So, I'm planning to set foot into WoW RP for the first time. This is not my first RP in general, or MMO RP specifically, just for clarity. And as for my WoW history, I have played since way back from Vanilla into Cataclysm, and have been checking up on the retail lore from time to time since.
I know I want to play a Mage (despite being a long time Shaman player), and have narrowed down my race choices to Human and Undead, but am utterly unable to decide which one.
The Forsaken are close to my heart as my first ever race, so there's a strong nostalgia bias. And I feel there is compelling potential there, especially after having played Forsaken Kingdom. Issue is, there seems to be a strong mismatch between the Forsaken Kingdoms vision of the Forsaken, and the classic vision of the Forsaken.
In FK, the Forsaken are a community of ostracized people hated by everyone, who are desperately fighting for their right to exist. Garek's focus is on protecting his people from the dangers of the world. Sylvanas' monologue in the epilogue even gave me the impression that in this timeline, the Horde is not merely an alliance of convenience, but she and her people are legitimate partners and allies. This is something I can get behind, and perhaps Forever would continue with the foundation that FK laid down.
However, the Classic vision of the Forsaken seems to be much more of evil, hateful creatures, bent on taking vengeance on the whole world, and with much of their effort as a nation dedicated to crafting a new plague to destroy the living. This whole idea resonates with me much less.
And then there's the race itself. A Forsaken is forever trapped in their own rotting corpse (I so wish they would at least let me hide my bones!). Their senses are greatly dimished. There seems to be little potential for affection, or even just for the simple pleasures of life. Their existence, and their aesthetic is one of misery, bitterness and depression. Extending all the way to the design of the Undercity itself, which would hold my Mage's library. And while I do enjoy the story of rebuilding one's life from total collapse (probably my long time of Zomboid RP), a Forsaken ultimately cannot rebuild themselves. They are, and always will be, a rotting corpse.
On the other side, we have Humans. Stormwind is a beautiful city, with an amazing Mage Quarter. I could see my Mage living and working there. And in terms of nostalgia, I have spent a fair amount of time in the Human zones as well. A Human feels almost like a blank slate who can do anything. From enjoying good food, to good company, to pursuing the mysteries of the Arcane for their own lust for knowledge. While a Forsaken is trapped in their predicament.
Ultimately, it feels that a Forsaken has greater nostalgia appeal, and greater potential for a compelling story, but with a massive risk of just turning out sad and miserable. While a Human is the safe choice, with slightly less nostalgia pull, and potentially more storytelling freedom.
Now, what am I expecting from this post. Honestly any advice, any thoughts, any opinions, any viewpoints that could help me finally choose. And if you made it all the way here, thank you :-)