On writing other player's characters
by Karta Unaka, Drin'far'ji of the Grey Tower
This is a collection of rules and guidelines for members of the Grey Tower. Actually, only rule number one is a *rule*, the others are more like a set of guidelines (The Roleplayers Code ;). This is by no means an extensive compilation and the author is solely responsible for any errors or misgivings in this document.
Please also note that the Grey Tower already has a ruling on these situations, this compilation is meant merely to extend upon that basis. The Rules of the Grey Tower overrule this list in any situation.
First rule of writing other player's characters:
You don't write other player's characters. Period.
Second rule (major exception):
Because bondmates are expected to be together often, especially when on missions or generally away from the Tower, and they are always in each other's head anyway, there exist a special exception for them. In essence, it is left upon the two players to decide between them the terms of playing each other's character should that become necessary. This is inherent to Bonding and is the only major exception to rule number one.
Third rule (minor exception):
Although you may not write about somebody's character doing this or that (unless of course the other player already wrote his character did or would do such a thing), you may of course write what your character *thinks* the other character did, does or would do. This includes contingency-writing, gossip, rumours, perceived and or misattributed actions and other such occassions. The difference here lies in that you're not writing what the *other* character does, but what *your* character does (thinks in this case).
Fourth rule (special case A):
There are some occassions in which waiting for the other player to respond can make an rp tedious and longstretched. Spars are a prime example of this. One solution is contingency-writing, writing what your character does if the opponent acts this way and what he would do if the opponent acts that way. However, many people find these just as tedious. It is generally understood that sparring partners give each other *slightly* more leeway and will simply correct the wrong actions in their next post. However, this is no exception to rule number one, just a silent agreement between roleplaying partners. At any point one of the players may decide to revert back to rule number one and subsequently let the other player know there will be no more assumptions about what the other player would write for his or her character.
Fifth rule (special case B):
Due to their public role, Officers may seem to be public possession. However, an Officer is still a character played by a player and as such there is no exception ro rule number one for them. If you want to write an Officer in your post you'd either pick a post currently unfilled or contact the character's player to ask for their permission or cooperation.
On the other hand, you may want to just mention them as a 'plot hook', like when your character is sullen because he is punished by an Officer, and don't want to annoy said Officer by mailing for what seems like 'trivialities'. In general, most Officers wouldn't mind small mentions about actions their characters would have taken, as long as you keep the mention as small as possible and stay in character. So, stating your character was punished for breaking the rules would be more easily accepted than stating your character was punished for something they didn't do (in fact, the latter example would probably be accepted by no-one).
However, this is *not* an exception to rule number one, more like a silent agreement like in rule number four. If the Officer disagrees with you you will be required to rewrite your post to their satisfaction. Also, keep in mind that most would nevertheless like you to let them know you are assuming this and that in a post there and there. Be courteous, and even if you assume wrongly people will be more willing to work it out with you rather than just forbid you from writing their character in any way.
Sixth rule (Safetynet):
When In Doubt, Ask!
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