Recently I've been engaged in Underdark V Surface pvp. Considering the amount of people involved It's been very enjoyable and fun, even when losing. So kudos to the community.
The Eternal Battle, Underdark vs the "Free Peoples". It truly is an eternal struggle, as it should be. That being said, many people take "Eternal" a little too seriously. What does this mean?
If a character has led multiple assaults,defences and has gotten themselves killed, repeatedly. Whether by RP "executions" or straight PVP demise. (these both hold different IC consequences. IMO)
Then a level of responsibility to maintain the integrity of the setting is admirable. By rolling, or dire consequences for your characters story. It is up to the player how they wish to handle this.
But. Not all characters are equal.
A footman does not hold the same value as a paragon of authority within a settlement.
He doesn't hold the same sway to organise a raid against his foes.
He doesn't have the level of reputation they do.
He cannot influence their settlement,guild,etc the same way.
Examples can go on and on.
They're not equal and shouldn't be judged on the same dire consequence for quite blatant DEATH. It goes without saying you should always maintain responsibility. Regardless of your IC held position,etc.
What problems does this create? It causes stagnation, harms setting integrity, harms dynamic/evolving storytelling, strengthens cliques and makes it harder for new characters, ideas to develop.
Now then. What can be done? There are people who've been around much longer than I who've thought this over,out,back again and still cannot firmly decide. Nonetheless, here's my contribution.
This is DND, virtual, but DND. We even have our lovely DM's to assist and arbitrate. As this is quite a delicate topic. In my mind, it requires communication between DM's and these influential,paragon characters. To a lesser degree, the "footmen"
We trust the DM's to make the right decision, the right call on a number of things. Handing out appropriate consequences for meaningful character deaths should be part of that.
Whether it's enforcing a longer debuff period. To permanent changes to your character(With communication to the player), death, MODS.
Do not mistake this as complaining that Arelith isn't "IRONMAN MODE." Because it's not and I don't want it to be.
I'm of the opinion that important characters, influential characters, characters of position and reputation, even power. Shouldn't be eternal. As these players likely have a high RPB, they're aware of what it takes to get there. Yet it seems once there they forget what it took. Which is where I think DM's should remind them.