Taunting

See also: threat system/levels, forced aggro

This is commonly a class skill in MMOs for tanks or other protective characters who're supposed to defend the squishier team mates.

Possible reasons:
* Causing previously neutral-ish characters to become hostile without attacking them first (may have legal implications, such as the virtual law enforcement not seeing you legally responsible for the ensuing battle)
* Distracting enemies from their current target and drawing them to yourself instead
* As a courtesy in case their backs are turned
* Distracting or confounding the enemy in general