#1. Is the death of this RPC justified in the plot?
#2. Would avoiding the death of this RPC hurt the plot?
#3. How much effort would go into avoiding this death?
#4. What are the OOC repercussions of killing this RPC?

Those are really the questioned asked when killing RPC's. I'm all for it; I greatly dislike plot armor. However, there are times when it can be avoided pretty easily and generally death is such a final option that it should be avoided. Of course, death is also wonderful for plot advancement, development, etc, so at times actually looking for someone to kill is viable, too. Knowing your character can die might also merit a change in roelplay behavior, which often is a good curb. 

In terms of a roleplayer killing another roleplayer's character... I think the same questions should be asked. Even tho it shouldn't happen and most roleplayers have their own set morals against RPC-killing, I do believe that on some level they should actually have the choice. It would have to be a rare, rare occasion that I would somehow save a character from a death like this, and even though it is happened, I don't believe even GM interference is a necessity in such cases.

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