Search the Community

A DECADE’S REFLECTION Me in Kalos, LotC 2.5 (c. 2012) Today marks 10 years to the day since I joined the Lord of the Craft. As such, I find myself deep in reflection regarding the last decade that I have spent on this server. I’ve had the privilege to have been able to do a lot here. I’ve had the opportunity to leave an impact on an amazingly dynamic world and to have woven a lasting narrative, serving as both a human NL and an ST. I’ve played a lot of different characters, from peasants, scholars, and nobles to doctors, mages, and royals. I first joined this server when I was 14 years old. It seems like a lifetime ago when I first read about all the excitement behind 2.0 on the forums as a kid. When I first joined up as a human in Arethor, the very first iteration of the Holy Orenian Empire was just coming into being in Asulon. It makes me feel old just to think about it. And then later, when I somehow ended up in the lobby of the VonSchlichten research facility in Kalos (2.5) after getting randomly pugsied, it started me down a road that kept me from quitting the server as a newer player 9 years early. I’m glad that I didn’t, as the writing skills alone that I accumulated from this server have greatly altered the course of my life for the better… …But things have changed. And before I open this thread up to an AMA, I’d like to use this platform to say a few words about the state of the server and how I think it can best be fixed and preserved for those yet to find their adventures on the Lord of the Craft. Things used to be very RP centric back in the day, the server being driven by a compelling narrative and web of interactions. Now, the OOC politics of discords and friend cliques determine almost everything. We all enjoy hanging out with our friends. Heck, I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve got tons of friends and friend groups that I love to hang out with to reminisce about the olden days, server happens, and even real life. The out-of-character connections we make on the Craft are important, and I treasure the many lasting friendships that I have made through this server. But over the last several years, this platform, meant for roleplaying, has become more and more OOC oriented. Almost ridiculously so, in fact. When a newer player joins, they do so hoping to find compelling roleplay. They want to interact in a rich world full of interesting characters and dynamic relationships. But more often than not, they walk into nation capitals full of people VCing in their discords as they hop around. It’s nearly impossible for a newer player to have a good time with someone who they don’t already know after joining, which is key to the server’s low retention rate for newer players. Furthermore, they find themselves petitioned through discord by NLs and their lieutenants to partake in activities OOCly. Whether it be joining the military to partake in PvP training through the use of VCs or filling out spreadsheets and crunching numbers, the activities presented to the people who want to write a compelling narrative just aren’t what they used to be. Worse yet is the fact that many groups almost never willingly interact with one another RP wise. The OOC slant towards viewing the server encourages toxicity rather than a healthy narrative, souring the potential for any meaningful IRP conflict to transpire at any level, from the smallest stick up to the largest invasion, without the letting of blood, the shedding of tears, or the permanent ruination of one’s very reputation. The fact is, RP is no longer dominant. OOC is. And the issue is cultural. It isn’t a problem within any one nation or group, it’s server wide. And sadly, as a result, the experiences that I once had are growing harder and harder for the players who want to join to find any longer. This used to be a really fun place. And now, we have people committing the most vile acts against their fellow players, such as doxxing. Horrific acts by any measure done out of pure hatred, over Minecraft. Think about that for a moment. This server isn’t what it used to be, but I think it can be fixed. I have to believe that. The solution is very simple, and it requires adherence to a timeless phrase known to many as “The Golden Rule.” Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. These eleven simple words have always been my guiding light. It can be difficult to consider how others feel when cliques enter into competition with one another. Indeed, I myself am guilty of forming friend groups and cliques on this server which I have grown close to. However, when we take a moment to think about how people outside of our cliques may feel about something, things can be so much better for everyone. Even the slightest bit of empathy and respect can help to encourage good vibes and lay the foundation for a fun, enjoyable environment. It’s important to remember that for every truly despicable individual on this server, there are 9 others who, although flawed human beings, have decent hearts and intentions. I acknowledge that it is wishful thinking to expect this. The server has never truly been this way, after all. Even during the “good old days,” problems of this nature persisted across LotC. In fact, back then, the situation was arguably even worse. This degeneration has been happening as far back as Anthos (3.0) at least. But a few good people change the tide? Can a few good hearts make this community a better place? I would urge everyone who may have taken the time to read this post to think about doing the following. Try to see others as projects to be built upon, rather than seeking to build upon the backs of others. The thing that I’ve always been proudest about doing on LotC is lifting lesser known people up, and giving them a chance to find their own RP niche and grow. Don’t look at people as assets, treat them as you would have wanted to be treated in their shoes. Don’t be so quick to judge others due to their past. Newer or rising players coming into their own may make mistakes, but can also change. Back in the day, it used to be easier for people in leadership positions to forgive others because we were all just kids. To be clear, I’m talking about kiddos who may have done something IRP with a character of theirs and been judged unfairly for it in an OOC way. We have to be more understanding to players coming into their own who are just trying to weave an RP narrative and not judge them for going against what nation leadership groups may want. Of course, disgusting violations of server rules are another matter entirely. Those cannot be tolerated. But if something is purely RP, or if it’s a minor OOC screw up that didn’t break any rule, the player shouldn’t have to suffer for it for all eternity. When you say that you'll do something, follow through with what you promise and practice what you preach. When people do judge you, they judge you by your word, and by the way you treat others. While we shouldn't judge other people for the mistakes that they make, we should strive to hold ourselves to a higher standard in terms of keeping promises and promoting trust. It can be very hurtful when someone close to you breaks their word, or turns out to have been illegitimate. Don't be fake, be as legitimate and honest as you can be. People will respect you for it all the more. Show love toward others, not hatred. Forgive those you can bear to forgive. Don’t stew over negative vibes that, at the end of the day, don’t really have any meaning. There’s an old phrase floating around out there: “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” I’ve certainly suffered great pain on this server before. But following the Golden Rule stipulates that we treat others with the same respect and dignity we would want to be treated. A little love, shown even toward those who may not deserve it, can go a long way. And that’s my 10 year message, guys. A bit long winded, and maybe even cheesy and overly wishful. But if it got even one person out there thinking, then it was worth it to use this platform to do this. In short, just try to be kind and understanding to other people. Don’t be quick to judge others. And at the risk of sounding really corny, love will always triumph over hate. And now, for the fun part! My name’s AndrewTech, and I’m getting waaaay too old for this server. This is a rare opportunity that may not come again to ask me anything about myself or the last 10 YEARS I’ve spent on it, and I WILL ANSWER! But please, no arguing, toxicity, or mockery on this thread or I will either ignore your post or have it deleted. Only good vibes in this place, people. Also, no overly vulgar questions or requests for personal information please.