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Character Making Tutorial

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Stealthy Killington I
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« on: March 22, 2009, 04:16:01 pm »

Yeah, I'm not the official RP mod. Oh well. I have an epic guide to post here, so I'm gonna do it. Hopefully it'll be helpful to you guys who aren't familiar with RPing in making a good character sheet.

Character sheets play a big role in an RP. They determine who you play as in an RP, and the quality of them typically decides whether or not you are accepted into the RP. So if you make a character sheet like this:

Name: Bob da Pimp
Age: 2
Sex: lolyes
Race: god
Class: teh pwnzoar
Appearance: lol he looks like cloud, lol
Personality: lol like cloud's
Background: HE KILLED EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!11111111
Abilities: imacharginmalzur, IT KILLS EVERYBODY!!!!1111111111

Then you probably won't get into the RP, or at least you shouldn't. Here's a guide to how to properly make decisions to create a propre character.

Name: This should be relatively simple. Your name should fit the RP setting. I don't want to see any Frank Smiths in a DnD RP, and I don't want to see any Agruror Sidithis in an RP set in Earth. Your name should also fit your character class and race. Nightstalk Shadowfoot is more fitting for a rogue than Ironwall Hardstone. Race should also be a factor in your characters name. For example, Dwarves are beings of strength, so as such, a Dwarven name would be typically have strengthlike qualities in it. So Gardan Strongaxe would be better for a Dwarf than Slendi Softfoot. Also, don't use the name of somebody from an outside source. So I don't want to be seeing somebody playing as Aragorn, or Mike Tyson, or R2-D2. Make your own character, don't use somebody elses.

Age: This should be even simpler than your character's name. Your age should fit your character. If it is an RP where you play as High Schoolers, than your age should probably be between the ages of 14 and 18. Remember that age does play a factor, an 80 year old man will not be at the same performance level as one in their twenties. However, a master probably won't be very young either. Remember your race when determining your age. What's old for a human is young for an elf. So unless you're an elf or a lich, don't be making any characters over the age of 200.

Sex: This is the easiest of all of the aspects. It's simply one word. Are you male, or female. That simple. If I see the word yes as your answer to this section, I will tear your head off. Grow up, and be mature about it. And for those of you who want to be 'creative' and make a heshe, don't. It's just makes an awkward character, and weakens the seriousness of the roleplay. Even if it's an unserious RP, don't do it. Being genderless is accpetable depending on the character, so somebody like Waxed Mustache can get away with it. But other than special cases like that which will be typically reserved for unserious RPs, don't do it. Male or Female, that simple. Choose one, not both.

Race: Not all RPs will have this as an option. This is typically used in DnD RPs, and unless you're playing as an animal, it should never be in an Earth-based RP. I highly suggest not being a human unless neccessary, like if you're a human-only class, or a class best suited for humans. Humans are mundane and boring. They are vastly overused and honestly, not fun to RP with. Dwarves, gnomes, trolls, elves, anything else would be better. Anything but kobolds, yes UR fans, no kobolds. I don't want to see RPs being spammed by players saying kobold, so don't use it. FYI, UR Kobolds are not like DnD kobolds. For alliance members who aren't from the UR forums, the show depicts kobolds as brown fuzzy creatures who live in mountains and constantly say the word 'kobold'.

Class: As with Race, this is not always used in an RP, although it is more common than Race. In a DnD type of RP, you should have a class that fits your race. Dwarves do not make good wizards, and Elves do not make good barbarians. Also, the one thing that is almost always associated with the ever overused human, is the fighter class. Seriously, a fighter is just a guy with a sword. Choose something interesting. Prestige classes are good references for this. So instead of the boring fighter, choose something more interesting, like an Exotic Weapons Master, you still get to be a guy with a weapon who fights, but now you're more interesting. Also, if you're joining later into an RP, have your class be suited to the party's needs. If the group lacks a healer, make a cleric. If you still want to be able to fight, make a cleric with a sword, or a Paladin. As for non-DnD RPs, you can be anything that fits the RP. Standard infantrymen are the fighters of non-DnD RPs. Choose a sniper, or a pilot, or an engineer, be something with a specialty. You can easily make your submachine gunner more interesting by making him a paratrooper.

Appearance: This is one of the longer parts of a character sheet. This should probably be at least a paragraph in length. This is pretty self-explanatory really, what does your character look like? Explain their clothing/armor and the features of their body. Don't forget height and build either, as they're important in the look of your character. Add a few descerning features like scars, tattoos, or birthmarks. Your appearance should fit your race, your class, and your personality. Gnomes are short, so don't make a 7' gnome. Barbarians are not small folk, so make them strong. And a person who is of a shady personality should look like a shady person.

Personality: Another one of the longer parts of a character sheet. This should also be at least a paragraph. This will determine how your character acts, and for the love of God, stick to it. Some character development occuring throughout the RP is acceptable as there could be some events where it is perfectly acceptable to change the way that your character acts. In fact, it could be considered bad RPing if you don't depending on the situation. Don't put Lawful Good, because that's just boring and doesn't really show how your character will act. Listing the generic traits of a fantasy novel hero. Be creative. Be the anti-social creeper, be the evil man who wants to rule the world. Something different. It's more fun to DM, it's more fun to play as, and it makes a better RP. Make sure that your Personality fits your Race, Class, and Appearance. If you're going to be an elf, don't be a maniac with anger management issues. If you're going to be an Assassin, don't be loudmouthed and obnoxious. If you're a small and frail person, then don't be an arrogant warmongerer. Failure to do this could result in a quick death, especially with those last two examples. A personality should not only contain how your character acts, but how they act towards others as well.

Background: This is what should take up the bulk of your character sheet. What is the past of your character? This should probably be at least two paragraphs, but don't write an entire freaking novel. Many DMs have lives you know. Saying, nobody knows much about his past, is not acceptable. Even if nobody knows much about it, he still has one. Same with, Orc raids killed my parents. That has been done to death. Be creative. The possibilities are endless. Make sure that it complies with your Personality. If your character is a clown that escaped the circus, he should have a clown-like personality. A background should also explain how the character developed the personality they have. The specific events that shaped the demeanor of your character.

Abilities: This is the least common aspect put into a character sheet skeleton. This is used when DMs want to let you choose what your character can do in terms of abilities. Do not make yourself completely overpowered here. Make sure that your powers suit your class. Knights typically don't have the ability to cast a spell. Put the amount of abilities the DM states that you can have, don't use more. Feel free to use less, but don't use more. Simply list the name of your ability, and describe what it does. Make sure that the name is easy to remember so that you can easily use it while roleplaying. The biggest problem that comes with this section of a character sheet is people editting their abilities. So abilities are typically given by the DM if used to prevent this.

So, use this guide to make epically awesome characters, or at least un-suckish ones. And remember, be creative.
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« Reply #1 on: March 22, 2009, 04:23:46 pm »

I'm considering making an example of a totally badass sheet, just to show people who don't know how it's done.
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Stealthy Killington I
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« Reply #2 on: March 22, 2009, 04:26:32 pm »

I'm considering making an example of a totally badass sheet, just to show people who don't know how it's done.
I'm just copy pasting one I made for FSM.

Name:
Joseph Garrel

Physical Description:
Joseph is a broad and strong man. Despite the fact that he is in his early fifties, it doesn't impact his well-being at all. Joseph isn't as healthy and strong as he was when he was in his twenties, he's healthier. Age has no hold on the vitality of Joseph Garrel. Joseph is strong, and well muscled from years of experience as an engineer. Standing tall at 6'3", and weighing in just under 200 pounds, it's obvious that he is stong and powerful, not somebody to be trifled with. One would think that with his build and form that he would be the leader, or a machinegunner, or something similar, but no, Joseph is an engineer, and a damn good one at that. Despite his bulkiness, he is still able to take on the hardest of engineering jobs. He is a master at his craft. Obviously, Joseph's strengths have helped him greatly as an engineer, as he can easily manage the parts that he has without mechanical support. The only help he needs are from his power tools. And even at that...

Joseph's dark black skin and crew cut hair work with his shape to create the image of a strong and fearless soldier. And also one of not wanting to be messed with. His imposing form is completed by his face. His mouth is typically in a half snarl, unimpressed by the world. His nose is wrinkled in accordance to his mouth, and the nostrils of it are occasionally flaring. His eyes, his eyes are either focused intently upon something, or have been encompassed by a wild and frenzied look. Unforgiving. Untamed. Joseph's general expression is either with scrutiny, anger, or intense focus. As per the armies protocol, Joseph is clean shaven, not letting any facial hair get in his way. It's not Joseph's favorite policy, but he understands the rational behind it and has complied accordingly. Although his face does tend to get scruffy if he doesn't shave in a few days.

Personality:
Joseph's personality is generally one of three things. He either is angry, silent, or a leader. Joseph does not take well to annoyances, and will become frustrated with them. Whether they be difficulties with a repair job, while he is building a tool, or an irritating comrade, Joseph doesn't take kindly to it. Joseph doesn't ignore the problem, he fixes the problem. The method of such fixing varies for each situation. Joseph doesn't get angry often, but when he does, it is not a pretty sight. One has to do something pretty bad to **** him off, and they usually regret it. They regret it alot. Joseph is not somebody that one would want to have angry at them, especially considering his size and strength. He could do some serious damage to a person or object. If the agitator happens to be an object, then he works harder at fixing it. His repair job becomes more brutal, more effective and faster, but more brutal. Much more brutal. If it were a sentient being, then he would surely be jailed for his actions.

Normally, Joseph acts as the quiet veteran. He silently works at his repairments. He is silent as he walks, as he works, as he acts. Speaking does not play a large part in his life. Joseph focuses less on speaking and more on working, and accomplishing. Getting things done is most important thing to Joseph, especially getting them done well. Joseph believes that talking would deviate focus from his job, and lessen the quality. To Joseph, that is unacceptable. Joseph's has a philosophy, if it's not completed with your best effort, then it might as well not be done at all. When people talk to him, he tends not to respond most of the time. And when he does, the answers are brief and to the point, not really elaborating on anything. He tries to give the impression that he doesn't want to talk to somebody, although that point doesn't always get across. Mostly, he wants to just get his work done and be let be. However, deep down, Joseph is a kindhearted fellow, although that quality has been suppressed by events in his life.

But aside from his raging furies, there is one other time when Joseph often speaks. When he is acting like a leader. It's part of the veteran package you see. Joseph can be a strong leader, and an effective one. He does so effectively when leading a team of repairmen. Joseph has always been capable of effectively leading others, as most are afraid of disobeying him. Joseph's perfectionist nature creates a bit of a burden among those he leads, but normally, this burden has positive consequences. When Joseph is being led, he will put in his two cents, but normally he treats his commanding officer with the same respect he would expect from his charges. Joseph views it as a circle, respecting your commander causes your commander to respect you, and vice versa. Even when Joseph knows that he could do a better job of being a leader, he still complies and respects the leader. Mostly it is because Joseph believes that doing so will give his say more leverage in the mind of the commanding officer, so that the squad will become a more effective unit.

History:
Joseph Garrel was born into a family of the lower-middle class. They were had enough money to get by, but they weren't buying any fancy plasma screen TVs anytime soon. The Garrel's were all big and strong, and they had been for a long time. He was the second of five in his family. In fact, at 6'3", Joseph was the runt of the family. Amazing as it is, he was. His father was working in a construction company, and his mom worked at the ticket booth at Broadway. Neither of them were college educated. Both of his parents were good-hearted folk, and were very friendly. Because of that, many people gave the family money to support themselves with, although a good portion of that money was then in turn given to others worse off than the Garrel's were. They were good people, and well-liked. They made sacrifices, but they got through them.

Of course, this didn't last long. Shortly after Joseph was born, his father was recruited into the military, and shipped out to Vietnam. The family took a real blow from it. After some talks with the construction company, they came to an agreement where the Garrels would receive a small percentage of Mr. Garrel's paycheck while he was serving overseas. But even then, Joseph's mom had to work overtime and get a second job to support the family. Times were tough for the Garrels. But then, the bad news came. Joseph's dad had died. He had but a month left before returning home. Joseph was only a toddler, but it the tragedy still reverberated throughout his mind and warped it. Joseph had changed forever. No longer was he to be a happy go lucky guy in his future. No. He would become a hardened, serious, and silent man.

No event in Joseph's childhood was able to shake that off. None. Joseph did pretty well in school. He always focused on his schoolwork to keep his mind off of his father, developing his perfectionist nature. But as an unfortunate side-effect, he developed much internal unrest, and when let loose, his temper would be revealed. It was during his schooltime years that Joseph found something that he greatly enjoyed. The art of mechanics. It got his mind off of his father's fate, and he was very good at it. Instead of going to all of the great colleges offering him scholarships, Joseph applied to an engineering trade school. There, he proved to be better than many others there. He ended up graduating at top of his class. But it wasn't two months after he was hired as an auto-mechanic in a local shop that he heard some more bad news. After years of grief and hardship, his mother had died.

But this time, Joseph wasn't hit as hard as last time. He shut it out. Slowly, he lost contact with his siblings, until he reached the point that there was no way for him to find them. They could be dead, or in space, or gang leaders, and Joseph wouldn't know. Joseph was busy becoming a very accomplished mechanic, and he was doing it fast. He was the top mechanic in the shop that he worked at, and was attracting attention from many of the bigger industrial companies, who all wanted him to come help them create new products to sell. Joseph's life was going pretty good. But like everything in Joseph's life, it wouldn't last very long. As a memorial to his father, Joseph had signed up in the Army Reserves, and he had long forgotten about it. What an awakening when the call came to have him come serve the army. Joseph was afraid that signing up was the biggest mistake of his life.

Joseph was enlisted as an army engineer, and after excelling in his gunmanship training (He had alot of practice with a nail gun), Joseph was shipped out for active duty. One could go on and on about Joseph's military career, he was very successful and had man accomplishments. The remarkable events were numerous. There was the time when he met his nephew, when he got the Medal of Honor, and of course, all of the innovations that he had made. Joseph was a highly decorated member of the United States Army, and a natural choice for Alpha Wolf Team. Even though Joseph didn't have to stay in the Army as long as he has, he stayed because he wants to. His job is to serve his country as best as he could now, and he wasn't going to leave that job until it was finished.
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Itsuki Koizumi
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« Reply #3 on: March 22, 2009, 06:51:56 pm »

Bob da Pimp was a good character.
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Stealthy Killington I
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« Reply #4 on: March 22, 2009, 06:53:59 pm »

Bob da Pimp was a good character.
He was too good for his own good. He had to be put down.
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« Reply #5 on: March 25, 2009, 05:42:52 am »

What about "Phil Da Playa"?
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« Reply #6 on: March 25, 2009, 05:01:04 pm »

What about "Phil Da Playa"?
Phil Da Playa<Bob da Pimp. Phil sucks.
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« Reply #7 on: March 26, 2009, 12:26:19 am »

Name: PHILLY MC AWESOME
Age: OVER 9000 LOLOLOLOLO
Sex: NAO PLOX
Race: CHUCK NORIS
Class: TEH BITCHEN'IST CLASS EVA
Appearance: SEXY
Personality: HAWT
Background: HE JUST ATE A GRAPE AND JIZZED IN HIS PANTS
Abilities: JIZZING IN PANTS TO IMPRESS TEH LADIES WHILE ON A BOAT!!

=/ So can I join?
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« Reply #8 on: March 26, 2009, 02:33:43 pm »

Name: PHILLY MC AWESOME
Age: OVER 9000 LOLOLOLOLO
Sex: NAO PLOX
Race: CHUCK NORIS
Class: TEH BITCHEN'IST CLASS EVA
Appearance: SEXY
Personality: HAWT
Background: HE JUST ATE A GRAPE AND JIZZED IN HIS PANTS
Abilities: JIZZING IN PANTS TO IMPRESS TEH LADIES WHILE ON A BOAT!!

=/ So can I join?

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!11111 u d0nt h4v3 1s 4ft3r ur !s n ph1lly 1s a dum n4m3 n u d0nt sp34k l33t kthxbai!!!!!!!!!!!11111!111!!!one
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« Reply #9 on: March 26, 2009, 02:35:20 pm »

You know, Mr. Rodríguez, I find it very odd, and a little disconcerting, that you took so much time to make a fake, useless character sheet in this thread, Not the guide, the sheet, and yet I find there NO guideline for making RP's in and of themselves. No rules, no hints, no basic "No-no's", Nothing. I don't mean to sound crass, but might I suggest you make one, possibly similar to those found on the Unforgotten Realms forum. Plase forgive me if this is too off topic, and also for talking so fancy. I feel smart right now, and my typing reflects my mood.
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Stealthy Killington I
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« Reply #10 on: March 26, 2009, 04:59:45 pm »

You know, Mr. Rodríguez, I find it very odd, and a little disconcerting, that you took so much time to make a fake, useless character sheet in this thread, Not the guide, the sheet, and yet I find there NO guideline for making RP's in and of themselves. No rules, no hints, no basic "No-no's", Nothing. I don't mean to sound crass, but might I suggest you make one, possibly similar to those found on the Unforgotten Realms forum. Plase forgive me if this is too off topic, and also for talking so fancy. I feel smart right now, and my typing reflects my mood.
I'm not the RP mod, if you actually read the guide, you'd see that I stated so in the very first line. I just had this guide handy and posted it.
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« Reply #11 on: March 30, 2009, 12:42:09 am »

Name: Eats Mcbabies.
Age: He gains the life of the children he eats.
Sex: Only after eating babies.
Race: Baby eater.
Class: Baby eater.
Appearance: Looks like someone who eats babies.
Personality: Baby eater.
Background: Ate a baby.
Abilities: Eats babies?

Make something like that and I guarantee you will get shot.
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« Reply #12 on: March 30, 2009, 04:56:28 am »

Name: Eats Mcbabies.
Age: He gains the life of the children he eats.
Sex: Only after eating babies.
Race: Baby eater.
Class: Baby eater.
Appearance: Looks like someone who eats babies.
Personality: Baby eater.
Background: Ate a baby.
Abilities: Eats babies?

Make something like that and I guarantee you will get shot.
/shoot

Man, you were right, my friend.
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