Originally posted on the Old ED forums by:
Ehrin
Level 11 Human Mage (Aurora) [ED]
and reposted by:
Cadmael
Level 80 Human Paladin (Cartel of Netherstorm) [ED]
Sections:
1. What is a RP-PVP Server?
2. How is an RP-PVP server different from a regular RP or PvP server?
3. What do I do on a RP-PVP server?
4. What will happen when the server type change happens?
5. Do I need a Background Story for my character?
6. What kind of name can I use for my character?
7. What kind of language do I use on an RP-PVP server?
8. How do I denote if what I am saying is In-Character (IC) and Out-Of-Character (OOC)?
9. Is the General channel IC or OOC?
10. Do I have to role-play all the time?
11. RP vs PvP?
12. How do I meet other RPers in-game?
13. Is it appropriate to RP in Instance Dungeons and Battlegrounds?
14. Helpful links
1. What is a RP-PVP Server?
Simply, an RP-PVP server is a hybrid of the Roleplaying (RP) and Player-Vs-Player (PvP) server rule set. It is an RP server who has been added an additional PvP rule set.
2. How is an RP-PVP server different from a regular RP or PvP server?
Blizzard's official explanation of Realm Types can no longer be found. Though I have an archived source from various points.
From 2005:
https://web.archive.org/web/20050829004121/http://worldofwarcraft.com/info/basics/realmtypes.html
From 2007 with the one of the first mentions of RP-PvP servers:
https://web.archive.org/web/20070501223249/http://www.worldofwarcraft.com:80/info/basics/realmtypes.html
From 2013:
https://web.archive.org/web/20131120222414/http://us.battle.net/wow/en/game/guide/getting-started
But here it is in a Nutshell:
A regular RP server is based on the PvE (Player Vs Environment) rule set. That is, if you come across a member of the opposite faction, you are not able to engage them in combat unless both of you manually flagged. Everything in /say and /yell channels must be in-character.
A PvP server does not require you to act in-character, and you are able to openly attack members of the opposing faction.
RP-PVP takes the best of both worlds. You are always in-character, dealing with situations as they would and you get the opportunity to turn a member of the opposite faction into green, purple or blue jelly at any moment.
3. What do I do on a RP-PVP server?
You act out the role of your character. You talk as they would talk, think as they would think and act as they would act.
If you do not want to act out a character, or at least abide by the RP server rule set, you should consider rolling your character on a different server.
4. What will happen when the server type change happens?
Speculation is always difficult but Emerald Dream is no stranger to change. We have always been a tight-knit community at our core who looks out for the longevity of our server. However, from our best guesses and mildly general consensus we as a community based realm will carry on the RP-PvP history of the server. Many guilds have already dedicated themselves to remaining flagged at all times even before any changes have been made concrete.
At this point (12/1/17) RP servers will be within their own PvP and non-PvP flagged shards that will not be shared with any others.
Many of us came to this RP realm for the specific purpose that it also has a PvP rule set and intend to keep that draw and mysticism the same.
5. Do I need a Background Story for my character?
No, but it helps if you have some idea of your characters history to draw on to help you figure out how your character will react to certain situations and people.
For (a very simplified) example: Your Human character lost her parents at the hand of the Orcish Horde during the Second War. She now has a deep-seeded hatred of all Orcs and will go out of her way to kill as many of them as she can.
6. What kind of name can I use for my character?
Use a name that fits in with the fantasy setting of the Warcraft universe. Names such as Pointydagger, Leetdood and Fearmages are not appropriate and are also against the roleplay naming rules.
Be creative!
Check out http://www.babynames.com for some ideas!
General policy, including names, can be found here (2006, 11, and 17 respectively): https://web.archive.org/web/20060116112111/http://www.blizzard.com:80/support/wowgm/?id=agm01725p
https://web.archive.org/web/20110506031346/http://us.blizzard.com:80/support/article.xml?locale=en_US&articleId=20458&rhtml=true
https://us.battle.net/support/en/article/135764
7. What kind of language do I use on an RP-PVP server?
For the most part, simply speak in regular English; just make sure it is in the context of the game world.
Words like thee, thou, art, thyne and other terms that are considered to be Old English are generally avoided, and depending on the race, may be completely inappropriate, eg;
Thrall says: Wouldst thou like to crush thyne enemies?
Some races do have different accents, for example Trolls are considered to have Jamaican-like accents, eg:
Zul’Jin says: Ya tink dat would be a good idea, mon?
And Dwarves are considered to have Scottish-like accents:
Muradin says: I’ll ave a pint with ya laddy!
There is no right or wrong way. Just remember to avoid Netspeak.
8. How do I denote if what I am saying is In-Character (IC) and Out-Of-Character (OOC)?
On any kind of RP server, it is required that anything you say in /say or /yell is IC. To denote something that is OOC players either place their text in double-brackets, e.g.:
Ehrin says: (( This damned lag is killing me! ))
Or precede the text with OOC, e.g;
Ehrin says: OOC: This damned lag is killing me!
9. Is the General channel IC or OOC?
Both! As long as General used for finding Storylines (SLs), e.g;
[1. General] Ehrin: Would anyone like to join for a mage-specific SL?
Or used for discussions about the Base Storyline (BSL), e.g;
[1. General] Ehrin: How was Dalaran destroyed?
[1. General] Responder: Archimonde destroyed it as a testament to his absolute power.
Other game-related topics can be discussed in the General Channel as well.
The General Chat Channel should not be used for any off-topic, non-storyline, or non game-related discussions, for example;
[1. General] Ehrin: Has anyone seen that new movie?
[1. General] Responder: Yeah, it totally sucks.
For a more complete RP experience, some players leave the General channel all together.
10. Do I have to role-play all the time?
No, but that doesn't mean that you should be obtrusively OOC when you're not. Remember the RP guidelines from the "Blizzard links" section--/say, /yell, and /party should be all in-character. If you're approached by someone in-character and you don't feel like role-playing, feel free to send them a /tell or /whisper saying "Sorry man, not RPing today" or something similar. If you're polite, they'll respect your wishes and let you get back to questing.
That said, it is an RP server, and many people come with the specific intent of staying in-character as much as possible. It's easy to bow out of RP situations without breaking character--all of the situations below work, and all of them require about the same amount of time/effort, but the one keeps everyone's immersion going (and gets you that much more rep as an RPer, or at least not a l33t-kiddie griefer) and the other doesn't.
Acceptable:
[Grummak] says: Hey, th'lot of us are headin' Alliance-side for a rumble with th'damn Stormwind Irregulars. Thought we'd look around and see if anyone was dumb enough t'take th'hits while the healers patch 'im up an' th'rest of us do th'dirty work. Think you're th'orc for th'job?
[Responder] whispers: Thanks, but I don't really want to get caught up in RP tonight.
[Grummak] replies: ((No worries. Take care.))
Better:
[Grummak] says: Hey, th'lot of us are headin' Alliance-side for a rumble with th'damn Stormwind Irregulars. Thought we'd look around and see if anyone was dumb enough t'take th'hits while the healers patch 'im up an' th'rest of us do th'dirty work. Think you're th'orc for th'job?
[Responder] says: When ya put it that way, how can I say no? But I got a girl waitin' on me at th'Bay tanight.
[Grummak] says: Worth missin' a scrap for any day a'th'week. Good luck wi'that.
Use a name that fits in with the fantasy setting of the Warcraft universe. Names such as Pointydagger, Leetdood and Fearmages are not appropriate and are also against the roleplay naming rules.
Be creative!
Check out http://www.babynames.com for some ideas!
General policy, including names, can be found here (2006, 11, and 17 respectively): https://web.archive.org/web/20060116112111/http://www.blizzard.com:80/support/wowgm/?id=agm01725p
https://web.archive.org/web/20110506031346/http://us.blizzard.com:80/support/article.xml?locale=en_US&articleId=20458&rhtml=true
https://us.battle.net/support/en/article/135764
7. What kind of language do I use on an RP-PVP server?
For the most part, simply speak in regular English; just make sure it is in the context of the game world.
Words like thee, thou, art, thyne and other terms that are considered to be Old English are generally avoided, and depending on the race, may be completely inappropriate, eg;
Thrall says: Wouldst thou like to crush thyne enemies?
Some races do have different accents, for example Trolls are considered to have Jamaican-like accents, eg:
Zul’Jin says: Ya tink dat would be a good idea, mon?
And Dwarves are considered to have Scottish-like accents:
Muradin says: I’ll ave a pint with ya laddy!
There is no right or wrong way. Just remember to avoid Netspeak.
8. How do I denote if what I am saying is In-Character (IC) and Out-Of-Character (OOC)?
On any kind of RP server, it is required that anything you say in /say or /yell is IC. To denote something that is OOC players either place their text in double-brackets, e.g.:
Ehrin says: (( This damned lag is killing me! ))
Or precede the text with OOC, e.g;
Ehrin says: OOC: This damned lag is killing me!
9. Is the General channel IC or OOC?
Both! As long as General used for finding Storylines (SLs), e.g;
[1. General] Ehrin: Would anyone like to join for a mage-specific SL?
Or used for discussions about the Base Storyline (BSL), e.g;
[1. General] Ehrin: How was Dalaran destroyed?
[1. General] Responder: Archimonde destroyed it as a testament to his absolute power.
Other game-related topics can be discussed in the General Channel as well.
The General Chat Channel should not be used for any off-topic, non-storyline, or non game-related discussions, for example;
[1. General] Ehrin: Has anyone seen that new movie?
[1. General] Responder: Yeah, it totally sucks.
For a more complete RP experience, some players leave the General channel all together.
10. Do I have to role-play all the time?
No, but that doesn't mean that you should be obtrusively OOC when you're not. Remember the RP guidelines from the "Blizzard links" section--/say, /yell, and /party should be all in-character. If you're approached by someone in-character and you don't feel like role-playing, feel free to send them a /tell or /whisper saying "Sorry man, not RPing today" or something similar. If you're polite, they'll respect your wishes and let you get back to questing.
That said, it is an RP server, and many people come with the specific intent of staying in-character as much as possible. It's easy to bow out of RP situations without breaking character--all of the situations below work, and all of them require about the same amount of time/effort, but the one keeps everyone's immersion going (and gets you that much more rep as an RPer, or at least not a l33t-kiddie griefer) and the other doesn't.
Acceptable:
[Grummak] says: Hey, th'lot of us are headin' Alliance-side for a rumble with th'damn Stormwind Irregulars. Thought we'd look around and see if anyone was dumb enough t'take th'hits while the healers patch 'im up an' th'rest of us do th'dirty work. Think you're th'orc for th'job?
[Responder] whispers: Thanks, but I don't really want to get caught up in RP tonight.
[Grummak] replies: ((No worries. Take care.))
Better:
[Grummak] says: Hey, th'lot of us are headin' Alliance-side for a rumble with th'damn Stormwind Irregulars. Thought we'd look around and see if anyone was dumb enough t'take th'hits while the healers patch 'im up an' th'rest of us do th'dirty work. Think you're th'orc for th'job?
[Responder] says: When ya put it that way, how can I say no? But I got a girl waitin' on me at th'Bay tanight.
[Grummak] says: Worth missin' a scrap for any day a'th'week. Good luck wi'that.
1 Like
10. RP vs PvP?
Everyone is coming to the RP-PVP server from either traditional RP or PVP servers. This has been causing some contention between the two play styles, resulting in what some call 'RP-Elitism', that is Rp'ers being very liberal in their reporting of 'violations' or in crashing of events and borderline RP harassment from the PvPer side.
Wise words on this issue came from an Orc Shaman by the name of Zhanesia It's a long, but important read:
11. How do I meet other RPers in-game?
a) Get the add-on TRP3:
This mod not only flags you as a roleplayer, but your RP style and experience. You can even have a surname and Character description.
b) Try walking around in towns and cities. The most common hubs are around Wyvrens’s Tail in Orgimmar, and the Blue Recluse in Stormwind
c) Random emotes in more populated areas. Remember though that members of the opposing faction cannot understand custom emotes. For example:
/e leans up against the wall and looks seedy.
Will show to Alliance players as:
Ehrin leans up against the wall and looks seedy.
All Horde members will see is:
Ehrin makes some strange gestures.
Everyone is coming to the RP-PVP server from either traditional RP or PVP servers. This has been causing some contention between the two play styles, resulting in what some call 'RP-Elitism', that is Rp'ers being very liberal in their reporting of 'violations' or in crashing of events and borderline RP harassment from the PvPer side.
Wise words on this issue came from an Orc Shaman by the name of Zhanesia It's a long, but important read:
To the hardcore PvP'ers, consider this: As you are well aware, anyone that complains about being constantly attacked by other players on any server with the PvP ruleset is generally mocked openly.
By that same token, anyone who has a problem with being fully obligated to roleplay on a server with the RP format is equally subject to ridicule. It's precisely the same situation. Here, ideally, nobody will complain about being ganked, nor will they complain about their obligation to portray their character in a manner suited to Warcraft's atmosphere. Anyone who has joined this server has agreed to both of these stipulations.
To the dedicated RP'ers, I say this: I understand that many of you are set in your definition of how roleplay ought to be, what sort of personalities, archetypes, backstories, and other aspects of a roleplayed character are "acceptable".
You need to realize that not everyone shares your views, and strictly speaking, anything is fine so long as the player follows Blizzard's set guidelines--guidelines that don't call for a GM report due to a slip of spelling, grammar, or punctuation, or due to someone playing a character you believe to be inappropriate for Warcraft's setting.
Many people who're immigrants from PvP realms have been in a constant state of paranoia and general bitterness, as they've been subject to GM reports for reasons spanning the spectrum from well-deserved to downright ludicrous.
Those that fall under the "well-deserved" category, those with ridiculous names or those who intentionally harass RP'ers don't belong here to begin with, and they know it, but they are nonetheless in the minority.
Under the "ludicrous" category, however, are, for example, those reported simply for spelling errors (Not everyone's a perfect typist, many people have a strongly ingrained habit of using Internet shorthand, and it's difficult to break), or a brief mention of a non-game related subject in General Chat (A ridiculously easy mistake to make, and one that ought to be fully forgivable), or because they're portraying a character that, for some reason, the reporter believes is inappropriate (yet, regardless, is still consistently roleplaying).
Understand this:
Most of the PvP realm expatriates are quite interested in the idea of RP. However, many are very new to experiencing the concept firsthand, though they're here to do so for the first time while still being able to engage in their favorite playstyle.
Nothing alienates the PvP migrants more than scorning them, berating them, ridiculing them, or otherwise mocking them for what some of you may perceive to be their inability to live up to RP standards.
The complaint of "RP Elitism" has been a fairly constant subject over the past few days, and it's bound to become even worse if you, the dedicated RP'er, cannot learn a bit of tolerance for those new to the format, and accept their inevitable slip-ups with graciousness.
In understanding both of these, it's not hard to understand why this "PvP vs. RP" conflict ought not to even exist. This server is a melding of two oft-misunderstood playstyles. I urge everyone, please learn to see it from the other one's perspective, to understand what both PvP and RP mean, and how the people here are, truly, of fully like mind.
We are here to RP. We are here to PvP. Not one or the other, but both.
11. How do I meet other RPers in-game?
a) Get the add-on TRP3:
This mod not only flags you as a roleplayer, but your RP style and experience. You can even have a surname and Character description.
b) Try walking around in towns and cities. The most common hubs are around Wyvrens’s Tail in Orgimmar, and the Blue Recluse in Stormwind
c) Random emotes in more populated areas. Remember though that members of the opposing faction cannot understand custom emotes. For example:
/e leans up against the wall and looks seedy.
Will show to Alliance players as:
Ehrin leans up against the wall and looks seedy.
All Horde members will see is:
Ehrin makes some strange gestures.
2 Likes
12. Is it appropriate to RP in Instance Dungeons and Battlegrounds?
I could not have put it better, so to quote Severa of the Feathermoon Server:
So, gauge the group you are with and if your goal is to get the instance done efficiently, don’t let RP take precedence.
13. Helpful links:
Blizzard Policies
RP policy (no longer able to be found. Here is the archive again): https://web.archive.org/web/20110506031346/http://us.blizzard.com:80/support/article.xml?locale=en_US&articleId=20458&rhtml=true
PvP policy: https://us.battle.net/support/en/article/10184
PvP Policy as it Applies to RP Events: https://us.battle.net/support/en/article/10472
Useful Mods
TRP 3 and TRP3 Extended
Tongues
World of Warcraft Lore
Blizzard’s Timeline page: https://worldofwarcraft.com/en-us/story/timeline
Blizzard’s Lore page: https://worldofwarcraft.com/en-us/story
Lore/Story Forums: https://us.battle.net/forums/en/wow/1011638/
The World of Warcraft Wiki: http://www.wowwiki.com/
Blizz Planet: http://www.blizzplanet.com/
Nobble87 (Youtuber): https://www.youtube.com/user/Nobbel87
Doron’s Movies (Youtuber): https://www.youtube.com/user/Doronsmovies
I could not have put it better, so to quote Severa of the Feathermoon Server:
There's nothing at all wrong with RPing in an instance or in battlegrounds, but I think (problems come) from the fact that sometimes character personality quirks interfere with the dungeon. In the proper group (who's willing to wipe a few times) this can be fun, but in a standard group, “Hey, look at all these cute little leper gnomes! I want to run up and hug them all" might not be considered so appropriate.
So, gauge the group you are with and if your goal is to get the instance done efficiently, don’t let RP take precedence.
13. Helpful links:
Blizzard Policies
RP policy (no longer able to be found. Here is the archive again): https://web.archive.org/web/20110506031346/http://us.blizzard.com:80/support/article.xml?locale=en_US&articleId=20458&rhtml=true
PvP policy: https://us.battle.net/support/en/article/10184
PvP Policy as it Applies to RP Events: https://us.battle.net/support/en/article/10472
Useful Mods
TRP 3 and TRP3 Extended
Tongues
World of Warcraft Lore
Blizzard’s Timeline page: https://worldofwarcraft.com/en-us/story/timeline
Blizzard’s Lore page: https://worldofwarcraft.com/en-us/story
Lore/Story Forums: https://us.battle.net/forums/en/wow/1011638/
The World of Warcraft Wiki: http://www.wowwiki.com/
Blizz Planet: http://www.blizzplanet.com/
Nobble87 (Youtuber): https://www.youtube.com/user/Nobbel87
Doron’s Movies (Youtuber): https://www.youtube.com/user/Doronsmovies
2 Likes
As per usual everyone please
1: Report this post
2: Select 'Other'
3: Commnet "Sticky Request"
4: Wait patiently for Ythisens to give it the seal of approval and replace the old one.
1: Report this post
2: Select 'Other'
3: Commnet "Sticky Request"
4: Wait patiently for Ythisens to give it the seal of approval and replace the old one.
2 Likes
A noble effort, but technically won't this just be a "RP" server once the PVP flagging becomes optional on all servers?
Preciously the reason why I placed it under speculation and why we are undertaking this renewal effort. The old sticky would not be changed to reflect the upcoming change, this will be.
That said, there was also planned Faralon and a Neptulon Raid in the past. Sharding and cross realm was disabled for RP realms. Point being, this is an intended feature however that feature may not make it into the live client.
Until then, we'll keep information current as it is.
That said, there was also planned Faralon and a Neptulon Raid in the past. Sharding and cross realm was disabled for RP realms. Point being, this is an intended feature however that feature may not make it into the live client.
Until then, we'll keep information current as it is.
1 Like
Thank you for sharing all this valuable information. I don't know it had been sticky before this day or not but either way, I am glad I found it.
1 Like
How fo we get this pinned again
1 Like
I believe there was a discord post in our channels for folks to go to. I will try to find it.
Edited: I found the article and posted it.
Really wish they would stcky
1 Like
Yep, this was what I was looking for! Thanks Acialga!
It was so far far far far down
1 Like
Someone remind me to do some updating on this in the future. I’ll take a morning at work to take care of it.
3 Likes
Grab our community and discord info in the links section and mention the guild info that Aeriara created and the Horde Events PSA… would love the Alliance to have an Events PSA forum post for easier planning of cross-faction type events.
2 Likes
I think I need to redo the alliance communities thread
1 Like