This got mentioned in another thread, but I think in and of itself it might be a good topic to discuss.
In Eorzea, we have all sorts of authority figures. The three leaders, the members of the Grand Companies, smaller authoritative forces like the Blades - and, to an extent, the Sultansworn (mostly because I don't consider their authoritative pull to be small, just specialized) - and even the officers in your Free Company if you treat them as an IC faction your character has aligned themselves with.
But for those people playing characters in those positions, the Blades and 'Sworn and FC/GC officers, how do you make sure that your character is respected for the position they're in? Is it just a matter that, from an RP sense, that it should be an implicitly understood thing that "I am the law, you will listen to me"? Or do you find yourself having to take steps to show that you are supposed to be (emphasized, mostly due to the fact that revolutionists exist) maintaining the peace or what have you?
If it devolves to a show of force, how much is allowed? We are in a fantasy pseudo-medieval-slash-magicpunk setting, after all. I would assume that (in most cases) straight up killing the offending person is not allowed, but how far can a person in a position of authority rough someone up? Magical healing is a thing, after all, so is it more okay to go the thug route and break thumbs and/or legs?
And what of the average citizen (or average player character)? Are they expected to immediately obey any order given to them by someone in charge (or, perhaps, dressed up like someone of authority)? Is there a level to which someone could refuse or file a complaint about someone supposedly misusing their power?
I never thought too much about this before, but with Judge slowly coming together and his character concept basically being someone with a not unsubstantial level of authority (an impartial figure who is used to settle disputes, from duels to other, less violent matters), I find myself wondering how much authority he should exude and how likely others are to accept him as "The Law."
In Eorzea, we have all sorts of authority figures. The three leaders, the members of the Grand Companies, smaller authoritative forces like the Blades - and, to an extent, the Sultansworn (mostly because I don't consider their authoritative pull to be small, just specialized) - and even the officers in your Free Company if you treat them as an IC faction your character has aligned themselves with.
But for those people playing characters in those positions, the Blades and 'Sworn and FC/GC officers, how do you make sure that your character is respected for the position they're in? Is it just a matter that, from an RP sense, that it should be an implicitly understood thing that "I am the law, you will listen to me"? Or do you find yourself having to take steps to show that you are supposed to be (emphasized, mostly due to the fact that revolutionists exist) maintaining the peace or what have you?
If it devolves to a show of force, how much is allowed? We are in a fantasy pseudo-medieval-slash-magicpunk setting, after all. I would assume that (in most cases) straight up killing the offending person is not allowed, but how far can a person in a position of authority rough someone up? Magical healing is a thing, after all, so is it more okay to go the thug route and break thumbs and/or legs?
And what of the average citizen (or average player character)? Are they expected to immediately obey any order given to them by someone in charge (or, perhaps, dressed up like someone of authority)? Is there a level to which someone could refuse or file a complaint about someone supposedly misusing their power?
I never thought too much about this before, but with Judge slowly coming together and his character concept basically being someone with a not unsubstantial level of authority (an impartial figure who is used to settle disputes, from duels to other, less violent matters), I find myself wondering how much authority he should exude and how likely others are to accept him as "The Law."
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