So. I don't normally do kudos threads. And no, for anyone worried. I'm not rolling. I also don't usually raise my hand and say 'Hello. Yes. This is me.'
I've had two experiences in the last couple days that I wans to highlight. I am doing so because I think these sort of things can be important. And are why PVP should be used as a means of continuing story without necessarily ending them. And why we should all try and think of this as a storytelling.
The first one.
I was sailing with some friends. We ran into The Destroyer. Now. We weren't in any condition to fight them. Or do battle. I didn't know that they weren't going to attack us or sink/board us, granted! But we didn't take the risk. I sent some people home. Figured I might get attacked. Went into a ship-killer storm. Drank a water breathing potion and sank.
Ended up on board the deck with a bunch of the minmir congregation and some pirates as a magistrate of Cordor and radiant heart member. Not a great place to be but sort of what I expected!
Needless to say while things got hostile. But it didn't end up going to PVP. I ignored a few teleport pulls to have some RP and to the honest kudos to the people on the boat, they didn't just try and PVP me or instantly begin to fight to stop it. We had a fun back and forth. There was begrudging respect and some hostilities. And then they let me go.
It became a story that I then was able to tell in character. Which was fun. But it also sort of gives people a bit to pause that 'Hey. Maybe they actually aren't always the worst.' And it leads to possible IC things in my own characters times where he may end up returning the favour.
Cut to last night.
There's a fight in Bendir dale and So-Kehur goes in to assist. Ends up having a fun exchange with a few people! And I lose. But it was a good fight! Fair from all those involved. Nobody was abusing anything or seeking to win at all costs.
So when I got the notification asking for a raise. I accepted it. Found myself in the underdark surrounded by enemies. Now. My character was being very... firm about certain things. Hostile but not too hostile. toeing the line without just being sent back to the fugue. The RP was honestly quite great.
They made sure to ask and confirm I wasn't going to be enslaved or that they'd push for it. There was an enjoyable back and forth with some questions not being answered or jokes/threats. Eventually it ended up with my character being brought to the Andunor slave pits to fight in the gladiator matches to the amusement of the locals.
There was anywhere from 15-30 people at any given time. Some even cheering on or declaring a respect. Others hoping for a chance to eat and murder him. And while I 100% didn't expect this would be where my night would go or that this kind of an interaction would ever happen? It was honestly really fun.
After he ended up being successful and defeating the beast, they safely made sure he got somewhere he could leave and let him go. It again, became a great story.
Sometimes. And I've been on this side a lot. I've given players the opportunity for RP to continue and it's... honestly been a disaster or just borderline griefing. But this is why I still find myself doing it. And while it can be problematic or scary for some people just. Reach out. Send a tell, communicate with the other players. Sometimes giving them a win can lead to some cool moments even if it's something that isn't necessarily fun for your character (But can be for you as a player).
So! That's what this thread is about. Thank you, hopefully there's more fun conflict RP of this nature in the future. And hopefully these two stories can help give others the courage to take the leap even if it's wild and unknown.
It was an unexpected interaction and I thank you for it!