Holy thread revival. Wow, I'm interested to see this post, that's for certain.

Over the last few months, I've run probably a few more crazy RPs, that aren't exactly military, but do have a focus that related to the spun stuff that I've known of military. I've learned a lot though, from other RPs, such as Lima, about particular narratives that Military RPs require. It's a strange sort of balancing act- and I keep seeing the divisions between the types that want hardcore, absolutely rough military RPs with total and full realism, to those who dabble in the lighter ends of stuff. I've always frayed the lines between the two, and have never been able to properly satisfy both camps. From this thread, I started Devil's Brigade, as an attempt to foster an RP that focussed on contemporary and a realistic portrayal of warfare in Afghanistan, something that didn't come about in itself. It didn't work sadly- and I realize it wasn't really that great a construct. It felt artificial, really kinda just put up for the sake of it. It wasn't something that I could really write that well, and I couldn't tell why. I think maybe it just was because it had no fire in it- no real sort of passion behind it, that I always try and give in my RPs, and that it's at least better to have your own sort of creativity pushed upon something even if one or two elements of realism do drop away- ones that are just a really, really irritating barrier to opening an RP that can have some influence.

I wouldn't even say it's down to experience or elitism in the community- just because you've served, it doesn't make a military RP any more good for your presence, it only serves to fuel an elitist streak (I have seen many an RP go down when one very, very gung-ho military-type RPer has often over-criticized one fledgling member). While I acknowledge it and would most definitely say that sure, it's a great contribution that you bring and it gives the GM some perspective, it's something that alone doesn't add a lot when you think about it- whilst useful to put yourself in the mindset of a soldier and someone in a warzone, there are liberties that can be taken, as there can be with many other RP genres. 

A great example was that of an RPer (whom shall remain unnamed) that told me to open a door on a helicopter via PM, when there were a group of private contractors aboard a Kamanov Ka-60 utility helicopter. Now, I insisted on them being shut, despite it being a dusty desert environment, as the Ka-60 is surprisingly well cooled- as with many light aircraft, there is a basic climate control, so you don't boil to death. This was someone in the US National Guard I believe, and yes, had something to do with helicopters (as a soldier, not a pilot). Now, I've ridden in the back of a helicopter (AW109), and I can tell you that I stand by that decision, even if it is a different model. You don't have to be a geek about helicopters to understand this stuff, but the GM's authority, when undermined, can be really withered away when a particular RPer overimparts it. I told them I would stand by it, and I received another separate PM. 

Safe to say, when a GM who has made a specific decision that seems so tiny and insignificant and is hassled over it, you begin to really wonder where the line is. I want to make a realistic RP, but I do want to maintain my own features of it- and not be fucking messaged when I do one thing out of order. It is important, sure- but there is a point when it stops being for realism, and it starts being a total simulation of a war environment, and becomes a fucking drain to run. I like to enjoy RPing- and frankly, whilst there are places where keeping realism is worthwhile, there are areas where it vastly polarizes the RP group that you're with when some have a vague grasp of realism and others are former servicemen/current.

It really depends what you're going for- and whilst useful, and definitely a great benefit to use in order to further the RP, it can't be used as the only standpoint. Realism is good, of course- but when it gets too much, there is a point where people begin to lose interest.

But I digress.

The point being, I've given up myself on seeing other people run military RPs that last a long and particularly interesting set of time. I've realized that it's the point that people begin bickering about equipment or scenarios, or generally retarded people get involved. The cogs begin to seize, and they die. There was a Vietnam one a few weeks back- and that crashed out, from what I saw. GMs don't avoid the blame either. Non-faithful GMs are fucking horrid. I will say that whilst people have real lives, GMing an RP is a big undertaking- you're creating your own creative scene that requires constant control and work to keep in check. In the past year, I believe I was a part of a couple- one about a WW2 RP set on Crete, that fell through because the GM simply stopped posting. It felt like a letdown, like even my enthusiasm was going to shit. It's a very personal account I'm giving here, as I am finding that it's the best way to write it up. Military RPs can exist, it's just that I've discovered that due to a multitude of factors, they're an impossibility to run. 

The only way I see you can run a military RP is to form exceptionally strong bonds with RP partners, about three or four or so. This would mean contact in other forms than just RPG- Skype, or any form of chat (IRC, and so on). Only that way, do you get a consensus of agreement on what the GM is trying to paint as a picture, and it really allows for people to get involved. With Sierra Vanguard, a light-hearted espionage RP that I've set up, I've done it with three of the closest RPers I've worked with.

Many other RP genres can exist without this method, I think- Fantasy and Medieval, Sci-Fi too, but Military and maybe more intricate Spy or so on RPs won't work without an intricate bond. Lima works on that basis- and whilst perhaps less realistic, it does still give a good attempt at putting RPers into the minds of special forces personnel. A fantasy, if you will- but one that finds good traction in a military RP, for the specific segment I'm working with. Yet it works because I know the RPers I'm working with on a far greater level than just in the RP itself an the OOC- and therefore, working with them is a little easier, knowing that I can at least let them go right ahead and do what they think makes sense. There's a broad agreement on what works and what doesn't, and with RPers that you have little contact with, it's playing russian roulette quite frankly. 

Hence why military RPs may fail. The content can be dictated to the GM's pace, and whilst there is a stark divide between the two camps, the GM themselves is probably part to blame. My response? I would love to do more and more RPs that have a historical and military focus, but I've slowly lost touch with it. Time and time again, I've tried to base it off different mediums, work with others, and repeatedly, I've seen the dream go to shit. I'll probably have a successor for Lima, and if anyone wants to join in, I say that there will be open spots. But if you don't like it, you can fuck off, quite frankly. I've RPed military for five to six years now, and while I'm not perfect, I do have a good idea of what makes an RP work when you have the right people onboard. Countless numbers, by this point- on new and old guilds. I don't let my RPs die, my people do, or when I join an RP, the GM or someone else leaves and it all falls apart. That is what it comes down to in the end- and I find it rude when people do decide to leave without any justification. That's all I'll say about it really- and that's all that really needs to be said of the topic. To anyone that would like to do a military RP- I would love to, but sadly, I think I've tried enough.