The United Front

[Blundermore 2741]

If you ask me, I think the Elves should become what they used to be. Passive. The Elves have lost that feeling of Elder or alien like feeling to their culture. You see, in most fantasies, including the start of LOTC, the Elves of these fantasies are peaceful, non violent, and at the utmost, transcended the problems of human society of crime and greed. Some of these fantasies go as far as to also show a lack of any form of currency system, the needs and wants of Elves so defined and well refined that they have no need for an economy. Their cultures instead depending on a "for the greater good" culture sense. Effectively, communism (communism isn't a bad thing here guys, it's just that humans being humans is what makes communism a difficult prospect). Elves in these fantasies select members of their community to lead them as guides, and all follow a sort of code towards achieving enlightenment in themselves in whatever craft they choose to do. These guides they select make the choices of the nation for them, and can be trusted to make them for the betterment of all Elves. 

 

Elves in most fantasy culture, has transcendent the problems of Human emotion, of Human strife, of hatred and guilt, gluttony and want. There is no such thing as racism or poverty in the culture of Elves, for they are beyond it.

 

The problem of the Elves is that you think too much like Humans, your RP is too Human, there is no Alien like style to it. There is nothing that is regarded strange or fantas-full past the Elder tree and the Druids. 

 

The Elves need to stop thinking like Humans and start developing their culture again to be these mystical beings that wander our world, that act older than they look, that think further than a Human would. 

 

Enough of these teenager Elves that are naive of the the world and of culture and all that, that act as though they are more female dolls from a manga than Elves, and start acting how they should, as beings that no longer have the problems that form in human society. 

 

To Elves, the societies of men should seem to them to be "child like" and that men have much to learn. They do not hate, but they take action when needed, with clear and precise accuracy in mind, making it out almost to be an art form when they do act. 

 

Elves need to be forward thinkers, to plan and think ahead always, never jumping straight into something without a well thought out system to go by. 

 

The way that Elves are played need to change. You can keep your ideals of being "superior" or all that if you want to, but maybe not so well defined as Human Hatred and more in the style of "Your race is child like and has much to learn".

 

If you noticed in the LOTR's you'll see that the Elves then did show signs of Hatred towards Dwarves, but they never outwardly showed it, it was ALWAYS subtle, extremely subtle. Same that you'll see that yes, they do have a military  but notice that they never had any forms of guards inside the main towns. Or better yet, notice the lack of markets, of economy and the ideals of upper-class and lower class systems. They functioned as one entity made of many individuals like ants, all working towards the greater good of all. 

[ski_king3 0]

I think this thread should be more focused on people RP'ng elves correctly than maintaining Malinor. If Malinor were to fall apart, I feel that it is safe to say that smaller Elven nations (probably somewhat sub-race based) would most likely form. I think that keeping Malinor thriving should be done more through IC than OOC.

 

However, I think that making sure people aren't just creating long-lived human characters, encouraging elves to be more friendly towards those within their race (as they should be to an extent, regardless of sub-race), and stopping all the arbitrary squabbles between different cliques is definitely something that ought to be discussed OOC'ly. However, I think the easiest way to solve it is to help new Elven roleplayers (I believe elves are the second most common race for new players) and remind them that elves are not totally similar to humans. However, that's just my two cents.

[thewhiteknights(rarethorn) 27]

My char acts as a loner and hater hes not messin with rp

[EminentFate96 7]

Just through reading this thread, I have gotten the notion that it is not entirely Malinor's rules or laws, but also new players themselves, not following RP standards of an Elf.

 

Just a small suggestion:

 

Why not have a small team of "Introducers" for newbies? This could be done in and out of character.

I do not know what you would call them ICly, but have them at different cities or towns in malinor lands, and direct newbies to them? They could give tours, provide temporary shelter, and help new players to fit in. While also providing OOC help, explaining what it means to be an elf. Example: Informing players on elven lifestyle, how they are educated and are not "sex mongering" as one player put it.

 

 

I know that when I first joined the server as my elf, I found it extremely hard to find other players on my time zone, elven towns, accommodation, until one kind player gave me a helping start.

 

 

:geek:  :smile: 

[Lord_Sauron_ 43]

Alright, I am relatively new to LOTC - which might be a good thing in this matter.  New, unbiased eyes seeing the situation free of chains.
Here is my thoughts upon the issue as a whole.

All the points brought up about cliques and the like is completely true.
There are many RP reasons that show our nation going into decline.
And, most importantly, it can be fixed in an RP manner.

However, that RP manner will never happen without OOC coordination.
There needs to be discussion upon what can be done and how it will be worked out and make sense IC.  That way the web of confusion that we all are flies within can be ripped apart and cast aside.  

I know that this sounds like it would break RP, yet fixing it in such a manner is far preferable to continuing the chaos.

As to why it cannot be fixed IC, there are a few reason.  One, miscommunication.  Two, uncoordinated efforts.  Three, there are more than a few people  that I believe to be the cause of the current chaos, and would do anything to destroy such efforts for reform.  
The first two are common sense, the last some of you may have issue with.  That is part of RP, right?
Yes, it is - but that is not what I am talking about.  Some Mali are very attached to their positions and cannot see beyond the reach of their blade, as well as winning each and every fight they have.  If it is physical, they overpower the other.  If it is mental, they move it to physical.  If it is political, they throw confusion around and attempt to stymie it, hence moving it to physical confrontation.  
Again, that would be appropriate for RP - except for the fact that OOC is used to do this.  Some wish to keep the current situation as their character has power and the ability to create chaos.  They have no qualms about using OOC bullying to do this, which is the root of the entire problem with Malinor.

In order to solve this, we must fight fire with water - cooperative OOC agreement that translates into IC actions without interrupting the flow of RP vs OOC bullying in order to force IC events to remain as the stagnant and repulsive things that they are.

Cool water shall extinguish the flames that threaten to consume Malinor.

[WuHanXianShi14 0]

Maybe if every sentinel initiate didn't leap on anyone who sneezes just because they like combat rp.

Maybe if the people rping Mali'aheral don't DELIBERATELY try to provoke people.

Excepting people to listen to their "superiors" is what makes them violent.

 

And if this /is/ an ooc thread, let me say, why do elves need to be peaceful and loving? That's a high fantasy archetype. Culture changes and time flows, and there are plenty of violent brutal and ruthless elves. Frankly I find the current situation of malinor more interesting role play wise.

[CommunistSpy 441]

Sneezing is a capital offense. Shame on you for not knowing, Artimec.

[steelersfan1221 300]

Maybe if every sentinel initiate didn't leap on anyone who sneezes just because they like combat rp.

Maybe if the people rping Mali'aheral don't DELIBERATELY try to provoke people.

Excepting people to listen to their "superiors" is what makes them violent.

 

And if this /is/ an ooc thread, let me say, why do elves need to be peaceful and loving? That's a high fantasy archetype. Culture changes and time flows, and there are plenty of violent brutal and ruthless elves. Frankly I find the current situation of malinor more interesting role play wise.

 

Since when did elves have to be loving...? I don't think people have ever said that elves need to be loving. Another thing to keep in mind, is that how can the elven nation function if half of it's members are doing violent roleplay 90% of the time. The elves are probably the furthest race away from being a war nation. So in my opinion, elves have to be closer to neutral in order to function. 

 

Oh yeah, and one more thing. Are you suggesting that you can create a society that doesn't involve listening to any superiors at all...? I really don't think that will function very well at all.

[TwilightWolf 901]

Maybe if every sentinel initiate didn't leap on anyone who sneezes just because they like combat rp.

Maybe if the people rping Mali'aheral don't DELIBERATELY try to provoke people.

Excepting people to listen to their "superiors" is what makes them violent.

 

And if this /is/ an ooc thread, let me say, why do elves need to be peaceful and loving? That's a high fantasy archetype. Culture changes and time flows, and there are plenty of violent brutal and ruthless elves. Frankly I find the current situation of malinor more interesting role play wise.

Elves are 'peaceful and loving' because it when you get to live 500+ years, you would probably become very wise and much more reserved. Being an overly violent and zealous elf puts their life at stake, and elven lives are /very/ difficult to replace, so why would they risk that? Yes, culture changes and time flows, but not with a race that is nearly untouched by time. Humans constantly have generations replacing them, along with new culture ideas and those in power to influence it how they wish. Elves, with their longevity, have the ability to pass down their ancient culture and keep it pretty much intact for much longer amounts of time. 

[Ford 1996]

Elves are 'peaceful and loving' because it when you get to live 500+ years, you would probably become very wise and much more reserved. 

I agree with what you say, but some people would say that as the Elves age and experience new aspects of life, they actually become insane or sort of demented. In a way, it sort of makes sense, I suppose.

[Mercury199 86]

Maybe if every sentinel initiate didn't leap on anyone who sneezes just because they like combat rp.

Maybe if the people rping Mali'aheral don't DELIBERATELY try to provoke people.

Excepting people to listen to their "superiors" is what makes them violent.

 

And if this /is/ an ooc thread, let me say, why do elves need to be peaceful and loving? That's a high fantasy archetype. Culture changes and time flows, and there are plenty of violent brutal and ruthless elves. Frankly I find the current situation of malinor more interesting role play wise.

 

 

Let me address this from top to bottom.

 

First, not all sentinels enjoy combat RP, and even if they do, I seen no problem with them experiencing it by attempting to enforce laws. If they make mistakes then they are reported and reprimanded. Furthermore if they really do enjoy combat RP then who are you to say they should not be allowed it?

 

Secondly, the Mali'aheral can antagonize anyone they want in character. They have countless reasons to insult and detest other races. A big reason that they antagonize people is due to the fact that where ever they go in Malinor they are harassed, insulted, or antagonized by other elves. If you have more questions regarding the justifications of Mali'aheral actions please PM me.

 

Third, soldiers by definition are expected to follow the orders of their superiors, this is how EVERY other military not only on the server, but also in real life functions. Soldiers who fail to fulfill their purpose (follow the orders of their superiors) are punished.

 

Fourth, the elves do not need to be peaceful and loving, as shown by the Dark Elves and High Elves. Elves are beings that live for thousands of years, therefor they would be very careful with what they do as they will have to live for a very long time with the results. They would be slow to anger, and not impulsive. This is not a cultural thing in the slightest. Also while there are brutal and ruthless elves that indulge in torture, those are rather uncommon, from my experience. Because of the rarity of elven life elves would have an extreme respect for life, so the taking of life of any form would be no small matter. That is why branding, torture and other forms of affliction worse than death are used. The main problem being discussed here though is the impulsive of elves, which needs to be addressed in RP in the following matter.

 

- Set a proper example of how to RP an elf.

- Look down IC on elves that don't act as elves should.

 

While there are more options in my opinion those two would be the most effective way to improve the situation in RP.

[Aiden 173]

Maybe if every sentinel initiate didn't leap on anyone who sneezes just because they like combat rp.

Maybe if the people rping Mali'aheral don't DELIBERATELY try to provoke people.

Excepting people to listen to their "superiors" is what makes them violent.

 

And if this /is/ an ooc thread, let me say, why do elves need to be peaceful and loving? That's a high fantasy archetype. Culture changes and time flows, and there are plenty of violent brutal and ruthless elves. Frankly I find the current situation of malinor more interesting role play wise.

 Mercury said it pretty well, but if I don't get citizen reports, I can't do anything about it. I made a topic a long while a go, and a few sentinels were kicked out for multiple reports on them. I'll see if I can get it active again, if you're interested.

[Dromui 755]

As mercury mentioned, the Elves are different. Most Mali'ame are relatively peaceful and that is what I expect of their race. The Mali'ame for me have always been nature loving, life preserving Elves that fight only for their lives or their friends/family. The Mali'ker are another story entirely most of the time. If you have not noticed, the Mali'ker seem to be slowly turning into the Mori. Many prefer the underground, many resort to violence over words, and many detest the Mali'aheral as they do the Mali'ker. The Mali'aheral... Well... Mercury said it. They do have reasons in lore and rp to hate other races and insult them. Though, if they weren't constantly harassed that most likely wouldn't be happening in Rp.

 

The three forms of Elves are different for a reason... It is not uncommon to see Mali'ame or Mali'aheral kicking ass and taking names... Nor is it uncommon to see a Mali'ker who loves nature. It is all how you Rp it, but the Elves are split in three due to the way most people Rp them. To unify them would be great, but its elves like Artimec, Azula, Kalenz, and at times Kolyat (all Ic of course) that cause such tension and splits. And I say like, because their are others that escape my mind. 

 

In my opinion, Malinor is not all that bad now, considering Elsyium was a mess... But in Rp and Irl logic, the Princedom of Malinor would cease to exist, or be near that point. The elves, which has already been stated, are not a warlike race. Now, there can of course be skilled Elves, that is why they have a military, but for a race like the Elves, neutrality is the ideal state. That way they will not be constantly attacked and be able to have trading with the other races. The turmoil within Malinor may crumple it at some point and that I think is what is trying to be avoided... 

[Mercury199 86]

 and at times Kolyat (all Ic of course) that cause such tension and splits. And I say like, because their are others that escape my mind. 

 

As of late Kolyat hasn't done anything racist, he doesn't persecute people because of their race, he does publicly discriminate against them, he doesn't privately discriminate against them. His focus as of late has been the unification of Malinor. If you are talking about other behavior then perhaps I am wrong,the main focus of Kolyat for the last two IRL weeks has been PR.

[Silevon 497]

If you ask me, I think the Elves should become what they used to be. Passive. The Elves have lost that feeling of Elder or alien like feeling to their culture. You see, in most fantasies, including the start of LOTC, the Elves of these fantasies are peaceful, non violent, and at the utmost, transcended the problems of human society of crime and greed. Some of these fantasies go as far as to also show a lack of any form of currency system, the needs and wants of Elves so defined and well refined that they have no need for an economy. Their cultures instead depending on a "for the greater good" culture sense. Effectively, communism (communism isn't a bad thing here guys, it's just that humans being humans is what makes communism a difficult prospect). Elves in these fantasies select members of their community to lead them as guides, and all follow a sort of code towards achieving enlightenment in themselves in whatever craft they choose to do. These guides they select make the choices of the nation for them, and can be trusted to make them for the betterment of all Elves.

Elves in most fantasy culture, has transcendent the problems of Human emotion, of Human strife, of hatred and guilt, gluttony and want. There is no such thing as racism or poverty in the culture of Elves, for they are beyond it.

The problem of the Elves is that you think too much like Humans, your RP is too Human, there is no Alien like style to it. There is nothing that is regarded strange or fantas-full past the Elder tree and the Druids.

The Elves need to stop thinking like Humans and start developing their culture again to be these mystical beings that wander our world, that act older than they look, that think further than a Human would.

Enough of these teenager Elves that are naive of the the world and of culture and all that, that act as though they are more female dolls from a manga than Elves, and start acting how they should, as beings that no longer have the problems that form in human society.

To Elves, the societies of men should seem to them to be "child like" and that men have much to learn. They do not hate, but they take action when needed, with clear and precise accuracy in mind, making it out almost to be an art form when they do act.

Elves need to be forward thinkers, to plan and think ahead always, never jumping straight into something without a well thought out system to go by.

The way that Elves are played need to change. You can keep your ideals of being "superior" or all that if you want to, but maybe not so well defined as Human Hatred and more in the style of "Your race is child like and has much to learn".

If you noticed in the LOTR's you'll see that the Elves then did show signs of Hatred towards Dwarves, but they never outwardly showed it, it was ALWAYS subtle, extremely subtle. Same that you'll see that yes, they do have a military but notice that they never had any forms of guards inside the main towns. Or better yet, notice the lack of markets, of economy and the ideals of upper-class and lower class systems. They functioned as one entity made of many individuals like ants, all working towards the greater good of all.

Awesome points. I think people should really read this.