Etiquette

The Lay of the Land

When you first join a world, take the time to learn how people in that world relate to one another. You're a stranger in a strange land, a foreigner, a newbie. Like any stranger, you should watch the natives and learn how they relate to one another.

Different worlds have different customs. Most social worlds frown on abuse, either verbal or physical. Combat-oriented worlds may thrive on abuse. These customs are usually displayed somewhere near the entrance to the world.

Most worlds welcome new players. Most combat worlds don't slay new players, so you'll have some time to look around and get comfortable before someone slices your head off with a laser.

Role Playing

One of the wonderful things about these worlds is role playing. In fact, role playing is the entire point of some worlds. In addition to existing in the world, you can take a role in the world, such as Queen or duchess. (Not many people play peasants.)

Even in worlds where role playing isn't the focus, you can still take on a role. If you're a quiet woman and have always wanted to be a strutting hero, then do it. Speak loudly of your virtues, rescue fair lads from dragons, wield a sword, and hum Wagner.

Men can play women (and experience sexual harassment) and women can play men. Don't lead people on, though. You wouldn't like it if it happened to you, and it's not nice.

Remember that many worlds may have players who are kids. They may not look like kids... they may look like strutting heroes. Keep your bawdiness to a reasonable level, except perhaps on those worlds or portions of worlds where bawdiness is rampant.