06-05-2009, 05:50 PM
Hello, and thank you for taking the time to read this post. I am appreciating and willing to accept any input or opinions on what I've been lately thinking. I'm still slightly unsure if the point I'm about to make can really be applied to World of Warcraft; but I'd still like to give my opinion and share others on this subject matter. Also, I'd like to note that this thought train of mine has been due to recent issues in term with character deaths and combat. I'll try to keep it short; but no promises.
Lately, you've probably noticed the rise in character death warnings and horde versus alliance roleplaying. Yes, it's all in a fair sense -wether you do or do not weave realism and being in character- going to happen every now and then. Most of the time, the characters involved either are captured, escape, or...die? Well before I can state my opinion, I'd like to go over the concept of character death; more then just backed with rules and server policies. A character's death is more then just a kill for the other character(s); it's probably the end of that person's life. As well all know, death effects both other people and the world that was linked to this character. Rather then the psycological sense, in all truth; killing another living thing is in mortal terms, referred to as "murder". Though murder can be justified or illegal depending on the situation. Now, consider the type of people that murder. Criminals, the mentally ill, military combatents, and etc. In all truth, these people have been trained or don't think normally when it comes to killing another. So, I hope that character death due to an other can and will be considered slaughter for the rest of this post.
Now, moving on to my next thought. The only ones who have truly been engaging lorewise in Horde vs. Alliance are their militarys. Grunts fighting footmen, defias versus stormwind guards, etc. I understand they are at war, and killing the enemy is justified by the national you represent; though as an example: Have you ever heard of an American citizen (let's assume (s)he owns a gun and often goes to a shooting range to practice) killing a taliban terrorist that he saw moving across the street outside his apartment? Even if he could, would he have at least first called the authorities. I note, that the society we live in and the society of Warcraft a different. Though, you must remember; it's the militarys that are at war, not the citizens. Considering that citizens are not serving the government. Though, due in the fact that adventuerors questing in WoW are sometimes drafted by their nations to kill opposing factions and if they did; they would not be charged as a murderer but rather a hero.
Moving on, the mental aspect a character must have by choosing to murder rather then trusting local guards to take care of the enemy. Taking the life of an other, for a normal character (in pardon to all those who would even kill their friends...forsaken) would be a very psycological thing. Murder is often premeditated, an accident, or a random act of violence. So Horde and Alliance members running around killing any of the enemy they come across is both being a vigilante and highly unrealistic in a sense, yah? I understand this changes if say, a Marshal contracted a quester to seek a horde scout and bring him their head. Though, this may be considered differently being that this is the Warcraft world, not Earthern society.
Finally, character death alternatives. Remember: When you kill a character, you've destroyed all the work that player has put into it. That should be the least thing anybody would ever want to do as a good roleplayer; wether realism is applied or not. Remember, most characters are not serving a military of the other faction. In todays world, if a person from the middle-east and person from the west met; they'd most likely get into a verbal arguement, not pull out their rapiers and duel away. Then again, most people in the Warcraft world are trained to fight and kill the enemy; so I understand this is not a very good reinforcement. Though; if you were to come across an enemy; realism would be either: reporting them to guards, fighting them into a KO, capturing/enslavement, running away, ignoring them, etc. Yes? But...murdering? I understand that killing a character under the Horde of Alliance flag is something everybody would consider first for honor or patrionism; but we're roleplayers, alternatives are always another realistic path we can take.
I'm beginning to get my thoughts jumbled and I'd like to start concluding with my final opinion so you may share yours. The Horde and Alliance military's are at war. Simply because you know how to fight is not an excuse to act as a vigilante rather then a citizen. That's what we, as characters are if we are not drafted or working for the military of our nationale. Guilds and clans may have permission to fight for the Horde or Alliance, but in this case: as a roleplayer it is your duty to create a situation and an environment for others to learn from each other. Killing does nothing but benefit your own character, and should always be seen as a last resort; not just something you can do at a wim. I hope I made this clear enough, and I apologize for any offense or harsh feelings that may have been experienced in the simple outlet of what I'm thinking.
Lately, you've probably noticed the rise in character death warnings and horde versus alliance roleplaying. Yes, it's all in a fair sense -wether you do or do not weave realism and being in character- going to happen every now and then. Most of the time, the characters involved either are captured, escape, or...die? Well before I can state my opinion, I'd like to go over the concept of character death; more then just backed with rules and server policies. A character's death is more then just a kill for the other character(s); it's probably the end of that person's life. As well all know, death effects both other people and the world that was linked to this character. Rather then the psycological sense, in all truth; killing another living thing is in mortal terms, referred to as "murder". Though murder can be justified or illegal depending on the situation. Now, consider the type of people that murder. Criminals, the mentally ill, military combatents, and etc. In all truth, these people have been trained or don't think normally when it comes to killing another. So, I hope that character death due to an other can and will be considered slaughter for the rest of this post.
Now, moving on to my next thought. The only ones who have truly been engaging lorewise in Horde vs. Alliance are their militarys. Grunts fighting footmen, defias versus stormwind guards, etc. I understand they are at war, and killing the enemy is justified by the national you represent; though as an example: Have you ever heard of an American citizen (let's assume (s)he owns a gun and often goes to a shooting range to practice) killing a taliban terrorist that he saw moving across the street outside his apartment? Even if he could, would he have at least first called the authorities. I note, that the society we live in and the society of Warcraft a different. Though, you must remember; it's the militarys that are at war, not the citizens. Considering that citizens are not serving the government. Though, due in the fact that adventuerors questing in WoW are sometimes drafted by their nations to kill opposing factions and if they did; they would not be charged as a murderer but rather a hero.
Moving on, the mental aspect a character must have by choosing to murder rather then trusting local guards to take care of the enemy. Taking the life of an other, for a normal character (in pardon to all those who would even kill their friends...forsaken) would be a very psycological thing. Murder is often premeditated, an accident, or a random act of violence. So Horde and Alliance members running around killing any of the enemy they come across is both being a vigilante and highly unrealistic in a sense, yah? I understand this changes if say, a Marshal contracted a quester to seek a horde scout and bring him their head. Though, this may be considered differently being that this is the Warcraft world, not Earthern society.
Finally, character death alternatives. Remember: When you kill a character, you've destroyed all the work that player has put into it. That should be the least thing anybody would ever want to do as a good roleplayer; wether realism is applied or not. Remember, most characters are not serving a military of the other faction. In todays world, if a person from the middle-east and person from the west met; they'd most likely get into a verbal arguement, not pull out their rapiers and duel away. Then again, most people in the Warcraft world are trained to fight and kill the enemy; so I understand this is not a very good reinforcement. Though; if you were to come across an enemy; realism would be either: reporting them to guards, fighting them into a KO, capturing/enslavement, running away, ignoring them, etc. Yes? But...murdering? I understand that killing a character under the Horde of Alliance flag is something everybody would consider first for honor or patrionism; but we're roleplayers, alternatives are always another realistic path we can take.
I'm beginning to get my thoughts jumbled and I'd like to start concluding with my final opinion so you may share yours. The Horde and Alliance military's are at war. Simply because you know how to fight is not an excuse to act as a vigilante rather then a citizen. That's what we, as characters are if we are not drafted or working for the military of our nationale. Guilds and clans may have permission to fight for the Horde or Alliance, but in this case: as a roleplayer it is your duty to create a situation and an environment for others to learn from each other. Killing does nothing but benefit your own character, and should always be seen as a last resort; not just something you can do at a wim. I hope I made this clear enough, and I apologize for any offense or harsh feelings that may have been experienced in the simple outlet of what I'm thinking.
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