Hiya Boss.
I was curious myself, so I climbed into my Goblin-crafted Gnome suit last night and wandered the streets of Stormwind to see what’s what. Word on the street is Alliance RP is alive and well, so I wanted to see for myself. Verdict?
All true, boss. People walking everywhere, TRP’s galore, pubs filled wits drinkers and drunks. Maybe a few creatures of the night, if ya know what I mean. So we can’t blame the Shadowlands for lack of RP, Alliance side anyway. If you want walk up RP, Stormwind’s gotcha covered.
No, this is strictly a Horde issue, boss. Not sure how to fix it other than to make a decision to always be in character wherever you are. If you see another RP’r, interact. Create the scene and others will join. Maybe.
From MY point of view, I believe it’s much easier to RP in the Alliance in general. I mean, as far as I know, all of us in RL are Human. So to RP as one is an easy introduction to this aspect of the game. And once immersed, one tends to stay on that side of fence (Alliance) and move into the more imaginative races as confidence grows. You start off with a basic TRP and before long, you’ve developed a deep character just from interactions on the streets of Stormwind.
Horde races take a bit more finesse and imagination. Blood Elves and Orcs are often the RP introduction races (my opinion only). Once upon a time, Silvermoon was THE place to be, with tons of Blelves running around. Did we flame them too much? Make fun of all the lords and ladies with long flowing hair and bright eyes? The Blood Knights? Perhaps the Horde player base is it’s own worst enemy? Just questions, not accusations. I truly do not know. However, the past few times I have been to Silvermoon, it’s been empty.
Lets look at the environment. Stormwind is easy to RP in. The sight lines are great, the open spaces are designed with nooks, benches, landscaping, all beneficial to RP. There are different zones which create different flavors. Old town thieves, cathedral district paladins, park-side meetups, Mage quarter park and tavern. Not to mention, it is the hub of all Alliance game-play. Ironforge is also easy to RP in, a bit harder to get to, but sees lots of activity.
Orgimmar has none of this. As the hub of all Horde game play, it’s all the same, with curving canyon walls, dark and dusty, several stories/layers, nothing very attractive to the REAL LIFE player. I’ve never been a fan of the city. Once again, this is my opinion. I’m sure others feel much different about it. But not many, or it would be a RP gold mine like Stormwind. And the one tavern that is used for RP is okay at best.
If Silvermoon was the Horde hub, you would see a ton more walk up RP. The spaces are more inviting to the RL player. Yet, it is too hard to get to, well out of the way of all activity. It’s well designed for RP and perfect for it. Yet, it’s completely ignored. The Undercity was never an RP place, even for the Forsaken. A few people, maybe, but not many. Brill was, though. Until it was changed and the tavern made unfriendly to RP. Thunderbluff… do people even go there anymore?
Yeah, a long post, but things to think about. No solutions offered, but maybe awareness.