Not so counters the other group which I like to call the Storytellers. Respect is something a character should earn through solid roleplay, and good storytelling. If a level 10 character can play the part well, why not let them RP a Darth? Any monkey can make level 50 and get PvP gear given enough time, so why not respect things that matter more to roleplay? These are the two sides in this battle, one we're going to comb through in detail and try to work out some answers.
Join me as we take a look at your responses and attempt to dig through the issue. Does your character's level matter in roleplay? Should a player have to get their character to level 50 to be taken seriously in roleplay, or is it just a form of metagaming? Once again we're back on the same tangent of game mechanics in roleplay. Hold on tight and keep your arms and legs inside the car until we come to a complete stop, because it's going to be a wild ride.
Pictured: A level 1 Roleplayer
FreelanceWizard: Yes, because I feel level is a reasonable representation of the combat efficacy of the character. In this game, you fight increasingly dangerous opponents as you go up in level and your abilities in one form of conflict resolution -- the /duel -- are determined by your level. So, I feel it's perfectly acceptable to use it as a measure of skill in battle. It's not the only measure of skill, nor even the only measure of combat skill, but it's an acceptable yardstick.
WingedThing: Whether or not I look at someone's level honestly depends on the circumstances. I certainly notice level right off the bat when it's someone of the opposite faction and that person is much higher level than I am, as the bright red numbers are kind of hard to ignore. Otherwise, it very much depends on what the character is doing. Is s/he running around and picking fights with everyone or claiming to be the best duelist or quickest draw in the galaxy? If so, I'm probably going to look at the level and see if they'd be able to back up that claim. On the other hand, if s/he is just standing around, drinking something at the bar or hitting on persons of their preferred gender, I don't tend to look or notice right away.
For most people the answer is yes, even if it's just seeing it out of the corner of your eye when you target someone so your character looks at them. Many people try to deny it though. Why should level matter? One of the most compelling reasons outside of PvP duels is the effort required to get a character to 50. Even if you did nothing else but play The Old Republic, it would take days to get a character to level 50. By having a high level character, you're showing off the effort it took to get there. Very few people in an RP community just rush to 50 on a character; they take their time, roleplay, and savor the game. By showing that you made it to 50, you're showing a commitment to the community and server in time spent, and time you're going to spend. That's at least worth acknowledging over the level 10 next to you in the bar. But does it matter in roleplay?
A high level character also has access to gear that lets them crush their lower level competition. As far as game mechanics go, it makes perfect sense. If they're higher level than you, it's likely they could crush you in a duel. If that's your style of RP, then it's case closed. That only applies to a medium sized portion of RPers though. For everyone else—the Storytellers—it doesn't matter as much. It's possible to have a character, even a powerful one at a low level, and still interact freely in roleplay. People with low level characters shouldn't be discouraged from RPing or feel that they need to RP apprentices, or weaker characters. They just need to be aware they may have to do more to prove their roleplay aptitude to others.
So if levels affect RP, then what about Legacy levels?
Jerax Teral: It depends on the circumstances. If it's general RP in a cantina or a similar location, it doesn't matter if they are level 5 or level 50. Level merely shows progress in the game and combative strength. Now if the other person is wanting to fight my character, then I would take a level 50 more seriously. A level 50 walks up and says he can beat me in a fight, I'll believe him or at least know he could be capable of doing so. A level 5 walks up to my level 50 and puts up the same tough act, I'd probably laugh him off ICly and ask him OOCly if he knows that I could take him down if I looked at him wrong.
MacButt: In a word, yes. In more words, though, I stick by that writing ability is the most important factor of all in RP. I will be willing to suspend all kinds of disbelief in favor of a good story. But to use my example above, a Darth concealing his power and mulling about as the IC equivalent of level 10 for mysterious personal reasons is an interesting story. Someone that walks in proclaiming himself a powerful Darth with a mass power structure is not a good or interesting story, it's annoying. It would be annoying even if they were level 50, but I could at least respect that some effort had been put into the character and would be willing to allow him to prove his claims.
We've talked before about powerful characters, and how to get one to be taken seriously. The answer here is simple: no. You do not need to be level 50 and have the Darth title to RP a Darth. However, that doesn't mean it won't help you get acknowledged in the RP community. The average RP scene is filled with Darths and Masters, Majors and Master Conspirators. To stand out from the crowd, you need something, or people are just going to pay attention to someone else. I can walk up to the bar on the Imperial Fleet at any time and find five Darths to interact with; what makes one more appealing to RP with then another? Reputation first and foremost.
A level 10 character RPing a Darth that's built up a reputation in the RP community over time is always going to be more interesting and attract more RP with less people questioning them. If you're just starting out though, then being a level 50 with the title certainly does help. People are jaded after seeing a parade of high ranking characters everywhere they go; you need to be at least as good as the others in the pack if you want to be acknowledged. Think of the title like a college degree. Most, if not all of what you did to get it is useless or unrelated, but having it gets your foot in the door for a job. Businesses will take work experience over a recent grad, but the person without either experience or a degree is really in trouble.
This is my PvP gear? I guess I have to wear it if I want respect...
Balkito: I, personally, think that PvP should not affect RP, or anything else beyond PvP. The game mechanic of dueling is probably the most biased form of IC combat, in my opinion. Beyond that, the use of PvP gear is for appearance, which I do sometimes consider when I'm RP'ing (I'm going to take a Mandalorian more seriously if he looks like he has more armor than my Consular). So, while appearance could be important, PvE combat and PvP shouldn't influence RP. I've met several low level players that had enough RP skill to put many higher level players to shame.
Mai Cash: The greatest boon to roleplayers is time. What roleplayers need to introduce themselves appropriately as characters in a roleplaying community is time, effort, and quality interactions. All of which comes down to minutes and hours spent not actually levelling and not interacting with the game on a PvP and PvE level. Should this mean that someone who wishes to be "taken seriously" as a player quickly levels their character to level 50 and then spends one month in PvP land in order to acquire the gear they wish in order to play the character they wish to play, so be it. I believe that the same character can be played convincingly enough at level 35 without the gear in question, given the amount of time spent amongst the role playing community. One does not have to be at level cap to be taken seriously, unless one wishes to be The Great & Powerful Oz. Should one wish to play The Great & Powerful Anything, one best have the chops to back it up—most likely yes. However, to me, this is a rather boring and typical way to play. Try growing up in the community as a character first, and then roleplay the Ass Kicker.
Speaking about discussions we've had before, this really comes back to the RP vs RP-PvP debate we've gone over a million times as well. If you're on a RP-PvP server, and you want to RP a powerful character, then absolutely, you better have some PvP gear, or at least be competent in duels. For the rest of us though, how does it affect RP? Conflict is a part of life, and roleplay. Since /roll won't be in-game for a while more, that leaves emotes and duels. That means if your character makes an enemy, there's a 50% chance they're going to want to fight a duel. So you might want to have decent gear to back it up, or Mandalorian bodyguards. After all, does it really matter if you can back up those threats personally if you have an army at your back?
As with getting recognized, having the gear to "back up" a character's IC strength helps, but is not really a requirement. If you want to RP Darth Badass, having PvP gear for duels can help you back up their strength, and will earn you some respect from the people that like using duels. PvP gear won't win you recognition though, it's just a way to help. You're still going to have to tell a good story to gain the recognition of your peers. We've all seen some PvPer walk into a canitna and demand respect as a Darth because they're decked out in the latest gear and can slaughter almost anyone in a duel. They quickly become shunned because their characters are Mary Sues. Just like having level 50, it's just one of many things players will consciously or subconsciously evaluate about your character.
As opposed to other RP types, Mandalorians generally do require certain gear.
Sendra: I don't see how it's a problem. A new player has the levelling up time to RP his rise in position or power. And by that I mean in RP, not just in doing the class quests. And if he's a new player on the RP scene, and not simply a new character of an established player, it gives him time to learn the who's who and what's what of the server.Occasionally a player may create a new character who is to be someone of established power. I would expect to see that normally within a guild or closed RP circle, and it's for that group to accept and establish among themselves the new character's power. Once that is done, that backing can help to establish the character's position and power among the rest of the RP community. But it would still be wise for the low level but IC powerful character to use discretion in throwing his weight around publicly.
Bielduwyn: One method could be making a system that ensures that people are absolutely equal in a duel, like buffing the stats and gear stats of the lower level character, and allowing for a handicap system if you do want to represent a clear difference in skill. But really, level shouldn't matter at all, if your character looks and acts the part, level shouldn't matter.
Can a new player start out RPing a Darth or Jedi Master? They're low level, and haven't invested anything into the community yet. Chances are they could be some 12 year old looking for a power trip. That's the fear, but they could also be a mature RPer who is just new to TOR. The survival of a RP community depends on it being able to constantly integrate new people with fresh ideas and roleplay. If we're too quick to shun them, chances are they will leave. That's why I'm always in favor of giving someone a chance, level and gear aside. If they're a child looking for a power trip, chances are that will become readily apparent within one or two lines of dialogue, then you can just walk away, having lost nothing.
Levels and gear do matter in roleplay because a part of our RP community believe they're a representation of effort and preparation. In this we really can't disagree; it's their opinion after all, so some accommodation must be made. However, in most circumstances you won't need to be high level or well geared for roleplay. Still, because it does matter to a sizeable part of the community, it's worth working towards. The Old Republic is far easier and faster to level and gear than most of its predecessors. Most players will have enough time to slowly work towards a goal of 50 or epic gear. It's not required but it definitely will help, so why not at least put in a little work?
Our train is pulling into the station for this week, so crack your knuckles and start typing out a comment. Keep the debate going and don't be afraid to speak up. When you're done, head over to The Darker Side of Life thread. Chances are by the time you read this, I'll have next week's topic and questions ready and posted. Write out your responses to the questions for a chance to get into next week's article. Until next week, keep an open mind, and may the Force be with you.
