The lack of authority is a massive problem both practically and conceptually. At a practical level, it means you have to do a lot of OOC communication and accept that sometimes you're just not going to be able to get involved. At a conceptual level, there's some players (like me, for instance) who refuse to recognize any asserted authority in open, freeform RP without an established plot or group by another player as it's not fair to other RPers -- it essentially requires I consent to whatever actions you choose to take upon me with that authority, or that I not RP with you at all. You can see why some RPers might balk with, "And what gives you the right to do that?" Part of open freeform RP is not asserting actions that others must accept. Is this a pain for ICA = ICC? Does it mean that people get to get away with murder, sometimes literally? It does, unfortunately. If you want to intervene, though, that's where OOC communication comes into play -- not simply asserting the right to intervene by way of character concept.
In an FC, LS, or other previously agreed upon arrangement, things are a lot better. I've seen OOC channels in other games set up for "cops and robbers" where people can set up crimes to be stopped, law enforcement patrols for the bad guys to evade, etc. Since everyone in that group consents to the authority of those within it, ICA = ICC can be enforced, scenes where others shouldn't get involved can be coordinated for private locations, and most importantly, no one who doesn't want to be involved has to be.
I realize my opinion on asserting authority isn't popular, which is why I typically avoid RPing anywhere where that happens with regularity. I know some will say, "Hey, but I've seen you at Gus's tavern event, and he has security!" That's true -- but that's an event with established rules, and by attending, I'm consenting to his security measures. It's his event, so I'm agreeing to his rules.
EDIT: I clarified my position a bit. Obviously, in the context of a plot or something else where I've given consent, authority is fine. L'yhta got smacked down by Eamont at the last meeting of the Tower (deservedly so, I might add) and that was fine. It's authority without consent that bothers me.
In an FC, LS, or other previously agreed upon arrangement, things are a lot better. I've seen OOC channels in other games set up for "cops and robbers" where people can set up crimes to be stopped, law enforcement patrols for the bad guys to evade, etc. Since everyone in that group consents to the authority of those within it, ICA = ICC can be enforced, scenes where others shouldn't get involved can be coordinated for private locations, and most importantly, no one who doesn't want to be involved has to be.
I realize my opinion on asserting authority isn't popular, which is why I typically avoid RPing anywhere where that happens with regularity. I know some will say, "Hey, but I've seen you at Gus's tavern event, and he has security!" That's true -- but that's an event with established rules, and by attending, I'm consenting to his security measures. It's his event, so I'm agreeing to his rules.
EDIT: I clarified my position a bit. Obviously, in the context of a plot or something else where I've given consent, authority is fine. L'yhta got smacked down by Eamont at the last meeting of the Tower (deservedly so, I might add) and that was fine. It's authority without consent that bothers me.
The Freelance Wizard
Quality RP at low, low prices!
((about me | about L'yhta Mahre | L'yhta's desk | about Mysterium, the Ivory Tower: a heavy RP society of mages))
Quality RP at low, low prices!
((about me | about L'yhta Mahre | L'yhta's desk | about Mysterium, the Ivory Tower: a heavy RP society of mages))
