However what I want to discuss is the power of denial.

Now I’m not talking about denial of the sort “I didn’t do it. Nobody saw me do it. You can’t prove anything!”. What I am talking about is denying your character that thing that they so badly want. Look it as another story telling tool.

I realize you’re probably thinking “What fun is it to keep the prize away from my character? I want them to get the girl/house/booty/loot and live happily ever after!”. And if that is what you truly want then go for it! But think about telling a compelling story instead of just giving them the goodies. Denying the character the prize is powerful story telling. It keeps the audience coming back for more. Would we have watched The Fugitive for four years if Dr. Richard Kimble had caught the one-armed man and proven his innocence halfway through the first? Consider the power in that story. Consider why people came back week after week to watch it.

So now let’s apply the idea to our characters in WoW. I will use Ithrene as my example.

Ithrene is a sweet, young female dwarf. Kinda tomboyish and not quite as sure of herself as she seems to be. She exudes youth and innocence and a sweetness that is just adorable. She is an adult, but just barely and still naive in many things. She has a little bit of a stubborn streak but often gives in to the wishes of others easily. Ithrene has her farting bear that annoys the fire out of her sometimes but she loves him with all of her heart and could never dream of life without him. He isn’t just her pet, he is her companion and sometimes only friend. She probably confesses more of her heart to him than she would ever dream of telling anyone else. He isn’t just a partner, he is her shield, her strength, her furry white wall.

Ithrene has a Un’Goro sized crush on Fjuinen (who is also adorable and sweet, by the way). She tends to stammer and blush and not speak well when she is near him. It’s all terribly cute and fun! Her innocence and nervousness tells a sweet story that is fun to watch and engaging to brush the edges of because sometimes even the most battle-hardened, jaded warrior sees her and for a moment remembers the beauty and innocence of youth.

But what would happen to her story if she managed to gain the “dwarf of her dreams”? Suddenly the innocence is gone. She fully grows up. Her whole personality changes. The behaviors that were sweet and appealing suddenly seem false. No longer are we captivated by her sunny, sweet smile; her innocent blushes. Why? The innocence is gone. We watched her get what she was after. Now that she has it, she isn’t interesting any longer.

But as long as she continues to reach for it, but never quite gets it, there is something interesting to watch.

Eventually the character is likely to either get what they want or have it taken away forever. One can only stretch out the denial for so long. However if skillfully done, you can keep your audience focused on the character for a very long time. Don’t assume they just want to hear about your character achieving the goal. They want to follow the journey to it as well and who wants a fun journey to be a short one?

Thursday RP Challenge for July 29, 2010: Sweet Emote-ion!

This week your challenge is to emote something at 10 strangers over the period of a week. It could be something as simple as a nod as you pass them in the street or as complex as blowing your nose on their shirt sleeve… as long as it is IC! Now sure, it isn’t very difficult to just walk past someone and nod. So maybe try something that encourages interaction? How about bumping into them in the street? Staring at them as they sit at that table? Be creative! The choices are endless!

Remember, they must be strangers. Someone you have not interacted with previously. It’s a big server! That shouldn’t be too hard!

Come on back next week and lets talk about how it went!

Later I began thinking about some of the things we, having “grown up” on a role play server, might take for granted. How could one explain the minor technical details? The odd server “history”? Where would one begin to help someone coming to the server as a level 80 understand and not feel overwhelmed by the RP atmosphere and feel the need to retreat into non-rp just to survive?

I’m sure others have their own ideas of where they would start so feel free to add your bits and pieces in the comments but here is the information I would give to someone just coming to a role play server.

“WTF is up with the (( )) ?”

Bracketing is a form of indicating one is speaking out of character. It can look many ways. Double parentheses (( )), singles ( ), brackets [ ] or any number of other bracketing form. The most common is the double parentheses.

By indicating that one is speaking out of character, they are saying “You are speaking to the player right now, not the character.” It’s good to know the difference (in case the character is particularly abrasive).

Sometimes a group will indicate that Group chat is automatically OOC while /say is automatically IC. In such a case, when speaking in group, (( )) is not necessary. There is no standard as to what channels are IC and which are OOC. It is entirely subjective depending on who you’re with…. With one exception.

“/say Chuck Norris ROXXORS!”

…. Please don’t. /say should always be assumed to be an IC channel. Though they don’t enforce it, Blizzard has designated it as such on role play servers. If you MUST speak OOC in /say, please bracket. No, not everyone does it. No, not everyone is going to be bothered by it if you talk about Chuck Norris, your latest Facebook picture or how much cheese it takes to make a really good Welsh rarebit… but why start off in bad habits? If you want to play on a role play server then start off in a good way and keep good habits all the way through.

“Dude! Where’s your armor?!”

Likely what you’re seeing is their RP clothes. Don’t worry, that warrior doesn’t really fight in that lavender mageweave shirt. RP clothes are pieces that are kept strictly for appearance. Who wants to sit around in smelly old leather armor all day? Who wants to sit down to have a drink with friends while their unmentionables are being pinched by armor plates?

Most role players have at least one set of rp clothes. Some of us have entire bags of clothing for different occasions. Robes for special occasions, overalls for schlumping around, shorts and vest for swimming. There are some great outifits out there. For more on RP clothing check out my What To Wear post and my Tauren What To Wear post or have a visit over at Kirina’s Closet.

For those brand new to the server, talk to the first tailor you make friends with and I’m sure they’d be more than happy to toss together some basic starter RP clothes. There are some really good linen, wool and silk pieces that are tailor crafted.

After you have your RP clothes, try them out. Wear them when you’re not out adventuring. Wear them when you attend get-togethers. Wear them when you’re bored and just wandering around town.

“How do I find the role players?”

This is always the toughest part. It’s easier if you know someone on the server and they can drag you around and introduce you or show you where the events are. Otherwise you have to rely on your own detective ability.

Step one: Read the forum of the realm you have chosen (though hopefully you read them before you joined). Before you jump on there going “HEY! WHERE’S THE RP??” make sure they are not a hive of scum and villainy. Be sure they aren’t a putrid den of RP hatin’.

Step two: Talk to other people. Whether you meet them in a group, on the street, see them fishing in blue overalls, talk to them. Ask questions. Make it a point to reach out to others. Let them know you are new to the server and trying to make contact.

Step three: ImmersionRP, MyRolePlay, FlagRSP2 are addons specifically created for role players. With these addons you can add surnames, descriptions and other information about your character. More importantly for new to the server players, you can SEE the other role players. Check them out and give them a try. They are also a useful tool for interaction because if used properly they tell other players what your character looks like, is wearing and how they present themselves more accurately than the game can portray.

“Why are those Death Knights sitting on that bed without any clothes?”

Just turn around and walk away. Likely there is something going on you don’t want to know about… something nasty…. Involving rotty bits…. Just ask Oroleus.

Playing on a role play server can be a fun and rewarding experience. You can meet some incredibly imaginative, creative, and fun players. There also tends to be a higher maturity ratio among role players. The most important thing to keep in mind though is you are coming to a role play server. Don’t come to one with a LAWLRPSUX attitude because you are a guest. The rules of the house were set long before you came along. If you respect those that choose RP servers because they are role players, you will have a much more pleasant experience on our server. If you give it a chance, it is very likely you will find that RP brings an extra element of “adventure” to your game. One much more unpredictable and fun than anything Blizz could program in.

Have a great week!

-Nau

As you can see in some cases the brandy was more an afterthought. In attempting to keep the encounter brief (so as to not be a pain to those I was accosting) it sometimes just ended up tacked on. However I still perceive the encounters as a success because it created interaction no matter what the original goal might have been.

Below are the ones I actually got logged and I send out my thanks to those who played along with my challenge, even if they didn’t know they were!

-Nau

To Urthal: A friend told me it is better to drink while fishing. Is this true?
Urthal whispers: Always!
To Urthal: Even if I am not thirsty?
<<At this point Urthal turned the table on me and handed me Lord of Frost’s Private Label>>
To Urthal: Oh! What is that?
Urthal whispers: For fishing!
To Urthal: Why thank you! It smells… different.
To Urthal: Oh… it… made my earsh cold! *giggles*
Urthal whispers: See? Making fishing better already!
To Urthal: Why thank you. I will be shure to remember that! 

To Lullan: Tell me, do death knights eat and drink?
Lullan whispers: Not sure
To Lullan: Here, you can try. Perhaps we will learn something.
To Lullan: I am told it is very good.
<<At this point he dinged the Its Happy Hour Somewhere achievement>>
To Lullan: Oh my! That sounded very good!
Lullan whispers: Mhmm.
To Lullan: Well now we know. Thank you.
You smile at Lullan. 

To Danarian: Pardon me sir, have you a moment?
Danarian whispers: Yes?
To Danarian: I… well I have a problem. I am not familiar with libations and I was hoping you might be able to assist me for a small matter.
To Danarian: You see I have this  Snowplum Brandy and I do not know what the races of this world consider a good “vintage”. Would you try it for me and advise me?
To Danarian: It is for a gift, you see.
Danarian whispers: Unfortunately I do not drink alcohol
To Danarian: Oh! My apologies. Do you then know what standards others use?
Danarian whispers: I do not but I am sure someone in the Inn may be of assistance
To Danarian: Why thank you! That itself is useful!
You bow before Danarian.
You thank Danarian.
Danarian bows down graciously. 

To Boehan: My apologies for disturbing you sir but that is an impressive vehicle.
Boehan whispers: made her myself =)
To Boehan: Is it true that they will run on alcohol?
Boehan whispers: one day… for now I have to fuel it up on dead oozes
To Boehan: Oh. /chuckles Some say humans run on alcohol as well. Is that true?
Boehan whispers: some.  But they hang around in ironforge too much to really be called Humans anymore.
To Boehan: Oh. Well I offer this as a gift anyway.
To Boehan: It is called “brandy”.
You smile at Boehan.
To Boehan: And I wish you the best evening possible.
You bow before Boehan.
Boehan whispers: *sniffs it*  Smells delicious. I shall have to try it myself before using it on the engine.
To Boehan: I do hope you like it. *smiles* 

To Reimos: Does the armor make it difficult for the horse?
Reimos whispers: Not particularly
To Reimos: It just seems quite bulky to me.
Nauloera pats the horse.
Reimos whispers: Not at all
To Reimos: Is it specially trained? Or bred?
Reimos whispers: Both
To Reimos: Oh my. Is it a difficult process?
Reimos whispers: I assume so, I’m not sure. I’m not a trainer.
To Reimos: He is a lovely animal.
You smile at Reimos.
Reimos whispers: Thank you
To Reimos: I must depart now. A gift for your time, friend.
You bow before Reimos.
You smile at Reimos.
Reimos whispers: Thank you, take care.
To Reimos: You as well. 

You gasp at Mechanopeep.
Nauloera says: Its so cute!!
You gently pat Mechanopeep.
You smile at Mechanopeep.
You kneel before Mechanopeep.
Nauloera says: What a darling little… thing!
Nauloera says: Did you make it?
You smile at Widdlejeff.
Nauloera says: You’re very quiet. Well have a good day then.
Widdlejeff says: lol
You gently pat Widdlejeff.
Widdlejeff says: im busyh sry
Widdlejeff cuddles up against you.
Nauloera says: Oh!
You gently pat Widdlejeff.
Widdlejeff hugs you.
Nauloera says: I am sorry for disturbing you then, if you were busy.
Nauloera says: Here, for your trouble
<<Hands him the brandy>>
Widdlejeff hugs Stinker.
You smile at Widdlejeff.
Widdlejeff laughs at Stinker.
You bow before Widdlejeff.
You hug Stinker.
Nauloera ‘s Stinker, Kitty, hugs back.
You smile at Widdlejeff.
Widdlejeff pokes his belly and giggles.
You laugh. 

You peer at Kaelras searchingly.
You peer at Kaelras searchingly.
Nauloera says: You’re a tree?
Kaelras nods. “With leaves.”
Nauloera says: Does… it itch?
Kaelras says: Only in autumn.
Nauloera says: Why in autumn?
Kaelras says: My leaves turn red. I think it’s some sort of inflammation.
Nauloera says: Oh my! I know an alchemist. Have you tried ointments?
Kaelras says: Several! I’m just going to try one now. If you see a purple tree running the other way on fire, do be a dear and throw a bucket of water over it. Me.
Kaelras waves at you.
You bow before Kaelras.
Nauloera says: A gift.
<<Hands him the brandy>>
You smile at Kaelras.
Kaelras smiles at you. 

You gently pat Thrallsmount.
To Arathwr: Your hound is most impressive
Arathwr whispers: thank you
To Arathwr: Where did you acquire him?
You gently pat Thrallsmount.
Arathwr whispers: still smells of orc
To Arathwr: He does have a curious odor.
To Arathwr: This will help.
<<Hands him brandy. Trade cancelled.>>
Arathwr whispers: sorry try that again i spilled some
<<Hands him brandy again.>>
To Arathwr: It removes the odor.
You smile at Arathwr.
You bow before Arathwr.
Arathwr whispers: looks like you have exp with removing odor, those little ones are well know for odor
To Arathwr: I have experience with orcs.
Arathwr whispers: yet i dont smell a thing
Arathwr gently pats Thrallsmount.
To Arathwr: You will enjoy the beast much more when it is deodorized.
You smile at Arathwr.
Arathwr bows before Thrallsmount.
To Arathwr: Good luck to you friend.
You smile at Arathwr.
Arathwr salutes you with respect.
You wave goodbye to Arathwr.  Farewell!
You gently pat Thrallsmount.
Arathwr rubs down Thrallsmount with ointment
Arathwr whispers: thank you
To Arathwr: You’re most welcome sir. 

To Brushtah: You’re hurt!
<<Casts two healing spells on her.>>
Brushtah whispers: ty
To Brushtah: You are most welcome friend.
To Brushtah: You still look weak.
Brushtah whispers:
To Brushtah: You are a dwarf. This should fortify you.
<<Hands her brandy.>>
You bow before Brushtah.
Brushtah thanks you.
You welcome Brushtah. 

To Slundar: Is it dead?
To Slundar: Your horse I mean?
Slundar whispers: yes
To Slundar: How sad!
Slundar whispers:
To Slundar: Dwarves say good liquor will revive anything.
To Slundar: Try this…
<<Hands him brandy.>>
Slundar whispers: How kind.
Nauloera pats the bony horse.
Slundar whispers: I shall try.
To Slundar: Poor thing. I hope it helps!
To Slundar: Good luck to you!
You smile at Slundar.
You bow before Slundar.
Slundar whispers: Thank you, I bid thee good day.  

You peer at Taius searchingly.
You peer at Taius searchingly.
Taius blinks.
To Taius: You are familiar.
To Taius: Do I know you?
Nauloera stares at Taius curiously.
Taius whispers: Familiar?  Don’t know about that.  I come around here time and again. 
To Taius: I think I know you from somewhere but I do not remember where.
To Taius: I am Nauloera. And you are?
Taius whispers: Taius.  Taius Kirtwood.
Nauloera frowns.
Taius shrugs a little. 
To Taius: My apologies sir. That name is not familiar. I must have made a mistake. Please accept a small token for my error.
<<Hands him brandy.>>
To Taius: The dwarves say liquor makes all things better.
You bow before Taius.
Taius takes the glass curiously.
To Taius: They call it “brandy”
You smile at Taius.
Taius whispers: Well… thanks.  And no need to apologize, miss.  We all make mistakes.
Taius smiles at you.
To Taius: You have a good day then, sir.
Taius sips at the drink.
You bow before Taius.
You wave goodbye to Taius.  Farewell!
Taius whispers: Mmn.  You too.
Taius nods at you. 

<<Nau came across this fellow while he was fishing.>>
You peer at Maurelm searchingly.
Nauloera says: I do not think you are doing it right.
Maurelm says: I’m sorry?
Nauloera says: Your fishing. You are not doing it right.
Nauloera says: Here….
<<Hands him brandy.>>
Maurelm says: Well, that’s what the practice is for
Nauloera says: Now you can do it right.
Nauloera says: A dwarf told me so.
You nod at Maurelm.
Maurelm looks dubiously at the drink before shrugging.
Maurelm says: Very shweet, thank you
Nauloera nods knowingly. “Now you are doing it right.”
You bow before Maurelm.

Thursday RP Challenge for July 15, 2010: Money Talks!

The challenge this week may seem simple until you actually try to make it work. Remember, this is to be accomplished In Character!

Over the next week, In Character, convince 10 people you don’t know and have never met before to give you 2 copper each. This can be accomplished on any combination of characters for any IC reason. Even if it is a level 1 mule posing as a beggar in the street. Be creative!

Come back next week and we’ll see how it went!

One of my great joys on returning to game was to discover that the RPA channel was still alive and well on Alliance side. Since then there have been some great IC conversations going on there but so far this one has been the most spectacularly explosive. Sometimes a simple misunderstood phrase can lead to some hilarious interaction. Enjoy!  -Nau

Nauloera: Greetings, Razain.

Razain: How are you, Nauloera, rest well?

Nauloera: I am fine and yes, quite. You?

Razain: I am… fine <sounds so not fine>

Nauloera: Shall I come to your room again tonight then since you did not desire me last night?

Fearinal: *chokes*

Falferran <gasps>

Fearinal: RAZAIN!!

Adnox: *He laughs, the sound warm and deep*

Fearinal: You… You… *unable to find words, he just screams angrily*

Nauloera: Is something the matter?

Razain: No, Nauloera. Not… *whispers oh hell*

Fearinal: You filthy, disgusting predator!! Gods! I don’t even know enough Common to call you what you are!!

Kyraine: That’s a good start.

Fearinal: YOU’RE A HORRIBLE HORRIBLE THING!

Falferran: <scoffs> I-i-i-if you a-a-are tha’ naieve to n-n-not see what i-i-i-is the *m-m-mater*, then you a-a-are very silly, if I m-m-may say.

Razain: Wait- It’s not what you think

Razain: She and I… we never… not THAT

Fearinal: *icily* Oh?

Nauloera: Please do not yell at Razain. I do not appreciate it.

Razain: NO

Fearinal: I seem to remember ShOMEONE telling me they hadn’t spoken to me in months because they’d lost interest.

Fearinal: I seem to remember SOMEONE saying they only pursued me because I was easy elven ass, a Kaldorei slut, and that I was NOTHING to them beyond a hole to stick it in!

Kyraine: Ah- <coughs>

Feneril: Oh my…

Kyraine: Right then. Now that we know how someone really feels… might be you want to enlighten the poor fellow that you’re not banging Razain, Priestess?

Nauloera: Raz? What is happening? Why is he being so cruel. Please, whoever you are please stop.

Fearinal: *sniffling*

Nauloera: Banging?

Razain: There is nothing to say – and he’s not being cruel

Kyraine: Aye. The horizontal mambo.

Nauloera: What is banging please? Like a drum?

Razain: He’s merely stating a fact.

Catreya: *coughs*

Falferran: <quietly sits in the corner and observes, with slight amusement>

Adnox: ‘Ow ehs sehehn ooat ooas done tuh yuh curuelteh?

Razain: Though… never mind. To say that those comments were a lie and I didn’t mean them won’t make a difference, I’m sure

Adnox: *snorts*

Razain: Fearinal, an apology isn’t enough – there is nothing I can say or do to make up for any of that.

Razain: but . . . <sigh>

Nauloera: Please. I still do not understand.

Fearinal: *he tries to speak, but his voice breaks. He says nothing*

Razain: He and I were together, I left, didn’t contact him for months, I came back, said horrible things, it ended, he hates me and I deserve all of that and more.

Kyraine: First off, tell the poor elf that you are not, and never have, banged Razain.

Kyraine: Cause saying you didn’t satisfy him the other night in his bedroom makes it sound like you did.

Nauloera: *sighs in frustration* I have NEVER struck Razain! He is my friend!

Kyraine: I didn’t know you went in for- <coughs>

Kyraine: Never mind. But just tell him you didn’t do it.

Nauloera: I would not do him harm.

Razain: <sigh> Fearinal, Nauloera and I have never had sexual intercourse of any kind

Nauloera: *blinks* What…?

Razain: Nauloera, Banged is a slang term for sex

Fearinal: Perhaps not. But she sure sounded to offer herself for tonight.

Falferran: <splutters a bit> P-p-p-pardon me, b-b-but I do not *need* t-t-to know of your e-e-e-extracurricul-l-lar activities…

Razain: She helped me sleep – cast a spell, made the nightmares go away, that’s all

Nauloera: Well of course we have never had sexual activities together. I have taken vows to the Light.

Razain: She had to come to my room to do the spells

Fearinal: *ashamed* I am sorry. That was a bit explicit for a public channel. *sounding increasingly miserable* I am sorry, everyone.

Kyraine: Good thing that doesn’t stop all priests. Vows. <grins>

-Nau

I probably should have posted this Thursday or Friday. Ah well! I’ll do better next time!

So our first RP Challenge was to walk every time we were in town. I actually tried to do this on all of my characters and did a pretty fair job. For me it wasn’t really an issue because I have a tendency to walk in town anyway.

What did I see? Well I can say I saw a great deal more of Dalaran than I had previously. I think we tend to rely too much on some of the features in the game that are placed solely there to “speed things up”. Need armor repair? Click the mini-map and have it mapped for you. Don’t look at anything but that little gold dot. No time is taken to see the things around you. So by walking, I spent a great deal more time seeing Dalaran. Really seeing it. A lot of work went into designing that city and I truly appreciate the effort because we’ve been given a beautiful setting to play in.

Effort hasn’t just gone into the setting but into the characters as well. How many of you have met Jones? I met him for the first time when he was napping in the stairwell in the Legerdemain Lounge. Jones is an orange tabby cat and this critter doesn’t just stand or mill about like so many of them do. Jones took effort. Jones stands, sits up, lays down and naps. All at random. I had a lovely time standing in that stairwell playing with Jones!

What did I see from players? Hmm… while it would be great to say, “Oh I saw so many people taking the time to walk and interacting with each other!” unfortunately I can’t say that. I can say I did see more people than I’m used to seeing walking. Now I was paying closer attention so it isn’t likely they were participating in the challenge, as much as I would like to think so.

I also noticed more RSP descriptions. I had time to read more of them, learn more about some people whom I never interacted with. I saw some great ones, some not so great ones and some average ones but the most important thing? I saw them.

Now the goal of this was to promote interaction. Did it? Simply walking is a pretty passive way to promote interaction, I will be the first to admit that. But for someone that is shy, that may be a good, safe way to start. Whether you think so or not, when you are walking you do get noticed.

Sometimes notice leads to curiosity. Honestly, if I hadn’t been walking, I don’t believe that Tauren druid would have interacted with me at all. But she saw me, followed me, and we had a lovely interaction even though we couldn’t speak. I’m a narf and should have written down her name but I will watch for it. I would know her again if I saw it.

Final analysis, was it successful? I believe so. There may not have been one other person following the guidelines of the challenge but I did, and I enjoyed it very much. I saw things I never would have seen before, noticed people I wouldn’t have, got to play with Jones, and finally started learning my way around Dalaran using landmarks instead of gold dots! I think there are many people that would find walking a great deal of fun.

Don’t wait for a challenge to try it! Even just for a day, give it a try and let me know how it went.

Kyraine rummages through her pack

Kyraine gets out the pot

Kyraine tosses in some Salted Yeti Cheese, Frost Lotus, Savory Snowplum

Kyraine adds some Magic Eater for good measure, and some Split Hoof

Kyraine grabs a bowl, sits down on the dead Nerubian, and starts eating

The purpose of the RP Challenge is to provide an idea to encourage role play interaction and see what kind of results we get. Last week’s RP Challenge was a simple one, however this week’s is a bit more… Challenging!

Thursday RP Challenge for July 1, 2010: Have a Drink on Me!

So challengers, here is your goal this week! Over the next week give a drink (bourbon, wine, honeymint tea) to twenty random strangers. They don’t have to all be in the same day. Spread them out and have fun with it! And no, you can’t just run up and open a trade window, then run away. Where’s the fun in that???? Come up with a reason for it! Did someone next to you just ding? Hand them some grog and congratulate them! Did you just ding? Pass them out telling people the great news! Did someone cough? Hand them some honeymint tea to ease their throat. Be creative!

And remember, the key is do it all In Character.

Come on back in a week and tell me how it went!