Its a great deal of fun to create a back story and persona behind a character then "act" it out. What did they experience growing up? Why? How would that make them act (and possibly but not necessarily speak)?

I started Krylen as a murderously horrible flirt. As I started thinking about his character (a berserker), I asked myself how would a berserker be treated by society. I came up with:

"Fierce temperments make fierce warriors but poor citizens. A norse Viking by heritage, he wielded a weapon of one sort or another almost from birth. Krylen's uncontrollable rage made him am ideal Son of Modi. Shunned by most townsfolk, this berserker spends most of his time roaming the hinterlands and frontiers seeking his next worthy battle to earn valor and eventually his entry to Valhalla."

Over time I started developing his back story. This was mostly a mental exercise but I would cover pieces of it in my writing (no comments from the peanut gallery about my horrible fictional writings - please) and RPing. In a condensed sense it would be:

"Krylen left home and wandered the wilderness as a teen. He was pressed into thralldom and became an thug to terrorize enemy clans. After buying his freedom, he spent years learning the trade of death in realm wars. He is savage and uncouth. As a follower of Modi, he is fond of drink, women, and war (not necessarily in that order). He is fiercely loyal to his friends and Clan yet all always at odds with his destructive nature. "

As time progressed, I started to wonder how a person that grew up this way would not only act but speak. Yes became aye. You became ye. Little by little his speech began to change.

"Hello there Greta. Its great to see you again. How are you?"

slowly became:

"Hail Greta! Tis good te see ye again. How 'ave ye been?"

You do not need to alter your language to RP. As an example, Brelik (Krylen's younger brother) is a spiritmaster and scholar. He speaks regular English (as you might expect a studied person to do). Language is fun to play with but not necessary.

Many folks alter their language when they RP another race (esp. troll or kobold). However I have seen people RP another race and use regular English. It still works. In fact, one person in particular plays a troll that was adopted as a child and grew up in Jordheim and speaks plain English.

RP is not language but can encompass it. RP is character concept and being true to that concept. Altered language is optional and can be fun too.

But the real fun begins when you interact with others that RP. Whether you simply enjoy their character, listen to their stories, or roleplay a part of their story over time. I remember Jorunn had a great storyline about a character named Einnar. I was floored when one day I actually met a character named Einnar.

Roleplaying adds a layer of richness on top of the DAoC/UO/EQ, etc tapestry. It gives your character a sense of context and identity. At first it is something you need to consciously do. Over time it just becomes second nature.

Finally, it’s a lot of fun to create new characters with completely different backgrounds and personality types. When you feel that you've mastered one character's quirks and they become old hat. Create a new one and start all over.

Krylen Bjornsson,
Hand of Modi
Nimue