John Morrow wrote:
>
> I think it can have something to do with all of those things. But you
> can spot the main issue, which is this. Suppose the situation is
> consentual, the behavior cruel and gruesome, and the players are
> getting a thrilling enjoyment out of instigating and describing the
> cruel and gruesome behavior. Does that seem harmless to you?
It might just be.
Without better knowledge of the people involved I'd likely find it
troubling, particularly if this is the way they play the game
habitually, but such doesn't mean that there necessarily is a problem
with them. It really depends upon their motivations to play that game
in that manner.
I've played in a short, one-shot, "Deathrace 2000" scenario which
could well satisfy the description given above. Points were scored
according to the 'vividness' and 'originality' of the kills made, so
players were encouraged to approach the scenario with all the moral
depth of a "Lobo" comic. Was it roleplaying at its finest? No. Did
any of the players involved go on to act out this behaviour in real
life? Again, no.
I think you are underestimating the amount of token play, with no deep
personal investment in the characters, that sometimes goes on in the
hobby.
Biff
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"All around me darkness gathers, fading is the sun that shone,
we must speak of other matters, you can be me when I'm gone..."
- SANDMAN #67, Neil Gaiman
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