Y'know everybody divides things up into "powergamers" and "roleplayers." I
just do not understand this. I've known plenty of powergamers. And I've
known plenty who could roleplay many under the table, as it were. Style of
play is one thing, HOW you play it is entirely something else.

I read Brad M.'s comments on fighters, and can't agree more. Understand
he's coming from the idea that EVERYBODY roleplays. Not his idea, an old
idea from MUDs, before Quake. But still, I think I am hard pressed to find
somebody who doesn't roleplay, in EQ, if you approach them roleplaying. I
tend to think most will roleplay actually, don't understand all this
nonsense of a switch (On: Verilly! Off: Yo dude! On: Behither to yonder
place where we met yonder Off: Quick before the MOB kicks my ass! Did that
for friends once hehehehh).

Anyway, EQ is designed along the idea of the ace spade hearts diamonds
mentality. Four types of players: Power gamers, socializers, explorers,
PKs. When I read Brad's comments I realized how much he still carries that
original MUD study.

Most bard's, by the way, should be "explorers" the extreme rare group for
MUDS. Yet, by our abilities I think explorers are attracted to this class
in EQ. I think that is why this is the most intelligent onelist. Explorers
are rare and really really smart. But I've known a few explorers in my day
who do NOT roleplay.

How you play or the way you play, there's a distinction.

Speak intelligently and understand Brad's posts, read this which has
influenced countless muds through UO and EQ and likely beyond:
http://journal.pennmush.org/v1n1/bartle.html

Roop