(09-03-2013, 08:23 PM)Siobhain Wrote: I've tried to become more open to text-based fighting than I used to be (super strict PVP-based fighting is often only suitable for communities, large or small, that have agreed upon some sort of structure by which to judge the outcome). My primary issue with text-based fighting has always been the sometimes unintentional issue with not acknowledging other individuals joining in the scrap. I'll get onto that elsewhere, though.When I do play the more soldierly types, I tend to go for either the measured ones who just don't start fights and shrug and walk away from hot-headed punks. Or I play the hot-headed punk and will pick a fight with someone stronger and get a bloody nose in a duel- that is, if the other person is willing to do so. edit: I avoid RP fights mostly because they all end up being really awkward and silly drawn out affairs. Again, the ones I've seen have been in public spaces and you can't quite control who is interacting with who, as well as the general quality level :p But they do seem to devolve into RP pissing matches more often than not in my experience.
I do have a question more pertinent to this thread and what you just said-- About how 'Special are we?'. Many people like to RP that they're fighters yet OOCly make it a point to avoid all potential conflict. In your case, do you go to efforts to build a character that's not the type to get into fights because you consciously know, as a player, you don't enjoy them? Or do you play a 'fighter-esque' character while avoiding fights with other members of the community that you may or may not instigate?
I understand, and here's where it's pertinent, that many RPers -want- to include the 'special snowflake' detail of being an awesome -insert-some-form-of-combat-specialist-here- and I also understand some of the reasoning (excuses?) for not wanting to actually fight other PCs, such as not wanting to fight in a guarded city or a sacred area. I'd just like a little more input on that special characteristic; if a character advertises what a great fighter they are, what ways do you implement, if not through PVE, Leveling, gear, text-based duels, etc. that characteristic so that others can witness that degree of skill during roleplay? 'You' being general, for anyone this pertains to.
I do miss the bare knuckle dueling in Age of Conan. Many a good Cimmerian scrap was had at meets.