As a past member of Fabul, I find it intriguing that, given our merger, there are now noticeable pockets of role-players on our server. After finishing a successful moogle run, for example, my LS buddy BigC and I quite randomly discovered a group of Role-playing cohorts hanging out in the amphitheater in Gridania. We sat and listened for awhile, then awkwardly attempted (meaning all due respect) to join in on the banter...but mostly we were ignored.

My question is (and I'm a professor of English, so I'm genuinely curious), how does one "role-play" in game? Do you "play" only as your character? Do you speak only of "game" events and surroundings? Is it a type of micro-fiction, wherein you are a character with a part to play? Do you "break" from your role-play? Do you stay in character on Ventrilo or Mumble? Is the whole enterprise a literal practice in the suspension of disbelief? How does one negotiate gender, if one's character is of the opposite?

Clearly, there are rules. Clearly there are lines drawn. (I just read a few "drama" snippets related to one of the RP Linkshells, for example) But what are they?

I ask a lot of questions (Sorry!) If you have knowledge, and feel like sharing. I'm listening.