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I have made so so many characters, some have had good roleplay and lasted a decent amount of time. But i haven't in a looong time playing here, managed to stick to a character long enough to get well emersed into it.

Does any one have any tips? Suggestions? Even interesteing character idea's would be most helpful. |Thankyu|

A long time goal that your character can constantly strive towards. Some players like to create families, some players like to try and be the top of the evil food chain. Best market players, or simply trying to become a hero.

In addition to what Craig said, it also helps to get your character involved in a faction or some kind of lasting roleplay, because that gives you a reason to keep coming back to the character. Of course, a healthy dose of motivation to play your character is the best medicine.

Yup I agree with ol neus, course factions can bring added stress which could lead to an unwillingness to play with the character. Though increased friends through a faction is always good motivation to log on and have fun.

Another thought sprang to mind, try only playing one character. I find increasing my characters is unfair since timesharing between them often means I miss out on oppertunities on all of them to further goals etc.

Sticking to a character helps, as well as joining a faction.

Personally; Don't define your character too much.

It doesn't matter what they were when they got off the boat or arrived in the city, when compared to what they'll become through RP and evolution.

Making a ton of definitions about your character in solidarity restricts your options in this way.

Brighti wrote:

I have made so so many characters, some have had good roleplay and lasted a decent amount of time. But i haven't in a looong time playing here, managed to stick to a character long enough to get well emersed into it.

Does any one have any tips? Suggestions? Even interesteing character idea's would be most helpful. |Thankyu|

Write down the ideas on a piece of paper ordering them from best to worst. Perma-kill the character with the worst idea in some public scene cuz people like blood, and it could make some good RP. Play the characters with the best ideas until you are satisfied, then kill them off making new characters with the other ideas of the characters you've perma killed.

Craig deathwalker wrote:

Yup I agree with ol neus, course factions can bring added stress which could lead to an unwillingness to play with the character. Though increased friends through a faction is always good motivation to log on and have fun.

Another thought sprang to mind, try only playing one character. I find increasing my characters is unfair since timesharing between them often means I miss out on oppertunities on all of them to further goals etc.

I can attest to that. I currently have two active characters who always have something going on for them, and some days is such a struggle trying to decide which one to get, that I end up not playing at all and just loggout to browse the forums or read a book. >.>

As another player who's played the same character for over four years, give it a try.

Also, what WonWon said - don't write a book on where your character is from, etc. etc. Just always stay in character, and interact with your fellow PC's. As you do, your character's personality will develop.

Welcome back, and above all rememeber - it's a game.

Games are meant to have fun.

Regards,

Torin started off as this vague dude with psionic powers who may have been born roughly "Out there" in the general direction of Claimshan and Portal.

That's all I started with. A physical description, and the knowledge that he was tutored by his Grandfather. I tend to flesh my characters out as I play them. I don't really have any good advice as to how to create a lasting character, except for one thing:

A social character, in my experience, inevitably has a better, and more fulfilling character life. Doesn't need to be a nice social, but a reason to interact, to form friends and enemies. Be nosy. Get involved. Carve outa niche for your character in the server., Doesn't even need to be a UNIQUE niche.

I dunno. I'm rambling. A lot of this is things you'll need to find out for yourself. But when you find it, you'll know.

Another suggestion I would put forth is try to avoid making the crux of your character something that would require other PC to "learn" things about you. This rarely happens (at least in my experience) and can lead to many dead ends. Focus on goals you can physically accomplish rather than who he/she is. But led that guide the actions.

You can make a perfectly good character without divulging your life story at evry turn: Exhibit A - Yossarin. Exhibit B - Vyashir. Exhibit C - Earylduil. Exhibit D - ...well, there's a lot but those are 3 of the ones I see the most.

EDIT: In fact... in my... not so humble opinion... you area BETTER person for it. I mean, if you're lookniga at it from the ego angle, what could be cooler than, Imean... not telling people your life story... but to have PCs, *players* so interested in your character that they absolutely CRAVE to learn a tidbit about him? Something to glean a little insight... find out why she/she ticks. Now that's interest.

Personally, I HATE it when I meet a character and know their entire life story after 10 minutes. No offence, but it usually just comes off as attention seeking. On the other hand, I have been on the end of the stick where my character had a complex backstory, based on years of playing her, that explained all her actions and attitudes... but nobody ever bothered to ask even the simplest of questions (like why a level 30 Dev Critting WM spent so much time hunting Goblins and Orcs).

There's a balance in how these things should come out, and both parties should meet each other half way. You should never be revealing your deepest darkest secrets and/or torments as soon as you meet someone, but you should drop hints that may prompt an attentive player to ask questions. You should also be paying attention to the RP of others and follow up on things that they say or do later on, even when, especially when, they tell you to mind your own business.

My almost only character ever on Amia (until a few days ago) started with nothing more then 'sneak attack is always cool'. Just went from there. Unless you plan on following a specific Code (religious usually) then I will re-iterate the 'no back story or specific build idea'. There tends to be more personal feeling in the character then.

My best, longest-lasting characters have always started out as temporary joke characters that I never intended to have around for more than a couple weeks. You just never know what ideas will stick. Something that looks good on paper or in your head may turn out to just be hackneyed and gimmicky by the time you start playing. On the other hand, an idea that you don't intend to take seriously could suddenly catch on and be the most fun you'll ever have.

And no character concept survives contact with another player. Just try to be fluid, and let the environment influence your character's personality instead of sticking with a rigid concept no matter what.

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And no character concept survives contact with another player. Just try to be fluid, and let the environment influence your character's personality instead of sticking with a rigid concept no matter what.

Ah hah. Ys. This. Do not be afraid to let your character drift and stray from what he might have originally been.

Torin was shifted to Chaotic Evil as a result of some toying about with a Deck of Hazards. The DM involved immediately offered to change my alignment back if I wanted.. I declined, and over the course of the next few weeks had some of the most developing RP for my character.

Join a faction. That was the only thing that kept me playing Amenia.
And now I love her and h-her s-s-stuttering again

Well, I been playing illithira since I first arrived on the server, she's gone through three rebuilds to fit her story, she had quite an extensive background story as well and she has such a depth of character that I don't always get bored of playing her. I take breaks from her to play other characters but always come back to her. Reason, she's as complex as a real life person.

Elithiel, my other longest character, spent time building up a faction, going to war with other factions as a 'war in the shadows' with the drow, knowing full well that eventually the faction would be destroyed. Then she was without purpose for ages. I got bored of playing her without a purpose and couldn't think of a new one. So there's the first clue, PURPOSE, must have one. Have some goals. Now I've picked Elithiel and ilivarra up who both have a purpose and continue to run them. Elithiel has a unique personality too, most think she's mad but you'll find there's a weird alien logic behind her thought processes. ilivarra I'm still developing a personality.

All three of these characters have, Intrigue RP to keep them going. They're involved in schemes and plots up to your eyeballs. On the surface, people think "oh they're X". Underneath, something completely different is going on (to further said purpose).

Finally, each one is somewhat unique in their build/powers in what distinguishes them from everyone else in combat or even in talking. As well as own mannerisms that are often repeated for good effect.

illithira, has 1001 different gadgets and special weapons, is distinctly snowy/icy as a snow elf with a polar bear.

Elithiel, as a corner sneaker shadow elf spams darkness, lays ambushes and uses powerful poisons to good effect.

ilivarra, will be seen using lots of acids, stinking clouds, choking powder, poisons and other such disablers as her trademark. On top of that, she's got the usual clericy powers that others have but tends to use exotic weapons like kukri's, whips, katanas and other such things.

Driarry's trade mark is the Earth Elemental, she runs around with 2 of them and will often transform into one, making it seem like there's 3 huge elementals running around. Her trademark signature is having dust fall out of her sleeve, etc...whilst talking.

All these things add depth to your character both in combat and talking in the square.

I don't think joining a faction is very important. But if you are going to join a faction,r ealize that you are a "Character In A Faction", not a "Faction Member". I've seen too many wonderful PCs tossed aside because the faction they were in/made for/whatever doesn't pan out anymore, and dissolved, and the player feels the character is ruined. Not so, IMO.

Torin is factionless and quite happy. It's about being a character, something able to stand on its own. The rest is support, gravy, fleshing out. If you don't enjoy playing the character, joninig a faction won't help that. It's largely a mental, and largely a process unique to each individual.

My two mains are both old. Willow is about 3 years old and Tu'jol is about 2 and a half years old. They've lasted because of in depth character to character relationships, involvement with the happenings of certain areas of Amia and factions, and simply going out there and meeting new people. It's been said already but it's important, allow your character to evolve with the environment it's in. It's okay to have goals and have a few things that simply must be, but let them be few. As in real life, events change you as a person and you change. Let your character do the same. It adds to the fun of the game play.

Willow is nothing like I thought she would be when I first made her, nor is Tu'jol. I let them evolve as the RP went on and they are what they are now. Remember, you're role-playing, not story telling. A story teller tells a story and that's that, a role-player makes the story happen real time. That's not to say you can't write stories about parts of your characters life though.

joining a faction is the only reason im still on this server. Given, the character i was using at the time has long since been relegated to a (very) sparsely played alt, he holds a space as the first PC i made, and the one and only reason i stayed.

I was bored, about to quit, and then I got drawn in by another player's enthusiasm. I didnt even know if it was for me, but i figured hey, what the hell. Our charries met, talked, and before i knew it i was immersed in new and exciting RP which I never expected to find. Eventually I moved back to Isendu't'tar, who has since become my main by far. However, I'm still available if anyone in the faction has need of my weak-willed sorc.

FA_Frey_XC wrote:

don't write a book on where your character is from, etc. etc. Just always stay in character, and interact with your fellow PC's. As you do, your character's personality will develop.

TormakSaber wrote:

Torin started off as this vague dude with psionic powers who may have been born roughly "Out there" in the general direction of Claimshan and Portal.
That's all I started with. A physical description, and the knowledge that he was tutored by his Grandfather. I tend to flesh my characters out as I play them.

The Incognitos wrote:

My almost only character ever on Amia (until a few days ago) started with nothing more then 'sneak attack is always cool'. Just went from there.

These. These tend to make some of the best (in my opinion) characters.

I did the same exact thing with Jack, except I started out with just a portrait. I developed his whole appearance from the portrait, and gradually filled in the blanks of his past as I played.

My only unique advice would be some of this;

RP at every chance. With every player. No matter how small the interaction. Do this even more so when you're a low level, and do it a -lot- more while out hunting. You start the characters first friends and enemies that way.

Factions aren't completely needed, but they help. They give you some goals to look forward to, even if they aren't completely yours.

Goals, goals, goals. These are -essential-! It doesn't matter how big or small, goals help. They make you think on how you can further them, even when you're not playing.

Never ever stop trying to find something to do. If you're bored and just standing around, I suggest you start trying to think of what you should do next. What goal you should do, what random thing you can do to further rp.

Make enemies, even if you're a "nice" guy. No one is nice -all- the time, people are different towards different people.

This one may sound weird; Play in driving mode. You get a better feel for your character, seeing things how they would see them.

Last but not least; Try a stereotype. Not only are they fun, but they are practically the -life blood- of the fantasy world. Everyone tries to be unique, and I think the sausage vendor is right. "You're unique, just like everyone else."

My only tip to give that I don't think's been mentioned is give your character a flaw or a weakness. Some kind of phobia, a stubborn opinion on one issue, absent mindedness, lack of confidence, excess of confidence etc etc.

This will make your character feel more realistic and help with the immersion process.

After all, no one's perfect!

Vaylek wrote:

My only tip to give that I don't think's been mentioned is give your character a flaw or a weakness. Some kind of phobia, a stubborn opinion on one issue, absent mindedness, lack of confidence, excess of confidence etc etc.

This will make your character feel more realistic and help with the immersion process.

After all, no one's perfect!

in a fantasty world, some are. they are the most boring characters to RP with I have ever seen. This is great advice.

In that same vein, though, a flaw should ENHANCE a character's believability, their "level of interest".

There is a fine line between personality quirk, flaw, and... the dreaded "gimmick". Sometimes quirks ebcome gimmicks. Sometimes, though, a gimmick can become a loved and interesting quirk all on its own.

*tosses a coin through the sign*

flaws are essensial, monk with alcoholism anyone?

If you want to RP well choose something you can do, I chose my character because right now I can RP most of the race class align stuff, FR lore is alot more confusing to deal with but there are ways around it.

If I was RPing myself as a character i'd run from the spiders on sight as another example, that or use a meteor spell...and if you we're RPing marty Mcfly from back th the future you'd stand there shouting "DOC! I HAVE TO TELL YOU ABOUT THE FUTURE!!?!!" XD

its the small details that brings out the flavour, not the story itself. seeing a pirate with a peg leg get it caught in a grating and waited for me to go back IC to STR roll to see if it would come out, that is damned good RP

I was thinking about doing something to help the poor bugger fix his farm outside cordor with my PC but i'm not fully clear what's going on with the government the duke is dead or something so...well Idk i'm still reading alot lol, just RP the best you can, PnP will always pwn all for RPing though.

Lets see...

Gave him an ambiguous, very generalized background... So it could evolve on the go to if there were past events affecting current decisions on the fly - choosing once forced to, not pre-planning many set standards; just basic ones.

Some people like RPing outside of their personality. I find it easier to keep 'em a part of myself and maybe more ideal or more extreme...

I like trying to get at lore; yes, but I've found it a lot easier to learn in-game than OOC study. Puts some flesh on my character to need to learn as well than already knowing a lot. That, and I find the OOC study harder to keep my head wrapped around; just a lot out there and some never quite used when I've tried.

A flaw is good, obviously. But having a "pure" character to start with can be interesting to see when they get challenged if a flaw shows itself as you go.
A planned flaw on my Weston was his physical weakness. Lot of that around, eh?
An unplanned flaw was his stubborness; a bit of a hot-head even when nerves get stepped on. Just came out on it's own while the character developed. Nowhere near as shy as initialized.

A lot that helps though is, because of all the ambiguous and general notions to set guide lines, is how much you let other PC interaction influence your own's.

Now...how much did I repeate since I'm too tired to read every other post first?

Factions, factions, factions.

I think it's good to find some other PCs that your PC can feel interest/love/hate/racism/indifferent towards. That way you're not always thinking about yourself and your PC. Factions are good stuff. If you try and entertain others, you'll have more fun yourself.

Silvarus wrote:

Factions, factions, factions.

Yep, I agree and many factions are crying out for good members who will be dedicated to the RP.

I would say that part of the problem with factions is, people join them, stay a day to a week and then have already made up another character or maybe they do stick around but faction leaders are never on enough so they drift away...

If they just gave that character and that faction a chance to RP, I'm certain they would find a lot more pleasure than throwing it out on a whim.

TormakSaber wrote:

In that same vein, though, a flaw should ENHANCE a character's believability, their "level of interest".

Indeed. Very very true. Don't make this "uber", "unbreakable" character, those are lame, get boring REALLY fast and just aren't very believable.

soundofastream wrote:

Silvarus wrote:

Factions, factions, factions.

Yep, I agree and many factions are crying out for good members who will be dedicated to the RP.

I would say that part of the problem with factions is, people join them, stay a day to a week and then have already made up another character or maybe they do stick around but faction leaders are never on enough so they drift away...

If they just gave that character and that faction a chance to RP, I'm certain they would find a lot more pleasure than throwing it out on a whim.

I find more often the issue is the LEADER gets bored with their little fad faction...

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Indeed. Very very true. Don't make this "uber", "unbreakable" character, those are lame, get boring REALLY fast and just aren't very believable.

Actually not what I was referring to when I spoke about interesting flaws, heh.

Character quirks are great! I have no idea where Ame would be without her stutter that everyone seems to politely ignore.

Couldn't agree more on this one! People want to make factions, realise just how huge a commitment it is and then end it. Its very much a full time job leading a faction and your 'spare time' to play other PCs are minimal. The best you can do is to have a couple of Alt's in the same faction. You'll get "tell hell" from a million zillion people, you'll get accused of everything under the sun, you'll be responsible for overseeing mod build designs for a factional HQ and of course, you'll have to look after your corner on the forums.

Running a faction is a BIG job, even with just 5 people, let alone 22. Having said that, I'd definitely say that some of my most fun moments in NwN have definitely been in a faction.

Level up slowly. Very, very slowly.

Brighti wrote:

I have made so so many characters, some have had good roleplay and lasted a decent amount of time. But i haven't in a looong time playing here, managed to stick to a character long enough to get well emersed into it.

Does any one have any tips? Suggestions? Even interesteing character idea's would be most helpful. |Thankyu|

I too suffer from pisspoor attention span, and apparently your personality isn't going to change past age 25, so I just adapt rather than resist and make a bajillion characters, which neatly coincides with the need for Balance Bovine to have first hand experience of Everything.
But if anyone's got a time machine with a range of around six years, I'll try that too.

I used to try and juggle a good, a neutral and an evil character at once, but I kept trodding on my own toes. If you're doing anything worthwhile, it'll spill out of Character A's microcosm, and into Character B's, so you're obliged to dance around the issue.
It's doable, but it's a pain in the arse, so I stick to one at a time these days.

What really makes it rubbish is DC items; there's a whole bundle effectively wasted since the characters that own them are shelved, but it's not like I can blame anyone on Amia for that.

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What really makes it rubbish is DC items; there's a whole bundle effectively wasted since the characters that own them are shelved, but it's not like I can blame anyone on Amia for that.

Oh-ho, don't I know that one.

Go back to the very beginning.

Oh, well maybe not all the way. Just far enough so that you're looking at characters which were created ages and ages ago and somehow fell by the wayside because you made mistakes in their development or because they didn't make it through the initial phase where anything other than physical description in the bio becomes horribly obsolete in a matter of days.

Dust one of them off and rebuild them from the ground up, remembering what you have learned about playing characters in NWN. So, make sure you're not pitching the same bad idea again. If your single character kept getting drawn into romance and then marriage and then having kids which became too much distraction from what you originally intended, this time you will play a faithful married character.

And remember, all characterisation should come from the heart. If you're not feeling it in here *thump chest* then nobody's going to be feeling it out there. You may have great plans for your character, but you have to play them first.

Staying power.

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