RP Made Simple

Death Warmed Over: Death Knights IV

Section: Death Knights | 4 Comments »

[Potential Spoilers - so be warned]

Death Knight RP Observations (revised yet again – 12/15/08)

Note: Some of the ideas in this article are just that. Ideas to expand and add depth to Death Knight RP. It’s up to you how you use (or abuse) the information. Good luck!

The Death Knight offers some interesting character concepts and ideas roleplaying-wise. As you can tell, there’s alot going upstairs as a undead scourge breaks his or her “chain”.

Playing through in Beta, I got a decent feel for the personality of a Death Knight. Even being somewhat linear, the storyline flowed well enough to pull at me.

It also got me thinking of the role-playing possibilities.

This, of course, is a very dark path from beginning to the end of the questline and beyond. You begin as a Scourge Death Knight, laying waste to all in your path. As the story continues, it changes…

What happens next is up to you. But here are some things to think about and help you get into character:

Regarding the Scourge

The Death Knight’s origin is slightly similar to what the Forsaken went through – but with differences in origin, turning point and motivations. But there are some points of common ground with most of the Forsaken under Sylvanas’ banner: Being undead, formerly Scourge and a hatred of the Lich King and his forces.

The Scourge are very similar to an undead fantasy version of the “Borg” from Star Trek. Another variant would be like Azerothian “Skynet”, with Death Knights being “Terminators”. I am using this as examples, of course – I hope you get the idea. The “Borg” concept better captures the thought.

Though your body ended up at the Necropolis, it does not mean you are stuck being a casualty of the invasion. Some corpses could easily been taken from battlefields, Scourge raids or even willing victims of power or deception – to just dumb luck.

It’s all in the details of your backstory and imagination. You could be from anywhere they have attacked or have Scourge outposts, including former Scarlet Crusade or Argent Dawn members, for instance. Also remember that this is the third incarnation of a Death Knight into the Warcraft “Lore”. Who knows?

The Moment of Decision

During the final parts of the start for your Death Knight, The Lich King will had a “break” in his will – his control over you. This is when your decision to stay on the dark path is raised, as you get a possible new path – one of fighting against the evil that has corrupted you.

The Lich King must answer for what he has done and must not be allowed to cause further destruction to our world.
— Highlord Tirion Fordring

Some would say lore-wise it’s similar conceivably how Lady Sylvanas Windrunner broke from Arthas and rallied the Forsaken. With the breaking of The Lich King’s will and weakness near a final confrontation at Light’s Hope Chapel – you now have your chance to be “free-willed” for the most part.

Thus, enter the Knights of the Ebon Blade.

Regarding the Knights of the Ebon Blade

The organization is basically a darkened and mirrored version of the Knights of the Silver Hand. So, in essence, you are like a “dark paladin” in a way. Highlord Darion Mograine is the leader of this outfit, a former Argent Dawn member. The Ebon Blade gives the Death Knights purpose and a chance of revenge, justice – perhaps a chance of redemption for some.

Your main “mission” is to take on Arthas and the Scourge. How you go about this is up to your mindset and role-playing, though one could speculate the ideals of the Ebon Blade are similar in some way the Silver Hand and Argent Dawn, based on Mograine’s past and present state.

Getting In Character

To help get into the part and understand where you “came” from, think of who your character was before he or she was brought back as a Death Knight. This can be easier if you are “converting” an existing character. Any class/race is fair game on this, as you alot of ways that your character could have been converted.

If you are starting from scratch – go through a normal backstory that leads up to your DK’s “birth”. Either way, think of how (or why) he or she ended up as a Death Knight.

Note: I would say making a backstory (of some sort) can really help solidify the character and make the role you play have more depth and fun as you roleplay it.

Listen to the opening narration, read the in-game books and lore as you find them in the starting area. You can get a real feel of what’s happening from listening to NPCS and reading the quests. Let yourself slip into the mindset of a Death Knight use that to flavor your backstory.

Do some lore homework: The links at the end of this article can help frame up and add depth to your backstory and future roleplaying. There’s a huge resource of ideas, examples and possibilities to develop your own unique DK. It can be done!

Explore and think of some concepts that “click” with you and try to avoid common cliches and Mary Sue/Gary Stu types. Not every Death Knight is another Arthas – each character has his or her “role” to play. Your DK’s personality can cover alot of varied concepts.

You could borrow from modern examples of dark heroes or classic ones. Your particular DK may be “in tune” with his dark nature or even repulsed by it. Perhaps concerned he/she may become something far sinister… many ideas exist to play around with.

Think about what type of vibe you want to give to folks when you encounter them. See what you can create that’s original, a good fit and is fun to roleplay.

Non-Standard Origins

It’s quite possible to have a different origin point than what the game “gives” you. The main thing here is to make it “believable” and make sense when you RP. Maybe your DK is constantly fighting for control of his/her “humanity” the entire time through the starter area. That can lead to some interesting ways to handle your character. Just sterr clear of any Mary Sue-ish pitfalls and develop a cool Death Knight of your very own.

Whatever you come up with, write it down and read it to yourself to see if anything needs to tossed or tweaked. You don’t have to throw in the kitchen sink here. If it sounds too fantastic or over the top, tweak it or toss it – that simple.

Naming

Name: Harmony
Status: Deceased*
Comment: The name of this death knight was found in violation of common scourge decency.
Struck down by the Lich King.

*The Lich King demanded this death knight’s remains be turned to ashes and left in a human outhouse. The Lich King takes his names very seriously.
— from the book, The Death Knights of Acherus

Picking the right name helps too. Obviously, pick something that fits the character, but remember who the character was before becoming a Death Knight. You may have kept your former name or adopted a more “evil-themed” handle. It’s mainly up to your backstory.

You may keep the “darker” name as a reminder of your time as Scourge, to make sure any that you destroy know full well which DK ended their existence. You may keep it to signify that you past is just that – the past. You are no longer “living” and may feel you cannot go “home” again.

The opposite may be true if you feel you may still redeem yourself. Keeping the name of your past self is a tie to your “humanity”. There’s alot of ways you can go. The main part of this is to think it out and see what fits for your name.

Note: Using flagging addons (flagRSP, MyRoleplay, etc.) gives you some added naming possibilities, such as last names and titles. Can be a big help.

Stuck on an name choice? Make a placeholder and check the list of DKs at the end of this article. Most times using the NPCs as examples, you can form your own if you are having a problem coming up with an idea. You will notice though many have “normal” names for their race, but there are exceptions.

Quirks, Merits and Flaws

Perhaps your Death Knight cannot stand on holy ground or endures discomfort/pain in doing so – either it’s psychological or an actual physical issue. Perhaps you are haunted by ghosts of past victims. These are some extreme examples, but you get the idea.

The secret with using these flaws is to not go overboard with them and burden/cliche yourself into a corner. Have it fit your character and make it something that’s fun to roleplay and something other folks can OOCly “deal” with.

Death Knight Immortality

Most Death Knights are as “immortal” as the Forsaken. Meaning that they are immune to age, but not things such as rot or being hacked to bits. Ageless would most likely be a better term to describe it.

Of course this is not canon, and needs to be “fleshed” out by the folks at Blizzard. So, the possiblity of a “permadeath”/destruction of a DK can well happen in some way unless otherwise verified by Blizzard.

Runeblades

Sadly game mechanics at this time don’t include much as a bonding with runeblades, other than being soulbound and using Runeforging of course. So, filling in with role-playing can help give it some depth until the game mechanics change. Eventually you will upgrade, that’s the game mechanic, but there may be some ways to deal with it.

Here’s some in-game info:

Greetings, death knight. By now, Instructor Razuvious has likely begun teaching you the first lessons of what it means to be a death knight. Allow me to begin your instruction on what is perhaps the most guarded treasure in a death knight’s possession; the runeblade.

Without your hand to guide it, your runeblade is but a hollow shell. Separate, you are both broken entities; weak and powerless. Should you ever find yourself without possession of a runeblade, know then that your only task should be the acquisition of another with all due haste.

As a death knight, it is through your runeblade that your will shall be imposed on all who dare resist the Lich King. For just as you, young death knight are the extension through which the Lich King imposes his will, so is your runeblade the instrument that has been granted the honor in delivering this authority. Of this authority, understand these principles:

1.) United, your runeblade becomes an extension of your very body. And your body belongs to the Lich King.

2.) As one, your runeblade becomes your will manifest in physical form. And your will is that of the Lich King.

3.) Together, your runeblade becomes the vein through which death itself is delivered to your soul. And your soul shall deliver the will of the Lich King.

Through the course of your training, you may find yourself compelled to focus upon some of the different disciplines of study available to our kind. On this matter I can only say this; all are worthy of study and to neglect some at the cost of others is a foolish pride that I have seen cost other, less capable death knights in battle their lives.

It is likely that some of you may soon find your runeblade to be a particularly potent object through which to channel your own fury. However, this is not enough. Do not be content to believe that your runeblade is simply a mere tool to focus one’s meditation. No, it is far more than that.

The most powerful of our kind have been able to command the power of their blade with but a simple extension of their will. Together they fight, of singular mind, body, and purpose to crush any foolish enough to stand in their way.

Others may find that their blade responds most eagerly when infused with the power of an icy chill. In this way, even the sharpest of runeblades will find themselves made even more potent. The same power that permeates our glorious citadel of Icecrown is yours to command, death knight. Should you choose to master this discipline, there shall be no escape for your enemies, as they find their actions slowed and made impossible by the cold.

Still others may find their true calling in mastering the power of their blades to bring about disease and plague in crushing our enemies. This too is a specialty unique to our kind and worthy of pursuit. The mightiest of defenses may seem impregnable at first, yet for every defense therein lies the weakness that it is covering. It is simply a matter of uncovering it.

Never forget, death knight, that it was not an army, but a plague that brought about the destruction of Lordaeron.
— from the book, “This is my Runeblade: There Are Many Like It But This One Is Mine” By Lady Blaumeux

Ideas on Runeblades

• Name your blade, give it some character. Maybe even a personality. It may not be another Frostmourne, but it’s possible it could have it’s own “will” besides it’s normal connection. Use responsibly in RP.

• Think of your runeblade as a conduit of your energy, as stated in the quest “The Emblazoned Runeblade”. As you upgrade, the old weapon transfers the “connection” to the new weapon through a focus of will during Runeforging.

• Remember that your Runeblade starting out is not Frostmourne. Think of it more as a lesser version (but strong in it’s own right) if anything due to your level and such.

Alignments/Mindsets

Character alignments are good “guides” to creating a mindset. Using the classic D&D Alignment charts, Death Knights fall around Evil (Lawful, Neutral, Chaotic) at the beginning. This changes as you progress, giving a choice later to develop over time to another alignment. Have fun with the transition!

An example of this would be having transitional alignment changes as your Death knight roleplays and interacts with folks. Your character’s actions as well can alter this. Arthas went from “Lawful Good” (with some chaotic tendencies) over time to his corruption to Chaotic Evil, his actions and choices shaping this.

Another good way of developing your character would be to prepare your backstory, then play out the quests in character. I mentioned something similar in another article, Breaking Away from Linear RP. This depends on what role you wish to take with your character – but it can help get a feel for your DK.

Are Death Knights still “Evil” after their “freedom”?

That pretty much depends on what your mindset was before becoming a Death Knight. After the breaking of the control that was once on you – it is up to you how you carry it through.

For those who were willingly inducted into ’service” – this is a toss-up: you may still cling to your pre-DK ways, or possibly see the error of it.

During the course of the opening questlines, there is the groundwork to change towards good if one was evil beforehand. So, whether it “took” is another matter.

Though it is assumed that you side on the side of good, there’s always a chance a Death Knight could be neutral or leaning towards evil. Of course – most heroes are “good”… right?.

The Byronic Heroes

Death Knights are examples of flawed Byronic heroes – from the writings of Lord Byron. Classic examples are Hamlet, Heathcliff, Victor Frankenstein and the Phantom of the Opera.

Modern examples could include Sirius Black, Severius Snape from the Harry Potter series, Xena, Warrior Princess, Angel and Spike (both from the Buffy series), Batman (Batman Begins) – even some members of the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

There are many examples at the end of this article, but this can give you an few examples to chew on.

[Angel has just saved Rachel from a violently abusive boyfriend, while Spike watches—and narrates—from the rooftop.]

Spike [as Rachel, falsetto]: How can I thank you, you mysterious, black-clad, hunk of a night thing?

Spike [as Angel, basso]: No need, little lady, your tears of gratitude are enough for me. You see, I was once a bad-ass vampire, but love and a pesky curse defanged me. Now I’m just a big, fluffy puppy with bad teeth.

[Rachel sways closer to Angel; he steps back, warding her off with his hands.] No, not the hair! Never the hair!

Spike [as Rachel]: But there must be some way I can show my appreciation.

Spike [as Angel]: No, helping those in need’s my job. And working up a load of sexual tension and prancing away like a magnificent poof is truly thanks enough!

Spike [as Rachel]: I understand. I have a nephew who’s gay, so..

Spike [as Angel]: Ah. Say no more. Evil’s still afoot … and I’m almost out of that nancy-boy hair gel that I like so much. Quickly! To the Angelmobile — AWAY!

[Rachel and Angel leave. Spike lights a cigarette.]

Spike [as Spike]: Go on, Liam. Play the big, strapping hero while you can. You have a few surprises coming your way—the Ring of Amarra, a visit from your old pal Spike, and—oh, yeah—your gruesome, horrible death.

Most Bryonic heroes have troubled, mysterious or dark pasts and exhibit some (or alot!) “residue” or “baggage” from this. Dark Heroes as they are, they can be seen as what they were before or even have a further negative labels placed upon them by their manner, motives and actions.

Death Knights fit pretty well here, as they deal with what they were in life, in death and as being “free-willed”. There’s alot of role-playing waiting to happen. Is there a chance of redemption? Some chance to make amends and take revenge on the Lich King?

Be a hero once again?

Conflicts Old and New…

As a Death Knight, you can and will have roleplaying conflicts with other role-players. Past friends or family would see you as evil still, or a husk of your former self. In a way that is true, as much has changed in your “life” since you last saw them.

Common folks may not treat you with open arms as well, being undead and possible still Scourge in their eyes – regardless of what the King/Chieftain says.

Be prepared for some possible bump-ins with folks. The Scourge fell many a family and loved one – and you could be a potential scapegoat ICly.

Remember, your character killed, murdered, tortured… (list goes on) – alot of folks before showing up to Stormwind or Orgrimmar. Don’t expect a parade or streamers of welcome.

Expect issues such as trust, friendships and transitioning to be awkward and conflicting. Old feelings “die” hard – especially so regarding Death Knights.

Another type of conflict would be other Death Knights may want to make sure you haven’t changed sides. It’s all ICly possible – though most know going back is suicide, as they are hunted.

What about opposite faction Death Knights? Treat them as brothers? Enemies? Unless you “know” them or have an idea of their current mindset – it’s a toss up.

Obviously if PvP happens for most, it’s on like Donkey Kong. Your Death Knight may want to directly seek them out, or avoid them for another target choice.

You may want to attempt to be honorable or wish to defeat them… it’s up to your character’s views on the subject. Taking a nod from the Highlander series, you could leave them alone unless situations dictate otherwise.

To Ghoul or not to Ghoul?

Some Death Knights can have ghoul lackeys/servants as they adventure. Is is “ok” to bring them into a city, like Stormwind or Orgrimmar? Most common folks will most likely be unnerved or angered of having a rotting corpse “thing” wandering about the populace like a trained poodle. *grin*

I guess it depends what message you want to give to folks. If you are also in a intimidating “presence” – the ghoul would be a compliment to that end. Just don’t expect hugs and kisses from the locals. An aggressive, “I don’t care” approach would basically ignore the social “graces” and have the ghoul in tow.

For those wanting to stay neutral or attempt to have some friendly contacts – you may get better results if you leave the ghoul outside. Heck, some Death Knights may even be repulsed by ghouls as well.

This also applies to Warlocks and their demons. It still seems really odd (to me anyway) that they are treated like vanity pets more than actual demonic slaves in main cities/towns.

Motivations

One thing to think about with all characters is motivations and goals. What drives you to do the things you do. For most Death Knights, it will be to take on the Scourge and try to put an end to the Lich King’s plans. Secondary goals can be used to add some extra depth and give you IC activities and role-playing opportunities.

Examples could be to reconnect with your “humanity” or “moral center”, Redeeming yourself to former friends or proving yourself to new ones, or just trying to figure out who “you” really are now that you’ve broken free of the Lich King’s grasp. Does the drive for destruction seep through, or can you tame it? See what works and roll with it.

Some options!

• The “Dark” Paladin: Redemption-minded and wishing to uphold this vows to Mograine and Fordring. Working with others. You can be as gung-ho or relaxed about this, of course – depending on personality/backstory.

• The “Dirty Harry” Approach: Your rules and vision of “justice” working within the Ebon Blade’s name – possibly on the fringes.

• Another would be more of a darkened trail where the end justifies the means…. just glancing upon the slender membrane of “right” and “wrong”.  Folks may not can tell the difference between you and the enemy.

• The independent “vigilante” of sorts against the Scourge. Not affiliated with anyone, but doing “right”.

• The Death-Walker: The rogue Death Knight, undecided in path. Not as “evil” as the scourge – but no less deadly if provoked. (This role can be harder to RP, and bordering on a villainous nature)

• The “Hellboy” Approach: Possessing the “Been there-done that” mindset, taking on Scourge with a bit of “strategic” recklessness. A gruff mixture of hero and “humanity” – though conflicting at times.

• The Scourge Hunter: Focused on destroying the Scourge, can be similar in mindset as a Demon Hunter if one walks “the edge”.

Just some off the top of my head – lot’s of possibilities! And growth through role-playing.

Alot of will hinge on backstory, roleplay and juggling (or not juggling) your moral “center” now that you are free-willed undead. Another huge plus will be to keep it within the lore as much as possible and make it “believable”. Remember about avoiding God-Modding and making your character “perfect”.

For those converting existing characters, think of how all this has impacted the character and see what makes “sense” to roleplay.

Final Thoughts…

Playing the Death Knight can fun if you want a dark hero and have had “difficulties” in the past. For those wanting a more dark feel to the game or those wanting to play the brooding gothic hero, this could be a green light for you too. It may not be for everyone, but it is an option, hopefully one you can have fun with!

Explore, imagine and see what happens as you create and role-play your character. As you can see, there’s more than one way to work a Death Knight into RP.

Note: One thing that’s crept up since the Scourge Attacks and in Northrend are the Darkfallen. These are a mix of Blood Elf, Death Knight and vampire.

Interesting…

…and frightening…

…in a Goldshire way.

Children of the night… shut up!
— Count Vladimir Dracula, from the movie: Love at First Bite

/blinks

Please RP responsibly, the sanity you save could be yours…

Suffer Well!
(psst!… and have fun!)

Note: Check with other blogs and links listed here! Some great folks have done alot to try to help!

================

Resources:
http://www.wowwiki.com/Death_knight
http://www.wowwiki.com/Death_knight_organizations
http://www.wow-europe.com/wrath/features/deathknight/lore.xml
http://www.wowinsider.com/2007/08/09/know-your-lore-death-knights
http://www.wowwiki.com/List_of_death_knights
http://www.wowwiki.com/Lich_King
http://www.wowwiki.com/Frostmourne
http://www.wowwiki.com/Runeblade
http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/06/08/all-the-worlds-a-stage-how-to-be-a-death-knight/
http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/06/01/all-the-worlds-a-stage-how-roleplaying-a-death-knight-will-be/
http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/08/07/the-death-knight-starting-experience/
http://www.lorecrafted.com/?p=195
http://www.lorecrafted.com/?p=85
http://www.wowwiki.com/Demon_hunter
http://www.lorecrafted.com/?cat=87
http://www.wowinsider.com/2007/03/07/know-your-lore-sylvanas-windrunner/
http://www.wowwiki.com/Forsaken
http://www.wowwiki.com/Knights_of_the_Ebon_Blade
http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/05/23/why-all-race-death-knights-make-sense-from-a-lore-standpoint/
http://www.wowwiki.com/Tirion_Fordring
http://www.wowwiki.com/Darion_Mograine
http://www.wowwiki.com/Argent_Dawn
http://www.wowwiki.com/Brotherhood_of_the_Light
http://www.wowwiki.com/Knights_of_the_Silver_Hand
http://www.wowwiki.com/List_of_Knights_of_the_Silver_Hand_paladins
http://www.wowwiki.com/Ex-paladin
http://www.wowwiki.com/Cult_of_the_Damned
http://www.wowwiki.com/Scarlet_Crusade
http://www.wowwiki.com/Brigitte_Abbendis
http://www.wowwiki.com/Hall_of_Champions
http://www.wowwiki.com/Tenris_Mirkblood
http://www.wowwiki.com/Darkfallen
http://www.wowwiki.com/The_San%27layn
http://www.lorecrafted.com/?cat=1288
http://blogatelle.wordpress.com/2008/11/14/how-do-you-do-it-death-knights/

Additional Resources:
http://www.battle.net/war3/undead/units/deathknight.shtml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alignment_(Dungeons_%26_Dragons)
http://www.wowwiki.com/Alignment
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alignment_(role-playing_games)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-hero
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byronic_hero
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_knight
http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/Death_Knight_(DnD_Class)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord_Soth
http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dreo/20071003
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borg_(Star_Trek)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angel_(Buffy_the_Vampire_Slayer)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_the_Bloody
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batman_Begins
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borg_(Star_Trek)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_of_Nine
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xena
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xena_Warrior_Princess
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Rider_(film)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sylar
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolverine_(comics)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellboy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etrigan_the_Demon
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabriel_Van_Helsing
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazg%C3%BBl
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Severus_Snape
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirius_Black
http://www.rc.umd.edu/praxis/contemporary/stein/stein.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_League_of_Extraordinary_Gentlemen
http://www.umd.umich.edu/casl/hum/eng/classes/434/charweb/CHARACTE.htm
http://personal.georgiasouthern.edu/~dougt/goth.html#vil
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lestat_de_Lioncourt
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Vampire_Lestat
http://www.angelfire.com/ex/russian224/byronichero.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Callahan_(character)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blade_(comics)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lich