This reminds me of a thread I posted a couple years back about what was termed "bandwagon" storyline elements from FFXI and other games. That is, character backhistory or plot points which may not be inherently bad or unoriginal. But, with repeated use by multiple characters, whether intentionally or through circumstance, begin to erode at that sense of uniqueness and often leave both the RPer as well as those who interact with him/her feeling a certain amount of disappointment.
I think from my own experiences that it's probably fair to say that the 'turncoat Garlean' and the 'Ala Mhigan refugee' have been done. That's not to say that a new RPer shouldn't pursue their character being something like that if they're well-read on the lore and passionate about it. But I've always advocated that newer arrivals to the RP community first get a sense for what's already out there before diving into anything ("first your ear, then your tongue"). Even something simple as a RPC post asking, "Hey, has such-and-such a concept been done before?" or to gauge how receptive other RPers might be to something is never a bad idea.
As has been said already, in the end each RPer should play their character(s) in a way that brings them enjoyment, but this should also be balanced with some awareness at least - if not respect - for how other RPers (who are also seeking enjoyment for themselves) will perceive that character.
Unless something is WAY outlandish, I'm pretty happy to RP with just about anyone. I do have my preferences, and OOCly there are some character or story elements I have found distasteful for one reason or another. But unless expressly solicited, I usually don't make it a point to rain on anyone's parade. And I think that's probably more important than anything else. Where there is mutual respect and tolerance for different styles of RP, there is room for a lot of enjoyment.
EDIT: As a footnote, the issue with bandwagon-type RP has less to do with the lore of the game than it has to do with the community. While having a solid understanding of the world you'll be RPing in is important, it's really only half of the equation. Often that lore can be twisted or interpreted in different ways anyway. With regard to RP, it may be prudent to keep one finger on the pulse of the RP community with which you will be interacting (whether via the RPC or the linkshell/company/group you're considering joining). I think this is so often overlooked and then RPers sometimes are left confused or wondering why ideas that seemed so great to them fall short of their expectations - often because a dozen other characters have similar stories.
I think from my own experiences that it's probably fair to say that the 'turncoat Garlean' and the 'Ala Mhigan refugee' have been done. That's not to say that a new RPer shouldn't pursue their character being something like that if they're well-read on the lore and passionate about it. But I've always advocated that newer arrivals to the RP community first get a sense for what's already out there before diving into anything ("first your ear, then your tongue"). Even something simple as a RPC post asking, "Hey, has such-and-such a concept been done before?" or to gauge how receptive other RPers might be to something is never a bad idea.
As has been said already, in the end each RPer should play their character(s) in a way that brings them enjoyment, but this should also be balanced with some awareness at least - if not respect - for how other RPers (who are also seeking enjoyment for themselves) will perceive that character.
Unless something is WAY outlandish, I'm pretty happy to RP with just about anyone. I do have my preferences, and OOCly there are some character or story elements I have found distasteful for one reason or another. But unless expressly solicited, I usually don't make it a point to rain on anyone's parade. And I think that's probably more important than anything else. Where there is mutual respect and tolerance for different styles of RP, there is room for a lot of enjoyment.
EDIT: As a footnote, the issue with bandwagon-type RP has less to do with the lore of the game than it has to do with the community. While having a solid understanding of the world you'll be RPing in is important, it's really only half of the equation. Often that lore can be twisted or interpreted in different ways anyway. With regard to RP, it may be prudent to keep one finger on the pulse of the RP community with which you will be interacting (whether via the RPC or the linkshell/company/group you're considering joining). I think this is so often overlooked and then RPers sometimes are left confused or wondering why ideas that seemed so great to them fall short of their expectations - often because a dozen other characters have similar stories.
"One of the deep secrets of life is that all that is really worth doing is what we do for others." Â ~ Lewis Carol
Eva's Journals  |  Eva's Wiki Page (coming soon)  |  RP Handbook
Eva's Journals  |  Eva's Wiki Page (coming soon)  |  RP Handbook
