What kind of char do you play in RPGs? (mage or fighter, good or evil...)

[Tasaio]

Greetings,

I love Baldur's Gate, KOTOR II, and NWN2. These are PC games based on D&D, hence they allow you to play a character with an "alignment":

lawful, neutral, or chaotic

and

good, neutral, or evil

Before discovering Steve & Erin, I was always a neutral good mage. Now, though, I find myself playing more evil, chaotic, warrior-based chars. (This is my own form of personal development)

I've also admitted to myself that it's possible for intelligent people to play a non-magic user class. I used to think that only real-life barbarians played barbarians.

My question is, what kind of char do you play? Has it changed after finding Steve's blog?

Is your character similar to yourself? I always thought math/programming ~= magic, hence my choice to be a wizard. And I would be a terrible bard.

[da1prophet]

Originally Posted by Tasaio

Greetings,

I love Baldur's Gate, KOTOR II, and NWN2. These are PC games based on D&D, hence they allow you to play a character with an "alignment":

lawful, neutral, or chaotic

and

good, neutral, or evil

Before discovering Steve & Erin, I was always a neutral good mage. Now, though, I find myself playing more evil, chaotic, warrior-based chars. (This is my own form of personal development)

I've also admitted to myself that it's possible for intelligent people to play a non-magic user class. I used to think that only real-life barbarians played barbarians.

My question is, what kind of char do you play? Has it changed after finding Steve's blog?

Is your character similar to yourself? I always thought math/programming ~= magic, hence my choice to be a wizard. And I would be a terrible bard.

I haven't played paper or video RPG's in years but this is a great question. I never thought that my choices were a reflection of my real life character--I always gravitated toward the characters that were more fun to play. I always liked clerics and priests for some reason, though I'm fairly agnostic in real life. And I did have a soft spot for thieves and the like.

I'd imagine that if my choices were more a manifestation of my real life characters/personality that there would have been some changes post Pavlina. For me, though, I just picked that characters that I thought would be the most fun to play....

Bards suck anyway ; )

[Mark Lapierre]

I try to play a bit of every race and class and alignment. I like keeping things balanced, and exploring all opportunities. When I played computer RPGs I'd spend ages scouring the entire explorable world, rather than just jumping from one major quest location to the next.

When I used to play WoW I had about 10 different characters all up to around level 40. All my friends had level 60 chars but I enjoyed trying different things along the way rather than striving to get to the top.

I do tend to gravitate towards chaotic good magic users. Intellectuals out for their own enjoyment, willing to help others but doing so on their own terms. That's me

None of that has changed since beginning the personal development process in earnest.

[Holden McNeil]

I'm addicted to RPGs, especially the MMORPGs like EverQuest and WoW (haven't gotten into WoW for fear that I'll never come out of my bedroom ever again - maybe for food... maybe )

As for a class, I always went for the evil guy, basically because they looked cool and had the powa. The good classes/races always had this air of pompousness, like some goody-goody. So the Dark Elf Necromancers, and the Iksar (lizard) Monks. Awesome. But underneath I was just a softie. I think the class people could point to what the person wants be more like, or admires. I shouldn't have played the PvP servers. I really didn't like fighting actual people. I felt too mean. Once I had all this cured silk I wanted to sell, and this little gnome midget Necro (another race) offered to buy it off me. After he made the transaction he proceeded to whoop my ass and take his money back off my dead corpse. My faith in humanity was not quite as balanced after that.

[Minsc]

In Baldur's Gate I'd always have a party of warriors, mages, clerics/druids, and a theif.
(one or two warriors and mages, two clerics)
So one of those. And I'd play on good since you can't buy or sell if you play evil and have a low reputation like you should.

But I'll always pick the warrior in an RPG and evil if it's there.

And I don't pick anything that's just a crappy version of two other classes.

[backpocket]

I love being a chaotic neutral bordering on evil in the game, not caring about the cause or results as long as i get more gold and experience. I think there's just a hidden need inside me to be a bad ass in the game.

[m0vingon]

I play a NE druid in WoW. Honestly, not being a gamer (n00b) when I started, I just wanted to be able to shapeshift. But just the same, I am an ally through and through. I now also have a human warlock, which I suppose appeals to my dark side?

[Freelancer]

In wow;
My main character used to be a human/undead warlock (ugh I can't stick to ONE character ). But I always end up playing a ton of different characters, the only one that never sticked was a paladin...

In some other games;
I usually was some kind of magical type of character and picking alignment based on what looks 'cool'.

Not sure if this is representative of actual real life person...

[dingybobstuart]

Im currently playing thru Elderscrolls 4: Oblivion.
My character is a Dark Elf (currently level 18). Im listener (highest rank) in the dark brotherhood (guild of perverted assassins), Gray fox (highest rank) of the thievs guild... i just started the fighter guild quests and plan on doing the mages after that.
While there is no alignment as such in the game, i would say im pretty evil.
I substitue proper armour for enchanted clothing that offers 0 armour protection... but greatly helps me sneak (im an expert of sneak) and greatly enhances my marksman skills (expert of marksman aswell)... so im basically an evil sniper who steals things
Spells and magic dont interest me much in rpg style games... though i will be getting right into it later in the game, purely so i can keep the game going for as long as possible.

Anyone else play oblivion?

[smallstar]

My favourite character is a stealthy, sneaky, athletic female rogue - the exact opposite of me in real life.

[bettyboo11]

In WOW, I played a human mage for a while.. my boyfriend tried to get me to play Horde (evil side) with him, but I refused.. they were just so ugly and I couldn't imagine why someone would choose to play on the bad guy's side when given a choice!

Then I relented and started an Undead Priest -- an evil priest, how paradoxical, haha. I grew fond of her bag of bones and PalMal-esque voice..she was really a blast, and then I got tired of following people around and healing them during instances.. and being unable to level on my own.

So there ya go..haha. I love this post for bringing out the n3rd in me!

[Shaden]

I like to pick someone evil and try to make them into a good person or vice versa. It's an interesting process which bemuses my friends but makes the game a lot more interesting. Imagine a blonde cleric sneaking through a rich mansion and stealing valuable items or an undead zombie running around a battlefield curing people.

Playing like this is always a challenge because the character you choose is never suited to the role you've assigned them. But it makes it more interesting; rather then just being another bloodthirsty warrior, you're something different.

[Freelancer]

Originally Posted by dingybobstuart

Anyone else play oblivion?

I am currently playing oblivion as a lvl 4 battlemage (heavy armor+blade and some magic basically) and enjoying myself, going to restart (AGAIN) soon because I want to become a warrior with loads of armor and just kill loads of things.

[dingybobstuart]

Originally Posted by Freelancer

I am currently playing oblivion as a lvl 4 battlemage (heavy armor+blade and some magic basically) and enjoying myself, going to restart (AGAIN) soon because I want to become a warrior with loads of armor and just kill loads of things.

Hehe sounds good.

Ive toyed with the thought of restarting to try a new character... but the thought of doing everything all over again sickens me lol

[Freelancer]

Originally Posted by dingybobstuart

Hehe sounds good.

Ive toyed with the thought of restarting to try a new character... but the thought of doing everything all over again sickens me lol

Haha well I never got further than lvl 4ish so that problem isn't really there for me.

Perhaps start a new character 'mage' typish and do all the mage quests (trinket him all out)?

Ps. My nice little warrior is now lvl 3 and progressing nicely lol. Go go a heavily armored sneaking wasp that backstabs whenever your not paying attention.
Also just finished the quest where you need to murder a entire sanctuary...

[Michael Chui]

I play skill-based RPGs, when they're computer-based. But the last character I created was on a creative-writing RPG; he was a young traveling maester (physician) who had been trained as an astrologer. Of course, there was a lot more... nuance to his character, but if I get any more nostalgic about Teagan, I'll start posting excerpts from the writing.

[Mark Lapierre]

Originally Posted by Michael Chui

...but if I get any more nostalgic about Teagan, I'll start posting excerpts from the writing.

Please do!

[JMan]

Usually Neutral Good, either Fighter or Cleric

I'm experimenting with a Chaotic Neutral Sorcerer right now though, and love the 'randomness' of what he may or may not do - makes for good roll play!

[Michael Chui]

Originally Posted by Mark Lapierre

Please do!

Heh, alright. Posted without any editing; if something doesn't make sense, point it out and I'll explain.

"Drop a stone into a pond, and you see ripples. For every action taken, there is resultant impact."
- The Laws Nonae, Law of Consequence

The bustle of the town was a blanket around their shoulders, reminding them of the familiarity of people and their antics. His hand curled around the familiar wood of his walking staff, Teagan gazed at the stable briefly before regarding the inn. The amiable din of a waning afternoon would have provided sufficient cover for a pickpocket, in a town this size, but he was a maester, and his craft bestowed some respect for his apparent blindness. The display of the healer's mark had other effects, though.

He did not see the dark-haired woman behind him, until he felt twin taps upon his shoulder. "You're a maester?"

"Yes." The maester Mirandus turned slowly, all the time in the world in his hands.

She spoke, "My friend--" But his face surprised her. "You look familiar. Never mind. My friend is sick and needs attention. Do you have time, maester?"

His countenance remained unchanged, unaltered. "Yes." He nodded politely to the soldiers trine and departed, close on the heels of the woman.

[OOC: At this point, Teagan is no longer with the group. I've discussed this with Archmage, and will be making a few posts to this subplot, which will not be available for interaction with other PCs at this time.]

FROM DISTAFF TO SPINDLE

The house could have been kept better. Throughout the rooms, there were clear demarcations in decorative style and kemptness, and a blonde waved a greeting to his guide in passing. The woman and the maester continued through a maze of laundry up the stairs to the bedside of a suffering youngster.

The maester began with alacrity, much information already noted from the brief interrogation during the trip. He considered the boy with some curiosity, his delicate hands passing where propriety denied but medicine permitted, and finally nodded in conclusion. A quick conversation and the woman left, while Teagan murmured a kind word to the bedridden fellow. It was some time, but a portly sage with a keen eye joined them in the bedroom.

"A travelling maester, eh? Not so many of your kind, these days." He offered the fresh herbs, of which Teagan had none. The traveler smiled thinly.

"I've found no place I'd like to settle, and it is good for the body to travel."

A chuckle answered his response. "A convenience and a blessing. Do you have a name, brother?"

The smile disappeared, and the traveler's face became a silent film for delicate seconds. When he spoke, it was unembellished, proud, unyielding. "Teagan Mirandus." The name had the expected effect, creasing the local maester's face with a frown. "You have a reputation."

"If you do not trust me, you may care for the boy, since you are unoccupied."

The offer was given consideration. "Yes, but," it didn't seem right. "Let me pay you for the trouble..." When is charity an insult? When is a gift unwittingly poisoned? "At least a meal, or a night's rest. You are human," but not enough to be forgiven. "Brother."

Teagan was immobile, irresolute. His face, stiff, and his hands trembled; he did not respond. The local maester shifted, leaning forward to press his case.

"He may stay the night with us." Her offer took them both aback, and Teagan managed to express that it was not a necessity. Before another word was spoken, the reason they were all there gave off a loud, hacking cough. It was a subtle reminder.

The portly man, some small part of the matter decided, stepped past and began fashioning his remedies. The two watched his operations, retreating to the other end of the room where they seated themselves. Teagan watched for a short time, until it was clear there was nothing new to learn. The flap of a satchel lifted and he extracted his notebook, gazing at it.

Then she spoke. "You don't remember me, Teagan?"

His grip on the notebook tightened. "I remember." Deliberately, he set it aside as he let his gaze rest on the patient. "But not much. It has been a long time, and there has been much to think about on the road."

"You became a maester." Her voice was coaxing.

"Yes."

"But?"

Teagan bowed his head, allowing his hair to drape past his neck. "I am afraid that healing is not my calling." He turned, then. "But I do care about those I heal. I have learned." She didn't seem interested in his reassurance.

"He doesn't trust you."

The travelling maester shook his head. "I don't ask for his trust; I am merely passing through."

"You're a good healer, Teagan."

"You would know." He finally met her eyes. "Sarah."

"Will you stay the night?"

The question seemed to still something inside him. He reconsidered, before he answered, and she waited. "I can." Gesturing with a hand, he added, "I am on my way to the capital, with a friend. His mother is sick." He shook his head, standing. "Is there somewhere where I may meditate?" Sarah nodded, led him out the door across the hallway into another room. It was tidy, though the signs of life graced every wall. It was her room. "Thank you. And let the maester know this is more than enough payment." This, she acknowledged without comment and left him in peace with his thoughts.

Obviously, there's more to the story both before and after, but that's a single post.

[Mark Lapierre]

Hmmm, I'm glad I asked

Though I don't follow why Sarah asked for Teagan's help if there was a local maester available. Obviously there is history between them, but she didn't seem to know that when she first approached him. Is it simply that maesters are trusted (at least in general) and so she asked for his help because she encountered him first, on the way to see the local maester perhaps?

[Freelancer]

Interesting story there, give us more.

[Michael Chui]

Originally Posted by Mark Lapierre

Is it simply that maesters are trusted (at least in general) and so she asked for his help because she encountered him first, on the way to see the local maester perhaps?

*makes it up* Like any maester, Teagan was wearing a symbol that advertised he was a maester. Maesters are a very well-known profession in the lands in general, since they're your equivalent of a doctor. (Everyone knows what a doctor is. The "mark" is as indicative as a stethoscope and lab coat.)

As I recall it, she was on her way to find the local maester (who would either have been at his own place or out attending someone), but she saw Teagan's back first.

Originally Posted by Freelancer

Interesting story there, give us more.

Heh. This probably isn't the correct forum for that. I'll see about making it available somewhere.

[Freelancer]

Heh. This probably isn't the correct forum for that. I'll see about making it available somewhere.

You'll probably right, the thread has been derailed sufficiently now.

Keep me updated if you get a place to post it all (I love sci fi stories).

[MarkusL]

i thought that Laguna Loire from final fantasy VIII was a great character to emulate. He's one of those characters that does not lead by force. I like how he's easygoing and always not taking anything seriously. Kinda reminds me of me. hehe

[Jross22]

When very young I was drawn to Clerics who were very logical and careful.

Later I play a pair of Rakasta-- a race much like the Thundercats, only specifically Tiger headed-- Fighter/magi. Arrogant, aggressive, and very generous with their power. Designated chaotic good, the young one learned Demonology from his father and would probably followed down the dark path without his partner's help. The other one studied to be an emperor until his sorcery teacher prophesied that he would topple the government of his own land. Now he and his protege (the demonologist) topple CORRUPT governments (and other bullies) for a living.

How might he topple a government, allowed to do whatever it wanted for years while he studied the art of deposing tyrants on the field of battle? LOL, I love prophecy.

Anyhow, now for the reading, if anybody is still listening! How does this reflect on my personality or character?

[ssandra]

I don't play much (hardly anything actually).

the only one that I played was Fable (2 and 3). And I really liked it.

I'm good of course. I couldn't be bad. I literally, simply couldn't.

Do you know the part in Fable 3 where you are in a prison and you have to make a few choices? Those choices do absolutely nothing for you. Don't give you experience, don't give you points, NOTHING!

Except, when you go against the wishes of the evil one, it drains all your experience.

And yes, I had to do that. I had to feed the poor prisoners and kill another one fast... nothing to show for it, except less experience points. All gone.

And although I get that it is just a game, I couldn't let the people starve, or see the other one being tortured....

So playing an evil character? Impossible!!

[Cado]

I tend toward chaotic good warrior/rogue types with a bit of magic mixed in if the game offers it. A good blade and strong legs beats a fireball any day so long as you keep your wits about you, plus there's a certain satisfaction in knocking those smug magicians down a peg or two.

It fits my actual personality scarily well.

[elucidate]

I don't play much. I did try this Samurai game once at my brothers and he was supposed to be a good guy but I didn't get the button thing too well and kept killing civilians, really viciously killing them, but I had no idea what moves I was making I kinda just went nuts pressing buttons.

It was awful because they started guilt tripping me too, and actively avoiding me...shaking their heads. It was virtual so the characters looked really real too..plus my brother was guilt tripping me as well.

[ZephyrusX]

This made me laugh

I never really liked online role playing games. I onced played a free one called Nexus, I think. I some how inadvertently made a female looking warrior that was really a male. When I found out, I spent half my time trying to get a female to marry me. No one would.

Originally Posted by elucidate

I don't play much. I did try this Samurai game once at my brothers and he was supposed to be a good guy but I didn't get the button thing too well and kept killing civilians, really viciously killing them, but I had no idea what moves I was making I kinda just went nuts pressing buttons.

It was awful because they started guilt tripping me too, and actively avoiding me...shaking their heads. It was virtual so the characters looked really real too..plus my brother was guilt tripping me as well.

[aelle]

I played a lot of Baldur's Gate and the like in my youth, and I play table top RPGs these days. I used to play mostly chaotic good druid or rogue characters. Pretty similar to my real life character, but pretty boring to play. Besides, I find that online RPGs lend themselves more to metagaming rather than roleplaying (ie you do what's good for the adventure rather than what's in character for your avatar).

These days I find it more challenging to play characters that are radically different from me, or that reflect my flaws rather than my qualities. In my current Savage Worlds campaign I play a super nerdy blacksmith who's a coward and a cheat. I've messed up a few fights by running away screaming or hiding behind a couch when I could have helped my party members, but it's a lot funnier!