Role playing

[Baltar]

@ Cross: There's quit a difference between role play and rules. Rules are needed to level the playing field a bit so that people don't get out of control. Role play means you are getting into character. In other words, I'm putting on the costume and assuming the role of who I'm playing. Rules do not restrict WHO I am ... only WHAT I can do within my character. Many of my characters are of the pirate variety. But that does not mean that ALL my characters are required to pirate every vessel I come across. I've had pirate characters who were of the Robin Hood type ... steal from the rich and give to the poor. My role as a Robin Hood type pirate is that of a Chaotic Good (if you understand the D&D alignment system). A Chaotic Good character is by definition an "unlawful" character ... BUT ... is on the side of right and just morals. And keep in mind that not all "laws" are good. Slavery used to be "legal" in the United States ... and in some parts of the world it still is legal to own slaves. So just because you're a lawful character doesn't necessarily mean you are a good guy. Another alignment that is quite popular is that of a Lawful Evil character. This would be like the Sheriff of Nottingham. He's a lawful character ... BUT ... he's an evil bastard. So just because you're "lawful" or "unlawful" in role play does not mean you are on the side of "good." And you cannot possibly create rules to dictate this. This can ONLY be accomplished through role play.


@ Vogel: Exactly ... a huge fictional universe. Here's something to keep in mind with regards to this "mod." Igiss wants to keep Discovery close to the original story line ... BUT ... he's created room for enhancements ... both in ships/equipment/economy and in role play. The original story line does NOT have Phantoms or Colonial Remnant or Artificial Intelligence (AI) ... these are ID's added to the story through creativity within the membership. New systems, new ships, new equipment, the ability to mine and make money were all created to enhance role play AND to create new avenues for role play. Role play is NOT stuffed inside a box and rigorously enforced. Role play comes with creativity from the membership. There are certain limitations that call for rules ... such as an unlawful character cannot dock on a lawful base and vice versa ... nor can rival factions (Outcast and Corsair) use each other's stuff. There MUST be room for creativity ... if not ... then the water becomes stagnant and people start to leave because of the stench.