PvP vs PvE question

I've been reading these boards for a while, and I'm confused on this point:

When you create a char, do you have to specify PvP or PvE? Or are people just saying they're making different builds for each type that could be used for either but are designed for one?

In other words, when I make a char do I have to select either PvP or PvE in a menu and then that choice restricts where I can go, or do I just have to make the choice between whether I want professions/attributes/skills that work better in one case or the other?

I would have to assume that it's the latter, but some of the posts in the level cap thread got me confused. (I'll see if I can bring in some quotes)

Edit: at least i thought it was the level cap thread... i'm not finding the posts i was looking at..

a PVE character has free run everywhere including PVP if they want

a PVP premade has only pvp areas to go to and cannot be used in the general PVE areas

PVE items and skills will be available for a PVP character to use

it needs to be unlocked by PVE to use in PVP

when creating a character there is a RP (PVE)/PVP choice

So how is choosing RP different? Does that open or close options?

During beta:

PvP only - start with all spells available to them along with high level weapons and armor. This option is a way to get quickly into pvp and try out new builds

rpg chars - start at level 1 and have to gain spells, items, levels through adventuring. You can do pvp with these characters but it takes time to build them up.


During Retail

PvP Only - My understanding is that you can make a pvp only character with all skills and items that you have unlocked through rpg adventuring. This will not be a way to quickly get into pvp since you HAVE to adventure first to unlock skills. However, once the skills are unlocked it allows a lot of flexibility making different builds without additional adventuring.

RPG - should be the same as it is during beta (at least the March event)

Don't forget that PvP Pre-mades will also be available for those looking to PvP right off the get go. However, you can't unlock anything with these characters, so you have to make a RP character at one point or another, unless you only want to use Pre-mades.

To answer your question very simplely YES. You have to. Either PvE or PvP.