Don't know what I'm doing
In reply to altshiftkey (msg # 1):
Welcome, beginner!
Not sure how much you need explained.
RPOL (Role Play OnLine)
Read the FAQS. (upper right corner of the page)
To play a game, you have to be accepted into a specific game by the GM. Each game is completely in the control of its GM. (within the context of the site rules)
To find a game, start with the 'Wanted - Players' page. That is where GMs advertise when looking for players for new or ongoing games.
You can also 'Browse/Search the games' to look at all existing games. (center of the home page) Most of those will not be accepting new players.
You can post in the 'Wanted - GMs' page asking if a GM is running/will run something specific that you want to play.
You can also look at the 'Game Proposals, Input, and Advice' page where GMs sometimes discuss games they're thinking about running. When people have expressed interest in her/his idea a GM sometimes gives those players first shot before posting an ad.
To get into a game, you have to go to the specific game page and 'Request to Join' or RTJ. That's done by clicking on a link in the upper middle of that page. IMPORTANT: Make sure you read the Game Info and any RTJ/Request to Join thread the GM has established. Thoroughly.
Each GM has a particular process for applying and the best way to NOT be selected for a game is to not follow his/her process. Remember, the GM controls everything in the game.
Also, be sure to read any thread in which the GM lays out code of conduct type rules. Again, only the GM can let you into a game and the GM can also remove you.
RPGs (Role Playing Games)
In case you haven't played or watched a role playing game before, here's a quick overview.
In an RPG you usually create and run a character appropriate to the setting, within limitations set by the GM.
The game may be run according to established rules and mechanics (usually involving some sort of dice rolling or other method to inject a random element). The rules may be a published system (often with 'house rules' added) or a home-brew that the GM has concocted.
Some games are free-form or semi-free-form, which have minimal rules and mostly depending on the GM to adjudicate.
In the course of play, you decide what your character does or attempts to do. The dice or the GM decides whether you succeed and what happens next.
That's pretty much it.