IMO
In The UnSentient,   Art Imitates JG Life

The latest work of JG fan fiction from Newtron, who also authored The Jumpgate Novel, took some very controversial activity in-game, that had many people upset in an OOC way, and strove to create a believable (and perhaps "playable") RP/Backstory to the series of events. This made not only for some very interesting reading, but also paints a picture of how some tense and controversial in-game activity could be RPed.

In The UnSentient, Newtron showed us a backstory that could have been created to explain and "justify" the Balrog style of play – which was, to say the least, controversial. While in my experience, many pilots who play for PvP (and more so those who play "bad guys") are not interested in RP, I think it’s unfortunate. I wonder, if a Criminal/Pirate squad took a little bit of time to create the kind of backstory and RP-framework that was suggested in The UnSentient, whether that squad’s nefarious activity would be better "accepted?"

Some (perhaps much) of the bad feelings about the "bad guy" RP might be avoided if those who would play that role would commit to a RP (I’m going to be a bad guy); determine their backstory and motivation (I mined too many rads over the years and my brain has turned to jelly. I now believe Intensities are Mantas); and set rules of engagement that may or may not be made public (here’s the region I’ll operate in (theoretically tied to the backstory); I will operate from Klatsches Hold; I will only fly the Tornado and will never use missiles because I believe all missiles are Conflux probes; I will defend myself against anyone but will not attack anything other than Intensities). This of course is an un-creative, absurd example just done to illustrate the point

I have been an outspoken proponent that Muggers, Pirates and general psychopaths actually have value as part of the JG mix. While many non-combatants campaign for consensual-only PvP, I have always felt that space being dangerous was at Jumpgate’s core. I always felt that flying a load of expensive equipment through unregulated space should be dangerous, and that hauling a full load of heavy copper to Aman should mean that you have to deal with the threat of Mantas in Aman Hook. To me, these situations provided the sense of anticipation and the adrenaline rush that makes the game experience fun.

Many disagree.  :)

The one problem this approach poses is that it creates a situation where "bad guy" characters are best suited for short-term RP (maybe a month or two). Beyond that it seems you would have to either "shelve" the character once that "chapter" of their RP story is up (at least for a respite until another nefarious RP arc can be prepared) or find some other way to "refresh" or reinvent it (after a successful brain transplant, you are cured and no longer believe Intensities are Mantas).

In any case, I think it would be interesting to try.

-- Ambros.

 
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