The RPlague - Page 2 - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Brinniel · 05-01-2003, 06:52 PM

My first two characters appeared when the RPG section was still a mess and during that time it was hard to find a character that someone wouldn't define as a Mary-Sue. But I've always tried to make my charaters unique in their own ways and see that they have their own flaws. Here are short descriptions of my few characters that I've played:

I'm sorry to say that my first character, Calentoliel from The Blue Mountains, began Mary-Sue-like. Her past was unknown and she had the gift of magic. Fortunately, as I played her, she grew to be a bit more realistic. Early in her journey, her unknown past was solved. And though Calentoliel has the magical gift of song, it doesn't mean she is invincible. From the beginning, I had decided that each time she sang, her energy would be drained and even though my character knew how to wield a sword, she was not particularly skilled at it. Calentoliel is currently in The Threat of the Trees RPG, and I hope to allow her flaws to stick out even more in this RPG.

My second RPG character was Raye/Corrowyn from The Shadows of Umbra RPG. Though Raye is quick with her weapons and her parents were killed, I like to think her opposite of a Mary-Sue. She is not very pretty, she's stubborn, impatient, rude, and most of all, she kills for her own pleasure. I always enjoyed playing Raye, as I considered her part-evil in this RPG, since she was constantly plotting against her companions. I loved Raye so much, I'm happy to say that I will be using her again, this time under the name Corrowyn. And this time she's not a murderess (though she still has a fiery tongue).

My third RPG character that I am currently playing is Desolyn from Escape From Nurn. She is a dark skinned girl born into slavery and has never touched a weapon in her life. This is a pleasant change in character for me, as for once my character will use intelligence to defend herself rather than skill.

Though I have only played three characters, from my experience I have enjoyed playing humans the most. I don't understand what is so great about elves, but to me humans are more interesting. Also, the reason I have only played females so far is because since I'm female it is easier to get into my characters' minds and what they're thinking. But the next character I plan to create will be male (and perhaps a healer). He will probably show up late summer.

Arvedui · 05-02-2003, 08:38 AM

Wow, a good discussion of RP characters! the originality is seemingly limited in RP characters if you use a strictly Middle Earth interpretation, especially for women. For men one can write as one of several 'unknown' characters, say a soldier of Gondor, of which there were many, or other armies in Middle Earth. What do women have to write? A healer in the House of Healing? A ranch hand of Rohan? A bar wench in Bree? Wife of a Steward? I mean there is not a whole lot of angles for women to be used in a strictly Middle Earth setting unless one uses their imagination some.

Also, depending on the timeframe of Middle Earth used in am RP, there could very well be orphans galore. The wars between the Easterlings and the men of Rhovanion, or the battles in the north with the Witch-King, or the invasion of Gondor and Rohan by Umbar during the Long Winter. I mean the orphaned girl that becomes a sword-wielding shieldmaiden is not altogether a bad thing, but what would help with that formula is alot of back-story as to the how and why she was orphaned, and how did she get so good with a sword. I agree the half-elven/mixed race formula does get a bit old, as well as the magic powers for the average character thing.

A tip for character-writers... use some imagination in your characters, but keep it within the bounds of Middle Earth possibilities. And write out the histories and such to help give a better understanding as to why the character is the way they are.

As yet, I havent entered into any RP here at Barrow Downs, for I haven't really had the time to work on it. I have been reading some of the stories going on now. Maybe soon I will present a character and join an RP if one intrigues me enough.

Namarie,
Arvedui

mark12_30 · 05-02-2003, 08:53 AM

All my major characters have been average male hobbits with one or two odd twists-- 'til now. In The Threat of the Trees, I'm trying out a young, common, average male elf ropemaker who's shy, overly submissive, un-ambitious, and a little on the dreamy side. But he can sing. We'll see how it goes.

05-01-2003, 06:52 PM	#41
Brinniel Reflection of Darkness Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Polishing the stars. Well, somebody has to do it; they're looking a little bit dull. Posts: 2,983	My first two characters appeared when the RPG section was still a mess and during that time it was hard to find a character that someone wouldn't define as a Mary-Sue. But I've always tried to make my charaters unique in their own ways and see that they have their own flaws. Here are short descriptions of my few characters that I've played: I'm sorry to say that my first character, Calentoliel from The Blue Mountains, began Mary-Sue-like. Her past was unknown and she had the gift of magic. Fortunately, as I played her, she grew to be a bit more realistic. Early in her journey, her unknown past was solved. And though Calentoliel has the magical gift of song, it doesn't mean she is invincible. From the beginning, I had decided that each time she sang, her energy would be drained and even though my character knew how to wield a sword, she was not particularly skilled at it. Calentoliel is currently in The Threat of the Trees RPG, and I hope to allow her flaws to stick out even more in this RPG. My second RPG character was Raye/Corrowyn from The Shadows of Umbra RPG. Though Raye is quick with her weapons and her parents were killed, I like to think her opposite of a Mary-Sue. She is not very pretty, she's stubborn, impatient, rude, and most of all, she kills for her own pleasure. I always enjoyed playing Raye, as I considered her part-evil in this RPG, since she was constantly plotting against her companions. I loved Raye so much, I'm happy to say that I will be using her again, this time under the name Corrowyn. And this time she's not a murderess (though she still has a fiery tongue). My third RPG character that I am currently playing is Desolyn from Escape From Nurn. She is a dark skinned girl born into slavery and has never touched a weapon in her life. This is a pleasant change in character for me, as for once my character will use intelligence to defend herself rather than skill. Though I have only played three characters, from my experience I have enjoyed playing humans the most. I don't understand what is so great about elves, but to me humans are more interesting. Also, the reason I have only played females so far is because since I'm female it is easier to get into my characters' minds and what they're thinking. But the next character I plan to create will be male (and perhaps a healer). He will probably show up late summer. __________________ Nolite te bastardes carborundorum

05-02-2003, 08:38 AM	#42
Arvedui Haunting Spirit Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Annúminas Posts: 56	Wow, a good discussion of RP characters! the originality is seemingly limited in RP characters if you use a strictly Middle Earth interpretation, especially for women. For men one can write as one of several 'unknown' characters, say a soldier of Gondor, of which there were many, or other armies in Middle Earth. What do women have to write? A healer in the House of Healing? A ranch hand of Rohan? A bar wench in Bree? Wife of a Steward? I mean there is not a whole lot of angles for women to be used in a strictly Middle Earth setting unless one uses their imagination some. Also, depending on the timeframe of Middle Earth used in am RP, there could very well be orphans galore. The wars between the Easterlings and the men of Rhovanion, or the battles in the north with the Witch-King, or the invasion of Gondor and Rohan by Umbar during the Long Winter. I mean the orphaned girl that becomes a sword-wielding shieldmaiden is not altogether a bad thing, but what would help with that formula is alot of back-story as to the how and why she was orphaned, and how did she get so good with a sword. I agree the half-elven/mixed race formula does get a bit old, as well as the magic powers for the average character thing. A tip for character-writers... use some imagination in your characters, but keep it within the bounds of Middle Earth possibilities. And write out the histories and such to help give a better understanding as to why the character is the way they are. As yet, I havent entered into any RP here at Barrow Downs, for I haven't really had the time to work on it. I have been reading some of the stories going on now. Maybe soon I will present a character and join an RP if one intrigues me enough. Namarie, Arvedui __________________ When Elendil fell, Isildur departed to take up the high kingship of his father, and committed the rule of the south in like manner to the son of his brother. He did not relinquish his royalty in Gondor, nor intend that the realm of Elendil should be divided forever.

05-02-2003, 08:53 AM	#43
mark12_30 Stormdancer of Doom Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Elvish singing is not a thing to miss, in June under the stars Posts: 4,349	All my major characters have been average male hobbits with one or two odd twists-- 'til now. In The Threat of the Trees, I'm trying out a young, common, average male elf ropemaker who's shy, overly submissive, un-ambitious, and a little on the dreamy side. But he can sing. We'll see how it goes. __________________ ...down to the water to see the elves dance and sing upon the midsummer's eve.