If you are going to read only one page to understand what this server is about and to learn about the single most controversial aspect of this server - i.e. the one that staff gets the most complaints about - read this page.

There are four "sub-categories" of RP. Please read all of the following to really understand what we mean by "RP Lite," and what "Role Play" means to this server."

This is the most commonly misunderstood aspect of RP. NOTE: There is no "forced" RP on this server. It is only called "Mandatory" because the staff member that wrote this website wanted to get your attention. But you might be surprised what RP almost every player on this server will undertake.

For example: Tasks that require the Rules of Engagement are "RP Tasks." By following the Rules of Engagement, you are Roleplaying. Designing a unit requires that fluff be written to describe the unit, and rationalize its existence. By writing this fluff, you are RPing. In this way, there is some RP that will be so commonplace on this server that a bast majority of players should take the time to note that THIS is what we mean by "RP Lite."

So, perhaps the best definition of Role Play on Warriors of Kerensky is "activities that promote the Campaign feel of the server." This is much less restrictive than many players may believe. There is no requirement that storyposts are written, for example.

The second "type" of RP event is the Administrative-Run Event. Remember our definition of RP: "activities that promote the Campaign feel of the server."

All Events have three phases: Build-Up, Action, and Reporting. This includes Administrative Events.

• Build-Up - During this phase, the playerbase is given the rationale behind an event, what it means, and lastly the game mechanics involved. An event is best considered a "temporary game mechanic." This can involve popular support, tasks, etc.
• Action - The Action Phase of an RP Event is where the event is live, and fought-out on the MekWars Server. As we are Clansmen and women, combat will generally be the end-all be-all of the server. Might makes right, after all.
• Reporting - In the final phase of the event, the effect on the campaign will be published.

Note that with administrative events, the vast majority of the RP publishing (i.e. actual written storyposts) will be done by the administration.

The third "type" of RP event is the Player-Created Event. Remember our definition of RP: "activities that promote the Campaign feel of the server."

All Events have three phases: Build-Up, Action, and Reporting. This includes Player-Created Events.

• Build-Up - During this phase, a Clan or Clan(s) or other collective of players will be providing the rationale behind the event. As we have stated several times, we are attempting to create a "sandbox" feel for the server. These events allow Clans to do things that are otherwise difficult to code into a MekWars server. The trials listed on the events tab are a great example. NOTE: It is impossible to create an all-inclusive list of possible events. Subject to insanity or extreme imbalance denials, most events that are facially fair and will not disrupt the server will be considered, and likely ultimately implemented.
  • Player Events will come from three likely sources:
  • (1) Story-Generated - RP of the "fourth type," listed below - personal stories. If two or more Clans RP in such a way to make an event likely, fun, and not unbalancing - it can be run.
  • (2) Player-Request - A player comes to the staff and requests an event that is plausible, fun, and not unbalancing.
  • (3) IC Action=OOC Consent - Namely, a Clan does something stupid. Nukes, Planetary Bombardment, unnecessary and flagrant epeen waving. What this boils down to is this: Because we are a "sandbox" server, you can generally try to do what you want. However, if what you try to do (or successfully do) is stupid, we the staff will not protect you from the ramifications. Think Trial of Annihilation here. The Wolverines in canon became the "Not Named" for a reason, quiaff?
• Action - The Action Phase of an RP Event is where the event is live, and fought-out on the MekWars Server. As we are Clansmen and women, combat will generally be the end-all be-all of the server. Might makes right, after all.
• Reporting - In the final phase of the event, the effect on the campaign will be published.

Note that with player-created events, the vast majority of the RP publishing (i.e. actual written storyposts) for the build-up will be done by the players. However, the vast majority of the RP publishing in the reporting phase will be done by the administration.

The reason that player-created events require RP is not to "force" RP. The reason that player-created events require adequate build-up is two-fold: (1) to ensure a campaign feel by requiring that adequate justification for Clan actions is present, and (2) to give adequate advance hints, warnings, and dire messages to the other Clans. By giving the other Clans adequate lead time before an event fires, it gives the other Clans adequate time to assist in the event (if they politically decide to do so), to attempt to stop or lessen the effect of the event (if they politically decide to do so), or to remain neutral and distant.

In short, RP can have a substantial effect on what is possible on the server. Any Clan can utilize Events (or the more specific 'missions') in this manner. It will often have a popular support cost attached, to simulate the "clout" needed with the Grand Council to do something. However, simply because an event makes something possible does not make it a reality. In the end, this is a MekWars server. You must win your rewards on the field of battle. Thus events will only be implemented by the administration (Grand Council, if you prefer) if they are fair, interesting, add to the campaign feel, are relevant, and do not disturb that ever amorphous concept of 'game balance.'

The fourth, and final 'subcategory' of RP is that of personal stories. Personal Stories are the more 'traditional' sort of RP: short stories, news posts, after-action reports, or other blurbs about life of your character within the greater construct of the Warriors of Kerensky server. Unless a personal story is (1) involving multiple persons across multiple Clans and (2) extremely well reasoned, it is highly unlikely that a personal story will rise to the level of an event.

Note that the rewards for personal stories are not "Clan-wide," as with events. You can not wave the magic story wand at the server and gain tangible benefits for your Clan. However, personal stories are one mechanism to possibly satisfy the "build-up" requirements for an event. Absent meeting the requirements for a "build-up," the rewards for personal stories are handled through the Circle of Equals (Explained Here). CoE awards are personal in nature, not Clan-wide.

In short, if the purpose of your personal story arc is to generate a player-created event, the staff makes the determination if and when an event may be run. Otherwise, 'traditional' RP on this server merits only individual awards, never Clan-wide awards (i.e. technology, units, designs, etc.)