OOC: Orc Feedback

[the 1 bow 1112]

 

Shalom,

Activity has been an issue for the Orcs since 2013, and perhaps even before that. There are time our activity soars, and are times that people sometimes forget we are one of the four big dog races.

This is a problem

I could say that Orc RP is so dymanic, diverse and well rounded that it is a heathenous sin to let it go unexplored, and it is trust me, but heres the main issue. Unless there is a war, Orc RP suffers. Thats a fact. And as CEO of the Iron Uzg it is sort of my job to fix this issue, and I am aware that there is not one simple fix. There is RP to be had, because there is a ridiculous amount of culture and things to delve into, the problem is no one does it. Peacetime is when we slip into inactivity, so my focus here is the day-to-day more domestic RP, can could that be fixed because it is basically non-existant right now. And don't say "just rp". I am taking to the forums to insight a more formal response from the Orc playerbase as well as maybe take feedback from pinkskin runts non-Orc players who may have their own two cents.

 

So, the general question is;

How can Orcs maintain activity and achieve consistent RP that doesnt revolve around being in a war?

Aswell as this, I now ask to any non-Orc players if you have any criticisms of the Orc player base in general. Legitimate, serious feedback, please give it.

This thread is meant to help the Orc's situation as a whole, keep it serious, dont troll, and dont be butthurt. FM's if you are out there, if any froggy and/or salty/trolly comments appear please delete them. 

Rulg.

-President the1bow of the United Clans of Krugmerica

 

[MetaSolaray 242]

I'd say easily is bringing far more of the intelligant culture aspect and traditions of the Orc roleplay. Unless you are an Orc you don't often see shamans or other aspects that give such a delicious culture. Most of the times people see either ologs, or 'hur hur hur' Orcs which is fine, but it's overdone.

Most people like sampling something before joining, if all they see is the simple roleplay you can't convince people to up and join the orcs. I'd highly encourage more cultural aspects being brought around the realm without you know...bashing everything's skull in. More honor. 

[AGP 3169]

I think the problem is that people don't switch races. Most people generally stick within one race for long periods of time, even over multiple characters. Occasionally you get vets that switch to play Orcs, but a veteran switching races doesn't happen too often. The population of a race usually only increases when a new player joins that race. Orcs, I feel, are the least likely race to be chosen by a new player. Humans are the default for people interested in politics and wars or just being a normal guy, elves have a specific assassin/ranger/immortal niche, dwarves are a cool fantasy race for people who want something a little different but still like playing a scottish guy, whereas Orcs are big, scary, green skinned, and are all about fighting. Some new players like that, but new players who like to go around killing things usually get banned because they kill things incorrectly. I see a lot less new orc apps than apps for other races, and thats why orcish activity fails I feel.

[AlmondTree 418]

Orcs are big, scary, green skinned, and are all about fighting. Some new players like that, but new players who like to go around killing things usually get banned because they kill things incorrectly. I see a lot less new orc apps than apps for other races, and thats why orcish activity fails I feel.

I have said that this is the exact issue. The curse that orcs have makes it hard to properly RP and orc during peace times and this is shown because during peace times Orc population is on low. They simply do not "know" what to really do besides being a "Orcs are big, scary, green skinned, and are all about fighting".

I really see a change in the orc curse is necessary to allow people and also not scare them away when orcs are not in a conflict. 

[AGP 3169]

Orcs are big, scary, green skinned, and are all about fighting. Some new players like that, but new players who like to go around killing things usually get banned because they kill things incorrectly. I see a lot less new orc apps than apps for other races, and thats why orcish activity fails I feel.

I have said that this is the exact issue. The curse that orcs have makes it hard to properly RP and orc during peace times and this is shown because during peace times Orc population is on low. They simply do not "know" what to really do besides being a "Orcs are big, scary, green skinned, and are all about fighting".

I really see a change in the orc curse is necessary to allow people and also not scare them away when orcs are not in a conflict. 

I think what you just said basically boils down to "Orcs are not a good default fantasy race." Orcs are decent villains but they don't really make sense as a... "protagonist" race.

[Angmarzku 1251]

True i got really nothing to do but to build things for the Uzg or travel or stay with friends

[AlmondTree 418]

I'd say easily is bringing far more of the intelligant culture aspect and traditions of the Orc roleplay. Unless you are an Orc you don't often see shamans or other aspects that give such a delicious culture. Most of the times people see either ologs, or 'hur hur hur' Orcs which is fine, but it's overdone.

Most people like sampling something before joining, if all they see is the simple roleplay you can't convince people to up and join the orcs. I'd highly encourage more cultural aspects being brought around the realm without you know...bashing everything's skull in. More honor. 

I'd like to address this. One issue that we orcs suffer as a whole is recently there were some tensions between orcs and the dwarves. We had strict orders not to go outside the orc lands and "bash someones skull in". There are plenty of instances with what we like to call "Whitewash" orcs that are note under the Rexdom and can rage freely. This all related to what I said above with the curse. The curse doesn't allow a more extended period of peace. This is something that is hurting us now when we are on low population.

[HappyShackles 886]

The curse doesn't need to be changed, the racial description does. Emphasize spiritualism and shamanism, it's the most intricate and important part of orcish culture. It's the reason they are what they are. The "curses" are not followed by any of the races. Elves have children, some humans are immortal, dwarves aren't all inherently greedy. It's a player choice, the curses are arbitrary.

[AlmondTree 418]

Orcs are big, scary, green skinned, and are all about fighting. Some new players like that, but new players who like to go around killing things usually get banned because they kill things incorrectly. I see a lot less new orc apps than apps for other races, and thats why orcish activity fails I feel.

I have said that this is the exact issue. The curse that orcs have makes it hard to properly RP and orc during peace times and this is shown because during peace times Orc population is on low. They simply do not "know" what to really do besides being a "Orcs are big, scary, green skinned, and are all about fighting".

I really see a change in the orc curse is necessary to allow people and also not scare them away when orcs are not in a conflict. 

I think what you just said basically boils down to "Orcs are not a good default fantasy race." Orcs are decent villains but they don't really make sense as a... "protagonist" race.

Yes and no, orc are not a villainous race. They are brutish and tough, value strength and  bad ass attitudes but there are those that doesn't want this but still might want to play an orc. If you want to play an orc that chills all day, smoking some green and values family then you are put on the side track. Usually get stomped by those that value fighting and blood. That doesn't make it easy for new players to feel comfortable with trying an orc I believe.

[AGP 3169]

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Yes and no, orc are not a villainous race. They are brutish and tough, value strength and  bad ass attitudes but there are those that doesn't want this but still might want to play an orc. If you want to play an orc that chills all day, smoking some green and values family then you are put on the side track. Usually get stomped by those that value fighting and blood. That doesn't make it easy for new players to feel comfortable with trying an orc I believe.

This is true. Orcs seem to have a very narrow mindset of what is acceptable Orcish behavior. That's not so true with the other races. Elves can have all sorts of personalities and lifestyles. Same with humans and with dwarves (Though dwarves are stereotyped a lot in a few ways, probably why you see less dwarves than elves/humans).

[AlmondTree 418]

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This is true. Orcs seem to have a very narrow mindset of what is acceptable Orcish behavior. That's not so true with the other races. Elves can have all sorts of personalities and lifestyles. Same with humans and with dwarves (Though dwarves are stereotyped a lot in a few ways, probably why you see less dwarves than elves/humans).

Correct! This is not because we have bad leaders or anything, it is what we are told everywhere. Lore says they are violent, they are seen as violent so then new and older players will act accordingly to not be considered an outsider. It needs a fix, I strongly believe the curse needs a tweak.

[LaCabra (Soda) 1519]

I think Urara said it best back in December of 2012.

 

 

I suppose it's not my place to vote since I've been gone for orcish RP for a long time and I'm not likely to come back, since I'm quite happy with my spot in the White Rose. However, as an "old orc", I might have a few suggestions.

 

There were a couple of things that drove me away from orc RP and most of them were related to the map change and the attitude change that seemingly came with it.

 

1. Where'd our culture go?!

 

Back in the good old days of orc RP, we used to have a very rigid culture. We hated pinkies. We determined anything and everything by strength. If you beat someone in the arena, it meant you were blessed by Krug. The strongest orcs got the most respect. If you had a title, it meant you were strong as hell and should be listened to. We also hated pinkies. The only orc I ever saw mate with a pinkie was Mogroka and the only reason we didn't mock him for it was because he was the freaking Rex and could break our spines like twigs if we made fun of him. And most importantly? MATING WASN'T THAT IMPORTANT. If you mated, you mated with a strong orc who would bear you strong children because orcs are all about STRENGTH. Mating and producing children with a pinkie would be shameful because pinkies are all weak and stupid, save for a few exception. And you chose a mate not because of love or silly things like that. You chose a mate because STRONG. And you showed affection by beating the tar out of each other because strength is attractive. Being pretty or cute was disgusting and weak.

 

I suppose it was easier to hold onto our culture because we were more centralized. All the orcs stayed in Krugmar. Krugmar was easy to get to and being immersed in orcish culture made it easier to grasp. That seemed to fall apart in Asulon. I remember when I first started playing a human. Every orc I met hit on me. Granted, my human was a tough as nails warrior with a big scar on her face, so she MIGHT be attractive to an orc. However, my human woman was the exception. I saw multiple women, even soft, pretty girls that an orc should revile, get hit on by orcs. Everyone seemed completely desperate for sex. And that is NOT what orcs are about. We're not sex monsters. We mate for strength and to serve Krug by delivering strong children. Or at least we used to. These pinkie humpers should be MOCKED and SHAMED.

 

2. Collective intelligence of the orcs seemed to have dropped.

 

Guys...what happened?

 

We used to have some of the best RP on the server. Orcs used to be legit scary. Now, at best, they're just big, dumb, green trolls. Urara was an intelligent orc. So was Gragarn. So was Blawharag. Mogroka was pretty smart too. And Yaghy! He was a freaking engineer! A self taught one too! Stupid orcs were funny, yes, but they weren't the norm.

 

And we may talk like cavemen, but that doesn't make us idiots across the board. Roleplaying with my old Shadowclan guild and with Gragarn and Blaw taught me that even if orcs talk like cavemen, there is a way to sound smart while using the Blah. And many orcs did sound very smart.

 

Just because you're an orc doesn't make your character stupid. And even if your character is stupid, there are ways to RP stupidity without acting like an obnoxious troll. I'm not scared of the military prowess of orcs. I'm not scared of their ugliness or intimidating personalities. At most, I'm annoyed. My dark elf character, Tanith, who is scared of EVERYTHING, isn't even intimidated by orcs. She just finds them to be a nuisance. And guys...if you can't scare a COWARD, you are doing it wrong.

 

Orcs need to refocus on their military prowess. You need to organize and centralize. You need to stop acting trolly and stupid. Get it together.

 

 

Orc RP was what made me love LOTC in the first place, but it fell apart. You need to gather everyone together, centralize Orc RP, get your military back in gear, and make them SCARY again. I don't like seeing orcs as just a trolly nuisance. I want the orcs to be like they were back when I loved them.

 

 

I think the biggest drive we should have is one to CULTURE. I'll make a more in-depth post about my thoughts in a bit.

 

Edit: check out this entire thread, it had some wonderful ideas that weren't all put into action - https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/77574-major-orcish-reform-poll/

Edited October 1, 2015 by SuperSodaPops

[AlmondTree 418]

The curse doesn't need to be changed, the racial description does. Emphasize spiritualism and shamanism, it's the most intricate and important part of orcish culture. It's the reason they are what they are. The "curses" are not followed by any of the races. Elves have children, some humans are immortal, dwarves aren't all inherently greedy. It's a player choice, the curses are arbitrary.

If their curses are not followed then that is a separate issue. Either way refer to what is mentioned above.

[AlmondTree 418]

I think Urara said it best back in December of 2012.

 

 

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I think the biggest drive we should have is one to CULTURE. I'll make a more in-depth post about my thoughts in a bit.

As much as this is true, it is would doom orcs even more. Also note this was December 2012 and our player base and server mentality has changed dramatically since then. If we were to go on an all out war path we would get obliterated..

Part from the trolly and toxicity that there is of course but that is a job for the Rex to sort out.

Times have changed, focusing on warfare is doubtfully the path to take considering how the current situation is. If there is nothing to keep players when there's not a war then we won't have players to go to war with.

[_mkkk_ 194]

This isn't a general statement for the whole player base of all orcs but there is a lacking sense of developing RP, rule comprehension, and emphasis on advantages as their race.

With the new fluctuation of orcs, the most recent interaction I had was an uruk that asked if I was willing to buy a book from him and then went immediately to investigating my character for items. This then continued in a lack of understanding the rules by the player attempting to take the said item (a blade in this case) without a roll or emote in trying to steal the blade. I then had to remind the player of this.

Two people then walked upon the situation that were trying to harm me rather than the uruk. . . but he suddenly started claiming that I was MGing without realizing the situation. He then lingered around and the two said players started RP combat with the uruk that resulted in a 5 min. debate in OOC and finally a GM counting down PvP. 

This is not a criticism of all orcs. I simply want new orc players to become more informed of their culture, RP characteristics, and develop RP for intentions of furthering their character. The most active orcs however seem to be knowledgeable on the server and create stimulating RP. A simple rundown of the rules regarding RP situations and combat would also be helpful for the players so arguments could be avoided. Lastly, I believe orc players need to understand the distinctions between communities. If an orc stumbles into Oren and ends up assaulting a player, they need to understand that they will most likely be ganged up upon because of the united player base, not for OOC hate. It is almost like a human sneaking into Haelun'or. . . you will most likely be imprisoned.