Hello! I am The Enchanter (or Dirk, if you like) and I am a perfectly normal human.
Roleplaying is just about my favorite thing outside of obsessively constructing hypothetical worlds that no one will ever see.
I have played tabletop roleplay games since I was a child, but I have very little experience in text based roleplay.

As I am new to this type of roleplay, I have a couple questions (which you are welcome to ignore if you feel so inclined):
1. With text based roleplay is there a Game master type role where one person is responsible for the world and all the non-player characters, or are the story, world, and characters collectively generated by the role-players?
2. is there any common etiquette I should know for forum roleplay? (I would like not to be an ass)

Thank you.
I hope you have a lovely day.

"Hey!" Toothpick growled, slamming his balled up paw on the table. "We're askin' da questions!"
The giant badger standing just outside the light leaned over to whisper in his boss' ear.

"I do have ta answer dis guy's questions? Dis onna level, Mongo?" the sharp dressed badger demanded, glancing over to you as Mongo whispered further, then stood back.

"Ah, right. Sorry about that," Toothpick sighs, then leans forward. "So ta answer yer first question, dere's a GM in most of dese games what decides what happens. But we're new fish too, so meybe dere's some what plays like dat whole mob-rule thing?"

He shrugged.

"And as far as this eddy-quit, I wouldn't know, I never met da guy or dat he left. But ya gotta play nice here. You aint da one who decides iffen ya hit dat other guy. Dat other guy you're tryin' ta punch does. And iffen he throws a punch at you, you decide iffen you ducked, you blocked, or ya got punched. Keep blockin' and duckin', yah ain't playin' nice and nobody wants ta play with you no more, capiche?"

The badger leans back to lounge a bit. "Ya also gotta play it smart, ya see? You da player has ta keep yer cards close to your chest and not tell yer character everybody's dirty linens. Dat Remy guy, fer instance, is sleepin' in his own basement 'cause he got a hit to da head and can't remember so good no more. You know that, but your character don't know him from a hill of beans, got me?"

"And annudder thing," Toothpick scowls. "Iffen you just posted and someone else posts after you, don't be jumpin' back in and reply ta him. Give da other guys a chance ta post, too. You guys wanna do da whole back-n-forth, do a collab post, it's just bein' respectful, is all."

"Is dat da time? Sorry 'bout dis," the boss badger straighten, reaching into his pocket, "But dis is fer you."

A notebook and a pen appear from behind his coat lapel. "We doin' dat, what ya ma call it? Community service? Just write a note fer da judge sayin' how helpful we were, would ya? I don't think he likes it when I just say it."

@Expendable

The suspicious stranger received the notebook and cracked it open to scan for an empty patch of paper on which to write their glowing recommendation.

after first attempting to write with the wrong end of the pen, they turned it over in their hands with a flourish and began to inscribe the following with more success;
"Dear judge. This extremally large person has helpfully instructed me on the following subjects in a very lawful manner"
They spoke aloud as they wrote, giving Toothpick an exaggerated wink as they read out the last few words.
"First, that it is typical to have a game master, though not essential.
Second, that you may initiate an action on another player, but it is up to them to decide if is successful.
Third, that player and character knowledge should be kept separate.
and Fourth, that one should not post again before the other players have had a chance to respond."

With an overzealous stab they dotted the final period and held the notebook out to the burly badger.
"I do hope this is sufficient. you have been most helpful."

"Hey mister, thanks a lot," Toothpick grins, tucking the notebook and the pen in his pocket. "Mongo, put da trunk on dat wheelie thing and let's get da boss outta here."

"Be seein' ya!"

They waved their spindly arms at the helpful stranger as they lumbered off. "indeed! and good luck with the... Wheelie thing?"

welcome

Welcome! Some things that come to mind that Toothpick didn't mention is in regards to applying for Roleplays. Most RPs on the site have that "apply" tag next to them, which means they are accepting character sheet submissions. Generally you don't want to post your character into the "Character Tab" until it's been approved by that RP's GM, although there are exceptions. It's always a good idea to ask questions in the "OOC Tab" of each RP! The Tab system seems to be something unique to this forum versus other RP forums, so may want to keep it in mind. Otherwise, it's pretty similar to table top just less dice involved (and less first/second person narration).

Generally people are pretty friendly and willing to help out if you have any questions. Enjoy your stay!

Welcome to the guild. Hope you enjoy your stay here.