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Essays and Plots. Essay: What if a Character Rapes a NPC?. (from the original Guide)
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Essays and Plots
Essay: What if a Character Rapes a NPC?
(from the original Guide)
This essay was derived from a conversation of the topic on a Internet RPG discussion. The thoughts written here are not necessarily those of any one person. Many points of view went into this essay.
In reality, rape usually involves great physical injury, but rape is much more than the infliction of physical pain. Rape affects the victim psychologically and spiritually as well something a mere wound (no matter how big) does not have.
Is rape nothing more than a different form combat? When one person rapes another, what the rapist is doing is degrading the victim. Even foes that hate each other have at least a grudging respect for each other. If they lose that respect, they run the risk of being killed because they have underestimated their opponent. Rape shows a total lack of respect and decency. Rape is a one way thing that combat is not.
From a Christian perspective, people were made by God to relate to each other with love; it's easy to see that rape is one of the greatest violations of this design specification, considering that sex is, in its natural state, one of the most intimate ways that two people can relate to each other and express their love for one another.
In RPGs, the physical side of things can be changed with the use of spells, potions, etc.; but not the mental and spiritual side. Even if a female character (whether PC or NPC) were to have her virginity restored with magic, there is no way one could consider her to be a virgin any more. After all, virginity is not only physical state but a mental and spiritual one as well. Technically, a male doesn't change physically after having sex as a woman does. Once that innocence and purity has been lost, it cannot be regained. That is why it is so valuable.
In most modern fantasy literature, rape exists but only as a major plot device. However, In ancient fantasy literature, and in historical fact, the situation is more complex. The Greek gods had not-entirely-consensual sex with mortal women quite often, but they usually employed deception rather than brute force; and the result was usually a child with strange powers, rather than a revolt against the god. Until recently, a man who had non-consensual sex with his wife or his female slave would not have been considered a rapist. Victorious armies would " rape and pillage" as the normal behavior for conquering. So if the GM basing his campaign with historical accuracy, than rape as a plot device might be accepted.
However, when rape does appear in an RPG, it is most likely because the GM and/or players are immature. Sure some players like to introduce sex into their campaign, usually humorously. Albeit a lot of people who use sex in RPGs are immature and acting out juvenile fantasies, some players can handle the use of sex in RPGs constructively. However, rape is not humorous nor constructive. Immature players are often treating the topic too casually. Mature players are more familiar with rape and think about it before taking it lightly. The topic should be given some form of respect.
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Having rape in an RPG might be a good plot device if used by the mature GM in an adventure. The real trouble of rape in a RPG arises when a character wishes to indulge in such a horrible act.
Rape is not the way to solve a problem, even if it is only a game. There are always other options, instead of implementing one that definitely isn't funny, and could also disturb the players. Taking this course of action, no matter how chaotic a campaign, is probably not a good idea and the GM might wish to take serious action on the character that performs such an act.
Remember, a player would never think of having a character perform an act of rape on an NPC if the NPC was male. A male NPC would just be beat-up quite easily and rape wouldn't be considered. So why is it that somebody will suggest such a course of action if the NPC is a female? " Because it can be done" is not a good enough reason; nor is " because it will shut her up" a reason.
Many gamers play RPG's to escape from the horrors of the real world. Role-playing games are suppose to be fun but abominations like rape ruin the fun. There is little reason to bring that sort of graphic violence into the game; especially from a player-character. Most game sessions are played with enough problem solving that they can be enjoyed perfectly well without the wrong-type of violence.
Also, using such violence in the game sounds as if such a hideous act as rape is being condoned. Without judging the player, the player's reasons for such " role-playing" could be dealt with outside the game session so as not to cause to much trouble.
Remember, rape is a very disturbing, terrifying subject for women. Having such a thing in a RPG, even though it is a game, might keep women from playing the game. Women provide a very wonderful and unique outlook in RPGs and they would be missed.
As a general rule, dragons and swords are not an expected means of death in the real world. Nor does anybody anticipate ever meeting Cthulhu or Tiamat. Death is something that can happen to anyone at any time realistically as well as in the realm of RPGs. But rape is an act of cruelty and unmitigated evil which is also a violation of not only the body but of the mind. It also has a deeply personal affect the real world in that it is a danger that all must face, if not for ourselves, then for our wives, sisters, daughters, and other family and friends. A very real danger that makes most people feel uncomfortable to discuss.
The bottom line is that RPGs are supposed to be fun for everyone playing. For a lot of people, it puts them in a medieval setting where they can be what they want and do what they want. It lets them escape reality for a little while and leave problems behind. How realistic does an RPG need to be? Does it have to mimic the real-world so closely? Don't bring in one of woman's greatest fears into the game. It isn't necessary.
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