Posted by Saagkri on May 17, 2000 at 23:43:56:
In Reply to: I agree but posted by Pendragon_Surtr on May 17, 2000 at 23:00:17:
In CF, heroic deeds are usually rewarded. The princess is rich, she lives in a castle. Any moron could assume that if he does an important (to the princess) deed for her, he will almost certainly be rewarded. At the very least he will have earned the trust and debt of a powerful political figure who may some day be queen of camelot. What story (or RL plan *cough* modern politics *cough*) doesn't start with the villain trying to win the trust of anyone and everyone, especially those in positions of power? There are very few if any villians/evildoers in literature, film, or RL that have done everything on their own. No, they gain people's trust, make promises, kiss babies. Where would any evil overlord be if the first time anyone asked them to do anything (like in college before he started his software company) he said, "No, I'm evil, I will help no one!" Well, he wouldn't get very far. You have to earn trust before you can betray it.
On the same topic, in fact the same point refutes it, is the sect interactions of Empire:
Every cabal and group on the mud has figured out that cooperation benifits everyone but your enemies. When you get inducted into Empire, you are supposed to believe the opposite. Yes the sects should manuver for power and the Emperor's ear, but like I said before, how can you backstab someone who won't turn their back on you? How can you betray trust when you can do nothing to get it in the first place lest you be anathemized? If a Arcane gives a Blade a sword with a wry smile and asks nothing in return, only a narrow minded fool (as an evil overlord would say) would think it a gift. The Arcane knows that the blade has just handed him and his sect power just as the sword was handed to the fool blade. (If you don't know what I mean, I'll be happy to elaborate). It is narrow minded beyond belief that someone can see this and think, "Arcane give item to Blade. Arcane hurt his sect, help other. Anathema!" Ok, that's all.
Saagkri