How Storylines work

A simple explanation on Storylines.


What is a storyline?
A storyline is an event that does not get forgotten after 1 topic. Let's say you have made a storyline about two groups of people who hate each other. The first topic could be about the event that occurred for them to hate each other. The next topic could be about them battling or having a meeting. And perhaps one on them making an agreement for peace.
A topic without storyline could become one with a storyline. Don't forget to create a topic here.

What are the requirements for one?
There's basically just two. Number one is: there must be at least someone besides you participating in the storyline. Number two is: there must eventually be more than one topic. Storylines with just one topic are worthless.

How does a topic without storyline become one?
This happens when the events in the topic do not get forgotten, and are reused in another topic. An example of this is when two people fight, and one seeks revenge in another topic.

How does creating a storyline work?
After creating the basic storyline with the template below these questions, you start RPing. After this, you update the storyline - it is best if you don't edit the original post, but add more information to it. An example can be found in the next post.

Can I be in multiple storylines at the same time?
Yes, but keep it realistic. You can't be everywhere at the same time.

How do I join a storyline?
To join a storyline you ask the starter of the storyline. (S)He decides who may participate. You can PM him or her, or simply reply to the topic.

The storyline has ended, now what?
If the storyline has ended, you put a [Completed] tag in the topic name. A moderator will then lock it as soon as they see it. You can also PM one.


If you still have questions, don't be afraid to ask them at the Helpdesk.

Down below is an example of a storyline, along with a template.

This is an example of a storyline. Note the updates.

NAME OF THE STORYLINE


Introduction
It's always useful to have a little explained on how the storyline came to be. What caused it etc.
Person 1 had always disliked bandits. They had terrorized his childhood village and even burnt it down to the ground, nearly fatally injuring his younger brother. On a calm, misty morning in the Western Earth Kingdom Person 1 had just packed his bags with food and money to go on a travel to Omashu with his Dao sword on his back. Walking on a path through the forest, two bandits (Bandit 1, Bandit 2) jumped out of the shade, wanting to mug him.
Topic: a link to the topic should be placed here.

Update 1
If the first topic has ended, a new topic should be created, and the information gained in the introduction should be placed under Update 1.
The two bandits turned out to be two earthbenders, Person 1 was knocked unconscious. After he had woken up, his bags with everything in it had been stolen. His sword was also missing. But in the last light of the setting sun, he saw an object reflecting light. It was a dagger, presumably one of the bandit's. Person 1 swore he would get his revenge on the bandits. He returned to the village where he was travelling away from, resupplying and trying to gather information on the bandits. It was there he found a villager who knew them - a former bandit (Person 2) who was with them.
Topic: a link to the topic should be placed here.

Update 2
If the second topic has ended and the storyline hasn't been finished, a third topic should be created. The information gained in Update 1 should be placed under Update 2.
Person 2 had agreed to help Person 1 find the bandits. He left them because they were ruthless and barbaric, they robbed women and threatened to hurt a child when the woman refused to give them money. Person 2 knew their names and where their hide-out was located. He and Person 1 would put and end to the bandit's crimes the next day.
Topic: a link to the topic should be placed here

(note: there can be as many topics/updates as you want)

Roles

• Person 1: The protagonist. (The protagonist role is usually taken by the starter of the storyline)
  
• Bandit 1: One of the two bandits in the story. He seems to be the leader of the two and is stronger.
  
• Bandit 2: One of the two bandits in the story.
  
• Person 2: Former bandit who decides to help Person 1 with stopping the two bandits from causing more harm.

(note: Actual names for the roles are optional. New or already existing accounts are both good)


TEMPLATE:

Code:

[size=18][b]NAME OF THE STORYLINE[/b][/size]

[u]Introduction[u]
Topic:

[u]Roles[/u]
[list]
[*]
[*]
[/list]

Try to stick to this template as much as possible.
Questions will be answered at the Helpdesk.