I want the Roleplay Back.

#0 - Dec. 3, 2007, 2:38 a.m.

Hi Blizzard.

As a person who likes to Roleplay different characters, I have found it increasingly hard, ((for me anyway)) to find servers that are solely dedicated to just that, RP. Sure you have servers that say RP or RPPVP, but unfortunately they are anything but.

Going to Roleplay servers means nothing anymore. They are just inundated with the same boring people that talk "leet wise" and "specs" and have no respect for the folks that do want to participate. I'm not saying there aren't Roleplayers on those servers, I am just saying we are a minority on them. Which really, shouldn't be the case. I mean really, when you go onto the channels and ask "What's a good RP guild?" I shouldn't have to see this question, which pops up regularly: "What's RP?" Really... that is just annoying and I'm sure others feel the same way.

Can you do something about that? Would that be asking alot? I know, you really don't want to piss off the customer base, but Blizzard imposed rules for RP servers that really just are never enforced. I'd like to see it encouraged and I'd like to see non RPers also encouraged to seek out different servers. Who knows, it could help population on slower servers out.

I know non Rpers will be like "Oh well what you are saying is just ridiculous, no one cares, we have our rights too" and I agree, but your rights to play the game how you want shouldn't impose on the rights of how we want to play the game. And right now, I feel that they do.

Nethaera

#8 - Dec. 3, 2007, 3:50 p.m.

RP has never been something that can be enforced in a way that everyone is completely happy. The best thing I can suggest is to find a guild that is supportive of it and join them. Otherwise, I've always found that the if you start a role-play with someone, they more often than not bound to join in or try to. If they don't want to, they'll walk away. If they start cussing at you, report it and treat them like they're obviously insane. ;) It's very entertaining either way.

I'm sure there are others that can suggest something more on the Role-play forums.

*FYI- RPers can also be great PvPers despite some contrary opinion. I've known many heavy PvP RP guilds that are dominant PvPers so let's not start that debate please. It only ends in tears.

Nethaera

#16 - Dec. 3, 2007, 4:08 p.m.

Q u o t e:

Actually blame RP'ers, they brought their own demise. On the early days of WoW if you didn't have a history to tell, or if your name was not within the rules, or even if your name was coveted by some other role player, you would get reported to hell and back.

So you don't speak in ancient English? Reported
So you don't stay in character for as long as you stay logged on? Reported
So you don't role play at all, even if you just mind your own business and leave every one alone? Reported
So your name is way too cool? Reported

They became a bunch of pompous arrogants and literally scared everyone that tried to role play unless they were hard core with acceptable names.

That's a very small portion of the population that will take it to that extreme. You're painting a picture of those that RP as all being this extreme just like it's equally untrue that all PvPers are not RPers or hate RPers. It's a continuation of an untruth. While I'm sure you ran into that experience as have others (and I've witnessed it even), that is not the rule for all RPers.

Most RPers just want people to respect that they are playing their role and not to be harassed for it. Unfortunately, there were a lot of players that thought it would be fun to go into RP realms knowingly and harass them, thus it created a backlash against those that weren't there to RP but not get in the way of RPers either.

Again, enforcing RP is difficult given that various people RP differently and have their own rules of what is and isn't Ok. Harassing others and breaking the Terms of Service is still a good way to be reported to a GM and actioned in game.

Nethaera

#22 - Dec. 3, 2007, 4:22 p.m.

Q u o t e:
While I agree with you, Nethaera, that is is only a small group of people, it's a vocal group of people who are responsible. In my experience, there is a large percentage of roleplayers who are elitist and cliquish. Look at the rp servers' forums, and see how many posts are just bashing people's RSP descriptions, or storlyines, or attempts to roleplay. Those people tend to forget that they were not born supreme rpers, and had to learn how to 'do it right'.

It is difficult for people who are new or less experienced at roleplaying, storytelling, what have you, to break into these groups. Especially as a server grows older. Instead of offering suggestions to people, to help them grown, the established rpers will tend to alienate the new ones. Once again, it is a small percentage of the rpers who do this, but they tend to be much more vocal and prominent on their servers, so the perception is that all rpers are like this.

Myself, I'm pretty much down to rping instances or pvp with this character, if I do at all. On other characters I will rp more, but I like to play the game in character, not sit around in a tavern/club/inn/secret society acting out high school romances, mysterious plots or things like that. That is my preference, and nothing wrong with others doing it.

I've come across many of those elitist RPers and I've always encouraged them to back off a little and give others a chance. I've generally found that those sort are generally new to MMOs or new enough to RP that they feel that there is but one right way to RP, though surprisingly some are veteran RPers. There are always those vocal few that can do damage to a community more than help, but it takes the others that are a bit quieter to make that atmosphere better overall and have the most power to create change if they only want to.

Nethaera

#122 - Dec. 3, 2007, 7:36 p.m.

Do you have a robe and wizard hat? No, but I'm sure I could acquire one.

Do you believe yourself to be related to royalty? Wait... I'm not?

Is your name Leglololas? No, but I had an uncle named this.

What are your mating rituals? A lady doesn't share and this is bordering on topic verboten (forbidden).

Cybering = RP. Yes or no? Topic verboten. Don't go there.

Do I pass? ;)

Nethaera

#129 - Dec. 3, 2007, 7:49 p.m.

Q u o t e:

Actually, this is a fact now. People from RP servers tend to get worse scores in battlegrounds and lower ranks in arenas.

I can't remember the website that had the raw data, as I'm at work right now without my bookmarks, but it is entirely true.

It's also quite logical when you think about it- RPers tend to be motivated by different ideals than those who play on other servers. It's only logical to assume that these motivations are less competitive and more social and theme driven.

I'm countering the assumption that all people that RP are not apt to PvP. I don't mean to say that all RPers are PvP goliaths. Different motivations for some, sure, but not completely accurate that RP = lack of PvP skill.

Nethaera

#149 - Dec. 3, 2007, 8:38 p.m.

Q u o t e:

I'll be honest: I love the idea of Role-playing and I find it bloody creepy. I love being immersed in the game. I love my character actually having character. I like being a part of the lore.

But RPers take it a step further. In my opinion the step that takes it from "appreciable to everyone" to "disturbing and odd".

Thats just my 2 cents.

Do you find actors and actresses creepy as well? What about authors? They all have a sort of multiple personality capability. RPers are no different and have those that are good at it and those that aren't as good but at least try. It's taking on a role, whatever it is you imagine it to be, within the framework that Azeroth provides.

Nethaera

#238 - July 16, 2008, 11:25 p.m.

Thread closed since it was necroed. Please recreate a new thread if you wish to start a fresh conversation on this. Bumping old threads only causes confusion for those that don't notice the posting date of the original topic. Thanks.