Character quirks vs. Special RP

[Beskytter]

So, it's been brought up recently by a few of the older players and I think this boils down to differing understanding of what special RP is in FK.
So I'm opening this topic for old and new players to discuss their views on character quirks vs. special role play.
I have two characters that are currently played, each has a unique background story that explains certain quirks, personality traits, etc. Obviously, without asking questions and listening to the answers, it isn't known why Besky might be posed as sitting statuesque, or might suddenly lose all emotion in his face.
I won't get into a lengthy description of either character's backstory or what's been commented on. That isn't the point of this topic.
What I will say is; Based on what I took from Mele's postings in the Application area, none of my character's RPs qualify as special RPs as they don't actually have any sort of alteration to them above or beyond normal in game skills or powers. I don't RP as having anything "special" for my characters.

I would like to hear thoughts on this from both players old and new, and from any Imms, to provide greater clarity as to what was meant as "special" RP.

[Hrosskell]

I always took "special RP" to apply to definitive abilities outside of what your character class or race would normally have by the rules. A human with giant wings, or the ability to straight-up burp fire, or something along those lines. It's like saying you have the ability to do stuff that you do not in code have the ability to do. As far as stuff that can be mostly roleplayed, I think that's fair game.

Cahir, for example, attributes his great strength (something he has in code) to a mystic source--his ancestry/bloodline plays into that a bit. He also has a myriad weaknesses that he's managed to keep pretty secret; while those could be special roleplay and coded, they're not advantageous "abilities" so I've never apped for them (though I have considered it). If anyone did ever figure them out, I'd take it upon myself to roleplay them accordingly.

[Orplar]

Complete Agreement w/ Hrosskell on this one.

[Beskytter]

Then what do you say to personality traits?
They aren't special abilities, but personalities aren't coded either. Each character is going to have a different personality.
Short Hypothetical:
Character's backstory states they were a street rat, their siblings all either died or ran away. This character then talks to a toy they carry around. ICly the toy is in their hand or at least they get the toy out to talk to it. The toy never "says" anything, but the character seems to hear answers. Obviously there are no echoes for either PC or for others in the room, but they RP that the toy is alive to them.
That, to me, is just a personality trait not a special RP.

If I wanted the character to have actual 'voices' in their head by means of echoes though, I could see that as special RP. I take special RP to mean that something has had to be added to the character through Imm help so that character's RP can function.

[Harroghty]

Hrosskell put it fairly well. If you propose something supernatural or extraordinary then it should be an application. If you hear voices then that's not a big deal, but if you hear the voice of Elminster then that's probably hazy. If you were born in the 'hood then no big deal, but if you grew up in the 'hood because your dad was King Azoun and your mom was a tavern girl then that's application territory.

In the end, it doesn't hurt to apply. The worst thing to expect is a reply saying "no worries."

[Kinni]

If the 'toy' is giving you true information (perhaps from OOC knowledge) that is then not just a character trait/personality, but an ability that would require special permission I would think. But, if your character is just generally insane and awkward, talking about the weather with his dolly, that's just fun.

[Rhangalas]

In Forgotten Kingdoms, special RP extends beyond just having extraordinary abilities or skills. Special roleplay is defined as, basically, roleplaying a character that is beyond the norm. For example, roleplaying your character as being part of a Royal Elven House, roleplaying as a god-touched, or as a tiefling that is a descendant of a deity would all be considered special RP and such things will usually require an application before being pursued.

Other special RP would include playing as the family of other PCs (siblings, parents, etc.), pregnancy, or playing as a race that is not currently offered as an option in character generation (tabaxi, yuan-ti, orog, etc.).

EDIT: Don't choose Yuan-ti unless you don't mind Rhangalas harvesting your eyes... just kidding.
...but not really.

[Tamryn]

Actually, HELP SIBLINGS says that "Role-play as siblings (fraternal or identical twins) does not require an application". Also, Sun Elves may RP as a member of a noble house without an application (source: HELP APPLICATION).

[Rhangalas]

Ah, good deal. It wasn't always like that though.