Why do I Role Play?  

Before you read any farther, no there is nothing sexual about what is to follow. If that's what you're expecting, and wish to read. Then please, just go to a different discussion now...

This is a question that a lot of people seem to enjoy asking me. So finally, I have sat down and given the question some serious thought. Why do I role play? Why does anyone role play...

First of all, there are many types of role playing.

Tabletop Role Play, such as the original D&D

Live Action Role Play, where people dress up in costumes, and role play together in a location- popular with Vampire the Masquerade lovers.

Video Game Rpgs, such as the Final Fantasy games.

Online Games, such as computer games Diablo II, World of Warcraft, Etc.

Online Interactive rpgs, games people create online and play over a messenger, group, or forum.

And I'm sure there are others that simply escape me at the moment. From the list above, I participate in several of these role playing methods. Video games, Computer games, but mostly Online Interactive rpgs. Over the past nine years, I have created and ran several online rpgs. In fact, I have several that are running even today, that I still take an active part in. The most popular being Willow High & DarkHaven Academy. A modern world, wrapped up within magic, war, fighting, death, chaos, and the eternal struggle of light vs. darkness.

So we come back to that age old question, why do I role play?

There are many reasons why people role play. For entertainment value, boredom, creative outflow. Though in my personal opinion, those who role play out of boredom alone are not actual role players. More like someone who just passes through on the way to other things. Which is probally for the best, as they usually do not have the attention span, or creativity it takes to be a serious, involved role player.

So why do I role play...

Well, my entire life I have longed to become a writer. A process that is a slow, and grueling one at best. It's not so easy as you think when you're a younger child. I shall write something, and it'll take off like a rocket, shooting me high into the stars. Wrong. So very wrong... I role play, because I enjoy creating my own role playing fantasy worlds. Worlds that blossom from my mind, as well as my heart. I throw everything I have into my various worlds, working hours on end to make sure all the members are happy, and enjoy the time they spend role playing in my worlds. It gives me a chance to see life breathed into my creations. To see other people enjoying my storylines and plots so much, that they desire to be a part of that.

Perhaps I am no better than Doctor Frankenstein, for I have created a monster. But they live, they breath, they thrive. And thusly, even though I may never be an accomplished, published author. I have received the pleasure of seeing my ideas live, and be enjoyed by many people. This is a wonderful feeling, and quite worth the work that comes with being a serious, dedicated, role player.

So here's my question to you...

Why don't you role play?