In my opinion, roleplaying in an MMO is at its most enjoyable as a creative interactive storytelling activity. OOC achievement is as irrelevant as all other OOC things. Out of character. Not applicable.
For me, the mechanics of the -game- in which you roleplay should be kept completely separate from the stories we weave. The mechanics and rules of the game are set so that you may enjoy the particular experience the Developers have set out for you.
That's not what we're doing when we roleplay. We seek a different experience. We're enjoying a different activity, a game of interactive storytelling. In this game, the only rules we need take into account are the rules that bind the world in which we're telling our stories. The lore.
My character does not see a blue plate above your head with your name nor can he poke you and know everything you've ever learned. That is ridiculous. All that my characters will ever react to is how your character looks, smells, sounds, and feels as you present it to me in your emotes.
Your imagination should not be limited by how much time you can put forth into the game. For me, as others have said, I will only quirk a brow at lowbies because they imply two things, a lack of lore knowledge and a lack of commitment to the game and so I'm hesitant to engage and roleplay. Otherwise, if I know the person is a good storyteller, and is telling me their level ten thaumaturge is a bearer of the Ancient Wazasu staff and secrets of the Kupaganaga peoples, I will roleplay accordingly, and if conflict ever develops in the story we're weaving, then I will emote according to the power of the character I've created. His own background, experiences, and training. Together we will tell a cool story, and have a good time being creative. Game mechanics be damned.
I don't rp that all rogues must have two daggers, nor do I rp that a person versed in Thaumaturgy finds it physically impossible to pick up a gladiator's shield, nor do I rp that a person must hold their weapon at their side, nor that all women must ride sidesaddle.
These are game mechanics, and they should never come in the way of your storytelling.
For me, the mechanics of the -game- in which you roleplay should be kept completely separate from the stories we weave. The mechanics and rules of the game are set so that you may enjoy the particular experience the Developers have set out for you.
That's not what we're doing when we roleplay. We seek a different experience. We're enjoying a different activity, a game of interactive storytelling. In this game, the only rules we need take into account are the rules that bind the world in which we're telling our stories. The lore.
My character does not see a blue plate above your head with your name nor can he poke you and know everything you've ever learned. That is ridiculous. All that my characters will ever react to is how your character looks, smells, sounds, and feels as you present it to me in your emotes.
Your imagination should not be limited by how much time you can put forth into the game. For me, as others have said, I will only quirk a brow at lowbies because they imply two things, a lack of lore knowledge and a lack of commitment to the game and so I'm hesitant to engage and roleplay. Otherwise, if I know the person is a good storyteller, and is telling me their level ten thaumaturge is a bearer of the Ancient Wazasu staff and secrets of the Kupaganaga peoples, I will roleplay accordingly, and if conflict ever develops in the story we're weaving, then I will emote according to the power of the character I've created. His own background, experiences, and training. Together we will tell a cool story, and have a good time being creative. Game mechanics be damned.
I don't rp that all rogues must have two daggers, nor do I rp that a person versed in Thaumaturgy finds it physically impossible to pick up a gladiator's shield, nor do I rp that a person must hold their weapon at their side, nor that all women must ride sidesaddle.
These are game mechanics, and they should never come in the way of your storytelling.
Talks the talk, and walks the walk.
Serious, lore-abiding, mature roleplayer.
Serious, lore-abiding, mature roleplayer.
