Kailea
Level 57 Night Elf Druid
Guild: Sacred Magi
Realm: Emerald Dream
Currently posted on the ED Forums by:
Maralah
Level 70 Tauren Druid
Guild: Pack Spirit
Realm: Emerald Dream
This guide serves as a comprehensive guide to roleplaying (RP). This server is an RP-PVP server, incorporating the best aspects of the game. As such, it’s nice to have a loose selection of guidelines to go by. This guide has 9 parts, which will be posted in a series of 7 posts.
• What is Roleplaying?
• Character Creation
• Emotes
• Character Development
• Roleplaying "Good"
• Roleplaying "Neutral"
• Roleplaying "Evil"
• Tips for the Villains
• OOC Traps
• Internet Shorthand
What is Roleplaying?
Remember when you were little and you used to play dress-up or "pretend"? Roleplaying is the adult version of that game. Roleplaying is a way for people to express themselves and their creativity while having fun at the same time. Roleplaying was popularized with Dungeons and Dragons, a pen-and-paper (PnP) RPG. Since the dawn of the computer age, roleplaying has shifted from board games to video games. Roleplaying in an MMO is vitally different than roleplaying by yourself, as there are as many rules as there are people. However, there is a general consensus of the rules of roleplay, which have been laid out in this guide.
Different Types of Roleplayers*
Anti-Roleplayers
These players will deliberately go out of their way to ruin your immersion and experience, in game and out. They do so by forum trolling signified roleplay posts, spamming /say and emotes (oh god /dance) during a roleplay session or other annoyances that distract from your roleplaying experience. Basically, the AR is the kid knocking over sand castles at the beach: I can’t be bothered putting effort into building something up, so I’ll feel better if I destroy someone else’s work. While the AR seeks to show some kind of superiority to get you to buckle, ignoring their subversion is the best response. Find a really big rock and build your sandcastle around it. Or go tell your big brother (blizzard).
Example: 2 roleplayers and an AR waiting for a zepplin
Blue: Vhy we going to stranglethorn again? You know Ih hate ze umidity!
AR: omg.LOL
Indifferent to Roleplaying
These players seek neither to create nor destroy other people’s roleplaying experience. Some that fall into this category may want to roleplay, or at least experiment from time to time this guide is mainly for you. Others may be content to stay under the radar at all times, keeping their chat within the rules stated by Blizzard and enjoy the server purely for the PVE and PVP. Then there is a percentage that leans back towards the AR’r, not openly sabotaging roleplay, but holding disregard for it.
Example: Blue is opening lockboxes in orgrimmar
Blue: Ah, yis, lets see what zis lockbox holds for you good troll (opens box)
IR: thanks /goodbye
Light Roleplayer
Ah, this is where it starts to get fun! Welcome to the first tier of playing a character. Light roleplaying is when you start to modify your responses to seem more appropriate for your character. Light roleplay usually involves characters that are very similar in personality to you, as to take some of the complexity away from the experience. To some people, this is a good balance between what is enjoyable without being pedantic. The characters motivations are more or less the same as your own, but with a twist. Out of character chat is not uncommon or looked down upon, party/raid chat is best left OOC. At this level, some players may choose to take up an accent appropriate for race. This is especially easy if you are a Troll, Dwarven a little harder, and other races don’t have a specific direction for accents. As far as advancement in the game, RP never takes precedent over your enjoyment of the game as a whole, so if you want to go ganking or farm some instances, you do so. However a light RP’r will usually have a somewhat believable motivation for doing so.
Example: a rare sword drops in SM, player really needs
Troll: Hey, this sword would be great for me mon, make things much easy for me.
Example: player is questioned why they are grinding the same mobs over and over
Troll: Well, I simply ate dem raptors mon,
Example: player is asked why they attack on sight alliance / horde
Human: I hate the horde, They invaded us in past wars / they harbour the forsaken / they are scum that deserve to die / they have no honour
Medium Roleplayer
A bit of a step up, here are some of the differences to a light roleplayer. Medium Roleplayers usually have a back-story for their character that explains their past. This past helps to define the character in present and future actions. Medium roleplayers with accent classes will likely adopt it (or a suitable back story to explain otherwise), and speak mannerisms may be developed; Maybe an unusual accent, way of punctuating or getting a message across. Out of character chat is usually indifferent to a MR, but always denoted by ((double brackets)). Raid and party chat will be either in character or sparse and to the point as possible as to not break immersion too much. A character may be different, or an aspect of the player’s personality they wish to explore. Players often choose to ignore names above heads, meaning a proper introduction is required to know who someone is, (just like in real life silly!). Medium roleplayers may start to shun areas of the game that do not agree with their character.
Example: Group of 4 is looking for a paladin to tackle SM
(Paladin invited)
Group leader: Hey there, you want to come to SM?
Paladin: Sorry, no, my father is a serving member of the crusade, and I won’t take arms against him.
LR: Oh dear I see, take heart paladin, we'll avoid anyone that looks like you.
IR: thats cool man, cya later
AR:wtf? Come to SM you dork, dnt you need that shield?
Example: Friend from old realm comes on to try new server with old PVP friend
Human: Hey Tiberius, good to see you again, can you start me up with some silver?
MR: Err. how did you know my name, I’ve never seen you before you must be a spy huh? Get the hell away from me before I kick your head in!
MR: ((hey mate, good to see you J heres 1g, sorry my character is an @$%!@%& :P, play along and see! ))
Heavy Roleplayer
Ok, this is where roleplaying takes complete precedence over any aspect of the game. A player will not engage in player killing unless there is a motivation to. A player will probably not even run unless in haste. Every word that leaves the characters mouth belongs to that of the character, the player behind may be a completely different person. Immersion is paramount to the heavy roleplayer, as their entire enjoyment comes out of this. A heavy-roleplayer will not stand for AR’s, and even IR’s to a degree. A heavy roleplayer is forced, even at the worst of times, to play as their character. Out of character talk is very sparse, always denoted by ((double brackets)). A heavy roleplayer will not use general chat. It is not uncommon for a HR to not use guildchat or any other long distance forms of communication, as this distracts from their immersion. A heavy roleplayer will always have a backstory, a clear sense of character, and a strong intention on future for a character. A HR’s character is ever changing, making their mark on the world and letting the world mould their character.
Example: HR elven walks by every type in Stormwind
HR2: [Darnassian] Ishnu’alah
HR: [Darnsassian] (To you too)
MR: Ah, an Elven in Stormwind? What does this man owe the pleasure?
HR: Hello human brother, I’m meeting kin in the park, goodday.
LR(dwarf): Hullo elf!
HR: /em scrunches up her nose at the dwarf,
HR: Errm, good day
IR: Hey, can you open this lock?
MR: Hmmm, I am in no great hurry.why not, let’s have a look at it. (lock pops)
IR: woot! Its a 12slot thx
MR: Huh? You sure speak funny, gnome
IR: wat?
MR: /huff, never mind, good day
AR: its faster to run, press the / key
MR: .
AR: /dance
MR: .leave me be
AR: lololo
MR files report.
General Information About Ingame Chat and Forums
So, there is a basic guide to the types of roleplaying, and its easy to see why MR/HR, may not get along so well with the anti’s or indifferent’s. So, what point do we draw the line for this server? What is the acceptable amount of roleplay for someone to undertake?
Verbal/Physical Harassment Targeting Role-Players
This category includes:
-Players that specifically target role-players for verbal/physical abuse (not limited to offensive language). If a player is found to be targeting role-players with the specific intent to harass, he/she may be temporarily suspended from the game.
Out of Character (OOC) Discussion and Use of General Chat
Detailed below is the language policy enforced on the Role-Play servers. Use of the /ignore command is also highly encouraged.
-The General Chat Channel should only be used for finding Storylines (SLs), finding Party Groups, and various other discussions pertaining to the Base Storyline (BSL), game-related topics, and continuity.
-The General Chat Channel should NOT be used for any "Off-topic," Non-Storyline, or non game-related discussions.
-Absolutely no out of character (OOC) or non-fantasy related dialogue should take place in the /Say, /Yell, or Party chat channels.
-Guild Chat will not be policed for any fantasy related violations.
-All normal harassment rules (which can be found at http://www.blizzard.com/support/wowgm/?id=agm01719p) still apply.
Examples of appropriate conversation in the General Chat Channel:
-"Would anyone like to join a Rogue Specific SL?"
-"What happened to the Well of Eternity?"
Examples of inappropriate conversation in the General Chat Channel:
-"Did you see that new movie?"
-"My sister just bought a new car."
If a player is found violating any of these rules, he/she may:
-Be given a warning.
From the indications above, the indifferent roleplayers that respect the above rules have right to be here. It is just a subjective point as to when an indifferent’s action affects the immersion of the more serious roleplayers.
The important thing is to make an effort! No matter how basic it is. The best way to roleplay is to be active! While standing around waiting for a boat, tell your neighbour how much you hate orcs. While selling items, try using your accent in the trade channel. While questing/instancing, start arguing with your warlock pet! Being proactive is the best way for you to enjoy roleplay! If you are standing in a crowd of 10 people waiting for that boat, there is a very good chance someone will reply. But, while being pro-active, make sure to be a good listener too
everyone loves to be paid attention to, pay attention to your fellow roleplayers and they will love you for it! A good tool for roleplaying is FlagRSP, many people use it and you can set your flag to looking for roleplaying, and see other people’s intentions too.
Backstory
Want to write a backstory? Good stuff, get an idea together while on the train to work and when you’re ready, post it up on the forums! People may reply to your story who wish to roleplay further or will look out for you.
Posting roleplaying on the forums
As some of you may have seen, there are some denotations swimming around, here are some,
((OOC)) a roleplayer needing to explain something ooc,
((FFA-IC)) anyone may add to this discussion IN CHARACTER only
((OPEN-RP)) an open invitation to join a crafted series of events or roleplay
((Closed-RP)) a closed peak at other peoples stories, you may not add but you still may enjoy the drama.
*Thanks to Bluemania for the information on the types of roleplayers and the ingame chat and forum rules.
Character Creation
In World of Warcraft, character creation is as simple as pointing and clicking. In roleplay, however, its always better to have a detailed history of your character, whether it has been written down or just sits in your head. The creation of your character is an important first step in any role-playing game. There are certain things that are imperative to know when you're creating a character for WoW.
The Basics
• Gender
Do you want to role-play a female or male character? There are advantages to either. This is mostly a personal choice. Most people tend to stay with their own gender, although there are many people who cross-gender roleplay.
• Name
What's in a name? A lot, actually. Your name, oftentimes, is the first impression another player will have of you. In a roleplaying server, like ED is, a name like Twinkforu or Imapriest are often frowned upon. A good way of deciding if your name is appropriate is to picture your character in a real life scenario. Would a parent name their child Imapriest? Ultimately, the decision is up to the player. Keep in mind where you are playing, however. Under character names, I've found most people find a simple search around a baby names site useful if they're stuck on what to name a character. The following are useful sites*:
o http://www.20000-names.com(Searches names)
o http://www.babynamesworld.com (Searches meanings)
o http://www.lowchensaustralia.com/names.htm
• Personality
Having a vague idea of your character's personality is always good. Personality is how your character reacts and responds to certain situations. Is she mean, or is she kind and benevolent? This choice will affect your gameplay, seeing as your evil warlock will not likely give a discount to that cute gnome mage, not matter how much you like the gnome mage out of character. Personalities often conflict, which is normal. Don't expect everyone to get along, just like in real life. However, don't bring your in character (IC) drama out of character (OOC).
• Alignment
Alignment is usually used in Dungeons and Dragons and other related games, so it isn't of much relevance to World of Warcraft. Your characters alignment is a general stereotype of their personality. The usual alignments are lawful good, neutral good, chaotic good, lawful neutral, true neutral, chaotic neutral, lawful evil, neutral evil, and chaotic evil.
Who is Your Character?
Who is your character after all? There are many things to consider while making your character. Before you actually begin to roleplay, you must consider other aspects, such as: Who is this character? What drives him? What makes him respond to different things in different ways? A character background or history can answer most of these questions. The key to a character history is to ensure that your creativity fits within the boundaries of the environment you wish to play in.
These are a few general questions to help shape your character:
• How and where did your character grow up?
• Does he have family? Where are they? What do they do?
• Hold old is your character? Who are his friends?
• Has he ever been hurt? Has he been in love?
• Is he happy? Is he sad?
• What are his morals? What are his ideas on honor and respect? On stealing and lying?
*Thanks to the lovely Harpalyce for the baby names websites.
Emotes
Expressing Yourself to the World
You have this wonderfully rounded out character, you know what he feels, what he likes, where he comes from, and what he looks like. Now to decide how he acts! Within WoW all actions are performed with “emotes†that allow other characters to see what your character is doing. It would be impossible to display graphically the wide range of movements and actions possible to characters, and emotes try to address this problem. Simply put, emotes are visible actions or physical descriptions. They are not for giving information, for showing what someone is thinking, nor for communicating OOC information. Anything you say or any actions your character takes must be within character. A good emote describes a physical event or action while allowing other characters to participate. Other characters cannot usually see “thoughts†or motivations, so emoting these will limit their opportunities to respond. Keep in mind when creating emotes that you need to leave room for a person to respond. If you want to punch someone, you “swing towards them†or “lunge rapidlyâ€. This allows the other player to decide whether or not his character gets hit. Do not god-mode, where you give the other player no room to respond.
• Good: “You swing your axe at the orc.â€
• Bad: “You hack the orc's arm off with your axe.â€
Proper Emotes
There are some ways to emote that just don't fit within WoW's emoting system. All emotes are done by the third person. An example would be:
• Kailea looks down at her leather boots, disgusted by the dirt and grime that has accumulated.
• Kailea looks down at her boots. They are intricately carved with runes rumored to protect against shadow magic.
Both of these emotes are similar, yet different. The first emote is an action emote, detailing the action a character is performing. The second emote was a descriptive one, meant to give greater information about an object or character.
Improper Emotes
These cover the gambit from OOC, forced actions, to showing thoughts. Don't do them.
• Thrall thinks Arthas is a moron and pulls his pants down.
• Bulgok dislikes Sklar.
• Mimi thinks M&Ms are good.
• Johnny brandishes some Gnomish Patties.
Various Roleplay Ideas*
The following are various ideas that can be played out by the use of extensive emotes.
- Zoomaster/Petting zoo owner: Collect pets and set up a small scale petting zoo for people to enjoy!
- Poet/ Minstrel: One of the most fun characters to play, you get to be creative, writing songs and poetry and have people *gasp listen to you!
- City tours: Become a lore expert and take people for guided tours of the city. Leaves a lot of room for creativity!
- Ghost tours: Similar idea to the previous, except with ghosts! Maybe get your group to party with you, and have a friend go in ghost form for them to be chased by.
Hunting trips: Are you a seasoned hunter, or just a fan of the big game? Don’t have to be a hunter to enjoy the sport! - Safari: Run a safari service by yourself or a few friends. Take people for tours of the barrens and its inhabitants.
- Fortune telling: Another really fun one, you get to tell people what is going to happen in their lives ^_^
- Psychologist/Councilor: Listen to peoples problems all day and try to diffuse some of their anxieties,
- Odds n ends collector / Trader: Hey, don’t throw away that grey item! One mans trash is another’s treasure. Show off your.okay lets face it, trash.
- Hair stylist: Okay, you can’t graphically change someones haircut, but half of roleplay is suspending your beliefs and just playing along :P
- Hypnotist: Now this would be a fun one I am dying to try on an alt :P
- Games master: Spend all day coming up with and hosting games between people, maybe try to get an actual chess game going using KnightB2-C5 style? Perhaps your character is a master at something, and has attitude.
- Saint/Samaritan: Perhaps its part of your characters persona to help people in need, maybe under influence of the light?
- Graveyard Keeper: So many graveyards in Azeroth, and who is there to look after them? Sell flowers and keep those shields upright as you keep the places of mourning.
- Real estate agent: Elect yourself master of real estate in Ironforge! Sell (I use that word carefully :P) the houses to couples, take them on inspections and even hold auctions! Proof of ownership may be a problem however
- Circus performer: A clown, high wire or master of beasts? Show off your freakishness by performing at the darkmoon faire perhaps?
- Comedian: This one is tricky, but if you can pull it off, youll get lots of love! Write up some jokes and draw in a crowd in Orgrimmar or Stormwind.
- Garbage Collector: So much litter around the trade regions, sweep around people, avoid the hobos and keep Azeroth clean! (Can run into some interesting encounters with hobos, business owners, estate agents?)
- Party Liason: People have parties and weddings all the time in Azeroth! Why not be a service to these people by getting in touch with all the entertainers, finest chefs, comedians, fortune tellers and the like to book for peoples events? Great for PR!
- Mailbox Digests: Start your own digest magazine by yourself or with a few friends and get subscribers! Maybe run some riddle competitions, try to make a word find in a letter, or run stories on interest.
- Expressionist artist (in angst!): D#@!& your character in shades of grey and black, and wander around stormwind pondering modernism, industry and that undead rogue stabbing people behind you.
- Gypsy: Start your own folk collective by yourself or a few friends, engage another culture completely foreign to your native one by becoming nomads of the land, with a fondness for campfires, dancing and singing.
- Deviant Dealer: People from some walks of life need a fix, sometimes in no other form than deviant fish! Treat them as a banned substance, make your shady deals out the back of cut throat alley away from the guards!
- Speech the#@!@$% / accent expert: Become a master of the various dialects and speech mannerisms of Azeroths inhabitants. From the ey mon, to the RAAAAAAAARG me smash undead! To the muuuuruurururggghhh of a murloc!
- Dockmaster: Become the chief official of the docks of menethil, or the zepplins of orgrimmar, providing regular /yells about departure and arrival times. Name the ships yourself, make your office the unused ship, and keep your cloak smelling of salt and gin!
- Holiday Agent: Some people want a holiday? You know where to go (and in what season!) provide packages with the safari, hunters clubs, organize a tour, or maybe just a quiet night at a bed and breakfast owner.
- Bed and Breakfast owner: Maybe you own a nice house in the middle of no-where and like to treat your guests with the best hospitality one can provide. Bookings might need to be essential.so youre there.
- Masseuse: Your skills as a master masseuse are needed! Heros return to battle with knots, aching joints and a high heart rate. Offer them some creature comfort for a few copper coin.
- Animal rights protectionist: Everyday a critter is molested somewhere in Azeroth. Start your plight by the protection of chickens and rabbits, maybe even the level 50 owls..diseased grizzly bears?
- Private Eye: Investigate strange happenings outside the official channels. Work with SI:7 for assignments, or go renegade.
- Homeless bum: hey, its no big deal, most of us sleep in inns at night! What of those people who sleep in the middle of Orgrimmar? Perhaps you take it a step further, harassing the deviant dealer and garbage collectors.
- Astronomers: Study the heavens and talk with others, such as the fortune tellers, astrologists, magazine editors and the like about your findings.
- Town Crier: Those overpaid bums walking around the city, spouting news
only the council wants you to hear about! Send forth reports of distant war with your fellows, keep up to date on great auctions, even some gossip? - Peace Activist / Hippy: We may be on a PvP server, but why not roleplay a peaceful attitude? Roleplay yourself being strapped to trees in Stonetalon Mountains, and try talk that undead rogue out of gutting you.
- Master chef: Its one thing to have 375 cooking skill, but something else entirely to create your own wonderful masterpieces! Use the forums, letterbox tabloid to give directions on making dishes such as, Stuffed elven ear, Chicken soup, Boochy steak!
Groups/Clubs/Guilds: Many of these ideas could be performed best with group of over three people, whether as a social occasion between friends, open invitations to all to join as a club, or a formal thing as a guild, give some of these ideas a go.
- Boxing club: Start up a (drunken) bare fist fight club. Get all violent and personal with your buddies.
- Church services: Conduct a regular sermon and pray amongst peers. (I think Crimson Alliance do this if I’m not mistaken)
- University: Elect yourself dean after creating a university! This worked great on my old server, study such things as arcane, botany, biology, human sciences, politics!
- Acting troupe: We all roleplay characters.Ever thought of roleplaying a character in character?! Replay great dramas such as Hamlet, or put a modern twist on them such as LOLio and Juliet. The Capulets and the pwnz0rs.
- Surf, Turf n beer crew: Conduct a regular excursion to a pub, order some beautiful tender wolf steaks, lobster and stout. Discuss whatever!
- Hotel / Concierge: Maybe one of the places in Ironforge is transformed into a 5 star inn! Dinner is served; you, your pet and entourage of luggage are looked after, completely at your leisure. May keep close ties with the masseuse, chef and garbage collectors. Oh, don’t gasp too hard when the 5 gold bill comes though!
- Linguist: A group of people might want to create their own language? Or the study of many languages, like mentioned above.
- Lore Experts: Become a master of your races lore, study with friends and hold conferences.
- Botanist: So many plants in Azeroth but no classifications!! Have excursions into the Stranglethorn Vale, study the decay at Felwood. Name the plants after your king!
- Mountaineering group: So, Ironforge has the explorer’s league, huh? For some reason the gods look down upon mountaineering, or, finding places no-one has ever seen. Maybe you can get away with it roleplaying, because it is fun ^_^
- Player run bar: A big thing on my old server was the player run inns at the park in stormwind. Get a regular happening going, people will drop by for a drink and a roleplay!
- Newspaper editor using the forums, webspace or IG-letter system, write a weekly report on the happenings of Azeroth. Maybe even get some takings from advertising?
- Philosophy group Warcraft raises some interesting philosophical issues, you respawn after you die from spirit healers, what does that say about pain, death and ambitions for life?
- Cat owners club: *shrug, I’m a cat fan, I don’t know if people would like to run their own cat shows with the various types.
- Bird watchers: Ever notice the birds flying overhead? Get a small group to study the various kinds!
Character traits: these ideas are very heavy, but hopefully will inspire to make your character stand out from the crowd, or to play with the concepts:
- Imaginary friend self explanatory! Warlocks talk to their pets all the time when they are supposedly phase shifted .
- Addict: Maybe your character has an addition to something?
- Clean queen: An obsessive compulsive character?
- Narcissists: Your character loves themselves a bit too much?
- Vertigo: Character has vertigo?
- Can’t swim/ afraid of water some traumatic memories from the past cause this?
- Masochist: Your character likes to ummm, hurt themselves?
- Schizophrenic: Or other disorders that make your character stand out,
- Trade ideas: Who says you can’t roleplay making a buck?
- Inter-faction trade organization: Organise to trade stuffs across the lines with your enemy..i meantrade partnerwhatever.
- Fashion designer: Make your goods stand out by vigorous campaigning to have your brand name recognized! May require some propaganda. The Gucci of leathergoods?
- Farmer: Nah, I’m just kidding. Don’t roleplay a farmer.
Character Development
To say that all characters (and for that matter, all people) are good or evil would be an oversimplification. Firstly, evil characters usually do not consider themselves to be "evil," and may actually consider themselves to be "good." These characters may believe something is "right" and defend it in a fanatical way. She may appear "evil" by opponents, who she conversely perceives as misguided or "evil." Her actions may be caused by insanity, by her foul temper, or by her belief that the ends justify the means. Alternatively, a character with "evil" or selfish motivations may perform so charismatically that others believe she is "good." There are many shades of grey and dark grey in every personality, and it is important to remember that your characters motivations are key to creating a believable persona.
Character Consistency
Character consistency is one of the hallmarks of great role-playing. Here are some tips to consider when playing your character:
• Stay in character as much as possible. The more you get out of your character, the harder it will be to get the right mood back into the game. Now, this may not seem harmful, but ruining a mood can ruin a roleplay. For more information, see the section on out-of-character traps.
• Events from the game will influence a characters demeanor, attitude, and in some cases, its personality. Even heroes can be affected by the tragic death of a loved one. Make sure that these influences are reflected in (minor) changes in your character.
• Once you’ve made a decision as your character, stick with it, and live with the consequences. As long as you’re roleplaying, it could prove for some interesting twists in your characters life. In a roleplaying game, reversing a decision usually harms the game.
Character Separation
One of the greatest challenges for all role-players is maintaining a healthy level of separation from your character. Here are some things to keep in mind:
• You are not your character. If a character attacks or insults your character, don’t take it as a personal attack. It’s fine if your character reacts, but don’t start taking things personal.
• It is easy to base your first character in a game on your own personality. Most new roleplayers do it, but experienced roleplayers fall into the trap as well. Make sure that, if you do this, it’s just a small base, because the more of yourself you pour into a character, the easier it is to feel any attack on that character as a personal insult.
• Remember that it’s only a game. You can stop playing any time you want, for as long as you want.
Roleplaying "Good"
Playing an essentially "Good" character may seem as easy as opening your eyes, but as with other alignment classifications, there are some points that need to be remembered. They can be as difficult to role-play believably as villainous characters. They don’t necessarily have to be huggy, kissy, warm-fuzzy type of people. What defines a character as being good is how they work to achieve the goals they have established within their role-play.
Example: There are three essentially good characters interacting in a role-play that revolves around rescuing a kidnapping victim.
• The Defender - This character seeks assistance from honorable characters that they have contacted with to deal with the kidnapper. Using all methods within their power that don’t cause internal conflict caused by of issues of conscience, they work to affect the return of the kidnap victim and the bringing to justice of their kidnapper.
• The Interloper - This character seeks out the kidnapper for negotiation, working toward a settlement that will keep both sides in the dispute content and safe. They may be seen at times as acting in their own best interests during this work, as they go back and forth between the kidnapper and those who seek the victims return appearing to be working toward the goals of each.
• The Rash Thinker - This character is prone to rash actions to affect the kidnapping victims return. They may gather a small group from among those they trust to seek the kidnapper’s hideout and steal the victim away from them. This type of character has a greater chance of seeing violent conflict from their actions, although they are working for the same results as the previous two dreamers.
Roleplaying "Neutral"
Neutrality is the ability to not take sides in an issue or event, regardless of personal feelings. This type of character can be seen as cold and indifferent in their actions and need others to look deeper to really get to know them. They are focused mostly on their own goals that do not impact others, making them appear greedy to some. Some neutral types are very dependent on those around them at the time.
Examples:
• The Chameleon - this type of character blends into their surroundings. Mostly to observe what’s happening around them and generally wishy-washy. They can be an almost constant presence, to the point where most people ignore them.
• The Recluse - this type of character is often seen as a hermit or anti-social. They keep to themselves as they work toward their goals, often hoarding what they learn instead of sharing it with others. Often, this type of character is where lost knowledge stories originate.
• The Mediator - this type of character is often called upon to mediate disputes between others after they become known for their neutrality. They can take the information provided them and look at it evenly, as they have no preference of one side over the other.
Neutral characters see all of those around them equally, whether as useful for gathering information from, a source of irritation that keeps them from working on their goals, or a complete nuisance that they would rather be without.
Roleplaying "Evil"
There are just as many adjectives for evil: dishonorable, deceptive, abusive, cruel, immoral, and more. As with any character, an Evil character is not necessarily at his worst, most foul and antagonistic behavior at all times. Being of an Evil disposition only means that the capacity for these things is always there and that they may know no limits to the depth of their depravity. This means that an Evil character can be charming, cooperative, and for all appearances a nice guy. But its a façade that is not likely to last long unless the character is particularly determined and capable of maintaining such a deception.
Some examples of Villains:
• The Conformist - he thrives by taking advantages afforded to him by whatever system is available to do so, almost equating what is legal to what is right and proper even when it is legal to seriously harm another. After all, if it weren’t right and proper, the law should be changed, and since it hasn’t been changed, it must still be right.
• The Intellectual - he probably does not consider himself to be evil, but almost certainly considers himself to be intelligent, wise, shrewd, and on the ball rather than foolishly concerning himself with the welfare of others as those idiotic dopes that speak of the common good are concerned. Often, this type of character thinks of themselves as naturally superior to others, their own needs coming first, and the needs of others coming much further down the list.
• The Overlord - he is concerned only with his own goals and nothing else. Only those things that with strengthen him and push him towards that goal are important and he will pursue that goal with any means possible. He hopes to bring himself to a position of power, glory, and prestige.
Playing a villain will never grant a player license to break Blizzard's ROC. Being "evil" is not a valid excuse for randomly collapsing or harassing others; and one of the most difficult aspects of upholding an "evil" character is ensuring grudges stop at your character. Don’t get angry with others for their responses to your character, because they too are taking a logical role.
Tips for the Villains
Before making an evil character you should realize it can be more difficult than others, make sure you have a good idea beforehand of what your characters goals are. You most likely won’t get far roleplaying an "evil" character if you can’t make any friends. Allies can be beneficial even if the character doesn’t use violence or warfare to exact his evilness. Lastly make sure to be convincing, in general not many people are evil. Define your character as being one of those unique few and you’ll have a great time. Just remember that the Good Guys usually win.
Mottoes for Villains to Live By:
What makes you a villain? Most characters don’t just decided on a whim that they want to be evil. This should stem from your characters history and not the players desire. Be unique. Some-thing that is not often seen, or that people fear or misunderstand is often labeled "evil". Go against the grain. This means speech and mannerisms as well as appearance.
• "Evil is in the eye of the beholder." So you want to be evil to some - not all. Perhaps even most, but always have a way out. If you don’t, you’re setting yourself up for the fall.
• Focus. Know what it is you want to accomplish. Be open to change. Nothing stays static for too long. If it can go wrong, it will. Plan ahead. Might does not equal malevolence. You can have the biggest chakram, an infinite DreamSoul elemeny, and a whole slew of offensive arts, and are still just a thug.
• Violence does not equal villainy. A politician in power can be ten times more corrupt than a convicted killer who acted in self-defense. Destruction isn’t always the answer either. Hostages present a much more complicated situation than simply planting a bomb.
• Crime is not always the best avenue for those of the dark alignment. Be creative and find other methods to achieve your goals.
• Morality is important. Most evil doers have compromised moral values. Either they're working for themselves and don’t think the rules apply to them, or they’re working for the common good but don’t understand what’s appropriate and what’s not.
• The end can justify the means. You’re playing WoW the way you see fit. If a few souls get lost along the way, what is that to compare to the lives you’ll save after the fact? You can either end up the hero or a martyr if you’re not careful.
• Remember that you didn’t do anything wrong if you didn’t get caught. And the more people that support your side of the story, the less likely you are to be labeled a "threat" to society as a whole.
• Set standards. Be prejudiced. If you think one way, then others are misguided or utterly wrong. They’re either agreeing with you, or they disagree with you. Don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe, and teach it to those impressionable Newly Awakened.
• Honor is for the dead. The difference between a hero and a fool is luck. The difference between a coward and a corpse? Stupidity. Live to fight another day.
• Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Never let them see it coming. A good villain always has his/her ace in the hole; and usually the joker as well.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help in your endeavors. Just be careful what you wish for. Minions are just that. People will work for reward before friendship. Greed can be good motivation. Remember that if they see a way to use you as a stepping stone, they will. Especially if it gives them what you have.
• Take small steps at first. Test the waters. You can’t be bad until you know what good is.
• Trademarks. If its been done, its probably been done better. Find your own path, and let that aspect be yours and yours alone. Make yourself memorable.
• Achilles heel. Every bad guy has one. Illness. Disability. Pangs of regret. Love for family. A persistent obsession. Maybe this is what drives your character.
• Turning over a new leaf. Evil doers don’t make many friends. When it becomes unbearable, there are always other options. This also makes an incredibly good smoke screen.
OOC Traps
The main key to role-playing is, of course, staying in character. It may be necessary to go Out-of-Character (OOC) briefly when explaining a technical aspect of the game to a new player, or when pinning down a standard time to meet. It is important to remember that every time you go OOC your character credibility and the role-playing atmosphere suffers. Be careful not to fall into some of these OOC traps when playing the game:
• Blatant OOC Occurrences: This includes mentioning real world events and items. Beepers, Star Wars movies, Oompa Loompas, mace (not the dreamer, the spray), Gumbi, and spell checkers do not belong in WoW. This both violates the Underlight user agreement, and contributes to the disintegration of the
• Information Separation: Player A chats with his buddy on ICQ: "Oh man, Sorsha just totally dissed Blenson! She made him cry!" This sounds like an interesting thing for you to see, but wait! How can you? Your character does not know what has transpired. You want to go ask the questions that will get you the answers, but you have no IC reason to do so, even though it would make for interesting role-playing. Information separation issues such as multiple character info. In game information learned through OOC means is still just that OOC. Separate it. Even though you do want to comfort poor Blenson. Of course, the same goes in the opposite direction: if you know someone is playing multiple characters, respond to each character independently.
• Stick to your character: No matter what... Is your character truly more concerned with turning in his latest quest to his trainer than finding out why his house crumbled? If so, why? Does the game truly seem so uninteresting that the best thing for you to do at all times is sit around and mope? If so, why? Do you make a habit of ignoring people that seem distraught and confused? If so, why? Always the driving question is why. Why would my character do this or think this? Why? If you can not answer the why, then it is not an IC action or thought. Why would Sklar flatter her? She is a woman. Why would John be nice to Lady Arlington? He wants her cloak.
