Role-Play Guide (Shared by Savline Roleplay)

DISCLAIMER: This was not written by Savline Roleplay. We do not take credit for the authoring of this guide. We are simply sharing it for our players.

Furthermore, it is not specific to the Savline MTA server or its scripts, but a general role-play guide.

Introduction

This is not supposed to be an objective guide on what role-play is; this is like idealism. It’s my thoughts on paper, on how you can improve – how you can become a better role-player.

It’s for everyone to read and be inspired as they please. This guide will, for obvious reasons, not cover everything. However, it will and should cover the most essential things.

What Does Good Role-Play Require?

This is an often discussed question – yet I find it really easy to answer.

There are a few things you’ll need in order to be a good role-player:

You need to be able to use English fluently.
You need to type fast and accurately.
You need to know your character and situation.
You need a strong imagination, patience, and maturity.
You must be fully aware of the game mechanics and rules.

Game Mechanics

We’ll focus on two key mechanics: the /do and /me commands.

Scenario: Parking a Car

Objective: You drive a Sultan and you want to park it on the sidewalk on the right.

Bad Example

You turn to the right – crash into a pillar – exit and run off.

Good Example

* Yuuta Saji turns the key.
* Yuuta Saji raises his right hand toward the key, twisting it softly inside the ignition.
The sound from the vehicle fades out; the engine has been shut down. (( Yuuta Saji ))
* Yuuta Saji sighs lightly – looking in the mirror checking for vehicles on the road behind him.
Yuuta is able to see the right lane on the road – no vehicles are noticed by him from his angle. (( Yuuta Saji ))
* Yuuta Saji reaches for the door, swinging it open with his legs following – exiting the vehicle.
* Yuuta Saji turns to the door – bending down just sufficiently to lock the vehicle with a turn of his key.
*Click, click* – The vehicle has been locked. (( Yuuta Saji ))

Some people don’t write much; others write more. It’s a matter of taste.

Typing Speed and Clarity

How fast you can type influences how detailed your role-play can be — but quality matters more than quantity. Even short, clear actions can show good role-play. Still, being precise about your actions is ideal:

> Instead of: “takes something” > Use: “raises his right hand a bit, extending it toward the object, grabbing it.”

Stages of Role-Play

These stages describe how role-play depth can evolve:

Speak
/me
/do
Animation

Below is an example of one situation through all four stages.

Situation: Two Men Meet

Stage 1:
Masahiro Saji: Greetings, sir.
Masahiro Saji: May I ask your name?
Yuuta Saji: Certainly. Saji Yuuta.

Stage 2:

Masahiro Saji looks at Yuuta Saji, nodding.

Masahiro Saji: Greetings, sir.

Yuuta Saji nods respectfully.

Yuuta Saji: Saji Yuuta.

Stage 3: /me and /do examples included for reactions.

Stage 4:

Adds animations (e.g. /nobreath, /chat).

Tips and Tricks

If you OOC notice someone sneaking behind you — don’t just turn around. Instead, use /do and /me:

Do I notice you? (( Yuuta Saji ))
Not yet. (( Man ))

When dealing money, role-play it properly — don’t metagame by using /pay without context.

Power-Gaming

Power-gaming isn’t “forcing role-play.” It’s deciding outcomes for others without giving them a chance to respond.

Example:

* Yuuta Saji steals the man’s wallet – taking money.

Better:

Is your wallet visible? (( Yuuta Saji ))
Yes. (( Man ))

Yuuta Saji tries to take it.

Do you notice me? (( Yuuta Saji ))

The Character

Think about your character deeply:

When and where were they born?
What are their values?
What motivates them?
How does their appearance match their role-play?

Avoid unrealistic skins and backstories.

Residence

Choose a home that fits your character. A modest, role-playable home is better than a mansion that makes no sense.

Weapons

Use weapons sparingly. Don’t run around with M4s or shotguns. Avoid body armor unless it’s role-played.

If shots are fired, act realistically — seek cover, not “strafe dancing.”

Vehicles

Use vehicles that make sense for your character. Drive responsibly — no speeding, ramming, or unrealistic behavior.

Law Enforcement (LEO)

Work with LEOs, not against them. Pull over when stopped. Don’t treat every encounter as a shootout. Being arrested is part of role-play — not punishment.

Behavior

Don’t act out of boredom. Avoid random shooting, jumping on cars, or silly stunts. If you’re bored — log off. Don’t ruin immersion for others.

Creating Role-Play

There are two kinds of RP:

Event RP

Planned, special interactions like meetings or raids.

Base RP

Everyday, spontaneous in-character interaction.

The more base RP, the better.

Advertising

Three ways to advertise:

/ad – Short, global ad every 30 seconds.

 * Bad: `/ad Selling [E] Sultan gold rims SMS only!`  
 * Good: `/ad The Excellent Taste opens at 20:00 this evening in Idlewood!`

SAN News – IC interviews or broadcasts.

IC Forum Section – Best for long, creative in-character ads.

Final Words

I hope you found this guide helpful and inspiring. Remember — it’s not about stats or money, but immersion, patience, and creativity.