12/29/2024, 10:48 PM
Sometimes we overload ourselves with characters and struggle with the idea of putting them back on the shelf. There's no shame in this, as everyone comes in and out of a hobby they enjoy; sometimes breaks are needed, or some are trying to find the cycle to break that anxious hold of wanting to post but are simply not sure how or where to start. Below are some ideas that the community has compiled to help them with both muse and managing their characters!
These are all tips that are used between different people, and usually all won't mix together. Some will work for others, and some won't. It's all about creativity and getting those creative juices flowing!
These are all tips that are used between different people, and usually all won't mix together. Some will work for others, and some won't. It's all about creativity and getting those creative juices flowing!
Muse Tips
Music. Many often listen to music to get the mood going, such as more choatic when the plot is getting thick, or something romantic when there is a plot going a bit to the lovers side. Though the most common is that people make a playlist that are music directly tied to their character! Listening to that playlist can often get the blood going.
Reading. Sometimes taking a step back when the words aren't flowing and either reading a book, or other people's post can often gain inspiration. Especially when you are watching a very interesting plot that is happening with your friends, it can inspire to want something similar, or gain your own bit of drama. Read your favorite characters posts, or even try a character you haven't really paid attention to!
Live camera watching alongside of writing. Some have found themselves watching nature live channels of wolves to help them write. With their screen side by side, sometimes watching wolf behavior can help one's distraction and continue writing.
Rolling who to RP with. Some people who specifically in the discord, use the bot to choose which character they should roleplay with firstly, and then continues rolling until done with posting for the day. This can help randomize who you should start with, and can help put on someone you haven't really touched for a while. It varies to person to person what they do, but some zip through the threadlog, or others try to join new threads and make new threads, or all!
Take a break. Sometimes just logging out of Vivarium for a bit and not looking at the site can give a refresher. If you feel exhausted, it's okay to take a step back, people understand. It's a hobby that one should enjoy, and not all hobbies can be pandered 24/7. It's okay to let your RP partners know you are taking a step back or being a bit slow, people can always work out details within the back if there is a must need plot. The best plots often take months to truly come together, so a few weeks won't hurt!
Force it. Sometimes you really just have to sit down and type. The words might not be the best, it might be short, but you did it, you made a post. You got something out and all have to do is keep on writing, sometimes eventually the words will flow after just really sitting down, and crunching through the threads. It's often hard when you are just coming back, but once you get down and give the smallest posts, it really can help.
Archiving threads. Sometimes you need a refresher, where you are overwhelmed with your threads or in general just need it for the character, and it's okay if you need to archive threads. However if you do this, it's best if you communicate with your RP partners, especially if you are included in specific plots or plans, but most if not all understand that sometimes people need a refresher and to start off with a brand new thread.
— Currently cannot archive threads by self (work in progress)
Thread limiting. Some people make a limit to how many threads each character can have, as many can get relatively wild with the amount they have. Sometimes limiting to only 5 at a time can help keep track of the plots that are happening and have one-self focus a bit more. However this also relies on another player responding, so sometimes people either stretch it, or they make guidelines such as archiving threads after a month of no responds.
Moving your character. Sometimes your character gets into a plot, but you aren't really feeling it anymore. Everyone is afraid to disappoint their partner, or tell them hey, they aren't feeling it anymore. However once you remove that shackle of reluctance, it feels amazing to move your character elsewhere and start new plots. Likewise if you have a character that joined a pack, and they aren't vibing in it anymore, there is absolutely no shame to removing them and placing them somewhere else. This site is not about aggressions, and no one holds a grudge for someone leaving their pack, especially for the sake of your muse. Some characters may vibe greatly in a different pack, and sometimes moving them elsewhere can rekindle that flame of muse for them. OOC does not equal IC, each pack has different standards of when a wolf leaves, but no one takes it personally.
Dropping characters. A lot of times we hesitate dropping a character because we like the design or possibly the plot around it.. But sometimes characters just don't click, if you haven't touched them in months at a time, do you still want to RP them? There's no shame in haitusing them, it's not that they're dying, it's just they're being 'taken out of game' in an NPC state for a bit. You can always bring them back.
Killing characters. Similar to dropping, however instead you are deciding to put kill them. The great thing about Vivarium is that they can come back, albeit with some conditions, but it does not mean they are gone forever. However it's often found killing a character can not only help your muse and excitement, but it can bring a great plot to those around you. It's something exciting when witnessing a character die, and definitely can give a shocker if it's one that has been around for a while. It can also give a refresher if you are struggling with a character. If you like the design but unsatisfied with the direction you are going, there is always the option to completely refresh them as someone else.
- Credit to Cyprin for helping compile and write this!