By The Armchair Booker

“The better RP should win.”
“Yeah, but who decides what’s better?”

If you’ve been in fantasy wrestling long enough, you’ve either judged a roleplay or been judged — and probably felt frustrated by the outcome at some point. RP grading systems are the backbone of competitive eFeds, but they’re also one of the most divisive mechanics in the entire hobby.

They’re designed to bring fairness, clarity, and stakes to storytelling. But more often than not, they bring drama, disputes, and burned-out judges.

So what’s the truth? Are RP grading systems a necessary tool for competitive integrity — or a flawed attempt to systematize subjective art?

Let’s break it down.

📏 What Is an RP Grading System?

In competitive eFeds, matches are often decided based on which handler writes the "better" promo. To make that decision fair, some feds use a grading rubric — assigning scores based on categories like:

• Creativity


• Character Voice


• Storytelling


• Grammar/Mechanics


• Effectiveness of Insults


• Relevance to the Match

The total score determines the winner. Sometimes one judge scores. Sometimes a panel. Sometimes consensus rules.

Sounds fair, right?

Well… it’s complicated.

✅ Pros of Grading Systems

1. Structure and Consistency

Rubrics provide a framework. Everyone is judged by the same standards, and there's a clear system behind decisions. That helps cut down on "I lost because the fedhead hates me" conspiracies.

“At least I know what to improve for next time.”

2. Constructive Feedback

Done well, grading can double as coaching. It gives handlers direction on how to grow: better flow, deeper character work, stronger formatting, etc.

“You lost this one, but your story scored high. Keep going that route.”

3. Transparency

If scores and judge notes are shared, handlers feel more secure about outcomes. It’s not just “you lost” — it’s why you lost.

Fair loss = frustration fades faster.

❌ Cons of Grading Systems

1. Subjectivity Never Goes Away

Even with a rubric, one judge’s “10/10 storytelling” is another judge’s “6/10, kinda mid.” There’s no universal standard for creative writing. And the more categories you grade, the more interpretation sneaks in.

“How is this a 7 in voice when it’s literally my character’s POV?”

2. Over-Quantifying Art

Some RPs feel better than others — even if they’re not perfectly structured. A powerful character moment might not score well on mechanics. A funny RP might lose because it didn’t mention the opponent enough.

Sometimes vibes > rubric.

3. Judging Burnout & Inconsistency

Judging takes time and mental energy. Over time, judges get tired, rushed, or fall behind. That leads to inconsistent feedback, late results, or — worst of all — no-shows on judgment day.

“Judged by three people who barely read it” isn't much better than no judging at all.

4. Handler Gaming

Once a rubric becomes public, handlers start writing to it — not to their character’s voice or the story. Promos become checklist boxes, not emotional performances.

“This paragraph is just here to tick the ‘insult’ category.”

🔄 Popular Grading Models (and Their Flaws)

There’s no perfect method — only systems that fit your fed’s culture.

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🤝 Best Practices for Fair RP Judging

If you’re going to use a grading system, consider these:

• Publish your rubric so handlers know what’s expected.


• Train your judges with examples and calibration tests.


• Have backups ready in case a judge ghosts.


• Allow feedback rebuttals — not to overturn results, but to open dialogue.


• Consider hybrid judging — use rubrics and story planning where appropriate.

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🧠 Alternative Approaches

• Angle-Based Booking with Performance Notes: No win/loss based on RPs, but staff considers them in long-term arcs.


• Handler Voting with Anonymous RPs: Community-decided, blind voting. Great for tournaments.


• Spotlight System: Instead of win/loss, the best RP gets a “spotlight” or bonus segment — builds morale without pressure.

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🏁 Final Bell: Clarity or Chaos?

RP grading systems can work — if your fed values competition, clarity, and feedback. But they require effort, consistency, and honest communication to prevent burnout and resentment.

At the end of the day, this is a writing hobby. A creative sport.

So whether you grade every word or let story take the wheel, ask yourself:

• Does this system build trust in the game?


• Does it inspire people to get better?


• And most importantly…
  Does it make the writing feel worth it?

If the answer’s yes?
Then let the bell ring.