Why do we PvP?

By which I mean not "Why do players do PvP?" but "What is the RP framing for PvP in GW?"

I haven't been able to play the betas, but I've really been wondering about the rationale for PvP. If Ascalon is a world at war, why are we Ascalonians (or whatever we are) fighting each other?

I ask because for me, the reason behind PvP kind of makes a difference in whether I'll be able to enjoy it or not. WoW-style PvP argues that you and your opponents are undying enemies out to slaughter each other with no mercy. The arena system about to come in in CoH argues that you're all heroes together, and the arena is to train and hone your skills (kind of like the X-Men's Danger Room). It seems to me that the latter is more likely to encourage more civilized play-style (I have little interest in getting cursed out and harassed because of PvP and I hope that doesn't happen much in GW).

So, is it possible to have competitive PvP without too much inane trash talk in GW (obviously some posturing is inevitable, but I'm not interested in someone screaming at me about how they "pwnz0red that biyatch mesmer")? Or is that an integral part of PvP play anywhere? (I've never done much PvP play so I have little to compare it to). What are peoples' experiences in the BWEs?

Starflower
(Sure to get plenty pwnz0red in PvP)

I would describe PvP in Guild Wars as the Danger Room, but instead of an AI, against other intelligent players like yourself.

When you create a character, you have an option of making a Role-Playing Character or a PvP Character. The first option allows you to play the campaign, where you can co-op and even PvP in the Arena. The latter option gives you a 20th level character [the current level cap] and lets you take one of the preset templates to make a character exclusive for PvP. Or, you can make your own PvP character with the skills you discover in the campaign.

I personally like this system. It forces you to play the campaign, but gives you an option to move onto if you ever get tired of it. Once you discover the skills you need, you may never touch the campaign unless you want to try another PvP build that requires skills you don't have.

The people in Guild Wars are relatively mild-mannered. It's not often that I run into a whiny noob. However, you'll see lots of female Elementalists and/or dancing. There were a few issues with Guilds abusing Fertile Season [Ranger ritual that stacks life] and them talking smack, but you'll run into jackasses like that in every game.

I'm not 100% sure, but I heard that some where in the Guild Wars Lore it explains why there is a PvP, and Ascalonians battling eachother. I haven't read this, but maybe someone who has or knows more about it could explain it.

Are you objecting to female Elementalists and dancing?

Dancing is alot better than what you'll experience in most other games, with the constant n00b calling, and negative attitudes everywhere. Alot more civilized I would say.

Well, I think it's a little funny. After a little test, my friend thought it was weird that her armor covers less than her underwear.

I think that the armors for female Elementalists could be a little more decent, but that's just my opinion. If this keeps up, we might have another infestation akin to that of female wood elves...

Which is why we need those armours to be available at high level. Sales rates go UP!

I don't know all of the details behind this, but it is my understanding that the PvP is based loosely on the "Guild Wars' which occured about one generation ago. There is one recurring NPC who refers to the fact that her father died in the Guild Wars, and this is what spurred her decision to become a hero.

How exactly the details work out, I'm not entirely sure, but the guilds were apparently at war to hold a castle or fort of some kind. At least that's what I gathered from reading the lore at the GW home site. Perhaps the continuing PvP is based on leftover hostilities from the wars.