On Extreme Role-playing Within XIV

[Bobby66]

In an RP setting within an MMO, we become our Avatar. Unfortunately, certain behaviors can be perceived as attacks. Such attacks, without consent by all parties involved, may be taken personally. And rightly so.

The key in all events that involve more than one person is informed consent. If I know what someone else intends and agree to it, I cannot take offense. Such is the basis for any number of RP events.

When we are anticipating an evening of light conversation in Costa del Sol with friends, we do not expect to be rounded up and dragged off to Garlemald as slaves. Unless, of course, all involved have agreed that such behaviours are within the parameters of the RP event. When we are anticipating a fight event between warring tribes of Miqo'te, showing up dressed for a beach party could be outside the parameters of the RP event, and as disruptive as the first example.

Most RP events I've encountered are pretty light and angst-free. It's fun to meet up with friends and acquaintances in-game, to chat and to develop RP skills. Sharing your Avatar's story isn't easy without practice.

Your example seems to be on the lines of god moding which is just poor rp. Also i have to disagree that we become our avatar when we RP but i could see if someone does become their avatar in RP why it may cause problems.

[DPZ2]

You aren't your character.

No one is suggesting your character is forced to play slave. I have not seen anything like that in this conversation.

It was an extreme example of why consent matters when one wishes to play darker roles in RP, which has been relevant to the conversation from the beginning.

When someone believes that darker conflict RP for which they are not prepared does not affect them personally because "we are not our Avatar", they've never been on the receiving end of such RP.

[DPZ2]

Your example seems to be on the lines of god moding which is just poor rp. Also i have to disagree that we become our avatar when we RP but i could see if someone does become their avatar in RP why it may cause problems.

Which example? There are two.

The first is an extreme example, to be sure, but not poor RP when done properly (ie. with extensive planning beforehand and consent from all parties). I expect it is way out of the comfort zone for most players. Or, perhaps not, given the anecdotes about RP on other MMORPGs in this thread. It would definitely not be good as a one-shot event.

The second is on the other end of the spectrum; annoying and disruptive, but relatively harmless.

[Bobby66]

Which example? There are two.

The first is an extreme example, to be sure, but not poor RP when done properly (ie. with extensive planning beforehand and consent from all parties). I expect it is way out of the comfort zone for most players. Or, perhaps not, given the anecdotes about RP on other MMORPGs in this thread. It would definitely not be good as a one-shot event.

The second is on the other end of the spectrum; annoying and disruptive, but relatively harmless.

I mean you only presented one aspect that could be seen as god moding if done poorly which would be your first one. As you mentioned is an extreme example, one can still engage with strangers and be an edgy character without infringing on their overall character. If done right of course, if done poorly like any RP encounter it is will be overall unpleasant. I just do not see why such topics are taboo if they are done properly. It is like everyone will assume it will be done poorly and everyone will try to enact their will on your character.

[Zsolen]

It was an extreme example of why consent matters when one wishes to play darker roles in RP, which has been relevant to the conversation from the beginning.

When someone believes that darker conflict RP for which they are not prepared does not affect them personally because "we are not our Avatar", they've never been on the receiving end of such RP.

It's an extreme example, because it doesn't happen. No one can force you to play slave.

I've seen all sorts of people RP. It's not hard to go with the flow. Only harassment is an issue. Actual RP is not the same as that.

[DPZ2]

It's an extreme example, because it doesn't happen. No one can force you to play slave.

I've seen all sorts of people RP. It's not hard to go with the flow. Only harassment is an issue. Actual RP is not the same as that.

It's not forcing someone to play slave, it's deliberately turning the course of the RP event into something darker because "you want to".

[Equitable_Remedy]

Protip: "I just really want to RP a racist" is, in fact, a red flag.

[Zsolen]

It's not forcing someone to play slave, it's deliberately turning the course of the RP event into something darker because "you want to".

You can make that claim about anyone, even someone that is 'nice.' Anyone can push things in the direction people don't want. Darker themes have nothing to do with it.

Protip: "I just really want to RP a racist" is, in fact, a red flag.

It's funny how the people that demonstrated how RP usually is and had previous experience say otherwise. It was explained how that was not the case. This is coming from a minority, in case it makes a difference to you. Given your response, it would make a difference, even though it should not.

[ItMe]

No one can force you to play slave.

No one can force you, but they can sure try.
I have literally left an RP because someone tried to force me to play a slave.

[Theodric]

As an aside, I'd like to note that I've played multiple MMO's on various European servers including FFXIV, ESO and WoW and have rarely run into issues when it comes to role-play on European servers. I think it would be worth it if some people took a step back and considered that there's cultural differences at play - and that it's pretty sinister to be implying that European role-players are secretly big racists just because they seem to be more willing and able to separate a character with flaws from the role-player that is controlling them.

To tie in with that, I'd also note that a significantly larger amount of role-play on American servers seems to consist of 'fluff' and visiting taverns/night clubs. It isn't my intention to suggest that European role-players are necessarily better or more mature, but equally I'd note that there is less focus over on our side of the pond on things such as brothels, self inserts and wish fulfilment. A lot of us just like an interesting story with deep characters that fit the setting we choose to role-play in. It isn't necessarily more complicated than that.

Nobody is forced to interact with another role-player. They can and should politely decline interact if they feel they're not going to be a good fit - but that doesn't mean that people are necessarily doing something wrong simply by choosing to portray a character with flaws or antagonistic traits.