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All of the latest Mists of Pandaria newsBlizzard disbands extreme erotic roleplaying guild
by Elizabeth Wachowski 
Sep 17th 2007 at 10:44AM
I've been sidestepping writing about this issue for some time, since it's bound to generate some controversy here and I hate bringing publicity to bad people. But as the topic keeps popping up again and again, particularly on roleplaying servers, it might be time to bring it out into the open.
An erotic roleplaying guild that now spans two realms has been accused of defending pedophiles and engaging in extreme sexual situations without any way to verify that their members are above the age of 18. While the guild in question says it has been reported many times and is not violating policy, and that minors joining an ERP guild are being poorly parented, Blizzard has forcibly disbanded the guild -- only to have it reform under a new name. There might be some disturbing content following the cut, so click at your own risk.
Abhorrent Taboo was mainly a Hordeside RP guild on Ravenholdt, but recently expanded to an Alliance auxillary on Blackwater Raiders. The guild leader posted a somewhat hostile "welcome message" on the BWR forums: "Role-playing is legal. Even if you are role-playing something that would be considered deplorable and highly illegal IRL, it's still just role-playing and isn't subject to any form of disciplinary action. Negative publicity is still publicity. Make a Digg or website about how sick we are. Report us to PervertedJustice. All it does is bring in more members. In fact, the Digg the guy on Ravenholdt made about us was so effective, several people signed up for WoW just to be in our guild. The bottom line is: We're allowed to do what we do on any server we please and no one can do anything about it."
Now, most RP servers are okay with ERP, if a little squicked out by it -- serious roleplayers tend not to like being thought of as cyberers. But AT has a history. As reported by TenTonHammer and then Dugg, AT's leader has talked about pedophilia in a positive way in guild chat. The exact quote is "I want to defend us, but I also want to defend the pedosexual community." The guild leader notes that she was talking about pedophiles who don't actually molest children and that she hates kids herself.
After AT opened their BWR auxillary, a 25-page thread sprung up and was deleted about AT's intentions. AT's recruitment policy, which was reposted onto the BWR forums from elsewhere, stated: "NOTE: Be advised that we frequently ERP in guild chat and often engage in even potentially offensive kinks such as (Extreme) Ageplay, Bestiality, Child Birth, [something that is censored by the WoW forums so I can't tell what it is], Watersports, or any other kink those playing may wish to explore. If you are easily offended or upset by others using kinks you may not personally enjoy, this is not the guild for you. Furthermore, we are a guild based on freedom of love and sex. Monogamy of any kind runs counter to this, and so, all sexually exclusive relationships are prohibited." They add that officers should enjoy ageplay and bestiality. There have also been insinuations, denied by the guild leader, that AT is purposefully lax in checking up on the ages of applicants, and a poster from Ravenholdt says that the guild solicits new players in chat channels without informing them of the purpose of the guild.
As a result, there have been several posts in the Customer Service and Suggestions forums asking that Blizzard do something about extreme ERP. Basically, the opponents say that since Blizzard lets minors in the game, they are responsible for protecting them from unsafe environments, and that AT is a lawsuit waiting to happen. Supporters, or at least non-opponents, say that AT is only engaging in fantasies, that ERP doesn't actually hurt people, and that it's close to impossible to keep minors from joining a guild if they really, really want to.
It looks like Blizzard has come down on the side of the opponents, as Abhorrent Taboo has been forcibly gdisbanded. "This matter is not one Blizzard takes lightly in any way, shape or form, and we do not wish to have this topic continue circulation," wrote Blizzard employee Verrith. " ... Let it finally be said that we appreciate those of you who brought this particular issue to our attention and that we will continue to follow up with this matter in the future to ensure the safety of all parties concerned." However, the members have reformed as Vile Anathema.
I'm torn on what side of the fence to fall on about Blizzard's actions. I'm highly creeped out by "ageplay" in a video game where it's impossible to verify actual age, and the guild leader's posts do seem like they're actively seeking out controversy. But fantasy isn't reality, and I'm not entirely comfortable about the precedent this sets. What do you think about this situation?
Filed under: Virtual selves, News items, RP
Reader Comments (Page 4 of 8)
Todd Sep 17th 2007 2:37PM
@Seppuki
Hah hah, real world situations indeed. I don't recall the real world having Gnomes, Tauren, or Blood Elves.
@zerorez
Who is being forced? If you don't like anything being said in chat, the game does come with an /ignore feature.
For those that aren't aware, nothing was violated. People may have been offended. In fact, people who knew NOTHING of the goings-ons are now offended because they feel they should be offended on some level. Good going in joining the masses. Blizzard has taken steps to curb the enthusiasm of this guild, but that doesn't mean you should condemn the interests of others because they vary from your interests.
I take no sides in any of this. I believe everyone has equal rights, unless of course you're under age, then you have some rights.
Todd Sep 17th 2007 2:38PM
@Adnarish
There was no violation of the ToS.
Kire Sep 17th 2007 2:43PM
Well for all you "Freedom Fighters" there may be a day when you have children and worry about them being taken, hurt or otherwise. I hope you remember when you took up for that persons freedom of speech and freedom to do whatever he wants to do because its just wrong to take that away from him.
As a side note. GJ Blizzard Im glad your still monitoring things. Keep up the good work. But unfortunatley this is the type of thing that normally ruins something that was fun because a group of jerks decided to take it to the "Extreme". I wouldnt be surprised if the "RP" side of things disappear if this continues to be an issue. Blizz could enforce a no "RP" rule across all realms.
quiz Sep 17th 2007 2:44PM
agree 100% with #8
CSR Sep 17th 2007 2:49PM
If blizzard or parents are worried about children joining the guild or any guild then why not add more filter options for parents.
After all if they can limit a childs time then surely they can add the ability for parents to turn off options like general chat, PM's, Guild and group invites not to mention ingame mail.
That way its up to the parents to police their child in the game instead of expecting blizzard to be their childs nanny.
Strongmark on Arthas Sep 17th 2007 2:50PM
I .. I don't even know what to say. I cannot argue against free speech, but this is sick and wrong. I mean, wtf? They have to use WoW to roleplay their sick and disgusting fantasies? You know, if it was just a more adult oriented RP guild, than who the eff cares, but ones that accept pedophelia and shite like that? Whenever we allow this behaviour it will almost always lead to illegal activities. There has to be a line drawn.
Wow.........................
miked Sep 17th 2007 2:54PM
yay ravenholdt!
Prauche Sep 17th 2007 3:00PM
It's one thing to say god help us. It's a little different to break out God -- note the difference.
I don't actively believe in any particular deity. I don't actively DISbelieve in any particular deity -- contrary to what the bashers to my comment may want to believe. Let your particular deity send me a visitation and I'll readily hop on board. However, let me just say that perhaps if your particular deity has an issue with these people, He -- or She -- should handle it. Holy Smite seems particularly appropriate.
Enjoy.
Todd Sep 17th 2007 3:30PM
@Prauche
Huh? Grammatically, God should be proper case. I hope that isn't the distinction you are searching for.
the guy Sep 17th 2007 3:46PM
I think this is disgusting myself. However if blizzard is going to promote RP as something in WOW. Then they can`t go limiting what people are allowed to RP. In the end it is still the internet no one knows who anyone is in RL, and if they do then why they wasting thier time in wow. BTW people play this game in all different countries around the world maybe age 21 in the US. Which is ridiculus if you ask me, but in other countries like Canada it`s 18. Some countries it`s as low as 14. Bottom line is I believe this is all sick and wrong and wouldn`t want to be around it or have my kids near it, but as long as they keep it to G,P,RA chat, then I don`t give a hoot. My kid is alload a mic but the speakers have to be used when he plays wow. So I know whats going on. Usually some raid leader calling everyone a F&*^ing Idiot. You don`t want your kids around swearing, don`t let them play the freaking game you don`t want them around ERP don`t let them play the game on that server or at all. It`s up to us as parents to deside what our kids can and will be exposed to if your to damn lazy or ignorant to check what your kids are doing thats your own fault. Leave people alone and STOP trying to censor everything. First it was howard stearn now it`s wow. Get a life and leave people alone. BTW I still think this is disgusting and I keep my kid away from it.
Fel Sep 17th 2007 6:11PM
I play on Ravenholdt.
Quite a few of AT's members are very nice people. In fact, most are.
They have a fair share of asshats, too - people who like to categorize anyone who doesn't like that particular person's kink as "close minded." Often, this is the kind of tune sung by their guild leader, who has also been known to *publicly recruit* in various chat channels, including the Barrens, Orgrimmar and Trade Chat, for her guild.
In the past, the guild has been reported... Didn't do anything. Then all of a sudden, bam.
It was actually a long process; first, I know of several people under 18 in the old guild and now in the new guild. Beyond that, one of their guild officers was a 13 year old girl, and that came to light last week. Further, one of their members was harassing someone who claimed to be an underage boy for sex. Completely randomly, totally out of the blue.
All of that together doomed AT. Now, they say that it'll be different - and it might. They're taking action to "prevent spies," whatever that means.
Frankly, you can never be sure of someone's age over the internet, but without some sort of verification such as what adult sites use with credit cards, they'll always have plenty of underage members that real pedophiles could end up preying on - without the guild leader's knowledge, though based on her posts, she might not care anyway.
Armath Sep 17th 2007 4:12PM
First: Grammatically, the first letter of the first word of a sentence should be capitalized, which is where the whole "God" discussion got started. Personally, I just use "ghod" and enjoy the occasional confused response. :-)
Second: As Poormojo@56 points out, the game is full of things that are illegal, and we talk about them all the time. Of course, killing and maiming and pillaging are all game-oriented, and nothing really gets killed anyway, but so many of the arguments in this thread are about how "wrong* some things are, and how talking about it or pretending to do it in game will lead to doing it in real life. If you follow that line of reasoning, Blizzard and most of the video game industry, and most of the video entertainment industry, should just close up shop.
Third: "Squick" is a wonderful word, and an exceedingly useful one. Everyone should be familiar with it, and should realize that it's not limited to sexual issues (e.g. "Brussel sprouts? SQUICK!")
Jahldhor Sep 17th 2007 4:35PM
Personally, I have no problem with ERP. It's just some people being a bit more creative with their RP, to me. However, the whole "Pedophiles and proud" thing wasn't needed. There's supporting what you believe in, and then there's just being inflammatory, and that was purely inflammatory. The guild leader was looking for attention, trying to capitalize on the notion that "any publicity is good publicity," which I believe is utter BS, at the expense of her guild's reputation. As a result, the entire guild now walks around with this stigma, and now everyone who sees that guild tag thinks that they're all pedophiles and like to crap on each other, which would most certainly not be the case. However, it's partially the members' fault for staying in the guild in the first place with this Guild Master who apparently aims to run the guild straight into the ground with her inability to just let things go without being said without provocation.
On the subject of the minors who may be involved in this guild's activities. I currently have the box for World of Warcraft in my hand. On the back side, bottem-left corner below the big T, it says, "Game Experience May Change During Online Play." That should get at least a good look before allowing your child to purchace this game. An especially in today's society, it should be a point to take a good look at this warning. Not only that, it's important to moniter your offspring while they're playing any game online, especially one as massive as World of Warcraft. I think I'll need to give Abhorrent Taboo the benefit of the doubt here because it's the responsibility of the parent to make sure their child isn't doing anything you might not want happening in an online game. Bottem line: If you can't parent, that's no-one's problem but your own.
In closing, I don't think it's anyone's place to judge people's personal beliefs/kinks/fetishes. However, Blizzard was right in disbanding the guild, not because they indulge in ERP, but because the GM couldn't keep her mouth shut and went ahead and said, "We RP having sex with minors!" I wish the best of luck to the new guild, but if the GM is the same, it won't last long. Thank you to those who bothered to read my wall of text.
Jahldhor Warhoof
Lockewood Sep 17th 2007 4:40PM
This is a sting operation waiting to happen. Get a 13-year-old, get them into the guild, and get the members of it on the FBI's wanted list.
A ban is one thing. A real-life ban (prison sentence) is another. The first ban has already failed to get these sick, twisted people into a better frame of mind. It's time for the second.
Theserene Sep 17th 2007 4:44PM
A fantasy life does not automatically mean that real-life acts will be carried out. How many of you have played WoW without killing someone in real life? All of you I bet.
I may not approve of what these people did, but they didn't break any laws. They broke terms of service yes, but no laws.
They may be drama-seekers, but they are not criminals. And don't start with the 'when you have kids' but, I'm childfree and will never have this kind of 'OMG my children might see perverts!' hysteria so many seem to have.
Strongmark on Arthas Sep 17th 2007 4:51PM
@ 72 Theserene,
I do believe though that allowing this type of "roleplay" in any scenario is what generally leads to these sicko's fulfilling their fantasy. As muchas I agree in free speach, this is taking it that one step too far. What is the difference between a pedophile meeting in WoW or on IRC? Not much... Given the opportunity, if you have the fantasy, you will generally go for it.
Theserene Sep 17th 2007 4:58PM
I totally disagree. Where is the proof that fantasy leads to reality?
Or do you subscribe to the violent-computer-games-create-serial-killers camp?
Like I said, for violating blizzard's rules they deserve to get banned, but I see no actual LAW being violated here since they have not committed a crime. They have not done an illegal act and you cannot convict someone (the whole locking them up thing) because you think they *might* do something.
Innocent until proven guilty remember?
Todd Sep 17th 2007 5:08PM
I'm not seeing in this article where anyone was banned for violating the terms.
klink-o Sep 17th 2007 5:12PM
Wow, some people aren't getting any work done today are they hehe.
Without seeing the chatlogs (which I guessing no one here has), it's impossible to say if any crimes were committed or not or really anything about what takes place. Let it be noted, though, that you can indeed commit a felony with nothing more than typing the right words.
Legal and moral issues aside, the issue I have with them is their attitude. They seem to think they can do as they please on Blizzard's servers but that is simply not true. I believe Blizzard has done the right thing by disbanding the guild and sending the message that they are in charge and they have the final word.
WendellGrave Sep 17th 2007 5:36PM
Okay, firstly. @18, he said God. I think it's a "higher being show us what the hell is the matter with this moment", or even a (for atheists like myself) "why the hell are so people disturbed, they need to get a lobotomy moment."
As for the article, it is times like this I weep for the world. I sometimes wonder why people are so disturbed, it's madness. I am a teenager, and I play WoW (On an RP server), and it makes me uncomfortable to know this kinda stuff can go on for so long without being noticed.
-.-