Downstairs my family slept, a half dozen siblings packed atop a straw-filled mattress - all trying to get a deserved rest before the demanding chores of the farm life resumed before the sun broke. My father had been blessed and cursed with a room of his own, a mattress for two where he'd instead lay alone - an arm wrapped over the spot where Mother used to be before winter had taken her. I remained in my claustrophobic crawl space that made used both as my sleeping space and as additional storage; as the eldest I was granted the luxury of sleeping on my own.

For many years now, I have spent my few moments of self by reading by candlelight the one water-damaged book I had found by the local creek; a historical book regarding the notable Eastern Kingdoms that made up the Alliance during the first war. The stories of grandiose kings, brave knights, and influencing merchants had infiltrated and influenced my mind. I craved - needed to join their ranks in the halls of history. I would not achieve that toiling in the mud and pig stool of this Light forsaken farm; complete with overbearing Nobleman looking down his nose and eager to crack his whip to make the additional copper while we struggle on.

I must break the chains of serfdom, cut the heartstrings attached to family, and abolish the fear of failure and bubbling anxiety. It is time for me to leave and start a life I can truly call my own - a life of independence that I shall guard with tooth and nail. A life of sacrifice and suffering is my exchange for the life as a King. It is known that I will die, but I should be damned if I'm to be buried at this farm... I will die on a hill, fighting for what I value, and will be laid to rest with a crown on my brow.

We want YOU to aid our Soldiers, the Alliance, and Azeroth! 

Commission for @harboson-c

Of course the rabbit and its young were not enough for the both of them to truly satisfy their aching bellies but nevertheless they had something to at least dampen the constant gnawing of starvation. It had been a few days now that Elstine had barely managed to capture but a few fleeting hours of rest - what kept his eyes so pried, he was unsure. Moon after moon, he’d remain sitting offering to take the first watch of their makeshift camp - not bothering to wake her up for her own shift. She needed the rest, he’d reason. The mind was too busy fluttering into the future for him to truly receive any restful sleep. 

Where would he be in a few years? Where would they be? Who would remain loyal? Who would remain alive? Would he die in the mud, or would he live long enough for a golden crest above his brow? Failure was not an option - death could not come, not yet. When his lands and influence stretched further than the eyes could see... Then, maybe, he could pass. 

Before the sun could bother the poor girl’s eyes, Elstine hovered overhead. Coffee-tinted eyes peering down at her sleeping form as a sense of satisfaction settled in, glad she could get some decent rest. With a soft smile, he’d proceed to prod at her side with his finger.

Hello, hello and thank you for reading our newest Misconceptions post. This time we will be going over a widely-discussed topic that can be narrowed down to the simple and common phrase: dual-classing. What does it mean? Why can it be a good thing, why can it be a bad thing? How can you dual-class? Why should you duel-class, and how can you get started? 

This and much more will all be up for discussion!

1. What even does dual-classing mean? 

Well, I am glad you asked! I think it is important for us to first mention that this is of course opinionated – what my definition is, may not be another person's definition. That being said, to us a dual class is simply defined as: a character that uses abilities, traits, equipment, and general skill-sets from two or more Classes; such as a warrior using magic.

By our definition, unless you are 100% full, sword and board, plate-wearing Soldier dominating the battlefield only with your physical prowess and unbridled strength – you just might be dual-classing. Even if it is a skill-set kept primarily hidden… Such as perhaps you are a warrior that uses his sword most of the time, but when in trouble you have enough comprehension and training to use magic ability; we would still call that a dual-class.

Arguably, by our definition, most people are dual-classing.

2. Alright, so why is this important?

Well, for a few reasons in our opinion. For one, I think it provides a breath of fresh air for many who felt pressured to conform to an archetype because they played as a certain class in-game. Let me assure you, there is no need to roleplay as a pure, by the book Mage because you’re a mage. Your character can use a sword, can wear armor, hell - even use a bow. It doesn’t matter, as long as it makes sense to you and the character’s own story.

That being said, it is important to realize two things.

Don’t try to dual-class just to be more ‘powerful’ if not simply because it's arguably in poor taste, then because most will find it rather irritating. Very few want to be playing with a God, and to be overshadowed consistently - but there are cliques. If that's your thing, to it with full consent on both sides. Much like the Archetype, never dual-class just to dual-class... it's by no means a requirement for your character to learn more than one skill-set, and there are also benefits to mastering one path just as there are benefits to learning several paths.

Otherwise, I think it's just a matter of saying: it is okay, and makes sense for a character to have various skill-sets. It is not cheating, it is not edgy, it is not OPed, it is simply roleplay and the progression of the character itself. (Hopefully.) It shouldn't be looked at as a RP taboo.

3. Okay, so why does dual-classing make sense?

Entering the Military does a soldier learn strictly how to shoot? No, they learn a variety of skill-sets, and some specialize into various talents - but they always retain things from their previous experiences. A combat-engineer for example doesn't just have C4 and Grenades on them, they will likely have a gun and know how to shoot sufficiently with said gun on top of their skill-set with explosives (and other things.)

So, why would a soldier of the alliance Military be any different? A sword and shield is only efficient in close ranges, what about prior to engaging? Well, though not exclusively stated in canon lore... Most Guards and soldier units have rifles, crossbows, or bows on their person. Even if they typically wield a melee weapon. It would make sense; engage from afar with a volley and switch to your melee before the enemy is upon you.

Now then as a more specialized, experience soldier... I think most special operations units IRL, from my studies, would agree that they have been successful in their careers and have come out of a lot of bad situations not because they can shoot better than the average soldier - but because they have a varied skill-set, and have had more experience; or character development. A Special Operations unit or even just an experienced soldier i would argue, in Azeroth and elsewhere would thus be efficient not because they're the best marksman, but because they're the most flexible and adaptable.

That being said, sure there will be a few cases where someone is just super specialized and that is more than fine! Sometimes you need a specialist, a master lock-picker for your heist, or a long-range specialist, or a master toxicology! All those things are great tropes for great stories, and have their place in character progression as well. There is nothing wrong with either method of progression, that is the point.

4. What does this have to do with RP?

Well, part of our goal - and my goal specifically is to build more onto the community of roleplayers. From inspiring more shops, merchants, and business-oriented folks, to a realistic version of Knights and Warriors; this is no different. It is a job for all of us to expand the community, to inspire more roleplay, and to grow the bonds between us. That being said, I will provide a handful of roleplay scenarios that you all can use as a basis to get started down the road of a new story line!

Examples:

Your Mother and Father had both served the Alliance either in the Military or through the City Guards. (Praise be to the Percy.) All your life you have lived under a strict set of laws similar to your parents occupational rules, and with these rules also came training in various combat methods. Learning to fight hand-to-hand, and defend yourself - all skills your parents thought as necessary as you’d surely join the Military. But, you had other dreams - one day on your way home you happened upon an elderly Wizard, and after some time talking, you decided this was your path; learning the mythical ways of Arcana. (Easy set to a Spellblade, Battlemage, War-Mage scenario!)

You spent most of your life in the deep woods with your family. Surviving off the land, learning to hunt, and how to avoid danger. You learned what plants you can, and cannot eat, and you learned how to work a rifle (or bow) to take down prey and to defend yourself. Now an adult, you have decided to give your life structure and discipline; signing up with the Alliance Military. There you're trained vigorously in the routine of hand-to-hand combat, outfitted with mail armor, and taught how to fight effectively as a unit. (An ideal plot for a Special Ops unit, mercenary, or experienced soldier.)

You were orphaned as a young child, taken up by a local tower of Magi who have taught you the basic uses of the Arcane. Knowledgeable, wise, and quick-witted through your harsh, and long nights of near consistent study. Finally an adult, you have decided to leave the tower and move to the forest, secluded and alone except for your collection of books. Using your wit, you’ll have to learn how to build shelters, hunt for animals using various methods as your casting is simply too slow and obvious. But over time, you’ll master the use of both your magics and the art of survival. (Quick and easy route to a Magic bow-user.)

Now, the great thing about all this is it includes more than one person. A great thing about dual-classing is typically you need an instructor to teach you such skills. You'll have to go out and find that seasoned mage to teach you, or find that master swordsman; vice versa if you’re a wise old mage - you can open your horizons to not just fellow Mages, but any class.

So, there you have it folks. Three quick and easy opening scenarios you can take as inspiration and build off of. I hope this inspires at least one of you to try something different or at the very least gives a few of you a different perspective on the sometimes infamous dual-classing.

Thank you so much for reading, reblogging, commenting, and liking!

If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or suggestions - please contact Elstine in game, leave a message here, or message me. I try to read all the feedback, and keep the discussions going, as well as answer any questions and edit the work as much as possible!

Sub-Title: Nobility 

Hello, hello folks! Elstine here again to provide you all with another bit of information; granted this topic is a little more left-field than what we’re typically going over - such as armor and weaponry. However, with our recent recruitment for the business roleplay scene I thought this would be a good time to bring up some of my favorite subjects.

 In particular the struggle of power between religious leaders(the Cloth), nobility, the military, and what I would say is often the most overlooked faction: the merchants.

((Disclaimer; I already know this won’t stop at least one angry message, but understand I am acknowledging this as largely an opinionated piece (Other than the large factual parts!). This is merely suggestions, things that perhaps folks have not considered. There is no right way to RP; do not take it as such. Suggestions are suggestions, not demands.))

You mention four factions, what exactly do they consist of and how are they important?

Well, I am glad you asked mythical stranger! Let's break it down together!

The Nobles

The Nobility generally consist of powerful, land-owning families or simply individuals related in some degree to the Head of State; whomever that might be, no matter the region - from east and west Europe through the Middle East, all the way to Asia... This is generally a consistent. Now, Nobility has this nice little thing where generally speaking those of Noble-Heritage own land. Land means they can plant crops - more than what they can consume, which means they can sell said crops... But that’s a lot of land to work, so why don’t we get a bunch of peasants to do the field work for us, give them some food to barely scrape by and -still- sell the rest of the food supplies! - That’s generally how Nobility/Feudalism got its roots. (Get it, farming, hah.) But, of course as time went on the Nobles got more and more wealthy and of course more and more land, so that’d create specialized goods such as wine, blacksmiths, stables, etc!

So now you have a small group of -very- wealthy individuals that make a living in owning land and having ‘lesser’ folk work for them. If all the Nobles banded together, or even a third or so - they could heavily damage the tax supply to the king, as well as hamper the supply of soldiers and various other supplies! Not to mention Nobles has trained men on retainer, or had enough coinage to pay off hefty mercenary armies - together, they could, and have opposed kings! Not to mention Nobles are typically in the Court of the Ruler; meaning they’re well informed and have influence. 

The Military

A fantastic, if not basic example of the Military’s political power would simply be that of Julius Caesar. Essentially the idea is that if a General of the Military fights well and wins many battles with his men, essentially... Doing his job well! - The fear is that the men will gain more and more respect and more loyalty to the individual rather than the State itself; whom are at home doing their cushy day jobs. It’s not uncommon for Generals to rouse the men during King/Emperor deaths and try to storm the Capital and install themselves as the new Ruler; for Julius Caesar... This worked.

Throughout history you’ll see the best of Kings consistently swapping in and out generals to prevent the men from gaining too much loyalty to one individual; hopefully preventing any potential rebellion. But, I shouldn’t have to spell this out much further for you; very well trained men + power vacuum = not a good time!

The Cloth

Many, many, many times throughout history have Religious Heads and Heretics alike caused rebellions and outright wars with their influence. When the vast majority have the belief that one particular man is the -literal- voice of their omnipotent god, well... That person is going to have a huge influence. For example with the Tudors; the King of England wanted a divorce, couldn’t get one because the Pope denied it - so the King was like, well, we’ll just make our own religion! People -flipped- out, there was open rebellion, assassination plots were rampant, many people thought it was the -end- of England one of the world’s super-powers at the time. Another example comes from books involving Jesus Christ; the Romans knew the power of religion and they absolutely feared what would could potentially happen with yet another Religion springing up. More religions = more internal fightings = more military crackdowns = resentment to the government = rebellion; such as the Jewish Rebellion against the Romans (1st Jewish-Roman War.)

Not only did the Religious Heads have great power from their religious influence on the general public; but they were -loaded- tithes were common place for most major religions - Europe for example had entire -armies- built around their religion that were sworn to the Pope, the Teutonic Order became so powerful that they threatened to nearly conquer all of Poland - which, was a -major- feat for the time; something not even Russia (Russia didn’t exist technically.) or the Holy Roman Empire could handle.

The Merchants

Finally, the piece that you’ve all been waiting for! How in the world were the Merchants and Entrepreneurs of the world a Political Power? Very, very simple... They’re the ones making all the gold. The Merchants are going out there trading supplies, bringing back rare resources such as silk and spices that make not only the general public happy but also the Cloth, the Military -and- the Nobility who all purchased their supplies frooooom... The Merchants. Not only that but Trade Leagues, which were essentially large-scale, multi-national monopolies, could host entire fleets of ships to block trade ports, fight off invading armies, or perhaps provide much needed transport ships such as the case with the Crusaders and Venice! (First Crusade, and technically all the others!) The end all be all of wealth were the Merchants; in fact places like Florence, Venice, Ragusa, Genoa, and other major-trade ports often had their Nobility practically the same -as- the Merchants; there were very thin lines if they existed at all. If there was no trade, there was no taxes, if there were no taxes there was no gold, with no gold the State could not afford its soldiers, it could not afford to feed itself, etc! -- Some of the few times Nobility ever actually struggled was when Trade was cut off from them; because everyone suffers without trade - such is the power of Merchants! Not to mention, for example with Venice... Merchants in some cases could afford entire armies that rivaled -much- larger forces such as Venice VS Austria.

 (We will break these factions down in more details in later parts!)

 Oh, alright. So what does this have to do with anything?

Ah, another good question my invisible and quite possibly non-existent friend!

I think it’s important that we realize, notice, acknowledge that there is more in the political slogging fest then Knights and Nobles, and more over you don't need a popular T.V. show to make your particular field important or fun.

It’s important for those interested in the make-believe power dynamics to acknowledge and consider the abilities of the other factions around them; not just the Noble families worrying about Noble families. Thinking about it, if you are in House Bob and you are roleplaying a power-grab with House Ron; why would you not extend your resources and look outside for alternative solutions?

EX: Maybe House Bob should contact the local monopoly and have the vast majority of medical supplies delivered to their own House and starve out House Ron.

EX: Or maybe House Ron goes to the Cloth and convinces a High Priest that House Bob is working with the Legion and now their reputation is ruined and no one wants to work with them.

EX: Maybe House Bob gets the support of a Military Captain who is able to supply them with weapons, armors, trained soldiers, or superior military strategy.

The options are endless, and I for one think all our horizons can be expanded if we think outside our circle and try to think like all those famous characters we see on our T.V. It doesn’t always just have to be black and white, upfront conflict situation. That’s arguably not intrigue, it’s just... idle conflict.

 Alright Elstine, but a lot of people don't want to be involved in intrigue or politics! Or some folks might meta-game or god-mod!

Well, meta-gaming and god-modding are the two primary issues I have personally faced throughout my various IC political careers and such things can definitely make stuff difficult as I am sure we have all experienced... When you claim to only have 20 soldiers, and 100 gold - while your opposition claims to have endless mounds of gold and armies that could solo Argus... Well, it makes things hard. But I suppose that is why I recommend thinking logically and realistically with such things; which we will hopefully get into.

In terms of folks not wanting to be involved in politics, I’d argue 90% of RPers do want to be involved in politics - even if they aren't fully aware of such. For example: what is the typical trope in the ageless D&D?

EX: Count Bob has Overthrown the King!

EX: Duke Ron swore allegiance to the Devil and had a Demon Army to take over the Kingdom!

EX: A Military General assassinated the King and has staged a coup!

To name a few, even WoW and the lore we all love is primarily political. Gul’dan sold out his people for self-gain. Arthus was out in the field to train and prepare himself to take his Father’s place. Illidan trade his reputation and respect to save his people, tired of being in the shadow of his respected brother. Don't even get me started on the Quel and Sin dorei.

Usually the moment you say the word politics- people begin to squirm; but people also squirm from the word ‘moist’ I mean really, what is so bad about moist, I say moist all the time. Moist.

My point being, if you engage people just as you would in any other scenario and just... Roleplay rather than mentioning politics, nine times out of ten no issue.

 Alright, so why is logical and realistic thinking so important?

If you are fighting a foe that has no weakness, how can you hope to win? How can you celebrate a victory if there never are any? Even the most intense and brutal roleplayers don't want to lose -all- the time; it’s just... silly. Moreover, it’s even more so to try to -win- all the time.

If you are that type of person who has to win all the time; first ask yourself why. Then inquire, is it really winning if there was never a chance of losing? No, no it is not. It’s a security blanket, and quite frankly it is holding you back - and limiting others as well. I believe truly, the only folks that don't want to do political roleplay are those that refuse to lose.

What would House of Cards be if Frank just won over all the votes he needed all the time? Sure, he wins a lot and can pull some miracles - but he does lose, or consistently remain closer to the side of losing rather than winning. His loss doesn’t show weakness or a lack of skill, or experience rather it shows how good he is in his victories; as it shows that he is engaging people with their own minds and agendas.

Steamrolling through everything and everyone, giving yourself unlimited resources, and unbreakable defenses only shows disrespect to those you are Roleplaying an engagement with, and shows some serious self doubt.

 If the banks can fail, if nations can fail, so can one Noble family.

 Alright cool, this is all stuff I have not considered how can I get started?

(Tldr: Establish finite resources, establish goals, wants, and needs to fix resources. There is rarely a group that has -everything- in abundance.)

Well, what we have done for organizations in the past is look over what they claim to have as a family and add some realistic elements to it. If your House is claiming to be masters of Calvary, then it’d only make sense that said house has a stable of well-trained war-horses, which are insanely valuable. Horses were often traded to folks, and horses were highly valued; thus the armor.

Maybe your family is stinking rich, okay... but, why and how? You can't really be rich without reasoning, even Rockefeller had a business empire to amass his wealth; and as mentioned Nobility usually were Nobles to begin with because they owned land, when you own land you can make wine, grow wheat, make goods, etc - so figure out how and why you have wealth. I think you’ll find it'll at a flair and a depth to your roleplay; IE being well known for your supplies of wheat or lumber.

When making deals with Noble families there were many things on the table for grabs. Land, resources, soldiers, training, soldier gear, marriage, horses, land, maybe some land, boats, trade routes, etc. There are many examples and many things that can be done when negotiating, but the only way two sides can negotiate in an entertaining and thoughtful way is by having both sides having finite resources.

It is -vital- I would say for any group to have needs due to their finite resources. 

EX: Maybe you have a lot of gold, but your lands had the plague so you need troops.

EX: Maybe you have a lot of restless soldiers and you need gold; hire them out to another force.

EX: Maybe you're in need of transporting goods, but you have no ships.

EX: Maybe you have too many ships and not enough trade; so lease your ships out.

 The key is establishing finite resources, and trying to fill said resources. Fix your wants and needs as any character would; most simply default to gold. Gold does not fix all the problems.

 Many businesses want to hire people but can't find anyone to work.

 Okay, okay - you mention winning; that seems like a bad thing to encourage!

In most cases, yes. The goal of RP is not to ‘win’ - becoming the most popular kid in WrA isn’t the end goal, or at least it shouldn’t be for anyone. Winning in roleplay is a dangerous mindset; but there are other ways of winning.

The way we win, the way I win, and the way I encourage you all to win is rather simple. All parties involved in the roleplay, enjoy and enjoyed the roleplay experience, with no regrets or feeling forced moments. When everyone is having fun with the roleplay -that- is winning. At least on an OOC level.

On an IC level, it is important to realize that losing is normal, and only fair. Most guilds, groups, or individuals will simply start to avoid you if you decide your character, group, or guild is always the top dog - unless there is some odd agreement going on.

It is only fair and right for everyone, every group, and every guild to have the spotlight or victory; unless all agreed upon with all the parties for story elements. But, perhaps next time offer a storyline allowing the losing side a victory.

 Alrighy folks, thank you very much for the read, reblog, and likes - if you have any feedback, comments, questions, suggestions, please leave me a message!

There will be additional parts in the future hopefully delving into the Factions on an individual basis.

 Thanks again!

Elstine

Hello, hello folks! Elstine here, and we want YOU to sign up for a part-time Sales Associate role today!

What is a Sales Associate one might ask? I’ll tell you! - A Sales Associate (SA) is an individual working for a store or business that circulates around the wonderful and fun world of SALES! You’ll learn the product, learn selling techniques that can be applied to Real Life scenarios, and of course SELL, SELL, SELL!

Currently we’re really searching for folks that’d be eager to fill various time-frames in manning various storefronts (You can choose which store!) during business hours on the Server.

Important info!

You do not have to join a guild; only add myself, Quiinn, and Sonnilyn to your friends list for communication and add us on Discord.

Just about any time frame is currently open to choose from.

An IC Interview will be required, IC training can and will be provided as well.

You will have an IC pay-check! Yay, motivation!

You can quit at any time!

Yes, there is a chance for a permanent position in-guild!

Yes, you can be promoted ICly even without joining a guild! It does take time and of course, dedication.

What should you expect in return? 

Fantastic random roleplay encounters with random individuals you may have not otherwise roleplayed with!

Learn real-life sales techniques, from sociology and psychology to marketing and management!

Get deeply immersed in the world of Azeroth with our detailed and fun methods of running the shops!

You get to meet fantastic people and make new friends!

You get to expand your IC contacts! If you’re looking to start a business, there is no better place to get involved! You’ll meet suppliers, sales-masters, managers, and so forth!

Any questions, comments, or concerns - or if you’re interested, please message me on Tumblr or contact Elstine, Quiinn, or Sonnilyn in-game!

I did want to offer a gift for a good guild leader for his birthday, so I draw him with two characters that I think is important for him. Jaygen and Danirel.