Player's Guide

Foreword

Welcome to Final Fantasy VII : Rebirth Chronicles. We are a online roleplaying community dedicated to bringing excellent stories, experiences and character-focused drama in the world of Final Fantasy VII.

As a mature roleplaying group we are designed for adults, by adults and are mindful of everyone's individual needs and time. 'The grind' is not a thing in our community.

Basic Rules

Before beginning play, make sure you first look over the Rules of the Sim and Community. Adherence to these rules is absolutely a requirement, and will help us keep a peaceful and constructive community and overall story.

Staff

Game Masters

The Owners of the Sim, the game masters (GMs) are responsible for creating and running the game world and story. They are the "authors" of the game, and they decide what events will happen, what characters the players will interact with, and what challenges the players will face. The GMs also serve as the "referees" of the game, interpreting the rules and making decisions about how to apply them in specific situations - often aided by the 'Administrators' in this role.

One of the main roles of the GMs is to create an immersive and engaging experience for the players. This involves building a rich and detailed game world, crafting compelling stories and quests, and developing engaging non-player characters (NPCs). The GMs also need to be able to improvise and adapt to the choices and actions of the players, while still keeping the game running smoothly and fairly. They react to ongoing story and decisions and cater the experience to what has occured. The GMs are responsible for being the final say in decisions made for the running of the sim and its content.

Administrators

Administrators are responsible for enforcing the rules and ensuring that the community is a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable place for everyone. They work to prevent problems such as harassment, bullying, and other forms of inappropriate behavior, and they may also be involved in resolving conflicts and disputes between members of the community.

They may work closely with the game master (GM) team to develop and expand upon story beats or ideas that have been passed down to them, and they are responsible for turning those ideas into engaging and immersive events or storylines for the players.

Some of the tasks that Admins might be responsible for include:

• Monitoring community activity: Admins may be responsible for keeping an eye on the community Discord, in-world groups, or other communication channels to make sure that they are being used appropriately.

• Enforcing rules: Admins may have the authority to warn, mute, or ban members who are not following the rules of the community.

• Resolving conflicts: Admins may be called upon to mediate disputes between members of the community, or to help find solutions to problems that arise.

• Providing support: Admins may act as a point of contact for members of the community who have questions, concerns, or issues that need to be addressed.

• Developing storylines and events: This includes coming up with ideas for events or storylines, writing descriptions and details, and creating any necessary materials such as builds, characters, or props.

• Running events: This involves overseeing the event or storyline as it unfolds, interacting with the players and guiding them through the event, and making any necessary decisions or rulings to keep the event running smoothly.

• Collaborating with the GM team: The admin team may work closely with the GM team to ensure that their events or storylines fit within the larger game world and align with the overall vision of the game.

• Providing support: The admin team may also be responsible for providing support to players who have questions or need help with anything related to the events or storylines they are running.

Whilst the Admins don't own the sim they are a vital part of its operation.

The Setting

Neo-Noir

Final Fantasy VII is best described as a **Neo-Noir Fantasy Setting**. Part Cyberpunk, Part Dieselpunk, Part Noir.

Characters are often conflicted antiheroes, trapped in a difficult situation and making choices out of desperation or nihilistic moral systems. Neo Noir often focuses on sociological and psychological themes in a difficult world. Whilst there are definitely heroes and villains, the true 'villains' (Spacefaring Sentient Viruses like Jenova) are still outshone by human greed and ignorance that weaponizes even these dark forces to their own ends.

In Neo Noir, there are often no winners - just survivors, people looking to make the best of a broken system and a sense of impending doom- where there's darkness around every corner, real heroes shine all the brighter.

Tech Level

The tech level of FF7's world is incredibly varied thanks to the recent advent of Mako Technology. The best way to imagine FF7's setting is the entire 1900s-2020s distilled into a few years. Some backwater areas resemble impoverished settlements and hamlets seen at the dawn of the 20th Century, wheras some sprawling megacities with 2020's technology exist where mako is most prevalent. Here are just some of the technologies developed by Shinra -

Cellphones

Cars and Aircraft, including Airships and Helicopters

Modern roads

Modern medicine

Worldwide Communication - an internet service known as the World Wide Network, or WWN.

Virtual Reality almost indistinguishable from reality.

As such, characters can come from a wide variety of backgrounds - and react appropriately to the technological splendor on display in Junon.

Magic & Materia

Magic and monsters are what help make up the 'fantasy' of a setting. Magic in FF7, however, is not common - nor can anyone ((save a very rare race of people)) 'innately' cast magic.

Magic is 'contained' within small glass-like spheres known as Materia. Materia are difficult to use and expensive, but have revolutionized warfare and personal protection as regular people have found means of harnessing supernatural feats. Casting fireballs, propelling oneself skyward in an enormous leap, or raising a forcefield around oneself to protect against attacks - much is possible with magic.

In a mundane case, magic has also revolutionized medicine and commerce. Huge Materia exist to power mighty weapons. Healing materia can stitch together wounds and cure disease. The advent of accessible magic has changed the world.

Human Limits

As an anime-inspired fantasy setting, characters in FF7 are capable of more exaggerated feats than real-life people can achieve. Characters in FF7 swing large swords, take bullets and slashes and survive, and possess magic. The human limits are appropriately scaled upwards. The people in FF7 are 'exceptional' by real-life standards, and Player Characters are a degree of 'exceptional' above even that.

Its important to use realism as a grounding concept to make sure stakes feel high - but the story must acknowledge the inherent 'heightened reality' of the setting - and be willing to reach for the 'rule of cool' where appropriate. Remember, Realism does not mean Mirrors Reality Exactly - it means consistent and fair stakes and logical cause and effect.

Shinra Company

One megacorporation has risen to the position of de-facto world government. Almost all of the civil world has fallen under its sphere of influence.

Weary of years of pointless territorial squabbling over resources, the people of the Planet were more than willing to let Shinra step in and gradually take control - trading their freedom for security and comfort.

The world has, for around the last 50 years, been under the yoke of the Shinra Corporation. Though Shinra isn't officially the government, they control the economy and almost all aspects of public life to the point they hold a grip over almost everything that happens in the civilized world. The police forces? Paid for, funded and armed by Shinra. The courts? Shinra-hired lawyers. The cities run on Shinra-owned technology, the roads are maintained by Shinra-owned companies.

However, the Shinra Company's monopoly is anything but benevolent. Unbound by morality or competition, the Shinra Company engages in horrendous human experimentations to further their military and transhumanist goals, suppresses any resistence to their reign with deadly force, and is gradually sapping the lifeblood of The Planet dry.

Mako Energy

Mako Energy has been a revelation. Mako is a mysterious, off-green liquid with toxic properties, that can be burnt and catalyzed to form a source of plentiful electrical energy.

Shinra's technology has made the means of mining and distilling this mysterious energy cheap and efficient. It has shipped mako energy and its benefits across the globe - bringing cheap, easy electricity to settlements that until recently were backwater, pre-industrial hamlets.

Shinra furthered the tech level of the Planet from reliance on Coal and Steam (think the real-world 1700s) to a world of on-demand electricity and stability (the late 1900's) over the course of a single lifetime.

Shinra has even built its own, flagship cities - beacons of modern technology and luxury lifestyles born of Mako. Monuments to the new modern age, and of Shinra's own might.

But Mako energy has its dark sides. Fauna that come close to Mako can become mutated into violent, angry monsters. Human exposure to Mako leads to sickness, amnesia, insanity and death. And darker still is the hidden origin of Mako - Mako is mined from the Lifestream, the current of souls that runs beneath the Planet, serving as its lifeblood. This river of soul energy has been tapped by Shinra - burning through the collective consiousness of the Planet; more a living thing in FF7's setting than a hunk of rock.

The great cities of Shinra's construction, Midgar and Junon are surrounded by polluted wastes where the effects of draining mako energy are clear. Once verdant fields surrounding Midgar and now cracked and dried wastes. The lush seas of Junon are polluted and dead. And when Shinra tried to bring its revolutionary Mako Energy to the proud nation of Wutai, Wutai outright refused - sparking a bitter territorial dispute known as the Wutai War.

Wutai War

The current major conflict in the world is the Wutai War - a war that has, by now, been waging for almost 9 years. It began when Wutai refused Shinra territorial advances into the West Islands where Wutai is situated - and unfolded into a bitter back-and-forth struggle for supremacy. Shinra's ultimate goal is subjugation of the Wutai people and the construction of a Mako Reactor in their country. Wutai wants to bring Shinra down and push them out of their territory.

The war has seen large casualties on either side. Shinra propaganda has been successful at riling up the masses who believe, right or wrong, that the Wutai people want to destroy their way of life. Shinra has, against all odds, found the war itself to be a good exercise in PR and control. Whilst the people fear an external threat, they are all too eager to continue to give their trust to Shinra, selling their freedoms for Security.

In the midst of the war, Shinra has deployed the SOLDIER Division - superhuman warriors capable of extraordinary feats. Their status as heroes of the war has elevated them to darlings of the media and household names - particularly Sephiroth, the most famous and powerful SOLDIER of all.

The War has continued in a war of attrition, with Wutai well entrenched and Shinra unwilling to over-extend themselves and risk embarassing defeat. But it is quickly reaching its apex - Wutai is struggling against Shinra's seemingly infinite might and patience, and they are rapidly turning to more and more extreme avenues to turn the war back in their favour before it becomes too late.

City of Junon

Shinra's newest constructed city is Junon - part trading port and business center and part military platform for their ongoing war with Wutai. Fully built 10 years ago over the old port town that existed there before into the side of the nearby mountain, Junon is a nigh-impregnable fortress of a city. Built in 'tiers' into the side of the mountain, Junon also boasts the enormous, intimidating profile of the Mako Cannon reaching out from its center and towards the sea - a very visual monument to Shinra's might.

Despite being the main home to Shinra's armed forces and aeronavy, Junon is quickly trying to establish itself as a capital of culture and commerce , with massive investments taking place to populate it with shops and stores, business and residents. Junon is a city of growth - though much , much smaller than the metropolis of Midgar, Junon stands at the center of the world.

It is in Junon that our story unfolds - with the people of this great new city.

Timeline

Our story begins in the year [ μ ] – εγλ 2000 - the final years of the Wutai War. We are set *just* before the beginning of the hit video game 'Crisis Core', approximately 7 years before Final Fantasy VII actually begins.

The progression of time in our setting is not 1:1. Whilst we can refer to dates and times internally, we must assume that time only truly progresses in epochs based on our storylines - and these epoch changes will be properly announced as they occur!

RC-FF7 vs FF7 Canon

Whilst we endeavor to hold ourselves closely to the aesthetics, settings and themes found in Final Fantasy VII, it is our belief that playing fast and loose with the *exact* canon events as they unfold does not make for a free and fun experience.

As such, we are nominally an 'Alternate Universe' take on the FF7 world. Much like how 'Remake' deviated from the original FF7, so too will we deviate from FF7's original story as we see fit. Whilst we would still like to *eventually* reach the same 'ending', the path to get there will be down to our players.

Our only major rules are that canon characters cannot die before their time is up, and that entrenched canon positions ((The President, Director of Public Security etc)) cannot be usurped.

More Information

Other information on the setting can be found in a variety of sources in our wiki and outside of it.

• Final Fantasy VII Explained in 23 Minutes
• Final Fantasy VII Lore in a Minute!
• Lore Category - Contains pages on internal Lore and information about the setting.
• Locations Category - Contains pages on locations within the setting.

Creating a Character

Characters in the FF7 are varied - with a variety of interesting origins, directions and occupations. Creating a character is the first step towards your experience in the sim.

The steps for creating a character as as follows-

• 1) - Choose a RACE. Determine your character's background race and appearance.
• 2) - Choose a BACKGROUND. Establish details about your character. Where did they come from? What motivates them?
• 3) - Choose a ROLE. Decide which kind of organization or role your character has in Junon and the world in general.
• 4) - Choose a CHARACTER CLASS. Classes are the basic archetypes of characters in the world - from fighters to scholars, mages to dancers. Classes can be changed as story develops - don't worry if you choose something 'wrong'!

RACE

There are few sentient races on The Planet. Much like our own world, the Planet is dominated by the Human Race, having risen from strength to strength particularly over the industrial revolutions of the last few hundred years - emergent now without many obstacles in the way of their expansion across the world - aside from the monsters that threaten even the most seasoned warrior.

Humans

Main Article - Humans

Humans are the most adaptable, numerous and ambitious of the common races. They have a tendency to seek out new lands, ideas, and experiences. They are diverse in their beliefs, morals, and appearance, making them a truly versatile race who have conquered The Planet with civilization. We can see in FF7 that Humans are the most numerous race on the Planet and can come from a variety of different origins and cultures.

Phylites

Main Article - Phylites

Phylites, also known as "hybrids," are a subspecies of humanity that have inherited physical traits from their animal ancestors. They are named after the taxonomical term "phylum," which refers to a group of animals with similar characteristics and evolutionary relationships. Phylites can be naturally occurring or artificially created, and are capable of breeding with humans.

In appearance, Phylites are humanoid with animalistic features such as ears, tails, and occasionally digitigrade legs. These unique attributes give them certain advantages over regular humans, and they can be divided into two categories: Predator Types and Prey Types. Phylites are rare and tend to come from closed-off communities and settlements of similar origins people. Phylites are often frowned upon by their human counterparts for their animalistic origins - and tend to be wanderers, vagabonds and gypsies, unable to settle long-term in most major human settlements due to the discrimination they face.

'Artificial Phylites', sometimes referred to as Genomes, require special application to play as to maintain their uniqueness in the setting.

Monsterous Phylites

Though most Phylites can trace their genetic origin to the natural fauna of the Planet, some Phylites have descended or been developed from the Monster races of the Planet. These Phylites are outcasts even amongst their own kind - Monster Phylites are extraordinarily rare and will often go out of their way to hide their origins. Folk superstition, right or wrong, believes that monsterous phylites retain the 'killer instinct' of their genetic ancestry, and view these people as ticking time bombs, unwilling to offer them much in the way of support or employment.

'Monsterous Phylites' require special application to play as to maintain their uniqueness in the setting.

OTHER RACES/ORIGINS

Cetra

Main Article - Cetra

The Cetra, also known as the Ancients, are a race of people from an ancient civilization. They are identical in appearance to humans, but possess a deep spirituality and the ability to communicate with the planet and its lifestream. This unique trait is passed down through their family line. The Cetra were known for their migrations, in which they traveled and cultivated life on the planet in search of the fabled promised land. They were able to guide the flow of the planet's spiritual energy, using this ability to make the land fertile. As the planet's caretakers, the Cetra worked to maintain a harmonious balance with the planet until their race was nearly wiped out by an extraterrestrial shape-shifting entity called Jenova. About 2,000 years ago, Jenova crash-landed on the northern continent and infected many of the Cetra with a virus that mutated them into monsters. A small group of unchanged Cetra fought against Jenova and sealed its body within the North Crater, the site of its arrival. Thousands of years later, Jenova was excavated by the Shinra Electric Power Company and mistakenly identified as a Cetra.

Most people believe the Cetra are now extinct - though one known descendant from their race still lives in Midgar under supervision of the Turks.

Direct Cetra descendants are not playable in FF7-RC.

Monsters

Main Article - Category:Monsters

Monsters are creatures that are often hostile towards humans and can be found in a variety of locations and circumstances. They may be artificially created, such as those produced by the Shinra Electric Power Company through the use of mako energy, or they may be the result of natural mutations caused by exposure to the lifestream or mako. Monsters can also be undead, appearing in areas where large-scale death has occurred, or they may be native to certain environments, like caves or springs. Some monsters, such as dragons and giant scorpions, are recognized as such due to their distinct appearance, while others may be referred to as monsters simply because they exhibit violent or aggressive behavior. In general, the term "monster" is used to describe any non-human entity that poses a significant threat to humans, even without mitigating factors like protection of territory or hunger.

Monsters, including those of 'sentient' origin, are not playable characters in FF7-RC outside of specific event scenarios.

They are utterly banished from human civilization and generally are hostile to humankind.

Canon Characters

Canon Characters are those that have already been established within the original games or setting of Final Fantasy VII. They serve as "mascot" characters in the setting, adding a sense of legitimacy and familiarity to the story. These characters must adhere to their original personalities and are typically auditioned for by players who wish to portray them. Canon Characters are an important part of the Final Fantasy VII universe and can bring a depth and richness to the story that is enjoyed by both seasoned fans and new players alike.

Canon Characters can be applied for or requested , and sometimes can even be played by more than one players. Unlike regular Player Characters they are unkillable, and are expected to adhere to the personalities and general aesthetics displayed in the source material.

For a list of canon characters, please see here -

Canon Characters

Experiments and Genomes

Artificial Phylites, also known as Genomes, are genetically engineered humanoids often created by the Shinra Electric Power Company's Research and Development division. They are science experiments that were developed with specific goals in mind and typically belong to the company unless they are emancipated. Genomes have a dark history and can be challenging to play due to their limitations. They may have specific abilities or characteristics that set them apart from regular humans, but they are often restricted in some way and may struggle to fit in with society. Despite their difficult past, Genomes are complex and multifaceted characters that can bring a unique perspective to the story.

Artificial Phylites exist both as a backstory reason for hybridized features in a humanoid, and also as a means of developing challenging and unique story. Please reach out to the GM team if this is a kind of character you would like to play, but bear in mind in order to keep them unique and interesting these characters often have myriad side-effects and social problems, and are restricted to approved characters only.

ORGANIZATIONS/JOBS

People of Junon / Civilians

The Civilian Class is a class representing the diverse population of the city of Junon, with characters possessing a range of skills and abilities. Players can explore professions within the city such as detective, shop clerk, bar staff, or dancer. They play a vital role in the day-to-day operations and decisions of the city, and can have different affiliations while they keep the city running. Players have the flexibility to create diverse characters and experience different storylines.

To learn more about playing a character in this group, see - Main Article - Civilians

Criminal Enterprises

The Criminal Elements of Junon class represents the criminal underworld of the city where characters make their fortune through illegal means. Players can explore criminal professions such as being a member of the Yakuza, a thief, or a mercenary. These characters congregate in the Undercity, a haven for criminals, however they have to pay tribute to the powerful Shinra corporation and be cautious with law enforcement agencies and rival gangs. Players can expect excitement and danger when choosing this class, and ability to navigate the treacherous criminal underworld and make their own way in the game's world.

To learn more about playing a character in this group, see - Main Article - Criminals

Anti-Shinra Sentiments & Avalanche

The Anti-Shinra Groups class represents a collection of organizations and individuals united in opposition to the powerful Shinra Corporation due to their concerns about the corporation's actions. Players can explore different motivations for opposing the company such as Mako energy use, autocratic nature, and human rights violations. These groups exist worldwide, operate in secrecy and use violent means to stage protests. The most prominent group is Avalanche, lead by a charismatic leader called Elfe, who are planning to launch an all-out assault against the corporation. Anti-Shinra characters have a range of abilities such as leadership, stealth, infiltration and combat skills. Players can expect to play a central role in the struggle against a powerful enemy and a politically charged dynamic in the game, with the added danger of hiding their opposition from the corporation.

To learn more about playing a character in this group, see - Main Article - Rebellion

Shinra Company

The Shinra Electric Power Company is a powerful organization known for providing energy through mako reactors and plays a central role in the lives of people of Junon and beyond. Players can explore a variety of roles within the organization such as urban planning, aeronautics, public security forces, advanced weapons development and research and development. The company is publicly seen as a provider of energy and security, but also has a political influence, maintain its own army and advance weapon development, while many employees believe they are working for a company that is making the world better place. Players will enjoy the complexity of playing in a powerful and influential organization, making moral choices and navigating politics while rising through the ranks or risking the company's downfall.

To learn more about playing a character in this group, see - Main Article - Shinra Electric Power Company

SOLDIER

SOLDIER is an elite and powerful class of mako-infused fighters who are the elite troops of the Shinra Corporation. Players can experience the thrill of being a powerful fighter, taking on various missions and challenges, and are viewed as heroes by many people. However, joining comes with a heavy cost, as they must belong to Shinra forever and face internal conflict about the morality of their actions. Players will have to make difficult decisions and navigate moral dilemmas while also striving to become the elite among the elite, First Class, and question if they are truly on the side of good or evil while upholding the interests of the corporation.

To learn more about playing a character in this group, see - Main Article - SOLDIER

Turks

The Turks are a specialized class of characters that serve as the secret enforcers of the Shinra Corporation, responsible for internal auditing and general affairs and also used for tasks such as spying, interrogation, assassination, and kidnapping. Players can explore the moral complexities of being a member of the Turks, operating in a morally gray area and forced to be professional, loyal to the company and using advanced equipment and resources to maintain the company's grip on the planet through clandestine means. They are skilled in hand-to-hand combat, weapons use, stealth, deception and tradecrafts. Players will face the challenges of being part of a powerful and dangerous organization, navigating moral complexities and making difficult decisions while requiring strategy, planning and subterfuge.

To learn more about playing a character in this group, see - Main Article - Turks

Shinra Public Security Forces

The Shinra Public Security Forces (SPSF) is a powerful military and police force that is part of the Shinra Corporation, tasked with maintaining peace and security within the cities. Players take on the role of soldiers and law enforcement officers tasked with handling public unrest and protecting Shinra facilities. Unlike SOLDIER, the SPSF is made up of regular soldiers and officers that have been trained to handle special gear and equipment, deployed more often than the elite unit, and responsible for maintaining the company's interest in the city through suppression of protests and curtailing civil liberties, which may be viewed by some as protectors and by others as enforcers of an oppressive regime. Players will face complex political situations, moral dilemmas and must make difficult decisions while operating on behalf of the company and being aware of the consequences of their actions.

To learn more about playing a character in this group, see - Main Article - Shinra Public Security Forces

Deepground

Deepground is a secretive and powerful military organization created by the Shinra Electric Power Company, an extension of the SOLDIER program but taken to extreme levels of experimentation, mako energy exposure and constant warfare. Players are part of a group that creates ultimate warriors at any cost, controlled by the company and sent on dangerous missions, but with no freedom and only for serving the company's interests. This class involves dark themes, such as experimentation, brainwashing, slavery, and excessive violence. Players must come to terms with being part of an immoral and unethical organization, where death is always present, but so is glory and advancement. Deepground is an event-based faction, with scheduled missions and interactions with characters who would not normally have the chance to interact with the outside world. It is not suitable for players who are uncomfortable playing a character that is controlled, manipulated, and forced to do unspeakable things.

To learn more about playing a character in this group, see - Main Article - Deepground

Wutai

Wutai is an independent nation state engaged in a war against the powerful Shinra Electric Power Company, fighting for their own freedom and that of their people. Players become fighters, agents and spies committed to restoring their nation's glory by toppling the corporation from within. They are experts in eastern martial arts and covert operations, known for their stealth, precision and deadly skills. The people of Wutai are fiercely proud and nationalistic, honorable combatants with deep history fighting against subjugation. They may ally with anti-Shinra groups, and have deep sense of duty to their country and people. Players will experience the cultural and historical elements, covert operations, espionage and the moral complexities of war, making difficult decisions that will have consequences for themselves and their nation. The class is suitable for players that enjoy playing an honorable and proud warrior, fighting to defend their nation and restore its glory.

To learn more about playing a character in this group, see - Main Article - Wutai

Crescent Unit

The Crescent Unit is the elite fighting force of Wutai, known for their skill in combat and espionage. Players who choose this class will take on the role of highly skilled and dedicated soldiers, who will go to any means to defeat the powerful Shinra Corporation and protect their nation. They are relentless fighters and good-intentioned extremists, who will make difficult moral decisions in the name of their nation's victory. Players should be prepared for a leadership role and for navigating morally complex situations. It's not for players looking for a black and white class, rather it's for those who can deal with the gray area of crossing moral boundaries.

To learn more about playing a character in this group, see - Main Article - Crescent Unit

CHARACTER CLASS

Your **character class** is a description of the alignment of your stats and abilities in line with your characters concept.

Character Classes have both COMBAT and NON COMBAT stats that are called for in different challenges and instances. It is important to note that some classes are *better* at combat than others- the main differentiation in Character Class is also Roleplaying Flavor. A Turk, for example, will have more access to Company Resources and Authority than a SOLDIER, although the SOLDIER will be on average more effective in combat.

For a more detailed breakdown of our combat system , character classes and stats, please see this page-

Combat System

Roleplay Fundamentals

IC vs OOC

In a roleplay (RP) environment, OOC stands for "out of character" and refers to actions or statements that are made by the person behind the character, rather than the character itself. This is often used to give information or make announcements that are not part of the RP. For example, if someone says "OOC: Just a reminder that we have a meeting in the Discord channel in 15 minutes," they are letting other people know about an event that is happening outside of the RP.

IC, on the other hand, stands for "in character" and refers to actions or statements that are made by the character as part of the RP. For example, if a character in an RP says "I'm going to go get some food," they are speaking IC because they are saying something that their character would say as part of the story.

In general, it is important to use OOC communication sparingly in an RP, as it can disrupt the immersion and flow of the story. It is also important to be clear when you are speaking OOC, so that other people know that you are not speaking as your character.