Sex, Relationships, and Roleplay

[Howlando]

I don't really want to make this post, but in hopes of clarification, here goes -

Since day one the EfU policy has been to completely forbid the practice of "cyborsex," or roleplay that involves explicit sexual acts. We've also, in the past, heavily discouraged "Relationship RP." Let me take a moment to explain our policy in more detail.

Sex and sexuality is certainly something that exists in the EfU setting. Our setting is violent and filled with themes of both despair and redemption, and as a place intended for mature individuals there's no reason that sexuality can't be perfectly appropriate.

We are a setting, after all, in which NPC prostitutes walk the streets or loiter in a brothel. We have married NPCs and creepy NPCs, NPCs who behave towards women with extreme courtly courtesy or who mouth off with foul, chauvinistic insults. We sometimes try to walk a fine line with offering sexualized humor, with "Goblin Breeding Centers" and so on.

The problem for myself and the other DMs is that we're a public server, and that the internet is filled with lonely or frustrated people who are looking to, to some degree or another, get their rocks off. Although an understandable impulse, EfU is definitely not an appropriate place for this to happen and it frankly offends and creeps most of us out.

Thankfully there have been very few incidents of true cyborsex within the past few years, incidents where it's blatantly two people living out some kind of pornographic scenario. Our response to this is to offer a major warning or possibly ban. It just has no place here.

What's more borderline is "Relationship RP" and emotes that involve kissing, etc. related to this.

Two characters being involved in a romantic relationship can theoretically actually not only be appropriate, but good. We want interesting characters and interesting dynamics between characters, and I can easily imagine scenarios where this interaction can work well for EfU PCs just as it has for NPCs (imagine the villain kidnapping the hero's wife, or the hen-pecked husband secretly plotting vengeance against an overbearing wife, etc.)

What becomes a problem is if this sort of thing, perhaps in the hands of inexperienced players, transcends a strictly plot and story-telling focus involving two characters and bleeds out into reality. If an IC relationship becomes less about having an interesting/amusing dynamic between characters for a story-telling purpose and more about a connection between two lonely-heart players, then it is inappropriate and doesn't belong in EfU. This can be hard to evaluate, but it's an important distinction to make.

As a good rule thumb of avoiding this later situation, it's best to avoid emotes or IC activities that are sexualized unless you are very confident that nobody is likely to construe it as something pornographically appealing. For example - two attractive PCs tongue-kissing in EfU doesn't belong and is probably inappropriate, but two disgusting goblins being non-explicitly intimate (while pushing it) is probably all right as it's clearly it's about the comedic element.

I hope this post helps clarify these issues.

[derfo]

no wife today

[Dr Dragon]

The overall message mainly being do not be super explicit.

[xXCrystal_Rose]

Nondescript generalizations and assumptions of activities that take place when both parties are logged off and not roleplayed at all are the key ^^ I know I was playing it close to the border once when playing an incestual sorcerer cultist of Graz'zt, a demon prince known for hedonism and a sexual appetite that has shaped the very structure and heirarchy of his realms. This post is actually very needed I think to help draw the line between what is tasteful flavor and what is smut. When in doubt, don't rp it and just leave it as an assumption.

[Coldburn]

So do we get to rock out with our cock out?

[Listen in Silence]

No, fanboi.

[Black_TopHat]

Pfft, the hell with this, I'm going back to Kinky Kingdom

[Aethereal]

I concur with this post completely and am glad to see clarification.

It is without a doubt common knowledge that my character Amadeus was married to the PC Rena, all in game, yet without any ingame functions (wedding ceremony etc.) It seems to have added to the idea of a shared story experience as a palpable presentation that despite the great darkness of the shrouded isles, the villainous acts and outright evil of creatures such as H'bala; a moment of peace can be attained, a weakly flickering light of hope for those who are all doomed to die.

It has been a novel experience to play out this relationship dynamic and I have remained strictly IC regarding its development. I hope to ensure this story does indeed contribute to an enjoyable shared experience for all involved whilst avoiding the darker side as outlined in Howland's post. As for a clarification on this darker side, I for one do not seek such an experience and never have, taking steps personally to ensure it is the shared story that is being progressed and not simply relationship roleplay.

I enjoy EFU for the fact it allows me to contribute to and witness the unfolding of a grand story. It is like playing a character in a book one has never read as I do not posses the totality of EFU/EFUA lore. One could say it is like playing a book...Interactive, immersive and currently somewhat unique.

A good clarification and I am afraid it was indeed needed. There are players out there that I have witnessed simply roleplaying romance without adding anything to a greater story. And I am not being hypocritical there.

[AnkhOfYmph]

I put on my robe and wizard hat.

[Ancient Mystery]

Just want to drop a note here because I am currently playing a very sexual character. She will make crass comments, sometimes she can be downright whoreish. I have tried to do it in a way that adds to the flavor of the server. If I cross any lines with anyone regarding my language, speak up in a tell.

Overall point: No, you can not pay her for sex. Yes, your characters can refer to her sexuality and react to it (disgust, desire, etc) and should!

[Jayde Moon]

I put on my robe and wizard hat.

[9lives]

You are all creepy as fuck. Stop it.

[Drakill Tannan]

9lives too the words out of my mouth.

[TheMacPanther]

This conversation is as lovely as this song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urNyg1ftMIU&NR=1

[Aethereal]

This conversation is as lovely as this song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urNyg1ftMIU&NR=1

Oh my, I am a huge aficionado of The Guild! "Do you wanna date my avatar" is by far more lovely.