AH/RP: Why your bank alt should be your best RP character.

It's hard to deny that RPers tend to like a certain flare with their language. We deftly do this, or unbelievably do that, but when it gets down to it we often haven't done it at all. Your bank/auction alt, though, could have. An interesting, and helpful, bank alt opens doors for you.

To give my own alt as an example, he's a warrior that's finally settled down. The hard life of steel and blood no longer appealed to him due to increasing age. I've even joked that retirement reduces your level (he's a level 1 bank alt, after all). Still, that doesn't mean he doesn't RP well about prior exploits. For when it's a somber mood, he might tell you about how his old buddy, now passed on, used to have a mace just like the [Mace of the Random Animal] you just happen to be interested in. If it's jovial, then obviously a wisecrack in the trade channel about the various applications of some engineering doodad might grab some attention (Ummm, family friendly? Nah). Just make it interesting to folks beyond the PvE/PvP utility. Talk about how those smoke bombs would be used during offensive assaults to mark targets (Wintergrasp for when you can't do raid icons), but also how you'd steal a few for use during parties or /shudder/ karaoke at the bar.

If there's an event going on per an RP guild or group, then consider crashing it with various supplies. Maybe bring some Sulfuron Slammers to a RP bar, or maybe a few extra Tuxedos and dresses to a formal event. Off-hand frills such as Red Roses, which can easily be pickpocket farmed by rogues or bought from vendors, might make nice accessories too. There's even some margin to be had by selling direct but buying with a main's faction discount. You should be on the lookout in your realm forums for such events as they may drive up the demand on such items. Don't limit yourself, but don't overextend yourself either.

So why make your Auction Alt such a fixture in such events? Consider it an aspect of customer service. By helping folks set up small or large scale events, you not only help yourself get more RP, but you also improve the scene where you're at. Also, it helps you form contacts. If they can get the cat herd of RPers working on something, what would you like to bet they can also organize raids? You can offer them discounted pricing on pots, flasks and enchants (via scrolls). If it takes your main an hour to farm the specific mats for their fun event (Savory Deviate Delight, anybody?), but you can AH mats for profitable product to sell them later on, then everybody wins with less work, right?

Right :)