People have made virtual fortunes in RPG settings just by designing different types of things people use every day. The main reason for this is because many people who play these games are terrible writers. That’s right! Text-based role-playing games attract players with poor writing skills. Oh sure, they can pass it off as a bad accent while speaking aloud in the game and some of the more terrible accents even carry over into literature; but when it comes to describing themselves or their personal homes, look out!
(Pay attention, those of you who did well in "real life" spelling and grammar classes. These tips on enhancing role play are just for you!)
Materials
Look to unique cultural and social references when choosing materials for your designs, regardless of its type. Perhaps use the naturally patterned hide of an okapi for a leather jacket; smother bites of succulent xabat meat in a reddish-orange marinade that hearkens to the hue of the animal's scales; or craft a bone golem armband, the design featuring tiny replicas of the creature. Sure, there might be things like these examples but adding that little touch of Achaean-ness will give your designs the extra edge!
Geographic References
If the real world fashonistas can wear Italian leather pumps, why can't Achaeans have similar versions crafted from Jaru leather? Whether you're designing for your own amusement or to satisfy a commissioned project, wander to various geographic areas and really look around. Take a closer look at both the room itself and everything located there from animals to unique items. (Sadly, it could be the only time an adventurer stops to read the verbose descriptions.) Referencing the native lands and people found in a role play game are almost a guarantee to get your designs noticed!
Consider Your Audience
A pair of trousers might accommodate the tails of feline or reptilian races. Modify a crown or diadem to allow for ears or horns. A siren's blouse may need extra space in the torso for... well, you know. Be unique, but not so odd that your design isn’t desirable to others. Believe it or not, it’s entirely possible that everyone in your role play game of choice in fact does not want to buy a pair of pink and lime plaid skinny trousers!
Be Descriptive
For the love of role play everywhere, pull out the thesaurus and use synonyms for overused adjectives and adverbs. “Many” can be described as “a copious amount”. “Varied” can be described as “multifarious”. Be careful, because using words that are either too archaic or obscure can actually repel the average role play gaming enthusiast. Find a happy medium between boringly bland and garishly creative and you’re guaranteed to attract a wider audience!
Inspiration from Real Life
Allergic to chocolate? Unable to afford those pumps designed by Louis Vuitton? In the time it takes to describe an item and earn the virtual gold to pay the Crafting Union fees, your role-playing game’s alter-ego can stock its inventory with similar, virtual versions. Better yet, you can customise them so that not only do they suit the personal taste and style of the character, but also they are even more legitimate in the virtual realm that inspired them!
Even if your character lacks the skills required to crafting in a role play game setting, consider a career as a designer. It only requires your imagination and a good sense of spelling and grammar. At the very worst, people will dislike your designs and you’ll go back to wandering the city and kicking rats to earn your bread and butter. Pull up a new notepad window, open www.thesaurus.com and give it a shot!
Written by: Becky James as Penelope Swain
Read more articles like this one on the Achaea website!
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