 1 hours or until death).

Dynamic Group: 1 Person out of a dynamic group of people is initiated on = Everyone who recently role played with the victim gains Kill Rights on the initiating party (for 1 hours or until death).

 

Edited March 8, 2022 by Ron
Rule Changes & Co.

[AndreyQ]

Brilliant guide. Everyone should read this.

[DerrickStorm]

Very nice, easy to read - I'll bean you once I have my beanz back. Hopefully it will get to people who could actually use it...

[bur]

Should have to read this before white list as a necessity. 

Edited March 7, 2020 by burRP

[Wolfen]

Words from the wise. 

Great guide! I feel much more knowledgeable already.

[Wulf]

Love this guide.

Ron is my RP spirit animal.

[Elmo]

Excellent guide Ron, very comprehensive and it covers the big mistakes I often see newer players making in reports.

[Terra]

Awesome! Well done!

[Saunders]

Excellent guide for newer community members and therefore the thread has been pinned.

[Nozzy]

2 Playing a role – The sweet difference between IC and OOC

2nd thing to know because it's a very important one. Rate this guide 10/10

[Hofer]

Well written and detailed. This has some more depth to it compared to the one we currently have.

[Eddie]

Great job on this guide, very detailed and easy to read. 

[DrMax]

Great work here RON! This should be used on the forums and sent to every new person. 

[Brayces]

Really awesome work, Ron! We really needed a updated one and this is fantastic!

[Watchman]

Quality stuff!.. great work @Ron

[Kordruga]

This should be titled 'A guide for everyone' cos some of these clowns need it 

Thanks Ron also my allowance is due

[Gullewar]

I like

[Shotboom12]

Awesome guide! Should be mandatory to read this for all new players! Great job!

[Terra]

This should be linked more often... for example in Report/Appeals.

[Ron]

16 minutes ago, Terra said:

This should be linked more often... for example in Report/Appeals.

thanks for necroing this, bae.
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If anyone feels like there could be additions / more topics - shoot me a DM.

[Bryan]

Nice necro Terra

More people should read this wonderful guide, I approve!

[Terra]

39 minutes ago, Bryan said:

Nice necro Terra

More people should read this wonderful guide, I approve!

How can a GUIDE get "necro'ed"... That's just not a thing for GUIDES.

Use it... when helping new members!

[Burak]

Tonight before i roleplay with you two , i will read it twice and lound @Terra @Ron , thanks for that hardcore rulepl.. *cough cough* Roleplay guide.

Edited October 16, 2020 by Burak

[Guest]

Agree with @Terra. This should honestly be linked a lot more. Would help out a lot of newcomers

[Ron]

+added Making Friends Chapter (Chapter 2)
+added Twitch TOS Rule 
+added NLR not appealable - information
+updated Kill Rights Explanation after Nyheim Rule Change
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- deleted Mentor Program Information (sad times)
 

@Roland just fyi

Edited July 30, 2021 by Ron