Engagement, narrative contrast, and smut v story

[Succuboi]

I seem to have had a lot of issues over the years finding people who have a similar drive to actively build new worlds or storylines. This isn't meant to be a critique of people, more that I'm trying to ascertain if maybe I have an issue with complicating Roleplays. For me, roleplays just aren't worth investing time into unless they have a certain level of complexity to them. I like engaging in fleshed out worlds, and the characters within. I also like having worlds filled with more than just the participating RP OCs.

I guess what I'm asking is, what are your thoughts on this? Do you prefer to just keep a streamlined experience that doesn't deviate from the personal narrative? Do you like to create a lived-in world? Is the strain of playing multiple characters too much for most people?

I don't seem to have issues playing multiple OCs. I can honestly comfortably play up to a dozen. Not all at once mind you, but I can juggle them within the context of the story without much issue. Perhaps this is due to my Autism, but that's just the way I've always been. I've always struggled finding people who are interested in playing more than their single OC. And while I don't hold this against people, I find that it always eventually causes a great deal of struggle for me to keep invested. I'm very curious if anyone else has a similar problem, or if this is in fact just a result of my own psychology.

Second issue, is contrasting Dark v Light themes in a roleplay. I find myself struggling to find people willing or interested in playing this middle ground. Common examples I use are Hunter x Hunter and Invincible. Stories that feel lighthearted and adventurous, while hiding a mature, dark side underneath the bright and cheery exterior. It seems most people want one or the other. All dark and bad endings, or purely light and fun filled adventure. What are your thoughts on this? Do you think it's impossible to juggle the two?

Lastly, in a similar fashion, smut v story. It feels as though the vast majority of people cannot or will not engage in an RP without it beign one or the other. Or they claim that in order to have one, you have to sacrifice the other. I feel alone on this, the idea that you can have a smutty erotic story, while also having complex, multifaceted characters engaged in deep, nuanced plots. Do you have examples of this done well? Do you think it can be done at all? Or am I just scratching at the moon?

Anyways. Thank you for reading. I appreciate your engagement.

 

[Strange Days]

You're definitely not alone on that. I struggle to keep my interest up if 1x1s...remain 1x1s. From my POV having two OCs and no NPCs or any driving force outside of their relationship can get draining to write, which is why I love having multiple people active at the same time. Could be an adventuring party, a friend group, or anything similar, but each component works to give their own interpretation of the story. Plus, it's fun to have different personalities clash during story arcs.

HxH and Invincible are great examples of what you described because in HxH's case, there is no real central character (sure, some may say it's Gon's story, but is it really?) so every person in it gets to do something. And Invincible is able to show how downright horrifying superpowers would be IRL. I'd throw in Lord Of The Rings too for the most basic example possible that many people have at least heard about once in their life.

Now for Plot VS Smut, I can see why people could say that. Bad experiences definitely make someone careful and we all know that while this is an adult writing site, not everyone wants to play out porn every other post. What you said, though, is something I completely agree with.

You can have fun smut and detailed characters, without having to sacrifice either of these elements. It may require planning, and scrapping RPs but in the end, it does become easier to weave these themes into the narrative. (Source : currently have an ongoing RP with a cast of about 30 people - not everyone gets a story arc though - give or take).

That said I do hope you'll be able to find someone that shares your vision, as from what I can tell, you're passionate about RPing.

 

[ƒeral]

「1」I'm gonna separate this out into canons vs. ocs. I can think of exactly one rp, in my extremely long rp career, where I've rped something at length that had a metric ton of oc's floating around serving various purposes. Honestly lost count. And that was technically still kind of fandom as it was based on WoW. I would tend to say, outside of the rare exception, that yes, this is absolutely something most people would not want to engage with at this level - meaning, dozen+ ocs, custom world, etc. In my experience, and not throwing shade at anyone in particular, a lot of people think they want to write expansive world-building etc., but when it comes to actually writing it, it's lights out almost immediately. That said, two main character + a handful of npc, I've found more than a few partners can juggle and enjoy. But a recurring npc cast of more than 4 tends to be too much. Now, onto canons - so, it's still hard with canons, but less. I've generally found people being more willing to pilot other canons as npcs/background characters. I personally am much more willing to pilot canons as npcs/background characters. They are just beloved/accessible in my view. If you and your partner both like a fandom, then it's like, ah, look, we are including so and so, look at so and so being a dumbass again. It's like a common language.

「2」Haven't personally had an issue with this but, I think it will help if you filter your searches based on Grimdark, Grimlight, or Noblebright. I personally really dislike Grimdark conceptually. Unless it's a very short-term victimization rp, where the setting is not really delved into, the whole idea of a dystopian world that's not changeable just hold no appeal to me. Noblebright, on the other hand, if kind of the extreme 'light-end' you are thinking. I like my noblebright, this is your classic hero's tale. Doesn't mean the world is perfect, but the hero absolutely has the ability to make the difference. These usually read very anime-like. Then there's the middle point of grimlight, which I enjoy as well. Setting is more grimdark, but the difference is the hero can actually make a difference. Shit will get dark, but there's always light at the end of the tunnel. That kind of thing. I've found more people to understand what the hell I'm talking about when I describe it to them in those terms.

「3」Absolutely doable. I will say I launch into most rps with a clear expectation of one or the other being favored in a particular story though. A lot of it depends on the premise. But like, rps do evolve organically as well? So it ultimately comes down to how things pan out on paper and where you and your partner want to go with it. Most of the 'simple' premises based on a specific interaction/kink tend to remain a relatively brief (which is still multiple pages in my case, lmao) and entirely enjoyable interlude. Most of the more 'plot-heavy' & 'epic-quest' ones will feature a decent amount of story. For the latter, it's a crapshoot. Finding that level of consistency is honestly a challenge and always will be. But just keep shooting your shot and you'll find a consistent partner into that sort of thing eventually! Oh, as for balancing smut in an epic adventure - dude I can't stress this enough. At least one of the two main characters should ideally be the sexually aggressive sort. It's not a requirement, but it really helps if at least one character is pursuing the other for various reasons. You can mesh two standoffish or 'shy' characters together all day and the sexual tension just ain't gonna develop for pages and pages, and that's usually when folks lose interest (folks be me).

 

[LordFlashheart]

I can't get into a RP if it is just going to be Smut. I feel like I can conjure up whatever fantasy it is in my head without having to bother writing it all out with someone. The whole point of having a partner is so you can create some story and hopefully that story or the characters take on a life of their own and things end up happening that neither partner ever counted on.

Most of my stories take place in a world much like our own so in that sense they are simple enough. Where it becomes complex is I like those characters to be challenged and for them not to be cliche types who do whatever it is without any qualms whatsoever, that is boring for me. "Slutty hot chick does porn and likes it!" Ho hum. I like the characters to be unlikely types, "Middle aged frumpy housewife contemplates porn" now we are getting somewhere, and how about that frumpy middle aged housewife actually look the part if face claims are to be used, lets not post the face claim of the 18 year old hmmm?

It doesn't always have to be erotica, I like the idea of the young man pushed too far, he does something desperate, commits a crime, during his getaway things escalate, he takes a hostage. He isn't a bad guy, but this hostage pushes his buttons, he can go from his actual nice guy self to being quite nasty with her if she pushes it. Not many people get that. They want one dimensional characters and stories. They want the character who just abuses someone constantly or the character who just does the porn without any problem etc

I want the contrast and conflict. That to me makes the story.

 

[MatchaMochi]

I'm in a pretty similar place as you are. It's extremely hard for me to get invested or excited over a one-note smutty RPs I usually face, and I'm on the lookout something more complex or a partner who would be interested in creating something more complex with me.

1. I personally don't have problem playing multiple character in an RP,and they are usually a welcomed addition to the play, even though I'm not the most experienced with it. Only instance where it comes a problem for me is if the RP is a harem-RP. I usually like to share characters both me and my partner play as equally, or as equally as we can (excluding NPCs), and the thought of me controlling multiple characters against one isn't something I find fun. Controlling multiple characters only becomes a burden in these type of scenarios where the RP is more akin a one-sided wish-fulfillment rather than a roleplay, where we are trying to create something that both of us can enjoy. That's not to say I wouldn't enjoy story-focused harem play, but to jump right into an harem-RP with a partner you haven't played before feels like a huge gamble, which almost certainly will not pay off.

Interesting world that feels like it's alive with loads of characters in the story is something I definitely value and welcome always!

2. Same with light and dark themes. I can certainly play an RP that's all rainbows and sunshine, or one that goes full-on Berserk-route with it's story, but I'm always excited to try out an RP which combines these both together as well. And like with HxH you mentioned I definitely do think that story where there's a healthy balance of both of those can be achieved.

3. The type of smutty RP, with complex, multifaceted characters engaged in deep, nuanced plots like you put it is basically the roleplays I'm looking for here. I personally think that these are absolutely doable, but finding the right partner to do one with has been the biggest obstacle for me as well. I've had many promising starts and ideas thrown at me, but most of the time these don't come in fruition.

This has been easily one of the most relatable posts I've read here, so if searching for an RPs like this is like trying to reach for the moon then count me in on the party as well. I much rather search something that I can honestly enjoy even if it would be almost impossible, rather than just half-heartedly go about with this hobby as I used to do and end up accepting almost anything thrown at my way.

 

[Succuboi]

I didn't expect so many thoughtful and thorough replies. Thank you everyone for your input. To keep from spamming this thread, I'm going to try and respond to a piece of each of your responses that stuck out the most to me.

You're definitely not alone on that. I struggle to keep my interest up if 1x1s...remain 1x1s. From my POV having two OCs and no NPCs or any driving force outside of their relationship can get draining to write, which is why I love having multiple people active at the same time. Could be an adventuring party, a friend group, or anything similar, but each component works to give their own interpretation of the story. Plus, it's fun to have different personalities clash during story arcs.

HxH and Invincible are great examples of what you described because in HxH's case, there is no real central character (sure, some may say it's Gon's story, but is it really?) so every person in it gets to do something. And Invincible is able to show how downright horrifying superpowers would be IRL. I'd throw in Lord Of The Rings too for the most basic example possible that many people have at least heard about once in their life.

Now for Plot VS Smut, I can see why people could say that. Bad experiences definitely make someone careful and we all know that while this is an adult writing site, not everyone wants to play out porn every other post. What you said, though, is something I completely agree with.

You can have fun smut and detailed characters, without having to sacrifice either of these elements. It may require planning, and scrapping RPs but in the end, it does become easier to weave these themes into the narrative. (Source : currently have an ongoing RP with a cast of about 30 people - not everyone gets a story arc though - give or take).

That said I do hope you'll be able to find someone that shares your vision, as from what I can tell, you're passionate about RPing.

I certainly see Lord of the Rings as an example of what we are talking about. As someone who grew up reading those books many times, they've been a foundation for some of my most fundamental preferences for a long time. Lord of the Rings is in many ways, an incredibly dark story. There is a staggering degree of violence, disturbing psychological elements, betrayal, and manipulation. But at the same time all that darkness doesn't stop the plot from reminding you that....and I will quote the best character in the story...."That there's still some good in the world Mr. Frodo." It is inherently a story that explores the weaknesses that keep us all from coming together, while highlighting our ultimate ability to overcome them. It's a story that shows you some of the worst in people, while still feeling like an adventure that has a chance of coming out alright in the end.

「1」I'm gonna separate this out into canons vs. ocs. I can think of exactly one rp, in my extremely long rp career, where I've rped something at length that had a metric ton of oc's floating around serving various purposes. Honestly lost count. And that was technically still kind of fandom as it was based on WoW. I would tend to say, outside of the rare exception, that yes, this is absolutely something most people would not want to engage with at this level - meaning, dozen+ ocs, custom world, etc. In my experience, and not throwing shade at anyone in particular, a lot of people think they want to write expansive world-building etc., but when it comes to actually writing it, it's lights out almost immediately. That said, two main character + a handful of npc, I've found more than a few partners can juggle and enjoy. But a recurring npc cast of more than 4 tends to be too much. Now, onto canons - so, it's still hard with canons, but less. I've generally found people being more willing to pilot other canons as npcs/background characters. I personally am much more willing to pilot canons as npcs/background characters. They are just beloved/accessible in my view. If you and your partner both like a fandom, then it's like, ah, look, we are including so and so, look at so and so being a dumbass again. It's like a common language.

「2」Haven't personally had an issue with this but, I think it will help if you filter your searches based on Grimdark, Grimlight, or Noblebright. I personally really dislike Grimdark conceptually. Unless it's a very short-term victimization rp, where the setting is not really delved into, the whole idea of a dystopian world that's not changeable just hold no appeal to me. Noblebright, on the other hand, if kind of the extreme 'light-end' you are thinking. I like my noblebright, this is your classic hero's tale. Doesn't mean the world is perfect, but the hero absolutely has the ability to make the difference. These usually read very anime-like. Then there's the middle point of grimlight, which I enjoy as well. Setting is more grimdark, but the difference is the hero can actually make a difference. Shit will get dark, but there's always light at the end of the tunnel. That kind of thing. I've found more people to understand what the hell I'm talking about when I describe it to them in those terms.

「3」Absolutely doable. I will say I launch into most rps with a clear expectation of one or the other being favored in a particular story though. A lot of it depends on the premise. But like, rps do evolve organically as well? So it ultimately comes down to how things pan out on paper and where you and your partner want to go with it. Most of the 'simple' premises based on a specific interaction/kink tend to remain a relatively brief (which is still multiple pages in my case, lmao) and entirely enjoyable interlude. Most of the more 'plot-heavy' & 'epic-quest' ones will feature a decent amount of story. For the latter, it's a crapshoot. Finding that level of consistency is honestly a challenge and always will be. But just keep shooting your shot and you'll find a consistent partner into that sort of thing eventually! Oh, as for balancing smut in an epic adventure - dude I can't stress this enough. At least one of the two main characters should ideally be the sexually aggressive sort. It's not a requirement, but it really helps if at least one character is pursuing the other for various reasons. You can mesh two standoffish or 'shy' characters together all day and the sexual tension just ain't gonna develop for pages and pages, and that's usually when folks lose interest (folks be me).

You have a point about too many OC's. I generally do not run more than two or three "OCs" at most, while I may play dozens of supporting characters of different levels of complexity. Canons I can see being much easier, partially because the foundations of a Canon characters personality are already put in place. All you really have to do is make a sound effort at putting your actions/decisions as that character within the bounds of those foundations in a way that doesn't break immersion. I'm not a big fan of playing with Canon OC's really. I don't know why but I've always found it somewhat odd. Not that I won't use a canon OC's likeness, but that's a different story.

I actually really like your three categories. I will definitely use those. But the thing I really wanted to address, is that you have a very good point on 3. Perhaps this is one of the reasons I do not tend to have luck. A lot of times I will try to put a spotlight on specific kinks to try and expand my chances of finding partners, but then have to sacrifice complexity and pacing to keep them invested enough to continue. Which eventually just results in my losing interest as things become more and more one-dimensional.

I can't get into a RP if it is just going to be Smut. I feel like I can conjure up whatever fantasy it is in my head without having to bother writing it all out with someone. The whole point of having a partner is so you can create some story and hopefully that story or the characters take on a life of their own and things end up happening that neither partner ever counted on.

Most of my stories take place in a world much like our own so in that sense they are simple enough. Where it becomes complex is I like those characters to be challenged and for them not to be cliche types who do whatever it is without any qualms whatsoever, that is boring for me. "Slutty hot chick does porn and likes it!" Ho hum. I like the characters to be unlikely types, "Middle aged frumpy housewife contemplates porn" now we are getting somewhere, and how about that frumpy middle aged housewife actually look the part if face claims are to be used, lets not post the face claim of the 18 year old hmmm?

It doesn't always have to be erotica, I like the idea of the young man pushed too far, he does something desperate, commits a crime, during his getaway things escalate, he takes a hostage. He isn't a bad guy, but this hostage pushes his buttons, he can go from his actual nice guy self to being quite nasty with her if she pushes it. Not many people get that. They want one dimensional characters and stories. They want the character who just abuses someone constantly or the character who just does the porn without any problem etc

I want the contrast and conflict. That to me makes the story.

I agree completely. On the smut part. I really enjoy smut and eroticism, but a plot devoid of well....a plot, stakes, conflict, or development is nothing more than a masturbatory excursion in my opinion. It's just putting sexy words on a screen in the hopes that it turns out as sexy as you hope it might. But this also touches on one of my big issues here, engagement. I can't count how many times I've spent dozens of posts building a world with someone in preparation for an RP, then once we get into it I feel like I'm holding their hand. Like they are just a tourist expecting me to guide them to and through all the interesting parts while they nodd and say "yes indeed that is quite interesting. Carry on."

One of my favorite characters I never really got to play was a forty-five year old hindu businesswoman who discovers her mother was a succubus. She's a late bloomer because she was assaulted in her youth, and had avoided sex most of her life. But now it's hitting, and causing issues as she has to come to terms with an entire new biological paradigm and juggle her new physical needs with her emotional hang ups. Trust me, I like conflict. Conflict means multi-dimensions to a character, and it means growth.

I'm in a pretty similar place as you are. It's extremely hard for me to get invested or excited over a one-note smutty RPs I usually face, and I'm on the lookout something more complex or a partner who would be interested in creating something more complex with me.

1. I personally don't have problem playing multiple character in an RP,and they are usually a welcomed addition to the play, even though I'm not the most experienced with it. Only instance where it comes a problem for me is if the RP is a harem-RP. I usually like to share characters both me and my partner play as equally, or as equally as we can (excluding NPCs), and the thought of me controlling multiple characters against one isn't something I find fun. Controlling multiple characters only becomes a burden in these type of scenarios where the RP is more akin a one-sided wish-fulfillment rather than a roleplay, where we are trying to create something that both of us can enjoy. That's not to say I wouldn't enjoy story-focused harem play, but to jump right into an harem-RP with a partner you haven't played before feels like a huge gamble, which almost certainly will not pay off.

Interesting world that feels like it's alive with loads of characters in the story is something I definitely value and welcome always!

2. Same with light and dark themes. I can certainly play an RP that's all rainbows and sunshine, or one that goes full-on Berserk-route with it's story, but I'm always excited to try out an RP which combines these both together as well. And like with HxH you mentioned I definitely do think that story where there's a healthy balance of both of those can be achieved.

3. The type of smutty RP, with complex, multifaceted characters engaged in deep, nuanced plots like you put it is basically the roleplays I'm looking for here. I personally think that these are absolutely doable, but finding the right partner to do one with has been the biggest obstacle for me as well. I've had many promising starts and ideas thrown at me, but most of the time these don't come in fruition.

This has been easily one of the most relatable posts I've read here, so if searching for an RPs like this is like trying to reach for the moon then count me in on the party as well. I much rather search something that I can honestly enjoy even if it would be almost impossible, rather than just half-heartedly go about with this hobby as I used to do and end up accepting almost anything thrown at my way.

Can I DM you? I took a look at your request threads. I don't know for sure if we would match in an RP, but you do have a couple ideas that might interest me. But even if we don't match as writers it sounds like you have a similar grindset and it would be nice to make your acquaintance.

 

[MatchaMochi]

Can I DM you? I took a look at your request threads. I don't know for sure if we would match in an RP, but you do have a couple ideas that might interest me. But even if we don't match as writers it sounds like you have a similar grindset and it would be nice to make your acquaintance.

Sure! Feel free to hit me up. I also welcome prompts and plots from my partners, so feel free to throw your own ideas into the mix as well if you feel like it.

 

[LordFlashheart]

I agree completely. On the smut part. I really enjoy smut and eroticism, but a plot devoid of well....a plot, stakes, conflict, or development is nothing more than a masturbatory excursion in my opinion. It's just putting sexy words on a screen in the hopes that it turns out as sexy as you hope it might. But this also touches on one of my big issues here, engagement. I can't count how many times I've spent dozens of posts building a world with someone in preparation for an RP, then once we get into it I feel like I'm holding their hand. Like they are just a tourist expecting me to guide them to and through all the interesting parts while they nodd and say "yes indeed that is quite interesting. Carry on."

One of my favorite characters I never really got to play was a forty-five year old hindu businesswoman who discovers her mother was a succubus. She's a late bloomer because she was assaulted in her youth, and had avoided sex most of her life. But now it's hitting, and causing issues as she has to come to terms with an entire new biological paradigm and juggle her new physical needs with her emotional hang ups. Trust me, I like conflict. Conflict means multi-dimensions to a character, and it means growth.

Yeah I seldom pick up partners now because I know I'm too cautious picky. People PM me and there is nothing in their posts that inspires me to respond to them. Or if I try, I have to drag every bit of information out of them. And even then I get nothing. It makes me wonder why these people want to engage in a hobby that is all about the written form when it seems they can't or don't want to express themselves in text. Let alone have any ideas.

I have been in similar situations as you where I have been chatting to someone and all I get back is "Ok, and then what happens?" Ummm why are they even here? I am writing alone!

Yep, conflict and drama is what makes the story. As well as multi dimensional characters.

 

[LordFlashheart]

I often see RT's where ideas appeal to me but I also pick up on the vibe that the Requester just wants the basics of those ideas. And that is where I turn off as I can't see myself just writing the smut scenes.