Hello

Holgrum · Post by **Holgrum** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 3:10 pm

Just wanted to drop in to say hello. I have been lurking for several months and made an attempt 3 times to keep a character alive. I think i finally have one that might make it. 
 
Im new to roleplay, i have only tried on this server. The thing i am wondering is, do many of you create an elaborate back story and try to play your character according to a preset guideline you have developed or are you allowing circumstance to guide you? 
 
I ask because my current character, Zhoa Jutch, seems to be taking on a life of his own as circumstances and things change. quite honestly i dont know where he is headed... I have been online with him since March but irregularly. Recently i was fortunate enough to be online during the "Warrens" my role was non-existant in that struggle but with the help of two other players also left behind, Zhoa seems to be filling out. 
 
Im having a blast at any rate, this can be very addictive. Im certainly amazed at how things can develop out of nothing to help form a characters outlook.

Aramil Nailo · Post by **Aramil Nailo** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 3:34 pm

The system of character development differs from player to player, my personal method is to have some basic idea of where my char came from and why he is how he is, then develop from there, occasionally researching and developing his backstory further as I go along.

Aramil Nailo · Post by **Aramil Nailo** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 3:36 pm

Oh and by the way, welcome to the Vast. <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/glasses.gif ALT="8)">

tenshiglen · Post by **tenshiglen** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 4:14 pm

Hello. Welcome and Well met. I hope to see you around. 
 
<blockquote>Quote:<hr>create an elaborate back story and try to play your character according to a preset guideline you have developed or are you allowing circumstance to guide you?<hr></blockquote> 
 
I'd say both. Certainly think about where your character came from and what drives them, but know that their experiences around the Vast are going to guide their development. If Clover were following a mapped path when she arrived, she's a good 7 or 8 time zones off course. <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/tongue.gif ALT=":b"> 
 
The area I can personally speak about is how 'elaborate' you want to make their back-story. I would advise more detail and less complexity. I fell into a trap of building Clover backwards.. it seems all of her 'epic char' experiences happened before she ever stepped into the 'Dale. The peoples of the Vast are extraordinary in their simplicity. Their 'greatness' will not be measured by their possessions or levels, but in how well they are remembered.. for the good or bad. Consider every successful relationship your character creates (again, good or bad) as their newest prized magic item. Just keep your character simple and interesting and the DMs will take care of the rest. 
 
Did that whole thing sound like it just cancelled itself out? *makes way for the wormhole*

Post by **Algernon's Ghost** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 4:18 pm

<blockquote>Quote:<hr>I ask because my current character, Zhoa Jutch, seems to be taking on a life of his own as circumstances and things change. quite honestly i dont know where he is headed...<hr></blockquote>Events should shape lives, otherwise, one is not a participant in the story. Group role-play is very different than writing; the player is not really in charge of the story, but instead is placed in the position of having some control over only one character. 
 
A player can set goals for a character, but no one really knows where that character will go. Nothing wrong with that. 

<hr />The ends don't justify the means. The means shape the ends; you become what you do.<hr />"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty nor security." 
-Benjamin Franklin<hr />

Holgrum · Post by **Holgrum** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 6:22 pm

Okay good. 
 
I do have a backstory, though some of the minor details have changed and i have a general motivator for being in Dragon Dale in particular. He lives a basic life....waiting, but due to current events i could see him taking a bad turn if events dont intercede. Funny how sorrow can turn to bitter resentment and anger, a lesson there...... 
 
 
My earlier attempts had some serious back story, one of my attempts had about 3 pages of info for me to draw on but made a better bard than monk <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"> . To bad he "bought it" i think he would have been very interesting now.

Events should shape lives, otherwise, one is not a participant in the story. Group role-play is very different than writing; the player is not really in charge of the story, but instead is placed in the position of having some control over only one character.

Exactly; and amazing how a game can reflect real life isnt it. Another question i have is based on "self direction" to add to the character. My back story (vague as it is) has a motivator for my character. Do i (providing my character lasts long enough to gain notice) explain my character in the forums here? Or should i play some of it as a mystery, forcing people to wonder why i do the things i do? I like the mystery motivator, but wonder if the DMs will think im a loon if i go off in search of someone, or something that quite obviously doesnt exist, cause they didnt create it, i did.? 
 
One last question. I role play alot when there is nobody around, i spend alot of time talking, waving, noding, and greeting NPC's, trying to help in my motivator. Is this common? or am i a nut case and wasting my time. I did it a lot more often with other characters, it helps me develop adn i hope one day that one might start talking back..... 
 
 
thx for your time

Amirsyl · Post by **Amirsyl** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 6:50 pm

<blockquote>Quote:<hr>One last question. I role play alot when there is nobody around, i spend alot of time talking, waving, noding, and greeting NPC's, trying to help in my motivator. Is this common? or am i a nut case and wasting my time. I did it a lot more often with other characters, it helps me develop adn i hope one day that one might start talking back.....<hr></blockquote> 
 
I think alot of us RP while we are alone. It helps bring the PC to life in my eyes. Snd in the end, that's what we are trying to do. Whether or not a DM jumps in and takes control of the character you are talking with, I think you should continue to do it. How you interact with npcs, or just emote while you are walking around alone, helps to develope a great deal of idosyncrasies that you may never have thought of. Staying IC all the time, whether someone is around or even online is a part of this. 
 
Good luck here in the Vast, by the way. 
 

-Amir 
<hr />( Keth'ryl Lythar, Katliana Krynn, & Hûndin Crownshield ) 
 
<a href="http://www.smurfyone.com/nwn/portraits/">Click Here for Portrait Sets</a>

JeKylL351 · Post by **JeKylL351** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 8:26 pm

Welcome, welcome. Please feel free to ask about any questions you have. Most folks are willing and eager to help you out... That is as long as the town isn't under siege at the moment, heh. Anyway, it is good to see a new face around. Don't forget to have fun! <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif ALT=":D">

__________________ 
Login ID: JeKylL351 
Characters: Kenneth Proudmane, Rory Krow, Tomo, Henric Berdane and Glebur Bloodbeard.

L3 · Post by L3 » Tue Jul 04, 2006 9:21 pm

Welcome to the vast. I also spend most of my time online when there's noone else around owing to the hours I work. Perhaps our PCs can hang out and kick back a few cold ones at the Wayfarer sometime during these slow hours. Good luck with Zhoa.<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smokin.gif ALT=":smokin">

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