Sep 15
A recent game has gotten me thinking about issues of character power in RPGs. In a fantasy setting where mortals can challenge gods, why aren’t people’s morality set to accept that might make right?
I got to play Apocalypse World recently. It’s an indie RPG that deals with…well, living in an apocalyptic world. You deal with issues of scarcity and personal influence. It explores issues of humanity in an environment where might makes right, where those who have power can use it to either take what they want with impunity, or use it to create a semblance of order.
Why not let power dictate morality? Why restrict it to frontier settings (Conan, Wild West, etc.)?
The actual game was fun and interesting. It was a different experience from most adventure RPGs that I’ve played in that character creation and history took up most of the campaign session and directly influenced the world that was created. Part of that was due to the mechanics, but I think mostly due to the DMing style of Ryan Macklin, who is an excellent improviser (I mean, who else would’ve thought of putting an apocalypse world scenario on a generation ship?).
I’ll write more of my experience in another post, but I’ve gotta say that my first indie RPG experience was definitely positive.
I’m going to try the WoW free trial, any char suggestions?
Hmm…I think it depends on your playstyle. Do you like to get up close and personal with bad guys? Do you like to attack from range? Do you want a pet to help you fight?
I think paladins are the easiest class to level with at low levels. Priests are probably the hardest to level with at low levels. Hunters and Warlocks are probably the easiest/fastest to level with overall because their pets allow them to engage multiple enemies.
If you want a versatile class able to take on the defender, striker, leader roles then paladins or druids are your answer. Shamans and Priests are effective striker/leaders and Warriors are effective defender/strikers.
Shamans get the most tricks in combat (ranged striker, melee striker, healer, active party buffs). Rogues, mages, and warriors can sometimes feel like one-trick ponies until you reach higher levels.
With that said, I’ve tried them all to at least 20th level and think they’re all fun in their own ways. It only takes about a few hours of playing to reach 10th level, so don’t feel as if you’re stuck with the first class you pick.
Your race matters more I think because each one has a different starting zone that can greatly shape your play experience. In that sense, I think a blood elf is recommended, since I think they have the best starting zone.
Have fun!
Wow… thanks for the tips!
Personally, it’s druid all the way for me. Druids can switch back and forwards from DPS (good for PvP and soloing) and Tanking (good for raids, where DPSers have trouble finding groups) with a change of clothes. They also have the most convenient method of flight, and are in general good at moving around quickly.
As for the question about RPG morality, might making right does sort of exist in neutral/evil/ occasionally some good alignments, depending on what the individual in question chooses to do with their power. The ‘might makes right’ philosophy is, after all, basically saying there are no morals, as anything that is was done had a right to be done. (That is my guess anyways, I have not actually played RPGs like that.)