RPC has moved! These pages have been kept for historical purposes

ArmachiA · **10-20-2013, 01:52 AM**

(10-18-2013, 07:56 PM)Isis Wrote: Come out baddies. Come out and play! My character is the Head Mistress of a burlesque lounge for crying out loud. I had half expected more "undesireables" to show up than what I've seen so far. Oh well a girl can dream I suppose.

I just need to clarify that I'm part of a Burlesque troupe and we are not baddies or "undesirable". In fact we're all quite good people Tongue

~~~~

As for me, I play three characters currently - One an extremely good person, one a neutral person, and one a bad person.

My Garlean girl is currently only coming out to play for the Night Blades and the Grim Echo - I am unsure how the public would react to her so I have kept her hidden.
The Night Blades themselves (And the Grim Echo) have a "Victory by any means" slant, making them very dark. We exist, but we try to keep on the down low sometimes because the general public is hard to gauge.

Nnejo · **10-20-2013, 09:48 AM**

(10-20-2013, 01:52 AM)ArmachiA Wrote:
(10-18-2013, 07:56 PM)Isis Wrote: Come out baddies. Come out and play! My character is the Head Mistress of a burlesque lounge for crying out loud. I had half expected more "undesireables" to show up than what I've seen so far. Oh well a girl can dream I suppose.

I just need to clarify that I'm part of a Burlesque troupe and we are not baddies or "undesirable". In fact we're all quite good people

~~~~

As for me, I play three characters currently - One an extremely good person, one a neutral person, and one a bad person.

My Garlean girl is currently only coming out to play for the Night Blades and the Grim Echo - I am unsure how the public would react to her so I have kept her hidden.
The Night Blades themselves (And the Grim Echo) have a "Victory by any means" slant, making them very dark. We exist, but we try to keep on the down low sometimes because the general public is hard to gauge.

I don't believe I said being apart of a Burlesque group makes you a baddie. But my Vali is no Angel.

K'dath · **10-20-2013, 10:13 PM**

You know, Good and Bad are same sides of a different coin. I like theÂ traditional nine alignments as much as anyone, but there's a distinct lack of realism in defining a set of traits and saying 'now all you are bad guys'.

Well written villains hardly think that they are the bad guy. Moral ambiguity is a big part of writing personality in a realistic way. What's your good is not my good, etc. Everyone always thinks that what they are doing is 'good' in the sense that it is right.

I opted to play a character who was firmly grounded in neutrality, to a fault even. He wouldn't raise a weapon against your cause, but he won't rally for it either. And while that seems fine in concept, it goes as far that he's apt to sit at the sidelines and watch your village be burned to the ground by beastmen for lack of a desire to get involved in the City-State's conflicts. His actions, or inaction, could be perceived by some as 'bad' or even 'evil' because he's not furthering their agenda.

He'd not a mustache twirling menace, tying ladies to train tracks and going on long expositional rants about unmaking the world. He just wants to study in peace... And if you and your people are wiped out all around him, that's just how it was meant to be. Who is he to stand against fate?

HOWEVER, even going on about neutrality and ambiguity and realism, I do think campy evil characters are fun. It's a completely different style, and playing it well is another matter entirely. It's a matter of being clever and genre savvy, but they are some of the best to interact with if you abhor tedium and love mischief.

TL;DR -- This is how I Evil
[youtube]tWYCS6k1IOA[/youtube]

Brave · **10-20-2013, 10:50 PM**

my guild in the Old Republic has a pretty broad range of alignment variance. Â not to knock the idea of open RP but I find that telling an encompassing story with a wide variety of characters is often best done in a guild setting where people can truly be comfortable with each other and the RP they involve themselves in. Â It does lack some of the dynamic value of meeting a stranger, but it does allow for drastic story development that you may not have been able to do with those yoy felt uncomfortable giving power too.

(Sorry the awful grammer. I'm on my phone)

I think I run into more neutral ppl then good ppl though. Â The criminal may also be lacking due to a typical "shady" class.

One of my guildies almost didn't play the game since there wasn't a thief class.

Nnejo · **10-20-2013, 11:17 PM**

(10-20-2013, 10:50 PM)Brave Wrote: my guild in the Old Republic has a pretty broad range of alignment variance. Â not to knock the idea of open RP but I find that telling an encompassing story with a wide variety of characters is often best done in a guild setting where people can truly be comfortable with each other and the RP they involve themselves in. Â It does lack some of the dynamic value of meeting a stranger, but it does allow for drastic story development that you may not have been able to do with those yoy felt uncomfortable giving power too.

(Sorry the awful grammer. I'm on my phone)

I think I run into more neutral ppl then good ppl though. Â The criminal may also be lacking due to a typical "shady" class.

One of my guildies almost didn't play the game since there wasn't a thief class.

The problem with this is that people dont want to rally behind your cause or join a guild because they consider it to be evil when that is not always the case. And who is to say that a character would even know what it is they are being asked to transport.Â

And again everyone keeps making reference to menacing characters when that is not all that I'm addressing when I say "bad" characters. Whatever happened to the guy who just wants some decent coin for doing some under the table dealing etc? Does it make him a bad guy? No not necessarily but it doesn't make him pure either.

Tobias Nightbringer · **10-20-2013, 11:20 PM**

Just tossing in my two Gil real quick. Not sure if this has been said or not in this discussion, but I feel that it is relevant in some form or another.

Han Solo shot first.

Vashies Alexander · **10-20-2013, 11:24 PM**

hahahah you have not rped with Vashies then! You can guess right that he is a good guy, though unless you rped with him... well you can see he has a ego. That said he is really straight forward guy who does not know how to hold is tongue. Â
So yes a good guy, but lack self control with his words at times.

Though i would love have some to one fight or group people to fight.

Brave · **10-21-2013, 12:00 AM**

(10-20-2013, 11:17 PM)Isis Wrote:
(10-20-2013, 10:50 PM)Brave Wrote: my guild in the Old Republic has a pretty broad range of alignment variance. Â not to knock the idea of open RP but I find that telling an encompassing story with a wide variety of characters is often best done in a guild setting where people can truly be comfortable with each other and the RP they involve themselves in. Â It does lack some of the dynamic value of meeting a stranger, but it does allow for drastic story development that you may not have been able to do with those yoy felt uncomfortable giving power too.

(Sorry the awful grammer. I'm on my phone)

I think I run into more neutral ppl then good ppl though. Â The criminal may also be lacking due to a typical "shady" class.

One of my guildies almost didn't play the game since there wasn't a thief class.

The problem with this is that people dont want to rally behind your cause or join a guild because they consider it to be evil when that is not always the case. And who is to say that a character would even know what it is they are being asked to transport.Â

And again everyone keeps making reference to menacing characters when that is not all that I'm addressing when I say "bad" characters. Whatever happened to the guy who just wants some decent coin for doing some under the table dealing etc? Does it make him a bad guy? No not necessarily but it doesn't make him pure either.

=)

Sorry ma'am I thought I was using non villainous terminology by saying criminal. Â Robin Hood for all sakes and purposes was a criminal but I digress. Â Now that I'm not on a phone I can try to elaborate. Â I simply meant that a guild setting allows for a more controlled environment that and you know the people you're interacting with. Â Having someone do something as drastic as cause you to lose a limb, to something as simple as "going into your room when they aren't allowed to" can be done more easily in a group of known RPers who you're more comfortable with.

I won't lie, back when I first saw Ambrosia on the LS page I was like one of the (assumed) many people who may have rolled their eyes at the idea of a burlesque. Â I did however click on the forum anyway and looked to see a VERY well developed group and was glad to be proven wrong. Â Many of the stigmas and social norms associated with titles are going to be something that are a part of a character though. Â In some ways it's why we choose that role.

For example, there's a lot of rumors buzzing around that the Greatsword wielding class will be Dark Knight and I'm just dreading it lol. Â If it turns out to be that way Â I'll be fighting the knee jerk reactions of someone seeing my weapon and assuming my "theme". (Just like I imagine not EVERY Sword and Board user thinks of themselves as a Paladin of the sultansworn). Â That and I can't stand Dark Knights >< (yep I'm one of the goody two shoes running around =P) BUT the image in my head of Brave, is that he uses a greatsword, so I'll deal with that stigma.

Some people can't disassociate class and RP too, just like the notoriety of some titles carry an expected theme.

Right now making a forum like this will help "educate" people about who you are and the kind of roleplayer/writer you embody. Â Vali is more then a headmistress, just like Brave is more than a lumbering Roe mercenary. Â It also helps promote awareness of the type of RP you're looking for. Â You've already had a few bites from people who felt they might be what you're looking for in terms of an RP partner. Â People just need to RP what they want, and let others know that they're available for that kind of RP. Â It's one of the things I've enjoyed so much about this Coalition site. =)

Jana · **10-21-2013, 12:54 PM**

After playing a dark character on Tera, I was all ready to play a more innocent version on Balmung... I haven't really gotten my feet wet in FFXIV's RP yet, so I guess I'm a bit relieved to see that this bad-guy shortage is happening on Gilgamesh, even it's a bit mean to think so!

I think part of why so many people prefer playing good guys is that we're more comfortable playing as someone whose morals and viewpoints we can agree with. I also think that so many badly played villains or the stereotypical godmode-ing villains come from people who can't really get into that mindset, or who think it has more to do with "being bad" rather than there being a real reason in the character's background to be. A more experienced writer won't have the same trouble when they play a character whose mindset differs from their own, which is why it seems like a lot of the well-played villains stand out more than the more numerous well-played good guys.

Nnejo · **10-21-2013, 03:27 PM**

(10-21-2013, 12:54 PM)Jana Wrote: After playing a dark character on Tera, I was all ready to play a more innocent version on Balmung... I haven't really gotten my feet wet in FFXIV's RP yet, so I guess I'm a bit relieved to see that this bad-guy shortage is happening on Gilgamesh, even it's a bit mean to think so!

I think part of why so many people prefer playing good guys is that we're more comfortable playing as someone whose morals and viewpoints we can agree with. I also think that so many badly played villains or the stereotypical godmode-ing villains come from people who can't really get into that mindset, or who think it has more to do with "being bad" rather than there being a real reason in the character's background to be. A more experienced writer won't have the same trouble when they play a character whose mindset differs from their own, which is why it seems like a lot of the well-played villains stand out more than the more numerous well-played good guys.

Hm, you pose a good point about people not being able to get into the proper mindset to portray a "criminal mind" or villainous character. My main reason for playing the type of character I have created is because it is outside my comfort zone. I think of this way, I hate getting stuck in a routine of things. I'm an Aries so I am very spontaneous and like to shake things up with a little change every now and again.

Typically I play the intellects, I prefer these types of characters because it forces me to constantly enhancing my working knowledge of the lore. I've often compared roleplaying to acting because to me it is very reminiscent of that. And reminds me of my fun times as a thespian. So "getting into character" for a role for example is much like creating an rp character. Stepping outside one's comfort zone is challenging but can also be very rewarding as well.

Cato · **10-22-2013, 04:23 AM**

I've never had an issue finding role-play on any of my characters, regardless of the MMO or whether or not they lean towards the morally grey side of things. A good story needs a solid antagonist just as much as it requires a decent protagonist. I like to shake things up a bit and design characters that are protagonists in a story whilst being antagonists in the eyes of many.
My Garlean is charismatic, friendly and generally a decent guy. Most people who encounter him don't even realise that he's part of the Garlean Empire's military - but he genuinely wishes to show Eorzea some tough love and save it by gathering information that can be used to aid in an eventual conquest.

I tend to take a lot of inspiration from the wonderful 'Game of Thrones' setting. In many cases, even the characters that behave horribly have their reasons for doing so. Cersei Lannister is often brushed aside as selfish, cruel and manipulative...and yet she isn't lacking in redeeming qualities and if you take the time to understand why she behaves in the manner that she does it isn't difficult to sympathise with her.

Of course, a lot of role-players are going to fall into the trap of brushing off anything even remotely morally grey as outright evil, but they tend to be the sort you'd want to avoid anyway.

Vinter · **10-22-2013, 05:35 AM**

In honour of this thread I'll make an effort to increase my character's selfishness and callousness by approximately 15%.
I'm not going to make him pure evil, but I will definitely venture into Chaotic Neutral territory. And that means everyone who stumbles into my path will be sacrificed for my personal benefit. >:3

Because Chaotic Neutral is like Godzilla. He doesn't destroy Tokyo because he wants to hurt anyone, it just happened to be in his way.

I will be the bane of many a self-professed characters of great moral proclivity.

K'dath · **10-22-2013, 06:50 AM**

(10-22-2013, 05:35 AM)Vinter Wrote: He doesn't destroy Tokyo because he wants to hurt anyone. He is indifferent to their suffering because he is a giant nuclear dinosaur.

I fixed this for you.

On a technical note, Godzilla doesn't really do things with intent. CN implies acting to create chaos intentionally, and doing so for the sake inciting of chaos. Godzilla simply acts, making him more True Neutral. Chaos just happens around him as a result of the factÂ he's a giant nuclear dinosaur.

Glimmer Brightmoon · **10-22-2013, 10:27 AM**

[quote pid=64496 dateline=1382127246]
My thoughts Smile

What is the hesitation with playing a criminal mind, or any "baddy" for that matter?

A lot of this has been touched on.Â A lot has to do with conflict RP, and the difficulty in establishing meaningful longterm RP contacts and friends.Â After a while, people tire of associating with someone who is a "bad guy".Â Now if played as a "loveable rogue" or Robin Hood type, in my experience what tends to happen is that eventually this character starts to act in a more "heroic" fashion over time, and sort of departs from the rogue model.Â

Are there any with characters like the one described in the second observation? If so what inspired you to go that route as opposed to the other?

I have played nice and sweet characters before, but Glimmer is shaping up to be the closest "white knight" type I have played.Â She will help someone because she has a genuine desire.Â If she sees someone in danger she won't hesitate to help (I don this ingame all the time as a healer Big Grin

).

Are there any with characters like the one described in the first observation? If so what inspired you to go that route as opposed to the other?

The closest I have ever played to that was my character in Age of Conan.Â She was a very selfish and manipulative character.Â She had a very winning personality, but 9 times out of 10 she was using it to get power.Â She was one of my favorite characters that I have played, and one of the only characters that I have retired because her story was told.

A character I played in Old Republic was also close.Â He was a Sith, and leader of our Sith guild.Â He did things that would be considered evil, but he never saw it that way.Â He truly believed in the Empire, and that it was the only way to bring safety and security to the galaxy.Â To him, the Republic and the Jedi were the "bad guys".Â

Do you agree or disagree that there needs to be some sort of balance struck?

I neither agree nor disagree.Â I don't feel like there needs to be X number of "good guys" and Y number of "bad guys".Â That being said, diversity in RP is usually a good thing and tends to make things more interesting.
[/quote]

Zhauric · **10-22-2013, 11:56 AM**

-What is the hesitation with playing a criminal mind, or any "baddy" for that matter?Â
Â
Honestly, I'm kind of surprised there is one. From previous experience I began to feel that it was the reverse that takes place. Way more baddies than goodies. I agree with your point that being 'bad' is not necessarily being an assassin or criminal and maybe some go with the mindset that is what a villan is all about when it can be so much more. One never knows.
Â
Â -Are there any with characters like the one described in the second observation? If so what inspired you to go that route as opposed to the other?Â
Â
None for me this time around. It was my first thought but I feel my best character was the shade of grey that may have tempered more onto the darker side. I see the value in both aspects though so understand those that may go the 'white knight' route as it opens a variety of dialogue and inner conflict. But for me, I found a way to make that darker character have that direction as well and found it rather challenging. I try to step outside my personal comfort level in roleplay when possible.

-Are there any with characters like the one described in the first observation? If so what inspired you to go that route as opposed to the other?Â

My character will fall into the first observation in all likelyhood. I do this to step out of my comfort zone. I feel too often some of my characters take on my personality traits and want to force myself to think outside the box. I have only done so a couple of times and enjoyed it thoroughly. The RP partner I had at the time took me to that level which I could not thank her enough since I generally always played the white knight. It was refreshing to go to a different level/new experience.Â

-Do you agree or disagree that there needs to be some sort of balance struck?

While it is nice to have I don't feel there has to be a 'need'. Diversity is nice but it comes down to quality more than anything. If there is a shortage of those who walk a darkery or more grey path then raise the quality that is being held. Network, communicate and bring those under such an aspect together more. It will make a number that totals a few to seem of a greater amount just based on what they bring forward to the community and the roleplay experience shared by all.

Plus I'm like others where I'm more of a roleplay what you like and I'll work with it one way or another. Just want all to enjoy themself and have fun *winks* Sometimes things come more naturally for someone playing within themself and I can never fault anyone for that.Â Â

« Next Oldest \| Next Newest »
Pages (5): « Previous 1 2 3 4 5 Next »

Balance

RPC has moved! These pages have been kept for historical purposes