(05-07-2015, 02:03 PM)Verad Wrote:(05-07-2015, 02:01 PM)Gegenji Wrote: What I would see as the incorrect way to go about it is to try to force your viewpoint on the other person. Either demanding they "loosen up" and accept your character or berating them because of this or that stated in the lore.
This would require that roleplayers stop viewing roleplay in dogmatic terms (seriously, arguing over differing "interpretations" of lore as if they were a religious scripture as often as our people do implies a kind of dogmatism). I don't think that can happen.
Which is a pity, really.
... I'm trying to be as neutral about this as I can to expound on this, but I'm finding issue in doing so. So please keep in mind this is personal opinion on the matter of "RP (and RP concepts) you don't like" and how it seems to be addressed most commonly as of late.
It seems that this ongoing conflict between those that like to stick to the lore (which is not wrong) and those that like to play fast and loose with it (also not wrong) and how they interact with one another is the leading cause of a lot of discussion threads devolving into sniping and passive aggressive comments. This seems to be because the standard fallback response to a potential RP situation (that your character might never even come across) is not to ignore it or offer constructive criticism but to argue about it.
And it all devolves to one simple point: you can't prove that they can do something, just as much as you can't prove that they can't. Take the ever-controversial Miqo'te Dragoon argument (being used merely for reference here and is not in any way to be used to devolve this thread into an argument about its validity), for instance. What, exactly, in the lore says 100% that a Miqo'te could be an Ishgardian Dragoon? And what, exactly, in the lore says 100% that one can't?
The lore is generously vague on many of this points - either purposefully or not - which allows all sorts of concepts to be played and they are all valid within the context of the world as it is presented. Do you have to be comfortable with it? No. But that doesn't mean someone is wrong for wanting to have their fun in that way.
The only thing you have true dominion over is your own character. What they do and how they interact with the world around them. Just as everyone else has that same dominion over their own characters. So, when these two dominions interact, it is on both of them to decide how to handle the situation.
If neither side has issue with the other's concept and it doesn't conflict with their comfort levels? Cool! RP! Have a good time.
If there IS an issue? Then it is something that needs to be addressed in a civil manner. Whether it's politely ducking out to avoid the conflict or "retconning" the event in your own headcanon after the fact. Someone may not be comfortable cleaving so close to the lore... or dealing with an inter-dimensional traveler... and that's okay! It's (should) not be a matter of someone disliking you or your approach to playing the game! It's just not something they're comfortable dealing with - which I would assume is a courtesy you would like extended to you in kind if the roles are reversed.
If you're not sure? ASK. Send them a /tell! Maybe the character is not being a jerk because the player thinks Miqo'te can't be Dragoons! Maybe that character is just naturally antagonistic! As always, healthy communication is always the key!
And on the forums? I, personally, would like to see less adamant "you can't be this because..." and more "the lore says this, BUT..." and offer creative alternatives! And I'd love to see the free-spirits not get onto the lore-oriented folks when they mention said lore snippets. Instead, I would love to see anecdotes on how they explain away whatever degree of lore-bending they do when pressed on the matter and further help the person who has the idea be prepared when they bring it into the world of Hydaelyn.
That's how I react to react to RP (and potential RP concepts) I don't like - I either live and let live... or try and be constructive! Suggestions that aren't "you are bad and should feel bad" and more "hey, I have an idea to help make your concept work!" Which, I will openly admit, is itself a flawed approach - since their concept doesn't have to "work." The suggestion is being offered in my own (perhaps egotistical) attempt to help them be able to present the character to the widest spread of player types and - in doing so - maybe help to widen their RP options across that increased spectrum.
Dear God did I get rambly. And I likely lost my own train of thought here and there in the spiel... but I hope that paints a decent enough picture on how I personally feel dealing with disliked RP/RP concepts should be handled. Your mileage may vary. Or something. My head hurts.
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